Not that Pietersma was complaining. He was grateful for every victory against the aliens and would not rest until their entire Empire was reduced to embers. He just wanted to make sense of things.
The UHSF did have some advantages. The cloaking technology, for example, gave their ships a significant edge against the enemy. Now that they had rolled the tech out to all UHSF ships, it enabled them to hit the enemy with devastating surprise attacks.
Those attacks gave the UHSF the early advantage in a battle, even if that advantage was short-lived. The Juttari did not possess cloaking technology yet, but they knew how to counter it. Once a cloaked vessel fired against them, the Juttari retaliated. That retaliation included waves of ionizing radiation, which disabled the cloaking system. Once the cloaks were down, it was business as usual.
But the Juttari didn’t have the resilience and stamina they were known for. Here was a race for whom every battle was a holy crusade. They were fanatics, and that fanaticism turned them into a fierce enemy. At least, that is what they once had been. The Juttari they faced in recent battles didn’t display the same tenacity. It was as though they were preoccupied with something else and could not devote their full attention to the matter at hand.
“Picking up weapon signatures,” the tactical officer said.
“Have they spotted us?” Pietersma said.
“No, Sir,” the tactical officer said. “These readings are off the charts. It’s like there’s another fleet out there. The weapons are firing on the Juttari. Reading widespread damage to Juttari ships and weapon systems.”
“Who is firing on them?”
“Unknown, Sir. But everything indicates the presence of cloaked ships in this system.”
“Cloaked ships? That’s impossible. The invasion of this system is at least a few months away.”
“Juttari are responding. They’re flooding the system with radiation. Our cloaking system has been compromised! Cloak has failed! Juttari are firing on us!”
Concussions rocked the destroyer as multiple energy bolts crashed into its shields.
“Return fire, all weapons,” Pietersma said. “Bring the point defense system online.”
Energy bolts and missiles sprang out of the destroyer, hitting back at the enemy. An explosive halo formed around the destroyer as its guns established a defensive perimeter around the ship.
The floor shuddered under Pietersma’s feet as concussions continued to hammer the destroyer. With no less than five Juttari warships firing on them, The UHSF destroyer found itself in a pit full of vipers.
“There’s too many of them, Sir,” Hayden said. “Our defenses can’t keep up.”
Pietersma frowned as he continued to process the data. The Juttari ships surrounding them unleashed a merciless barrage. His destroyer just couldn’t stand up to such an onslaught. There was only one option left. “Emergency tactical jump, now!” Pietersma commanded.
“Activating jump system,” Hayden said.
The UHSF destroyer vanished and reappeared nine hundred million kilometers away.
“Report!” Pietersma ordered.
“We have landed six AUs away from our previous location. Cloaking system is still offline,” Commander Hayden said.
“Are we in range of any Juttari weapons?”
“Negative. All Juttari ships and weapon systems are focused on the invading fleet.”
“What invading fleet? Has the UHSF attacked without informing us?”
“They are not UHSF, although they do match entries in our database.” Hayden looked up at Pietersma with an expression of astonishment. “Our records indicate that these ships belong to the Dvorkan Empire.”
Admiral Jon Pike had encountered the Dvorkans on his quest to find the Builders. But they were thousands of light years away, with no jump gates linking their space to this region. The Admiral had shared the jump system technology with them, so they did have the ability to reach this region. Still, the logistics of moving a fleet this size that far were mind-bending.
More importantly, there was another problem with their appearance. This system connected to other Diakan systems that the Juttari had conquered. So how did the Dvorkans make it this far?
“Commander, open a comm with the Dvorkans. I want to speak with whoever is in charge over there,” Pietersma said.
“Yes, Sir. Transmitting request,” Hayden said. “Dvorkans are responding.”
“Good, patch it through to my comm.” Pietersma turned his attention to the comm display which now came to life. A heavy-set blue man appeared in a black military uniform. Even through the display, Pietersma could tell that the stories of the giant Dvorkans were true. “Greetings, I am Captain Pietersma, of the UHSF.”
