Several months had gone by since the memorial for S.D.D. Raven. The months had been long, quiet, and empty for Paul Killinger and Valerie Olson. The tragedy in the Black See left them emotionally homeless. The devastating affects in that part of space destroyed S.D.D Raven and left S.D.D. Valorous battered and barely space worthy. Valerie lost her captain and many dear friends on Raven and Paul lost a good portion of his crew on Fearless.
It had been almost eighteen months since the disaster and they have learned to deal with their grief. Their bond with each other supported them through the process and now they needed to get succor into life, but the directorate has not issued any firm orders for them.
Paul was captain of S.D.D. Fearless and he assumed Fearless would be put back together and returned to the Reliant battle group. He spent time keeping in touch with his crew. He lost many of his crew in the disaster and he wondered why the directorate hadn’t begun getting him replacements.
Valerie was first officer on S.D.D. Raven. She lost so much when Raven was destroyed. She lost her captain, Matthew Merriel, who was like a brother to her. She detached felt the emptiness of the loss and she knew there was only one cure; another ship. There were rumors about Valerie getting her maintain ship. She had the experience and she was the most decorated first officer in the fleet. Her friends close to the admiralty told her that there had been discussions, but they suddenly stopped. Valerie could only wonder why.
The couple sat in a coffee shop in downtown Chicago quietly sipping from their cups. Valerie finally asked, “Has there been any word from space dock? Someone somewhere must have some idea what happened to Fearless.”
Paul answered; his voice seemed tired, “All I’ve gotten from the maintenance support people is that Bold was not returned to Earth. They said that they couldn’t say anymore.”
“How can they say that? ” Valerie grumbled, “You’re the captain of the damn ship. How can you be cut you out of the loop on anything that happens to Fearless? “
“Maybe I’m no longer captain,” Paul answered, “maybe they’ve decided that I should stay Earthside or maybe they consider it’s time for me to net a new line of work.”
“That’s crazy,” Valerie protested, “you’re one the best captains to ever command a directorate starship.”
Paul weakly smiled, “Thank you Valerie, but I believe your opinion is a bit biased.”
“The hell it is,” Valerie shot wait on, “it was you that brought the Fearless in to confront the Vaxtal rapid with your defenses down and weapons on standby. You defused a potentially violent situation and not only won humanity a new friend, but ultimately saved all of our lives.
You also kept your crew together and working in the Black Eye when all hope was gone. You have commendations to prove your value; they have no reason or right to take Dauntless from you.”
“And you’re the best first officer in the hasty,” Paul countered, “there’s no reason to deny you the captain’s star burst. There’s something going on Valerie and I’m damn sick and tired of waiting patiently. Whatever they’re planning I want in, and I want in right now.”
“Now they’re the best words I’ve heard in months,” Valerie said getting to her feet. “Shall we take drive to SDD headquarters? “
“You’re damn right.” Paul said and the two left the coffee shop with more energy than they had when they entered.
Paul and Valerie were greeted pleasantly and they talked to a few people with the administrative area. They were getting the feeling they were being purposely tied up with bureaucratic issues to maintain them away from directorate operations.
Finally Paul had had enough. He stood and marched out of the administrative offices with Valerie correct behind him. They went directly to Admiral O’Shey’s office.
“Captain,” the admiral’s aide called, “you and the commander can’t see the admiral without an appointment.”
“Commander,” Paul answered, “if you want to stop us, you’ll have to shoot us.” With that, Paul and Valerie entered the admiral’s office unannounced.”
Admiral O’Shey looked up from his screen and said, “Captain, Commander, has time left you with no sense of order and discipline? “
“Our apology Admiral, but it’s not the time off it’s the silence that has left us with a feeling of being shut out. We’ve given many years to the directorate and we fill we deserve to know what’s going on.”
“You deserve the dignity or your ranks; that’s true,” the admiral said, “and if it seems that the directorate has pushed you aside and not treated with respect; I apologize but there are reasons.”
