“Now that I’ve met the Kthpok and heard their story and seen their paranoia I want to know what they’re hiding. Their story may be truth. But I, as a protector, I have to wonder what are the risks if the Kthpok are lying? If their actual objective is to conquer our planets I want to be ready.”
Queen Terekin’s antennae stiffened in anger as she ignored the Swarm Master’s gesture of request and took umbrage at his statement. She went to speak but Desrin stopped her. “We appreciate your concern for our people, Swarm Master,” the Master Queen said. “Perhaps this request is premature? If we wait, the Kthpok may provide us with the answers and proof you seek.”
“They may, your Majesty,” said Zelof. “Of course, the proof may come in a manner we would find disagreeable." He gave a slight shrug. “But if we wait and the information is not provided our Infiltration Teams may find their task almost impossible. At the present time the defenses for the Kthpok facility on Tarren Island are under construction. An Infiltration Team will be able to slip in and out with fewer risks of detection.”
Desrin stood and the other Queens followed suit. “We understand the difficulties and appreciate your concern,” she said. “Have you prepared a detailed report?”
The Swarm Master gestured again and Sesum handed another memory disk to the Chamberlain.
“We will review your data and consider your request, Swarm Master. You will be informed of our decision when we have completed our deliberation. You may return to your ship.”
With that the audience was over. Zelof and Sesum bowed their heads as protocol demanded while the three Queens who comprised the Presiding Assembly left the room in reverse order of their entry.
As ordered, the two Swarm leaders left the capital hive and returned to the flagship in orbit. As they waited for a response from the Presiding Assembly scans from the surveillance satellites were used to map the Kthpok base that was taking shape on Main Hive. The information obtained would be used to plan the infiltration if it was approved.
It was three days after the audience with the Presiding Assembly that Zelof received a message from the Queens and called his Second to his office. As Sesum entered the room he noticed that the Swarm Master’s office was unusually disheveled. Several stewards were moving around, taking files and decorations from their places and putting them in cases. It looked like Zelof was making a move. “We’ve received new orders,” announced Zelof before Sesum could ask any questions. “And it appears the Assembly isn’t willing to break up a team that works so well. So you’re coming with me.”
“New orders?” echoed Sesum. “You’re the Swarm Master for the Greater Hive and will hold that position for life. I thought the station for that assignment was on the flagship for the First Space Swarm.”
“It appears that the Queens have reconsidered that posting,” replied Zelof and held up an actual printed order for Sesum to see. “This was delivered by courier about an hour ago. They’ve determined that space is much too dangerous for the Master of the Greater Hives Defense Force. The loss or capture of that particular Iidx at a critical point during hostilities would compromise the safety of the Iidx people. Therefore, the Swarm Master for the Greater Hive is to relocate to a specified base on Main Hive. I am to direct the affairs of the Swarm from that location. It’s being prepared now.”
“I see,” said Sesum. “And just where is the new center of operations supposed to be?”
The Swarm Master gave a snort of disgust. “Our new posting is at the only space port in a desert.”
“You have got to be kidding!” exclaimed the Second. “We’ve been sent to Wartten?” Zelof gave a confirming wave from his antennae. “That’s not a reposting, that’s exile!” complained Sesum. “But what about the Kthpok? Our request to obtain more information?”
“It seems we’ve been given our answer,” replied Zelof with an amused dip from his antennae.
Chapter 6
S’Cinf sat on his perch at the head of the conference table and listened while the roll call was being conducted. This process was a mere formality since only a Kthpok with a death wish would miss a meeting called by the Kthpok ruler. And as he’d specified who was to be in attendance he knew that surrounding the table would be the Fleet Admiral, several ship captains, and the Chief Engineer in charge of constructing the base. There were also several scientists representing their various specialties. The conference room they were in was buried deep in the bowels of the command colony ship which had landed on the newly constructed landing strip.
The scribe finished his task and looked over at S’Cinf. “All Kthpok specified are present, your Eminence,” he reported. After receiving a bob of permission from the Run Point he moved to a perch against a nearby wall where he could hear every word that was said. His electronic pad was held ready to make note of any assignments that might be given or decisions made.
The Run Point looked at the Kthpok gathered around the table then gave a twitch of his tail. “We’ll begin this conference with a report on the status of the construction projects,” he ordered.
At the far end of the polished deep red wood table the Chief Engineer gave a start almost dropping his pad. Although P’Stem had known he’d have to report to the Run Point at some time during this meeting reality was startling. He’d hoped his report would have been held for last. Or, in his most optimistic dreams, they’d run out of time and the meeting ended before he was asked to report. In an effort to regain his composure the Kthpok took a deep breath, glanced at the screen of his pad then stood. “Our surface construction is proceeding as planned, your Eminence,” he reported. “The Power Center has been completed and the reactor’s being worked up.” P’Stem gave a shrug of his tail. “Although we’re using a proven design for reactors additional tests are being conducted for added security. We wouldn’t want a drop in power at the wrong time. A run-away reactor would be even worse.
