Forst followed Rian through the jungle and looked up the meandering line of Iidx. He gave an amused wave of his antennae at the fact that everyone was here for this little expedition.
A week ago Colonel Levron had called from the mainland to announce that a new weapon had been provided by the Swarm Master and was going to be used against the Kthpok. Lieutenant Regul and his Swarm were ordered to observe the attack and report on the effectiveness of the weapon.
After signing off Regul had turned from the transmitter, taken his headset off and announced he had the date and approximate time for an attack. Then he called for the Conservation Ranger and the two had moved through the Swarm to reach a work table where they began deliberations. Using recent satellite photos of the island they discussed and argued over the merits of possible observation points. Because he’d been all over the island in the course of his work Fairron’s insights into possible sites were invaluable. After thirty minutes of watching the debate the rest of the Swarm had lost interest and left to find other distractions.
It was another hour before Lieutenant Regul had called the Swarm back together. During that time an enlarged satellite picture of the target area along with a mission roster had been placed on a wall in the cave. After everyone had quieted down Regul moved to the front, took a pointer and indicated a spot on the photo. With soft murmurs the Swarm had eased closer to see the Lieutenant was pointing to a mountain on the edge of the plain. The spot he’d selected to observe the attack was on a steep slope below the summit of that mountain and was facing the plain. He explained this location had a good view of the target and appeared to be relatively clear of the ever present jungle canopy.
Forst shook his head when he remembered Regul’s amused reaction when Private Lepteron had raised a true-hand to ask why they weren’t going closer to the target. The Lieutenant’s antennae had jerked for just an instant then he’d gotten control and explained that although the observation post was seven miles from the target base it was an ideal vantage point.
Fairron had spoken up at that point and told the Swarm not to accept that explanation alone. An important reason for selecting this location as their observation point was that the Kthpok had increased their patrols in the jungle. Attempting to get any closer would risk the Iidx on the island being discovered by the Kthpok. The Ranger had calmly announced that Regul was just as interested in saving everyone’s shell as getting the information for Colonel Levron. That pronouncement had been greeted with grateful murmurs and an embarrassed dip from Regul’s antennae.
Then the discussion had turned from the location to the Mission Roster. No one had an argument with the observation point. What had the antennae bent of some Iidx was being left off the mission roster. Those who hadn’t been named had made it very clear they wouldn’t be left behind. They’d go anyway! There was a point during the heated discussion that’d erupted that Forst wondered if the announcement had set off a mutiny. After twenty minutes of arguing, threatening and complaining Lieutenant Regul had finally bowed to the inevitable. To the chirping and whistles of celebrating Iidx he’d announced everyone could go.
Forst brought his thoughts back to the present as he swung around the trunk of a large tree then cut through a clump of bushes. A boulder, partially covered by moss, blocked his path. He continued walking, getting closer to their destination, and noticed the jungle was growing lighter and the foliage less dense as boulders became more numerous.
After moving through another line of dense bushes the two pilots joined the rest of the Swarm who were gathered on the edge of a clearing on the mountainside. Looking out of the jungle at the open space the Captain finally understood why Regul had settled on this particular area for their observation point. Glancing up the steep slope he saw a gash in the mountainside where a large rock had broken off, fragmented and crashed down the hillside. The rockslide had cleared out a large portion of the jungle and opened a view of the entire countryside. Knowing how quickly the plants of the jungle regrew Forst determined the rockslide must have occurred recently, perhaps within the last six months or so. Besides that, if one stood at the right spot, he’d be able to see the strait separating the island from the continent as well as the target.
A brief, shrill whistle caught Forst’s attention. He looked around to see that everyone else had left the jungle to find an observation point. The Captain waved his antennae to acknowledge the call then hurried to catch up with the rest of the Swarm.
Coming out of the trees he glanced up and down the slope trying to find a boulder with concealment which gave him a good view of the jungle and the Kthpok base beyond. Forst saw a tree where a rock had rolled down the slope to slam up against the trunk and remained. The impact had the tree leaning downslope but the branches still provided the desired concealment. He started towards the rock then stopped. Sergeant Helmon appeared from behind some bushes, walked over, slipped off his backpack and tossed it onto the rock. Shaking his head Forst turned to find another post. The rock wasn’t big enough for two.
He continued looking for his spot, moving up and down the slope but was a step behind Sontel, Sol and Mada. Just as he was ready to settle on a rock that didn’t have the best view of the target Forst heard his name being called. Looking further downslope he saw Rian was motioning him over.
