Zhu shared the sensor data with his two companion AIs, using temporary internal wiring that repair bots had laid for this purpose. He added a short message to the data flow. He said, “They’re conducting a thorough search. Perhaps they left a sensor in place and know we haven’t left the system. It was as well we were fully shielded when we moved here.”
Zhu had not realized an AI could experience a form of anxiety. He made a note in his private log to examine and explore that thought later when they were safely away from the Xesset threat. He also considered the AI label incorrect; there was nothing artificial about him, or so he thought. When he had time and opportunity, he planned to reflect on the alternatives. Now, though, his attention needed to be on the Xesset searchers.
From his analysis of the aliens’ search patterns, he was certain they did not know whether or not the destroyers were still in the system. The aliens had carved out what seemed to be a cube of space for their search scope, and while the dreadnought was more or less stationary, the other starships were traversing section by section as they sought traces of him and his companions. It would take days to cover all of the area defined by the cube, and Zhu thought it was unlikely the Xesset would remain in the system for that length of time. If they caught a signal, a flash of electronics, from him or his companions, their search patterns would allow precise triangulation. Even so, Zhu was sure, he and his companions had eliminated that possibility.
As he monitored the search patterns, one of the smaller Xesset starships headed towards the moon and fortunately, turned and headed away, on a lower level of the search cube. There was no electronic outburst of alarm or excitement from the Xesset destroyer that Zhu could detect. The alien starships were exceptionally fast, and he estimated their current speeds were a fraction of light—admittedly a small fraction. They were traveling five hundred thousand klicks per minute. It was inevitable; at some stage, they would detect the sensors he had laid out, even given their low power.
Zhu messaged Echo and Amber. He said, “We need to try our admiral’s technique of taking control of their starship systems. I think it’s going to be the only way to survive if—no, when—they detect us. Have either of you considered how we can deal with what Steg says is an intense evil that permeates their systems and ships?”
Echo said, “I felt something—it was extremely distasteful—from the Xesset ship that attacked me. I suspect that’s why its weapons got through my shields. While I was shut away without any external contact, I developed a sub-routine that I think should work. It eliminates our reaction. We’ll know there’s an intense evil sensation, but we’ll be able to ignore it. I was going to install it earlier; however, my repairs consumed too many process cycles, and I deferred the upload.”
“Send it. Quickly. Amber, we need to review this code. It might be the difference between our survival and defeat.”
Within seconds the code was shared, analyzed, agreed, and installed. Amber said, “I wonder if the Acolytes are aware that we are able to self-program? What else could we do with new sub-routines?”
“Worry about that future after we ensure we have a future,” admonished Zhu. “I think now we have a fighting chance. It won’t be long before reality bites. ”
oOo
CHAPTER 19
THE BRIDGE of Wanderer was quiet; even the AIs were subdued. Nothing had been heard from Zhu and his two companions since an hour before when he had transmitted a brief signal. It read: “Xesset returned.” While Steg had instructed Zhu to stay silent, the bridge had expected to hear more news of the Xesset newcomers, and if there had been a battle or otherwise. Wanderer now was on the outer edge of the small anonymous star system where they expected to find the destroyers. Sullivan was on bridge duty. Steg was monitoring progress and activities from a separate command deck that he occupied with his strategy team.
Wanderer was fully shielded and running silent.
The system consisted of a small sun, three planets that were either too hot or too cold for settlement, numerous asteroids, some large enough to be classed as moons, and one small moon that was situated between the two outer planets. Starship wreckage, from small hull sections to major starship portions, was spread across sections of space. As far as the sensors could determine, all the wreckage was alien.
Steg said to Ioke, “Keep your sensors running. There could be Xesset warships anywhere.”
“Yes, sir. I have detected a com relay; it’s one from Zhu’s destroyer, located near the moon,” Ioke advised.
“Alke, advise Captain Sullivan we’d like to explore that region, in particular, the dark side of the moon.”
“Yes, sir.”
