Admiral Garr turned to go to the Command Center. “I wish we knew the true size of the Morag fleet.”
“It’s large, much larger than what we have always been led to believe. It’s essential we build up our own fleets. If I can get the concessions that I want, we will have over two thousand inhabited worlds that will be under our control. Worlds we have mistreated for thousands of years. It’ll be difficult to build back any trust.”
“So we’ll change how we treat those worlds?”
Reull nodded. “When the Confederation was first formed, some of those worlds were promised entry as equals, with seats on the Great Council. The Morag prevented that from ever happening.”
Admiral Garr was silent for a long moment. “This really will be a huge change. What should we do about those worlds that are now in revolt? We have warships in orbit around most of them.”
“I’ll send a detailed message to our Lormallian government as to what’s been going on. I’ll also recommend we pull back all our fleet units from those worlds. Their presence is only making the situation worse.”
-
Later, Councilor Reull was in his quarters, resting, thinking, sending off numerous messages to various Lormallian planets and fleet admirals, explaining what he was doing. Everyone voiced support but suggested he move cautiously. Evidently now the Morag could not be trusted.
As Reull lay in bed, he also wondered if the Morag could do anything to counter what he had demanded. He didn’t see what the Morag could do, but Reull also knew that the Morag were very crafty and dangerous.
-
The Great Council of the Morag was yet again in an emergency session. The news from Councilor Damora was not good.
A nullifier? sent Councilor Hiram, shaking his head and hitting his fist hard against the council table, causing the wood to splinter. Where did they come up with that?
Council Leader Addonis stood gazing at the council. These were the most powerful telepaths in the Morag systems of worlds. From Bator Prime. Evidently sometime in the remote past, one was developed but never used, probably developed in the early days of the Confederation and then buried in the archives.
So what do we do? We dare not let the secret of the nullifier get out to all the Confederation worlds, said Delann.
I fear there is nothing we can do, answered Addonis. Too many know about the nullifier and how to build it. I suspect it doesn’t matter what we do now. The secret will eventually come out.
The good news is that four of the Great Council races still support us, pointed out Brant. Only the Lormallians and the Zang have come out against us.
Councilor Addonis walked around the room to where a giant hologram map of the Confederation was visible. Over sixty thousand worlds were under the control of the seven races. If we allow the Lormallians and the Zang to maintain control of the Confederation races in their regions of the Confederation, we lose control over nearly five thousand inhabited star systems.
Can we afford to lose that many inhabited worlds? asked Hiram worriedly.
It will placate the Lormallians and the Zang for the immediate future, answered Addonis. Many of those worlds are in open revolt against the Confederation. No matter what those two races want to do, they must bring peace to those worlds. It will tie up their military for months, possibly years. By the time they have control of their own worlds, all our ships from the reserve will be fully activated. At that time it might be prudent to move against the Lormallians and the Zang to bring them back firmly into the Confederation and under our rule.
So, we let them have their way for now, and then, in the future, we attack and retake all their worlds under our control? asked Councilor Brant.
Addonis nodded. It makes the most sense. Also, during that time, we run all our shipyards full-out, producing more modern warships. We still have the Human Empire to deal with.
After that, we must take on Earth, added Delann. Some very difficult times are ahead.
Difficult times we can deal with, sent Addonis. With our fleet and the reserve, we have more warships than all six of the other races combined. We will be victorious. It may just take longer than we had planned. I will communicate our decision to Councilor Damora.
-
Early the next morning Councilor Reull busily read messages that had come in overnight. The installation of nullifiers on the second Lormallian fleet progressed as planned. Currently personal nullifiers were being sent to all the main Lormallian government officials, as well as the command crews of all the fleet’s flagships. Also key military personal on all Lormallian planets were given the nullifiers as well.
There had also been no movement of any Morag fleets toward Lormallian space. This was good news, as Councilor Reull hoped to have all Lormallian warships protected by the nullifiers in a few more weeks. He had also spoken briefly with the Zang councilor, who was interested in forming an alliance with the Lormallians against the Morag, if any of the worlds of either species were attacked. This was something Reull would have to discuss with the government leaders of the Lormallian inhabited worlds.
-
Morag Councilor Damora had received his orders from the High Council. For now they would allow the Lormallians and the Zang to go their own way, though they would still remain as members of the Great Council. Telepathic nullifiers would be limited to members of the two races and no one else, not even other members of the council. Anyone not of the Zang or Lormallian races caught with a nullifier would be executed on sight. The two races would be responsible for maintaining order on all the worlds in or near their regions of space. They also would not be allowed to put up orbital defenses around their worlds, except for their capital planets. Damora was surprised the High Council was giving so much. He wondered what they were really up to.
-
The Great Council was once more in session. Morag Councilor Damora had just finished going over what the High Council was offering.
