Nanomachine War series Box Set

by Don Viecelli

  *****

  Lieutenant Colonel Shirley Tills was waiting for Doug and Di at the Haffen City Spaceport when the Zoltu fighter landed thirty minutes later. Traffic at the Spaceport had increased considerably. There were numerous troop transport shuttles landing and taking off every few minutes. Thankfully, the noise levels outside the dome were nowhere as loud or annoying as they would be under Earth atmospheric conditions.

  “Welcome home, Colonel; Vice Leader Di!” Tills gave both of them a military salute, which was returned in kind.

  “It’s good to be home, Lieutenant Colonel Tills. It looks pretty busy around here,” Doug commented seeing all the activity.

  “Yes, sir. Troop levels are increasing every day. Even the Holtu have sent in more warships. Ten of them are patrolling the outer planets now. Most of the new arrivals are UN Space Strike Force pilots sent here for Zoltu fighter training.

  “High Leader Altek would like to see both of you as soon as possible. His warship is in orbit above Mars now,” Tills added.

  Doug turned to Di. “You go see Altek. I’ll fly up shortly. I want to see Jan first before I come.”

  “I will tell High Leader Altek you will follow soon. Give my regards to Doctor Martin.” Di spun around and returned to the Zoltu fighter to leave the city.

  Doug smiled. Di was learning human social etiquette faster than he realized. He turned to Tills as they walked through the Spaceport lobby.

  “Did Altek indicate why he needs to meet us so quickly? I just returned.”

  “No, sir. But I believe he has new information about the Yoyka. General Bradstone is already meeting with Altek.”

  That didn’t sound good. Doug remained quiet in thought as he continued to walk with Tills.

  “Tell me, Tills, how have things been running while I was visiting Earth?”

  “It’s been hectic as you can imagine, sir. I realize now how much work is involved in managing government duties. I don’t envy your job, sir.”

  “Well, I may not have to run the UN Office here much longer, Tills. The Secretary-General is finally looking for my replacement. If you want, I can recommend you for the job?”

  “No, sir. I prefer war to this!”

  Doug didn’t respond; just smiled to himself and nodded his head. “I’ll meet you at the UN Office after I see my wife. I want you to attend the meeting with High Leader Altek when I’m ready to leave.”

  Lieutenant Colonel Tills looked surprised, but did not reply. Doug took a right turn at the end of the Spaceport lobby and found the tunnel walkway to the Science Department where his wife worked. He called her on his comphone. When she answered, he said, “Hello, Jan, it’s me. I’m headed your way and would like to see you for lunch.”

  “Doug! I didn’t expect you so soon. I thought you were coming in tonight.”

  “I know. Sorry, I had a change in plans. Let’s have lunch. I have to leave again soon to see High Leader Altek. He requested a meeting today.”

  “I’ll be right down. Meet me in the lobby. We can grab a quick lunch in the cafeteria.”

  Doug found his way to Jan’s office building and entered the lobby. Jan was already waiting by the front desk. They hugged each other tightly and kissed.

  “You look tired, Doug, but I’m glad you’re back.”

  “It was an interesting visit to Earth. I’ll tell you all about it at lunch.”

  They walked to the escalator that whisked them down to the cafeteria inside the building. Jan grabbed a large salad and a drink. Doug wanted something more filling and opted for a chicken sandwich with fries and a drink. They found an empty table near the back of the seating area. Doug filled Jan in on his trip regarding his visit with President Anderson, the NSC Meeting, the meetings with General Anderson and other generals at the Pentagon and finally his visit with the UN Secretary-General this morning.

  “So you think Alejandro is going to replace you soon as acting UN Deputy Secretary?” Jan asked finishing up her salad.

  “Yes, I do. It’s time. My military duties for the General is going to increase, I’m sure. I won’t have time to do both jobs.”

  “I thought you like the UN job?”

  “I do, but war is coming, Jan. I have to fight with the rest.”

  “I know. I’m just worried what might happen to us.” Jan looked into Doug’s eyes. “I may have to take our baby to Earth to keep us safe.”

