Chroniech!

by Doug Farren

  Norgoola accepted the chair but declined the drink. After seating himself he said, "We have been monitoring the growing problems the Alliance has been experiencing. We have noticed a trend which, if not halted, will result in the complete breakup of the Alliance and therefore its eventual destruction by the Chroniech. We feel this situation was caused by our presence and we have decided to make an offer which hopefully will correct the problem."

  Sorbith leaned back in his chair and gave the Kyrra a long hard look. The chair creaked dangerously under his more than normal weight. It never ceased to amaze Ken how natural the movements of a peacekeeper's cybernetic limbs appeared even though they were much heavier and hundreds of times stronger than natural ones.

  "I'm not too sure I understand what you mean," Sorbith replied.

  "The facts are as follows," Norgoola said. "Despite your efforts, the Chroniech continue to advance. Because of the recent confrontation with the Tholtaran's here, they have withdrawn their support in the defense effort and instead have concentrated their forces around their own star systems. This has decreased the effectiveness of your ability to defend the Alliance.”

  "Also, there are growing tensions between the Human and Tholtaran cultures which, if not resolved, will eventually result in open conflict between the two races. This will seriously degrade the defense effort and will actually assist the Chroniech in the destruction of the Alliance.”

  "Finally, it should be noted that your scientists will require a considerable amount of time to understand the principles of the devices for which we provided technical information. This means the Alliance will remain at a tactical disadvantage with respect to the Chroniech for many months. We have discussed these problems and would like to propose a solution."

  Sorbith appeared neutral during all this. Without moving he said, "What is your proposal?"

  "The Hess have several hundred probes in storage on this planet. It also has almost three thousand probes currently stationed in various locations throughout the Alliance and beyond. Each of these probes is equipped with a transceiver that is more capable than the type for which you were provided the technical specifications.”

  "The transceivers here can be removed and installed in Alliance ships thus allowing them to communicate with the network of probes. Once properly positioned, these probes can form a communications network linking all areas of the Alliance."

  Stricklen could not believe his ears! Unable to hold back his thoughts he blurted out. "You're telling me the Hess has had a high-speed communications network in existence all this time and you did not think to let us know about it? Why are you so reluctant to help us? What do you want in return for the use of this communications net?"

  Stricklen had more to say but he was silenced by Sorbith. "Captain! The Kyrra are not obligated to discuss with us the reasons behind their actions. They are making us an offer which I cannot refuse. Whatever they want in return, we will give them." Facing Norgoola, Sorbith asked, "What must we do?"

  "The Tholtarans are to be readmitted to the Alliance with no repercussions for their past actions provided they offer a formal apology to both the Hess and the Humans and agree to join in the defense of the Alliance."

  Stricklen was infuriated. "An apology!" he shouted standing up so fast his chair fell over. Norgoola seemed to cringe under the sudden verbal attack. "You can't dictate policy to us. Once the Tholtar get their hands… "

  "Silence!" Sorbith commanded in a menacing voice. He slowly stood up and faced Stricklen. "The Alliance is in mortal danger and you are going to allow it to break apart because of racial intolerance? I represent the Alliance in this matter and I intend to ask the council for an immediate decision to agree to these terms. I understand your concern but, at the moment, the welfare of the Alliance is paramount."

  Sorbith stood glaring at the captain. Stricklen chewed on his inner lip for a moment then reached back to retrieve his chair. Sitting down and making a visible effort to calm himself, he said, "My apologies. I have personal reasons for distrusting the Tholtarans. I'm afraid I let them override my judgment."

  "The Kyrra would like to offer one more item," Norgoola continued in a shaky voice. "The manufacturing facilities of this planet are capable of producing a number of the particle beam retro-fit units each day. Provided you agree to the terms, we will begin supplying these units. This will give the Alliance a better chance at defeating the Chroniech."

  "Pending final approval by the Grand Council the Alliance agrees to your proposal," Sorbith said without hesitation. "As long as the Tholtarans also agree. I shall send a message to the Alliance council and the Tholtaran government immediately."

  After Norgoola had left, Ken started to apologize to Sorbith. "I understand your feelings," Sorbith interrupted.

  "I'm sorry," Ken quickly fired back, "but I don't think you do."

  "Wrong captain," Sorbith's voice softened. "I am quite familiar with your family history. Humans and Tholtarans have much to work out and for the sake of the Alliance must learn to work together. Consider this matter closed."

  Stricklen's grandfather had been a starship captain during the short Tholtaran-Human war. His ship had been destroyed while defending Earth — nobody had survived. Stricklen's father had been very close to his dad and had never forgiven the Tholtarans for what they had taken away from him. That hatred had been passed on from father to son.

  "Thank you sir," a much relieved Stricklen replied. "By the way, how do you tell the Kyrra apart? I couldn't help noticing that you addressed Norgoola by his name without a moment's hesitation."

  Sorbith smiled and let out a chuckle. "I can't. They all look alike to me. My ship, however, can tell them apart," he said pointing to his cybernetic eyes. "I have standing instructions with it to keep me informed as to which Kyrra is whom."

