The Definitive SpaceFed Trilogy (SpaceFed StarShips Trilogy).: A thrilling, action-packed Sci-fi space adventure. (SpaceFed StarShips Series Book 8)

by Gerry A. Saunders

  “I am Captain Frank Richardson, OIC of section seventeen, of Earth fleet 21.”

  Frank's captains looked slightly bewildered, at this statement. But, of course, the Crillon couldn't see their reactions.

  'Very impressive Frank,' came Andromeda's voice in his implant.

  'Keep with me,' he thought.

  “I assume, by the voice time delay, that your computers are doing the translation, Commander Tripicac.”

  “Yes, we are not personally able to translate yet,” he stopped, then continued. “We have seen your report on Commander Tarcan, and Commander Arans.”

  The continuing delays in translation on both sides were slightly frustrating but necessary. Finally realising the Crillon captain, had stopped talking. Frank replied.

  “Yes, they were lucky that we decided to help them on their way home,” he said, stopping for a second.

  “We are not killers, unlike your race, it seems. And, it is with regret that we have now had to destroy five of your ships. So far,” he emphasised.

  “But we had no option. This star system and its planets are protected by our federation. Take note, there will be more ships joining us soon.”

  'Careful Frank,' Andromeda advised.

  “Unless, of course,” he said, pausing again. “We decide that we don't need them now.”

  “I see,” the Crillon replied softly. “Can you get us home, captain?”

  Frank paused and thought carefully for a moment, before replying. “Well, it’s possible the wormhole might re-establish itself. But am I right in sensing that you couldn’t jump back to the wormhole now, even if it did return?”

  “Yes, unfortunately, you are right in that, captain. If you hadn’t come, we would have eventually fully grown our new crystals. But that’s irrelevant now. I suppose they've been destroyed, haven’t they?”

  “No. Not yet,” Frank assured him.

  “So, what now?” Tripicac asked, looking a little brighter.

  Frank looked long and hard at the Crillon's image and thought. ‘Yes indeed. What should we do?'

  'If you’re asking me,' Andromeda remarked. 'You know, as well as I do that if we hadn’t arrived, they would have obliterated everything on this planet when they left.’

  'I know, he agreed, nodding his head. ‘It makes me want to blast them to kingdom come.’

  'But, you can't. Can you?’

  ‘No.’

  'Then the answer must be obvious to you.’

  'You needn’t think you’re too smart for me Andromeda.’

  'Sorry, couldn't help it.’

  'She really is getting more human,' he thought quietly to himself.

  'I can still hear you if I want.’

  He smiled. ‘Ok, then we'd better get back to the problem at hand.’

  “Commander Tripicac, I need to confer with my ships. Please wait a moment.” Tripicac's image reduced to an icon.

  “Any suggestions?” Frank asked his captains.

  “We could leave them here,” Derrick proposed.

  “What, so they can finish growing the warp crystals? I’d send them back to Zeta Reticuli,” said Tony.

  “Then what?” Frank asked.

  “Well, we do have a stealth drone there,” Barry pointed out. “It would be better if they were there than here.”

  “That’s true,” Andromeda remarked, “But are you forgetting that they’re growing crystals for seven ships?”

  “No, I hadn’t forgotten. But now there are only two ships,” Derrick replied. Pointing out the obvious.

  “Yes,” Andromeda said. “Which also means. If they’re allowed to continue growing the existing batch, they’ll soon have four warp crystals for each ship.

  If their crystals are as good as ours, they should then have a hundred and sixty light-years quota for each crystal. Giving them more than enough quota for the six hundred light-years journey back to their planet.”

  “I see what you’re saying,” said Frank. Yes, it would definitely be a safer bet for us to send them back.”

  Then he continued. “Remember what Arans said when we sent him back. About how he would try to change the mindset of his Senate regarding us.

