The Star Cross: The Forever War

by Raymond L. Weil

  “Fleet is at Condition One,” reported Andrew as the individual ships reported in.

  Aleea updated tactical information on Kurt’s console screen, which also made things easier. Each heavy battlecruiser had an AI similar to Aleea on board, and she was in constant contact with each one. Pertinent information could be relayed to Andrew almost instantaneously.

  “I’m detecting 347 ships in the vicinity of the station,” Lieutenant Brooks reported. “That does not include the small patrol ships that protect the station.”

  “Shields are up, and weapons are charged,” added Lieutenant Mays. “Are you sure you don’t want to put a KEW round into the Controller Station?”

  Kurt shook his head. That Zero-Point Energy round would completely annihilate the station in a massive explosion. “No, let’s wait and see how they react. Lieutenant Pierce, when the station contacts you, put them over to me.”

  “Yes, sir,” Pierce replied as a light on her comm blinked. She reached out and pressed an icon, sending the message to the admiral’s command console.

  “This is Kubitz Traffic Control. State your business and how many ships will continue on to Kubitz. A standard fee will be charged for all vessels.”

  “This is Fleet Admiral Vickers from Newton,” Kurt replied in a steady voice. “We are here to investigate the unwarranted attack on our embassy and why the government of Kubitz did nothing to prevent it.”

  Silence reigned on the other end of the comm.

  Kurt suspected his response was far different from what had been expected.

  “Your ships are to remain here while we contact the Kubitz government,” the traffic controller ordered. “It will take some time to substantiate your claims.”

  “No,” Kurt replied. “My entire fleet will jump into orbit around Kubitz.”

  “No! No ships are allowed to make a jump within the orbit of the sixth planet,” responded the traffic controller, “or your world will face a heavy fine and penalty, and your ships will be destroyed as soon as they exit hyperspace. Maintain your current position and prepare to be boarded by Lylan Enforcers. For your obstinacy a fine will be levied.”

  “Kurt, a squadron of patrol ships are moving toward us,” reported Andrew as he watched twenty-five small red threat icons leave the vicinity of the station and head toward the Star Cross and her fleet. The small ships were two hundred meters in length and heavily armed.

  “Order your patrol ships to turn around, or I will destroy them,” Kurt said calmly. “If they approach within ten thousand kilometers, my fleet will open fire.”

  “We could just jump to Kubitz,” suggested Andrew as he watched the tactical display anxiously.

  “No,” Kurt replied. He still felt the anger over the senseless deaths of Marvin Tenner, the Marines, and the staff at the embassy. He intended to show the Controllers and the Kubitz government they had made a serious mistake. It was time for an example to be made.

  No response came from the traffic controller, and, on the tactical display, the twenty-five patrol ships steadily drew closer. Behind them several hundred more gathered. It was obvious, if this first squadron failed, then others would be sent.

  “I’m picking up a marked increase in communication traffic between the other ships around the station,” Lieutenant Pierce informed the admiral. “Some are talking about jumping out if there’s any weapons fire.”

  “Patrol ships have raised their shields, and I’m detecting targeting scans,” reported Lieutenant Mays, her eyes narrowing. “I don’t believe they’ll turn around. Permission to fire?”

  “The ships around the station are powering up, and a few are moving away,” reported Lieutenant Brooks. “They must want to avoid getting between any weapons fire from the Controller Station and our fleet.”

  Kurt looked at the nearby tactical display. Normally hundreds of ships were around the station, conducting business. Now a large number were moving away.

  “Twenty thousand kilometers and closing,” reported Lieutenant Brooks. “No indication the patrol ships are slowing.”

  This didn’t surprise Kurt; the patrol ships were equipped with the best weapons and shield technology known to Kubitz. The crews probably felt they were safe behind their energy shields.

  “Fifteen thousand kilometers and closing,” said Lieutenant Brooks in a steady voice.

  “Fleet weapons are locked on targets,” reported Lieutenant Mays. “All ships will fire force beams. We should achieve a 100 percent kill rate on the inbound patrol ships.”

  “From my analysis of their energy screens, the force beams will cut right through them,” said Aleea. “They do not understand the power source of our ships.”

