“You may enter,” the senior guard said, opening the massive doors.
Stepping inside, Dreen saw the entire council was assembled. Over two hundred members representing every Lakiam world and colony.
“Fleet Commodore Dreen,” said Lead Councilor Harlus Atratis. “Will you take a seat, and we will begin this meeting.”
Commodore Dreen approached the lone remaining empty chair, which faced the assembled council. Sitting, he looked unfazed at the councilors.
“I will start off by saying we are not pleased about the videos you released to the news media,” Atratis said reproachfully. “It has put this council in a precarious situation.”
“Our entire civilization is in a precarious situation,” Dreen answered simply. “Not just this council. It was my duty to release the videos to the media. With the number of aid ships currently at Holdez, other videos would have come out shortly. It was better if I ensured their accuracy.”
“Still,” Atratis said, “it should have been our decision.”
“I have requested you be removed from command,” council member Darmas said as he stood. “I believe your actions demonstrate your lack of ability to lead our fleets.”
“Who else is to lead our fleets?” challenged council member Marl defiantly as he too rose. “Who else can claim a victory against the black fleets?”
Several other council members rose, shouting their agreement, while even more rose, voicing their disapproval.
“Sit down,” ordered Lead Councilor Atratis. “We will act civilized in this chamber.” Atratis turned toward Fleet Commodore Dreen. “I want you to explain to this council what type of threat the Destroyers of Worlds are and what you believe will happen if we don’t follow your recommendations to form alliances with other Protector Worlds.”
Commodore Dreen heard rumblings of dissent from a number of council members at hearing mention of alliances. Now he must convince the council he was right.
-
For the next two hours he spoke to the council, sometimes pausing to answer questions. Many times several council members heatedly argued over something Dreen had said, and they had to be calmed by Lead Councilor Atratis. Finally Commodore Dreen finished speaking. The room went silent as everyone weighed what he had told them.
In the end, they agreed—by a very narrow margin—to allow Dreen to form alliances with five Protector World civilizations. Dreen had asked for ten but had hoped to get at least four. The council also disapproved the measure of sharing the knowledge on how to build dark matter warheads with other Protector Worlds. While this was disappointing, it wasn’t a surprise.
As Dreen was leaving, he was stopped by council member Marl.
“Commodore, you won today by the narrowest of margins.”
“At least now we can form the alliances we need to fight the black ships.”
Marl looked intently at Fleet Commodore Dreen. “You realize what we did today sets us back on our road to Enlightenment.”
“Enlightenment does not serve us if we’re all dead.”
Marl let out a deep breath. “You proved that in your speech. Let’s hope you’re right. Keep in mind you made several powerful enemies today.”
“If you mean council member Darmas, I’m well aware of how he feels.”
Marl went silent for a long moment, and then he spoke again. “Build your alliances, and fight your war. I fear the path we’re about to embark on, but I see no other choice.”
Fleet Commodore Dreen nodded. The path he had set the Lakiam race upon today would probably move them far from Enlightenment and toward barbarism. He was treading a narrow line. But now he had to negotiate with several Protector World civilizations. If he were successful, maybe Lakiam would survive, not as a civilization moving toward Enlightenment, just as one hoping to exist.
Chapter Seven
From the large Newton Station observation window, Fleet Admiral Vickers gazed at his new flagship. The replacement Star Cross sat in one of the massive repair bays as its supplies were being loaded.
“She’s a beaut,” said Captain Henry Watkins, commander of the light carrier Vindication, an older man and very good at strategy. He had been Kurt’s mentor in his early years and became a close and trusted friend.
“We needed a flagship that will stand out,” commented Captain Randson with a pleased grin. “When we go to Kubitz, the Profiteer clans will give us a wide berth.”
“Maybe,” replied Kurt. He had already taken numerous tours of the ship during its construction phase, but now he was anxious and ready to command the ship’s shakedown cruise. “However, if we do return to the Gothan Empire, they’ll know we’ve gained access to Protector World technology.” This concerned Kurt somewhat, considering they had just been fined and nearly banned from trading on Kubitz based on rumors of using restricted technology. This ship would confirm it. It could pose another set of problems. However, he would worry about that later.