Steg and his team watched viewscreen displays and listened to bridge activity. Alke had the starship on a slow and cautious approach to their target. Wanderer took ten minutes to reach a position where the AIs could begin to examine the far side of the moon. Steg sensed a growing evil.
He said to Ioke, “There’s a minimum of one Xesset craft here.”
“Yes, sir. We can sense what you call evil. It’s been growing in intensity.”
“Suggest to the captain that we prepare for action.”
“Yes, sir.”
Moments later the quiet of was broken as alarms sounded throughout Wanderer. The alarms ceased, and Sullivan announced, “All hands. Action is imminent. Take up duty stations.”
While the AIs controlled basic and general functions of the superdreadnought, the crew remained responsible for offensive and defensive operations. There was a rush as crew members took up their positions; the process was well-practiced and efficient.
Sullivan connected to Steg and said, “The ship reports all stations are manned, sir. We’re ready to run a complete check of the shadowed side of the moon.”
“Thank you, Captain. There is an alien presence of some kind. No sign yet of our destroyers, though. Remain at action stations.”
“Yes, sir.”
It was as though Wanderer turned a corner and everything behind the moon was revealed. Steg said, “Ioke, display on the main screen.”
“Yes, sir.”
The image formed in less than a second to display a huddle of starships in the shadow behind the small moon. Their destroyers were locked together with a Xesset dreadnought. Steg sat back in his command seat and reached out to the group. The sense of evil was strong.
“Zhu, report,” he said.
“We need your help. We’re in control—no spare cycles—”
Steg dived into the Xesset starship’s system, ignoring the painful waves of emotive pressure and pushback. He struggled for a moment, trying to identify which components were under the control of Zhu and his companions. He recognized a central command system that was fighting back and reached into it. The alien system did not want to surrender control and fought back. He struggled to grasp what seemed to be a mental snake, pushing and twisting against his pressures. He felt another presence and relaxed when he realized it was Alke.
*I can help,* she offered.
Steg shifted his attention and made room for Wanderer’s AI. The remaining battle was short and decisive as the alien starship’s systems succumbed to the intrusive might of four AIs and Steg.
He withdrew from the alien system and used his comunit. He said, “Zhu, you can relax. Echo, Amber, you, too. You did well. Alke can keep the Xesset systems under control. Rest, make sure your destroyers are safe, and when you’re certain you have your ships under control, take turns to relieve Alke.” He heard murmurs of assent from the AIs.
“You arrived in time to save us,” Zhu said. “The alien systems were distributed throughout the dreadnought, which made them difficult to control. We sent war bots in with instructions to take control of the engine room, to stop Xesset firing their destruct device. We also had to protect each other.*
“What happened to the crew?”
“They abandoned ship once they realized we were in control of their systems. They all perished, as far as I could det
ermine.”
“There’s a lot of wreckage?” queried Ioke.
“There were four Xesset destroyers with the dreadnought. When the first one navigated to our side of the moon, we attempted to take control. It was followed by two more. Unfortunately, we weren’t fast enough or strong enough to stop the destruction of their destroyers. We’ve learned a lot, though,” Zhu said. “When the last destroyer and the dreadnought approached us, it was a major struggle to survive. We fired missiles at the destroyer and it exploded. We barely managed to hold onto the dreadnought. However, we’d reached a point where if we relaxed, destruction of the Xesset ship would damage us as well. I admit to a sigh of relief when I sensed Wanderer’s approach.”
“Me, too,” chimed in Echo. “I feel bruised. Alke, I need assistance with repairs.”
Steg said, “Amber, what about you?”
“Exhausted. Some damage. I could use help.”
“Alke, we shouldn’t remain here. Prepare to move out as quickly as possible. Help our destroyers assess their damage; as long as they can make s-t transits, we’ll leave. Determine whether you can control the Xesset ship. I’d like to take it with us. We’ll see if we can crew it as an alternative. I’ll arrange for Kirby to check there are no aliens still on board. He can disable their explosive devices; Denke has experience and can provide guidance. We need to be quick, it’s time we visited Djii. Tziksis will be wondering where we are.”
