Honor Thy Enemy

by Doug Farren

  * * * * *

  Deep in Alliance space, on the planet known as Centralis, a similar meeting had taken place. Alliance Fleet Admiral Hikondi Mocburan took his seat and called the meeting to order. There was a brief shuttling of chairs and the quick ending of several sideline conversations then silence.

  “Our forces at Shavact have engaged the Chroniech and, for the moment, it seems as if we have won. However, the fleet has been wiped out and all jump drive defense stations have been destroyed. All that stands between the planet and Chroniech are the original defense stations and the ground-based planetary weapons.”

  “What about reinforcements?” someone at the table asked.

  “Two battle groups are en route but it is unknown if they will arrive before the Chroniech reinforce the original fleet and return for another attack.”

  “How many more jump drive equipped defense stations do we have available?” another voice asked.

  “Six. More are being outfitted as fast as we can build and deliver the drive units. Shavact, however, is but one battle. We are losing ships and planets at an alarming rate. Our intelligence indicates that the Chroniech have more ships at their disposal than we do and unless production can be drastically increased we will be outgunned in every battle as well.”

  The Admiral entered a command on his keyboard and the room’s main display came to life showing the depressing statistics. So far eight major population centers had fallen along with seventeen military bases. Over 2,000 ships had been lost – nearly a fifth of the Alliance’s available space force.

  “We cannot continue much longer at this rate. The inner planets will be stripped of all defenses, the space force will be destroyed, and we will lay helpless before the Chroniech. The weapons we have been receiving from the Kyrra have helped but they are not enough.”

  “Can’t they supply us with some of their warships? What about the worldship?” This came from the Tholtaran High Admiral.

  The holographic image of the Kyrra representative (who was physically on the worldship) responded. “We have given you one half of all the warships we have at our disposal. Giving you the rest would make little difference in this war. The worldship is on its way to your space but it will not engage in battle.”

  “Why not?” the Tholtaran Admiral demanded. “You didn’t have any problems defending Almaranus fifteen years ago. The worldship’s weapons could very well turn the tide of this battle.”

  “The worldship is not a warship,” the Kyrra explained. “It is our home. All Kyrra live here. We defended Almaranus because the risk to the worldship was minimal at the time. The Chroniech have significantly advanced their weapons technology since then and the worldship’s defenses could conceivably be breached with the weapons now at their disposal. This point is non-negotiable – the worldship will not engage in battle.”

  Alliance Fleet Admiral Mocburan nodded his head in acknowledgment then said, “Then we have little choice but to deploy the Crossbow weapon. Are the Kyrra still willing to supply us with the warhead as per our specifications?”

  “We have already agreed to build the warheads subject to our approval of the specific targets.”

  “Then it is agreed,” the Admiral replied. “Construction of the first delivery system is complete and the others will be ready soon. We can install and launch the first warhead upon your arrival.”

  “The worldship will be at Almaranus in two days. The warhead will be ready for delivery the moment we arrive.”

  “You do realize there is a large Chroniech fleet heading for Almaranus. Are you sure you want the worldship to be there when they arrive?”

  “We will deliver the warhead to Almaranus as originally agreed. We have also been building several automated defense stations of our own design to assist in the defense of that system. We cannot build many but they will be of great help. All we ask in return is that you use the Crossbow weapon with great care and only in an attempt to quickly bring an end to this war.”

  “The Alliance extends our utmost thanks to you,” the Admiral replied. Turning to the entire group he continued, “I regret that we have to resort to the use of this weapon. But, the Chroniech leave us no choice. Unless we do something to halt this war, and halt it quickly, billions and billions of lives will be lost. The entire Alliance is counting on this weapon to end the war.”

  The Kyrra representative seemed to scan the physically present individuals seated at the table. “This has not been an easy decision for us to make,” he explained. “The destruction of the Alliance at the hands of the Chroniech is not something we Kyrra can allow. But, the loss of billions of Chroniech lives is also repugnant to us. That is why we have agreed to supply the warheads under very strict conditions.”

  “And we will abide by those conditions,” Admiral Mocburan replied.

  * * * * *

  Captain Zatch couldn’t believe his luck. The Komodo Dragon had been spotted twice in the past few days. Both times it had been identified as working with a small group of Kyrra warships that had been intent on harassing one of the larger fleets en route to a major Alliance shipyard they called Almaranus. If the Dragon continued to follow the fleet then Zatch would know exactly were it was at all times.

  With this new information in hand the Captain reexamined his star charts and confirmed his earlier selection of his target system. The ship he was piloting was one of the fastest in the Chroniech fleet and he was driving it to the limit of its abilities. Even so, he was still three days away from his goal.

  He spent one of those days double-checking and testing the equipment he had built. Another day passed as he carefully reviewed his plan trying to find and fix any flaws. As the third day approached, his communications equipment picked up an unusual broadcast. It had been transmitted in the clear and on many wavelengths. It was obvious that the Alliance had meant for the message to be heard.

  “Attention Chroniech! A weapon of immense power will soon be deployed against the military planet you call Bantrich. The weapon cannot be stopped and it will result in the complete destruction of the Bantrich military facility. If your forces do not withdraw from Alliance space the weapon’s next target will be a major population center.”

