by Saxon Andrew
Rory shook his head, “At least they have a use for the locals; we just exterminate them.”
Meredith nodded, “There is that, Sir.”
Rory looked at Lisa, “Get the Battleships to start vaporizing the derelict enemy ships, except for the one closest to the planet, and make sure all of the survivors on our ships are removed before we destroy them.”
“Sir, you don’t think another enemy force will be coming?” Meredith asked.”
“Tell Captain Kuchen to get six-Scout Wings out in the gap between the Perseus Arm and the Norma Arm to let us know if they detect anything moving our way. I don’t think their communications will reach any of their other planets or they wouldn’t have sent those two-warships toward the Norma Arm.”
“Ys, Sir. What do you want to do about the planet?”
“What would you suggest, Captain Legion?”
“Kill the Carnivores and leave the locals.”
Rory stared at her, “Why would I do that?”
“You know what we’ve done here is going to be found out by them eventually, Sir. I suspect they will eliminate the locals when they come back and I think they’ve been through hell already. Besides, if they send another fleet here, it will make them weaker at another location. Either way, we don’t need to waste our energy to do it. The sooner we get out of here, the better, Sir.”
Rory stared at her and smiled, “You’re not getting soft on me are you, Captain?”
“No, Sir. I’m not getting hardened, either.”
Rory pressed a button on his panel, “Captain Kuchen.”
“Da, Admiral.”
“Launch the Attack Sleds and tell them to take out the Carnivores on the planet. Do not waste time going after the local population, we need to get moving.”
“Da, Admiral.”
“One more thing. I want you to launch the two-Space-Tugs you have on board and I want that Alien Warship closest to the planet taken back to Earth to be examined. Make sure they use an extra-long cable to tow it.”
“Do you not think it will self-destruct?”
“It appears that bridge was destroyed on that ship; I suspect the self-destruct circuit has to be set off manually. Admiral Donovan says there are no surviving lifeforms on that vessel.”
“I will order it immediately.”
Rory sat back and looked up at the wall monitor showing the four Carriers and saw thousands of Attack Sleds launching.
• • •
Harry flew in toward the planet’s surface and flew in on a city next to an ocean. He saw his computer target a group of strange looking creatures and he fired his bow-disruptor at them. He saw a large number of beings inside a fenced in area appear to be cheering. He thought about going back and killing them as well…but…he rather liked being cheered. He spent the rest of the day seeing if he could only hit the strange looking aliens. He rather enjoyed the response he received. He did have a new form to paint on his Sled.
Chapter Seven
Rory’s Fleet arrived back at Earth to a hero’s welcome. The giant alien warship he brought back had the Tech’s salivating and General Thorpe forced himself to smile and praise the Admiral he detested. He heard Bentley’s recordings and would have taken action against Admiral Mankin but knew he would be on thin ice if he tried. That stupid idiot should have kept his big mouth shut. Now it was going to be next to impossible to get one of his men inside Mankin’s Fleet. And to make matters worse, Admiral Nelson was promoted to the Commander of the Service Leaders. What could he do? He still had command of the defense installations above Earth but his influence was slipping. The poison that killed one of the Service Leaders was traced back to one of his subordinates but he managed to get him killed before he could testify against him. Now he was assigned to one of the of the orbiting satellites. His options didn’t look good at taking back control of the military.
• • •
Rory was given command of Earth’s Fleets and plans were being made to go out and take on the Brax Civilization. Earth knew the name of their enemy now; it had been extracted from one of the computers on the Alien Warship. The Techs were working feverishly to develop new weapons and the Alien Ship was a treasure trove of information to make that possible. But changes take time and time was a gift that one could never be counted on receiving. Admiral Nelson dispatched a mini-carrier to each of the two-planets Admiral Mankin had fought the Brax. If they showed up, it would be at those planets. The Mini-carriers arrived and launched their full complements of Scout Ships. So far, nothing had shown up.
• • •
Rory sat down at the table and Kuchen smiled, “I’ve ordered your favorite.”
“Sorry, I’m late. I just can’t get away from the Techs.”
“What’s going on?”
Rory shrugged, “Now that they have an Alien Warship, they’ve figured out that its hull is about two-feet thick and as hard as a cruel woman’s heart. They’ve decided to change the power spikes.”
“Really?”
“Yes. They’ve also been able to build spikes of the same material as the tridents and they’re making them hollow.”
“Why would they do that?”
“Ae you really interested in this?”
“I am, Admiral.”
“What happened to the Da?”
Kuchen shrugged, “It’s just you and me and you’ve found me out.”
The new power spikes will be smooth surfaced when launched. When the ball strikes something, spikes will be blown out of the balls by an explosive charge inside them. The spikes are three feet long so they should penetrate the Alien’s Vessel’s hulls. The explosion inside the ball will shoot through the hollow spikes and blow into the Alien’s interior.”
“That sounds nasty.”
“I was late while they trialed one on the Alien derelict. It was impressive.”
