S’Cinf lounged on his perch in the observation room of his colony ship. Sounds considered soothing were piped in over speakers hidden in strategic locations. His fleet was still in orbit over the planet which was shown in the main viewport. Framed in one of the ports he saw the swirls of white and gray clouds which broke up the blue of oceans and the brown-green of the continents. The reflected light of Main Hive coming through the large observation windows bathed the room in a silvery hue. Although he hadn’t turned on any lights the Run Point could see every item of furniture in the room, every decoration on the walls.
The Run Point sipped a drink as he stared at the view and considered what he’d accomplished. On the Kthpok nest world unthinkably far away and many years ago he’d dreamed of ruling an entire world. At the time he’d been devising plans to conquer the other Runs on the planet. While he was still planning and preparing his people had reached the fourth planet in the system and were making it habitable. The new planet would do if his schemes of conquest weren’t feasible. But neither option had come to fruition by the time the humans revolted and the Kthpok had been forced to flee.
Now, with all the Kthpok people had been required to endure he was close to realizing his desire. While Main Hive wasn’t the planet he’d originally planned on ruling it would do. After securing this world his people would proceed to rebuild their ships and weapons and population. Then the Kthpok would return home to obliterate the humans. A smile crossed his snout. When that’d been accomplished he’d rule two, possibly three planets in two star systems. Other planets in other star systems would follow. He expected to be the first in a long line of Universe Points.
He craned his long neck around to look out another port at the ships of his fleet arrayed nearby. S’Cinf bared his teeth in a silent snarl. While his ships weren’t numberless they contained more than enough firepower to erase the Iidx from existence. And that happy event was in the not so distant future. Small flares of light on several nearby ships showed repairs were underway. Other dots of light moving towards still more vessels indicated resupply was being accomplished.
As the Run Point was looking out the observation port contemplating his future interplanetary empire a silence fell in the room then an attention tone sounded. Before he could reply the door to the lounge opened to let an officer in. The Kthpok hurried over and came to a stop just in front of S’Cinf. He went to attention and saluted. “I have the analysis of the Iidx population movements as you ordered, your Eminence,” he announced, dropped the salute and held out an electronic pad. “You stressed you wanted to see it as soon as it was completed.”
“Summarize the report, Lieutenant,” ordered S’Cinf as he noted the rank insignia on the Kthpok’s harness. He took the proffered pad. “I’ll read the details later.”
Lieutenant A’Tros dipped his head at the instructions. “Yes, your Eminence,” he said then glanced at a second pad he held, tilting the screen to catch the reflected light from Main Hive. “There’s been a steady movement of Iidx to the cities designated as safe zones,” he began. “Analysis projects that fifty-four percent of the Iidx population are either in the sanctuary cities or have been killed. Another thirty to thirty-five percent have been observed heading for those cities. The remaining eleven to sixteen percent is most likely staying in their nest cities or is disappearing into the jungles and mountains.”
The Kthpok leader raised a talon to scratch an itch above his right eye ridge as he considered. Then he looked out the observation window at the planet below. “How long has it been since the Iidx accepted my terms?” he asked.
“It’s been twenty days, Your Eminence,” reported the Lieutenant without having to consider his pad.
“They have ten days left then,” S’Cinf said and gave a sharp wave from his tail. “Let’s put some pressure on the Iidx,” he decided. “Notify Queen Geddon that I’m not satisfied with the pace of her people’s relocation. It must be expedited.” Unseen, the Lieutenant bobbed his head as he entered the instructions on his pad. “So Geddon will know I mean to be obeyed have three cities obliterated,” S’Cinf ordered.
“Do you have any preferences for the targets Run Point?”
The Kthpok leader thought for a moment then gave a shrug of his tail. He glanced back at the Lieutenant. “The analysts are to select the three non-sanctuary cities with the largest remaining population,” he said. “Having those destroyed should give Queen Geddon an indication of my resolve and provide an incentive for any hesitant Iidx to comply with my instructions.”
“It will be as ordered, sir,” replied A’Tros. “And those leaving for the jungles? What about them?”
“The raids may resume,” said S’Cinf and turned back to the view of the planet. “But they’re to be restricted to groups not heading for the designated cities.”
“And those already in the mountains and jungles?” wondered the Lieutenant still making entries on his pad.
