NEBULAR Collection 3 - Morgotradon: Episodes 12 - 16

by Thomas Rabenstein

  »Their bio-electric field is overpowering; let’s not get that close to a Globuster again. How did you …?«

  Lyla shrugged.

  »When I saw you standing, facing that monster, I panicked. I ran to you and pulled you away from the window. I don’t know why the Globuster didn’t react … maybe he was only concentrating on you … I … I don’t know.«

  Van Velzen smiled faintly.

  »Thanks, Babe!«

  Lyla returned his pale smile.

  »Don’t mention it, Teun.«

  She kissed him and then looked deep into his eyes. It was like a promise. They would do anything for each other. They would survive this crisis.

  My purpose in life has changed

  Hassan Khalil hated feeling helpless. He couldn’t move a limb, enveloped by gel and trapped in the pilot’s seat of the Globuster ship. The alien ship had been utterly inert when he’d entered it, but suddenly all its circuits were active and powered up.

  »What’s going on?« he screamed at the ceiling and the web-like weaving over his head.

  »The ship is conducting a self-test. It will then follow its original programming,« the former analysis computer explained, »we’ll be in space and seeing the stars in a moment.«

  Hassan swallowed hard. Had the computer lost its artificial mind?

  »Computer, can you communicate with the ship?« Hassan asked, struggling uselessly to free himself from the gel.

  »Precisely my new task!« the neuronal computer replied. »I am the new communication module for the ship, an interface through which it can understand you … and I’m feeding a lot to the ship in return.«

  Hassan twitched.

  »What do you mean, in return?«

  »Unlimited energy and computational capacity …,« the computer paused as if pondering, »… feelings and emotions.«

  Hassan rejected that.

  »You’re full of neuronal shit! That’s impossible!« he raged. »You weren’t designed for that, only to assist me! You can’t feel anything!«

  »My purpose in life has changed,« the computer replied.

  »Your what?« Hassan couldn’t believe his ears. »You’re not a living being; you can only function as you were designed. Get me out of this miserable situation – now! When I get out of here I’ll have you disassembled!«

  »Launch in 12 seconds!« the computer ignored him.

  The Globuster lens materialized a defense field around the ship and tore apart the tie-downs that held it in the dock. Workers and technicians scrambled for safety, trying to reach the secure zones where the emergency pods were located. The defense field wreaked havoc in the large hangar, destroying most of the equipment around the ship’s perimeter. Some of it was catapulted through the space dock’s hull, perforating the outer skins and causing a rapid decrease in pressure inside the dock. Everybody inside the hangar not wearing a spacesuit was in danger!

  Duane Fairchild was in his office, watching in horror the unfolding scene via holo display. The hangar gates were closed, but the Globuster lens was still trying to take off.

  He switched over to his comm-interface and tried to contact Hassan on the ship.

  »Hassan, what the hell are you doing? You’re killing us all!«

  He was ignored! Fairchild watched voicelessly as the Globuster lens lifted and hovered above the hangar floor with its activated propulsion system. Ultra-hot plasma streams rushed through the hangar, melting the outer skins like butter. The leaks caused by the plasma streams were devastating. The remaining atmosphere in the hangar evacuated into space with explosive force. Everything not tied down followed the path of destruction into the vacuum. Then the Globuster lens shot forward and broke through the widening hull breach as if it was paper.

  Horrified, Fairchild sat down and leaned back into his seat. He could hardly process what he saw out there; then the holo went blank.

  A heavy jolt threw Fairchild from his seat and landed him hard on the floor – which promptly opened underneath him. The last thing he saw was the light-blue globe of Earth before he imploded …

  Read it yourself

  Magnetic catapults launched the alert squadron into space. The five Nova-Hawks accelerated automatically; the pilots had no time to adjust. They blacked out for several seconds as their Human metabolism tried to keep up with the unleashed forces.

  »Triton-Hawks Leader to Triton-Hawks interceptors,« the squad leader called his units with a rough voice. »We’ll intercept the incoming ship as soon as it penetrates the maximum safe distance to Triton. Never mind the laser cannons – use our plasma slings instead!«

  The other Hawk pilots acknowledged and the ships assumed a v-attack formation aimed directly at the Globuster ship.

