by Kal Spriggs
"Best estimate is just over a thousand," Lieutenant Cassat said, "in this first salvo. The automated systems held their fire until all the platforms on this side were in range.
Daniel nodded at that, but he could see that while the defenses had held their fire, they hadn't fired in sequence or timed the missile acceleration. That meant that while all the missiles had fired at once, they wouldn't arrive all at the same time, but rather staggered over several minutes.
"Orders, Captain?" The XO asked. Commander Bowder looked resigned more than anything else.
"Hold our fire, for now," Daniel said. The defense systems might target the Constellation if they opened fire. Even if they didn't, he didn't know what his ship could add, beyond timing their missiles to overlap with that of the defense platforms. Four more missiles at a time may not be enough to matter, he thought.
One thing was certain. The enemy ships had not reversed course, they'd continued their pursuit of the Constellation and they were continuing to gain.
***
Chapter XX
The Throne of Kopal Pesh
The Sacred Stars
January 4, 2408
Alannis looked at Chuni, “Can you do this?”
“Yes,” she nodded. “I have the Danaris Pesh Kopali, it is the signet ring of my family. Legend also calls it the Key of Kopal Pesh.” Alannis's friend pulled a ring out of a pocket on her harness. The ring itself was heavily inscribed with geometric symbols, but the thing that really stood out was the large, purple sapphire, which almost seemed to pulse with light. “In theory, this will grant me entry, along with my blood and birthright.”
In theory, Alannis thought.
Either way, they were already committed. The shuttle was well within the defensive perimeter. They'd seen no sign of attack yet. Chief Darani had said their modified transponder received a single query and then they'd been ignored.
She just hoped the Constellation proved so lucky. Captain Beeson had messaged them to notify his intent. Now if Chuni could get the defenses on their side, then this all might work out...
“Two minutes!” the crew chief called out. Alannis gave her gear a last check, then nodded at Chuni who donned her helmet. The princess wore her powered armor. Right now Alannis felt more than a bit of envy at that, she and her Marines only had their combat suits, the Fleet was too short on powered armor after the Dreyfus Coup to give every ship a set.
As the shuttle closed the last few kilometers, a pulse of light enveloped them all. Again, time seemed to freeze and Alannis saw Chuni draw out her ring.
The pulse of light this time had a distinctly blue tone and as it cleared, Chief Darani shouted, "Bay doors opening, I'm taking her in!"
The shuttle touched down in a cavernous chamber. As soon as the side doors opened, Gunny Tam had a fire team racing out to secure a beachhead.
Alannis followed Chuni down the ramp, both of them moving at a run. The rest of the platoon followed, quickly splitting off to establish a defensive perimeter. "Ramp clear," Alannis heard over the net and the shuttle rose into the air, weapons armed, ready to provide covering fire.
"Which way?" Alannis asked.
Chuni gave a wave of one of her power-armor gauntlets towards the back wall, only a couple hundred meters distant. Only, Alannis thought dryly, this place is ridiculously huge.
The platoon moved out. Without cover, they moved in a broad, dispersed group. As the lead elements drew near the wall, a large, curved door swept open, like the petals of a flower, revealing a curved, slope-walled corridor.
"We're going in there?" Alannis asked.
Chuni spoke over her comm, "Affirmative. This should lead us to the Advocacy Chamber. The oldest legends..."
"We don't have time for the legends," Alannis said. "This Advocacy Chamber, that's where you can gain control?"
"No," Chuni said. "That will gain us access to the larger facility. From there I will need to take the Corridor of Triumph to the Throne Room itself. That is where I should be able to take control."
"Right," Alannis said, "Gunny, we're going in, keep an eye out for any sensors or traps--"
"Break, break, break!" Chief Darani shouted over the net. "Contact, two ships coming in the doors--"
His voice cut out with a flare of light. Alannis spun in time to see two boxy ships, inky blots against the stars behind them. The shuttle was gone, an expanding ball of plasma where it had been. “Into the corridor, move!” Alannis barked.
