“Well, at least we’re in. Let’s get this plate welded back up.”
After a half hour of attempts, Humphrey set down the plasma torch. “I can’t get this thing to seal.”
Jasper turned, ripping the closet door from its hinges. “Here, tack this down over it. Improvise, it’s the name of the game.”
Humphrey began his work. “Remind me to never try to lock you in a room, Mr. Collins.”
Jasper shrugged. “Simple problems call for simple solutions.”
When the welding was complete, attention was turned to restoring the air pressure in the room. Directions were given to a control panel beside the sealed bulkhead door. A hissing could be heard getting louder through their helmets as the room filled with breathable air. A clank and a green light indicated the door could be opened. Jasper reached for the handle.
Chapter 5
*
The bulkhead door opened into a dimly lit hallway. Humphrey Mallot was the first to move forward. After a short, slow walk, the end of the hall was reached.
Jasper said, “To the left is storage. The right has the reactor and crew quarters.”
Humphrey replied, “On the Rogers, food was in the storage to the left. I might be tempted to set up house there if I’d been trapped here for six weeks.”
Jasper nodded. “OK, you take the back and I’ll check up here.”
Mace came over the comm. “Negative. Nobody goes it alone. If you split, two and two.”
“Fine,” said Jasper. “Hey, one of you Canucks come with me.”
Humphrey shook his head. “You Yanks and your names…”
Jasper shrugged. “You like hockey? Kanooks. Let’s go, eh.”
Johnny came over the comm. “Don’t be offended. He’s old and senile. Can’t help himself.”
Jasper began to walk down the right-hand hallway. Humphrey gestured for Francois Pellande to follow. As the two men reached the end and turned the corner, four doors were on the left side of the new hall.
Jasper pointed to the first. “Might as well start here.”
The door was slowly opened. Jasper Collins moved into the room with his Mawga plasma rifle at the ready.
Francois said, “Wouldn’t it be best to use the sword?”
Jasper laughed. “If you want to use that frog sticker, feel free. I’m not too worried about damaging this pile of junk. I’d rather shoot at them before they shoot at me.”
Johnny came over the comm. “Hey—”
Jasper sighed. “What you want now, ape-man?”
Johnny chuckled. “Was just going to tell you a new scan just finished. The bio in question should be in the next room. Mr. Mallot, you’ll want to move forward before he goes in. And Jasper, wait for the others.”
“Sorry for the ape remark. And thanks for the heads-up.”
Johnny laughed. “I know you can’t help yourself.”
The four men were soon standing outside the door in question. Jasper stood to the side as he slowly turned the handle. The door popped as it was opened. Humphrey pushed with his rifle as he peered around the doorway.
Jasper stepped through. A Kaachi crewman rushed forward, slicing hard into the rifle tip with his short sword, disabling the plasma weapon. Jasper jumped back before driving forward. An attempted stab at a critical suit joint failed. The five-foot nine-inch Human grabbed the retreating alien by his throat and sword hand, lifting him off his feet.
Jasper Collins came to a stop. “Well, hello there, little fella. You come to play?”
Mace came over the comm. “Don’t hurt him. Put him down. He might have valuable information the Mawga haven’t told us.”
Jasper scowled. “Ack. You’re taking all the fun out of an old man’s adventure.”
The remainder of the ship remnant was thoroughly searched. The stranded Kaachi crewman was taken to the storeroom, where one of the Canadians helped ferry him across to the Rogers. Jasper and Humphrey made their way to the working reactor.
Humphrey looked over the controls. “Functioning normally. Supply looks good. Output stable. Would probably run on for another year or two. Our friend had a good stockpile of food available and the water recycler in this section is still functional.”
Jasper checked a second set of monitors. “The feeds all look intact. If we can figure out how to move this beast, I think we could make use of it. Should I shut it down?”
Jeff came over the comm. “David and I are working on a solution. Without atmosphere, your suit is only good for about a half hour of air. I would leave the reactor running until we have a full plan.”
