The Originator Wars: Universe in Danger: A Lost Fleet Novel

by Raymond L. Weil

  Jeremy leaned back in his chair, feeling horrified he had left Grayseth behind in the Median Galaxy. “Would the Command Center have survived the blast from the dark matter missiles used to destroy the wreckage of our ships?”

  “I compute a 74 percent chance it could have survived,” Ariel replied. “Upon detecting the blasts the computer in the Command Center would have instantly activated the energy shield, and along with the shield and the heavy armor protecting that section it should have survived. The Command Center would have been several hundred kilometers away when the missile exploded.”

  Jeremy was still concerned. He recalled how the Simulin ships at Gaia had been destroyed by a single dark matter missile. Granted, it had been stronger than the ones Ariel had deployed. Plus the Command Center on the Warrior’s Pride had been protected by Originator battle armor and an Originator energy shield.

  “That leaves us with a number of scenarios,” Admiral Kalen said, his eyes narrowing. “None of them good. The most likely one is that after the dark matter explosion, the Command Center would have been detected by the Eternals and they would have gone to investigate. They could have either captured Grayseth and his surviving crew or destroyed the Command Center upon locating it.”

  “There is another scenario,” Aaliss said a little hesitantly. “There is a marginally habitable planet in the system where the battle took place. In the damaged section that contained the Command Center, there are a number of escape pods. It’s possible the survivors of the crew used those pods to reach the planet.”

  Admiral Calmat turned toward Jeremy. “We must send a rescue mission immediately to determine if Grayseth still survives.”

  “Aaliss, do those pods possess enough supplies to allow Grayseth’s crew to survive on the planet if they can reach it?”

  The Originator AI nodded. “Yes, each pod has an emergency survival kit.”

  “Jeremy, it’s going to be very difficult getting back into that galaxy to conduct a rescue,” Ariel said. “We’ll be detected when we cross the two hyperspace surveillance boundaries the Eternals have set up. They’ll know we’re coming and will be waiting for us. Once they realize our destination they’ll figure out there’s something important in that system if they don’t already have Grayseth.”

  Jeremy let out a deep breath. Ever since he had found out that he left Grayseth behind, he had been haunted by guilt. “Aaliss, is there any way around the hyperspace detection fields the Eternals have emplaced?”

  “Possibly,” Aaliss said with a deep frown. “I will need to consult with several other AIs who are well versed in that field as well as one of the Originators.”

  “Admiral Calmat, I want you to work with Aaliss on a rescue mission. Once the two of you have a viable plan we’ll meet again and discuss it. Use whatever resources you need. I want Grayseth back!”

  “Jeremy,” said Ariel with a look of surprise on her face. “Kazak has just contacted me and reports they have found the hidden compartment on the Dominator. They’re preparing to open it shortly.”

  Jeremy stood up. “Inform, Kazak I’m on my way.” It had taken an unusual amount of time to find the compartment. Jeremy was curious to see why. Also by going over to the Dominator, it would take his mind off Grayseth.

  -

  As soon as Jeremy arrived on the Dominator, a Marine escorted him through the ship to a tight maintenance shaft full of wiring, equipment, and ductwork. He had to crawl on his hands and knees until he reached an area he could stand up in. It was a little wider there and he could stretch out both arms and barely touch the wall. Kazak, Bartoll, and Commander Zafron were standing there along with two heavily armed Marines. Two other Originator AIs were present standing behind a strange piece of equipment they had aimed at one of the walls. All were hunched over since their height was too tall for the small maintenance shaft. The hatch would normally be accessed by the small repair robots.

  “What is it?” asked Jeremy, looking over at Kazak and Commander Zafron.

  “We’ve detected a power source behind this wall,” answered Kazak. “We’re directly below the stasis compartment. I suspect this is the hidden compartment we’ve been searching for. According to all the design records of the Dominator, there shouldn’t be a power source here.”

  “Can you detect anything else behind that wall?” Jeremy knew if there was a void space it had to be very small. He doubted if there could be more than one or two stasis chambers in the hidden space.