As her platoon moved to obey, the station’s defenses opened up. A pulse of energy, so bright that her visor darkened to black and she could still see it, drove into the side of the lead ship. That one detonated, the wreckage sending the other ship spiraling into the deck.
Chuni and the others raced ahead and Alannis followed, yet over her shoulder as she looked back at the wrecked vessel, she saw airlocks snap open and figures begin to emerge.
She turned forward and raced down the corridor after her platoon.
***
Daniel watched as the missile salvoes went in and he couldn’t help but notice how the enemy formation seemed to draw in on itself. He looked over at Commander Bowder, “Strange, isn’t it?”
His XO gave a nod, “You’d think they’d disperse against that kind of fire, especially with how broad the kill radius on those warheads are…” He trailed off and then he highlighted several vessels on the opposite edges of the enemy formation. “Look at this, their maneuvers… they’re perfectly synchronized.”
“They’d have to be operating that close together,” Daniel said. Any close-quarters formation necessitated timed maneuvers like that.
“Yes… but perfectly synchronized?” Commander Bowder asked. He shook his head. “No, sir, these four ships, they’re travelling at different velocities, separated by tens of thousands of kilometers… and from what our sensors can tell, they turned at exactly the same time, down to the millisecond.”
“So what does it mean?” Daniel asked. Synchronicity like that wasn’t something anyone particularly required. Most often ships in formation operated with a great deal of latitude, only fighters or occasionally gunboats operated in such close proximity.
"Some kind of combat network?" Daniel asked. Yet it didn't make sense. Many nations used combat networks to an extent, as a means of issuing orders and controlling groups of ships with minimal errors. This level of precision, however, was beyond that.
"Maybe it's some kind of automated control?" Forrest asked.
"Like drones?" Daniel asked. "Possibly, but..."
He trailed off as the first salvo went in. The enemy fired their weapons in overlapping waves. Each of the corvettes put out twelve of their beams and the larger ships put out sixteen or even twenty. The inbound flight of missiles had consisted of only thirty of the missiles, probably a mix of the Liquidators and other types. None of them survived to reach the enemy force.
"Their missile defenses are nasty," Forrest said as he forwarded his department's analysis. At this range, they couldn't tell much, beyond the fact that the enemy's overlapping fire had easily cleared the missiles.
The process repeated for the next three salvoes as the closest platforms arrived in quick succession. The enemy formation didn't even slow; they simply swept the space ahead of them like a broom.
"I've noticed something interesting, sir," Forrest said after the fourth wave went in. "The enemy has prioritized their targets in each wave. You can't tell unless you break their fire down ship-by-ship, but by our analysis, their lead vessels have identified and targeted the Liquidator missiles. The follow-on vessels have knocked out what we think are some of the weaponized drone missiles, and the remaining ships eliminate the jamming missiles."
"So?" Daniel asked.
"Sir, we're only identifying those missiles after the enemy destroys them," Forrest said. "Other than the detonation of the missiles in question, there's no outward signs that we've picked up of the differences. For that matter, we're having issues even seeing the other
missiles past the jammers, but they're picking the jamming missiles off last."
Daniel pulled up the sensor analysis for the enemy ships. Those ships used active radar, but every indication was that it wasn't any more sophisticated than what the Constellation carried. They might get more out of that through software... but not much. How were these people identifying inbound missiles with such precision?
"Sir," Forrest said, "going with the XO's idea of a combat network, tactical has identified several possible central vessels to their formation." He put carat on those four ships, the four largest of the enemy destroyers. "The rest of the formation seems to move around that central point."
"A command ship?" Commander Bowder asked, even as another salvo of missiles died.
"Or maybe the center for their network," Daniel said. "Maybe if we take that out, then we damage their overall cohesion."
"It's a moot point, for now," Commander Bowder said with a gesture at his displays, "nothing's getting through on them."
