With the activation of our full fleet these Ancients will fall quickly. There is nothing to be afraid of. We will harvest Galaxy X241 and fill our habitats with all the food pellets they need for centuries to come.
This seemed to satisfy Queen Erriles as she fell silent.
-
Later High Prince Brollen was inside one of the massive ship construction bays within the Conclave Habitat. A new ship was being built which would be his personal flagship. It was a new mothership but far larger and much more powerful than a normal one. It would have twice the firepower of a Vorn battleship and still retain the capability to harvest worlds. A new experimental energy shield was being added powered by a Zero-Point Energy module. It was one of the reasons the vessel was so large. The Vorn still had not found a way to adequately shrink the size of the modules to allow them to be used in a normal warship. Brollen had a large cadre of scientists and technicians working on the problem but so far the solution for smaller power modules was eluding them.
There was one other thing which deeply concerned High Prince Brollen. Prince Ortumad had disappeared. His flagship as well as other ships that were supposed to be in the destroyed staging system were missing. This caused Brollen to feel considerable unease. Ortumad was the only Vorn who might suspect a mothership was missing. Ortumad was a problem that needed to be dealt with as he was becoming a direct threat. Brollen wasn’t sure how the Royal Court would react if it were discovered that the Scythe and possibly Prince Lantoll had been captured by food species 111 and 236. There was no doubt Queen Erriles would demand his immediate removal as High Prince. Somehow Ortumad needed to be found and deleted.
-
In Galaxy X241, Prince Ortumad gazed at the tactical display as his small fleet entered hyperspace. On the screen were thirty-three green icons representing the eight battleships and twenty-five cruisers that comprised his fleet. All the crews were dedicated to Prince Ortumad and would go wherever he ordered. He knew that by now Prince Brollen would know something was amiss. There was no doubt in Prince Ortumad’s mind that upon learning of his disappearance Brollen would order his immediate deletion.
We are approaching the space controlled by food species 111 and 236, reported Military Commander Madoul. Our ships have their stealth fields activated though if we encounter ships of the ancient race they may not be effective.
Prince Ortumad understood the danger. His fleet was too small to face ships of the ancient race and expect to survive. We will stay far away from the home systems of both food species. When we are close enough we will send in cruisers to scan the systems. Prince Brollen reported losing motherships in both food systems. If a mothership was captured one of these two systems is where it should be.
What if we do find a mothership in one of the systems? How does that help us against Prince Brollen?
Then we return to the Conclave Habitat and inform Queen Alithe what we found. I suspect she will immediately order the deletion of Prince Brollen as well as his progeny.
If he is responsible for what happened in the staging system then he is guilty of treason against the Vorn, sent Military Commander Madoul. His deletion will be extremely drawn out and painful. It may take him several days to die.
It is the way of the Vorn for those who betray our Queens, replied Ortumad.
The Queens are the life of our race, responded Madoul.
How long until we reach the vicinity of the two food worlds? I want our two scout craft to arrive in the systems simultaneously. We must conduct the scans before we are detected. Once the scans are complete we will leave the region of space controlled by the two food species.
We will be within range of the two target systems in four days, Military Commander Madoul answered. Let us hope we find what we are searching for.
Prince Ortumad nodded his triangular shaped head. If there is a mothership that has been captured, I’m sure it is in one of those two systems. Ortumad had always felt uneasy about Prince Brollen’s desire for power.
It deeply concerned him what might be happening on the Conclave Habitat. Prince Brollen had a way of manipulating events to his advantage. Ortumad greatly feared Brollen was manipulating Queen Alithe to give himself greater power and authority. Prince Brollen must be stopped before he brought about the ruin of the Vorn race.
-
In the Lakiam System, Fleet Commodore Dreen was on his flagship, the Basera, staring in shock at the ships Fleet Captain Waelt had returned with. On the main viewscreen, a Glaymon 2,000-meter battleship was visible. It was covered in weapon emplacements and looked capable of annihilating an entire world.
