He and the captain watched as the wave of battleships and dreadnaughts breached the outer screen. Cloaked ships traded fire, desperately trying to get a fix on the others’ positions. More Feng stealth vessels were neutralized by the cloaked Humani hunter-killers. Those few remaining switched from reconnaissance to engagement out of self-preservation, taking a dozen or so Vortex fighters with them as they rejoined the Aether.
“Sir, we have lost all hunter-killers,” said Captain Klingu.
However, Admiral Utang was unfazed. This was war and was to be expected.
The Vortex fighters pulled up in battle formations to the edge of the inner screen, waiting to greet the Feng battleships and dreadnaughts. Their sensors scanned the cold depths of the battlespace, targeting systems and weapons running hot.
“Release the chaff,” Admiral Utang ordered.
The battleships released a cloud of radioactive nanites, lighting up the targeting systems of the Vortex formations and the cloaked Humani hunter-killers. Their targeting systems confused, registering vast clouds of bogeys, the Vortex formations retreated back into the inner screen.
The nanites swept over the battlespace, latching onto the cloaked hunter-killers, causing the Humani stealth vessels to register as silhouettes on the Feng scanners. Although the cloaked ships remained below the thermo-gradient, the effect was like throwing a sheet over an invisible man.
“Send in the fighter squadrons,” ordered Admiral Utang.
The Feng armada targeted the revealed Humani hunter-killers and engaged, neutralizing them in short order. The Humani and Feng fighter squadrons charged the battlespace.
Tactical maneuvers broke down into chaos as the squadrons of fighters swarmed each other, pitching and rolling, engaging in zero-gravity dogfighting.
The Humani fighter pilots were superior in matters of reaction time and tactics, and it showed as they made quick work of the Feng squadrons. Captain Klingu viewed the battle on screen with great apprehension. However, Admiral Utang knew that the Feng only needed to whittle down the Vortex screen enough, and that was exactly what they accomplished.
“Sir, the Humani are transmitting for reinforcements. Forces from Earth are entering spacefold.”
Admiral Utang sneered. “The Humani must be desperate if they are enlisting the help of the Humans.”
The Humans were the last race to enter the United Intergalactic Coalition. Their abilities were limited, and their training was cursory and inadequate due to the demands of war and the urgency to bolster UIC forces with numbers.
The Humans were an embarrassment, losing every skirmish in the war to the Feng, even to the lesser races of the Feng Empire. Therefore, they were largely relegated to supply chains, piloting transport vessels carrying munitions and parts as well as food.
Utang’s sneer morphed into a smug grin. “More target practice for our ships.”
The arrival of Human transports would serve as nothing more than a nuisance, putting off the inevitable Feng victory.
The Feng dreadnaughts entered the inner screen, pummeling the Vortex fighters and initiating offensive ECM, jamming the planet’s communications, cutting off the Humani from what was left of their crumbling forces.
This was a glorious day for the Feng Empire, and total victory was imminent. The Feng believed in ‘eating what you killed,’ and they were about to feast upon the remains of a decadent and obsolete political-economic union.
Once the dreadnaughts and the Feng second and third waves neutralized the Humani HVU’s, Admiral Utang would release battalions of the dreaded cyborg Cybion warriors onto the planet. While the Humani pilots may have been superior, their marines were woefully inferior to the ruthless Cybions. Flesh would always yield to metal, and the Cybions were killing machines, designed to instill fear and end lives with brutal efficiency.
Captain Klingu’s eyes went wide. “Sir, the Humans are exiting spacefold.”
“Prepare to engage,” said Admiral Utang.
“Sir, they are opening a wormhole exactly onto our coordinates.”
“What?”
“They are going to unfold in the dead center of our battle group.”
“Idiots!” was all Admiral Utang could utter before an opening in Spacetime breached the center of his command carrier…
The lights went on in the Aether chamber, and Captain Mongo Utang watched as the display of the Dominance battle bridge evaporated before his very eyes. He had been immersed in a ghost memory of the key battle in the last Intergalactic War as told through his father’s experience.
