The Star Cross: The Vorn!

by Raymond L. Weil

  “What’s on Kubitz?”

  “Someone bought an illegal Vorn language program there a few months back. I want to find out who it was.”

  Salas’s eyes opened wide as he realized what Jarls was implying. “You think it was High Profiteer Creed.”

  Jarls nodded. “I think Creed’s hatred of Fleet Admiral Vickers and the Humans may have just cost us our homeworld. If it did, Creed will soon find out Grantz is not the only one he needs to fear when it comes to collecting that ten million-credit bounty.”

  -

  A few minutes later Jarls’ battleship jumped into hyperspace on a course for Kubitz.

  -

  On Newton, Kurt was speaking to Keera about going to the mountains.

  “I have nothing to wear,” she said as she stood in front of her closet gazing at her clothes. “If we’re going to the mountains for a few days I need to go shopping. I’ll give Denise a call and maybe Meesa. We can spend the day at the Westside Mall. I also need to call and take a few days off from the medical center so they’ll know I won’t be around.”

  Kurt groaned. It seemed as if Keera used every excuse she could to go shopping, particularly with his sister, Denise. When Mara had been here they had spent days at the mall.

  Keera went over to a dresser and pulled out several slinky nightgowns. With a deep frown, she put them both back.

  “Hey, I like both of those!”

  Keera shook her head. “If we’re going back to the first resort we went to I want something special. Meesa should be able to help me pick out something appropriate.”

  Kurt let out a deep sigh. Why did he think this was going to be expensive? “Okay, spend the day tomorrow shopping. We’ll pack tomorrow night and then head to the mountains first thing the next morning.”

  Keera came over and kissed Kurt. “Thank you. This is going to be fun. Is there a lot of snow in the mountains this time of year? Snow is something we didn’t have a lot of on Kubitz.”

  “Where we’re going there’s snow,” promised Kurt. That was one of the first things he had checked on.

  Walking over to another closet, Keera pulled out three large suitcases. “I guess I can pack a few things today.”

  Kurt’s eyes bulged at seeing the three suitcases. “We’re only staying a few days, not a month.”

  Keera grinned. “A girl’s got to look good.” She stepped back, eyeing the three suitcases and then took a smaller one out of the closet, adding it to the others. “That should do.”

  Shaking his head Kurt went back into the living room. He would never understand why women always packed so many clothes.

  -

  The next day Kurt was in Governor Spalding’s office at Government Center for a short meeting. Colonel Simms, General Mclusky, and Rear Admiral Jacob Wilson were also there.

  “We need to promote some officers to the rank of rear admiral,” Kurt began. “Effective immediately Rear Admiral White and Rear Admiral Wilson will be promoted to full admirals with the privileges thereof.”

  Admiral Wilson smiled broadly. “Thank you, Fleet Admiral. I won’t let you down.”

  “How many do we need to promote?” asked Governor Spalding.

  “Two at least,” replied Kurt. “I want people who are good at tactics and can handle adversity.”

  “There are a number of qualified officers in the fleet,” added newly promoted Admiral Wilson. “I can think of several who would make excellent rear admirals.”

  Colonel Simms looked over at Kurt. “Would Captain Watkins consider being promoted? The light carriers aren’t really useful against the Vorn. We’re mostly using them to check on ships entering the system to confirm their identification. I know the same thing is being done in the solar system.”

  Kurt shook his head. “I think not. Henry enjoys being on the Vindication. It’s his pride and joy. Even if he’s just using his fighter craft to confirm ship IDs I believe he’s still going to be quite satisfied.”

  “What about Captain Anniston and Captain Weinstein?” suggested Admiral Wilson. “They each command battlecruisers and are excellent commanders. Both have shown a sufficient knowledge of strategy to be able to command a task group or a small fleet.”

  Kurt nodded. “I was already thinking of Captain Anniston. Captain Weinstein will be suitable as well.” Kurt looked over at Governor Spalding who had to approve all promotions to the rank of rear admiral or above. He had spoken earlier to him about promoting Wilson and White to the rank of full admiral.

