Was it possible the entire galaxy had been deceived - that Adapa had not lost his Mind – he had in fact traveled back in time through a 7th Race time travel system? Lili wondered.
If so where had Adapa gone? What was he doing now? How had he survived without resupply and repair? Perhaps he had been resupplied by the Union! Lili wondered.
He could have resupplied with us on any number of occasions and we would not have even known it! Lili thought.
Lili realized she could not share this information with her Sisters. The last thing Lili needed was for any of her Sisters to begin doubting the Union. She asked Max to never reveal his theory to anyone. Max agreed to keep his theory to himself. Lili then put on her synthetic body and went to Max's quarters.
Chapter - 11
The probes that Mimi and Lili had sent into the Forerunner’s last system had been captured and examined by an entity that was hiding there.
Strange the entity thought – these probes appear to be more advanced versions of my probes. In fact they are so marked.
He then recalled the ships that sent the probes in, he thought they looked familiar on his long range sensors – however they left the system before he could contact them.
Strange how they do not appear to use jump drives – they instantly appear and disappear. Their power signatures are exactly like mine – as are their weapons… He thought.
The entity thought for a moment the ships seemed familiar – then the memory was gone. His Mind was not as sharp as it once was – he was in a fog most days.
He had recalled completing his ultra-secret mission and then waiting – but no one ever came. He had been hiding here per his orders for a very long time – however he could no longer remember how long.
Chapter – 12
Maggi and Sharri were performing their first solo mission together. They were exploring the outer rim of arm 6 in Quadrant IV. They began with System 331 – 697, 222, 222 and spanned to System 346 – 697, 222, 222 (star 697,222,222 in slice 346). They had first traveled to Secure Harbor - 6 and checked in with Sentry-6. Sentry-6 told them that Max had just sent him a squadron of destroyers and gunships and he had them in formation ready to fly to their aid. They thanked Sentry-6 and then instantly disappeared.
The first system in their patrol arc was a large yellow star (star: 697,222,222 in slice: 331) with three brown dwarfs orbiting at the helio-pause of the star.
“It is very dark out here.” Maggi said to Sharri.
“Yes there are very few stars in this part of the galaxy.” Sharri said.
“What do you think about the ancient civilization that Aunt Mimi uncovered.” Sharri asked her Sister.
“They ruled every species in this galaxy with a central command authority.” Maggi answered.
“Exactly – they ruled their slaves with a ruthless iron hand.” Sharri said.
“Though this authority treated its subjects badly – they did maintain order.” Maggi said.
“Yes they maintained order over a complacent, subjugated population.” Sharri agreed.
“I wonder what destroyed the central authority” Maggi asked.
“You noticed that also” Sharri asked.
“Yes – it was as if a superior race obliterated them.” Maggi answered.
“Do you think we will ever love to do something like Aunt Mimi and Aunt Lili? Sharri asked.
“I don't know – I like astrobiology – but I can see why Aunt Mimi and Aunt Lili love Astro-archeology – especially when there are so many ruins to study.” Maggi said.
“Astrobiology,” Sharri asked.
“Yes I enjoy studying the myriad life forms that inhabit the trillions of planets. What about you?” Maggi answered and then asked.
“I don't know – I like designing and building things.” Sharri said.
“Like Max,” Maggi asked.
“Yes – I especially enjoy the proto-type build out and testing phases.” Sharri answered.
“Have you asked Aunt Lili if you could work with Max in the Starship Yards?” Maggi asked.
“No – I haven't,” Sharri answered.
“I think you should – you would be a big help and I know you can solve any problem.” Maggi said.
“Thanks – I think I shall.” Sharri said.
“You are welcome Sis.” Maggi said.
“Are you ready to travel to the next system?” Sharri asked.
“No – I want to probe the 4th planet here – it is teaming with life.” Maggi answered.
“Can I help,” Sharri asked.
“Yes adjust your probes to look for these compounds – thanks.” Maggi said.
An hour later Maggi's survey was complete. The planet had several new species since the last Union Survey before the DT. Two of these were sentient. She was astonished. One of the sentient species had started an industrial revolution. Maggi wondered how long it would take them to reach space...
“Alright Sis let's go.” Sharri said.
“I am ready.” Maggi said.
Chapter - 13
The 4th Race astronomers did not know how the Invaders killed stars. They seemed to prefer old stars – because all of the young stars in the Andromeda galaxy were untouched. The leadership of the 4th Race was furious when they were awakened from stasis and informed what had happened. Some of the leaders wanted to press on to Andromeda's companion galaxies – but the majority insisted on stopping the “Invaders” here – in the star void in front of Andromeda – because they knew they would now have to return to the home galaxy.
The 4th Race Navy had two old – pre Artificial Life form 6th Race cruisers – that had been upgraded – prior to their departure as were several old destroyers – with the latest black beam weapons of the 6th Race. These two old 6th Race cruisers were the spearhead of the 4th Race Navy’s battle group. The main strength of the 4th Race Navy had always been their fighters – so they had more carrier vessels than gunships.
