Zelof, Swarm Master for the Greater Hive, watched the record of the transmission from the Outsiders for what must have been the eighth time. When it ended he swiveled his head around so both compound eyes could look at his Second. Sesum, who was sitting on the other side of the Swarm Master’s desk, had also been watching the record. “I know what I’ve seen,” Zelof said, “and what I think it means.” He gestured at the screen with his right true-hand. “What’s Intel’s interpretation of that?”
The two creatures in the room couldn’t have been more different from the beings that’d sent the transmission. Both were Iidx. They had six limbs, the upper two of which ended in six tentacles that were used to write and manipulate. Their compound eyes and antennae provided perceptions the Kthpok couldn’t begin to imagine. And their exoskeletons gave protection from all but the most serious injuries.
Sesum reached out with his true-hands and made an entry on a nearby console. An instant later the main screen in the room showed a creature that seemed to be all neck and tail which were attached to a small body. Zelof noted once again the fact the creature had no antennae and no outer shell. How could something like that exist?
The Swarm Second nodded at the screen and said, “I will begin by saying that what I’m about to present is conjecture and dependant upon the truthfulness of the Outsiders.” Zelof inclined an understanding antenna for his aide to continue.
“They call themselves Kthpok,” Sesum’s mouth parts had to work hard to pronounce the strange word. “The lower decks already know about these people and ‘affectionately’ call them Tails.”
The Swarm Leader gave an amused wave of his antennae. “That’s an appropriate description,” he said. “It’s catchy enough that it’ll probably stick.”
The screen split. On the left side of the screen was a schematic of a solar system while the picture of the Kthpok remained on the right. “This is where they say they came from,” the Second added.
“We have no way at present of knowing how far away the Kthpok home system is. An indicator may be the closest star to us. That would be the Sheth system which is six light years away. So it’s at least that far.”
The Second made another adjustment to his console and the schematic of the system filled the screen. “Now, the Kthpok system,” he announced. “According to the transmission we’ve viewed, their system has nine planets, one of which is within the zone we consider would sustain life.” He indicated the planet using a light wand. “That would be the third planet. The fourth planet is on the extreme outer fringe of the zone and is too cold to support life as we know it. This planet,” a blue-green orb broken by the white of clouds was displayed, “the third planet in the system, as I said, is the home for the Kthpok.”
Surprised, the Swarm Master blew air through his abdomen spiccules. “From space that planet almost looks like Main Hive! Only the shape of the continents is different.”
Sesum waved his antennae in agreement and resorted to the slang name for the Outsiders. It was much easier to say than Kthpok. “The images transmitted by the Tails would support that observation. Vegetation and animal life is abundant, due to the agreeable climate.”
“That’s very interesting and our scientist's’ll conduct heated debates about how the Kthpok evolved the way they did for a long time.” Zelof cocked his head. “If they haven’t already begun.” Then he prompted Sesum to continue. “What I want to know is why they’re here. More to the point, I need to know what danger these ‘Kthpok’ may present to the consolidated Hives.”
The next picture in the briefing was displayed. “According to the Tails, this creature entered their system with sufficient numbers and power to destroy the defending fleet.”
Sesum paused to let the Swarm Master examine the creature shown. The being stood upright on just two legs, had only two arms, and a head with no apparent antennae. There was no sign of an exoskeleton although it had some cloth covering its body. Having only four limbs and no antennae gave it something in common with the Kthpok. But this creature had no tail. Zelof leaned forward for a closer look. “There’s something on its head!” he exclaimed and pointed with a true-hand. “Is that stuff its antennae?”
The Second shrugged in ignorance but before he could reply the Swarm Master waved it away. “Unnecessary question,” Zelof said. “Please continue.”
Sesum nodded then continued his briefing. “Once the defending Kthpok fleet was destroyed the invaders advanced to the Tails home planet. The defenses were eliminated and the planet bombarded with nuclear weapons. In a side note,” supplied the Second, “the Kthpok did not supply a name for this species.
“The fleet we have before us, it’s a task force really, consists of the remnants of the Tail civilization.”
“So the Kthpok are fleeing invaders,” summarized Zelof.
Once again, Sesum bobbed his agreement. “And they’re asking for our help,” he said.