"Captain," Chief Pine said, "we're getting a transmission from the boarding party."
"...shuttle destroyed, enemy has boarded the station with two vessels," Ensign Giovanni's voice was barely understandable through the static. "...heading deeper into the station, will report if successful..." Her voice trailed off into static.
"Ensign?" Daniel asked. He looked at Chief Pine, "Anything?"
"Negative, sir, that's all I was able to receive. Whatever that station is made out of, it's blocking any signal I try to send and we're only receiving sporadic transmissions from them."
The enemy continued to gain on the Constellation, Daniel saw. Whatever you're going to do, Chuni, he thought, do it soon.
***
"Rear guard by fire teams!" Gunny Tam snapped over the net.
Alannis shoved Rory and Feliks ahead of her as the two scientists babbled nervously.
The corriodor opened up into a broad chamber with no warning. Alannis actually stumbled as the floor sloped downwards. "We're here," Alannis called out, "the Advocacy Chamber."
Chuni rushed down the ramp. The chamber seemed to be set up like and amphitheater, with broad levels for people to stand and a large, elevated platform at the back. Alannis dragged the two scientists with her and followed her friend, even as Gunny Tam got the Marines into defensive positions.
I hope I'm wrong about what I thought I saw, Alannis thought. Even if she wasn't, she didn't want to be in a firefight in this place. There was no room, no cover.
Chuni had begun climbing the ramp to the platform. Alannis gave off pushing the scientists and jogged up behind her friend. "Well?"
Chuni removed her helmet and then pulled out her ring as she moved to the center of the platform. "This is where our senior leaders would gather to make decisions or to petition the Protectors. They would select their leader, their Turan, to deliver the message to the Protectors or to broadcast their decision throughout the different worlds."
"Okay," Alannis looked around, she didn't see even the seams of a door on the wall or floor, "How did they do it?"
"I don't know," Chuni grunted, her hide, where it was visible on her head and neck, had turned a dull, angry red. "I don't know enough, I know it has to do with this ring, but I don't know the details. Those were kept secret, by my family and I've lost them."
"Maybe it's a puzzle?" Feliks asked as he came up. "Some kind of
"No, no, no," Rory said. "Something that complicated would take too long. This was supposed to be how someone could carry an emergency message, right?"
Chuni nodded in response.
"Well, then your Protectors would want a quick way for the message to get through... something someone wouldn't forget in an emergency or could figure out in case something had happened to the key leaders..." Rory walked around the platform. "Huh," he said, "there's some writing here..."
Alannis looked up as Gunny Tam rushed up the ramp, "Ma'am, we've got major security issues here. We got some cover in the corridor, but if we lose the entrance, we're in a shooting gallery here."
"I know," Alannis said. "They're trying to get the next door opened."
"They better hurry," Gunny Tam said. "I dropped some tattle-tales on our way and they're reporting movement... headed this way quick."
Alannis walked over to where Chuni and Rory had begun to argue, "Look!" Rory shouted, "I just want to see your ring, to compare it to the writing in the circle here!"
Alannis stepped up and snatched the ring from Chuni. The buzzing she'd heard in her ears grew until it seemed like it washed everything else out. How had Chuni been able to function with this thing buzzing in her mind?
There were no words in that buzzing, but there was meaning. Alien meaning, something not meant for a human mind to fully understand.
Yet she could feel the intent of it. Alannis stepped into the circle and held up the ring.
Brilliant light flared and then, in front of her, a glowing presence took form.
Chuni came up to stand beside her and Alannis passed over the ring. "How did you know to do that?" Chuni asked.
"It just felt right," Alannis said. She wondered if Chuni had felt the call and if so, if she'd fought it. Maybe she'd been afraid or too nervous or distracted to listen. Alannis didn't know, all that mattered was they'd gotten some response.