  “I agree, but we have time before we have to consider that. I’ll know more after I visit Altek today.”

  “What do you think he wants?”

  “No idea. Maybe I’ll be assigned a command. General Bradstone is meeting with Altek now. Hopefully, it’s just about planet defenses. The Holtu have more warships protecting our solar system.”

  They finished lunch and Doug gave Jan another hug and kiss at the top of the escalator. “I’ll call you when I’m back. We’ll talk more tonight at home.”

  Jan grabbed Doug’s hand. “Be careful, Doug. I love you.”

  “I love you too. Take care of our baby. I’ll see you later.”

  Doug watch Jan walk away to return to her work. He knew the meeting with Altek wouldn’t be just about planet defenses. Some other mission was up and he was about to become part of it.

  Chapter 30

  Holtu Mission

  Doug Martin found a spare Mars shuttle he could fly up to the warship Iconda for the meeting with High Leader Altek. Lieutenant Colonel Tills sat in the co-pilot seat. The trip took only ten minutes, but that gave Doug enough time to question Tills.

  “Have you started training to fly the Zoltu fighters yet?”

  “I have, Colonel. I underwent the Zoltu Mind Immersion program session last week. It’s quite an experience, sir.”

  “I heard it makes you dizzy afterwards.”

  “Only for a short time, sir. Then the memories become permanent. It’s like you’ve been flying Zoltus all your life.”

  “I can’t imagine how they do that.” Doug knew about the Holtu training methods for new Zoltu pilots, but he was not sure he would like it.

  “The session lasts for about an hour, sir. Then you have to train on the flight simulators for twenty hours before they let you fly a Zoltu fighter. After twenty-four hours flight time in space with instructors, I’ll be assigned to a fighter squadron for weapon firing and space battle training. I’m looking forward to it, Colonel.”

  Doug listened closely to Till’s voice as she explained how the Holtu Mind Immersion (MI) training worked. Apparently, there was a memory program for every Holtu military training requirement. Troops could learn how to operate any weapon, fly any spacecraft, drive any vehicle, maintain any piece of equipment and learn troop battle tactics in days. It was a dream comes true for military generals on Earth. The UN Space Strike Force was already committed to Mind Immersion program training for every new recruit. Doug was scheduled for his own program session the following week.

  Doug matched the orbit of the Iconda warship and received permission to land inside the hangar deck. He let the shuttle be auto-controlled by the Iconda tower operator for the landing. All went smoothly and they both walked out of the shuttle as soon as they landed.

  Di was waiting for them by the hangar exit doors. “Altek is waiting to see you.” He did not elaborate.

  “I brought Lieutenant Colonel Tills with me for the meeting.” Doug did not offer any reason why and Di did not object, so they both followed Di to the lift system.

  “Is General Bradstone here?” Doug asked.

  “He is with High Leader Altek now. There is news from Qum.”

  Qum? That was odd, thought Doug. He figured this meeting would just be about Mars space defenses in preparation for Yoyka attacks.

  The ride up to the Command Center took a few seconds. The doors opened and Di led the way to a small meeting room nearby. Waiting inside were Altek, Bradstone and another Holtu android Doug did not recognize. He and Tills snapped a salute to the General.

  Bradstone walked over and s
poke first. “Glad you could make it Doug.”

  “I brought Lieutenant Colonel Tills with me to this meeting. I thought it would be useful for Tills to know how we plan to defend Mars.”

  “Welcome, Lieutenant Colonel Tills. It’s good to see you again. I’ll let High Leader Altek introduce our new guest.”

  High Leader Altek looked the same as always; in command. His military attire was in perfect order. His dark green skin and green eyes shined with intelligence. His face masked his thoughts, but Doug new under that calm exterior was an android you didn’t want to make an enemy of.

  “I would like to introduce First Leader Randu. He has brought us news from Qum. He will tell us what he knows.”