  “We’ll know shortly,” answered Commander Zafron as he gave orders to two small maintenance robots in the shaft. The Marines had their pulse rifles ready just in case there was something dangerous behind the wall.

  The two small robots immediately moved to the wall and began taking down a panel. It only took a few moments and then the two robots moved back out of the way. The removed panel revealed a darkened recess.

  Without hesitation Kazak stepped forward, drew his sidearm, and went inside. The Marines stepped over to the opening in case Kazak called for help. For a few moments there was silence and then a bright light came on.

  “You can come inside,” Kazak said. “We’ve found what we were searching for.”

  The others went in with Jeremy last. Stepping inside, Jeremy came to a halt. Ten stasis chambers lined the wall. Each stasis chamber had an Originator inside.

  “It appears Jankel’s little group was larger than we thought,” Commander Zafron remarked as he walked along the narrow passage in front of the chambers. As he walked he called out names. “I know all of these people. Several of them are esteemed scientists.”

  “People we can use,” Bartoll said excitedly. “I see Camiss, Parmeld, and Damold who all are great research scientists.” He came to a stop in front of the last chamber and gazed at the male Originator inside. “Here’s Jankel.”

  Commander Zafron stepped over to the case and nodded as he recognized the scientist. “I’ll have the maintenance robots remove the outer wall to the maintenance shaft to give us better access to the stasis chambers. We’ll remove each chamber and take it to the Dyson Sphere where we have been doing the awakenings.”

  “Perhaps one of these people will know where the missing Originators went,” said Bartoll, his eyes gleaming with excitement.

  “We can only hope,” said Jeremy.

  -

  A few hours later Jeremy was standing in a large construction bay in one of the massive shipyard facilities. In front of him was the beginning of his new flagship.

  “We’ve made some changes,” Ariel said from Jeremy’s side. “The new Avenger will be larger and much more powerful than the last one.”

  “We’ve increased the power to the ship’s weapons by 22 percent,” said Aaliss. “We’ve added a second ion beam to the bow and installed a new type of energy screen, one we’ve spent thousands of years of research developing.”

  Jeremy looked over at Aaliss. “How’s it different?”

  “It’s a multiplex screen.”

  Jeremy looked confused. “Multiplex, what’s that?”

  “It’s a layered energy shield,” Ariel explained. “Normally a ship is protected by one screen; the new Avenger will be protected by three.”

  “Our analysis of the screens of the Eternals indicate their ships are only protected by one screen. This should give us a decisive advantage in a battle,” added Aaliss.

  “How soon before it’s ready?”

  “Six weeks.”

  Looking back at the beginnings of his new ship Jeremy could see numerous construction robots busily working. In addition a number of AIs were present directing their activity. It was still amazing watching the larger robots carrying huge metal beams and entire sections of hull armor. Tractor beams were also in use lifting heavy sections and holding them in place.

  “This ship has been designed with the necessary firepower to destroy an Eternal vessel and be able to stand up to their energy beams long enough to allow it to do so,” said Aaliss.

  Jeremy n
odded. When he went back to the Median Galaxy to rescue Grayseth, he would need this ship.

  -

  The next day Jeremy, Kelsey, Kevin, Katie, Angela, and Brace were at a Chinese restaurant. Kelsey had dragged Jeremy away from the Tower, telling him he needed to quit worrying about Grayseth and the Eternals for a few hours. “Everything will work out,” she promised.

  “Sweet and Sour Chicken,” said Angela as she took a bite and a dreamy look appeared on her face. “Here we are millions of light years away from Earth and we’re eating Chinese food.”

  Kevin was working on an egg roll with a frown on his face. “They don’t even have hamburgers on the menu,” he complained. “How can they call themselves a restaurant and not serve hamburgers?”

  Katie kicked him under the table and saw a look of pain cross her husband’s face. “Hamburgers are for cooking out,’ she said emphatically. “I like Chinese food. So eat that Chicken Chow Mein and enjoy it.”

  Jeremy had to smile. It was good to be out with his friends. They needed to do this more often.

  “Where’s Clair?” asked Katie, sounding disappointed. “I was expecting you to bring her.”

  “Clarissa’s babysitting,” answered Brace with a grin. “She insisted.”