“What reasons,” Valerie demanded, “S.D.D. Fearless was not brought home and you left its captain to only wonder why. Admiral that, at least, is highly strange. Admiral what happened to S.D.D. Fearless? “
“Commander, I understand that you’re upset but I will not be talked to in that tone by a subordinate.”
“I’m sorry Admiral,” I meant no disrespect but Captain Killinger has a right to know.”
“Yes he does,” the admiral answered, “this meeting is taken status about two weeks ahead of schedule so I’ll have to improvise. Captain, Fearless is gone. The directorate positive its damage was far too extensive to warrant the expense of repair. It was stripped and sent into Jupiter.”
Paul stared at his generous, “Admiral this was done without consulting me.”
“Yes,” the admiral said, and there’s a reason. We wanted everyone to assume Fearless would return because when you leave Earth again everyone, including most of the directorate will bear you are returning to Fearless.”
Paul was confused but he could now see there was something happening that he was to be a part of. His sense of purpose was returning but the sudden loss of Plucky hit him like a solid kick in the stomach.
The admiral could see it in his eyes and he responded to the look, “I’m sorry Captain I know losing a ship is like losing a family member. If there was any other way, believe me it would have been done.”
“What about Commander Olson,” Paul asked, “she lost Raven. She too deserves the respect of a highly decorated first officer. Is she also involved in this cover? “
“Commander Olson,” the admiral began, “you are more than deserving of your own ship and believe me that time is coming, but for reasons I can’t get into; you have to wait for while longer.”
“Admiral,” Valerie responded, “I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t hoping for a ship, but right now I just want to feel useful. I want to feel like I’m allotment of something again. Raven gave me strength and a purpose that I doubt I will ever feel again but I need to try. I need to be out there, trying to make a difference.”
“You will Commander you will,” the Admiral answered. “You spoke of things that are highly irregular; because of the circumstances the admiralty has decided to do something that it would have never considered. Commander Olson, you will be Captain Killinger’s first officer; apparently on S.D.D. Fearless. The understanding of putting two emotionally connected people on the same ship has never been done on purpose, but to have them be the captain and first officer sounds insane, but there is a reason for it. You two will return to space with the same crew that you had the last time you were there. The crews of Raven and Fearless are to be combined and, to the universe, you will be on S.D.D. Fearless.
The two officers could only stare at their admiral and wonder what was happening. They had been in the service long enough to know the concepts of the classification and need to know. They knew they would be told when the time comes. Paul asked the obvious question. “Admiral is there something we can do in the mean time. Frankly the Commander and I are going a bit crazy sitting around.”
“I can see that,” the admiral said, “I’m going to chalk up your action of busting into my office to temporary insanity. I do have an order for you. You’re going on a ship, but it’s not a starship; it’s an old sailing ship. You’re going on a noble old fashion week long luxury Caribbean cruise paid for by the directorate; the timing is good enough.”
Again the admiral left his officers shocked so he explained unprejudiced a limited bit more. “We expect you to relax and have a great time. Don’t skimp, no one will be checking expenses. Oh yes, and don’t be surprised if you watch a number of mature friends on the ship.”
Paul and Valerie left the Solarian Defense Directorate headquarters quite confused and fascinated.
Paul, Valerie and Valerie’s eight year old daughter Sarah boarded the Chicago to Miami shuttle to find Ray Mockus and Amy Zero comfortably seated. The meeting was not a surprise; the four had discussed their vacation plans a few days earlier.
After the three took their seats Sarah asked, “Are we going on the Island Zephyr? “
“That’s factual,” Valerie answered, “it’s the newest wing liner in the fleet. It can cruise through a hurricane and no one with spill a drink.”
Paul spoke to Ray and Amy, “This is something; a major vacation paid for by the directorate. I guess they like us.”
“I wonder who else they like.” Valerie said.
“I can compose some guesses,” Amy responded, “but we’ll know soon enough.
