The Dave Brewster Series

by Karl Morgan

  “That’s a relief,” Patak sighed. “They are not trustworthy people and he was the worst of them.”

  “We are very aware of the Brotherhood in the Fold, Patak,” Veek interjected. “But the emperor is a bit smarter than they. He convinced Untor to move fifty Donnaki cruisers here so they could contact other valakar species. It was part of the Brotherhood’s plan to eventually relocate all of us back to Ulagong.” He laughed. “Untor should have known that would never happen. We Bandabar have lived on our planets for thousands of generations. Why should we move? When we met the Emperor here, it became obvious we could work together to our mutual best interest. That’s where you come in.”

  “It was Fola Untor who told us there was a Hive on this planet,” Lok smiled. “He said it like a warning to stay away. But the Bandabar have been monitoring activity around this planet for months. They have seen people and equipment leaving at an alarming rate. Normally one would expect a roughly equivalent amount of goods traveling both ways. So we knew something was up.”

  “We could also estimate the number of humans living here,” Veek continued. “It is not natural for the population to drop so quickly without any signs of war or plague. We knew the Society of Humanity was crumbling, and humanity wanted to keep Hive weapon technology from others. So it made sense your Hive was being relocated. Please tell us we are not too late?”

  “Gentlemen, I am concerned you keep referring to the Hive as a weapon,” the woman seated next to President Gerfaz said. “I am Chief Engineer Alea Fostan. It is my job to coordinate the activity of our Hive. I assure you the Hive is no weapon.”

  Veek replied, “Well, that’s a relief, Emperor! I feared both Chief Engineers would have fled already. How do you do Alea? It is a pleasure to meet you. You must know our knowledge of Hive technology is sketchy at best. We are relying on our intelligence and the emperor here.”

  “Not a weapon!” Lok scoffed. “One of these machines destroyed an entire fleet of my best cruisers!”

  “I believe you sir, but that is hard to imagine,” Alea replied. “I hope and pray that too many lives were not lost.”

  “Actually, that is the strange part about it,” Lok said. “All the crews of the ships were somehow relocated to our home planet before the ships were ground to dust. But they were spying on us in our sovereign territory!”

  “I’m sorry for that, but I have no knowledge of any such action,” she replied. “We have never used our Hive for any aggressive action. It is still functional, although half of the equipment has already left this planet.”

  “Still functional,” Veek said to the emperor. “That is great news.” He turned back to the Chief Engineer. “Well, it seems our efforts have paid off. We would like to tour your facility as soon as possible. I have a science team on my flagship which will shuttle down soon to join us.”

  “It’s important to let you know that Fola Untor already told me and my team how a Hive functions,” Lok said. “Right now, sitting in this room, I have the sneaking feeling that most of it was a lie.”

  Patak added, “I’m sure it was, sir. The Brotherhood was the right arm of the High Council. The highest directive of that council was to keep Hive technology from the other species. Untor never would have told you the truth or given you any real knowledge.”

  “I’ll be sure to kill him with my bare hands when I see him again,” Lok snarled. “If what you say is true.”

  “Now I’m concerned,” Veek interjected. “If safeguarding this technology is so important, why did you surrender and why didn’t you destroy the Hive? How do we know you won’t lie to us too?”

  “Gentlemen, it was the directive of the High Council of the Society of Humanity,” Patak replied. “The military of the Society could have easily defeated all of your ships. If they desired, they could overrun the Fold in a matter of weeks. But where are they now? The Society is gone, broken into its fifty thousand pieces. It was their job to protect us, but they did not. We have no hope from our own brothers. I could have allowed our ships to attack your fleet, but you would have destroyed them after a protracted and bloody battle. I could have ordered the destruction of the Hive, but why? That would only have led to more death and destruction.” He rose and walked behind his councilors, patting each on the back. “Paranon Nar was alone. I followed my orders to relocate the Hive to safer territory. I did my job. But what did I get for it? My people and I were deserted and left to fend for ourselves.” He walked over to a cupboard and removed five bottles of liquor and several glasses and set them on the table. “After we spoke earlier Veek, I went for a walk in the nearby forest. I thought about my options and almost gave the order to destroy the Hive a dozen times. Then I thought about our long and friendly history. I worried the Bandabar might enslave us, but then realized you have always been fair. I thought how I was turning my back on my own species, but they turned their backs on me first. I sat by a small creek and watched fish swimming along. Then it hit me. I am like one of those fish, being carried along by a current far greater than me. I could do what I was trained to do and fight that current. Or I could follow it and have faith the river knows where it is going.”

