Fleet Admiral P’Mar stared at the tactical screen which reflected the surface of Main Hive. He could see the outlines of continents and oceans with the locations of Iidx military bases and major cities highlighted. Those locations which had confirmed explosions and were considered destroyed appeared in green. There were a satisfying number of those. The bases that were untouched as yet or hadn’t been completely destroyed were indicated in amber. After studying the Plot for a moment P’Mar reached out to work his console, entering coordinates. Several of the amber bases turned purple.
He paused again to examine what he’d done. Then, with a pleased nod at his work, he swung his head around on its long neck and called for Commander R’Gon, the flagships Battle Officer.
The officer looked up from what he was doing and acknowledged the call. He motioned for his assistant to take over his station then hurried through the room, dodging other Kthpok going about their duties, until he reached the Fleet Admiral’s post. The Commander came to rigid attention, saluted and asked, “How can I help the Admiral?”
“I’ve identified the targets for First Drop,” the Admiral announced to R’Gon. He indicated the screen he’d been looking at. The Commander craned his long neck so he could get a better look at what the Admiral was referring to. “They’re the more important bases of those that remain,” P’Mar continued. “I want them destroyed but the assignment shouldn’t prove too difficult. The defenders will be confused by the destruction of their chain of command and uncertainty as to the cause. They may not even be able to put up a creditable defense.
“The attack profiles are already in place but I want a quick review for anything that might’ve been missed.” P’Mar shrugged his tail. “The weather might be off or something like that. If there’s a need update the programs. I want First Drop to begin in one hour.”
R’Gon repeated the order, saluted then started to leave but P’Mar stopped him. “There’s one other item, Commander,” he said. “I want an extensive record of the attack kept as this will be the first combat test for the new automated vehicles. We can use the data to improve the design.”
“Yes, Admiral,” said R’Gon. “I’ll confirm that all recorders in the vehicles are activated prior to launch. I’ll have them on continuous update to the carrier ship. That way if a ship’s destroyed we’ll still have its information.”
The Admiral nodded his approval and sent the Battle Officer on his way.
P’Mar watched the Kthpok move back through the room for a moment then turned his attention on the Iidx news broadcasts being shown on a nearby bank of monitors. His lips curled in satisfaction at the devastation being shown. In the background he could hear Iidx reporters describing the disaster but ignored the noise. Superimposed on the screen was a quick translation. Most of what was said was a recitation of statistics: The number of dead (a reasonable amount and soon to grow), the wounded (a much higher number) and an estimate of the cost for repairs.
From the reporting he could tell there was some question as to where the attack had come from. All the Iidx were asking why the Council of Queens had been killed and who could do it. He gave a slight shake of his head. It seemed the period of actual combat between the hives had been so far in the past for the Iidx that they’d forgotten what happened to the Queens of the conquered hive.
The Admiral gave a soft snort of derision. None of the explanations given by the Bugs included the Kthpok. Which was amusing since the only new factor on the planet for the past several years was the Kthpok. In fact, it was beyond amusing, it was ridiculous.
The investigators and experts questioned by the reporters were being very noncommittal. All they’d say was that the explosions were related and tests were being conducted to determine what explosives had been used.
P’Mar chuckled. The Bugs could run all the tests they wanted for all the good it’d do them. There wouldn’t be enough time to complete the tests and, if they were completed, there wouldn’t be anyone to report the results to.
R’Gon missed the Admiral’s deadline to launch the drones but only by half an hour. There had been some last minute programming updates that needed to be made in the artificial intelligence.
At last hatches opened in the armored hulls of the Carriers to let the drones emerge. The smaller ships combined into packs then dove for the planet. Armored hulls were soon glowing red from air friction as the vessels moved deeper into the atmosphere. For those watching the skies from the surface they would have seen clusters of falling stars tracking across the sky.
“We have new signals,” announced Ensign Comunit from the scanning station of Refuge. He was one of three Iidx operators who were watching the Kthpok Swarm which was in orbit over Main Hive.
The Swarm Master left his station where he was taking reports, made his way through the Control Room towards the Scanning Suite. He walked past the console where the Queens were watching the catastrophe unfold. Junior Queen Krissen glanced up then rose from her saddle to follow him. The Senior Queen remained where she was watching the ongoing reports. Zelof reached Scanning and looked down at Comunit’s monitor. “What have you got for me, Ensign?” he asked.
“Swarm Master, I have a large number of small vessels leaving the main swarm heading towards the planet,” replied the Ensign. “They just appeared from the Kthpok Swarm.” He looked up at the Swarm Master. “They weren’t there a moment ago, sir.”
Zelof nodded as he remembered the Kthpok exercise in the outer asteroid belt earlier that year. “That’s small Kthpok attack craft,” he explained turning to look at the Ensign. “They’re carried in a Hive ship then released when needed. It appears they’re atmospheric capable as well. Can you tell where they’re heading?”
