by Simon Bown
“We have come to save you.”
Barton was astonished. “Save me from what?” He feared he knew the answer before he asked the question.
“Save you from yourselves.”
He realised their intentions were for his planet and not for him. “Who are you?” He asked. There was no response. Barton tried again. “We do not need to be saved.” Contact ceased for a moment, Barton had the sense of some sort of confusion in his captor’s mind. The intellect seemed so alien it was difficult for Barton to make sense of their thought process. He asked for clarification. “How do you intend to do this?”
The wash of understanding settled on him once more. “We will take control of your planet.”
Barton replied with the telepathic equivalent of a shout. “We will fight any attempt to take control of our world. Do not underestimate our resolve. We value our lives but we will die to protect our planet’s independence.” He waited for the reply, the presence withdrew completely and Barton wondered if he would ever be free.
The alien returned. “You will make immediate preparations to hand over control to us.”
Barton had become desperate. He knew the aliens could access everything he thought and even everything he felt. If they could read his intentions he had no bargaining power, effectively he was helpless in any negotiation. He lost his self-control and screamed into the ether. “The Teg will not give up without a fight.” The background shifted slightly and he became aware of a certain level of control returning to him. The contact was suddenly, violently cut and Barton felt himself propelled back to the stadium. He looked back over his shoulder at Preston who returned his gaze with a curious expression. Barton had experienced several minutes of contact with the aliens but in reality no time had passed at all.
The six security personnel moved forward to surround Barton as a shrill continuous tone sounded from each of their pocket terminals. The men manhandled Barton into a crouched position and forcefully shoved him in the direction of the exit tunnel. The lead security man pulled his terminal from his pocket and gave instructions to the space plane pilot to prepare for an immediate departure. The remaining five each pulled a powerful handgun from their jacket and surrounded Barton in a close circle.
Barton’s heart raced as he followed the men off the grass and across the track. He was both angry and dreadfully worried, could the aliens have made such an impact on them already? He shouted to his assistant as they entered the tunnel. “Why have we received a class one emergency alarm? Find out what is happening?”
His personal assistant was obviously panicked and frustrated. “I’m sorry sir I’m still trying to work that out. It was activated by planetary defence and they are not talking to anyone right now.” He said.
Barton shouted in exasperation. “Well they should be damn well talking to you. Get in touch with admiral Houghton, he can tell us what is happening.” He entered the space plane closely followed by Preston and his assistant.
The security personnel boarded the second craft with the rest of Barton’s support staff. The two vehicles lifted off the sheltered landing bay and accelerated into the air at a remarkable velocity.
Barton’s assistant shouted over the roar of the engines. “I have admiral Houghton patched through to you now.”
Barton opened his terminal and recognised admiral Houghton on the display. “Well admiral, why have you activated the class one alarm?” He asked.
“Six alien ships have entered the system and are rapidly approaching us.” The admiral replied.
“Who are they?” Barton asked.
“I’m sorry sir, we don’t know. The design is completely new to us.” Admiral Houghton looked to his left and listened to an officer just within Barton’s sight. “They have split their formation and are taking up tactical positions around the planet.” He said.
“Convene a meeting of the crisis group at CMS in immediately. Start your strategic simulations and put the military on full alert. We have to be fully prepared. And find out if this is the Asieynos I wouldn’t be surprised if this was some kind of game on their part. I expect to be with you in a few minutes admiral, don’t do anything until I get there.” Barton flicked off his terminal.
In the darkened meeting room, a holographic representation of the planet Teg revolved above the traumatised crisis group. The astounding detail of the six-foot image impressed a sensation of floating alone in orbit.
Barton stood at the end of the table watching the colonel give his short update of the situation.
“So far the six ships have taken up positions that give them coverage of the entire planet, it is a very aggressive tactic to put in place.” Glowing red spheres appeared over the hologram indicating the position of each ship.
“Why are they in these positions?” Barton asked, studying the hologram.
“The four ships are equally spaced around the equator and one over each pole. At present they could destroy anything on the surface, presuming of course they have the weaponry and the inclination.”
“Why didn’t you stop them from getting so close?” Barton asked in exasperation.
“Sir, with the Tceles situation the bulk of our navy is out of the system at Gesplay station beyond the Asieynos’ reach. Our continual surveillance of our neighbours did not indicate a need for a battle group to be kept here on guard duty.” The colonel ended his sentence with gritted teeth. It was so typical of the politicians to criticise in hindsight.
The seven members of the crisis group had arrived in short time, an unknown alien threat was most unexpected and equally chilling. All the alien races that had ever had contact with the Teg had been surprisingly similar making them easy to understand and communicate with. Barton had informed them of the telepathic meeting with the aliens and the instruction they had given him. The group were unanimous, control of Teg would not be given up under any circumstances.
