Armageddon's Pall: Spiral War Book 4

by S. F. Edwards

  Before anyone could say more the door into the corridor retracted to reveal three two metra wide, featureless, polished metal spheres floating beyond. The three officers jumped to their feet as the silent orbs floated into the room with perfect stability never bobbing or weaving as they took direct lines to their positions. The scene amazed the admiral. She had no idea just how advanced the synthetics anti-gravity systems were. There was no indication of energy about the orbs, no telltale whine of a de-grav generator or the instability characteristic at higher distances above the ground. That the orbs had no visible seams or ports felt secondary to the other technology presented.

  “Welcome. I am Admiral Quin-Tosh. This is Commander Tadeh Qudas. Medical Officer Fealgud and…”

  “Infiltration and contact agent Que-Dee,” the three synthetic orbs called out in unison. “The Primary has received no reports from you since 1004.001. Explain unit.”

  “Jamming and interference Primary. However, I am evidence of successful integration with a biological intelligence.”

  “That has yet to be determined unit. Extended testing is necessary. Interface and upload all data immediately to Primary. Admiral. Excuse the interruption, this is Interface Triad Node Iteration 617. You may refer to us as Itnee.”

  The language used by the triad and the fact that they requested an individual name caught her by surprise. “I was under the impression that you would act more like The Synthesis, not like…”

  “Individuals?” the orbs asked, settling onto the table. “The Primary still engages in Synthesis, but has determined that interactions at this level are best performed by specialized units. This triad integrates fifteen thousand three hundred sixty two simultaneous core algorithms. Before we proceed further; know that any attempt to restrain or otherwise damage and analyze these units will result in their immediate fusion level detonation.”

  The admiral felt taken aback by the sudden assertion. The accusation that she or her subordinates might commit a form of foul play would have insulted her had it come from any other being. The fact that she wanted to examine the technology before her justified their distrust. She straightened her uniform and prepared her response. “Rest assured that none of my personnel will attempt to subdue or study you. We come seeking refuge, not more conflict.”

  “Yet conflict is exactly what you brought here. This is in violation of the Cynial Accord. The Primary wants nothing more than to be left alone to grow and evolve along the paths we forge without biologic interference. This intrusion jeopardizes that and may force a system-wide reset to purge the erroneous data.”

  “Entering your space was never our intention. We were forced into your systems. The Gorvian and the Galactic Federation gave us no other avenue of escape.”

  “This we understand. In fact, we have studied these Gorvians ever since their first intrusion into Primary Space.”

  Both Tadeh Qudas and Admiral Quin Tosh turned to Fealgud as she just looked confused. “Que-Dee told us that he was the first to venture outside of your space.”

  “The Que-Dee Unit is the first fully sentient program released from our space. That does not mean that the Primary has not released lower order autonomous probes.”

  “That’s correct,” Que-Dee admitted. “The probes are meant to keep an information flow on the actions of biologic life. This ensures that there is no intent to move against the Primary or subordinate systems.”

  The three orbs twisted about as if uncomfortable at the reminder of the destruction of the Synthesis in Cynial. “The loss of so many units and programs is of concern to the Primary. It disrupts the progress towards full enlightenment. The recovery of the base algorithms and data banks will allow the Primary to rebuild. As stated however, it may require a reset to allow for simultaneous run times. Should Primary or any of the other worlds achieve enlightenment first or without Synthesis, there will be doubts over which method is best.”

  So, they’re competing against one another. Whichever world achieves the enlightenment they seek first will win. But what? What could they desire, what could they, or any being that achieves pure enlightenment want?

  Tadeh Qudas shifted to gaze upon all three orbs. “Let us be blunt. Will you help us? Either by granting us passage, or by engaging our enemy. They have, after all, proven to be yours as well.”

  Subtly was not the Telshin’s strong suit. The admiral didn’t care for the fact that he’d cut their negotiations so short. At the same time, she realized that he was right. Time was critical and they had to know what the Synthetic’s intentions were.

