by Gary Caplan
Some time passed as Sheppard’s fourth task force moved closer to the border zone. After Starbase 301 crossed into the border zone, the Viridian starships waited until it was halfway across and then launched a salvo of torpedoes as well as their own starfighters. The Viridian capital ships outnumbered the Alliance of Worlds fleet by slightly more than two to one.
The starbase activated its point defense systems to intercept incoming torpedoes, even as the engineering team was finishing repair and realignment to the attitude and thruster systems. Viridian starfighters began to engage various types of Alliance of Worlds star fighters, including single-pilot interceptors and star furies, as well as the larger T20 and T30 transport-type star fighters that had been launched.
“Commander Talbert,” Sheppard ordered, “transfer the recent tactical sensor data of the battle to my station.” Talbert was the tactical officer and would properly arrange the data to be sent to the ships in the taskforce.
Sheppard analyzed the displays of the combat that ensued and noticed a small weakness in the Viridian force. He dispatched the Endeavor and another Heroic-class cruiser, the Defender, under Captain Gideon, and the larger Legendary-class battlecruiser Pelonus under a Zal captain Natarris. The Zal were also one of the more technically advanced members of the Alliance of Worlds. Like Robert Sheppard, this Zal officer was a Star Knight and known for his ability to predict enemy strategy. In the Alliance of Worlds, the Star Knights were gifted with psionic abilities, and as part of their code, they tended to use their metaphysical or psionic abilities and disciplines to aid them in preserving civilization. The Star Knights were not governmentsanctioned police or guards but were more akin to special agents who belonged to various organizations, or orders.
“Let’s move into this gap and hit them hard,” Sheppard said as he transferred his tactical instructions to the astrogation station. Endeavor moved to an attack position, supported by the other ships in the task force.
Starbase 301 had finally regained attitudinal controls and was beginning to use its thrusters to resume its position across the border zone. The starbase had almost crossed the full distance and was just a few hundred meters adjacent to declared Viridian space before it stopped and began slowly moving back to officially designated Alliance of Worlds space.
“Sir, Starbase 301 has taken moderate damage,” stated Commander Talbert, the task force tactical officer. “They seemed to concentrate their attacks on the weapons systems. Several of their missiles penetrated the outdated point defense system on Starbase 301.”
“You’re right, Commander, but the problem is that the Viridian are generally honorable. They waited until the starbase crossed fully into the boundary zone before they launched their attack,” Sheppard said.
“It appears that they postured and moved about enough in the interim to get us to possibly make the first move,” replied Talbert.
“My worry is how they had any idea to be here at precisely this moment to take advantage of the situation,” Sheppard said. “They seem to be waiting.…” His voice trailed off.
“Recall our ships from within the boundary zone,” Sheppard ordered. “Stay on our side of it with a little extra margin, just in case their sensors delineate the margin as slightly different from our boarder calculation line using the signals from a few maker buoys in this region.”
“Aye sir, task force–wide orders sent,” replied Lieutenant Benton.
Talbert said, “I’ve never known the Viridian to be the first to break a boundary treaty; they’ve usually attacked corporate mining ships that don’t pay attention or willfully make a breach. I think they wanted us to cross into their territory first.”
“Yes, I agree it’s good that the Starbase 301 stopped just in time, replied Sheppard. “Order the ships to defensively withdraw, and support the retreat of the starbase, Commander.”
“Sir,” said Lieutenant Benton, “I was actively scanning and found that an unusual communication on a hyper bandwidth was sent from Viridian space. I can’t resolve the signal more clearly or locate the sending ship; it’s using some form of cloaking or anti-scanning countermeasures. I think they must have detected my scans.”
Sheppard trusted Benton, who was a highly trained officer. Sheppard knew Benton’s father, who was a captain in the same fleet. The Bentons were fellow Terrans from Earth, descended from South Africans who had left for space about three centuries ago.