The grappling was extended, taking hold of the large remnant. A team of cutters was assembled and sent over. Interior walls and bulkheads were removed, clearing a path for the reactor’s transport. Once shut down, the atmosphere was vented and a final wall cut through. In zero gravity, the twenty-cubic-meter reactor was moved through the cutout opening without issue. The grappling released the remnant and took hold of the reactor, pulling it safely aboard the Rogers.
When the bay door had closed, Jeff stood looking at the reclaimed prize. “Seven hours. Not bad.”
David replied, “Still thinking of the old soldiers quarters for housing it?”
Jeff nodded. “We just have to figure out how to get it in there.”
Mace joined the conversation. “Can it be disassembled?”
Jeff tilted his head. “I’m concerned about doing that. This thing houses a fusion reaction. Assembly would have to be precise. If we take it apart, we risk it no longer working.”
Mace put his hand on Jeff’s shoulder. “Only costs us an unused reactor if we fail. I’d rather take a shot at that than risk compromising our bulkheads. You’ve already stated some of our bulkhead door modifications might be suspect.”
Jeff replied, “We’re taking steps to bolster those doorways, but you’re right, there is a risk. We don’t have the technology available to the Kaachi when they built this ship. Maybe the Mawga repair dock can accomplish that.”
Mace slowly shook his head. “I don’t think we’ll ever see one. That promise was made before they signed their deal with Stark. I’ll push for it, of course. Only I don’t think there’s much chance of it happening.”
The Rogers was backed away from the partial Kaachi cruiser. Twenty minutes was spent on target practice, leaving no piece larger than a football, a size the warship shielding could handle an impact from when traveling at speed.
A course was set to the remains of the next cruiser. Over the day that followed, three additional generators were salvaged with no further Kaachi rescued. The journey back to Earth took six hours. The Rogers again settled over the cave complex.
Mace walked into the conference room where the Kaachi crewman was being held. “Any luck with him?”
Johnny, Jane and Coran shook their heads.
Johnny said, “Been quiet as a mouse. Don’t think we’ll be getting much out of him.”
Mace sat in front of the Kaachi. “You have your translator running. I know you can understand me. I’ll start by saying you are our prisoner. Your fleet was soundly beaten and you were left for dead. We, you and I, don’t have to be enemies. You see, the Mawga showed up here acting like heroes, like they were only here to save the day. We don’t trust them. The timing of their arrival is a bit hard to swallow. We have a loose alliance with them right now, but I’d just as soon have an alliance with the Kaachi if it were to benefit us.”
The Kaachi sighed. “They are here for you. For Humans. They wish to have you in their armies and fleets.”
Mace leaned forward, pointing at the Kaachi and then at himself. “Now, that’s exactly what I’ve been thinking. They bombard us with magnetic waves, take out our power and comms, wait for us to self destruct, and then come in to save those who survived. And now, just as you say, they have us fighting for them. Exactly what I’ve concluded. They do have an agenda, and the agenda is us. Let me guess, your people came this way because they wanted the pri
ze Humans, too?”
The Kaachi nodded. “I only have the rumors heard from my former crewmates. And yes, our intent was to have you for ourselves, but as partners from the beginning.”
“You have a name?”
“I am called Gnaga. Gnagarian Klept. I was a reactor maintenance tech.”
Mace began to smile. “Could you take apart and reassemble one of the reactors on your ship? Is that possible?”
Gnaga nodded. “It is. I’ve done it several times during my career.”
Mace opened a comm channel. “Jeff, come up to the conference room. I may have a surprise for you.”
Several minutes later, Jeff walked through the door. “Reactor’s almost done. What’d you need?”
Mace pointed to a chair. “Jeff, this is Gnaga. Gnaga, Jeff. It seems Mr. Klept has torn down and rebuilt those reactors before. Thought you might be able to make use of his talents.”
Jeff looked straight at the Kaachi crewman. “Is he serious? You can assemble a reactor?”