“There’s room enough for two here, Captain,” Rian announced.
Forst looked at the boulder the Lieutenant was indicating. It seemed big enough with a large flat face overshadowed by a clump of trees and bushes. He walked down the hillside to stand next to Rian and looked out across the plain. The view of the target area was impressive.
“This is perfect!” the Captain exclaimed then glanced over at his Lieutenant. “But why didn’t Lieutenant Regul want this position?”
Rian shrugged his antennae. “He’s the one who found it, Captain, and pointed me over here. He said I could have it because he wanted a place where he could see both sides of the island.” The Lieutenant waved upslope and towards the ridge. “He and our Conservation Ranger are up there somewhere.”
Satisfied with Rian’s explanation Forst gave an amused wave from his antennae. “Well the Lieutenant’s loss is our gain. If he doesn’t want it we’ll take it!”
Both Iidx took off their packs, set them on the flat face of the rock, and then climbed onto the boulder to wait for the attack. Forst checked his watch to see they had a few minutes to go before the missiles earliest arrival time. So he took a drink from his water bottle then nibbled at a fruit he’d picked from a nearby bush.
“How long do you think we’re going to have to wait, sir?” wondered Rian.
Forst waved his antennae in ignorance as he stared across the plain. “No idea, Lieutenant,” he replied. “All the Colonel could give us was the date and a general time.” He set the bottle down on the rock and pulled a magnifier from his pack. “But I guess it’ll be soon. Regul’s been pretty good at timing things out.” He gave a little chuckle. “I’ve also noticed he doesn’t like to wait. Besides that the Colonel’s known for punctuality so we’d better get ready. We wouldn’t want to miss the fireworks.” The Captain glanced over at Rian and waved his antennae. “Who knows? It might be in the next ten minutes or an hour from now.”
They didn’t have to wait the hour before the call, “Antennae’s up!” came from Lieutenant Regul. “We have incoming from the mainland.”
Forst and Rian turned to look up the slope in time to see several shapes streak over a ridge and drop to follow the terrain. A heartbeat later a blast of sound shook the mountain sending hordes of local flying creatures into the air.
“They’re awfully low, Captain,” said Rian as the two Iidx turned towards the valley to track the flight of the missiles. “What if they hit a downdraft? That could put them into the trees or a hill.”
“It’s a new development,” replied Captain Forst as he followed the cruise missiles with his magnifier. “As I understand it those things’ve got upgraded computers and radar. That’s how they can follow the terrain so closely.
“Look!” he cried, pointing with his left false-hand while watching through the magnifiers. “There’s one missile leading the others.”
He turned away from the missiles and put his attention on the Kthpok base. “Oh!” Forst exclaimed. His antennae went stiff with excitement. “The Kthpok just noticed the missiles. It worked! They didn’t know the missiles were coming!”
Rian scrambled to get his own magnifiers out of his pack as Forst watched the action. Pulses of light began to rise from the Kthpok defenses to stop the Iidx cruise missiles. But the targeting was off. Seconds later counter missiles erupted from their launchers. Their targeting was off as well.
A mile from the target the lead missile gained a few hundred feet in altitude and exploded. Its shaped charge blew a cloud of chaff forward into the air causing the Kthpok targeting scanners to go fuzzy for just a moment. Then the small filaments of metal began to disperse in a slight breeze.
The Kthpok scanners had just started to paint the missiles when the chaff appeared. Confused by the loss of their targets the equipment went through their automatic reset routines then tried to re-acquire the incoming Iidx weapons. But the cruise missiles were travelling too fast, flying too low and the reset took too long.
All four of the remaining missiles blasted through the chaff cloud, crossed the intervening jungle, and then raced over the security fences, defensive emplacements and buildings. Instead of spreading out to strike four different sections of the base the missiles concentrated on the manufacturing sector. Captain Forst watched as the weapons dove one by one in quick succession and disappeared in a huge ball of flame, smoke, and dust.
“Yes!” cried Rian punching a clenched false-hand in the air. “They did it!” Then he lowered his magnifiers and looked up towards the ridge where the missiles had crossed. “Where’s the rest?” the Lieutenant asked. “Shouldn’t there be more?”
“That’s all the fireworks for today, Lieutenant,” replied Forst. The sound of explosions coming from the base was loud enough to rival the thunder of the evening storms.