The Run Point craned his long neck around once more to look at A’Tros. “In the coming years they’ll provide good hunting,” he replied with a teeth baring grin. “We may even establish preserves to keep some Iidx alive so we can hunt them. There’s also the possibility of using the remnants of this species in training exercises to hone the skills of future generations of infantry.” He gave a dismissive wave of a hand and turned back to the observation port.
At the unspoken command Lieutenant A’Tros saluted, whirled around and hurried out of the room. As the Lieutenant disappeared S’Cinf continued examining his fleet and the planet beyond. Moments later he saw three small bright dots flare from a nearby cruiser and dart towards the planet. S’Cinf nodded in approval. When all this was done and the Iidx were to all extent extinct he’d have to come up with a new name for the planet. Main Hive would never do for a Kthpok planet.
Sumlin took his time as he made his way down the avenue. In normal times he’d be dodging workers going about their duties; Iidx moving in and out of the buildings that lined the street. But this wasn’t normal times. All he could see now were one or two people in the distance and no sing of life in the buildings.
He was careful to stay on the sidewalk as close to the structures as possible to avoid being observed from the air. Since Queen Geddon’s announcement of a treaty with the Kthpok weeks ago almost three-quarters of the city’s population had left the city. A good portion of those who’d left had gone with their Queens to the designated sanctuary cities. But in an unprecedented show of rebellion a small number of City Under Queens had chosen to disobey the Council’s orders. Of course that meant the charges of those Under Queens had also disobeyed. When the migration to the sanctuary cities began a few of the rebellious Queens had also left only to disappear in the jungles. The other rebellions Queens remained in the city. Sumlin’s Queen had remained in the city.
He sensed a shift in his burden almost before it occurred. Dipping to one side and reaching back with a true-hand he was able to reposition the pack in the center of his abdomen. But the movement dislodged two boxes which tumbled to the ground. Careful not to upset the rest of his load he bent and scooped up both boxes with his hand-feet. After an examination showed nothing was wrong he continued on his way.
On occasion Sumlin would see an Iidx looking out of a lower window or door of a nearby building. They were careful to stay far enough indoors so aircraft or satellites couldn’t spot them. The few Queens who’d remained in the city had decreed that all the inhabitants should remain hidden as much as possible. They wanted the Kthpok to think the city was deserted, that all the Iidx had gone to the Sanctuary Cities. Their hope was that if their enemy thought the city was empty the Iidx would be left alone. And if that happened the Iidx hidden there could live out their lives in peace.
An excited chittering caught his attention. Sumlin cocked his head and waved his antennae to find its source. Retracing his steps a short distance he was able to look down a narrow alley that branched off the avenue he’d been following. He discovered a small group of younglings just coming out of a nearby building. Sumlin nodded in approval. There was little chance of their being observed there. He watched for a moment as the group organized a game suitable for the narrow space.
While his attention was on the younglings Sumlin didn’t see the bright streak move across the sky. Anyone who did would have thought it was a meteor or piece of battle debris burning up as it fell from orbit. But they would’ve been wrong.
The missile drove to the center of the city and detonated a thousand feet above the main plaza. There was an intense flash of light followed by a shock wave of plasma. The explosion obliterated almost half the city in an instant. From there the shock wave raged outward, shattering buildings, throwing rocks and debris around. The plasma incinerated wood, plastic and Iidx alike while metal and stone ran like water then evaporated. An instant later an inner wave of superheated air was sucked back into the void created by the nuclear explosion. A mushroom cloud of smoke, fire and ash rose into the sky leaving behind a cooling radioactive wasteland of blackened slag.
There were a few Iidx in the city fortunate enough to have been deep enough underground in basements, cellars and storage rooms and so survived the initial blast. But their chances of surviving long term were remote. All the exits and airshafts had collapsed or were melted shut and there was no one left to attempt a rescue. The buried Iidx would die when the air inside the tunnels and rooms ran out.
Of the three million Iidx who’d remained in the city only forty-two survived to escape into the surrounding hills. Those lucky few, guardians and the younglings in their charge, had been shielded from the blast by a range of hills while on a field trip visiting the cities agricultural areas.
Queen Begiddion studied the map spread out on a table next to her saddle. She used a finger of a true-hand to trace the route her convoy had taken. Rather than submitting to the demands of murderers the Regional Queen intended for her people to hide and ordered the City Queens under her command to gather their people and move into the jungles and mountains. They were not to go to the sanctuary cities detailed by Queen Geddon.