Gnaga returned an uncomfortable look. “I have. I am not prepared to do so for your sake.”
Mace tapped his hand on the table. “I think you will. And here’s why: the Mawga are quickly building up a Human-run fleet. They did it first with us, but have since turned their focus to a newly-crowned Human king named Stark. Stark is eager to go out and fight the Kaachi elsewhere. We only want to defend our planet. So, you can help us to keep power, limiting the Mawga and Stark, or you can remain silent while those two team up against your people.”
Gnaga replied, “While all of that may be true. I have no way to verify it is so. I could not in good conscience assist an enemy of my people without proof you are not a true ally of the Mawga.”
Mace sat back, crossing his arms. “Understandable. At the moment they have us boxed in. If we do nothing, we’re immediately under the rule of a self-appointed king, or under the thumb of the Mawga. Perhaps you can tell me this: by what mechanism did the Mawga take out our power and communications?”
Gnaga returned a sheepish look. “I cannot answer that.”
Mace sat forward. “Why? Is it that you don’t know? Or you fear the Mawga? Because if it’s the second, you have nothing at all to worry about. We have no intention of turning you over to them.”
Johnny put his hands on the low table. “Or maybe it’s because of another reason altogether? Maybe the Kaachi are the ones who took out our power and comms? And the Mawga swept in before they were ready to take control.”
Gnaga looked away nervously.
Johnny chuckled. “Wow. You Kaachi are seriously bad at being deceitful. The magnetic and RF interference was your people’s doing, wasn’t it?”
Gnaga looked down at the floor.
Johnny turned to Mace. “If that’s so, the Mawga had to know about it all along. They’ve been lying to our faces this whole time.”
Mace clasped his hands together as he set them on the conference room table. “Is that true?”
Jane stood from her chair, drawing her short sword from its sheath. “I hear there’s a spot, just behind your ear on the back of your neck, that is extremely painful when cut. At least that’s what the Mawga trainers told us. I’ve kind of been wanting to try it out. Maybe this is a good time?”
The Kaachi crewman drew in a deep, nervous breath. Jane stepped closer, slowly swinging the tip of the sword behind the alien’s head.
She leaned forward. “You know, just a little slip and I can open that little pouch behind your ear wide. I was also told, that besides being painful, it will ruin your sense of taste and smell, making it difficult to eat your food without becoming nauseous. I’ve heard you would eventually starve yourself to death. Sounds very unpleasant.”
Gnaga replied, “The rules of the Galactic Union forbid torture in all forms.”
Johnny laughed. “Galactic Union? We aren’t members of any union. And we aren’t subjects of the Mawga. We only have an alliance, remember? Why do you think we cut loose on your cruisers in that worthless battle you fought? And come to think of it, that’s probably why the Mawga are teaming up with Stark. He can go out and fight their battles without having to follow any rules.”
Gnaga said, “If the rules are not followed, the Galactic Union will come to this planet. They have done so many times before. You have already attacked one of their members. Under the charter of the Union, they can come here themselves to set things right. You would either submit to their complete rule or be annihilated.”
Mace nodded. “First, we don’t fear the Galactic Union. We don’t want war, but we won’t be slaves either.”
Gnaga sat straight. “You should fear them. A hundred of these ships would not stand up to a single dreadnought from a founder fleet. They have wiped whole civilizations from existence over what began as petty disagreements. You should fear the Galactic Union. There is no denial of their power.”
Jordan Crawford had been standing in the room against a far wall. “Mr. Hardy, if I may, I think what we have here with Mr. Klept is an opportunity.”
“How so?”
Jordan stepped forward. “I think we can assume that Gnaga would be overjoyed at the possibility of going home. What if we offer to make that happen, in exchange for a peaceful meeting with his superiors. I mean, the Galactic Union is supposed to be about negotiations, is it not? And if you have interest in talking to the Kaachi about an alliance, or even as a means to get info on the Mawga, who better to talk to than their command? They’ve already lost their claim to this territory. What if they were invited back by us?”
