“If it works as the military scientists believe it will, we’ll be putting particle beam cannons on all our dreadnoughts,” added Admiral Marloo.
“What about the battlecruisers?” asked Governor Alex Therron of Bratol Three.
“They’re not big enough to handle the power requirements,” replied Marloo. “We will emplace two bow particle beam cannons on each battleship. They use a series of magnetic accelerators to project subatomic particles at extremely high speeds. It functions as both an energy weapon and a kinetic weapon.”
“Due to the size of the new Destiny, we have four of the cannons on the bow,” explained Derrick. “They are paired into two batteries, and two of the cannons will fire each time they are activated.”
“Let’s hope the tests go well,” commented General Gantts. “We need a superior weapon we can use against the Confederation.”
“Now what’s this other matter we’re here to discuss?” asked Governor Julian Bemire of Ambary Two.
High Princess Layla stood, a solemn look on her face. “When the Confederation attacked Earth, they left many destroyed ships behind. The Earth’s military removed a number of the bodies of the seven Confederation races from the wreckage, as well as downloaded a tremendous amount of data from any working computers on the destroyed warships. We have two of Earth’s best medical research scientists with us today, Dr. Warren and Dr. Glancy. I’ll let them explain to you what they found.” Layla retook her seat.
Dr. Warren stood. “We did autopsies on the dead of every Confederation race to better understand their strengths and weaknesses. When we began examining the Morag, we found something unexpected. A portion of the Morag brain is greatly expanded. Upon doing more research, we believe the Morag are capable of telepathy.”
“What!” exclaimed Governor Dru Clarro of Vidon Seven. “Impossible. No records of any telepathic race anywhere in the known galaxy have ever been found.”
“The Morag have kept their ability a secret,” explained Dr. Warren. “I have a video presentation that will show the autopsies of several Morag brains, and you will see what we’re talking about.”
The presentation was loaded and played on the main viewscreen. Derrick noticed that Krista turned very pale but had watched the entire presentation.
“It also explains how the Morag fleet formations are far superior to everyone else’s,” added Derrick. “They are in constant telepathic communication, and orders can be sent instantaneously.”
Everyone went silent for several long moments.
Finally Fleet Admiral Marloo addressed the group. “Both Dr. Warren and Dr. Glancy have additional evidence and will be available to answer more of your questions after this meeting. One thing I should add. We don’t believe the other races of the Confederation are aware of the Morag’s ability. There is a good chance the Morag have been controlling the other Confederation races, perhaps since the very beginning of the Confederation.”
“So we have the Morag to blame for all this death and destruction?” asked Governor Littrel, a hint of anger in her voice.
“Most likely,” replied Fleet Admiral Marloo. “We don’t know how much they have influenced the Great Council of the Confederation, though some of the tacticians on Earth believe it has been considerable. Look at the attack on Earth, at the number of suicide ships. I’ll ask Dr. Glancy to explain what they believed happened.”
Dr. Glancy stood, his expression somber. “We are nearly certain that the Morag used their telepathy to take control of the commanders of any damaged ships to force them to suicide their vessels. This is something we have never seen in any other attack, and this only occurred with the presence of Morag warships. You can also study the videos of the battle and see how the Morag fleet moved almost as one. It’s obvious they were using some way to coordinate their fleet movements that we have never seen before. Telepathy explains everything.”
“I have a question,” said Governor Staley of Aquilla Three. “Why did they not take over the minds of Earth’s ship commanders and order them not to resist?”
Dr. Glancy looked to Dr. Warren, who nodded. “We believe the reason they are so afraid of Humans is because we are immune to their telepathic influence. It may well be the reason why they attacked the Human Empire to begin with.”
This caused an uproar, as most of the councilors began talking at once.
High Princess Layla stood again, which caused everyone to quiet down. “We must decide how to use this information. Right now everything in the Empire is relatively quiet, with only a few minor attacks over the last few weeks. We are fortifying as many of our worlds as possible and adding new fleet units every day. How much discord would the information about Morag telepathic influence cause if we revealed this information to the other member races of the Great Council?”
“It could cause the Confederation to delay any future attacks on the Empire, while they settle this internal problem,” commented Prince Andrew. “It could possibly buy us weeks before they could launch a major attack. Weeks in which we could build more warships and could add more worlds to the Empire.”
“The other Confederation races could even go to war against the Morag,” suggested Governor Able Marsk of Lamora Seven.
Fleet Admiral Marloo shook his head. “I doubt it would come to that, as the Morag would just use their telepathy to ensure the council stays loyal. However, it might take the Morag time to ensure they have control of the entire Confederation. Time we could definitely use to prepare for our future conflict with them.”
Layla looked around the group. “I would like to see us continue to expand the Empire, particularly to all the worlds close to the core worlds. We are now producing an excess of defensive grid components. I want to send envoys to selected worlds and offer our protection, if they will join. We are stronger as one Empire and not hundreds of separate worlds.”
“I agree,” said Derrick. “Some very heavily populated worlds nearby have considerable resources. We need to speak to those worlds.”
