The Star Cross: The Vorn!

by Raymond L. Weil

  -

  Going back into the Command Center, Kurt walked over to Lieutenant Mays’ tactical console where she had a Vorn battleship up on one of her screens.

  “What are you looking at?”

  “The Vorn energy screens. When we overload Vorn cruisers’ screens causing them to collapse they generally destroy the Vorn vessel they’re supposed to protect. That’s not always true with the battleships because their hull armor is so much thicker. However, some of our weapons can penetrate a Vorn screen without collapsing it if it hasn’t become engorged with energy. I’ve noticed many of the energy weapons the Glaymon battleships use go right through the screens without causing them to collapse.”

  “Where is this leading, Lieutenant?”

  “If I were the Vorn I would spend the next few months updating my fleet and changing the energy shield. We’ve demonstrated we can overload their shields with our five hundred-megaton dark matter missiles. They will want to stop their ships from being destroyed when their shields become overloaded with energy. I suspect they will go to a type of shield more similar to what we use.”

  Kurt sat down at one of the consoles next to hers. “Are you saying we won’t be able to penetrate their energy screens?”

  “No, their ships will just be a little harder to destroy.”

  “Lieutenant, we’re taking the Star Cross in a few days on a quick trip to Earth, Julbian, and then to the new system of the Glaymons. They’ve never told us a lot about the home system of the Vorn. I’m starting to wonder if there’s a reason for that omission.”

  “You think they know something they’re not telling us? Why would they do that?”

  “Because it’s bad news,” said Kurt, letting out a deep breath. “I believe they fear if we knew what was in that system, it might shatter the Lakiam Alliance and even harm our own war effort.”

  “Because if we knew what was in that system we would know we can’t win,” said Lieutenant Mays, her eyes showing worry.

  “That’s what I’m afraid of. That’s why we’re going to go talk to Councilor Marshton and Fleet Captain Lilith. It’s time we know the truth.”

  Lieutenant Mays nodded. “We can handle the truth. I would like to know myself what we’re up against.”

  “I’m going to invite Mara to come along with the Limeira. Since she figured out how to destroy the staging system maybe between you and her a way can be found to destroy the Vorns’ home system as well.”

  “That may be asking a lot,” said Mays, showing doubt in her eyes. “That system is bound to be heavily defended, maybe as strong as the Glaymons’ Dyson Sphere.”

  Kurt nodded. “It may be, but if we want to win this war the Vorn home system is going to have to be dealt with.” Kurt knew he was asking a lot but to save Earth and Newton plus the other worlds in the Alliance the Vorn home system had to be destroyed.

  -

  A few hours later as Kurt pulled into his driveway he saw another vehicle parked there. He strongly suspected it was Mara’s. Well, he needed to speak to her anyway. Taking a deep breath, he exited his vehicle and began walking toward the house.

  -

  Mara was busy talking to Keera about plans for the next shipment of tea and popcorn.

  “There are a number of different popcorn flavors,” said Keera. “I think we should send a few of the more exotic ones and see how they go over.”

  Mara nodded and then tensed as the front door opened and Kurt stepped in. She felt her heart start to beat faster and she suspected her face was flushed. She was starting to believe she was spending too much time around the Humans, which was causing her to become more susceptible to her emotions. Lakiams had the same emotions as Humans but better control over them. Mara feared she was losing some of her self-control.

  “Keera, Mara,” said Kurt, coming in and sitting down in a recliner across from them. “Planning your next tea shipment?”

  “Yes,” said Keera. “Mara says our first shipment of samples was highly popular. We’re going to send a second and much larger shipment of the four main varieties. She’s even found a distributor on Lakiam who will handle selling the tea and popcorn.”

  Mara looked at Kurt and then spoke. “At some point, Keera and I need to go to Earth and talk to some of the suppliers. If these varieties sell as well as I think they will we’re going to need some major suppliers to furnish the tea for future shipments.”

