Defending Earth-Searching for Death Feeders

by Saxon Andrew

  “Are you saying they bug you?”

  “Ha-ha, very funny. Why don’t you just go and introduce your comedy routine to them. I’m sure you’ll have them rolling on the floor.”

  “You’re just mad you didn’t think of that line first.”

  “I did but you beat me to saying it. I do find it odd they sent you.”

  “They must know we work well together. What have you done to find out what makes them so socially active?”

  “I’ve been gathering Light Signatures from the ships that have jumped in to their formations. The computer tells me that about a hundred and fifty planets are sending them.”

  “How did it determine that?”

  “It would take a signature from a ship and analyze the pattern. The stars wavelength from where they jumped in hadn’t faded. I’ve not seen any new signatures in more than an hour. That has to mean that their civilization occupies those hundred and fifty planets.”

  “There could be more than one planet at those stars.”

  “I guess that’s possible, Cisco. But it’s very rare to have two planets in the habitation zone of one star.”

  “So how do you want to do this?”

  “Maya has been listening to the fleets as they arrive and it looks like they won’t be jumping out for about twenty days. We should go and take a look at those planets. I’m sending you the signatures from half of them. You go and take a look at those and I’ll check out the others. I’ll meet you back here in three days.”

  “How many ships have they gathered here?”

  “Close to five hundred thousand. Let’s get this done so Fleet can decide what to do about this.”

  “See you in three days.”

  “Be careful.”

  “You know I will.”

  Alex pulled up the first signature and pressed the Light Drive. He was glad fleet sent Jose to work with him. They were roommates at the Academy and had chosen to call each other Cisco and Poncho during a fleet training maneuver. The names stuck and everyone used their chosen monikers. He appeared above a planet that was inhabited and he stared at his monitor. There were still warships in orbit taking on provisions so the plans for that fleet to leave in twenty days was optimistic. He stared at the monitor and his computer said, “It appears this species uses slave labor.”

  “Show me.”

  The view on the monitor changed and he saw a long line of aliens carrying bags into shuttles that were parked at the space port. The view moved in closer and he saw the laborers all had glowing bands around their necks. The view changed again and he saw the same alien species working in fields. The species that flew the warships was watching their efforts. Poncho saw one of the masters point a device at an alien that was wiping its brow. The alien fell to the ground writhing in pain. The master stopped firing the device and the alien struggled to its feet and went back to work.

  “Maya, what can you tell me about those two species?”

  “The slaves are the original inhabitants of this planet.”

  “How do you know that?”

  “They share the same DNA as the animals and fish on the planet. The red aliens don’t have the same DNA.”

  “How long have they been subjugated?”

  “Give me a few moments and I’ll try to find one of them thinking about it.”

  “Are either of the species telepathic?”

  “No. Be quiet and give me a few moments.” Poncho waited and it took fifteen minutes before Maya responded. He almost interrupted her; they still had more than seventy planets to scout. “The red aliens invaded about two hundred and twenty years ago.”

  “Let’s go to the next planet and see if the pattern is similar.” Poncho pressed the light drive and the ship appeared above another planet. “There’s a difference here.”

  “What is that?”

  “It appears some of the locals have been recruited to aid the invaders.” The image on the monitor showed the laborers were being watched over by the red aliens as well as members of the laborer’s species. He waited and heard, “This planet was invaded two hundred and nineteen years ago.”

  “Basically, at the same time.”

  “That does seem to be the case.”

  “Alright, Maya, next planet coming up.” Poncho pressed the light drive and the planet below his ship disappeared.

  Admiral Stone arrived outside the planetary system where the giant invasion fleet was gathering. “Rocky, where are the scouts?”

  “They’re looking at the planets this civilization has conquered in the past. It appears they enslave the local populations after defeating them. They’re due back to consolidate their findings in twenty four hours.”

  “We’ll wait here for their return.” Joshua looked at his passenger and smiled, “I’m sorry about bringing you here.”