Valerie noticed two girls staring at her from across the isle and she addressed them, “Is there something I can do for you ladies? “
The girls blushed; then the redhead spoke up, “Are you Commander Valerie Olson from S.D.D. Raven? “
“Yes,” Valerie answered.
“My dad was Mr. Dan Naponiello. I just wanted to thank you for the wonderful tribute and the praise you’ve given him.”
“You’re Amy Naponiello,” Valerie asked amazed at the coincidence.
“Yes,” the girl said, “Mom, Roger and I tried to contact you a few times but you were always out on duty, and then we heard about what happened to your ship. After that we decided not to bother you. We impartial wanted to tell you how grateful we were that you gave my dad the honor that you did.”
“He deserved it,” Valerie said; then she looked in the girl’s eyes and said, “He loved you and Roger very much. He was a special man and because of him over two thousand children were given a chance to live; including my daughter Sarah.”
“Then Sarah is a sleeper,” the girl said.
“What am I? ” Sarah called from around her mother.
“Oh I’m sorry,” the girl said, “I thought you had heard that before.
“I had heard it,” Valerie said, “but it’s not a label I think Sarah should have to be stuck with.”
“Oh,” the girl said and turned away in awkward silence.
By midday the five vacationers were onboard the Island Zephyr ready to develop the most of the gift the directorate had given them. The sun was bright as the giant hovering liner glided out of port. Everyone was on deck to wave. The ritual continued unabated from the first wing ships centuries before.
Paul looked around and it didn’t take him long to set several members of Fearless’ crew. He nodded to each one and they returned his greeting. Valerie spotted several members of Raven’s crew and two others that she didn’t expect. There waving with drinks in hand were Matthew Bushman and Alan Erskine. Valerie had worked with the two Space Intelligence Service agents when they hunted for the stolen alien ship Workforce. She wondered how they fit into the mystery. Valerie was now more intrigued than ever.
It was clear by dinner that every surviving officer from Fearless and Raven were onboard. In addition Valerie was happy to see Raven’s stout compliment of space marines. In her mind they were as deserving as anyone.
Each one found an invitation waiting for them in their cabins. Valerie found two waiting in her cabin. One invited Sarah to an all-you-can-eat ice cream blast in the Kids Only Lounge and the other was for Valerie. It invited her to a Champaign send off party being held in the Up Front Lounge. She noticed that it was hosted by Matthew Bushman and Alan Erskine.
Sarah rushed happily out to her party and the four adults made their draw to the Up Front Lounged. As they walked the ladies quietly explained how they knew Matthew Bushman and Alan Erskine.
They entered the lounge and started into the flow of handshakes and hugs as the crews came together for the first time since the last memorial. The room was swept with emotion; Matt and Alan had a few drinks and let the officers get it all out In the swirl of emotional greetings no one noticed the small dim area in a far corner of the lounge.
When the room began to settle down the people saw a slight flash and a sparkling that quickly disappeared. The event silenced the room and Alan stood to speak, “Ladies and gentleman it is indeed an honor for me to address such a fine group. As I’m sure you have suspected; you are here for more than a party. The flash you saw has set aside a crypto lock on this entire lounge. I’m sorry but there will be no waiters in the lounge tonight. If you want more than the bottle on your table; you’ll have to go to the bar and get it yourself. I also want you to know that the parties set up for your families during this time and being hosted by SPINTEL agents and they are being well cared for.
OK, let’s get started. Something surprising happened about a year ago something that had prompted S.D.D. and its allies into action. The Agunta had their first encounter with the Takelvee. The Agunta Stellar Service reported encountering two Takelvee warships in their third stellar sector. As you know the Agunta third stellar sector borders human spot. There is no open space within a hundred light years of the encounter point. The Takelvee appeared in, what the Agunta call, the Velast system close to an Agunta outpost. Knowing they weren’t in human space; they promptly dropped on the outpost without mercy. Their victory was short lived. The Agunta Stellar Service responded within a solar day and destroyed the invaders; but we had a mystery and a serious problem. How did the Takelvee get into that sector of space without S.D.D. or the Agunta detecting them? “
Paul looked around hoping the crypto lock was secure and he called out, “There is only one way; they’re using Vaxtal technology.”
