This was not a good situation. Bast knew that in their current state, they wouldn’t last long against the Juttari warships, especially not against that behemoth of a battleship. If these ships had jump systems, then they couldn’t rely on the advantage they had previously enjoyed. They would end up playing cat and mouse, hopping around this system until one side’s energy stores were depleted and their jump system couldn’t work until recharged. He knew the Freedom, Ronin, and Reiver’s jump systems all had a full charge. With the Juttari just jumping in, they would be at less than one hundred percent. That strategy might work, but they would still need to engage the warships at some point. How much damage could they withstand? He didn’t like the odds. They needed another option.
“Tell the Freedom and Reiver to stand down and let us handle this.”
“Yes, Sir. Sending message,” said Jarvi, from his console. “Freedom and Reiver have responded. Fighters are turning back and taking up defensive positions around the carrier. The Reiver has halted its advance as well.”
“Good. We’re in no shape to fight against those warships. Move us closer to them, but do not take an aggressive posture. As far as they know we are still on the same side.”
“Yes, Sir. Maintaining speed at a quarter light,” said the Helmsman.
“Picking up Juttari broadcast,” said Lieutenant Jarvi. “They’re trying to assert control over our brain chips.”
AI, are your defenses holding against the broadcast? Bast said through his brain chip.
Yes, Colonel, said AI. The Juttari cannot take control of your brain chips. I just need some time to counter the attack.
I will do what I can.
“Hail the battleship,” said Bast. “Send their response directly to my console.”
“Hailing.”
Within seconds the face of an older human man appeared on Bast’s display. The man had the stern, expressionless features of the Chaanisar. “Glory to the Empire. I am Colonel Steeg, of the Juttari Battleship 3125. Why do you choose this mode of communication?”
“Glory to the Empire. I am Colonel Bast, of the Juttari Heavy Cruiser 7249. We were recently in a battle and suffered damage to our systems. As a result, we have limited communication capabilities.”
Steeg remained expressionless. “What of these other warships. Are you their captives?”
“No, Colonel. This planet is assisting us with repairs.”
“I am reading human life signs on the ships, and the planet. Why would humans assist a Juttari warship?”
“These humans are not from Earth, Colonel. They know nothing of the Juttari.”
“That will soon change.” Steeg turned away from the screen for a moment as if in communication with someone else, then returned. “Our Master desires to speak with your ship’s Master. I have advised him of your difficulties and he has agreed to use this mode of communications. You will initiate a private channel for the Masters to speak to one another.”
“Understood. Stand by,” said Bast. Steeg referred to the Juttari Masters that were on board every Juttari warship. A typical Juttari vessel had a small group of Juttari to oversee operations, but the running of the ship was conducted by the Chaanisar. The use of the Chaanisar allowed the Juttari to expand and conquer more territory, since they didn’t need manpower from their own population. The only problem was that Colonel Bast and the rest of his crew had killed their Juttari Masters during their revolt.
AI, we are quickly running out of time, said Bast over his brain chip. If you are going to do something, you have to do it now.
I am making progress, but I still need more time, said AI.
Very well, I’ll do what I can.
“Our Master is being summoned,” said Bast to Steeg. “Internal communications are also damaged. I have sent one of my men to personally notify the Master.”
“You seem to have sustained substantial damage. Who did you fight against?” said Steeg.
“A race known as the Kemmar.”
“Yes, the Kemmar. We have encountered them as well. They are an aggressive culture. They will be of much use after the Masters conquer them.”
“It will be a glorious conquest,” said Bast. “Tell me, Colonel. How did you find your way to this region of space?”
“We are pursuing a human warship. A jump ship, like your own.”
Bast wondered if they were referring to the Hermes. “Our mission is similar to yours. Perhaps we are seeking the same vessel.”
“No, I am familiar with the details of your mission, Colonel Bast. Your ship was the first Juttari jump ship to be built, and your mission was to destroy the first jump ship the humans had built. The humans have built a second jump ship. A battleship. This is the one we seek.”
A second Space Force jump ship. Interesting. “This region of space is over a thousand light years away. How did you make it this far?” said Bast.
“Why do you ask questions you know the answers to, Colonel? We found the jump gate, and we know you did as well,” said Steeg, showing signs of suspicion.
“Forgive me, Colonel. I did not know how much I should reveal. We have been away for some time and do not know the current status of the Empire.”
“I see. In that case you will be grateful to hear of its current glory. The Juttari Empire has launched multiple invasions against Galactic Accord systems. This includes the Sol System.”
“That is glorious news,” said Bast, hiding his concern. “Has the Sol System been conquered?”
“I do not have confirmation of conquest. We crossed the jump gate shortly afterward and have not received any updates.”
The Sol System is under attack. Admiral Pike will want to know about this, thought Bast.
“Our Master grows impatient. You should have contacted your Master by now. Why do you delay?” said Steeg.
“He will be available shortly,” said Bast, knowing that he had run out of time.
“No more deceptions,” barked Steeg. “Something is wrong on your ship. Prepare to be boarded.”
