Nestled in the crook of a large tree Private Sol ignored the smaller insects that buzzed around the upper level of the jungle. He’d picked the tallest tree in the area for his observation platform and had climbed to its top. Once there he’d found this vantage point and settled in. The object of this mission, the Kthpok base, was only three miles distant. Using a false-hand to move a branch out of the way so he’d have a clear view, he raised his magnifiers and examined the Kthpok facility.
The swarm he was with had been sent to Tarren Island with two objectives: One was to rescue a downed pilot and the other was to observe the Kthpok after they returned. Sol continued looking through the glasses and swept slowly back and forth to see as much of the base as possible.
The eleven Iidx had been on the island for almost a month now. During that time they’d established a safe base which was part of the second objective. But they hadn’t located the pilot they were supposed to rescue. It’d been so long without any sign of that particular Iidx that Sol doubted they’d ever find him. The observer gave a slight shrug. It wouldn’t matter now if they found him. That Iidx was here to stay and would be attached to the observation mission just like Captain Forst was. Last week they’d received word from Colonel Levron back at their main base that the Kthpok were in orbit. And that was why Sol was in the top of a tree staring at the Kthpok base.
The private raised a false hand to his mouth and activated a short-range transmitter. “The Kthpok are on the ground,” he announced. Below, shielded from view by the dense jungle, were members of the scouting swarm who were waiting for his report. The rest of the swarm was in other areas of the island checking for any sign of the Kthpok. “I count three shuttles on the field,” the observer continued. “They’ve set a few guards for the craft but most of the Tails have moved into the base. It looks like they’re going to assess the damage caused by our attack and the resulting fires.”
“What structures are they concentrating on?” The voice of Lieutenant Regul came from the receiver.
“It’s hard to tell from here,” was Sol’s reply. “I could use another ten feet added to the top of this tree to be sure but it appears they’re in the manufacturing section.”
At the foot of the observer’s tree the Lieutenant thought for a moment then called for Sol to come down. “We need to get this information to Colonel Levron,” he said to Captain Forst who was relaxing nearby. “If the Kthpok are so interested in that area perhaps he can do something about it.”
“What can the Colonel do?” asked Forst and gestured upward as he climbed to his feet. “The Kthpok are in orbit and will detect anything we send in. We had a hard enough time with the automated defenses when we went in unannounced. I know. I was there! What’ll happen to our pilots if the Kthpok know they’re coming?”
Regul went to reply but was cut off by the receiver crackling again. “We’ve got incoming!” Sol called. “It’s another Kthpok air patrol.”
Acting almost without thinking Regul and Forst moved deeper into the undergrowth then froze, looked up and waited. A moment later the roar of several aircraft was heard. The craft passed overhead and seemed to curve towards the southern end of the island where the terrain was flatter.
As the sound diminished Sol climbed down out of the tree. “Lieutenant!” he called. “It’s clear. They’re gone.” The two Iidx emerged from their hiding places with some rustling of bushes. “That’s the third fly-by today, Lieutenant,” observed Sol when the two Iidx reached him. “Is it possible they’ve found a way to see us in the jungle? Do they know we’re here?”
Regul pondered the question before answering. ”It’s possible but not probable. That’s why we came over when we did. So they wouldn’t see us coming.”
The Captain gave a slight cough drawing the attention of the others. “Even though they weren’t here they may have seen us,” he said.
“What?” exclaimed the other two Iidx as they cocked their heads and antennae at him?
“It’s not a major mystery,” the Captain continued. “They have to have surveillance records; maybe even stealthed satellites overhead. That’ll show the attack we made on their facility. From those records they’ll know at least one pilot ejected from his damaged craft.” He paused to look at the Lieutenant. “If they have orbital surveillance those records probably show us coming over to get the pilot.” The Captain shook his head. “Since there’s no record we left they have to assume we’re still here.” He shrugged. “That’s why they’re sending out flights looking for us.”
After a moment’s thought Regul nodded his agreement. “It tracks,” he said. “We were supposed to have found your downed pilot and sent both of you back to the main land long before the Kthpok returned. If that’d happened they’d’ve seen the pickup craft and assumed we left. But we didn’t find that pilot and you didn’t leave. If they know that I’m surprised they haven’t sent out ground patrols by now.”
He nodded as he decided. “I agree! The Kthpok have to know we’re on the island and are looking for us.” The Lieutenant waved his antennae. “We’ll need to act accordingly.” Both Iidx nodded their understanding.
