“The message was sent thirty hours ago,” said Barnes.
“See to it that Supreme Commander Granthaxe gets that message immediately,” said Thompson.
“Aye, sir,” she replied. “Sending message to him now.”
He turned to his exec. “If my calculations are correct that gives us about a six- to eight-hour window to prepare for the Karang fleet. Time is not in our favor.”
Niles moved closer. “If I may speak freely, Admiral. This is a really bad idea. I think we should follow protocol. We return to Earth, replenish our shields, then prepare for a last stand.”
Thompson had already heard the same story from Niles and cut him off sharply. “Your position is duly noted. And as I stated earlier, not every situation is the same. Now I do not want to hear another word unless it pertains to our plan of attack. Is that understood?”
“Sir,” said Niles, not backing down. “Regulations dictate that we retreat, make contact with the president, and prepare for the invasion.”
It was obvious to Thompson that Niles was upset. In fact he seemed to be bordering on insubordination. “In case you haven’t noticed, I’m in charge of the fleet and we will do it my way. Maybe you should take a few hours off to rethink things.”
His exec didn’t say another word. He turned around and stormed off the bridge. It was obvious that the rest of the crew on the bridge had heard the exchange, but to their credit they ignored it and kept focussed on the task at hand.
“Mister Diego,” said Thompson, “you are currently second in command.”
“Aye, sir,” said Diego.
The bridge crew went about their business while Thompson sat back in his chair. Something was bothering him about his longtime friend. His feelings were usually spot on and he wished he had more time to delve into what was really going on. However, the current situation was far too important and needed his complete attention. Yet the feeling that something was amiss kept nagging at him. Unfortunately he didn’t have a whole lot of time to get to the bottom of it.
Amanda looked at the time. They had been walking for more than eight hours and the area they were headed for seemed no closer than it was when they started. “Any idea on how far we’ve gone?” she asked.
“Almost twenty miles,” said her father. “And from the looks of it we have another ten to twenty to go.”
“How about we take a break and eat some rations,” said Amanda.
“That sounds like a wonderful idea,” said Commodore Laurent.
“I disagree,” said Kyron. “Time is of the essence. We must press on until we find the Ship of the Gods. It is of the utmost importance. Both of our worlds are depending on us to complete our mission.”
“I agree with both points,” said the admiral. “But we need rest and nourishment to continue. While I understand your point, Kyron, we are not as strong physically as your people. But we do need to press on as well. I suggest a short break of thirty minutes. We’ll drink some water and each eat a ration bar.”
“Sounds good to me said Amanda.”
“As you wish, Admiral Jonas Williamson,” said Kyron.
They sat down and grabbed their supplies. The next few minutes were spent in silence. Amanda noticed that Kyron wasn’t eating or drinking. Also, she was sitting away from the rest of them. In fact it almost seemed like she was agitated, which was surprising. While she had only known Kyron and the Altarran people for a short time, she had never seen emotions other than anger and courage from them. She decided to find out what was troubling her.
“A penny for your thoughts, Kyron,” said Amanda.
“You need not offer me payment to ask what I am thinking, Amanda Williamson,” said Kyron.
Amanda sighed and shook her head. “It’s just a saying.” Then she noticed Kyron smiling, which was never a pleasant sight.
“I am well aware of your odd sayings, Amanda Williamson. I was displaying what you humans call ‘sarcastic humor.’”
Amanda chuckled. “So tell me, my friend. What’s troubling you?”
“I am concerned about our fleets. We have had no contact with the outside world and are unaware of what is transpiring with the battle against the Karang. I fear for the lives of our warriors.”
Amanda placed her hand on Kyron’s. It never ceased to amaze her just how large and powerful the Altarrans were. “I know how you feel,” she said. “I’m concerned about Ryan just as much as you are about Granthaxe.”
Kyron smiled at Amanda. “How long have you known that I have feelings for the supreme commander?”
