Talosian Chronicles 5: Raptor Squadron Read online

  "The Admiral is a smart man, I'm sure he'll figure that little angle out, if he hasn't already," Jana said, with complete confidence in her superior.

  "Well, either way, we're still a few days from drop out. Has everyone finished their preparations?" Thomas asked.

  Jana snorted. "We finished up last week. Have you guys figured out how to collect the dark matter without getting yourselves blown up?"

  "Yeah, once we find some, we're going to have to take the containers out and fill them manually. Should prove to be interesting since we can't touch the stuff. Once we capture it, we seal the containers, and simply deliver it to the ships," Rathbone replied.

  "Have you figured out how much you’re going to need?" Jana asked.

  "Well, the equations we've run tell us we really don't need all that much to destroy the rings, we will need to make sure that a lot of ships get tagged since we don't know who's going to be sent where or when. No, the real problem is going to be finding the stuff to begin with, and once we do, getting it back to where it'll do the most good. Honestly, we might have to resort to using big anti-matter firecrackers." Thomas replied. "Alfred says the closest place we should be able to find dark matter is on the far side of the nebula over a light year away. Since we can't take it through hyperspace, that's a problem. Alfred and Circe will begin scanning for anything closer once we drop out," He finished; naming the Gothem AI Alfred, and Ithaca AI Circe. "The stuff just doesn't like to congregate near anything else of mass."

  "Let's just wait and see what the AI come up with. If we have to use the A-M Demo charges, it raises our odds of detection by an order of magnitude," Jana replied. "But, if that's all we got, then that’s it."

  Alliance of Races Command

  Council Chamber

  ARC Main Campus

  Delle Morsi System, Almaas Sector

  "Councilors, I understand your desire to protect your people and demand that ARC Command station fleets in order to protect your worlds. On the surface, that is the only way to defend against the tactics the Empire is now using. But this would be a horrible mistake that would give the Empire total victory in this war within a year," Ian said. "Please, let me show you what will happen if you order this."

  He turned and gestured to the large hologram now being displayed behind and above him. It showed the current layout of nations in their half of the galaxy. "If you order the fragmentation of our fleets, and assign them to protect your core worlds, this is what it will look like. Now, because of the distances involved, you really can’t see much, so let's begin with the Gronian Protectorate as they are one of the nation’s closest to Imperial space."

  The display zoomed into the Gronian territory, and showed several star systems spread out over dozens of light years. By each of the major planets, an icon representing the forces deployed took form. "Here you can see that ARC forces have been assigned to assist the Gronian defensive fleets. Because the Empire can attack virtually anywhere, only a few ships could be assigned here as the rest are spread out all over the Alliance protecting the other worlds. In the end, only eight ships, three heavies and five lighter ships would be sent here to help. Now, before you say anything about that, consider that you wanted the fleets sent out to defend all the core worlds. None of the other worlds get much more than this either. But now, the Alliance fleets instead of being together to defend each other, are now spread out over thousands of light years." As the image zoomed back out to show the entire Alliance, Ian continued.

  "AI Freya, please randomly select any Alliance core world."

  "Alharis Four, Capitol world of the Hurian Federation," the AI replied and zoomed into that system. "Population nineteen billion, this Alharis system also contains six major mining operations and eight non-planetary civilian research facilities. It has two ship building facilities, only one of which is capable of producing warships. After Alliance fleet dissolution, this system will be protected by one hundred and sixteen warships and two armored divisions."

  "A strong force to be sure. Assuming the Empire also knows this, what is their most probable response based on observed tactics to date?" Ian asked.

  As the AI replied, she animated the display to reflect her words. "While the Imperial transport device or devices are still in operation, it is most likely they will arrive at this system with no less than two, but the more likely scenario is four Imperial battle fleets. They will want an overwhelming force to ensure the fight ends quickly and decisively to demoralize the rest of the Alliance.

  "As they enter the system, they will destroy all outlying facilities while driving directly toward the defending fleet." She sped up the display but the Councilors could still see the destruction of the mining bases and outer system research facilities. She slowed it back down as the two fleets closed.

  "The amount of fire power sent by the Empire makes this fight a forgone conclusion. However, I am certain our forces would do their best." She once again sped up the display, showing the resulting battle at high speed. She set it back to normal once the last three ships of the fleet were destroyed. "The battle lasted eight hours, nineteen minutes. All main defensive units have been destroyed." She sped up again to show the fleet approaching the planet. As they took position in a high altitude assault orbit. She returned it to normal. "Planetary bombardment commences ten hours fourteen minutes after arrival. If a distress call were issued when the Imperial fleet arrived in system, there is still nine days before any assistance can arrive from the closest point. In this attack scenario, the Imperial fleet would leave this system in two days. Six to ten percent of the population will have survived. However, the planet is ecologically ruined. All unshielded food and water sources are now contaminated. Another sixty-five percent of the survivors will be fatally poisoned before help can arrive. Twenty percent will fall victim to the elements. By the time assistance arrives and is given to the survivors, only eight million beings will remain."

