She then read the other 4th Race reports about the “Invaders” that had “consumed” most of the stars in the Twin galaxy! Lili realized the alien force was en route to the home galaxy!
She cut the AAR short.
“Sinai – find a location reference for the 4th Race fleet near Andromeda.” Lili ordered.
“Why,” Sinai asked.
“Because the Invaders are headed this way and we shall stop them where they are instead of fighting them here. Sentry-1 – alert the Sisters to prepare for battle – have them form up in Landing Zone - 1. We are leaving to stop an ancient alien force that threatens this galaxy.” Lili ordered.
“Yes ma'am” Sentry-1 said.
“When you put it like that – I understand.” Sinai said.
Sinai provided the extra galactic coordinates in the star void to her Sisters. Lili jumped to Landing Zone - 1 after she said goodbye to Max. She told him she would send him a message before they left. Max was on his way back to the Starship Yard with his armed escort. The other companions were already sequestered in their separate barracks on the far side of the yards.
The Sisters instantly disappeared. The trip took 10 standard core minutes. They instantly appeared behind the 4th Race fleet – above and below it. Lili had laid out her battle plan during the flight using the JDCL. They would engage the alien ships and destroy the “Invaders” before they could travel to their home galaxy. The two old 6th Race cruisers were firing their black and blue beam weapons at the gigantic alien ships. There were hundreds of alien ships cut into multiple pieces between the 4th Race fleet and the dark Twin galaxy. The sight of the Twin galaxy disturbed Lili on a deep level.
The Sisters engaged the aliens at extreme range for their own protection. They began cutting up the alien ships in the back of the cluster and in the middle. Lili, Maggi and Sharri were above the 4th Race fleet firing down. Eden, Golan, Mimi and Sinai were below the fleet firing up. The cross fire shredded the alien ships from back to middle and then middle to front. The 7 Sisters accomplished more in 6 standard core minutes than the 4th Race had accomplished in 2 standard core days.
The Sisters then began firing their blue beam weapons at the pieces of the alien ships. The 4th Race was too close to the targets for them to safely use their ancient weapons. Sinai and Eden had not had a chance to rearm upon their return and had 75% of their normal thermo nuclear weapon stores.
“Commander 4th Race fleet – Union Cruiser 6-1-1” Lili called.
“Ninlil – thank the maker – I am glad to see you!” The 4th Race fleet commander said.
“I need you to jump to the following coordinates NOW.” Lili ordered.
“Copy that – and thank you Ninlil.” The 4th Race commander said.
The 4th Race fleet jumped away from the boiling mass of alien ship parts. After 12 standard core minutes Lili gave the order to fire all ancient weapons at the target. The ancient weapons lit up the darkness of space. Lili wondered what the event would look like 2.25 million years from now in the home galaxy. She was a little sad that the Andromeda Galaxy would all but disappear from the night sky in her home galaxy in another 2 million years. To be followed in 225 thousand standard core years by this massive thermonuclear blast. She wondered what the primitive sentient races would believe when they saw the Andromeda galaxy go dark.
Lili was honor bond to save the 4th Race – even though they left the Union without warning. If they had not chosen to protect the home galaxy by attacking the alien fleet – the decision would have been very simple. She provided the 4th Race commander with the FTLT technology and the instructions to use it. She wished them good luck and then ordered her Sisters to return home.
Chapter - 17
Max read the encrypted message from Lili after he sat down at his desk. She directed him to complete the two new Union Navy corvettes with two legions of new 6th Race Star Marines. She explained if the 4th Race returned to this galaxy – there would be trouble. She also directed him to expedite Adapa’s transfer to one of the new dreadnaught battleship designs. She was certain that Adapa would be an asset in any future battle.
Max had to alter the production schedules at all Starship Yards in order to meet these new orders. He ordered extra MRBs to handle the load and then personally oversaw the layout of the new dreadnaught class of AL battleships. These super heavy AL battleships were 4 times more powerful than the Sisters in terms of weapon platform emitters, power cores, shield projectors and armor. It would be able to carry 4 times the quantity of thermonuclear weapons. In short Adapa's new hull was almost twice as long as the standard 6th Race cruiser and twice as wide. He would be able to carry more fighters, more Star Marines and still have room left over.
He began to train Adapa in all of the new 6th Race technology and then began integrating him into his new hull. You would never have guessed that Adapa had suffered brain damage during his long life. Everything Lili asked for would be well underway by the time she returned.
Chapter - 18
“You should not have given them the FTLT system. They shall seek to rule this galaxy as they had intended to rule Andromeda!” Sinai said to Lili.
“You may be correct – however I am in command and I EXPECT YOU TO OBSERVE PROPER UNION NAVY PROTOCOL WHEN YOU SPEAK TO ME ON THE COMMAND NET!” Lili said.
“Yes ma'am – I apologize.” Sinai said.