“Now!” said Regul, “I want to get back to Stranstreen and send that message. If the Kthpok want their manufacturing area up and running before their residential or command areas, it’s important. And if it’s that important to them I want it blasted.”
The Lieutenant used a false hand to key a pulse on his short-range transmitter. A moment later Navaj slipped out of the bushes and moved over to the three Iidx. “Where’s Jerah?” wondered Regul.
“We noticed something unusual in the jungle, sir,” answered Navaj. “He went to investigate.”
“All right,” replied the Lieutenant. “Let him know we can’t wait.” He waved in the direction of Stranstreen. “We’re going on ahead. Both of you’ll have to catch up with us after you take care of that unusual item.”
“Yes sir!” the Corporal replied. He gave a quick salute then turned and moved off into the jungle.
“Well,” sighed Regul, “that’s that!” He looked at Sol and Forst. “Let’s get moving. Remember, there might be ground patrols nearby so be quiet.” The Lieutenant glanced over at Forst who nodded his understanding.
A few minutes after starting out the two scouts joined the Lieutenant’s party and the five Iidx moved through the jungle for their base. Navaj and Jerah didn’t say what the ‘unusual’ item was they were checking out. Nor did they explain how it had been taken care of. Regul didn’t ask. Instead he had the scouts take their normal place in the jungle leading the way and watching for danger.
Two days later, just before reaching the canyon leading to their cavern the two scouts appeared out of the jungle. “We’ve got a Kthpok ground patrol in the area and they’re heading our way,” Jerah announced.
“Could you tell if they’re actually looking for us or is this a regular patrol?” asked Regul.
“We could take them,” suggested Forst before the scout could answer.
After giving a negative wave of his antennae Regul spoke. “We won’t be killing any Kthpok today, Captain. If that patrol’s been sent to look for us and they disappear now it’ll establish an area where they can concentrate their search. Then more will come. They might even find Stranstreen. That’s why we aren’t going to attack.”
He looked over at the rest of the Iidx. “I want everyone to understand this: Our mission is to observe and report. We’ll get our chance to kill Kthpok later but for now we return to Stranstreen. I want to call in another strike against the Kthpok.”
“I’m afraid the strike call will have to wait until tomorrow, sir,” said Navaj. As the Lieutenant turned a glare on him the Iidx continued. “Lieutenant, it’s too late for us to reach our cavern before the evening rains and floods. You’ve seen how dangerous that canyon is. We’ll have to stay the night in the jungle.”
“What about the Kthpok patrol?” wondered Forst. “They may stumble onto our camp while we wait for morning.” He shrugged. “Not that I’d mind. Since The Attack I’ve wanted to shoot some Kthpok up close and personal; to see if they explode or burn.” The Captain shook his head. “But that won’t work if we have to keep a low profile.”
Regul bobbed his valentine head. “We don’t want the Kthpok to find us so we find them,” he said.
“What!” exclaimed the pilot. “Find the Kthpok?”
“It’s easier to avoid someone or something if you already know where they are,” was the reply. Then Regul gestured to Jerah. “Lead the way,” he ordered. “Let’s go spy on the enemy.”
The four Iidx moved off through the jungle, away from the canyon. Small creatures scuttled out of their way and cries from larger animals were heard in the distance. Their progress wasn’t as rapid as the trip from Stranstreen because they didn’t want to stumble into the enemy patrol.
The afternoon was wearing on and water from the daily rain was starting to drip through the leafy canopy above. Forst looked up and more drips hit his shell. It seemed the rains had come a little later in the day than usual. He turned to Sol who was walking next to him. “What do you think?” he asked. “Will the Kthpok spend the night in the jungle or will they be picked up?”
Sol gestured with a true-hand. “Who knows, Captain?” he said. “We’ve been told the Tails evolved from a climate very similar to this.”
“I’ve seen several of those creatures while they were preparing for The Attack,” commented Forst shaking his head. “It was only from a distance but they’re really weird. They have only two arms and those are too short. And their necks are too long. That means their head has to part the bushes when they go through the jungle.”
“Seems a bit dangerous doesn’t it Captain?” commented Sol. “How could they have evolved like that? They don’t have a shell to protect vital organs and their head, eyes and all, are exposed.” He shrugged his antennae. “With all that, who knows if those things are bothered by a little rain?”