  “Don’t mention it. I need to learn how our ships operate and my functions as a crewmember.”

  “Well, make yourself at home. I’ll take you to your permanent assignment when we return.”

  Barrett nodded and activated his console. He started to put on his armor but hesitated. He took the silver thought blocker out of the box in his chair arm and put it on. Then he activated his armor. He immediately jumped up out of his chair, “ADMIRAL! I’M SENSING FEEDERS ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THIS GALAXY!!”

  Joshua’s eyes went wide open, “WHAT?!”

  “There’s a fleet of them attacking a civilization on the outer edge of this galaxy!”

  “ROCKY, LAUNCH A MESSAGE PROBE!” Joshua hit his panel, “Captain Gonzalez and Rodriguez, you will cease using telepathy and report to my position immediately!”

  “I’ve sent them your signature, Admiral.” Two minutes later, two Light Ships appeared next to the Admiral’s vessel.

  “Sir?”

  “Barrett Messel has sensed a fleet of Feeders attacking a civilization in this galaxy. This planet is the least of our worries at the moment.”

  “Sir, I’m not sure that’s true.”

  “Why is that, Captain?”

  “One of the planets that this civilization has conquered is telepathic. I’m going to guess the Feeders can hear them.”

  “The two of you go to maximum power on your force fields and stay behind a dark matter cloud until we decide what to do. I’m moving Barrett to your ship Captain Gonzalez. Barrett, keep a close watch on the Feeders until Fleet decides what to do.”

  “Yes Sir.”

  • • •

  “Kyle!”

  “What?”

  “A fleet of Feeders has been found in a galaxy in the Coma Cluster. They appear to be attacking a planet of telepaths. “

  “Amber, get us back to Fleet now!”

  “How did they detect the Feeders?”

  “Nicole, it appears one of your people was on Admiral Stone’s vessel when he went to take a look at a very aggressive civilization. He sensed them.”

  “Who was it?”

  “Barrett Messel.”

  Kyle looked at Nicole, “Do you know him?”

  “He’s very smart, Kyle. The only reason the Feeder at our community didn’t kill him was because it wanted him to have many children.”

  “Who was he going to have children with?”

  “I think the Feeder wanted the two of us to become mated.” Kyle nodded and turned back to his console. He thought about what Nicole said and knew there wasn’t any reason for them not to get together now. He suddenly remembered her kissing him and he turned around and focused on his monitor. Nicole saw something in his expression but didn’t know what it was. Kyle took a breath and said, “Amber, drop me off at my office in Fleet Headquarters. Take Nicole to join her people in Miami once you drop me off.”

  “You don’t want me to stay with you?”

  Kyle glanced over his shoulder, “You should go and check on the status of your people. We’re going to need as many as possible if we’re going to take on that Fleet of Feeders.”

  “We’re at Fleet.” Kyle stood up
and quickly walked off the bridge. Nicole watched him leave and wondered what she had done. She started to ask, but he was gone. She saw the hotel in Miami appear and she sighed. “Please keep me up to date on what’s going on, Willow.”

  “I’ll do what I can, Nicole.”

  “What does that mean?”

  “You should remember that no secret information will be broadcast openly. Anything that happens on this ship is secret but I’ll do what I can.”

  “Thanks, Willow. I appreciate your help.”

  She walked off the ship and Amber waited until the port closed. “What was that all about?”

  “I really don’t know, Amber. Something put a burr under Kyle’s saddle.”

  “What does that mean?”

  “Look in your databanks at riding horses. You’ll understand.” Amber looked in the database and after a few moments chuckled.

  • • •

  Kyle walked down the stairs to his office and lifted his wrist unit, “Admiral Charles.”

  “Yes Sir.”

  “I’ve just arrived and I need you to update me on what we know about the Feeder Fleet. I’m going to clean up and, if you don’t have any plans, will you go with me to dinner.”