Comunit worked his equipment for a moment, confirming courses then rattled off several bases. Zelof waved his antennae in understanding. “Those bases are what remains of our major surface defenses and would be priority targets,” he commented. “Has their Swarm in orbit made any movement towards our orbital defense platforms?”
“Nothing threatening the ODP’s,” confirmed Ensign Comunit. Then he glanced up at Zelof again and added, “At least not for the moment.”
“Very good,” said the Swarm Master. “Transfer the list of bases threatened to communications,” he ordered.
The Ensign turned around to carry out his orders as Zelof moved back to his station and called over to Communications. Queen Krissen quietly shadowed the Swarm Master. “Lieutenant Chattan, Scanning is sending a list of bases to your station,” he announced. “Contact the Commander of each base on that list. Under my authority those Commanders are to launch fighters to shoot down the oncoming vessels. They are hostile. Repeat they are hostile.”
“You can’t do that,” said Krissen breaking into the conversation. “They…the Kthpok may have monitored the explosions and are sending assistance.”
The Swarm Master gave a snort and turned to glare at the Queen. “Don’t you remember what Sesum said earlier?” he asked and gestured towards the screens showing the destruction of cities and bases. “We know what the Kthpok are doing and their objectives. This is the Kthpok plan for our conquest.”
“But…!” started Krissen.
“No!” hissed Zelof, making a cutting motion with a true-hand. “The Queens no longer direct! And if you attempt to give orders or countermand mine you will be taken to your quarters and kept there under guard.”
He waved his antennae at the scanner showing the track of inbound vessels. “I’ve seen these craft before,” he said. “They are not rescue vehicles! These craft are specifically designed for an assault. In fact, if our analysts are correct, these craft are completely automated. They’re maneuverable enough to make it through an asteroid belt and destroy a target deep inside. Our pilots in the fighters don’t have that maneuverability so they’ll need every advantage we can give them if they’re to survive. I will not handicap them by waiting to give them a warning!”
He turned away from the Queen to look back at Communications. “Have the fighters gotten airborne?” he asked.
“Most fighters are up,” reported Lieutenant Chattan. “One base is slow though.”
“Send the name of that Commander to my station here,” ordered Zelof. He’d deal with the individual later, when he had more time and if that commander was still alive. Right now there was an attack to defeat.
“After that’s done Chattan, set up a communications net with all the fighters involved in this action and patch me in,” the Swarm Master ordered.
It took a few minutes before the Lieutenant announced the net had been established and the Swarm Master was on air. Zelof glanced over at Krissen who was still watching him then turned back to the pickup and spoke. “This is Swarm Master Zelof to all forces, the incoming ships are hostile. Repeat, the incoming ships are hostile. What you will face is the next phase in an assault on our planet. The elimination of the Council of Queens and many facilities on Main Hive was their first phase. Now, after cowardly planting bombs in our cities, bases and facilities during their inspection trips, our enemy is putting themselves where they can be hit. Let’s take advantage of that. Good hunting. Swarm Master clear.”
Lieutenant Chattan thumbed a button on his console then turned around to announce. “The link’s been severed, Swarm Master.”
“Will the Kthpok be able to trace the transmission here?” Zelof asked.
“No sir,” the Lieutenant replied. “The closest they’ll get is Wartten. Everything’s being routed through there.”
“Good,” Zelof said and turned back to watch the Plot.
Captain Ultinanim, the Flight Leader of Interceptor Swarm Marrone assigned to Defense Base Harleton checked his instruments. The twenty-four fighters of his flight were orbiting several thousand feet above the forest east of their hive base and well away from the landing strips flight pattern. His antennae gave a slight quiver of anticipation. The Iidx in the Control Room had just given him an intercept course for the swarm of hostiles coming to kill his hive. They’d also released him to go kill them.
Keying his communicator to the flight net he began giving instructions. “This is Flight Leader Ultinanim,” he announced. “You heard the Swarm Master a few moments ago. We’re going out to face someone who’s taken advantage of our hospitality, killed Queens and intends us harm. We’re going to convince them what they’re doing isn’t a very good idea. Ready your weapons. Confirm!”
After the pilots in his flight reported their weapons were ready the Captain continued his instructions. “Keep to your Wing Mates. This is what we’ve trained for. Over the years we’ve proven we’re the best flight in the Swarm so let’s go knock these shell-less slugs out of the sky.”
Captain Ultinanim swung his fighter out of the pattern he’d been following and headed for the enemy. His flight followed and took up the formation he’d drilled into their shells over the years. After a quick check to make sure everyone was in place the Captain gave the order to kick in afterburners and they climbed to meet their foe.
Minutes after leaving the base they were reaching the twenty thousand foot level when a tone sounded in the speakers of Ultinanim’s helmet. He glanced down at the radar screen on his instrument panel to see a mass of thirty dots tinged in hostile red just coming into detection range. Seconds later a warbling came over the speakers.