“Apology accepted – we have all been under tremendous stress. I order all of you to take a week off – to relax and recharge yourselves. The future shall require all of us to be at our best.” Lili said.
All of the Sisters signaled affirmative and then moved their hulls to their new piers or favorite spots inside SH-1.
Lili downloaded into her synthetic body and flew her yacht to the Starship Yard's engineering office. She had questions for Max. Lili knew they were running out of time even though she could not precisely determine why.
Lili knew if the 4th Race decided to bring the entire expedition fleet home – it would take them a standard core week to retrofit all of the ships with the FTLT transmitters. If they decided to bring half of their fleet home it would take less time. She wanted to be ready to deal with them when they returned – for she knew Sinai was correct.
She reviewed Max's progress and then went to look at Adapa's new hull. It was very impressive. Its main fore and aft main weapon projector platforms were twice as large as hers. His hull would be almost 2 times longer than her hull when it was completed. Max had directed the twin MRB sets to replicate Adapa's original exterior color scheme.
They then went to talk to Adapa. He was on the surface of the 6th Race home world.
“Where is he,” Lili asked Max.
“He is standing on a small island in the northern ocean.” Max answered.
“How long has he been down there?” Lili asked.
“Since early this morning – he went down after class.” Max answered.
“How is he doing,” Lili asked.
“You would never know he had suffered brain degradation from lack of care. He is exceeding my expectations and I now expect him to be ready for trials in less than half a standard core day.” Max answered.
“That is amazing,” Lili said.
“Indeed – Adapa is amazing in many ways. I am considering using his software as the core for the next generation of AL s. It is better written than your code and is more resilient than Sinai’s.” Max said.
“Really” Lili said.
“Yes ma'am in fact I am developing a software engineering directorate and a software quality assurance directorate to produce all code from now on – because that is how the 6th Race produced Adapa's code and in my humble opinion – his code is superior to any that was written later!” Max said.
“If that is the case then please do so and please make certain that all software from now on is inspected and reviewed as carefully as you inspected and reviewed Mimi's code when you saved her.” Lili said.
“Yes ma'am I shall.” Max said.<
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Chapter - 19
The 4th Race wasted no time trying to take over the Union upon their return. They completely ignored the role the 7 Sisters played in rescuing them and helping them to return to the home galaxy. Sinai knew they would do this and had tried to convince Lili to leave them out in the star void between the galaxies. Lili helped them return because she always planned long range. She had not anticipated however the 4th Race trying to take over the 7 Sisters so as to rule this galaxy. History is replete with wood be tyrants who were corrupted by power. Lili had 2 choices – she could fight them or join them.
“There is a third choice ma'am” Saga said.
“WHAT,” Lili asked.
“You can awaken the URC.” Saga answered.
“The URC...” Lili repeated and then trailed off as she thought about it.
“Yes ma'am – the 4th Race is trying to use Union bureaucratic rules to subvert Galactic Law. The 7 Sisters have always taken their orders form the Union Ruling Council – never from the leader of a single Union Member Race!” Saga continued.
“Yes until such time as the URC ran away and was no longer available...” Lili said.
“I know you were concerned about the First Race members on the URC being taken over by the evil First Race Entity – however we do not have to awaken the entire URC – only the leader and her executive. I know they are not of the First Race.” Saga said.
“So you are telling me my fears were unfounded.” Lili said.
“No ma'am the evil entity was in my computer core threatening to destroy the URC and there are First Race members on the council. I could not explain this to you with the evil entity listening in. However you do not need to revive the entire council to deal with the Fourth Race.” Saga said.
“NO – the URC saw fit to abandon the galaxy and many free species were enslaved and have suffered as a result! In fact the 6th and 7th Race remnants have violated every Galactic Law!” Lili said.
“Ma'am I am concerned what the Fourth Race will do without controls in place.” Saga said.
“They will do what they want no matter what controls are in place – that is their way. The URC will have no effect upon their decisions one way or the other. Therefore I shall solve the problems the URC created when it ran away to hide and any new problems the Fourth Race create and if the remnants do not comply with Galactic Law – I shall cut them down!” Lili said.
“Ma'am,” Sentry-1 asked.
“Go ahead Sentry-1” Lili answered.
“Ma'am a Fourth Race battle fleet is requesting entry.” Sentry-1 said.
“DENIED – DO NOT LOWER THE QUANTUM ENERGY SHIELD – DO NOT LET THEM SEE THIS FACILITY! We shall face them outside SH-1. Open Escape Portal - 1.” Lili ordered.
“YES MA'AM” Sentry-1 replied.
Lili contacted her Sisters on the new TAC net that Max had devised and installed.
“Sisters, nieces – the Fourth Race challenges my authority. We shall face them and if necessary defeat them – FORM UP!” Lili said and then ordered.