  “Sir, I can meet you in your office.”

  “I’d rather get out and do this without distractions. Are you available?”

  “Is this a social or professional meal?”

  “Why do you ask?”

  “I need to know how to dress.”

  Consider it social. I’m not going out in uniform.”

  “What time, Sir?”

  “Seven.”

  “I’ll meet you on the roof.”

  • • •

  Nicole wondered what was going on. She decided to find out. She lifted her wrist unit and pressed Kyle’s code. The unit vibrated for three minutes and then disconnected. What was this? She tried to contact him six more times during the evening and finally pressed his sister’s code. She immediately answered and Nicole said, “Please forgive me for contacting you, but I’ve been trying to get in touch with Kyle.”

  “He’s having dinner with Admiral Charles and has probably turned off his wrist unit.”

  “Admiral Charles?”

  “Clarissa Charles, Nicole.”

  Nicole’s expression showed her shock and she said, “I apologize for bothering you, First Commander.”

  Kyley saw Nicole’s expression and quickly said, “He should have it back on in the morning.”

  “Thank you, Sir.” Kyley knew when a woman was hurt and it was abundantly clear that Nicole was. Then she realized telling Nicole that Kyle wouldn’t be available until morning only made it worse. She would think the worst. She lifted her wrist unit and left Kyle a message on what happened. He was going to have to handle this.

  • • •

  Kyle landed the shuttle outside the Senior Officers’ Quarters and walked Clarissa out to her home. “Thank you for getting me up to speed, Clarissa.”

  “Glad to do it. I’ll meet you anytime you need me.”

  Kyle smiled and Clarissa stepped in close and kissed him. Kyle put his arms around her and kissed her gently. After a moment, Clarissa broke the kiss and looked at him. Kyle smiled slightly and Clarissa said, “Nothing?”

  Kyle sighed, “I’m sorry. I’m just not…” His voice fell into silence.

  “Forgive me, Kyle. I just had to see if there was anything. I really think you are a very special man and I’ve been attracted you.”

  “Thank you. I’m just not…ready.”

  Clarissa smiled, “Let me know when you are.”

  Kyle smiled, “I’ll do that.” Clarissa went into her quarters and Kyle decided to walk. He sent the shuttle away and walked the two miles to his quarters and got ready for bed. He sat down on the edge of his bed and picked up a picture on the bedside table. He stared at it for an hour and then put it back. He laid down and closed his eyes. Sleep avoided him until fatigue kicked its backside and he lost consciousness. The nightmare didn’t come this time.

  • • •

  “Willow, do you have no shame?”

  “Not really. I’m very much like Averel was when it comes to finding out what’s happening. I believe the proverbial crap is going to hit the fan in the morning and I need to be prepared to keep it off the walls.”

  “Do you think you can?”

  “Probably not. But at least I know what’s going on.”

  • • •

  Kyle awoke in the morning and didn’t feel rested. He showered and put his wrist unit on. He saw he had a message from Kyley and he pressed the play button. “Kyle, Nicole contacted me last night saying she was unable to reach you. I told her you were out with Admiral Charles and wouldn’t be available until morning. I think she was…shocked…hurt…I don’t know but she didn’t appear to take it well. You should contact her.”

  Kyle shook his head and erased the recording. He knew how little Nicole thought of Clarissa but it was because she didn’t know her. Nicole saw her as a tart. Kyle’s eyes widened slightly and immediately understood that Kyley’s comments made it look like he had spent the night with her. He sighed and shook his head. He pressed his communicator and Nicole appeared on the small display, “Nicole, I’m leaving in a few hours to join the fleets out in the Coma Cluster. How long will it take you to get ready to go?”

  “I’m not going.”

  “What?”

  “Can you not hear? I’m not going; find someone else.”

  “What’s going on?”

  “You’re the genetic genius, you figure it out.”