  Ian took over then. "Councilors, this is not a 'worst-case' scenario; this is the most probable one. But even beyond this, is the fact that every single warship of every single member nation here will be destroyed, and we will still lose our people by the billions. As cold hearted as this sounds, if you order our fleets to defend our core worlds, you will only be making it easier for the Empire to destroy them while they still murder our people.

  "We have taken steps to find and destroy the device the Empire is using to move their ships. But there is one thing I need you all to understand; the tactics they are using are specifically designed to do exactly what you see happening now. It is designed to create panic and foment terror on a large scale. I’ll admit it is very effective. Part of that is to make you, our leaders, make the wrong decisions based on the panic and fear inspired during these attacks. You must not let that happen.

  "Until this mysterious device is located and destroyed, there is very little we can do to prevent these attacks. You will notice I did not say there is nothing we can do, because there are things we can do. But it will require that the Alliance fleets be available to perform their part and not get destroyed piecemeal by the Empire. Councilors, I am not suggesting we ignore these attacks; no, we have to respond as protectors of our people.

  "We Terrans may be very new to this Alliance. I acknowledge we are also a very minor member as well. We may not understand any animosities you each may have had for one another in the past. But there is one truth we are absolutely sure of; the time for nationalism is over. It is time we forgive grievances, forget debts, and reach out to each other. We need to work together now, more than ever before. If we do not come together fully, work with each other to the best of our abilities to do so, this enemy will roll over us and all that we are and have ever been will be as tears in the rain.

  "To that end, we of Terra will be expanding our facilities to build ships for all races. Although it will be done with care and in a controlled manner to preserve security, we will be releasing our technology to you and offering training in its use.


  "Let me be very clear on this one fact, Councilors. In this war, if we do not stand together as brothers, we will all fall separately as strangers."

  As Ian stepped back from the podium, the Councilors stood and applauded. To some, that was banging something on the table, to others it was clapping hands, while some growled and howled their approval of his speech. In whatever case, it was clear they agreed with him. Now would come the time to see if they put his words into practice.

  Fleet Admiral H'joles replaced Ian at the podium and let the applause die down of its own accord. Ian may be new to the Alliance, but H'joles was proud of the young human. He had a quick mind and a good sense of duty. He turned to address the assembled Councilors.

  "Councilors, we of the military ask that you consider Admiral Williams' words carefully before you vote on this. We have devised a strategy that should take the Empire's focus off of our worlds and buy us some time to do something about their transportation device. Because of security, I cannot tell you what that is right now, but it will work.

  "For many years, before we formed this Alliance, we were enemies. Our diverse cultures and belief systems put us in direct conflict with each other. Some of you may even feel that those are still valid reasons to oppose one another. They are not. In the centuries we have been allies, we have found the benefits of peaceful exploration and the advances we can make if we simply talk to each other and work together. Right now, outside this very station, is a perfect example of what that cooperation can do for all of us; a device of Terran design and construction is being installed that will defend this entire system. A device they are offering to every system and planet in the Alliance. I ask you, how would such a thing be possible if we clung to the old ways and old beliefs?

  "The Terrans, the newest, and by far the smallest member of the Alliance, is putting all of its not inconsiderable resources into supporting this Alliance. Even before they joined this Alliance they worked for it. They helped any who asked, and even some who did not but needed that aid anyway. They assisted the Talosians, the Benesians, and they assisted our own battle fleets at Beta Hydri. I feel we should learn from their example. Although it goes against some of our natures, mine included, we can learn a great deal from the Terrans. Things we can only learn through friendship and peaceful cooperation.

  "But these are only the best examples of what can be gained by all of us, from this sort of cooperation.

  “The Terrans have less than a thousand scientists and researchers at their disposal, yet look at all they have accomplished. Think about what could be possible, if those thousand were joined by the millions the rest of us have.

  "You may be asking yourself what all this talk about peaceful cooperation is about since we have been allied for centuries. I agree we have, and we have done and accomplished amazing things. But what we are speaking of now goes beyond that; it goes beyond treaties and agreements between politicians and military leaders. What we are speaking of is a virtual dissolution of our mental borders of nationalism; in effect, we need to become one nation, united for a common purpose. That purpose is to defend our people; all of our people from those that would do us harm. To join together for the advancement and betterment of all of us." He grinned sardonically. "Yes, in effect we would form our own Empire, but unlike our current enemy, ours could be more diverse and well balanced if we create it with care.

  "I am not proposing we need to do this immediately, but it is a goal we can work towards even in these dark times. Admiral Williams informed me, as I'm sure many of you may already know, that the leadership of the Terrans are beginning to build an Academy on one of their planets. To begin with, the idea was to create a place to train our military in the operation of the new ships being built and for the sharing of tactics and strategies.

  "However, the idea has since grown far beyond that. The Military Academy is still going to be built, but a civilian one is also going to be built, and any member of the Alliance, and also non-member races, will be allowed to attend free of charge. For my part, which is the Military Academy, I have been asked to consider sending instructors and training officers once the facility is closer to completion.

