Kurt followed Aalik from the room and into a broad corridor. A few other Glaymons were visible, though they paid little attention to Kurt. After walking a short distance, they reached a large door which Aalik opened. Kurt stepped up to it and then looked at Aalik, confused. It appeared to be a massive elevator shaft but with no elevator, just open space. “I don’t understand.”
“Watch.”
Kurt turned his attention to the shaft and, after a moment, saw several Glaymons fly by, seemingly floating on air. As he continued to watch, more and more moved both up and down with no obvious means of support.
“It is a transport shaft. It nullifies gravity and uses small transport beams to take everyone to their destinations.” Aalik attached a small metallic disk to Kurt’s uniform. “Step into the shaft. There is nothing to fear.”
Taking a deep, fortifying breath, Kurt forced himself to step into the shaft, halfway expecting to fall to his death. Much to his surprise, his feet seemed to touch a solid surface, though nothing was there. Aalik stepped behind him, and, after placing his hand on Kurt’s shoulder, the two of them started moving upward at an ever-increasing speed. For several long minutes they traveled with Kurt watching a number of Glaymons stopping and entering various openings to corridors.
“Inertia is neutralized in the transport shafts,” explained Aalik. “It allows us to travel very fast in order to get to our destinations.”
Kurt didn’t reply as they came to an abrupt halt. They stepped from the shaft into another brilliantly lit corridor. They walked down it and several others before finally reaching a set of large ornate wooden doors. They had huge symbols on them which Kurt didn’t recognize. Aalik opened one of the doors, indicating for Kurt to enter. With just one step, he stood in amazement. He was in a giant amphitheater shaped like a horseshoe with a raised stage in the center, upon which were several of his crew—including Andrew, Lieutenant Mays, and Captain Lindsey Hastings of the heavy battlecruiser Cygnus. Mara and Lomatz were there as well as a Glaymon in richly colored robes, standing before a podium.
“You are Fleet Admiral Kurt Vickers?” the Glaymon asked in a soft voice.
“Yes,” replied Kurt, stepping forward to an empty seat next to Mara, which he assumed was for him.
“Take a seat, and we will begin this audience.”
Kurt complied as he gazed across the amphitheater. He could barely make out the end of the room. Thousands of Glaymons must be in attendance, watching. He had only expected to meet a few, not something like this. If this was their ruling council, how many Glaymons were there?
“You have brought eight ships into our domain,” the Glaymon at the podium said, turning to face Kurt and the others. “Studying the computers on your ships, you knew those who had come before had not left this nebula, yet you came anyway.”
“We came seeking you,” replied Kurt. “We seek knowledge which only your race may possess.”
“We are aware of that,” the Glaymon said, shifting his gaze to Lomatz. “We erred years ago in allowing this one to aid one of our scout research vessels. We very seldom venture from the protective environs of the nebula. We only do so when we believe the Destroyers of Worlds have returned.”
“I saw your warships,” said Andrew. “They looked very powerful. Can your ships destroy a black ship?”
“They can,” the Glaymon replied. “Our ships are powered by what we call Zero-Point Energy. We have the ability to overload their shields and destroy their ships if they enter this nebula.”
“If you have a way to destroy them, why haven’t you?” asked Kurt, confused. “The galaxy around you is dying, yet you do nothing!”
“You do not understand,” replied the Glaymon patiently. “The Vorn came to our universe from another over twenty-four million years ago to escape a great enemy destroying their civilization. In a final desperate battle, the Vorn Queens fled with their surviving ships into the heart of a black hole. They traveled through the singularity and arrived in our universe. The Vorn live in the space between galaxies in huge habitats that hold several trillion of their people. They possess a massive warfleet, much of which orbits their habitats at all times. The Vorn have a caste system controlled by their Queens. This ensures the system changes very little over the millennia. The primary Queen is their ruler and sets policy for the Vorn.”
“That still doesn’t explain why you won’t fight them.”
The Glaymon stared at Kurt for a long moment. “While we might destroy the first wave of black ships, they would only summon reinforcements. If one thousand ships could not destroy us, they would bring ten thousand. If ten thousand could not do the job, then they would bring one hundred thousand. No victory is possible against the Vorn. We do not wish to engage in an unending war.”
Kurt’s mind felt numb at the numbers the Glaymon had mentioned. One hundred thousand ships, possibly more? Fighting the Destroyers of Worlds was like trying to empty an ocean using a thimble.
“You came seeking knowledge of how to destroy the Vorn,” the Glaymon continued. “Lieutenant Mays wants a neutronium marble and the ability to deploy it. She is quite correct that such a weapon would destroy a Vorn ship, even one of their motherships. Mara Liam wants weapons for her people so they can survive the onslaught of the Vorn. If not, she seeks to come to your world to allow her race to continue. Just as Lomatz has already resettled many of his people on Newton. They are correct in their assumption that your world may be overlooked by the Vorn. Many primitive worlds are bypassed during Vorn incursions. It allows new life to spread across the galaxy to become food during the next invasion.”
Kurt was amazed at everything the Glaymon knew. Their mind-scanning ability had already revealed the main reason for Kurt’s mission. He was fearful the Glaymon council had already made up their minds.