“Come on now,” said Amanda. “All women can tell when another is in love. It’s the men who are oblivious to it. Ryan and the supreme commander are very good at what they do. If anyone can pull through and survive it will be them. Now eat some rations and have some water because we will need all of our strength. We still have plenty of ground to cover.”
“You are wise beyond your years, Amanda Williamson. I shall heed your advice and drink some fluids and eat some nourishment. If I may ask a favor of you?”
“Of course,” said Amanda. “What can I do for you?”
“Keep our conversation concerning my feelings for Supreme Commander Granthaxe between the two of us.”
“My lips are sealed, Kyron. Your secret is safe with me.”
They finished their water and ate some rations. Then it was time to press on. The next few hours came and went in silence. While the journey was a long one, thankfully the terrain was flat and smooth. It was obvious that wherever they were, the terrain was not a natural phenomenon. There was an obvious pathway. As they continued forward, Amanda saw a bluish light in the distance.
“Look,” she said. “Up ahead near the ceiling. Do you see it?”
They stopped and stared in amazement. Something was definitely coming their way. Within seconds the light enveloped Amanda. The others watched in amazement as it grew brighter around her. Slowly, one by one, the light enveloped all of them.
Amanda tried to speak but nothing came out. Images of an enormous ship started to fill her mind. She could see hundreds of ships in space, battling. It was obvious that the battle was between the Karang and another species. Then a very large ship appeared, dwarfing the others. A beam of light emanated from the large craft and enveloped both fleets. Some of the ships were surrounded by a reddish glow, others by a bluish light. Then, in a matter of seconds, more than half the ships vanished. All of the Karang vessels were gone.
She saw the alien again, the one who had spoken to her before. “Your destination is almost upon you,” he said. “Soon you shall prepare to embark upon a journey of the ages.”
“Why me?” said Amanda. “Why can’t you stop them?”
“The days of our physical involvement have long passed. That is why we built the ship you seek. We are still watchers of the universe, but our physical bodies are no more. We are pure energy now and no longer engage in violent acts.”
“So why bother choosing sides?”
The alien figure moved closer to Amanda. “Because, my child, we seeded many planets with the ability to give life. While your kind and the Altarrans are many years from reaching your potential, we believe your people have the possibility to do great things. The very least we can do is see to it that you have that chance. The time for discussion has ended. Remember, the ship is for defensive measures only. You must wait for the Karang to enter your system.”
“If the ship is as powerful as you say, I am concerned that it is far more powerful a weapon than our kind should have access to,” said Amanda.
“Fear not, my child,” said the alien. “It serves only one purpose. Now the time has come for you to access the vessel.” Then he was gone.
“What was that all about?” asked her father.
“Didn’t you all hear what was said?” asked Amanda.
“I heard nothing,” said her father.
“Neither did I,” said Laurent.
Kyron was on her knees praying. She looked
up at Amanda. “I also heard nothing, Amanda Williamson. But it was most obvious that the gods were speaking to you. I could feel their power. You are blessed beyond your knowledge.”
Amanda tried to take in all that had transpired and was overwhelmed. “I certainly don’t feel blessed, Kyron. In fact I feel anxious and concerned. Standing between the life and death of two worlds is not what I signed up for.”
Her father looked at her. “Sometimes life chooses you, Amanda. That’s the beauty of it. One never knows what lies ahead. And of all the people to be chosen, I have the utmost confidence that you can do whatever needs to be done.”
Before Amanda could answer she felt the same feeling as on the transport ship. Then they were surrounded by a shimmering green light and once again, darkness.
Ryan was worried. The fact that a single ship from his father’s fleet was racing back towards Earth was not an encouraging sign. Making matters worse, they were not answering attempts to contact them via their long-range communications system.
“How much longer until we are in ship to ship communication range?” he asked Jill.
“We will be in range in about two minutes, Captain.”
“Contact them the second we are in range.”
“Aye, sir.”
