“Aren’t you worried that Father wants to battle Gaia 2? How can one wage war inside a machine? I should be there to help since I can also control computers with my mind.”
Argos stared at Chris intensely. “Your father knows what he’s doing. Now come with me. If you want to help you need to be healed first, or he might not let you come.”
“How do you figure?”
“I know him better than you do. The main reason I’m still alive is that I need to fix you. Once that’s done, who knows? Perhaps we can all join your dad in his fight.”
Chris hesitated.
“Look, boy, my scientist thinks he’s got a breakthrough, but he needs you there. Are you coming or not?”
Chris wanted to tell Argos to go away. He wanted to talk with his father. But Argos was right. His healing was a top priority, not only to him but also to his parents.
Chris stepped into the turbolift.
“You’re as stubborn as your dad,” said Argos with a smirk.
“I take that as a compliment.”
Argos turned towards Chris and smiled even more.
When Chase arrived in his quarters, he was tired. While he hadn’t made any real physical effort in his training with Gaia, the mental strain was taking a toll.
It had been both a horrifying and eye-opening experience. The horrors Gaia showed him while battling inside her matrix had been painful to live through. She had no intention of harming him but, rather, to prepare him for what was to come. Still, he had not been prepared for the depth and darkness to which his mind had been subjected. A fight inside an AI matrix which had access to one’s thoughts, fears and emotions was fundamentally different than fighting any other foe with his Fury powers.
He found Sarah sleeping and sat on the bed beside her. He reflected on what they had been through this last year and the possibility of what was yet to come.
Everything he did now would have an impact on their lives. They would both, along with the entire Earth Alliance, risk their lives until they either won or lost that war. Chase adored looking at Sarah’s face while she was sleeping. More often than not she was calm and relaxed, something they seldom experienced during their busy day-to-day lives. Sometimes she would flinch or frown or become tense, due to the underlying stress of their lives, which would trigger nightmares.
But, right now, she was serene and sound asleep. It was something Chase had trouble with lately. He didn’t get much sleep and, even though he was mentally exhausted, he still didn’t know if he could manage some shut-eye.
Chase undressed and joined her in bed after a short visit to the bathroom. Sarah was still sleeping. His mind pondered the things that needed to be ready before tomorrow’s battle. Could he really afford to sleep?
He had to check on Yanis and Kvasir’s progress, even though Gaia had informed him from time to time, when he needed short pauses during their long and intense training session.
Yanis wouldn’t let him down. He had that uncanny ability not to fail when stakes were high, and the stakes didn’t get higher than this. Chase paused to reflect a little on the initially providential arrival of Gaia 2 during their fight with the Fury super-destroyer. But her arrival had almost immediately turned into a nightmare.
She had arrived out of the blue and dealt with a superior Fury super-destroyer, but then they had been forced to abandon Earth within the next hour. A few more days had passed while Chase visited Zeus and learned why Zeus hadn’t destroyed the Furies when he could have, and what needed to be done to correct that mistake.
Of course, Gaia 2 had to be stopped. That was the most urgent matter at hand, and that was why he was doing everything possible to make it happen. But to solidify the alliance with the Olmypians, he would have to face another foe: Oryn. She puzzled him, and her cold abilities had proven effective in countering his Ultra-Fury powers, something he had not been prepared for.
Convincing her to meet with Zeus would be tougher than he first thought when he agreed to the Olympian’s condition for joining the Alliance, but Chase had to make it happen.
The Olympian destroyers had tipped the balance of power when engaging the duo of Fury super-destroyers around the planetoid where they had rescued Kvasir. The Olympians would be instrumental in defeating the Furies; so that part of his path was clear. He needed to find a way to convince Oryn.
“Chase, are you alright?” said a sleepy Sarah.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to wake you.”
“That’s alright. Still can’t sleep?”
Chase nodded with a frown.
“Why don’t you ask the doc for a sleeping aid?”