“Enemy fighters now in range,” announced the Captain over the flight net. “Select your targets now but don’t lock up, arm missiles and hold fire. Driver One, this is flight leader.”
“Driver One here leader.”
“Driver One, you’re point. Lock onto a target and fire one missile only. I realize this is a very long shot but I want to see what they’ve got.”
“Acknowledged, Flight Leader. Driver One is to lock onto a target and open fire with a single missile. One clear.”
Seconds later a missile dropped from under the right wing of Driver One. Its solid fuel drive ignited, accelerating the weapon ahead of the fighter. A narrow trail of white smoke marked its path. The rest of the pilots of Marrone watched the missile close with its target.
“What’re they doing?” Ultinanim muttered to himself as the seconds passed. The enemy hadn’t employed counter measures or tried evasive maneuvers to divert the missile from its target. All the Kthpok did was shift their formation slightly giving each craft a little more room to maneuver. It took just over a minute for the missile to cross the distance to its target. Then the Captain gasped in shock. At the last moment the targeted craft brought up its electronics to jam the missiles targeting system and veered just enough to let the missile pass. There was an austere elegance in the movement.
“Did you see that move?”
“Affirmative Three,” replied the Flight Leader. “They’ve got fantastic responses. All Drivers this is flight leader. Hold fire. At point blank range, say, ten thousand yards, we’ll launch. At that point even fast responses won’t be able to avoid our weapons. Lock onto a target now and track. Launch on my command.” Acknowledgements to the order came in rapid succession.
Following his own orders, Ultinanim selected a target and instructed his craft’s computer to confirm. When the lock was confirmed he turned his attention back to flying. Time seemed to slow as his flight closed on their quarry. A quick glance over the instruments indicated there were no problems.
The distance separating the two forces reached fifteen thousand yards. Knowing it would take only seconds to reach his fire line the Captain grasped the control wheel firmly and positioned fingers over the launch button and communicator.
A warning tone sounded, causing him to jump slightly. He reached over with a middle hand to silence the alert as he glanced to one side of his HUD. The Kthpok had launched! Sixty missiles were racing towards his flight.
Keying his communicator he called, “Marrone flight, launch and go evasive!” Ultinanim launched two missiles at the enemy ship he’d been tracking, keyed for countermeasures and his flight began the maneuvers designed to confuse the targeting of the incoming missiles.
Forty-eight missiles fired by Marrone flight approached the sixty missiles launched by the Kthpok. Both groups of missiles interpenetrated then passed through without any damage. Seconds before the missiles fired by the Kthpok reached the Iidx their maneuvers became more erratic as aircraft worked to break missile lock.
Two of the twenty-four Iidx pilots lost track of their surroundings as they continued their evasive maneuvers and collided before the missiles had closed. The fireball was left behind when the rest of the flight continued towards their enemy. Chaff and flares blew out from the undersides of the aircraft to further confuse the targeting computers of the oncoming missiles.
Of the sixty missiles fired by the Kthpok seventeen went after flares and detonated, twenty-one were confused by the chaff and wandered off to exhaust their fuel supply. They fell to the forest thousands of feet below and exploded. Six had lost lock on their initial target but reacquired and all raced in on one aircraft. The pilot ejected just before his craft blew apart in a brilliant fireball of burning fuel and vaporized metal.
Ultinanim put his craft through all the maneuvers he’d learned over the years to shake the missiles on his tail. But the two tasked for his destruction followed him through every gyration. He glanced down at a scope for a moment and snorted in disgust. Three more missiles had picked up on him and they were all closing on him. At the last moment, the Captain kicked out more chaff, pulled back on his control wheel to climb and made a sharp left turn. He quickly put out the air spoilers and killed his speed. Unable to duplicate the unexpected movement, the five missiles sped past. Their drives ran out of fuel, arced over then started to drop for the wooded surface of Main Hive thousands of feet below.
The Captain dropped the nose of his aircraft towards the ground and rammed his speed levers forward to regain his airspeed then glanced down at his instruments to see about his flight. A groan escaped his mandibles. He’d lost thirteen of his twenty-four fighters. There wasn’t time to see how many of his pilots had ejected because the Kthpok…
As the Iidx missiles neared their targets an uncanny evasion pattern appeared among the Kthpok ships. Counter measures caused most of the missiles to miss. Only two Kthpok craft were hit. One started to break up then exploded when its fuel tanks ignited. The other experienced a glancing blow that disabled its drives. It began a slow dive towards the planet trailing smoke. A fiery explosion marked the end of its plunge.
By the time the Iidx Flight Leader had reformed his depleted flight the Kthpok aircraft had swept past without firing another shot. It appeared the Kthpok were focused on destroying Harleton and didn’t think Marrone flight was worth the effort. Following their commander the Iidx swung around to chase the Kthpok then kicked in their afterburners again.