  “What to you think’s going on back home?” asked Katie, looking over at Jeremy. “Sometimes I wonder about the Federation.”

  Jeremy nodded, but he had a few sources of information the others didn’t. There was a group of Human officers in the Dyson Sphere in the Milky Way. “There’s been a war between the Shari and the Ralift. The Federation became involved as some AI battle spheres showed up. Admiral Tolsen was sent to help the Shari. Evidently the Altons have built him some new dreadnoughts. The ships are pretty advanced compared to the Federation vessels we’re familiar with. From what we’ve been able to learn he and the Shari managed to smash the Ralift fleet and the AIs. A few AI battle spheres made it to the Dyson Sphere, but our battlecruisers made short work of them.”

  “So, Admiral Tolsen saw the Originator vessels?” asked Kevin.

  “Yes,” replied Jeremy. “We only used one battlecruiser to destroy the twenty-one surviving AI battle spheres. I suspect Admiral Tolsen was impressed by our display of firepower.”

  “Admiral Tolsen is still fighting for the Federation,” said Kelsey approvingly. “I wish he were here. We could use another admiral like him.”

  “So do I,” said Jeremy wistfully. “However, with everything he’s accomplished against the Simulins, the Shari, and the Ralift, perhaps it’s best he stays where he’s at.”

  “So, there were still some AIs surviving.” said Brace. “Somehow I’m not surprised.”

  “Fewer now,” Jeremy answered. “I suspect there will be an effort to ensure they’re all hunted down and destroyed.”

  “Will we ever contact the Federation again?” asked Brace. “I know a lot of people came back with Rear Admiral Barnes but we’re getting ready to fight an intergalactic war. We could use more, particularly fleet personnel.”

  “Perhaps,” Jeremy answered as he took a bite of his fried rice. “I’m not ruling out the possibility.” He didn’t want to involve the Federation in this war, but if the Eternals turned out to be too big of a threat some type of compromise might be necessary. They might need hundreds of thousands of fleet personnel. The only way to get them would be through the Federation.

  They finished their meal and then sat around for well over an hour just talking and laughing. It was good to be able to take time out from their duties and just be themselves for a little while.

  -

  Two days later Jeremy was sitting in his office in the Tower talking to Admiral Calmat and Aaliss about rescuing Grayseth if he still lived.

  “I have spoken to several clan leaders. I would like to lead the rescue mission.”

  Jeremy looked over at Calmat. The large Bear reminded him a lot of Grayseth. “I don’t know if we can risk losing both Grayseth and you.”

  “The leaders of our clans have met, and we have chosen an honorable clan leader to take my place if I fall in combat.”

  Very well,” Jeremy answered. He knew better than to argue with a determined Carethian. “Have you come up with a plan to get us into the Median Galaxy?” That was still their biggest obstacle.

  Calmat slowly shook his head. “Those hyperspace detection fields are a problem. Not even the Originators or their AIs have come up with a solution yet to get past them undetected.”

  “We’re still working on it,” Aaliss said. “We have several possibilities, but it’s going to take some more research. Right now, I can’t promise anything.”

  Jeremy leaned back in his chair. “It will be six more weeks before the new Avenger is ready. Another week for a shakedown cruise and I’ll be ready to go with you.”

  “You’re going as well?” asked Calmat surprised. He had not been expecting that.

  Jeremy took a deep breath. “Grayseth is my clan brother. I am honor bound to go on this rescue. I am also the one responsible for leaving him behind.”

  Calmat nodded his agreement and understanding. “To honor,” he said solemnly.

  “To honor,” replied Jeremy. He blinked his eyes, hoping his clan brother was still alive. If there was any way to bring him home, Jeremy intended to do so.

  Epilogue

  Rear Admiral Tolsen was in his quarters sitting across from his sister. They had been talking about the recent conflict in Shari space. They were currently in the New Tellus System where the WarHawk was docked to New Tellus Station, the largest shipyard in the Human Federation of Worlds.

  “So we didn’t get all of them,” said Massie, shaking her head in disappointment. “I had hoped we were through with the AIs.”