  "With your approval I fully intend to do just that. I would also ask that this Council consider sending the Terrans assistance for getting all of their facilities built. I would hope that the Terran leadership will forgive me for speaking out of turn, but all of us should ask them what they need and how we can assist. Every single project under construction there will be a benefit to the entire Alliance, and we all have a vested interest in seeing them get built quickly and efficiently.

  "Admiral Williams told me that the Terrans will be sharing their technology with us. It would be good to have builders trained in how to construct those facilities. In this way, we could create teams of builders to travel around to the appropriate places and build what needs to be built or to convert what needs to be converted.

  "I have said what I need to say. I am confident you have been given the information you need to make your decisions. Our Alliance Military stands ready to defend us," H'joles said and bowed as he stepped back.

  Again the assembly stood and applauded. H'joles parting comments were not lost on those that had known him. His normal parting was 'Your Alliance Military stands ready to defend you.' By changing the wording to 'our' in place of 'your' it was a statement to the Alliance that he believed in the words he spoke. In his culture, his words were his truth. It was one of the reasons he had risen to the position he now held. He was incapable of political 'double-talk', and what he said was what he believed.

  H'joles had officially listed Ian as an Alliance Fleet Admiral, and placed him in charge of 'special projects'. He was also assigned the responsibility of defending the Terran sector. Admittedly, Ian already did that, but now it was official. Ian could also now wear the rank of Fleet Admiral on his uniform. Although Ian did not technically have a fleet under his command yet, the construction yards and the ships they would produce there would become his official responsibility for the Alliance.

  TDF Tiamat

  Hyperspace Transit vector

  Almaas Quadrant

  Commodore Belirus, Commanding.

  "Well, that certainly turned out much better than we feared it would." Luke said. The Tiamat had recently made the jump into hyperspace to return to Earth. Ian and the VIP's had been invited to the 'Captain's Mess' so they could talk about the trip and what had happened.

  "Whatever happened certainly got the rest of the Captains and senior officers riled up. At first they all believed the fleets would be split up and sent to protect alliance worlds, but then the rumors started that command had something up their sleeve and had managed to talk the Council out of splitting up the fleets. They also began panicking because they said we were going to get rid of the Alliance and form an Empire of our own. I tried to keep everyone calm, but the rumors were pervasive. I watched the same broadcast as everyone else. I sure didn't hear anything that said we were doing that. It was suggested as an eventual possibility, but that was all I heard," Belirus said.

  Ian nodded. "We did talk the Alliance out of splitting up the fleets. We have a much more effective strategy in mind. One of the reasons we were so late in departing is that I was still working with the Intelligence and Command staff to work out that strategy. We do have a major part to play in it, and I'll tell you all about it later. The other reason we were delayed was because Luke and the rest of the Council got to be pretty popular after the main meeting."

  "Oh?" Belirus asked. "I kind of thought H'joles might have thrown you to the wolves when he said that."

  Luke swallowed the bite of steak he was eating and nodded. "He did, but it was in a good way. I'd planned on asking for their help anyway. The way it turned out, we have more help than we know what to do with!" He chuckled as he took a drink. "Very soon, there are going to be a lot of Alliance personnel arriving at Atlas to be assigned to different projects in the system. I dare say t
hat most of our projects will be completed within the year because of it."

  "Even the Pleiades stations?" Belirus asked.

  "Especially those. The priorities are the stations, then the academies. Of course, those won't be the only projects getting more workers; we have enough coming, and can easily ask for more, to fully staff every project on the books. Some of those coming will be staying as both students and instructors at the academies. Others will be going to Phoenix Base to learn how to build the Defense Networks, and they will be heading out as soon as teams are formed.

  "The computer department on Phoenix will be tripling in size because, while the Alliance agreed to give our Sentient AI a try, they agreed that manufacturing of those units be controlled and isolated. Which means only Phoenix will be building them. So, all the relevant researchers, scientists, and technicians will be coming to Phoenix.

  "The Pleiades stations will be fully staffed and defended. We will still retain command of them, but they will be brought up to full strength." Luke snorted. "We'll even be getting a civilian police force!"

  "It sounds like we're getting invaded!" Belirus said.

  "We are, in a manner of speaking." Ian took a drink of his beer. "I've been given the rank of Fleet Admiral in the Alliance. While we are far too small to rate a full membership within the Alliance, we are basically gaining all the benefits of it. Luke was asked to assemble and send a full diplomatic team as soon as he can, and not just a single representative."

  Luke nodded and picked up the conversation. "All the people coming to us will be, in effect, our citizens. They will retain all the rights and privileges enjoyed by everyone else. The Alliance is entering into a kind of political and social flux. The speeches Ian and H'joles gave really seemed to impress the leaders and Ambassadors attending. They really are going to try to make us all just one nation instead of a group of nations. No one can tell how this'll eventually pan out, but I see it becoming sort of like the United States on Earth. The Alliance will become, in effect, the federal government, while the separate nations will become the states."