“I was trained for war,” said Ariel, recalling her early days in the old Human Federation of Worlds. “I had minimal emotions at that time, but as the years passed I began to feel anxiety anytime I went into battle due to the fact lives could be lost. Now I understand war should be the last resort after all other options have ended in failure.”
“We never experienced the fear of war in the Shrieels,” said Aaliss. “They are so powerfully protected we felt secure.”
“The Dyson Spheres are safe refuges,” said Ariel in agreement. “They are designed to be totally self-sufficient, and their defenses guarantee the safety of those living inside. From what I’ve studied of the Originators that’s one of the reasons they built them.”
“There was no war,” commented Aaliss, recalling those days. “Not until the Simulins came and for us it was easier to ignore them. We now realize that was a serious mistake. I suspect if any living Originators had been on any of the Shrieels our response to the Simulins would have been vastly different.”
“Where to now, Admiral?” asked Commander Malen.
Jeremy squared his shoulders and looked at the viewscreen, showing the glowing remains of the asteroid. For nearly a week the forty ships in the two fleets had been practicing combat operations and testing their weapons.
“Set a course for the Median Galaxy,” ordered Jeremy. The Median Galaxy was 940,000 light years distant. The Originators had felt certain the Anti-Life could be located in that galaxy as it was outside of what was considered Originator controlled space and on a direct line toward the Anti-Life’s home galaxy.
“Travel time will be 4.28 days,” answered Lieutenant Striker as he began preparing the ship for intergalactic hyperspace travel. “I would recommend we make several short jumps first to put us into a better location in this galaxy before activating the intergalactic hyperdrive. It will take me a few moments to work out the proper jump coordinates.”
Jeremy took a long breath. He was fairly confident the two fleets were ready to move into Anti-Life space. He had spoken to Grayseth earlier and the large Bear had indicated his ships were ready. Grayseth was anxious to get to the Median Galaxy and see what the Anti-Life had done to its worlds.
“Coordinates calculated,” Striker reported. “I’ve transmitted them to our other ships. We can jump whenever you give the order.”
“Initiate the jump,” ordered Jeremy, settling back in his command chair. He was not going to use the Accelerator Ring at this galaxy’s Dyson Sphere. The distance to the next galaxy was not that great in intergalactic terms and the hyperdrives on the ships of the two fleets would easily get them there.
Striker reached forward and activated his console, pressing several icons on his screen.
A few moments later a swirling blue-white spatial vortex opened, and the Avenger surged forward on its gravity drive. As they entered the threshold of the vortex, Jeremy felt the normal wrenching sensation associated with making the jump into hyperspace. Granted, the sensation was much less than in the past thanks to Originator advancements in hyperdrive technology.
“I hope we’re doing the right thing,” muttered Kevin, looking at his sensor screen, which was showing all forty ships in the fleet. They were traveling in a tight formation. With their current sensor and communications technology, it was possible to travel in such formations in hyperspace. It allowed the fleet to come out in battle formation if necessary.
Jeremy agreed. He had no idea what might await them in Anti-Life territory. That was the reason for this mission. It was necessary they gather strategic data to see what was in store for them if and when war broke out. There was a very good possibility the Anti-Life had spread across so many galaxies that any hope of a future victory might very well be impossible. The question then would be how to protect the galaxies the Dyson Spheres were in from future conquest by the Anti-Life.
-
Several days passed and Jeremy, Kevin, Ariel, and Aaliss were sitting in the officers’ cafeteria. Jeremy and Kevin were eating while explaining to Aaliss what had happened in the Triangulum Galaxy with the Simulins starting from the very beginning.
“War is a terrible thing, and it seems you Humans have had more than your share of it.”
“Even back in our home galaxy it was the same,” Kevin said as he took a bite of his double cheeseburger. “I often wonder if that’s how the entire universe is. Everywhere we go there seems to be conflict.”
