-
Admiral Kreen was stunned when the cargo ship suddenly activated a military-strength energy shield and launched missiles at his battleship. The ship shook violently as fusion missiles detonated against the ship’s energy screen.
“Human ship is hitting us with fusion missiles. Shield is holding at 82 percent,” reported the tactical officer.
“Return fire,” ordered Kreen. He would destroy this fake cargo ship. Then he would find out where it had come from.
As his ship fired, the cargo ship turned and accelerated away. Suddenly it vanished from the tactical display.
“Can’t lock on to the target,” reported the tactical officer, as his hands played over his console.
“It’s no longer on the sensors,” added the officer, sitting in front of the sensor console.
Admiral Kreen stood and gazed coldly at the viewscreens and the tactical displays. The cargo ship had disappeared. He suddenly knew who his adversary was. The stealth capability the cargo ship displayed was similar to the warship they had encountered years in the past. Those mysterious Humans had not vanished as he had thought but had been present in the Empire all this time, using these cargo ships to travel from world to world. They had played the Druins for fools. No one could be allowed to show such disrespect for a race of the Confederation.
“Have our other ships locate and destroy the remaining four cargo ships,” Kreen ordered. However, he suspected they too had probably already vanished. “Set a course for the Confederation. I must meet with the council to discuss this new threat. Perhaps they will have an idea as to where this mysterious base is located and where these vessels are operating from.”
The central computer center on the primary world of the Confederation held all the known knowledge of the Confederation. He wondered if a Human world he did not know of existed somewhere.
-
Captain Johnson let out a deep breath. Her ship had been exposed briefly to Druin weapons fire, but their energy shield had held. Not only that but their stealth fields had successfully hidden them from the enemy. The flaw in the original stealth fields had been corrected so it was no longer possible to trace a ship using its sensors.
“Set a course for home,” ordered Elizabeth. “We must report to the Imperial Council.”
Avery looked at the captain. “What will happen now?”
“Before we leave Empire space, we will send a coded message to the Human Resistance Council, informing them that we have been discovered and to take precautions to keep the bases secret. I suspect the Druins will be scanning all the Human planets for anything suspicious. We have discussed this possible occurrence, so they know what to do.”
“What about the Druins?”
Elizabeth shook her head. “I imagine they will soon discover the secret about Earth. The war with the Confederation may soon be upon us.”
Elizabeth leaned back in her command chair. It would take them over four weeks to reach Earth. She would send a directional message before then, informing the Imperial Council of what had happened. It would give them time to prepare.
-
On Bratol Three, the Human Resistance Council had already received word of the attack on the cargo ship. They were meeting to discuss what precautions they needed to implement.
“All bases must reduce their power signatures to a minimum,” suggested Councilor Therron. “We must do everything we can to mask their existence.”
“I would suggest we begin awakening everyone we have in cryo,” added Councilor Lynox. “If this begins the war, we will need them shortly.”
Councilor Mystol shook his head. “It’s too soon. Earth is not ready.”
“They’re ready,” said Lead Councilor Windom. “They would have liked more time, but the fleets are ready, and the people are trained. I agree. We should start bringing our people out of cryo.”
The council spent some more time discussing what needed to be done. In the end, they came up with a series of recommendations that would be transmitted to all the bases. It was time to prepare for all-out war with the Druins.
-
Four days passed, and Captain Johnson watched as her ship left Human space. A message had been sent to the Human Resistance Council and acknowledged. Now they needed to get home and to find out what actions the Imperial Council would take.
-
Across Human space, Druin warships spread out, scanning each world for any abnormalities. None were found.
The secret bases had spent over one thousand years hiding from the Druins and were very good at it.
Inside the bases, doctors and technicians busily brought people out of cryo. In some bases, a surprisingly large number of warships were brought out of stasis and prepped for war. All this was done under the noses of the Druins, who never suspected what was hidden deep beneath the surface of many of the Human worlds they ruled over.
-
Several days later Pallas Admiral Reynolds stared in dismay at the message he had just received. He had succeeded Admiral Turner as overall fleet admiral. He was currently in the Pallas Command Center, being briefed on ship movements and patrol routes. The message from Captain Johnson had just been handed to him.
“Well, that tears it,” said Colonel Evelyn Bryson. “If the Druins know about the cargo ships, they’ll eventually figure out where they came from.”
Admiral Reynolds leaned back in his command chair, gazing at the numerous viewscreens and tactical displays. “You’re probably right. The Druins may decide to pay us a visit, just to confirm we’re not a threat.”
“All they’ll need to do is scan the system. Once they do, they will realize the AIs in the battlestations have been lying to them for decades. So what will we do?”
Reynolds took in a deep breath. “We can’t risk the safety of the Solar System. I’ll speak to the Imperial Council. While we would like to have another twenty or forty years to prepare for war, we are actually ready. The shipyards around Earth, the Moon, and Mars have been producing a tremendous number of ships. From what the Imperials have told me, we’re far ahead of what they believed possible in this time frame.”
“Are you recommending we bring everyone out of cryo and our warships out of stasis?”
