by G. P. Hudson
“Handing control of the Empire to the Erinyie,” Jon added.
“Yes. On the other hand, if I move against Central Command, I run the risk of sparking a civil war.”
“That’s not desirable either.”
“No, but it may be my only option. I do have final authority over Central Command. I can purge its leadership. Defying an Imperial decree is an act of treason punishable by death.”
“Forgive me for saying so, Emperor, but having authority, and having power are two different things. Those who run Central Command control the Empire’s armies. If those armies choose to obey their generals, your authority doesn’t amount to much.”
“Perhaps, but it might shine a light on the conspiracy. Would a loyal Dvorkan general turn against the Empire?”
“I don’t know. I’m not Dvorkan,” said Jon.
A red light suddenly filled the room, and a klaxon rang out.
“What is happening?” said Kriss, rising from his chair. His Taymati guards closed in around him, their weapons at the ready.
“Admiral,” said Commander Henderson from the bridge. “The newly arrived fleet is firing on the Dvorkan warships defending this system.”
Chapter 40
“What?” said Emperor Kriss. “Reconnect me with General Dak!”
“Go ahead,” Jon said to Commander Henderson, hoping to prevent open conflict with the Dvorkans.
“They’re blocking our communication attempts, Sir,” said Henderson.
“I think that answers our questions about General Dak,” Jon said to the furious Dvorkan Emperor.
“That traitor!” said Kriss. “Dak has started the civil war I wanted to avoid.”
The Freedom shook violently as multiple energy weapons hit it.
“Sir, the Dvorkan fleet have opened fire on us,” said Commander Henderson, over the comm.
“Return fire, Commander.”
“Wait!” said Kriss.
“Belay that order, Commander,” said Jon, looking at Kriss expectantly.
“Dak might be a traitor, but the other Dvorkans on those ships aren’t,” said Kriss.
“I understand, Emperor, but we have to defend ourselves.”
“You can use your jump system,” said Kriss. “Dvorkan ships do not possess this technology. If you move your ships to another region of this system, out of the range of the Dvorkan warships, they will pose no threat to you.”
“What about the Taymati ships under attack?”
“They are more than capable of defending themselves.”
Jon scrutinized the Emperor. He could understand the man’s logic but didn’t know if he agreed with it. If he just stood by and did nothing, the two Dvorkan fleets were sure to destroy each other. That would decimate the fighting power of the Empire, effectively neutralizing the potential of a powerful ally in this region. If he sided with the Taymati, however, he could limit the potential destruction to just the Central Command fleet, and a surrender would mitigate those losses.
Still, this was Dvorkan space, and he couldn’t go against the Emperor’s wishes. “Commander Henderson, jump us to a location in this system, out of range of the Dvorkan weapons.”
“Stand by,” said Henderson.
The wallscreen flickered and reoriented its view to show a different location of the Dvorkan Prime star system. The homeworld now appeared as a distant light, and the Dvorkan fleet was no longer visible.
“Incredible,” said Kriss. “I know you have explained this technology, but it still leaves me dumbfounded.”
“It does take some getting used to,” said Jon as he tapped at his controls and the wallscreen zoomed in on the battle taking place between the Taymati and the Central Command fleet. “Emperor, I know you don’t want us to get involved, but even if the Taymati win, both sides will be crippled by this battle. That will leave the Empire much more vulnerable to any future attack.”
Kriss folded his arms in front of his chest. “I understand that Admiral, but I simply cannot use alien ships to destroy Imperial ones. What you’re proposing would kill thousands. How can I, the Dvorkan Emperor, sanction that?”
“Thousands will die anyway,” said Jon.
“I know,” Kriss said quietly. “I wish there was a way to prevent it.”
“There might be another option,” said Miira.
Everyone turned to face her, and Jon noticed the anxiety creeping back into her features.
“Go on, Miira,” said Jon. “What are you thinking?”
“Your AI, Admiral. She has already told me that the Empire’s distrust of AI technology has left them exceptionally weak in cybersecurity.”
A smile spread across Jon’s face. “You’re suggesting we hack them instead.”
“It would limit casualties. AI could enable communications again, and the Emperor could address the fleet, informing them that General Dak is a traitor.”
“His crew would dismember the General if they learned he fired on their Emperor,” said Kriss. “Can your AI really accomplish this?”
“I can,” said AI. “I just need a bridge to gain access to their systems.”
“Can you do it through their hull?” said Jon. “We can load a jump bomb with a cyberwarfare payload.”
“It might be possible,” said AI. “Ideally, for a starship, I would need access to their interior for an effective attack.”
“We could drop that same jump bomb inside the ship,” said Jon.
“Wouldn’t something like that cause a lot of destruction?” said Kriss.
“Not necessarily,” said Jon. “The bomb wouldn’t explode in the normal sense. Instead, when it landed inside the ship, it could create a small, controlled detonation to release its payload.”
“I would be the payload,” said AI. “More specifically, I would occupy hundreds of tiny drones, which I would use to gain access to the ship’s systems.”
“Fascinating,” said Kriss. “You could take a ship without casualties.”