Chancellor Stein nodded his agreement. “Those worlds have been hesitant to join the Empire for fear of retaliation from the Confederation. If we can offer complete defense grids with ODPs, there’s a good chance some of them will change their minds.”
Layla looked thoughtful and then spoke to Chancellor Stein. “Chancellor, I want you to pick out a dozen of those worlds to travel to. You will have a full flotilla of warships, as well as cargo ships carrying defensive grid parts. Let’s see if we can persuade a few of those worlds to commit to the Empire, before this war breaks wide open.”
Stein nodded. “I’ll make the arrangements immediately. I can leave toward the end of this week.”
“Excellent,” answered Layla. “Now to the important question. In order to sew discord in the Confederation, we must alert the other races to the Morag’s telepathic ability. When should we do that?”
“Within the week,” suggested Fleet Admiral Marloo. “By now the Confederation fleet that attacked Earth has returned, and they are no doubt in the process of repairing their battle damage. The sooner we make this revelation, the better chance we’ll have of postponing any immediate attacks upon our worlds.”
“How is Earth doing on rebuilding?” asked Governor Littrel.
“We sent a fleet of vessels to help,” replied Fleet Admiral Marloo. “We’ve had a lot of experience on rebuilding after Confederation attacks. The fleet is already there, and everything is proceeding pretty rapidly. The Earth government estimates it will take them three to four months to repair their damage. They’re also building a number of new shipyards. I suspect that, at some time in the future, they’ll come after the Confederation.”
“Have we sent all of Earth’s ships back?” asked Governor Able Marsk of Lamora Seven.
Fleet Admiral Marloo shook his head. “No, we still have Third Fleet here, as well as parts of Fifth Fleet and First Fleet. The Earth crews that remain of Fifth Fleet and First Fleet are all volunteers. Third Fleet will return ho
me in about two more months. By that time we should have sufficient warships to hold back the Confederation.”
“Will any Earth ships be returning to the core worlds?”
Fleet Admiral Marloo nodded. “As soon as their crews are rested and as soon as they have their new shipyards up and running, then they plan on sending two full fleets to help defend the Empire.”
High Princess Layla looked around the room. “I would like to see an Earth representative make the announcement about the Morag to the Confederation. Let’s see if we can shake up the Confederation some.”
“How about Rear Admiral Carrie?” asked Derrick. “She’s a high-ranking Imperial military figure and is from Earth.”
Layla nodded. “That should work. Now, when exactly should we make the announcement?”
“As soon as possible,” suggested Fleet Admiral Marloo. “We don’t know when the Confederation will become more aggressive against the Empire. It could be any day.”
“Very well, let’s schedule the announcement for the day after tomorrow. That should give us enough time to get everything together that we need. Let’s hope it buys us another four weeks or more of time.”
The meeting continued for another hour, as various items were discussed. Layla also spent some time outlining the additional powers she was giving the Imperial Council and how she expected it to work. “In a time of war, one person or one family can’t be expected to make all the decisions. I’m placing my trust in this council and in the military. Don’t let that trust down.” She knew that Chancellor Stein would do more explaining after she left.
-
After the meeting, Derrick, Andrew, Krista, and Layla conducted a tour of the newly finished House of Worlds for some of the visiting members. Already a number of member planets of the Empire had moved delegations into their sets of offices. More planets planned on doing the same over the coming weeks.
“We need more time,” said Layla, as she folded her arms over her chest. They had stopped in the main House of Worlds’ chambers, which could hold nearly ten thousand people. Here the business of the Empire would be conducted. Even now a few delegates were busy discussing various proposals.
“Revealing to the Confederation that the Morag have been manipulating them since the beginning might do that,” said Andrew. He was becoming more at ease in his role as a Prince of the Empire.
“Maybe,” replied Derrick, as he watched two delegates in a heated argument. “It’s the Morag’s damn telepathy that’ll be a problem. If any of the member worlds of the Confederation get out of line, the Morag may use it to bring them back under control.”
Krista turned to face Derrick. “Those worlds won’t be happy when they realize what the Morag have done.”
“The Morag can’t control everyone in the Confederation,” pointed out Layla. She was curious as to what the two delegates were arguing over, tempting her to join them and find out, but she had to learn to allow the members of the House of Worlds to solve some of their own problems.
“I believe it will cause enough unrest across the Confederation that any large united attack on the Empire will be delayed by weeks,” said Derrick. “Every day we’re turning out more warships and attack interceptors. The defensive grids around our main worlds are being made stronger, and we’re preparing for the coming attack.”
Layla looked thoughtful. “I wish we had the resources to put together a fleet aimed at attacking the Confederation forces in the Empire. I would like to go on the offensive instead of being on the defensive all the time.”
“Give us time,” replied Derrick. “I’m sure Earth wants to go on the offensive after what the Confederation did to them, and, in time, we’ll have the fleets that can do the same.”
Layla nodded. “And while we wait, more of the periphery worlds of the Empire fall under Confederation control. I’m afraid this will be a long war.”
Derrick knew Layla was right. He wished he could do something more, but, with their impending marriage, he could not leave the core worlds. Every time he stepped out in public, he was swarmed by the local media.