“But there was only five! And they didn’t destroy the whole complex!”
Still watching the Kthpok facility through his magnifier the Captain spoke again. By this time the booming of explosions was starting to fade. “Lieutenant what you just saw was the test of a new weapon system,” he said. “The Colonel only had five missiles. Apparently the Swarm Master wasn’t sure how well they’d work or if the Kthpok would be able to target the weapons. This was to see how effective the missiles targeting systems and warheads are.”
“And?” wondered Rian.
Forst lowered his magnifiers and returned them to his pack. “Couldn’t be better,” he announced. Seven miles away smoke from fires started by the explosions could be seen rising from the base. “As far as I can see the entire manufacturing sector is now flaming rubble. The destructive power of the warheads was as advertised. But the best part of this little experiment is the Kthpok weren’t able to track the missiles.”
He stood and began to pull on his pack then glanced over at Rian. “The Lieutenant will want to get back to the hive and transmit our observations,” he said. “Once the Swarm Master knows how successful this attack was maybe he can get another flight over here to finish the destruction of the only Kthpok outpost on Main Hive.”
A shout from Regul stopped the conversation for a moment. “See?” said Forst with an amused wave from his antennae. “We’re leaving.” He dropped off the boulder onto the grass and started up the slope towards the ridge. “You’d better grab your pack and come on,” he called back. “You know Lieutenant Regul doesn’t like to be kept waiting.”
An amber light began blinking on the main communications console of the Kthpok Colony Ship, Raging. An insistent chiming cut through the background noise. Growling the Kthpok officer turned from the screen he’d been watching to reach out with a talon to complete the link and cut the noise. “Flagship communications!” he announced. “Lieutenant P’Son speaking! What do you want?” His response wasn’t exactly protocol but it was the middle of ships night and the Lieutenant wanted to get back to his entertainment.
As he listened to the reply the officer sat straighter on his perch. His tail began to sweep from side to side in agitated jerks. The instant the link was ended P’Son swung around to call for the Officer-of-the Deck.
Moments after he’d received a call for the OOD, Fleet Admiral S’Cal walked through the Center Room hatch adjusting his harness. He still hadn’t gotten used to being elevated to the post of Fleet Admiral. When they’d entered this system he’d just been the Captain of a battle cruiser. Now he was commanding the entire Kthpok fleet.
S’Cal hurried over to the officer-of-the deck. “What’s our status?” he asked the Lieutenant who’d come to attention and saluted. The Admiral returned the salute and nodded for the Kthpok to stand easy.
“All ships are on station, Fleet Admiral,” the officer replied after taking the appropriate stance. “Repairs are proceeding as scheduled as is the resupply from the colliers.” He paused for a moment to check an electronic pad before continuing. “Although the last shuttles from the surface are late.”
The Admiral bobbed his head in acknowledgment. “I am aware of the reason for their delay, Lieutenant. Has anything new happened on Main Hive since you called me?”
“No, sir!” was the crisp reply.
“Good! Now where is the Run Point?”
“His Excellency said he’d be in Conference Two reviewing reports, Fleet Admiral,” replied the OOD. “He’s been there for at least an hour and left orders not to be disturbed. He doesn’t know what’s happened.”
S’Cal didn’t say another word but swung on his tail and stalked from the Center Room leaving behind a stunned Lieutenant. Minutes later the Admiral was outside the door of Conference Two reaching for the key pad. Then he hesitated. Was this important enough to override the lock and risk the possibility of being killed or should he try the attention tone?
Taking a deep breath he came to his decision. He exhaled then keyed in the code to unlock and open the door. Before the door was completely open S’Cal hurried inside.
At the sound of the door opening S’Cinf looked up from the data pad he’d been studying to see the Fleet Admiral scurry into the room. The Run Point gave the Admiral his best glare as the Kthpok came to attention and saluted. “I assume you have a death wish, Fleet Admiral,” S’Cinf growled. “I gave explicit orders not to be disturbed! If the reason for this interruption isn’t sufficiently important you’ll see what the environment is like outside the ship - without a suit.”
Dropping his salute the Fleet Admiral began. “Your Excellency! I’ve just received word that our surface facility has been attacked.”
The pad he’d been holding clattered onto conference the table as S’Cinf stood from his perch. “Attacked?” he asked. “What happened to the defenses? Why weren’t they online?”
