“So I was right to return to Newton with more of my people.” Mara looked from Mals to Thule, who both nodded. “If we agree to go on this mission, I want to take the Aurelia. Its current crew has both the scientists and technicians necessary to meet the Glaymons, if we find them.”
“I would suggest we update our hyperdrive to the same standards as the Star Cross,” Mals said. “From what I’ve seen, it will be relatively easy to do.”
Kurt nodded. He hadn’t planned on the Aurelia accompanying him, but he could see where the Lakiam scientists and technicians on board would be useful. “I’ll speak to Colonel Hayworth and arrange for the Aurelia to enter one of Newton Station’s repair bays.”
“Very well,” replied Mara. “Let’s continue this tour. I want to see what other technology Lomatz and his people have stolen from the Protector Worlds.”
For the next four hours they slowly made their way through the flagship with Mals and Thule stopping occasionally to inspect a piece of equipment or to ask technical questions. A few of Lomatz’s people were still on board, and they were a treasure trove of information for the Lakiams once Kurt allowed them to speak.
“It’s simply amazing,” Mals said as they headed toward the Command Center. “We have adapted some of the technology from the Enlightened Worlds we defend, as all Protector Worlds do. What Lomatz and your people have done is combine all that varied technology into this ship.”
Mara stopped and gazed at Kurt. “Do you fully understand how everything works on this vessel, particularly the technology you have installed? Can you repair it if it breaks down?”
“Yes,” answered Kurt. Lomatz and his people had toiled over some of the equipment, making sure the crew could install as well as repair it. “Some was very difficult, but we have a basic understanding of how it all works.”
“Amazing,” said Mals, shaking his head. “I never would have believed it possible.”
Mara hesitated as she watched a pair of the small repair robots whiz by. “I see you have even duplicated our robots. What about the specialized nanites used to repair major damage to our ships?”
“That was more difficult,” admitted Kurt. As a matter of fact, they had employed Avery Dolman to get the information from a Lakiam cargo captain who wanted to visit a particular pleasure house on Kubitz. Dolman had made all the necessary arrangements, and then Grantz had accompanied the captain to ensure his safety. “But we did find out how to manufacture them.” What Kurt didn’t mention was that this same captain had furnished them with a small autofactory that could produce the nanites.
“The ruling council at home won’t be happy to hear this,” said Mals, with a deep frown creasing his forehead. “I think it best we don’t mention it.”
“Not tell the council?” Thule responded, surprised. “They’re supposed to be informed if our technology gets loose on less civilized worlds or cultures.”
“Look where we are,” Mals pointed out. “We’re thousands of light-years away from the nearest Enlightened World or Protector World. With the Destroyers of Worlds’ threat, what does it matter?”
Thule looked stunned for a moment and then nodded. “You’re right. I fear our path toward Enlightenment has come to an end, possibly permanently. Perhaps it would be wise to share more of our technology so we can better defend all worlds against the black ships.”
“The council would never agree to that,” Mara said unhappily. “It is already fighting Fleet Commodore Dreen on his alliance proposal concerning other Protector Worlds.”
Entering the Command Center, Mara looked around, not surprised at all. “This is very similar to the Aurelia’s except for a few more command stations.”
Kurt sat, for the first time, in the command chair upon the small dais overlooking the Command Center. He flinched as the chair automatically adjusted itself to his shape. The entire room was circular with ten control consoles, all connected and active, sitting in a semicircle before the slightly raised command dais. On the walls, the numerous screens were currently off as the ship was inside Newton Station.
The three Lakiams moved about the Command Center, examining various stations. Occasionally they would stop and speak animatedly to one another. Finally their inspection ended, and they approached Kurt.
Mara stood with her hands on her shapely hips and a satisfied smile on her face. “Make the arrangements for updating the hyperdrive on my ship. When you’re ready, we will accompany you to find the Glaymons, if they exist.” With that, Mara and the other two Lakiams left leaving, Kurt alone in the Command Center.