  Randu was taller than Altek, but short than Di. He had on a similar uniform as the other two Holtu officers, but his rank was lower than Di’s. He spoke clearly and concisely. “I was the ranking officer on Qum with orders to protect a group of Qumru scientists hidden in a government research facility in the Quntor Mountains. We were discovered by the Yoyka ground troops and the scientists had to be relocated to another government facility.

  “The reason I am here is because the Yoyka are close to finding the scientists’ new location. They are all Onutu scientists who have knowledge the Yoyka are desperate to obtain. They must not be captured alive by the Yoyka.”

  Altek took command of the discussion. “I have received orders from First Chair Brendu and First Chair Cleota, that these scientists must be removed from Qum if at all possible. Therefore, I am assigning a mission to rescue these scientists. First Leader Randu will be leading this mission since he knows the location where the scientists are hiding.”

  Randu added, “We do not have much time. My Second Leader Konutu has sent word the Yoyka ground troops have increased dramatically in size. It is just a matter of time before they locate our people. We must leave immediately.”

  “I hope you make it in time, First Leader,” Doug said.

  Altek said, “First Chair Cleota requested that you be on this mission if you agree.”

  Doug was surprised by the request. “Why me?”

  “She says two of the scientists are related to Tumil. He asks that you try to save them.”

  Doug considered the mission. It might be useful to know what the Yoyka troops were up to on Qum. And he owed a favor to the Holtu for what they did on Mars to save his people. “I’ll do if Di accompanies us. May I ask what will happen if we are too late to save the Qumru scientists?”

  Altek’s face was impassive when he responded, “We will have no choice but to destroy the facility and all who are in it. The secrets of the Onutu must never be allowed to pass on to the Yoyka.”

  “Not all will be lost if this mission is not successful,” Randu interjected. “We can upload their minds and regenerate their bodies if necessary.”

  “First Leader Randu knows this first hand,” Altek interrupted. “He sacrificed himself when he destroyed the hidden research facility at Quntor. He killed over one hundred and fifty Yoyka troops in the process. He is a Holtu hero of the highest order. The Onutu process has brought him back to serve the Qumru people once again.”

  Chapter 31

  Qum

  It had been almost two weeks since Killian, Jopar and the rest of the Qumru scientists had arrived at the Kemu underground facility in the Western Government Region on Qum. Killian was working on her quantum computer in her room when Jopar suddenly appeared in the doorway.

  “I have news! We’re leaving soon!” he shouted.

  Killian looked startled. “Leaving? Where?”

  “Administrator Odalu just made an announcement in the cafeteria. He say’s we must pack up our things and get ready to leave.”

  “Why?” Killian was concerned now.

  “The Holtu leader here says he received word from the Holtu military. They are sending a transport shuttle to pick all of us up and take us away from Qum,” Jopar said excitedly.

  “We’re leaving the planet?” Killian didn’t believe what she was hearing.

  “That’s all he said. Odalu doesn’t know where we’re going or why?”

  “Do you think we have been discovered again by the Yoyka?”

  “I don’t know, Killian, but we must get ready to leave. What are you working on?”

  “I’m studying the latest nano-agent test results Tumil sent me. If what he says is true, then we have a possible counter measure to the Yoyka nanomachines!”

  “What type of counter measure?”

  “Tumil says he and the human scientist called Doctor Janice Martin have created a new nano-agent that can stop the Yoyka nanomachines from killing their hosts. I’m not sure I believe it yet.”

  “You mean stop the Yoyka from what they did to the humans on Earth and Mars with their quantum code transmission?”

  “Yes, that’s what Tumil sent me. He says the nano-agent can send an electrical shock to disable the nanomachines so they can be flushed from the body. This solution not only stops the killing code, but it may very well save the host by removing the infection from their brains. This is what we’ve been waiting for, Jopar. It could save all our people on Qum!”

  “That is fantastic! Who else knows this?”

  “No one yet, just you and me. Tumil says they plan to test the nano-agent on some infected Qumru officers on the Solruku they have in quarantine. If the results are positive, they will find a way to bring the solution to Qum. We cannot leave Qum now, Jopar.”

  “We can always come back, Killian. If the Yoyka capture us here, they many learn what we know about Onutu. That would be worse than what has already happened to our people.”

