Conflict Unending

by Raymond L. Weil

  “I’m impressed,” Race said. “I wasn’t expecting this.” As the four of them walked through the flight bay toward the hatch to enter the ship Race couldn’t help but wonder what other surprises were ahead. Looking around the bay he saw a few Anlon bombers and Talon fighters lined up near the walls. If he remembered correctly, Major Carl Arcles was the CAG on the ship.

  As they made their way to the briefing room Race felt overwhelmed by all the automation and the small repair robots which were everywhere. He realized the crew was much smaller than what he was accustomed to. It was obvious while there had been major changes to the outside of the ship the inside had been redesigned as well. It was almost as if the ship had been taken apart and put back together again.

  -

  Kathryn was waiting nervously for Fleet Admiral Nagumo to arrive in the briefing room. She wasn’t sure how she would be received after her last visit and leaving with so many Federation citizens.

  “I can handle Fleet Admiral Nagumo,” her father said with a gentle smile. “I’ve had to deal with military people all of my life, even back when I was a senator.”

  The door opened and the two Federation officers entered. Kathryn wasn’t sure if she should stand up and salute or what. Technically, she was part of the Originator military forces under the command of Fleet Admiral Jeremy Strong. Taking a deep breath, she decided it was best not to offend Nagumo. Kathryn stood and gave a brief salute.

  “Rear Admiral Barnes,” said Nagumo, returning the salute. “I wasn’t expecting to see you again. Not after the stunt you pulled last time.”

  “Have a seat,” said Governor Barnes, indicating for the two Federation officers to sit down. “We have a lot to talk about. The very future of this galaxy and the Federation is at risk. I need to tell you about a new and extremely dangerous enemy, one which could be at your doorstep any day. This enemy possesses ships as powerful as the ones Rear Admiral Barnes has under her command and maybe some even more powerful. I think it would be wise if you listen.”

  Fleet Admiral Nagumo shook his head and smiled. “I knew there was a reason why I missed you being around. You’ve never had a problem telling the military how things are even if it makes them angry.” Nagumo sat down with Admiral Tolsen taking a seat next to him. “Well, I’m listening.”

  Taking a deep breath, Governor Barnes began speaking of the Originators and the Eternals. For nearly two hours he spoke, leaving nothing out. Several times either Fleet Admiral Nagumo or Admiral Tolsen stopped him, asking detailed questions. Sometimes Kathryn had to answer from her experience in combat against the Eternals.

  “And that’s a brief rundown on where we’re at now,” said Governor Barnes, leaning back in his chair and gazing at the two Federation officers.

  Fleet Admiral Nagumo felt overwhelmed by what he had just heard. The computer disk Rear Admiral Barnes had left with Fleet Admiral Streth had covered some of this but not in such detail. “How soon can these Eternals, as you call them, show up here?”

  Governor Barnes looked over at Kathryn, indicating for her to answer.

  “We don’t know,” Kathryn replied. “After their defeat at the Lost Originator star cluster they pulled back to their own galaxies. Fleet Admiral Strong and Councilor Bartoll believe the Eternals could have a fleet numbering in the millions as they currently control over ten thousand galaxies. However, a large number of those ships are tied down in patrol duty keeping those galaxies pacified and under Eternal rule.”

  “This is an Eternal warship,” said Clarissa. On the large viewscreen in the briefing room an Eternal battlecruiser appeared. Next to it was one of the Originator dreadnaughts for size comparisons. “As you can see, the average Eternal ship is larger and more heavily armed than anything we currently have.”

  Admiral Tolsen spent a moment examining the Eternal warship and then he looked over at Rear Admiral Barnes. “What do you want of us? I suspect this isn’t just a friendly visit.”

  Kathryn took a deep breath and then replied. “With the construction capacity of the Originator Dyson Spheres and their fleet bases, we have the ability to build warships at a very fast rate. Unfortunately we don’t have crews for so many vessels. We’re having to depend on Originator AIs and their military AIs to operate and command many of the vessels. As a result our ship losses are much higher than they need to be. Some estimates indicate 30 to nearly 80 percent higher depending on the class of the ship and the experience of the military AI.”

