S’Cinf sat on his perch in the Center Room of the Colony Ship, Raging, and fidgeted. He glanced from his tactical plot over at the communications console and went to speak but stopped when he saw the clock. The last time he’d asked about Fleet Admiral P’Mar and the fleet had been less than five minutes ago. The Run Point gave a slight shake of his head. Lieutenant L’Art would report any incoming messages as soon as there was anything to report.
He went to stand so he could pace around the Center Room’s deck and burn off some nervous energy. Again he stopped, settled back onto his perch and curled his tail around its base to stop it from whipping back and forth. Although the fate of the Kthpok people rested on the outcome of the space battle that was going on millions of miles away it wouldn’t do for the ships Command Pack to know their leader was nervous about the outcome.
Instead of walking round the room disturbing his staff S’Cinf turned back to his console and entered a specific communications sequence. A moment later a Kthpok answered, “Main Weapons Cache, Commander A’Pok speaking”.
“Commander, how are the missile techs and scientists coming on my special project?” S’Cinf asked.
“As ordered, Run Point, missiles are being armed with the special warheads and programmed for an air burst,” reported the officer. While the Colony Ship was designed to carry enough colonists and equipment to establish a viable colony it could also defend itself. Each Colony Ship had the fire power and defenses of a Battle Cruiser. “Two weapons are ready for deployment,” the Kthpok continued. “Two more will be available within a day.”
Satisfied, the Run Point ended the link and turned his attention back to the tactical plot. There still wasn’t much to see. Under the best of conditions from this distance all he’d be able to see was that the Iidx and Kthpok fleets had met for battle. And with all the jamming and counter jamming going on it was impossible to tell who was winning.
Spikes of light and x-rays signified the destruction of a ship but again it was impossible to tell whose. At first the radiation spikes started slow then picked up coming in groups of twos and threes. The battle had been going for what seemed hours when an exceptionally large burst of light and x-rays appeared. Then everything stopped and the plot stabilized to show one mass of ships. That had to be the surviving fleet. But whose fleet was it? Pulling his tail tighter around his perch he settled in to wait for news.
“Run Point!” called Lieutenant L’Art from the communications suite ten minutes later. “I have an incoming message from our fleet!”
S’Cinf’s tail gave an involuntary twitch at the news as he turned to face a communication screen. He’d been considering an order to have the Colony Ships leave orbit as a precaution. The Run Point took in a deep breath and let it out slowly. His tail relaxed its death hold on the perch base. “Link the Fleet Admiral to my screen here,” he ordered. He made no effort to hide the triumph and relief in his voice. They’d won!
“Sir, it isn’t the Fleet Admiral,” replied L’Art. “You’ll be speaking with S’Cal, the Captain of the Battle Cruiser, Rapacious.”
The Run Point’s head jerked back in surprise. “The Captain of the Rapacious?” he repeated. “Why isn’t P’Mar reporting? He’s senior.”
“S’Cal reports that he’s the senior surviving officer of the fleet, your Eminence.”
“The senior surviving officer?” repeated the Run Point. Then he gestured to his console. “Link the captain to my station, Lieutenant. It appears the fight was more difficult than anticipated.” He keyed the accept sequence on his console and watched as his screen flashed then cleared to reveal a Kthpok wearing the harness of a captain. “Yes, Captain S’Cal?” asked the Run Point. “You have a report to make?”
Swarm Master Zelof sat at his station and listened as the Kthpok Captain made his report to the Run Point. His communications people were using satellites positioned near the three Kthpok ships in orbit to eavesdrop on their communications. The lag in communications caused by vast distances was a little disconcerting but it was expected. One of the more intriguing items Commander Kazikami had brought back from the Kthpok base on Tarren was an encrypt key. That meant Zelof was getting a translation of this conversation almost as fast as S’Cinf.