  “I’ll sign the promotions,” Spalding said. “Which fleets will they be commanding?”

  “They will be taking over the fleets patrolling between Julbian, Sertez, and Maldon,” Kurt answered. “Admiral White and Admiral Wilson will be responsible for the defense of the solar system and Newton.” Kurt was going to reorganize the fleet structure for all four admirals.

  Colonel nodded. “They’re going to need command ships. I have two new battleships coming out of the Glaymon shipyards toward the end of the week. Once the two new rear admirals have been notified of their promotions, I’ll contact them and see what they want to name them. I’ll also order the modifications necessary for a flagship.” The modifications consisted of several extra holographic displays in the Command Center as well as more spacious living quarters.

  Governor Spalding shifted his attention to Fleet Admiral Vickers. “What’s the current status in the Gothan Empire and with the Vorn?”

  “The Glaymons have reported harvesting in the galaxy has ceased,” Kurt began. “All the Vorn fleets have gathered in one system and are waiting for the arrival of Collector ships and Intergalactic Transports. After the losses they sustained, I’m almost certain they will all be returning to their home system. They’re going to have to activate more ships before they resume the harvest of our galaxy.”

  Spalding shook his head. “So you think they will return?”

  “Yes, probably in even greater numbers than before. As far as the Gothan Empire goes, we have a small fleet in orbit above Kubitz to help keep things stable. Everything seems to have calmed down considerably since the Vorn fleets were defeated.”

  “That’s what Ambassador Brent says as well. How long do you intend to keep those ships at Kubitz?”

  A serious looked passed over Kurt’s face. “High Profiteer Creed left the empire shortly before the Vorn attack. I can’t help thinking he was the cause of the Vorn attacking Mars and possibly, as a result, the Gothan Empire. I’m already arranging with Avery Dolman to spread that rumor on Kubitz. That will ensure it reaches every world in the empire. Creed will have no place to go which will give him sanctuary. His only option will be to take his fleet to Kubitz where no ship is allowed to engage in combat above the planet. Once there our ships will make sure he doesn’t leave.”

  “Will that restriction stop you from blowing his command ship to hell?” asked General Mclusky.

  “The relationship between us and the Kubitz government is still a little shaky. I would prefer to wait until High Profiteer Creed comes down to the planet so we can capture him. If he doesn’t I won’t hesitate to give the order to destroy his ships.”

  “If Grantz doesn’t get to him first,” commented Colonel Simms. “I understand he plans on personally delivering Creed’s severed head to you and collect the ten million-credit bounty.”

  Kurt let out a deep sigh. “If Grantz brings me Creed’s head I’ll pay him. After what that Profiteer did to Earth and now to Mars he deserves whatever he gets.”

  Spalding took a moment to respond. “Normally I would be against such a ghastly deed. But I have to agree; Creed needs to be done away with.” Spalding shifted his attention to Colonel Simms. “What about the defensive grid?”

  Colonel Simms grinned. “Getting stronger every day. The Glaymons have helped with construction by modernizing our construction methods for the new defense platforms. “We currently have sixty-four modified Class One Defensive Platforms in orbit. All are now powered by an antimatter chambe
r which greatly enhances their firepower. In addition, we have forty-two of the new platforms which are powered by dual antimatter chambers and can easily destroy a Vorn warship, even one of their battleships. The plans are to put one hundred and twenty of these in orbit as well as a new Command and Control Station for them. We also have six hundred dual-firing energy beam satellites in orbit as well.”

  Spalding turned toward General Mclusky. “What about surface weapons?”

  “We have twelve planetary defense sites with top of the line energy cannons which can hit anything in orbit or shoot anything down that enters the atmosphere. We’re also in the process of building a number of deep underground bunkers to protect our people in case the Vorn get past our defenses.”

  “Our fleet?”

  “We’re building ships as rapidly as possible,” replied Colonel Simms. “We just need time.”