Ultinanim switched frequencies and keyed his radio. “Harleton Control,” he called, “this is Marrone Flight Leader. Hostiles have broken through. Twenty-eight hostiles are still inbound. We have ships down. SAR needed.”
“Harleton confirms,” came the reply. “Twenty-eight inbound. Marrone in pursuit, SAR is being dispatched to make pickup.”
The Captain cut the link, reset the frequency to his flight net and concentrated on making up lost ground. Five miles from the line where the surface defenses would open fire Marrone flight caught up with the Kthpok. This time there were no half measures. Every missile remaining with Marrone was launched.
The Flight Leader followed the track of the missiles as the Kthpok continued to ignore his force. Just like the earlier confrontation counter measures and evasive maneuvers were employed at the last moment by the Kthpok. Explosions dotted the sky. Scanners fuzzed from the electronics being used making it difficult to see how many Kthpok had been hit.
When his screen cleared Ultinanim began cursing. After launching every missile they had, another forty-four weapons, his flight had destroyed only one additional attacking vessel. And to make matters worse, the Kthpok were staying on course for the base. He keyed his communicator. “Harleton Control, this is Marrone Flight Leader.”
“Leader, this is Harleton Control. Go!”
“Harleton, our missiles are ineffective,” he reported. “We’ve exhausted our load out and killed only three. Twenty-seven are still in bound. Marrone flight is closing to engage with lasers.”
“Negative, Marrone Flight Leader. You’ll confuse the defensive targeting if you do that. We don’t want you killed by friendly fire. Go to point Beta-1 and wait. You can pick off what’s left.”
The Flight Leader acknowledged and passed on the instructions. There was some grumbling from his pilots. It seemed they thought the results of the fight didn’t match their actual skill at aerial combat. They’d destroyed only three Kthpok and wanted a chance to improve that score. But they were disciplined soldiers and had their orders so the flight swung around to take up their assigned position. They’d guard the most likely escape route.
Just before the Kthpok force reached the four mile trigger zone for the Harleton Base defenses it split into three smaller flights of nine ships each. One of the flights split off, kicked in their afterburners and sped for the Base Control Center. Another flight raced for the interior of the base and the flight line. The last flight concentrated on the defenses.
The base commander had enough warning of the attack to move his mobile defenses into the best possible position to face the attack. Surface-to-Air missiles emplaced just inside the base perimeter fence speared out towards the oncoming forces. Once again counter measures and decoys were employed by the Kthpok. Just as before, the attacking vessels veered and dodged the weapons with uncanny economy. Only two ships were blotted from the sky in balls of fire.
The crews of the SAM Battery’s launchers raced through the drill to get more missiles in place and ready to launch. As the missile batteries were reloading laser mounts came to bear on the Kthpok fighters. Streams of brilliant green pulses of light sped into the sky and moved back and forth as the defenses worked to kill the attacking craft. Explosions marked the destruction of an enemy but those explosions were few.
The Iidx SAM crews worked quickly and efficiently but by the time the second flight of SAM’s were ready to launch the Kthpok were attacking. Seven aircraft swept in just above the tree tops. Missiles homing in on the targeting radar employed by the SAM’s streaked through the sky and explosions eliminated the targeting ability of the SAM crews.
The assault craft flew through the rising fireballs. Their speed carried the craft out over the housing portion of Harleton still chased by the laser pulses. They looped up and over to come back to target the batteries. The missile crews tried to launch their missiles blind but weren’t fast enough. Missiles streaked in from the Kthpok craft and Iidx died as their weapons exploded around them.
With the SAM batteries destroyed the ships attacking the defenses circled out over the forest opposite of where Marrone was waiting then swept back to the base. The defensive laser mounts had stopped firing at that flight when it appeared it was leaving. Pulser fire was redirected at the remaining flights over the base. But when the Kthpok attacking the defenses returned streams of brilliant green pulses swept up to meet them. Explosions of detonating pulses dotted the sky but the aircraft continued their attack. Then the Kthpok were sweeping over the laser mounts dropping a rain of cluster bombs. A carpet of reddish-orange explosions rolled over the bases last line of defenses. Smoke and flame from the destroyed defenses began rising above Harleton.
While the defenses were being attacked another flight of Kthpok ships went for the base facilities. Green pulses flew from pulser mounts reaching for the Kthpok but the ships were agile enough to force misses. Lasers from the attacking ships tore into hangers, barracks, storehouses and any aircraft still on the ground. Fires touched off by the strafing runs were fanned into raging infernos. Damage Control Iidx who were racing to put out the fires also became targets. Flames leapt twenty feet high and burning debris was blown skyward when the fires cooked off fuel, missiles and other ammunition. The thunder of explosions became a constant roar. More fires were touched off when the flaming debris fell onto houses and buildings.