“We accept,” said Councilor Reull, “with the following changes. All Lormallian and Zang fleets will be pulled out of the Human Empire immediately to help in pacifying our planets currently in revolt. We will no longer take any active part in your war with the Humans. The war began because you feared the Humans, when you learned of their natural resistance to telepathy. Before then, the Human Empire was not a threat to the Confederation. The Humans are your problem and not ours. We will transmit a message to Golan Four that the Lormallians and the Zang are pulling out of the war and will hence forth be a neutral party.”
This caused a stir in the rest of the council, with several members talking at once.
“It has been decided,” said the Zang councilor. “The war for us is over. It’s time we turned our attention and our resources to helping our own people.”
“I fear you will regret your actions in the future,” replied Damora. He noticed the Zang councilor now wore a telepathic nullifier, no doubt furnished by Councilor Reull.
“One more thing,” said Councilor Reull. “The planet of Bator Prime and the archives are in Lormallian space. We will allow limited access to the archives. However, no armed ship may approach the planet. Appointments must be made with the curators in order to do any research into the archives. The Lormallians have been in charge of the archives for thousands of years, and we plan on continuing that tradition. Also a defensive grid will be put around the planet, as well as a defensive fleet. We will not allow anyone to attempt to take the archives from us.”
“You will allow us access?” asked Morag Councilor Damora, wanting to clarify that.
Reull nodded. “Yes, all you need to do is send a hyperlight message to the curators, and they will schedule a time for your people to do their research.”
Damora knew the High Council would not like this. “I will inform the High Council.”
“One more thing,” said Reull. He knew, with the telepathic nullifier, that he had the Morag over a barrel for now. “The Zang and my people will be putting defensive grids around our
three most populous star systems, not just our capital world. This is not negotiable.”
“You push us too far,” warned Damora, his eyes turning red.
Reull placed a small communication device on the table with a very large green button on it. He placed his index finger over the button and then spoke. “If I press this button, the secret of the nullifier will be broadcast throughout Confederation space. You have ten seconds to agree to my terms.”
Damora looked at the device. He could not risk the secret of the nullifier spreading across the Confederation. “Very well, but you must do everything in your power to ensure the construction of the nullifier is kept secret. They may exist in Lormallian and Zang space but nowhere else.”
“Agreed,” replied Reull. He had his victory; now he had a lot of explaining to do back home. It might be necessary to take many government people to Bator Prime and let them see for themselves what the Morag had done to the Lormallian civilization.
-
For two weeks Andrew and Kala had traveled from one world to the next, pitching joining the Empire. Nearly every world they visited agreed, with the condition that the Empire would help in construction of a defensive grid. After each world signed an agreement, the fleet Andrew was with would leave twenty defensive satellites in orbit, as well as four missile platforms, with promises of much more.
Kala was currently on the surface of Vizen Three, where she spoke with the female governor of the planet. Andrew stood nearby, listening and making comments when necessary.
“You offer much,” said Governor Aspen. “However, I must ensure my people are safe from the Confederation. We ship them one hundred thousand tons of heavy metals every year and have never had a problem with them.”
“I don’t believe the Confederation will allow any Human world to remain neutral in this war,” said Kala. “You do trade with other Human worlds, don’t you?” Kala knew they did, from all the transports in orbit and at the planet’s two large space stations. “What if all that trade is cut off?”
Governor Aspen went silent for a moment. “I have heard of that happening with some worlds,” she admitted. “If I agree to join the Empire, can you guarantee my worlds continued safety?”
“We can promise to defend it,” replied Kala. “In war, nothing is a guarantee.”
“Truthful words,” replied the governor, impressed. “I know you have a large number of supply ships with you, and they contain defensive grid components. What can you offer my world?”
“For now we can put in place twenty defensive satellites and four missile platforms,” answered Andrew. “Within the month we can double that, and, by the end of next month, we can add two ODPs.”
The governor pursed her lips, as she considered the offer. “What about warships?”
“We are positioning a medium-size task force in this sector of the Empire,” answered Andrew. “It will routinely stop by and check on your world. It will be near enough at all times that it can be here within the hour, in case any Confederation ships make an appearance. We will also put some powerful energy shields around both of your space stations, and we can arm them, if you wish.”
Governor Aspen looked from Andrew to Kala. “This war will grow, and I fear none of us will escape it. Bring the papers tomorrow, and I will sign them. For tonight, I have arranged a banquet to celebrate your coming to our world. It is not often a member of the Royal Family ventures out from the core worlds, and we are pleased you came to our planet.”
Kala nodded. “We want to visit as many worlds as possible, and you are more than welcome to come to Golan Four. I’m sure both High Princess Layla and Princess Krista would enjoy meeting you.”
Governor Aspen smiled. “Perhaps someday. I would like to see the Imperial Palace, now that it has been rebuilt. I watched your wedding as well as the wedding of the High Princess, and the Palace seems to have been restored to its former glory.”
“It has, indeed,” replied Kala. “Prince Andrew and I live there, and it’s fabulous. I would be more than glad to show you around someday.”