  Well, this would definitely help Arans in his quest. But with only six hundred and forty light-years per ship maximum. There isn’t much margin for error. It’s risky,” Frank finished.

  “Yes, it might be a bit too close,” Harry agreed.

  “True. But maybe we could save some of their jump quota if two of our ships were able to create the wormhole for their first jump to the Zeta Reticuli section!” Derrick said. “We've done it before.”

  “That’s not strictly correct,” Andromeda replied. “I did it, for Arans. But I don't know how I did it.”

  She stopped. Her ‘thought’ processing circuits whizzing a moment, then continued.

  “So, I’ll have to try to create both wormholes myself, but separately. Generating the second one, after I’ve recharged my jump coil.”

  “That’s excellent Andromeda. Then, that's what we'll do,” exclaimed Frank.

  “OK, restore the connection, Andromeda.”

  On the screen, the Crillon captain's icon reverted to his live image. “Well, Commander Tripicac, we appear to have come up with a plan to get you home.”

  Tripicac almost stuttering with relief, said. “What are you proposing, captain?”

  “You have eight warp crystals being grown at present, yes?”

  “Indeed.”

  “Then, what we are going to propose, is subject to us having your full co-operation. Do we have it?”

  “Yes, you have it,” interrupted Tripicac excitedly.

  “OK,” Frank said. While thinking, ’Wow, they really are in a mess.’

  “Then, when your crystals are fully grown you'll have four for each ship.

  Giving each ship about six hundred and forty light-years’ quota, I believe.”

  “Yes, but we cannot be sure of the amount at this stage. The crystals are being grown under abnormal conditions.”

  “We understand. However, if we create the two wormholes for the first jump to Zeta Reticuli, then the natural wormhole can take you the rest of the way.

  But if the wormhole hasn’t reinstated, then you’ll have to create the wormholes yourselves, and hope that the warp-crystals will suffice.”

  Tripicac turned his head to listen to someone else, then asked.

  “My science officer wants to know how you can create wormholes for us. Our ships can only generate their own wormholes, by using warp-crystals.”

  “I'm afraid that information is classified.”

  “I understand. What else?” Tripicac asked.

  “We have a device at Zeta Reticuli, which is monitoring the area around the defunct wormhole. So, when you go to Zeta, two of our ships will also accompany you there in case you need help.”

  “And to make sure we go, I assume,” Tripicac said, with what might have passed as a smile.

  “Next?”

  Frank looked sternly at Tripicac. “Before we agree to help you. I want you to contact your people at the four industrial compounds where you are growing the crystals.

  I want you to order them not to engage our Marines when they arrive. Order your people to give up their arms to them. And, to help with completing the growth of the eight warp core crystals. They will not be harmed; you have my word.”

  “Then I see no problem, captain.”

  “Good, do it now, please.”

  “I’m doing it now captain.”

  “Good. You'll also need to make sure your food stocks are enough to last you for at least three months.”

  “We have plenty of food. I'm afraid we've already taken more than we should have,” Tripicac replied.

  Another face suddenly replaced Tripicac’s. It was the other ship's Commander Bovonivo, of CS 13. “We accept your word captain, and no one will give you any trouble. They have been ordered to hand all of their weapons to your people.”

>   “Very well,” Frank said. “Close the connection, Andromeda.”

  Chapter 24

  The Industrial Compounds.

  “Susanna, please ask Brendereen and Acarea to meet the force-crafts and to help them where possible.

  I think you should also make drone 23 visible. That should increase the Crillons confidence in us.”

  “Yes Frank, I'm on it.”

  “OK. Harry? Time to go. You heard the Crillon commander. Hopefully, they’re not as bloodthirsty as we thought. Oh, and the inhabitants are our race, treat them with respect.”

  “Yes, captain. Most of the Marines and technicians are where they should be, and Andromeda's given us Brendereen's transceiver location code, so we'll be leaving in five minutes.”

  “Excellent. Let’s start building bridges.”