  “I am a man of my words, Patak,” Veek replied. “The Fold has no further ambitions in human territory at this time. I expect us to live in peace. I have spoken with Consul Pata Zaka, our leader, and she assures me you and your people will be full citizens of the Fold. We want the Hive, nothing else.”

  Lok Zul looked bored. “This diplomacy is touching, but let’s either have a drink or visit the Hive or something. We need to get it running so my fleet can go back home. I sincerely doubt the Brotherhood will help us get back now.”

  Chapter 39

  Paxran was a city planet. Most of the dry surface was covered by the capital city of the same name. Four billion maklans toiled daily to keep the empire functioning and controlled. The twelve hundred planets of the Empire needed trade, defense and leadership from the maklans on this world. Half the surface was covered with oceans, which were heavily dotted with island chains which were left in their native state for vacations and wildlife preserves. Dozens of massive space ports orbited, providing space for cargo and passenger traffic.

  General Kolu Inzaka sat with his general staff in his office deep in the heart of the city. The residence was one of the few surrounded by a large park full of trees and ponds. Reverend Raza Intepam was also in attendance. He was the leader of the Paxrani religion and a very devout maklan, who wore a simple tunic and robes in the room full of dress uniforms dripping with medals and rank insignia. Kolu briefed the group on the events at the meeting on Panzak. Everyone was horrified by the stories of the Hive weapon. It was impossible to imagine a device that could grind an entire planet to dust. They were equally frightened about the plasma bomb device given to the Donnaki by the Maklakar, whom they believed had disappeared long ago. “So, Reverend, I suppose this means your prophecy has come true?” Kolu suggested.

  “I wouldn’t call it my prophecy, Dear Leader,” Raza replied. “The sacred texts were written long ago. Those documents supported the survival of some Maklakar. I believe this to be a wonderful blessing for us all. Those were horrible and violent times. Now that I know some of our fellow maklans survived, some of our inherited guilt can be forgiven.”

  “On the other hand, Dear Leader, those survivors have now provided a new weapon to the Donnaki,” General Gont Ongool countered. “If they choose to attack, there is little we can do to protect ourselves. The failure of our ancestors to complete the job may now lead to our own deaths.”

  “Yes, I know that,” Kolu replied. “That is why I asked the Reverend to join us today. We cannot count on the Maklakar to give us the same knowledge. They would be terrified we would use it against them. And that would probably be a correct deduction. They also destroyed the tekkan Hive, which might have been our only defense.”

  “Should we fear the Free Society as the human Untor has suggested, Dear Leader?” Gont asked. “We h
ave had very little contact with any of their worlds. I can hardly imagine them crossing the galactic center to attack us.”

  “I wondered the same thing, Gont,” the Dear Leader replied. “That Untor fellow seemed possessed by his hatred for those people, but I don’t know why, and frankly, I don’t care. I only attended the meeting to learn what I could about Hives and the Donnaki. As the Reverend noted, it has been many generations since we tried to expand our territory. That is all ancient history. Now most of our military is focused on the frontier. That’s why I’ve asked General Abala Konole of Tak-u-Baka to join us as well. It was his spies who witnessed the Hive battle in Donnaki space months ago. Abala, what do you have to say?”

  “Dear Leader, you are quite correct,” Abala began. “That one day was the only time we have seen a Hive. We have no contact with any of the civilizations involved in their Free Society. I see no reason to believe they are intent on galactic domination. We must remember that all the crews of the Donnaki ships were transported to another planet before the destruction. If the humans feared meeting them again in battle, they would have killed them there.”

