Nanomachine War series Box Set

by Don Viecelli

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  Vice Leader Di was waiting for the Yoyka to appear since he returned from attacking the Yoyka warships patrolling Yoykan solar system. The Solruku with Tumil on board had already left with an escort to return to Holtu. Now it was just a waiting game.

  Di was certain the Yoyka would only send a small fleet of warships to attack Qum and try to use their new NDW against the Qumru. He planned the defense of Qum and its people accordingly. Word had already been sent to the planet to prepare for attack. This time the Qumru would take shelter wherever they could in case the nanobot drone weapon actually made it to the surface. In that case, there was only one true way to stop it from spreading. They would have to use nuclear EMP weapons. It would be a terrible loss of life and property, but the alternative was worse. Everyone knew this and was prepared to do whatever it took to stop the spread of this horrific life destroying nanoweapon.

  The first signs of the Yoyka fleet exiting hyperspace occurred two hours after Erlatu’s fleet arrived at Qum. Vice Leader Di and his fleet of fifty warships was already travelling near light speed around the middle gas giant in Qum solar system in order to enter hyperspace quickly as soon as the number of Yoyka warships arriving was determined.

  When the last Yoyka warship appeared and the number verified, Di gave the order to depart Qum before the Yoyka could scan his fleet. Di called Senior Leader Erlatu. “The Yoyka warfleet has arrived. I am leaving to attack the Yoyka fleet assembled near the Yoykan solar system. Destroy this fleet and protect Qum the best you can. I wish you well in battle.” Then he was gone.

  Senior Leader Erlatu was ready for the attack. He had one hundred sixty-five Holtu warships and sixteen thousand five hundred Zoltu fighters at his command. When the fifty Yoyka warships exited hyperspace near the center of the Qum solar system, Erlatu quickly moved his space fleet to surround them and prevent them from trying to escape through hyperspace. Then he released his Zoltu fighters.

  “First Commander Diorta, we are surrounded by Holtu warships!” was the first thing Diorta heard from his Second Commander at his control station.

  Diorta looked at his holographic screen display, which indeed showed one hundred sixty-five enemy warships completely encircling his position in the solar system. “How can this be?” he shouted in disbelief to no one in particular. He stood up in front of his command chair. “Get us out of here immediately!”

  The order was too late. In order to reach light speed to escape would require heading directly into enemy lines. Diorta studied the holographic display trying to determine the best course of action. The Holtu warships greatly outnumbered his fifty ships. The information he had received from High Commander Anahta had been false or at least old information. The Holtu had undoubtedly increased their warship numbers in anticipation of attack. His fleet was less than half a billion miles from Qum. If he tried to bunch his warships together to break free, the Holtu would use their new kinetic energy missile weapon to destroy his fleet. The situation seemed hopeless at first. However, there was one thing he could do if his fate was to die in this solar system. He would complete at least one task he had come here to do. Diorta turned to his second in command and ordered. “Head for the planet at full speed. Tell the commanders to release all Spitkas to attack the Holtu warships and their fighters. There is to be no retreat. Give the order to fight to the death. Glory to the Empire!”

  The battle had begun. Diorta had no illusions regarding the outcome. The only thing on his mind now was completing his final mission. He gave the order to his second commander, “Prepare to fire all NDW missiles as soon as we are in range of the planet.”

  All Diorta had to do now was survive the next thirty minutes to accomplish his mission.

  Senior Leader Erlatu noticed immediately that one of the Yoyka warships changed directions for Qum. The others released their Spitka fighters to face the Zoltu fighters headed their way. Erlatu said, “Send the order to all Holtu commanders to fire nuclear missiles at the nearest Yoyka warships as soon as they are in range. I want them all destroyed!”

  “Yes, Senior Leader!” said his Second Leader confirming the order.

  Erlatu knew his fleet would be able to destroy this Yoyka fleet in a matter of minutes. None of them would be able to escape his fleet. His primary concern was not allowing Yoyka warships or Spitka fighters from firing any weapons at Qum. He had seen the results of the terrible Yoyka nanobot drone weapon used on Synor. It would be disastrous if any reached the surface of Qum.