“It’s gratifying to see that Intel agrees with my interpretation of the message,” commented the Swarm Master. “And it’s only taken them a couple of hours to do it. But there are items in the Kthpok story that’s confusing.”
Sesum’s antennae waved as he thought about his superiors concerns. “Without knowing the language we can’t ask for clarification. The confusing items may be cleared up when we learn their language or they ours. Which brings me back to the question: Do we help?”
“We verify what we can of their story first,” announced Zelof. “Then we send what we learn back to the Queens with our recommendations and request instructions.
“I want the Kthpok Swarm scanned, intensely. They should be expecting us to look at their ships to verify their story. If I were in their position I’d expect it. Since they’ve been in battle it should be apparent. Something like that can’t be faked.” The Swarm Master gave an amused shake of his antennae. “Besides, I want to know about their capabilities.”
The Second lowered his antennae in question. “You aren’t sure about our new ‘friends’?”
Zelof gave a snort of amusement. “The Kthpok tell us invaders attacked and took their planet from them. That may be true but it might not. It’ll take some time before we know for sure. If we ever do.” His antennae gave an intrigued shrug. “But with that story they might be giving us an unintentional glimpse of their objective.” He looked back at the screen. “If their intentions are to conquer Main Hive any success they may achieve won’t result from my negligence.”
“Yes, Swarm Master,” replied Sesum dipping his head. “I’ll keep the Swarm at Main Alert and oversee the scans myself.”
Twenty minutes later the scan of the Kthpok ships had been conducted and a preliminary assessment reached. The raw data was transferred to Intelligence for a more detailed analysis and confirmation of the earlier findings. An hour after that Zelof and Sesum were back in the Swarm Master’s office to receive Intel’s report.
At a gesture from the Swarm Master an Iidx moved to stand next to the screen, which displayed the Kthpok formation. “Now, Master of Analysts,” said Zelof, “tell us of your findings about these beings.”
Gevalit dipped his antennae acknowledging the order and began his report. “Swarm Master, our analysts have determined that most of their vessels fall within our classes,” he said as an image of a large vessel appeared on the screen. “They have destroyers, cruisers, battleships and dreadnaughts.” He gestured at the screen. “This isn’t their largest vessel but our scans indicate it’s the most powerful.” The picture on the screen changed as the Master Analyst continued to review each class of Kthpok vessels and compared them with current Iidx vessels. “As you can see,” concluded Gevalit, “they could be a formidable enemy if they had enough ships.”
“I notice that you say ‘could’ and not ‘are’,” said Zelof. “Why is that?”
“As you are aware, Swarm Master, their story is that an invader entered their system and took it by force,” answered Gevalit. “That would make the beings we’re dealing with exiles; the survivors of a holocaust. Evidence of a fight like that can’t be hidden or counterfeited. When we examined their vessels through the follow up scan you ordered we found armor blasted, scorched, melted and patched. Weapons systems are missing and radiation emanating from the drives indicates their power plants have been under stress.”
“Your conclusion?” asked Sesum.
“Most of these ships were in a fight,” said the Analyst. “Besides the battle damage it can be assumed that their missile inventories have been depleted.”
Zelof held up his right true-hand to stop the analyst. “That assumption may cost us dearly if we rely on it and find out we were wrong,” he said.
“Yes, Swarm Master,” Gevalit replied with an acknowledging bob of his head. “Perhaps I should have said it’s a possibility?”
“That’s better,” Zelof said then gestured for the analyst to continue.
“There’s another item to be considered,” Gevalit said. “While we’ve been examining them with full power scans we’ve seen nothing hostile. Our equipment hasn’t been jammed and our targeting lasers ignored.”
Sesum gave an agitated shake of his antennae and turned to the Swarm Master. “That also surprised me when we came into range. We targeted as a precaution and I expected to be targeted in turn. But there was nothing.”
“That’s not entirely accurate,” added Gevalit. “We detected laser mounts under power.”
“It seems the Kthpok are so confident in their defenses they could think they can withstand the first attack and then reply,” said Zelof. “Or they’re being stupid or very devious.”
“There is another alternative,” said Sesum with a shrug from his antennae. “Their story is true and they need allies.”