  “This is your last warning,” Kurt said into his comm. “If your ships don’t turn back now, I will destroy them.”

  No reply came, and, on the tactical display, Kurt saw the ships crossing the ten-thousand-kilometer mark.

  “Ninety-eight hundred kilometers,” reported Lieutenant Brooks in a subdued voice.

  “Lieutenant Mays, they’re all yours,” Kurt said coldly.

  “Firing,” said Lieutenant Mays as she pressed several icons on her tactical console.

  -

  From the Star Cross and the twenty heavy battlecruisers, beams of deadly energy shot out, striking the energy screens of the incoming patrol ships. The beams cut through the shields as if they weren’t even there. In twenty-five blinding explosions, the patrol ships simply disintegrated as the force beams disrupted the atoms which comprised the ships’ structures. When the explosions died away, all that remained were a few small clouds of glowing space dust. The battle had lasted less than ten seconds.

  -

  “Targets destroyed,” reported Lieutenant Brooks.

  “No damage to any of our ships,” added Andrew. “They didn’t get a shot off.”

  “Their other ships have stopped,” said Aleea. “I believe they recognize they’re outmatched. I’m detecting an increase in communication between the station and Kubitz.”

  Kurt gazed at one of the viewscreens, showing the rapidly fading glow from the site of the destroyed patrol ships. “Set a course for Kubitz. Put us into orbit ten thousand kilometers above the capital. Keep the fleet at Condition One and bring our energy shields up as soon as we exit hyperspace.” In the past it would have taken a few seconds for the screens to power up. However, with the Glaymon technology made available, the screens would snap into place as soon as the ships exited hyperspace.

  “All ships are ready to jump,” confirmed Andrew.

  “Course set,” reported Lieutenant Pierce.

  “Confirmed,” added Aleea.

  “Initiate jump,” ordered Kurt as he stared anxiously at the main viewscreen.

  Kubitz was the fourth planet out from the system’s sun, so it would only take them a few seconds to reach their target. Kurt felt a slight wrenching sensation and then almost immediately afterward a second one. On the main viewscreen, a planet appeared, slightly larger than Earth and rotating a bit faster, making the days only twenty-two hours. The gravity was also slightly less at 96 percent Earth normal. The planet was heavily industrialized with a lot of pollution. A muddy and acidic rain fell several times a day. The primary sections of the larger cities had an environmental dome protecting them from the extreme weather the planet was known for. Several remote areas of the planet practiced weather control where crops and food animals were grown. These areas were far away from the cities to make controlling the weather less expensive.

  “In orbit,” reported Andrew as he gazed at one of the viewscreens showing the planet.

  “Shields are up on all ships, and we’re at Condition One,” added Lieutenant Mays. “Weapons are ready to fire.”

  “We’re being hit by numerous targeting scans,” reported Lieutenant Brooks. “Scans are coming from defensive platforms and several squadrons of Kubitz warships. The nearest squadron is coming around and is heading toward us.”

  “Lieutenant Pierce, se
t the comm for a general broadcast on all frequencies.” Kurt waited a moment and then spoke. “Attention, this is Fleet Admiral Kurt Vickers of Newton. We are here to investigate the attack on our embassy which resulted in the loss of numerous lives. No interference will be tolerated. Any vessel or defense station that fires on this fleet will be destroyed.”

  Lieutenant Brooks studied her sensors, then looked at the admiral. “I don’t think they’re listening. Two of the Class One defensive platforms are powering up their weapons in preparation to fire.”

  “Their weapons cannot penetrate our shields,” Aleea informed Kurt. “Nothing in orbit is a threat to our vessels.”

  “Admiral, should I destroy those two platforms?” asked Lieutenant Mays, her fingers poised over her console.

  Kurt shook his head. “No, not yet. Let them fire so we can demonstrate their weapons are no threat. Target the two platforms with our particle beam cannons. On my command, we will destroy them. Then send the code word to all the platforms Lomatz sold them and shut them down.” That should shake them up.

  “Platforms are firing,” reported Aleea.

