by E. R. Torre
He moved toward the bar’s exit but found Sergeant Delmont in his path.
“Saint Vulcan fucked up,” Delmont said. “But she’s the reason you, your children, and everyone else you know is alive today. If she didn’t make Paul Spradlin what he was, the human race would have ended five thousand years ago. So you’re right, she created the Prototype and that creature needs to be stopped. She’s trying to stop it and I figured, especially after what it did to you, you’d want to help her.”
Having had his say, Sergeant Delmont stepped out of the way and offered Inquisitor Raven a clear path out of the bar and Erebus itself.
Inquisitor Raven didn’t move.
“What does she want from us?” he asked.
“An errand of mercy,” Catherine Holland said.
“I’m in command of a battleship,” Inquisitor Raven said. “She doesn’t want us to fight?”
“Powerful as your vessel is, it stands little chance against the Prototype’s forces,” Catherine Holland said. “From here we go to The Fields. Are you familiar with this system?”
“Somewhat,” Inquisitor Raven said. “No inhabitable planets. It’s been the Epsillon Empire’s dumping ground for a millennia.”
“The system is populated by approximately a thousand scavenger ships,” Catherine Holland said. “They’re the poorest of the Empire’s citizens and live off whatever they find.”
“Why are we going there?”
“Because we’ve left behind a series of clues for the Prototype that will draw him to that system,” Catherine Holland said. “It is your job as commander of the Cygnusa to help shepherd the scavengers to safety.”
“Alone?”
“There is another vessel already in system, the Epsillon battleship Wake. She’s doing what she can but they very much need your help.”
“Why not get other Epsillon ships involved? Surely there are more of them nearby?”
“The Empires are in a state of panic and are focused on fortifying their most valuable assets, which The Fields most certainly is not. The Cygnusa and Wake will have to do.”
“What can we expect?”
“The Prototype’s fleet will show up, though we don’t know when. We need to get the scavengers out before they do.”
“What about you two?”
“With your permission, we would like to come with you.”
“Why not travel on Saint Vulcan’s ships?”
“In battle, those vessels maneuver in ways that would crush us. If we were aboard, all we’d so is slow them down and make them easier targets for the Prototype.”
“Why did Vulcan choose to attack now?”
“After Pomos, Saint Vulcan needed time to build up her forces so she could take the Prototype on,” Catherine Holland said. “Though she wasn’t at optimal strength, the attacks had to occur now. The Prototype was mere months away from having the forces needed to annihilate every military base and vessel in the Empires.”
“This is Epsillon territory,” Inquisitor Raven said. “What makes you think anyone in the Fields will listen to a commander of a Phaecian battleship?”
“If the scavengers see both Phaecian and Epsillon battleships working together they may more quickly realize the seriousness of the situation. And if all goes well, then maybe this joint venture will prove the first of many between the Empires.”
“Cooperation and friendship,” Inquisitor Raven said. “Perhaps even an opening for peace?”
“Much stranger things have happened,” Catherine Holland said.
Inquisitor Raven couldn’t help but smile at this.
“Vulcan thought this through, didn’t she?”
Inquisitor Raven didn’t expect an answer. He shook his head and activated his communicator.
“This is Inquisitor Raven,” he said. “Prepare the Cygnusa for launch.”
59
Inquisitor Raven, Catherine Holland, and Sergeant Delmont made their way to the docking ramp leading to the Cygnusa.
“Lieutenant Sanders,” Inquisitor Raven said over his communicator. “We have two extra passengers.”
They met the Security Task Force at the Decompression Corridor.
“Check them,” Inquisitor Raven said.
Sergeant Robbins and her crew used scanners to search Catherine Holland and Sergeant Delmont for any hidden weapons. When done, Sergeant Robbins said:
“They’re clean.”
“Let’s go,” Inquisitor Raven said.
The group made their way into the Cygnusa.
Once there, Inquisitor Raven again activated his communicator.
