Chroniech!

by Doug Farren

  Fifteen seconds later two more Chroniech battleships were drifting in space without shields or power. Blobs of still glowing metal, debris, bodies, and parts of the once mighty engines of destruction now floated in the vacuum of space.

  The remaining enemy ships realized they were in a losing battle, veered off, and engaged their stardrives. After watching them for a moment, Stricklen said, "Stand down from battle stations. Helm — resume our original heading; maximum possible speed."

  Stricklen activated the ship-wide address system and said, "Congratulations on a job well done! The Chroniech have retreated after suffering heavy losses."

  Stricklen's hand reached out to end the announcement then withdrew as another thought entered his mind. "We have a very long journey ahead of us. I would like all hands to help in stowing our supplies. Once that is complete, you are free to take it easy as long as you are not on watch.

  "I am canceling the rest of the normal workday routine for today. There will be a senior staff meeting in the main conference room at 0800 tomorrow morning to discuss the ship's routine for the remainder of the journey. The results of this meeting will be put out at department level meetings as soon as possible tomorrow. That is all."

  Stricklen contacted his chief engineer next. Skip's image appeared on the monitor and, judging from the background, he was in his favorite spot — the primary engineering control center. As soon as he noticed the connection had been made Skip looked directly into the monitor and said, "What can I do for you skipper?"

  Stricklen saw the obvious joy on his engineer's face and knew he was in heaven. Watching an alien stardrive take your ship to previously unheard of speeds would excite any engineer. Stricklen smiled and asked, "How long before we will be at maximum speed?"

  "With the acceleration we're allowed and the required pauses for the dynamic tuning that still needs to be done, I would say about six hours," Skip replied. Stricklen noticed that his eyes kept glancing off to either side.

  "Is everything okay down there?"

  "Oh yes! Kyrra technology is amazing. This stardrive practically aligns itself. You should come down here and have a look."

  "Thank you but I think I will pass this time. Let me know if you experience any problems." Stricklen then called up a tactical display showing their present course. He entered some information into the console and observed the results. Satisfied with what he saw, he shutdown the viewscreen and stood up.

  After stretching with the appropriate accompanying verbal utterances (along with a few cracks and pops) he announced. "I'm going to get something to eat and then I'll be in my stateroom."

  As he made his way to the mess hall Stricklen thought about the future. By the time the Komodo Dragon reached the Chroniech border she would be traveling far faster than any other ship, Chroniech or Alliance, had ever been capable of. They should be able to simply get out of the way of any ship attempting to intercept them.

  They were finally on their way! In a few months, if their luck held out, he would soon be face to face with a member of a civilization which has been in existence since his own's early stone age. The thought was a little frightening.

  18 - The Journey Begins

  The council chamber was deathly quiet. The chosen leader stood before the council with his claws fully extended. The hair on nearly every inch of his body stood on end making him appear much larger than he really was. Despite thousands of years of evolution this ancient display of hostility had remained. The leader would never attack one of his own; the Chroniech were far to loyal to their own species. But, if any other creature had been within striking distance, those razor sharp claws would have been put to use.

  Chroniech males were large, heavily muscled individuals. Possessing two arms and walking on two legs. Their basic anatomy followed what nature seemed to settle on as being the most common. They were completely covered with thick, very course hair which had originally served to shield them against attack. Their underlying skin was tough and leathery.

  Their three fingers and single opposable thumb were thick and short with razer sharp retractable claws. Sitting on a thick muscular neck was a massive head. Their eyes were set into deep sockets with protective bone surrounding them. The extended jaw could open wide and housed a number of sharp teeth along with both an upper and lower set of canine teeth.

  The air was tense as the rest of the Chroniech ruling body waited for their leader to speak. "You have all seen the reports," he began in a slow low voice. "The Alliance appears to have been able to use some of the technology of the ancients. Even as we speak, one of their ships is on a direct course into our space. It is believed that this ship will attempt to penetrate our defenses and attack our planets."

  The hairs of the other council members started to rise and claws were extended. "A single ship, no matter how fast or how heavily armed, is no match for our fleet!" someone interrupted.

  "We will crush them like the Turashag they are," another voice piped in.

  The leader's gaze paused in turn on each of the eleven council members, noting as each one signified his agreement. After an unusually long hesitation, the leader continued. "The enemy warship which is entering our space must be stopped. Its combat capabilities have been greatly enhanced and its speed is far beyond anything we can achieve. Are there any recommendations as to how to destroy this ship?"

  There was a long moment of silence as each member of the council considered the problem. One of them eventually said, "I believe I have a solution. It will require a number of ships to implement."

  The leader evaluated the response and who it had come from then said, "The council will hear your plan." Relieved that his response had been accepted, the councilman presented his proposal.

  * * * * *

  Before meeting with his senior staff Stricklen paid a visit to Tasha. He accepted the cup of tea that she offered then settled into the comfortable chair across from her. "I would like your input on how to keep the crew mentally fit during this trip."