“All we ask is a chance for our people to survive,” said Kurt. “While the Destroyers of Worlds may, indeed, overlook our planets, a real possibility remains that they may not. Lomatz’s people, Mara’s people, and my own only wish to live. Is there something wrong in that?”
“No,” the Glaymon responded. “It is a noble cause, but one wherein our laws prohibit us from aiding you. For twenty-two million years we have lived inside this nebula. In many ways we have transcended life as you know it. I should inform you that nearly all Glaymons are now telepathic. We also have the ability to move objects with the power of our minds. Many other things have changed, but I do not believe you would understand. We are now as different from the races of this galaxy as the Vorn are to those of our universe.”
“There must be a way for you to help us,” insisted Kurt. “We will not tell anyone of your existence.”
“No, you won’t,” the Glaymon responded. “You will never be leaving here. This will be your home now. Even those in your home system who know of your destination will eventually assume your quest was fruitless and that you perished in the nebula.”
Kurt slowly shook his head. “We have families and a duty to our people. While you may be afraid to face the Destroyers of Worlds, we are not.”
“Afraid?” said the Glaymon, shaking his head. “We are not afraid to face the Vorn. However, we know to face the Vorn may mean the end of us and of our destiny.”
“I don’t understand.”
“It’s quite simple. All the while we have been inside this nebula, we have been working on a method to return the Vorn to their universe. If we can do so, their threat will come to an end.”
“Is that possible?”
“We believe so,” the Glaymon responded.
“How soon?” If the Glaymons had this knowledge, perhaps there was still hope for the galaxy.
“Two million years. Some areas of research still must be completed before we can implement our final solution.”
A cold chill ran down Kurt’s spine. Two million years? He could not imagine a race which could think in those terms. “We can’t wait two million years. We need a method to fight the Destroyers of Worlds n
ow! Billions of intelligent beings are harvested by the Vorn every day. If you can help us, at least we can give hope to some of the worlds of our galaxy. You can’t stand by and let the entire galaxy become food for these monsters. Assist us with the neutronium weapon. Give us something we can defend ourselves with. You can stay safe here in your nebula. No one needs to know of your existence.”
“The weapon you propose would indicate to the Vorn that a very advanced civilization exists somewhere in this galaxy,” responded the Glaymon. “They would seek us out and attempt to destroy us. If we are successful in completing our research for returning them to their universe, we would be saving all the future intelligent races of this galaxy and many others across this universe. This would be their last culling of our galaxy.”
“We have a right to survive!” cried out Kurt in anguish. The Glaymons had to help or all was lost. There was no guarantee the Vorn would miss Newton and Earth. “Please discuss it. See if you can find some way to give us viable defenses and weapons.” Kurt didn’t know what else to say.
The Glaymon turned and gazed across the massive amphitheater. There was nothing but silence. “Go and consider what has been said here today. We will meet once again in six days to consider this request.” As the Glaymon finished speaking, the Glaymons in the audience vanished one by one until the packed amphitheater was empty.
“How?” asked Kurt, looking at Aalik. “Where did they go?”
“The Glaymons here were all holograms. The distance to travel is far too great for most of the members of the council.”
“Why is the council so large?”
Aalik looked at Kurt and the others from his crew. “Come with me, and I will show you.”
-
Aalik led them from the council chambers and down several corridors to another transport shaft. Kurt wasn’t surprised when he heard Andrew groan.
“Not again.”
They stepped into the shaft and were taken upward. This time the trip was much longer, before Aalik led them from the shaft and down another brightly lit corridor. He paused at a large door and waved his hand before it; causing it to swing open. Stepping through they found themselves in a large garden area that stretched out for several kilometers.
“Where are we?” asked Kurt, looking over at Aalik feeling confused.
“Look around,” directed Aalik.
Kurt took in his amazing surroundings, the horizon curving gently as far as the eye could see. Then his eyes opened wide in instant realization. He shared a knowing nod with Andrew.
“A Dyson Sphere,” Andrew said in amazement. “You’ve enclosed your star with this megastructure and are using it for power.”
“Yes,” replied Aalik. “It took us over one million years and much of the matter which once comprised the nebula. The sun furnishes us unlimited power, and the living surface is far more than we will ever need. All the races who journeyed into the nebula have been given living areas upon its surface to renew their races. Over 274 civilizations, besides our own, share the sphere. Your people will be given a small part of the Dyson Sphere to live upon as well.”
Mara turned toward Aalik. “Is there any chance the council will agree to help us?”
“No,” responded Aalik. “It has never been done before, and I do not expect it to be done now. This is your home. You will be safe here from the Vorn, and your races will continue.”
Everyone stood silently, looking around. The Glaymons’ science was beyond belief. Finding a Dyson Sphere was the last thing any of them had expected. Now it seemed as if none of them would ever leave. They would be like so many other exploratory missions of the past. They had vanished to never be heard from again.
Chapter Fourteen
Kurt and the others spent a considerable amount of time gazing at the almost magical landscape around them. Just the knowledge that they were inside an actual Dyson Sphere was breathtaking. It seemed as if they stood in paradise. Kurt could feel a light wind blowing against his face; the temperature was warm but comfortable. In the distance, he could hear the sounds of birds calling to one another.