  The message repeated. Bantrich, the Captain knew, was the name given to the massive military facility that supported the transdimensional field generator that had been built to free them from their Kyrra imprisonment. That facility had been fortified to withstand any conceivable attack – even one from the Kyrra super warship itself. The energy cannons mounted on the planet and nearby asteroids were powered by giant matter antimatter reactors. It was inconceivable that any single weapon or even any fleet no matter its size could penetrate those defenses.

  Yet, the message seemed confident. Could it be an Alliance trick to scare them into withdrawing? Why announce the attack ahead of time? Captain Zatch shook his head in bewilderment. Despite all his research, he still could not figure out why the Alliance nor the Kyrra act the way they do. Then again, the Alliance probably couldn’t understand his own people either.

  * * * * *

  The worldship arrived at Almaranus 22 hours ahead of the Chroniech fleet. As soon as it was possible to do so, the Kyrra deployed 21 automated defense stations. Each one was a sphere measuring 60 meters in diameter. Inside was a single matter antimatter reactor, a shield generator, a cloaking field generator, and a huge energy cannon. The stations took their assigned positions and promptly disappeared as their cloaks engaged.

  An Alliance shuttle was briefly taken inside the monstrous spacecraft. It departed a few minutes later with the promised warhead. The shuttle quickly rendezvoused with a heavily modified Mishpa class interceptor. A crew of technicians worked feverishly to complete the warhead with Alliance components and then install it into the interceptor. After fifteen minutes of frantic assembly, they took their leave of the ship and then watched as it engaged its sublight drive at maximum acceleration. It quickly left the Almaranus system still accelerating.


  Its mission accomplished, the worldship bid the defenders good luck and left the system. The Kyrra refused to inform the Alliance where they were headed but did say they would remain in contact. Although reluctant to see them go, the military soon forgot about the Kyrra as they concentrated on readying the system for attack.

  Deep within the granite rock of the mountain that housed Almaranus sector command, Fleet Admiral Gortanith Brin paced nervously back and forth in front of the large holographic image of the system he now defended. The approaching Chroniech fleet appeared as a group of well organized red icons. His own ships were displayed in green and the defense stations appeared in blue.

  Shavact had taught the Alliance much about how to win against the Chroniech. The primary advantage would come in numbers. Although Shavact was a very important military and industrial center, its location made it difficult to defend. Almaranus was farther from the Chroniech boarder and boasted nearly twice the shipbuilding capacity of Shavact. Its defense was imperative.

  Nothing had been held back in preparing the system for the coming attack. Two Tholtaran juggernauts hung in space waiting to engage the enemy. Each juggernaut had been assigned a fleet of almost a thousand ships. A good portion of the remaining Alliance warships had gathered in the planet’s defense. Outside the system, 41 automated defense stations, all that were available, recently fitted with the Falnath jump drive were standing by.

  Still tagging along, just outside the range of the Chroniech sensors, the Komodo Dragon kept tabs on the approaching fleet. They faithfully reported the fact that the fleet had slowed down slightly a day earlier. Fifteen hours from Almaranus, the Dragon reported that a second fleet had joined forces with the first.

  Aboard the Dragon Ken looked at the statistics of the two opposing forces and shook his head in wonderment. “This is going to be the biggest space battle in known history,” he commented.

  Lieutenant Commander Shawn Wittie, the Dragon’s tactical officer grunted an agreement but made no other reply.

  Commander Tobunga let out a sigh and added, “If we win this it’s going to take years to clear the debris from the system. This is going to get ugly.”

  “Captain?” It was the communications station.

  “What is it Wilks?”

  “I’m picking up a repeating broadcast that seems to be meant for us but it’s being broadcast in the clear and on an open channel.”

  “Let’s hear it.”

  Petty Officer Wilks turned to his panel and a moment later the computer played the complete message: “Attention Komodo Dragon. I am Captain Zatch Batack of the Chroniech space force. I need to meet with your commanding officer in person concerning a matter of extreme importance. By my family’s blood I will guarantee the safety of your ship and crew provided only your ship approaches the transmitter sending this message. You may reply by directing any unscrambled FTL communications toward the source of this broadcast.”

  “What the hell?” Stricklen exclaimed.

  “Where is that broadcast coming from?” Wittie demanded.

  “Deep space,” Wilks replied. “There are no star systems anywhere along the trajectory leading back to the transmitter. I will have to have another ship give us a fix before we can pinpoint its exact location.”

  “A Chroniech Captain?” Tobunga questioned. “Why the hell would a Chroniech Captain be looking for us?”

  “There’s only one way to find out,” Stricklen replied coming to a decision. “Inform Almaranus that we are investigating the source of the transmission and ask them to keep all other ships out of the area. Have the Kyrra warships continue to attack the Chroniech fleet as long as they have ships to do so. Helm, set course for that transmitter and engage at maximum speed.”

  “Do you want to send a reply?” Wilks asked.

  “No. I want to see what we are up against first.”

