Five new cruisers turned out to meet the coming attack.
Mace opened a comm. “No need to waste your ships. We have superior shields and firepower. You should cut your losses now and come to the negotiating table.”
The comm remained silent. As the cruisers came within range, a flurry of plasma rounds were exchanged. The Rogers rumbled with each new hit as the Mawga cruisers went offline one by one.
Mace again said, “Surrender and take terms while you still have a fleet.”
A Mawga image showed on the wall display. “This is Commodore Salvil Smenk. You have shown to be a superior force. State your terms.”
Mace replied, “We had a deal to deliver food to Earth. How much of that was delivered?”
Smenk looked to his left. “Our data shows 17 percent.”
Mace sat forward in his chair. “OK. I want an immediate restart of that program. You have two hours to begin the deliveries.”
The commodore shook his head. “We cannot deliver the food as requested. We have no wormhole generation capability for anything other than communications.”
Mace replied, “Well then, make a comm to the Dellus and tell them to bring a ship back out here.”
Smenk again shook his head. “We cannot put such requests to the Dellus. They will deny.”
Johnny said, “We could use the Gerty. Have them send their cargo haulers out to a designated point. We’ll direct them from there to the Gerty for delivery to Earth.”
Mace turned. “Mr. Hobbs, give us a random delivery point to pass over. We’ll use Johnny’s idea.”
Mace said, “Commodore, I just passed you coordinates for a drop point. Have the food ships assemble there.”
Johnny gestured at the display. “Don’t you want to ask when they will be delivered?”
Mace chuckled. “Probably not a bad idea. Commodore, give me an ETA for those ships. And before you decide on any delay tactic, just know that starting approximately five hours from now, we will start destroying your cruisers until the food is delivered. And a new cruiser will be selected for destruction every half hour after the first.”
The commodore scowled. “Five hours? Impossible!”
Mace replied, “Then give me your best estimate, Commodore. Last time the deliveries began within hours.”
Salvil Smenk’s whiskers twitched as he offered his estimate. “The first ships will begin to arrive in six hours. The last, eight to ten hours after.”
Mace nodded. “Acceptable. I will belay that order to destroy ships for… fifteen hours. I suggest you pass down the orders immediately. And Commodore, we can detect a wormhole opening. If you attempt to signal the Dellus, we will take immediate and harsh action. Understand?”
The commodore nodded. The comm closed.
Johnny grinned. “You are getting scary good at this, you know that?”
Mace replied, “Easy to act all bold when you have such an advantage. Same reason the Mawga were all smug with us when they first showed up.”
Johnny crossed his arms. “I wonder where we’d be if Montak hadn’t selected you for offering help. We’d probably all have those stupid drugged-up grins on our faces in one of those community centers.”
Mace replied, “Probably.”
Johnny said, “It will be nice to see our planet again. I’d like to set foot on her this time, if I could.”
Johnny turned to his console. “I’m setting a timer for fifteen hours.”
Mace sighed. “We won’t be going home yet.”
Johnny asked, “Why not?”
Mace replied, “Unless you’ve forgotten. The Mawga are growing five million Humans, and have about four billion embryos for later use.”
Johnny gritted his teeth. “That’s the second time I’ve forgotten about that. What’s the plan?”
Mace shifted in his chair. “When the food is through, we press the Commodore for delivery of the embryos. Mr. Geerok, would I be right to assume the commodore would know about that program?”
Geerok shook his head. “Doubtful. That is something that would be need-to-know. As the coordinator on Earth, I had to know. Smenk and a hundred other officers of or near his rank wouldn’t be told anything. Remember, that planet down there, and even those cruisers, are full of Union spies.”
Mace said, “So how do we find where they are keeping them?”
Geerok replied, “Perhaps a good start would be a scan for all large buildings by Mr. Mallot. Each pseudo-uterus requires at least a square meter of room. I would search for any buildings or complexes totaling more than five million square meters size. With a population of almost two billion on Rhombia, there will be many. We can then begin the process of elimination by striking any from our list in populous areas. I think it highly likely that any such facility would be isolated.”