  “Well, that’s not completely correct, Abala,” Reverend Intepam said. “A number of our planets have trade agreements with Tak-Makla.”

  “What?” Kolu shouted. “Who would dare to break my orders? Give me names!”

  “Dear Leader, please do not be upset,” Raza said calmly. “It is only trade sir. You can imagine the amount of goods needed to support this and the military planets. We have plenty of money, but not enough food. I have been told the tekkans use their Hive to move goods among many systems. The materials we import come from planets approved by you. The tekkans only act as intermediaries. I am told even the whisky you enjoy comes here via tekkan cargo ships.”

  “That seems reasonable, but totally unnecessary to me,” Kolu argued. “Why can’t they bring the goods in their own ships?”

  “Dear Leader, the tekkans can use their Hive to move their ships across the galaxy in seconds, rather than weeks or months the old fashioned way,” Raza replied. “They call it progress.”

  “Isn’t it odd I was never informed about this?” Kolu asked looking sternly at his generals.

  “Not at all, sir,” Raza said. “You and the High Command work tirelessly to keep us safe. I am certain the bureaucrats did not want to trouble you with the nature of the transit vessel that brings our food. It also saves money. Since the tekkans use little fuel for their vessels, they can charge less for freight. The goods arrive almost immediately, so the need for inventory is also reduced.”

  “So, you think this is a non-issue?” Kolu queried. “How about the rest of you? Gont?”

  “Dear Leader, I agree with the Reverend,” Gont began. “Yet I think it goes well beyond his point. The Hive technology has done great things for the tekkans. They get rich moving goods magically across the cosmos. Of course, they probably have spies everywhere. Even though they have the ability, they have never used their Hive as a weapon on us. Why should we think they will?”

  “Yes, that makes sense,” Kolu answered. “It also tells us clearly we would be stupid to attack the Free Society, no matter their intentions in the far distant future. On the contrary, I think we need to befriend them quickly before my friend, Lok Zul decides to use his plasma bombs on us. You know, it would be great if they would help us exterminate those damned birds once and for all.”

  The Reverend laughed. “Dear Leader, you must know the likelihood of that is very remote. Most cultures live in fear of us. I’m sure the tekkans have learned that from their other trading relationships. Our past as conquerors is not too distant. If the Donnaki suddenly disappeared, who is to say we would not begin again? But I fully agree with the need to normalize relations with them. They are our brothers from Ai-Makla. Friendship will provide more opportunity to learn their secrets and could provide defense when the Donnaki do attack. I can feel that day approaching quickly.”

  “But you know the Donnaki could attack right now. We don’t have the benefit of time to deal with diplomacy. It could take generations before the tekkans trust us that much. I fear we would all be Donnaki slaves by then,” Kolu replied.

  “I believe there is another way, Dear Leader,” Raza countered. “As leader of our faith, I have had many visions when I meditate. I believe there are planets which have the power of a Hive without the need for billions of agents. If we could locate one or more, we might have that same power.”

  Kolu looked incredulous. “You want us to search the galaxy to prove your dream is real. Honestly Raza, do you hear yourself talk?” Kolu scoffed.

  Raza scowled, “Dear Leader, we must reach out to the tekkans as you have suggested, knowing it will take a long time. If there is any chance I am correct, our problem may be fixed much sooner. Isn’t that worth a risk? If the Donnaki attack, all hope is lost.”

  Kolu rose and walked over to a window and looked out at the park and trees. A layer of clouds was approaching and rain would fall in a few hours. “Perhaps you are right, Raza. If the Donnaki attack and we did not try, we would be destroyed by our own foolishness. We can certainly spare a couple ships and a team of astronomers.”

  “Bless you Dear Leader,” Raza replied. “I will keep you and the High Command informed of our progress.”

  Kolu turned around and looked at the Reverend. “Raza, what do you think the odds are you will find one in time?”

  Raza laughed and said, “Dear Leader, I am a man of faith. I believe God will help us protect our planets. I have no doubt we will find a natural Hive.”

