Johnny shrugged. “My parents should have named me Jungle Gym.”
He held out his right arm. Each child shimmied out, hanging from their hands before dropping to the deck. After a circle of the captain’s chair, they ran from the bridge with Derwood in chase.
Johnny sat back in his chair. “Man, to be a kid again with no worries. Those two are the reasons we need to secure our futures.”
Jasper received an incoming comm. “Your Highness, the Quelli and Zinka are attacking Divinia!”
Jasper scowled as he turned. “On my way.”
Mace said, “Hold up. You want us to assist?”
Jasper nodded. “I’d appreciate that. If they combined their fleets, we’re in a world of trouble.”
Tres and Vanessa collected the youngsters and made their way off the Rogers. Once settled, Tres returned. Jasper and his fleet opened a wormhole and piled through. The Human fleet was asked to stay where they were, guarding Earth, as the Rogers followed the Gerty through another portal to Divinia.
Mace opened a comm to Jasper, who was already engaging the enemy. “Where can we help?”
Jasper replied, “There’s a ship factory on Divinia’s second moon, Praba. See if you can offer any protection.”
Mace said, “How about this instead: we target those Muhatha. Our cannons can handle their shielding.”
Jasper shook his head. “Don’t think so. Looks like they picked up on our idea about those transducers, at least on that lead ship. We’re gonna have to try to nuke it.”
Mace frowned. “Isn’t it kind of close to your planet? That can’t be good for your people down there.”
Jasper replied, “Getting fried by giant balls of plasma isn’t good for them, either.”
Mace said, “Let us try to draw them out. You can hit ‘em then.”
Jasper agreed. “Do it!”
Mace turned. “Mr. Hobbs, get us in the mix with that lead Muhatha. Mr. Mueller, time to see what that microwave cannon can do. If we can’t get them with our plasma cannons, maybe we can heat it up in there for them.”
As the Rogers closed, the first cannon rounds from the Muhatha came their way. Liam Hobbs didn’t bother trying to avoid the incoming rounds. The Rogers rocked heavily and shuddered.
Humphrey yelled, “We have damage!”
Hans followed: “That strike was every bit the equivalent of our cannons, Mr. Hardy. They’ve upgraded theirs as well!” As the next rounds approached, Mace replied, “Evade, Mr. Hobbs! Jasper, you seeing this?”
Jasper replied, “We’ve already lost, Mr. Hardy. We can’t stop this.”
Jasper’s flagship turned as his other ships gathered around for a jump. A wormhole opened. One by one the Targarian fleet moved through.
Mace said, “That’s it? You’re giving up?”
Jasper flipped the shield of his helmet down, obscuring his face. “Not giving up at all, Mr. Hardy. In our current state, we can’t beat that fleet. We can, however, kick the crap out of their worlds just the same as they are doing to ours. The scumbags might have their victory today, Mr. Hardy, but it will cost them dearly.”
The comm closed as the wormhole disappeared.
Mace turned to the others. “Attacking the innocents. This is a worst-case scenario. We should get back to Earth and move as many people out of those community centers as we can. Mr. Hobbs, take us back to the Gerty.”
Chapter 2
*
As the Rogers turned from the fight, the lead Quelli Muhatha opened a wormhole. The ships of the Quelli fleet moved through. Before reaching maximum sensor range from the Targarian capital world, the Revelation and the Targarian fleet returned. The Rogers was ordered back.
Johnny said, “Comm range in three… two… one. Opening a hail.”
Jasper replied, “That was the result I hoped for, Mr. Hardy. They may crush our fleet one on one, but we still have mutual destruction waiting out there for them. They aren’t ready to have their world ravaged just to eliminate us.”
Mace shook his head. “I suppose if they were attacking Earth, and that was my only option, I might do the same. However, it’s not something I’d ever think about doing.”