  “You need crews,” said Fleet Admiral Nagumo in sudden realization. “That’s why you’ve come back. The Humans, Altons, and Carethians who went with you originally aren’t enough.”

  Governor Barnes nodded. “No, they’re not and many of the people who came back with us are not fleet personnel but civilians and scientists.”

  “Our new ships only need small crews,” explained Kathryn, “a command crew and maybe a few engineers. Everything else in our ships can be done by the Originator AIs and their repair robots. We also have combat robots in place of Marines for ship security though a few Marines are still on board for command purposes.”

  “You’re asking the Federation to commit to an intergalactic war against an enemy that outnumbers us by possibly millions to one,” said Nagumo frowning. “You can’t say for sure if these Eternals will ever even come here. By becoming involved we could be alerting them to our presence. I can’t see the Federation Council agreeing.”

  Kathryn looked Nagumo directly in the eyes. “It’s only the threat posed by the Originators that’s kept the Eternals at bay all of these years. I can promise you if the Originators fall you will see Eternal warships in the skies above Earth very shortly afterward.”

  Fleet Admiral Nagumo was quiet for several long moments. “Do you have any video files of your battles against these Eternals?” He wanted to see more evidence of the power of these beings before making any type of commitment.

  Kathryn looked over at Clarissa. “Show the videos.”

  For the next two hours Fleet Admiral Nagumo and Admiral Tolsen watched the horrid battles on the large viewscreen. They saw Eternal warships blowing Originator battlecruisers out of space and causing dreadful damage. Occasionally they saw the Originator fleets victorious after suffering heavy losses. The battle at the Lost Originators’ star cluster held them enthralled for the longest. Several times Admiral Tolsen asked Clarissa to replay a section or magnify a view. When the video presentation ended, the two admirals looked at each other with pale faces. Never had they witnessed such firepower as the Eternals and Originators possessed. It made the AIs, Hocklyns, Shari, Borzon, and Ralift look like minor players in the grand scheme of things. Even the Federation would be overwhelmed if faced with such firepower.

  “How many crews do you need?” asked Fleet Admiral Nagumo in a subdued voice.

  “We have a Dyson Sphere at the Communications and Transport Hub the Originators are allowing us to settle. We would like to take as many volunteers as possible to colonize it. For the time being we would like to limit that to Humans, Altons, and Carethians.”

  “What about access to Originator technology?”

  Kathryn looked at her father.

  “That is open to discussion. You must realize it is very advanced, far more so than even the Altons. This technology could be very dangerous if it falls into the wrong hands or if used incorrectly.”

  “Do you have some technology you’re willing to share with us now?” asked Race.

  “Some,” replied Governor Barnes, his brow lifting slightly. “It may be best to form a committee of scientists to determine what technology would be safe to introduce. Not only is some of this technology extremely dangerous it could tear apart the economic foundation of the Federation as well.”

  “What about the Dyson Sphere in this galaxy?” asked Fleet Admiral Nagumo, his eyes narrowing. “Will we be allowed access to it?”

  “Access to the Dyson Sphere is not necessary or wise at this point,” Kathryn said. “However, we can build
what’s called an Accelerator Ring which will allow faster hyperspace travel between the Milky Way and the Originators’ Communications and Transport Hub. At the Hub some access will be granted to Originator technology under close supervision.”

  Governor Barnes leaned forward. “We need to move on this as quickly as possible. Fleet Admiral Strong is expecting more attacks by the Eternals at any time. We need those crews!”

  “I have a lot more questions to ask, and I would like time to study some of those videos we just watched in more detail,” said Nagumo, refusing to be rushed. “If I agree to take your cause to the Federation Council, we won’t be able to keep the secret of the Originators’ existence any longer. Only a few members of the council have seen the message you left with Fleet Admiral Streth. This time the entire council will have to be told in full what happened to the people here at Ceres as well as the others who went missing at New Tellus. I can tell you already there are some senators who will never agree to sending the people you need.”

