The Star Cross: Galaxy in Peril

by Raymond L. Weil

  Fleet Commodore Dreen was in his flagship, the Basera, orbiting the Enlightened colony world of Calmoree. The planet had recently been attacked by the Destroyers of Worlds, and the commodore had brought a fleet out to inspect the planet and to search for any clues that might give him an insight as to how to defeat the enemy.

  “Same weapons as before,” reported Alborg.

  “All major lifeforms are gone, and the cities have been leveled,” added Sensor Operator Laylem.

  Dreen stood and walked closer to the viewscreens, showing the devastated planet. “Why do they go to such extremes to destroy all visages of a planet’s civilization? It seems like a waste of energy and resources.”

  “Perhaps they fear survivors building on any technology and science remaining if they didn’t destroy all signs of civilization,” suggested Alborg. “The Destroyers of Worlds must know a truly advanced and warlike civilization would be a threat to them.”

  “No, I don’t think that’s it,” Commodore Dreen said with a thoughtful look in his eyes. “We have Enlightened Worlds with very advanced technology. However, as our worlds move toward Enlightenment, we lose our aggressiveness. Look across our galaxy. How many Enlightened Worlds are actually capable of defending themselves? That’s why we have the Protector Worlds. The more advanced a world becomes the less aggressive it is.”

  “I agree,” said Alborg. “Even on our worlds, some of our people are incapable of fighting. A time will come when we will cease to be a Protector World and then become Enlightened. At that time we will have to seek out a Protector World to defend us.”

  Commodore Dreen looked at a viewscreen, showing the world of Calmoree. The atmosphere was an unhealthy brown because of all the dust and pollutants from the destruction of its cities. While much of the planet was still green and the oceans blue, life was gone. In a few decades all signs of the Destroyers of Worlds’ attack will have vanished, eroded away by the planet’s changing environment. Alborg’s words about Lakiam someday needing a Protector World to defend them was bothersome. For the first time he wondered if the path to Enlightenment was the right one.

  “The Belmonts were responsible for defending this colony,” Alborg said. “What happened to the Belmont fleet?”

  “I’ve located no evidence of destroyed Belmont warships in orbit,” reported Laylem. “I am detecting the debris from several defensive platforms and a few energy beam satellites.”

  Commodore Dreen let out a deep and disappointed sigh. “The same thing many other Protector Worlds are doing. They’re pulling in their fleets to protect their own worlds and the primary Enlightened Worlds. The smaller Enlightened World colonies are left to fend for themselves. I can’t criticize them because we’re doing the same.”

  “How will all this end?” asked Jalad from the Helm.

  “I don’t know,” replied Dreen. “Right now, the fleets of the Protector Worlds far outnumber our estimation of the total number of black ships. At some point in time that will change as they gradually wear us down.”

  Alborg frowned. “One thing has been bothering me. We don’t know the actual fleet strength of the Destroyers of Worlds. What if they have hundreds of thousands of ships in reserve, or even millions? We have no idea of their population base or where their worlds are. Our estimate of their fleet size could be incorrect.”

  Fleet Commodore Dreen had to agree. What if the Lakiams were attempting to plug a hole in a dike with a tidal wave coming?

  “Let’s finish our examination of the planet and the debris, and then we’ll set a course for Andock Prime. I wish to speak to Fleet Leader Arlak Moor about future fleet deployments. It’s only a matter of time before the black ships hit one of our worlds again—or one of theirs. When the black ships return, we must be ready.” Commodore Dreen had much to think about.

  -

  Several days passed, and Kurt was with Keera and Denise, looking at houses. The two women had found a new construction which fit all of Kurt’s and Keera’s needs and had arranged for Kurt to walk through it. Kurt was pleased to find out Keera’s brother, Dalen, had built it with his construction robots. He had incorporated many of the designs Keera and Kurt wanted.

  “It has a modern kitchen with all the necessary items for us to entertain,” Keera announced excitedly. “It has an open floor plan so, while Denise and I are in here cooking, we can still visit with everyone.”

