Admiral Dorg stood up and walked around to face the Ambassador and said, “You’re right. They have to be crazy; or they found the thing that would make it work. It is part of our culture that we never betray a clan. When we agreed to their clan membership, they became part of our family. Incidentally, we didn’t come up with the idea. One of their leaders saw it in us and suggested it to us. They also taught us something else that was alien to our culture, tolerance. We have always shot first and asked questions later. They showed us the benefit of looking at everyone as a possible ally instead of an enemy. We agreed to change that part of our culture to insure we could be trusted with their technology. My warning to you was the first part of keeping our word. I couldn’t just let you walk in blindly to what I knew was waiting for you in the Humans system.”
Tgon-Gee sat there in silence and thought about what he had just learned. If he had been in the Humans place, he would have destroyed the Cainth down to the last one. He thought about all the attacks his world had made against other races and thought about all the hostility that those races must feel toward his people. Would his people one day face an invasion fleet set on revenge? If his fleet had been part of the attack and all their ships were destroyed; then how many races would be headed toward his home world bent on revenge? He could think of twelve off the top of his head and the universe would say good riddance to the Glod. A warrior culture was a grand thing until it became an end unto itself. He looked at his Fleet Admiral and could see his own thoughts reflected in his face. “What are you going to do now?” he asked the Cainth leaders.
“Why fight with our clan brothers against the Alliance. We see now that the paranoia of the Alliance has infected all its members to the point where growth and development is impossible. Anyone that grows strong is a danger. Anyone that chooses their own destiny is to be destroyed. Their only answer to difference is destruction. If we perish in this fight, it’s a fight worth dying for. We will stand with our Clan brothers.’ All the Cainth in the room stood up and said, “Clan Brothers.”
“What do you expect me to do with this information I possess about the last battle? You had me watch for a reason; what is that reason?”
Terl looked at Tgon-Gee and said, “Our human clan brothers suggested that the Glod might make a good seventeenth clan if they too can commit to being tolerant. However you decide, we gave you the information with no expectations; do with it whatever you must. We have learned that to stand by and let an ally perish when it could be prevented places a debt on your soul that will eventually be paid. We think it was the right thing to do.”
Tgon-Gee looked around the room and said, “I will never betray your trust. I, too, will not stand by and let you be endangered if I can warn you. I will consider your offer and if I choose to act on it, I will want to meet with these Humans before I make a decision. Until then, thank you for your warning; it saved my race. With that he stood and left the room and went back to his ship.
The Vgrig Warleader sat in State Leader Sten’s office with Headman Dgzh recording the proceedings. “Please explain to me how you lost 4,800 ships to the Humans,” Stein said. According to your recordings, they only had 900 ships.”
“State Leader, you told me they only had 140 ships,” the Warleader replied forcefully. “You also didn’t mention the shield around their planet.”
Sten looked at the Warleader and said, “Shield? What do you mean shield?”
“I lost my entire fleet at the Humans home world to that shield. Our weapons only made it stronger and when we attempted to crash ten ships into it, the orbital installations fired energy beam more than five segs wide destroying those ships and the rest of my fleet.”
Sten looked shocked and Dgzh couldn’t believe what he was hearing. “There wasn’t a shield during the last invasion,” Dgzh said.
“Well there is now. Look at this record of the event.” The Warleader then played the recording of the beams that wiped out his 800 ships. “The only reason we survived is because we were beyond the range of those beams. Their ships also have a beam similar to the one you see here on their ships that we can’t match in power.”
“I lost 800 of my ships to those beams. The other 4000 ships were destroyed by those warships you see in the recording of the fleet action. We were only able to destroy 240 of their ships.”
“Do you think they have more ships than what we see here?” Stein asked.
The Warleader thought for a few moments and said, “I don’t know for sure but if 5,000 warships invaded your home system, would you hold any back?”
Stein and Dgzh looked at each other and Dgzh said, “He makes a good point State Leader. It would take very big nadgets to not use your entire inventory. I think it must be especially true since that screen around the planet is new and has not been tested in battle before now.”
“How many ships would be needed to defeat the Human fleet, Warleader?” Sten asked.
“At least 8,000; I don’t know what you can do about the shield around the planet.”
“We’ll talk to our scientists about that. If it absorbs energy, perhaps it can be drained. Do you want to lead the next Attack?”
‘It depends on what forces you give me to get the job done.”
Stein looked at Dgzh and said, “Contact the Safety Prime Council and set up a conference.”
The three of them sat in Steins office and waited for the Council to contact them. Stein was extremely nervous because of all the ships that had been destroyed when he had portrayed these Humans as no threat. “There’s no getting around it; they have to approve the next step,” he thought. I guess they will tell us what to do.”
The wall screen lit up with the ten members of the council. “State Leader, we have received some news that troubles us greatly,” the Councilman in the center stated. “Is it true that our entire fleet was destroyed by these so called weak Humans?”
“Yes Council Member it has. This Vgrig Warleader led our fleet and he can answer any questions you might have. I have relayed all his recordings to your consoles for your review.”