By this time the two Iidx had closed on Regul and Navaj who’d stopped. “How much further to the Kthpok?” the Lieutenant asked.
The scout looked around for a minute as if to check the area then answered Regul. “They shouldn’t be far now, sir,” he replied. “We could go a little further if you want but we’d be taking a big risk.”
The Lieutenant looked at his swarm. “Since that’s the case we’ll stop here,” he announced. “Navaj and Jerah will track the Tails. That way they can warn us if there’s any danger.”
When the scout disappeared into the jungle Forst and Sol looked to the Lieutenant waiting for their instructions. “I want everyone to disperse within a short distance,” Regul ordered. “Find a place and hide or climb a tree. I don’t want to see anyone.” He glanced at each Iidx. “Don’t come out until I call, not until.”
There was a brief flurry as Sol disappeared into the undergrowth. A few bushes quivered but soon stopped leaving no trace someone had passed through. Only Forst and Regul remained. “Well?” the Lieutenant asked, looking at his companion, “why aren’t you finding a place?”
“What? Where?” wondered the pilot.
“Oh, for shells…,” exclaimed Regul and gestured. “Come over here.” With Forst following he walked to a clump of bushes a short distance from where Sol had disappeared. The Captain couldn’t see any way in so he looked over at Regul.
The Lieutenant nodded at the bushes. “There should be an open space near the base,” he said. “Climb in there with your gear and wait until I come get you. Remember to keep quiet!”
Forst looked at the bushes then back to Regul again who gave an emphatic wave of his antennae. With a sigh of resignation Forst moved forward.
Regul watched as the pilot pushed into the foliage. There was much shaking of branches and complaining for a few moments then silence fell. The Lieutenant walked over to straighten a few branches that had gotten been bent or tangled. Before looking for his own hiding place he paused to check the area, making sure the Kthpok couldn’t tell that anyone had been in the area. Regul didn’t expect the Tails to walk through this part of the jungle but he’d learned long ago there was a perverse being in the universe that conspired against him.
“Remember,” he hissed at the bushes concealing the pilot. “Don’t come out until I call.” Then he moved off to locate his own hiding place shaking his head at the stupidity of pilots.
Once past the outer branches Forst found the spot Regul had told him to expect. He set his pack near the base of the bush and settled down to wait for the Lieutenant’s call. Rummaging in his pack he retrieved the reading pad Regul had given him then made sure the rest of his gear was protected against the afternoon rain. A few quick keystrokes on the pad located his place in the story and he began reading.
The heat, humidity of the afternoon and the constant buzzing of insects combined to create a soothing atmosphere. Soon after he started reading the true-hand holding the pad began to sag, his antennae drooped then the device fell into the grass. Sounds from creatures in the surrounding jungle had no problem masking the soft regular breathing of the sleeping Iidx.
Water dripping through the leafy cover onto his head for several moments roused Forst from his afternoon nap. At first he was confused, wondering where he was. More water dropped into his head. He shook the moisture clear then remembered he was supposed to be in hiding!
Careful not to disturb the branches he stretched. Moments passed and the water seeping into his hiding place increased. He began looking for the pad he’d been reading and found it partially hidden in a clump of grass.
Just as he was reaching to pick up the device and resume reading he realized something was wrong. The Iidx froze; trying to determine what it was that bothered him. He cocked his head slightly to listen and waved his antennae to test the air.
Over the past month he’d started to learn the jungles sounds and smells. Now, he found the odor of various types of ferns, the musk of decaying plants and the cloying sweet aroma of flowers mingled with ozone from the storm. But, his antennae paused; there was a smell he couldn’t quite identify. He’d never smelled anything like it - ever! And it seemed to be getting stronger instead of being washed away by the storm.
Then he remembered what Regul had told him when they’d arrived on the island weeks earlier. The creatures of the jungle seemed to recognize the Iidx were related and kept up their cacophony. They were never silent not even through the heaviest downpour. But the Lieutenant had told him the animals of this world wouldn’t recognize the Kthpok and react.
With that thought Forst figured out what was missing and stopped breathing. The jungle was silent which meant the Kthpok patrol was near!
He lowered his antennae so it lay down his back, forcing himself to resume breathing. A true-hand crept to his pulser and pulled it slowly from its holster. Careful not to disturb any of the concealing branches he tried to peer at the surrounding jungle. But the foliage was too thick and the day was getting darker. Settling back again he checked the charge on his weapon to confirm it was ready for use.