For several long minutes Kurt sat there, deep in thought. He could do nothing until Lomatz returned, as he was the one who had met and repaired the Glaymons’ scout vessel. Leaning back and relaxing, Kurt gazed about the Command Center. Tomorrow he would take the ship on its shakedown cruise to Earth. Perhaps when he returned, Lomatz would be back on Newton.
-
“How was your meeting with Mara?” Keera asked Kurt hours later in their apartment as she stirred the stew cooking on the stove.
“It went about as expected,” Kurt said, coming up behind Keera and putting his arms around her. “Did you and Denise go out house hunting today?”
“We did, but I couldn’t find one with any character. Too many cookie-cutter houses out there. I want something more unique and individualized for us.”
Kurt stepped away from Keera as she turned to face him.
“I’m thinking about having Dalen build our house. He’s running all those construction robots, and he could just program in the plans.”
“We would have to buy a plot of land somewhere.”
“No problem,” Keera said excitedly. “Denise and I found two brand-new housing developments with large lots. Plenty of room for future expansion, if necessary, plus a large yard for our kids to play in.”
“Kids?” Kurt repeated, his eyes showing surprise. “You hadn’t mentioned that before.”
“Yes, kids,” she repeated, grinning. “Someday I want a couple children of my own.”
Kurt nodded. “Denise would like that, and so would Bryan.”
“Someday,” Keera said, stepping forward and kissing Kurt on the lips. “Dalen and Meesa are coming over for supper, and he’s bringing a bunch of house plans. He also said, if we can tell him what we want, he can design it and give us something completely original.”
“I like that idea,” Kurt said. “Maybe when I return from the shakedown cruise, we can have Dalen start construction.”
“That’s why they’re coming over tonight. You may be gone for a week or two, and we have some decisions to make.”
“I like the idea of designing our house. It would be nice to come home to a real house rather than an apartment. And we shouldn’t be gone more than one week. I must speak to Lomatz immediately when he returns, and he should be back by then.”
“Lomatz,” repeated Keera, frowning. “What do you need with him?”
“He knows a secret that could help us against the black ships.”
Keera turned to stir the stew again. “Be careful. I know recently Lomatz has been helpful, but remember where he comes from. His priorities may not be the same as yours.”
-
Keera was right. While recently Lomatz had been very reasonable in his dealings with Kurt and Newton overall, the man still operated a large weapons operation on Kubitz. However, Lomatz was Kurt’s only hope of finding the Glaymons. If this race was as advanced as Kurt believed them to be, they might know how to mine a neutron star.
Chapter Eight
The Enlightened World of Talmor had known peace for over six hundred thousand years. They were an avian race and still maintained the ability to fly. Their cities were beautiful and almost magical. Tall towers reached for the clouds, sparkling in the bright afternoon sunlight. The people of Talmor were nearly ten feet tall and very slim with wings that could carry them nearly anywhere they wanted. They had developed complex dances performed in the air, which told
the history of their people. Tens of thousands of years in the past, geneticists had modified the bodies of the Talmor race so the wings were nearly invisible when folded against their backs. When fully extended, each wing reached out nearly eight feet, allowing the Talmorans to float on the natural thermals abundant on their world.
The Talmorans had spread out across five other star systems within six light-years of Talmor. This suited the Talmorans as it ensured their civilization would endure if disaster struck one of their worlds. Due to a nearby barbaric civilization that rebuked the path to Enlightenment, the Talmorans had signed an agreement with the Protector World of Alstreth. In return the Talmorans made available portions of their advanced technology, including some of their remarkable genetic research, which showed promise in greatly extending the lifespans of the Alstreth race. The agreement was mutually beneficial to both races as it allowed the Talmorans to focus on the aesthetics of their civilization and the Alstreths to enjoy longer lives.
However, all that beauty and longevity was endangered with the arrival of the Destroyers of Worlds.
