"Sounds awful, Caroline, but I think another 15 minutes or so wouldn't hurt - too much."
"Oh stop it, Silly," she cooed. Then in a more direct manner she said, "General, I'm in the middle of some intense negotiations. Check back in 15 minutes . . . or so. Now get out!"
Harrier couldn't believe his ears. Fumbling with the lamp on the bed table, he found the switch. There was Princess Peregrine snuggled up with the human, Miguel Roemer. She was nestled in his arms, and it was obvious he wasn't restrained.
Pulling his pistol, Harrier’s eyes turned to slits as he pointed it at the couple. "Get away from her."
"General Harrier, you are relieved of command. Put that weapon away and leave my chambers this instant," Caroline demanded.
"No. Your insanity makes you unfit to rule and the only reason I don't kill you now is to provide live evidence to the Emperor of your treachery. Now put on your clothes. You're coming with me."
Glaring at Miguel, he said, "Get away from her. I should blast you now but I don't want your entrails squirting everywhere. It would take too long to clean her off."
"Don't," Caroline pleaded. "He won't shoot as long as you're near me."
Miguel studied the look in Harrier's eyes for only a moment, "Oh yes he will. The man is first a homicidal maniac and second a General. He'll spray me all over you and laugh while you scream."
Kissing her lips for the last time, Miguel slipped from the covers and stood by the bed. The look of fear and desperation in Caroline's eyes amused the General. Thinking some evidence wouldn't hurt; he took a photograph of the scene with his communicator. Nothing like a pic to verify the insanity of a daughter to her Emperor father.
"Don't worry about your lover," Harrier said to Miguel as he put the communicator back on his belt. "I'll take good care of her."
Angered by the inferred meaning, Miguel took a step toward Harrier but the General moved back and pointed his pistol at Caroline.
"Don't come any closer, or she dies. I know how strong you are. Your Commander Blunt almost amputated my trigger finger, and it's still a little stiff." With those words, he swung the barrel at Roemer and pulled the trigger. Caroline screamed.
A reddish-yellow haze enveloped Miguel, absorbing the death ray. It took a moment for his brain to register his PDS was working. In that split second, Harrier released the trigger and looked down at his pistol to see if it was somehow damaged. Realizing his lover was unprotected; Miguel dove at Caroline and covered her as best he could. Harrier followed the movement and fired a withering beam of destruction along Roemer's path. Again the yellow-red haze absorbed the beam.
Keeping himself between Harrier and Caroline, Miguel moved for the pistol.
Scared for the second time in his life by a Human, Harrier ran for the door and into the hallway. His startled guards surrounded him facing outwards.
Visibly shaking, Harrier took some deep breaths to calm down, "The Princess isn't coming with us. Let's go. I want off this cursed planet."
***
"How long before you can return to my lab?" Heinbaum asked. "This healing nonsense is fouling up my schedule."
Longarrow raised the stump of his arm and replied, "Doc, I'm lucky to be alive and back on the Destinnee. Besides, what help would I be? A one-armed lab assistant won't do you any good."
"Stop your whining," Heinbaum admonished. "I don't have time to train a replacement for you. Gooey has been telling me of a cybernetic enhancement controlled by telepathy. Dr. HannBrr is perusing the Chrysallaman database as we speak to find the applicable research. Your new arm should be ready in a few weeks."
"Even if you make me a new arm, it'll probably take me weeks to learn how to use it," Ernest frowned.
"I wouldn't worry about a minor detail like that," Heinbaum replied with a twinkle in his eye. "The hardest part will be getting used to the green, scaly lizard appearance."
Longarrow's incredulous reply was cut short by McPherson's arrival. "Glad to have you back my friend. I was worried I'd be stuck in the lab all alone with old geezer Heiny."
"I'm not the one whose favorite tune is Glenn Miller's rendition of Chattanooga Choo Choo," Heinbaum replied. "You forget I've had to listen to your tone-deaf whistle of it for years."
"Anything to drown out your constant prattle," McPherson shot back.
Lloyd interrupted the growing argument. "Captain McPherson. Dr. Heinbaum. I am receiving an urgent message from Dr. Roemer. The transmission is on an Asiddian radio frequency, but voice print analysis confirms his identity."
"Well don't waste time," Heinbaum admonished. "Pipe him through this instant."
"Dr. Heinbaum. Captain McPherson. This is Miguel Roemer. Do you read me?"
"Miguel, old fella. I figured you for dead. The last time I saw ya, Princess Caroline was haulin' ya around on a leash," McPherson said. "You okay?"
"Yes. Caroline and I have patched up our differences but that's not important right now. General Harrier just tried to kill us. He's gone berserk, and she thinks he'll escape in his personal warship. It was hidden somewhere nearby. It's rumored an Asiddian scientist named Vultura is installing a version of our MA ray on it."
"Not to worry dear fellow," Heinbaum replied smugly. "The Destinnee defensive screen is designed to withstand a MA beam. We'll be perfectly safe."
"You don't understand," Miguel said. "Vultura wasn't able to duplicate our MA beam or power source. He designed an analogous beam operating on a different frequency and powered by three fusion generators in sequence. Our PDS won't identify it as a threat."