  "Clever," Stricklen said. "That link you have with your ship sure has its advantages."

  "True — I have full access to the entire Alliance data-net. It becomes second… Hold on!"

  Sorbith seemed to be listening to an inner voice. After a moment he said, "Sensors have picked up a high-speed probe entering the system. The drive-wake is Chroniech in composition. If the probe comes within weapons range the Hess will destroy it."

  "The other probe must have sent back enough information for the Chroniech to decide to launch an attack here. This one probably means a Chroniech attack force will be here within a matter of days. I hope we're … " Stricklen paused as if remembering something important. After a second his eyes grew wide and he uttered a very un-officer-like explicative.

  Looking intensely at Sorbith Stricklen explained. "I recently read a report about Chroniech probes dropping monitor drones as they passed a system. Just before the juggernaut opened fire, we picked up a Chroniech probe but it did not enter the system, it only passed through. I'll bet we have been under surveillance ever since and this new probe is a prelude to an attack. They're trying to get a better idea as to our defensive capabilities."

  "Why would they even bother with us," Sorbith said. "Because of the pulsar, this system is a very hostile place to base an attack force. Besides, the Chroniech will not bother to send a force this far into Alliance space just to destroy a few ships."

  Stricklen stood up as he replied, "They're not interested in just a few ships. If they recognized the Komodo Dragon, they'll be here — and they'll be here in force."

  On that note Stricklen turned and strode out of the mess hall leaving a slightly confused Sorbith to ponder why Ken had said what he had. Stricklen went straight to Tasha's cabin. He sought her out not only because she was the ship's psychologist, but also because he needed to talk to a friend who would understand what might be going on inside his head. She was happy that Ken wanted to speak with her.

  Ken told her what was on his mind, his concerns for the Alliance, and about what had just happened in the mess hall. What concerned him the most was his outburst in front of Sorbith.

  After patiently listening Tash
a said, "Your concerns are valid Ken. You have a deep desire to protect the Alliance and to see it become more than it is. I think what is really bothering you though is your deep distrust for the Tholtarans. This is also natural, considering what your family has gone through. On one hand you know Humans and Tholtarans must work together in peace. On the other hand your distrust of them affects your judgment. Internally, you are divided — much like the Alliance is now and it upsets you."

  "You're right. You're also very perceptive. So tell me, what do I do about it?" Ken asked.

  "Believe it or not, you've already taken the first step by recognizing that a problem exists. Your grandfather died in the war right?"

  "Along with thousands of other Humans," Stricklen fired back quickly.

  "Your dad hated them because of that," Tasha stated it as a fact and not a question.

  "Absolutely!"

  "People don't realize how much of their personality is created during their early childhood years," Tasha started to explain. "You didn't learn to distrust Tholtarans through your own personal experience, you learned that from your dad."

  Ken took the time to think about this. He had never met a Tholtaran until he had joined the military. His first meeting had taken place during his inter-species relations class. Each member of the class spent two days with a member of each of the thirteen species making up the Alliance. They were encouraged to learn as much as possible about each species, their culture, their mannerisms, and how they interacted with each other. It had been an enjoyable experience.

  Ken related this memory to Tasha then added, "So I learned to distrust Tholtarans from my dad. I guess I'll have to try to alter what I have believed to be the truth all my life."

  Tasha reached over and took Ken's hand and said, "It's not like you would be betraying your father. He had his reasons for hating the Tholtarans. It's not wrong to have a different view than your parents did."

  Stricklen returned her grip. Their friendship was a close one and Tasha seemed to almost be able to read his thoughts. She had been dead on with that remark. "I guess I never thought about it like that but the moment you mentioned betraying my dad I realized that what you said is true. Any suggestions on how to proceed?"

  "Try taking a vacation to a Tholtaran world — preferably one that specializes in multi-species vacations. The military contacts you have been involved with probably feel the same way about Humans as you do about them. Get to know some Tholtaran civilians."

  Ken nodded his head. "That sounds like a wonderful idea. It's going to have to wait until after this war is over though."

  Ken felt Tasha's grip tighten and her mood changed. "Let's hope it ends soon and in our favor."

  Ken reached over with his other hand and clasped hers. "We have the Kyrra and the Hess on our side now," he reassured her. "We will come out on top of this when it's all over."

  "Are you hungry?" Tasha suddenly asked.

  "As a matter of fact, I am," Ken replied. "Care to join me for dinner?"

  "I would be delighted."

  The two ate dinner together in the mess hall keeping their discussion away from the war. After dinner, Ken bid her farewell and, feeling much better, retired to his stateroom and took out his diary. He opened it to the next available page and hesitated, pen poised in mid-air. A confusion of thoughts were running about in his head. Taking a deep breath he started with the loudest of them and began to write.

  Just returned from having dinner with Tasha. As a ship's psychologist she is tops — as a woman she is captivating. I must admit that I find her company very pleasant. I should be careful though since I am her commanding officer. But still, there are possibilities.

  Another Chroniech probe appeared today. I am sure it is a sign of a Chroniech attack. They will try to retrieve the stasis chamber from us and will undoubtedly attack ASAP with as many ships as they can muster. I only hope the Hess defense system is adequate, even though we are removing their main reactor and replacing it with another. From what I have seen of their abilities, even the Chroniech will be turned back.