“Lieutenant Sanders,” he said. “We have boarded. I’ll be in the bridge shortly.”
“Yes sir,” Lieutenant Sanders replied.
Inquisitor!” a voice came from beyond the Decompression Chamber. It was Chief Muses. He took a few steps before stopping. Inquisitor Raven approached him.
“Are these…?”
“Our guests,” Inquisitor Raven said. “At least for the time being.”
“Far be it for me to question your decisions, Bill, but is it wise to bring them aboard?”
“I honestly don’t know,” Inquisitor Raven said. “At this point, I’d rather have Vulcan’s people here than not. They could prove useful.”
“They could also stab us in the back.”
Inquisitor Raven wasn’t in the mood to argue the point.
Catherine Holland and Sergeant Delmont were led past them and Chief Muses recoiled.
“Never thought you were one to get so nervous,” Inquisitor Raven said after they were gone.
“Only when I’m scared to fucking death,” Chief Muses said. “What are you going to do with them?”
“Not much,” Inquisitor Raven said. “They’ll be in the security chambers, locked and watched. If they’re any danger, we’ll be in a position to deal with them. Swiftly.”
Inquisitor Raven stepped into the bridge from the elevator and gazed at the main view-screen.
Though the Erebus Displacer was still very far away, her hollow core and interdimensional corridor were lit up and readying for the trip.
“Energy readings within the Displacer’s interdimensional corridor are way beyond safe limits,” Lieutenant Sanders said. “It’s a wonder the damn thing hasn’t exploded, imploded, or a combination of both.”
“We’re farther away from The Fields than Helios is to Erebus,” Inquisitor Raven said. “I suppose we’re going to make this trip in a single jump as well. Any interesting news?”
“Epsillon networks are filled with stories of alien vessels and mysterious battles. But as of two hours ago, the fighting stopped. It looks like Helios was, for the moment, their final battle.”
“Have you heard anything at all about The Fields?”
“There are no updates or information on that system.”
Lieutenant Sanders’ eyes widened.
“Sir, the alien ships are moving toward the Erebus Displacer.”
Inquisitor Raven activated the ship’s intercom and said:
“This is Inquisitor Raven. We took in two individuals who are part of a group under the leadership of Catherine Vulcan, better known as Saint Vulcan. She lives, in a manner of speaking. She is a sophisticated machine with an equally sophisticated A.I. and she’s at war with a machine that, until a few hours ago, was disguised as Overlord Emertius. This creature’s goal is to destroy humanity and Saint Vulcan is just as determined to stop him. Which means we’re on Saint Vulcan’s side.”
Inquisitor Raven paused and allowed the words to settle.
“I know you have questions. Can we trust Saint Vulcan? Can we trust the people with her? We’ll find out. We were brought here and asked to go to The Fields where we are to escort the scavengers in system to safety. Lives are at stake and while we were given the option of walking away, I cannot think of a single passage in the Holy Texts which encourages us to ignore the plight of those we can help. However, the forces of Overlord Emeritus –the Prototype–
are expected to arrive and face off against Saint Vulcan. This mission is extremely dangerous but I have faith in you. You have one minute to prepare for battle stations.”
Inquisitor Raven drew a sharp breath.
“Make the Empire proud.”
As he clicked off the communicator, red alert lights came on.
The minute passed slowly and, once it did, the floor of the bridge rumbled as the Cygnusa’s engines powered up. Metal shields slid in place, hiding port holes and windows. Readouts on the computers displayed the status of the torpedoes and fusion cannons. They were ready for use.
“Let’s move,” Inquisitor Raven said.
60
The Erebus Displacer’s hollow core sparkled with unimaginable energies.
The Cygnusa gained momentum as did the alien vessels. The four closest to the Displacer entered the interdimensional corridor and disappeared, leaving the Cygnusa and a pair of Saint Vulcan’s vessels behind. The alien ships slowed and stopped.
“We’re up,” Inquisitor Raven said. “Lieutenant Sanders, let’s go.”