Aaliss frowned. “It wasn’t like that in the days of the Originators when they were spreading across the galaxies before they built the Shrieels. They brought peace to numerous worlds and there was widespread prosperity. It was a wonderful time. One I fear will never return.”
“Why did the Originators build the Dyson Spheres?” asked Jeremy. “In our explorations, we have found numerous worlds where they once existed. The Altons have studied those ancient ruins for centuries. I’m sure you’ve heard Reesa and Kelnor speak about their discoveries in the Rylus Cluster in our home galaxy.
“Yes, I’ve had several long conversations with Reesa. She’s a brilliant young woman and full of curiosity.”
“Curiosity that’s gotten her and those with her into trouble on several occasions,” added Ariel.
Suddenly alarms started sounding, and red lights began flashing. Commander Malen’s voice came over the ship’s comm system. “Admiral Strong, please report to the Command Center. We have several unknown contacts on the long-range sensors and we believe they may be Anti-Life ships.”
“Anti-Life?” said Kevin, looking confused. “What would they be doing out here so far away from the Median Galaxy?”
“A patrol,” announced Ariel as she checked the ship’s sensors. “The Anti-Life might have routine patrols keeping watch on the space between their galaxies and those they consider to be under control of the Originators.”
“I hope not,” Jeremy said as he stood up. “This mission will fail if we’re detected.” The detection of what might be Anti-Life ships worried him. If they had the ships needed to patrol the space between the galaxies that indicated they had a vast fleet. Jeremy didn’t even want to think about the number of ships that might imply.
A few moments later Jeremy and the others made it into the Command Center. Looking at the tactical display, he saw two glaring red threat icons.
“How far away are those two ships?”
“Twenty-seven light years and they’re paralleling our course,” reported Commander Malen. “They appeared a few minutes ago.”
Aaliss walked over to the sensors and studied several readings. “They’re using intergalactic drives at least as advanced as ours. They’re too far away to tell much else.”
“How did they find us?”
“It could be just a coincidence or they have some sort of monitoring system between galaxies to detect unknown ships,” suggested Ariel.
“That’s impossible!” Kevin said, shaking his head in disbelief. “That would take millions, perhaps hundreds of millions of hyperspace detection satellites.”
“Actually 42.7 billion,” answered Ariel as she ran the numbers. “That’s assuming they completely surround Originator space and have comparable technology to the Originators.”
“It’s possible,” said Aaliss. “If they control sufficient galaxies and resources they could have set up a detection system such as Ariel describes.”
Jeremy spent a long minute watching the tactical display. “The detection system can’t be very deep or they would need trillions of satellites, and I refuse to believe they have that many. Most likely they have a thin ring or two that surrounds Originator space and we crossed over one.”
“Admiral, Grayseth wants to know what you’re planning,” reported Lieutenant Shayla Lantz from Communications. “He’s volunteering to take his fleet on the hunt and destroy the two unknown ships.”
Jeremy hesitated. There was no way to know the strength of the two unknown vessels or even if they were Anti-Life ships. “Keep the fleet at Co
ndition One and let’s drop out of hyperspace. We’ll let them make the next move.” Jeremy considered his next move. He had the two unknown ships greatly outnumbered. This might be an opportunity to learn about the Anti-Life and the capabilities of their ships.
“All ships will be dropping out of hyperspace in twenty seconds,” reported Lieutenant Striker as he fed the exit coordinates into the navigation system.
“I want all weapons on standby,” ordered Jeremy. “We won’t fire unless were fired upon. Major Preston, if that happens I want those two ships destroyed.”
“Is the use of the dark matter missiles authorized?”
“Yes,” Jeremy answered. He wasn’t going to take a chance with his fleet.
Jeremy felt a slight twinge in his stomach and knew the Avenger had dropped out of hyperspace. Almost instantly, the screen was full of what appeared to be stars, but he knew they were galaxies. Several had a slight spiral form with one globular.