“Can your people build a neutronium bullet?” Lieutenant Mays asked Aalik, obviously unable to contain her curiosity.
Aalik turned toward the lieutenant. “Why worry about that if you never leave here? You must accept the fact this is your home now.”
“I need to know.”
Aalik looked thoughtful, as if we were speaking to someone. “I asked a scientist I know, and he said it is, indeed, possible. However, he suggests other substances would work just as well and achieve the same results.”
“What other substances?” asked Captain Lindsey Hastings. “Neutronium is the densest form of matter we know of.”
“You have yet to discover a number of exotic elements,” responded Aalik. “You must realize, when compared to my people, yours are but children. You will learn much when you reside among us.”
“Where are the rest of our crews?” Kurt was deeply concerned for the welfare of his people, as well as for Lomatz’s and Mara’s. No one had mentioned them.
“Still on board your ships,” replied Aalik.
“Outside the Dyson Sphere?” asked Captain Hastings.
“No, they’re safely inside a spacedock.”
“Can you take us there?” asked Kurt. He wanted to get to his ship so he could evaluate what had happened and what needed to be done next.
“Yes, the council has decided the best place for you is on board your vessels. If you are interested, later on I would be willing to take you on a tour of the Dyson Sphere, so you can see more of your new home.”
“I would like to take the tour,” said Mara. “Would it be possible for me to bring along several of the scientists in my crew?”
“Yes, bring as many of your people as you want,” answered Aalik.
-
After traveling through several more corridors and taking two different transport shafts, they arrived at what appeared to be a massive airlock. Once again Aalik waved his hands, and the huge metal door slid open. Beyond the first door were three more, which slid silently open as well.
“Follow me,” said Aalik. “Your ships are docked just beyond.”
Passing through the last of the large metal doors, Kurt stood frozen in shock. They were inside a vast metal cavern. He couldn’t even see the far side. It must be many kilometers in length as well as in height.
“How big is this thing?” gasped Andrew.
“It is but one of our many spacedocks and a smaller one, being sixty kilometers in length, twenty in width, and eighteen in height.”
Kurt looked around, scarcely believing what he saw. There were hundreds of disk-shaped warships, each much bigger than the Star Cross.
“How many warships do you possess?” If this was but one of many spacedocks and a smaller one, the Glaymons had a massive fleet.
“I’m sorry. That information is restricted. Perhaps once the council has made its final decision, you can be told.”
“Where are our ships?” asked Mara, as anxious to get to the Aurelia as Kurt was to board the Star Cross.
“A shuttle is coming to take you to them,” answered Aalik. “In another day or two I will contact you about the tour of your new home.”
Even as Aalik spoke, a small disk-shaped shuttle suddenly appeared and landed in front of them. A hatch opened, and a ramp descended to touch the floor.
Aalik indicated for them to enter, and, after a moment, they did so, leaving Aalik behind.
-
The shuttle flew down the center of the spacedock, affording them a view of all the wonders that filled the massive construct. There were hundreds of the large disk ships as well as smaller ones. Shuttles could be seen going back and forth from various ships and airlocks.
“I don’t understand all the activity,” said Andrew, looking out one of the large observation windows in the shuttle. “Their fleet seems as if it’s ready to go into battle at a moment’s notice.”
“Why do they need all those ships if they don’t venture from the nebula?” asked Mara with a look of confusion on her face. “A lot of things don’t add up.”
Kurt agreed, but then he saw the Star Cross and the rest of the fleet in the distance, docked securely to the walls of the spacedock with large clamps holding them in place. His ships were going nowhere without the Glaymons’ permission.
-
A little while later Kurt was once more on board the Star Cross. The crew bombarded Kurt and the others with questions about where they had been and what they had seen. Kurt was anxious to get to the Command Center to learn what information they could about the spacedock they were in. The ship’s sensors should provide them some valuable data.
“We’ll issue a statement later explaining everything,” he told the various crewmembers, seeing the deep concern on their faces.
Reaching the Command Center, Kurt, Andrew, and Lieutenant Mays quickly went to their respective command stations.
“It’s good to see you, Admiral,” said Lieutenant Brooks with relief in her voice.
“Report,” ordered Kurt. He wanted to know what had happened during his absence.
“We’re in a huge spacedock,” reported Lieutenant Brooks. “It’s sixty kilometers in length, twenty in width, and eighteen in height. A large number of ships are docked inside it.”
“How big were the warships that intercepted us in the nebula?” asked Andrew.
“Two kilometers in width and two thousand meters thick,” reported Brooks. She called up some additional information on one of her screens. “They are powered by an unknown energy source, and we could not identify the weapons the ships are armed with. Inside this spacedock are 807 of those vessels.”
“I don’t like this at all,” said Andrew, gazing at one of the viewscreens showing one of the disk-shaped warships. “If this is one of the smaller spacedocks, they must have thousands upon thousands of those ships. The Glaymons could stop the Destroyers of Worlds if they wanted.”
The Star Cross: Galaxy in Peril Page 20
