Galactic Empire Wars: Destruction (The Galactic Empire Wars)

by Raymond L. Weil

  “I spoke to General Stockton earlier today,” spoke Wainright. “He says the temperature fell last night to nearly twenty below at his camp.”

  “The volcanoes are still erupting, though I understand that Yellowstone has calmed down considerably,” Marsha said. “We are still recording earth tremors every day. The weather isn’t going to get any better for quite some time.”

  “This winter is going to last for decades,” added Lawrence, shaking his head. “I don’t know if we’ll ever be able to return to the Earth. With what the Kleese did to our planet, earthquakes and erupting volcanoes are going to be the norm for centuries to come, I’m afraid.”

  “Then we move out into the solar system,” Wainright said evenly, accepting the fact that the Earth would no longer be the Human race’s home. “The Moon, Mars, and the asteroids will become the new Earths.”

  Lawrence nodded in agreement his eyes focusing on the general, “I believe you’re right. It may only be our distant ancestors that get to return to Earth someday. I don’t believe it’ll happen in our lifetimes.”

  “Strange to think that no one will be living on the planet,” Marsha murmured in a quiet voice. “Even so, there are a lot of records and pieces of history we will need to think about retrieving some day. I suspect there will always be a few scavenging missions occurring on the Earth somewhere; it won’t be abandoned completely.”

  -

  Outside the Operations Center, the snow continued to fall. Personnel in large snowplows were working nonstop to keep the blowing snow from drifting across the three runways. Due to poor visibility and stiff upper winds all shuttle launches had been canceled for the day, and the valuable shuttles had been placed in their hangers to await the time they could be safely launched.

  In the barracks and the large tents, hundreds of thousands of people huddled around heaters. In the barracks, the heat was better circulated but people still wore light jackets to help stay warm. In the large, enclosed tents, people felt the chilling temperature as it penetrated the fabric walls. They wore heavier coats and took turns going to stand next to the heaters. Many were coughing, and doctors and nurses were now making regular rounds to all the barracks and particularly the tents, passing out cold and flu medicines.

  Around the world, it was the same in all of the survival centers. Even in Australia, where another large survival camp was located, the temperature was hovering near zero. They had less snow than other camps and were anxiously waiting for the day when it would be their turn to be taken to the new habitats being built on the Moon, Mars, and Vesta. Many were on the verge of giving up hope.

  All around the world, the major cities were dark. In New York, Chicago, Paris, London, Berlin, Stockholm, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Moscow, and Peking there was no movement and no lights. Around the Ring of Fire in the Pacific, volcanoes were still erupting, and the fault lines were still generating earthquakes. Daily, large tidal waves struck the shores of every country that bordered the large ocean. Even the Atlantic had its own problems as underwater volcanoes and fault lines continued to cause devastation.

  There were no longer any known survivors outside of the survival camps. Food had become non-existent, and sources of fuel for portable generators had long been used up. Forests were dead, as well as all the multitudes of wildlife that had once existed on the surface of the planet. Only in the deepest parts of the ocean did life still hang on.

  -

  Mason was at his sisters. She had invited him over to spend some time with the kids and Michael. He strongly suspected she wanted to ask him about the Kiveans; everyone was curious about the new aliens that had suddenly put in an appearance. Susan had also invited his secretary, Adrienne, over as well. Mason wondered if his sister was trying to set him up with his gorgeous assistant.

  “How’s progress going on the Armageddon?” Mason asked as he sat down on the sofa across from Michael. Susan and Adrienne were busy in the kitchen cooking supper and the two kids were out back playing.

  “Those Kivean engineers really know what they’re doing,” replied Michael, allowing himself to relax in his large, oversized recliner. “They’re all over the ship tearing out systems and replacing them with their more advanced ones. I was in engineering earlier today, and they were installing a new fusion reactor. One of them told me that when they were finished it would be capable of generating four times the power than what our original nuclear plant had been capable of.”

