by G. P. Hudson
“We follow the Foreseen. Only death can absolve us of our obligation.”
Jon shrugged. It seemed he was stuck with Booch, whether he liked it or not. It wasn’t that he minded the Freen. They were an odd race, but they had saved his bacon a few times now. If they wanted to tag along to the Milky Way, then he wasn’t going to tell them they couldn’t. He still felt guilty. Eleven ships. Thousands of Freen. All leaving their homes, their galaxy, because they thought they owed him something. It just didn’t seem right.
“What about your families?” said Jon. “Your loved ones? There’s a good chance you’ll never see them again.”
Booch cocked his head sideways again, showing his lack of understanding. “We leave no one behind. Our families travel with us.”
“Wait a second. Are you saying that your families are on board your ships?”
“Yes. We fly as one. It is as it should be.”
“Wow. Okay, I guess that makes things easier for you.” Eleven ships full of Freen families, all coming to the Milky Way. That was indeed something he hadn’t expected. How many of their families were lost in the previous battles? All to help him get home.
A suffocating feeling of guilt started to take hold, but he pushed it aside. He didn’t have the luxury of self-indulgence. As for the remaining Freen families, he would have to figure out the logistics of it all later. For now, the Freen were coming, and nothing he said was going to change their minds. “Very well. We will cross through the gate momentarily.”
“As you wish. We stand ready.”
“See you on the other side.” Jon terminated the connection, and looked up at the galactic gate, dominating the viewscreen. It was time to return home, and Jon couldn’t help but wonder what had happened since they were gone. “Commander Henderson, let the other ships know that we are crossing through the gate.”
“Yes, Sir.”
“Helm, take us through.”
Chapter 20
They landed in a familiar planetary system dominated by a red giant star. The guardian’s system.
“Report,” said Jon.
“All data indicates that we have arrived in the Milky Way galaxy, two point five million light years from our previous location,” said Commander Henderson.
Jon shook his head. This was the second time they crossed through the galactic gate, but he still had trouble believing it. “What about the guardian? Is there any indication that he is moving?”
In their first encounter, the guardian of the gate was disguised as a moon. Then, it had promptly left planetary orbit to intercept them. Of course, it wasn’t a real moon. Just a spaceship in disguise. At least that was what Jon thought it was, and felt better believing so.
“The guardian moon is remaining in orbit, Sir,” said Henderson. “There is no indication it is changing course.”
“Good. We should get the hell out of here before our friend changes his mind. Are all ships synced with the Freedom’s jump system?”
“Yes, Sir. All ships are still synced.”
Jon nodded. “Initiate jump.”
The viewscreen shifted, and the battle group landed in an empty region of space, fifty light years away from their previous location. It was also their fourth and final jump before requiring a twenty-four-hour recharge. It gave them an opportunity to make repairs, and get their bearings before the next series of jumps.
“AI, are you close enough to get an update on the Dvorkan AI fleet?”
“No, Admiral. I cannot provide a status report.”
“Alright, I guess we’ll find out soon enough.”
On their voyage to the galactic gate, they had encountered a rogue Dvorkan AI that had built up its own fleet, with which it planned to invade the Dvorkan Empire. It made the mistake of attacking Jon’s battle group, and while it had enough ships to defeat them, it could not match their AI’s digital warfare capabilities.
Once their AI had killed her opponent, they inherited its fleet, consisting of three-thousand-two-hundred-and-forty-two automated warships, and the production facility that manufactured them. It was a mind-boggling development that nobody had expected.
In the end, AI had taken control of the fleet, and left a copy of herself behind to oversee them. The extra ships would undoubtedly be useful in their fight against the Juttari, and Erinyie.
“Commander Henderson, you have the bridge.”
“Yes, Sir,” said Henderson.
Jon walked off the bridge, in search of their one Dvorkan crewmember. “AI, please locate Miira Kev.”
“Crewmember Miira Kev is currently in the mess hall,” said AI.
Jon had to smile. Miira’s appetite had become legendary in the time she’d been on board the Freedom. The Dvorkans were giants, and Miira was no exception. Standing at eight feet, she towered over everyone on the ship. Many adjustments had to be made to accommodate her. They had specially designed furniture to allow for her giant frame.
When it came to food, Jon suspected that she would have higher caloric requirements, but was surprised to find out exactly how high those requirements really were. It seemed that Dvorkans, along with great size, had extremely fast metabolisms.
Arriving at the mess hall, Jon found Miira sitting at a table with several plates of food in front of her. “May I join you, Miira?” Jon said walking up to the table.
Miira’s face lit up. “Yes, of course, Admiral. Please sit. Would you care for something to eat?”
“No, thank you. I’m not hungry.”
Miira shook her head. “I still don’t understand how you function with so few nutrients. Your people are a wonder.”
“We get by.” Jon smiled. “Miira, I wanted to talk to you about something. I guess you are aware that we crossed back into the Milky Way.”
“Yes, Admiral. I am. That is wonderful news.”