“Rawlings,” said Ryan, “maintain a full alert status. Bring the shields on line. I want all weapons armed and ready. But do not fire unless I give the order.”
“Yes, sir.”
Ryan was hoping that there would be a simple explanation for the fact that only one UEDF ship was returning and they had not replied to numerous long-range communications attempts.
“We will be in range in thirty seconds,” said Jill.
Ryan’s palms were sweaty and he was extremely anxious. His mind was racing. Most of the scenarios he was considering were negative to say the least. He was also worried about his father. After years of not talking to him, things were back to normal and the last thing he wanted to think about was losing him. The thirty seconds felt like hours. Finally they were in ship-to-ship communication range.
“Opening a channel to the Nakhimov now,” said Jill.
“This is Captain Ryan Thompson of the UEDF Churchill calling Captain Bryzlov. Do you copy?”
“Captain Thompson?” said Bryzlov. “The admiral’s son? What in the name of God are you doing out here?”
“I was about to ask you the same question,” said Ryan. “But to answer yours, as soon as I heard that all contact with the fleet had been lost, I took it upon myself to investigate and assist, as per UEDF regulations. But more important, why are you alone and what happened to the rest of the fleet?”
“After our second encounter with the Karang, your father was preparing to send an encoded message to HQ when there was some type of overload that took out all of our long-range com systems,” said Bryzlov.
Rawlings spoke up. “Captain, according to fleet regulations the entire fleet should have returned, not just a single ship.”
“Your crewmember is correct,” said Bryzlov. “Originally the entire fleet was returning to Earth.”
“What happened to bring a change of plans?” asked Ryan.
“I was getting to that,” said Bryzlov. “Your father was injured when the systems overloaded. And before you ask, it was nothing serious. He’s fine. Captain Thames was in charge while your father was recuperating from his injuries. Obviously when the admiral returned to duty he overrode Thames and ordered the fleet to turn around. Then he informed me to return to Earth with all of the current information concerning recent events. As we headed towards Earth the rest of the fleet returned to the wormhole. Your father planned to wait for and hopefully surprise the Karang when they exited the wormhole.”
“Great minds think alike,” said Tanner, who was standing next to Ryan.
Ryan hesitated. Then he returned to his conversation with Bryzlov. “How many ships have we lost?”
“Over twenty known destroyed, four missing, and another ten damaged,” replied Bryzlov. “On the plus side we’ve destroyed seventy-five of their ships and damaged at least twenty more. But as soon as we lost our shields we were no match for their ships. I’ll forward you everything I have. And one more thing, Captain.”
“Yes?” said Ryan.
“Your father also gave me a personal encoded message for you. It’s separate from the rest of the report. But he insisted that I tell you to listen to it immediately. I’m forwarding both reports to you now.”
“Thank you, Captain,” said Ryan. “Have a safe trip back to Earth. We’re going to continue on and meet up with the rest of the fleet and add some firepower to their cause.”
“Good luck, Captain Thompson,” said Bryzlov.
The Nakhimov cut communications and continued towards Earth. Ryan noticed that Tanner was looking at him. “Something on your mind, Tanner?” he asked.
“Just wondering why you didn’t tell him about the special packages we’re carrying.”
Ryan shrugged. “No need to tell him about the nukes. The fewer people who know the better.”
“Doesn’t seem to matter much at this point,” said Tanner. “Our backs are up against the wall.”
Their conversation was cut short by Jill. “I’ve downloaded all the information and video from the two battles against the Karang, and I also forwarded the message from your father directly to your slider.”
‘Thank you,” said Ryan. He opened his slider and attached his earpiece. The message was encoded. He brought the slider closer to his face so he could get a retinal scan.
“Scan complete,” said the robotic voice from the slider.
Ryan wanted to hear the message from his father first. He could watch the videos of the battles afterwards. He knew that if his father had sent him a private message, something was amiss.
“Play message from Fleet Admiral Thompson,” said Ryan.