In the great soaring towers of the Talmor, warning alarms sounded. Over the comm system tying their world together came the warning that a Destroyers of Worlds’ fleet had appeared in the outer regions of the Talmor System. The dangerous black ships had been spotted by the vast network of telescopes and deep space cameras the Talmorans used for research. Great concern and fear spread across the planet as its inhabitants looked toward the sky, hoping the Alstreth could protect them.
In the great tower of Windstream, Ibal Welstahl stood at one of the massive windows, where launching into the air was possible. What a fantastic feeling to float in the warm thermals that surrounded the tower.
“What are we to do?” asked Dalol, his mate of forty years.
Ibal turned toward Dalol, reaching out and taking her hand. “We must trust that the Alstreth can protect us. With their urging, we have a powerful defensive grid around our planet and there is a large Alstreth fleet currently in orbit.”
“But these are the Destroyers of Worlds,” replied Dalol, fear evident in her eyes. “Only the Lakiams have resisted them, and the Lakiam worlds are far from here. What if the Alstreth cannot stop this evil?”
Ibal let out a deep breath. “Our race has endured for millions of years. We are truly Enlightened. For millennia our people have known peace and the harmony of living with nature upon our worlds. If it is our time to pass on to the next level of existence, then we shall.”
“I’m afraid,” Dalol said, stepping closer to Ibal. “We are both still young.”
Ibal took Dalol in his arms, spreading his wings until they surrounded both of them protectively. “There is nothing to fear. If we are to die today, we will go together and share in the journey to the next level of life. It is the nature of all things.”
-
Dalol laid her head against Ibal’s shoulder. She trusted his words, and, for a moment, her fear abated.
-
Prince Brollen gazed in anticipation at the main viewscreen, with the inhabited world rapidly approaching. Initial scans could not determine how far out this race had spread across the system. After detecting the waiting fleet and scanning the planet’s defense grid, the black ships made a short hyperspace jump closer to the inhabited planet.
Strange, reported Military Commander Fraymot. Our long-range sensors still show no bases or other habitats on any of this system’s worlds besides the fourth one. There are numerous automated mining operations, but no signs of any of the fourth world beings on any of those.
Prince Brollen nodded his triangular-shaped head, his twin antennae standing erect. That confirms what our scout ships have reported. The fourth planet is inhabited by an avian species that still maintains the ability of flight. It is safe to assume they prefer vast open areas, which small colonies and domed habitats would lack.
Then we shall harvest all six of the worlds this food species resides on? Scout ships had revealed this particular food species had spread across five other star systems.
Yes, replied Brollen. The Avian species we have thus far harvested are very popular with the Queens back home. We shall harvest all six of this food species’ worlds and send one of the Collector Ships to the Conclave Habitat with the food pellets. It will be a special gift for Queen Alithe.
Military Commander Fraymot went silent as he studied one of the tactical displays focused on the fourth planet and the defenses protecting it. Then he sent a thought to Prince Brollen. There is a moderate-size fleet protecting the planet and more of the large orbiting defensive platforms. I do not believe they will pose a danger to our vessels.
Prince Brollen shifted his gaze to another of the viewscreens, revealing one of the orbiting defensive platforms. All these platforms are very similar. I wonder if one particular world or food species produces them? It might be in our best interests to pay that species a visit to prevent them from developing and deploying even more powerful ones. While these platforms are not a threat now, if they are developed further, they could be.
That may be a wise decision, replied Military Commander Fraymot. I will have our scout ships search for such a food species.
Prince Brollen nodded his approval. Very well, let’s proceed against this world. I am growing curious as to the taste of this particular species.
-
This Destroyers of Worlds’ fleet was the most powerful yet to assault the worlds of Galaxy X241. Upon Prince Brollen’s last trip to the Conclave Habitat and his promotion to potential consort, he had taken command of the harvesting of this galaxy. Currently in his fleet were 8 motherships and 1,600 of the spindle-shaped cruisers. Brollen was determined that nothing and no world would stand up to his fleet, not even the Protector World that possessed the dark matter missiles. His goal was to fill all the Collector Ships, sending them to the home system, ensuring the Queens and the habitats they served had sufficient food. Once that was done, he would pay a visit to the food species with the dark matter weapons. It was essential they be eliminated before they could become even more dangerous.
