by Don Viecelli
Every Holtu android in the fleet fell unconscious at their controls, in their seats or on their warship decks. The android minds were not shielded enough from this type of EMP and they fell in mass.
Chapter 49
Second Wave
“The NEP weapon is working as expected, Imperial Leader!” Anahta announced on the Bridge of the Yoykan Malee Ta. “The Holtu fleet is floundering!”
“Excellent, High Commander! You will be rewarded handsomely for this effort.” Emperor Rahta was ecstatic sitting in his command chair. He watched the viewscreens as the Holtu warships seemed to withdrawn suddenly from the fighting all around them. Some warships continued to fire automated laser beam weapons at Spitka fighters attacking them, but a few Holtu warships actually started to drift helplessly out of control as if no one was in command.
Many of the Zoltu fighters looked like their pilots were no longer trying to attack other Spitka fighters and were easily attacked by Spitkas. It was clear to the Yoyka that the NEP weapon had accomplished what it was meant to do—disable the androids if not actually kill them.
“We need to take advantage of this opportunity and destroy as many warships and fighters as we can, High Commander. Order our warships to close in and destroy the enemy fleet!” Rahta commanded.
Never before in Rahta’s war experience had a space battle turned so suddenly in their favor during the fighting. It was very clear in Rahta’s mind how superior his race was compared to all other alien races encountered so far.
Rahta had one more priority he needed to accomplish. The said to Anahta, “Give me the status of our assault force.”
Anahta consulted with his second officer. “The Yoyka assault troops are on their way to the Holtu space docking platform now, Imperial Leader.”
The Yoyka troop shuttles were not trying to land ground forces. Rahta had another objective in mind—the Solruku spaceship! It was parked in one of the space docks and looked to be minimally defended by Holtu forces. It was not a warship and certainly did not have many military forces on board to defend itself against a large Yoyka attack force. It did have on board what Rahta wanted most of all—Onutu technology!
Rahta was about to order Anahta to show the video feed from the assault troop leader on board one of the transport shuttles when alarms started going off in the Command Center.
“Alert! Alert! Enemy warships exiting hyperspace behind the fleet. Countermeasures required!” The automated AI warning system repeated the message until Anahta shut it off.
Anahta looked at Rahta in alarm. “More Holtu warships have existed hyperspace near the gas giant, Imperial Leader!”
“How many ships, High Commander?” Rahta demanded as he looked at the holographic image as he spoke.
Anahta studied the AI report on this monitor. “At least a hundred Holtu warships have suddenly appeared behind us, Imperial Leader. I am ordering our fleet to prepare for attack!!
“Where did they come from? How is this possible?” Rahta was livid.
Anahta queried his AI for the answer. It only took a moment. “The AI reports these are the very same warships our spy probes reported still in Earth star system space just before we arrived here!”
“That cannot be possible, High Commander. The AI must be wrong!”
“The AI is never wrong, Imperial Leader. I have requested spectral hyperdrive analysis. These are the same warships. Also, according to the AI, one of the warships is human built. We detected the same warship near the human’s home planet’s moon during construction.”
“They could not have made the journey here so quickly, High Commander!”
“You are correct, Imperial Leader; unless the Holtu have improved their FTL hyperdrive capability, which it appears they have according to the spectral hyperdrive analysis the AI is reporting.”
Anahta wiped his forehead with his arm. “We have been let into a trap, Imperial Leader!”
Rahta refused to believe this. “There is no trap, High Commander. We will just destroy this new fleet!”
If only that were true, Anahta thought to himself. He was looking at his viewscreens and noticed the Holtu warships and Zoltu fighters that appeared helpless a few moments ago were now suddenly active again; as if the androids had recovered from the NEP attack. He knew that could not be true. Something else was occurring. He ordered the AI to scan the nearest Holtu warship.
The results were alarming. Anahta read the AI report from the scan. It was worse than even he expected. “It appears the androids are not the only crewmembers on board their ships, Imperial Leader. There are Qumru and Human crewmembers—they appear to have taken over command of their ships and fighters. They are attacking us again!”