“Playing message from Thompson, Benjamin, Fleet Admiral UEDF,” replied the slider.
“Ryan, if you are watching this video, the odds are that the fleet has been decimated. If any of our ships survived, they are on their way back to Earth with the remainder of the Karang armada close behind. The sheer size and power of the enemy ships is more than we can deal with. If Amanda and her father have not found the ancient weapon needed to defeat our enemy, I want you and as many of our people as possible to retreat and head for the cadet planet. There, along with the survivors of Altarra, hopefully we can start anew.
I want you to know that I’m deeply proud of you and glad we mended our differences and were able to spend quality time together the last six months. As your commanding officer, I am ordering you to fall back and save as many lives as possible. Also, I’m pretty sure the IC-12 is still around and I believe they are in our midst. I am concerned that the problem is more advanced then we originally thought. Be very careful and keep your eyes and ears open. Last, I love you, son.”
The transmission ended. Ryan fought hard to control his emotions. They ran the full gamut from anger, to sadness. Tears were welling up in his eyes. “How much longer until we reach the wormhole?” he asked.
“We’ll be there in eighteen hours,” said Nicole.
“Jill,” said Ryan, “let’s get the videos of the two attacks against the Karang so we can see first-hand what we’re up against. Also, get Paul in engineering and have him come up to view them as well. The more eyes we have the more likely we can find some weaknesses we can use to our advantage.”
“Aye, sir,” said Jill. “Calling Paul to the bridge now.”
Ryan sat back and waited. He knew their chances were slim to none. But one thing he did know: he was gonna give the Karang hell and do everything in his power to slow them down. If nothing else, maybe he could save his father and buy Amanda more time, and time was a precious commodity.
“How much longer until we arrive at the Dyson Wormhole?” asked Admiral Thompson.
“We will be there in fifteen minutes,” said Romano.
&nbs
p; “Ms. Barnes,” said Thompson, “tell all ships to take their assigned positions as soon as we arrive.”
“Aye, sir,” replied Barnes.
“Mister Diego,” said the admiral, “activate the cameras on the probes at the other end of the wormhole.”
“Activating cameras now,” said Diego.
Thompson watched with interest as the view from the probes appeared on the main screen. To his relief, the Karang armada was nowhere in sight and according to the probes’ sensors still at least thirty minutes from the entrance to the wormhole. Once they entered the wormhole it would take fifteen minutes for the first wave of ships to exit.
“Barnes,” said Thompson, “when the Karang enter the wormhole have all ships go dark. I don’t want them to pick up any power signatures or com chatter. We want them to fly right into our trap.”
“Aye, sir,” said Barnes. “Sending message to all ships now.”
When the next fifteen minutes had passed and the combined fleets were in attack position, Thompson said, “Ms. Barnes, get Supreme Commander Granthaxe on the com.”
Barnes must have expected his order. “I have the supreme commander now, sir. Patching him through to you.”
“Supreme Commander,” said Thompson. “I just wanted to discuss our final plan now, before things get crazy.”
“I understand,” said Granthaxe. “It is most apparent that this could be our final chance to inflict losses upon the Karang armada. Rest assured, Admiral Benjamin Thompson. We will fight till our last breath.”
Thompson thought carefully before responding. “I am well aware of the bravery and resilience of your people, Supreme Commander. I have no doubt as to the voracity with which your fleet will fight. But you need to understand that if my ship is destroyed, you are in charge of the fleet.” He paused to let the reality of the situation hit home. “If that should occur, I am depending on you, Supreme Commander, to fall back and get the message to Earth and make a last stand at Pluto. Can I count on you to follow through?”
“As an Altarran commander, it is my duty to fight to the last standing warrior. Yet dare I say, over the last year I have learned some valuable lessons from your kind, Admiral Benjamin Thompson. As your friend, in the event that such a dedicated warrior such as yourself should lose your life in combat, I will fulfill your last orders. Of that you have my word.”
Cadets: 2 The Ship of the Gods Page 14