Begiddion suspected that her superior expected the Kthpok to leave Main Hive in twenty to thirty years. When that happened the Iidx would emerge from hiding and rebuild their civilization. The Queen gave a shake of her head. There was no reasonable expectation the Kthpok would leave. This planet was a very hospitable place to live after all. She expected the Kthpok to stay.
While the other Queens in the region were going into jungles Begiddion’s destination was different. During her first years as a City Queen and as part of her self-imposed orientation process she’d spent some time going through the hive records available to Queens in the Council’s archives. She’d learned of an ancient hive buried in the mountains on the other side of the prairie they were crossing. It was so old and had been abandoned for so long that the Kthpok couldn’t know of its existence. In fact, it was pre-tech and wouldn’t draw the Kthpok’s attention even if they did learn of it. When the order came to hide Begiddion had remembered the ancient hive and determined to go there. She’d decided her people would be safer inside a mountain than a jungle. It’d also be more comfortable. Another positive factor was that this hive was only five hours drive from their city.
The Queen tapped the map then glanced at a nearby monitor. It showed a much less detailed copy of her map but a blinking light indicated their progress along their route. “Almost to the forests,” she commented to the Iidx in the room with her. “Once under the trees we’ll be hidden from hostile eyes. Two hours after that we’ll reach the new hive.” She rolled up the map and handed it to an aide then stood from her saddle.
Compared to the other compartments of her command vehicle the Queen’s Suite was spacious. Situated immediately behind the drivers compartment in the center of the large vehicle it had no windows but was considered the safest place Begiddion could be. At the far end of the room was an electronics suite with radios and scanners. One Iidx was at the radio station keeping in contact with the vehicles of the convoy. Another was trying to listen in on Kthpok conversations to see if he could determine what, if anything, the enemy were doing. Two others, her current brood males, were resting on saddles near the entrance reading electronic pads, waiting for the Queen to give them something to do.
Leaving her saddle Begiddion took a few steps to the center of the compartment and stood on a riser placed there. She pushed a button that slid open a hatch in the ceiling then poked her head out of the vehicle. Begiddion emerged in a clear observation bubble in the roof of the vehicle. Ignoring the noise of the wind against the bubble she looked back the way they were going. Stretching out behind her command vehicle was a long double line of transports. There was close to two hundred ranging from personal cars to public transit buses. Each vehicle was filled with as many Iidx as it could hold. Mingled among the personnel carriers were freighters filled with supplies and equipment.
A touch on a leg caught Begiddion’s attention. She ducked back into the compartment and asked, “What?”
Tacom, one of her aides and a potential mate, pointed in the direction their convoy was heading. “Your Highness, the drivers report something unusual,” he said. “There seems to be a dark line parallel to our course.” He paused for a moment, listening to another message coming over his head-set from the drivers. “Actually there’s two lines your Highness; one on each side of the road.”
“Two lines?” repeated Begiddion. “That’s odd.”
Returning to the riser, she poked her head back into the observation bubble and directed her attention forward. The additional height gave her a better view than the drivers. There it was; a dark line. But as she stared she realized it wasn’t a line and the blackness was stretching into the sky. The Queen dropped back into the vehicle. “That line is smoke from a grass fire,” she announced to her staff. “Since it’s the dry season the prairie grass is tinder dry.”
Begiddion paused and cocked her head as she considered their predicament then spoke again. “We can’t stop to wait until the fire goes out. We’re vulnerable out here in the open. We’d better slow down until we see how intense the heat is.” She thought for a moment more then gave another command. “Have the convoy go to single file and remain in the center of the road, proper spacing is to be maintained. That should protect everyone from the heat.”
Begiddion’s orders went out and the two columns began to merge. She poked her head into the bubble once more to confirm her orders were being obeyed then looked ahead again. Closer now, Begiddion could see bits of flame mingled in the smoke. “What set the fire?” she wondered.
“What was that your Highness?” called Tacom from below.
Begiddion ducked back inside and closed the hatch shutting out the noise from the bubble. “The fire,” replied the Queen as she settled back onto her saddle, “how did it get started? There haven’t been any lightning storms in the area to set the fires. And it’s on both sides of the road.”
The aide cocked his head as he considered. “There were no lightning storms,” he repeated, “and it’s on both sides of the road. That means the fire was set! Why?”
