Commander Booch of the Freen flapped his arms angrily at the mention of their enemy. “If these creatures would embrace the darkness, they are no allies of ours.”
“I understand your point of view,” said Jon. “But things are not quite so simple. The Dvorkans do not believe the Antikitheri exist-”
“Heresy!” Booch flapped his arms more aggressively. The Freen were zealots. They considered the Antikitheri to be gods. As such, every decision regarding them became black and white, making it almost impossible for them to see the reality of the situation.
“It’s not that simple,” said Jon. “The Antikitheri left this galaxy long ago. Most in this galaxy consider them to be nothing more than myths.”
“The unbelievers must be purged!”
“Sorry, Commander. We are not going to purge anyone. What we are going to do is try and convince them that the Antikitheri and the Erinyie are real. In doing so, we will make them understand the threat the Erinyie pose, and convince them to ally with us.”
“Mass conversion of a population can be effective. The Foreseen is truly wise,” said Booch.
Jon noticed the reaction of the other commanders to Booch’s words. Jonas looked especially hostile, and Jon was thankful that the old Reiver didn’t share his thoughts with Booch. Jon concluded that it might be better not to include Booch in future meetings. He made a mental note to merely have regular one on ones with Booch, and avoid any unnecessary conflict due to Freen fanaticism.
“Miira has advised me that the only way to secure an alliance is for the Emperor to agree to one. I believe that with her as our ambassador, the Emperor will see the logic in our request.”
“He would be a fool to turn down such a beautiful woman,” said Jonas, smiling at the blue-skinned Dvorkan.
Miira looked down at her hands, noticeably uncomfortable by the attention. It amazed Jon that someone who stood eight feet tall could be so timid.
“Even if they believe us, the knowledge can still place us in a precarious position,” said Tallos.
“How so?” said Jon.
“The Dvorkans will recognize their handicap. They will request that we share the jump system technology with them. If we refuse, they may be inclined to side with the Erinyie to obtain the technology. Either way, they obtain the ability to reach our space, becoming another potential threat.”
“You make a good point, Tallos,” said Jon. “Are you saying that we shouldn’t try to ally with them?”
“Not necessarily.”
“Alright. Thank you for the input, General. I still think the greater risk is not doing anything. I would wager that the Erinyie already know of the Dvorkan Empire. If that is true, then they will either try and recruit the Dvorkans to their side, or they will try and conquer them. Is there a risk in exposing ourselves to them? Yes. But I think there will be a greater risk in the future if we don’t reach out now. Any other objections?”
The commanders all stayed silent.
“Then it’s settled. Once we reach Dvorkan space, we will arrange for talks with their Emperor regarding an alliance.” Jon gave Miira a reassuring smile, which she sheepishly returned. He turned his attention back to the wallscreen. “The next thing we need to discuss is the AI fleet. We are still too far for AI to sync with the copy of herself she left behind. AI, how far along do you think the retrofits will have progressed?”
“We have been absent for several months now,” said AI. “Based on that time frame, and the condition of the ships and manufacturing facility when we left, I estimate the completion of a sizeable percentage of the retrofits.”
“More than half?”
“Yes, Admiral.”
“Thank you, AI.”
“You’re most welcome, Admiral.”
“If half the ships have jump systems, that is a good sixteen-hundred battleships. I think we should take those and leave the rest behind to be retrofitted. They can guard the facility, and once AI completes the retrofits, she can begin building more ships. It would provide us with a strategic presence in this region of space. If the Dvorkans turn against us, we will have a fleet at our disposal to keep them busy.”
“It is a sound strategy,” said Colonel Bast of the Chaanisar. “Perhaps it would be wise to duplicate it.”
“What do you have in mind, Colonel?” said Jon, his curiosity piqued.
“The Dvorkan AI managed to create a self-sustaining operation. Perhaps the same could be done elsewhere, say closer to our region of space. If we selected a few strategic star systems on the way back, we could leave a copy of AI along with some ships, and she could replicate the operation.”
“Such an endeavor would require sufficient resources and time to accomplish,” said AI.
“Could it be done?” said Jon.
“Yes, Admiral. The Dvorkan AI built his fleet for continued expansion. Without the jump system, it would have taken him centuries to return and invade the Empire. Part of his plan was to continue building weapon systems on the return trip. To do so, each ship possessed its own fabrication facilities. With enough ships, we could establish a presence in a new star system. The necessary components could be built on the ships and used to establish mining operations. Those mines would generate raw materials, which could then be used to build a manufacturing facility.”
“Then you could start building more ships?”
“Yes, Admiral. Warship production could commence once we build the manufacturing facility.”
“Sounds like it would take a long time to get to that level. Right?”
“That is correct, Admiral.”
“How about weapon systems. Can the ships manufacture automated weapon systems to assist in defense?”
“Yes, up to a certain size.”
“If we built enough weapon systems first, we could entrench ourselves in that system. Then we could move ahead with mining and the construction of a manufacturing facility. I would like to establish a network of these systems. In time, they would act as strategic buffers, as well as jumping off points for our forces. Even if we ally ourselves with the Dvorkans, there is simply too much distance between us to properly coordinate with each other. If we were to establish such a network, however, we could use each system as a communication relay.”