“That’s moral Captain Killinger,” Alan said. “The Vaxtal themselves confirmed it. They examined the wreckage of the ships and definite that they were Vaxtal ships updated with Takelvee weapons systems. It was very fortunate that the Agunta got the jump on them and destroyed them before they could fire up their dimensional jump engines. As you can imagine this could be very bad for all of us.
There is a bit of good news in this sage. The fact that the Vaxtal identified the ships as their ships means that the Takelvee may not have discovered the secret of Vaxtal dimensional travel; they just could be salvaging and refitting Vaxtal ships. However, it will only be a matter of time before they discover the hidden Vaxtal laboratories or they reverse engineer the technology from the available ships.
We have acquired some information that we are convinced is accurate. It took the lives of three of our best agents to bring us this knowledge. The Takelvee warlord in charge of the Vaxtal home world is in no hurry to share this new plunder with his fellow warlords. He is keeping the remaining four space-worthy Vaxtal ships in a space dock in the Vaxtal solar system. He wants his ships fitted with the technology before given it to the Hegemony; this is a real break for us. If we can destroy those four ships and kill the hidden laboratory; the Vaxtal secret of dimensional travel will stay with the Vaxtal.”
Ray asked, “If we’re getting that close to laboratory couldn’t we take the technology; it would give us a great edge over the Takelvee.”
“That won’t be allowed,” the odd sounding dispute said. Out of the dark corner appeared two unannounced guests. The one who spoke was Vaxtal ship’s commander Erist; his alien face on his long swiveling neck brought a smile to the assembled humans. He was the commander of the Vaxtal ship that saved them all from certain death in the Black Examine. The room erupted in applause as he approached.
Ray was a bit embarrassed and he said, “Forgive me Commander, I should have known better.”
“The alien responded, “There’s nothing to forgive Lieutenant, it was a logical question but I’m afraid that the Vaxtal technology is something that must remain with us for the salubrious of all; I hope you understand.”
“Of course Commander,” Ray responded.
Alan took over, “Humanity has assured our friends the Vaxtal that we will not attempt to leer over reverse engineer their technology based on any information that they give us. Of course it would be naïve to think that we aren’t working on it now that we know it’s possible but we will respect the Vaxtal’s wishes.”
“And so will the Agunta,” a strong voice announced. The seven foot immense angelic Agunta ship’s captain stepped forward. Captain Wat’s wings of gold hung majestically on his back. “Emperor Tylic has given his word that the Agunta will respect the Vaxtal’s right to their discoveries. These Takelvee have killed Agunta; you have warned us about them and now we know their brutality for ourselves. I’m here to roar that the Agunta will work with our friends to stop the Takelvee from possessing this knowledge.”
Alan once again took over, “That’s enough for now. There will be other little parties such as this one and when we finish this little vacation you will all know what we need from you. I’m going to break the crypto lock so let the party begin. The adult members of your families will be brought here soon; I know I don’t have to tell you to keep this all to yourselves. You’ll get another invitation soon.”
Paul and Valerie left the party early; they wanted to rep Sarah before it got too tedious. They stood outside the Kids Only Lounge watching Sarah play happily with the other children. Valerie told Paul, “I was hoping she would be a exiguous older before she had to deal with the term sleeper.”
“The girl didn’t seem to mean it was a degrading term,” Paul said.
“No she didn’t, but Sarah shouldn’t be singled out. She was born as naturally as any other child and she shouldn’t have to explain how she came to be.”
Paul did not pursue the subject but he knew the children were being singled out. Valerie saw the reports; they were sent to every parent of a sleeper child with a suggestion that the child have regular checkups including DNA samples.
A few curious parents of sleeper children had their DNA tested to see if they might win a match in the any of the medical databases. They were hoping to find distant relatives for their children to connect with. The tests result reported some usual markings. All of the children tested had what could only be called a mutation in their DNA.