The Queen didn’t answer but her antennae went stiff with understanding. She jumped to her feet, hurried to the riser, slid the ceiling hatch open again and looked out. Instead of looking at the fire bracketing the road ahead or the convoy behind she scanned around the skies and soon found what she feared. Several black dots were banking to line up on her convoy. Dropping back into the interior of the vehicle Begiddion yelled. “Tell the drivers to go faster! We’ve got to get into the smoke.”
“We can’t your Highness,” protested Tacom. “The smoke is too thick. The driver’s won’t be able to see. Your Majesty, it’s too dangerous!”
Begiddion glared at the aide. “It’ll be more dangerous in seconds if we don’t. Kthpok aircraft are lining up for a strafing run right now. We have to use the smoke as a screen. The road is straight until we reach the forest so the danger is minimal. Get the convoy moving faster!”
Without waiting for an acknowledgement Begiddion poked her head through the open roof hatch again. It took just a moment to see the attacking craft had completed their maneuver and were coming up the road from behind the convoy. The Kthpok had already started more grass fires some distance behind the last vehicle in the convoy. It was clear they intended to box in the Iidx and take their time shooting up the convoy. A sudden jolt marked an increase in speed for her vehicle. For just a moment a gap opened between the lead vehicle and the next in line. Then the driver in the second vehicle compensated to catch up and the chain reaction continued down the convoy.
The command vehicle and two other vehicles immediately behind it reached the relative safety of the smoke and fire as the first Kthpok raider neared the end of the convoy and fired its pulsers. Laser pulses streaked from the aircraft to strike the ground. Explosions appeared in the grasses setting off new fires. But the Kthpok pilot corrected his aim and explosions marched out of the grasses, up the dirt shoulder of the road and down the pavement. Iidx drivers tried their best to avoid the pulses but there wasn’t much they could do. A third vehicle entered the smoke tunnel.
The last vehicle in the convoy, a supply freighter, was struck first by the pulsers. Holes were blown through the cargo area then its fuel tank was pierced. The freighter disappeared in a brilliant ball of blue flame that threw debris in all directions. The shock wave from the explosion caused several nearby vehicles to swerve. A passenger vehicle just in front of the freighter fishtailed onto the dirt shoulder. Its right rear wheel sank in the soft soil and the vehicle flew off the road, flipping end over end sending pieces of metal, glass, plastic, and Iidx into the air. The disintegrating hulk settled into the tall yellow brown grass. Its fuel tank breached and the flammable liquid began pouring out. A sparking wire set the fuel and grass ablaze. An instant later an explosion extinguished the grass fire that had just started.
Pulses continued to strike pavement and vehicles as the first aircraft flew along the column. Explosions blew holes in the road and blasted vehicles apart. Fire and smoke rose from the burning vehicles. Untouched transports slowed just long enough to swerve around the burning vehicles then would speed up again as they drove for the safety of the smoke from the grass fire. No one stopped to see if any Iidx in the hit vehicles survived. The maneuvering of the convoy and increasing smoke made targeting difficult for the next aircraft in line.
Five minutes later, the Kthpok raiders gained altitude, circled a few times then flew off. Smoke from grass fires and burning vehicles darkened the sky. Only twenty-seven vehicles had been able to reach the cover of the smoke. Queen Begiddion reformed her convoy and sped for the safety of the forest and her new hive.
Swarm Master Zelof stood in the uppermost post of Refuge overlooking the blackened mountainside. Looking out through the observation slot he could see the radioactive ruin of his base. Enough time had passed for the fused sand to start to lose its dark sheen. In the months since the attack (had it really been less than two?) wind storms had blown dust and sand onto and across the glassy surface, etching and scouring. Using magnifiers he could see where the sand had collected into drifts, in depressions or behind the remnants of buildings beyond the blast zone. Lowering the magnifiers he continued to stare at the ruins. His memory conjured images of the neat, ordered lines of buildings and the disciplined activity of personnel.
Perhaps the contrast between his memory and reality was symbolic for the future of the Iidx people. Once there was a peaceful, well-ordered civilization. Now that society was disappearing in nuclear fireballs. Zelof shook his head as he continued to stare at the remains of his base. The treachery of the Kthpok had been too unexpected, too fast, too reckless. He wondered if his people would ever be able to come back, to survive long enough to fight The Betrayal.
Something closer to the observation post on the blackened, scarred mountain caught his attention. Moving up next to the open slot for a better view Zelof peered down the steep mountainside trying to see what had caught his attention. Then he found it! A thin cloud of dust was being blown over the ridges and boulders of the tortured terrain by a light breeze.
