“Yes, Sir.”
“I’ll come see you as soon as I get to the complex.”
***
The research facility was a buzz of activity. After the nuclear attack, Singh became one of the foremost experts on jump technology left alive. His obvious talents were wasted working as a ship’s engineer. So Jon took him off starship duty, assigned him a dedicated team of scientists and engineers, and put him in charge of jump tech research. It was a leap of faith, considering Singh’s precarious mental health. But he was glad he’d taken it. With proper treatment, Singh’s psychotic episodes were well behind him, and he threw himself into his work like a man possessed.
“Admiral!” said Singh, from the far end of the room, waving. Many of the scientists stopped to salute as Jon passed. “As you were,” he said, reciprocating the gesture. Near Singh, a wallscreen had been activated, displaying nothing more than the black velvet of space.
“What do you have for me, Singh? What’s this breakthrough you mentioned?”
“It is a revolution in jump technology, Sir.”
“You’ve managed to create those jump bombs we were talking about?”
“Yes, but that is not what’s revolutionary.”
“You don’t think a bomb that can jump and land right on top of its target is revolutionary?”
“Well it can actually land inside the target, but to answer your question, no, it’s not revolutionary.”
Jon took a deep breath. “Okay, then why don’t you tell me what is?”
“Yes, Sir. Consider how a jump gate works. It folds space between to points, creating a permanent jumpspace portal. A ship simply flies into one end, and comes out the other. In a matter of seconds that ship has traveled hundreds of light years. A ship’s jump system, on the other hand, does not permanently fold space like a jump gate. Instead, it does so temporarily, as needed. A navigator enters the coordinates, the jump system creates a jumpspace portal, and the ship lands as much as fifty light years away in the blink of an eye. The portal then simply collapses.”
“Yes, Chief, but I already understand all that.”
“Of course, Admiral. The problem, and advantage, is that a jump ship can appear anywhere, at any time, without warning. This feature allows us to surprise the enemy, while putting our ships and planets at risk. This is what happened at New Byzantium when the Kemmar staged their surprise attack. But what if we could detect the arrival of a jump ship, before it actually appeared?”
“Are you saying that you’ve developed some kind of jumpspace radar?”
Singh smiled. “I’ve been calling it jumpspace recognition. When a ship creates a jumpspace portal, it causes a disturbance in normal space at the target location. We can now identify that disturbance.”
“So you can see where a jump ship is going to appear before it lands?”
“Yes, Sir. I’ve arranged a demonstration,” he said waving a hand at the wallscreen. Singh tapped his comm. “Initiate test.”
After adjusting some settings on his console, he looked back to the wallscreen where arrows suddenly converged onto a point of empty space. Numbers flashed on the screen indicating the coordinates. A jump drone soon appeared. “The jump drone has been programmed to jump randomly within this region of space. The system identifies the spatial disturbance and indicates where the drone will appear.”
Jon watched as the drone proceeded to disappear and reappear at varying locations. Each time, the computer identified the coordinates seconds before the drone appeared. His mind raced with possibilities. If this technology could consistently identify enemy jump coordinates, they could open fire before the enemy could take measures to defend itself. The enemy could no longer launch a surprise attack. It changed everything.
Jon slapped Singh on the back, and the engineer stumbled forward. “Excellent work, Chief! Really. This is amazing.”
“Thank you, Sir.”
“Now what about the weapons you mentioned?”
“Yes, of course.” Singh tapped his comm again. “Ready phase two.” He changed some settings on his console, and the wallscreen shifted orientation to focus in on a UHSF science vessel. “This is not a warship, yet it has been armed with a small arsenal of jump bombs.”
“You put bombs on board a science vessel?” said Jon, with little attempt to hide his concern.
“Yes, Sir. That is the interesting thing about these weapons. They are not launched, or fired, so they can technically be deployed from anywhere. They have their own miniature jump systems. All they need is coordinates, and jump commands.”
A chill ran down Jon’s spine as he considered myriad ways these weapons could be used.
Singh adjusted the wallscreen view to a split screen, focusing it on several drones floating alone in different regions of space. “These drones have all been positioned several thousand kilometers away from each other. When I give the order, the science vessel will destroy each drone with a jump bomb.” Singh paused, looking to Jon for the go ahead.
Jon nodded.
“Initiate phase two,” said Singh.
Jon watched as the science vessel destroyed the drones, one by one. What really impressed him was that there was nothing to indicate the science vessel was involved in their destruction in any way.
“That is very impressive,” said Jon, trying to hide his excitement. “This is a true stealth weapon.”
Singh smiled. “Yes, Sir. It is.”
“Are there any limits to its payload?”
“None. The only real challenge was the miniaturization of the jump system.”
“So you can use this with nukes?”
“Yes, that is correct.”
“What kind of range are we talking about, Chief?”
“Due to the small size of the jump system, the range is considerably diminished, with the maximum distance being only half a light year.”
“That is more than enough, Chief.” Jon grew almost giddy thinking of the possibilities. He could decimate an enemy force without losing a single ship.