“Those Techs have an evil soul.”
“No, they’re like kids building toys. Admiral Nelson has secretly sent some of them out to the colonized planets to work on building weapons there.”
“Why would he do that?”
Rory looked around and said, “Things can change pretty quickly around here. He doesn’t want the colonies to be hung out to dry if things go south.”
“I still don’t see how he could have sent Techs without being caught doing it.”
“They retired and went to join their families.”
Kuchen chuckled, “That would work. Maybe Thorpe was right about going out and attacking other habitable planets.”
Rory shrugged, “Six of the thirteen did not pose a threat to us. I still don’t like killing for killing’s sake.”
“But it worked out.”
I guess.” The waiter arrived with their meals and, after they finished and left the restaurant, went back to the table and took a device out from under it. He finished cleaning and went outside the back of the restaurant and listened to what was recorded. He smiled and played it into his communication device and started to press the send button just before a disruptor beam vaporized his head. The Marine Colonel walked forward and picked up both devices. The next day Rory was warned to say nothing in public that he didn’t want heard by Thorpe. Nelson wondered what Thorpe was planning.
• • •
Meredith Legion sat on Pass-a-grille Beach in St. Petersburg and watched the small waves roll in. The Gulf of Mexico wasn’t large enough to produce large waves without a storm. It was a slightly cool day and the breeze felt wonderful in the hot Florida Sun. “Tell me about what’s going on.”
Meredith looked at Joey Bartolo and shook her head, “I don’t discuss business on my personal time. That’s why I’m here, to get away from it.”
“But you know I have to be curious about all that’s happening. Come on!”
Meredith sighed, “I’ll sum it up in one sentence. An advanced Alien Civilization attacked us and we’re returning the favor. Now let it go.”
“I thought you attacked planets that didn�
��t have advanced civilization.”
Meredith exhaled and lifted her purse. She reached in and pressed a button on her communicator. She appeared to be rummaging around but she kept her eyes on the communicator. A moment later, a red-light came on. Rory was right. She looked at Joey and smiled, “If you have all the answers, why are you asking me? Would you mind getting me a soda?”
“No, not at all. I’ll be right back.”
Meredith looked in her purse and the red-light was out. She lifted it and spoke quickly, “I’m being monitored.”
“Here’s what I want you to tell them.”
She listened and her eyebrows came together, “Are you sure about that?”
“I am.”
Meredith saw Joey come running back and she ended the call. The red-light illuminated and she said, “Thanks.”
“No, problem. Do you miss going out to find new colony planets?”
Meredith smiled, “You don’t give up, do you?”
“I’m stuck here on Earth and never hear anything about what’s going on out in space. I can’t help it.”
Meredith shrugged, “My Commander wishes we had General Thorpe back in power.”
“Why?”
“Because he didn’t mind going out and taking possession of habitable planets no matter what was living on them. However, we have to handle this Alien problem before we can do that again.”
“I thought the Navy was against the General.”
Meredith detested him, no matter how good-looking he was, but she managed a smile, “I suppose some do. But Admiral Mankin feels differently. We lost a lot of our fleet along with the colony ships at a planet we cleansed. He wants to just ignore the Aliens but he’s not being allowed to do that.”
“Why would he want to ignore them? Aren’t they a danger?”
“They’re a very long way from here and the galaxy is a big space. They may never find us. It would at least give us time to build up our forces.”
“That makes sense. How about a swim?”
“Lead the way.”
• • •
Meredith arrived back on board the New York and Lisa walked over and whispered, “We need to talk.”
Meredith saw Lisa was troubled and she said, “Let’s go check your cables to see if there’s a problem.” The walked off the bridge and Meredith led her to a hatch in the second-deck’s floor. She pulled it up and went down the ladder. Lisa followed her and Meredith smiled, “Nothing electronic will function here. The interference is too much.”
Lisa looked around at the massive cables running through the room and said, “I’ve been asked to accept a bribe.”
Meredith’s eyes narrowed, “By who?”
“Lt. Howard in the disruptor crew.”
“What did he offer?”
“A million for me to record everything that’s said or communicated on the New York.”
“Are you serious?” Lisa nodded. “What did you tell him?”
“That I would record everything and, if we survived the next battle, I’d settle up with him.” Meredith stared at her and Lisa said, “I suspect if I refused, I’d not be making the next voyage.”
“You’re probably right about that. I’ll handle Lt. Howard. You just record things that don’t look favorable to Admiral Nelson.”
“What’s going on?”
“I don’t know, Lisa. But I think you’re not the only one on the bridge that has been contacted. The right price can buy most anyone.”
“I hate this!”
“I know. Just let me know if anyone else contacts you.”
“I will.”
They climbed out of the room and Meredith said, “I told you it wasn’t anything you did. The cables were too close together.”
“Thank you for helping me sort it out, Captain.”