“How many did you bring back?” he asked, looking over at Fleet Captain Waelt who was in the Command Center with him.
The fleet captain smiled. “Two hundred and eighteen battleships and twelve hundred and forty disk battlecruisers. I believe that should help us against the Vorn.”
Commodore Dreen had to sit down in his command chair. These ships could change the entire complexion of the war against the Vorn. “You say you have already used them to attack the last of the Vorn harvesting fleets in our galaxy?”
“With the aid of Fleet Admiral Vickers,” Waelt replied. “I believe the Vorn losses have been so heavy they will be forced to abandon the harvest of this galaxy for a number of months. Our AIs believe we have bought a four to eight-month reprieve. We have that much time to prepare for their return.”
“With those ships added to our fleets we can resist the Vorn wherever they appear,” said Alborg, the ship’s tactical officer. “We can increase the number of fleets which can actively engage the Vorn.”
“That is the general idea,” Fleet Captain Waelt replied. “When the Vorn return we want to resist their harvesting at every opportunity. We need to deprive them of their food sources. We believe the Vorn are on the verge of starvation.”
This was news to Commodore Dreen. “I understand the Vorn attacked the Gothan Empire?”
“Yes, both Marsten and Dacroni Four were harvested as well as two smaller worlds.”
“No loss there,” said Alborg. “The Gothan Empire has preyed on ships and weaker worlds for centuries.”
“Commodore, Lead Councilor Atratis is requesting the presence of both you and Fleet Captain Waelt at an emergency council meeting. It seems Councilor Darmas is demanding to know why we have so many Glaymon ships in the system. He claims all it is going to do is make us a target for the Vorn.”
Fleet Commodore Dreen’s shoulders drooped. Councilor Darmas was becoming a constant headache with all of his complaints and demands to sign a peace treaty with the Vorn.
“Politics,” said Fleet Captain Waelt with a deep sigh. “We have much the same even where we come from.”
Fleet Commodore Dreen stood up. There was no point in delaying this. “Let’s go to the council meeting and see if we can get this straightened out. I for one am getting tired of Councilor Darmas constantly interfering with the military. I think it’s time to end this once and for all.”
-
An hour later Fleet Commodore Dreen and Fleet Captain Waelt stepped into the large Lakiam council chamber. The councilors were seated at a long conference table with several hundred Lakiams sitting in the viewing area.
“I’m glad to see you could come to this meeting of your superiors,” said Councilor Darmas with a smirk on his face.
“That’s enough,” said Lead Councilor Atratis, frowning at Councilor Darmas. “We will show respect in this chamber.”
Darmas frowned and then spoke. “Nevertheless, it has been brought to our attention the Vorn have stopped their harvesting efforts in our galaxy and have withdrawn back to their home system. I propose we send out a peace mission to find the Vorn and ask for an armistice. I’m sure at this point they have no desire to lose more vessels.”
“The Vorn will not negotiate,” said Fleet Captain Waelt. “We are only a food source to them and nothing more.”
“So you claim,” said Darmas dismissively. “We h
ave no evidence that is true. I’m sure in the current situation the Vorn will be open to negotiations if we agree to allow them to harvest some of the more barbaric regions of our galaxy as a future food source.”
“You will sacrifice others so we can survive?” said Councilor Marl, standing up and glowering at Darmas. “How could we live with ourselves if we were to do such a thing?”
“At least we would be alive,” said Councilor Croiss, his eyes narrowing sharply.
Councilor Caselt stood, shaking her head. “I will never agree to such an atrocity. We are a Protector World and to do as you suggest would make us no better than the barbaric worlds you wish to sacrifice.”
“The military will not be making any deals with the Vorn,” stated Fleet Commodore Dreen, his eyes drilling into Councilor Darmas’s. We will not speak to them and we will not negotiate.”
“What! You would dare go against the council?” stammered Councilor Darmas. “You should be removed from command for insubordination immediately.”
“And who would do that?” challenged Fleet Commodore Dreen. “I have the full support of the Fleet. I may not be so easy to remove as you believe.”