He fought his body’s urge to choke up, his face contorting with rage, as hot tears welled up in his eyes. ‘Frakking Humans!’
This was not the first time that Captain Utang had reviewed his father’s final hours in battle during the Intergalactic War. He had only been a child on his home planet when he received news of his father’s demise.
The Feng were raised as warriors, and the prospect of a ‘beautiful death’ in battle was welcomed rather than feared. However, to die at the bungling hands of Human cargo pilots, from an unwitting suicide mission that inadvertently wiped out the High Valued Units of the Feng invasion force, not to mention their key fleet commander, signaling a turning point in the war, was shameful and embarrassing.
With their most talented tactician gone, the Feng forces began to lose their tactical advantages. Additionally, emboldened by successfully defending their planet, the Humani began to regroup and rally the rest of the UIC forces in the Charted Galaxies. They even rallied a few from the Uncharted Sectors who wished to remain free from Feng oversight. All this was due to the serendipitous folly of the Humans.
With the sudden reprieve and extra breathing room, the UIC were able to train the Humans more properly, and they became more of an asset in the war than any of the other races had anticipated, despite their first impression.
Just as he slipped back into his officer’s uniform, Captain Utang’s com lit up. “Captain, Admiral Teng wishes to speak to you.”
Utang wiped his eyes and composed himself. “Very well.”
A holographic representation of Admiral Teng materialized. Utang stood and saluted him properly, crossing his arms and banging his large fists on his chestplate and then extending them in front of him. “Admiral.”
Teng returned the salute. “Captain, I have new orders.”
“Yes, sir.”
“The emperor is initiating talks with the United Intergalactic Coalition.” This displeased Utang, but he did his best to conceal it. “I know this upsets you,” said Admiral Teng, seeing through Utang’s veneer.
“My feelings on the matter are irrelevant, Admiral.”
Teng grinned, unconvinced. “The emperor is hoping to have the sanctions relaxed. However, you would be happy to know that while he is engaged in farcical negotiations with the Barberoi, he has ordered that Operation: Catalyst continue moving into the next phase.”
“Yes, sir. Consider it done.”
“Very well, Captain,” said the Admiral, saluting. “To the glory of the Old Feng Empire.”
Utang returned the salute, and the transmission terminated. He turned to return to the bridge of his command carrier when his com toned another incoming call.
He acknowledged the call, and a holographic image of General Yoshi Utang appeared before him. “How are you, little brother?”
“This is an inopportune time,” said Mongo.
Yoshi frowned, his eyes reproachful. “You have been in the Aether again. Why do you torture yourself with the past?”
Mongo narrowed his eyes, his glare intense. “What you call torture, I call motivation. There will come a time when we will have our vengeance.”
“Which is more important, your revenge or the glory of the empire?”
Mongo left the Aether cell and began his walk to the bridge, Yoshi’s image following him. “Fortunately for me, Yoshi, the two are not mutually exclusive.”
“Always remember, Mongo, the empire comes f
irst.”
Mongo smiled. “I must go now. I have the business of the empire to attend to.”
Yoshi nodded and terminated the link, his image flickering and then disappearing.
Captain Utang’s blood was on fire. He would live out his destiny to avenge his father’s defeat. The bureaucratic socialists of the UIC were going to pay, and the Feng Empire would bring freedom and peace to the galaxies once more.
* * *
Planet: Feng
The Feng Imperial Palace, armored with a thick coating of ice, stood in defiance to the frigid wind as the turbulent sky swirled above it. Surrounded by silver-chromed industrial spheres hovering over endless ice fields, it appeared to be the center of its own universe.
Emperor Hiron sat with Monsu Kazar, the Vice Executor of the Feng Empire, in their palatial conference room awaiting the UIC Committee on Foreign Relations to convene. Hiron sat in full battle armor—heavy chest plate, jagged shoulder armor, horned helmet, and cape. Vice Executor Kazar donned the simple, purple robes of a politician. His past military term was more ceremonial than functional, and he had therefore never seen battle.