  “That’s good,” responded Mason, knowing they would need the added power for the new weapons and energy shield the Armageddon was being equipped with. Then, leaning forward, he asked the question he was really curious about. “What about this new Space Fold star drive of theirs?”

  “It’s amazing,” answered Michel, his eyes lighting up. “It warps space, making the distance between two points less. The more power that is applied increases the warping effect, allowing the ship to travel even faster. From what I understand, our own scientists had experimented some with this but could never create a working model.”

  “We can finally travel to the stars,” Mason said with a sigh, knowing that now when they finally could it was not safe to do so.

  His dreams of someday exploring other stars had been crushed with the appearance of the Kleese. Now, after what the Human military escapees and the Kiveans had told him, he knew the galaxy for the most part was a very dangerous place.

  “How soon before the modifications are done with the Armageddon? I want to get the Phoenix in as soon as possible so we can start on her.”

  “Four more weeks and all of the modifications will be finished. The Kiveans will have their two assault ships finished in a couple of more days, then they will bring in two more. They want to add the new particle beam weapons to all of their ships.”’

  “I spoke to the Kivean Marken this morning,” Mason said as he recalled that informative conversation. “They have already begun drilling out a new habitat for their race in a nearby asteroid. Their plan is for a habitat ten miles across, which should be adequate for their people. Marken believes they can have the full habitat done in less than twelve weeks.”

  “Are they going to put weapons on the asteroid?” Michael asked, not sure if he felt comfortable with an alien race having a military presence so close to Vesta.

  “Yes,” Mason replied. This had been a concern until he had spoken to Marken. “They’re going to be installing railgun and pulse fusion beams for protection as well as a number of particle beam cannons. They have requested that we furnish some military personnel to operate the weapons systems, as well as a few squads of marines in battle suits for a security force.”

  “These Kiveans really don’t like fighting, do they?” Michael said in surprise. “It sounds like they’re going to be depending on us to protect them.”

  “The Kiveans are willing to fight,” Mason replied. “They’re just not very good at it because they don’t have the aggressive tendencies that we do.”

  “So they furnish the technology, and we furnish the military,” Michael said after a moment.

  “Yes, I spoke to General Mitchell, and he has suggested that we allow a number of the military people that escaped with the Kiveans to handle their defense. He has suggested setting up a small military base upon the asteroid to ensure the Kiveans stay safe. Their technology and knowledge are going to play a key role in our future.”

  “I guess I can live with that,” responded Michael, taking a deep breath. “I’ve seen those battle suits they were using; it’s astonishing what they’re capable of.”

  “Yes, Lieutenant Jeffries demonstrated one for us as well,” added Mason, recalling how amazed he had been at the suit’s capabilities. It was like watching a one man army.

  “Supper’s ready,” announced Susan, stepping into the room with a pleased smile. For once, she had everyone here at the same time. “Go wash up, and Michael, go yell at the kids. It’s about time we all sat down and had a meal together.”

  After washing,
Mason went into the dining room where Adrienne was busy putting the food on the table. “Hello, Adrienne,” Mason said in a pleasant voice. He noticed that she had her blonde hair tied back and was wearing a knee length skirt. Her legs looked really nice.

  “Hi,” she replied with a friendly smile. “I’m glad your sister invited me over to eat. It’s been a while since I had a home cooked meal. Most of the time I just fix something simple for myself.”

  “Susan’s a great cook,” Michael responded as the two kids burst into the room. The two girls, Candace and Karen, were eight and ten years old and normally just full of questions. They quieted down somewhat when they saw Adrienne.

  “Is she your date, Uncle Mason?” Karen asked curiously as she sat down at the table and looked at him, expecting an answer.

  Adrienne laughed and her face flushed slightly at seeing the sudden uncomfortable look upon Mason’s face. “We’re just good friends,” she explained with a smile.