  Denise laughed. “I guess this means more cooking lessons.”

  A sheepish look spread over Keera’s face. “Yes, I still have a ways to go. I can cook a number of the dishes we ate on Kubitz, but many of the foods you eat here on Newton are still new to me.”

  “You’re a fast learner,” Denise said, smiling. “I’m sure, in another few months, you’ll be cooking all of Kurt’s favorites.”

  Kurt studied the flooring, it was some type of ceramic tile that looked like real wood.

  Keera turned to look at Kurt. “When are you going on the long-term mission you mentioned to me? The one to the core worlds of the galaxy?”

  “In two more days all the preparations will be finished. We have engineering crews going over all the ships to ensure they’re operating at 100 percent efficiency. We’re also loading a lot of supplies since this will be a long mission.”

  “What if something happens?” asked Keera with concern in her eyes. “You’ll be far from Newton, and an Enlightened World may not be willing to furnish aid. For that matter, are there any Protector Worlds where you’re going? And would your presence be considered a threat?”

  “We’re taking one of Lomatz’s construction ships, and it will be capable of repairing any of our vessels if it becomes necessary. We think we have a route to get in and out safely.”

  “Lomatz,” Keera said in understanding, her eyes widening. “He would know of routes used by the Profiteers to plunder various regions of the galaxy.”

  Denise shivered. “You won’t run into any Profiteers, will you?”

  “No,” replied Kurt. “They’re staying pretty close to home for now.”

  Keera folded her arms across her chest, and her eyes narrowed. “I understand the Aurelia is going as well.”

  Kurt cringed slightly. Keera didn’t care that much for Mara. “Yes, their scientists and researchers are interested in locating a weapon to be used against the black ships, to keep Newton safe. Plus we may need the Lakiams’ advice on some matters.” He didn’t want to mention the Glaymons to Keera. The fewer that knew about the actual purpose of the meeting the better.

  Denise let out a deep sigh. “When we defeated the Profiteers, I had high hopes we could live in peace and not have to worry about war ever again. I thought we could live our lives here on Newton and never have to fear attack. A lot of us felt that way.”

  Kurt nodded his understanding. He too had had the same hopes.

  “You’ll be gone for over twelve weeks,” Keera said with a deep sigh. “What am I supposed to do?”

  Kurt smiled and pointed around him. “You have a new house to decorate, and, when I return, we can have a party to celebrate. I’m sure Denise will be more than happy to help you pick out furnishings and everything.”

  “We can ask Meesa to help,” suggested Denise. “I think she would like that, and it might help her feel more at home here on Newton.”

  Keera nodded her head. “Yes, I know she’s been lonely. She and Dalen both abandoned everyone they knew when they left Kubitz. But they’re far better off here than on that black market planet. At least here they won’t get stabbed or shot.”

  Denise frowned heavily. “I still find it hard to believe a planet like Kubitz can exist. But I’ve heard you and Kurt talk about it and even Captain Randson’s wife, Emily. She told me what nearly happened to her and Alexis.”

  “Kubitz is a hard planet to live on,” admitted Keera. “However, even on a planet like Kubitz, a few good people are still around. Not everyone’s a Profiteer.”

  Kurt looked at Keera and his sister. “Let’s go check o
ut the backyard. We must make sure there’s plenty of room for Bryan and me to play catch.”

  “He will like that,” said Denise smiling. Then she looked at Keera. “He would like it even better if he had a little cousin to play with.”

  Keera blushed slightly but nodded. “Maybe someday he will.”

  Kurt remained silent. Children were a ways in the future. First he needed to find a way to keep Newton and Earth safe from the Destroyers of Worlds. His search to find the home of the Glaymons might just enable him to do that.

  Chapter Eleven

  Kurt watched the main viewscreen in the Command Center of the Star Cross as his 1,500-meter-long battleship pulled away from Newton. Around her flew the four 1,000-meter-long heavy battlecruisers and the 1700-meter-long Lakiam battlecruiser Aurelia in close formation. At the heart of the small fleet were Lomatz’s two ships. Each of them were an incredible 2,000 meters in length and cylindrical in shape.