The Dvorkan sneered. “You run from battle like a frightened child. I now see how these pathetic aliens dominated your race for so long.”
“What? We’re not here to fight,” Pietersma said defensively.
“That much is clear,” the Dvorkan said.
“No, I mean we are here to gather intelligence for a future invasion. The Juttari weren’t supposed to know about our presence.”
“It matters not. There will be no invasion. This system will fall to our forces and will then belong to the Dvorkan Empire.”
“But this is a Diakan system. It doesn’t belong to your Empire.”
“Really? Where are these Diakans?”
“The Erinyie forced them to flee, then gave the system to the Juttari.”
“And now the Juttari will give it to us. Glory belongs to the victor, as do the spoils. Perhaps if your UHSF fought as well as it hid, they might now control this region instead,” the Dvorkan said before terminating the connection.
Captain Pietersma stared at the blank display in disbelief.
“What should we do, Sir?” said Commander Hayden.
Pietersma looked back at his XO, still baffled by the hostile exchange. The Dvorkans were supposed to be their friends, but this encounter was far from friendly. “Prepare to jump. We need to inform Admiral Pike.”
Chapter 14
Emperor Kriss, the ruler of the Dvorkan Empire, sat upright on his throne and listened carefully to his general’s update. He took note of the fierce, blue-skinned giant’s excitement as he described the recent victories against the evil Juttari Empire.
“Our forces achieved a tremendous victory, your worship, bringing long-lasting glory to the Gods and the Empire,” General Tok said with pride. Tok was head of Dvorkan Central Command and the highest ranking general in the Dvorkan Armed Forces. “It continues our uninterrupted string of victories in the Diakan sector.”
“What of the Diakans?” Kriss said. “Have you found any refugees? Any survivors?”
“I’m afraid not, your worship. The Juttari and their wretched gods were quite thorough in their eradication of the Diakans.”
“This continues to sadden me, General. The Diakans were a devout race. From what you are describing it means that untold billions were slaughtered.”
“The enemy is truly ruthless, your worship. Even more reason to continue the offensive. We cannot rest until every Juttari is purged from this galaxy.”
“What about the humans? Has there been any contact with them?”
“Not yet, your worship. The heretics have not shown themselves.”
The Emperor grew pensive, remembering his first encounter with the humans some eight years earlier. Back then, Jon Pike had helped him survive a plot against his life by his own generals and a deranged Dvorkan AI. Pike had returned to his region of space with Miira Kev, a beautiful Dvorkan scholar. He had the support of the Gods, also known as the Antikitheri. With their help, he was going to drive the Erinyie out of this galaxy. Instead, he had forsaken the Gods and became the man the Empire now referred to as Jon Pike the Apostate.
Kriss shook his head. So much promise squandered. They were supposed to build a portal, or jump gate as the humans called it, and connect their civilizations. It would have ushered in a new er
a of prosperity and learning.
Instead, Pike sought the protection of another godlike race called the Cenobi. That sparked a five-year war in which the Antikitheri and the Erinyie teamed up to fight the Cenobi. For five years the immortals battled for dominance, but neither side could prevail. When it was all over, the Antikitheri left the Milky Way, all because their Chosen One had abandoned them.
Luckily, the Gods saw fit to bless the Empire while in this galaxy. The Dvorkans proved their devoutness to the Antikitheri and were rewarded. After a time, the Gods bestowed the sacred portal building knowledge unto them. For the Empire, it was the dawn of a new Age of Glory.
Of course, the Gods demanded unwavering devotion. Kriss understood that they needed to comply to gain the advanced technology. So, he ordered the conversion of the Empire. From that moment forward, all within the Empire would worship the true Gods, the Antikitheri.