“Fire more NEP weapons at these new warships!” Rahta demanded.
“We have no more to fire, Imperial Leader. We used them on the Holtu fleet in front of us!” Anahta answered swiftly. “We must fight our way out of this and retreat to hyperspace.”
Rahta starred at the viewscreens and studied the holographic war map. His anger turned to rage at what he saw. “Continue the fight, High Commander! Yoykans do not retreat without victory or death! I will not leave until I get what I came for!”
Anahta straightened himself up and faced his emperor as a true warrior unafraid of death or defeat. “As you command, Imperial Leader.” He sent the order to the fleet commanders to fight to the death.
*****
“They are attacking us, Vice Leader Di! They do not appear willing to flee!” First Leader Miata announced after viewing the battle scene on the monitors.
Di calmly analyzed the situation before him. The space battle was nowhere near over. His fleet had arrived exactly as High Leader Altek had ordered. The Yoyka warship fleet and Spitka fighters were caught in the middle of two great Holtu armadas. Altek’s fleet was positioned close together as planned to draw the Yoyka fleet in for the kill. This left the Yoyka exposed to a surprise attack from behind, trapping the Yoyka fleet in a no win situation. That was the theory, but war never goes according to plan. Chaos enters the picture and nothing is certain.
“Something is wrong with Altek’s fleet. They seem unorganized and in disarray!” Miata said.
“See if you can get in contact with Altek or one of his commanders and find out what’s going on.” I am releasing our Zoltu fighters to prevent the Yoyka warships from escaping our trap.”
Miata finally got through to the Iconda, which was moving again towards the battle lines firing all laser beam weapons and now close enough to the Yoyka fleet to begin firing its massive kinetic energy railguns at the Yoyka warships.
“I am receiving a message from the Iconda, Vice Leader.” Miata hesitated before reading the message out loud to Di. “Altek and the rest of the androids in the fleet are no longer in charge. They have all been knocked unconscious from a new Yoyka nuclear electromagnetic pulse missile weapon fired by the Yoyka Spitka fighters. Human and Qumru crewmembers are operating all warships and Zoltu fighters left in the battle!”
Di took a moment to digest this new development. He realized what the Yoyka had tried to do. It would have worked brilliantly if all the Yoyka had to fight were Holtu androids. The Yoykas never anticipated the number of Qumru and Human crewmembers and pilots that now make up the Military Alliance. “Are the Yoyka Spitkas preparing to fire more of these EMP pulse weapons towards us?”
Miata asked the AIC control system to scan the Spitka fighters in the battle to determine what type of missile weapons were being fired. She replied, “No, Vice Leader. All missiles heading toward our fleet appear to be nuclear tipped missiles. AIC is firing beam weapons to take them out.”
“Very well. Prepare to attack the Yoyka fleet. We have a new weapon of our own to use against the Yoyka.”
Di immediately ordered all warship commanders to get ready to launch their newly designed, high speed Kinetic Energy Missiles (KEM) at the Yoyka fleet. Energy shields could absorb tremendous amounts of energy from nuclear missiles and laser
beam fire, but no energy shield could stop missiles traveling near the speed of light hitting the intended object head on. The resulting kinetic energy alone would cut a warship in half. The new missiles had been designed and tested in Earth’s solar system and now would be put to the test. Di’s mission was to destroy every Yoyka warship in this space battle using the new KEM and he meant to accomplish it now.
Di quickly issued the order to all commanders—“Fire!”
Chapter 50
The Solruku
Four Yoyka assault troop transport shuttles sped toward the Solruku spaceship docked at the Holtu space platform in stationary orbit above Holtu. First Officer Cadora with two hundred specially trained Yoyka warriors would attempt to capture the Qumru spaceship that appeared to be an unarmed civilian ship for reasons unclear to Cadora at the moment. Orders received from High Commander Anahta as he neared the docking platform still rang in his ears—“You must capture the Solruku at all costs and prepare to leave this star system upon my command!”