“That agrees with the second portion of their transmission,” commented Zelof. “But I’ve noticed something I want clarified.” He waved a true-hand at the Master Analyst. “First, you showed us a vessel which wasn’t the largest in their Swarm but you identified it as the most powerful. You also said that most of their ships had been in a battle. Why the qualifier? If their story is accurate and their Hive was threatened with destruction surely all their forces were involved in the defense?”
Gevalit gestured with his antennae to show his ignorance then brought a picture of another ship to the screen. Zelof and Sesum both leaned forward on their saddles and stared at the new vessel. It was a huge cylinder with missile launchers and laser mounts placed in strategic positions over the armor hull. “This is the largest class of their ships,” said the Analyst. “We have no matching analog. The Kthpok have three such ships and it’s apparent that these vessels have not been in battle. There are no patches of hull breaches, no slagged armor, or missing weapons emplacements.”
“Interesting,” mused Zelof. “There’s three of these ships.” Gevalit waved assent to the Swarm Master’s observation. “They’re warships?”
“More powerful than a cruiser but not a dreadnaught,” added the analyst.
“But they didn’t fight to defend their system against invaders,” the Swarm Master continued.
“Our scans showed the hulls of those ships hadn’t been patched,” reported Gevalit. “If they fought their defenses proved phenomenal because they hadn’t been touched.”
“Or they stayed out of the fight altogether,” commented Sesum. The analyst bobbed his head in agreement.
Zelof climbed off his saddle where he’d been resting and walked closer to the wall screen to look at the ship pictured there. “Their system was attacked and these three ships kept out of the fight,” he mused, mostly to himself. “Why? What are these ships for?”
The Second also left his place and moved over to stand next to the Swarm Master. “It’s huge,” he commented then glanced back to Gevalit. “But you said it wasn’t the most powerful?”
“Correct. We confirm that missile launchers and laser mounts are present. But the emplacements aren’t as dense as the other vessels I showed you earlier.”
Zelof leaned back to rub his right middle leg against his back leg as he thought. The sound he produced filled the room. “So we have a mystery,” he observed. “A Swarm of unknown ships arrives in our system giving an unbelievable story of an invading force. And there’s powerful ships in that Swarm that didn’t participate in the defense of their Hive. Now they’re asking for access to our Hives.”
“Technically the Kthpok aren’t asking for access to Main Hive, sir,” said Gevalit. The Swarm Master looked at the Analyst in surprise but before the Iidx leader could speak Gevalit explained. “The Kthpok are asking for assistance which could amount to the same thing.” Zelof waved his antennae in acceptance of the Analysts explanation.
“So what do we do?” asked Sesum.
“As we are ordered,” replied the Swarm Master looking over at his Second. “We will transmit our findings and recommendations back to the Council of Queens. They will give us further instructions.”
“So what will our recommendations be?” asked Sesum.
Zelof paused for a moment as he considered. “We have a small force of damaged vessels,” he summarized and nodded in the direction of the Kthpok, “asking for help. But are they alone?” The Swarm Master looked back to his Second. “Have we been conducting long range scans?”
“We have,” replied the Second. “Nothing’s been seen beyond the Kthpok.
The Iidx leader gave a dip from his antennae. “Then my recommendation is that we provide the requested assistance,” he said. “We help the Tail’s repair their ships and resupply. But we do not give them access to the Hives. They should be directed to New Hive where we can provide what’s needed.”
“That’s reasonable,” said Sesum with an agreeing wave of a true-hand. “With your permission I’ll prepare the message for your review and approval.”
“See to it,” said Zelof. “ and make sure the long-range scans continue. If they have more ships than we see I want to know.” He paused for a moment then added. “Send a scout force to the Outer Planets. Let’s see if anything’s hiding out there.”
After receiving an acknowledgement he turned to Gevalit. “Express my thanks to your analysts for their efforts,” he said. “Continue your efforts to study the Kthpok. If you or your people discover anything new inform me at once.”
It took the Swarm Second less than an hour to prepare the report for the Council of Queens. After Zelof reviewed the message he went to key his approval and append a message but paused for a moment. A middle leg began rubbing against his back leg that produced what had become known throughout the Swarm as the Swarm Master’s ‘Thinking Sound’.
