Sesum gave a quiet snort. Queen Krissen was a bit put out when he’d announced Queen Hammon’s addition to the enterprise. But he didn’t care. He’d wanted the additional Queen. He even dropped a hint that Queen Krissen could remain behind in the port since the new Hive now had two guaranteed Queens. That didn’t help Krissen’s ego either.
Once he’d soothed the Senior Queen’s injured feelings the seven fast ships Swarm Master Zelof had arranged for had been loaded with supplies and people. Sesum made sure the Queens went in separate ships. That was partly to make sure one Queen didn’t do harm to another. That’d happened in the past when there’d been an overabundance of females in a hive. Another reason was to get at least one Queen to the island safely.
Care had been taken to plot separate courses for each vessel which required separate departure times. That was insurance. If everything worked out as planned all seven vessels would reach the island at the same time - that was time-on-target. The Kthpok might be vigilant enough to spot and attack two or three ships but not all seven which meant the odds were in Sesum’s favor of getting at least one Queen and a sizeable number of his people onto the island.
Sesum continued staring into the night, rocking with the boat’s motion. He knew his people were out there and of their approximate positions but the night was too dark, the distances too great. There was no way he could see the other vessels. But that didn’t stop him from worrying.
Two hours later, with the journey a little more than two thirds complete, the first moon began to rise. Sesum had returned to his place at the bow and was watching the sliver of light appear on the horizon. Without warning he felt a stronger, deeper rumble coming through the deck with the engines increasing power. Looking back he saw the stern drop deeper into the water as the propellers churned faster, lifting the bow. Water behind the vessel foamed and seemed to glow in the star light. The ship was accelerating! Before he could activate his link its attention tone sounded.
Sesum grabbed his communicator and accepted the link. “What’s happening?” he asked.
“This is Lieutenant Medowan, the Officer on Duty in the Combat Information Center, Swarm Master,” the Iidx replied. “We have incoming. There’s a flight of three aircraft leaving the target island. We’ve designated them as hostile. The Ship Master has ordered us to full speed.”
“Apparent objective of the aircraft?” asked Sesum.
“If they keep to their current heading the hostiles are on a direct bearing for the projected area of the Bateria. ETA is approximately fifteen minutes.” There was a brief pause then the officer asked, “Swarm Master, permission to alter course and assist?”
“Permission is denied Lieutenant,” Sesum replied without hesitation. “We will not alter our heading but will remain on our designated course. We cannot assist nor will we break radio silence to warn them. Since you spotted the Kthpok those on the Bateria’ll see them coming. The Bateria’s Master will have to find a way to evade or defend his ship from those attackers.
“Continue watching the enemy,” the Swarm Master continued. “I want to know if they alter course. Have the Ship Master bring our ship to Battle Alert as an added precaution.” Lieutenant Medowan repeated the order before terminating the link.
Sesum held onto the rail, rocking with the swells passing under the hull as the ship raced for the relative safety of the island. He stared across the water into the darkness. The faint sound of aircraft could be heard over the thrum of engines, the water smashing into the ship’s hull and the rush of air.
Since he’d been involved with the planning of courses for all seven ships he knew the approximate area of the strait the Bateria was supposed to be in. There was no telling if the enemy knew Iidx ships were in the strait and sent the aircraft to attack or if this was a regular patrol. Of course it didn’t matter to the Iidx on the Bateria which it was because the Kthpok aircraft were heading directly for them.
Shaking his head in disgust he glanced at the moon appearing on the horizon. With the moons providing the light the Bateria would be spotted easily on the ocean surface. Sesum began lightly pounding a fist on the railing as he thought. One hour! That’s all they’d needed. One more hour!
He turned his gaze back toward the portion of ocean where the Bateria was supposed to be. That ship’s Commander had a number of options available to him. He could take his ship to full speed and try to evade the aircraft long enough to make land or they could try to fight through. Of course, if they fought and succeeded in making the crossing the Kthpok would be aware Iidx were on their island. Patrols would be sent out to find the landed Iidx increasing the possibilities that the new hive would be found. Sesum stopped pounding and shook his head. The best option for all involved would be for the Bateria to head back to the mainland and try again on another occasion.
A tone loud enough to be heard over the waves sounded from his communicator. He answered while still looking out over the shimmering waves. “Swarm Master, the enemy aircraft has just altered course two points towards the mainland,” Lieutenant Medowan reported.
“Any idea where the Bateria is?” asked Sesum.
“No sir. They’re below our horizon,” replied the officer.
Before the Swarm Master could ask another question he saw several streaks of light in the sky some distance away. Those streaks could have been mistaken for meteors except they were rising from beyond the horizon and were climbing higher into the sky. From the course change made by the aircraft Sesum surmised the Master of the Bateria had turned his ship back for the mainland but had been detected. Once the Kthpok knew where the vessel was there was no option left for the Bateria’s Master but to fight and hope he could disengage. More streaks were observed in the sky only this time they were heading for the surface. Brilliant circles of red, white and orange appeared above the horizon as missiles detonated. Moments later he heard a faint thunder coming over the water’s surface. The continuing streaks of light followed by the flash and boom of exploding missiles indicated the first launch of missiles from both sides had missed their targets.