  Nok Daralamai, Lai Pi and the rest of the command central crew watched the Triton-Hawks’ maneuvers tensely while the section commanders executed their safety procedures. They all knew what a Globuster ship could do to the base. There was still no effective defense system against those ships. Plasma slings had been deployed on Triton, but the gunners had no real experience with live targets. All their nerves were on edge

  »Cruise missiles deployed and ready!« the fire control officer announced.

  »Base personnel?«

  »All personnel not needed for the defense of the base have been ordered into the bunkers! All strategic points inside the base are manned,« the watch officer announced.

  Lai Pi frowned.

  »It’s just one Globuster! We have a good chance. If he lands our ground troops will be waiting for him …,« he remarked.

  »… yes, but that’ll cost us dearly, Pi. We’ve had really bad luck in the past. Even one dead soldier is too many!« Nok Daralamai hissed for Pi’s ears only. »If the ship uses its long distance weapons, you can kiss your ass Goodbye, my friend!« she added sternly.

  Pi paled. He didn’t have the experience the former Triton Base crew had and seemed to underestimate the enemy. Nok was more realistic about their chances; every hint of humor had vanished from her face, replaced by a rock-hard look.

  »Commander! Enemy is now below 400,000 kilometers and in range!« the scanner officer announced.

  Nok sighed.

  »And we wondered why it’s been so quiet lately!« she remarked and turned toward the fire control officer.

  »Launch cruise missiles … Ripple 5!«

  »Roger!« the FCO acknowledged, and pushed the fire buttons with his right hand, each finger on one launcher.

  Lai Pi touched Nok’s arm.

  »And the Hawks?« he inquired.

  »They will reach the enemy ship after the missiles and continue the attack if necessary,« she interrupted Pi.

  Lai Pi squinted. She hadn’t sounded very convincing.

  »Missiles away!« the Fire Control Officer announced. They would reach their target in seconds.

  »We’re receiving strange radio messages,« the comm-officer announced, »one of the Luna orbital docks …«

  »… not now!« Nok interrupted. »Just record the messages!«

  She turned around in her seat.

  »Switch tactical display to main command holo!«

  The display appeared instantly.

  The missile trajectories and the Hawks were clearly visible. The Hawks would intercept the Globuster lens at the 200,000-kilometer range.

  »Missile intercept in 25 seconds!« the FCO reported.

  The command central crew was holding their breaths. The intercept and position markers on the display jumped forward, then overlapped the enemy’s symbol.

  Everybody waited …

  »Triton Base to Triton-Hawk Leader: Do we have a confirmed kill?« Nok demanded impatiently.

  »Three missiles: one direct hit, two missiles: No Kill!« replied the Triton-Hawk squadron leader. “No Kill” meant that the missiles had missed the target. »Nuke explosions are blinding our sensors … standby …«

  Nok’s fingertips drummed nervously on her armrest.

  »Enemy ship is still on cours
e. The ship was not destroyed and maintains course toward Triton.«

  Nok glanced at the clock on the wall.

  »Triton-Hawks … Engage!«

  The Hawks broke formation and arced toward the target from different directions and elevations.

  »How far has the Trox evacuation progressed, Nok?« Pi wanted to know.

  »They’ll just have to wait. We’re busy. If we get wiped out, the Trox will be relatively safe at the portal – otherwise they’d go down with us!«

  Pi twitched and suddenly had a knot in his stomach. He had never met such a determined woman. Even Maya Ivanova paled in comparison to Nok Daralamai.

  The plasma slings had been adapted to the Hawks’ size and limited energy supplies. The slings were first attempts, not nearly as powerful as the types being developed for the new Comet-Cruiser ships.

  As the Hawks reached their optimum attack distance, the pilots fired their plasma slings simultaneously. This was their first true test against a Globuster lens. Nobody knew what effect they would have – if any at all.