“I’ve never been a fan of sleep-inducing drugs. I just don’t find it natural. If we can’t sleep it means there’s something on our mind that needs resolving.”
“That’s an interesting perspective, but you have a tough day ahead of you. I’m sure some hours of sleep would be beneficial, and to hell with what your mind wants. Your body needs to relax, and you know it.”
This rang true, but Chase was too stressed. A single mistake tomorrow and all could be lost.
“I know . . .” Chase let the words hang.
“Well, if you’re not gonna sleep,” she said with a grin.
Sarah entwined her arms around his neck and forced him back on top of her. They kissed passionately before reversing positions until she was on top of him.
“Let me try to help you relax,” she whispered in his ear.
She caressed his skin with her fingers and the tips of her nails as she descended under the covers.
Soon Chase experienced intense pleasure, and his mental anguish faded away. Every passing moment brought new waves of pleasure, relaxing both his body and mind.
Troubled thoughts of battle, galactic alliances, and an uncertain destiny faded away into the still of the night. A little later, Chase finally fell asleep.
At 10:00 Earth time, Chase and every senior officer on board the Hope held their final meeting. The captains of the other ships also joined via holo-communications while Chase explained what needed to be done. First Admiral Zenakis voiced his concerns about the bold plan and the fact that it hinged almost entirely on Chase’s ability to divert enough of Gaia 2’s CPU while they fought inside her matrix. But, thankfully, Commodore Saroudis had been convincing enough to make him go along with the plan.
Still, Chase could sense the admiral was not comfortable with any of it. He only went along because of the commodore’s full trust in him. Perhaps, over time, the admiral would learn to trust him as well.
The commodore had the Destiny battlegroup and Obsidian escort running their engines hot to arrive at Earth in a timely fashion. Still, they would be late to the party. But Chase didn’t mind. Heavy reinforcements in the middle of battle would be a welcome surprise to throw at Gaia 2.
In less than two hours, Chase was to board a single StarFury, successfully modified by Yanis and Kvasir, to jump undetected within Earth space, where Chase would engage with Gaia 2 by projecting himself into her mind.
This fight would be the most horrible experience in his entire life, but it had to be done. Chase’s heart stung thinking about Spiros and the way Gaia 2 had brutally executed him. It provoked anger in his soul, which he needed to channel the right way.
“Where are we with long-range scans?” asked Chase.
“We’ve confirmed that Earth’s power emanations are mostly silent and that the planetary shields are still down,” said Yanis. “The only energy signatures and communications we’re picking up are those generated by Gaia 2’s fleet. But considering that the more equipment Gaia 2 has, the more power she can unleash, that’s a good thing. We’re too far away to get more accurate data at this point, but it does seem like we’re still within the right timeframe to strike.”
“Kvasir,” asked Chase, “is your digital Trojan horse ready?”
The pale-blue-skinned Asgardian approached a holo-projector.
“Yes. The moment you make contact with
Gaia 2’s matrix, I will get real-time subspace info and start hacking at her defenses. Don’t lose any time. Once you’re in, get her full attention. If you don’t engage her sufficiently early, she might have enough time to fire on Earth with her ships from orbit. I know you don’t want that to happen.”
Chase’s expression was grave. “We do this with minimum loss of life. I know it’s easier said than done, but too many have died already. Even when engaging her ships, I want you all to avoid risky manoeuvers whenever possible.”
“I’m not sure I agree,” said Admiral Zenakis from a holo-screen around the table. “If we play it too safe, we might put more strain on you. And while I don’t share everyone’s blind and somewhat mystifying trust in your abilities, I still think the more aggressive we are, the more chances you’ll have to execute this crazy stunt of yours.”
“I agree,” said Saroudis. “I understand why you’d want to minimize losses, Chase, but truth be told, we either go all-in or not at all. And since we don’t have the luxury to ignore this problem, that leaves only one course of action. We’re now fully committed to the sole goal of this mission: Gaia 2’s total and utter eradication. No matter the cost.”