Barton sat for a moment and studied the concerned faces around the table, ever since he had returned from the forced meeting with the aliens he could feel their presence with him. The background noise of telepathy was something he was used to but now it was coloured with a rich tranquil essence. Despite putting up psychic defences he was afraid they were listening in on everything he was doing, giving them an immediate insight into any plans for defence he might contemplate. He pulled himself back to the moment. “What is the current status of our military?”
The secretary for planetary defence, Holme Lacy, sat forward, the lighting increasing as the hologram ascended to the ceiling.
“All orbital defence satellites have moved into offensive positions and surface to orbit systems are on high alert.”
Barton searched out admiral Houghton. “Do we have any space craft close enough to return and aid our defence?”
“We have three military ships in system at the moment, only one of them is battle capable the others are supply ships. They are heading back but gravity jumps in the system are very dangerous. It could take days.”
Barton looked over to Holme Lacy. “Do we have any idea of their ships capabilities?”
“I’m afraid we know nothing of these ships.” Holme Lacy replied. “They are completely unknown. We are not even sure how the propulsion system works.”
Aston Upthorpe the head of the diplomatic service interrupted. “Sir we cannot yet consider any aggressive action. These aliens have not fired a single shot, let me set up a dialogue and find out what they really want.”
Admiral Houghton cleared his throat.
Barton rubbed his eyes with his thumb and forefinger, if ever he needed his staff to work together now was the time. “You have something to say admiral?”
The admiral could barely contain himself. “Yes sir, the aliens have made their position quite clear. We must act and defend ourselves. This is not a time to think of diplomacy, we have a very clear threat, and the time for talking has passed.”
Aston interrupted again. “How typical of the military to predict the most viol
ent outcome of any situation, Mr. President we must try to communicate, violence must always be the last resort.”
The room erupted in argument; Barton got to his feet and raised his hands. “I need all of you to take a step back and look at the situation we are in. There are alien ships in orbit posing a very clear threat and all of you are arguing. We need clear minds and a cohesive strategy. This is the most dangerous position this planet of billions has ever been in and we are the only hope those people have.”
Aston spoke first, quietly and clearly, choosing every word carefully. “I know we are under pressure right now but one wrong move and we could not only begin a war with an unknown alien race but turn the rest of the known worlds against us. We would become outcasts, unable to trade or even leave our own system.”
“So you would have us lay down our arms and allow the enemy to walk all over us!” Admiral Houghton replied. “Mr. President you can’t listen to this man. We have to do something.”
Barton took a deep breath and walked around the table. “If we decide to attack with our surface to orbit systems, we will start a war. This war would not be won here today but could take years to prosecute and possibly spread to the rest of the known worlds. This would be a catastrophe for all.” He looked at Holme Lacy. “Can you guarantee a victory here today?” He asked.
“No sir, I cannot.”
Admiral Houghton stood and looked Barton in the eye. “You have to make a choice sir. The aliens gain an advantage every second we delay.”
Barton knew what he had to do but the ever-present alien essence permeated the telepathic ether watching his every move. He felt sure they would know his thoughts and feelings, there was nothing he could hide. Anger boiled at the back of his mind, he should be able to make decisions and defend his planet without having this alien presence continually looking over his shoulder.
At the precise moment Barton made his decision the six alien ships simultaneously commenced glowing ultraviolet.
Barton felt he had no choice as he addressed to the room. “Gentlemen, we find ourselves in a very difficult situation. So far they have implemented no physically aggressive acts. But their objective has been made very clear, they want control of our home.”
The deep ultraviolet glow brightened considerably entering the visible spectrum, as the startling incandescence grew to an intense level the ships were lost from sight.
“We must defend our right to live how we want to without interference.” Barton said.
Below the alien ships the build-up of energetic particles increased. Now a stunning crimson in colour the mass of energy expanded at an explosive velocity.
“I cannot allow us to be seen to be weak in any way at this time.” Barton continued.
The bloom of the six irregular energy fields combined to form one impenetrable halo completely surrounding the planet. As the field combined it contracted and descended towards the planet.
“Even though our allies in the Amalgam may condemn us for such an act, I can see no other course of action but to launch a pre-emptive strike against the aliens.”
Military satellites were the first to vanish from the defence surveillance system as the descending energy field consumed them. The contracting halo destroyed only the military satellites leaving all others intact. Planetary defensive protocols allowed for the surface to orbit weapons to respond without executive order. Charged plasma canons located around the planet fired upon the alien ships unleashing a ferocious storm of energy. The halo absorbed the attack and continued towards the planet’s surface unabated.
Barton stopped speaking as an aid entered the room, he was furious to be interrupted but realized the aid would only disturb him in an emergency.
The aid was visibly shaken. “I’m sorry to interrupt but the aliens have begun their attack. The defence satellites have already been lost and the plasma canons have had no effect.”
A cold wave of fear washed over Barton, feeding his anger at being so powerless and intensifying his frustration. If he had removed himself from the crisis group when this began the aliens would not have had the insight afforded them. It was his fault they were in this position. If he hadn’t been so weak telepathically they would probably be defending themselves much more effectively. He refused to let his fear and anger take control and battled to push them under the surface.