The glowing form finished materializing, an odd figure, bipedal, but with great glowing wings of light. It had either two or four arms, masked within glowing robes that also hid its features. When it spoke, Alannis heard the words in her mind, My children, she said, in a distinctly feminine voice, the time has ever come when children leave home to venture into the unknown. To my regret, that day has come and past.
"Please tell me this is not a recording," Alannis muttered, "We could really use some powerful Protectors to kick some enemy ass."
This recording stands for those of you who have returned...
"Of course," Alannis muttered.
...by now you are adults, having lived in the outer universe, having fought and suffered and grown. I do not know what trials you have faced, but I know they will have been many, the presence said. Know this, however, there are those who will hate you for your potential, the potential we sought to unlock within you. Those enemies will have sensed your arrival and even now will be massing to attack, to prevent you from unlocking that potential.
"You think?" Alannis snapped. "Come on, they're right down the corridor!"
"Alannis!" Chuni said in a shocked tone, "This is a Protector speaking..."
"No, this is a ten thousand-year-old recording that's 'cautioning' us about a threat that's going to come down the hall and kill us in the next few minutes!" Alannis snapped.
...and other resources that you will find here. You will be the leaders. Guide and shape them as we sought to guide and shape you. Do not forget us. Seek us out and we will impart our wisdom and advice to you. My children, know that while we can no longer protect you, everything we have done was to build a brighter day.
The image faded.
"Fascinating," Rory said. "I heard her voice quite clearly in my mind. I mean, I'm not even remotely gifted on any sort of psionic measurement. I'm the psychic equivalent of being tone deaf, but I could hear her."
"A psychic recording, incredible," Feliks said. "And who knows what subliminal messaging it could imprint directly onto our minds..."
"Why would you..." Rory stared at his friend, "Where do you even come up with these ideas. You know how I feel about things being planted in my head!"
The back wall of the platform opened up, the featureless wall reforming into a broad archway. Both scientists ceased their bickering and stared.
"Alright Marines, there's our exit!" Alannis called out.
That's when the gunfire began.
***
Staff Sergeant Dawn Witzke watched the corridor even as she split her attention between her squad. A team was here with her at the corridor entrance while B Team had taken up positions halfwa
y down the amphitheater, armed with the squad's heavy weapons to better keep any enemies heads down for when they'd have to retreat.
Not that there's anywhere to retreat too...
"Staff Sergeant," Corporal Arduino said, "what do we do if the Ensign can't get the door open?"
"She'll get the door open, Arduino," Dawn growled.
"But Staff Sergeant, what if she can't. I mean, what if the door doesn't work after ten thousand years, or..."
"The Ensign said she'll get the door open," Dawn snapped. "Her brother defeated the Chxor Empire, do you think a little door is going to stop a Giovanni?"
Corporal Arduino stayed quiet. She didn't know if that was because she'd given him something to think about or because he disagreed and just didn't want to piss her off. Either was fine with her just now.
"Alright Marines, there's our exit!" Ensign Giovanni called out.
"See, that's what I said..." Corporal Arduino started to say.
A roar of gunfire began down the corridor as inky forms rushed forward.
"Contact!" Dawn shouted. She sighted down her rifle and opened up. One of the figures fell but dozens more swarmed behind, firing as they came.
"I'm hit!" Corporal Arduino shouted.
"Reloading!" Private Antio called out.
This wasn't going to work and Dawn saw that right off. The enemy didn't have much cover, but they came forward under a weight of suppressive fire and they didn't seem to have anything resembling fear.
"Bravo Team, prepare to cover our withdrawal," Dawn barked out. "Alpha Team, fall back on my mark!"
She rushed over to where Corporal Arduino had fallen. He'd finished putting a tourniquet around his leg, but there was no way he could put his full weight on it. She hoisted him over her shoulder. "Final fire!" Dawn called out. Without aiming or really even looking she unloaded her magazine at full auto down the corridor at the advancing enemy. While they didn't seem to have individual fear, the weight of return fire slacked off, probably because the weight of fire killed the lead element and the rest had to push past their corpses.