  “I believe we could still get many volunteers from New Tellus, the Altons, and the Carethians,” countered Governor Barnes in a calculating voice. “I would hate to see those worlds be the only ones which benefit from advanced Originator technology.”

  Admiral Tolsen began laughing. “You play a mean game of poker. I would hate to sit across from you in a game.”

  Fleet Admiral Nagumo stared at Governor Barnes for a long moment. “This is almost like the old days. Let’s go over some more of this information and then see what we can come up with to convince the council.”

  -

  A week passed and the Distant Horizon was being allowed to go into orbit above Earth. A number of the council members wanted to come aboard and tour the exploration dreadnaught. It had been a busy week with Governor Barnes spending most of it talking to individual members on the council. Many of the council members had been stunned when told about the Originators and the Eternals. President Malle had also requested Kathryn not attempt to contact Fleet Admiral Strong until the negotiations were over. He was concerned about the Eternals managing to trace the communications back to the solar system. Kathryn had assured him that wasn’t possible but had agreed not to send a message. Kathryn wasn’t pleased about this as contacting Jeremy was long overdue.

  “We’re in Earth orbit at twenty thousand kilometers,” reported Sible from the Helm and Navigation. Sible was an Originator AI and very well versed in hyperspace travel and navigation.

  “I’m concerned about moving the Distant Horizon here and leaving the rest of our fleet at Ceres,” said Camlin. “What if this is a trick of some kind?”

  “They have nothing that can harm our ship,” stated Clarissa, folding her arms across her chest. “Besides, the council will feel safer visiting the ship with it so close to Earth.”

  “I’m keeping the ship at Condition Three just in case,” Kathryn said. “There are a few members of the council I don’t trust and I wouldn’t put it past them to try some trickery. Lieutenant Barkley has also deployed his Marines throughout the ship to ensure our visitors don’t wander into restricted areas.” The Distant Horizon no longer had the huge Marine complement it once did. However, there were still enough on board to handle security. The combat robots had been placed in a cargo hold so as not to frighten the councilors.

  “I’ve spoken to Ambassador Tureen,” said Andram. “He’s currently on Earth and is speaking to a few senators as well. I fully expect him to support sending more Altons to the Communications and Transport Hub. He seems quite interested in acquiring more Originator technology.”

  Kathryn nodded. She had been counting on the support of the Altons.

  -

  A few days later Kathryn, Commander Grissim, and Governor Barnes were each taking a group of Federation Senators on tours of the Distant Horizon.

  “I can’t believe the technology on this ship,” said Senator Amy Karnes from New Tellus as several of the small and versatile repair robots moved past them in the corridor. They stopped, took a panel off the wall with their manipulator arms, used another instrument to take some readings, made a couple of adjustments, put the cover back on and then went on down the corridor.

  “Do they always stop and take the ship apart like that?” asked Senator Karl Davis from Bliss, which was in the Epsilon Eridani System. “Who’s watching to make sure they’re not sabotaging the ship’s systems?”

  Kathryn laughed. “The repair robots are programmed to initiate basic repairs and maintenance on their own. They’re supervised by the ship’s main computer which in turn is watched over by Mikow Lall who is an Alton and by our own AI, Clarissa.”

  “I don’t trust AIs,” muttered Davis with a deep frown. “I’m against creating any more in the Federation.”

  “Don’t forget the spider robots we use for construction,” countered Senator Karnes. “They’re used all over the Federation.”

  Senator Davis ignored her, refusing to reply.

  They continued on the tour meeting several of the crew including Major Karl Arcles who took time to show them the main flight bay containing more of the Talon fighters and Anlon bombers as well as a number of shuttles.

  “How effective are these against the Eternals?” asked Senator Karnes as she stood near one of the Talons. She reached out, placing her hand against the smooth metal hull.

  Major Arcles shook his head. “They’re not. None of the weapons we can place on a fighter or a bomber can penetrate an Eternal vessel’s energy screen. In our battles so far the Eternals have not deployed any small attack craft.”