Using his magnifiers he scanned the area to find what had kicked up the dust. After a few minutes search he located one of the work parties ordered out in the ongoing check for any electronic emissions. Their normally green shells had been tinted dark like the mountainside and they blended in with the landscape. Zelof had been drawn to the Swarm by their movements. He gave a curt nod of approval. They were so well camouflaged that it wasn’t likely that a satellite in orbit or an aircraft flying overhead would be able to spot them.
He watched for a few moments as the swarm moved in a slow meticulous search pattern, sweeping their instruments back and forth. As far as he could tell from this distance their attention alternated between checking their devices and watching where they were going. Zelof nodded in approval as he checked the time. The current duty shift was almost over and this swarm would soon return into the mountain. But they appeared as sharp and alert as when they began. That was commendable.
The Swarm Master lowered his magnifiers and took an electronic pad from his harness to make a note. He paused his entry for a moment to key his comm link. “This is the Swarm Master,” he announced when the officer on duty in the Command Deck replied. “Check the Duty Log, Lieutenant. I want to know the name of the Master for the swarm currently engaged in scanning exterior sector G-14.” A moment later the response came and Zelof tapped the name of the Iidx into his pad. After thanking the Lieutenant he cut the link and resumed entering his thoughts on the pad.
It was very impressive. Even in a task as mundane as a scan this swarm was still doing their duty.
The Swarm Master stopped entering again to ponder. Duty. He looked back down the mountainside. Even when the situation seemed the most hopeless there was always duty. Zelof bounced the pad in his true-hands a few times. Duty.
Once again the communications link was activated. This time he called Rayel, his Swarm Second. “Notify the Command Staff,” said Zelof, “There’ll be an accounting in three hours. It will be in Conference Two and they’ll be expected to report on the ability of their departments to be in operation for the long term.”
“Is there a more definite length of time, sir?” Rayel asked.
Knowing his Second couldn’t see his image, the Swarm Master gave an amused, approving dip of his antennae. If his staff was to provide him with the information he needed to make good decisions they required some parameters. “Long term could be as long as a century, possibly more,” Zelof replied.
After repeating the orders Rayel went to cut the link but Zelof stopped him. “One last item, Swarm Second,” he said, “notify Dahoni Queen that she’s to be in attendance.” He paused for a moment then spoke again. “This is not a discretionary matter. Her attendance is mandatory.” When that link was ended Zelof called another Iidx.
“Captain Marclif, logistics,” Was the instant reply.
“Captain,” said Zelof, “in a few minutes you’re going to be notified about a meeting. When you come I want some information ready.”
At the appointed time Swarm Master Zelof entered Conference Room Two. As he moved through the room to reach his saddle at the head of the table he took note of who’d already arrived. All the saddles had someone standing next to them except one. It was very obvious that Queen Dahoni hadn’t arrived yet.
Being careful not to let his chagrin show at the Queen’s absence Zelof eased onto his saddle. The other officers followed suit. Then before he could activate his link to order guards to escort the Queen to the conference room the door slid open again. Everyone in the room jumped to their feet when Dahoni swept into the room. They remained standing while she moved to her place next to the Swarm Master. As soon as she had taken her saddle Zelof waved everyone else to take theirs.
“Now that everyone’s here we can begin,” announced Zelof. “Each of you has been assigned to report on the possibility of their stewardship being operated for the long term. We’ll have…” He paused as a motion next to him caught his attention. “Yes, your Highness? You have a question?”
“Swarm Master,” said the Queen and gave a brief dip her head in respect. “You said long term. Just how long term are you talking about?”
“Years,” replied the Swarm Master, “decades, surely, perhaps hundreds.”
“Centuries!” exclaimed Dahoni, her luxurious antennae going stiff. “Why? The Kthpok will be gone long before then. All we have to do is wait them out until they’re finished with their fleet.”
“The Kthpok are not leaving,” replied Zelof. The tone of his voice reflected his certainty. “They already control our planet and’ve killed millions of our people.” He shook his antennae. “They’re not stopping there. While they’re eradicating our species they’re going to spread worldwide.”
“Eradicate our people?” questioned Dahoni. “The Kthpok don’t want the extinction of our species, Swarm Master. They want slaves. They’ve even established areas where the Iidx can live while the Kthpok complete their tasks. So why do you think they want us dead?”