“I support Fleet Commodore Dreen,” proclaimed Councilor Marl along with several others. “There will be no challenge to his command.”
“What about all the new Glaymon ships that just showed up? They’re bound to attract the Destroyers of Worlds.” Darmas looked at the other councilors, expecting them to agree. “Surely you can see the danger they represent.”
“Our battleships are far more powerful than any warships possessed by the Vorn,” said Fleet Captain Waelt evenly. “We came here to destroy the Vorn and that’s what we intend to do.” Waelt paused and looked directly at Councilor Darmas. “Of course the Andocks have stated numerous times they would like to see more of our ships in the space they control. If the council wishes I can move my fleet to the Andocks’ home system.”
“But what if the Vorn attack here?” asked Councilor Croiss, his eyes showing sudden fear.
Fleet Captain Waelt shifted his gaze to Councilor Croiss. “I guess Councilor Darmas can take a ship out and talk to them, though I suspect the Vorn will either destroy it or make him and the ship’s crew into food pellets.”
Councilor Darmas turned pale and for a moment didn’t know what to say.
“I intend to grow the Alliance and assign Glaymon warships to multiple fleets,” explained Fleet Commodore Dreen, addressing the entire council. “It is true the Vorn have stopped their harvesting for now but we expect them to return in four to eight months if not sooner. When they do we will resist them at every world they attempt to harvest. The time of this galaxy being easy pickings for the Vorn has come to an end.”
“We will never return to the path of Enlightenment,” protested Councilor Darmas, his eyes red with frustration. “It will be lost to us forever. We will return to a barbaric state of civilization. Enlightenment is our future. We can’t throw it away!” Darmas looked desperately at the other councilors seeking support.
“You left that path long ago when you planted a fake fleet officer in these proceedings,” said Councilor Marl, folding his arms across his chest. “You are being hypocritical.”
“A fake officer?” asked Councilor Caselt, her eyes widening in shock. “Are you referring to the officer Fleet Commodore Dreen removed from this council chamber?”
Councilor Marl nodded. “Yes, he was a plant by Councilor Darmas to give false and misleading information. I have heard his confession.”
“All lies!” said Councilor Darmas, his eyes showing panic. “The man was a fleet officer and Fleet Commodore Dreen knows that.”
“They are not lies,” said Lead Councilor Atratis with a deep sigh. “I have heard the confession myself. I had hoped it would not come up in a council meeting as it now requires us to take action.”
“Suspension,” called out several councilors. “Giving false testimony in a time of war is treason.”
Councilor Darmas’s eyes suddenly widened in fear. “I did not mean for it to go as far as it did.”
“Censure,” called out several other councilors. “He may not speak in any meetings until this threat of the Vorn has been eliminated.”
“But I must speak!” protested Darmas. “We must return to the path of Enlightenment.”
“Vote,” said Councilor Caselt. “I propose we vote on censuring Councilor Darmas for his actions against the council and Fleet Commodore Dreen. He may not speak of anything to do with the war with the Vorn or of our military until this crisis is over.”
“I second,” said Councilor Marl.
Darmas glared at the other council members, knowing he was powerless to prevent this. “You are dooming our race!”
“Let us vote,” said Lead Councilor Atratis.
Moments later the votes were in and Councilor Darmas was officially censored.
“I’m leaving; anyone else going with me?” said Darmas defiantly. He looked around but none of his former supporters would meet his eyes. Shaking his head in anger he exited through the large doors to the council chamber without uttering another word. No one else left; the rest of the councilors remained standing or sitting.
“Since that has been settled let’s continue this meeting,” said Lead Councilor Atratis. “Fleet Commodore Dreen, with the influx of new Glaymon ships, particularly the battleships, what do you propose for the war effort? I can assure you Lakiam is 100 percent behind you.” The other councilors nodded in agreement.
Fleet Commodore Dreen relaxed. Perhaps now the council would listen to reason without the steady interruptions of Councilor Darmas. “Here is what I propose if we want to defeat the Vorn.”