The Sam batteries had just been destroyed when the base command center was targeted. A volley of ten missiles speared straight into the lower floors of the structure housing the Control Room. The entire building disappeared in an immense explosion sending a ball of flame and smoke rolling into the sky.
Captain Ultinanim and the surviving pilots of his flight continued to orbit miles from the base as ordered and watched the battle. They saw the missile batteries score a few kills before being destroyed in turn. Lasers destroyed a few more of the attackers. The flight continued circling until they saw their houses burning and the command center blown apart.
Although the pulser mounts were still fighting Ultinanim came to a decision and keyed his flight net. “Drivers, this is Flight Leader,” he called. “We’ve seen enough. Form up on me. If we don’t do something right now the base is lost. We’re going in.”
Enthusiastic acknowledgements came across the net as the remaining fighters resumed an assault formation centered on the Captain. They circled one last time then broke for the base at full speed. There was no attempt to conserve on fuel. Ultinanim wanted, needed to get to Harleton fast to stop the massacre.
The Iidx fighters crossed the burning perimeter of the base a few seconds after all the pulser mounts had been destroyed. By this time the nineteen remaining Kthpok craft had regrouped and were just starting another pass over the housing sector. Smoke and flames rose from the shattered houses and buildings. Brilliant red laser pulses streaked from the Kthpok craft to destroy vehicles or blow apart Iidx trying to escape the holocaust.
The Flight Leader noted that his flight of eleven fighters was vastly outnumbered and outclassed but there was no hesitation. His home was being attacked.
Once again the Iidx were ignored as Ultinanim led his flight around behind the Kthpok. His antennae shivered in confusion. “They’ve let us in their rear,” he muttered. “Why’d they do that?” More buildings were blown apart and he shook his head to dismiss the thought. It didn’t matter right now why the Kthpok were ignoring his flight. What did matter was that he had the enemy in his kill zone.
Keying his communicator to the flight net once again the Captain called, “All Drivers, weapons are free. Select your targets and kill ‘em. I don’t want any returning to space.”
Without confirming their orders the pilots of Marrone flight opened fire on the Kthpok with their lasers. The air thousands of feet above a burning Harleton was filled with aircraft and assault craft firing, pursuing, evading, climbing, diving, turning and dying. Each craft was fighting to stay airborne while working to get the enemy in target lock.
In aerial combat the automated assault craft of the Kthpok had an advantage the Iidx couldn’t match. With no living creature inside the craft to experience the g-forces of extreme turns and climbs the Kthpok vessels could turn sharper and make sudden moves. The Iidx couldn’t. On more than one occasion an Iidx pilot tried to follow an enemy craft through a sharp turn or steep loop only to lose consciousness. Before the Iidx could recover his craft would go into a dive that ended in a fiery explosion among the base housing. Or the helpless craft was destroyed by a Kthpok laser pulse scattering flaming debris over the base below.
Another advantage enjoyed by the Kthpok was the quick reaction time of computers. When the Iidx targeting systems achieved a definite lock the Kthpok vessel would detect the scans and bank away. The Iidx would fire an instant too late and the brilliant green pulses would pass through the air where a craft had been an instant before.
The quick reactions allowed the Kthpok to evade fire and move into a firing position of their own behind the Iidx who was threatening them. Once the Kthpok was in the kill zone there was no way for the Iidx to break contact.
If the first two advantages weren’t enough there was one more critical item. The Kthpok had been in battle and the Iidx hadn’t. The Kthpok had fought the humans and knew what combat was like. All the experience gained in that fighting was used in the programming for these drones. For the Iidx, their experience was in suppressing pirates and the last revolt of a Hive had been over three centuries earlier.
A few of the Iidx pilots recognized their disadvantages and worked within them. Captain Ultinanim was one. But in the heat and speed of the battle there was no chance to pass what they’d learned to others.
The Flight Leader swung behind an enemy ship as he’d done twice before in this latest action. Rather than going for a computer target lock which would alert his quarry of its danger the gun camera was used to indicate where the laser pulses would go. A quick glance at the camera screen showed his current quarry was in position. He squeezed the trigger on the control wheel and saw a stream of bright green pulses race ahead. Just before the first pulse impacted its hull the Kthpok craft sensed the danger and started to bank left. Ultinanim gave his head a slight nod of admiration. Those craft were fast and maneuverable, but not fast enough to outrun light. The stream of pulses reached its target while the turn had just begun and blew the craft apart.
The Captain banked and veered, dodging red and green laser pulses while looking for another target. Seeing a Kthpok craft chasing one of his people he swung around to come in on the enemy’s tail. He worked his fighter back and forth, moving to get a good image on the camera of the evading craft.
