by Don Viecelli
“That will serve us well. We have four hundred warships, each with 75 android crewmembers. One warship can carry up to one thousand fully equipped soldiers and one hundred Zoltu fighters. Each Zoltu can support up to six androids with three pilots to fly the craft. We will place two of your pilots in each fighter to train. Then we can train humans to operate our warships.”
“Do you know the size of the Yoyka military force?” Bradstone asked.
“We are gathering intelligence now from our surveillance probes. We have known about the Yoyka threat for some time, but no one expected them to attack Qum when they did. We know the Yoyka have up to one thousand warships and fifty million soldiers. Most are in a support role since they use their nanomachine weapon to conquer planets. They send in ground troops after they control the planet and take what resources they need to feed their troops and supply their home worlds.”
“What is their fighter craft like?
“They are equivalent to our fighters in size and weapons. They call them Spitkas and use four person crews. Each Yoyka warship can carry up to 110 Spitkas. We have not faced them in battle.”
Altek led the group to a large conference room which could hold twenty people around a large rectangle glass top table. “Please take a seat. Others will join us for this meeting.”
Water was brought in for the humans. General Bradstone, Doug and James sat next to Di at the table. Altek went to the front of the table and sat down. Ten other senior Holtu leaders entered the room and took their seats. Altek introduced them. “These are my senior leaders. You will get to know them in time as we prepare our military forces to defend our planets and people from the Yoyka.”
Altek introduced General Bradstone, Doug and James to the group. “These humans are from the Earth Star System called Sol. Two of their planets, Mars and Earth were attacked by the Yoyka with nanomachines. Qumru scientists created a nano-agent that prevents infection by the nanomachines. The Humans helped produce more nano-agents to protect their people. They are now working on a counter nano-agent to help Humans and Qumru already infected by the contagion.”
Altek went on to describe what happened on Mars and Earth; the ten million humans that died as a result and the billions more saved by the Qumru preventative nano-agent. The Holtus in the room already knew what happened in the space battle between Altek’s warships that destroyed the Yoykan Malee and knew the Yoyka Emperor Rahta had escaped death. They were not aware of what Vice Leader Di and Doug had done to save the Solruku spaceship and the billion Qumru Passenger Minds that were now at Holtu. Altek explained in detail what both had done. “For this heroic action, Vice Leader Di and Lieutenant Colonel Douglas Martin will receive the Qumru Medal of Honor, the highest Qumru leadership medal, from First Chair Cleota in the next medal awards ceremony.”
This came as a complete shock to Doug. Di did not show any emotion at the table. Everyone stood up and saluted them both with hands and fist against their chests. The spoke in unison, Doug’s ear device translated: “Honor and Glory to Each!”
When everyone sat down, Altek continued, “The humans have proposed a military alliance with Holtu and Qum. We must prepare to defend our worlds against further Yoyka attacks. We have surveillance probes gathering intelligence on Yoyka military forces. I believe the Yoyka will attack Holtu in the next few months. We must be ready. On our way here from Sol, we began training human pilots and crewmembers for our Zoltu fighters and warships. They in turn will train more human pilots and crewmembers when they return to Earth.”
Altek laid out strategic defensive plans for his leaders who would carry the plans to their troops. They were all aware of the seriousness of the situation. The Holtu were not afraid of the Yoyka nanomachines since they were not affected by biological warfare. However, there were other Yoyka methods of war that could harm them and they needed to be prepared. The Holtu military was more concerned about what the Yoyka might try against the Qumru living on their planet.
The meeting lasted for another hour. Then Altek proposed a trip to a nearby military spaceport after the humans had something to eat. Altek had something of importance to show them.
*****
The trip to the nearby spaceport was accomplished by a short ride in an underground train tube that operated on Magnetic Levitation or Maglev guideway that used magnetic repulsion principles. Combined with inertia negation, the passengers felt no gravity or acceleration effects from the high speed they were travelling. Doug and James had no way of knowing how fast they were moving before they reached the spaceport and got off the train.
Altek led the way with Di, General Bradstone, Doug and James following. “I am taking you to one of our research centers to see a new Zoltu fighter we are developing.”
The group entered an elevator that took them up to a large building that looked like an indoor hangar. Doug could see spacecraft outside the windows taking off from the spaceport. Inside, the area was filled with several different types of military spacecraft with Holtu and Qumru technicians busy at work.
“This hangar is where we test our latest military spacecraft. Our scientists have achieved a great breakthrough in FTL performance. I am looking forward to testing it myself.” Altek gestured to a sleek new Zoltu fighter parked near one of the wide hangar doors.
General Bradstone admired the spacecraft as they approached. “What do you mean?” he asked.
“As you know, our current spaceship FTL speeds have been limited to how fast we can travel in hyperspace. This is due to the technical limitations of the power supplies we use for the quantum vacuum thrusters. Since QVTs use the zero-point energy field for fuel, there should be no limit to how fast we can travel in hyperspace. Our Holtu and Qumru scientists have achieved a significant breakthrough in storing ZPE energy to use in our thrusters. What used to take us months to travel will now take hours.”