“It would also prevent the Dvorkans from doing the same,” said Tallos. “We need to keep the future in mind. What happens after the Erinyie are defeated? Who will control the space between us? If we establish a foothold first, we do not have to worry about Dvorkan encroachment. Based on that logic, I would also advise the eventual building of battle stations, as well as permanent colonization of any habitable worlds.”
“The Dvorkans might find that provocative.”
“Perhaps,” said Tallos. “But if the systems are far enough away from the Empire, they cannot argue that we are encroaching on space that is within their sphere of influence.”
“I am hoping that if we convince them on the merits of an alliance, that we will not need to worry about such things,” said Jon.
“One must always worry about such things, Admiral. If we base an alliance with the Dvorkans on the threat of a common enemy, once that threat is gone, attitudes can readily change. It is best to consider all things.”
“I’ll take that under advisement. At the very least, I think the establishment of buffer systems on the way back is a sound strategy. We will reach the AI fleet in the next round of jumps. We can reassess once we understand the situation better. AI, what are the chances you can also add shields to those ships?”
“Each ship can fabricate the required parts while we travel. I can have the parts installed and tested while we rest between jump cycles.”
“Good. Adding shields to those battleships will be a huge help. Make it happen.”
“As you wish, Admiral.”
“That will be all. We’ll reconvene when we reach the AI fleet. Pike out.”
One by one the faces vanished from the wallscreen, leaving Jon alone with Miira.
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“Do you think General Tallos is correct, Admiral?” said Miira.
“About what?”
“About a future conflict with the Empire.”
Jon smiled. “Don’t worry too much about that. Diakans are paranoid. If we succeed in building an alliance, there is no reason why it can’t be the foundation of a long-term friendship.”
“I hope you’re right, Admiral.”
So do I, Jon thought.
Chapter 22
“Jump complete,” said AI as they landed in the system containing the AI fleet, and manufacturing facility. “Downloading data.”
Jon stared at the viewscreen in confusion. “What happened here? Where did all this debris come from?”
“Data indicates this system came under attack during our absence,” AI said dispassionately.
“Who attacked it?”
“Adversaries were of an unknown origin. They caused significant damage repelled.”
“How much damage?”
“One-thousand-one-hundred-and-thirty-four ships were destroyed. Two-thousand-one-hundred-and-eight ships remain.”
“What!? Who could destroy that many ships?”
“Unknown. Data indicates that the enemy possessed shielding which afforded ample protection against our weapons. They were also able to see through our cloaking technology. This allowed the enemy to inflict considerable damage before we overcame their shield technology. A recording of the battle exists. Would you care to view it?”
“Yes, play it on the main viewscreen. Play it for the other commanders too. We may as well all see what we are up against.”
“Yes, Admiral. Initiating playback.”
The main viewscreen transitioned, showing the star system as they had left it, with more than three thousand battleships, and a myriad of weapon systems protecting it. Jon thought it a quiet scene, despite all the military hardware present. That quiet was suddenly disrupted, however, by the appearance of hundreds of alien ships. Jon didn’t recognize their configuration. They weren’t the Erinyie, nor were they the Juttari. This was a new race.
The intruders opened fire almost immediately, and without warning. The automated weapon systems scrambled to intercept them, but their weapons did little, if any damage, to the dark-colored hulls. The alien weapons were more efficient. They possessed a powerful energy weapon that they used to devastating effect. The alien ships fired together, creating a celestial phalanx which made quick work of the weapon systems. The AI fleet deployed its jump bombs against the mysterious foe. A red halo glowed around the alien ships with each strike but caused no significant damage. Jon’s experience told him that the halo was the ships’ shields. He had only seen similar shields in the Andromeda galaxy. Did that mean that these ships were from there?
If his ships could cross through the galactic gate, why couldn’t another race’s ships? But these were not Var ships. So, what were they? He knew of only one person who might be able to answer that question. He opened a comm with Commander Booch, and the Freen leader’s face appeared on Jon’s display. “Are you watching this, Commander?”
“Yes,” said Booch.
“Do you recognize the attacking ships?”
“I do not.”
“You’re sure? You haven’t come across a race with similar ships in your galaxy?”
“No. I am not familiar with this race.”
“Very well. Thank you, Commander.”
Booch bowed his head slightly and vanished from Jon’s screen.
Jon watched the unfolding battle closely. AI used the weapons at her disposal efficiently. She cloaked the battleships and employed short range jump tactics to flank the enemy. She had them outnumbered at least three to one, but the enemy shields proved a tough nut to crack. Their energy weapons were also incredibly powerful, and their targeting seemed unhampered by the cloaks. The aliens continued to lance out at AI’s ships, scoring repeated direct hits. Jon cringed as AI’s losses mounted.