“When will you go up to the Destiny?” asked Andrew. He had been involved in finding the research on the particle beam cannon in the secret military archives in the Imperial Library.
“Tomorrow afternoon,” replied Derrick. The ship would be a nice getaway from the hustle and bustle around the Imperial Palace. He also wouldn’t have two Imperial Guards following him around everywhere. “I’ll be gone for about four days, while we put the new Destiny through her paces and test the new particle beam cannons.”
Layla put her hands on her hips and stared at Derrick, causing him to wince. “Four days only,” she said in a firm voice. “When you get back, we have a wedding to get ready for, and, since it’s a royal wedding, there’s still a lot we need to do.”
Krista laughed. “I’m glad to hear her use that tone of voice with you as well. I’ve had to hear it for years.”
Layla looked embarrassed. “Sorry, I guess I’m just a little tense from everything else going on.”
Andrew nodded; he could well understand. Kala had been the same just before their wedding. “Why don’t we all get together tonight and have a private meal at the Palace? Krista can invite Major Barkley, and we can have a relaxing evening.”
Layla grinned. “I like that idea. When we get back, I’ll call the head of the Palace kitchen and make the arrangements.”
This sounded fine to Derrick. The Palace chefs were some of the best in the Empire, and the food they served was delicious.
“Let’s finish up this tour and return to the Palace,” suggested Krista. She could hardly wait to get back and to call Mathew. He had been so busy recently with training new attack interceptor pilots that she hadn’t seen him for a while. She was already thinking about what she would wear tonight.
Chapter Three
Druin Admiral Falorr was on board his flagship, the Avenging Light. He had with him a fleet of 310 battlecruisers and 70 battleships. The target he had been ordered to take was a small terraformed moon in the Aspica System, mainly a mining colony, with a Human population of nearly thirty million. The moon had a weak defensive grid, and a few Resistance ships were in orbit.
“Have the fleet stand by to enter hyperspace,” ordered Falorr. “We will exit forty thousand kilometers from the moon. All ships are to target any Resistance ships that might be in range, though I expect them to be in low orbits around the moon and inside the defensive grid.” Admiral Falorr was confident of a swift victory. Time for him to make his mark in the history of the Confederation and of the Druins.
-
Captain Tomas Doran, a Resistance leader, was in his quarters on his heavy freighter when an alarm went off. “What now?” he said aloud. The freighter was completely loaded and would make its first hyperjump in less than an hour. He pressed the comm on his desk, putting him in contact with the ship’s Command Center.
“Captain, we have a Druin fleet dropping out of hyperspace forty thousand kilometers from the moon.”
“Damn!” uttered Doran, feeling a cold chill run down his spine. This run between the Aspica System and the core worlds had been very profitable. “Spin up the hyperdrive and stand by to jump. I’ll be in the Command Center shortly.” Doran wasn’t worried too much about his ship receiving damage. The Confederation very seldom targeted civilian vessels. However, with the Confederation, one never knew what they might do.
It didn’t take Doran long to reach the ship’s small Command Center. Only six others were present. The entire ship had a crew of forty-seven. His gaze went to the display, showing the inbound Druin warships—hundreds of them!
“Hyperdrive is ready to activate,” reported his first officer. “We can jump anytime.”
On the ship’s main viewscreen, a view of the inhabited moon was visible. The moon had been completely terraformed, thanks to the rich minerals in the system. The surface was covered in 34 percent water, and the rest included rich virgi
n forests and rolling grassy plains. Small cities were scattered across the moon.
“What are the Resistance ships doing?” He knew two battlecruisers and four support ships were in orbit.
“They’re moving underneath the defense grid.”
Doran shook his head. “Won’t do them much good. That defensive grid is very weak. They have more units ordered, but they have not arrived yet.” He knew this from messages they had intercepted. “What about additional fleet units?”
“No, none around,” his sensor operator confirmed. “This moon is way out on the periphery, and the Empire and the Resistance have more pressing priorities.”
“Druin ships are moving toward the moon,” his first officer stated.
Captain Doran let out a deep sigh. He hated losing this cargo run. “Let’s get out of here. Nothing we can do to help them.”
Moments later the freighter entered hyperspace, fleeing from the system, doubtful if they would ever return.
-
Captain Gregory gazed at the tactical display with a worried look. His small Resistance task group was heavily outnumbered and, even with the defense grid, they did not stand a chance against the inbound Druin fleet. “Send a message to Golan Four that we are under attack by a superior fleet of Druin vessels. Ask if any nearby task forces can come to our aid.”
“I have the governor on the comm,” reported the communications officer. “He’s asking what he should do.”
“Tell him that we’re contacting Golan Four and will get back with him shortly. Meanwhile have the people take cover.”
“They’ll be in combat range in seven minutes,” reported the first officer.
Captain Gregory looked at the tactical display, showing the weak defensive grid around the moon—forty defensive satellites and only four missile platforms. Not enough to even slow the Druin fleet now bearing down on them.
The Forgotten Empire: War for the Empire Page 3