  Stricklen left the bridge and made his way to his stateroom. On the way his wristcom buzzed. “Captain, I have pinpointed the location of the transmitter. Distance: 8.4 light years. At current speed we will be there in a little over six and a half hours.”

  Stricklen acknowledged the message as he turned the corner leading to his stateroom. Once inside he ordered the computer to display a star map of the area near the transmitter. There was a star system located just under a light year away.

  Bringing up the system’s statistics Stricklen learned that it contained two gas giants and a huge swarm of smaller rocky bodies. It would be possible to hide a small fleet there without fear of being detected. He then ordered the computer to establish a communications link with the Kyrra. “How can I help you Captain?” the furry face that appeared on the screen asked.

  “Is your Chroniech guest still aboard the worldship?”

  “I believe so,” came the response. “Hold a minute and I will verify.”

  There was a minute’s delay then, “Yes, Arukt Chaktekt is still here.”

  “I need to speak to him as soon as possible. Can this be arranged?”

  “I’m sure it can. I will contact you shortly.” The screen blanked as the connection ended.

  Stricklen remained in his chair staring at the blank screen. He had a million questions and no answers. Ten minutes later the computer informed him of an incoming transmission from the Kyrra. When he gave permission to accept it, the screen popped to life and the black furry face of a Chroniech stared at him.

  “Captain Stricklen,” Arukt Chaktekt said the moment the connection had been established. He was speaking in his own language with the computer translating for him. “You wish to speak to me?”

  Stricklen quickly outlined what Captain Zatch had done. After listening Arukt Chaktekt seemed to think deeply for a few moments then said, “It is very important that I hear his message exactly as he transmitted it. Can you do this?”

  “Dragon, recall the Chroniech Captain’s transmission and transmit it over this channel.”

  A moment later Captain Zatch’s transmission issued from the speakers. Arukt Chaktekt listened carefully then sat back in his chair.

  “Can you tell me why Captain Batack would send such a message?” Stricklen impatiently asked.

  Keeping his eyes on Stricklen, Arukt Chaktekt replied, “I cannot. But the meeting must be very important to the Captain. I can tell you that if you do accept his invitation that your safety will be assured. You should also address him as Captain Zatch. In our culture the family name always comes before the person’s individual name.”

  “How can you be so confident that he will keep his word?”

  “He guaranteed the safety of you and your crew by the blood of his family. There is no more secure a guarantee than that.”

  “In that case,” Stricklen leaned back in his chair and settled in for a long conversation. “I will need to learn as much as I can concerning your culture. I intend on meeting this Captain Zatch and I would not want to accidentally commit a violation of culture if I can help it. Can you do this for me?”

  Arukt Chaktekt made a growling noise and nodded his head. “I would be honored.”

  * * * * *

  “Thirteen Chroniech cruisers have been detected on approach,” Olincha told Char Torma as soon as the connection had been established.

  “Inform the Alliance,” Char Torma replied. “Prepare to close down manufacturing operations and ready the defenses.”

  The Kyrra had always assumed that the Chroniech would eventually discover the location of the factory ships and had planned for this event. The ships had been equipped with a powerful defense shield and several anti-ship weapons. Linked together as they now were though, the individual factory ships functioned as a single mechanism vulnerable and hard to defend. The ships would have to be separated and moved off the planet before they could defend themselves.

  “Do you wish to separate the ships?” Olincha asked.

  “No. The defenses currently in place should be able to defeat this small Chroniech fleet.”

  “They
will send a larger fleet once they confirm our presence on this world.”

  “Then we will deal with them when that time comes. For now, we continue to run the factory at full capacity except for the time necessary to defend ourselves.”

  The Kyrra factory, however, did not have to stop working. The Chroniech ships entered the Mintaka star system and penetrated only far enough to detect the presence of the Kyrra. They avoided contact with the fleet of Alliance warships that had been sent out to engage them.

  The Chroniech had, as the Kyrra surmised, accomplished their mission. They had confirmed the presence of the Kyrra on the surface and had also assessed the capabilities of the Alliance defense network surrounding the planet.

  Shavact

  With all possible repairs completed and the fleet reinforced by 433 additional warships, Fleet Commander Eshka Kartvack turned his fleet around and headed back to Shavact. The probes they had left behind during their previous visit indicated that no Alliance reinforcements had arrived and none were on any of the long range scanners. The only defenses left were the battle stations and the planetary-based energy weapons. During their absence, the Alliance had moved the stations closer to the planet giving them a greater weapons overlap and placing them within range of the planetary batteries.

  Kartvack contemplated the situation as did the ship’s tactical computer. The new location of the defense stations made it more difficult to attack them. Since they were now located within the range of the planetary-based defenses Kartvack now had to worry about both defense systems at the same time. The computer recommended a standard parabolic attack formation which would allow the fleet to concentrate their firepower against whatever target lay at the focal point.

  The problem with this formation was that it exposed a lot of his ships to Alliance weapons from multiple defense stations while the fleet was concentrating on only a single target. Tactical computers were capable of analyzing thousands of different combat scenarios and were relied upon to direct the targeting of weapons during the ultra-fast paced action of a space battle. But they were not perfect and there were times when they made tactical errors.