“Stand by.” Then the ten looked at the recordings of the battle and Stein could tell they were getting angrier by the moment. He could see them say something to each other but his console was not included in their discussion so he wasn’t sure about what was being said. After more than a drag the center member of the Council said, “Where did the Humans get this screen they use?”
Stein looked at Dgzh who responded, “Our Ambassador noted more than ninety stellar rotations ago that one of their scientists had developed it. We assigned an engineer to study it and he confirmed that it was invented. He traced the work done in the labs and it was not Alfont technology but something they developed. His summary was that it was nothing more than an excellent storage battery that made good use of solar power.”
The ten talked among themselves again and then said, “It appears to be much more that a storage battery. They have developed it into quite a weapons system. We can’t allow this insolence to go unpunished. This race must be totally annihilated. How do you propose we accomplish this State Leader?”
“We were discussing that and the Warleader says it will take 8,000 ships to destroy their fleet and our scientists will have to find a way to drain the screen around their planet.”
“Why only 8000 ships, State leader?”
“We think that the 900 ships they used in the battle represent their total inventory. They lost 240 of those in the battle. I contacted you to make sure I was taking the correct actions before we responded again.”
The ten again talked among themselves and then asked, “Who is going to lead the next attack?”
The Warleader has agreed to do so if we provide him with enough support.”
‘We thought you were going to use the Glod to lead the fleet.”
“That was our plan, but they contributed more than 600 ships to the initial attack and all their ships were destroyed. They have requested half a stellar rot
ation to complete the religious ceremonies for their lost personnel. I also understand that they have sent half their remaining ships to protect the Cainth who lost all their ships. Quite frankly, they have too much going on to provide much help. I asked them about it after the battle and they rightly pointed out that there are more than 500 members that have not contributed any ships.”
There was more discussion among the ten and then they said, “We accept the Vgrig to lead the next battle, however we don’t agree to 8000 ships.” The Warleader stood up and started to protest but then the council said, “We will send the rest of our initial reserve of 17,000 ships. We will not make the mistake of underestimating these humans again.”
Stein, Dgzh, and the Warleader were all stunned by what was being done. “Did I hear you correctly excellently; 17,000 warships?”
“The authorization is on your console. Find a way to get thru that planetary screen and destroy every living thing on that planet. Start with their fleet.”
“Yes council members. We will do as you order.”
The Warleader thought, “Over 17,000 ships to get my vengeance;” but a small voice in the back of his mind said, “By the creator, I hope it’s enough.”
Chapter 7
Tag and Danielle were sitting at a table with the people that made the critical decisions about the survival of the Human race. The Director, the Central Command Staff, and the Special Forces Team had just entered the room and were saying hello while they waited for the Director to call the Meeting to order. Danielle leaned over and said quietly to Tag, “I want some quiet time after this meeting; so don’t get tied up with anything.”
Tag looked at his wife and she could see his love but then he said, “I have to talk with Kosiev after this meeting and because he isn’t going to like what I have to say. I’ll need you there to help me. Then we will take some free time.”
Danielle said, “Ok if you insist.” Then when he looked away and she stuck her tongue out at him.
“Now you know I can sense if someone is looking at me. I saw that,” Tag said laughing.
“I thought you would. I’ll just call Eric and Leila and tell them we can’t make it.”
“Can’t make what, you didn’t tell me you had plans?”
“Yes I did.”
“Let’s hope we don’t get tied up very long.”
“Alright everyone, it’s time to get started,” Director Nicole said. “Take your seats.” Everyone sat down and the room got quiet. “This meeting is only for Humans. Our Cainth brothers will be covered after we discuss our options and decide where we go from here. I think we all know that the next Alliance response will be considerably larger and we should decide how we are going to handle it. Admiral Kosiev, do you have any suggestions.”
Kosiev stood up and said, “I would like to with hold my comments until I hear from Mr. Gardner. He has formulated our strategy to this point and has been remarkably successful if that is ok with you, Madam Director.”
Director Nicole looked at Tag and said, “Mr. Gardner, do you have any ideas?”
Tag stood up and looked around the room and said, “I do but I hope someone has a better suggestion.”
“Go ahead, Mr. Gardner.”
“The time for subterfuge is over but we need to convince the Alliance that we only have the 660 ships that survived the last attack.” Tag looked around the room then said, “And we have to make it look like we’ve lost them attacking the Alliance fleet before it jumps to our system.”
Kosiev stood up and said, “You mean let the Alliance destroy our ships.”
“Yes, that’s exactly what I mean.”
“Why? Those are good crews on those ships. Why do they have to lose their life?”
“I know. The crews won’t be in danger; the ships that jump in to attack the Alliance fleet while they are assembling will be remote controlled by one ship that will have their attack patterns programmed in and will implement them as the situation calls for it.”
Kosiev looked at Tag and said, “Its Ross all over again, isn’t it Tag?”