  “Follow that lead Yoyka warship heading for Qum, Second Leader. Tell our Wing Commander to order his Zoltu fighters to attack and destroy that warship!”

  “Yes, Senior Leader!” The order was forwarded to the Wing Commander.

  At one million kilometers, the two battle fleets were now within range of each other to fire nuclear missiles. Energy fields could withstand four or five direct nuclear hits before losing strength, which would allow the next missile to penetrate the force field and hit the hull of the warship. Most missiles would be destroyed by laser antimissile defense systems if fired too far away, but some would still reach their targets. Then it would be up to the space fighters on both sides to try and take out the warships with weakened energy shields.

  There was only one decisive weapon available that could destroy a warship with full powered energy shields. It was the kinetic energy missile weapon, KEM. It was developed by Holtu and Human military scientists and first used at the Battle For Holtu. Erlatu knew the Yoyka had developed their own version and would not hesitate to use it on his fleet. The KEM could travel at ninety percent light-speed with tremendous release of kinetic energy upon impact. The only drawback to the KEM, is it had to be used at relatively close range; around two hundred thousand kilometers. The missile could easily be avoided if fired too far away or shot down by laser fire, but the KEM would easily split a warship in half once it hit its target.

  The Yoyka fleet was almost surrounded by Holtu warships now. The space battle was fully engaged with six thousand Yoyka Spitka fighters battling almost twelve thousand Holtu Zoltu fighters released for battle. Fighter planes were spinning out of control like cartwheels after being hit by laser fire; some turning into fireballs. Warships were beginning to explode every few minutes as their shields failed, spewing debris in every direction. The heavens lit up like fireworks during a holiday, but this show only produced death on a massive scale.

  “The Yoyka fleet is almost destroyed, Senior Leader!” said Erlatu’s second in command.

  Erlatu could see that on his viewscreens. The only problem left was the lead Yoyka warship had broken through his line and was still heading straight for Qum. Zoltu fighters were attacking the Yoyka warship with everything it had, but did not slow it down. Erlatu finally ordered the fighters to break off their attack to clear a firing lane. The Yoyka warship was two hundred thousand kilometers in front of Erlatu. He had to destroy that warship now. He gave the order, “Fire the KEMs now!”

  Smoke was pouring into First Commander Diorta’s Command Center. His warship was badly damaged by heavy enemy fire from attacking Zoltu fighters, but he was still in control of his ship. Everything was shaking in the room and crewmembers were struggling to stay in their seats.

  “We are losing shields, First Commander!” Diorta heard from his Second Commander through the noise of nuclear explosions that rocked his ship. He looked around the room. Their time was almost up and there was little he could do about it. He looked at his viewscreen. Qum was directly in front of him; no more than a few thousand pecks away. He asked, “What is the status of the fleet.

  It only took a moment to receive an answer. “All warships are destroyed, Senior Commander, except for us. Spitka fighters are still engaged in battle.”

  “Send the order to retreat if any are able to escape. The battle is lost.”

  Diorta noticed that missile fire on his ship had stopped. He checked his screen. One Holtu warship was closing in on his position. He knew instantly what was
about to happen. He yelled to his second in command, “Fire all NDWs now!”

  He felt the vibrations and heard the sounds of twenty nanobot drone weapon missiles leaving the firing tubes all headed for Qum. He had achieved his mission. Before Diorta could give the order to turn his warship on a new heading, he knew it was too late to save himself or his ship. His world and everything in it exploded in a brilliant flash of light in the darkness of space.

  Chapter 24

  Sneak Attack

  Vice Leader Di emerged from hyperspace with fifty warships just outside of the Yoykan solar system. He knew what to expect. A quick scan identified almost four hundred Yoyka warships relatively close together in the immediate area, all less than two hundred thousand Earth kilometers in distance. Most were stationary. It was better than expected. Without a moment’s hesitation, he ordered, “Begin firing at all targets!” to all his warship commanders.