  -

  Direct energy cannons fired from two of Kubitz’s large defensive platforms, sending beams of intense power toward one of the Newton ships. The beams slammed into the energy screen of the warship but failed to penetrate. For several minutes the beams continued, and then the platforms fired their hypermissiles. Fifty-kiloton explosions ravaged the screens of several Newton ships, including the Star Cross, lighting up space from the brilliance of their detonations. Nuclear energy raced across the defensive screens, seeking a weakness. None were found. The attack stopped, and the fiery glow of nuclear energy faded away, leaving Kurt’s fleet in full view of Kubitz.

  -

  “Shields are holding at 92 percent,” reported Lieutenant Mays.

  “Fire!” ordered Kurt, leaning forward in his command chair. “Destroy those two platforms, and shut the others down.”

  On the main viewscreen, two dark-blue energy beams darted from the bow of the Star Cross. Both beams struck the protective energy screen of one of the defensive platforms. For a moment the screen flared up brightly, and then the two beams penetrated. They played across the platform’s structure, ripping it open. Then, in a titanic explosion, the platform blew apart.

  “Target the second platform,” ordered Kurt, his voice firm and determined.

  Once again, the two beams lashed out with the same result. The second platform blew apart, sending flaming debris across space. Several nearby ships hurriedly moved away to escape the flying wreckage.

  “Sending the code word,” reported Lieutenant Mays. “Platforms are shutting down.”

  Kurt nodded. He suspected they were causing quite a commotion in the defensive Commander Center on Kubitz.

  “A lot of the ships in orbit are powering up and pulling away from the planet,” reported Lieutenant Brooks. “Everyone’s afraid of what’ll happen next.”

  “Some of those ships are talking about jumping out,” added Lieutenant Pierce.

  “Contact Kubitz’s Traffic Control and inform them, if one more of their defensive platforms or any of their ships fire on any ship of this fleet, we will completely destroy their defensive grid.”

  Lieutenant Pierce spoke on her comm and then turned toward Kurt. “They will not fire on us again.”

  “Inform them we will be visiting the Controller Exchange and will land at the main spaceport. We will not accept any resistance, or the planet will be targeted.”

  Andrew looked at Kurt in surprise. “Would you really target the planet?”

  “Yes,” Kurt replied, his focus on Andrew. “The slave auction sites first.”

  Andrew nodded his agreement at this. His wife and daughter had nearly been sold at one of the slave auctions. He had no problem seeing them destroyed.

  -

  A few hours later Kurt exited a shuttle on the surface of the main spaceport on Kubitz. Andrew had stayed on board the Star Cross in case something went south on the planet. A second shuttle also touched down close by.

  “Everything looks secure,” Lieutenant Jones reported from Kurt’s side. The lieutenant had brought with him twelve Marines, all in body armor, to protect the fleet admiral.

  Sergeant Evans exited the second shuttle, followed by ten large combat robots, imposing and towering over the Marines.

  Surveying the spaceport, Kurt noticed a substantial lack of activity from the norm. Usually work robots were busily loading shuttles and small spacecraft. Vehicles would be zooming back and forth, hauling freight. Today the only movement he saw was on the far side of the spaceport, away from where the shuttles had landed.

  “Let’s get to the Controller Exchange,” Kurt ordered. “I have some papers to present to Controller Kelmor.” He had been the one to assess the fines on Newton the last time Kurt was on Kubitz. This time it would be the other way around.

  It took a few minutes to arrive at the entrance to the Controller Exchange, where they found a large “welcoming” committee. A number of Lylan Enforcers stood at the entrance, barring their way.

  “Hold,” demanded the one in charge. “You are not allowed inside the exchange.” The Lylans were humanoid with large muscular arms and legs and a squat chest. They came from a high-gravity world and served as Enforcers for the Controllers and the Kubitz government.

  “On whose orders?” Kurt was curious how this would play out. The Marines and combat robots moved closer, standing just behind him.

  “By orders of the government of Kubitz and the Controllers. You may have your people at your embassy brought to the spaceport for transport to your ships. Your embassy compound has been confiscated by the Kubitz government, and the presence of your people will no longer be allowed on the planet. However, before your people are allowed to leave your former embassy, Controller Kelmor has instructed me to inform you that all your assets have been confiscated, including all credits registered with the exchange. There will also be a forty-million-credit fine for destroying the patrol ships. Once the fine has been paid, your people may leave.”