Admiral Reynolds nodded. “Yes, I think we have to. What if the Druins show up in another month with a massive fleet? We have to assume that our secret is out or soon will be.”
A serious look spread across Evelyn’s face. “What about the High Princess?” Evelyn knew the Royal Princess would be the rallying point around which the former Human Empire would need to bring them all together.
“That too will be up to the council. I suspect she will be awakened but probably not immediately.”
Colonel Bryson stepped over to a console and then turned toward Admiral Reynolds. “Captain Johnson will be back in another three weeks, same for the rest of the cargo ships.”
Nodding, Admiral Reynolds considered what to do with those crews. “We may transfer all those crews to battlecruisers. Their knowledge of the Human Empire will be useful if we do launch our attack.”
Colonel Bryson nodded in agreement. “I’ll make sure ships are ready for them.”
Admiral Reynolds leaned back in his command chair, his eyes studying the tactical displays and the myriad of friendly green icons spread across the Solar System. He wondered how much that would change in the coming months.
-
Several hours later Admiral Reynolds was in front of the Imperial Council, explaining what had happened.
“So you think they’ll deduce it had to be us who launched those cargo ships?” said Councilor Aldon, who was in the middle of his five-year term.
“The risk is there,” answered Reynolds. “While the immediate danger may not be real high yet, we dare not take the chance.”
Councilor Lorell asked the next question. “If the Druins do figure out it’s us, how soon before we can expect an attack?”
Reynolds had expected this questi
on. “Six to ten weeks.”
“They might not attack at all,” pointed out Councilor Damon.
“We can’t take the risk,” said Head Councilor Drew Tristan. “Admiral Reynolds, what’s the current status of our fleet?”
Reynolds drew in a deep breath. “We’re ready. Between the shipyards we have here and those around Earth, the Moon, and Mars, we’re ready for war.”
“How many ships do we currently have active?”
“Two hundred and seventeen battlecruisers and twenty dreadnoughts.”
Councilor Lorell looked at the admiral. “We still know very little about the Confederation. Before we throw ourselves into a full-scale war, I would like to know more. Is it possible for us to send a mission to the Confederation to gather that information?” Several other council members nodded in agreement.
“I would like to know what has happened to all the young Humans the Druins deliver to the Confederation every year,” added Councilor Stewart. “Over all this time, we’re talking about billions. There should be Humans on every world of the Confederation.”
Admiral Reynolds leaned back and thought over the recommendation. “I can awaken the crew of the light cruiser Destiny. It’s a modern stealth ship and should be able to sneak into the Confederation undetected.”
“The Destiny? The vessel that brought the Princess and her cousin to Pallas?” said Damon. “Do we want to risk that particular crew?”
“They’re the best crew we have. If we want to send a ship into the Confederation and hope it returns, it has to be the Destiny.”
“Very well,” replied Head Councilor Tristan. “Have the crew brought out of cryo.”
-
Captain Masters suddenly felt very cold. Forcing his eyes open, he quickly shut them due to the bright light.
“The light’s not that bright,” a friendly voice said. “It’ll take a few moments for your eyes to adjust. Lay there, and you should start feeling much better soon. When you feel strong enough, sit up. I have some stimulants for you.”
Derrick took in several deep breaths. He recognized where he was, as he had experienced this before. He was awakening from cryo. His next thought was, How much time had passed. “How long?” he managed to croak out.
“A little over sixty-four years, Captain.”
Derrick managed to sit up and to open his eyes. A doctor and several med techs stood next to his cryo capsule. One of the techs handed him a cup that was warm to the touch. It contained a broth full of stimulants and other needed vitamins.
“Drink it slowly, Captain,” said the med tech.
The liquid broth tasted delicious. “Has something happened? I wasn’t to be awakened so soon.”
“There have been some complications,” answered the doctor. “As soon as you’re ready, Admiral Reynolds will brief you.”
“Admiral Reynolds?”
The doctor nodded. “The current Pallas fleet admiral. He’s from Earth and has been in the position for nearly six years.”
Derrick felt much better and, with the aid of one of the med techs, climbed out of his cryo capsule. He felt a little unsteady, and his vision blurred briefly. Then everything steadied, and he began to feel normal. “Where’s my uniform?” Derrick wore a loose hospital gown. Fortunately this one was closed in the back.
“In the next room,” answered the doctor. “One of my med techs will take you there. If you need anything else, let her know. There should be no ill effects from the cryo sleep.”
Heading toward the door, Derrick paused and turned around. “What about the rest of my crew?”
“They’re being brought out of cryo as well. From my understanding, the admiral has a mission for you. He’ll explain when you see him.”
-
Derrick had time to clean up, to put on a new uniform, and to eat a light meal before his meeting with Admiral Reynolds. As Derrick walked through the base, he noticed many more people were around than the last time he was awake. It appeared the base was finally staffed with its full complement of people.
He was nearly to the admiral’s office when Lieutenant Commander Audrey Banora came up behind him.