Mace began to stroke his beard. “That’s an interesting thought. Mr. Klept, Gnaga, if we have a signed agreement with the Mawga, does that not mean we are recognized as the government of our people? Even if they also have an agreement with King Stark?”
Gnaga returned a confused look. “I don’t understand what you are asking.”
“Would your government, your military, be interested in peace negotiations with us? Would that permit them back into this space as, say… trade partners?”
Gnaga thought for a moment. “I’m not an authority on such matters, but I believe that to be possible.”
“Is there any way we can contact your government?”
Gnaga slowly shook his head. “That would require a wormhole generator. And the fuel to run it. Even opening a communications portal is a costly venture.”
Jordan sat in a chair beside the alien. “If you had a wormhole open, say to the rift, could a message be sent through to your people?”
Gnaga replied, “It could, but as I said, we lack the wormhole generator.”
Jordan smiled. “We do to, but the Mawga don’t. If they open a portal, could we send communications through?”
Gnaga shrugged. “I suppose it’s possible.”
Jordan pressed for more information. “Would the Mawga know if we sent a message?”
Gnaga nodded. “They would, but they lack the decryption gear to make use of that communication. The Galactic Union rules forbid eavesdropping on the comms of others.”
Johnny chuckled. “How many insane rules do they have?”
“The rules are intended to deflate conflicts. Negotiations are highly encouraged, even though they seldom work.”
Jordan continued: “So, if the Mawga open a comm portal to the rift, we could send a message to your people, inviting them to contact us. And we could also have a new portal opened at some distance so the Mawga won’t know we are communicating with their enemy?”
Gnaga nodded. “I suppose.”
Johnny asked, “Aren’t they going to know it when you send out that first message?”
Jordan replied. “Not necessarily. We could always talk it off as a mistake. Something that happened while we were trying to figure out the Kaachi comm system. Stark’s people broke the Mawga comm encryption. That’s how they used those comm bracelets to communicate with each other.”
Jane sheathed her sword. “You don’t think it’s a dangerous mo
ve, inviting the Kaachi to come back here?”
Jordan shook his head. “We aren’t inviting them to come back, yet. All we would be doing is establishing communications. Here’s a further thought. We have eleven million Australians who are now on our side. That’s a lot of crews if we somehow strike a deal with the Kaachi. Maybe we could get the ships we seek from them? Seeing as how the Mawga have already sold us out.”
Johnny tapped his knuckles on the table. “I have to say I kind of like that idea. We could train up enough crews to at least keep Stark at bay for a while.”
Coran Daughtry nodded. “I have to agree with that line of reasoning. We only have two ships. Having more only adds to our chance of staying autonomous. Maybe we even talk Stark into allowing us to be Earth’s defense while he goes out to do battle with the Mawga’s enemies.”
Mace turned back to face Gnaga. “Would you be willing to help us craft a message to be sent to your authorities? I would think your people would jump at the chance to get back in this game. Even if we’re the very people that kicked the crap out of your fleet.”
Gnaga replied, “My people respect power, as do all the members of the Union. Even if your intentions are not honorable, I see no harm in assisting you with a message. Command is capable of determining whether or not they feel such a risk is worthwhile.”
Mace looked around the room. “Wasn’t Hans in the diplomatic corps? Can someone bring him in here?”
Several minutes later, Hans Mueller walked into the room. “You were asking for me?”
Mace nodded. “Have a seat. You were in the foreign office for your government in D.C., right?”
“Seven years.”
Mace asked, “I assume you had some diplomatic training before taking that position?”
Hans nodded. “I did.”
Mace smiled. “Mr. Mueller, how would you like a job in our foreign office? Were thinking of opening communications with the Kaachi. Your training might be useful to us in that regard.”
Hans replied, “I’d be willing to take on any assignment you have, Mr. Hardy. What exactly are you looking to do?”
HADRON Incursion Page 5