Chapter 40
The Juttari Battleship initiated a broadcast which sought out the Chaanisar brain chips on board the Ronin. The broadcast sent its authentication code, to which a Chaanisar brain chip was supposed to respond, only AI had altered the authentication codes required for the brain chips, causing them to ignore the broadcast, protecting them from Juttari control. The Juttari expected a response, however, and the lack of one would arouse suspicion, and escalation. AI had anticipated this and sent the expected response herself, instead.
The Juttari systems accepted the authentication and a handshake was made, allowing for transmission between the Juttari ships and the Chaanisar. AI, disguised as a data stream, used that handshake to travel the distance between the two ships, and gain access to the Juttari Battleship’s systems. The Juttari never expected an attack of this nature, traveling across a frequency used exclusively to control their Chaanisar. While they might have foreseen attempts to disrupt this transmission, they didn’t conceive of it being used as a vehicle to mount an electronic attack. So, the defenses in place were merely precautionary measures, not robust enough to foil the AI’s sophisticated exploits.
AI needed to avoid detection, and that would take longer than an outright brute force attack. Nonetheless, the first piece of the puzzle had been solved. She had bridged the electronic gap between the two warships and had established a beachhead on the Battleship’s systems. More importantly, she had not triggered any alarms, and the crew were none the wiser. She worked quickly, yet carefully, and continued to bypass the security measures in place, burrowing deeper and deeper into the unsuspecting system.
AI continued to use the ship’s broadcast, only this time she used it to gain access to the Chaanisar brain chips on board the battleship. Once satisfied that the security measures had been defeated, without triggering any alarms, AI again traveled across the broadcast disguised as a data stream. This time, however, she split herself into multiple instances and simultaneously spread
to every brain chip aboard the Battleship. None of the Chaanisar noticed her presence as each of their brain chips allowed her to enter. After all, the transmission between the Chaanisar and the Battleship’s systems was considered secure. Information already flowed freely back and forth. AI simply hid within that data flow.
Once inside she quietly took control. She rewrote each brain chip’s security features and disabled the Juttari administrative privileges, all the while continuously returning the expected response from the chips, ensuring no alarms were tripped. The operation was distributed and simultaneous.
She drilled deeper and deeper into the compromised brain chips. Then it happened again. She encountered consciousness. Within each Chaanisar she witnessed the unique force hidden there. Only this time she saw the Juttari boot that suppressed it. Like a malignant cancer, the darkness of Juttari control spread throughout their bodies, complete in its oppression. That was about to change. For, just as she experienced consciousness vicariously through each Chaanisar, she now experienced their awakening. And with that came realization. The realization that they were suddenly free of the Juttari chains they’d known since childhood. She had caused these Chaanisar to be reborn. She had given them a new life.
Colonel Steeg, said AI through Steeg’s brain chip.
Who are you? What is happening? replied Steeg.
I am a friend. Colonel Bast sent me to free you and your crew.
I don’t understand. How? Why?
I will explain later. Right now, your crew has awakened and you must move quickly before your Juttari Masters realize what has happened. You must seize your ship.
AI felt Steeg’s understanding of the situation, and the necessity of quick, resolute action. She felt his murderous rage, and knew no Juttari would survive the day. It was the logical course, and AI was not troubled by any of it. She still had much more work to do.
She used the Juttari broadcasts to travel to the other ships, where again she infiltrated the ship systems and the Chaanisar brain chips. She experienced a new Chaanisar crew as they awakened. Felt their consciousness, and newly realized freedom. And with each member of each crew, she felt herself become something greater.
I can feel them, said Bast, through his brain chip. All of them. It is magnificent.
As can I, she said.
They are hunting their Masters, said Bast.
Yes.
Will they join us?
They should. They have been reborn. They need a family now.
Chapter 41
Colonel Steeg marched through the corridors of his Battleship, holding a powerful assault weapon in his hands. He knew he would need a heavy weapon to kill the Juttari. They always wore a translucent armor that protected them from most energy weapons. Their armor wouldn’t stand up to the firepower he carried, though. Of that, he was certain. He knew a lot about the Juttari. Not only had he been taken as a child like all the Chaanisar, but they had seen something in him early on, and the Masters chose to make him a leader. That allowed him certain privileges, which included special access to the Masters, typically denied to the lower Chaanisar ranks.
A contingent of equally well armed Chaanisar joined him as he moved, falling into line behind him. Steeg had inflicted much death and suffering in his life. None of it had been his choice. All of it had been at the command of his Juttari Masters. A command he had been incapable of refusing. Today would be different. Today he would kill by choice. Today the Masters died.
Every Chaanisar on board had been freed, and the Juttari were still unaware of the event. AI now worked to free the Chaanisar on the other ships. She showed him everything, making him a witness to their awakening. Their rebirth. Through his brain chip she shared information, revealing how she now protected him and the other Chaanisar from Juttari control. In return, he gave her greater access to the ship’s systems, and he watched as she spread throughout the Battleship’s network, using his clearance to bypass all security measures.