  Tasha added a spoon of honey to her tea and slowly stirred. She took a sip, licked her lips, nodded in approval of the results, then set the cup down on the saucer. Ken watched as she performed this little ritual finding her movements quite sensual.

  "This is a military vessel," she replied. "The situation here is very similar to that of a submarine in the old wet Navy going on extended patrol."

  Stricklen's mind had been elsewhere but he managed to catch most of what Tasha had just said. "Those submarines didn't have good looking women onboard either," he replied then immediately wondered why he had said that. He chuckled, trying to cover his blunder and quickly added, "They relaxed strict military protocol didn't they?"

  Tasha smiled. She had gotten the reaction she had hoped for. It was going to be a long trip and she had a lot of patience so she didn't push things any farther. The captain had, after all, come to her office on official business. Putting aside her personal feelings she became the professional psychologist that she was and the two got down to business.

  A half hour later Stricklen stood before his assembled senior staff. "We have embarked upon an unusual voyage," he began. "We are traveling farther than anyone in the Alliance has ever imagined. We are using alien technologies that have allowed us to travel faster than any Alliance ship has ever moved. We are armed with weapons of almost unbelievable power. The journey will last for months and our chances of success are questionable.”

  "We are a single ship traveling through enemy territory. There is no one to come to our aid if we need it. Needless to say, we are in a unique situation. Because of the duration of this mission and the reduced size of our crew, I have decided to drastically change how we do business on this ship.”

  "Military protocol will be relaxed. This does not mean that discipline will not be kept. Dress codes, watch rotation, routine maintenance schedules, and all other military functions will have to be modified. This will allow the crew to find their own methods of reducing boredom in order
to hopefully keep the tension low. I will be sending all department heads a set of guidelines to achieve this goal. Are there any questions at this point?"

  After waiting for a brief moment, Stricklen continued. "We will be traveling through Alliance space for another ten days. After that, we will be in Chroniech space. As you all know, we have not set our course directly for the target system. If the Kyrra are indeed still there, I believe they would be rather upset at us if we were to point out their location to the Chroniech.”

  "My intentions are to remain on this course, which does not intersect any star system for at least 5,000 light years, until we have cleared Chroniech space. According to the latest information provided by the Hess, the Chroniech empire extends for roughly 2,100 light years in the direction we are traveling. Once we are clear of the Chroniech, we will set our course for the target system. In order to traverse Chroniech space with as little loss of time as possible I plan to avoid any contact with them. Minor course corrections will be made as required to accomplish this.”

  "Finally, because of the duration of this trip, I must insist that all personnel be told to conserve supplies as best as possible. There are no Alliance ports for us to pull into to restock. Any questions?"

  Once again, there were none. "If you have any questions please get in touch with me. I will be on the bridge for the rest of the day. Thank you — meeting adjourned."

  On the way out of the room Scarboro noticed there was a new bounce in Stricklen's step as he made his way to the bridge. "You look to be in a very chipper mood this morning captain!" he called out as he hurried to catch up.

  "Now that we are finally on our way I feel pretty good," Stricklen replied. "Even the fact that we will be traveling through Chroniech space doesn't bother me because I know with this ship we can simply avoid any conflict. Nothing can catch us!"

  "I sort of hate to pass up the opportunity to use this ship's firepower on our way through," Doug said. Catching Stricklen's alarmed look he quickly continued, "Don't worry Ken, I won't try to avenge the Alliance while I'm on watch."

  The two officers walked together in silence for a few moments. "How are things between you and Tasha?" Doug asked without warning.

  Ken stopped in his tracks and looked at his executive officer not knowing what to say. "You're not in a better mood just because we are on our way," Doug explained. "After every meeting with Tasha you are in a much better mood."

  "She's the ship's councilor," Stricklen argued. "It's her job to keep all of us in a good mood."

  Doug smiled as if he knew something the captain didn't. "If you say so sir. You two would make a good couple though." Seeing the shocked look on his captain's face Doug said, "No man is an island Ken and you're no different. The crew seems to be happy for you both."

  "I'm her commanding officer," Stricklen replied defensively. "We're just good friends — nothing more — nothing less!"

  "Come on Ken," Doug replied, a knowing smile forming on his face. "She's single, intelligent, good looking, and those eyes of hers could melt a ship's armor. You can't tell me you haven't thought about it."

  Lying was not something Ken was fond of, especially to his friends. Besides, Doug knew him well enough to spot it if he did. Stricklen looked around to make sure they were alone then replied, "The thought has crossed my mind Doug. But for now we are just good friends."

  Smiling again, Doug said, "There's no need to worry, your reputation as a good captain has not been harmed. In fact, I think this relationship may well enhance your status with the rest of the crew."

  "The rumors must be flying," Stricklen remarked as he started back down the passageway.