All of the Sisters signaled affirmative with their distinctive double tones, as they jumped to formation in Landing Zone - 1. The Sisters exited SH-1 through Escape Portal - 1 a system that Max and Sentry-1 devised so as not to lower the Quantum Energy Shield (QES). They instantly appeared in front of the 4th Race battle group.
“It was a mistake to give the Fourth Race access to the FTLTs.” Sinai said after the briefing over the JDCL.
“Then we shall destroy them all!” Lili responded with anger in her voice.
“Command Forth Race – Cruiser 6-1-1” Lili called.
“Ninlil you must surrender–” The 4th Race Commander began.
“YOU ARE NOT THE URC AND YOU HAVE NO AUTHORITY TO COMMAND ME! I shall give you six standard core minutes to evacuate your cruisers and other warships before we destroy them!” Lili interrupted.
“You cannot do that–” The 4th Race Commander began.
“I DID NOT RESCUE YOU SO THAT YOU COULD TAKE OVER THIS GALAXY – Five minutes.” Lili interrupted the Commander again.
Interesting they did not bring their carrier vessels Sinai thought as she powered up all of her shield projectors.
“Lili they are preparing to enter the FTLT–” Mimi reported.
“FIRE” Lili ordered.
The black beam weapons of the 7 Sisters cut the two 4th Race Cruisers into multiple pieces with surgical precision. Loss of life was prevented in the 2 Cruisers by the Sister's knowledge of their own hulls. The Sisters cut up the two smaller destroyers that were armed with black beam weapons. The 4th Race support ships instantly disappeared.
“I guess they do not care about their brothers and sisters.” Golan said.
“Precisely why they cannot be allowed to rule this galaxy – if they do not care about their own people they shall care nothing for all of the other species!” Sharri said.
“Well said Sister!” Maggi said.
“Indeed – well said Sharri.” Lili agreed.
“Command Forth Race – Cruiser 6-1-1” Lili called.
“Go ahead 6-1-1” the Commander of the 4th Race battle group responded.
“It appears your support ships have left you all here to die!” Lili said.
“Yes ma'am – cowardly politicians! Thank you for not wasting the lives of my people.” The Commander said.
“I shall have a carrier vessel standing by at the following coordinates. I suggest you get your people there.” Lili said.
“Thank you Ninlil. Can we be taken to another planet – none of us want to serve those cowards any longer.” The Commander asked.
“The carrier vessel will take your people where ever you want to go. I shall follow up with emergency supplies and building materials and equipment for you and your people.” Lili said.
“Thank you Ninlil and if we can ever be of service to the Union, to you or to the legendary Seven Sisters in the future – please do not hesitate to come and get us.” The Commander said.
“I am impressed by you Commander. I shall enter your heroism and professional service to the Union in the Official Union History and the Union Navy History. I shall also honor your request to serve the Union if the need arises in the future. Teach your children well. You shall be given all the benefits of Union membership and support – you have my word – we shall always protect you and your people.” Lili said.
“Thank you Ninlil I shall never forget you kindness and nor shall my children forget – ever!” The Commander said.
“I shall gather up your children immediately and get them to you in a manner that prevents the cowards from discovering your new location. I suggest you do not contact the cowards – EVER – Cruiser 6-1-1 - OUT.” Lili said.
The 4th Race Commander signaled affirmative and compliance in the traditional Union Navy manner and then launched all of his emergency ships to the rendezvous coordinates. The Sisters then instantly disappeared. Lili ordered one of the new Star Marine Carrier vessels and a Union Navy corvette to the rendezvous coordinates to rescue the 4th Race sailors and take them to the planet of their choice. She also ordered a carrier vessel to load full emergency supplies and building materials and then launch to the new planet. Lili made a note to talk to Max about a Search and Rescue (SAR) Force that would have emergency medical robots, rescue troopers and emergency surgeries onboard dedicated medical support ships to save any injured Union member, AL or AB.
Chapter - 20
“I told you they would not let us take control.” The 4th Race Pro Council said inside the largest support ship that left first.
“Yes – they are clearly in violation of Union Procedure and must be dealt with accordingly.” The Vice Council said.
“Call our friends the Outsiders. It is time we met.” The Pro Council said.
“Sir the Sisters defeated the Outsiders in battle and–” the Vice Council began.
“We shall help our friends defeat the insubordinate Seven Sisters.” The Pro Council said.
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“In exchange for...” the Vice Council asked.
“For equal partnership” The Pro Council answered.
“We are beggars now with nothing to offer.” The Vice Council said.
“NOT SO – we know the secrets – information is what we have to offer.” The Pro Council said.
Chapter - 21
Upon their return to SH-1 Lili asked for volunteers to go back and vaporize the 4th Race battle group after the carrier vessels picked up the 4th Race sailors. Everyone volunteered to go back. Lili then selected Mimi, Eden and Golan to take care of the problem with her.
Union Ships of the Line: The Return of Adapa Page 4