“There’s something not right in this,” he muttered to himself. A few keystrokes brought an image of the alien commander to his screen and he studied it. Was it his warrior instincts sending an alarm? Or was he prejudiced because of the Tail’s strange appearance? He studied the image; repulsive as it was, examining the head with its sharp teeth, long neck and tail attached to an oval body. The entire configuration was held above the ground on two powerful legs.
If the aliens were telling the truth they deserved help from the Iidx people. But it seemed his instincts were warning him the Kthpok weren’t being truthful.
A moment later his decision was made. He pushed a button that would record his addendum to the prepared message. “This is Zelof, Swarm Master for the Greater Hive,” he said. “I am honored to have part in these events which will shape the future of the Iidx people for generations. As we have just met the Kthpok it is obvious that caution must be exercised.” Zelof pushed the pause button as he tried once more to determine the reason for his unease. Then after resuming his message the Swarm Master said, “as has been stated earlier in this message my recommendation is to render assistance. Our data confirms that most of the Kthpok ships have seen battle and I’m confident they can use our help. However, we have no way to verify how that damage occurred, whether they were the victims or the aggressors.
“My concern is for the welfare of the Consolidated Hives. Until the Kthpok have proven to be a peaceful race they should be kept from Main Hive. Therefore, I wish to reiterate that the Kthpok should be taken to the facilities located on New Hive. The base there will be adequate to help them make the necessary repairs to their vessels. Any supplies that aren’t already present can be shipped in.” Zelof’s antennae drooped as he concluded. “We await your decision.”
The Swarm Master placed the message with its addition in the queue for transmission and called communications. “There’s a message for the Council of Queens that must be sent immediately,” he announced. “I’m expecting a reply and want to be notified as soon as it comes in.” After receiving an acknowledgement from Lieutenant Funtel Zelof settled back onto his saddle to wait.
He didn’t expect a reply to be received within minutes. The distance to the Hives was too great for that but hopefully there’d be a response within an hour or so. Zelof shook his head as he thought through the process. The Council of Queens would have to discuss the issue and then come to a decision. From personal experience with that august body he knew a swift response wouldn’t happen. In fact, they’d be lucky if they weren’t still waiting by this time next month.
Four hours later as the duty shift was ending Zelof was back in the Main Room. He pushed away from his master console and headed towards communication. “Not again,” groaned Sesum and left his post to intercept the Swarm Master before he could reach the communications suite.
"You can’t keep bothering communications,” said Sesum in a tone that only Zelof could hear when he caught up with his superior. Using a true-hand he indicated that both Iidx should go into the Swarm Master’s office which adjoined the Main Room.
As soon as the door slid shut cutting the two Swarm leaders off from the rest of the command staff the Second faced Zelof. “You’re making everyone nervous with your continual questioning of communications.”
“I’m not that bad,” replied Zelof.
Sesum waved his antennae in amusement. “Should we consult the Main Room’s records to confirm you’ve been over to communications three or four times in the last ten minutes?” he asked. “The Iidx in the communications suite is a capable officer or he wouldn’t have been promoted to the Swarm Ship. Others have noticed your interest and are beginning to wonder if Lieutenant Funtel isn’t capable of meeting his duties and got his position out of political connections.”
Zelof’s antennae gave a jerk in surprise then began to quiver with rage. “How dare they?” he asked. “Every member aboard this vessel is here because of their ability. Not political connections.”
“I know that and that’s what our officers were told when they were selected,” replied Sesum. “But now they’re starting to wonder why the Swarm Master for the Greater Hive has been looking over communications antennae every few minutes.”
The Swarm Master’s antennae stopped quivering and drooped as he thought about what Sesum had said. He took a deep breath and let it out before speaking. “You’re right,” he said. “I have been over at communications too often.” Swinging around he walked past his desk to an observation window to stare at the stars beyond. “I’ll stay in here for a few moments and then retire to my quarters for the night,” he announced still looking through the transparent material.
“Yes, Swarm Master,” said Sesum with a slight bow from his head. “I’ll leave you to your meditation.”