  It was at that moment that Michael came in and noticed the flushed look on Adrienne’s face. “The girl’s aren’t misbehaving, are they?” asked Michael, suspecting that they probably were. He knew how his girls could be at times.

  “No, they’re just fine,” replied Adrienne. She had always enjoyed being around kids and hoped to have several of her own someday.

  Susan came in carrying a bowl full of hot rolls and set them down in the middle of the table. “Let’s eat,” she said, sitting down in her chair.

  “When are we going to get to see one of the aliens?” Candace asked her eyes wide with curiosity. “Do they look like the monsters in the movies about space aliens?”

  “No,” replied Mason, chuckling. “They look almost like we do. Some of them will be visiting Smithfield in the next few days, so you might get to see one.”

  “Are they mean?” asked Karen, worriedly. “The ones that came the first time were.”

  “No,” replied Mason, shaking his head as he reached for a roll and a knife to butter it with. “These are very friendly.”

  “I met Harnett today,” Adrienne commented as she took a bite of her salad. “She seems quite polite and was telling me about their advanced medical practices. She’s going to meet with some of our medical staff and explain what the Kiveans have to offer as far as medical technology goes.”

  “I think our doctors are going to be fascinated by the Kivean’s nanite technology,” commented Mason, knowing how valuable it could be. “Harnett is Marken’s life mate.”

  “Life mate?” repeated Susan, looking confused. “What does that mean?”

  “It’s the same as being husband and wife,” Mason explained as he took a bite of his roll. There was definitely nothing better than home cooking, and Susan was a great cook.

  The conversation at the supper table continued, with numerous questions being asked about the Kiveans. The kids finished eating quickly and asked to be excused to go back outside and play with several of their friends. Once they were gone, the look on Susan’s face became more serious.

  “How soon before these Kleese come back?” she asked, putting her fork down.

  “We don’t know,” responded Mason, looking over at Michael. “The Kiveans erased all traces of Earth from the Kleese’s records, but they still have a general idea of our location from their initial survey mission. Marken thinks three to six months and they’ll manage to find us again.”

  “What then?” asked Susan, worriedly. “Surely we can’t stop one of their big disk ships. What if they come to Vesta?”

  “We will be ready for them this time,” Michael assured her, reaching out and taking her hand. “We’ll have the Kivean ships as well as the Phoenix and the Armageddon. With the new weapons and defenses the Kiveans are giving us, it won’t be like the last time.”

  “I hope not,” replied Susan, giving Michael’s hand a gentle squeeze.

  “By the time the Kleese return we will even have Vesta more heavily armed,” Mason added. “With the new particle cannons the Kiveans are giving us, the Kleese won’t dare come anywhere near us.”

  Susan nodded, but she was not feeling near as confident as the two men were. It sounded to her like they were going to war!

  -

  Later, Mason walked Adrienne back to her home. She lived in a small apartment building on the outskirts of Smithfield.

  “Your sister seems very concerned about the Kleese returning,” Adrienne commented.

  “I can’t blame her,” Mason replied with a sigh. He had been pleasantly surprised at how much he had enjoyed Adrienne’s company. “She worries about Michael and the kids.”

  “You’re lucky to have a family like them,” Adrienne said, her eyes looking sad. Her parents had never made it out of Seattle, and she strongly suspected they had died when the first massive tidal wave struck. She just hoped that their deaths had been quick and that they died together.

  Mason nodded; he knew that Adrienne was more or less alone with no family in Smithfield. In recent months, she had really dedicated herself to doing her job well. “We need to do this again,” he ventured after a moment. “I really enjoyed myself tonight.”

  “I would like that,” responded Adrienne, demurely. She liked Mason and would truly enjoy spending more time with him. It made her feel warm inside knowing she wasn’t quite so alone.

  Moments later, they arrived at her apartment complex, and she was surprised when Mason leaned forward and kissed her gently on the cheek.