“The defenses were online, your Excellency, but they were configured for Iidx operated aircraft,” replied S’Cal. “Over a month ago, while we obliterated the Iidx fleet and liberated New Hive, the Iidx attacked our base on the surface using fighter aircraft. As you know that attack was destroyed although the facility sustained moderate damage to the industrial area.
“For this attack the Iidx fired five long-range, low-level missiles. According to the preliminary information we have these missiles flew below radar, following the islands terrain. Scanning couldn’t detect them until the Iidx weapons were in final acquisition. Although we were watching for another attack we didn’t even know they’d been launched.”
The Run Point pondered for a moment, staring at the grain in the polished wood of the table. “Missiles that can’t be detected,” he said then angled his head to look at the admiral. “I don’t recall a missile of that type discussed in our early meetings with the Iidx.”
“No, Sir,” agreed S’Cal. “After you appointed me Fleet Admiral I reviewed the transcripts of those meetings to make sure I was up to speed. I also checked the reports from our inspection packs sent into their factories.” He shook his head. “There wasn’t anything like this mentioned.”
S’Cinf settled back onto his perch and began tapping a talon on the surface of the table. “That seems to indicate the Iidx weren’t as open with us as we were led to believe,” the Kthpok leader decided after a moment. His lips parted in a ferocious smile. “Weapons that fly below radar scans to avoid detection until the moment they strike has merit. Our scientists will need to examine the Iidx records for this this type of missile after we complete the destruction of the vermin. Its abilities, in addition to our stealth tech, will make a valuable addition to our armament.”
“Yes, Run Point.” The Admiral agreed quickly and started to relax. It appeared he was going to escape punishment. “What are your orders?”
“Do you have any idea where those missiles were launched from?”
“There’s a minor Iidx base across the channel on the mainland, your Excellency,” replied S’Cal. “It’s where the first attack originated. Although we didn’t see the missiles launch that seems to be the likely launch point. As I said it’s a minor base and isn’t scheduled to be destroyed until Phase Three begins.”
“An exception to the timetable is authorized,” announced S’Cinf. “The Iidx have to learn that attacking the Kthpok or our facilities will be met with overwhelming force. Use a nuclear missile and eliminate that base!”
“One missile, Run Point,” repeated the Admiral, saluted and turned to leave.
S’Cinf stopped him. “One more item, Fleet Admiral. I’ll want a damage report for our surface base as soon as possible,” he ordered.
S’Cal dipped his head to acknowledge the orders. “Yes, your Excellency. One missile and a damage report,” he said. “It will be done!” Then the Admiral left the Conference room.
It was just mid-morning as Rian and Forst followed Lieutenant Regul and the rest of the Swarm up a steep slope towards a ridge. They were climbing into a pass between two mountain peaks. Once on the other side they’d steer to the right and head straight for their mountain.
“That was amazing,” said Rian for the tenth time that day. This had been an ongoing, never ending topic for the Lieutenant since they’d watched the attack yesterday. “Those missiles came in, following the contours of the terrain,” he added. While continuing to walk he moved his true-hands mimicking the flight of the missiles. His false-hands parted the bushes to ease his path.
“Whoever dreamed up technology like that is a genius! Those weapons flew in; confused the Kthpok scanners then hit their target without endangering a single Iidx. And doing all that from long distance.” He threw out his true-arms in admiration. “That’s accuracy!”
Rian abruptly stopped his verbal replay of the event and turned to Forst. “Why didn’t the Colonel use those missiles in the first attack?” the Lieutenant asked as both Iidx halted beside the moss covered trunk of a large tree. His antennae began to droop at the thought. “We lost a lot of good people that didn’t need to die.”
The Captain gave a sigh and nodded. “We lost a lot of good people,” he agreed. “They were brave and did their duty. Unfortunately, those cruise missiles weren’t available when we went in. They were experimental and hadn’t been tested yet. No one below Swarm Command even knew about the weapons. And it’s obvious the Kthpok weren’t aware of them. Since we hadn’t regained contact with the Swarm Master he couldn’t have told us they existed before we attacked. But as soon as contact was re-established and the Swarm Master learned what we’d done he notified Colonel Levron of their existence. He ordered the missiles we watched shipped to Levron.”
At a nod from the Captain both Iidx resumed walking. They climbed up the slope, crossed over the crest and started down the opposite side. Ahead of them was a break in the jungle that gave them a wonderful view of the green canopy leading to the coast. On the far side of the clearing Lieutenant Regul and the rest of the Swarm were disappearing into the trees. Beyond the jungle was the oceans blue expanse separating them from the continent. To their right in the distance was the hazy purple outline of their mountain.
