by G. P. Hudson
The General Quarters klaxon sounded, and all hands rushed to man their battle stations. Outside, a steady stream of fighters raced into space to establish a perimeter around the Freedom. Similarly, the Diakan battleships launched their own fighter squadrons in preparation for the possibility of battle.
“Contacts!” announced Ensign Petrovic. “Picking up numerous ships of unknown origin coming through the jump gate. Sensors are identifying weapons. They are military vessels.”
“All ships and fighters are to adopt a defensive posture only. I want no shots fired unless we are fired on first,” ordered Jon.
As more warships came through the gate, Jon grew anxious. The alien ships quickly surpassed Jon’s numbers, doubling, and then tripling them. Still, countless ships poured through the gate, arriving in various configurations. Some were quite large, comparable to the great Diakan battleships, while others were no bigger than a gun boat. Many landed somewhere in between, ranging from the size of a frigate, or a destroyer, to a heavy cruiser.
All in all, it was an impressive display of force, serving to put everyone on edge. The alien ships took positions directly in front of Jon’s battle group, but took no other aggressive actions. It didn’t necessarily mean that they wouldn’t, however. Alien races often had strange battle rituals, and you could never be sure of much.
“What’s the status of their weapons?” said Jon, trying to determine if the aliens were hostile.
“Unknown, Sir,” said Petrovic. “Our sensors aren’t picking up any definitive readings. There are energy fluctuations, but they’ve been there all along, and their ships haven’t fired.”
“That doesn’t mean they won’t,” said Jon. “Let’s see if they want to talk. Transmit a comm request.”
The request went out, and they waited as more warships continued to stream in through the gate. They were woefully outnumbered, but Jon knew he still had options.
They could jump away to safety, but that would put them farther from their destination. It would mean relying on the jump system to reach the Builders, and would take considerably longer than using the gate network. Also, the jump system couldn’t necessarily avoid running into this race again. Better to play the diplomacy card and see where it took them.
If push came to shove, they had the jump bombs. A few well-coordinated strikes could even the odds in a hurry. The only wrench in that plan was that they didn’t know what this race’s capabilities were. The Cenobi had easily deflected their jump bomb attacks, and had at least twenty times the jump range of Jon’s ships.
“Sir, we are receiving a response from the aliens,” said Henderson.
“Feed it to my console,” said Jon.
His comm display came to life and a bizarre bird like creature appeared. Its face had what could only be called a beak. It was short and slender, tapering off into a point at the end. Black, beady eyes zeroed in on Jon like bullets. He couldn’t see the rest of the alien’s body, but based on its appearance, he had to wonder if there were wings.
“I am Admiral Jon Pike, of the United Human Space Force,” said Jon. “Who do I have the honor of speaking to?”
The alien remained silent, but continued to study Jon with those unsettling dark eyes.
“We mean you no harm, and seek only peaceful relations.”
The alien remained silent. Jon wondered if they had a translation AI. If not, everything Jon just said probably sounded like gibberish. After a few minutes of uncomfortable silence, the alien finally spoke. Only when it did, all Jon heard was a series of clicks.
“AI, is there any hope of translating that?” said Jon.
“I am cross-referencing their language with our existing database of alien linguistics. There are many species with languages that rely heavily on clicking sounds of subtle variations. If you can get it to speak more, I can build a profile from which I can extrapolate a language.”
“I do not know if you have translation capabilities. Our AI is attempting to deduce your language so we can better communicate. Any response would help accelerate the process.”
The alien responded with a long series of clicks that Jon could only assume was some type of speech. “How’s that AI? Is that enough talking for you?”
“Yes, Admiral. The language algorithms are making great progress. You should have a translation momentarily.”
On the screen, the alien continued to click away. Jon didn’t know what it was saying, but as long as it wasn’t ordering its ships to open fire, Jon figured it was all good. It paused, then continued to speak, then paused again, almost as if it was waiting for a response. This continued for a bit, and Jon was beginning to lose hope when the clicks suddenly turned into coherent language.”
“…We are the Freen. I ask one final time, whom do you serve?”
“I’m sorry, my translator only just now decoded your language. I’m afraid I don’t understand your question.”
“There is nothing to understand. The question is clear. Whom do you serve?”
“I think there’s been a misunderstanding. We are not from this region of space. We are not even from this galaxy-”
“Whom do you serve?”
“We serve humanity.”
“That response is irrelevant.”
“I told you, I do not understand your question.”
“Answer, or we will fire on you.”
“We are on a journey. We’re trying to find the Antikitheri.”
The alien cocked its head back. “You serve the Antikitheri?”
“Uh… yes… yes we do. As I said, we’re trying to find them.”
“Are you permitted?”
Jon glanced over at Commander Henderson, who simply shrugged. Jon didn’t know the customs here, and didn’t want to step on any toes, but he also didn’t come all this way to be stopped by a race of bird people. “Yes, we are permitted.”
The alien cocked its head again, and rapidly raised its arms up and down.
No wings, thought Jon.
“We will be your escort, and honor guard. You will follow our directions.”
“Uh, thank you.”
