by S. H. Jucha
Suddenly, the temporary structure filled. Jess was slightly intimidated by the number of important individuals staring at him and waiting.
“We know the Colony has deliberately spread out to minimize their losses if detected,” Jess began. “In addition, they’re continuing to produce young, and the first-born juveniles are approaching two meters in length. Their pincers are strong enough to crush a leg bone or a neck, and their venom will kill the biggest biologicals among us in moments.”
“You’ve a planet to cover, Captain,” Tatia said. “How do you expect to search it with the resources you have at your disposal?”
“We’re going to use a grid system,” Jess replied.
Esteban activated the holo-vid for Jess.
“This is our present position, the compound,” Jess explained, which became a yellow square in the display. “We’ll start by laying out search grids around this compound. Each grid square will be two kilometers on a side, and we’ll cover them one at a time.”
“The insectoids are disguised with mud, leaves, and twigs,” Bortoth objected. “We could walk past them and not see them.”
“We’ll not need to see them,” Homsaff said. “We’ll smell them.”
“Queen Homsaff assures me that her warriors will be able to scent the insectoids and their trails,” Jess added.
“We’ll need to absorb the scents that we’re to track,” Hessan pointed out.
“From a dead or live specimen?” Tacnock asked.
“It makes no difference,” Simlan replied, “but it must be in the natural setting. All aspects of the enemy must be studied.”
“Understood,” Jess said. “Queen Homsaff, prepare for this preparatory action tomorrow morning.” To the assembly, Jess said, “The Dischnya will hunt as individuals and will carry plasma rifles. Each warrior will be accompanied by two veterans, Norsitchia or otherwise, who’ll carry Loopah weapons.”
“Why not plasma rifles for the veterans?” Menous asked.
“The individuals accompanying a warrior provide defense from an ambush or a rush,” Jess replied. “The warrior fires the rifle at targets that are distant; the escorts use Loopah weapons in close support. Am I clear on that?”
Jess surveyed the faces to ensure that his message had gotten through, and he was satisfied with what he saw.
“Admiral,” Jess said.
“Which one?” Tatia inquired.
“Apologies,” Jess said. “Fleet Admiral Tachenko, we’ll need a commander to coordinate drop and pick up of the forces. Juliette and Esteban will direct the search pattern. Travelers will drop half the forces on one side of the grid, while more travelers land the other half on the far side of the grid. It would be beneficial to have a traveler dedicated to each trio. That would facilitate the fastest relocation procedure.”
“I’ve just the commander for you, Captain,” Tatia said, laying a hand on the shoulder of another heavy worlder. “This is Rear Admiral Franz Cohen. He commands the fleet’s fighters.”
“My apologies, Admiral, for the reduction in responsibilities,” Jess said, which earned him a round of laughter.
“Any way I can help,” Franz replied, with an earnest smile.
“Captain, we’ve plenty of security personnel aboard the fleet who are ready to help,” Alex volunteered.
Jess shook his head wearily and sadness overcame his face. “Alex, I lost the majority of your security personnel at Sylia. It was the first time I led them. Then on Norsitchia, where Menous joined us, we lost forty percent of his forces. Those who’ve survived our encounters with the Colony are experienced veterans. Unless you want to see most of your fleet’s security personnel die on this planet, I earnestly suggest you keep them aboard your ships. If they land here, they must remain inside protected compounds.”
“The assault commander is correct,” Daktora said. “With their numerous legs, the insectoids are amazingly fast. They’re clever, aggressive, and deadly.”
“Points taken,” Alex said. “I’ll return to being an observer.” His comments generated a few chuckles from the Omnians, but not from any of the veterans.
“I’d like to correct the record,” Lucia announced forcefully. “The captain isn’t wrong about our losses, but he excludes critical details. All of us might have died in the Sylian dome, if he hadn’t uncovered the ambushes that awaited us in the tunnels and later in the lower corridor. Then, on the Norsitchian moon, the entire expedition might have been lost, if he hadn’t ordered us to evacuate, when we were ready to charge into the tunnels and take the dome. Yes, we’ve had heavy losses. Against the Colony, you have to expect it, but the expedition and the alliance veterans owe their lives to the captain’s leadership.”
Alex had watched Jess’s embarrassment flush his face, as Lucia elaborated his exploits. He sympathized with the captain, as he also didn’t care to have his accomplishments lauded. When Jess glanced at Lucia, whose eyes dared him to dispute her, the captain quietly held her gaze. It was an acceptance of truths.
“What about the grids we’ve searched after our forces move on?” Tacnock asked. “We leave territory behind for the Colony to invade again?”
“Number one, I think the insectoids will begin to associate our heavy traveler traffic with their systematic annihilation. I expect them to flee the area,” Jess said.
“We’re number two,” Phette squeaked, from atop his crates. He cleared his throat before he spoke again. “The Pims are willing to tunnel at the edges of the expanding search area. We’ll hear the insectoids if they return.”
“Jess, how do we communicate with the Pims, if they’re scattered out there?” Lucia asked.