***
Heinbaum called an emergency meeting, and after Lloyd played a recording of Miguel's warning, the mood in the lab was dark.
Dr. HannBrr said, "Why not adjust the shield to deflect all forms of radiation. A simple matter I could accomplish in 30 minutes."
"You realize of course one of the fundamental forms of radiation is light. I don't think it wise to blind ourselves," Heinbaum muttered.
"The only way to create a shield is to have a sample of the new beam for analysis," GooYee said.
"I say we lob a set of Bowlers at 'em and take out their fusion generators. Just like we did with the other 30 or so battleships," McPherson offered.
"We don't know the location of the beam generators. They could be anywhere in the 71 million cubic feet of the thing. We don't have time to search," Dr. Mkkell said.
"Then send in the Porcupine and FLIT them 200 light years away. You guys are making the solution way too difficult," McPherson replied.
"It takes at least one minute for the antennas to reach the point of extension permitting transport," GooYee said. "We'll be targeted and fired upon in perhaps five seconds. The FLIT would rid us of the Asiddians, but we wouldn't be around to celebrate. The only survivors would be those aboard the Porcupine."
"I don't like unsolvable riddles," McPherson said. "We don't have a way to get a sample unless we're fired upon. Any contact with the beam could be devastating. If the beam hits the right place, or wrong one depending on your point of view, we'll be damaged or destroyed before ever having the time for analysis," McPherson grumbled.
"Say that again," Heinbaum said.
"Say what again?" McPherson asked. "We'll be destroyed before ever having the time for analysis."
"I once said you were a clever bastard. It's nice to know some things don't change."
"Would you stop talking in riddles and explain what in Derishe's Hell you're babbling," GooYee demanded.
Heinbaum described his idea and GooYee said, "It is becoming clear to me I have misjudged you, Heiny. The general nature of your insanity is subtle but nevertheless exists. My only fear is learning it's contagious."
"It'll work," Heinbaum replied. "Don't be jealous. It doesn't become you."
Chapter 19 – Bow Shot
Harrier's vehicle swooped to a stop near the huge folding doors of the warehouse concealing his battleship. The Thorncutter looked like any other Asiddian warship but the similarity e
nded once you set foot inside it. The absorbisteel shell was one foot thicker than normal, and the ship boasted five more fusion power systems than its sister ships. Its available weaponry included the one remaining Pile-Driving Booby and fastest clock-speed computer ever designed by Asiddian scientists. Unlike the other ships in the once proud fleet, the Thorncutter set aside opulent quarters for the Royal Princess and her entourage.
"What is the status of the weaponry modifications?" Harrier demanded.
"Installed and ready for testing," Vultura answered. "As a precaution, I've scattered the fusion generators in different areas of the ship. There's no use taking a chance a lucky shot would take them all out at once."
"I want a test," Harrier mused. "If the ray performs against their shield, I see no reason to retreat."
"I was hoping you had that on your wish list," Vultura replied. "There are scout saucers shuttling fighters to the planet's surface on a regular basis. Select your target and let me take care of the rest."
***
Jesús Martínez scanned the Trissalic landscape for a suitable landing spot. It was his fifth trip ferrying platoons of Human and Chrysallaman warriors to the planet's surface, and he had learned to change his touchdown location each trip to avoid giving the Assids an easy target.
His second trip had almost ended in disaster and the memory was still fresh. Landing in the same office plaza as he had on the first trip, he had discharged his platoon and rose to a 1,000 foot hover to provide air support in the event they were ambushed. Without warning, a 50-story office tower on the edge of the plaza began to topple toward them. Assid troops had used their disintegrator beams to cut a wedge out of the building like they were lumberjacks felling a giant redwood. The intention was clear. A PDS could not protect its user from hundreds of tons of crashing building. Reacting on impulse, Martínez had dived and covered his troops with the larger shield encompassing his scout saucer Daart. The platoon, protected by the hovering body of the saucer, had re-boarded and FLITed to safety. Since that incident, Jesús always chose a different landing site far from towering buildings.
"I thought flying a scout saucer would be more exciting than jockeying a Bowler," Josh King grumbled. "After the first couple of trips, I find this new duty dull - too repetitious."
I don't define dull as having an office building thrown at you," Jesús responded. "I much prefer flying this race car to sitting in front of a computer screen all day. No comparison."
Pointing toward the view screen, Josh said, "I like the looks of that park. No tall buildings nearby - plenty of tree cover."
At that moment, a red blinking token appeared in the upper port side of the screen. Objects too far away to be recognized by the optic software were displayed as general images. The token made a sudden leap toward the center of the monitor and transformed into an Asiddian Talon fighter as the video algorithms identified it. The fighter activated a disintegrator beam as it dived past them. The reddish yellow halo of the Daart shield appeared and neutralized the attack.
"Josh, target and destroy. I don't get why they waste their time firing on us."
"It is rather strange," Josh responded as he typed instructions into his fire control keyboard. "Wait. The pilot's coming around for another pass . . ."