“But I’ve saved the best part for last,” said Singh. He tapped his comm again. “Ready phase three.” Turning back to Jon, he said, “The science vessel is also equipped with jumpspace recognition capabilities. This has been integrated with the jump bomb navigation system. Everything is automated. We will now use jump drones to demonstrate the power of this weapon system.”
Singh gave the order to begin the demonstration. On the wallscreen the same arrows and coordinates identified a jumpspace disturbance as before, only this time a bomb instantly appeared at the coordinates. The drone materialized seconds later directly on top of the bomb, detonating it and destroying itself.
“Incredible,” said Jon, as he watched the demonstration repeated several times with the same results. “You’ve outdone yourself this time, Chief. This is an astonishing breakthrough.”
“Thank you, Sir.”
“But what about our own ships? How can we distinguish them from the enemy?”
Singh smiled again. He was really enjoying himself. “Initiate phase four,” he ordered through his comm. “In this next phase, the different drones will jump into range. Some of the jump systems will carry a UHSF transponder, others will not.”
Jon watched as some drones were destroyed just as before, while others jumped in and remained unharmed. In those cases, the system identified the disturbance, and marked it with an additional UHSF tag, noting that the vessel was friendly. “How does that work exactly?”
“In identifying the jumpspace disturbance, we discovered that we can also send a signal into the disturbance through a jumpspace transponder. In this case the transponder identifies itself as a UHSF vessel, and is not attacked. We would need to install these transponders on all UHSF ships.”
Jon’s mind swam with the possibilities. He always knew that jump technology would create an arms race, but he had no idea where that race would take them. “How many people are aware of this project?”
“Just my
team, Sir.”
That was good. Each member had been thoroughly screened and vetted before being appointed to the team. They needed to keep this technology quiet for as long as possible.
“Clearly we can incorporate this technology onto our warships. I’m assuming we can also use it to create planetary defense systems. Is that correct?”
“Yes, Sir, it is. This technology can potentially eliminate any future surprise attacks, like the one on New Byzantium. Jumpspace recognition defense systems can also be setup to use a combination of jump and non-jump weapons. For example, if a non-UHSF disturbance was identified, jump bombs could be launched, along with regular weapons, like missiles, and energy weapons. Any weapon system can use jumpspace recognition for targeting.”
“How hard is it to retrofit existing weapon systems?”
“It depends on the weapon system, but I’m sure we can overcome any obstacles.”
“Okay. I want the transponders thoroughly tested. Make sure every UHSF ship is equipped with one, and make sure they work. I don’t want to lose ships to some accident.”
“Yes, Sir.”
“At the same time, I want all planetary defense systems equipped with jumpspace recognition systems. Hold off on including any of the assault features until you can consistently identify our ships.”
“What about the jump bombs, Sir? Can we begin mass production?”
“Yes. Begin production immediately. I want enough to equip every ship in the fleet.”
Chapter 39
The wallscreen was divided like a chessboard, with the face of Governor Sallas in one square, and the various colonial Generals filling the rest. Jon had learned of their decision to launch a two-pronged attack on the Kemmar Empire while he was presumed dead. What troubled him was that they were so ready to act independently, rather than trying to find consensus. Granted, part of the problem had been General Dathos and his ulterior motives. Still, he remained concerned that the alliance he had worked to put together seemed so fragile in his absence.
Sitting across from Jon at the conference room table was General Tallos. He had briefed Tallos on the jump weapon discovery, and now it was time to reign the colonial leaders in. They needed to understand that they were part of an alliance, an alliance that included the Diakans.
“I believe I can speak for everyone present when saying we are relieved to have you back, Admiral,” said Governor Sallas, in his usual polished manner.
“I’m happy to be back, Governor. I’m also glad to have rooted out this far reaching Diakan conspiracy.”
“Yes, and to think that General Dathos was involved all along.” Sallas glanced uncomfortably at Tallos.
“General Tallos is now commanding the Diakan fourth and fifth fleets. General Dathos is a fugitive, as are his followers.”
“Of course,” said Sallas. “It is good to see you again, General.”
“Thank you, Governor,” said Tallos.
“We all look forward to working with you in the future.”
Tallos bowed his head slightly in response.
“Admiral, we are all concerned about First Colonel Brock. Are there any updates on his condition?”
“He’s improving,” said Jon. “It’ll take some time, but I’m confident he’ll be back on his feet soon enough.”
“Please let him know we’re all thinking of him.”
“I’ll pass that on to him. Now, let’s get down to business, shall we? I understand that plans were made to attack the Kemmar while I was gone. Care to fill me in?”
General Calledonius cleared his throat. “Yes, Admiral. We had decided that rather than moving only on Telepylos, that we should launch a two-pronged assault on Kemmar space. The goal would be not only to push them out of Telepylos, but to also dislodge them from Otan space. Doing so would provide us with a buffer, offering some protection for our planets-”
“Stop right there, General,” said Jon. Calledonius frowned, clearly unused to being interrupted. “Can you explain why you chose to act independently?”
“We didn’t act independently. The Chaanisar were with us,” Calledonius said defiantly.