  I have mixed emotions about the upcoming journey to take the Kyrra home. Even at 11Kc, it will take us about three months to make the trip. According to the Hess, most of this journey will be through Chroniech space. What will we find when we get there? Will we get there? If the Kyrra are gone, what then? If they are still there, how will we be received? What will happen to the Alliance in our absence? Can we defeat the Chroniech? Will I have a home to return to?

  I am very glad of one thing. I am glad I am not married. Most of the crew who remain aboard the Dragon were picked because they were not married. I did this because, for many reasons, I feel this is going to be a one-way trip. I hope I'm wrong.

  17 - The Battle of Shaular

  Departure day! For nearly three weeks, the Hess had been working furiously to finish the modifications to the Komodo Dragon. The last bulkhead had been welded back in place days ago and the final preparations were being made. The transport had arrived and tons of extra supplies were being transferred to the Dragon. Most of the post installation checks had been completed and things were finally beginning to wrap up.

  The Chroniech had been strangely quiet — no new attacks within twenty-five light years of the Hess had been reported. There was a very good reason for this. Suspecting an attack, the Hess had sent out several probes to search the surrounding space and, after days, one of them had located a large Chroniech fleet gathering just over two light years away. Even though the probe had been cloaked it had amazingly been detected and destroyed. Prior to its destruction, it had managed to identify at least one planetary assault platform and picked up indications of nearly a hundred other ships.

  Stricklen was on the bridge as the ship was preparing for its long journey. Some of his fears had been put aside by recent developments. The Tholtaran government had accepted the Hess proposal and their ships were back at work protecting the Alliance. Several Alliance ships had already been outfitted with the Hess transceivers and the high-speed communications network was working perfectly. And, more importantly, Alliance ships were starting to be equipped with the advanced weaponry of the Kyrra.

  "Fusion reactor three is lit and stable," engineering reported. "Commencing startup of reactor six."

  "Acknowledged," Stricklen replied. "What is the status of the drive system?"

  "Zero-power alignments are almost complete. Zero-emission standby alignments will begin immediately thereafter. The drive should be available for low power operation in about three hours."

  Amazing, Ken thought. It would have taken a small team of Alliance engineers all day to do what the Hess will accomplish in a few short hours.

  "Bridge - CIC," a voice announced over the com. "Multiple drive-wakes detected. Distance 0.81 light years; speed 3.7 Kc; approach vector 136 by 28 galactic. Wake signature is Chroniech."

  Stricklen felt a surge of adrenaline course through his body as he listened to the report. "Composition and ETA," he queried.

  "At least 138 ships. Three planetary assault platforms, seventeen dreadnoughts, and 118 lesser support craft. ETA, three hours twenty minutes assuming standard Chroniech gravimetrically forced deceleration."

  "Good Lord!" Stricklen exclaimed. The Chroniech usually used only one of the massive planetary assault platforms when they attacked a fortified planet. Two were rarely seen together and only during the assault of a particularly heavily defended world. The fact that three were being brought to bear against the Hess was proof that the Chroniech considered them a formidable foe. Planetary assault platforms were very much like Tholtaran juggernauts in both size and function.

  Stricklen reached out and activated the ship's address system. After the attention tone had sounded he spoke to the crew. "This is the captain. Sensors have picked up a large Chroniech attack force heading this way. In the event the Hess is unable to protect us, I want this ship ready to lift in two hours. Don't worry about putting things where they belong, just get all the
supplies aboard. If you can do something faster, even if it's not quite perfect, then do it. The second we are able, this ship lifts. I know you can do it — let's move!"

  The already hectic activity throughout the ship became even more so. Supplies and stores were put wherever they would fit to be sorted and correctly stored later. The Hess told the engineer that it would accept a marginal preflight alignment of the drive system which could be fine tuned during the final alignment steps. The risks, it explained, would be minimal.

  Stricklen received word that Sorbith had ordered the General Patton to prepare to return to Almaranus at max speed. "I'll be leaving in a few minutes myself," Sorbith said in the same communication. "I want to wish you and your crew luck on your journey. Tell Falnath she had better live up to her promise to return — the Alliance can't afford to lose a great mind like hers. We'll keep in touch via the Hess as long as possible. Sorbith out."

  Sorbith was unable to go with them because his ship was not fast enough and was too big to fit inside the Dragon's hanger bay. If he was out of contact with his ship for too long, his cybernetics would automatically power down as a safety precaution. Falnath had demanded that she be allowed to go, sighting the fact that she was the best qualified person in the entire Alliance to understand Kyrra technology. Stricklen had feared she would go as far as to stow away on his ship if he had not officially granted her permission to go.

  Confident of their invulnerability, the Chroniech ignored all warnings and entered the Hess system. As they approached, the three planetary assault platforms fell into a triangular formation. Doug Scarboro, who was in combat control, signaled for Stricklen's attention. Once the connection had been made he said, "Something isn't right about the Chroniech attack vector. Take a look at your tactical and their projected course."