“While that’s being done our construction packs have moved to the Ship Repair Centers and Research facilities. Both are in the initial stages of construction. Our Residential Centers aren’t planned to be built until later as our personnel can remain in the ships for the time being.”
“What about security?” asked S’Cinf. “If an Iidx places sensors in our more important facilities during their construction we wouldn’t be able to find the devices. Unless we stopped an infiltrator on its way out or we picked up a transmission we’d have no idea our security had been compromised. It’d be disastrous for us if the Iidx realized what our plans for their planet and species were.”
“It’s been stressed that security comes first, Run Point,” replied the Chief Engineer then gestured to the Fleet Admiral. “Fleet has provided data on the security installed on the more important bases on Fairen and we’re incorporating everything we can. There are motion sensors, electric fences, automatic lasers, and various electronic sensors to warn of anything attempting entry to the perimeter. I’m told by Major T’Von that all of this will be supplemented with Kthpok on patrol and in guard towers.”
The Fleet Admiral took note that the engineer had misunderstood the Run Point’s question. He saw that S’Cinf’s expression had darkened and his tail began to sweep back and forth which was a bad sighn. Before the Kthpok leader could do something drastic P’Mar spoke up. “What the Chief Engineer describes is what he’s got planned, your Eminence. The military is rightfully responsible for security during the construction and after so I can give you a more detailed answer.” He paused and looked at S’Cinf for permission to continue. The Run Point gave a sharp bob of his head.
“Thank you, Run Point. I’ll be brief. Right now we have Kthpok in place around the perimeter watching for any incursion. There’s patrols moving at random intervals around the fence that’s in place. In addition, we have other packs scouring the island for any native who failed to evacuate. We’re also watching for any sign of infiltrators making their run for the island. When construction is completed there’ll be a continuous radar sweep wa
tching for any air or ocean vessel trying to make landing.” He gave a bob of his head. “Presently we have our ships in orbit keeping watch for any unscheduled vehicles. In addition, care is being taken to insure that the Iidx delivering the supplies we need in Tarren Harbor never leave their ships. All material being received from the Iidx is scanned for any monitoring devices.”
“Have we had any curious Iidx yet?” S’Cinf wondered.
Admiral P’Mar gave a feral grin and twitched his tail in a negative motion. “It is unfortunate that we haven’t had any Iidx trying to infiltrate. I would’ve expected some infiltrators by now but..,” he gave a shrug. “Either they’re not a curious as I expected or they’re better at infiltrating than I want them to be.” His grin widened and a gleam seemed to appear in his eyes. “Since entering the system I’ve wanted to learn what it would take to kill a bug, Run Point. I’d like to know if cracking its shell is sufficient or if it has to be squashed.”
S’Cinf also gave a grin that showed his sharp fangs. “You’ll get your chance soon enough Fleet Admiral,” he replied. “I’m sure we’ll be able to find a curious Iidx or two while our preparations are underway. And if they don’t materialize we’ll ‘appropriate’ some.” He gave a hiss of laughter. The surprised and curious looks from the other Kthpok around the conference table were ignored. “A few Iidx test subjects should allow us to find the most effective way to kill them.”
With that said the Run Point glared at the scientists and Chief Engineer. “I want everyone to understand just how crucial this is,” he said. “If we fail in our efforts the Kthpok will become extinct as a species and the humans win. So pay close attention.”
S’Cinf gestured to P’Mar. “The Admiral will now brief everyone on what our objective is and how we’re going to achieve it,” he announced.
When the Run Point had announced a change of subject P’Stem ducked his head and shrank down on his perch, glad to be out of the Run Point’s scrutiny.
In turn, P’Mar nodded at his Run Point and rose from his perch. “It’s very simple,” he began, “the humans have exiled us from our home planet. Therefore, we need a new home, one that’s secure, from which to rebuild our strength and population.” He paused to look at the Kthpok around the table then resumed his instructions. “Once that’s been accomplished we move to retake Fairen and eliminate the human animals.”
He paused again as a hunters gleam appeared in his eyes. “This planet, the natives call it Main Hive, is very similar to Fairen. The temperature, humidity, gravity and resources are ideal for our people.” P’Mar shrugged. “We need a planet and this one meets every qualification set except one: there’s a sentient native species.”
P’Mar gestured with a hand to encompass the world outside. “That means Main Hive is not secure. Under optimum circumstances we wouldn’t be here. Our ships would’ve left for another system without the Iidx knowing we’d ever been here. But it’s already been established that we can’t leave this system due to mechanical problems.
“So one of the alternatives facing us today is accepting Iidx help and co-existing with them.” He gave an emphatic shake of his head. “We tried that with the humans and received treachery as a reward. That option is not acceptable.
“The second alternative is to make Main Hive secure.”
Several of the scientists in the room gasped. “Make Main Hive secure?” asked P’Rig. “Does that mean you are planning to conquer Main Hive?” His tail, which had been still, began to twitch and writhe at the announcement. “With what?” continued the scientist. “A few battered ships that have no resources?” Murmurs came from one or two others agreeing. The captains from the fleet kept their silence although their twitching tails betrayed their agitation.