Making sure he didn’t make any noise to alert the newcomers Forst waited. One moment the pilot heard only the sounds of rain falling and the occasional thunder. Then came the sound of bushes whipping back and forth, of branches being crushed and broken. Last came chittering, chirps and squeaks. Forst settled even deeper into the grass to hide from the Kthpok patrol that had just arrived.
The Captain began to count as the creatures passed. At first it was easy. There was the advance scout - two Kthpok. Then silence fell when the creatures stopped. A moment later the main body of the patrol arrived. His count added three more Kthpok before there was the sound of a pulser being fired. Almost immediately an explosion reverberated through the jungle and screeches arose from startled creatures.
Excited chirps and whistles erupted leaving Forst to wonder what had happened, if the Kthpok had found and blasted Sol or Regul. He rose to rush out of his hiding place and see what had happened but stopped. It wouldn’t do anyone any good if he got blasted as well. There was also the possibility that the Kthpok were just shooting at trees or animals.
As he settled back a false arm brushed a limb. The nudge sent a tremor along the branch that surprised a creature already on edge from the noise and arrival of strange creatures. It flew away amid a shower of water. Cursing under his breath Forst froze, waiting for a blaster pulse to sear its way through the fragile shield of leaves and shatter his shell. The pulse didn’t come but sounds indicated something was nearing his hiding place. Antennae quivering with fear Forst glanced around to see if there was anywhere else he could hide before a Kthpok poked its head into his shelter. A short distance away, bushes were shifted as someone began searching. A loud chirp sounded and the rustling stopped. More chirps and squeaks followed then the Kthpok could be heard moving off.
Slipping his pulser back into its holster Forst collapsed in a heap. He was congratulating himself on a successful escape when he heard the slight sound of something new moving through the jungle. It was very faint, seeming more cautious than earlier, but seemed to be getting closer. Could this be the Kthpok rear guard?
Using deliberate care to avoid disturbing any more branches Forst climbed to his feet. Once more the pulser was pulled from its holster. Still moving with exquisite precision he lifted then straightened his body to extend his antennae. The two feathered sensors worked their way through the leaves and branches of his refuge to poke into the open. He winced when the occasional drop of water hit his sensory organ but he persisted in his examination. Thunder pealed as an intense gust of wind thrashed the upper canopy sending more water down onto the jungle floor.
Ignoring the rain, wind and thunder Forst concentrated on finding what or who the new intruder was. Although his senses were degraded without sight he could tell that whatever was here wasn’t a Kthpok. The strange smell was leaving and other jungle creatures were starting to move. Their calls were gaining in volume. A presence appeared from behind a large tree and was moving along the track left by the Kthpok. Another presence appeared a second later.
Frustrated that all his antennae could discern was the presence of something nearby the Captain rose high enough for his compound eyes to see out of his hiding place. The thick clouds of the storm, the jungle canopy and the oncoming night was making it dark, difficult to see. But there was enough light for him to recognize that the new shapes weren’t Kthpok. In fact, they looked like Iidx.
Since he knew Navaj and Jerah were out watching for the enemy patrol he guessed that’s who he was seeing. Without permission from the Lieutenant Forst pushed out of his hiding place. “Do you know where the Kthpok are going?” he called.
Instead of answering the two Iidx ran for the dense undergrowth. One dived into the bushes where Sol had hidden. The other disappeared through the trees.
There was a brief flurry of branches when Sol realized a stranger had hidden beside him. Lightning flashed briefly illuminating the jungle as Forst hurried over. Thunder crashed and the bushes parted to let a shape jump out. Another shape quickly followed chasing the first. As the first creature ran near Forst reached out with true-hands and false-hands. “I’ve got him!” he called.
“Help!” called the Iidx as he struggled to get away. “Rian, help me! I’m caught.”
Sol rushed over to help but Forst swung the Iidx around so he could speak antennae to antennae. “You called for Rian!” he said. “Was he the other? Where’s he been?”
Sol pulled out a hand light and turned it on. Shining it at the strange Iidx Forst held the private asked, “Who are you? Where’d you come from?”
“Come from?” replied the Iidx in an indignant tone and shrugged loose of Forst’s grasp. “I’ve always been here. I’m the Conservation Ranger who was assigned to study and protect the unique wildlife found on this island.”