“The Chaanisar belong to the UHSF, as do the colonial forces. My problem is that you chose to launch a major attack against the Kemmar without the Diakans. Our allies.”
“We don’t need the Diakans to deal with the Kemmar.” Calledonius was really digging his heels in.
“Really? Did you forget that the Kemmar are now allied with the Juttari? What if you encountered a combined fleet? Or worse, what if one attacked the colonies while your forces were divided on two fronts? Do you know what would happen then? I’ll tell you. You would all become Kemmar slaves. That’s what. So save me all your chest pounding about how you can handle the Kemmar on your own.”
Calledonius glared at Jon, his face turning beet red. For a moment, Jon thought the old man might be having a stroke. Wisely, the old warrior chose to remain silent.
“Now, I know Dathos turned out to be a traitor,” Jon continued. “But we are an alliance. Our unity is our strength. Is that understood?”
“Yes, Admiral,” murmured Calledonius.
“I didn’t hear you.”
“Yes, Admiral!”
Jon looked at each General on the wallscreen one by one. None seemed pleased with Jon brow beating Calledonius, but they would have to get over it. “You all agreed to join my alliance. You agreed to be part of the UHSF. In return you’ve received protection, and advanced technology. Perhaps you would’ve preferred to remain Kemmar slaves?”
“We are all aware of the commitments we have made, Admiral,” said Sallas, trying to help Calledonius save face. “We are all grateful for everything you’ve done for us.”
Jon nodded, deciding he had flexed enough. “Besides, that buffer is not enough.”
“I don’t understand,” said Sallas.
“The buffer you were tying to create with the Kemmar. It is simply not enough. Their jump system puts the Kemmar within reach of any target in the colonies, at any time.”
“But Admiral, we cannot just wait around for the next Kemmar attack,” said Calledonius, regaining some of his composure. “We have to take the offensive, or we are lost. Even with the jump system, the Kemmar are constantly testing our border. We must push them back.”
“I know,” said Jon. “And I agree with you. I believe we should invade the Kemmar Empire, just as you suggest. I want to point out, however, that the buffer alone will not protect colonial worlds. The jump system’s range is too great. But, I know what can.”
Jon went on to explain Singh’s new discoveries to Sallas and the Generals. “Jumpspace recognition technology is currently being integrated with Earth’s planetary defense systems. Soon, all planets in the colonies will have the technology. Jumpspace transponders will be dispersed to all warships, identifying each as friendly. This will secure our planets.”
“Admiral, this information is extraordinary,” said Sallas.
“What about the jump bombs you mentioned?” said Calledonius. “When can we expect them?”
“Once all our planets are secure, we’ll arm our ships with jump weapons. Every single ship in the fleet will possess jumpspace recognition systems, and jump weapons. This will give us an enormous advantage. An advantage we will use to invade and destroy both the Kemmar and Juttari Empires once and for all.”
Chapter 40
“The upgrades are taking too long,” General Calledonius complained, as he paced back and forth in Sallas’s office. Several weeks had passed since Admiral Pike’s return. During that time engineering crews had been busy installing the jumpspace recognition systems throughout the colonies. Amboss Prime’s planetary defense system had only recently been upgraded to include the new technology, but the process seemed to be moving slowly.
“General, I’m sure you can appreciate the need for secrecy,” said Governor Sallas, leaning back in his chair. “The last thing we need is for the Kemmar, or Juttari to gain access to thi
s technology.”
Calledonius stopped, turning to face Sallas. “I am not suggesting otherwise. But I have trustworthy, capable people who can be trained to do the installations. So far, only a handful of our people have been trained. Our own colonial teams should be dealing with our needs.”
“General, need I remind you again that we are no longer separate entities? We cannot think of the colonies as apart from Sol, or the rest of the Alliance, no more than we can think of a colonial world as being separate from the rest,” said Sallas.
In truth, he felt the same as General Calledonius. He did not know how long this alliance would last. He wanted to ensure the colonies came out stronger, and more prosperous. In the end, he was a practical man, and that practicality made him think of the colonies first, just as he would always think of New Byzantium first.
Neither men could change a lifetime of conditioning overnight. But, as Governor, he had to think of the colonies as a whole, and as members of the Alliance. Despite his feelings, he would not violate that responsibility.
“No, Governor, you do not need to remind me,” said Calledonius, frowning. “Am I not wearing a UHSF uniform?” He raised his hands to emphasize the crisp, navy blue uniform of the UHSF. “I’m an old soldier, and I follow orders. But I am free to point out that something isn’t practical. And if there is a problem with these systems, for example? Will we have to wait for someone from Sol to come and address it? These are important questions that need to be answered.”
“I agree with you, General. Have you brought up your concerns with Admiral Pike?”
“I have, and he assured me that local crews would be trained in the technology.”
“There you go. You will have your crews.”
“Yes, but when? We need them now.”
“I’m sure you’ll get them soon enough. In truth, I understand Admiral Pike. It was a huge blow when the Juttari gave the Kemmar jump technology. And the Juttari themselves stole the tech from Earth to begin with. Under such circumstances, a little paranoia goes a long way.”
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