  Admiral Jason Weston passed the order to Captain Doug Martin who was seated beside him in the Command Center on board the USS Illinois. Doug pressed the button on the side of his seat, “Control, fire all kinetic energy missiles as soon as target data is entered!”

  The USS Illinois carried twenty KEMs in its missile launch tubes. They were pre-loaded before leaving Qum space. All fifty Holtu warships on this mission carried the same payload. The plan was simple. They knew where the Yoyka warships were gathering in Yoykan space territory. Shonya, on the Solruku, had broken the encryption codes on Yoyka military comchannels before escaping from Rahta. Vice Leader Di knew what the Emperor was planning and where all his warships were. All Di had to do was disrupt Rahta’s attack plans to give the Galactic Military Alliance members more time to prepare defense strategies. This was the first strike.

  “KEMs are on their way, Admiral,” Doug said as the ship shook from the missile tube firings.

  “Bring up the viewscreens,” Jason said to Control, the AI system, which operates and monitors most systems. It was not as intelligent as Shonya on board the Solruku, but the technology was similar. The Qumru leadership did not want Holtu warship AICs to become as fully sentient as Holtu androids. So far, this has proven to be effective in battle.

  The Yoyka warship fleet was a “sitting duck” as humans liked to say. Jason and Doug watched on the holographic display in front of them as almost one thousand KEMs were launched towards the Yoyka fleet. Hundreds of Spitkas were already outside their warships and most turned to attack the Holtu warships as they closed to attack the Yoyka fleet.

  Yoyka warships began to move out of formations to fight back. Many never had a chance. Energy shields were up, but most were not on full power. They were all taken completely by surprise.

  The KEMs were travelling at 269,816 kilometers per second, ninety percent light-speed, when they began to hit their targets. The resulting warship explosions were too numerous to count without AIC help. It was a total disaster occurring in real time. The Yoykan Empire had never experienced a military massacre on a scale this large in all their history of warfare.

  Admiral Weston and Doug could only gape at the destruction seen on the holographic display. Finally, Jason said to Doug, “Get us out of here!”

  The mission was to attack the Yoyka fleet with KEMs and depart as soon as the missiles were launched. They were greatly outnumbered by Yoyka warships, even after many were destroyed. Thousands of nuclear tipped missiles had already been launched their way. It would be close escaping back into hyperspace before some of the missiles found their targets. With high probability, all of them would be safe if they reached hyperspace in time.

  A finale look back with their camera lens recorded the scene. Jason asked Control, “What are the Yoyka warship fleet damage estimates?”

  AIC replied, “One hundred fifty-nine warship destroyed; another forty-one partially damaged from the kinetic energy missiles, Admiral.”

  Almost fifty percent of the Yoyka fleet had been destroyed or damaged. It was a great victory thought Jason. The only remaining question was—would it be enough to give the Alliance time to prepare for the next Yoyka attack?

  The return to Qum through hyperspace lasted one hour. The fleet emerged near the center of Qum solar system and Vice Leader Di immediately scanned the area. As reported by Senior Leader Erlatu, the fifty attacking Yoyka warships had been completely destroyed. Debris was scattered all over space. That could be easily taken care of. Di was only concerned about the nanobot drone weapon missiles that had been fired at Qum.

  Di placed a vidcom call and waited for Erlatu to appear on the display. “What is the status of the NDWs?”

  Erlatu was slow to respond. His eyes told the whole story even before speaking. “I did everything I could to destroy the warship before it launched NDW missiles, Vice Leader Di. I was not successful. Twenty missiles were launched towards Qum cities. I was able to destroy seventeen missiles before they reached the atmosphere. However, three missiles made it through and exploded over three cities. I had no choice, Vice Leader. First Chair Cleota gave permission to use EMP nukes to destroy the nanobot drones before they could expand and settle over the cities...” He could not bring himself to continue.