“At last!” he muttered when the ship came into his sights. A tone sounded in his helmet speakers. At the confirming tone he began to squeeze the activator and send laser pulses on their way when his breath caught. He wasn’t using the target lock. That tone wasn’t the acquisition tone. It was an alarm announcing that he was being targeted.
Ultinanim whipped his head around to see a Kthpok craft on his tail. Instincts reacted and he jerked on his controls, putting the craft in as steep a climb as he could endure then banked into a left turn. Red laser pulses flew through the air he’d occupied seconds earlier. Finishing the turn he dove. But the craft was still behind him.
Keying the communicator he called, “Flight Leader to Drivers. Enemy on my tail. Need assistance.”
“This’s Three,” came a quick response. “Acknowledged. I’m a little busy but as soon…”
A burst of static cut off the transmission. A short distance away an explosion appeared and a craft disintegrated. There was no other answer to his call for help. A quick glance at his HUD was depressing. All of his flight had been destroyed, even the pilot he’d come to help was gone. Only he was left to make the Kthpok pay.
The loss of his entire flight coupled with the continuing destruction of his hive base caused a brief hesitation. He pulled his craft out of the dive then into a sharp right turn a thousand feet above the burning base. His aircraft was just coming out of the turn when a stream of red laser pulses arrived. Ultinanim reached for the ejection lever with a middle arm and pulled. Pulses tore through the metal fuselage of the Iidx craft, rupturing the fuel cells. The explosion of the aircraft added force to the rockets propelling Ultinanim up and away. Several pieces of shrapnel pierced his thorax. One severed his left middle arm. The pain from his injuries was so intense he fell unconscious. A moment later, at the point the ejection seat began to fall towards the burning base, a parachute was deployed.
The remaining sixteen vessels of the Kthpok force formed up over the burning Iidx base to make several more passes. They ignored the lone Iidx parachuting towards the surface. Incendiary bombs and lasers were targeted on any standing structures. When the Kthpok force began to climb for space and their carrier ships they left behind a devastated, burning pile of rubble.
After the drone ships had engaged the Iidx on the surface of Main Hive the Kthpok fleet in orbit separated into squadrons. Only the Colony ships, the Control and Carrier ships remained in stationary orbit over Tarren Island.
Ensign Comunit in the scanning suite of Refuge noted the movement of the ships and alerted the Swarm Master. Attempts were made to warn the ODP’s but at the beginning of their maneuver the Kthpok began jamming all radio frequencies. That prevented any messages from getting through. Iidx in the Orbiting Defense Platforms saw the Kthpok vessels approach but were confused by the turmoil on Main Hive and the loss of communications. Only one ODP, the Sargon, was ready to face the enemy.
“Kthpok Swarm closing,” called out Lieutenant Wasat, the scan officer for the ODP Sargon.
“Count and class,” asked Captain Erit. “When will they enter their launch range?” He’d assumed command of the platform just a month earlier at Swarm Master Zelof’s orders and was still feeling his way with his staff. There’d been some hostility when he’d assumed command since the prior commander had been in that position for years. But with the Kthpok approaching he hoped he’d been able to work through many of the difficulties.
“Fifteen vessels total,” was the quick reply from Wasat. “There are two dreadnoughts, two battleships, six cruisers, and five destroyers.”
“Those dreadnoughts, are they really dreadnaughts or are they carrying those smaller ships the Swarm Master warned us about?” Erit asked.
Lieutenant Wasat paused for a moment to consult his equipment before answering. “I’ve used magnification to check their configuration, Captain,” he replied. “I can confirm they are traditional dreadnaughts not carriers. Those ships have the missile launchers and pulser mounts expected for dreadnoughts.” He shook his head. “I don’t have the specs on their missiles Captain so it’s difficult to know when they’ll launch.”
“I understand Lieutenant,” Erit replied. “Assume their missiles and launchers have the same capabilities as ours. When will they launch?”
“With that base,” said Wasat, “they’ll launch in five minutes.”
Erit nodded his head. “That’s what I thought. At least we don’t have to worry about those drones,” he said. “They’ll be someone else’s death.” He’d read reports on the Kthpok exercise in the outer system and knew the Swarm Master was very concerned about the innovations the Kthpok had developed.
Without another word he left the scanning suite and went over to communications. “Confirm all stations are at Battle Alert,” he ordered Lieutenant Paradin. “I want all launchers and mounts ready. Damage Control confirm ready as well. We’re about to come under attack.”
As the Kthpok Swarm continued to close on the Sargon reports from each section of the defense platform confirmed ready. Commander Vilban, Erit’s second in command, moved over to stand next to his commander who was examining the Tactical Plot and spoke in low tones. “Sir, the Kthpok force we’re facing isn’t a full Swarm,” he observed. “We’re strong but not that strong. Our defenses were designed to work in conjunction with the Space Swarm. The metal they’ve sent against us is more than enough to knock us down without that support.”