His words were cut short as a white sparkling ray shot from the fighter. It lanced through the Daart's shield and melted a wide hole in the port side of the saucer.
Gripping the flight controls, Jesús fought to keep the saucer level as it lost aerodynamics. Vibrations shook the control room, and the thunder of rushing air made hearing difficult.
"What was that?" Jesús yelled over the noise.
"I don't know but we've got to warn Destinnee," Josh howled as he flipped new switches. "Destinnee control. Destinnee control. Assids have new ray weapon. Shield ineffectual. Shield ..."
A new sight rising on the screen silenced him. Jesús put the Daart into a hover and looked to see what had Josh's attention.
An Assid battleship with all spines aiming toward them rose into view. It had been hidden in some kind of underground lair that their sensors hadn't detected. Its massive size already dwarfed the Daart, and it had only cleared a third of its bulk from the shelter.
"I thought all those ships were destroyed," Josh whispered.
"Obviously not," Jesús responded as he flicked the switch to open the channel to Destinnee. "Destinnee control. There is a surviving Assid battleship . . ."
His last words died with the saucer and everyone on board. A white sparkling ray blasted from the battleship's spines through the Daart's midsection and dissolved it. The hollowed out disc crashed to the planet's surface and bounced like a penny dropped on a sidewalk. Nothing was left except a smoking ruin with the shadow of the Asiddian battleship hovering nearby.
***
"Enemy saucer just entered our air space," the technician announced.
"On screen. Vultura. Prepare the ray," Harrier ordered.
The Thorncutter sensors had monitored several scout saucers making repeated landings. Analysis indicated they were being used for troop movements. One of the saucers consistently avoided landing near tall buildings which made it the ideal candidate for testing Vultura's new energy ray.
"You're sure the new ray will penetrate their shield?"
"I have a high degree of confidence, but the only way to test my hypothesis is to shoot at an active shield. I have taken the liberty of installing a smaller version of the weapon on a Talon fighter. In the off chance it is ineffectual, better to risk the loss of a fighter than our only surviving battleship."
"I agree the prudent approach is best," Harrier responded as he thought back to his encounter with Miguel. "Get on with it."
Flipping the transmit toggle, Vultura said, "Talon Claw, initiate attack vector Alpha."
Vultura had given explicit orders to the fighter pilot. She was to make a first pass on the enemy saucer firing a disintegrator to force the shield into activation. When she was sure the protective bubble was in operation, she was authorized to fire the new weapon.
Harrier watched with eager anticipation as the first shot activated the protective screen. He felt jumpy and out of sorts after his confrontation with the Princess and her Human lover. His run of losses was growing longer, and he yearned for a win. He hated to put his reliance on science rather than the physical pleasure of combat, but with these Humans he had no choice. Like it or not, their overwhelming physicality made better technology the only viable option.
The Talon made a turn and darted back for its second run. The new white sparkling ray lanced toward the saucer, burned a hole through the shield and through its fuselage. It was obvious the saucer pilot was fighting his controls as the craft wobbled and vibrated from the impact and damage.
A whoop of joy burst from Harrier, and he slammed his fist on his armrest. "Navigator, take us toward the enemy ship. Dr. Vultura. Ready my weapons. The Chrysallamans and their Human friends are going to feel my wrath."
The Thorncutter shuddered and rose from its underground shelter. The new weapon spines twisted toward the damaged saucer. A vapor mist swirled in the air around the hole torn open by the Talon attack.
"Target the center and take it out."
They were still a quarter mile away when the weapons fired. The entire center of the saucer dissolved into nothingness as the white ray tore through it. With its power systems destroyed and crew dead, what was left of the saucer plummeted to the ground; bouncing and flipping several times before if came to a rest.
Silence filled the control room until one of the crew began screaming victory. Even Harrier joined in the celebration for a brief moment. The shield was no longer a factor. The killing field had been leveled.
Staring around the control room with an evil smile, Harrier said, "Let's go hunting bigger game."
As the shouts of agreement echoed around him, his smile widened. He didn't notice the worried look on Vultura's face.
***
Tom was conferring with Hisspat Zeck about the ground offensive when Janniss Whirrnigg interrupted. "General Blunt, scout saucer Daart has been destroyed. I have their last transmissions."
"Play them."
"The first transmission came approximately 15 seconds before the last. I'll play them as received."
Josh King’s voice was stressed and air noise made it difficult to hear, "Destinnee control. Destinnee control. Assids have new ray weapon. Shield ineffectual. Shield . . ."
The last FLR was even more ominous, "Destinnee control. There is a surviving Assid battleship . . ."
Whirrnigg answered Tom's next question without prompting, "Scans of the Daart's landing zone reveal no active FLIT generators. There are no signs of Human or Chrysallaman survivors."
Tom's gut wrenched. Stabbing the 'General Quarters' alarm, he said, "Captain McPherson, ready all weaponry. Lloyd, give me VIEW mode. Colonel Stoneman, back us away from Chrysalis at one-half light speed. I want some room to maneuver. Lt. O'Connell, recall all saucers."
Evolution of F.O.R.C.E. (The Origin of F.O.R.C.E. Book 3) Page 21