“While were still in the edge of boundary zone can you determine what type of ship it is,” replied Sheppard. “As far as I’m aware, the Viridians don’t have that type of countermeasure system.”
“Sorry Sir, I don’t have further information,” Talbert said. “It seemed to be of unknown configuration, and it masked its signature. What I can read from the scan is disturbing, because the residual energy signature indicates a small ship with a masked but impressive power source. It likely is moving at … approximately translight velocity equivalent to … well, beyond our trans-light velocity levels.”
“What beyond our…?” Sheppard exclaimed. “Benton, encrypt and send the data to the tactical branch at Star One,” he ordered. “For all we know, it could be an Estrian spaceship or one of the other elder Hegemony races observing us.” Sheppard paused, considering the situation. “I’m going to need to contact the Viridian fleet’s senior officer.”
After the starbase was back in Alliance of Worlds space, Fleet Captain Sheppard offered further communications to the Viridian and offered a truce and cease-fire. The Viridian’s new commander accepted, as the original admiral had been lost along with his ship, which had been critically damaged in its attempt to draw the Defender and the Pelonus across the boundary zone to the Viridian side.
The Defender was seriously damaged and had to be towed, and many alliance starfighters did not return to their launch pads that day. One of the Waterway-class cruisers had been damaged severely, as well, when it went to support the Defender and the Pelonus.
Fleet Captain Sheppard was awarded a medal for his handling of the situation. The remaining Viridians indicated that their deceased admiral was under the belief that the Alliance of Worlds was going to use the starbase to invade their space.
The Accadian scout cruiser Samok moved away from Viridian space to more securely transmit its coded message to their governor:
To Office of Mor'ag, Governor of Accadian forces: Operation Boundary Breach was a failure. We are returning to base. The other project is proceeding as planned. Agents are arranging to replace the commanding officer with one appreciative to our cause. Hostilities will again break out, and this time the Viridian should strike. They will see us as an ally because of our racial similarity. When the entire project is completed, the Viridian should be drawn to our side, allowing us to establish bases in their space. End message.
C HAP TE R 2
THE ACCADIAN ADVANCE
On board the Accadian dreadnaught Kadath, orbiting the habitable world of Volsk, deep within the Delta quadrant, Mor'ag—the commanding governor of the Accadian military forces—stood before the ominous, towering, three-dimensional image projection of his senior officer.
Lord Kra'ag, the regional imperial high governor of the Accadian forces of the Jiyarr in this region of the universe, looked down upon his subordinate with amusement. The Accads were an ancient and technologically advanced race of space-faring reptilians that had begun colonizing and building up forces in this particular galaxy several decades ago. They looked like a cross between a crocodile and something human, with green to gray hide and a short partially snakelike snout. They were originally genetically engineered workers for the Jiyarr.
Recently, things had begun to go wrong. During the latest expansion, the Accadian colonial expeditions had begun to meet with marginal resistance from some of the other civilizations in the galaxy, and when they started losing territories they had already claimed in the name of the empire, Imperial High Governor Kra’ag decided to become more involved. Mor’ag was not overly thrilled at
this prospect, though he did his best to hide his feelings. It didn’t help that the imperial
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high governor was also his cousin, a quirk of fate that he believed Lord Kra’ag possibly regretted. “Governor Mor’ag,” boomed the image of Lord Kra’ag. “I am anxious to know of your progress in Galaxy Ten. Make your report on the spiral galaxy that you are continuing to establish our recent colonies.”
Mor'ag knew that Kra’ag had obtained the rank of Archon amongst the Jiyarr for his additions to the empire, and sat with the Jiyarr ruling body at several of their meetings. He was not a senior Archon, but still it was an achievement few Accadians had matched.