Mace turned, “Mr. Mallot, let’s get started on that while we wait for the food deliveries.”
Johnny said, “What about the Gerty? Do we want to reposition her to where those cargo haulers will be going?”
Mace replied, “Not a chance. I don’t want them grabbing her and ransoming us again. She can stay where she is until we’re ready to move the food.”
Over the four hours that followed every building of size was located. One by one they were identified for their purpose and removed from the list.
Johnny said, “Only two left. I’d say odds are pretty high that they aren’t on this planet.”
Mace replied, “I’d have to agree with you.”
Humphrey pushed a data set up on the screen. “This one looks like a manufacturing facility. I see cargo areas for loading and unloading and lots of activity. Also, there appears to be a lack of security of any sort surrounding it.”
Geerok nodded. “Any such facility would have barriers to keep unwanted individuals out. Not from any criminal activity, mind you, as Rhombia has almost none, but from prying eyes.”
The final building was analyzed and determined to not be the birthing center being sought. Five birthing centers with Mawga embryos had been analyzed. They now knew what kind of facility they were looking for.
Johnny said, “Must be off-world somewhere. Your people have any planets they keep highly secured or off limits?”
Geerok shook his head. “While the Emperor has absolute rule over our people, there are no places within Mawga territory that restrict the Union from observing. Those would be union rule violations.”
Mace asked, “Any outlying or new colonies your people have just acquired?”
Geerok thought for several seconds. “The Wallis system was discovered and claimed two years ago. However, that claim would have brought with it Union personnel to oversee any colonization.”
Johnny crossed his arms. “I have an idea. The Emperor would know. Maybe it’s time we paid him a visit.”
Geerok held up his hands. “Oh, no, Mr. Tretcher. That would not be possible. No one actually sees the Emperor. We are not permitted to look upon him.”
Johnny said, “I don’t see needing his permission as an issue. Does he have a palace somewhere? Where does he live?”
Geerok replied, “The Emperor’s residence is unknown. Our contact with him as a people is over our comm system. And we only hear his voice. It was thought that it be best for his protection to remain aloof and unseen. Our Emperors have all lived lives like that since we joined the Union.”
Johnny chuckled. “You know what that sounds like to me? It sounds like the Dellus offed your original emperor and setup this phony system to keep the people in check. What better way to control the lot of you without having to offer proof of it being your own guy?”
Geerok returned a troubled look. “I suppose that theory cannot be disproved, Mr. Tretcher. Perhaps this is all a Dellus ruse.”
Mace said, “OK, well let’s not get ourselves sidetracked with conspiracy theories. Mr. Geerok, what would five million growing embryos require for support?”
Geerok replied, “What do you mean?”
Mace gest
ured toward the image of a birthing center on the display wall. “That facility, what do the growing fetuses get fed? Where does that food come from? Is it manufactured somewhere and delivered to the centers, or grown and processed on site?”
Geerok scratched his chin. “I suppose I never thought about that, Mr. Hardy. I don’t really know.”
Mace turned. “Johnny. I think you and Mr. Geerok have a new mission. Take the shuttle down to the surface, tour one of those centers and bring back any information related to what they need to function. If there is a specific food being made, or particular drugs, or anything else that we could trace to an external source, I want to know what it is. We find the suppliers to that birthing center and we just might find our birthing center.”
Johnny stared for several seconds. “That’s genius. You been taking smart pills or something?”
Mace laughed. “No. For some reason I just remembered that from an episode of a detective show I used to watch on TV. The FBI was looking for a big drug operation and tracked it down through the suppliers they used for their raw materials.”
Johnny scowled. “I could do some serious binge-watching of my old shows about now. When we get back to Earth we should try to get hold of a stockpile of movies and TV shows to watch while we’re out here.”