  Kurt looked thoughtful. “Keera hasn’t been to Earth yet. It would be good for her to see the home solar system.”

  “Speaking of tea, I’m going to make some for us. I’m getting thirsty from all of this business talk.” Keera stood and walked into the kitchen.

  Mara felt uneasy being left alone with Kurt. “I’m sorry if my being here makes you feel uncomfortable.”

  Kurt let out a deep sigh. “It’s something we need to get over. You and Keera are good friends and she doesn’t have many of those on Newton. It also seems the two of you are going to be business associates.”

  “I should not have come to your quarters!” blurted out Mara. “It was a mistake.”

  “We all make mistakes and if I remember correctly I didn’t exactly send you away.”

  “Then you’re not angry with me?” Mara was still having problems understanding Human emotions and exactly why Humans reacted the way they did to certain things. Sometimes they were highly irrational.

  “No,” Kurt said smiling. “I’m not angry. As a matter of fact I’m getting ready to go to Earth, Julbian, and the Glaymons’ new system and I want you to accompany me.”

  Mara’s eyes widened. “It won’t upset Keera, will it?”

  “No, she actually has no problem with what happened between us.”

  Mara breathed out a long sigh of relief. “I didn’t think she did but it’s good to hear. Why do you want me to accompany you?”

  “I don’t think the Glaymons have told us everything about the Vorns’ home system. I want to know what they’re hiding.”

  “I got the same impression. They were very open about the staging system but have been evasive when asked about where the Vorn come from.”

  “We leave in two more days. You can come on the Star Cross or bring the Limeira. I’ll leave that up to you.”

  “I think I’ll bring the Limeira. The crew is a little bored and they will be thrilled to see the Glaymons’ new habitat, particularly the scientists on board.”

  Keera returned carrying three glasses of tea. She handed one to Keera, one to Kurt, and kept the third. She looked over at Kurt. “Now, how much tea do you think we can get from Earth?”

  -

  Relaxing back into his recliner, Kurt smiled. Maybe this wasn’t going to be as bad as he had thought. Mara seemed very reasonable and he noticed her clothes were very moderate in taste. Nothing alluring or revealing which was a first for her while not on official business. “I would suggest getting Governor Spalding involved and forming some type of company based on Newton. He knows enough business leaders to get you the help you need.”

  Keera nodded. “If this was Kubitz everything would be so much simpler.”

  “Thankfully it’s not,” Kurt answered. “It won’t be nearly as difficult as you think.”

  Kurt listened with interest as the two women outlined their business plans for the sale of the tea. Kurt found it somewhat calming to hear the two talking about setting up a business with the threat of the Vorn looming overhead. It made him feel, just maybe, there was still hope for the future.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Councilor Valen was once more in the large council chamber of the Glaymons. Since the last meeting, the Aggressives had begun to build new cities in the habitation squares bordering the four which held the main part of their population. Within just another few months people would begin moving into the cities.

  “It has been brought to my attention the Aggressives have already begun building in the habitation squares bordering the ones originally assigned to them,” began Lead Counci
lor Lavin with a stern look on his face. “This expansion is against the will of the council and must come to a stop immediately. The Aggressives must also begin reducing their population to the levels voted on by this council.”

  Councilor Valen stood and folded his arms defiantly across his chest. “We will not stop our expansion, and we plan on growing our population from its current level of eight billion to twenty billion.”

  This caused a rumble of voices throughout the chamber.

  “We do not need twenty billion Aggressives,” countered Lavin. “Our geneticists say twenty million are sufficient.”

  “The twenty billion are not just to be used by the geneticists to continue the Glaymon race but to fight the Vorn,” countered Valen. “We have already started a rapid expansion of our fleet. We plan on sending another fleet to Fleet Captain Waelt as soon as possible.”

  “You’re building battleships!” accused Lead Councilor Lavin. “Possession of such powerful warships is prohibited to the Aggressives. You must cease such construction immediately. If you do not I will order work robots to immediately move in and begin dismantling your spacedocks and construction facilities.”