Meredith smiled and looked at her communicator. The red-light was glowing brightly. She spent the next week wandering around the bridge until she found the strongest signal. The new Tactical Scanner Officer had a device inside his panel. She’d keep an eye on him to determine if he knew about it. She walked around the ship and found more devices in several consoles. Rory had to know what was happening.
• • •
Rory arrived on the bridge and Meredith said, “Take a girl out to eat, Sir.”
Rory stared at her and saw something in her eyes, “Where would you like to go?”
“Anywhere but here. I know you need to bring me up to date on our orders but I’m starting to get stir-crazy.”
“Sure, let’s take a shuttle down to Tampa.”
Meredith smiled, “That would be fabulous.”
They boarded a small shuttle craft and left the New York’s landing bay. She saw Rory about to speak and she quickly put her index finger over his mouth. She lifted her communicator and he saw a red-light glowing on it. She lowered her eyes and he nodded, “Where would you like to go?”
“Let’s land and drive around a little bit. I don’t get to Tampa much anymore.”
The Shuttle landed at Tampa International and a car was waiting for them. Meredith walked around it and the red-light was out. They drove off and Meredith started to speak but the red-light immediately illuminated. She held it out where he could see it and he shook his head, “Let’s head downtown, shall we?”
“That would be great.” Rory made a sudden left-turn and the red-light went out; a moment later, it came back on. He glanced at the ceiling and Meredith nodded. They were being scanned by a satellite. She said, “How about you and I going to a place I used to work.”
“Give me directions.”
“Turn right here.” Rory followed her directions as they made small talk until Meredith said, “Turn in here.”
Rory turned into a parking lot outside a Strip-Joint. His head went back and Meredith smiled, “Come on in and I’ll introduce you.”
They walked through the door and Meredith gave the girl at the door her credit card. “If you worked here, why are they making you pay?”
“I’ve never worked here; don’t be ridiculous.”
“But…”
Meredith held up her communicator and the red-light was out, “These establishments are shielded far more than our military installations. They don’t want their clientele to be spied on and blackmailed. We can talk freely here but keep an eye on the door. I suspect they’ll be sending someone to see what we’re doing.”
“Who is they?” Rory asked.
“I don’t know, but here’s what’s going on.” Meredith quickly told him what was happening and Rory’s eyes showed his anger. They heard a car brake hard outside the front entrance and Rory said, “Looks like our time is up.”
Meredith smiled as two-men came through the front-entrance and took a table just to the right of where they were sitting. “How do you like the place, Admiral?”
“Not my kind of establishment. But I can see the staff is highly motivated.”
“Sorry, my fault. I thought you being a sailor you might want to kick the night off here. Meredith moved her communicator slightly and Rory saw the red-light was illuminated.”
“I can cover you with our orders.”
“What’s up?”
“We’re going to wait for the Aliens to go to one of the two-planets we fought them. We have scouts there waiting and we’re going to use the time to get our fleet ready.”
“Any idea on how long that might be?”
“No; I’m surprised they haven’t gone to check up on the planet we attacked.”
“They might not be going there.”
“Why do you say that?”
“If they’re anything like the carnivores on Earth, they had specific territories they defend against encroachment from anything and that includes other carnivores in their species.”
“That could mean that they have no idea about the first planet they attacked us?”
Meredith nodded, “I hope they don’t find us; we could go back to claiming habitable planets again.”
>
Rory nodded and forced himself to smile, “That is a lot safer than fighting those monster ships. We can only hope you’re right about this.”
“Hey, do you like Italian?”
“Love it.”
“I know a place. Let’s get out of here; it brings back bad memories.”
Rory stood up and dropped a twenty on the table. They walked out and the two-men remained inside. The two fleet officers were now back in satellite coverage.
They went back to the car and Rory’s communicator vibrated. He looked at Meredith, “It’s Admiral Nelson.”
“What does the old bag want now?”
Rory shrugged before saying, “Yes, Sir.”
“I thought I ordered you to your ship, Admiral!”
“I went to Tampa to discuss our orders, Sir.”
“Both of you report to my office, immediately!!”
“Yes, Sir.” The call ended and Rory looked at Meredith, “Where’s the General when you need him.”
Meredith sighed, “I’m sorry I caused this, Sir.”
“Let’s go take our medicine.”
• • •
Thorpe received the recordings and smiled, perhaps he had this Admiral all wrong. Now, how was he going to use him?
• • •
They arrived in Admiral Nelson’s office and Nelson said, “Take a seat.” They sat down and Nelson said, “I don’t know what’s going on but all of my General Officers are being monitored.”
“What do you think he’s up to, Sir?”
“I don’t know but he is in command of our defenses above Earth. I’ve set you up so he might see you as an Alley. If you find out, I need to know.”
“We’re being monitored everywhere we went today and there are also devices on my ship.”
“How do you know that?”
Rory looked at Meredith, “She can track them.”
Nelson looked at her and Meredith shrugged, “Sir, my brother is an Electronic Professor at Cal Poly. He added the tracker in my communicator and told me to keep it quiet.”