Mor'ag raised his head and saluted his leader, arm across his chest. “All is going as planned, cousin,” Mor’ag said. “The Vuldranaii problem is no more, and the Shug and Zuul uprising has been crushed since our last communication.” He laughed at the thought and added, “Thanks to Admiral Kor’eth and his mighty armada, who finally moved through their star system like a mighty Sloar, scattering and devouring everything in its path. The additional reinforcements you sent have arrived—on time, as expected. With their force added to my own, I believe we will soon be able to strike the remaining advanced civilizations.”
The image of Kra’ag’s three-dimensional face fell into the Accadian version of a frown as he said, “I had expected you to be further along by now, Mor’ag. There is much I must do, and my plans for that galaxy cannot continue until you and your forces have completed your tasks.”
“Apologies, Milord Kra'ag,” said Mor'ag, solemnly bowing his head. “But there have been ...” he stammered, “some minor setbacks … umm … delays to the schedule.” Then, as afterthought, he added cheerfully, “Oh, by the way, may I congratulate you on the completion of your campaign in Galaxy Five. Only through your great efforts has the majority of that galaxy been placed under Accadian domination and Jiyarr rule.”
At this deliberate evasion, the image of Lord Kra’ag’s frown turned to a scowl.
“Yes,” he replied slowly after a ponderous second, “we were victorious. Have you been trying to adapt the Jiyarr weapons to our ships? It’s not so much stealing knowledge as it is furthering the Accadian Empire and, of course, our families.”
“They have been adapted,” said Mor’ag, with a smile. “Our Kad’jiah-class starships have already assisted our Varlon allies in attacks against the Betellians and the Saldron. Our engineers have even made a prototype antiparticle weapon. It is not quite as efficient as the original Jiyarr design, but it will soon be available on some of our Kadath-class ships in a few tzuras. Unfortunately, some of the Jiyarr systems are currently beyond our present available resources. Perhaps if—”
“Governor Mor'ag,” interrupted Kra'ag, “you should know that I prefer to keep to a schedule. My position in the Jiyarr Archon depends on our advance. As I advance, so will you and those who serve you. Tell me briefly about the opposition forces in that galaxy.”
Mor'ag nodded. “Our main opposition in this galaxy,” he stated, “will be from several of its most advanced races, some of which have banded together.”
“I see,” replied Kra’ag slowly, angered at the news.
Mor'ag made his next statements carefully about keeping to his exalted cousin’s schedule and a degree of confidence because of his already successful plans. He said, “Also, the Saldron Confederation is laying claim to several worlds in this galaxy that would be ideal for us. They, too, are a reptiloid civilization and share many common planetary needs with us. We prefer similar worlds, and there has been competition for some mineral and colony worlds over the past few years with the Saldron.”
Kra’ag frowned.
“Umm …” continued Mor’ag, gathering his thoughts. “Then there are the Betellians. As you know, they too have a presence in this galaxy.”
Kra’ag’s scowl deepened at this, but he said nothing. However, he now looked as if he had swallowed some distasteful medicine.
“According to our most recent reports, they have completed two worldspheres around stable stars,” said Mor’ag, “and are working on a third. However, the additional Jiyarr ships you sent will help us, perhaps giving us the advantage we need in our attacks.”
“I should think so,” replied Kra’ag.
“Lastly, it is possible that a few of the more advanced races or those groups with large enough numbers will be able to resist our incursion,” said Mor’ag. Then, with sarcasm he added, “One of those groups, for the past two hundred lactar or so, have formed a federation of sorts called the Alliance of Worlds. This ‘Alliance of Worlds’ is composed of approximately 250 assorted civilizations, many with an impressive array of resources. They represent over a quarter of the space-faring races in this galaxy. The only consolation is that their technology is less advanced than ours, and significantly less advanced than the Jiyarr.”
“Hmm,” intoned Kra'ag thoughtfully as he began scanning data from his console. “Several of these civilizations seem to be peaceful or neutral in nature. We will have them eliminated soon. Were you successful with the Varlon treaty?”