  Valen laughed. “If you try such a dangerous act we will destroy every work robot you send.”

  Lead councilor Lavin’s face turned red with anger. “You must obey the council!”

  “Not when the council is wrong and self-centered,” replied Valen defiantly. “If you would agree to allow us to send our fleet out to fight the Vorn, the Aggressives might consider staying within the four habitation squares assigned to us as well as keeping our population at its current level.”

  “The defenses on the outer hull of the Dyson Sphere will prevent any fleet you try to send from leaving. I will order it destroyed.” There were several voices raised in objection to this as well as others who approved.

  “We will go anyway,” proclaimed Valen. “It is time for us to fight the Vorn!”

  “Yes, fight the Vorn,” a few voices called out.

  “Fleet Captain Waelt has reported Fleet Admiral Vickers, with the aid of Glaymon battlecruisers, has destroyed the Vorns’ staging system and inflicted massive ship losses on the Destroyers of Worlds. Not only that, subsequent attacks with the aid of Fleet Captain Lilith’s forces have resulted in the Vorn pulling their harvesting fleets out of the galaxy. Our fleet captains are showing us victory against the Vorn is possible. We just need to follow their lead. We have the ships here in the Dyson Sphere to defeat the Vorn permanently. We need to use them to end this scourge once and for all. Let’s send our full fleet out to engage the Vorn!”

  “Vote!” rang out a surprisingly large number of voices. “Send the fleet!” called out others.

  -

  Lead Councilor Lavin glared at Councilor Valen. “We will vote though it’s a waste of this council’s valuable time. All in favor of going to war against the Vorn please indicate so. Those opposed, which is the majority, please indicate your vote.”

  Lavin had spent his time since the last vote on this subject speaking to numerous councilors. He was certain it would fail by an even larger margin this time which should put an end this ridiculous talk of going to war against the Vorn. They had a plan to get rid of the Vorn. Two million more years and it would be implemented with no danger to the Dyson Sphere.

  The votes began to come in and Lavin’s eyes widened in concern. Over 40 percent of the councilors were voting to go to war. What was happening? His eyes wandered over to Councilor Aalik who was sitting in his councilor’s chair near the podium. The councilor had a smile on his face as if he knew something unforeseen was about to happen. Lavin had suspected Aalik secretly supported the Aggressives. He was now positive of it.

  Lead Councilor Lavin looked down at the counter on the top of his podium indicating the vote. It was hovering at 42 percent for going to war and 58 percent opposed. This was 10 percent more than last time!

  “What’s the tally?” demanded Councilor Valen. “Are we going to war?”

  “Yes, the tally!” called out other councilors.

  “No,” responded Lavin, his eyes drilling into Valen’s. “The vote is 42 percent for war and 58 percent against. The motion has failed.”

  “Next time,” Valen said in a confident voice. “More councilors are realizing our future is out there in the galaxy and not hiding here in our Dyson Sphere. There are trillions of beings depending on us to end this terrible war with the Vorn. We cannot let them down.”

  Lavin’s eyes glanced down at the final vote tally in disbelief. For the first time he realized if something wasn’t done soon to turn the tide at the next council meeting, the councilors might indeed vote to go to war against the Vorn. Lavin knew somehow he had to stop that from occurring. The Glaymons could not go to war against the Vorn; it would change everything in the Dyson Sphere. They had adapted to this way of life and Lavin was not going to allow it to end.

  -

  Later Valen stood in his office gazing at a picture of the four habitats the Aggressives controlled from thousands of kilometers above the surface. Eight billion people called the four habitats home. Large cities were easily visible as well as oceans, rivers, mountains and even glaciers. Every type of environment one might find on a habitable world was duplicated somewhere on one of the four habitats.

  “It seems the last few Vorn harvesting fleets attacked the Gothan Empire, harvesting four of their worlds,” Gaylith informed Valen. She was standing at the large balcony staring out over the capital city. “Fleet Captain Lilith provided Fleet Admiral Vickers with some of our ships and he nearly wiped out the two Vorn fleets. According to our latest communication intercepts, the harvesting of the galaxy has come to a complete stop.”