Mace shook his head. “We need to keep our focus on the big picture. At least for now. If we start blowing time on entertainment, that’s time not being spent on resolving our issues.”
Johnny chuckled, “Well, listen to the task master. You know, all work and no play makes Johnny a dull boy.”
Mace nodded. “Dull, but focused. Now take Mr. Geerok down to one of those centers and find out what we need to know. Recovering our people is going to be a huge job. The sooner we get cracking on it, the sooner we know just how big a job it will be.”
Chapter 19
*
The Mawga workers regarded the giant Human with terror in their eyes. The birthing center floor was extremely clean and bright. Workers, who had previously walked from fetus station to fetus station monitoring everything to do with the subject’s health, now stood back in awe of Johnny Tretcher.
Johnny pointed to a display. “What does this blue graph tell us?”
Geerok prodded the stunned worker into answering. “It tells us the level of growth hormone in the system. Above the green line is good. Below the red for more than a few days and the fetus is removed and discarded.”
Johnny turned to Geerok. “Didn’t know you people were so barbaric.”
Geerok replied, “Monitoring such as this is why all Mawga are within 10 percent of one another when it comes to size. Each infant will have the same opportunities in life, never limited or disadvantaged by their size.”
Johnny scowled. “So what you’re saying is that I would have been scrapped.”
Geerok nodded. “Very likely.”
Johnny chuckled. “I guess that’s one more reason for me to be happy I’m Human.”
Geerok said, “You are a very individualistic species, Mr. Tretcher. In some ways, I admire that.”
Johnny pointed at an IV line going into the umbilical cord. “What’s it being fed?”
Geerok replied, “Enriched blood. A supply comes in, is processed by the fetus and then exits. It comes from and returns to a blood room. I can show you that if you like.”
Johnny scratched his chin. “That’s an awful lot of blood. How do you keep it separate for each fetus?”
Geerok shook his head. “There are no separate supplies, Mr. Tretcher. Every infant draws from the same supply.”
Johnny gestured, “Your people don’t have any issues with blood types or anything?”
Geerok replied, “All Mawga are the same blood type, Mr. Tretcher. Come, let’s look at the blood room.”
After a short walk, Fatso Geerok opened a door. A giant, transparent tank with a blue liquid sat in front of them.
Geerok said, “This is the return tank. The blood is heavily filtered and returned to main storage from here. Follow me… this is the filtering section. And this darker blue tank is the cleaned storage that is waiting to be used. Over here we have the mixing tank, and then the pump house sends it back out through the line.”
Geerok walked up a set of stairs to look down on an open vat. “Nutrients, hormones, balancing agents are all added here.”
Another short walk down the steps and over to a console followed. Fatso Geerok sat in a chair and typed away on a keyboard as several workers stood nearby staring at Johnny.
A listing of data came up on a monitor. Geerok transferred the data to his comm, pushing it back up to the Rogers.
Geerok stood. “We will be able to pull detailed information from that list. Let’s have a look at the warehouse receiving dock.”
As they walked, Johnny asked, “Why are you helping us, Geerok? These are your people. Doesn’t that mean anything?”
Fatso replied, “It means a great deal, Mr. Tretcher. What we do here will help my people. After much contemplation, I’ve come to the conclusion that the drive to subjugate other sentient species is an illness that needs to be cured. The Mawga should live peacefully as Mawga, the Dellus as kind and caring Dellus, and the rest of the Galactic Union the same. Why should one species rule over another? What right do they have to do so?”
Johnny laughed. “Wow. That is quite the turnaround from where you were. What brought this on?”
Geerok stopped and turned. “During our long flights, I’ve managed several long discussions with Bontu Montak and Gnaga Klept. We are all of like mind that the Humans should be free to determine their own fate, as should all the species in the Galactic Union.