Jasper received a damage report from his staff. “They took out all three of our shipbuilding facilities. And our transducer and cannon factories. They left before hitting our reactor manufacturing. That leaves us unable to upgrade our ships to match their fleet. This initial report says it may take up to a year to rebuild what we just lost. What we lost is almost all of our advantage.”
Mace asked, “Do you still have repair facilities?”
Jasper checked the report. “We do.”
Mace pushed the data for the microwave cannon across the comm link to Jasper. “See what your engineers can do with this. If you can make it work, you could use it to cook everyone on an opposing ship’s bridge in an instant. These Union ships have very little conducting metal in their hulls. The dampening field does a good job of shielding against most radiation levels, but this cannon puts out enough to overwhelm that field. Anyone caught in an exterior room when the hull plating protecting it is hit will have their body temperatures pushed up to about four hundred degrees in a fraction of a second. We lost David Yancy that way.”
“Was sorry to hear that. He was a good egg. Anyway, I’m sending the coordinates of our largest repair facility. I’ll meet you there and we can see about replicating this weapon.”
A short time later, Jasper walked onto the bridge. “The waveguide we can replicate. The klystron we can replicate. The magnetic steering component that guides the waves into the waveguide, we aren’t certain how that works exactly.”
Mace nodded. “That’s the part we don’t have an understanding of, either. Jeff and Gnaga have studied that extensively and don’t yet have the answers as to how to build another.”
Johnny said, “Maybe we need to pay another visit to Knuttin.”
Jasper said, “To what?”
Johnny laughed. “We told you earlier about the United Front. Our contact there, his name is Frado Knuttin. And I’m not making that up. Anyway, we took the parts for this weapon from his ship. If we can make contact, maybe those magnetic guides are something we could get from him. He is a businessman. We would just need something to trade.”
Mace replied, “That might not be a bad idea. Jasper, you have the specs on this. Build it except for the remaining piece. We’ll go back to see what we can do. In the meantime, keep researching that missing piece. We’ll do the same.”
Mace turned. “Mr. Hobbs, take us back to the Gerty. It’s time for another trip to the warstation.”
Three hours later, the Rogers approached the United Front defensive station. A hail was made and answered. Word was passed that an audience with Frado Knuttin was requested. The Rogers returned to the colony of Canto to wait.
A dreadnought broadcasting United Front banners was in orbit.
Johnny opened a comm, passing it to Mace. “This is the Rogers. Is the United Front in charge of these colonies again?”
The officer of the dreadnought replied, “This ship and these colonies are property of the Knuttin Corporation. Mr. Hardy, we have been asked to cooperate with you should you return. Mr. Knuttin was adamant about that. Are you here to see the president? If so, we will have to send word.”
Mace replied, “Thank you, Captain. We attempted contact through the warstation. Was that adequate?”
The captain nodded. “He will receive word of your request. We just took control of these colonies in the last week. The remainder of the Mawga colonists and their ships departed two days ago. We came to an understanding that for the near term, if asked, we would be identified as Mawga territories. In return they would leave us alone. Their only concern was for showing this territory on their starmaps. That deal was negotiated and the Mawga invaders departed.”
Mace said, “Always prefer when mutual agreements can be made without the need for bloodshed. When would you expect word from Mr. Knutt
in?”
The captain replied, “Typically within hours. Our communications can be slow to establish, but they will function over tremendous distances. If you would care to, the port at Travia Forks is open and in good condition. I hear there are already produce vendors setting up shop there. That’s if you or your people would be interested in any of the locally grown foods.”
Mace nodded. “Thanks, Captain. We might just check that out. Will Mr. Knuttin’s comm reach us down there when it comes in?”
“Yes. And if you have any further questions, as I said, I’ve been asked to cooperate.”
The Rogers hovered just above the spaceport tarmac. A wheeled shuttle made its way out, collecting Mace, Jenny and Tres.
As the shuttle rolled back toward the terminal building, Tres asked, “Why did you want to bring me along?”
“We’ll be looking over the locally grown fruits and veggies,” said Mace. “Thought you might have fun picking through them for supplies for your kitchen.”
