The Star Cross: Galaxy in Peril

by Raymond L. Weil

  “Admiral,” Mara Liam is requesting your presence on board the Aurelia,” reported Lieutenant Pierce from Communications.

  Kurt let out a deep sigh. He had been avoiding Mara as much as possible while the ships were rebuilt. Perhaps it would be best to pay her a visit before leaving the Dyson Sphere. Once they left, the fleet would not stop again until they reached Lakiam space.

  “Andrew, keep the crew at it for another five hours and then send them to get some rest. I want everyone at the top of their game in the morning when we depart.”

  -

  “No problem,” said Andrew, replacing Kurt in the command chair. Andrew looked at the AI and slowly shook his head. “I don’t know if I’ll ever get used to that.”

  “I’m perfectly harmless,” the AI spoke in a sultry voice, her eyes focused on Andrew. “Your name is Andrew Randson, and you are the captain of the Star Cross. You’re married and have a daughter named Alexis. You also have a friend named Grantz that I am curious to meet.”

  Andrew slowly shook his head. “Are you that familiar with the entire crew of the ship?”

  “Yes,” the AI replied. “All the crew personnel records are available to me. However, this Grantz person sounds intriguing.”

  “I’m not sure you want to meet Grantz. He might steal your program and sell you on Kubitz if he can get enough gold.”

  “Gold,” said the AI, sounding confused. “I fail to understand why it’s so valuable. It’s a soft metal that doesn’t have that many uses.”

  “It’s complicated,” replied Andrew. “When we have more time, we can discuss it. Now let’s go over the changes made to the ship, compartment by compartment. Also do you have a name?”

  “Yes, Captain,” the AI replied. “You may call me Aleea.” She then began explaining in detail the changes made to the Star Cross.

  Andrew let out a deep breath as he realized this would take a while.

  -

  Kurt made it to the Aurelia and, after boarding, was told that Mara was waiting for him in her quarters. This didn’t please Kurt as he preferred to speak with her when others were present. Reaching her quarters, he knocked, and the door slid quietly open.

  “Come in, Admiral,” said Mara.

  Kurt stepped into her quarters and, as the door slid shut behind him, came to a sudden stop. Mara stood in front of him, holding two glasses that contained an amber-colored liquid. However, what she wore was what made him halt. A long translucent gown that left little to the imagination. Mara was alluring enough as it was, and this white gown made her look absolutely ravishing. Kurt could feel his heart beat faster and his face flush.

  “We’ve known each other long enough that I thought we should take the next step,” said Mara, handing Kurt the glass in her right hand. “This is a Lakiam drink often shared among friends.”

  Kurt took the glass, still not quite sure what Mara wanted. He also didn’t want to offend her, as the Lakiams were key to keeping Earth and Newton out of the war with the Destroyers of Worlds. However, her gown and her naked body underneath it, implied she might have some specific plans for the evening.

  Mara turned, and, as she did so, the translucent gown offered a brief view of her breasts. If that gown was meant to get his heart racing, it definitely succeeded. Taking a deep breath, Kurt followed her, and they both sat on the comfortable sofa in the room.

  “How is your crew adapting to the changes on your ship?” she asked politely as she took a sip from her glass.

  “Slowly,” answered Kurt. “The Star Cross was only finished yesterday, and we’re still checking all the ship’s systems. What about the Aurelia?” Kurt took a hesitant sip of his drink, finding it warm and slightly sweet. It reminded him of a pineapple.

  “My scientists are still confused about some of the technology. The replicators are the most intriguing. The technology to create matter from energy is something many worlds have dreamed of for millennia. The biggest problem has always been the power source. While there have been devices that could create matter from energy, the energy cost was so extreme to make the devices useless. The Glaymons solved that problem with their Zero-Point Energy system.”

  “What about the AI? I assume they put one on your vessel as well.” Kurt was acutely aware that Mara’s leg now touched his. He had some growing concerns as to Mara’s actual goal for this meeting. With what she wore and the way she was acting, he had a pretty good idea what she wanted.