He shook his head. How was it the Kthpok hadn’t destroyed those satellites? Or at least jammed them! Besides stopping all chances of eavesdropping they should’ve done it to eliminate any possibility of the Iidx communicating.
Zelof shook himself and concentrated on what was being said. The fact that a mere ship Captain was giving the report made two things very clear. First, the Kthpok had won the engagement with the Swarm. His antennae drooped a little as he recognized the implications that little bit of information held for his people. The other item was that the Swarm he’d trained and commanded for years before being grounded had exacted a heavy toll from the Kthpok before it died.
In his report Captain S’Cal provided a few details of the battle as an explanation of what happened to Fleet Admiral P’Mar. He promised a full report as soon as emergency repairs had been completed. His excuse was that his ship needed his full attention and the time lag was awkward. The Swarm Master listened as S’Cinf congratulated the Captain again on a brilliant victory then ended the conversation.
Zelof switched off the link and turned to face the two Queens and his Second who were waiting nearby.
“Well, Swarm Master?” asked Dahoni, the senior Queen. “What’s our situation now?”
The Iidx commander gave a concerned wave of his antennae. “Desperate, your majesty,” was his concise reply. “With our Space Swarm, major bases, and communication centers destroyed our ability to defeat the Kthpok is seriously in question.” He shrugged his antennae. “Oh, with our surface batteries we can attempt to shoot at their ships. If they’re really stupid and come in range we may actually destroy one or two. But I don’t think that’ll happen. All they have to do is stay in an orbit that’s out of our range and drop kinetic strikes onto our cities and remaining bases.”
“But that would destroy the very planet they want,” Sesum exclaimed.
“Yes,” agreed Zelof bobbing his head, “it would do that. It’ll be very interesting to see what the Kthpok ‘s next step is. What they do in the next few days will tell us if they want the planet or are intent on genocide and are willing to destroy a planet to meet that objective.”
He paused for a moment then looked at the Queens. “If you’re looking for my opinion: I think the Kthpok want the planet.”
“But what if their objective is to have the Iidx dead, regardless of the cost?” asked Krissen, the junior Queen. “Isn’t that the worst case?”
The Swarm Master took a deep breath and let it out. “If that’s what they intend then it won’t matter what we try, Queen Krissen,” he replied. “They can kill us and there’s nothing we could do to stop it.” He shook his antennae. “Although destroying the planet wouldn’t be a logical move for them unless they have resources we haven’t seen yet. They have to have a base to resupply, make repairs, recuperate and heal…” He let the sentence die.
“Devastating the planet would defeat the purpose of fighting for it.” Zelof continued after a slight pause. “So we’re going to assume they want the planet in reasonably good condition.” He gave a definite shake of his head. “With that in mind we’re going to prepare our defenses.
“If our Swarm caused enough damage to the Kthpok they may postpone their assault on Main Hive until after they’d made repairs. The fact we got their command ship is a good sign. They’ll have to reorganize their command structure. They also have to worry about what we’ve got on New Hive. It’s a possibility that after making repairs they’ll move to deal with New Hive first.” He paused to consider then spoke again. “If I remember correctly that’s on the priority list in the Kthpok plans. But it could change.” Zelof shook his head. “Whatever happens I hope we have long enough to get our people concentrated where we can protect them and the defenses strengthened.”
Both Queens nodded their approval then Dahoni gestured to Krissen. “We’ll leave you now, Swarm Master,” she announced. “I’m sure you and your staff can work better in getting our people ready without someone watching between the antennae. If you need us we’ll be in our apartments.” With that Dahoni, gave a regal wave from her fluffy antennae, swung around and headed for the hatch. After giving a regal nod of her own Krissen followed close behind.
The two Swarm commanders watched in silence as the Queens make their way through the room. After the hatch shut behind the two females Swarm Second Sesum turned back to the Swarm Master. “Do you really think the Kthpok are going to make repairs before attacking Main Hive?” he asked.