  The squadron leader had established live video to Triton Base. Everyone in the command central saw ten bright-yellow shining plasma charges streak toward the Globuster ship. The enemy made no attempt at evasive maneuvers, and maintained its course. The Globuster probably felt invincible.

  As the charges detonated on the rough lens hull, a strange phenomenon was seen. The normally transparent Globuster defense field suddenly flashed bright white. The plasma charges hit the lens in short intervals, enveloping the ship and accompanied by strong discharge flashes.

  »It’s working!« one of the Hawk pilots shouted into his com. »His flight path is changing! The ship’s wobbling!«

  Cheers broke out in the command central. Nok Daralamai was, however, reserved and remained calm.

  »The flight path has been altered by a couple of degrees!« the scanner section reported. »If the ship doesn’t slow down it will crash at the Triton south-polar region!«

  »The Globuster pilot’s lost control of his ship!« the Triton-Hawks squad leader exulted. »The ship’s starting to roll – it’s gonna crash on Triton! The enemy has not returned fire so far. I cannot detect any visual damage, but it’s definitely lost maneuverability.«

  »Dispatch a surface defense unit!« Nok ordered. »If the Globuster survives the impact – eliminate him!«

  She looked at Pi.

  »The last thing we need is a Globuster running amok, hiding somewhere on Triton.«

  Pi just nodded. His throat was dry.

  »Good decision,« he croaked.

  Nok grimaced.

  »Comm-section … I want to read the reports you received in the meantime!« she demanded.

  The comm-officer walked swiftly over to her command console and turned in a pile of holo foils. He was visibly shaken.

  Nok frowned as she scanned the messages.

  »Bad news?« Pi asked.

  »Read it yourself …,« she handed the foils to Pi.

  One of the orbital Luna shipyards has been destroyed by sabotage. The prototype Comet-Cruiser is a total loss. A viral disease of unknown origin is ravaging Mars, 20,000 colonists skilled so far. A space dock orbiting Earth was destroyed in a huge explosion. Admiral Hayes has taken command of the Union Fleet and declared the crisis regions off limits. Mars has been quarantined, and Uluru is under lock and seal. Demonstrations are disrupting rescue attempts on Mars; members of parliament are openly rallying against the Union Government …

  Pi looked up from the foils, his mouth wide open.

  »It’s total chaos! Why did we allow the attack on the Luna shipyard? Everything’s going crazy on Earth.«

  Nok placed her right index finger on her lips and invited Pi with a gesture to follow her to the nearby conference room. She waited until the door had closed behind them.

  »Pi, in all friendship, if you want me to keep you informed about the situation on Earth, please don’t use words like chaos or destabilization in front of my crew. They have relatives and friends on Earth. I need them to stay focused. Clear?« she said hotly.

  Pi blushed and swallowed hard. He nodded that he had understood.

  »I’m sorry, Nok. I didn’t mean to cause problems,« he apologized.

  »Now … since this is off the table, what’re your concerns?« she invited him in a much softer voice to speak freely. Her eyes looked much less dangerous than they just had.

  »How did we arrive at such a mess? Why is our system failing us?« he asked quietly.

  Nok Daralamai smirked and looked at the floor for a moment, pondering.

  »The agitator is now showing us his power. Step by step, he’s eroding our safety nets and social systems. The Lunar shipyard destroyed; disease on Mars, a space dock exploding and Triton attacked by a Globuster lens …«

  »You think the whole thing was planned in advance?« Pi asked uncertainly.

  »What else, Pi? The agitator is moving within a multilayered framework. He means to destroy our civilization. He will do anything to achieve that. He forced us to quarantine Mars, ginning up unrest among the colonists. Attacks on the Luna shipyard are undermining the general population’s sense of security. In the meantime, he’s weaving his web, making high ranking officials dependent on him, maneuvering them in accord with his strategies. In the end, we’ll have anarchy and he’ll try to take over our lives. I will not let this happen!«

  »Do we have any idea of who the agitator could be … how we can take him out?« Pi asked.

  Nok asserted, »I have my suspicions!«

  Pi remembered that she was chief of the Space Intelligence Service as well as the Triton Base commander.