  Looking down over the ridge, Brendereen and Acarea could see the Atreen industrial compound laid out before them.

  Studying the complex through their spyglass, they could clearly see the Crillons coming out of buildings and placing their weapons in a pile on the ground. Some went back inside the crystal growing plant. While the remainder stood around looking skywards.

  “Well,” Acarea said in disbelief. “They're all putting down their weapons!”

  “Then maybe, it is over?” Bren said.

  “I hope so,” Acarea replied.

  Nearly ten minutes had passed. When they noticed, a sleek gold looking ship drift down into low orbit, then seemingly hover in place.

  “It's beautiful. It must be them!” Acarea said in delight.

  Moments later, stealth drone 23 shimmered into full view. Landed just five metres from them, and stood on its short, chunky legs.

  Then, four shiny looking objects rapidly descended from the golden ship. Coming to rest, in a group on the ground, about a hundred metres away from Brendereen and Acarea.

  They were force-craft; Oval shaped, multi-faceted platforms, measuring about four by six metres. With force field emitters around the side.

  Two people emerged from the closest force-craft, through a ‘break’ in its field. Through the shimmering wall of the craft’s force-field, they could see three or more people in body armour.

  As the two approached, it was clear that one was military. The other, a woman. She was dressed in a loose-fitting white top and dark blue trousers, a tightly pulled waist belt, emphasizing her curvy body. A side arm and dark grey looking box on her belt were the only items she carried.

  Brendereen and Acarea stared at her intently; She stared back at them, looking very pleased indeed.

  “Hello, I'm Susanna,” the woman said as she touched a small silver box on her belt. Then extended her hand to Bren.

  “Blimey!” he exclaimed. Ignoring her hand, he hugged her for a moment, then blushed as he pulled back. “Sorry, I'm just ecstatic.”

  “So am I,” Susanna said as Acarea put her hand on hers, “At last we meet, face to face.”

  “You are pregnant Susanna?”

  “Yes!” she said. “You sensed it, didn’t you?”

  “Yes, and when you arrived in our system. I sensed a feeling of joy if that doesn’t sound silly.”

  “Not at all, we all feel things that we have no explanation for. It’s what we call, a sixth sense.”

  “True. When our city Hero was destroyed, many years ago, we both sensed the survivors coming towards us. But when your drone was near, the feeling was much stronger,” Acarea replied.

  “That’s probably more to do with your implants,” Susanna replied.

  “But now, we must get on with the task of ridding us all the Crillons, she added.

  Please come with us, you have more knowledge of the design of the compound than we do. You'll also be able to help make your people understand that we are their people also.”

  “Of course,” they replied smiling. At the same time, feeling important.

  “I'll go in FC2,” said the marine captain.

  “Thanks,” Susanna said appreciatively, adding. “Bren, we also have several armed stealth drones in easy reach. If we need them.”

  The field intensity of the force-craft reduced. Enabling them to step on the platform, which moved slightly, as the lower placed field emitters took up the imbalance of weight.

  Once inside, Bren and Acarea said hello to everyone else and were pleasantly surprised that they could understand them.

  Seeing their slightly perplexed look, Susanna said, “We all have a translator,” pointing to the dark grey boxes which everyone had on their belts. “It provides an almost instantaneous translation of the Human, Pavonis, and Crillon languages.”

  “We haven't got one!” Bren said. “But, we can still understand you. How?”

  “Because it’s coming from us to you through your implants. Remember, we had to 'tweak' your transceiver a little.”

  Then pointing to the spare seats in the centre of the platform, Susanna said, “Sit, please.”

  “Yes, I do remember now. Say no more,” Bren replied as he sat down.

  The four force-craft rose high into the air, with their small fusion reactors pushing them quickly towards the industrial park.

  Bren wondered who was piloting their force-craft, then realised that the pilot, only had to ‘think’ his destination, using his transceiver implant.