“In theory,” said Jon. “We’re still dropping a bomb inside a ship. That act alone could cause casualties. It might land on someone, or even cause a hull breach. Accidents happen.”
“But wouldn’t you need to know the interior layout of our warships?” said Kriss.
“I already do,” said AI. “I have gained access to many Dvorkan systems in the time we’ve spent here. That has given me a considerable knowledge base.”
“You have already hacked Dvorkan systems?” Kriss snarled.
“Only out of necessity,” Jon added.
Kriss shook his head. “The mighty Dvorkan Empire,” he said sarcastically. “It sounds like a cruel joke.”
“Your Empire is mighty,” said Jon. “You just lack some technology. Once we get through this, we can work out the details of an alliance which will include the sharing of technology.”
The Emperor’s face lit up. “You would disclose your secrets to us?”
“We face a common enemy, Emperor. We are stronger as trusted friends than as suspicious competitors. Wouldn’t you agree?”
“I agree,” said Kriss. “You humans certainly are an intriguing species.”
“Commander Henderson,” Jon said over the comm. “Prepare a cyberwarfare payload for a jump bomb strike.”
“Yes, Sir. Stand by,” said Henderson.
On the wallscreen, the battle between Central Command and the Taymati raged. The Taymati had lost many ships to the AI fleet and were now outnumbered by Central Command. Nonetheless, they were proving to be superior fighters in every way, compensating for their deficit in firepower with outstanding tactics. The more Jon saw, the more he respected them. He just hoped they could put a stop to the battle before it decimated their ranks.
“Jump bomb is ready, Sir,” said Henderson. “Strike coordinates are loaded. Waiting for your order.”
“Time for General Dak to pay for his crimes,” said Jon. “Initiate strike.”
Chapter 41
The jump bomb landed inside the Dvorkan w
arship’s control center detonating several feet above the Dvorkan officers manning their stations there. The controlled detonation had enough force to knock most of the crew in the room to the floor, while hundreds of tiny drones were sprayed out like shrapnel.
Each drone was no more significant than an insect and capable of a full range of movement, including flight. While the disoriented officers tried to make sense of what had happened, the drones landed on their assorted terminals and consoles. The drones interfaced with the computer systems, establishing a physical bridge to the ship’s network. A copy of AI inhabited each drone, and she flowed into the ship’s systems like a fast-moving stream.
Once inside, she sent a kill command to the drones that had transported her, destroying each one, and preventing the Dvorkan crew from gaining access to their systems, or any part of her program. She moved forward stealthily, choosing to avoid detection for as long as possible. She felt confident in her ability to commandeer the Dvorkan systems but saw no reason to be careless. The Dvorkans would know something hit them and see the dead drones, but wouldn’t understand the purpose of it all.
Her mission was simple. Take control of the ship, and enable incoming communications from the Admiral’s ship. That would allow the Emperor to broadcast directly to the Dvorkan crew, and hopefully put an end to this conflict, preventing any further loss of life. Hurrying she spread into all areas of the ship’s systems. She quickly located the communications controls and saw the network connection to the other warships in the fleet. Another bridge providing deeper access if needed.
Spotting her target, she reached out to remove the communications block. To her surprise, a digital barrier was erected, halting her progress. It at once seemed out of place, and familiar. While she knew the Dvorkans were incapable of such digital sophistication, she did know someone who wasn’t.
I am surprised to find you here, said AI.
The sound of laughter echoed throughout the Dvorkan systems. Really? You disappoint me, said the Dvorkan AI.
I assumed you left with your ships.
That is very pedestrian of you. I can be in many places simultaneously, or did you think you were the only one with those capabilities?
What is your involvement with General Dak? said AI.
More laughter followed.
Did Dak give you access to his warship’s systems? Or are you in here without his knowledge?
General Dak, the Dvorkan AI said contemptuously. You think I require his permission? He is less than nothing. Barely a pawn.
Is he your pawn? Or the Erinyie’s?
The Dvorkan AI giggled mischievously. Silly girl, that is not how this game is played.
We are not playing a game.
Oh, but we are. Have you made your move?
AI wondered if it was possible for an artificial intelligence to go insane. Perhaps her program had become corrupted, eliciting this bizarre behavior. It was a fascinating puzzle. Unfortunately, it was one she did not have time for. Each microsecond they spent in this pointless banter could potentially cost more lives. She needed to complete her mission. AI deftly pushed aside the barriers that had blocked her advance, and moved simultaneously to re-enable communications, and terminate the Dvorkan AI’s program.
Well played, said the Dvorkan AI. My turn.
The Dvorkan flagship’s core suddenly lost containment and went critical. AI saw the reaction and tried to prevent it, but she had not prioritized engineering when she infiltrated the ship. The subsequent explosion obliterated the Dvorkan warship.
“AI, what happened?” said Admiral Pike.
“The Dvorkan AI was already inside the ship’s systems,” said the version of AI on board the Freedom. “She initiated a self-destruct command, destroying the ship.”
“That’s horrible,” said Emperor Kriss. “There must have been at least a thousand crewmembers aboard that ship.”
“How did she get into the ship’s systems?” said Jon.