  Governor Spalding looked over at Kurt. “How much time do you think we’re going to have before the Vorn return?”

  Kurt had spent some time talking about this with Aleea. She had run numerous scenarios on the computers of the Star Cross and spoken to other Glaymon AIs on other warships. “Four months minimum to a maximum of eight,” he replied. Kurt had hoped for more, but the AIs were convinced the Vorn desperately needed food pellets and would return as soon as feasible. “We had hoped the losses we have caused the Vorn would give us a year or two of time but the Glaymon AIs are adamant that’s not going to happen.”

  Spalding leaned forward in his chair. “Let’s make the best use of that time. In four months I want this system able to repel a full-scale Vorn attack.”

  Kurt nodded. “With the aid of the Glaymons I’m certain we can do that.”

  -

  After the meeting was over Kurt stayed behind to speak to Governor Spalding.

  “I understand you’re taking a few days off?”

  Kurt nodded. “Yes, Keera and I are going up to the mountains for a few days. Admiral Wilson will be in command while I’m gone.”

  “You need the time off,” Spalding said. “We know the Vorn are gone for now so take as much time as you need. When they return days off may be few and far between.”

  “I’m afraid you’re right. This war is far from over.”

  Spalding stood and walked over to the window overlooking the capital. “Is there any chance the Glaymons will assign more of those big battleships to defend Newton and Earth?”

  Kurt walked over to Spalding and looked out through the window. It was midday and the city was bustling. On the outskirts there was new construction and new businesses were opening almost every day across the city. Hundreds of automated factories had been brought in from Kubitz and could be programmed to produce nearly anything the people of Newton needed. For the first time in its brief history, the planet was truly self-sufficient.

  “Fleet Captain Waelt is supposed to meet with Fleet Commodore Dreen to discuss how best to use the ships Fleet Captain Lilith returned with.” Kurt had briefed the governor on the numbers and what had happened back in the Glaymon Dyson Sphere. Kurt wasn’t certain how many ships the Glaymons would be committing to Fleet Commodore Dreen’s fleets.

  “Still not saying where the new Glaymon System is?” asked Spalding, his eyes focusing on Kurt.

  Kurt shook his head. “Only the command crew of the Star Cross knows, and the Glaymons have requested it stay that way for the time being.”

  “I guess I’ll have to honor their request,” Spalding said with a deep and long sigh.

  Both men stood silently looking out over the city wondering what the future held. While the Vorn had been defeated the war was far from over.

  Chapter Twelve

  High Prince Brollen stared out over the Royal Court. Only yesterday he had been elevated to the newly created position to guide recently elected Queen Berlyne. Berlyne was a young Queen and a supporter of Brollen’s. A procedural vote had split the power of the Vorn race. High Prince Brollen would have supreme power over all military operations and the defense of the habitats. As High Prince he was immune from deletion as was his progeny. Queen Berlyne would rule the civilian population and command the daily life of the Vorn in the habitats.

  Things had not worked out as Brollen had hoped but he still had all the power he could ever want. Brollen stood by Queen Berlyne as a Vorn high up in the military stepped forward to make a report.

  We sent several Intergalactic Transports to Galaxy X241 loaded with Collector ships to bring back the harvests from our remaining motherships. We have learned from surviving military leaders the ancient race and a second race we have classified as food species 843 have attacked our harvesting fleets, nearly destroying them. Less than 19,000 of our ships still survive.

  High Prince Brollen stood stunned by this announcement. He had planned to renew the harvest immediately with the harvesting fleets still inside Galaxy X241. By furnishing more food pellets for the habitats, he could solidify his new standing inside the Royal Court.

  How did they destroy so many of our ships? demanded Brollen, barely keeping his anger in check.

  The ancient race deployed a new vessel which we have classified as a battleship. Four fleets attacked four of the systems our harvesting fleets were in with synchronized assaults. Our ships were not expecting an attack and many of our vessels were lost before shields could be raised or weapons fired upon the attackers.