Zelof gave a shake of his antennae. “Who knows?” he replied. “If I were commanding the Kthpok I wouldn't hesitate if I had one vessel that could make orbit.” He gestured at the ceiling to space beyond. “And the Kthpok have more than that including those three big ships in orbit right now. I’m not sure about those three; what their capabilities are, no one does since the Kthpok wouldn’t allow anyone access, but the rest of the Swarm have to be damaged. In addition, they have limited supplies of missiles.” The Swarm Master gave a satisfied wave of his antennae. “That at least works in our favor. The factories to manufacture new missiles are here on Main Hive.”
“So to beat them all we have to do is get them to exhaust their missile supply,” suggested Sesum.
“That’s one possibility,” replied the Swarm Master, “but one that’ll devastate the planet. Although, from what we’ve seen from the Kthpok so far, I suspect they’ll have anticipated that approach and have prepared more surprises for us.”
“If that’s the case what can we do? How can we win?”
Zelof gestured with a true-hand to encompass the world. “If the Kthpok want this planet for themselves they’re going to have to come down here to claim it. After that battle they can’t have more than five or six thousand people on those ships” He held out his true-hands. “That’s all they have to conquer our billions.” The Swarm Master nodded at the map of Main Hive hanging on a nearby wall. “We pick our spots to consolidate our people then have our ground and air forces there to protect them. And when the Kthpok come down we lure them into a killing ground to do just that. Kill them!”
The Swarm Master paused for a minute to stare at the Plot and think. Sesum kept quiet to let his commander work through whatever he was considering. Then Zelof bobbed his head. “Yes!” he said, “it may work but we can’t wait.”
He turned his attention back to Sesum. “We don’t know how long we have to prepare. Assemble the staff in the main conference room in…” Zelof paused again long enough to look at a clock. “Let’s meet in ten minutes. Make sure everyone knows this meeting is mandatory!”
Sesum waved his antennae in understanding then headed off to get the staff assembled. Zelof turned back to the plot that showed the diminished Kthpok swarm heading towards Main Hive.
“Our Space Swarm has been destroyed,” announced Zelof in a calm voice as he opened the hastily convened staff meeting. “So far the Kthpok have been able to accomplish all the objectives in their plan to conquer the hives.” A quiet muttering was heard at the Swarm Master’s statement but it died when Zelof continued.
“According to the information we have there’ll be a respite in the attacks on Main Hive while the Kthpok move to eliminate New Hive as a threat. In fact, the three large ships that’d been in orbit have already left. Scan projections have them going to meet their Swarm so we’re somewhat confident they’re still following their plan. We don’t know how long we have but we have to make the best use of that time.”
“But what can we do, Swarm Master?” wondered General Sandendum. “When they get back they’ll control the orbitals. All they have to do to eliminate our people is drop kinetic missiles on our positions.”
“They could but we don’t think they will,” replied Sesum. “That kind of bombardment would render the planet uninhabitable and they need the planet.”
“That’s true,” added Zelof. “The plan they’ve been following’s part of what Commander Kazikami brought us.” He nodded at the Iidx who’d settled against a wall.
“So what do we do?” asked Sandendum again.
“We prepare our people for the fight!” was Zelof’s reply. “To take the planet the Kthpok will have to come down here.” He gave a shrug as he recited what he’d told the Swarm Second earlier. “Even before the battle with the Swarm they had what…?” He glanced over at Sesum, “ten thousand people?” The Second waved his antennae in agreement. “There’ll be less now. So it’ll be their thousands against our billions. That makes them a little outnumbered.” The Swarm Master looked at the general as a round of light chuckles was heard. “After we finish here our fastest aircraft will take instructions throughout the world.
“Now, here’s what I have in mind.”
Two hours after the staff meeting ended fighters lifted off the runway at Wartten then headed in all directions. They streaked across the world’s main continent and seas carrying instructions.