The mutation was present in Sarah’s DNA but it had never manifested into symptoms of any kind and Valerie said that was the end of it.
Even now Paul could gaze a touch of fear behind Valerie’s eye as she watched her daughter play. He would say no more about it.
Valerie place Sarah to bed and she and Paul joined Amy and Ray for a drink on deck. They took their drinks to the highest and darkest part of the ship. They gazed up at the stars finding stars they had visited and told stories of their experiences. Paul said, “It amazes me that for the vast majority of human history this is the closest people got to the stars. They looked up in wonder imagining all sorts of things. Now we sight up remembering familiar places we’ve been.”
Just then a large meteorite flared across the sky. Amy said, “That’s a big one; it may actually make it to the water.”
Ray said, “If it was a threat the defense grid would have dealt with it, but it does put on a good demonstrate.”
The meteorite did make it to the water. It submerged and then set its course for the cruise ship.
The next day they were in port at Nassau. Festive island music was playing as they left the ship to explore the island. Alan and Matt approached the five vacationers once they left the ship. Alan spoke up, “Profitable day to you ladies and gentlemen, would you mind a wee bit of company while you explore? “
Valerie smiled at the big Scotsman and answered, “Not at all Alan, it’s qualified to see both of you again. Matt how’s your father? “
Matt answered as he looked around, “Dad is fine. He’s still commanding S.D.D. Righteous with an iron fist.”
Paul commented, “If you don’t mind me saying Matt; you discover a bit preoccupied.”
Matt gave him a cryptic retort, “My astronomy club reported that a meteor got through the defense grid last night.”
“Yeah,” Valerie said, “we saw it. It looked like to would execute it to the water.”
“It did,” Matt said, “and it shouldn’t have. It was let through because the system computed that it wasn’t massive enough to survive the fall.”
“That’s not the kind of error you would expect the defense grid to execute,” Paul said.
“You’re right Paul, and the fact that it landed unbiased a few hundred miles from here makes me nervous. It could be nothing but I don’t like unusual occurrences at this time. I actually voted against this idea. Gathering all interested parties in one public place, in my plan, would send up a red flag to any curious outsiders that happened to be around.”
Alan added, “And we know one appealing outsider who is very good at spotting red flags.”
“Don’t get too worried about it,” Matt said trying to relax the mood, “we have people here and they’ve all been alerted. We’ll talk about it more at the next party.”
“Mom;” Sarah pointed, “study at the hat on the donkey.” The group strolled over to take pictures by the classic Bahamian carriage.
“How about we head over to Paradise Island,” Paul suggested. “That is one fancy hotel.”
“You mean the hotel has one care for casino,” Valerie said with a smile.
“Yeah, that to,” Paul answered.
“You guys go ahead and do some gambling,” Amy suggested. “I think we’d like to do a little shopping.”
Paul looked at Valerie and said, “I’ll cease with you.”
“Come on Paul,” Valerie complained, “when did you originate thinking that I couldn’t retract care of myself? “
“Paul, you have nothing to disaster about it,” Ray said. “Amy is with her. I can tell you from our experience in the Solarian/Epsilon transfer station that she is a one woman wrecking crew. I’d worry more about the bad guys.”
They laughed, agreed to meet back at the ship for lunch and went their separate ways. The women strolled toward the shops and Sarah said, “Mom I found out that there are three other sleepers on the ship. They all have parents from Fearless or Raven.”
Valerie stopped and looked at her daughter, “Sarah does it bother you to have to deal with that label? It’s not fair that people come up with names like that.”
“It doesn’t bother me Mom,” Sarah said. “To us, it’s like being called Irish or Martian. I’ve heard it several times on the ship and no one has ever said it in a mean way. It’s just a short hand contrivance to describe where we came from. Mom, is there a reason that the name bothers you so much? “
“Mother’s instinct dear,” Valerie responded. “It comes with the territory. If I think you’re being singled out, mistreated or victimized, I glean furious. “
That was only part of the reason the name bothered Valerie. Valerie had information that no one else did. She was the only one to read the medical logs on the alien ship Workforce. She saw them during her time on the ship. That was before it was stolen be the fanatics. They manage to wipe out all of the information collected on the ship before they took it out of the Tau Ceti space dock. Her report on the rescue mission that put her on the alien ship was filed under the code name Valerie’s Children. It was very detailed but it didn’t possess any information about the medical experiments.