  Brollen drew in a long breath, his twin antennae standing erect as his multifaceted eyes focused on the military leader. It is becoming essential that we discover the location of the homeworld of this ancient race. I want Intergalactic Transports sent back to Galaxy X241 to remove our ships and bring them back here. Two thousand of our cruisers will remain. They are to search for the home of these Ancients and do everything in their power to remain undetected.

  What of the harvest? asked one of the older Queens. Our food supplies will only last a few months.

  Brollen knew this wasn’t right. There should be enough food pellets for another six to eight months. It indicated to him some of the Queens and other members of the Royal Court were hoarding the valuable pellets. He turned toward Queen Berlyne, indicating for her to answer.

  Deletions may be necessary, sent Queen Berlyne. If necessary I am prepared to order the deletion of 34 percent of the Worker Caste. Studies by some of our leading scientists have indicated such a deletion will not impact the day-to-day functioning of our habitats or our warships and will greatly extend our food supply.

  High Prince Brollen had already discussed this possibility with the Queen. Galaxy X241 must be harvested if we wish to avoid further deletions. I am ordering the activation of the full Vorn fleet. All ships will be modified with the latest weapon updates, particularly shields. We are losing too many warships when our shields are overloaded causing them to fail and destroy the ships they are supposed to protect.

  We have never activated our entire fleet since the early days of our arrival in this universe, sent one of the older military leaders. Is this necessary?

  It is necessary, High Prince Brollen replied.

  How long will this take? asked Queen Erriles. Erriles was one of the older Queens and had considerable support in the Royal Court. She had also been against creating the position of High Prince. I do not want to see other deletions.

  Two to four months, High Prince Brollen replied. Once our fleet has been updated we will return to Galaxy X-241 and harvest every food world. We will have sufficient food pellets for hundreds of years, giving us the time we need to find other sources.

  Queen Erriles stared directly at High Prince Brollen, her triangular shaped head moving slowly from side to side. You realize if we fail to fully harvest Galaxy X241, it could be the end of our race. Scout ships returning from all nearby galaxies indicate there are few food worlds ready for harvest. There was a shuffling in the Royal Court as various Vorn considered what Queen Erriles had communicated.

  We must move the habitats, sent a number of Vorn. We must
send our ships out further in this universe to find new food worlds.

  There is no reason to be concerned, replied High Prince Brollen. Once Galaxy X241 has been harvested we will have sufficient food supplies to allow for such a search as well as the time to move the habitats if that is what we decide to do.

  Brollen knew it would be impossible to move the habitats. They were simply too large and the Vorn lacked the power sources to open a hyperspace window of the size needed to move a habitat. If they decided to move they would have to build new habitats and then transfer the Vorn population to them. Of course if that were to happen then massive deletions would be required as there were far too many Vorn in the habitats to be moved by the fleet.

  How did the Ancients and food species 843 find the staging system? asked Queen Erriles. Is it possible they know the location of our habitats as well?

  This caused a major stirring of the Vorn in the Royal Court. The location of the habitats was the Vorns’ most carefully guarded secret. That was why only the motherships, Collector ships, and the Intergalactic Transports’ computers contained the coordinates and those were heavily encrypted.

  They must have followed some of our ships back from Galaxy X241, explained Prince Brollen. He was finding lying was becoming easier the more he did it. Unfortunately, many of our Collector ships and even our transports have been taking a direct path from Galaxy X241 to the staging system. It would not have been difficult for the Ancients or food species 843 to track our vessels. In the future all ships returning to our habitats will take different paths which will not risk leading either race back to this system. I can assure you we are safe here.

  The ancient race concerns me, sent Queen Erriles. We have never encountered such a race before. It is evident their science is superior to ours. How dangerous are they?

  They are dangerous, admitted High Prince Brollen. But their fleet is few in numbers and our updated vessels will be capable of destroying them.

  They had better be, replied Queen Erriles, sounding unconvinced.