Without seeming to respond to the Queen’s question the Swarm Master gestured to an Iidx sitting near the middle of the table. “So everyone has the correct understanding of our circumstances I asked for an analysis to be made of the situation in the ‘safe’ zones declared by the Kthpok. Captain, if you would?”
Captain Marclif nodded as he rose from his saddle. Reading from a pad he began his report. He recited the population figures of the planet prior to the Kthpok attack. Most of that population had been concentrated in cities. Next came a list of the cities destroyed in the attacks with an estimated casualty list. Using those figures and factoring in the migration he announced the expected population for the Kthpok designated safe zones.
In what seemed to be a shift of topic Marclif began discussing food production and storage capacity. He recited figures which showed that the current silo inventories in the protected cities would feed the projected population for only two weeks.
The Captain glanced up from the pad that contained his notes. “None of the locations designated by the Kthpok as sanctuaries are major food producers, Swarm Master,” he said. “They do grow a limited amount of crops but the output wasn’t enough to feed the pre-war populations let alone what’s expected.” With his report complete the officer settled back onto his saddle.
Queen Dahoni looked away from Marclif and glared at Zelof. “Swarm Master, I don’t see the point in having a review of the census or of estimated deaths,” she said. “Or of agriculture for that matter. I was expecting to hear evidence that the Kthpok are seeking the extinction of the Iidx.”
“And so you did,” replied Zelof and glanced around the table. “From the analysis Captain Marclif just provided we learned that the Kthpok have selected the cities they did as sanctuaries because they were manufacturing centers rather than agricultural. The inhabitants of those cities couldn’t feed themselves before the attack. Now, there are refugees flooding in expecting safety and the population is swelling. In effect, the Kthpok are driving our people to those cities to let them starve.”
The Queen went to reply but hesitated. Then she turned to Captain Marclif. “Your analysis supports the Swarm Master’s assertion?” she asked.
The Captain gave a shrug from his antennae. “It isn’t an assertion, your Highness,” he replied. “The facts speak for themselves. There isn’t enough food production in the eleven sanctuary cities to sustain the anticipated population. And I don’t expect the Kthpok to send relief.”
The Queen’s feathery antennae began to quiver with agitation. “The Kthpok have to know our people won’t remain in those cities if they're starving.”
Zelof nodded. “That’s true your Highness. If I were the Kthpok Swarm Leader I’d have anticipated that problem and made contingency plans. That’s why I think S’Cinf has something else planned; something much faster and more deadly than starvation.”
The Queen’s antennae stopped quivering and began waving in agitated jerks. “But the Kthpok!” she protested. “The manufacturing!”
“The Kthpok want and need the manufacturing facilities found in those cities,” stated Zelof. “All our analysts agree on that. So, given the Kthpok are engaged in a war of genocide against the Iidx people and that they need the manufacturing facilities it suggests some very sobering thoughts.”
The Swarm Master paused and looked around the room at the assembled Iidx once again. “The Kthpok picked those cities because they needed the manufacturing facilities,” he repeated. “I’m sure their plans anticipate the Queens knowing that need and with that knowledge come to the conclusion it’d be safe there. As I see it the Kthpok plan was designed to get all our Queens in a few cities using the manufacturing as bait. When the Queens are in place the Kthpok will pull their last surprise. I suspect they’ve found a way to eliminate most, if not all, the Iidx in those cities without damaging the facilities they want.”
Zelof took a deep breath then continued. “Now that we have the intent of the Kthpok established our task is twofold: First we need to preserve as many of our people as possible. We started that when we established this facility. But we can’t keep all our people in one hive. If the Kthpok discover and destroy us the future of the Iidx is gone. It’s my hope to establish at least two viable hives that are unknown to the Kthpok. That’s why we sent Sesum off with Queen Krissen. The second part of our task is to prepare our people to retake Main Hive from the enemy. And that’s what could take centuries.”
Sesum walked forward from the stern of the ship speeding across the strait. The only light came from stars blinking in the sky which was good. He’d ordered a complete blackout to prevent any Kthpok air patrols from spotting them. Even the smallest light on a dark night like this could be their doom. A few clouds blown by a light wind moved overhead blocking out patches of the tiny dots of light. He looked up at the myriad stars that comprised the band of light going from horizon to horizon and marveled at the beauty of the universe.
The stars were so brilliant because there were no moons up yet. It was very rare on Main Hive to have all three moons absent for more than an hour. And the darkness made tonight the perfect opportunity to cross the strait.