“How fast are you talking?” James asked out of curiosity.
“Once our warships and Zoltu fighters are updated with the new ZPE power supplies, FTL hyperdrive speeds will increase from thirteen point eight nine light years per hour to one thousand light years per hour. We will be able to make the journey back to your solar system in twenty hours instead of sixty days Earth time.”
James whistled in astonishment. He did the mental calculation. “That’s seventy-two times faster than before. We won’t need to use the cryostasis chambers anymore.”
Doug thought of an entirely different conclusion from the same achievement. “This will help even the odds against the Yoyka.”
General Bradstone realized the significance. He turned to Altek. “How soon can your warships and Zoltu fighters be equipped with these new power supplies?”
“We are upgrading the fleet as we speak. It will take more time to equip all the Zoltu fighters, but it will be done as soon as possible.”
Before Altek could take them on board one of the updated Zoltu fighters to show them the new equipment, he received an urgent message on his comdevice. Altek read the message and looked at Di. “There have been several incursions in our star system. They have been identified as a Yoyka spy probes. We are attempting to destroy them now.”
“The Yoyka are seeking intelligence on our system defenses. Once we destroy the spy probes, they will send warships or Spitka fighters to test our defenses,” Di added.
Altek excused himself to attend to the urgent matter. It was apparent to everyone standing near the Zoltu fighter that the Yoyka threat was very real and only a matter of time before they came in full force.
Chapter 16
Emperor Rahta
Emperor Rahta was feeling impatient with all the delays in preparing for the war to come. It had been many years since his Empire had faced any worthwhile opponents like the Holtu androids. Rahta was convinced androids of any kind were inferior to intelligent beings like the Yoyka. The Holtu androids are no match against our warships, Rahta thought. “We will defeat them quickly!
He paced the room waiting for his n
ext visitor. High Commander Anahta was due any moment with news of Holtu. Finally, the door to his office opened. Anahta walked in and saluted the Emperor. “Greetings, Emperor Rahta!”
“Greetings, High Commander. Did you receive intelligence about Holtu?”
“Yes, Emperor. We received data from our spy probes before they were destroyed by the Holtu.”
“I thought our spy probes were undetectable. What happened?”
“The Holtu military defense system protecting their planets is quite advanced. The spy probes barely penetrated Holtu space before they were detected and destroyed. However, the spy probes managed to scan the major planets, including Holtu itself, and transmit back quite a bit of useful data over the quantum link.”
“What kind of data?” Rahta scowled.
“The Holtu are very advanced, Emperor, but their warship fleet is limited in numbers compared to our forces from what the spy probes observed. However, Holtu planet defense systems are very strong. We must prepare our attack carefully.”
“What is your plan?”
“We will test the Holtu space defense systems further and find their weakness before we send our main warship fleet to attack Holtu directly, Imperial Leader. We must be certain of our victory.”
“Are you worried about these Holtu androids?”
“We have not faced anything like them before, Imperial Leader. I do not wish to underestimate them.”
“Very well, but I want to attack quickly; before the Holtu and these new Humans have a chance to become serious threats to our Empire. As soon as we are ready to attack Holtu, we should also attack the human worlds.”
“As you command, Imperial Leader.” Anahta bowed his head.
“Good. Now let’s discuss the situation on Qum. Have we found the Qumru scientists or the Onutu regeneration chambers yet?”
“We have located the Qumru Research Center in the mountains, but have not found the entrance yet. It is well concealed. Our ground forces are drilling a tunnel now to enter the facility. We shall gain entrance soon.”
Rahta thought of the significance of obtaining the Qumru mind transfer and body regeneration technology for himself. It would mean immortality for him and all loyal subjects to his rule. Yoykan Imperialism would never end as long as he lived.
“What about our nanomachine weapon? What are our scientists doing to make it impenetrable?”
Anahta pulled out his comdevice and accessed the latest report. He handed the device to Rahta to read. “It is almost ready, Imperial Leader. The latest design changes have been made. We are testing the nanomachines now.”
Rahta read the report of the new enhancements to the nanomachines. He smiled. “So, once the nanomachines are released, they cannot be stopped? Is that correct?”
“That is what I have been told, Imperial Leader. They will spread automatically.”
“When will this design be ready to use?”
“By the time we are ready to attack Holtu with our warship fleet.”
“Very well, Commander. See to it. One more thing—I want our scientists to develop a missile version of the nanomachine weapon that can be fired from our warships at planets. The nanomachines must be contagious to all life forms upon contact; our race excluded. Let me know how soon this can be done, Commander.”
Anahta nodded his head. “Yes, Imperial Leader. I will report back with your answer.” This was not the first time Rahta had suggested such a weapon of mass nanomachine warfare, but it was the first time he demanded it be done. It had never been needed before.
Chapter 17
Holtu Plant Tour
Doug and Janice spent the night at the hotel near the Capitol Building. It was their first night together on Holtu. The largeness of the room and comforts of the king size bed compared to their cramped quarters on board the Iconda warship during the journey to Holtu was much appreciated and put to full use.