“What is going on here?” asked Regul as he climbed down from the tree he’d hidden in. “Why is everyone out of hiding? I didn’t call and all this noise might bring the Kthpok back.”
He noticed the light Sol held. “Put that out!” he ordered. “If the noise doesn’t bring the Tails the light will.”
Before Sol could obey another commotion caught everyone’s attention. He shone his light towards the disturbance and its beam revealed three more Iidx coming out of the trees. It seemed Navaj and Jerah were escorting a third. Without warning Forst cried out and hurried over to the new arrivals. “Rian!” he exclaimed. “It is you! Where have you been?”
Navaj turned to Lieutenant Regul. “While tracking the Kthpok patrol I noticed these two were also in the area,” he announced. “Jerah joined me and we kept track of them following the Kthpok.”
“What were you thinking?” asked Forst of his missing pilot. He shook his head in disgust. “Following the Kthpok. You’re a pilot not a scout!”
Regul moved over to stand next to Rian. “This is the pilot we were supposed to rescue?” he asked.
“Look,” said the Ranger, “this reunion is nice. But night is coming and I want to get back home so I can sleep in my bed.”
“Home?” exclaimed Jerah. “Where’s that? In a tree?”
“A tree!” repeated the Iidx in disgust. “Of course not. It’s a rather comfortable cavern.” Rian waved his antennae in agreement.
“A cavern,” chorused the rest of the Iidx.
Regul stared at the Iidx. “Who are you?” he asked. “And how did you get here without the Kthpok knowing?”
“He never left,” answered Rian.
Regul glared at the pilot. “I wasn’t asking you. I was asking him,” the Lieutenant growled then turned his glare back to the Ranger. “Well?”
“I’m Fairron,” the Iidx replied, “and he’s right. I never left so I couldn’t ‘get here’ as you put it.”
“Explain!” ordered Regul. Once again Rian went to answer but this time he was stopped by Forst.
Fairron drew himself up in a proud stance. I was…am the Conservationist assigned to study and protect the endangered species on this island,” he announced. “That responsibility didn’t end just because the Kthpok arrived.”
“I see,” mused Regul. A flash of lightning followed seconds later by a clap of thunder interrupted the Lieutenant. Water continued to leak through the leaves. He gestured at the storm above the jungle canopy. “Can you get to this refuge of yours even in this?”
Rian and the Ranger both nodded. “If we hurry,” replied Fairron.
“And you can climb down a line,” added Rian.
The Iidx of the Regul’s swarm looked at each other then shrugged. “We’ll get our gear then you lead the way,” said the Lieutenant. “I know what our place looks like. Let’s see what your accommodations are like.”
A pack of three Kthpok piloted aircraft swept high over the prairie of Main Hive looking for targets. Water vapor contrails trailed off the wing tips then disappeared. A glint of light flashed in the sea of green ahead then winked out. It appeared for only an instant but drew the attention of the Kthpok commander. “This is One,” called Captain T’Rap. “Anyone else see that flash?”
“Confirmed,” returned Lieutenant H’Ram who was flying Ripper Two. “I make it just to the left of our heading.”
“It’s probably a farmer heading for safety in a city,” said Lieutenant A’Tok after consulting his navicomp. “The computer shows there’s a small city not far from here. It won’t be large enough to have defenses, Captain,” he said anticipating the next order.
T’Rap worked his own computer. By this time a dark line had appeared in the prairie. “That city hasn’t been destroyed yet and it’s in our area. That makes it a target. We’ll take the vehicles first,” said the Captain, “then follow the road. Strafing runs only until we reach the city.” He gave a feral grin, “then we use napalm. Execute!”
Still trailing white vapor trails, the three aircraft banked and changed formation. A moment later Captain T’Rap had lined up to follow a straight line heading for the horizon. Then he saw what had caught their attention and keyed his transmitter again. “One here,” T’Rap called. “We’ve found a convoy of approximately ten vehicles. Strafing confirmed. Follow me in.”
The aircraft reduced altitude and roared down the highway. Ripper One took the lead with Two and Three following behind at prescribed intervals. The supersonic speeds they were travelling at kept any warning from reaching their targets. It took an instant for T’Rap to recognize what his flight would be destroying. A’Tok was right! It looked like farmers were moving for a nearby city. This should prove a valuable training mission for his less experienced pilots.