For a while, the AI fleet’s prospects seemed grim, as more of the battleships fell to the mighty alien weapons. But the shields were not indestructible, and AI’s persistent bombardment began to bear fruit. One by one, the alien shields started to buckle. The strain eventually proved too much, and the alien shields collapsed. Without their protection, they were now vulnerable. AI exploited that weakness with expert precision. Jump bombs landed inside the enemy vessels, and they finally began to suffer casualties of their own.
So, we can hurt them, thought Jon, as he watched the enemy ships blow up in rapid succession. The battle still seemed lopsided, however, with the AI fleet’s losses considerably higher. But the enemy didn’t seem to have the stomach for much more, and with losses mounting, the aliens chose to retreat. They left as quickly as they had appeared. Their disappearance leaving no doubt in Jon’s mind that they possessed jump systems of their own. The recording ended, and the viewscreen again displayed the system in its current state.
“Did the aliens damage the manufacturing facility?” said Jon.
“Negative. The manufacturing facility was untouched in the engagement,” said AI.
Jon opened a comm with Tallos, Jonas, Bast, and Steeg, choosing to exclude the Freen commander from the meeting. “It seems the tactical situation has changed since we left this region. Thoughts?”
“The enemy is powerful,” said Tallos. “But not indestructible. Once we add shields to the AI fleet, the aliens will lose their advantage.”
“Agreed,” said Bast. “Deployment of shields is of the utmost importance. We should prioritize the use of nuclear weapons in any future engagement to hasten the collapse of the enemy shields.”
“No argument here,” said Jon. “AI, how long will it take until your ships have functioning shields?”
“I have downloaded the schematics onto each of the remaining ships. Their fabricators have already begun manufacturing the required parts. If we delay our scheduled jumps, the automated crews can have the shields installed within a week.”
“I think it’s a necessary precaution. We’ll stay until the shields are installed. But this development puts a wrench in our plans. If we take too many ships with us, and the aliens come back, we stand to lose our foothold here, not to mention the manufacturing facility.”
“Once we have shields, we shouldn’t need as many ships to defend the system,” said Tallos. “Is it possible to install shields on the manufacturing facility?”
“Yes, the facility can be shielded,” said AI.
“Start with the battleships, and then we can see about the facility,” said Jon.
“Yes, Admiral.”
“I don’t want to lose this system,” said Jon. “But these ships will help us a hell of a lot more back in our region of space.”
“I agree with you, Admiral,” said Jonas. “We should take the damned ships while we can. We have real enemies to fight back home. Holding this system will not help us against the Juttari.”
“What about the manufacturing facility?” said Jon.
“We destroy it,” said Jonas. “No point leaving it behind for these aliens to use. Let’s not forget that we stumbled upon everything in this system. It was like a gift. What is the point in squandering it?”
“That is a convincing argument,” said Jon, agreeing with the old Reiver for once. “The two thousand ships that are left would be a great addition to our forces.”
“But then we would lose all influence in this region of space,” said Tallos. “We should not discount the value this territory represents.”
“Future value,” said Jon. “Holding this system does little to help us in our fight against the Juttari and Erinyie. Bringing this fleet back with us will help a great deal.”
“I agree,” said Bast. “We should let this system go.”
“Of course you agree,” said Tallos. “You want to take control of these ships yourself.”
“That is not true.”
“Really? You seem to forget my extensive experience dealing
with the Chaanisar. Do not think you can deceive me.”
“That’s enough,” said Jon. “Tallos, I thought I warned you about this?”
“My apologies, Admiral. I forgot myself.”
“Well you better start remembering quick, or you and I are going to have a serious problem. Am I understood?”
“Yes, Admiral.”
Jon glared at Tallos. “If I can put the past behind me, then so can you.”
“I have let go of many things, Admiral. Sometimes old animosities and suspicions return. I have lived a long life, and have seen many things. It can be difficult to forget all the horrors I have witnessed.”
“Try harder!”
“Yes, Admiral.”
“General Tallos,” said Bast. “If it is any consolation, I understand how you feel. Under the Juttari, the Chaanisar committed many atrocities. Your distrust of us is reasonable. I only hope that with time you will see that the loyalty of the free Chaanisar is unshakable.”
“Time is the great truthsayer,” said Tallos.
“If we can return to the matter at hand,” said Jon. “I agree that we should let this system go. I understand that Diakans are exceptional at long-term strategic thinking, but we need to focus on the present, or there will be no long term to think about. I like the idea of keeping a presence here, but it just doesn’t seem practical. I don’t know when the Antikitheri are planning to show up, but until that happens, we will need all the help we can get. AI, make arrangements to destroy the mining operations, and manufacturing facility when we leave.”
“Yes, Admiral.”
Jon hated the idea of destroying the massive facility, but he saw no other choice. He couldn’t risk having such an asset fall into the wrong hands. He just hoped he wouldn’t live to regret the decision.
Chapter 23
“Why are you so concerned with General Tal?” Emperor Kriss said to the somewhat agitated hologram of General Dak, head of Dvorkan Central Command.
“This is a military matter, your worship,” said Dak. “Central Command should be dealing with General Tal, not the Taymati.”
The Pike Chronicles - Books 1 - 10 Page 163