Clearly, something on this spaceship was worth the lives of two hundred Yoyka warriors, but Cadora was not entitled to know what. He just followed orders as did all his troops. In a way, he felt lucky. He and his troops could still be on board Fleet Commander Balota’s warship, which rumors said was destroyed in some alien occupied star system. Cadora could not imagine how or why that happened. His mission now was to capture this spaceship and await further orders.
The four troop transport shuttles quickly reached the Holtu space platform with twenty-five Spitka fighters clearing a path through several Holtu warships and their fighters trying to protect the planet from Yoyka forces. Fortunately, the new NEP weapons had gravely affected Holtu forces and they were not firing back with any great efficiency. Cadora hoped the android troops on the docking platform were also knocked out of commission by the NEP electromagnetic pulse weapon as promised. If not, then Cadora and his assault troops would have a more difficult job gaining entry into the targeted spaceship. Cadora knew from his experiences on Qum just what the android soldiers were capable of.
“Prepare for breach!” Cadora shouted over the comchannel. Finesse was not part of a Yoyka troop assault. There was no time to find an open hangar door or docking port. The troop shuttles were designed to puncture a hole in the hull of a ship or land on a deck surface to allow the troops to exit quickly and attack the enemy. In this case Cadora had ordered the shuttles to ram directly into the side of the space station on both sides of the Solruku spaceship docking bay.
Cadora’s shuttle smashed through the hull using a pointed tip that immediately opened up a hole large enough to allow the warriors to file into the space platform. The troops had protective helmets on to preserve oxygen, but the breach was already sealed by the shuttle exit door hatch. Cadora followed his warriors to the nearest doorway that led to the spaceship docking ramp. He glanced through the door windows. He saw several armed Holtu troops lying on the floor. They appeared to be unconscious. A few Qumru could be seen running from the area. They did not attempt to put up a fight when they saw the Yoyka troops rushing towards them.
Cadora followed his warriors through the doorway. His troops started shooting the helpless Qumru that were running away. Cadora ordered the needless slaughter to stop. He had orders to capture as many Qumru he could and put them on board the Solruku in case they were needed.
The ramp that led to the Solruku was not blocked by Holtu troops. Cadora let his warriors down the ramp straight to the spaceship entry hatch. It was locked, of course. “Second Officer Neeanta, open this door without destroying it!”
“Yes, First Officer!” Neeanta pulled out a device and attached it to the locking mechanism. It only took a moment for the door to unlock and automatically open. Cadora’s troops poured through the door and began searching for anyone on board.
From the door sign, First Officer Cadora knew he was on Deck Level 5. He was pleasantly surprised at the lack of armed opposition to his boarding party. Usually, his assault troops had to break down doors and fight a heavily armed force on enemy ships resulting in heavy casualties on both sides. This assault was too easy. It made him nervous. He checked in with his Second Officer, “Neeanta, what are you finding?”
“No android troops on this ship, First Officer; just civilian Qumru.”
“Do not kill them. We need to keep them alive for interrogation. I’m heading up to the Command Center on Deck Level 1. Have your troops clear the remaining Deck Levels.”
“As you command, First Officer!”
Cadora lead a ten member squad to the nearest lift. He punched the button for the top deck and waited patiently for the elevator to rise. “All weapons ready! Set for stun!”
They reached the Command Center and the doors opened swiftly. Pandemonium erupted. There were at least ten Qumru officers on the deck trying to lock down control systems and one officer looked like he was about to issue a self-destruct command to the AI. Cadora immediately stunned the officer with his energy weapon. Two other Qumru officers fell under fire before the rest stopped what they were doing and raised their hands in surrender.
“Everyone over in this corner!” Cadora commanded through his translator. “Third officer, restrain them. Someone find out if the self-destruct command is shut down!”
Cadora walked over to the control console and looked over the data screens. Nothing appeared out of the ordinary. No alarms were sounding. It looked like the spaceship was now under his control.
It was time to bring in his special prisoners. He called over the comchannel, “Escort the slaves to the Command Center, Second Officer Neeanta.”
Neeanta acknowledged the order. Cadora waited patiently for Neeanta to bring in the prisoners Cadora had brought with him under special orders from High Commander Anahta. It was time to find out why he was ordered to take this spaceship and bring four worthless Qumru slaves with him.