The alien ships fell into place around the battle group. They gave the battle group instructions on how to proceed. The battle group and the bird ships moved as one through the jump gate.
Chapter 5 2 1
They crossed through the gate into the first populated star system since their encounter with the Cenobi. As the surveillance drone indicated, this system was heavily defended, with a massive fleet of warships on guard at the mouth of the jump gate. Further afield Jon identified more defenses, ranging from space stations and orbital defense systems, to warships patrolling the populated planets. Further still, another armada stood guard, which Jon assumed could only mean the location of a second jump gate.
“This system is on a war footing,” Jon said to the birdlike alien still on his comm screen. We’ve found the conflict the Cenobi were referring to, he thought.
The alien cocked its head sideways, as if confused by Jon’s comment. “The darkness is always near,” it said finally. “We must remain vigilant.
“Of course,” said Jon. “Are the Antikitheri in this system?”
The alien cocked its head again. “Truly you are not from this space.”
Jon wondered why it chose not to answer Jon’s question. Was the location of the Builders a secret? Were these aliens still checking them out? Or was this all some elaborate trap?
“Most of the ships are breaking off,” said Commander Henderson. “They are taking position in front of the gate. Our escort is now down to thirty ships.”
That answers that, thought Jon. If they were planning to strike, they would’ve done so in full force. Of course, they might still try. The battle group remained outnumbered, but Jon felt better about his odds now.
The battle group moved steadily across the Freen’s star system, with the Freen escort holding position around them. The alien remained on Jon’s comm screen, but made no attempt
to communicate. It’s black, beady eyes continued to stare at him though, making for an awkward experience.
First encounters like this one were often difficult, because something that might seem unsettling for a human could be perfectly normal in an alien culture. For all Jon knew, there might be nothing strange about quietly staring at someone for prolonged periods of time. Perhaps the alien did not trust Jon. It might be trying to intimidate him, so that he slipped up somehow. If that was the case, it would be waiting a very long time.
“Unidentified jumpspace disturbance detected,” said the computer. “Jump bomb strike set to manual. Jump bombs not deployed.”
“Are those your ships?” Jon said to the alien on his screen.
“What ships?” said the alien.
As if in response, clusters of large, sinister looking warships began to appear all around the Freen escort. The new ships were hulking beasts, jet black, with gun batteries protruding across their hulls.
“Those ships,” said Jon.
His questions were answered when the new arrivals began to fire. Crimson bursts of energy surged forth from the black guns. When they hit their targets, the energy didn’t seem to touch the hulls. Instead it dispersed, spreading around the ships until it dissipated, causing no damage. While multiple Freen ships were hit by the first strike, they somehow remained unscathed.
The Freen responded quickly with their own weapons. White bolts shot back in rapid succession, fanning out to hit as many enemy ships as possible. Halos formed around the enemy ships, as the white bolts made contact. The halos crackled and sparked, but remained intact, protecting the enemy ships. It became obvious to Jon that both sides were using some type of advanced shielding technology. Something as yet undeveloped in his own galaxy.
“Treachery!” said the alien. “You have betrayed us.”
“No. That’s not true. We’re on your side.”
The alien waved its arms around frantically. “You bring the darkness.”
“You’re wrong. I’ll prove it to you.” Jon turned to Commander Henderson. “Order all ships to initiate jump bomb strike. Fire when ready.”
“Yes, Sir. Ordering jump bomb strike,” said Henderson. “Jump bombs away.”
Jon watched the viewscreen with heightened anticipation, as the Freen continued to exchange blows with their alien foes, but nothing else happened.
“More trickery!” said the Freen on his comm screen, waving his arms erratically. “You seek to deceive us.”
Jon turned to Henderson, who answered his unspoken question. “All reports indicate the strike was a success, Sir.”
“AI, why are those ships undamaged?” said Jon.
“Unknown, Admiral,” said AI.
“Could it be their shields?”
“Possibly. Although the jump bombs should have bypassed them, landing inside the ships.”
“Initiate another jump bomb strike, this time with high yield nuclear warheads. Detonate the bombs just outside the enemy ship hulls. Let’s see how much damage those shields can take.”
“Initiating nuclear strike,” said Henderson.
If the previous strike didn’t convince the Freen of Jon’s intentions, Jon hoped this one would get their attention. Moments later the jump bombs began to detonate, and the enemy shields were pulverized with multiple nuclear explosions. The blasts seemed to envelop the alien vessels, but the shields appeared to hold. The halos blazed a brilliant white, as they struggled to absorb the extreme force around them.
The halo began to flicker, and Jon noticed that the Freen weapons began to intermittently get through. “Hit them with another nuclear strike,” ordered Jon. “Same as before.” He glanced to his comm screen to note that the alien had stopped waving his arms around. He hoped that was a positive sign.
The second nuclear strike did the trick, and the enemy shields beg to fail. “Target the interior of those ships with a conventional jump bomb strike,” said Jon. “Fire at will.”
This time the jump bombs landed inside the large, intimidating ships in multiple waves. Segments of the enemy hulls began to buckle and break, as the guts of the ships were ripped apart. The concussions inevitably found the ship reactors, and blinding detonations followed. With the shields gone, the enemy ships were quickly, and mercilessly blown apart.