“When will Lomatz arrive?” asked Colonel Simms. “He’s bringing more direct energy projectors for the station.”
“A few more days yet,” answered Kurt. He had spoken to Lomatz briefly on Kubitz, and the weapons dealer was trying to acquire more defensive systems for Newton. With the increased demand from the other worlds in the Gothan Empire, Kurt wasn’t sure Lomatz would be successful, even with all his connections. However, Lomatz had mentioned he might have a surprise for Kurt when he returned. More than that Lomatz wouldn’t say.
“What about my neutronium marble?” asked Lieutenant Mays, standing next to Andrew.
“No luck,” replied Kurt. “I talked to Avery Dolman, asking if he knew anyone who could mine a neutron star, and he burst out laughing.”
Mays looked dejected. “What about a good substitute?”
“Dolman’s making inquiries. He says, if there is one, it would come from an Enlightened World. They would be the only ones who might know how to make an object as small as we need with sufficient mass.”
“Good luck with that,” Henry said, frowning. “I imagine those Enlightened Worlds are scared to death about the Destroyers of Worlds. I still can’t believe they harvest intelligent beings for food. It’s like something from one of those old horror videos.”
“If they ate you, they’d get indigestion,” said Andrew, grinning.
“I’m too old to be food,” grumbled Henry. “They’re interested in youngsters like you.”
Colonel Simms looked at Kurt. “What would happen if a black fleet came here?”
Kurt shook his head. “Our weapons still aren’t powerful enough.”
“Not even our new ships?”
“I’ve seen a lot of video footage of Protector World fleets fighting Destroyers of Worlds’ ships. In almost every instance the Protector World fleets are wiped out. In very rare cases a few black ships were destroyed when their shields overloaded.”
“We need that damn neutronium marble,” muttered Lieutenant Mays.
“I’m afraid no race is advanced enough to mine a neutron star,” Andrew said. “Not even the Enlightened Worlds.”
With dawning realization, Kurt remembered, months ago, how Lomatz had mentioned meeting a member of a secluded advanced race—millions of years older than any currently Enlightened World. And millions of years ago they had hidden themselves from the Destroyers of Worlds and, since then, had refused contact with any other civilization. To the galaxy overall, they had ceased to exist.
“There might be a solution to your neutronium marble after all,” Kurt said to Lieutenant Mays.
“What?” she blurted out, her eyes widening.
“I’ll speak to Lomatz when he arrives. If I’m right, I may have a mission for the new Star Cross.”
Andrew moaned. “Why do I not like this already?”
Kurt smiled. “It’ll be an adventure.”
“I’m getting too old for adventures.”
-
Later that day Kurt and Keera were at his sister’s for a relaxing evening
meal. Denise was an excellent cook, and Kurt never missed a chance to take her up on sampling her cooking. His sister had also been giving Keera cooking lessons, and the two hung out together quite often.
“There’s plenty of chicken,” Denise said, grinning as Kurt reached for his third piece.
“Mom says fried chicken’s your favorite meal,” proclaimed nine-year-old Bryan as he reached for a second chicken leg. “It’s mine too!”
Kurt grinned at his nephew, then looked at Alex, Denise’s husband. “How’s work going?” Alex was a systems analyst at one of Newton’s largest computer firms.
“Great! With the influx of immigrants from Earth, business is booming.”
“What about the aliens on the island?” asked Bryan, waving his chicken leg and nearly dropping it. “When will I see one?”
“Bryan, put that on your plate before it ends up on the floor,” admonished Denise. “The aliens don’t leave their island very often so you probably won’t see one.”
Bryan set the chicken leg on his plate and reached for his fork to attack the pile of mashed potatoes and gravy he had been avoiding. “We should have had macaroni and cheese too.”