The Cygnusa’s thrusters burned hot and the ship moved.
Inquisitor Raven activated the intercom.
“All personnel, we’re two minutes from the Displacer. Stand by to emerge into The Fields.”
The Cygnusa was soon devoured by the interdimensional corridor and, once gone, the last of the alien vessels followed her.
Afterwards, the Erebus Displacer powered down and the area around it grew very dark.
The Cygnusa shook.
Wild, bright lights surrounded her and rushed past at incredible speeds.
It took over nine minutes of flight –a lifetime within an interdimensional core– before the first hints of the corridor’s end appeared. Even after their first long trip, Lieutenant Sanders couldn’t help but double check the radiation gauges and hope the ship did not get too hot. Inquisitor Raven noted her concern.
“I’m not used to pushing my luck twice in one day, either,” he told her.
The Displacer was an older model, scuffed and dusty. It looked incredibly old, befitting a long-lived Type 1. She was part of the first generation of Epsillon Displacers and the last of her model still in service. She sported faded white lettering which identified her as Unit 22.
Her hollow core lit up and the Cygnusa emerged. Behind it appeared the last two alien vessels. Once in regular space, these ships faded away, their camouflage mechanisms hiding them from all eyes and sensors.
Within the Cygnusa’s bridge, the silence was absolute.
The ship emerged into a long dead solar system. What looked like a ring of asteroids extended from near the Displacer and in a circular whirl which stretched out and curved toward the sun.
“All ship systems are green,” Lieutenant Sanders said. “Radiation readings are elevated but within safe limits. Initiating purge.”
“Hostile vessels?” Inquisitor Raven asked.
“None detected.”
“Our escorts?”
“They’re gone. I can’t say where.”
Inquisitor Raven checked the data on one of his monitors.
“I’m detecting a mass of small ships in the distance,” Lieutenant Sanders said. “They’re heading our way. There’s a battleship behind them. It’s Epsillon. The Wake.”
“Weapons?”
“Armed and ready,” Weapons OP Hamilton said.
“The Wake is hailing us, sir,” Lieutenant Sanders said. “She’s on a five minute delay.”
“Let’s hear what she has to say.”
There was the momentary electrical distortion followed by a voice.
“Cygnusa, this is Lieutenant Lester Daniels aboard the Wake. General Jurgens told us you were on the way to help get the scavengers out. We appreciate and welcome your assistance. Now that you’re here, we’re locking the Displacer so that she only allows vessels out.”
Inquisitor Raven pressed his communicator button and said:
“This is Inquisitor Raven aboard the HPB Cygnusa. We read you, Lieutenant Daniels and that was a wise precaution. We will help in any way we can.”
Inquisitor Raven switched his communicator so it transmitted on all outgoing channels. He said:
“To all vessels within The Fields, this is Inquisitor Raven of the HPB Cygnusa. I repeat, Inquisitor Raven aboard the Holy Phaecian Battleship Cygnusa.”
The reaction to his message was predictable. The scavengers’ communication lines were flooded with excited and very alarmed conversation.
“This is neither an invasion nor an attack,” Inquisitor Raven continued. “We are in communication with the Wake and are working together with her commander to provide cover and escort. If Lieutenant Daniels hasn’t made it clear, let me erase any doubts: You are in great danger. All craft must exit The Fields immediately.”
Inquisitor Raven addressed Lieutenant Sanders and said:
“Transmit all news reports regarding Saint Vulcan, the Prototype, and what happened to Helios on all channels.”
“Yes sir,” Lieutenant Sanders said. She pressed several buttons before her. “Information is being transmitted.”
Inquisitor Raven again activated the communicator.
“Please review these reports from both Phaecia and Epsillon. The hostile vessels you see are on their way here and may arrive at any moment. You need to move. Now.”
“Cygnusa, this is Captain Sendar in the Beltor,” came a reply from one of the nearby scavenger vessels. It was on a minute and a half delay. “We’ve seen much of this footage already and want to leave but where are we being sent? We barely make a living here. Where would we go?”