Admiral Houghton signalled to the technicians. The room darkened as the hologram image of the planet rematerialized. Streaks of light simulating the plasma canon’s assault flashed upwards from the planet’s surface. They could see a foreign mass transparent red energy surrounding the planet, and as it descended small flashes of light indicated various exploding satellites.
“Show us where our nearest ships are.” Admiral Houghton shouted.
The hologram moved to the side and decreased in size. On the other side of the room beyond two more planets a red point indicated a ship. The name and registry floated next to the ship.
A desperate Barton looked up from his seat. “Who is it?” He hoped he knew the captain.
“It’s the UTS Conquest, Captain Regis I believe.” Admiral Houghton replied. He turned to his aid. “Send an emergency message buoy to that ship by gravity jump. Inform the captain he must use his gravity drive in system and attack the alien ships immediately. Use of nuclear torpedoes is authorised.”
Barton was now reduced to an observer. His powerful telepathy had always been his greatest asset but now it was bringing about his destruction.
Aston Upthorpe got to his feet and approached the Admiral. “Nuclear torpedoes are only carried as a deterrent. You cannot actually think of using them above our own planet.”
The tall admiral looked down on the diplomat with a slight sneer. “I believe we are in a situation of kill or be killed. I only hope they can save us before that energy field reaches the planet surface.”
Captain Regis Ashbourne awoke to the sound of his intercom buzzing next to his bunk. He lifted his head and checked the time. Only three hours had passed since he had turned off the light. He reached over and switched the intercom on. “Yes. What is it?” He asked.
The nervous voice of his executive officer, Stratton Audley, unsettled him immediately. “Sir, I think you should meet me in the loading bay straight away. An emergency message buoy has just jumped into our area. We are retrieving it now.”
“OK, I’ll meet you there in a moment.” Regis replied. He entered the loading bay as the buoy was brought through the airlock.
Stratton was waiting on the first engineering gantry looking down on the buoy. He smiled at Regis as he entered. “It is coded priority one, only the two of us can unlock the message packet.” He said.
“Very well. Has it passed airlock protocol?” Regis asked.
“They are warming it up now.” Stratton replied.
The two technicians positioned an electronic shell over the buoy and activated the heating cycle. A jet of steam rushed out of both ends of the equipment. Regis and Stratton descended the steel ladder to the loading deck. The two-crew members took the heating shell off the buoy and retired to the maintenance bay.
Regis opened the access hatch on the side of the buoy and typed his code into the keypad. He stepped aside and Stratton did the same. The communications icon switched from red to green indicating they could log on remotely. The two men made their way to the bridge through the cramped walkways and tight stairwells. The crew appeared anxious as they entered and turned back to their stations as the captain approached the communications station.
“What have we got?” Regis asked.
“It is a priority one message from admiral Houghton. Message reads.” The officer cleared his throat. “Teg is under attack from an unknown alien force. The UTS Conquest is instructed to jump in system to Teg and destroy the alien aggressors. Use of nuclear weapons is approved.”
Regis and Stratton joined a tense astronomy officer at the main terminal.
“Can you obtain a view of Teg please?” Re
gis asked.
The officer brought up a crude image of Teg on the main display. The planet appeared to be shrouded in a red mist. Star bright flashes of light blistered the upper atmosphere in a shocking display of force. He pointed to the sudden bursts of luminosity around the planet. “Those flashes of light are the plasma cannons.”
“Weapons?” Regis called across the bridge. “What do you make of the situation?” He asked.
“I can’t understand why there is such a continuous assault from the planet. The sort of firepower we are witnessing would turn the upper atmosphere into a firestorm.
Regis studied the display. “What do you think the ground forces are doing?” He asked.
“For our forces to be wreaking this much destruction on the atmosphere I can only suggest this is not a limited defensive campaign so much as an all out fight for the survival of the planet.”
Regis glanced at Stratton and turned to address the bridge. “Prepare the ship for an immediate jump to Teg, astronomy make the calculations. Weapons, I want the nuclear torpedoes loaded the moment we emerge from the jump.”
The crew secured the ship for jump readiness and signalled the bridge to confirm jump lockdown. Nuclear warheads, untouched in all their time aboard, were attached to torpedoes and moved into jump safety positions.
Gravity jumps are illegal in star systems because of their massive spatial distortion and their imprecise nature. Jumping too close to a planet or another ship is possible as the accuracy is poor. Four ships were destroyed before the Amalgam assembly put laws in place to prohibit any such movements.
Regis addressed the crew via the ship wide intercom. “Attention. This is the captain. We are jumping in one minute. On arrival expect immediate conflict. This is not a drill.”
The crew of the UTS Conquest moved with confidence but their latent telepathic sense exposed the apprehension pervading the ship. In training simulations, a jump straight into battle had a low life expectancy.