“That’s our job,” Juliette replied. “Esteban and I’ll coordinate their placement. We’ll return daily to their locations, deliver supplies, and collect reports. When it’s time, we’ll relocate them.”
“Admiral Cohen, we’ll require two shuttle travelers to be dedicated to us,” Esteban said. “Please supply a sufficient number of pilots to fly us around the cycle. In addition, we’ll need personnel to continually provide food and water in small containers.”
“Jess, the projectiles,” Tacnock reminded.
“Fleet Chief Engineer Brandon —” Jess began. He was halted by Mickey’s upraised hand.
“Titles are fine for some individuals,” Mickey said, “but you and I can work much quicker if we drop the titles and say what’s on our minds.”
Jess grinned, and said, “Mickey, we need a large quantity of gas projectiles. If you can’t make them, we’ll need a supply run to Sylia to borrow from them. They should have plenty.”
“I need a sample,” Mickey said.
Bortoth pulled a drum from his satchel, ejected a dart, and handed it to Mickey. “Don’t touch the tip unless you want to lose a hand,” the Crocian warned.
Mickey rolled the dart carefully between two fingers. He regarded Bortoth quizzically.
“Gas propelled from the launcher. When the dart strikes, the second gas cylinder erupts within the flesh,” Bortoth explained.
“Clever,” Mickey mused.
“Originally, we considered them safe to use within a dome,” Menous added, “although the Colony doesn’t share our concern for preserving the domes. Fortunately, we’ve learned that the domes are more resilient than we ever thought.”
“We’ll investigate these, Captain,” Mickey said. To Bortoth, he added, “Might I have one of the drums?”
Bortoth glanced down his long snout at Mickey. He wasn’t pleased by the request.
“Mickey, here,” Tacnock said, flashing his teeth and handing over a drum. “Forgive our Crocian friends. They believe in the theory that you can’t have too many offensive assets.”
“My kind of friends,” Tatia remarked, and Bortoth and Daktora opened their g
reat maws and rumbled in pleasure.
“Any more questions?” Jess asked. He waited, but the audience was quiet. “This will be a work in progress. New ideas will always be welcome. Thank you.”
Small groups formed to coordinate their duties.
Mickey called on the waiting engineers, who would expand the fenced landing site to accommodate the number of travelers that Jess requested.
With Tatia and Lucia’s permission, Franz organized travelers across the ships for transport. He was linked with Reiko, when he spoke to Lieutenant Sharon Reems, who they were told was the most experienced pilot at flying the veterans.
“I’d like to pilot for Captain Cinders, if I may, Admiral,” Sharon replied over the comm.
Franz checked the story of traveler four and read Sharon’s name. He shared the story with Reiko.
“Some might call it hazardous, Admiral. Others, like me, might call it pure excitement,” Sharon said.
Sharon heard the admirals’ laughter. Then she heard the words from Franz that she’d craved,
“Will do, Admirals, thank you,” Sharon replied.
Tatia pulled Lucia aside. “Commodore, there’s no need for you to continue to take part in fighting the insectoids,” she said. “You’re welcome aboard the Freedom. I’ve a massive project that could use your help.”
“Thank you for the offer, Admiral,” Lucia replied, “but I wouldn’t be any good to you up there. I’ve an asset to protect down here. Until enemy ships arrive in system that’s the only thing I can think about right now.”
Tatia glanced at Jess, who was deep in conversation with Homsaff, the veterans, and Phette. “With Jess’s strategy, you won’t be fighting beside him,” she gently said.
“I know,” Lucia replied.
Then with the intensity that Tatia knew Lucia possessed, she heard the commodore say, “But every red or gray I kill is one fewer that can harm the veterans, including Jess.”
“Understood,” Tatia said, “Be careful. The fleet needs you.” The moment Tatia dismissed Lucia, she watched her hurry to join Jess and the veterans.
Alex had watched the exchange between Tatia and Lucia with interest.
Alex sent.
Tatia sent.
Tatia chuckled. she sent.
* * * * *
As dim starlight crept over the horizon, Sharon landed the cargo traveler in the fenced area next to the compound. She dropped the rear ramp, laid her helmet on her seat, and ambled aft. Sipping on a water tube, she sat on the ramp to wait.
“Morning, Sharon,” Jess said softly.
Sharon snapped awake. She was surprised that she’d dozed off.
“Get bright-eyed, Lieutenant. It’s time to fly,” Jess said, grinning.
Sharon smiled, rose, stretched, and headed for the pilot’s cabin.
Jess stood aside as the veterans, without the Norsitchian troopers, climbed aboard. They were followed by Homsaff and her warriors. Phette boarded last and scurried to the front to sit beside Tacnock.
For this trip, the veterans carried Loopah weapons, while the Dischnya left their plasma rifles and heavy power packs behind. The need was for insectoid bodies, not burnt cinders.
Esteban supplied Sharon with the coordinates of a compound that hadn’t been investigated. She received Lucia’s okay to launch. Then she raised the ramp, lifted the ship, and made for the destination.