  “See you in the morning,” he said as he turned to go. “I have an early meeting with Marken and General Mitchell. They have something they want to speak to me about.”

  Adrienne nodded and watched as Mason left. She wondered where this relationship would go. With a smile, she went inside. Only time would tell.

  -

  The next morning, Mason was seated at his desk when Adrienne announced that Marken, General Mitchell, and Major Nelson had arrived. After a moment, she opened the door to his office and ushered them in.

  “Hello,” Mason greeted them, rising to his feet. “I understand you want to talk to me.” He gestured toward the chairs in front of his desk and sat back down.

  “We have been studying the refugee problem you have,” General Mitchell began after taking a seat. “Even with the Kivean’s advanced technology it’s going to take several years to get the survivors off Earth and during that time we’re going to lose a lot of them.”

  Mason sighed and leaned back in his chair. He had seen the reports and the computer estimates that predicted close to thirty percent or more of the people in the camps could die. “I know,” he replied despondently “But unless you have another option, there isn’t much else that we can do. Even with Kivean technology we can only build the new habitats so fast.”

  “We have a proposal,” Marken responded, his eyes looking intent as he gazed at Mason. “What if I told you there was a way to get everyone off the Earth within six months.”

  “That’s impossible,” gasped Mason, his eyes focusing on Marken. “It can’t be done!”

  “We have a plan,” began General Mitchell, looking over at Marken and then at Major Nelson. “If it works we can do exactly what Marken just said.”

  “What’s the plan?” Mason asked as an uneasy feeling spread over him. He had a hunch he wasn’t going to like this proposal.

  “We want to take some of our ships and return to the Kleese space station,” Mitchell explained in an even voice his eyes steady. “Once there, we will take full control of it and then use its Space Fold drive to return to Earth.”

  “The entire station?” Mason spoke in shock, shaking his head in disbelief. “Is that even possible?”

  “The Kleese have all of their big stations equipped with Space Fold drives,” explained Marken, patiently. “The stations are built in the Kleese’s home systems and then moved to wherever they need them in their Empire. Due to the huge size of the stations, the Space Fold drive will operate much slower than normal. From the time we take the stati
on and activate the drive, it will take us nearly four weeks to return to Earth.”

  “The station is covered with habitation domes,” General Mitchell informed Mason. “Enough that we could put most of the survivors from Earth in them until the new habitats on the Moon, Mars, and the asteroids are completed. The rest can be put inside the station itself.”

  “This idea sounds insane,” protested Mason, shaking his head doubtfully. “What if the Kleese are expecting you to try something like this?”

  “They won’t be,” Marken said reassuringly. “The Kleese will not expect us to attack the station.”

  “Why not?” Mason asked. He could see this entire plan ending in disaster.

  “The Kleese don’t think that way,” explained Marken, calmly. “Their way of thinking is totally alien when compared to the humanoid races of the galaxy. They will never expect us to return and attempt to take the station.”

  “What if they resist? What if several of their disk ships try to stop you?”

  “That’s why we want to take the Armageddon and the assault ships that have been equipped with the new particle beam weapons,” explained General Mitchell. “If we time it just right, we can destroy the disk ships before they can become a danger to us. It might delay a future attack upon the solar system for several years.”

  “Enough time for us to build up a real fleet,” Major Nelson added.

  “Keep in mind, Mr. Randle, that the station has some extensive manufacturing capabilities,” Marken continued. “It is fully capable of building more assault ships as well as anything else your people might need. As Major Nelson suggested, we can use it to create a sizable fleet to protect this solar system.” Marken didn’t add that the fleet could someday be used to take the war to the Kleese.

  Mason closed his eyes, knowing this was not a decision he could make on his own; too much was at stake. “I will need to speak to some other people before we can approve such a mission,” he finally said. Mason knew that, at the very least, he needed to talk to General Wainright, Lawrence Henderson, and probably Mayor Silas on the Moon.