Forst paused to look over the strait to where their home base was. He wondered if they’d ever get back to civilization or if their civilization would even survive. Turning away from the view he went to speak to Rian who’d stopped to enjoy the view as well.
A sudden flash of light rivalled the sun. Rian gave a cry of pain and raised his true-hands to shield his eyes. The Captain kept his back to the source until the brightness began to dim. Then he whirled around to see the fading glare was coming from the far side of the strait.
A moment later Regul appeared at the edge of the clearing. “What was that?” he called. When the two pilots didn’t answer he scuttled back up the slope. “Now,” began the Lieutenant turning to look in the same direction that Forst was staring, “what’s so…int…rest…ing?” By now the glare had faded to be replaced with a small roiling, black cloud on the horizon heading skyward on a column of smoke.
“What is…?” Regul’s question tapered off as the realization hit.
“I don’t think the Kthpok liked us dropping missiles on them,” said Forst.
“We’ve got to get back to the cave!” said Regul taking one of Forst’s arms to urge him forward. “We have to find out what happened.”
“I think it’s obvious what happened,” was Forst’s somber reply as he watched the distant mushroom cloud.
By this time the rest of the Swarm were crowded around the three Iidx on the hillside clamoring to know what had happened. But their questions were ignored. The Lieutenant turned to Navaj, Jerah and Fairron. “We have to get back to our cave!” he said. “We don’t have time for delays and we go by the shortest way possible. We’ll have to chance running into a Kthpok patrol.”
The three Iidx nodded their valentine-shaped heads in understanding. Then Navaj gestured at Rian who was whimpering and pawing at his eyes. “What happened to the Lieutenant?” he asked.
“Flash burn,” replied Forst. “He was looking in the wrong direction when the weapon detonated.”
“Weapon?” wondered Fairron.
“Weapon,” confirmed Regul. “The Kthpok have started dropping nuclear missiles on us.”
The antennae on the Ranger’s head began to quiver. “Nuclear missiles?” he repeated. “The radiation…,” then his antennae took on a firm stance. “The Kthpok have much to answer for.”
All the Iidx nodded their agreement. “They do,” confirmed Regul. “It may come after much sacrifice and suffering, but they will answer!” At his gesture the Swarm resumed their trek back to their hive.
Forst moved over to take of one of Rian’s arms. “Don’t worry,” he said. “I’ll help you until you get your eyesight back.”
S’Cinf sat on his perch in the Center Room of his flagship staring at the planet shown on the main view screen. The brilliant dot of light which had appeared on the east coast of the main continent a moment before was starting to fade. “Report!” he called.
Admiral S’Cal left his station and walked over to stand next to the Run Point. After flashing a smart salute he gestured at the screen. “Your Excellency, that flash of light was our weapon obliterating the Iidx base that fired missiles against our facility on Tarren Island,” he announced. “It will no longer threaten that facility or anything else for that matter.”
“Good,” returned the Run Point and craned his neck around to look at the Admiral. “I approved the use of a nuclear weapon against that base. How effective were the Iidx defenses?”
“There were none, sir. The missile was set up to detonate immediately if a hit by a laser pulse or counter-missile was imminent. That wasn’t needed. Our telemetry shows the weapon detonated on impact with the surface. If they tried any ECM it didn’t work.”
“If I remember correctly you told me earlier this was a minor installation,” commented S’Cinf. His tail gave slow flips as he contemplated. “The Iidx may not have installed adequate defenses.”
“Yes Run Point. That seems to be the case here as our EW techs didn’t have to deal with anti-missile fire.” He shook his head in disbelief. “There weren’t any missiles or lasers; not like the major bases we attacked earlier. Although this base was destroyed with ease the larger bases and cities that remain will have better defenses.”
“The strength of the Iidx defenses is no longer relevant,” announced the Kthpok leader with a decisive twitch of his tail. “Our conquest of this planet is assured.” He swung back to look at the planet framed in the screen and missed the Admiral’s look of shock and surprise. “We’ll deal with their defenses when the time comes,” S’Cinf continued. “Now I want to know how much damage our facility sustained.”
“Yes, Run Point.” S’Cal said and paused to consult a pad. “The data transmitted by the base commander shows the Iidx launched five missiles,” he announced in a flat tone. “One was in the lead with four following. The lead weapon detonated early and spread a chaff cloud. Since our scanners couldn’t penetrate the metallic cloud the remaining weapons came in unopposed.” He looked up and bobbed his head. “Their plan was brilliant and their execution flawless!”