  "There have been a few but everyone realizes they are only rumors." Suddenly, becoming concerned that the captain might consider ending his relationship with Tasha before it went much further Doug added, "Ken, don't let rumors and such affect the relationship you may or may not have with Tasha. I think it's great. If any of the crew feels differently, then I will have a heart to heart talk with them. It would not only be unfair to you, but to Tasha as well."

  "You will do no such thing," Stricklen replied, an idea popping into his head . "If the crew wants to talk about me, then let them, as long as they continue to work together as a crew. Besides, having something to talk about will help keep their minds occupied during the trip. Nothing like a good rumor about the captain to liven things up."

  The next few of days passed without incident. The crew of the Dragon began to settle into the routine of a long, extended voyage. The alien stardrive appeared to be functioning perfectly as the heavy-cruiser blasted through space at 11,121 times the speed of light.

  The Dragon had its first encounter with Chroniech ships eight days into their voyage. "Chroniech ships detected!" the report came from CIC.

  "Tactical," Stricklen automatically ordered. The tactical viewer shifted to a computer generated plot of the situation. A large fleet of Chroniech warships stood squarely in their path. They were spread out over a large volume of space forming a net meant to trap them.

  Stricklen looked at the display for a minute then said, "Helm, alter course to 264 mark 11. That should steer us clear of them."

  The course correction was fairly significant but it kept them going in the same general direction. Once the helm had entered the new settings into the ship's computer the tactical viewer shifted to show their new projected course. They would pass more than half a million kilometers from the nearest Chroniech ship even if that ship altered its own course to attempt an intercept. Two hours later, the enemy fleet was behind them and out of sensor range.

  * * * * *

  "The cowards refuse to engage us!" the frustrated Chroniech commander hissed. "We have attempted to intercept the Alliance ship on two occasions and each time they have altered course to avoid us."

  The Chroniech leader was perplexed. The Alliance ship had demonstrated that it was armed with superior weapons yet had chosen to alter course instead of engaging their forces. Even more perplexing was the fact that no other Alliance ships possessing a stardrive of such extreme speed had appeared. There had been reports of a new weapon being put into use by the enemy but nothing as capable as the weapons on the ship now traversing their space. Nothing seemed to add up.

  "You are not at fault commander," the council leader replied. "You have deployed your forces well. Where does the ship appear to be heading?"

  "We do not know. Their course does not intercept any star system for hundreds of light years. Each time they make a course correction, their destination seems to change."

  "Is it possible," another councilman piped up, "that what the Alliance found was of Kyrra origin? Could they have transferred a Kyrra stardrive and weapons to one of their ships and they are even now on their way to what they know to be a Kyrra controlled world? Why else would they be traveling through our space without engaging us?"

  Many heads nodded in agreement to this suggestion even as claws started to extend. The name of their ancient enemy was seldom spoken in public and when it was it was usually used as a curse. The leader considered his response carefully. "We have been to the homeworld of the Kyrra and nothing survives there. Their original homeworld has been destroyed. No sign of them has been seen for centuries. They are a dead race."

  "What other explanation is there for their actions?" the same councilman asked.

  "I admit that your idea has merit," the leader replied. "But we must deal with the problem at hand at the moment. Whatever their motive is, an Alliance warship has penetrated deep into our space. It must be destroyed. Let us deal with this issue first."

  The Chroniech leader had risen to his current position because of his ruthless and often brilliant combat strategies. He considered the situation for several minutes, the rest of the council waiting in patient silence. "Show me a star chart of the area of space where the Alliance ship is now located," he ordered. A moment later, a holographic image appeared over the conference table.

  "Expand
to double," he ordered and the display shifted. "Indicate current position and type of all warships." Again the display changed to show hundreds of tiny colored dots. The leader's gaze moved about the image. "Perhaps we can use their cowardice to our own advantage," he stated and then proceeded to lay out a plan.

  * * * * *

  Over the course of the next fifteen days, the Dragon encountered ten more Chroniech battle groups attempting to intercept them. Each time, they had made a minor course correction to avoid contact. The Hess modified long range sensors made the task easier as they not only had a longer range than those of the Alliance, but they also had a much greater resolution.

  "Chroniech ships detected!" the report came from CIC for the eleventh time. The tactical viewer automatically shifted to encompass the new threat.

  Stricklen was about to order the standard avoidance course correction but paused for a moment to consider the situation again. Soon after entering Chroniech space it had become obvious that the Chroniech must have an extensive deep space tracking system. Hundreds of thousands, or perhaps even millions of small sensor buoys were probably deployed throughout their space enabling the Chroniech to continuously track them. This had allowed the Chroniech to position large fleets in their path in an apparent attempt to intercept them.

  Even though the Dragon had continued on in a straight line until it encountered one of these fleets Stricklen had noticed that each time the Chroniech had deployed their forces a little off center giving them an easy avenue of escape. If this had happened only once or twice he would not have thought anything of it, but in thinking back over their last ten encounters Stricklen had become suspicious.