Under the guidance of Military Commander Fraymot, the massive fleet approached Talmor with the ships spreading out to encircle the entire planet. Once surrounded, the black ships would use their black antimatter beams and the spheres of destruction to wipe out all opposition.
-
Prime Leader Xlan of the Alstreth gazed in consternation at the multitude of red threat icons rapidly approaching Talmor and his badly outnumbered fleet.
“What are your orders?” asked Minor Leader Maxdor. “Our computer predicts we have no chance for a victory. If we stay, our entire fleet will be annihilated.”
Xlan shifted his gaze to the large viewscreen of the Enlightened World of Talmor. Only the previous week he had traveled to the surface, in awe of the beauty of their amazing towerlike cities. Their culture, including their artwork and air dances, was something to behold. If he refused to meet the Destroyers of Worlds in battle, all that would be lost to the galaxy. However, with the size of the approaching black fleet, he could do nothing to prevent the attack. The enemy fleet was overwhelming and racing toward his fleet like a juggernaut. To stand in its way was suicide.
“Two minutes until engagement range,” reported the sensor operator in a strained voice. “Total black ship contacts now exceed over 1,600.”
“Prime Leader,” said Maxdor, his eyes reflecting deep and growing concern. “We only have sixty battlecruisers and four battleships. If we engage the Destroyers of Worlds, the battle will be brief, and we will all die. It will be a futile gesture to sacrifice our ships and our crews in such a way.”
Xlan shuddered, his decision made. The order he was about to give was one certain to haunt him for the rest of his life. “All ships are to enter hyperspace and return to Alstreth. Send a signal to all our ships protecting other Talmor worlds to do the same.” Xlan was convinced, once the black ships finished with this system, they would move on
to the others. The Talmoran race would soon cease to be.
“All hyperspace communication frequencies are blocked,” reported the communications officer.
Xlan nodded. He had expected that. “We will enter hyperspace and then drop out once we’ve cleared the interference. We’ll send our messages to our other fleets before continuing to Alstreth.”
Xlan watched the viewscreens as his flagship made the hyperspace jump. The last sight he had of Talmor was of the black ships circling the planet. Xlan closed his eyes, feeling the pain of what would shortly occur on Talmor. The four billion Talmorans and all other major lifeforms on the planet would soon become food for the Destroyers of Worlds.
-
On Talmor the alarms continued to sound. Many of the avian people took to the air, with no safe place for them to go. Across video screens the announcement was made that the Alstreth fleet had fled into hyperspace, leaving the planet defenseless except for the orbiting defense grid.
“Can the grid stop them?” asked Dalol, her eyes focusing on her mate.
Ibal slowly shook his head. “No, it consists primarily of Class Two Orbital Defense Platforms. From what I have heard, not even the Class Ones have been able to stop the black ships.”
“Then we’re doomed,” said Dalol, accepting the inevitability of their death. It greatly saddened her as they had two children, Makol and Lalen, who were on the far side of the planet, studying the large mammals living in the ocean depths. She wished she could tell them good-bye.
Ibal looked toward space. Already he could see brilliant flashes of light where the defensive grid was engaging the Destroyers of Worlds. “Perhaps somewhere in this galaxy is a race which can stand up to these destroyers of life.”
Dalol nodded and closed her eyes. She hoped their death was quick and painless.
-
Prince Brollen watched the last defensive platform explode as several black antimatter beams carved it in two. He had been surprised when the defending fleet abruptly entered hyperspace and fled. It seems our demonstration of what we can do to their Protector Worlds has borne fruit. The defenders now fear meeting us in battle. In the worlds we have harvested recently, the defenders have been far fewer.
The Star Cross: Galaxy in Peril Page 11