  Nok turned away and they returned to the command central.

  As they entered, the Globuster ship was still on the displays, staggering through space, followed by the Triton-Haws at a safe distance.

  »We’ve determined the impact site and relayed the coordinates to the troops. Impact in: 4 minutes, 20 seconds!« the scanner officer reported.

  Nok went to her seat and contacted the Hawks transporting the ground troops.

  »This is Commander Daralamai! Heads up, folks! The Globuster lens is coming in fast and will impact like a meteor. Whatever else happens … eliminate the Globuster!«

  »We can hope only for one thing …,« Pi whispered.

  »… what?« she quickly interrupted.

  »… that we’re not dealing with a flying bomb – that’ll blow half of Triton away!«

  Nok Daralamai paled, her eyes glaring strangely.

  What are you waiting for

  The vertical maintenance shaft was tight and narrow. Teun van Velzen could barely squeeze through. High voltage busses and optical cables ran along the walls to the different levels. Small alcoves at key junction points housed repeaters and amplifiers for the computer and communication networks. Van Velzen was climbing downward with Lyla just above him trying her best not to miss the narrow rungs of the ship’s ladder that led to the lowest levels of Uluru. Corridors and elevators would leave them prey to Globusters, so this seemed the best way to catch up with the other team members and find a safer haven.

  Lyla knew that the scientists and support staff were trying to reach the lowest levels – secure areas with thick steel-gate airlocks, to hide until help from the surface arrived.

  »Shouldn’t we make for the surface?« Lyla asked doubtfully. »We’re running into a dead end!«

  Teun shook his head.

  »There’s only one exit, and that’s a heavy airlock gate. They’ve sealed the station, remember? Right now we’re between the 18th and 20th levels but we can’t enter them – security’s too high.«

  They had decided to take the maintenance shaft after they’d come across several dead soldiers in the upper levels, all horribly mutilated. Van Velzen paused in his descent and hooked his right arm behind one of the rungs. He had his strength back, but his Globuster encounter had left him horrified.

  »Lyla, what happened to us?�
� he whispered as she descended closer. »Yesterday everything was fine and we were working away in our labs. Charley was just a study object. Now … everything’s in ruins.«

  »I was watching the news yesterday before the lines were cut. People are dying on Mars from an extraterrestrial disease. Then this mysterious impulse came from Mars … that pulse woke up the Globusters, I’m damn sure!« Lyla exclaimed.

  Teun looked up, but he couldn’t see her face in the dimly-lit shaft.

  »What makes you think that? Do you even know what you’re talking about? We can’t even detect a tachyon pulse,« van Velzen rebutted.

  »I don’t need any more proof! One and one make two. We should have never brought the Globusters to Earth. How could we be so stupid and careless?« she snapped angrily.

  »Well … at least the Globs can’t follow us down the shaft, it’s too tight for them!« van Velzen tried to soothe her. »And answer me this: Why are we under lock and seal? What did Oodergoo say at the conference? Who ordered this? We’re locked in and the Globs can pick us off as they please!« Teun paused for a moment, then, »Look at the sequence of events. First the disturbing news from Mars, which prompted the government to lock us up. They probably only wanted to protect the most important research facility on the planet. With our extraterrestrial artifacts and the Research Center for Nano Technologies …«

  »… that’s bullshit!« Lyla interrupted. »Protect Uluru from what? There was no attack! You know I’m right about the wake-up pulse, admit it! But that’s not all, dear…,« this was not an expression of affection; Lyla was furious, »… what about the explosions? The whole place was shaking! Even if all the Globs all got out and killed us all, how were they supposed to commit those acts of sabotage?«

  »Don’t assume they’re just beasts! They look horrifying and very different from us, but they’re still intelligent beings. They could’ve destroyed the energy accumulators. It doesn’t take much; just smash the cooling loops. They’re smart enough to fly spaceships, remember!«

  Teun began his descent again, and Lyla followed him cautiously.

  »You want to know why they can’t do that? I’ll tell you: They don’t know their way around Uluru Station!«