“I may take you up on that. Now I need to finish making the arrangements for tonight’s banquet. Will you go back to your ship or stay down here?”
“We’ll return to our ship for a few hours,” answered Andrew. “We need to file some reports and to take care of a few things. We’ll be back in plenty of time to attend the banquet.”
-
Later Andrew and Kala were in their quarters, with Andrew sitting behind a large desk, entering information on a computer screen. “You’re becoming a very good diplomat,” he said, smiling at Kala.
“You all tricked me,” replied Kala, shaking her head. “You knew I would have to be involved in some of these negotiations.”
“And you’ve done a great job. We’ve already added eight more star systems to the Empire, and Vizen Three will make nine.”
At that moment alarms sounded, and Captain Barrow’s voice came over the speakers. “Attention, a Morag fleet has dropped out of hyperspace and is inbound. They will be in weapons range in twelve minutes. Condition One has been set throughout the fleet. Stand by for combat.”
“The Morag,” said Kala worriedly, looking at Andrew. “Are we in danger?”
“I don’t know. If we leave, Vizen Three will never rejoin the Empire.”
A knock came on the door, and the female ensign who had been assigned to them came in. “Prince Andrew, Captain Barrow would like you to join him in the Command Center. I’ve made arrangements for two of your attendants to stay with your wife.”
Andrew looked at Kala and then nodded. “Very well, let’s go.”
-
The Morag fleet was commanded by Admiral Brack. His fleet had intercepted several hyperlight communications, indicating a member of the Royal Family was visiting Vizen Three. If Brack could strike quickly enough and kill this Royal, it would be a massive blow to the Human Empire. He had three hundred modern battlecruisers and forty-four heavy battleships. His plan was simple—sweep in and attack before the Humans could jump out. He had already picked out the large dreadnought the Royal must be on. His entire fleet knew it was the primary target.
Increase speed, ordered Brack. We must reach them before they can break orbit and escape.
-
Rear Admiral Carrie frowned, when she saw what came toward her fleet. Not only did she need to defend the High Kingdom and Prince Andrew but she also needed to prevent any attack on the planet. “Send out a request for aid,” she ordered. She didn’t know if any Imperial forces were close enough to respond or not. “Put the fleet into a wedge formation with the High Kingdom in the center. I want the battlecarriers in a double line behind us. Stand by to launch interceptors.” Lira planned on getting in a few missile strikes, and then she would launch her interceptors. She was hoping they would help to even up the battle. “Any response to our plea for help?” She hoped at least one task group was close by.
“Nothing,” answered the communications officer.
Lira leaned back in her chair. It looked as if they were on their own.
-
Andrew made it to the Command Center, escorted by two Imperial Guards. The guards stayed outside in the corridor, with the two heavily armed Marines who were also stationed there.
Upon entering the Command Center, Andrew saw a beehive of activity. Commander Barrow saw him and gestured for Andrew to come stand by his command chair.
“They’re inbound and should be in combat range in a few more minutes,” said Barrow. “I just spoke to Rear Admiral Carrie, and she wants to get off two full missile strikes, before she starts committing her attack interceptors. We have nearly 1,700 of them.”
“They still have us outnumbered, and they have superior firepower,” commented Andrew, as he studied the tactical display. “Any chance of more help coming?”
“Rear Admiral Carrie sent out a request for more ships, but, so far, no one has answered.”
Andrew shifted his gaze to the
main viewscreens. He saw several Morag warships bearing down on the fleet. “What will we do?”
“We have orders to stay in the center of the fleet, which should give us maximum protection,” replied Barrow. “As to how this battle will go, I have no idea.”
-
Kala paced back and forth in her quarters. Two of her attendants were with her, and Kala could tell they were just as frightened as she was. Outside her door were four Imperial Guards. With a deep sigh, she sat down on a comfortable sofa. She could do nothing but wait for Andrew to return.
-
Admiral Brack had his focus on the viewscreens. His powerful arms were folded across his chest, as he took note of the Humans’ fleet formation. Their warships were in a wedge formation, with the ship he was after in the middle. The carriers of their small warcraft were in the rear in a double line formation. He wished he had some of the new light cruisers being built, loaded with point defense, to deal with the small deadly craft. However, they were still four weeks away from the first ones coming out of the shipyards.
Weapons range in one minute, reported the sensor officer.
Weapons are ready to fire, added the tactical officer.
I want a general hit on the leading Human warships, and then I want all our vessels targeting that large dreadnought in the center. The Morag High Council had ordered this strike. This would seriously damage the morale in the Human Empire, making it easier to bring all its worlds back under Confederation control.
-
The Morag fleet entered weapons range and immediately fired. Within microseconds the Human fleet fired as well. Space lit up with titanic explosions, as fusion and antimatter missiles detonated against defensive screens. Energy beams flicked out, seeking a weakness. In the Human fleet, several battlecruisers were blown apart from the initial massive bombardment.
The Forgotten Empire: War for the Empire Page 10