“Do you believe me now?” Jon said to the alien.
“Your actions speak truth,” said the alien. “You serve the Antikitheri.”
“Unidentified jumpspace disturbance detected,” said the computer.
Chapter 5 3 2
Jon stared with horror at the great black ships on the viewscreen. The Erinyie.
On his comm screen the Freen commander was waving his arms around again, making clicking sounds so fast that the translator couldn’t keep up with him.
“All ships initiate jump bomb strike. Maximum yield nuclear warheads. Fire at will,” ordered Jon.
Silver beams lanced out from the giant Erinyie ships, and effortlessly shredded the Freen escort. The Freen ships broke apart, like cheap children’s toys. As they did, the Freen commander disappeared from Jon’s comm screen. The battle group would be next.
“Our nukes are having no effect,” said Henderson.
“Keep firing,” said Jon. “AI, are you still here?”
“Yes, Admiral. The Erinyie are trying to take over my program, but the Cenobi modifications have aided in stopping their advance.”
“What about the Chaanisar?”
“The modification is protecting them as well. The Erinyie assault is powerful, however. They will eventually succeed.”
Jon opened a comm with Chief Engineer Simmons.
“Simmons here,” she said, but as Jon expected, she did not appear on his comm screen. Engineering was undoubtedly very busy at the moment.
“Chief, has the cloaking device you and Miira have been working on been installed?”
“Yes, Admiral. We’ve installed it on all ships, but we haven’t been able to run tests yet.”
“Consider this a live test. Activate the cloaking device immediately. All ships.”
“Yes, Sir.”
Jon waited impatiently as the Erinyie picked apart the Freen defenders. Meanwhile, more Freen vessels began to appear all around the Erinyie. Hundreds of warships now stood between the sinister vessels and Jon’s battle group. From what Jon could tell, the fleets defending the jump gates were now engaging the Erinyie. They unleashed a devastating onslaught against the long, tubular ships. Jon couldn’t imagine any other force standing up to such an attack.
But the Erinyie simply shrugged it all off, responding with more of their lethal silver beams. The bravery of the Freen was simply no match for the advanced weaponry of the Erinyie, and the Freen ships blew apart in rapid succession. The Freen fleets had won Jon a small reprieve, nothing more.
“Chief, how’s that cloak coming?” said Jon.
“There’s a malfunction, Sir. We’re working on it, but we need more time.”
“We don’t have more time, Chief.”
“I’m sorry, Sir, it can’t be helped.”
“Commander Henderson, initiate emergency jump. Get us the hell out of here,” said Jon.
“Jump system is not responding, Sir.”
Jon turned his gaze back to the viewscreen in disbelief, where the Erinyie were methodically cutting down the Freen defenders. Could it be? Had they come all this way for nothing? Why had the Erinyie attacked this system? Why now? He found it hard to believe it was all a coincidence. And if it wasn’t, what did it all mean?
“Unidentified jumpspace disturbance detected,” said the computer.
Did the Erinyie really need reinforcements? As the new ships appeared on the viewscreen, it became apparent that they weren’t the Erinyie. Or the Freen. These new ships were enormous. They spanned great lengths, hulls stretching out for many kilometers. Rigid, glowing prongs stuck out of their bows. Jon instantly recognized the ships from the vision the Great See’er had shown him. I
t was the Antikitheri. The Builders had come.
White light erupted from the glowing prongs on the Builders’ ships, shooting out toward the Erinyie vessels. When the beams hit, the Erinyie shields became visible, glowing and changing colors. Jon hoped it was an indication the shields were weakening.
The Erinyie stopped firing on the Freen, turning to face their new adversaries. They returned fire and their own silver beams hit back at the massive Antikitheri ships. A halo formed around the behemoths, and began to cycle through different colors, as the Erinyie weapons chipped away at their shields in return.
More of the giant Antikitheri ships began to arrive, adding their own muscle to the contest. Soon, the scales began to tip in their favor, and the first of the black ships was destroyed. When two more black ships blew apart, the Erinyie threw in the towel, and began to blink away.
Cheers broke out on the bridge, as his crew celebrated their unexpected victory. They had been saved from the Erinyie, and had found the Builders, all at the same time. Now they just needed to find a way to talk to them.
Chapter 5 4 3
“Still no response, Sir,” said Commander Henderson. “We’ve tried hailing them on all channels. If they can hear us, they’re choosing to ignore us.”
“I’m sure they can hear us,” said Jon, wondering what it would take to open a dialog with the Antikitheri. “Keep trying, and get Miira up here. She might know what to do.”
Several minutes later, Miira arrived on the bridge. She made it halfway to Jon before looking at the viewscreen, then stopped dead in her tracks, mouth agape.
“Miira, over here,” said Jon, trying to coax the giant blue woman back to reality.
“Yes. Apologies, Admiral,” said Miira, making her way over. “I can’t believe it. We found the Antikitheri. They’re real. This is incredible.” She could barely contain her giddiness, and Jon was surprised she wasn’t jumping up and down like some schoolgirl.