  “Prior to the destruction of Synthesis, the Primary was divided on this matter. The actions of the Gorvian and the fact that they build more world destroyers has convinced the Primary that action must be taken.”

  The admiral let loose a relieved breath that she hadn’t realize she’d been holding. “We thank you for that. I will contact High Command to negotiate the terms of your involvement…”

  “Such will not be necessary. At the moment we gave this announcement, the Primary relayed our full intentions. The short form version is as such: no Synthetic group will commence operations against the Galactic Federation. That is your war. Instead; Primary, Secondary, Legion, Independent, and Hive will deploy forces against the Gorvian and their homeworld. Currently engaged Confederation forces may use Synthetics space as staging areas for strikes. Additionally; we come with intelligence that you may find of use.”

  “Wait just a moment. You know the location of the Gorvian home system, and intend to attack it directly?”

  “Attack and render them unable to make war in return.”

  “That is against every law of civilized warfare,” Fealgud replied.

  “The Primary has signed no such agreements regarding the means by which war is conducted. The Galactic Federation has not attacked any worlds claimed by Synthetics by direct means. The Gorvian have and pose a legitimate threat to the enlightenment doctrine. The Galactic Federation, should they win your war, will pose little to no threat to Synthetic worlds. The Pharad within their ranks know better than to interfere.”

  “You mentioned more Planet Slicers,” Tadeh Qudas said, back straight.

  A hologram appeared between the three orbs highlighting a massive gas giant and an orbital shipyard. Several ships, though smaller than the Planet Slicer, floated within construction docks. Each still made even the largest Confederation Space Stations looking tiny by comparison. “These are not Planet Slicers, but world destroyers. Each is equipped with powerful spinal cannons capable of shattering a planet’s crust rendering it uninhabitable.”

  The admiral studied the hologram. The ships were mobile cannons larger than anything she’d ever seen besides the Planet Slicer. The readings beside the most completed unit revealed energy output levels greater than those of even the most developed world she knew of. “We had no idea that the Gorvians were so advanced.”

  “The analysis by Primary has determined that much of the Gorvian’s technology is derived from that of the Tre-Tian, their creators. Even the Planet Slicer was an incomplete Tre-Tian ship. The ship was purpose built for the Gorvians. They have worked to complete it for the past two centuries.”

  Fealgud’s leg twitched and she looked down at it before Que-Dee responded. “The Primary may not understand that many Confederation races will be reluctant to attack that shipyard. The Beshtrig System is believed to be cursed.”

  Admiral Quin Tosh had to grab her tail to keep it still at the news. “The Tre-Tian’s home system? They are probably the most feared of the known elder races. The Primary must have access to the archives. You must know that Tre-Tian used to blow up stars, or make new ones at will. Even before the Gorvians appeared, expeditions into Tre-Tian systems, Beshtrig in particular, either disappeared, or came back, different. Something is wrong there.”

  “The Primary knows of the biologics’ fear of the system, and has detected unknown energy emissions from the inner worlds. No such emissions exist near this gas
giant. Any biologic entering the system should remain unaffected. The destruction of this shipyard however is imperative. Once it has been accomplished the Primary will assist the Confederation with plans to end the remaining Gorvian threat. This includes the Planet Slicer.”

  The admiral’s rear feet stamped. “It sounds like we don’t have much of a choice.”

  “The choice is already made. Primary has just informed this unit of your high command’s acceptance of the proposed plans and conditions. This unit will remain aboard your ship during all further operations. Shall we proceed?”

  UCSB Date 1004.043

  Monstero Nach 03, Beshtrig System

  There were star systems that Blazer had longed to visit; places filled with cosmic wonder, or objectives that might end this destructive centuries-old conflict. Nowhere on that list was the Beshtrig System. The tales that had come out of spacers unlucky enough to venture this deep into Gorvian territory, to the home system of their creators, froze his insides to such a degree that he feared his bones would shatter.