S’Cinf turned an angry eye on S’Cal. “I didn’t ask for a critical review of their tactics, Fleet Admiral,” he said and the officer flinched. “I want to know what damage they caused to our base!”
“Yes your Excellency!” S’Cal said and ducked his head in submission. “You have my apologies. All four weapons were targeted on a specific sector of our base. While they weren’t nukes the missiles destroyed the entire manufacturing section.”
“What about the building for the special weapons?” asked S’Cinf. His tail went rigid then began twitching. “That was in the manufacturing section. And the scientists? They were supposed to be in the building working on preparing more weapons.”
“All gone,” replied S’Cal in somber tones. “That was the first place the SAR went to. They confirmed there were no survivors.”
The Run Point’s tail stopped twitching and he gave a sharp look at the Admiral. “What’s our inventory of the Anti-personnel nuclear weapons?” he asked.
Once again the Admiral checked his pad. “The last shuttle brought up five new weapons,” he replied. “That brings the total of available APN’s to eleven.”
The Run Point blinked at the news. “Eleven,” he mused. “There are more untouched Iidx cities and bases than that.” He gave a snort and shrugged. “Well, I guess that number’ll have to be reduced. Take out the smaller cities and all the bases, Admiral. Reserve the cities with critical resources for the APN’s.”
S’Cal made a few notes on his pad. “With your permission, Run Point, I’ll assign targets to the ships of the fleet. This fire mission will provide an excellent drill for our gunnery people.” He placed the pad in a harness pouch and moved for his post but kept talking. “The targets will be of low priority and have few defenses. That would be in keeping with your plan to drive the Iidx into high population centers.” The Run Point bobbed his head in an almost careless motion, his attention being drawn back to the planet shown in the screen.
The Admiral was almost to his station when S’Cinf called him back. “There’s just one more item, Fleet Admiral,” the Run Point announced when S’Cal had returned to stand next to him. “You mentioned that the Iidx struck one section in our surface facility: The manufacturing sector.” The officer nodded his agreement. “Doesn’t that seem odd?” the Run Point asked. “Why would the Iidx hit just one area and not the whole base? Their first attack wasn’t concentrated but tried to do as much damage possible to the whole complex.”
A thoughtful look came over the admiral’s face as he pondered the puzzle the Run Point had presented. With the Kthpok ruler following S’Cal moved over to the Battle Plot and looked at the icons showing the fleet formation. Reaching out a hand he called the image of the surface facility to the plot. “This latest Iidx attack concentrated on the manufacturing sector,” he said to himself as he stared at the image. “Why did they select that area? How did they know that area was so important to us? It’s almost…” He stopped talking to look at the Run Point as the revelation came. “It’s almost as if they had someone watching,” he completed.
S’Cinf nodded his agreement. “The downed pilot,” he said.
“Records show a craft came across the strait from the base we just destroyed, stayed a very short time then left,” explained S’Cal. “Our Analysts concluded that was when the Iidx picked up the pilot.” He gave a shrug of his tail then continued. “We suspected they’d left someone on the island. The base commander sent out patrols to look for Iidx but didn’t find anything.”
“Perhaps the Iidx did more than retrieve their pilot as was originally thought,” suggested the Kthpok leader. “They could have delivered a trained spotter or pack of spotters to the island; someone experienced in evasion. It is a big island after all and they’re familiar with the place. They’d know where to hide.”
“Ah,” breathed S’Cal. “After seeing this latest attack I’d say that’s exactly what they did.” He pulled out his pad again and began keying in more notes. “In order to conduct a more comprehensive sweep of the island the garrison will need more personnel. I’ll have them sent down immediately and the search initiated.”
Swarm Master Zelof waited in the main Conference Room deep inside Refuge and stared at the two data pads lying on the table. The pad closest to him contained a number of reports from Colonel Levron. One report described the attack by aircraft on the Kthpok surface complex and the results. While they’d lost most of the craft which had been sent out one bright spot remained: An observation Swarm had been landed. Some of the reports in the pad had come from those observers and described their hive of operations in a system of caverns near the islands west coast.
When he’d learned of the caves that sparked a thought and Zelof had ordered an extensive search of all databases. To his relief it was confirmed that there was no record of caverns on Tarren Island. And that meant the Kthpok wouldn’t know of their existence.