“You have too much macaroni and cheese as it is,” Denise said, shaking her head. “Keera, how’s the training going at the new medical center?”
“Slow,” replied Keera. “We have received most of the new equipment that I wanted, and we’re in the process of teaching people how to operate it. It just takes time because it’s so new here on Newton.”
“I understand some of Lomatz’s people are involved,” Alex commented. “They’re not trying to steal us blind, are they?”
Keera laughed and shook her head. “I know Kubitz has a bad reputation, but not all its people are like that. Many of Lomatz’s people are technicians and others who worked in his operations on Kubitz and had very little to do with the Profiteers.”
“Isn’t he a weapons dealer?” asked Denise, frowning.
“Yes,” answered Kurt. “He also operates a large fleet of commercial vessels, including the large cargo and construction ships that have been hanging around Newton.”
Alex looked thoughtful and then spoke. “I would still keep a close watch on them. We don’t want Newton turning into another Kubitz.”
“It won’t,” promised Kurt. “Lomatz’s people are pretty well confined to their island and need travel permits to leave it. Those helping Keera went through an extra security check to be on the safe side.”
Denise frowned at Bryan, who was building a tower out of his mashed potatoes with a spoon. Seeing the look on his mother’s face, Bryan stopped and, using his fork, took a small bite from the top of the tower.
“I understand Mara came on the Aurelia.”
“Yes, the Lakiams have agreed to help us with some of their technology,” Kurt explained to his sister. He didn’t want to mention several thousand Lakiams might be coming to Newton to live eventually. However, with their level of technology, they would have a more profound impact on Newton than Lomatz’s people. Kurt still needed to speak to Governor Spalding about that. When he did so, he might have Mara come along to explain their reasons for wanting to come to Newton.
“So, is your new flagship ready?” asked Bryan, putting down his fork. He had demolished his potato tower. It was now flattened out over much of his plate.
Kurt smiled. “Yes, they’re loading supplies, and I’ll be taking it out in a few days for its shakedown cruise.”
“Can I see it?” asked Bryan, his eyes lighting up with excitement. “Can I shoot its big guns?”
“Bryan!” exclaimed Denise. “You can’t go up in a spaceship. Uncle Kurt has some very important things to do.”
Bryan nodded. “He has to kill more of the bad aliens.”
“Not all aliens are bad,” Kurt said. “Someday I’ll take you to the Star Cross, and you can sit in the captain’s chair.”
“You don’t think Captain Randson would mind?” asked Bryan, his eyes lighting up.
“No, I don’t think he would mind at all.”
“Are you going to Earth anytime soon?” asked Alex. “The news states a lot is going on there.”
“I may stop during the shakedown cruise. President Mayfield is up for reelection in another few months, and I would like to speak to him beforehand.”
“He’s not going to win, is he?” asked Denise.
Kurt shook his head. “Probably not. He’s way down in the polls, and, after everything the Profiteers did to Earth, the people are ready for a change in leadership.”
“Any idea who they may chose?”
“Ellen Lambert is one of Mayfield’s biggest supporters. She’s also very connected with the people in the North American Union. Mayfield may encourage her to run in November.”
“I’ve read some things about her,” Alex said, thoughtful. “Her home is in Dallas, Texas, and she’s been heavily involved in the reconstruction. She seems to be very popular.”
Kurt nodded. “Mayfield feels confident she will continue his policies.”
“Is Fleet Admiral Tomalson coming to Newton anytime soon?” asked Denise. “I know at one time he talked about settling down here.”
Kurt grinned. “Admiral Aaron Colmes of the battleship Atlas is being groomed to take over. He did an outstanding job at the battle of Earth and didn’t shirk his duties. Rod Tomalson speaks very highly of him, and, once he feels Aaron is ready, Rod plans to relocate and retire on Newton, probably when the elections are over.”
“He deserves it,” Alex said. “He’s done a lot for us.”
They finished their meal with some small talk about what was happening on Newton. Denise wanted to take Keera shopping at the new Westside Mall, and Bryan wanted Kurt to come to his next ball game.