  “We have AIs on Lakiam, as many Protector Worlds do. They are quite common on the Enlightened Worlds. However, we never developed them to the point where they could be used on our warships. Our AIs have a set of strict rules that prevent them from doing harm, which would run counter to what a warship stands for. We do have very intelligent computers we use on our ships, but they lack sentience.”

  Kurt became acutely aware of Mara’s extremely enticing perfume. He took another sip of his drink, wondering how to extricate himself from this delicate situation without offending Mara.

  Mara stood up, placing her glass on a nearby table. Turning toward Kurt, she reached up and slid her gown off her shoulders, allowing it to fall to the floor at her feet. Her hands went to her hips, and she posed, gazing suggestively at Kurt.

  Kurt’s heart raced. Mara was absolutely ravishing. There wasn’t a blemish anywhere on her body. He didn’t know if he had ever seen a woman as beautiful as she was. His gaze moved over her body, and, for a long moment, he was extremely tempted to take Mara up on her obvious offer.

  “Mara, what are you doing?”

  Mara smiled, taking the glass from Kurt’s hand and setting it down. “It has been a while since I shared myself with a man.” Taking Kurt’s hand, she pulled him up from the sofa. “None are suitable on my ship, and your rank is high enough so the sharing would be mutual.”

  Mara took Kurt’s hands, placing them on her waist. She leaned forward, pressing her body against his.

  With a sharp breath, Kurt forced himself to pull away. “Mara, we can’t. It wouldn’t be fair to Keera.”

  Surprised, Mara stepped back looking confused. “Is that a problem?”

  “Keera and I live together, and I’ve purchased a home on Newton, where someday we will be raising our children. I can’t be unfaithful to her.”

  Mara ran her hand suggestively down Kurt’s chest. Then she sighed deeply and nodded. “I understand.” She bent and picked up her gown, putting it back on.

  “I hope I haven’t offended you,” Kurt said, still breathing hard. Turning Mara down had been much more difficult than he had imagined.

  Smiling, Mara shook her head. “No, I should be ashamed. I should have checked more into your culture’s morals when it comes to this issue. Casual sharing between acquaintances is normal on Lakiam, though I do not indulge often.”

  “Neither of us has anything to be ashamed of,” replied Kurt. “You’re a beautiful woman, and, if not for Keera, I would have taken you up on your offer in an instant.”

  “You are a man of principles,” responded Mara approvingly. “I believe Fleet Commander Dreen shares many of your views. I don’t believe he shares with casual acquaintances either. Of course you don’t know what you’re missing out on. Lakiam women have a reputation for being fabulous at sharing themselves.”

  Kurt smiled. “I can only imagine.”

  “I’ll let you get to your ship,” said Mara. “We both must be ready to depart in the morning.”

  “The Destroyers of Worlds,” answered Kurt. “At least we have a number of Glaymon warships coming with us. Just maybe we’ll change the course of the war.”

  “I hope so,” said Mara, with a more serious look on her face. “Lakiam and my people can’t be allowed to fall.”

  Kurt turned to leave, and, as he reached the door, he heard Mara speak one more time.

  “If you ever change your mind, my offer of sharing still stands.”

  “I’ll remember that.” Taking a deep breath, Kurt left Mara’s quarters.

&nbs
p; -

  Early the next morning the fleet readied to leave the large construction bay. The Star Cross was the first to head for the exit of the massive spacedock.

  “Do you think Earth or Newton will ever have something like this?” Andrew asked as he gazed with envy at the viewscreens, showing the interior of the giant spacedock.

  “I doubt it,” answered Kurt. “I think this is something only the Glaymons will possess. It would take a tremendous amount of resources to build a structure like this. More than most worlds will ever have.”

  “Perhaps not,” said Tasid. He stood close to Kurt, watching the command crew work their consoles. Two other Glaymons were in the Command Center, ready to assist the crew if needed. “If we’re successful in defeating the Destroyers of Worlds, then the worlds with civilizations in this galaxy will continue to develop. Someday there may be many Dyson Spheres.”

  “More Dyson Spheres?” repeated Andrew, his eyes widening at the thought. “It would definitely solve the problem of overpopulation.”