Tres frowned. “We don’t have much for refrigeration on there.”
Mace pulled up an image of the markets on his holo-display. “That’s OK. They have spices as well.”
Tres’ eyes lit up. “Spices? Now we’re talking. I tried to load up back on Earth, but almost everything is extremely hard to find. Maybe they’ll have a few good substitutes.”
The shuttle pulled to a stop. Two dozen storefronts had already been taken over. Merchants offered local fare as well as items brought through from United Front colonies. Tres hurried into the first market to the left.
Jenny asked, “So why was I chosen for this trip?”
Mace replied, “I knew Tres’ focus would be in there and I needed someone to keep me company. Besides, I thought you could use the break.”
Jenny smiled. “I see. So is this like a date?”
Mace’s cheeks flushed. “Ah, no. I mean, I guess it could be. I just thought it’d be nice to talk since we get so few opportunities.”
Jenny laughed. “Relax. I’m just teasing you. I know there’s at least some mutual attraction between us, at least on my part anyway. I also know how much time and thought it takes to make a relationship work, and that you of all people have had very little time for that.”
Mace sighed. “You been talking to Jane?”
Jenny nodded as she smiled. “She’s been trying to feel me out for months now. And she’s relentless. But don’t sweat it, I’m not in the market for a relationship right now either. Too much going on. I don’t need the distraction.”
Mace laughed. “Now you’re sounding like me. How about this – if and when all this settles down, we’ll have that first date.”
Jenny smiled. “Good by me.”
Tres came out of the market with a box filled with spices. “They have some great substitutes in there. Hold these for me while I hit the next one.”
The shopping continued for most of an hour before the trio returned to the shuttle for a ride back to the Rogers.
Jane was waiting as Mace returned to the bridge. “Well?”
Mace replied, “Well what? I hope you weren’t expecting any big romantic breakthroughs down there. Besides, Jenny ratted you out. It seems she and I are of like minds about starting anything right now. We agreed to wait until things settle down.”
Jane grinned. “Perfect. That’s progress. You’ve taken the first step.”
Mace turned to Johnny. “You ever feel manipulated by this woman?”
Johnny chuckled. “Do I ever not? That’s the question.”
The console in front of Johnny lit up. Frado Knuttin was hailing. The feed was passed to Mace.
“Thanks for responding. I’m in need of assistance and I thought you might be able to help.”
Frado replied, “What would you like, Mr. Hardy?”
Mace pushed an image of the Rogers over the comm. “As you know, we incorporated the microwave cannon from your dreadnought into our systems. We’ve recently run into a problem where our weapons are no longer as effective as they were. I was wondering if you might have some of the magnetic waveguide parts of that whole contraption available to sell. I’m talking about the piece that bends the waves coming out of the klystron into that big storage ring.”
Frado nodded. “Yes. We call that the domain reflector. My corporation makes the military grade reflector for our warships and defense stations. Unfortunately, that specific part is not available for sale. However, I do have a commercial grade of that product that we sell for a variety of industrial uses. The unit you took from that dreadnought is quite old and outmoded by our current standards, and it is no longer manufactured, but the commercially-available unit is a close match.”
Mace said, “OK, what would you want for a dozen such units?”
Frado replied, “I am having difficulty getting power generating equipment for the colonies there. Our buildup efforts here have claimed many of the necessary resources.”
Mace smiled. “You need reactors? I think I can get those for you. I’ll send you the specs on the reactors we have on the Rogers. Tell me how many of those you want for the reflector units.”
Frado received the data and studied it for several seconds. “Yes. Those would meet our needs. I would be willing to do an even swap. Normally, the reflectors would bring triple the price, but I am in a tight situation at the moment where the resources cannot be spared.”
Mace nodded. “How soon could you have them here?”
Frado replied, “Three weeks.”
Mace looked at Johnny. “Have the Gerty open a comm to Jasper. See what he can do for us as far as reactors. The Targarian reactor factories survived the Quelli assault.”