  “All ships have broken orbit and assumed escort positions,” reported Captain Randson.

  Randson’s family had come to Newton Station to say good-bye. They were still there, watching the fleet depart.

  “Course plotted, and we can enter hyperspace at your command,” added Lieutenant Styles.

  Everyone focused on the viewscreens, displaying the blue-white globe of Newton. It would be a while before they saw that sight again.

  “Take us into hyperspace,” ordered Kurt, settling in his command chair. It would be a long trip, and they might as well get it started.

  “Coordinates have been transmitted to all ships,” Styles reported as he touched several icons on his computer screen. “Entry into hyperspace in ten seconds. All ships are tied into the Star Cross’s navigation system.”

  Moments later Kurt felt a slight twinge in his stomach as the ship made the transition into hyperspace. The image of Newton faded away on the viewscreens to be replaced by static. However, in the holographic tactical displays, the fleet was now shown, as well as the nearer stars. The ship’s long-range sensors were capable of reaching out fifteen light-years. At the speed the fleet was traveling, nearly a light-year every ninety seconds, it was possible to see the stars actually moving. Or at least they seemed to move; actually it was the fleet that was in motion.

  “One thing I do like about this trip,” said Andrew with a slight smile.

  “What’s that?” asked Kurt. Andrew would surely miss his family. They all had people living on Newton. Keera had had a hard time just knowing how long Kurt would be gone. She was concerned about decorating the new house without Kurt’s input, even though he had assured her that he trusted what she and Denise would pick out.

  “Grantz!” said Andrew smugly. “I won’t have to see that conniving gold seeker for at least three months.”

  “I would hope not,” answered Kurt with the hint of a smile. “But then again, you never know where he might turn up.”

  Andrew frowned. “It would be just my luck for him to show up at the Glaymons’ homeworld, demanding a fee for him to introduce us.”

  “All ships maintaining standard defensive formation and communication range,” reported Lieutenant Brooks.

  “First dropout point is 168 hours from my mark,” said Andrew as he reached forward and set a counter on one of the viewscreens. “Mark.”

  Kurt gazed at the counter on a small viewscreen to one side of the Command Center. They would drop from hyperspace four times before the final jump to the target area. At each dropout point they would pause for a few hours to confirm the systems on all the ships were functioning efficiently. If there were any problems, Lomatz’s construction ship would initiate immediate repairs.

  “Do you think we’ll run across any black ships?” asked Andrew.

  “It’s possible,” Kurt said. “We’ll be passing through a number of regions where they’re active.” Kurt hoped to avoid them as only the Aurelia had weapons which were effective against the Destroyers of Worlds. And only twenty dark matter missiles were on board the Lakiam battlecruiser.

  -

  Prince Brollen gazed with satisfaction at the nearby tactical display. For the past two weeks he had been sweeping through food species 1012’s worlds, harvesting each one of them. He had enough food pellets from the six systems to fill a collector ship, plus Brollen had added heavily to his own private food collection stock. This particular avian food species was highly pleasing to his palate, and he was certain they would be to the Vorn Queens as well.

  The harvest of this last world is complete, reported Military Commander Fraymot.

  Six systems harvested and only token resistance at the first one. These last five had minimal orbital defenses.

  Fraymot turned toward the prince. It is as you said. They are regrouping their fleets to protect their primary worlds. This will aid greatly in our harvesting of this galaxy.

  Brollen moved to a computer console and used his right hand to touch several icons. Instantly a hologram of this section of Galaxy X241 appeared. We must send another example to those worlds that would resist us. If we harvest and destroy another of their main worlds, it will force them to draw their fleets even closer to their primary worlds, leaving more worlds for us to harvest without resistance.

  Military Commander Fraymot studied the hologram. Which world would you suggest we attack?