The conference table’s legs were adorned with carvings of Feng Dynasty heroes of battle—kings, emperors, and generals—in various mid-action poses. Each leg wove a tale in stunning relief. Some were past tales of Feng legend and lore, and some were portents of the future, as in the Prophecy of the Ice Dragon restoring the grandeur of the Feng Dynasty over its many enemies far and wide.
There was a light and a tone, and Emperor Hiron pressed a button on the conference table. Holographic images of foreign ministers appeared in the seats around the long, ornate conference table, as holographic representations of Hiron and Kazar appeared across space in the other participants’ conference and meeting rooms.
“Good day to you, Emperor Hiron,” said Tolstoi Remu, the Humani Foreign Minister. The words registered in Feng through Hiron’s implanted universal translator chip. A typical Humani, she was tall and slender with grey skin and dark, braided hair in the Humani tribal tradition. She wore the drab but functional ministerial garb of the UIC. “Vice Executor Kazar,” she added, almost as an afterthought.
“Good day,” returned Emperor Hiron. Kazar only nodded his acknowledgement.
Around the table in clockwise order was Bobot Tegrit, the diminutive, grey-skinned Viceroy of the Humani; Dvorak of the Vampiri (they were referred to by first name according to custom), sitting in his tight black garments, his face bearing the sickly pallor of his race, eyes as iridescent as they were intelligent; Shamel Legune, the large, rotund but otherwise humanoid-looking Homunculi Foreign Minister; Martin Rayban, the snarky, braggadocious Human Foreign Minister of Earth; Hubritia Liguri, the lanky, mantis-like Firenz Foreign Minister.
“We meet today to make progress towards an accord that would allow each of our worlds to live and let live,” announced Tolstoi Remu in an officious tone.
“I have reviewed your terms,” answered Hiron. “They hardly allow the Feng to live at all with all of the sanctions the United Intergalactic Coalition has placed on our people—freezing our credit, interfering with our investments around the galaxy, trade embargoes.”
“We realize that,” said Tolstoi Remu, “and we have composed a set of mutually beneficial stipulations that we believe, as representatives of the United Intergalactic Coalition, should they be agreed upon by the Feng Empire, will allow us to lift economic sanctions.”
“What are these stipulations?” asked Emperor Hiron.
Tolstoi Remu looked to Shamel Legune and nodded, signaling him to elaborate the terms. Shamel pressed a button on his respective conference table, and a digital list floated in the air. As Shamel Legune began to read each term, the words grew in size for tracking and emphasis.
“Term number one,” said Legune. “The Feng Empire is to cease any subsequent research and development of further weapons technologies. All weapons development sites are to be converted to basic science research facilities.
“Term number two: the Feng are to grant access to representatives of the United Intergalactic Coalition of the said sites and any sites suspected of engaging in the development of weapons technology and submit to regular, unscheduled inspections of these sites.
“Term number three: the Feng are to share any and all developments in shipbuilding technology with the appointed representatives of the United Intergalactic Coalition in the interest of fair and free trade.
“These stipulations were drawn up in the best interest and safety of the worlds affiliated with the United Intergalactic Coalition, autonomous worlds and peoples, and the worlds and peoples of the Uncharted Sectors as well as the Feng Empire for the purpose of the greater intergalactic good.”
Shamel Legune then paused, indicating that he was finished. The list of terms was uploaded onto Emperor Hiron’s and Vice Executor Kazar’s digital displays for further inspection and consideration.
“What say you, Emperor Hiron of the Feng Empire?” prompted Tolstoi Remu.
Hiron looked around the conference table, amused at the arrogance of such terms. Although the other foreign ministers were only present as holograms, he sensed the tension and air of nervous anticipation of his reaction to these terms.
“Let me begin by stating that I hardly see anything of fairness in the terms of this accord for the Feng people.”
“I assure you that this accord is in the best interest of all the parties involved,” insisted Tolstoi Remu. “What are your reservations?”
“What are my reservations?” chortled Hiron. “Where do I start? Term number one stipulating that we cease the development of all new weapons technology…the Feng Empire is but a shell of what it used to be.” Hiron noticed self-satisfied smiles around the table at the uncharacteristic admission. “The United Intergalactic Coalition is vast and powerful. How do you expect us to defend ourselves should the need arise?”