With the Kthpok Swarm in orbit Zelof knew there wasn’t much chance of the Iidx keeping their planet. Their only hope was for the Kthpok to grow tired of the attempt of conquest, recognizing the damage they’d have to do to the planet and leave the system. The Swarm Master gave a derisive shake of his antennae. With the Kthpok successes to date there wasn’t much chance of that happening so, in order for his people’s long term survival, there needed to be a new plan. It was the cavern system on Tarren Island which would figure prominently in the Swarm Master’s new plans.
The last report on that particular pad was not from Colonel Levron but the commander of the battalion sent to reinforce Levron. They were to take ten more cruise missiles to be fired at the Kthpok base. According to the Lieutenant Colonel they’d been delayed in picking up the missiles. There was a parts issue in the factory which had halted production for two days.
The reinforcements were a hundred miles away from their destination when an advance scout reported seeing the flash and mushroom cloud of a nuclear explosion rising ahead of them. A short time later the battalion’s commanding officer learned that the base he was heading for had been obliterated by a nuclear weapon.
Zelof shook his antennae with grim amusement. It seemed the Kthpok had been irritated by something.
The sound of the conference room door opening cut through the Swarm Master’s thoughts. He looked up in time to see his Second usher the two Queens into the room.
“I can’t believe his audacity!” he heard Krissen, the junior Queen, exclaim to Queen Dahoni. “There was no consultation, no requests. He just enters my room without permission and orders me to pack for a long journey. Then,” she huffed, “then he orders me here! This is getting out of hand, your Highness. Males don’t give commands to a Queen! We have got to do something about this!”
Zelof gave no sign he’d heard the comments but scooped up the two pads from the table with a false-hand then stood to face the Queens. He gestured at the saddles that surrounded the table. “Please find a place around the table Queen Dahoni, Queen Krissen. We’ll begin as soon as you’re ready.”
Krissen gave a disapproving wave from her fluffy antennae as Dahoni, the senior Queen, found a position next to the Swarm Master. Then the junior Queen settled onto a saddle next to her while Sesum moved over to stand next to the Swarm Master who’d gone back to his saddle.
“We are ready, Swarm Master,” announced Dahoni in a regal tone. “You may begin your briefing.”
Zelof nodded his acknowledgement then looked at the junior Queen. “Queen Krissen,” he said. “Did I hear that you’re packed and ready to go?”
The Queen struck a regal pose. “I am neither packed nor ready,” she announced in icy tones. “Why would I want to do that?”
Zelof stared at the problem female as he stifled the urge to say ‘Because I told you to!’ When he was sure his irritation was hidden he spoke. “Your Highness, a swarm is being assembled to escort you to a new hive.”
“Escort me?” Krissen bristled. “I am not moving from Queen Dahoni’s side!” Her antennae took on an adamant pose. “Nor am I leaving this facility,” she said.
The Swarm Master was just starting to reply when Queen Dahoni put a false-hand on Krissen’s thorax and spoke. “I am not desirous of losing your company either, Queen Krissen,” she told her junior. “But before issuing a royal decree or rejecting the council of the Swarm Master we should at least listen to the reasons behind his proposal.” She inclined her head to indicate Zelof. “After all he was the lone voice in the dark that warned us of Kthpok treachery. He also prepared this refuge that may well prove the salvation of our people.”
Krissen let her antennae twitch in frustration at the idea of having to take council from a male. Nevertheless, accepting the direction of her senior, she gave a nod to signal her willingness to listen.
At Dahoni’s gesture Zelof told of the base on the coast nearest the Kthpok enclave. He explained that the Colonel commanding the base had ordered an attack on Tarren Island while the Kthpok were in space destroying the Iidx fleet. The attack had experienced heavy casualties in return for minor damage. But an observer swarm had been left on the island to watch the Kthpok.
Krissen snorted air through her spiccules interrupting Zelof. “This we know Swarm Master and it in no way justifies my leaving this facility,” she said. “After destroying the orbitals and a few bases the Kthpok have been content to leave our people alone.” She gave a slight shrug. “Other than a few attacks on our rural areas of course.”
“A few attacks! The only part of our civilization remaining is in those cities,” reminded the Swarm Second. “The Tails have destroyed everything else.”
The junior Queen glared at Sesum. “But the Kthpok have left the cities alone,” she retorted then turned back to Zelof. “Just as you said they would Swarm Master. And as you said we can wait them out.”