  “That it would,” replied Kurt. “Lieutenant Styles, move us away from the construction bay. I want the other ships to follow us down the center of the spacedock to where we will exit.”

  “I can pilot the ship more efficiently,” said Aleea, wearing a standard fleet uniform.

  Kurt took a moment to examine the AI, realizing how much she reminded him of Mara. Guilt still plagued him about what had nearly happened in Mara’s quarters the previous evening. He had already decided it would be best if he didn’t mention it to Keera. “I’m sure you can,” answered Kurt. “But the crew needs to work the controls so they can handle everything in case there’s an emergency.”

  On one of the viewscreens, the Aurelia and Lomatz’s ship, the Golan Four, emerged from the construction bay. It took several minutes, but soon all eight ships of the small fleet were in formation and proceeding down the spacedock toward the massive space doors.

  Kurt also noticed many of the one-thousand-meter disk ships of the Glaymons had detached from their docking ports or were rising from their berths on the floor.

  “How many Glaymon ships are coming with us?” asked Andrew as they formed up behind the Star Cross and the other seven ships of the Newton fleet.

  “I’m not sure,” replied Kurt. “When I last spoke to Captain Waelt, he indicated that nearly five hundred disk ships would be accompanying us. I got the impression from speaking to Marshton that perhaps one or two special ships might be coming along as well.”

  “We’re nearing the space doors,” Lieutenant Styles reported as he adjusted the ship’s speed slightly.

  On the main viewscreen, the massive doors slid open, and the Star Cross exited, followed by the other ships of the fleet.

  “Admiral, if you will, please allow the AI to pilot the ship for the next few minutes,” suggested Tasid. “It’s essential we get away from the Dyson Sphere as quickly as possible. Particularly when the other Glaymons see what we’re doing and realize what we’re up to. The Dyson Sphere has some very powerful defenses. While I don’t believe they would use them against us, it’s best if we don’t take the risk.”

  “Very well,” replied Kurt. “Lieutenant Styles, turn over control of the ship to the AI.”

  “Admiral, look,” said Andrew, pointing toward the viewscreens.

  Kurt’s eyes widened in surprise. Other massive doors opened, and more of the one-thousand-meter disk ships exited. “That’s more than five hundred,” he said as the Star Cross accelerated.

  “Yes,” Tasid replied with a smile. “Many more.”

  “Admiral, I’m receiving a message from the Dyson Sphere,” reported Lieutenant Pierce, frowning. “We’ve been ordered to return to the spacedock immediately.”

  Tasid stepped to the sensor console, closely examining the readings coming in. “No sign of any weapons powering up. They can’t prevent our leaving.”

  “Stand by to enter hyperspace,” Aleea informed them.

  “I have the lead councilman on the comm,” said Lieutenant Pierce. “He says, if we turn around now, he will be more accommodating, and the Aggressives won’t be punished.”

  “They’re getting desperate,” said Tasid. “They know it’s too late to stop us now.”

  A slight wrenching sensation ran through Kurt’s body as the ship made the jump into hyperspace. “Where did the rest of those ships come from? I wasn’t expecting that many.” He looked at Tasid, waiting for an explanation.

  “Captain Waelt has spoken to many more of the captains of our ships. He can be very persuasive at times. Even I’m not certain how many he may have talked into joining us.”

  “Damn, we’re traveling fast to be in the nebula,” Andrew said nervously, frowning at the AI.

  “Nothing to be afraid of,” replied Aleea, smiling at Andrew. “I’m adjusting the course constantly to avoid the thicker dust, gas, and high-radiation regions. We’ll be emerging from the nebula in twenty-two minutes.”

  While Kurt didn’t approve of the Glaymons hiding in the nebula without helping the exposed races, he did respect their wish to stay concealed. “Is there any chance the worlds outside the nebula will detect our presence once we emerge?” Kurt asked Tasid.

  “No. We’ve modified your sensor-jamming device where, not only will it keep your hyperdrives masked, it will do the same for your ships once we drop from hyperspace,” explained Tasid. “All our ships are equipped with similar equipment. No one will detect us unless we want them to.”

  Kurt nodded. He wondered how many other changes had been made that he didn’t know about. At least he and his crew had a few days before they arrived at Lakiam to learn what else had been done to his ship.