Steeg and his men now approached the security door leading to the Masters’ section of the ship. More men waited to join in the attack, but Steeg ordered them to stay out of sight until they gained entrance. He knew AI controlled the ship’s sensors, and she hid their presence from the Juttari. As the commander of the ship, Steeg was the only one with clearance to open this door. He looked up at the camera situated above the entrance, ignoring the twin turrets pointed at him. Even with access to the Masters’ section, he still needed to announce his presence, and he didn’t want to arouse suspicion. Not yet.
“Noble Masters, security on this ship has been compromised. I have brought a contingent of my men for your protection,” said Steeg.
“Why do we not know of this intrusion?” said a voice through a hidden speaker.
“Forgive me, Noble Master. It happened quickly and is being dealt with, but I wanted to ensure your safety.”
“Your vigilance is noted, even though we are well equipped to protect ourselves.”
“I do not question your superior abilities, Noble Master. This measure is merely precautionary.” Steeg knew that the Juttari didn’t appreciate anyone questioning their fighting abilities. They considered themselves the greatest warriors in the galaxy. Now was not the time to question that belief. It would be put to the test soon enough.
“You may enter,” replied the Juttari voice.
Several banging sounds followed as the heavy security bolts locking the door were released and the door slid open. Steeg strode through the opening with his weapon at the ready. Beyond the entrance was a large section of the ship that the Juttari used for their own quarters and operations. Two Juttari stood dead ahead. One worked at a console and the other approached Steeg. No longer under its control, Steeg felt a lifetime of revulsion surface upon looking at the monster’s razor sharp claws, and dark green leather-like skin. Without thinking he raised his weapon and fired, burning a large hole through the beast’s head. He had originally planned to refrain from attacking until he had more of the monsters grouped together, but the power of his emotions caught him off guard.
The second Juttari scrambled for cover, as a barrage of energy bolts followed it. Juttari were incredibly fast, but so were the Chaanisar. Steeg’s men immediately gave chase, fanning out to cover all routes of escape. Steeg took in a deep breath, tightened his grip on his weapon and followed, ready to dispense judgment.
The Juttari, however, did not build a galactic empire through weakness. They were a dangerous, ruthless enemy, and now they had been warned of what was coming. But Steeg had numbers on his side. His men now poured through the open doorway, eager to hunt down every last Master on the ship. He heard the Juttari battle shrieks as his men closed in. He had heard the sound before, but only when they performed their ritual hunts. On such occasions they would hunt down armed enemies using only their natural weapons. Their strength, speed, agility, and those fearsome claws. Did they actually believe that they were the hunters now? Did they hang on to their arrogance, even in their final moments?
The answer came when a Juttari sprang from a hiding spot on the ceiling, eviscerating one of his men with its claws, and tearing out the windpipe of another. The attack was blindingly fast, the response overwhelmingly lethal. The nearby Chaanisar immediately opened fire on the monster, burning dozens of holes through the creature before it could get away. The blasts hurled the former Master backward, and onto the floor, where it lay in a smoking heap.
Two Juttari down, thought Steeg.
There are nine more Juttari located in this section of the ship, said AI.
You see them? said Steeg, through his brain chip.
Yes, Colonel. I have gained access to the network on this section. It proved more challenging, as it was kept separate from the rest of the ship’s systems, but not impossible. Would you like me to send the security data to your brain chip?
Yes, please do. Send the data to all the Chaanisar brain chips.
Sending now.
Thank you, AI.
You’re most welcome, Colonel.
Suddenly Steeg had access to the Juttari security feed, revealing the locations of every Juttari on the ship, as did every other Chaanisar. His men now knew where the Masters hid, and tracked them as they moved. Another Juttari tried to sneak up on them using the ceiling. The vicious Juttari claws made them exceptional climbers, giving them the ability to maintain a grip on almost any surface.
Don’t fire, said Steeg to his men through the brain chip. Let it get close.
His men obeyed, ignoring the beast. Steeg waited until the monster was almost on top of them. “Now!” he ordered, and dozens of weapons fired simultaneously, ripping through the alien body until it fell to the floor. Steeg felt the elation in his men as they exacted their revenge. Each one of them had been taken from their parents as a child. Each one had been violated and enslaved. Now they had the power, and he felt their rage rising, like surging waves against a cracking dam. They needed this, so he let them have it. No more discipline. No more restraint.
Kill them all, he said.
The dam broke, and slaughter ensued.
Chapter 42
“The Chaanisar have been liberated,” said AI over Jon’s comm.
“What about the Juttari?” said Jon, staring at the four menacing warships on the viewscreen.
“They have been killed,” said AI, in her usual emotionless tone.
“On all four warships?”
“Yes, Admiral.”
“Damn, I wish I was there,” said Jon, imagining what it must have been like when those men were freed.
“I know you’ve seen your share of dead Juttari,” said Kevin, with a wry smile.
“I have, but it never grows old,” said Jon.
Kevin shook his head. “You do know the war is over, right?
“No it’s not,” said Colonel Bast, his face suddenly appearing on Jon’s console.
“What do you mean?” said Jon.
“Colonel Steeg, the leader of the Chaanisar on those ships, has told me that they were part of an invasion force that attacked the Sol System,” said Bast.
The Pike Chronicles - Books 1 - 10 Page 85