Chase didn’t like to hear that but it helped immeasurably that this came from the commodore. The responsibility for the potential lives lost wouldn’t rest on Chase’s shoulders alone. He was certain that Saroudis had done that on purpose. They knew each other well.
The rest of the officers all agreed upon this course of action.
“I suppose you’re right,” said Chase.
“Of course we are,” said Daniel. “You can’t always do everything by yourself. Let us do our parts. Just focus on your own task and trust that we will do ours.”
Chase smiled at his friend and his gentle reminder that this war wasn’t just him versus the enemy.
“Any questions?”
“I have something I’d like to add,” said Athena over her holo-link.
“I’m listening.”
“Your plan has merit, and I understand why you’re willing to do it. I’m sorry to add to this already tense situation, but if we fail and the ships my father gave you are destroyed—which I suspect were meant for a mission other than this—you may see him withdraw his support.”
Chase swallowed hard. Zeus gave him these ships to find a way to bring Oryn back to him, not to engage in this war against an AI Zeus knew or cared nothing about.
Even though Chase wasn’t sure he wanted an answer to his next question, he asked anyway. “Are you under orders to report to him what we’re about to do?”
Athena brushed her hand through her long, blond and silky hair.
“Not exactly. I’m sure he’d want to know, but I also know what his reaction would be. We have already lost Aphroditis, and while Ares is still around somehow, he already lost his physical body. Eventually he will be gone altogether. I’m not sure how long he can stay in this form. But I agree with Ares that we must join forces if we’re to succeed. I don’t think your Earth Alliance can succeed in wiping out the Furies without our help and support. So no, I won’t be telling my father about this mission of yours. But if you take too long carrying out the mission he has assigned you, I’m sure he will inquire on our progress eventually. So I suggest we deal with that AI threat as quickly as possible, so we can move on to what he wants you to do, whatever the hell that is.”
Chase didn’t like the fact that his own mission was mentioned in the meeting, especially since Zeus warned him not to divulge any of it. Ares already knew, and now others would wonder about the details. And, sure enough, the admiral didn’t stay silent on the matter.
“What is it you have to do for Zeus?”
“That’s between us. That was his request, so please understand I can’t tell you anything beyond that.”
This didn’t win him any points with the admiral, but it was unavoidable.
“I see,” said the admiral coldly. “Who will be in command of this fleet? I don’t feel like taking orders from Commander Kepler. No offense.”
“None taken,” said Sarah.
“I think it’s best,” said Chase, not willing to let that tension develop any further, “that Sarah is given command of the fleet, but both you and Athena should still command your own battlegroups with a measure of autonomy.”
Chase saw Sarah flinch and felt her fear upon hearing his words. He sent a telepathic message.
Don’t worry, you all have the same goal: to destroy the enemy fleet. I know it’s putting a lot of weight on your shoulders, but I also know in my heart that you can do it.
She tried to smile.
“The commander,” said Saroudis, “is the right choice to orchestrate this fight in my absence. But I propose that, if needed, she relinquish command to either Athena or Admiral Zenakis.”
This seemed to lower Sarah’s emotional turmoil a little. Saroudis was really good at diplomacy. Without his help and support, they probably couldn’t have counted on the admiral’s support.
“Is that alright with the both of you?” asked Chase.
“I have no problem with that,” said Athena.
“I have some reservations,” said Admiral Zenakis, “but I’ll abide by your decision under one condition: If I feel it’s needed, I’ll take command of this fleet as I’m the highest ranking military officer.”
Chase could sense that Sarah wished the admiral would take command. But Sarah needed to take a more important role in this war, and this was the right time for her to do so. He sent some warm energy and encouraging emotions her way.
“Kvasir,” said Chase, “back to you.”