The day before was very tiring for both of them and they fell asleep as soon as their heads hit the pillows. Before the sun peaked through the curtains, Jan was the first to wake up feeling refreshed and ready to begin the day. She gently kissed Doug on the cheek to see if he was awake. When Doug’s eyes opened, he smiled at his pretty wife without saying a word.
Jan placed a hand on his arm and pulled him on top of her. It didn’t take another hint for Doug to get the message not to waste anymore time waiting for the sun to rise or the alarm to go off. Doug pulled the nightshirt over Jan’s head along with his own and they made love slowly and expertly knowing all the right moves each of them desired.
Doug was careful not to exert himself too strenuously in his lovemaking so as not to hurt their unborn child. Jan laughed at his unnecessary efforts knowing full well it was way too early to worry about harming the baby and slapped him on his backside. Doug got the message and did his best to please his demanding wife.
It always seemed to Doug that making love to his wonderful wife never lasted as long as he wished, but soon after they both climaxed and lay beside each other contemplating the nature of the universe, the alarm did go off.
Doug groaned out loud, shut off the alarm and rolled to the side of the bed to sit up. He tried to remember what day it was and where they were. The day was lost to him, but the realization that they were on another planet slowly cleared the fog in his head. It was going to be another busy day for both of them and they better get to it.
*****
Doug, James and General Bradstone were picked up by Vice Leader Di in a flying passenger vehicle and flew to the other side of the mountains from Iconda.
“Where are we going?” Doug asked as Di flew the vehicle.
“I am taking you to one of our military manufacturing facilities where we build our warships and Zoltu fighters. You will get a chance to fly in one of them.”
James was excited. “I always wanted to fly in a Zoltu. I didn’t get a chance on Altek’s warship.”
“I will show you more of Holtu from the air. Some of our other cities will impress you.”
“I’m already impressed. It will be many years before Earth or Mars can build cities like your Capital,” Doug said looking out the front passenger seat.
The trip lasted only a few minutes. Di told them the facility was 100 Earth miles from Iconda as he prepared to land.
The military facility was very big. Doug counted at least twenty separate buildings on the ground.
“Those are some very large buildings,” General Bradstone commented looking out the windows.
“The Holtu warship sections are built and tested in the larger buildings,” Di replied.
Di approached a small landing area next to one of the large buildings and expertly landed the vehicle. It was short walk to the entrance. They were greeted inside by a Qumru official who offered to give them a guided tour of the plant. Di told him that would not be necessary and led Doug, James and General Bradstone to a hallway inside the facility where he found a battery powered vehicle to drive them around the plant.
As Di began to drive the vehicle, Doug noticed something unusual. “I don’t see any Holtu workers. Do the Qumru build all the spaceships?”
“Yes, the Qumru on Holtu perform most of the manufacturing jobs and many other duties. The Qumru maintain and test-fly all our spacecraft. They also fly commercial space vehicles for the population. We Holtu perform all military duties and provide security where needed. The Qumru were only recently asked to join the military in our fight against the Yoyka. It will take time to train them.”
The vehicle stopped near a newly built Holtu warship that was under construction. Di explained, “Our warships are too big to assemble on the surface and fly into space. Each section is built and tested in one of our factories on Holtu and then carried into space for final assembly. Each section is as big as one of your Earth Navy battle ships.”
“How do you get them into space?” James asked.
“We use anti-gravity lift vehicles. Once the generators are turned on, they are easily
moved into space for final assembly.”
“How many warships can you build in a year?” Doug asked.
“We are building five complete warships every thirty days, Holtu time.”
Holtu did not have a moon like Earth, but they did have several very large space stations orbiting Holtu. Since the Holtu year was 300 days, Doug calculated the Holtu could build 50 new warships in a Holtu year.
“It won’t be enough warships to defeat the Yoyka, General Bradstone remarked.”
“That may be true, General Bradstone, but we have other defenses in place that will equal the odds. That is one of the reasons I brought all of you here. After we tour this plant, I will take you on a ride in one of our updated Zoltu fighters to see our space defenses.”
Di took them on a guided tour of the plant for over an hour. There were five facilities dedicated to building Holtu warship sections. All were highly automated with robotic machines doing most of the work. Qumru workers supervised the manufacturing process and double checked the quality control results before moving the finished sections to the transfer docks.
The final stop on the tour was outside one of the plants to watch four anti-gravity lift vehicles grab onto each side of the new warship section and turn on their generators. The entire section glowed in a bluish color and immediately became weightless. The lift vehicles were automated as well and slowly climbed up into space where they would be assembled with other sections into a completed warship.
James was fascinated by the technology in use. “When did your people develop anti-gravity fields?”
Di answered, “Anti-gravity generators were developed over one hundred years ago by Qumru scientists who discovered that gravity was made up of quantum particles you call gravitons. To counter the principals of gravity on mass requires enormous amounts of energy. We achieve this using zero point energy based on quantum mechanics. Reverse the graviton force and mass becomes weightless.”
At this point, the plant tour was over. Di pointed to a Holtu fighter craft sitting on the landing zone a few meters from the building. “It is time for a tour in one of our Zoltu fighters. I will show you our world.”