Sesum watched as the battle raged across the sky and he ached to join the fight. But he knew he couldn’t. His mission and, possibly the fate of the Iidx people, required secrecy. Then his antennae stiffened against the breeze in surprise at a sudden realization. The battle was going longer than it should! The war game simulations Swarm Master Zelof had set up years ago between sea ships and aircraft had ended rather quickly in favor of the attacking aircraft. In light of the fact that Ship Master Gendomin and his Swarm on the Bateria were still fighting he decided they were acquitting themselves rather well. The Swarm Master shook his head. ‘Acquitting themselves well’? That didn’t even come close to covering it!
A flash brighter than the others appeared in the sky and caught his attention. This one didn’t fade out. It dimmed a little and fell towards the ocean; bits of light split off from the main ball of flame and disappeared.
“That’s one,” muttered Sesum to himself. “Now get another.” As if in answer to Sesum’s command a second large fireball appeared and began its fall towards the ocean. Hope began to swell in Sesum. Perhaps the Bateria could fight free after all. Although there wasn’t a Queen on board the supplies and people it carried were invaluable. The streaks of missiles and detonations continued for another few seconds. Then the horizon brightened and faded into blackness. Moments later a very loud report was heard and the night quieted down. The only sound came from their ship moving through the water.
The Swarm Master keyed his link to the CIC. “I want a report on what’s happened up there.”
“The enemy began the engagement with three craft in their flight,” reported Lieutenant Medowan. “Two have disappeared from our scans. The remaining aircraft appears to be returning to the island. We have no way of knowing if the ship they attacked survived.”
Sesum ended the link and shook his head. He didn’t think it had. That Kthpok aircraft wouldn’t have left if the Bat
eria survived. And if the Bateria had killed two of the three aircraft and drove the last one off the Kthpok would’ve sent out more aircraft. They hadn’t. He glanced at his watch. His ship had less than an hour to go before reaching their target cove.
Chapter 28
S’Cinf stalked into the Center Room of his Colony Ship and paused just inside the hatch to look around. He ignored the muttering of officers into their boom microphones and the movement of people between stations to concentrate on his task. It took a few moments of searching through all the activity to locate the Fleet Admiral. That particular Kthpok was moving about the room, checking consoles, receiving reports and giving orders.
Brushing past an aide the Run Point moved over to the Engineering Suite where Fleet Admiral S’Cal had stopped to speak with the Kthpok there. “What is going on down there?” S’Cinf demanded gesturing toward the planet shown on the rooms’ main screen. “Why was I called here?”
Ignoring the interruption S’Cal finished his conversation with the engineer then, after gesturing for the Run Point to follow, moved for his own station. S’Cinf trailed behind, his tail twitching in anger at the impudence of the Admiral for not answering the question immediately.
“I apologize for the delay, Run Point,” explained the Admiral as he leaned over his console to check its readings. “We need to let our people get on with their duties. It’s better for discipline.” He looked up at his leader then nodded to his equipment. “Now sir, with your permission?”
After receiving a curt gesture from the Run Point, S’Cal worked the keyboard for his station and a map appeared on the battle plot. At an encouraging nod from the Admiral the Run Point moved closer to look at the image. “As you can see, your Eminence, this is the island of our original landing.” S’Cal said and pointed out features as he continued. “Our base is in the center of the landmass with a suitable water source nearby. The island is separated from the main continent by a deep water channel adding a layer of security.”
“I’m well aware of those particular geographic features, Fleet Admiral,” growled S’Cinf. “I was involved in the selection of the site, you know!” His nostrils flared as he worked to contain his anger.
“Forgive me, Run Point,” said the Admiral and dipped his head, a gesture of submission. “I merely desired to provide you with the appropriate background.”
Once again S’Cinf bobbed his head and the officer resumed. “Your Eminence, you’ll recall that on several occasions the enemy has attempted to destroy our facilities on this island. All have originated from the mainland, all attempts have utilized aircraft.”
“And?” prompted S’Cinf.
“They tried again,” replied S’Cal in a curt tone and the Run Point stiffened. The Admiral pointed at an area on the plot and continued speaking before S’Cinf could ask questions. “One of our night patrols from the garrison we’ve reestablished on the island was flying over the strait in this area and discovered the attempt. Our analysts have determined that the Iidx were hoping to use the darkness of a rare moonless night to slip a sea vessel across the strait. Their strategy failed because our flight found and destroyed the ship. We lost two aircraft in the engagement but no pilots. Our people were able to eject and were picked up by our SAR teams. There were no observed Iidx survivors.”
S’Cinf took a deep breath at the announcement then emitted a low growl. His scaly lips exposed his sharp teeth in a ferocious snarl. The talons at his fingertips appeared and disappeared in an agitated, almost involuntary response to his desire to tear chunks of flesh from someone. That there was no enemy nearby only added to his frustration.
He turned from the plot to glare at the Kthpok officer. “This will not happen again, Fleet Admiral,” he snarled. “Prep the new weapons. I want the Iidx sanctuaries destroyed; all of them, at the same time.”