  Vice Leader Di said, “I know you did the best you could, Diorta. That is why I put you in charge of the fleet. It was the right decision. Is First Chair Cleota alive?”

  Di looked at the screen. “Capitol Ollala was not one of the targets. Cleota is alive and waiting for your call.”

  “I will call her at once. We will meet later to go over your report.” Di ended the call and placed another to First Chair Cleota.

  Cleota answered immediately. “Vice Leader Di. I am glad you returned safely.”

  “Our mission was very successful, First Chair. We destroyed almost half of the Yoyka warship fleet with our KEMs. Di has reported what happened to Qum. Do you need any help?”

  Cleota moved her hands down to her sides and answered. “It could have been much worse, Di. Many lives were lost, but the cities are intact. I authorized Senior Leader Erlatu to use low yield nuclear EMP missiles to wipe out the nanobot killer swarms before they could settle to the ground. I have Lillian and Jopar’s team of scientists checking to make sure we destroyed all of them.

  “Most of our people were already is shelters before the attack. We estimate less than a million Qumru citizens were killed or harmed. We have the Onutu facilities to bring them all back. We are grateful to your space fleet for saving us, Vice Leader Di.”

  “I am glad to hear this, First Chair Cleota. I will remain here for the time being; at least until we determine what Rahta is planning next. I will send a team down to help you recover from the attack. In the meantime, send me all the data your scientists learn from the nanobot drones. It is important we find a way to stop them from spreading in the future.”

  The call ended soon afterwards. It was time for Di to meet with his fleet commanders and figure out what Rahta would do next and prepare for it as best as they could.

  Chapter 25

  Rahta

  It was a miracle Rahta’s Imperial Dreadnaught, Yoykan Malee Tre, was not destroyed during the surprise Holtu attack on his fleet. He stormed out of his stateroom and headed for the Bridge. When he arrived, High Commander Anahta was busy analyzing battle and damage reports from his other fleet commanders. The results were worse than expected and knew Emperor Rahta was going to demand retribution from his commanders. Anahta fully expect to die in the next two minutes.

  Rahta flew into the Command Center. “How did this happen—again?” he demanded in a loud voice.

  “The Holtu knew exactly where our fleet had assembled, Imperial Leader,” Anahta replied bowing his head.

  “They have spies everywhere!” Rahta raged out loud. “What is the damage?”

  Anahta was afraid the news would cause the Emperor to kill him on the spot. He stood up straight; prepared to die like a true warrior. “We lost one hundred fifty-nine warships with all crewmembers and Spitka fighters on board. Forty-one ships were
damaged, some beyond repair. Total personnel losses exceed ninety-seven thousand. Our ships were not under power when the attack occurred. Energy shields were at minimum strength. It is my fault, Imperial Leader. I am totally responsible for this disaster.”

  Rahta looked at his most decorated fleet commander and wanted to shoot him with his own laser gun. He knew who was really at fault. He had ordered the fleet to assemble in one spot and await his orders. He never expected the Holtu to do what just happened. However, he was the Yoykan Emperor and fault would have to be put on others. “Your punishment will come soon enough. I want you to select ten of your commanders and space them immediately.

  “Now tell me, what happened at Qum?” Rahta hoped at least this attack was successful.

  Anahta took another breath. He was surprised he was still alive. It might not be much longer though. “The fleet was destroyed at Qum, Imperial Leader. According to Spitka fighters that returned, Qum was protected by over a hundred sixty Holtu warships fully loaded with Zoltu fighters. They never had a chance. First Commander Diorta’s final message is he fired twenty nanobot drone weapon missiles at Qum before his ship was destroyed. We believe some of the missiles made it to the surface, but we have no reports how many or what happened afterwards.”

  Rahta hit the desk in front of him with both hands in frustration. “These Holtu androids must be destroyed!” He twirled around and looked out the window on the Bridge. Millions of stars and galaxies glowed in the darkness. “This is a disaster! How long before we can bring more warships to Yoykan?”

  “A few cycles is all we need to bring the rest of the armada home, Imperial Leader,” Anahta said.