“Very well,” said Zelof and swiveled around to look at his Second. “And thank you. I count it a blessing to have a Second with your insight and courage.”
Sesum bowed once more. This time it was in gratitude for the praise then turned to leave. Zelof moved back to look at the stars.
The next morning found Zelof in his flagships exercise room. Although he was the Swarm Master for the Greater Hive and wasn’t expected to participate in any hand-to-hand combat Zelof made sure he was fit. Besides keeping his reflexes quick running through the routines helped him clear his mind.
Zelof was going through a warm up routine in preparation of something more strenuous when his personal communicator beeped. A second later a ship wide announcement came over the ship’s intercom system. “Swarm Master Zelof please report to the Main Room.”
Pausing just long enough to grab his communicator and acknowledge the call Zelof scuttled out of the exercise room. A moment later he entered the Main Room and hurried over to the OOD. “What am I wanted for?” he asked.
Lieutenant Litaninel saluted. “You left instructions to be notified of any communication from the Council of Queens,” he answered. “A message has just been received and decrypted. It’s in your queue now.”
“Thank you, Lieutenant,” said Zelof. “I’ll view it in my office.”
After exchanging salutes with Litaninel the Swarm Master left the Main Room and entered his office. He ignored the view of the stars showing through the observation window and made his way to his desk. Zelof quickly logged onto the system and called the message to the terminal. His compound eyes scanned over the lines of characters, skipping the title preamble and opening pleasantries to find the inner shell of the message. A moment later he stopped to reread a passage. “They can’t be serious,” he said when he finished.
Zelof leaned back on his saddle and stared out the observation window at the stars beyond. His antennae waved back and forth as he pondered his options.
Then he reached forward to push the record key. “This is Zelof, Swarm Master for the Greater Hive, to the Council of Queens,” he began. “I have received, read and understood your message regarding the Kthpok. As I stated in my initial report it is my recommendation to provide all possible assistance. However, I disagree with the decision to allow the Kthpok access to Main Hive.
“It remains my recommendation that all repairs to the Kthpok vessels can and should be performed at New Hive. There’s an additional factor in support of that recommendation. It’s obvious the Kthpok have a more advanced technology. Being able to travel between star systems is ample proof of that. As the repairs are being made our engineers can evaluate the Kthpok technology. Our facilities on New Hive are well provided for both the repairs and evaluation. I am, therefore, requesting that your decision be reconsidered and the Kthpok directed to New Hive. The Interception Swarm will continue to hold the Kthpok at this position until we receive your next message.”
Zelof logged the message to be encrypted and sent. Then, he contacted the OOD in the Main Room and repeated his order to be notified of any message from the Queens. A glance at the clock on his desk showed that he had more than enough time to visit a refresher and have his outer shell cleaned before a response could be expected. Unlike the previous message this time he expected a quick response.
An hour later Zelof was back in his office awaiting the Queens’ response. In anticipation of the upcoming communications he’d taken the time to polish his hard outer shell, raising its natural sheen to a deep emerald. He’d also donned the medals and commendations he’d received for past achievements and bravery as well as his markings of rank. Alerted by the Swarm Master Sesum was present; also cleaned up and wearing his best adornments. Because of the time lag in communications direct interaction between the Swarm and Main Hive was impractical. That made the shell cleansing and wearing of commendations unnecessary but they were worn for the Swarm leader’s ease of mind.
“I reviewed your response to the Council of Queens first message as ordered,” said the Second in an effort to make conversation while they waited. “Do you think your request to reconsider will be greeted with favor?”
Before the Swarm Master could reply an attention tone sounded. Zelof glanced at a clock and confirmed the time was right for a quick turn around message then reached over to acknowledge. “We’ve received the message from the Queens you’re expecting, Swarm Master,” reported Lieutenant Funtel in communications. “It’s in your queue.”
Using the keyboard built into his desk the Swarm Master called the Queen’s transmission to the large monitor set in one wall. “It’s the Presiding Assembly for the Council of Queens,” commented Sesum when the image settled and Zelof nodded his agreement.