Because no one knew where the Kthpok would begin their attack it was impossible for the Swarm Master and his staff to plan for every possibility. The instructions being couriered gave general guidelines for the local commanders. They were to begin making preparations to defend the population in their area. Each commander was to use his initiative as to how those defenses were to be made and take advantage of what resources were available. Iidx surrounding the larger population centers were to go to those cities. Those who lived too far out in the country to reach the cities in a reasonable time were to stay put but keep an antennae bent for news. When a specific signal was broadcast they were to go into hiding.
In the cities the population was to be put to work improving what defenses existed and constructing new obstacles for attackers to deal with. In addition foodstuffs and other supplies had to be collected and stored in locations identified and strengthened by engineers against bombardment. Last of all, teams of engineers had to make sure everyone had a place to go for refuge when the fighting began.
S’Cinf swept into the main Conference Room of the Raging and glanced at its occupants. It’d been several days since leaving Main Hive and the Colony Ships had rendezvoused with what remained of the rebuilt fleet. Now, gathered around the polished red wood table, were the captains from all the vessels of that fleet. The bandages, splints and missing limbs on the various Kthpok were a silent testament to the ferocity of the battle they’d barely survived and won. Mingled among the military personnel around the table were scientists considered vital to the upcoming operation.
The Run Point looked over at an aide who gave a slight nod. Everyone was present so the meeting could start.
S’Cinf moved to his perch at the head of the table and faced the assembled Kthpok. “We’ve completed the first two phases in our plan to obtain a new planet,” S’Cinf began. “We’ve eliminated the Iidx government, major bases, orbital defenses and their ability to coordinate. We drew their Space Fleet into the outer system where you obliterated it.” He nodded at the officers of the warships. “Your efforts and sacrifice will be remembered by generations to come. With that victory complete our next task is to begin the extinction of the Iidx.”
Once again the Run Point paused to look around the table. Most of the Kthpok were careful to keep their expressions guarded. But several of the captains looked concerned.
Noting their expressions the Run Point continued. “Our fangs are in their throats,” he said. “There’s no turning from what we’ve begun. Nor will we run.” He looked at the captains around the table. “How soon can the fleet be ready to go to New Hive and obliterate the Iidx there?”
Several of the captains glanced over at S’Cal but most kept their eyes on the Run Point. As the senior officer of the surviving ships it was assumed that S’Cal would be promoted to be the next Fleet Admiral. S’Cal, unused to the role he’d been thrust into, glanced at his pad for a moment to confirm what he already knew. Then he looked up at the Run Point to begin his report. “The fleet will can depart for New Hive in seven days,” he replied. Noticing the gathering scowl on S’Cinf’s face he hurried to explain. “Your Eminence, all of our ships sustained damage; some quite severe. If repairs are not completed for those damaged ships their contribution to the extermination of the Iidx will be minimal. As you’re aware only our stealth ships went unscathed in the previous action.”
“I see,” mused the Run Point. “But all our ships will be fully prepared in the time frame you mentioned?”
An uneasy look came across S’Cal’s face and he gave a slight shake of his head. He gave the impression of coming to attention while sitting on his perch. “No, Run Point, they will not,” he replied. “Several ships will require the work of a repair yard for the damage to be made whole. I’ve submitted the information to your communication cue. Do you wish me to provide it now?” The Kthpok leader gave a shake of his head so the Rapacious’ captain continued. “Only the most essential repairs can be completed in the seven days, your Eminence. That should be enough for us to make a creditable fight.” The other Captains around the table bobbed their heads in agreement. “Once those repairs have been completed the missile caches will be filled from the colliers.”
“Do we have enough missiles to affect a resupply?” asked J’Nes, the captain of the Raging.
“If our fleet had suffered no losses we’d’ve received only partial loads,” S’Cal replied and gave a shrug. “But now, with our reduced members, each ship will receive a full consignment of missiles and we’ll still have a reasonable reserve.”