“Ahh! Yes, Milord,” replied Mor'ag happily. “Their xenophobic nature was … difficult to overcome, as I stated in my earlier reports. But, after several hostile interactions, we have since established a working relationship with many of the newer senators in their Imperium. Together we have been able to convince the Varlon ruling body, called the Icarria, that an alliance between our peoples would be to our mutual benefit.”
“Good,” responded Kra’ag with a light, amused chuckle. “We will deal with them later, after all the others have been eliminated or subjugated.”
“By your order,” responded Mor’ag, “I shall continue with my plans.” He continued his briefing. “My officers have arranged the demise of several members of what might be organizations that could seriously delay our advance. For example we have made arrangements for high-ranking officers in that so-called ‘Alliance of Worlds’ to be eliminated and critical equipment to be sabotaged. I have arranged for Jiyarr equipment to assist in the endeavor, and I have also garnered the support of some of the Varlon senators who favor the use of sabotage. They are arranging cooperative agents to work with ours.”
Kra’ag nodded approvingly.
Mor’ag paused, and then decided this was as good a time as ever to confront his cousin on an issue that had been bothering him.
“Supreme Governor, I recently received a notice that you were heading to this galaxy. I had not realized you would wish to personally come here at this time … with all your other campaigns still being fought.”
Kra’ag sighed softly, as if in resignation. “Mor’ag,” he said. “I want a new challenge. The Talcon and Netharo bore me. Your earlier reports indicated the presence of several other advanced civilizations, and also possible Quellien deposits. You could say I am intrigued.”
“Well, if that is your desire, may I say there are several very advanced civilizations in this galaxy that might present a challenge to you if you desire to strike personally,” stated Mor'ag. “I did not include a great deal of information about them in my reports, since several of them are secretive or prefer to remain apart from the other, ‘lesser’ races and civilizations.”
Mor’ag began to look wary; he did not want to admit to Kra’ag that some of these civilizations were proving to be a problem. He continued, “The most advanced civilizations include the Cynz, the Estrians, the Karratin, and the Lyramenians. These races are probably among the most technologically advanced in this galaxy and are, to some degree, allied or affiliated with each other. But, they tend not to involve themselves with the other civilizations much, especially the less advanced ones. The remaining races include the Rhyn, who have been surrounded by the Varlon and yet have been able to hold them at bay. Another very technologically advanced group is known as the Ceyloom. They are, by all accounts, arthropod type life forms, possessing exoskeletons. However, these Ceyloom are currently at war with
a rebel faction within their own civilization. The Ceyloom do have occasionally skirmishes with the Saldron, and on occasion with the Varlon, although the Varlon consider them kindred.
“Then there are also the Thurians and the Icorians,” continued Mor’ag. “Two races who have mastered ‘gate’ technology, practically to the exclusion of all other forms of transportation. It seems they are capable of moving from system to system via powerful ‘worldgates’ or ‘travel corridors’ rather than using spacecraft.”
“Fascinating,” replied Kra’ag, still looking at the monitor at the information Mor’ag was sending.
Mor’ag continued, “It seems that the Thurians in the past moved whole cities from different worlds to their home world. However those two civilizations tend to stay in their territories and planets and should not cause any notable problems for our forces in space.”
“Though they are advanced,” interrupted Kra’ag, “they are no direct threat to the Accadian Empire. Continue.”
Mor’ag did, but carefully, to avoid upsetting his powerful cousin.
“One that will certainly cause problems,” he said, “is a very advanced cybernetic race known as the Tenoid, who merged with their organic makers to form the present race. This fusion is not across their entire civilization, as some of the Myroid progenitors prefer attempting to gain something called ‘ascension.’ Lastly, there are the Calyx, one of the oldest races, and possibly as advanced as the Jiyarr; however, their numbers have been dwindling, and I am not sure why. Speculation is that they are interested in alternate universes and dimensions, an interest they share with the Karratins. They tend to keep to themselves.”