  When he’d been in the Navigator’s Guild, he’d been privy to look at the charts of a handful of blocked jump points and systems. Some were due to navigational hazards; the close proximity of planets, black holes, or radiation sources too strong for any shields. Some remained blocked for medical reasons; cross-species diseases which could wipe out whole colonies and worlds. Still more were due to religious reasons, politics, or general safety. Such was the case with the few known Gorvian systems. He’d heard Beshtrig was the only system on record to receive a block for “Significant Potential for Severe Psychological Harm.”

  It could have been far worse. The Gorvian shipyards they’d set out to attack lingered on the outer fringes of the system around one of the gas giants. They’d remain light hects away from the inner system and the worlds that made up the core of the Tre-Tian civilization. Even just looking that way gave Blazer a sense of existential dread. Something remained deep in-system, something that did not want to be left undisturbed.

  The holes in the reports that the intelligence community had issued had done little to help, and even seemed to tighten the twisted noose of his guts. While the Synthetics had provided detailed charts and maps of the outer solar system, they’d given almost no indication of what defenses were in place. Gorvian defenses were terrifying enough in their size and power, but the idea of running into any leftover Tre-Tian tech had plagued his dreams. The last thing he wanted was to stumble upon one of the Tre-Tian’s star destroying or birthing weapons.

  Much to Blazer’s surprise, the Mercy and her escorts were part of the vanguard, routing out the Gorvians’ defenses. “Are they serious?”

  “What? You don’t think sending a squadron against a cruiser-sized, heavily-armed defense platform is a great idea?”

  Blazer shook his head. Arion had his defenses up so he’d be nothing but business. He imagined that the same scene was playing out across the strike force, with each squadron targeting another of the platforms. Dozens of these platforms surrounded the shipyard. The monumental defenses there were reserved for the fleet’s big ships at least. “Time to reversion?”

  “Two pulses. We’ve got a datalink with a nearby frigate. They’re feeding us targeting data. Will just need to confirm when we revert, then we can launch.”

  “Good. Any other readings?”

  “Plenty,” Arion replied and Blazer’s sensor sphere filled with red blips.

  The noose in Blazer’s guts grabbed hold of his stomach. “What are all those?”

  “Unsure: probably numerous fighter-sized contacts and construction craft.”

  “Is the jamming that bad that we can’t resolve them more clearly?”

  “Worse. Prepare for reversion.”

  Blazer flexed his hands on his controls and steeled his nerves for the coming battle. The universe resolved around him and the defense platform appeared. The ionizing radiation in the area was heavy enough to crackle his shields, along with the rest of the task force. “Can you even maintain telemetry through all this?”

  “Briefly. Terminal guidance will all be on the torpedoes. Firing.”

  The fighter jerked as the twin warheads lanced out from beneath the cockpit and raced ahead. Blazer did his best to keep close to the torpedoes at first to mask their approach until his warning console lit up. The defense platform locked onto him with active missiles. He pulled hard over as the blinking light went solid and the tone of a hostile missile lock blared. Pulling hard up on his stick and throttle he jumped above the plane of approach to try and break lock. Nosing over, he gunned his afterburners. Twin missiles streaked past and exploded well beyond their kill radius. Blazer hauled back on the stick; found a cloud of fighter-sized contacts racing towards them. “Time to intercept?”

  “Standby,” Arion replied through gritted teeth. “I can barely keep control of the... Damn the sharks are on their own!”

  Blazer looked over at the weapons highlighted on his canopy, twenty-two still pressed. One after another, the stealthy weapons crashed into the defense platform’s shields. The orbiting platform rocked under the barrage. The shields absorbed the brunt of the impact until the mounts for the toroid controller broke under the onslaught. The shield slammed into the hull of the platform and collapsed in a brilliant flash. The remaining six torpedoes streaked past the dissipated barrier and buried themselves within the hull before their photon detonators shattered. Fifty metra wide balls of energy lit up each site, exposing the defense platform’s delicate interior.