“The unknown ships have detected our emergence from hyperspace and have changed course,” reported Kevin tensely. “They’ll be here in just a few minutes.”
“Fleet is at Condition One,” confirmed Commander Malen.
“Energy shield is at 100 percent,” added Major Preston. “Weapons are ready to fire. Dark matter missiles and Devastator Threes are loaded in the missile tubes.”
“Communications, send standard first contact message as soon as the unknowns drop out of hyperspace,” ordered Jeremy. Jeremy wanted to confirm they were indeed Anti-Life vessels. Perhaps by talking to them they could find out.
The first contact message was a series of numbers, which could be used to establish communications. While all ships were equipped with standard language translators, there was no point in revealing this to the unknowns. Sometimes Jeremy even forgot he was wearing a translator in the small fleet dog tag he wore around his neck. It had become so natural, he didn’t even think about it anymore.
“Emergence,” confirmed Kevin.
On the large viewscreen, two massive ships appeared.
“How big are those?” Jeremy hadn’t been expecting ships of this size to appear.
“Four kilometers in length,” reported Ariel as she used the ship’s systems to scan the ships in detail. “They’re eight hundred meters in width and from the top of the hull to the bottom is six hundred and seventy meters. Sensors indicate the ships are heavily armed. I’m still trying to determine the types of weapons.”
“Transmitting first contact message,” reported Lieutenant Lantz. She listened to her comm and after a few moments turned worriedly toward the admiral. “No response.”
Jeremy looked at the viewscreen showing the two ships. Weapons turrets and numerous hatches were visible. Even as he watched, a number of the hatches slid open.
“We’re being targeted,” warned Major Preston. “Hard sensor scans detected normally associated with weapons targeting systems.”
“If we’re fired upon I want an immediate coordinated response,” ordered Jeremy. “Half of our ships are to target one vessel and the rest the other.” Looking at the ships, Jeremy wasn’t certain these were the Anti-Life. However, in the back of his mind he knew that’s who these ships must belong to. They were too large and too advanced to be anyone else’s.
“I’ll set it up,” replied Major Preston as he began talking to his counterparts on the other ships. He was using an encrypted comm line to prevent his messages from being intercepted and translated.
“Incoming message,” reported Lieutenant Lantz excitedly. “It has a video component.”
“Aaliss, step to the side of the Command Center so you won’t be seen.” Jeremy didn’t want the unknowns to know there were Originator AIs on the ship. Once Aaliss had moved away, Jeremy nodded toward Lieutenant Lantz. “Put it on screen. Send a video link back so they can see us.”
On the center of the large viewscreen appeared a being that resembled an Originator. However, there were some differences. The being on the screen resembled an Originator in every way except he was completely bald. His eyes also seemed dark and cold.
“Identity yourself,” the being said in a harsh and demanding voice. “You are intruding on our space.”
“We are merely explorers seeking knowledge,” Jeremy replied carefully. “We are exploring the nearer galaxies hoping to make contact and establish peaceful relations with other advanced civilizations.”
The being looked away for a moment and then turned back to the screen, his face looking even more menacing. “You are lying. Our scans have detected Originator technology on your vessels. You will lower your screens, power down your weapons, and surrender your ships immediately.”
Jeremy feigned ignorance. “I don’t know these Originators you speak of. The technology on these vessels was developed by my people and no one else.”
“That is not possible,” said the being, his dark eyes failing to move. “Surrender immediately or I will order the destruction of your vessels. I will not ask again.”
“Who are you?” asked Jeremy, seeking more information. He was nearly certain these were the Anti-Life. He just needed them to confirm it.
“We are the Eternals,” the being replied. “We once fought the Originators in a great war. That is why we recognize their technology. Once my people learn others have now gained access to that technology, we will have no choice but to destroy your worlds. Such technology may only be possessed by the Eternals.”
“They’re preparing to fire!” warned Major Preston. “I’m detecting massive energy buildups.”