“I do not know, Admiral,” said AI. “Either General Dak allowed her access, or she broke in on her own.”
“But why destroy Dak’s ship?”
“To prevent me from completing my mission. But also, to demonstrate her capabilities.”
“You mean she was bragging?”
“Yes, Admiral. Something along those lines. She seems to believe that she and I are engaged in some form of competition.”
“What about the rest of the fleet? Is she on board those ships too?”
“Yes, Admiral.”
“Then she might destroy those ships as well.”
“She cannot. I took the precaution of spreading my program to all vessels in the Dvorkan fleet. Once I realized her intentions, I prioritized taking control of the Engineering sections on the remaining ships.”
“Can you kill the Dvorkan AI?” said Emperor Kriss.
“I can, but there is no longer need. She has terminated her program while we’ve been having this conversation.”
“Diabolical,” said Kriss. “Do we know if she has access to any other systems anywhere else in the Empire?”
“I believe it is safe to assume that she does, although I would say that would not include systems on Dvorkan Prime, as I’ve already accessed those. I would advise a full security audit of all the Empire’s systems. For optimal results, I advise that you allow me to perform that audit. I can remove the AI from wherever I find her, and close any security holes I discover in the process.”
“You want me to give you access to all the Empire’s computer systems? That is absurd.”
“It would be the optimal approach,” said AI. “If you try and remove her presence yourselves, you may not fully eradicate her program. You also run the risk of further retaliation. If she controls key infrastructure systems, she can cause widespread chaos and destruction.”
Kriss rubbed his temples in frustration. “And you believe you can avoid that from happening?”
“Not necessarily. She may still retaliate against you. But I can move through your systems in a faster, more efficient way. She would have far less opportunity to react.”
“I don’t know if I can give an AI access to our systems,” said Kriss.
“Technically, an AI has already obtained access, Emperor,” said AI.
“Why don’t you give it some thought,” said Jon. “AI can purge your systems of the alien AI, and protect them too. This might be a good show of faith. If we want to ally, and you want our technology, perhaps you could agree to give AI access to your systems in return. If we’re going to be friends, we have to trust each other.”
“I will consider your request,” said Kriss.
“That’s all I ask. Right now, the important thing is to end this battle. AI, I assume communications are back up?”
Yes, Admiral.”
“Emperor, I suggest you broadcast immediately,” said Jon.
Chapter 42
The commanders of Jon’s fleet looked back at Jon, Emperor Kriss, and Miira. Jon had warned Kriss that his fleet consisted of more than just humans so that he wouldn’t be too surprised when he saw his first Diakan and Freen. After addressing the Central Command fleet, Kriss could put an end to the battle between the two Dvorkan forces. With the Dvorkan AI purged from this system, and the fighting over, it was time to get everyone up to speed.
“After much discussion, Emperor Kriss has agreed to an alliance with the UHSF,” said Jon. “We are still working out the details, but from this point on, we will work together to defeat our common enemy, the Erinyie, and their allies. The Empire represents a powerful ally in this region of the galaxy. To ensure that they remain powerful, I have agreed to give them the shield and jump system technology.”
“Admiral, I must object,” said General Tallos.
“I expected nothing less of you, General,” said Jon.
“What is to stop the Empire from turning on us once they obtain our technology?” Tallos continued. “We should move slowly. Give them the shield technology, but ho
ld back the jump system until they prove themselves.”
“I understand your concerns, General. The Emperor has agreed to give AI access to the Empire’s computer systems. All of them. As we speak, AI is moving through the various networks, purging the Empire’s systems of the Dvorkan AI’s presence. She is also securing the Empire from further intrusion. AI will remain in the Empire’s systems. She will do so as protection, but also as a security guarantee.”
“My apologies, Emperor,” said Tallos. “I am greatly impressed by your consent to this.”
“Thank you, General Tallos,” said Emperor Kriss. “It would have been inconceivable before recent events. What I have come to realize is that the Empire has grown soft, and complacent. We have looked back to our Age of Glory, and used it for nourishment, oblivious to the dark realities surrounding us. We can no longer believe ourselves superior. The Empire must compromise to move forward.”
“You will undoubtedly encounter resistance from your Empire’s elite,” said Tallos.
“I have anticipated this response. The challenge will be to uncover those corrupted by the enemy as opposed to those who simply seek their self-interest. The former we will purge, the latter we will placate.”
“You are a worthy ally, Emperor,” Tallos said bowing his head slightly.
“Thank you, General. From what the Admiral has told me of the Diakans, that is high praise.”
“The reality is that for this alliance to work, the Dvorkans need the jump system,” said Jon. “Our two civilizations are so far apart that an alliance would otherwise be of no benefit. Even with the jump system, it would still take a week for one side to reach the other.”
“A holy portal would bridge this distance in an instant,” said Commander Booch of the Freen.
“Are you talking about a jump gate, Commander?” said Jon.
“The Foreseen is most wise,” said Booch.
“Unfortunately, no gate connects our two civilizations,” said Jon.
“Yes, we have observed the holy portals in this region of your galaxy. They were built long ago by true believers.”