“On our way back to our sector of space, we will be passing through Dvorkan territory. I’ve been giving a lot of thought to your people and their Empire. Considering all that we’ve experienced, I think it is only a matter of time before the Empire is dragged into this conflict.”
“That is a logical conclusion,” said Miira, her mood more solemn.
“I also think that it would be prudent to warn them of what is out there so that they can prepare. In doing so, I’d also like to try and establish an alliance with the Empire.”
“I can see the logic in this as well,” said Miira. “I just don’t know how successful you will be in creating such an alliance.”
“That is exactly why I came to see you, Miira. I need your help to understand your people, and to get them on side.”
Miira frowned. “The problem is Dvorkans have never needed ally with another race. All the alien races they’ve encountered have been substantially weaker. None have ever been treated as equals. Rather, they pay tribute to the Empire, until the Empire simply assimilates them. Their populations are eventually allowed to ascend, but never viewed as equals. The Dvorkans consider themselves masters of everything they see. To convince them that they need to ally themselves with an alien race would be quite challenging.”
“What if one of their own tried to convince them?”
“One of their own? You couldn’t possibly mean me.”
Jon gave Miira an encouraging smile.
“Admiral, I know nothing of politics. I would be a terrible choice for such an assignment.”
“I don’t know about that. We need them to understand the threat they’re facing. Who else would be better at that than one of their own kind? Not to mention, the Empire’s foremost expert on the Anitkitheri and Erinyie.”
“I respectfully disagree. Most in the Empire ridicule my research. They would not take me seriously. They would think that I am deceiving them to gain credibility for my research.”
“Not if we’re with you.”
“That might be worse. They would say I am trying to promote alien ideas.”
“I think we can persuade them otherwise. We do have recording
s of our encounters with the Antikitheri, not to mention the battle with the Cenobi. If they see what the Cenobi can do with a star, they might come around. The point is, I think we can convince them, so long as we get in front of the right people.”
“For an alliance, you would need to speak to the Emperor himself,” said Miira.
“You mean you need to speak to the Emperor.”
“Me? I couldn’t possibly-”
“Sure you can. I have confidence in you, Miira. Besides, I’ll be there with you. You’ll just need to make it happen, and make some introductions.”
“I don’t know-”
“I thought you said you wanted to become a member of this crew?”
“I do.”
“Then consider this your first mission. Unless you intend to disobey a direct order from the Admiral.”
“Disobey? No, that is not what I meant.”
“Good. Then it’s settled. You have some time until we reach Dvorkan space. I’m sure you can come up with a plan by then.”
“Yes, Admiral. I will.”
Jon smiled. “I knew I could count on you, Miira. I’ll let you get back to your meal. Don’t hesitate to let me know if you need anything.”
Chapter 21
“Do you think it wise to approach the Empire in this way?” General Tallos, the leader of the Diakan contingent, said from the wallscreen. The faces of the other commanders impassively gazed back.
“I think it is our only opportunity to do so.” Jon sat at the boardroom table, with Miira Kev’s towering frame at his side.
“But the Dvorkans possess a vast Empire, and a history of aggression,” Tallos continued. “They may seek to conquer us, rather than become our allies. We did have to fight our way out of their space the last time.”
“Yes, I remember,” said Jon. “I’m hoping it won’t come to that this time. You’re right, they do control a lot of territory in this region of space. It would be strategically advantageous if they joined us. If we don’t try, we run the risk of them siding with the Erinyie.”
Commander Booch of the Freen flapped his arms angrily at the mention of their enemy. “If these creatures would embrace the darkness, they are no allies of ours.”
“I understand your point of view,” said Jon. “But things are not quite so simple. The Dvorkans do not believe the Antikitheri exist-”
“Heresy!” Booch flapped his arms more aggressively. The Freen were zealots. They considered the Antikitheri to be gods. As such, every decision regarding them became black and white, making it almost impossible for them to see the reality of the situation.
“It’s not that simple,” said Jon. “The Antikitheri left this galaxy long ago. Most in this galaxy consider them to be nothing more than myths.”
“The unbelievers must be purged!”
“Sorry, Commander. We are not going to purge anyone. What we are going to do is try and convince them that the Antikitheri and the Erinyie are real. In doing so, we will make them understand the threat the Erinyie pose, and convince them to ally with us.”
“Mass conversion of a population can be effective. The Foreseen is truly wise,” said Booch.
Jon noticed the reaction of the other commanders to Booch’s words. Jonas looked especially hostile, and Jon was thankful that the old Reiver didn’t share his thoughts with Booch. Jon concluded that it might be better not to include Booch in future meetings. He made a mental note to merely have regular one on ones with Booch, and avoid any unnecessary conflict due to Freen fanaticism.
“Miira has advised me that the only way to secure an alliance is for the Emperor to agree to one. I believe that with her as our ambassador, the Emperor will see the logic in our request.”
“He would be a fool to turn down such a beautiful woman,” said Jonas, smiling at the blue-skinned Dvorkan.
Miira looked down at her hands, noticeably uncomfortable by the attention. It amazed Jon that someone who stood eight feet tall could be so timid.