  ‘Mm,’ he thought. ‘That would be very handy for us.’

  As they approached the industrial park, Bren saw one Marine touching a small computer pad on his arm, so figured he must be the craft’s pilot.

  The four ‘force-craft’ landed at Atreen’s industrial park without incident. But quite near to a single Crillon shuttle.

  The shuttle was different from the shuttles Bren, and Acarea had seen on the Crillons first visit. Bren shuddered, remembering that it was here that he had witnessed a Crillon turning one of his own people into red mist.

  He pushed that thought to the back of his mind and followed the others out of the force-craft.

  Once outside, he counted a lot more Marines in black body armour. The armour seeming to have a slight pale blue halo around it. The Marines had a gold crest on one shoulder, and each was carrying, what looked to him, like a heavy assault rifle. All, held at the ready.

  ‘I wouldn’t want to argue with them,' he thought.

  Susanna, Brendereen, and Acarea, together with the Marines from their craft, headed for the building where the crystals were being grown.

  Bren couldn't help thinking that Susanna, strutting out in front, looked like a gun-toting Annie Oakley of bygone times. “Go get them, girl,” he muttered, under his breath.

  He got a sharp tap from Acarea that brought him back to the now.

  Then, stealth drone 23 shimmered into full view as it touched down. Up close, looking more dangerous than anything the Crillons had ever seen.

  The other Marines split into groups, with four staying to guard the force-crafts. The others started checking the Crillon shuttle and found it empty. Then, after checking the pile of Crillon weapons they began telling the Crillons the ‘Good’ news, and how everything was going to happen.

  Inside the building, Susanna saw the two crystal growing machines sitting in a vast open area.

  ‘Very impressive,’ she remarked to herself. Then said, “Captain are you confident that this site is secure?”

  “As far as we can tell, at the moment,” he said. “My men have checked the shuttle. Secured their weapons, and informed the Crillons about what’s going to happen. The other Marines are doing a sweep.”

  “Good,” she replied. Then called Andromeda, via stealth drone 23's communication’s relay.

  “Hello Susanna,” came Andromeda's voice, “I see you’re ready for the rest of the boys. They’re on the way.”

  “Good. Ask them to keep in contact, just in case.”

  “Understood. Ned and Mark are champing at the bit.”

  “I bet they are.”

  “They'll be with you in nine minutes, twenty-five seconds exact
ly.”

  “As long as they get here fast, that’s fine.”

  “Point taken. Call if you need anything, another baby perhaps.” Andromeda joked. Then she was gone.

  'I'm sure she's getting paranoid over me,' Susanna thought.

  Then, said out loud. “We'll have a look at the crystals before my colleagues arrive.”

  At the controls of each crystal-growing machine sat a Crillon and a Pavonisien, both wearing white overalls. The Crillon stood up and walked away as Susanna's party approached. She motioned for him to return to his seat.

  “We are technicians,” explained the Crillon, through the supplied translator.

  “No harm will come to any of you,” Susanna assured him. “As long as you all want to live peacefully and see you’re your home planet again!”

  “We do,” he replied. Looking at her speculatively. She was; he understood a female of the species. He was unsure of what he was dealing with. “May I ask, are you in charge?”

  “I am at present.” Then, feeling hate building up in Bren; she put her hand on his. Releasing her hand as his anger subsided. “Relax Bren.”

  “Does it bother you, that, I’m a female?”

  “No. It's just that on our home planet Crilla, they aren’t allowed to fight. They are only necessary to life.”

  “We human females are also essential to life. But we have a say in how we live it.”

  “Yes, we do!” Acarea agreed.

  Chapter 25

  Complications.

  Two of the Marines started to search the rest of the building with portable scanners, looking for hidden Crillons, and any booby-trap devices.

  By the time, they had given the all-clear. Mark, Ned and three other technicians complete with their tech boxes, had landed in another force-craft and came hurrying into the machine area.