  Killian thought about that for a moment. “Yes, you are right. We must not allow that to happen. Let’s go find Odalu and see what is going on here.”

  Killian and Jopar walked from their room to the main floor of the underground facility to Administrator Odalu’s office. The door was open. Odalu was talking to Second Leader Konutu when Killian knocked on the door.

  “Administrator Odalu, do you have a moment?”

  Odalu looked up and motioned both of them into the room. “I’m glad you’re here. Second Leader Konutu was just informing me of the Holtu’s plan to rescue us.”

  “Rescue us?” Killian said, fearing the worst.

  Konutu explained. “I’m afraid the Yoyka have narrowed down the region where this facility is located. Our spies in Ollala say the Yoyka have sent in many more ground troops and drones to find us. They want what you scientists know about Onutu. The Yoykan Emperor has made it clear he wants the Onutu secrets at all costs. There are rumors Emperor Rahta plans to kill everyone in Ollala if we do not turn over Onutu scientists to his troops.”

  “There are twenty million Qumru in Ollala!” Jopar said in disbelieve.

  “I have my orders. I am preparing for immediate departure for everyone at this facility.”

  Killian was quiet for a moment. Then she asked Konutu, “Did First Leader Randu make it out of Quntor?”

  “He was killed in the explosion, but his mind was saved. He has been regenerated and is currently on his way to rescue us.”

  Killian was not surprised; just glad Randu was still in charge of their safety. The benefits of Onutu technology was proven again. She had no illusions why the Yoyka wanted the technology so badly and would kill millions of people to get their hands on it.

  She decided to tell Odalu and Konutu what she had just learned from Tumil. “Even if the Yoyka kill everyone in Ollala, we can probably save them using Onutu. However, our people on Holtu have discovered a possible cure for the Yoyka nanomachines.”

  “What do you mean by cure?” Odalu asked.

  “I mean we can save our people by disabling the nanomachines in the brain and flushing them from the body.”

  “This can be done?” Odalu asked in disbelieve.

  “They are testing the solution on Holtu as we speak,” Killian replied.

  Odalu sat down at his desk in shock. There w
ere tears in his eyes. “I can’t believe this. It doesn’t seem possible. He looked at Killian. “There is hope for our people again.”

  Jopar questioned Konutu, “When do we leave here?”

  “The message I received from First Leader Konutu says to be ready to leave at nightfall. They are sending a transport shuttle, but it will be a dangerous mission. The Yoyka have warships and fighters protecting Qum. However, the Yoyka are too overconfident. They do not believe we would try to save anyone on Qum. They do not know about our latest advancements in FTL hyperdrive capability.

  “FTL?” both Killian and Jopar looked at each other puzzled by the comment.

  Konutu’s explanation made everyone smile. The Yoyka were about to be outsmarted once again.

  Chapter 32

  Rescue Mission

  It was a race against time. The distance to Qum from Earth Sol was 10,000 light years. Normally, a trip like this would have taken Doug and the Holtu space crew thirty days. Now, with the advanced FTL hyperdrive, Holtu spacecraft can travel the same distance in 10 hours.

  Doug was sitting behind the pilots on an updated Holtu troop transport shuttle. Piloting the shuttle was Vice Leader Di with First Leader Randu sitting next to him. Behind Doug sat ten fully armed Holtu military troops in standard combat armor with invisible camouflage protection and energy weapons. Doug left Mars wearing a new UN Space Strike Force military camouflage combat uniform in various shades of green and dark brown colors. He wore a standard issue US Marine 15-round, 9 millimeter Beretta M9 pistol in his side holster. He decided to put on Holtu military combat armor with the same protective features before arriving at Qum. He was offered a Holtu laser energy rifle, but declined to carry it for this trip. Doug felt more comfortable firing a handgun at close range.

  Following behind the troop transport shuttle were two Zoltu fighters with three person crews on board. Their job was to run interference for the rescue team and try to give Di and his crew enough time to escape the planet if they ran into trouble.