When he came into range the Captain triggered his pulse cannon. The pulses of concentrated light stitched a series of explosions tracking up the road before reaching the vehicles. A large explosion marked the destruction of a vehicle the Iidx called a bus. Then a second and third explosion sent fireballs rolling skyward. Ripper One flashed through the flame and smoke then pulled up into a sharp turn so he could come back and make another run at the convoy if it was needed.
Ripper Two followed with his own pulsers firing. More explosions from vehicles rose towards the sky but none were as spectacular as those set off by the Captain. A’Tok in Ripper Three brought up the rear and destroyed the surviving vehicles. A long pillar of dirty, black smoke marked the location of the massacre.
“Two, Three,” called T’Rap, “take position on my flanks. Check arming and drop circuits.” The Kthpok flight returned to their arrow formation then confirmed the readiness of their equipment. Still following the country road they streaked for the small city thirty miles distant.
Twenty minutes later Ripper flight neared the outer structures of the city. The pack gained altitude and increased distance between each ship. Looking out of their cockpits as they overflew the city the pilots saw small figures scurrying for cover. Captain T’Rap circled around to come at the target from the opposite direction. The other two craft matched his movement precisely. “Timed release on my signal,” the Captain ordered. “Release begins…now!”
Talons reached out to tap a button. Loose groups of cylinders began to tumble from each craft. When the first drop was halfway to the surface another group appeared. As the first was hitting the surface a third was dropped. A wall of flame and smoke appeared sweeping over buildings and vehicles. The fires expanded and intensified as the second and third drops struck. Secondary explosions added to the fury as fuel sources in vehicles and structures were ignited. Iidx in the buildings suffered for just an instant as the oxygen in the area was consumed before they were incinerated. Those who were outside were burned to ash before they knew they were dead.
The Kthpok ships climbed and circled back. Buildings that hadn’t been engulfed and destroyed in the first pass caught fire from the intense heat. Keeping well away from the windstorm created by the inferno the pilots surveyed their handiwork. The target city had been incinerated with only a few outbuildings remaining.
“Back to the carrier,” ordered Captain T’Rap. “Let’s rearm and come back to do this again.”
J’Tan listened as the reports of the various missions worldwide were transmitted over the net. “When do we get some of that?” The commander of Battle Flight glanced to his left. Off his wing and a little behind was the complainer, Lieutenant T’Xada in Battle Two.
“Patience, Two,” replied J’Tan. “Our mission is to scour a specific area. If we see something we can hit it. But the Iidx won’t always be stupid so we need to be alert.”
The sound of Lieutenant T’Xada snorting came over the receiver. “We drew an area that’s the biggest desert on the planet, Captain,” he said. “I’ll settle for any Iidx, dumb or smart.”
“You’ve got your wish, Two,” came another voice.
“Don’t forget communications protocol,” chastised the Captain. “Make a proper report if you have anything to say otherwise stay off the net.”
“Yes, sir! Sorry, Captain. Battle One, this is Battle Four. I have a sighting of a road two degrees to the right.”
The Captain looked in the direction indicated and saw a dark line cutting across the yellow desert. A faint trail of dust wafted away from the road by a slight breeze indicated the passage of vehicles. J’Tan checked his naviputer. “I show a minor Iidx base seventy to eighty miles from here,” he announced. “That’s bad luck. We’re supposed to stay away from any large city or military base.”
“I don’t see why, Captain,” complained T’Xada. “We’ve already blasted their orbitals and communications. We took out their major bases with minor losses. And this isn’t a major base! So why can’t we have a little fun now?”
The Captain glared over at the offending pilot. “We don’t attack bases because we have our orders, Two,” he replied. “If you disobey them or forget proper communications protocol again you’ll lose your tail. And it’ll be an inch at a time without anesthesia. Is that understood?”
After a properly chastened pilot confirmed his understanding J’Tan swung back to look at the road. “Battle Flight, this is One. That road and what’s on it are within our area and are designated targets. Weapons are free. Separate and take position on my wings.”
He paused as a thought surfaced then continued his orders. “Since we’re relatively close to a base the target may have spotted us and requested support,” J’Tan announced. He glanced in Battle Four’s direction. “Four will take position a thousand feet over the target to watch for any Iidx craft. Once we’ve made our pass we’ll watch and Four can take his shot.” Clicks came over his receiver to acknowledge his orders.