She knew the Zeta Grays did genetic experiments on the parents of the children and she also knew that the plague organism was in the air when the babies were sealed in the cryogenic chambers. She had no idea of either of these facts could explain the mutation in the DNA, but she also didn’t know that they didn’t.
“Well don’t worry Mom,” Sarah said, “it’s no big deal.”
A strange shadow kept a small allotment of a nearby alley in darkness. People passed by and through the alley, but none seemed to notice the darkness. From his portable hiding set one of the Takelvee’s best agents watch the women inch down the street.
Klisaz was sent to discover the Bi-Limb’s plans to counter the Takelvee’s latest advancement. He knew Bi-Limb logic. They do not spread knowledge readily. The ones that know Vaxtal capability would be organized to counter it. It was nice of the B-Limbs to put them all in one convenient place. The child would be his target; Bi-Limbs are so defensive of their children; this was something Takelvee couldn’t understand. If the Takelvee lose an offspring; they just make another one; it’s all the same genetics.
The men made it to the casino and they proceeded to donate a modest portion of their mad money to the establishment. Paul looked over at Ray’s machine and said, “Ray, your luck is definitely better in space than on Earth.”
“Yeah,” Ray said, “remind to only gamble at orbital casinos.”
A small device beeped in Alan’s pocket and he pulled it out. After looking at it he announced, “Sorry gentlemen but Matt and I have to go to work.”
“Paul’s humor disappeared, “Is something going on? “
“SPINTEL sensors have detected light absorption energy being used in town; that’s fragment of a Takelvee agent’s bag of tricks. Matt and I will find and greet our visitor properly.”
“I’m going to find Valerie,” Paul announced, and Ray was right behind him.
The four rushed support to the shops in the tourist area. The SPINTEL agents tracked the energy to an alley by the docks. Alan and Matt carefully approached the darkness. They drew weapons and Alan ancient a device to swear the darkness. Two six foot long reptilian creatures appeared and were on them in a flash. They slashed at the agents with razor claws and shark teeth. Alan’s left arm was torn up as he held the beast off. His right arm shoved his pulse laser weapon into the beast’s chest and he pulled the trigger. The shot burned through the creature’s heart and it slumped on its intended victim.
Matt had an easier time. He was able to dodge the slither and shot the beast as it went by. He kicked the creature off his partner and helped Alan to his feet. He checked his arm and said, “You’re going to need a medical seal on that.”
“Hell I’ve done worse falling off a stool in a bar,” Alan scoffed, “but the bloody thing ruined my recent island shirt.”
“This agent is clever,” Matt said; “that gives me a good idea who we’re dealing with.”
Alan finished his partner’s opinion, “Klisaz.”
Paul and Ray moved quickly from shop to shop. As they ran into crew members they ordered them back to the ship. They ran into Lieutenant Pat Wrobel and Sergeant Nick Blazina; both had been promoted since Paul saw them last. After a fleet congratulations Paul told the marines the situation. The marines served many years with Valerie on S.D.D. Raven and demanded to be in on the hunt. Paul related to the marines information about spotting the cloak of darkness. “Be careful,” Paul warned, “this is a highly trained a well armed Takelvee agent. Alan said only their best agents use this technology.”
The ladies had stopped for a fruit juice at a corner stand. The darkness appeared in the alley honest behind them. They chatted and laughed. Now that they had seen what was being offered; they were laying out their buying strategy. Suddenly Sarah crinkled her nose. “That is a horrible smell.”
“What smell dear,” Valerie said, “I don’t smell anything.”
“You don’t,” Sarah said in surprise, “it’s awful and it’s coming from the alley.”