As he walked the length of the ship continuing to watch for light leaking from the ships interior he paused long enough to make sure the lookouts were in place. He verified their night vision equipment was operating properly and they knew their assigned areas. Those Iidx were there to spot anything that was trying to sneak in under the radar to attack them.
When he finally made it to the prow he placed his true-hands on the railing and stared into the darkness ahead. The cool salty breeze blew his antennae over his back. After a moment he keyed his link.
The response was immediate. “CIC, Lieutenant Medowan, Commander on Deck.”
This is the Swarm Master, Lieutenant,” Sesum announced. “How’re the skies?”
“Passives show a clean screen, sir,” was the report.
“If anything shows I want to know,” Sesum ordered. When he got an acknowledgement he cut the link.
Shielding his watch with a true-hand so no light could emerge he reached out with a false-hand and pushed a button on his watch. There was a brief instant as the digits glowed. Sesum marked the time and the light went out. They’d been at sea for almost a half hour now.
The crossing was scheduled to last just over three hours. Three hours to reach the island, find a cove and the safety of the island jungle without detection. He shook his head. Unfortunately, an hour before they reached the island two of Main Hives three moons would rise.
It’d taken two days for his convoy to reach his destination port city after leaving the mountains where they’d found Queen Tiras and her people. Once in the city they’d come across two more Queens with their people. While the rest of the Queens had left for the sanctuary cities these two had decided to ignore Queen Geddon’s orders. Form what they told him he understood their Regional Queen wasn’t very happy about their decision. After learning about their expedition one of those Queens, Hammon, had agreed to join their merry band bringing the total number of Queens for the new Hive to three.
Sesum gave a quiet snort. Queen Krissen was a bit put out when he’d announced Queen Hammon’s addition to the enterprise. But he didn’t care. He’d wanted the additional Queen. He even dropped a hint that Queen Krissen could remain behind in the port since the new Hive now had two guaranteed Queens. That didn’t help Krissen’s ego either.
Once he’d soothed the Senior Queen’s injured feelings the seven fast ships Swarm Master Zelof had arranged for had been loaded with supplies and people. Sesum made sure the Queens went in separate ships. That was partly to make sure one Queen didn’t do harm to another. That’d happened in the past when there’d been an overabundance of females in a hive. Another reason was to get at least one Queen to the island safely.
Care had been taken to plot separate courses for each vessel which required separate departure times. That was insurance. If everything worked out as planned all seven vessels would reach the island at the same time - that was time-on-target. The Kthpok might be vigilant enough to spot and attack two or three ships but not all seven which meant the odds were in Sesum’s favor of getting at least one Queen and a sizeable number of his people onto the island.
Sesum continued staring into the night, rocking with the boat’s motion. He knew his people were out there and of their approximate positions but the night was too dark, the distances too great. There was no way he could see the other vessels. But that didn’t stop him from worrying.
Two hours later, with the journey a little more than two thirds complete, the first moon began to rise. Sesum had returned to his place at the bow and was watching the sliver of light appear on the horizon. Without warning he felt a stronger, deeper rumble coming through the deck with the engines increasing power. Looking back he saw the stern drop deeper into the water as the propellers churned faster, lifting the bow. Water behind the vessel foamed and seemed to glow in the star light. The ship was accelerating! Before he could activate his link its attention tone sounded.
Sesum grabbed his communicator and accepted the link. “What’s happening?” he asked.
“This is Lieutenant Medowan, the Officer on Duty in the Combat Information Center, Swarm Master,” the Iidx replied. “We have incoming. There’s a flight of three aircraft leaving the target island. We’ve designated them as hostile. The Ship Master has ordered us to full speed.”
“Apparent objective of the aircraft?” asked Sesum.
“If they keep to their current heading the hostiles are on a direct bearing for the projected area of the Bateria. ETA is approximately fifteen minutes.” There was a brief pause then the officer asked, “Swarm Master, permission to alter course and assist?”
“Permission is denied Lieutenant,” Sesum replied without hesitation. “We will not alter our heading but will remain on our designated course. We cannot assist nor will we break radio silence to warn them. Since you spotted the Kthpok those on the Bateria’ll see them coming. The Bateria’s Master will have to find a way to evade or defend his ship from those attackers.