Battle One, Two, and Three banked to alter course for the convoy. They were timing their run to intersect the road where the Iidx convoy would be. As the other three aircraft made their turn Four broke formation and gained altitude to watch for any enemy fighters that might be sent. “Targeting systems active,” ordered the Captain.
“Battle One, this is Four. From this altitude I show two large vehicles at each end of the convoy.”
J’Tan checked his own equipment and bobbed his head. “We’ve got at least thirty vehicles. This’s definitely one of the better targets,” he commented. “The two at the ends have the highest energy readings. They could be military.” He paused as he thought then spoke again. “They might be escorting all the civilians they could find to the ‘safety’ of that base up ahead.”
“Military?” wondered Lieutenant N’Voi in Battle Three. “Does that mean we have to break off the attack Captain?”
“Break off!” exclaimed T’Xada forgetting communications procedures again. “We miss a convoy because there might be a threat? You’ve heard the reports, Captain. Its target practice out there! We can’t return to the ship and tell everyone we let a convoy go because two vehicles might’ve been military!”
“Are you quite finished, Two?” asked J’Tan. His tone suggested that Lieutenant T’Xada would be dealt with after the flight returned to its carrier in orbit.
When there was silence the Captain continued his instructions. “We are not going to break off,” he announced. “But we aren’t going to be stupid about this either. Missiles will be used for the first pass. The larger vehicles are designated as military which makes them a threat. Therefore, they are our priority targets. Once they’re gone we’ll be able to shoot up the rest of the convoy at our leisure. Two, you have the responsibility to destroy the lead threat.” A click acknowledged. “The trailing threat is Third’s.” Another click was heard. “Now come into line and let’s blast that convoy.”
With Battle One in the center Two and Three pulled abreast. Targeting lasers speared ahead to pick out the assigned targets. Seconds later two air-to-surface missiles from each craft were launched to race ahead. The white smoke from their drives showed the weapons were flying true. J’Tan glanced at his instruments - twenty seconds to target. It looked like the encounter Battle Flight would have with the Iidx would be identical with the reports they had heard.
Ten seconds before the missiles arrived on target the scenario changed. Panels slide aside on the lead and rear vehicles to let chain guns swing into place. They were indeed military. Using the Kthpok targeting lasers as a guide the Iidx guns opened fire. Brass casings flew in the air as five thousand rounds per second were sent towards the missiles. Six black cotton balls appeared a hundred yards from the convoy.
The noise from the explosions of the missiles and firing of chain guns was deafening. Iidx in the vehicles who were being escorted to the base by the military cried out in surprise and pain from the shock. Shrapnel from the destroyed missiles rattled off the armor of the military vehicles, smashed windows and peppered the thin metal coverings of the civilian machines. Shrieks of anguish came from those unlucky enough to be in the way of the flying metal.
Before J’Tan could adjust to the danger chain guns shifted to new targets. At the same time three surface-to-air missiles erupted from their launch boxes. Instead of heading for the incoming craft the three missiles raced upward towards the aircraft keeping watch overhead. The chain guns opened fire at the oncoming aircraft using short bursts sending another spray of casings.
Ignoring the destruction of his missiles Lieutenant T’Xada targeted the lead vehicle with his lasers. A light shudder went through his ship causing him to look up. A quick glance showed a line of holes had appeared running down the fuselage. The clawless Iidx has shot holes in his aircraft! Cursing, he turned his attention back to his target. He was reaching for the trigger when a second burst from the Iidx chain guns tore through the cockpit plexiglas, shattering everything inside. Without a pilot the ship bobbed up then went into a steep dive to explode in the desert sand a thousand yards from the convoy. An instant later Battle Three exploded when projectiles from the chain guns ripped into its fuel reservoir and drive chambers.
Captain J’Tan keyed off a quick burst from his pulsers and watched as the explosions walked up to the convoy. Two vehicles exploded, throwing fragments of metal, flesh and shell in all directions. He was banking to fire down the length of the convoy when a chain gun had him targeted. Rounds ripped into the right wing. Metal shredded and tore away from the force of his flight. With one wing gone J’Tan’s craft began tumbling and fell from the sky, disappearing in a fireball on the opposite side of the convoy.