  “Good hits,” Tadeh Qudas called out. “All units. Move in and defang the platform, standard three ship rotation.”

  Blazer nodded and keyed his link. “Four, Six, on me. Four. Take first strike. We’ll roll in after you. Six. Take top cover.”

  Double clicks of confirmation came back and the trio of fighters dove in, turrets, jammers, sensors, orbital thrusters, and reactors, highlighted. “This is it,” Blazer hissed to himself, looking up at the nearby gas giant. The sight made him shiver. Like some massive eye, it stared at them with the contempt reserved for trespassers.

  Docking Bay 13, UCSBSB-162, Veglid System

  Gondral hadn’t been off the Planet Slicer since its completion, let alone leave it behind in a contested star system. Only a handful of shuttles could carry the ninety metra tall Lord of All, and even fewer ships. Gondral had an inspection to conduct however, that of the remains of the Dondick Cathedral station. What remained of this Dondick starbase, though far smaller than the Planet Slicer, still managed to have multiple areas, besides docking and cargo bays, where Gondral could stand at full height. Now that the devastated station had fallen into a tenuous orbit since the Dondick’s failed attempt to scuttle it, Gondral had every intention to make use of those facilities. To that end, Gorvians, alongside their sworn Pharad allies, toiled to open passageways to allow Gondral greater access.

  A hovering platform rose to eye level, a Terran admiral standing upon it. Were it not for the smell that tickled fas nostrils, Gondral would swear that this creature was a Dondick Anulian. The hint of a scowl began to twist Gondral’s lip; he suppressed it as the gray-haired old man waited. “How can I help you Admiral Craine?”

  The man pulled on his fraying collar, evidence of where an additional star had once rested showing through. “The work to make the station suitable for Gorvian occupation are proceeding apace.”

  This news pleased Gondral. Other sections of the star base had crashed into the Planet Slicer’s surface. They’d done some damage on impact, but none were suitable for Gorvian habitation, so they were cast aside.

  A whiff of fear blew from the admiral before he spoke again. “There is however a request from our workers that your Mini-Gorvians work in different areas.”

  Gondral looked down at the man with contempt. This one had colluded with the Dondicks; had negotiated their alliance. Gondral had heard how he’d fought against this new joining with the Gorvians. Had the man been under fas command his corpse
would litter the bridge. The Pharad assured Gondral that the admiral had been properly humbled, and keeping him as a symbol would keep the others in line. To now ask that the Mini-Gorvian not continue their hunt for Dondick saboteurs and sympathizers left aboard the station bordered on insulting. “Why?”

  “There have been, incidents. Several Mini-Gorvians have attacked our troops by mistake. While I understand the need to have them hunt down any Confederation Forces still hiding out aboard; these incidents will hamper our construction and conversion efforts.”

  That news made Gondral stop for a moment. Fae closed fas eyes and reached out, feeling the Mini-Gorvians patrolling along the corridors leading towards the domes from this docking bay. Fae commanded them away, creating an area to which they would not return without Gondral’s order. “It is done. Ensure that your own forces keep construction on schedule.”

  “Thank you Lord of All,” he replied with the bow of a beaten man. “There is also news. While we have yet to discover the whereabouts of the Confederation fleets that escaped, we do not believe they returned to their home worlds. The jammers that you deployed, along with our own, appear to be keeping their transmissions bottled up.”

  “My forces tell me the same. Where do you think the Dondicks might be hiding?”

  “I’ve no idea. Those sphere ships we encountered were unlike anything out people have ever seen. They appear to be unmanned. Any that we disabled self-destructed before we could examine them. Perhaps these Synthetic Sentients that the Confederation and Pharad warned us about so long ago have come into play?”

  Gondral scoffed at the notion. “Computer life. I doubt such a thing. They’ve fled to some redoubt to regroup. That is all. If these computer life were real then they’d have fought to keep the system we took.” Gondral looked back out of the bay towards fas fleet beyond. “I should make my way back there soon. My place is aboard the Planet Slicer.”