by Rashid Ahmed
Back in the solar system, Max was already approaching Álfhól, the Lýsi platform where he was to be initially based. He had been observing the framandi fleet’s entry into the lofi system from an observation vessel’s point of view, above the system’s epileptic. He noticed something strange. Besides the opposition formation beginning to rotate, the rear had begun to elongate. It looked like the gigil force was reacting to the framandi fleet formation and preparing to counter it. As he watched, the rear end of the gigil force began to split into six parts and flower outward. It looked like these would curl back towards the framandi force and begin to eat into their vessels a while after the encounter began. He was nearly at Álfhól, so he began planning a counter-manoeuvre to pin the enemy.
Hijack
Álfhól Platform.
Max was disturbed. He had arrived at Álfhól and just finished putting together details for a formation, which ought to envelop the gigils, at the looming confrontation in the lofi system. He called out to the local AI, “Kei, I need some assistance.” He was not used to Kei yet, but then, everything in space was new to him. The AI responded, “Hello Max. How may I help?”
“I’ve put together a memo, on overcoming a counter manoeuvre by the opposing force in the lofi system. Will you pass it along to Sven de Vries on the vessel Átt?” Max asked.
Kei replied promptly, “I’ll connect you right away. You should brief Sven directly. I will put together any data needed to strengthen your strategy. May I access your memo?” The AI understood the high priority required to be assigned to Max’s request.
“Go ahead,” Max answered. A moment later Max’s pad came alive with a video connection to Sven. Kei said, “You’re live. Please explain your idea. I’ve passed on your file and will add appropriate data to adjust to local conditions, as you go along.”
Sven spoke first, “Glad you called. We noticed the flanking manoeuvre the opposition has initiated. We were considering reinforcing our three central points of penetration, with additional vessels and asteroids. What do you have in mind?”
Max said, “Your plan relies on using overwhelming numbers. It also relies on using unguided asteroids, loaded with explosives, as the primary weapon. Here’s what I’m thinking. The opposition crafts pulling back towards the rear of their own formation, are spreading out to outflank you. These vessels will take some time to get to their positions.”
“The problem as I see it is that the massed concentration of large opposition vessels, probably have enough firepower to direct and focus, which will rapidly take out our point forces,” Max observed. Making his point, Max said, “I suggest you use the vessels massing at three points, mirroring the gigil formation, to form a cone. Point the funnel end to the enemy. Have new vessels entering the system form cones around these. As the inner vessels release asteroids, the outer cone can replace depleted vessels. This way, there’ll always be asteroid armed framandi vessels at point.”
“Next,” Max said, “you carry on with the original strategy for the large outer funnel, formed by new framandi vessels entering the lofi system.” He pointed out, “Going after the gigils pulling to their own rear, will thin out your force. That may backfire against your present strategy.”
“To deal with the outflanking force, you’ll need to rearm framandi vessels,” Max explained. “There’s a dense asteroid belt, just ahead of and below the location, where the gigils have their primary formation. They’re close to a planet occupying a central orbit on the system’s plane. You’ll need to ensure that the attack vessels closest to the asteroid belt, are taken out first. Framandi vessels which have released armed asteroids aimed at the opposition, would need to go to the asteroid belt, to rearm. These would then travel along the asteroid belt to position themselves further behind the outflanking enemy. You could then form a parabola around the rear gigil elements and press inward.”
Sven was well versed with defence strategy. He understood Max’s reasoning and use of local materials to rearm. He said, “I see what you’re suggesting, and I agree. It’ll let us maintain the capacity advantage. We’ll begin implementation. Thank you.” The video connection was terminated. Battle was expected to commence in four hours, given the closing speed between the two fleets.
On Álfhól space platform, behind the moon, Max thought to himself, “We need to prepare ourselves here too. And quickly. The solar system could easily be taken by hostile extra-terrestrials.” He began to go through the space resources available to him. Over the last decade, Lýsi had built up considerable stockpiles of purified minerals and metals. Max saw that these were stored at Sun-Earth and Earth-Moon Lagrange point platforms. There were ten platforms in total, five of which were fully functional. Considerable automated manufacturing capabilities were already online on all platforms.
He considered the situation for a while and then contacted Rafael, on Marion Island. As soon as the video feed came up on his pad he said, “Good to see you again.” He asked, “You’re aware of the situation in the lofi system, right?”
Rafael replied, “I’ve been keeping up to date. My training’s been stepped up, so I’m merely observing.” Max asked, “Would you be able to pull out some time to gather information on all proposed space defence concepts, from across Earth sources?”
Rafael laughed. Max asked, “What’s so funny?”
Rafael put on a more serious expression and said, “You have both Shun and Kei at your disposal. I’d possibly take ages tracking down the information you need, even with Shun’s help. You’re limiting yourself. Task both AI’s to collaborate on this. Give them output objectives. They could pull the information, not just from Earth, but also from information the framandi might have. The autonomous SSEV Nál has arrived at the solar system end of the framandi wormhole. It’s taken aboard the data and processing modules which AL-I had initially handed over to Átt’s crew. The framandi data is accessible locally in our system. We just need to learn how to query it correctly.”