A thousand feet overhead the spotter craft saw the missiles rising up from the surface. Knowing he had only seconds to live, Lieutenant M’Nor threw his ship into evasive maneuvers. There was no question what the target for those weapons was. A quick glance at the scanner showed that the missiles were still closing. Increasing the complexity of his maneuvers he ejected chaff packets and decoys. One missile veered off course to chase a decoy but the remaining two kept their lock. The Lieutenant looped and jinked his aircraft but the missiles followed, making up the distance. He was reaching for the ejection release when the first missile raced up a drive tube and the other went for a wing. Battle Four disappeared in a ball of flame an instant before Battle One lost a wing.
The main door of the Command Center for Refuge opened to let Senior Queen Dahoni enter. Swarm Master Zelof and his Second, Sesum, glanced up from the tactical plot they’d been studying. A slight dip of their antennae was the only indication of their surprise. The Queen had come without her junior companion.
Dahoni didn’t hesitate but hurried through the busy room to where the two surviving Swarm Leaders were standing. “I heard the alert,” she said. “What’s happening?”
Zelof bobbed his acknowledgement and gestured at the plot. Dahoni moved up next to the table and looked down at the symbols. “What am I seeing?” she asked.
“The reason for the alert, your Highness,” replied the Swarm Master. “After several days in orbit the Kthpok have initiated their assault.”
The Queen’s antennae drooped and her posture sagged at the news. “What cities have been hit?” she wondered. “How many of our people have they massacred?”
“We have no way to know the number of casualties, your Highness,” replied Zelof. “But no major cities have been attacked.”
“No cities have been attacked,” repeated Dahoni.
“No major cities have been attacked,” clarified Zelof and nodded at the plot. “The Kthpok have been concentrating on rural areas. All of the medium and smaller population centers are gone along with many villages. They’ve been attacking the convoys heading to the cities as well.”
The Swarm Master gave a light chuckle drawing a stern look from the Queen. “Sorry, your Highness,” he said. “But the Kthpok’ve learned we aren’t without teeth. A flight of three aircraft attacked a convoy heading for Refuge.” His antennae reflected his amusement. “All three aircraft were destroyed with little loss to the convoy.” Then his mood grew somber. “But for the most part their attacks have been successful and without loss.”
“But in ignoring our main cities the Kthpok’ve left our manufacturing centers untouched,” added Sesum. “Our war making machinery is still intact.” He hoped to inject a note of optimism in a dismal situation.
The Swarm Master motioned with his antennae to confirm what his Second had said. “We can build the weapons,” Zelof said. “But the problem is getting those weapons into orbit where the Kthpok are. Our missiles don’t have the range.” He shrugged. “We could even build ships and attempt to get them into space. But I don’t think the Kthpok are going to let us do something like that.”
A gesture from the Queen indicated her question and Zelof continued. “They control the planet from orbit, your Highness and they’re not going to allow that to change,” he explained. “Everything they do will be from orbit or in the air.”
“But why?” wondered Dahoni.
“It’s a matter of numbers,” Zelof replied. “If the Kthpok empty their ships in orbit of all personnel and send them against us on the surface we’d outnumber them by millions. They’d kill many of our people but we’d overwhelm them with our numbers. They’d die! No,” he said shaking his head. “They won’t come to the surface and, with our Space Swarm gone, we can’t challenge them.”
“I see,” said the Queen, her fluffy antennae draping across her back in dejection. “If they have that ability, that power, what hope do we have for keeping our planet?”
“There’s always hope when we fight for freedom,” replied the Swarm Master and nodded at the plot again. “As you can see the Kthpok haven’t hit the cities where the factories are now. At least for now.”
“And those factories made the missiles they fired at our Swarm,” added Sesum. “They need the factories to replace the munitions they’ve expended or will expend against us. Their ships must have been damaged from when they fought the Swarm. Other factories will be needed to make those repairs.”
“Just so,” said Zelof. “For those reasons and perhaps others we aren’t aware of the Kthpok have created a refuge for our people. So what we do now is pull everyone we can into the cities while the rest go into hiding. Those cities have defenses that could possibly hold their own against any attack that isn’t an intense bombardment from orbit. We simply make sure our population is housed, fed and protected then wait. The Kthpok can’t destroy the cities because they need the factories nor can they attack on the ground.” He shrugged. “Perhaps they’ll quit our system when faced with that problem. If they don’t, they starve. Either way we have our victory - and our freedom.”
“I can’t argue with that logic,” said Sesum. “But I can’t help but think the Kthpok have thought of that and’ve prepared a very unpleasant surprise for us.”
“It does seem that they’ve thought of everything,” agreed the Swarm Master.