“I once viewed the founders with awe. I considered them to be the wiser of the species and to have our best interests at heart. Now, through their actions, I see they can be just as petty and conniving and greedy as any other. And I’m afraid your King Stark is of the same mind.”
Johnny patted Fatso Geerok on the shoulder as they again walked. “Those are some profound thoughts, Mr. Geerok. I’d say you fell in with the right group here. And I look forward to working with you toward accomplishing a goal of freedom for everyone.”
A list of delivered supplies was logged and sent back to the Rogers. Nine hours of analysis and numerous inquiries of the Mawga trade commission left three possible colonies to explore.
Mace and Johnny sat in the conference room. “When do we go check these out?”
Mace replied, “After the food is delivered.”
Johnny sat back in his chair. “I have to wonder if that will be too late.”
Mace asked, “How so?”
“Well, the Mawga know we are looking for something. If the people who know about those embryos start sniffing around, they’ll know we’re onto them. Could be they get moved before we even get there.”
Mace shook his head. “Not concerned with that at the moment. Unless they use that wormhole to send out word, We can beat the message to wherever they are.”
Johnny said, “Speaking of that, why don’t we just disable their capability for sending a message? I would bet there are only one, maybe two of those wormhole generators down on that planet. We take those out and they aren’t calling anyone. Problem is, how do we find them?”
Mace smiled, “I know how to find where they are.”
Johnny sat forward. “Well, spit it out.”
Mace pushed an image of the Mawga fleet to the conference room display. “Those ships can all detect a wormhole opening. And they all have logs. We go investigate and we should get the time and place the last one was opened. We scan all the logs and we might just see if they use a second generator.”
Johnny nodded. “Again, genius. You keep doing whatever it is your doing to get smarter. It’s working.”
Mace laughed. “Yeah, well as many times as we’ve gotten stabbed in the back from our deal-making, I sure don’t feel any smarter. Maybe wiser now, but that’s all.”
Johnny made ano
ther trip with Fatso Geerok. Two Mawga warships were boarded and the logs searched. As predicted, two sites on Rhombia had generated communication wormholes. A visit to the surface by Johnny and Jane saw the two sites rendered useless, the satellites they controlled raided, and their small gatrellium supplies liberated.
Johnny walked onto the bridge with a smile. “I feel much better now. They won’t be calling in the Dellus or anyone else from down there.”
Mace said, “Good timing with your return. The food ships are almost ready. It’s time we headed back to the Gerty. We get that food through to Earth and we can search for the embryos.”
Johnny nodded. “Looks like things are finally going to go our way.”
Mace sighed. “Wish you hadn’t said that. I’m not superstitious, but every time we reach the top on this ride we plummet back towards the bottom. Not that I don’t love a good roller coaster, but we aren’t doing this for entertainment.”
Jenny and Jane took the shuttle out to the Gerty as the Rogers was moved to the designated space. When the Gerty arrived, a wormhole was opened to Earth and the food ships sent through. Word was given to Malcom Stark to manage their distribution among the people for storage over the longer term. Word was returned of the beginnings of an agricultural boom. Two growing seasons would be required to bring an end to the dependence on the Mawga nutrition bars. Earth was finally on the mend.
Mace stroked his beard as the last of the food ships passed through the portal. “Mr. Hobbs, send the coordinates to the Gerty for the first colony target.”
“On their way.”
Mace nodded as he leaned back in his chair. With a loud crack, the Army Ranger tumbled backward onto the deck of the bridge.
Johnny laughed. “You OK?”
Mace stood. “Yeah. I guess the fact that chair was made for a fifty-five-pounder finally caught up with me.”
A comm was opened. “Mr. Klept, could you come to the bridge? We have an emergency.”
Johnny chuckled. “Emergency?”
Mace shrugged. “Captain can’t be sitting down with the crew. What kind of a command does that signify?”
Liam turned with a smile. “If you like, we could all sit on the floor. These consoles are low enough that we can still reach them.”
HADRON Revelation Page 18