-
For the next twenty minutes he outlined what he wanted to see done and how it could be accomplished. When he was finished, the council chamber was left in silence.
Finally Lead Councilor Atratis spoke. “Fleet Captain Waelt. Your ships will be the centerpiece of nearly all future battles with the Vorn. Are you in agreement with what Fleet Commodore Dreen has proposed?”
“That’s why we’re here,” replied Waelt. “It is time the Vorn discover what real war is like.”
Lead Councilor Atratis looked at the other councilors. “Is there anyone here who objects to what Fleet Commodore Dreen has proposed?” No one raised their hand or shook their head.
“Very well, then we shall adopt his proposals for all out war against the Vorn.”
Fleet Commodore Dreen was pleased with the vote. There was one other thing he knew and it would soon dawn on the council. After doing this they would not be able to return to the path of Enlightenment. Lakiam would have to find its own place in the galaxy and that might be a very difficult place to be.
Chapter Thirteen
Mara stepped off the cargo ship into Newton Station. She had already contacted the Limeira, informing the crew she had returned. With a deep sigh, she looked around the docking bay seeing the flurry of activity that was always present. These Humans seemed to have so much energy. Compared to other civilizations spread across the galaxy, including the Lakiams, the Humans were a young and upstart race.
“Mara, it’s good to see you again,” greeted Colonel Simms, walking up to her with a friendly look on his face. “Your ship has been fully repaired and resupplied. How was your trip?”
Mara smiled. She liked Colonel Simms. He always seemed so polite and efficient. “Fine; our cargo ships are actually quite comfortable. Was the damage to the Limeira difficult to repair?”
“No, it didn’t take long. We had other ships with far more damage.”
Mara nodded. She had seen some of the damage caused in the battle of the staging system, particularly that done to the Star Cross.
“If you will come with me I have prepared a briefing of what has occurred with the Vorn since your departure.” Mara was the official liaison between Newton and Lakiam.
As they walked through the station, Mara couldn’t help but
wonder where Fleet Admiral Vickers was. She felt guilty having such thoughts. Lakiam women normally didn’t allow their emotions to affect them so much. For some reason the attraction she felt for the Human fleet admiral was even stronger than ever before. She was still uncertain as to how she was going to deal with it.
“I noticed the Star Cross is in orbit around Newton.”
Colonel Simms nodded. “Yes, it arrived several days ago. The crew is currently on leave and I believe both Fleet Admiral Vickers and Captain Randson have taken their wives to resorts. They definitely needed the downtime after recent events.”
Mara was disappointed to hear Kurt was not available. Taking a deep breath, she knew she would just have to wait before speaking to Keera and Kurt. She also wondered where the Star Cross had gone if it had only just returned.
-
They reached a small briefing room and Colonel Simms spent some time explaining to her the appearance of more Glaymons ships, including battleships, as well as the battles against the gathered Vorn harvesting fleets. He went on to tell her of the events in the Gothan Empire.
Mara was taken aback by what Colonel Simms was telling her. “It’s amazing,” she said, finding it hard to believe all that had happened in the short time she had been gone. On the cargo ship, the captain had put one of the large Glaymon battleships up on one of the viewscreens as they neared Newton. She recognized it instantly as she had seen several during her time on the Glaymon Dyson Sphere. “Every day I feel better about our chances against the Vorn.”
“Aleea, the AI on the Star Cross, believes we have four to eight months before the Vorn return,” explained Simms. “They’ve suffered such massive losses we believe they will be forced to abandon their harvesting and withdraw back to their home system. During that time we’re going to be building all the ships we can and increasing the strength of the defensive grids around Newton, Earth, and the other Alliance worlds. When the Vorn return we’ll be ready for them.”
“Does Fleet Commodore Dreen know about all of this?” Mara knew the commodore could use the time to greatly enhance his fleet and expand the Lakiam Alliance.
The Star Cross: The Vorn! Page 18