“The development of new weapons technology would only be for the purpose of offense, not defense,” said Hubritia Liguri of Firenz. “If you are serious about entering into an accord, you must demonstrate your honorable intentions by abandoning an offensive posture.”
Hiron wore a joyless grin. “How will the UIC demonstrate its honorable intentions? Are the worlds and races of the United Intergalactic Coalition going to cease weapons development as well?”
“That has not been raised as a stipulation in this accord,” said Tolstoi Remu. Hiron looked for a flash of color in the Humani minister, but the holographic technology masked such displays of emotion. Humani epidermal microexpressions could only be seen in the flesh.
“Of course not,” said Hiron. “So, while the United Intergalactic Coalition continues to advance their weapons capabilities, the Feng people will be left behind, leaving us vulnerable.” He looked at Hubritia Liguri. “Defensively speaking.”
“The Feng are already way out in front of weapons development,” offered Dvorak of the Vampiri. “Perhaps a hiatus will give the rest of us a chance to catch up, striking a balance. You are hardly helpless with legions of Cybions at your disposal. Not many would wish to tangle with those monstrosities.”
“Besides,” added Martin Rayban of Earth, “with all of the economic sanctions, you’re hardly in a position to fund much weapons development.”
“Might I add,” said Tolstoi Remu, “that at its pinnacle, the Feng Empire with all of its superior weapons technology was brought down by a lesser race in the last Intergalactic War.” Remu saw Rayban bristle at the remark, so she added, “A race that has now been advancing by leaps and bounds to join the rest of us.”
“Nice save,” said Martin Rayban sardonically. “Just remember, it took a ‘lesser race’ to turn the tide against the Feng Empire.”
Eyes rolled around the table.
“I see that I am not going to receive any concessions on term number one,” said Hiron. “So, let me address the other terms. You want access to Feng research and development sites for inspections
. You want us to share our ship-building technology. Both terms are not only ridiculous, but they violate our very culture. The Feng are a private people not inclined to open their borders to…outsiders.”
“You mean ‘Barberoi?’” asked Hubritia Liguri. “That was the term you were going to use.”
“What about our right to intergalactic patent?” asked Hiron.
“The United Intergalactic Coalition does not recognize patents from non-member worlds,” said Tolstoi Remu.
“This is a total lack of consideration of our cultural beliefs and values,” added Vice Executor Kazar, speaking for the first time. “I thought that the United Intergalactic Coalition stood for respect for other cultures.”
Tolstoi Remu pulled down the corners of her mouth. “Frankly, Vice Executor Kazar, this respect is extended to member worlds and autonomous worlds, as long as they are stable and pose no threat. How else can we assure that the Feng have indeed ceased all new development of weapons technology?”
“Particularly when it is the cultural belief of the Feng not to honor agreements made with…outsiders,” added Martin Rayban.
“May I address the council, Emperor?” asked Vice Executor Kazar. Emperor Hiron nodded his consent.
Kazar consulted his copy of the proposed accord. “So far, all I see are terms that benefit the United Intergalactic Coalition and place the Feng people (ever the politician, he purposely avoided the word ‘empire’) at a tremendous disadvantage, exposing us.
“Our government is struggling to feed its people as we speak. The United Intergalactic Coalition purports that it serves to protect the civil rights of all life. By leaving ourselves unarmed and unequipped, by sharing our ship-building technology, by allowing outsiders to conduct inspections…none of this inspires confidence in the emperor.
“What you are asking will likely cause revolution, which in turn will afford the United Intergalactic Coalition the opportunity it has been waiting for to exercise the Pax Galactus Initiative.
“We can agree to stop the development of new weapons technology and allow your inspections, but doing so without some other compensation would lead to our collapse and the UIC marching in and imposing its boiler-plate constitution and regulations. What you are proposing is a sneaky brand of imperialism. Planet Feng would become another colony in your menagerie of supplicant worlds.”
Colony Down: Battlefield Mars Book 2 Page 17