Zelof waved agreement using his antennae. “It appeared at the time that the remaining cities and bases had something the Kthpok needed or wanted. Because of that we assumed they wouldn’t take any aggressive action which would threaten those factories and inventories.” He shrugged, “of course we don’t know what happened on New Hive.”
“And?” prompted Dahoni. “Why were we summoned?”
“Well, your Highness,” said Zelof, “the enemy has changed their tactics. They’ve destroyed our base that was nearest their surface complex.”
“They used a nuclear weapon,” added Sesum in grim tones. “It took out the entire base and a sizeable chunk of the surrounding area. All that’s left is radioactive slag!”
The Swarm Master nodded for emphasis then resumed his narration. “We’ve received other reports that more cities and bases across the continent have been incinerated. The Kthpok are using a variety of conventional and nuclear weapons. As I said this is a departure from their usual methods,” he repeated. “It’s possible the Kthpok are moving to the next stage in their attempt to conquer Main Hive and aren’t worrying about ecological damage to the planet.”
He gestured at the two Queens. “While we’ve worked to disguise Refuge and make it as hardened as possible we know it isn’t impregnable. If the Kthpok were to locate us here and hit us with a sufficient number of nuclear missiles they can destroy Refuge. If that happens now the Iidx people perish. In order for our people to survive we must hide our remaining Queens in separate locations.” He paused to look at each Queen then turned back to Dahoni. “This is for the good of our people, your Highness.”
“Your logic is sound…” began Queen Dahoni.
“Your logic is sound,” interrupted Krissen. “In fact it applies to the Swarm leadership as well. But I haven’t heard your plans for sending the Swarm Second away.”
Zelof didn’t reply. He just looked at Sesum and twitched his antennae.
“The escort is ready, Swarm Master,” the Second said, answering the unspoken question. “We can’t guarantee resupply is possible along the way so I’ve made sure we have enough fuel, parts to make necessary repairs and food for the journey. We can leave as soon as the Queen is ready.”
The junior Queen looked at the Swarm Second in surprise. “’We’?” she wondered. “Who is ‘we’?”
Sesum gave an amused wave of his antennae and bowed his head slightly to the junior Queen. “Your escort, of course, your Highness,” he replied. “As you pointed out, it’s important to safeguard the chain of command. Therefore, a portion of the command staff is going along as part of the security detachment. I will be in command.”
“So you see, your Highness,” said Zelof to Krissen, “I am taking safeguards to give our people every possible chance of survival.” He paused long enough to reach over and push a button on the conference table. The Swarm Master glanced up at the clock on the wall then resumed speaking. “Now! Queen Krissen, the escort leaves in one hour to begin the journey for your new hive and you’ll be with it. Your choice now is what to take with you. You must understand that the amount of room available for incidentals is limited so you must be circumspect. But you will leave in one hour!”
Both Queens shuffled with unease at the Swarm Masters announcement. The door to the room opened and two well-armed Iidx entered. “I understand your logic,” Dahoni repeated ignoring the new arrivals. She glanced over at Krissen as she continued. “But I am not ready to believe the situation is as perilous as you’ve stated. You may disperse your command staff if you wish but the Queens will remain here.” The antennae of the younger Queen quivered with relief at the senior Queen’s edict.
At a gesture from the Swarm Master the new Iidx moved up beside the junior Queen. Then he glanced at Dahoni. “You misunderstand, your Highness,” he said. “This isn’t a discussion and that wasn’t a request.” He nodded at the two who’d just come in. “These Iidx will escort Queen Krissen to her compartment. She will pack those items she desires to take.” Zelof gestured at Sesum. ”Subject to the Second’s approval, of course. The escort and Queen will leave on time whether or not the Queen feels she is ready.” He glared at the junior Queen. “She will go even if she has to be carried from this facility bound and gagged.”
At another gesture the junior Queen was prompted to her feet by the guards and escorted from the room. Sesum made a slight bow to the senior Queen who was stunned into inaction, gave a precise salute to the Swarm Master then followed.
Before the senior Queen could gather her wits to protest Zelof stood and picked up the pads he’d been reading. “If you’ll recall, Queen Dahoni, during the initial attacks I made it very clear that I am in command, not the Queens,” he said. “I and my people will make the decisions necessary to insure the survival of our people. Now, if you’ll allow me I would be honored to escort you to the command room.”