Max grinned and said, “I have much to learn from you. Thank you. I’ll take your advice. Be well. And, keep an eye on Univers Aerospace. I have a feeling they may be up to no good.” Rafael waved and signed off.
Speaking into his earpiece, Max said, “Shun, you’re there?” A second later, he heard the familiar voice of the AI he had grown used to.” The AI said, “Hello Max. Glad to hear your voice. I seem to be getting a feel for outer space, just as you are.” Max smiled and said, “I need your assistance, and that of Kei.” Another second later, Shun spoke again, “Kei is listening in as well.”
“I need all the information you can dig up, on every concept ever thought up or executed, for defence in space,” Max began. He explained, “The concepts will need to be categorised, so prioritise those which have been peer reviewed. Cross reference them for feasibility with emphasis on use of existing technology. Finally rate them against known extra-terrestrial weapon systems and tactics.”
Kei asked, “What would you be looking at defending?” Max replied, “If a hostile force were to get to Earth, we would be doomed; so, it’s best to hold any such force at bay. Preferably preventing them access to the solar system.” After getting a few more clarifications, the AI’s began their assignment.
Max went to check in with Maji. The leader of Lýsi’s primary multinational covert operations force, was meeting with the platform’s chief. They were sorting out a schedule to begin training the crews manning the space platform, in defence strategy and tactics. Given the anticipated threat, every crew member was to be adequately cross trained. After all crew were trained at Álfhól space platform, Maji’s team was to be split and sent to each of the outer platforms, to train crews there. They’d transfer between platforms and rotate back to Earth. Their goal was to train all Lýsi personnel and covert action forces.
Maji nodded to Max. The two had got along well and become close during their voyage to Álfhól. Maji said, “We’re just finishing up here. My team is going to take the next day or two acclimatizing.
We’ll then begin training the crew on Álfhól.” Pointing to a screen he said, “Gogh concurs with the training course. By the way, he has bad news.”
Max hadn’t noticed the unusually prominent white-haired man, on the screen earlier. Gogh said, “Hello my old friend!” His usual greeting was accompanied with a smile which attempted to hide the tension on his face. Gogh continued, “As you probably know, Lýsi has a number of bases on Earth, out of which we conduct our outer space operations. For the most part, these are well under the radar. Somehow, it seems our smallest base, which only has hanger space for three flying wing capsule launch aircraft, has been infiltrated. It’s one of our few mainland bases. The base is in Canada. We’d leased a section of the Airport at Montreal-Mirabel, for aircraft research, manufacturing and testing.” Gogh paused while this information was absorbed.
The Lýsi leader went on, “Two members of the infiltration team were identified while they were leaving and were traced back to Rakkniv. Rakkniv links back to Univers Aerospace. For a brief period, all communications were offline at the base. During the interim, eight crew members preparing for capsule launch, were replaced. The original eight-person crew were sedated and sealed in a large basement closet. Fortunately, they were not harmed. The capsules were launched without anyone the wiser. The occupants are now in transit to Álfhól aboard Habogi, an S3 'Nesting Doll' Autonomous Cargo and Transport Vessel. They have manual control of the ACTV and are headed your way. How do you suggest they be handled?”
Max was becoming irritable. He snapped, “I made recommendations that would have boosted security. Haven’t they been implemented?” Gogh responded with a nod, “They have been. Somehow, the Rakkniv crew knocked all systems off for a very brief period. Their ploy was very similar to our use of an EMP device, during your recovery operations at Kiruna. We’re working on standalone EMP hardened systems for security and communications now.”
Maji said, “We have access to the video cameras aboard Habogi. The AI has been completely locked out, which shouldn’t be possible.” Kei interrupted, “Actually it is. Habogi uses an older second-generation hull architecture which has its computing core accessible from the inside of the vessel. In our more modern spacecraft models, there are multiple cores, built right into the frame of the ship, along with batteries and conduits.”
Max asked, “How are we accessing the video feed then?” Kei replied, “They’re part of a separate network, tied into telemetry, communications and navigation systems which are accessible from the external hull. This makes it easily serviceable by drones.”
Max said, “The hijackers are armed. Open communication to the vessel.” Kei said, “Channel now open.”
“Attention armed force on cargo transport vessel. We have you incoming to a restricted space platform,” Max said to the hijackers. One of the hijackers looked around and noticed cameras embedded in the walls. He motioned to his crew who went about disabling the cameras. The feed showing Habogi’s interior, went dark.
“That’s that,” Max said. “Prepare for assault,” he added. Turning to the platform’s operations chief, he asked, “How safe are the interior cabins of our platform, from projectile weapons? Will weapons fire inside Álfhól be an issue?
Max received a positive response. “Very safe,” the platform’s chief replied. He added, “The designs of our outer and inner panelling, consider the off chance that a micro meteorite or larger space debris might penetrate the hull. There are two layers of gel in the outer and inner panelling which seal even the tiniest holes.”
“That’s good,” said Max. Then he said to Maji, “Have your crew suit up. We’ll take the fight to them.”