S’Cinf nodded in acknowledgment. “Very well, we’ll have to go with your departure date of seven days. I want have those ships.” He gave another feral grin. “Although having them in perfect condition isn’t a problem as their task will not be to participate in the actual assault. They’ll be tasked to protect the colony ships which will take the lead.”
The Run Point almost laughed at the surprised expressions on the faces of the various captains. “The Colony Ships will prosecute the attack using missiles that have unique warheads,” he said then gestured at a particular Kthpok placed midway down the conference table. “O’Den will explain. He’s been leading the special project for me.”
The Scientist bobbed his head to acknowledge the Run Point’s introduction then waited for S’Cinf to settle back onto his perch before beginning his report. “It has long been acknowledged that nuclear weapons have more than one way to kill,” he said. “There’s blast, heat, and radiation. The problem with these weapons is that resources are destroyed or are rendered unusable.
“This weapon I’ve designed will kill Iidx while not harming factories or resources.” He worked his data pad and an image appeared on the room’s main screen. “If you’ll direct your attention to the screen I’ve prepared this diagram to explain…”
S’Cal interrupted the Kthpok with a pained look. “We already understand the effects of a nuclear blast, scientist,” he growled. “If seeing what those weapons did to Fairen during the Human War didn’t make it real then the battle with the Iidx fleet did.”
“Oh…, yes,” said O’Den and began looking at his notes.
A few moments passed as everyone waited but no further information was offered. Then S’Cinf prompted, “O’Den, you were telling us about the new warhead.”
“Yes,” replied O’Den. “Yes, your Eminence. I have a diagram on the main screen that shows how conventional nuclear weapons work.”
With a snort of disgust S’Cal settled back on his perch. It was obvious that the scientist had prepared his presentation and couldn’t be convinced to bypass a portion.
O’Den ignored the other Kthpok around the table and continued his explanation, “the new weapon is nuclear in nature as well but it does not rely on heat or blast to kill.” He beamed at the Run Point. “This weapon is designed to eliminate the enemy without contaminating land or destroying resources.” A second image was shown on the screen. S’Cal and the other captains noticed that it depicted an air burst. “With a nuclear weapon there’s always heat, blast and radiation,” O’Den summarized. “But by detonating the device above the target the damage associated with the heat and blast is minimized.” The scientist gestured at the image. “This weapon will produce more than sufficient radiation to kill every living thing within a twenty mile radius except plants.”
Now the captains were sitting up, paying attention. “The idea has merit,” said R’Tar the captain of the Battle Cruiser, Harat. “But how can we be sure that radiation will affect the Iidx the same way it does us?”
The scientist beamed at the question and brought a picture of an Iidx to the screen. “I’m glad you asked that question,” he said. “The Iidx shell does provide some protection against radiation. It requires a larger dose of radiation to render an Iidx unconscious than it does a Kthpok, even more to cause death.” He shrugged and looked intrigued. “Our test subjects had the most unusual symptoms as the levels of radiation increased.”
“This weapon has been tested?” asked S’Cal. “And it worked?”
“The radiation has, yes,” replied O’Den. “We had several subjects for our tests although there weren’t as many subjects as are needed for a proper scientific sturdy.” A warning snort came from S’Cinf causing the scientist to move on. “All of our test subjects died from a radiation level roughly twice what it’d take to kill a Kthpok. The weapons I’ve designed will produce more radiation then necessary to eliminate all life within the designated twenty mile zone.”
S’Cal nodded his understanding. “So all we have to do is detonate a weapon above the target and that area will be cleansed of all Iidx and similar life?”
O’Den bobbed his agreement then resumed his briefing. “A weapon like this could obliterate all life on Main Hive and New Hive,” he said. “That would be devastating to the ecology and render the planets unusable for us.”
The Run Point broke in. “For that reason we will use this ultimate weapon sparingly and to the best effect. We will encourage the Iidx to gather into specific areas and then obliterate them.”