The Admiral took a deep breath, dipped his head and curled his tail in a show of deep respect. “With all due respect Run Point, the latest projections from our analysts have close to seventy-five percent of the surviving Iidx in the target area,” he said. “If we act now the enemy who were making their way to the havens will scatter. It’ll take longer and be harder to clear the planet.” He nodded at the world shown on the screen. “Perhaps it would benefit us to wait a few more days before eliminating our enemy. That would guarantee that more of their Queens would be present.”
The Run Point shook his head. “Waiting won’t get all the Queens,” he replied. “Some are already in hiding, remember?” He waited for S’Cal to acknowledge his statement before continuing. “In one sense you’re correct, Admiral. It will take longer to clear the planet,” S’Cinf added, “because the Iidx will be hiding. It won’t be harder because they’ll be in the jungles or mountains, away from civilization. They’ll be forced into a pre-technological stage and that level is not a threat. Even if they have Queens to perpetuate their species all they’ll be is prey, fit only for hunting.
“We also have to consider what it’ll do to the Iidx military and their supplies. Remove the cities and bases and their supplies dry up.” The Kthpok leader looked at the image of Main Hive shown on the main viewer and growled. “Eliminate the targets!”
“Yes, Run Point. Eliminate the sanctuary cities, simultaneous assault, time on target,” repeated S’Cal. “It will take some time to prepare. I’ll need to assign targets, transfer the weapons, and position ships.”
S’Cinf pondered the Admiral’s announcement for a moment then gave an approving shake from his tail. “Notify me as soon as everything is ready.” After receiving an acknowledgement the Run Point stalked from the room.
Several Hours later S’Cinf was back in the Center Room sitting on his Command Perch. The Fleet Admiral moved over next to the Run Point and came to attention. “Run Point, your fleet is ready,” S’Cal announced in formal tones. “They await your command.”
“Engage the enemy, Fleet Admiral” ordered S’Cinf completing the formula.
The Admiral saluted then turned to the Fleet Communications Officer. “Lieutenant L’Art, send to the ships of Force Destiny,” S’Cal said, “Timed fire plan ‘Final Destiny’ begins,” he paused to glance at a timer on the wall, “now!”
L’Art acknowledged the order then transmitted a single code phrase to the appropriate ships. The order set in motion a series of events. Twenty seconds after the transmission two missiles were launched from the Command Colony Ship and dove for the planet on separate courses. At the same time a destroyer near the middle of the main continent launched a series of missiles. Thousands of miles away, at the far end of the continent another ship, this time a Battleship, launched still more missiles.
Mere moments after the command had been given Lieutenant L’Art began receiving confirmations. When the last call disconnected he turned from his equipment and looked at S’Cal. The Admiral who was watching the communications tech twitched his tail in a question. L’Art bobbed his head then returned to his console.
“All weapons have been launched, your Eminence,” reported the Fleet Admiral. He moved a few feet to his post and checked a reading on his console before continuing. “The weapons are confirmed on course. Time to target is two minutes.”
“Put targets one and two on the main viewer Admiral. Split the screen,” ordered S’Cinf. “I want to see what these weapons can do. I’m particularly interested in the city where Queen Geddon is supposed to be.”
The Admiral gave the order to the Battle Point and a moment later the image shown on the main screen shifted. “As you ordered, Run Point, the targets are displayed,” S’Cal announced. “Target one is on the left, two on the right. They’re indicated by the purple rings.”
The Run Point examined the screen for a few moments to make sure he had the target cities located. The two small blinking circles sat amid the browns and greens and whites of the continent. Craning his long neck around S’Cinf faced the Admiral. “It appears that one of the two cities is covered by clouds,” he commented. “Is there
a storm?”
S’Cal who was still at his post checked his console then looked up at his leader to reply. “The clouds are of the high altitude type, your Eminence, and aren’t considered a storm risk.” He paused, as more data became available. “Although it looks like two of the eleven cities is experiencing rain in varying degrees.”
S’Cinf’s tail began to jerk and writhe in anxious confusion at the news. “Are the storms of sufficient strength to blunt the effectiveness of our weapon?” he asked.
The Fleet Admiral gave a negative shake of his tail. “No, Run Point,” he said. “Before they were killed the scientists who designed and oversaw the construction of the devices stored notes in a secure data base. I’ve reviewed those notes and can assure you that these weapons will be effective regardless of the weather. When the devices detonate those cities are dead.”
S’Cinf turned back to gesture at the screen. “We’ll know soon enough if you’re right,” he said.
Commander R’Gon’s voice came over the intercom as he began a countdown to the detonation. All conversation in the Center Room stopped when the count reached twenty and everyone turned from their consoles to stare at the image shown on the main screen. At zero two brilliant dots of light appeared on the split screen. S’Cinf saw the clouds hiding a target city pushed away from the detonation center by the shock wave. A short time later the dots of light faded and disappeared.
The Fleet Admiral craned his long neck around to look at his Run Point. “That was a bit anticlimactic, your Eminence,” he commented and gestured at the screen. “From here that looked just like a regular nuclear explosion.”
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