“I guess we’re both supposed to see the new admiral,” she said, smiling. “How was your sleep?”
“No dreams,” replied Derrick. “It seemed as if I closed my eyes and then opened them again.”
Audrey laughed. “It’s like that every time. What do you think is going on?”
Derrick shook his head. “No idea. Since they’re waking up the entire crew, it must be a special mission.”
“Over sixty-four years, I bet a lot has changed since we were last awake.”
“Probably, maybe we’ll have some time to find out what all has happened in the Solar System.” They arrived at the door to the admiral’s office, where two heavily armed Marines stood guard.
“This is different,” commented Audrey, as they were allowed admittance. Last time she was awake, few Marines were stationed anywhere, except in highly sensitive areas.
Inside, they saw a man who appeared to be in his early forties in an admiral’s uniform. Both stopped and saluted.
“At ease,” replied Admiral Reynolds. “Have a seat, and we’ll get this briefing underway.” The admiral gestured toward two empty plush chairs in front of his desk. “How was your cryo sleep?”
“Uneventful,” replied Derrick. He looked around the office, which was once Admiral Bract’s. Other than a few minor changes, everything was the same, even the desk. “I assume there is a reason we were awoken so early?”
Admiral Reynolds nodded his head. “Yes, our cargo ships working in the Empire were discovered by the Druins. We believe there is a remote chance they may figure out it was us.”
Derrick and Audrey exchanged looks. “Are we ready for them, if they come here?”
“Yes, I don’t believe they can take this star system. It’s heavily fortified, and we’re bringing more fleet units out of stasis as a precaution.”
Derrick looked at the viewscreen behind the admiral’s desk. Admiral Bract used to keep it focused on the region of space that held the Human Empire. He noticed now it was focused toward Earth. As a matter of fact Earth and the Moon were both visible. “So, what’s been happening since we went into cryo?”
“Quite a bit,” replied Admiral Reynolds, then proceeded to explain what developments had occurred in the Solar System, as well as the conquered Human Empire. Reynolds spent considerable time explaining what the cargo ships had been doing and about the secret bases.
Derrick was impressed by what he heard. “So we’re ready for war, if it comes?”
Reynolds nodded. “We hope it doesn’t, but, if it does, we aren’t defenseless.”
“So, why were we awoken?” asked Audrey.
“We need to know more about the Confederation and what is happening to all the Humans they take every year. We estimate by now easily ten billion Humans could be in the Confederation, if not more. It just depends if they have allowed their captives to marry and to have children.”
Derrick understood what the admiral was getting at. “You need more information in case this is the start of the war.”
Reynolds nodded. “Yes, the Destiny is fully updated and, on this mission, will be equipped with antimatter missiles. If you have to fight the Druins, we want you to have a good chance of winning. The same with the mines the ship normally carries. You will be carrying an equal load of fusion and antimatter.”
“How long will my crew have to familiarize themselves with the ship?” If changes had been made to the Destiny, then the crew needed to understand them. Of course they would have the entire trip to the Confederation to become familiar with any major changes.
“One week. We want the mission launched as soon as possible, just in case the Druins figure out it’s Earth that sent those cargo ships.”
Audrey slowly nodded her head. “A week should be long enough. We have a pretty solid crew.”
“So I’ve been told,�
� replied the admiral. “All of your crew should be awake by tomorrow morning. The Destiny is already being taken out of stasis, and the technicians will shortly be checking her over. You may go aboard if you wish.”
“I think we will. If we can check out the changes first, it will make it much easier when we explain them to the crew. What about the stealth fields? Have we found out what was allowing the Druins to track us last time?”
Reynolds nodded. “A defect in one of the field frequencies was allowing the sensors to register on the Druins’ scanners. That defect has been corrected.”
This made Derrick feel better. He asked the admiral a few more questions about the mission, as did Audrey. When they both felt all their questions had been answered, they left the admiral’s office, heading toward the docking bay that held the Destiny.
“What do you think?” asked Audrey.
“It’ll be dangerous. Even back in the prime of the Empire, we never sent a ship to any of the worlds where the seven races lived. We did trade with some worlds on the periphery of Confederation space, but that was about it.”
“They won’t be expecting us.”
Derrick knew Audrey was right about that. “They won’t be, but, in order to get the kind of information the Imperial Council wants, we’ll have to get very close to some of their main planets. We may even have to send some missions to the surface of some of the Confederation worlds to make contact with the Humans who are there.”
“Our shuttles are not stealthed.”
“I’ll see if we can change that. We have a week, and that should be sufficient time to convert both of our shuttles to stealth.”
“Anything else?”
Derrick nodded. “I want a task group waiting for us just outside of Confederation space. If we have to make a run for it, I want somewhere safe we can go. I believe Rear Admiral Leeson was thinking about going into cryo. If he did, I’ll speak to Admiral Reynolds about waking him and putting him in charge of the task group.”
Audrey shook her head and looked worried. “If the war hasn’t started by the time we return, what we’re doing could certainly make sure it does.”
The Forgotten Empire: Earth Ascendant: Book Two Page 5