  -

  The twenty-two minutes passed by quickly, and the Star Cross dropped from hyperspace. Kurt looked at the viewscreens, displaying myriads of stars. He didn’t realize how much he had missed that view until now.

  “Sensor contacts,” called out Lieutenant Brooks.

  “Your sensors have also been modified to scan through the jamming fields,” explained Tasid. He grinned and continued. “What good is a technology if you can’t find a way to work around it?”

  “That’s a lot of ships,” Andrew said as he watched hundreds of large green icons appear on one of the tactical displays. Then suddenly two massive green icons blossomed on the display. “And those are the biggest green icons I’ve ever seen. What are those?” asked Andrew, his eyes narrowing sharply. “Are those ships?”

  “Aleea, please place one of those two ships on a viewscreen,” ordered Tasid, addressing the AI.

  On one of the main viewscreens, a massive football-shaped ship appeared, bristling with weapons and hundreds of small and large hatches.

  “How big is that ship?” Kurt asked Tasid. This must be one of the two special ships he had mentioned the previous afternoon.

  “It’s a colony ship,” replied Tasid as he gazed excitedly at the vessel. “It’s seven kilometers in length and three kilometers in diameter at its widest point. We built two of them in secret many years ago in preparation for some of us leaving the Dyson Sphere. We never had sufficient reason to use them until now. Everything we need to carry on our civilization is on board those ships. In addition each vessel contains 33,000 Glaymons of childbearing age.”

  “Where are they going to go?” asked Lieutenant Mays.

  Tasid looked at Kurt. “We would like to take our colony ships to your region of the galaxy. It’s mostly uninhabited, and we can place our colony ships in orbit above a suitable world or star. They are designed to be lived upon for hundreds, even thousands, of years. When this is over, I’ll be glad to take you on a tour. A number of wide-open parklike areas are inside for our people to enjoy. They’re unlike any ship you’ve ever seen.”

  “Admiral, I’m also picking up 907 of the one-thousand-meter disk ships as well as 22 more of varying sizes that are unidentifiable.”

  “Fleet support ships as well as two larger ships containing repair b
ays for our vessels. There is also considerable manufacturing capacity on those ships to replace any missiles or KEW rounds your ships may need. We were not certain we could have all of these ships ready in time.”

  “I have a message from Fleet Captain Waelt,” reported Lieutenant Brenda Pierce. “He’s ready to depart for Lakiam whenever you give the order.”

  “Fleet captain?” Kurt turned toward Tasid.

  “Yes, the other captains voted for Captain Waelt to lead our fleet.”

  Kurt nodded. So much was happening so quickly it would take him some time to assimilate everything. “Aleea, set a course for Lakiam and coordinate with the rest of the fleet. I don’t want us to get separated.”

  “No problem, Admiral,” Aleea replied smartly. “All ships will be entering hyperspace in seven minutes. Hyperspace formation will be globular with the two colony ships and the Star Cross in the center.”

  Kurt looked at Andrew, who was still staring at the massive colony ship on the viewscreen. Neither knew quite what to say. They were bringing the Glaymons out of hiding. Once they reached Lakiam, the entire galaxy would know of their existence. Kurt hoped they were doing the right thing. The technology the Glaymons brought would doubtlessly shake the economy of the galaxy. Just the Zero-Point Energy modules alone would bring about a massive change. Kurt was only beginning to understand now why certain technology was prohibited to races below a certain level of civilization. From necessity, all that was about to change, or the Vorn would never be driven from the galaxy.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Fleet Admiral Kurt Vickers was in his quarters, speaking to Andrew and Dr. Willis. They had been traveling for over two days in hyperspace.

  “How are things in your med bay?” Kurt asked Willis, who seemed a little flustered.

  “I thought the equipment Keera had placed in my med bay was confusing,” Willis said with a long sigh. “What the Glaymons have installed is even worse. Even my hotshot intern doesn’t fully understand it. Did you know there’s a machine in there now that can scan a person’s injury, decide on the appropriate treatment, and then program medical nanites to cure a disease or mend a broken arm?”