“Captain Sendar, let me assure you: Anywhere is safer than here.”
The scavenger vessels that could sped up and several ships slipped past the Cygnusa. They did this quickly, perhaps fearing they would receive a torpedo or fusion blast to their rear. The slower vessels followed.
Inquisitor Raven ordered the Cygnusa move further away from the Displacer to offer greater protection to all approaching ships.
Minutes passed. An hour.
Two.
More and more vessels made their way to the Displacer.
“Lieutenant Sanders, do you detect any other Displacer Unit?” Inquisitor Raven asked.
“Only the one behind us.”
“Lieutenant Daniels locked her down and if there are no other Displacers in system, how are the Prototype’s vessels going to make their way—?”
Inquisitor Raven didn’t finish his thought.
In the distance and throughout the flotsam appeared a series of strange light flashes. They winked on and off, quickly, like twinkling stars.
“What is that?” Inquisitor Raven asked, though he feared he already knew.
Lieutenant Sanders waited for the computers to take their readings before saying:
“Energy bursts. Their signature is… sir, it’s very similar to a Displacer’s interdimensional corridor.”
The energy bursts came faster, dozens at a time, some farther out, others nearer. Inquisitor Raven eyed the computer count. In a span of a few minutes there were hundreds of bursts.
“I’m detecting vessels!” Lieutenant Sanders said. “These ships can jump without using Displacers!”
Inquisitor Raven activated his communicator.
“Scavenger vessels, this is Inquisitor Raven. The enemy ships are here. Get to the Displacer. Get there now!”
61
The scavenger ships moved as quickly as they could while the Cygnusa maintained position.
In the distance, the Wake neared.
“Sir, at last count, there are seven hundred sixty two energy bursts,” Lieutenant Sanders said. “The ships coming in are immediately going into cloaked mode.”
“Can’t fight what we can’t see,” Inquisitor Raven said.
“At least the scavenger vessels are picking up speed.”
“They just needed a little more encouragement,” Inquisitor Raven said. He s
poke into his communicator. “Wake, this is Inquisitor Raven. Are you seeing what we’re seeing?”
“We are,” Lieutenant Daniels replied after a minute delay. “We’re coming as fast as we can.”
“Understood,” Inquisitor Raven said.
He walked to Lieutenant Sanders’ side.
“Make sure every one of our cameras and sensors are taking in everything that’s happening. Transmit all information through the Displacer. The Empires need to know as much as they can about these ships.”
Another series of flashes appeared much nearer to the Cygnusa and her flock.
For brief seconds the outline of cloaked vessels was visible.
“They’re coming closer,” Inquisitor Raven said. “How many now?”
“Over a thousand,” Lieutenant Sanders said. “Sir, where’s Vulcan? She is coming, isn’t she?”
“Just keep us in line with the Wake,” Inquisitor Raven said. “Once she passes, we fall back to the Displacer.”
The bridge grew very quiet as the rumble of the ship’s engines was felt. Minutes passed and the Cygnusa slowed and stopped while scavenger craft continued making their way past her.
“All scavenger vessels, keep moving,” Inquisitor Raven said over the communicator. “This is your last chance to leave. Wake, how are you doing?”
“As well as we can,” Lieutenant Daniels said. “Are your weapons hot?”
“Steaming,” Inquisitor Raven said. “I hope you received Vulcan’s data on improving fusion cannons against the Prototype’s ships.”
“Affirmative.”
“Good. Regardless, we’ve seen first-hand what these ships are capable of. We can slow them and that’s about the best we can hope for.”
“Understood,” Lieutenant Daniels said.
More scavenger vessels hurried past the Cygnusa but several had difficulty gaining any significant speed.
“What’s going on with those ships?” Inquisitor Raven asked.
“Their engines are running ragged,” Lieutenant Sanders said. “Many of their drives are red-lining.”