For Kriss, the Empire’s conversion was a strategic decision, rather than a spiritual one. The Empire had grown stagnant just as new, powerful enemies began to appear. If the Empire was to regain its past glory, it would need the Antikitheri technology. Knowing this, the Antikitheri dangled the priceless portal building secrets in front of him. To Kriss, the benefits outweighed the costs, so he ordered the Empire’s conversion. From that day forward, the Antikitheri became the Dvorkan Gods.
As is the case with such things, some in the Empire resisted. The Antikitheri considered that intolerable and demanded action. Kriss gave the necessary orders, and the heretics were swiftly rooted out to the Gods’ satisfaction. It was a bloody, yet essential affair that nauseated Kriss. Conversion was an Imperial decree, however, and anyone who didn’t comply broke the law. It was as simple as that.
Jon Pike had left a copy of his AI behind. It had occupied all Dvorkan systems and was meant to help, but also keep an eye on the Empire. Pike had given the Empire the human jump technology, and in return, his AI would stay behind as a safeguard. But the AI needed to become worthy of the Gods’ favor. So, the Gods helped her find the true path.
The newly converted AI proved more devout than the highest cleric. She ensured none deviated from the truth. Her omnipresence in all systems made rooting out heresy simple. She quickly identified the non-believers and rounded them up. They were given one final chance at redemption. Most took it. They embraced the faith, knowing that the AI would watch them in all things.
The AI became the all-seeing eye of the Gods. No one in the Empire could hide from her. Not even the Emperor. And so, the Empire was transformed and attained true glory. The excessive cost of that glory left Kriss wondering if he had miscalculated.
“I want to know the second your forces come into contact with the humans,” Kriss said.
“Of course, your worship,” said Tok. “It will be a top priority.”
Kriss nodded. “What are your plans moving forward, General?”
Tok activated a holo-emitter and brought up a map of the galaxy. He zoomed into a broad region and highlighted a zig-zagging white line connecting numerous stars together. “This represents our current knowledge of the portal network formerly used by the Diakans. With the help of the Erinyie, the Juttari Empire has occupied these systems.” Tok touched part of the network changing its color to blue. “These are the star systems our forces have liberated thus far.” He pointed to an adjoining star. “This system is our next objective.”
Kriss studied the holographic star chart. “I see. How long will it take you to launch an invasion?”
Tok smiled. “It is happening as we speak, your worship. Our forces have gained tremendous momentum, and we thought it unwise to stall our offensive. Our forces are currently laying siege to the Juttari positions.”
“Is that wise?” Kriss said. “Aren’t our troops fatigued?”
“You possess the finest armed forces in the galaxy, your worship. They live for glory, and that is precisely what they will attain.”
“I see,” Kriss said, wondering whether General Tok had become overconfident. So far, the man had achieved only victory so he would give him the benefit of the doubt. “Thank you, General. Please keep me informed.”
“Yes, your worship,” Tok said bowing deeply.
“That will be all.”
Tok saluted. “Glory to the Gods. Glory to the Empire.” He then turned on his heel and left the Emperor’s chamber.
“General Tok is favored by the Gods,” the AI said.
You mean he is favored by you, the Emperor thought bitterly. The Gods had shown the path, but the AI now interpreted that path with strict adherence to the tiniest detail. With the Gods gone, the AI became the final judge as to what was correct, and what was blasphemy. “Yes, he has certainly produced results. I hope he continues to do so.”
“Do you doubt his competence?” the AI said.
“No, not at all. As you said, the Gods favor him. I merely wonder how long our forces can maintain this pace. Dvorkans are mighty warriors, but they do have limits. At some point, they will need to pause and consolidate their gains.”
“That is a logical conclusion, your worship,” the AI said. “Would you like me to monitor our forces for signs of excessive fatigue?”
“Yes, I would.”
“As you wish, your worship.”
The AI’s omnipresence could be troubling at times, but Kriss had found that so long as it deferred to his authority, that it remained a useful tool for monitoring those around him. The troubling question was what would happen if it stopped deferring to him? Or worse, what would happen if it thought he did something blasphemous?