“Continue watching the enemy,” the Swarm Master continued. “I want to know if they alter course. Have the Ship Master bring our ship to Battle Alert as an added precaution.” Lieutenant Medowan repeated the order before terminating the link.
Sesum held onto the rail, rocking with the swells passing under the hull as the ship raced for the relative safety of the island. He stared across the water into the darkness. The faint sound of aircraft could be heard over the thrum of engines, the water smashing into the ship’s hull and the rush of air.
Since he’d been involved with the planning of courses for all seven ships he knew the approximate area of the strait the Bateria was supposed to be in. There was no telling if the enemy knew Iidx ships were in the strait and sent the aircraft to attack or if this was a regular patrol. Of course it didn’t matter to the Iidx on the Bateria which it was because the Kthpok aircraft were heading directly for them.
Shaking his head in disgust he glanced at the moon appearing on the horizon. With the moons providing the light the Bateria would be spotted easily on the ocean surface. Sesum began lightly pounding a fist on the railing as he thought. One hour! That’s all they’d needed. One more hour!
He turned his gaze back toward the portion of ocean where the Bateria was supposed to be. That ship’s Commander had a number of options available to him. He could take his ship to full speed and try to evade the aircraft long enough to make land or they could try to fight through. Of course, if they fought and succeeded in making the crossing the Kthpok would be aware Iidx were on their island. Patrols would be sent out to find the landed Iidx increasing the possibilities that the new hive would be found. Sesum stopped pounding and shook his head. The best option for all involved would be for the Bateria to head back to the mainland and try again on another occasion.
A tone loud enough to be heard over the waves sounded from his communicator. He answered while still looking out over the shimmering waves. “Swarm Master, the enemy aircraft has just altered course two points towards the mainland,” Lieutenant Medowan reported.
“Any idea where the Bateria is?” asked Sesum.
“No sir. They’re below our horizon,” replied the officer.
Before the Swarm Master could ask another question he saw several streaks of light in the sky some distance away. Those streaks could have been mistaken for meteors except they were rising from beyond the horizon and were climbing higher into the sky. From the course change made by the aircraft Sesum surmised the Master of the Bateria had turned his ship back for the mainland but had been detected. Once the Kthpok knew where the vessel was there was no option left for the Bateria’s Master but to fight and hope he could disengage. More streaks were observed in the sky only this time they were heading for the surface. Brilliant circles of red, white and orange appeared above the horizon as missiles detonated. Moments later he heard a faint thunder coming over the water’s surface. The continuing streaks of light followed by the flash and boom of exploding missiles indicated the first launch of missiles from both sides had missed their targets.
Sesum watched as the battle raged across the sky and he ached to join the fight. But he knew he couldn’t. His mission and, possibly the fate of the Iidx people, required secrecy. Then his antennae stiffened against the breeze in surprise at a sudden realization. The battle was going longer than it should! The war game simulations Swarm Master Zelof had set up years ago between sea ships and aircraft had ended rather quickly in favor of the attacking aircraft. In light of the fact that Ship Master Gendomin and his Swarm on the Bateria were still fighting he decided they were acquitting themselves rather well. The Swarm Master shook his head. ‘Acquitting themselves well’? That didn’t even come close to covering it!
A flash brighter than the others appeared in the sky and caught his attention. This one didn’t fade out. It dimmed a little and fell towards the ocean; bits of light split off from the main ball of flame and disappeared.
“That’s one,” muttered Sesum to himself. “Now get another.” As if in answer to Sesum’s command a second large fireball appeared and began its fall towards the ocean. Hope began to swell in Sesum. Perhaps the Bateria could fight free after all. Although there wasn’t a Queen on board the supplies and people it carried were invaluable. The streaks of missiles and detonations continued for another few seconds. Then the horizon brightened and faded into blackness. Moments later a very loud report was heard and the night quieted down. The only sound came from their ship moving through the water.
The Swarm Master keyed his link to the CIC. “I want a report on what’s happened up there.”
“The enemy began the engagement with three craft in their flight,” reported Lieutenant Medowan. “Two have disappeared from our scans. The remaining aircraft appears to be returning to the island. We have no way of knowing if the ship they attacked survived.”
Sesum ended the link and shook his head. He didn’t think it had. That Kthpok aircraft wouldn’t have left if the Bateria survived. And if the Bateria had killed two of the three aircraft and drove the last one off the Kthpok would’ve sent out more aircraft. They hadn’t. He glanced at his watch. His ship had less than an hour to go before reaching their target cove.