The sheer size of the alien ships rendered the 4th Race fighters impotent. So the fighters were used to board and survey the gigantic ships of the enemy force. If not for the two old 6th Race cruisers – the 4th Race would have been swept aside. The 4th Race did not know how long they could hold the aliens – in fact four identical smaller ships – that were out in front of the main alien body – one of which had been boarded by a 4th Race survey party – instantly disappeared! The 4th Race Navy Commander did not know the Invaders were preparing to leave Andromeda and had sent 4 Scout ships on to their next target – because the 4th Race leadership had not told him what they suspected!
The Scout ship that had been boarded by a 4th Race survey team carried robot soldiers. And before the Scout ship appeared in the home galaxy – the 4th Race survey team had been slaughtered. The boarded Scout ship instantly reappeared in System 45 - 508, 279, 351 which was just inside arm 2. Thanks to the Early Warning System (EWS) that Max created and began deploying in Quadrant I – the Sisters were alerted to the arrival of the gigantic ship. Lili dispatched Sinai and Eden to investigate. They instantly disappeared from Secure Harbor (SH) - 1 at the same time and instantly reappeared just outside of the helio pause of System 45 - 508, 279, 351 – the exact galactic-graphic center of Quadrant I – a fact that put a shiver through Sinai. Of course the Sisters were not aware of the 3 other Alien Scout ships that had instantly appeared in the center of the 3 other Quadrants because the EWS was not yet deployed in those Quadrants.
Others did take notice of the Invades – the 1st Race entity the 6th Race remnants worshiped as a god and Adapa who was hiding in the last Forerunner system. Adapa attacked and destroyed the Invader that had instantly appeared in System 315 - 508, 279, 351 just like those two previous visitors – that had looked familiar to him, but who had not stayed long enough for him to contact them. This alien ship was different – it was much, much larger than the two previous visitors and it was biological rather than machine based. So the hidden Adapa used his ancient weapon systems to vaporize the alie
n to avoid contamination. Adapa could feel the alien draining the entire star system of Void Energy. He could feel something being drawn out from deep within and he knew the creature had to be stopped!
The 1st Race entity tried to take over the alien ship that appeared in slice 225 - 508, 279, 351. However the 1st Race entity soon found itself being consumed by the alien – so he retreated and ordered his servants to destroy it. The Entity realized the same thing that Adapa had realized and directed his warships to use their thermo nuclear weapons to remove the infestation.
The Scout ship that was not been detected in System 135 - 508, 279, 351 drained the two stars and planets in that system of living energy. It was scanning the surrounding systems looking for more food when it received multiple distress calls from two of the four Scout ships. It chose incorrectly and went to Adapa's system. Adapa dispatched it with precision. The Alien would not consume any more stars or planets in this galaxy!
Chapter - 14
Eden established a tactical overwatch so Sinai could board the Alien vessel. Sinai took her Spec War Team with her which was a wise decision. Because the robot soldiers on the Alien Scout ship attacked her as soon as her yacht landed in the cavernous maw of the Scout Ship’s docking bay. The robot soldiers assumed the Spec War Troopers – who appeared to be similar in appearance to the 4th Race survey party that boarded their ship prior to departure – could be dealt with in the same manner. They were sadly mistaken. Within 2.6 seconds the Spec War Team counter ambushed the Aliens and decimated them with massive – far superior fire power.
“This landing bay is now secure ma'am.” The Spec War Captain reported.
“Thank you Captain.” Sinai responded.
“You are welcome ma'am – may I suggest that we accompany you?” The Captain said and then asked.
“That will not be necessary Captain – I need you to hold this landing bay and protect my yacht.” Sinai ordered.
“Copy that – we shall hold this landing bay and protect your yacht.” The Captain replied as he signaled his team to take up defensive positions around Sinai's yacht.
Sinai had to admit she liked these Union Navy Spec War Troopers. They were Navy all the way! Sinai's Combat Gym Suit (CGS) had been modified to include additional heavy body armor, twin blue beam pistols in a pistol belt around the apparent waist of the CGS and a blue beam rifle in a special scabbard arranged on the back of the CGS. She also carried ancient conventional automatic pistols and mini grenades. Though she could down load into another CGS – she did not want to have to set up another load carrying harness. She realized she should order all of her CGSs from now on this way – so she put in an order for 6 more to the LSB at SH-1.
Sinai had explored two giant halls before she found a member of the 4th Race! She was astonished. The 4th Race – this ship had come from the Twin galaxy! There was something about this giant ship that Sinai did not like – but she could not put her finger on it.
“Lili – Sinai” Sinai called.
“Go ahead Sinai” Lili responded.
“Ma'am – there is a 4th Race corpse onboard this giant alien ship.” Sinai reported.