  Prince Brollen studied the hologram map of this section of Galaxy X241. His triangular-shaped head slowly moved from side to side as he thought over the next target. Reaching out the long fingers of his left hand, he pointed to a star system. This one. It is heavily held, and a demonstration of our strength there will greatly demoralize the other worlds.

  That world is close to the food species that possesses the dark matter missiles.

  Precisely, replied Brollen. This attack will send two messages. We will demonstrate that no food species is powerful enough to stand against us. It will also send a message to the food species that possesses the dark matter missiles. If I am correct, it will force them to pull their fleets around their main worlds, freeing up more worlds in that sector to harvest. It will keep them on the defensive until we are ready to harvest their worlds and destroy their fleets.

  Military Commander Fraymot studied the hologram for a moment and then transferred the coordinates of the target world to the ship’s navigation computer. I would suggest we summon additional harvesting fleets to take part in this attack. The world you have chosen is defended by very large fleet units with antimatter missiles in the two-hundred-megaton range. They have destroyed some of our ships in the past.

  We will summon two more harvesting fleets. However, before we attack that world, I want to unload our harvested food pellets on a nearby Collector Ship. We shall go there, unload our harvests, and wait for the other two harvesting fleets. Once those fleets have joined ours, we will attack the target world.

  As the harvesting became more widespread, several Collector Ships had been positioned at strategic locations. The valuable ships were heavily protected by Vorn cruisers.

  Military Commander Fraymot bowed slightly and then went to carry out Prince Brollen’s commands.

  Prince Brollen gazed at a large viewscreen, showing a blue-white world beneath the ship. Already its atmosphere had turned darker from the destruction his fleet had wrought to the towering cities which once dotted its surface. No technology could be left behind for survivors to build upon. This ensured the technology the Vorn fought against was always less developed than their own.

  Once the Collector Ship was loaded, he would send it to the ship staging area where a transport ship would take it to the Vorn home system. With the additional two harvesting fleets, he would have 12 motherships and over 2,200 cruisers under his command. The world he intended to attack was powerful and well-protected. No doubt he would lose a few ships in the battle. However, once the enemy fleets were defeated and their world harvested, all resistance to the Vorn harvesting fleets would greatly decrease. It would also prevent the various food sp
ecies from joining together. Prince Brollen was well aware how outnumbered the Vorn harvesting fleets were by the multitudes of heavily armed warships these so-called Protector Worlds maintained.

  While the Vorn had vast numbers of ships in reserve, these were normally kept in their home system, ensuring its safety from attack. The Vorn race well remembered the deadly enemy who had driven them from their home universe. They had always feared that enemy might someday follow them here.

  -

  Three weeks had passed, and the Star Cross and her fleet were now deep within the galaxy, drawing ever nearer to the core stars. As they traveled through the more heavily populated regions of the galaxy, it became harder to avoid detection. Very seldom now were the long-range sensors free of contacts. Passenger ships, cargo ships, and even warships from various Protector Worlds were constantly revealed on the sensors.

  “I never dreamed space could be so crowded with ships,” Andrew said as he studied one of the large tactical displays, showing hundreds of ship contacts.

  “It’s a sign of civilization,” explained Mara. She had come to the Star Cross after their last dropout from hyperspace. She was partially familiar with this area of space they were passing through and felt she would be more useful on the flagship where she could offer advice as needed. “Hundreds of Enlightened Worlds are close by and several Protector Worlds. The Destroyers of Worlds haven’t ventured into this region as of yet, though it’s only a matter of time.”

  “Admiral, we have a group of ships closing in on our position,” warned Lieutenant Brooks.

  “How many?”

  “Fifteen.”

  Mara stepped up and examined the tactical display. “Hanorian warships,” she announced after a moment. “The Hanorians are a Protector World civilization responsible for defending many of the Enlightened Worlds in this sector. They may believe we’re a Profiteer fleet on a raiding mission.”

  “What do you recommend?” Kurt had no desire to get into a space battle with one of the Protector World civilizations. Plus he and his fleet were passing through their space without permission.