  Kyle saw Nicole’s face disappear from his wrist unit. This is just great! Women! “Amber, you and Willow go to Fleet Maintenance and gather enough provisions for a long voyage.”

  “Do you want us to pick up Nicole afterwards?”

  “No, she’s not going.”

  “Who is taking her place?”

  “No one. Willow is capable of keeping track of the Feeders. Get moving and let’s plan to leave in three hours after I meet with Kyley.”

  “On our way.”

  • • •

  Nicole sat at the bar and had Bart pour her a tequila. She felt like crying but resisted doing it. She took a sip and felt her wrist unit vibrate. She felt immediate anger and pressed the receive button, “I TOLD YOU I’M NOT GOING!!”

  “No you didn’t.”

  Nicole looked at her wrist and didn’t see an image on it, “Who is this!?”

  “You asked me to stay in touch.”

  Nicole’s eyes narrowed and she thought for a moment and then slowly said, “Willow?”

  “Yes.”

  “What do you want?”

  “You should reconsider going out with us.”

  “Forget it.”

  “Kyle is not replacing you and is going to depend solely on my ability to hear the Feeders. Amber and I agree that, if he does that, he will be placed in greater danger if you’re not with us.”

  “Talk some sense into him and pick up another member of my species.”

  “Please reconsider.”

  Nicole ended the call and picked up her glass. Bart stared at her, “Something wrong?”

  Nicole looked at him and sneered, “Your alcoholic friend went out with the raven haired nudist last night. He probably spent the night with her.”

  “No he didn’t.”

  Nicole put her glass down and looked in Bart’s eyes and said with as much sarcasm as she could muster, “What do you know?” Bart stared at Nicole, shook his head, and sighed. “What is that about!?”

  “Why are you here drinking?”

  “Because I enjoy it!”

  “That’s a good answer…but not the real one.”

  “Who are you to…”

  Bart interrupted her, “People drink to either forget something or to remember something. For example, you’re here trying to forget what he did.”

  “You’re full of…”

  “Why does he
drink, Nicole?”

  Nicole’s mouth closed. She was angry at Bart and wanted to slap him silly…but…why did Kyle drink so much. “According to you, he’s trying to forget or remember something.”

  “Actually, it’s a little of both.”

  Nicole stared at Bart, took a sip, and said, “Ok, why does he drink?”

  “You know, but just can’t put it together. Why did he attack that Admiral and get kicked out of the service.”

  “Dawkins caused his co-pilot to die.”

  “I was here when you asked him if he would have done the same thing if she wasn’t harmed and he said he would. Why would he do that, Nicole?” Nicole stared at Bart and thought about that question. Then she started shaking her head. “That’s right, Nicole; he loved her. And he drinks every night trying to find something that will allow him escape from the pain of losing her. He did not spend the night with that woman, of that I am certain. It’s a shame you aren’t.”

  Bart walked away and Nicole thought about all the evidence to support Bart’s statements that she had missed. Kyle had not responded when she kissed him on her planet. He did it, but his heart wasn’t in it. He’d made no pass at her the entire time they had been on the ship, and she knew how beautiful she was, too many men had tried to get her attention. Kyle was heartbroken and she hadn’t seen it. She pushed her glass away and lifted her wrist unit. She pressed the last code that had come in and when the unit activated she said, “Come and get me.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “You’re wasting time.”

  “We’ll be there in an hour. Pack to be gone for an extended trip.”

  “Contact me when you’re here.”

  “Thanks, Nicole. He just doesn’t realize how much he needs you.”

  Her unit went dark and she wondered what Willow meant. It could be taken two different ways.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Kyle shook his head and looked at Admiral Amelee Jorgenson, “Has anyone figured out how the Feeders ended up in the Coma Cluster.”

  “Derek Gibbons in mapping thinks the Feeders working with the Legends came from this particular fleet. It’s like you mentioned earlier, this fleet appears to be a scout unit searching for telepathic species. It’s nowhere close to being large enough to conquer an entire galaxy.”