Shown on the wall screen were the three queens that comprised the Presiding Assembly. They’d been chosen out of the Council of Queens for the government of the Consolidated Hives. In the center was Desrin, the Presiding Queen. To her right was Neterlin, a councilor queen. And Terekin, another councilor, was on the Presiding Queen’s left. Each Queen was adorned in their finest trappings that reflected the Hive they represented.
Desrin spoke first as was her right as the Presiding Queen. “Swarm Master, we have received your message along with your request to reconsider our decision to bring the Kthpok to Main Hive. Therefore, we are sending this order in person.”
“That doesn’t sound good,” muttered Sesum.
Queen Neterlin spoke next, her antennae and true-hands gesturing for emphasis. “The new arrivals, the Kthpok, are to be given every assistance. We will provide foodstuffs and medical supplies that may be compatible with their physiology. In addition, their vessels are to be fueled and repaired. If we had been invaded, defeated and forced into exile we would wish others would provide assistance. While they may have a technology beyond ours that is not,” she emphasized the last word, “our main consideration.”
Queen Terekin spoke, completing what was obviously a choreographed process. “In accordance with the decision to render assistance, you are instructed to escort the Kthpok to orbit around Main Hive. We understand and appreciate your concerns regarding our new friends. Nonetheless your instructions remain. Bring the Kthpok here.”
Desrin repeated, “bring the Kthpok to Main Hive, Swarm Master. We’ll talk again after you’ve achieved orbit.”
After waving dismissal with their antennae the image of the three Queens disappeared leaving a blank screen. Sesum stirred and looked over at Zelof. “After that response I don’t think we have much choice left, Swarm Master,” he said.
Zelof didn’t answer at first. He just made a few entries on a console then settled back to look at the screen. Wriggling his antennae he called Sesum’s attention to the image that had just appeared. “I’ve identified the Kthpok vessels in red and ours in green. When we move for Main Hive we will do so in this formation.”
Sesum studied the diagram for a moment then his antennae bobbed in approval. “It seems that you’ve given this quite a bit of thought. Were you expecting the Queens to confirm the order to take the Kthpok to Main Hive?”
Zelof nodded, his antennae bobbing up and down. “In their eyes the Presiding Assembly would have been diminished if they’d changed their decision after I questioned their wisdom.” He gave a snort of amusement and looked at his Second. “Although I am Swarm Master for the Greater Hive I am still ‘only’ a male.
“Now back to our deployment. As you can see I’ve outlined a classic convoy formation. But this time the objective is to keep the enemy contained within the protective sphere rather than forcing raiding vessels away.”
The Second studied the diagram and noted that the Swarm Master’s plans were detailed right down to the vessels, their masters and their positioning. At four points, above, below, in front and at back, were the dreadnoughts that had come with Zelof. That allowed the escorts to take full advantage of the larger vessels extensive sensor suites. The battleships, cruisers, destroyers, and escorts were divided by four and each group went with a dreadnought. “When the Kthpok see this they’ll know we mean to prevent any hostile actions,” he said.
“I’m not too concerned about what the Kthpok think,” the Swarm Master said. “I do what I must.”
“But what about the Queens?” wondered Sesum.
“The Assembly isn’t here,” replied Zelof, “we are. I will not take risks with our people when my instincts are telling me there’s a possibility of danger to our people. If the Kthpok try anything that resembles a hostile act they’ll be turned into a flaming ball of gas. I’ll handle any consequences of that action later. But our people and world are to be protected at all costs. Is that understood?”
“Understood Swarm Master.”
“Develop a message to our ‘guests’ for my approval that will convey our permission to move into orbit around Main Hive,” said Zelof. “They should also be warned of our fleet’s deployment before it occurs. I don’t want a misunderstanding to set off an exchange of missiles. It wouldn’t be a good thing if the first meeting of visitors from Outside ended in a battle.” He paused for a moment then continued his instructions.
“I also want a group formed of our best people in Codes. During our voyage to Main Hive this group is to begin learning how to speak to the Kthpok. Or at the least to understand them when they speak.”
“But Swarm Master,” protested Sesum, “won’t the Presiding Assembly have a team prepared to do that when we reach home?”
“Perhaps. But that’s when we arrive in orbit. I want to be able to communicate with the Kthpok now.” He leaned over the table to emphasize his intent. “I need to know if they’re hostile or not.”