The Captain nodded his agreement as he continued to study the Plot. “That’s true, Commander. We’re still going to fight though.” He glanced over at Vilban. “I don’t think the Kthpok are going to give us the opportunity to surrender. Do you?”
“I’m picking up targeting scans, Captain,” called a tech from his station.
The Second waved his antennae in agreement. “No sir, I don’t think we can surrender.”
“Counter measures go basic,” ordered Erit. “Targeting, we’ll concentrate on one dreadnought. All missile tubes are to be loaded, armed and ready. When the target’s destroyed shift to the other dreadnaught. Scanning, find me their flagship.”
Acknowledgements came in as Vilban spoke again. “Concentrate our firepower on only one ship Captain?” he asked in low tones so only Erit could hear. “They can do that because we’re the only target. But can we do it?”
“You said it yourself, Commander. We can’t survive.” Erit looked around at the officers and ratings scurrying about the ODP’s control room, preparing for battle. A quick glance at the countdown on the Tactical Plot showed the enemy launch was imminent. He nodded at all the activity going on around them. “Our people are smart enough to realize that as well. What we’re going to do is reduce the Kthpok strength as much as we can for our Swarm when it gets here.” The Captain turned back to Vilban to give an emphatic wave from his antennae. “And the Swarm will return to exact justice against those who betrayed us.”
Before the Commander could reply an announcement came from Lieutenant Wasat. Missile launch! I have thirty missiles inbound.”
“What about the Kthpok ships?” asked Erit. “Are they standing off?”
“Continuing to close,” was the reply.
“Captain, shouldn’t we reply as well?” prompted Vilban.
“Point Defense track the incoming,” ordered Erit. “Counter measures ready for escalation, on my command.” He turned to look over at the Scanning station. “I want a countdown to impact,” he ordered. “And locate that flagship!” The countdown ordered by the Captain appeared on the main screen an instant later.
“Captain,” prompted the Second again. “Our response?”
Erit held up a true-hand for Vilban to wait. His attention was centered on the screen and the countdown. “Counter measures…” he said, “counter measures… boost now!” An adjustment was made by the EWO that enhanced the ODP’s capability of their electronic defenses.
The targeting computers in the Kthpok missiles ‘saw’ a stationary orbital platform shift position. These were shipboard weapons programmed to react when the target went through evasive maneuvers. Two thirds of the incoming missiles adjusted their flight path to go after their target in its new location. The rest held firm to their original course.
“Ten missiles still target on us,” announced Wasat.
“Point Defense is free. Kill those missiles!” ordered Erit.
Counter missiles erupted from their launchers and raced for the missiles targeted on the Sargon. Explosions dotted empty space when missiles reached the point where their targeting computers said their target was supposed to be. A short moment later more miniature suns decorated the sky around the ODP as CM’s eliminated the remaining threat.
“All missiles destroyed,” called out the Scan Officer. Although it wasn’t professional Erit could forgive the note of triumph in the voice of the young Iidx.
The Captain looked over at Lieutenant Wasat. “What about the Kthpok Swarm?” he asked.
“They’re continuing to close.”
Nodding, Erit turned back to his equipment. “They’re coming in to burn through our defenses and insure hits,” he said and sent a predatory grin at Vilban. “But that works both ways.”
“Captain Erit,” called Lieutenant Wasat. “I’ve identified the Kthpok command ship for this force.”
“Which ship?”
Using his equipment the officer highlighted the ship on the Tactical Plot with a golden circle. “The Plot’s updated, sir,” he announced.
“Very good, Lieutenant,” said Erit then nodded to his Second. “All launchers are to target that vessel, Commander. Upon acquisition confirmation, I want a single, large salvo fired. That’ll overwhelm their defenses. Get the launchers reloaded and target the other dreadnought. Don’t wait for confirmation of the first target’s destruction. If we need to we can retarget later. Have the pulsers ready for close in energy fire.”
A moment later the targeting was confirmed and seventy capital missiles were launched. The immense orbital platform barely twitched when that launch occurred. As he waited for the launch tubes to be reloaded Erit listened as his officers continued their reports.
“Second dreadnought targeted.”
“We have incoming missiles.”
“Point Defense tracking.”
“Launchers have reloaded, targets are firm. Launching… now!”
Erit looked at his plot to watch the missiles. There were two waves of green icons moving towards a cluster of large red icons. A similar wave of small red icons was heading for Sargon. A second wave of smaller red icons appeared on the Plot as the Kthpok launched again. The Captain’s antennae twitched as he ached to do something, anything more. But his orders had been given. All he could do now was watch and get out of the way.
“Our missiles are nearing their target,” announced Wasat.