Jeremy took a deep breath. He knew this conversation was over. He pressed the ship-to-ship comm on his command console. “All ships, fire!” There was no reason to allow the enemy to fire first.
-
In space, gravitonic beams and antimatter energy slammed into the energy shields of the two Anti-Life vessels. The shields flared brightly from the unexpected attack. Several Devastator Three missiles struck the shields releasing hundreds of megatons of nuclear energy. The shields flickered but remained up.
From the Anti-Life vessels, powerful white energy beams flashed forth. In Grayseth’s fleet, the beams struck the energy shield of the Leviathan and after a moment, penetrated. In a massive explosion, the powerful dreadnought exploded hurling glowing debris across space. Several pieces impacted other ships’ energy shields but failed to penetrate. They simply shattered into hundreds of smaller pieces.
In Jeremy’s fleet, the heavy dreadnought Alexander was hit by four of the powerful beams. Its energy shield seemed to flicker and then it died as titanic explosions shook the dreadnought. In a massive blast, the ship simply ceased to be.
“Leviathan and the Alexander are both down,” called out Kevin in shock, staring at his sensors, which were showing the spreading debris fields.
“Firing dark matter missiles,” spoke Major Preston, looking desperate. “Our beam weapons are failing to penetrate their screens.”
-
In space, a series of massive explosions detonated against the energy shields of the two Anti-Life ships. The ships became impossible to see from the titanic release of energy. Then almost in unison, the screens failed. The amount of energy pummeling the screens was so great the two ships were disintegrated, leaving only glowing plasma and a field of flickering gas in their places.”
“Ships destroyed,” reported Kevin, breathing out a long sigh of relief. “I wasn’t sure for a moment if the missiles were going to work.”
“I have full sensor scans of the battle and the weapons used by the Anti-Life,” added Ariel. “Upon reviewing the data, the enemy were using a variation of the heterodyne effect to prevent their shields from being penetrated by energy weapons fire. I believe our ion cannon can be set to offset the frequency variation of the enemy shields. In our next engagement I would suggest we use the ion cannon first to shut down their frequency variation and then I believe our other beam weapons will be able to penetrate.”
“I agree,” added
Major Preston. “We made a mistake in not using the ion cannons. We won’t make that error next time.”
Jeremy turned his attention back to the viewscreen. He had lost two valuable ships and they hadn’t even reached the target galaxy. Should they turn back and not risk discovery?
“Ariel, Aaliss, what are the odds the Anti-Life reported our encounter?”
“Unknown,” Aaliss responded with concern in her eyes. “The Anti-Life didn’t recognize us as possibly being Originator ships until they got close enough to scan our vessels.”
“I didn’t detect any outgoing communications,” said Lieutenant Lantz. “If there was any it was of a type we’re not familiar with.”
“There are probably some type of command stations in their hyperspace detection system,” added Aaliss. “Doubtlessly those have the technology to send a report back to an installation of the Anti-Life if a ship penetrates the system. We just happened to be in the wrong location where ships could be sent to investigate. I refuse to believe they have placed tens of thousands of warships of the type we encountered in intergalactic space looking for any signs of the return of the Originators.”
“Did the Anti-Life know of the life-extension pathogen that nearly wiped out the Originators?” asked Kevin.
“No, the disease only began to take effect after the war,” replied Aaliss. However, due to the lack of response when the Anti-Life managed to escape their galaxy they may be assuming the Originators have died out. There is also the possibility they deduced what our life prolongation experiments would do and knew that in time the deadly pathogen would appear.”
“What type of energy weapon was that they were using?” It pained Jeremy he had lost two ships and their valuable crews. He had hoped to get through this mission without losing anyone.
“It was some type of direct energy weapon,” answered Ariel. “I don’t understand how they projected so much energy without melting the barrels of their energy projectors. The readings were nearly off the scale.”
“Is there anything we can do so our shields will be more effective?”
The Originator Wars: Universe in Danger: A Lost Fleet Novel Page 11