The Run Point craned his head around to look at the doubters. His lips parted in a silent snarl and the scientists fell quiet. Their tails stiffened.
At a nod from S'Cinf the Fleet Admiral resumed his briefing. “As you’re aware we intended on finding a suitable planet without natives.” He glared at the skeptical Kthpok. “I’m repeating this for your benefit. Due to unexpected wear in the drive section of a Colony Ship there was no choice. We have to secure this system and these planets because we have no other alternative.”
A few of the captains bobbed their heads in agreement. The Admiral gestured to P’Rig who’d been foolish enough to express his opinions. “Your concern is valid,” he said. “Our current fighting force consists of two dreadnoughts, one cruiser, three battleships and fifteen escorts, all damaged. None of these ships have a missile load out. Admittedly, that does not include the Colony ships which are undamaged and have complete missile inventories. As you can see, we are not in any condition to fight. Yet.”
P’Mar nodded at an aide who entered a sequence on a keyboard. An instant later the wall screen showed a header. “What you’re going to be shown is an overview of how we’re going to accomplish our objectives,” announced the Admiral.
He glared at the Kthpok around the table. “I don’t need to tell you the importance of secrecy. That means no one outside this room is to be given this information. This particularly applies to any Iidx that you might come in contact with. Failure to maintain this secrecy could have fatal consequences for our people. It will be fatal for the individual who fails in their responsibility to keep this information secret.” He paused to let the statement sink in. “That death will occur only after the offenders genetic material has been extracted without anesthetic.” T’Xal, the doctor who was next to the Run Point, cringed at the announcement because he’d be the one to have to do the extraction.
The conference room’s view screen flickered to show a list. “Our first step was to convince the natives, the Iidx, that we mean no harm,” P’Mar continued. “It was hoped that if we were successful they’d render assistance. So far, we seem to have accomplished that. The Iidx are providing assistance.”
He looked around the room once more and stopped on the scientists. “Before continuing I cannot stress the importance of security enough. If the Iidx were to discover our intentions it will have serious consequences. At the very least they’ll banish us from their system without further assistance.” He shrugged. “More likely they’ll attack without warning and the Kthpok as a species will cease to exist.”
“We understood the need for security the first time you said it, Admiral,” complained R’Min who was perched next to P’Rig and added a disgusted sweep from his tail. He gestured at the rest of the scientists around the table. “We’re well aware of the need for security and how to keep it.”
“You’ve been acquainted with security, that’s true,” agreed P’Mar. “But it’s always been in relation to protecting your inventions or positions. Now it’s become more involved than that. It encompasses the security of the entire Kthpok people.”
“I want it understood,” growled S’Cinf cutting into the conversation. “There is to be no word of this spoken, written, or even thought of outside this room. If that happens I will learn who broke security,” he continued. He left the threat unspoken and glanced around the table at the Kthpok there.
After glaring at the scientists one last time the Run Point gestured and the Admiral resumed his briefing. “We’ve been successful in convincing the Iidx to give us access to their planet,” he repeated. “That means our next priority is to rebuild our forces and population.” The screen changed again as P’Mar continued. “Our hosts have agreed to provide materials. But what I hope to do is entice them to allow us access to their technology.” Grins began appearing on the faces of the military Kthpok. “Access to Iidx tech coupled with what we currently have could upgrade our ships enough to give us an advantage when we face the Iidx fleet.”
Once again the screen changed. “As part of the step to evaluate Iidx tech we also locate and evaluate their military bases, manufacturing and governmental centers. We need to know the location of critical facilities, how hardened the defenses are, if there are any, and t
he weaknesses of each facility. Another item is to learn what it takes to kill Iidx. When we’ve completed our investigation the information accumulated will be used to develop a detailed plan for our assault. That plan will include the timing and targets as well as establishing targeting priorities.”
The screen blanked as the Fleet Admiral returned to his perch ending his portion of the briefing. S’Cinf left his perch to move down the table and stood in front of the wall screen that showed Main Hive. “You need to realize that the Kthpok who comprise the packs of this fleet are unique. All the Kthpok on board the Colony ships were specifically selected for their skill and knowledge in their respective fields. They were recruited and suspended even before the human revolt occurred.” No one mentioned that the recruitement process had been unusual. Several of the scientists glanced at each other but listened as the Run Point continued his explanation.
“Our military personnel are likewise unique. Throughout our history we’ve learned that through conflict the strongest, the most fit, the most intelligent survive.” S’Cinf nodded at the Kthpok around the table. “This means that among us are the most capable, intelligent, and fit Kthpok in the history of our species.”
He gestured at P’Mar. “The Fleet Admiral has identified the major points of our plan to conquer Main Hive. He’s also pointed out that we’ve been successful in gaining access to the planet and have received some assistance from the Iidx. We have also received assurances of further assistance as regards resources.
“Our next assignment involves gaining access to Iidx technology.” S’Cinf looked around the table at the Kthpok who were assembled there. “That means for this stage our scientists will be in the forefront.” The Run Point gestured with a hand at those particular Kthpok. “And that’s why you’ve been introduced to our objective.
Betrayal Page 10