  “That’s good news, isn’t it?” asked Aalik, who was present using a hologram.

  “For now,” replied Valen, his eyes narrowing thoughtfully. “It gives the Lakiam Alliance and others time to prepare for the Vorns’ return. Councilor Marshton believes they have bought four to eight months of time.”

  Gaylith shook her head. “I’m afraid not. We’ve been studying the Vorns’ harvesting, and they almost seem frantic. We believe they are near starvation. Their food reserves are probably depleted.”

  “How?” asked Aalik, looking confused. “I would assume by them harvesting other galaxies they would have large reserves of food.”

  “That’s the problem,” replied Gaylith, placing her hands on her hips. “The Vorn may have over-harvested all of the nearby galaxies. Our galaxy may be their only viable source of food for the immediate future.”

  “How soon will they return?” This information would have to be sent to Councilor Marshton.

  “Two to three months at the maximum,” replied Gaylith. “When they do return they will commit a much larger fleet and will be harvesting worlds as rapidly as possible.”

  Valen looked meaningfully at Aalik. “Two months from now, I’ll call for another vote. We must have a majority.”

  Aalik shook his head. “It might not be possible. Lead Councilor Lavin is bringing additional pressure to bear on more of the councilors every day. I’m not certain the votes are there to get us to the majority. We might be able to get up to 48 percent, but it’s going to be nearly impossible to get over 50.”

  “We’ll keep trying. I have one more option I might be able to use. I don’t like it but Lead Councilor Lavin might allow us to send another fleet if I make the offer. Perhaps even ships from some of the other habitats which have been supporting us in our effort to go to war against the Vorn.”

  “Not expanding into the other habitation squares,” said Gaylith in realization. “You mentioned that today and Lavin ignored the offer.”

  “That and an agreement to reduce our population,” Valen said, his eyes showing how much he didn’t want to make that concession. “If we can’t reach a majority vote, it might be the only way to get Councilor Marshton and the fleet captains the ships they need. I greatly fear if we don’t get the sh
ips out to Fleet Captain Waelt soon we never will.”

  Aalik looked shocked and then nodded his head. “I can understand the need but let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.”

  “Any messages you want to send to Councilor Marshton?” asked Gaylith.

  Valen thought for a moment and then replied. “Tell him we’re doing everything we can. If I can’t get the Advanced Glaymons to agree to go to war against the Vorn, I think I have a way to talk them into sending a large reinforcing fleet.”

  Gaylith was silent as she considered the implications. “Let’s hope we send a very large reinforcing fleet.” With that comment she left, going back to her office.

  “I’m going to go talk to a few more councilors. I know of several who might be willing to switch their votes if I offer them a few favors in return.” With that Aalik vanished as his hologram was turned off.

  With a deep sigh, Valen walked over to stand on the balcony. Why couldn’t the Advanced Glaymons understand that now was the time to get rid of the Vorn? For far too long they had lived inside the Dyson Sphere and the safety it provided. They had abandoned the rest of the galaxy because they had everything they could ever need inside the massive megastructure. Valen wondered if perhaps the Advanced Glaymons were not nearly as advanced as they thought they were.

  -

  In the destroyed staging system, Prince Ortumad was in a state of confusion. There were several Intergalactic Transport ships present docking ships which had survived the destruction of the system’s only planet. Not only that, other Intergalactic Transport ships were bringing surviving Vorn harvesting fleets from Galaxy X241. Ortumad was shocked to hear what had happened in four of the systems in which the fleets had been waiting. Nearly 80 percent of all the motherships in those systems had been destroyed along with their precious cargoes of food pellets. It seemed as if the disaster was continuing to grow.

  There are orders for your immediate deletion, reported Military Commander Madoul. I have spoken to several military leaders, and they report the order was issued by Prince Brollen.