  “Not quite,” Race answered as he took a sip of his tea. “Fleet Admiral Nagumo informed me there are a few with the Borzon. Not as many as were with the Ralift, but still enough to be a problem. Our fleets engaged against the Borzon have orders to make destroying the remaining AI battle spheres their top priority.”

  Massie looked concerned; Race knew she had been looking forward to some time off. She wanted to go to Ceres and spend some time with their parents. “Don’t worry, the Borzon and the remaining AIs are not our problem for now. We may have another more important mission coming up in a few more months.”

  “What’s that?” asked Massie, leaning back and relaxing. She enjoyed spending time talking to Race.

  “President Malle has indicated he wants us to return to the Shari Empire and see what we can do about establishing normal relations. From what I understand the Federation Council is putting together a very large package of inducements centered around trade.”

  Massie looked thoughtful. “Are we taking all the fleets?”

  “No,” Race replied. “Admiral Stoddard and Admiral Baasil will be going to the border with the Borzon to see what they can do to push them back out of our space. Several other large Federation fleets are already on their way. I suspect when the Borzon learn what we did to the invading Ralift fleet and the AI battle spheres with them, they’ll pull back very quickly.”

  A suspicious look suddenly crossed Massie’s face. “Is there another reason we’re returning to Shari space?” It seemed strange the Federation would send Race when a diplomat such as Alton Ambassador Tureen would make more sense. She suspected something else was going on here.

  Race smiled and nodded. “One of the Originator AIs on the Dyson Sphere communicated with me while I was there. He told me not to contact them, but they might contact us at a future time. I have orders from Admiral Nagumo and President Malle to return to the very edge of the star system where the Dyson Sphere is located and see if I can induce them to speak with us.”

  “Why would they?” asked Massie concerned. “I think they were pretty clear in telling you to stay away.”

  “Remember what I told you about Rear Admiral Barnes taking the people from Ceres, New Tellus, Careth, and even Altons to fight some mas
sive intergalactic war Fleet Admiral Strong has gotten mixed up in?”

  Massie nodded. “What has that got to do with the Dyson Sphere?”

  “I’m convinced there are Humans on the one in Shari Space. I think that’s why the Originator AI spoke with me. I want to try to contact those Humans.”

  Massie’s face became covered in a deep frown. “I don’t know if that’s wise, Race. If Fleet Admiral Strong is involved in an intergalactic war, I don’t believe the Federation will want to get involved. Several of our worlds would stringently object.”

  Race nodded his head in agreement. However, considering everyone who had gone with Rear Admiral Barnes, he strongly suspected the Federation was already involved. President Malle and Fleet Admiral Nagumo just wanted to know what was going on and Race intended to find out. There was a lot of mystery remaining surrounding Rear Admiral Barnes and what had gone on at Ceres. They had an explanation but not a lot of details. Race doubted if they had heard the last from Fleet Admiral Strong or Rear Admiral Barnes.

  A lot of people in the Federation still felt they owed their survival to the Special Five. There was no doubt that if Jeremy placed a call to arms to fight in this mysterious war, there would be plenty of volunteers. Besides, many of those who had gone with Rear Admiral Barnes were friends of Race’s. He wouldn’t mind seeing them again. He would also really like to see the inside of a Dyson Sphere.

  -

  At the Communications and Transport Hub, Jeremy was meeting with Bartoll, Commander Zafron, Clarissa, Ariel, Aaliss, and Rear Admiral Barnes. They were discussing the ten Originators who had been awakened from the hidden compartment in the Dominator.

  “They were all shocked at how much time has passed,” Bartoll said sadly. “Jankel was the only one who didn’t seem surprised. I did find out it was Jankel and one of the other Originators who sabotaged the Dominator, causing it to lose power and effectively stranding it in the asteroid field. They were determined not to allow the ship to return to the Communications and Transport Hub and retrieve the cure once the AIs perfected it. Jankel was deeply concerned about the Defenders of Zorn getting the cure and taking over all the Shrieels and then renewing the war with the Anti-Life. He was convinced there would be other Originators in hidden stasis chambers on the Shrieels and he wanted them to get the cure before any of Zorn’s people were awoken.”