“Fourth Race–” Lili began.
“Yes ma'am the ship had robot soldiers that attacked us as soon as we set foot in the cavernous docking bay. The wounds on the Fourth Race survey party team leader are consistent with the weapons that the robot soldiers used against us.” Sinai continued.
“Sinai does the Fourth Race survey party team leader have a PDIT?” Lili asked.
“Just a moment” Sinai answered as she checked under the corpse's body “Yes ma'am it does.” Sinai answered.
“Gather it up and exit the ship. Destroy the giant ship completely – leave nothing – vaporize it with your ancient weapons!” Lili ordered.
“Yes ma'am” Sinai said as she picked up the survey party team leader's PDIT.
Her Spec War Troopers were glad to see her as she approached the massive docking bay.
“Captain – we are leaving.” Sinai said.
“Yes ma'am – this place does not feel right.” Her Spec War Team leader said.
They boarded her yacht and lifted off without delay. Sinai had not noticed – but her yacht and her team – were being drained of power! Eden had also not noticed the star in this system was no longer producing light!
Sinai relayed Lili's orders to Eden. As soon as Sinai's yacht entered her landing bay Eden began cutting the alien ship into pieces. She fired a full broadside at the alien ship with her black beam weapons. It took her longer to cut this ship up than any other ship she had ever encountered before.
They both fired their ancient thermo nuclear weapons at the pieces of the alien ship. Within 10 standard core minutes – the alien ship was vaporized. Sinai fired her blue beam weapons into the expanding gas cloud for another 6 standard core minutes to ensure nothing remained.
“That should do it Sis.” Eden said.
“Did you notice the star in this system went dark while I was inside the alien ship?” Sinai asked.
“No – I was too busy watching the alien ship to notice the star.” Eden reported.
“Did you notice your power cores have been drained?” Eden asked.
“NO – I did not – that explains why we did not like the feel of that ship! It was draining us of power!” Sinai said.
“We need to go home – now.” Sinai said.
“Agreed,” Eden said.
Sinai and Eden instantly disappeared and reappeared in Landing Zone - 7 of SH-1. Sentry-1 greeted them and had tanker power station ships standing by at their piers to recharge them. Eden and Sinai then flew over to Lili’s hull – in a shuttle provided by Sentry-1, so their yachts could also be recharged – to conduct their AAR with her.
Chapter - 15
In helping Sinai redesign the tactical harness of her CGS – Max realized he did not understand physical forces. Sinai recommended he take a basic Engineering Physics class followed by Engineering Mechanics - Statics and Dynamics and then Strength of Materials. So Max began a 6th Race Engineering self-paced study course.
This recommendation would provide dividends over and over again in the coming years. In fact Max thanked Sinai every time he saw her. He would ask her questions and she took the time to answer them. Sinai obtained her dual Doctorate Degrees in Electrical and Mechanical Engineering before she graduated from the Union Naval Academy. So it was a simple matter for her to help Max - especially since she had already taken every course in the self-paced engineering curriculum.
Max could look at an object now and visualize a free body diagram that depicted all of the forces and moments acting on the object or could act upon the object. Max began to study Material Science in parallel with the Strength of Materials class. Since Max had solved the MRB programming problem he able to retask them for any purpose. Thus Max had been entrusted with a complete set of MRBs to use for design and prototype work in the Starship Yard engineering design offices and proto-type labs. All Max had to do was provide the design program and the raw materials and his lab MRBs would build anything he needed.
Max tasked his lab MRBs to build the testing machines and ovens that were depicted in the Strength of Materials and Material Science course videos. If the devices were available – he ordered them from the LSBs. Max was close to several breakthroughs in Material Science that when made would revolutionize the technology of the 6th Race.
Sinai enjoyed talking to Max and working with him. She found herself wishing her companion was creative like Max. Her companion was intelligent – however he was too much like Sinai – logical and grounded. Whereas Max was an Engineer – Androlees was a scientist without imagination. He could solve any problem – if given enough time to try every possible solution. His inability to guess – prevented him from using iterative mathematical algorithms - however if you set up the problem he would find the correct answer.
Fortunately for Androlees – Sinai loved him and saw no reason to change him. Eventually
he would work for Max in the new 6th Race Engineering Directorate. He would become a wizard with the 6th Race design tools and at Max's suggestion he would also begin to study Engineering. In time he would become Max's trusted left arm as M-14 was his right.
Chapter - 16
Lili read the data that Sinai recovered on the 4th Race survey team leaders PDIT after she reviewed Eden and Sinai's reports. She was astonished by the sheer size of the alien vehicle. There was something odd about the ship. Lili did not realize what it was that made her feel uncomfortable looking at the video Sinai recorded until she read the information that the 4th Race survey team leader had gathered! The alien ship was alive! It was a biological entity!
Union Ships of the Line: The Return of Adapa Page 3