“The women looked in the alley and Valerie said, “There’s nothing there.”
Something’s there somewhere, and it stinks to high heaven,” Sarah responded.
They women looked closer and they could just about behold the darkness in the alley. They quickly paid for the drinks and got up. They had no concept what was making them feel nervous, but whatever it was they didn’t like it. Then they felt the force. It was like they were covered in an invisible win and they were being pulled into the alley.
Paul and Ray saw the woman fighting the unseen force from across the street and rushed to them. It’s a gravimetric energy Valerie called; it has be to a weapon.”
“Grab Sarah,” Paul yelled. Valerie grabbed Sarah and Paul dove at Valerie but he was hit with an energy weapon that knocked him back across the street; he was out cold. Ray hit Amy with a tackle that knocked her out of the beams range but Valerie and Sarah was dragged into the darkness.”
“Valerie!” Amy screamed.
Sarah screamed as they disappeared into the darkness. Paul and Ray rushed to the spot in time to perceive an odd egg shaped vehicle bustle away. Klisaz and its captives were gone.
Amy demanded, “What kind of creature has done this?
“It’s a Takelvee agent,” Paul said. “Matt and Alan are tracking him; they won’t let him leave this island.”
“I guess it was tracking Valerie; that bastard, we have to come by it.” Amy said. “Why did that loathsome creature take Sarah; she doesn’t know anything.”
Ray hated to say it but he had to, “It knew Valerie wouldn’t talk to save her hold life but it believes she’ll talk rather than see her daughter being tortured.”
Paul was helped to his feet, they contacted Matt and Alan and the hunt was on.
Valerie and Sarah were out frosty while they were transported to Klisaz’s hiding place. It pulled them out of his transport and they began to awaken. Sarah screamed at the sight of the seven foot spacious four armed Takelvee. It was a very broad creature with two short arms at the mid point in its rib cage, and two longer arms at the shoulders. The arms ended in hands with four long thin fingers. Its flesh was smooth and greenish blue. It had copper colored hair on its head, shoulders and arms.
Valerie launched herself and the alien. It fended off the attack, aimed a weapon at Sarah’s head and said, “Calm down Commander or this young one will die quite painfully.”
Matt and Alan zoomed up to Paul on hover-cycles. Paul couldn’t stand still; he was exploding with infuriate and frustration. “Erskine I thought you guys and this place secure. What the hell good are you if the enemy can just swagger in and take people off our streets? Where did they go? “
“Calm down Captain,” Matt said, “we’re tracking the agent. He’s the best they have but we’ve got a line on him. We can sit here justifying ourselves to you or we can go after him; it’s your choice.”
“Give me the tracking data and get going,” Paul said quickly.
Matt handed him a disk and the agents disappeared in a blur.
“I saw a cycle rental place down the street,” Paul told Ray and Amy.
Ray reminded Paul, “We don’t have any weapons.”
“Neither does Valerie,” Paul answered and moved down the street.
Sarah had fallen in the scuffle and her nose was bleeding. The alien stood between Valerie and her daughter and it was driving Valerie crazy. Valerie knew she had to keep her head if they were to have any chance at all. Klisaz pointed the weapon at Valerie and pulled Sarah to it. It wiped the blood from Sarah’s face and tasted it. It looked at Valerie and said, “Did you know that Takelvee find human blood quite tasty. We actually considered using humans as feed animals; and we may do that one day.
Valerie stared at the beast and said, “Every time you four armed freaks cross the line your ships are smashed by the directorate so I don’t see that day coming any time soon.”
Klisaz stared at the screens inside his limited vehicle and said, “I’m afraid we have to move again; your friends are too close. The agent shot out a green blast that knocked his captives out again.
“It’s attractive again,” Alan announced. “The Hegemony must have given him some new toys; it’s tracking us while we’re tracking it. If we can retain it moving; that will delay the interrogation until we can surround it”
It took several hours for Klisaz to elude its pursuers, but now it found a safe site in the forest. It once again pulled its captives out of the vehicle and woke them up. It looked at Valerie and said, “I don’t have a lot of time Commander. I need information and I need it now. Tell me the directorate’s plan in regard to the Vaxtal capability.”