On the way home, Keera turned to Kurt. “Why don’t we buy a home out in the suburbs, like your sister has? I think it would be nice, particularly for entertaining.”
Kurt nodded his agreement. They had discussed this previously. “Why don’t you have Denise help you look? If the two of you can find a place, let me know, and we’ll see what we can do.” Recently, with Keera’s brother and new wife coming over, Kurt and Keera’s apartment was feeling a little cramped for dinner parties. A larger place would be nice.
-
The next day, Kurt gave Mara and several other Lakiams a tour of his new flagship. They stopped to speak to the chief engineer and several technicians in the engine compartment.
“This is remarkable,” commented Thule Rasht. “I never would have believed your people could duplicate this technology.”
“Not only that, they’ve improved upon it,” added Mals Bren, a hyperdrive research scientist. “If I’m correct, this ship travels in hyperspace over 20 percent faster than an equivalent Lakiam vessel.”
“How is that possible?” asked Mara, looking curiously at Kurt.
Kurt sighed. No point in keeping secret what they’d done. “We combined the technology of several Protector Worlds to build the ship.”
“Lomatz,” Mara said knowingly. “That weapons dealer has been researching Protector World technology illegally for years. We heard rumors of that but could never confirm it.”
“That would explain a lot,” Mals said, nodding. “I noticed several pieces of Andock technology incorporated into the hyperdrive and, unless I’m mistaken, some Tarbon technology as well.”
Now was as good a time as ever to ask the question burning in the back of his mind. “Have any of you heard of an ancient Enlightened race who has remained hidden from the rest of the galaxy for millions of years? Perhaps as long ago as the first or second attack on our galaxy by the Destroyers of Worlds?”
“You speak of the Glaymons,” Thule said, his eyes narrowing. “That rumor has been around for millennia. Every once in a while, small ships are spotted with technology far different than what other Enlightened Worlds use. However, this rumor has never been confirmed.”
“Have you heard something?” as
ked Mara suspiciously. “Did you pick some information on Kubitz? People have searched for these supposed Glaymons in the past, but all leads have proven false. Most of the Protector Worlds don’t believe the Glaymons exist.”
“Yes, the same rumors as you’ve heard,” Kurt quickly answered. “As you know, we have a large KEW cannon running down the center of our ships.”
“I saw that,” Thule said, clearly confused. “I don’t understand why you would designate so much space on your ships for such an obsolete weapon.”
Kurt turned to Thule. “What would happen if we could accelerate a piece of neutronium to 60 percent the speed of light and slam it into the energy screen of a black ship? A piece about this big.” Kurt indicated the size of his thumbnail.
Mals’s eyes widened. “For a brief moment it would generate the power of a small star. From what I know of the power needed to bring down one of the black ship’s screens, a weapon such as you describe would destroy the vessel instantly.”
Mara shifted her gaze to meet Kurt’s. “That’s why you asked about the Glaymons. You need their technology to mine a neutron star and design some type of containment field for the weapon rounds. Without a containment field they would crush and destroy any ship that tried to use them.”
Mals went silent for a moment. “Even if the Glaymons exist, no one knows where their world—or worlds—are hidden.”
Kurt looked at the Lakiams and then took a deep breath. “I may know of a way to find them. If I do, would some of you be willing to go on the mission?” When meeting a race as advanced as the Glaymons, Kurt would feel more confident if he had a few Lakiams with him. At least they might understand the Glaymons’ advanced technology.
He was met with silence as the three Lakiams looked questionably at one another.
“How?” asked Mara. “Contact has never been made with this mysterious race, and we’re not certain the Glaymons even exist.”
“They exist,” confirmed Kurt. “I know someone who actually met one.”
“Are you certain of this?” asked Thule with excitement in his voice.
“Yes,” Kurt answered. “One of their small scout ships broke down, and this individual helped to repair it.”
The Star Cross: Galaxy in Peril Page 10