Maji said, “We practiced zero-G manoeuvres while transiting to the platform.” Max replied, “We’ll be okay then. The Habogi’s half an hour out. Let’s make haste.” Max hoped the situation would resolve soon. There were more pressing matters which required his attention.
Suited up, Max, Maji and the covert operations force on Álfhól waited within two separate airlocks. Only half the team were to undertake the extravehicular activity. The other half would remain aboard to resist or apprehend any hijackers that made it in.
At ten minutes out, the Habogi began to slow down. The hijackers were adept and had learnt quickly. The ACTV’s gravity acceleration was turned off and the vessel had switched to ion thrusters. Conventional propellant thrusters would be used at final approach. As soon as the vessel’s gravity propulsion was disengaged, the airlocks on Álfhól space platform opened, letting Maji and his team out. Max followed them. He was above and behind Maji’s team. They planned on approaching the hijacked vessel and taking out the navigation systems, followed by propulsion. Two Asteroid Mining and Construction Autonomous Robots or AMCARs as they were called, went along with them for this task. They’d tow the vessel in after the Habogi was disabled.
At a minute out, the AMCARs aligned themselves while Maji’s team slowed, stopped and reversed direction. The Habogi passed through their formation. Maji’s team gently approached the vessel. Habogi’s hijackers obviously had eyes on the approaching team. The cargo vessel began to rotate making it difficult for any of the team members to latch on. Maji had just landed on the vessel’s surface and clipped a tether on, near the rear universal docking port, but he was thrown off by the rotating vessel. He called out to his team, “I’ll have to disengage.” As he unclipped the tether from his suit, centrifugal force pushed him away. But the agile warrior soon got his suit under control and re-joined the team tracking Habogi.
Meanwhile, the AMCARs controlled by Kei were doing their jobs. By the time Maji had re-joined his team, the Habogi’s ion thrusters were offline. The vessel still drifted towards Álfhól. Quite unexpectedly, the rear universal docking port opened, and six suited hijackers streamed out. One of them rotated towards Maji and fired a compact weapon. Just a single shot. Maji only noticed because a sphere of glowing smoke, expanded from the shooter’s barrel end, which dissipated quickly. Immediately after the weapon went off, the shooter began to slowly turn head over heels, from recoil. Maji smiled thinking, “They weren’t completely prepared.” He called out to his team, “The hijackers are weapons hot. Be alert.”
Learning quickly from their experience, the hijackers fired with care, ensuring they had their suits’ automated stabilizers on. Somehow, they’d managed to lock the AI out of their suits as well.
Maji spoke into his headset, “Kei, why aren’t the hijackers using the lasers built into their suits?” He was referring to the two high wattage lasers which could be controlled via their HSEVA suits’ heads up display. The lasers were primarily used for asteroid mining operations.
Kei replied, the lasers are completely controlled by each suit’s mission AI. That’s so that people don’t inadvertently cut into their own suits, or others. The AI rapidly analyses targets and cutting parameters, before activating either laser. Having taken suit AIs offline, rendered their lasers dysfunctional.”
Taking charge, Maji called out to his team, “Use beam weapons only. Converge on the Habogi. Team up and take out hijackers, one at a time. Aim your beam weapons at their faceplates. The rest of the suit is well shielded. Let’s get them without losses to either side.” His team reacted quickly. As fast as the hijackers adapted, they weren’t yet as adept in space, as his team was.
The hijacker closest to Habogi’s rear universal docking port was first to go down. Beam weapons, calibrated to briefly scramble human brain beta waves and the nervous system, were unleashed at him. He went limp and drifted along with the Habogi.
The next closest hijacker was approaching Maji. Rounds from the hijacker’s weapon impacted against his HSEVA suit, without much result. Maji aimed his beam weapon carefully at the hijacker, ensuring none of his team were in the line of fire; then depressed the trigger for a full second. The hijacker went limp, but his suit continued to propel him towards Maji.
Speaking rapidly with Kei, Maji said, “I need to intercept and disable this hijac
ker’s suit. Any ideas?” Kei answered very precisely, “There’s a manual shut-down indented just under the armpits. I’ll place a virtual overlay onto your helmet’s heads up display, so you’ll find it. Depressing it will immediately shut the suit down. You’ll need to press it twice again to reboot the suit. I’m taking control of your thrusters, to place you into an intercept course.”
Maji’s suit thrusters engaged and he was rotated towards the hijacker, who was about to pass by. As soon as he got close enough, Maji grabbed one of his legs and pulled himself to chest level with the hijacker. With deliberate motions, he found the manual shutdown button and depressed it. The hijacker’s thrusters cut off. Kei said, “You’ll need to bring him back online quickly before he suffocates.” Again, very deliberately, Maji pressed the button twice.
Kei instructed him, “Now place one of your palms against the back of the hijacker’s neck. There is an interface built in for similar scenarios. It should allow me to access the rebooted suit.” Maji followed the AI’s directions. Kei said to him, “I’ve reactivated the suit’s AI processors and internal environment. They’ve been physically disconnected from the rest of the suit’s control and computing systems. This means that you’ll have to physically haul the hijacker back.”