Mace said, “Mr. Knuttin. I suppose it wouldn’t be possible for us to open a portal to your planet to collect those sooner, would it?”
Frado shook his head. “Our military would never allow it. All traffic into the United Front has to come through a warstation. I can send those reflectors out without that delay. And your reactors are only going to Canto. So no need for the quarantine period at a warstation.”
“I thought that might be the case.”
Johnny said, “Jasper has the reactors available. All we have to do is pick them up.”
Mace nodded. “Excellent. Tell him we’ll be there shortly. And to get started on the waveguides and klystrons for a dozen ships. We won’t have the needed parts for three weeks, but they’re coming.”
Mace turned back to the comm camera. “Mr. Knuttin, we have a deal. And as a bonus, I should have your reactors here in a few hours. If you want, you can put them to use while you fulfill our reflector order.”
Frado smiled. “I will do my best to speed that time estimate, Mr. Hardy.”
The comm was closed. A jump was made back to Divinia where a dozen standard reactors were loaded into the shuttle bays of the Rogers. A return jump had the ship settled on the tarmac at the Travis Forks spaceport. The ramp was lowered and the reactors moved to the ground, where transports were waiting to move the reactors to their new homes. After installation, Mace followed with the everspark, lighting the reactions and enabling the power generation the Canto colony needed.
Johnny said, “We’ve got three weeks. We aren’t just waiting here, are we?”
Mace replied, “I suppose we could wait back on Earth. I’d feel better knowing we were there should the Quelli or Zinka decide to attack.”
The Rogers lifted off and was soon slipping through a wormhole opened to Earth, where they spent a week at the cave. Plans for defending Earth from an invasion soon fell to thoughts of rest and relaxation. Without industries to build the defensive components, it was deemed that nothing could be done.
Mace and Johnny stood out in a field as Zax, Fina, and the three Dowda girls circled around in an endless chase of one another.
A giant fireball dropped from the sky. A Muhatha.
Mace had a fleeting moment of fear. Then a hail came over his comm in Jasper’s scratchy voice. “Mr. Hardy,
just thought I’d let you know I’ve worked out a peace deal with the Quelli. Neither side will attack each other’s territories, and neither side will build or acquire more warships for a two year period. They claim their strike on Divinia was preemptive, based on some spy report they had received. I don’t buy it, but I’ll take the peace.”
Mace asked, “How goes the conversions for the microwave cannons?”
Jasper grinned. “It’s coming along nicely. And the Targarian engineers think they have an even better design. They claim they can gang six of those klystrons together to feed a single waveguide. If they’re successful, we’ll only have two ships with that weapon, but it should have six times the power output. They also think they can take that beam and focus it tighter, make it even more destructive.”
“Better make sure those two ships have the means to stay in a fight or you’ve wasted those cannons.”
Jasper nodded. “We’re working on that. Those gravity pulses come formed into a tight plasma ball by some gravitational mechanism. The Targarians think we might be able to disrupt that mechanism before the plasma round hits our dampening field. If so, we might just be able to clip the wings of that thing before it strikes. Normally that round loses containment only when it hits something. We’re hoping we can counter that, making the incoming round closer to a big fuzzball rather than a tight plasma charge. Anyway, if they can figure something out there, I’ll be sure to forward that on to you as well.”
The Revelation came to a stop and a shuttle departed one of its bays. It came to rest in a field near where the others were standing. Jasper Collins, standing tall in his black lacquer battlesuit, was mobbed by the five youths who had previously been circling Mace and Johnny.
After distracting the kids, and leaping up into the air, Jasper landed twenty meters away. A short jog had him standing next to Mace and Johnny. Jane walked up to join them.
Jasper turned so his right shoulder faced the others. “Check it out. I had my peeps add it to my suit.”
Johnny chuckled. “A skull? Really?”
Mace said, “Has a nice 3D effect to it. Is that laser-etched or something?”
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