“Thank you, Captain. So once Captain Athanatos has managed to involve at least seventy percent of Gaia 2’s AI processing power, I’ll send the signal to the fleet to jump into Earth space. When that happens, you should all engage the enemy simultaneously. The more ships we destroy in the very beginning of this battle, the higher our chances of success.”
The Asgardian turned to Yanis.
Yanis activated a holo projection showing blueprints of the Hope as well as some specific weaponry.
“I’ve adapted our laser batteries to be more efficient against the Gaian ships, thanks to the data from their engagement with the Fury super-destroyer. The tech of Gaia 2’s ships is essentially a hybrid of Earth Alliance, Obsidian and Droxian warships. It takes the best of each of these systems and uses a highly optimized power distribution to make these ships quite resistant. Their armor is very solid and their multi-phasing, frequency-rotation shielding is quite advanced. I had a hell of a time cracking that one.
“Still, I managed to adapt our weaponry to be more efficient in battle, and while it will give us an edge, these modifications alone might not cut it. I suspect these ships might have secondary weaponry they haven’t displayed in battle yet. Gaia 2 has most likely already modified her own ships in anticipation of our analysis of our battle data logs. Having access to Olympian tech also helped, and I’ve injected some of their more power-efficient capacitor’s design to boost both our firing rates and speed up shield recharging.
“Hopefully we also have numbers on our sides. With Earth currently in the dark technologically, Gaia 2 should only have the thirty or so ships she came back with.”
“Unless she hasn’t shown her entire force just yet,” interjected the admiral.
“Right. That’s also a possibility. That could have serious ramifications, and I’ll keep scanning every subspace frequency for long-range communication during our engagement to make sure that isn’t the case. If we want to eradicate Gaia 2, we need to do it everywhere. If she has ships somewhere else, then we have to find them and destroy them right after this battle, or this could start all over again.”
Chase stood and put his hand on his friend’s shoulder. “Thank you for your great work, as always.”
“You’re welcome, Cap.”
“Make no mistake, people, this is going to be one of the most difficult battles we have
ever faced. It won’t be easy, and it will come at a cost. But we have no choice but to deal with this now and do it swiftly, before Gaia 2 expands her forces. In two hours, I’ll jump with a single cloaked and modified StarFury that will allow me to make, hopefully, the first near-instant jump ever.
“Immediately after that I’ll engage Gaia 2 and, when the time is right, or if I require your help sooner, then you’ll enter the battlefield and dispatch her fleet. While Daniel and the admiral are both correct in that we need to go all-in, I still want you to try, as much as humanly possible under the circumstances, to avoid taking too much loss. We’ve already lost too many ships in the past few days. We still have the Furies to deal with once Gaia 2 is out of the way. So hopefully we can both complete today’s mission and still have a strong fleet for the next wave of Fury ships that are sure to come our way.
“I want to thank each and every one of you for your help, your dedication and your courage. See you out there, and let’s rid the universe of Gaia 2 today. That will be all.”
Most of the attendees left Chase’s ready room, but Chase asked Yanis to stay behind.
“What can I do for you, Chase?”
“The instant drive. I take it we’re in the green?”
“As much as can be. This has never been tested. You could very well end up in another dimension or just blow up the second you activate it.”
“That’s encouraging.”
“The simulations show a seventy-three percent chance of success. I know they’re not the best odds, but under our timetable—”
“Indeed, it’s not like we have another choice. Anything I should be aware of?”
“Just one thing. Using the drive will most likely fry your StarFury’s hyperspace drive. That’s just one of the things I couldn’t fix in time.”
“That’s alright. I’m more interested in arriving undetected than I am of having to turn tail and leave. I can always teleport to Earth if need be.”
“I suppose. Are you absolutely sure you want to have so much of the plan on your shoulders? I thought you’d agreed and learned to delegate as much as possible since your visit in the underworld.”
Armageddon Unleashed (Universe in Flames Book 7) Page 5