  Chapter 40

  After being led back to the surface of the ocean, Dave and his friends climbed aboard the shuttle and headed back to shore. As the vessel approached the coastline, a voice came over the loud speaker, saying “Admiral, a fleet of twenty battle cruisers has appeared in this system. They appear to be on course to attack Gallicea. What are your orders?”

  “Set an intercept course, Ka-a-Fa!” De-o-Nu barked. “Also call for reinforcements and warn the planet to prepare for attack. The general and I will be there soon.”

  “Aye-aye, Admiral,” Ka-a-Fa replied as he cut the connection.

  “Brother, we should leave Dave, Odo and Lini here on the planet,” Fa-a-Di said. “It think the ship may be overwhelmed by the enemy.” He turned to Dave and asked, “Do you think you can fly this shuttle?”

  “Of course, you two should use Jake and Mitch to get to the ship quicker,” Dave replied. “And keep me informed. I’ll contact Admiral Adamsen when we land to get help.” Dave rushed over to the helm while the two Galliceans pulled off their pressure suits. When they were ready, the two maklans landed on them and the group flashed off the ship. Dave turned on the auto-pilot which was programmed to return to the landing site.

  “Dave, you should land as quickly as possible,” Odo said. “If the attackers come here, this small craft will be an easy target. The Hive should protect us if we are on the ground.”

  “That’s my plan, Odo,” he replied. “There had to be a Hive involved in this attack. Twenty star cruisers don’t just appear out of thin air. Do you think it was Atar Pa?”

  “Only God knows, Dave,” the elder answered.

  Fa-a-Di assumed command of the Kong-Fa which was rapidly approaching the flank of the enemy fleet. Four more ships would arrive in the next ten minutes and Kong-Fa had to slow down attackers until they arrived. “Brother, I’ve never seen that configuration of a warship before,” he said to De-o-Nu. “Do you recognize them?”

  “No sir,” he replied. “I don’t recognize that insignia either. They must be from some unknown civilization.”

  “Shit!” Fa-a-Di shouted. “I didn’t see the insignia at first. I saw that same sign on the shuttle on Lagamar Boley on my second visit.”

  “You’re saying those are Brotherhood cruisers?” De-o-Nu asked. “In this galaxy? How did they get here?”

  “Had to be a Hive, Brother,” Fa-a-Di replied. “Ka-a-Fa,
fire on all ships. It won’t hurt them much but might draw them off the planet.” A rain of plasma bombs shot out from the ship and raced toward the attackers. As they exploded, the enemy ship defenses held. None of the ships returned fire or turned to attack. “They’re after the planet. Another terrorist attack. I’ll personally see those bastards in hell! Give me more power!”

  The shuttle landed near the camp site. Most of the Galliceans who had spent the previous night had already left and more shuttles were landing and unloading. The few who remained were showing the new visitors that breathers were no longer needed. It was looking like another party would occur that day. Dave was very happy to be back on the ground knowing the battle was raging above him. He hoped Odo was correct about the Hive protecting this planet at least. Odo came up behind Dave and clapped him on the back. “I guess we just wait to find out how the battle goes,” he said.

  “I’ve already called the fleet leadership. We have ten ships on the way, but without a portal in this system it will take hours to arrive. I asked Zee to look into transporting ships here, but that will take time to arrange as well,” Dave replied.

  “Before we leave, I need to gather my personal things,” Lini said. “I know the Galliceans will win the day. Those filthy Brotherhood agents will crumble under their withering attack.”

  “How do you know it is the Brotherhood?” Dave asked.

  “Who else would attack a defenseless planet?” she replied. “I should only be gone a few minutes.”

  “Let me walk with you Lini,” Dave said. “Consider it your first briefing as a member of my crew. Do you want to come along, Odo?”

  “No thanks, Dave,” he replied. “I think I’ll get to know some of the Galliceans. I promised to help them understand the natural Hive. I’ll see you when you get back.” Dave and Lini left the shuttle stand and walked back down the hill.