The Captain looked up at the screen. Anticipating his Captain’s wishes Vilban had ordered the image of the target dreadnought magnified. Miniature suns flared in space as Kthpok defenses began to stop missiles. He watched as the explosions moved closer to the ship. Then Erit straightened on his saddle as a missile got through the defenses to strike the dreadnaughts armored hull. Another missile hit, then another. A cheer went through the ODP’s Command Room when more missiles streaked in. The Kthpok ship seemed to shudder then blew apart. Pieces of the immense ship struck several escorts. Two destroyers were holed and began to stream atmosphere. One began to fall from orbit.
The second Kthpok launch arrived at the ODP. Counter missiles spat out of their launch sleeves to intercept the larger ship-fired weapons. This last enemy salvo was more effective than the first. The Kthpok electronics warfare officers were learning to counter the Iidx electronics. As the Kthpok missiles closed on Sargon the defensive lasers opened fire.
It began as an almost imperceptible shudder when the first warhead detonated near the ODP’s armored hull. Erit reached over to tighten his restraints as another missile actually struck the armor. He was thrown against his harness. Another detonation threw him the other way. Gripping his saddle and console to prevent from having his shell cracked against the metal casing. He tried to keep an eye on the Tactical Plot despite the shaking. Thunder boomed throughout the platform masking most other noises. “Damage?” yelled the Captain trying to be heard over the bedlam but no one was able to respond.
The Command Room’s orientation suddenly shifted to the left then righted itself as the gravity generators were hit with a power surge and reset. Several consoles in various places of the room exploded sending shrapnel scything through the air. A large piece of jagged metal flew across the room to decapitate the Damage Control Officer as he received reports. Another officer working in communications had his shell pierced by hundreds of metal shards when his console exploded. He just slumped down onto his saddle without a sound. A third Iidx was untouched by the shrapnel but his restraints were sliced into ribbons. He flew from his saddle, thrown by another explosion and slammed into a bulkhead. The force of the impact was enough to split his shell.
Auto damage control circuits kicked in and the damaged consoles stopped sparking. Iidx grabbed nearby fire extinguishers and sprayed foam on the fires caused by the explosions. Their efforts were hampered by more missiles detonating against the hull. Other Iidx stepped up to backup stations to handle the tasks performed by the killed officers. The air reclamation system began to clean the smoke from the air but the bombardment wasn’t stopping. As the shaking and explosions continued the control crew began to report over the Captain’s com-link in rapid sequence.
“Hull breached, streaming atmosphere. Blast doors sealed. ”
“We’ve lost ten percent of launchers and thirty percent of our laser mounts.”
“Hull breaches in quadrant Urelf.”
“Missile inventory down to fifty percent.”
“Continue firing!” ordered Erit.
The officer who was reporting about Sargon’s hull integrity reported again. “Quadrant Urelf is defenseless Captain.” He paused and looked over at Erit. “All weapons in that area are gone and the enemy knows it. They’re concentrating their firepower on that quadrant. They’re into the hull. It seems they’re blasting a direct line to the missile inventory and reactors.”
Erit’s head jerked up from the Plot in surprise. It was early in the engagement. His platform was built to take punishment and should’ve been able to last longer than this. But the news his officer had just delivered was catastrophic for his command.
Swarm Master Zelof had been right. The Kthpok had found the vulnerable points of the ODP’s during their ‘inspection visits’ and were exploiting them.
Despite the rocking of the ODP the Captain managed to reach out to push a particular key on his console. A raucous alert siren was added to the thunder of missiles exploding against Sargon’s armor. He followed the alert with a voice command for confirmation. “All launchers are to be set on auto rapid launch. Select your targets. Crew to life shells. We’re evacuating the Sargon!”
The Iidx in the Command Room glanced over at the Captain for a moment then began to put their equipment on automatic. Their task was complicated by the continuing impact of missiles, power outages, and short circuits. One by one they finished putting their equipment on automatic, activated their escape routines and disappeared into their life shells.
Captain Erit checked his own equipment one last time then looked around the Command Room. Satisfied that everyone who was alive had gotten free he activated his own escape routine. A moment later his life shell formed around him. A wrenching motion signaled the start of the ejection process.
More missiles struck the ODP and exploded. The shock wave threw the Captain about the inside of his shell as it raced down its escape tube through the bulk of the immense orbital platform. His right leg and middle arm snapped at the segment joints and pain wracked his body. Noting the injury the shell administered sedatives to dampen the pain. A moment later the life shell ejected into space.
There were no windows or view screens built into the Life Shell so Erit was unable to see the explosion when Kthpok missiles breached Sargon’s reactors. Nor was he able to see the results of his follow up launches. The shock wave from the blast slammed into the life shell and sent it tumbling end over end.
Computers built into the shell ignored the chaos in the vicinity as it consulted nearby satellites to compute its position and direction. Quick computations were made then attitude jets fired to stop the tumbling, adjusting its course. A short time later the heat shield began to glow as the Life Shell entered the atmosphere of Main Hive. It was one of hundreds of meteors cascading onto Main Hive.