A few moments passed while everyone waited in the Command Center. Finally, the lift doors opened and Second Officer Neeanta emerged with two guards and four prisoners. Neeanta saluted Cadora. “Here are the Qumru slaves.”
Four Qumru officers approached Cadora. There were obviously under the control of Yoyka nanomachines. Their eyes were dulled and their mannerisms slow, but they still had some self-control. They were all aware of their surroundings and why they were brought here.
“What are your names again?” Cadora asked the first Qumru.
“I am First Leader Utor. This is Second Leader Seeto, Third Leader Binto and Third Leader Coltron. We are former Qumru officers of the Solruku.”
“Do you know why we brought you here?”
“Yes, First Leader Cadora,” Utor answered.
Cadora shook his head impatiently. Slaves under the control of nanomachines lost all initiative and free will. You had to ask them to explain everything one question at a time.
“Then tell me!”
“We have been told to take control of the Solruku and leave Holtu for your star system.”
“What is on this spaceship that we need to take it to Yoykan?”
“It contains the Onutu technology your Emperor desires.”
Cadora looked at Neeanta. Neither of them understood what Utor was saying.
“What is Onutu?”
“Onutu is the Qumru process that can regenerate our bodies and transfer our minds after death occurs. It allows our people to live forever if we wish.”
Cadora was stunned beyond words. He had heard the rumors of this capability, but only as it relates to the Holtu androids. This was beyond that ability. No wonder Emperor Rahta wanted this technology. It was right here on this ship.”
“Where is this technology located?” Cadora finally asked.
“On Level 12 where the regeneration chambers are.” Utor said without any emotion.
This was something he had to see. Cadora turned to Neeanta. Hold these Qumru here. Have them prepare to leave the docking platform on my orders. Start the engines and see what o
ther surprises this ship may have. I want to check out the Onutu regeneration chambers for myself before I call High Commander Anahta and tell him we have control of the Solruku.”
“As you command, First Officer!” Neeanta saluted Cadora as he turned to leave. Two warriors followed Cadora to the elevator. Cadora hit Level 12 and down they went.
When the doors opened, the two warriors led the way into the dimly lit hallway. They scanned the room for life forms. Someone was hiding in one of the rooms in Quadrant 2 according to Cadora’s datapad. He ordered the two soldiers to move forward and find the Qumru. The life form was not an android.
They found a doorway further down the hallway that was marked in Qumru text. It was a computer room. Inside they came upon row after row of quantum computer bays with countless glowing indicator lights. Cadora figured it had to be the Onutu technology they were looking for.
They passed through a long row to another hallway with a door that led into a medical lab. It contained rows of what looked like large stasis chambers. Suddenly, a noise was heard coming from one of the tables in the room. “We know you are in here. Come out and you will not be harmed,” Cadora ordered over his translator device.
Two hands appeared behind a metal table near the far wall. A Qumru in a white lab coat slowly stood up. He did not say a word.”
“Keep your hands where I can see them. Step forward.”
The Qumru walked towards Cadora. “Who are you and what are you doing here?”
The Qumru did not know what else he could do but answer the questions under the circumstances; as poor as they were. “My name is Tumil. I am a scientist and was inspecting the equipment here.”
Well, thought Cadora. Maybe I will finally get some answers before I contact Anahta.
Chapter 51
Final Battle
Admiral Jason Weston, Commander of the USS Illinois, was strapped in his seat on the Bridge looking at his viewscreen intensely focused on the sights of the great space battle raging all around him. Hundreds of warships were engaged in heavy fighting using every weapon in their arsenals. Nuclear missiles were exploding as soon as they hit ship energy shields, engulfing warships with brilliant colors of light, heat and shock waves. Energy beams from laser fire and particle beam weapons flashed across the heavens near the speed of light to cut, burn, damage or destroy hull structures at close range. Finally, as warships came within a few hundred kilometers of each other, electromagnetic railguns opened fire propelling thousands of hardened metal projectiles at 20 kilometers per second against targets that imparted tremendous kinetic energy upon contact, ripping hull structures apart like fragile china.