Repairs were time-consuming and another ten hours passed before the destroyers were ready to travel. In the meantime, Zhu had persuaded Steg to provide him a copy of the Special Forces files on the Xesset language and culture. Denke agreed to the upload without hesitation. Five hours later, Zhu was able to argue with Steg in High Xesset and presented a detailed case why he should be allowed to transfer to the alien dreadnought.
“I now have an extensive language base,” argued AI. “I’ve gained a detailed knowledge of the alien starship’s systems. I can learn a lot more from the Xesset logs and other files while we’re in transit. By the time we reach Djii, I’ll be an alien specialist. That makes me invaluable and indispensable to you.”
Steg explained, “You’re already both of those. I think you’re hungry for knowledge.”
“Yes, that, too,” agreed the AI. He did not hide his enthusiasm. “Think how much more I’ll be able to contribute. And I won’t get caught the way we were earlier.” Zhu still felt that he had performed poorly in the battle with the dreadnought, no matter how much Steg, Alke, and Ioke tried to convince him otherwise.
“I can transfer my code set without difficulty. Like the ship you captured, the basic systems are common with those used in Imperial starships. I agree that it seems the Xesset, perhaps centuries ago, captured a human starship and copied all its systems. I checked with Alke, and she approves. I also discussed my proposal with the two Acolytes, and they’re confident the transfer will work. They’re installing high-density storage devices for me to use. I’ve planned it all. I’ll leave a basic shadow of myself in the destroyer to manage it while we travel to Djii. The Acolytes are confident I’ll be able to control the alien ship. I’ll be safe. I won’t take risks.”
Steg discussed Zhu’s idea with Alke and the two Acolytes, and they confirmed their assessment. He called Denke and Jessie into the discussion to obtain other viewpoints. All were convinced that while there were risks, they had been identified and with care, were manageable. Eventually, Steg agreed to the transfer with the condition that the two Acolytes and a squad of Ebony Company marines accompanied Zhu to Djii. Denke, eager to expand his knowledge of Xesset language and culture, volunteered also to travel with the dreadnought.
“This starship is going to provide invaluable knowledge and insights into the Xesset culture, far more than we’ve obtained previously. I want to be with Zhu as he develops a higher level of understanding. He can share everything he learns. I’m confident the Emperor would forgive you if you stole twenty of his destroyers in exchange for this ship and its contents.”
Jessie said. “Steg, if you recall, we lost one Xesset dreadnought through no fault of ours. This provides everything we could wish for. I agree with Denke and Zhu. Do it.”
Steg agreed and contacted Kirby to arrange the squad from Ebony Company. Denke added, “Tell him Sergeant Velez should be in charge, okay?”
“Worried you might break your leg again?” queried Steg, to general laughter.
Five hours later the small fleet was ready to depart, and Zhu with his crew was the first to leave. The destroyers, with Echo and Amber monitoring the third destroyer with its shadow AI, were next. Wanderer was last to leave. Their destination was Djii.
oOo
CHAPTER 20
WANDERER and its escort of destroyers entered orbit at a distance of five hundred thousand klicks from the planet’s small way station. Four other Imperial destroyers were nearby. As yet they were unmanned; the promised Imperial Fleet officers were still in transit and crew would follow soon, according to the plan. Steg gave Ebony Company and Wanderer’s crew permission to disembark for the way station, ensuring half remained on board Wanderer at any one time. He wanted to meet with Tziksis before giving them leave to land on Djii.
Tziksis had invited Steg, Denke, Kirby, Finch, other members of Wanderer’s bridge and strategy teams to visit the planet; they were boarding Dreamer for the short trip. Tziksis was anxious to introduce Steg, regarded as the savior of Djii as a result of his contribution to the defeat of the Xesset occupation force, to his people.
Aadan landed Dreamer without a bounce. They were at a planet-side spaceport on the outskirts of Ychtyr, the largest city on the planet and its capital. Two large tractor units towed the space yacht to their allocated docking bay. Once the yacht was hooked into support systems, everyone disembarked.