Kriss shook his head. No point worrying about things like that. He was the Emperor, and he needed to present a consistently pious image to the Empire. Having the AI watching merely ensured that he remained vigilant and did not waver.
We’re making significant gains, he thought. We have superior technology and are advancing throughout the galaxy. It is more than anyone thought possible just a few years ago. I must persevere. It is all for the greater good.
Drawing a breath, he rose to his feet and headed for the doors. His personal guard, known as the Taymati, fell into step behind him. They had successfully kept him alive all these years and had foiled many assassination attempts. Kriss did not go anywhere without them.
The Empire’s immense size meant that there would be much discontent, especially with the forced conversion. That also meant uprisings, terrorism, and attempts on his life. The Taymati stayed vigilant at all times, however. With their protection, none were able to harm him.
But the Taymati were more than just his bodyguards. He had trained in the Taymati arts since he was a child, and at one point even wanted to become a Taymati himself. He had earned the nickname “Big Boots” because he would walk around in a pair of Taymati boots when he was a child, pretending to be one of them. While those thoughts had faded, he still greatly admired the Taymati, and they held a special place in his heart.
His sizeable blue frame moved effortlessly through the ancient corridors of the imperial palace. He barely took note of the beauty that surrounded him. The palace had always been his home, and its priceless treasures stopped impressing him a long time ago. Kriss entered another room and found his wife, the Empress Aelia, looking over a plate of food as if trying to find fault with it.
His marriage to Aelia had been one of political convenience. Kriss had given up hope that the lovely Miira would return from her trip to the human homeworld. He needed to move on and portray a particular image to the population. For that, he needed a wife. Aelia came from a powerful Dvorkan family and marrying her cemented his power base.
After his father’s murder, and the many attempts on his own life, Kriss knew he needed to do everything he could to strengthen his position. Aelia fit into those plans, as did the AI and the conversion of the Empire.
“Did your meeting go well, dear?” Aelia said, barely looking up at him.
“Yes. Our forces continue to make great gains,” Kriss said,
sitting down beside his wife. “Is there something wrong with it?” He gestured toward the food in front of her.
“There is a peculiar smell to it.”
Kriss leaned in and sniffed. “I don’t smell anything peculiar. In fact, it smells rather inviting.”
Aelia huffed and pushed the plate in front of Kriss. “You eat it then.”
Kriss smirked. “If you insist.” He hadn’t realized how hungry he was until now. He happily devoured the food while Aelia frowned at him.
“I am going to my parents’ house for a while,” she announced.
“As you wish,” Kriss said between mouthfuls.
“I need some time away from all… this.” Aelia waved her arms at the walls.
“I’m sure it will rejuvenate you, dear.”
Anger flared across her features, but she did not say anything. Instead, she got up and stormed out of the room.
The Emperor shrugged. He accepted the reality of a loveless marriage, but Aelia had more trouble with the concept. He didn’t know what she expected. They were not normal Dvorkans after all. When Aelia accepted the title of Empress, she gave up any hope of a normal life.
His thoughts drifted to Miira, and he wondered again what her life was like living among the humans. If she could, would she want to return to the Empire after all these changes? He supposed he would find out soon enough. Once they finished with the Juttari, they would deal with the humans.
The Gods demanded their punishment, and that meant the AI would force the issue. There was no room for heresy in the Empire, and the AI would ensure that there was no room for heresy in the galaxy either.
Kriss again felt a pang of doubt over his decisions. He still felt indebted to Jon Pike and did not want to go to war with the humans. A part of him wished he could turn back the clock and do things differently.
He finished the plate of food and loaded up a second. These were the musings of a child wearing boots that were far too big for him. He was the Emperor now, and too much had happened to turn back the clock. No, war with the humans was inevitable, although he might be able to control the timing. That way he might finally see the beautiful Miira again.
The Pike Chronicles - Books 1 - 10 Page 180