“Why the frown?” asked Lucia, when Jess sat beside her.
“Everything Omnian is constructed around the concept that it will be controlled by individuals who have implants,” Jess said. “I can’t connect to the ship’s controller to see what you see. I can’t communicate with our pilot, and I can’t even raise the ramp.”
“The populations of the Confederation, Haraken, and Omnia have adopted implants,” Lucia said.
“You didn’t mention New Terra,” Jess noted.
“New Terra has been resistant, but public opinion is shifting. One reason for that is that New Terra constantly loses young people in search of opportunities on Haraken and Omnia,” Lucia explained.
“Is the implant optional when they arrive?” Jess asked.
“No, Jess. That’s the power of this tech. If an individual hasn’t an implant in a society that has adopted them, he or she is isolated. With an implant, individuals become part of a community.”
“What about Earth?” Jess asked.
“Olawale smartly stopped short of offering implants,” Lucia said. “That decision isn’t up to him.”
“I suppose that’s an Alex decision,” Jess said.
Lucia noted that Jess’s previous irritation at the mention of Alex’s control was absent. His attitude was nearer reluctant acceptance. It was akin to comprehending the habits of an alien society.
“If Sol wanted to reach out to the Confederation and make a trade deal or an alliance, then they could get their implants from there,” Lucia explained. “You must remember that we might be Omnians, but we aren’t Omnia. These fleets belong to Omnia Ships and Alex and Renée are the majority shareholders.”
“I notice the Dischnya have implants,” Jess said.
“They do, but this didn’t happen overnight. They voted, as a populace, to accept them about a decade and a half after we met them,” Lucia said. “Implants aren’t just technology. They’re socially changing tech. It’s critical that the populace is stable, and the desire to adopt them is overwhelming.”
“So, Alex is judging the race before he offers them?” Jess queried.
“It’s more like he’s waiting until there’s an overwhelming demand from the citizens,” Lucia returned. “Then if he judges that the tech will serve them well, he allows the transfer.”
“You do maintain control even with an implant. I mean you’re independent,” Jess inquired. Then he frowned again at his choice of words.
“Regardless of how you mean the term, I’ll always be independent,” Lucia replied. She grinned and patted Jess’s hand.
“Are they a mated pair?” Phette asked Tacnock quietly. He’d been standing on his seat and observing Lucia and Jess from across the aisle.
“The humans call them partners,” Tacnock explained.
“Will the commodore bear the captain’s kits?” Phette asked.
“That’s up to them, Phette. I think life aboard starships might not be the best place to raise kits.”
Phette sat down and considered what Tacnock had said. He wanted his citizens to fully participate in the alliance, but that would require Pims be prepared to adopt new ways.
“We’re here,” Lucia said to Jess, not long after they’d lifted.
“Is there a clear area next to the compound?” Jess asked.
“Enough to set the traveler down, but we’ll be close to the vegetation,” Lucia replied.
“Have Sharon point the ramp toward the compound,” Jess requested.
Soon afterward, the cabin lights brightened, and the ramp dropped. Then Jess led the veterans and Phette off the ship. The
y carefully circled the shuttle. When they’d determined it was clear, Jess posted the Crocians at the bow, to guard against incursions from the brush, which was only a few meters away.
Phette scampered into the compound, but he soon came rushing back. “Trouble,” he pronounced and dashed back toward the abodes.
The veterans and the Dischnya hurried after Phette. They were brought up short, when they saw that the small Pim structures had been flattened.
“Are these signs of the insectoids?” Homsaff asked Jess, pointing a dark-nailed finger at the ground.
Jess saw the short round holes in the ground that Homsaff was indicating, and he answered simply, “Yes.”
The Dischnya were crouching and sniffing at the numerous indentations and the collapsed abodes.
“Two different scents are mingled,” Simlan remarked.
“Reds and grays,” Tacnock offered. He searched the ground for a set of deeper and wider punctures, but everywhere he looked the leg strikes were heavily mingled.
“The reds are the dangerous ones, correct?” Fenero, the new squad leader, asked.
“Both are dangerous,” Bortoth replied. “Each species can kill you with their pincers or venom. The reds do carry weapons, a type of slug thrower.”
Jess approached Phette, who was despondent.
“There’s no sign the insectoids accessed the tunnels,” Jess said, hoping to cheer the Pim.
“I know that, Captain,” Phette replied. “I’m sad for my race. Our timidity has made us weak. We build small houses to enable us to quickly hide in our tunnels. What race does that?”
“That can change if your citizens wish it,” Jess said. “They’ll need strong leaders ... someone like you, Phette.”
“Yes,” Phette declared, straightening to his full height. “I’ll be a leader.”
Homsaff linked to her warriors. When she finished her instructions, she barked sharply to initiate her orders.
The veterans watched the eye-popping speed with which the Dischnya cleared the compound. They were headed toward the traveler and the bushes.
Jess raised an eyebrow in inquiry at Homsaff, and the queen replied, “I’ve instructed the warriors to find you a trail, Captain, but not to go into the green.”