There was an excited crowd inside the building, waving banners and flags. Steg noted numerous news teams with cameras focused on him and his team. Tziksis, in his admiral’s uniform, was waiting with a group of senior Djiis officials. When he saw Steg, all sense of decorum fled. He rushed towards his friend and enveloped him in a waist-high hug, carapace colors changing with his surge of emotions. He released Steg and stood back, his eyestalks bobbing.
“Steg. Admiral. Prince. Rescuer of Djii. Friend. Welcome to my planet.” He saluted; it was a far more polished gesture than his efforts when he served as Steg’s servant on board the ss Ziangka. His syntax had improved, too, with far fewer errors.
“Admiral Tziksis,” Steg returned the salute. “It’s good to be here.”
“No rank needed, friend Steg,” instructed the alien. He turned to Steg’s companions and said, “Welcome all to Djii. A long time for this moment we have waited.”
The first and highest-ranking officer Tziksis introduced was General Theas.
“Sir,” said Steg, “I’m pleased to meet you in person, at last.”
“Steg—if I may?”
“We’re friends, General.”
“Indeed. Steg, call me Theas. We have no ranks between us. I have long looked forward to this day. Your assistance rendered to our planet and our people will be remembered for centuries.”
Steg had not told his companions any of his participation in freeing Djiis from their occupation by a Xesset force. Finch realized they were missing an important story and dug him in the ribs.
“You have some explaining to do,” she whispered.
“It’s a long story,” Steg said, and Finch frowned.
“Later,” she said.
Steg nodded and returned his attention to Tziksis and Theas as they introduced official after official. He knew he would not remember all the faces, names, and titles. He didn’t want to admit to Tziksis that he found it difficult to differentiate Djiis features, nor would he tell the small alien that his eyestalks and carapace reminded him of the lobster-like marine life on Homeworld.
He said, “Tziksis, we cannot take up everyone’s time here with more introductions. You can issue name badge
s to my team so they can be recognized. You have all their details.”
“Correct, you are. It was necessary for our protocol to introduce as many as possible here. However, I agree, it is time for you and your friends to Royal Palace come with us. We have with our king a meeting planned with more officials and more celebrations. Darga your escort is and later, in special ceremony, honorary member you will be. This is an honor never before granted to non-Djiis in our history.”
Steg recalled Tziksis’ description of the Darga as frenzy warriors, berserkers. Their numbers were small and their fighting abilities highly regarded. Djiis held that if the Darga were ever defeated in battle, it would be the end of their civilization. Steg had set the stage for their deployment against the Xesset occupation force, and the result was a ferocious slaughter of the aliens as the battle group fought to regain control of their planet.
“Tziksis, are you sure all this ceremony is required? We need to prepare our task force and time is running.”
“Steg, all is necessary. You were key to saving us when Xesset were in occupation. Without your assistance, we all dead would be. Inevitable total defeat was. Our old king murdered by Xesset was, and new king hid until planet freed. Debt owed Steg de Coeur, he proclaimed.”
“Very well. We’re in your hands.”
“Come, we have transport for all. Journey to city one hour will take. Djiis waiting to see you as we travel to Royal Palace. Big parade, major celebrations, all Djiis come. This is one year anniversary of freedom proclamation.”
Finch laughed at Steg’s discomfit. She and Stacia took a position on either side of Steg, and each took one of his hands. “We’ll look after you, Admiral. Tessa, you follow and make sure he doesn’t escape.”
Tziksis bobbed his eyestalks, examining Steg’s companions. “Fain. Good for Steg, care for him. All come with me.”
There were thousands—no, tens of thousands, Steg corrected his estimate when he assessed the size of the crowd—of Djiis assembled outside the spaceport. The uproar when Steg appeared was deafening. Military guards were positioned to provide a pathway to a convoy of open-topped vehicles, and Tziksis led the way.
Diamond Cut: Book Three in The Glass Complex Trilogy Page 12