  “And if we refuse?” asked Kurt, his eyes narrowing sharply.

  “Your people will be seized and sold on the slave markets as a down payment on your fine.”

  “I wish to see Kelmor.” Kurt had no intentions of playing games with the Enforcers or the Controllers. Kurt would be the one making demands, not them.

  The Enforcer shook his head. “No, there will be no admittance.”

  Kurt sighed and looked at Lieutenant Jones and nodded.

  At a signal from the lieutenant, the combat robots immediately raised their arms and stunned all the Enforcers, dropping them to the ground.

  Kurt gazed at the prostrate Lylans. “Sergeant Evans, take four combat robots and clear a path to Kelmor’s office.” Sergeant Evans had been here before with Kurt and knew where Kelmor’s office was.

  Sergeant Evans immediately took the four robots and entered the exchange building. Almost instantly, the sound of stunners going off could be heard.

  “Lieutenant Jones, remain out here with the rest of the combat robots and our Marines. If any Enforcers come near, stun them.”

  “Yes, Admiral,” Jones replied.

  Kurt turned and entered the building, escorted by Corporal Edison and two Marines.

  As Kurt walked through the corridors to the Controller’s office, he was surprised to see all the Enforcers that Sergeant Evans and his combat robots had stunned. Evidently the Controllers had decided not to take any chances on Kurt reaching Kelmor. Finally Kurt reached Kelmor’s office, finding two combat robots standing guard outside. Kurt ordered the Marines with him to join the two robots and guard the corridor. “I don’t want to be interrupted while I’m talking to the Controller.”

  “You won’t be,” promised Corporal Edison.

  Opening the door and stepping inside, he saw an enraged Controller sitting behind his desk with two Lylan Enforcers standing close by
. Neither reached for their weapons as two combat robots had their stunners pointed at them. Sergeant Evans was also in the room standing behind the robots.

  “I will not stand for this outrage,” said Kelmor, his voice angry. “I am a Controller, and, as such, my word is law. No one may challenge or threaten any of us. I am assessing an additional fine of fifty million credits for what you have done.”

  Kurt stood before Kelmor. He eyed the Controller coldly, his expression showing no mercy. “There will be no fine, not now or ever! All assets belonging to Newton will immediately be returned to us. I am not asking. I am demanding.”

  Kelmor laughed. “Fool, this is Kubitz. We are the law here.”

  Kurt studied Kelmor for a long moment. “Very well, it’s obvious you need some encouragement.” Reaching into his pocket, Kurt took out a small transmitter. “Andrew, begin phase one. Destroy the target.”

  Kelmor’s eyes widened in concern at hearing this. “What are you doing?”

  “Your comm unit will buzz shortly. I suggest you listen to what they have to say but take no actions.”

  -

  On board the Star Cross, Andrew grinned with anticipation. Finally the Gothan Empire would pay for what they had put his family through as well as for nuking Earth.

  “Lieutenant Mays, destroy our primary target.”

  “With pleasure, Captain,” Mays responded as she targeted the largest shipyard in orbit above Kubitz. The planet maintained a large number of shipyards, most of them automated. There would be no loss of life but the shipyard by itself would cost Kubitz several billion credits.

  “Locking on with our direct-energy projectors.” In the past these weapons would have been stopped by the shipyard’s protective energy shield. However, due to the Glaymons’ equipping the Star Cross with a Zero-Point Energy module for power, the beams were now twenty times more powerful than they were before.

  “Fire!” ordered Andrew, his gaze glued to the main viewscreen, which was focused on the target.

  -

  Instantly, from eight locations on the hull of Kurt’s battleship, direct-energy projectors fired, sending a massive stream of energy toward the huge shipyard. For a few moments the shipyard’s energy screen glowed brightly as it resisted the sudden surge of energy striking the screen, and then it collapsed. The energy beams struck the hull of the shipyard, melting the material and penetrating deep inside.