Tag looked at Kosiev and said, “That’s the second time you called me by my name. Yes. I’ll be the one with those ships.”
Danielle jumped up and said, “Oh no you won’t; I’ll not allow it.” Right behind her the whole room started protesting about his decision. He just stood there and listened until the Director called for order.
Director Nicole said, “Why do you have to do it that way?”
Tag said, “I don’t. If anyone has a better idea that would lure the Alliance fleet to our planet, then I’m all ears. After they destroy those 600 hundred ships then they will chase the remainder to the planet to finish the job. As long as they see more than 600, they won’t come in system.”
“Why is it so important for them to come to the planet?” Danielle asked.
Tag looked at her and said, “Because we are going to use all our ships in this battle and we have to limit their room to maneuver. We have to pin them against the planetary defenses and kill them as they try to escape. With more than 10,000 ships, it’s the only way to win and avoid having our ships rammed.”
Kosiev looked at him and nodded begrudgingly and said, “I hate to admit it but you’re probably right. You should take all six hundred ships to attack their fleet and allow some to escape to make it look more realistic.”
“That’s a good idea, Admiral. I think we will do it that way.”
Danielle looked at Admiral Kosiev and said, “Don’t tell me you’re buying into this ridiculous, cockamamie notion?”
“Like he says, Mrs. Gardner, suggest another way.”
Then Kosiev looked at Tag and said, “You do plan to make it back from this attack, don’t you?”
“Absolutely,” Tag answered.
The Director looked around the room and said, “We will close this meeting until tomorrow morning at 9 AM. I want everyone to think about what Tag has suggested and try to think of another way to get the Alliance to come straight at our planet. Meeting adjourned!”
“Well, it looks like we got some free time,” Tag said to Danielle.
“What do you think you’re doing? Are you that incredibly stupid?”
“Atlas, are you listening in?” Tag asked.
“Yes, I think you made a big impression on the proceedings.”
“Atlas, if Danielle and I were in a ship that was totally destroyed, what would happen to us?”
“Well, if you weren’t on a planetary surface, you would probably just float in space unharmed.”
“Please explain to my lovely wife how much danger I, or for that matter, she, would be in a space battle.”
“Atlas gave a mental sigh and said, “Danielle, you and Tag have personal shields that protect you at all times. If the shield senses that you are in a vacuum, it will provide the necessary atmosphere to keep you alive. All you really need if your ship is totally destroyed is another ship to come pick you up.”
“And if a ship isn’t close, just how would you be able to move?” Danielle asked.
“He would just fire the hand weapon to get propulsion. If he kept firing it over a period of several days, he could approach half the speed of light.”
“Danielle, Atlas and I have discussed it and he will be there to pick me up in the event of my ship being destroyed.”
“So, you’re in to this too you overgrown microwave freezer.”
“Does she always get this way?” Atlas asked Tag.
“”You shouldn’t have said that, Atlas.”
Danielle began calling both of them things she was proud she thought of and she called them some things Tag told Atlas he should write down. Finally she ran down.
“Danielle. You can come with Atlas to make sure I’m ok. This is the best way to save lives; otherwise the Alliance will use their superior numbers to ram our ships. We can avoid a lot of them but at 10,000 plus ships it is going to be too chaotic to keep track of everything. We have to pen them against the plane
tary defenses and make them come at us from one direction.”
Danielle sat there crying. Atlas thought at Tag and said, “This is where you have to handle it alone. I feel her pain and your resolve. Open your heart to her, Tag.”
Tag sat by Danielle and put his arm around her and just held her. She snuggled into his arms and finally said, “I know you’re right. I’ve lost you once and I don’t ever want to go thru that again; I’d rather die first.”
“Danielle, we didn’t choose our roles in this conflict. I’d still be hiding my talents except for taking Leila’s test. And If I hadn’t taken the test, I would have never met you. There is a role we have to play and we can’t shirk it. If we’re not willing to risk ourselves, then how can we ask all the brave soldiers and naval crews to risk their lives at our instructions?”
“Tag, I’ll not leave your side while this is happening. If it’s safe for you, then it’s safe for me.”
“Daniellllle!”
“That’s the only way I’ll accept it.”
“Atlas, talk to her,” Tag said.
Atlas said, “When the Alliance blows the ship up around you two, make sure you enjoy the moment. It’ll give you an appreciation of what the other ships are going thru.”
Danielle laughed and said, “There, it’s settled.”
“No it’s not.”
Danielle looked at Tag and said, “If I were going to place myself in harm’s way, would you stay away? Answer me honestly that you would and I won’t push it.”
Tag looked at his wife, the love of his life, the one he woke each day to love, and said, “We’ll put a pool table on the ship so I can teach you how to shoot.” Danielle ran up and jumped into his arms and he swung her around and around.
Terl and Admiral Dorg were sitting in the Central Clan Chamber facing a communications screen on the wall where Tgon-Gee was looking at them. He had commed them and asked to speak with them. Dorg said, “It’s good to see you Ambassador.”
The power of a Queen a-2 Page 9