  “Just as I thought,” said Davis emphatically. “It’s a waste of Federation credits to be building more of these worthless space fighters.”

  Senator Karnes ignored Senator Davis as she continued to examine the Talon. “How big a threat do you think the Eternals are, Major?”

  Major Arcles let out a deep breath. “The biggest threat we’ve ever faced. They’ve added mechanical nanites to their bodies, and they are no longer true organic beings. They believe themselves superior to every other life form.”

  “We’ve heard this before,” said Senator Davis in disgust. “Every time the military wants something the threat is bigger and more dangerous than the one before. I’ve seen enough. My vote to involve the Federation in this foolish war is a big no!”

  “Mine will be a yes,” replied Senator Karnes, staring at Davis. “Keep your head buried in the sand. Someday you’ll regret your foolishness.”

  Senator Davis whirled around and headed toward the open hatch. “I’m going back to the shuttle. I’ve seen and heard enough of this rubbish!”

  Senator Karnes turned toward Kathryn. “Ignore him. He was always going to be a no vote.”

  Kathryn nodded. She knew what they were telling and showing the Federation Senators was hard for some of them to swallow. Some of them had shown fear when explained the danger the Eternals represented.

  “Would you like to see the Command Center?” asked Kathryn. She liked Senator Karnes. Of course she was from New Tellus, which had been settled by the old Human Federation of Worlds survivors. New Tellus had always stood with Ceres and Governor Barnes. It felt good to know they still did.

  -

  Two days later Governor Barnes, Rear Admiral Barnes, Clarissa, Andram Muce, and Camlin stepped into the Federation Council chambers. The presence of Camlin created an instant stir as the Originator AIs on board the Distant Horizon had been kept out of sight from all the visitors.

  With surprise Kathryn noticed the presence of Malrez, the leader of Careth. She had not expected him to arrive so quickly. Malrez must have already been in the Federation as Careth was thousands of light years away.

  “Rear Admiral Barnes,” roared Malrez, stepping forward and embracing her in a huge bear hug. “It is wonderful to see you again. When you have the time we must speak of Grayseth and the clans that have gone to this mysterious Dyson Sphere. My people are anxious to hear what hunts they have gone on.”

>   Kathryn felt the air go from her lungs in one sudden whoosh.

  Malrez stepped back in apology. “I am sorry. I forget at times how fragile you Humans are. I am pleased to inform you Careth will fully support this war against the Eternals. I have asked for two million volunteers from my world to go with you. There will be no problems finding enough volunteers from the clans. It will be an honor to join Grayseth and Fleet Admiral Strong as well as the others of the Special Five in this war.”

  The entire council chamber became quiet upon hearing this. There was a stunned look on several senators’ faces. The mention of the Special Five still held a lot of sway in the Federation. It was a reminder to many of them who they were dealing with. If the council was to refuse the request for aid and the civilian public were to find out it could be bad news for many of the senators next time they came up for reelection.

  “I would also like to travel with you to speak to Grayseth if possible.”

  Kathryn nodded. “I think that can be arranged.” She was pleased with Malrez’s announcement. It would help to put pressure on the Federation to follow suit. It was also good he had mentioned the Special Five as she had hesitated to play that card.

  “The Altons pledge another six million volunteers,” said Ambassador Tureen, stepping forward. “Many of them are fleet officers and recognize the threat posed by these Eternals. There are also a large number of scientists who would like to go and study Originator technology.”

  A number of senators began speaking to one another at this announcement. Some looked concerned and others excited.

  President Malle stood up and gazed at his fellow council members. “Can we do no less? All of us have seen the videos of the battles against the Eternals. Is it not better to fight them in their own galaxies than in ours?”

  “If we send our fleet personnel to Fleet Admiral Strong, who will protect us?” demanded Senator Davis. “I say we’re better off keeping our people here at home and out of this foolish and dangerous war. It seems as if we constantly go from one war to the next. I say it’s time to end these wars. Just think of what we could do if the credits spent on our military were spent on our worlds instead.” Several other senators nodded their heads in agreement.