“Even if they believe us, the knowledge can still place us in a precarious position,” said Tallos.
“How so?” said Jon.
“The Dvorkans will recognize their handicap. They will request that we share the jump system technology with them. If we refuse, they may be inclined to side with the Erinyie to obtain the technology. Either way, they obtain the ability to reach our space, becoming another potential threat.”
“You make a good point, Tallos,” said Jon. “Are you saying that we shouldn’t try to ally with them?”
“Not necessarily.”
“Alright. Thank you for the input, General. I still think the greater risk is not doing anything. I would wager that the Erinyie already know of the Dvorkan Empire. If that is true, then they will either try and recruit the Dvorkans to their side, or they will try and conquer them. Is there a risk in exposing ourselves to them? Yes. But I think there will be a greater risk in the future if we don’t reach out now. Any other objections?”
The commanders all stayed silent.
“Then it’s settled. Once we reach Dvorkan space, we will arrange for talks with their Emperor regarding an alliance.” Jon gave Miira a reassuring smile, which she sheepishly returned. He turned his attention back to the wallscreen. “The next thing we need to discuss is the AI fleet. We are still too far for AI to sync with the copy of herself she left behind. AI, how far along do you think the retrofits will have progressed?”
“We have been absent for several months now,” said AI. “Based on that time frame, and the condition of the ships and manufacturing facility when we left, I estimate the completion of a sizeable percentage of the retrofits.”
“More than half?”
“Yes, Admiral.”
“Thank you, AI.”
“You’re most welcome, Admiral.”
“If half the ships have jump systems, that is a good sixteen-hundred battleships. I think we should take those and leave the rest behind to be retrofitted. They can guard the facility, and once AI completes the retrofits, she can begin building more ships. It would provide us with a strategic presence in this region of space. If the Dvorkans turn against us, we will have a fleet at our disposal to keep them busy.”
“It is a sound strategy,” said Colonel Bast of the Chaanisar. “Perhaps it would be wise to duplicate it.”
“What do you have in mind, Colonel?” said Jon, his curiosity piqued.
“The Dvorkan AI managed to create a self-sustaining operation. Perhaps the same could be done elsewhere, say closer to our region of space. If we selected a few strategic star systems on the way back, we could leave a copy of AI along with some ships, and she could replicate the operation.”
“Such an endeavor would require sufficient resources and time to accomplish,” said AI.
“Could it be done?” said Jon.
“Yes, Admiral. The Dvorkan AI built his fleet for continued expansion. Without the jump system, it would have taken him centuries to return and invade the Empire. Part of his plan was to continue building weapon systems on the return trip. To do so, each ship possessed its own fabrication facilities. With enough ships, we could establish a presence in a new star system. The necessary components could be built on the ships and used to establish mining operations. Those mines would generate raw materials, which could then be used to build a manufacturing facility.”
“Then you could start building more ships?”
“Yes, Admiral. Warship production could commence once we build the manufacturing facility.”
“Sounds like it would take a long time to get to that level. Right?”
“That is correct, Admiral.”
“How about weapon systems. Can the ships manufacture automated weapon systems to assist in defense?”
“Yes, up to a certain size.”
“If we built enough weapon systems first, we could entrench ourselves in that system. Then we could move ahead with mining and the construction of a manufacturing facility. I would like to establish a network
of these systems. In time, they would act as strategic buffers, as well as jumping off points for our forces. Even if we ally ourselves with the Dvorkans, there is simply too much distance between us to properly coordinate with each other. If we were to establish such a network, however, we could use each system as a communication relay.”
“It would also prevent the Dvorkans from doing the same,” said Tallos. “We need to keep the future in mind. What happens after the Erinyie are defeated? Who will control the space between us? If we establish a foothold first, we do not have to worry about Dvorkan encroachment. Based on that logic, I would also advise the eventual building of battle stations, as well as permanent colonization of any habitable worlds.”
“The Dvorkans might find that provocative.”
“Perhaps,” said Tallos. “But if the systems are far enough away from the Empire, they cannot argue that we are encroaching on space that is within their sphere of influence.”
“I am hoping that if we convince them on the merits of an alliance, that we will not need to worry about such things,” said Jon.
“One must always worry about such things, Admiral. If we base an alliance with the Dvorkans on the threat of a common enemy, once that threat is gone, attitudes can readily change. It is best to consider all things.”
“I’ll take that under advisement. At the very least, I think the establishment of buffer systems on the way back is a sound strategy. We will reach the AI fleet in the next round of jumps. We can reassess once we understand the situation better. AI, what are the chances you can also add shields to those ships?”
“Each ship can fabricate the required parts while we travel. I can have the parts installed and tested while we rest between jump cycles.”
“Good. Adding shields to those battleships will be a huge help. Make it happen.”
“As you wish, Admiral.”
“That will be all. We’ll reconvene when we reach the AI fleet. Pike out.”
One by one the faces vanished from the wallscreen, leaving Jon alone with Miira.
“Do you think General Tallos is correct, Admiral?” said Miira.