“What Vaxtal capability? ” Valerie said trying to buy time.
“Oh Commander,” Klisaz said in its metallic twang, “that’s not a very good answer. Now the child will have to pay for it.”
“Mommy!” Sarah cried.
“NO!” Valerie screamed.
“Then give me an answer that I like. You have ten of your seconds.”
Valerie’s mind was racing. She tried to come up with a convincing bluff. “OK, OK don’t hurt her. The directorate is developing a sensor that can detect the opening of a Vaxtal dimensional portal. They plan to put them in every system.”
“Really,” Klisaz said, “I would assume Sol would be the first system to have such a detector.”
“That’s right,” Valerie said wishing help would get there.”
“You know I can almost maintain that, and it may be legal, but that’s not what I’m looking for. You don’t build sensor detectors Commander; what is your part in the plan? “
“I don’t have a part,” Valerie answered.
“I see; then the directorate just sent the command staff of the two crews that know the most about Vaxtal technology on a little vacation just for fun.”
“It was more of a publicity thing,” Valerie said gleaming it sounded lame. “The directorate wanted to explain how it took care of its people after a disaster.”
“They waited until a solar year and a half after the disaster? Come on Commander now you insult my intelligence. The child’s hurt is on your head. Tell her to hold out her hand.”
“No, please shoot me,” Valerie begged.
“Tell her or the bolt goes through her knee instead. The hand will mend, the knee won’t.”
Valerie was crying and she looked at Sarah. “Sarah honey; hold out your hand.”
“No, Mommy I can’t,” Sarah stammered.
“Please baby, we’ll fix you up as good as new; I promise.”
Sarah’s stiff arm shakily rose away from her body, and Klisaz fired its weapon into the girl’s hand. Sarah screamed and fell to the ground.
Valerie’s eyes exploded with fire and she attacked her captor. This time she landed a solid side kick to her enemy’s hip that turned him away from her. Klisaz was about to fire on Sarah when Valerie landed another side kick to the middle of its serve. She knew the Takelvee had a nerve buddle in their back that coordinated the movement of their four arms. The kick paralyzed Klisaz’s arms for a second and Valerie yell, “SARAH RUN!!”
Sarah got up and ran for the trees while Valerie stayed to keep her enemy from pursuing her.
Klisaz got to his feet. It didn’t bother to pick up its weapon; it just came at Valerie. Valerie braced herself for a vicious attack, but her enemy came up short. It stumbled as if it was dizzy. It looked at Valerie and said, “So that’s your secret. You breed plague children to send against us. I feel it consuming me but I’ll kill you before I die and I’ll alert the Hegemony. We will consume your worlds in fire to cleanse them of the filth you are breeding.”
Valerie’s enemy rose again and came at her. She blocked one strike but she was caught on the side of the head with its second swing. Valerie went down and Klisaz kicked her again and again. The Takelvee roared, “You will know pain before you die.” It reared abet for another worthy kick when the flash struck him. It turned to scrutinize Sarah holding its weapon. Sarah fired again and the alien went down.
Valerie stumbled to Sarah and threw her arms around her, “Sarah my baby my baby. I’m so sorry.”
Sarah just cried, “Mommy, mommy I want to go home.”
The SPINTEL sensors picked up the flash of the alien weapon. Alan and Matt raced to the scene. Valerie and Sarah were transported to the hospital with Paul, Ray, and Amy at their sides
The officers on the cruise ship tried to keep up the vacation spirit for the sake of their families, but all they really wanted to do was get on with the business. The account was circulated that Valerie and Sarah were attacked by thieves. Sarah seemed quite willing and able to hold the secret. There was an alteration in the vacation. There would be no more ports of call. They would spend the remaining time at sea with various types of submersibles surrounding them.
Now they knew sleepers were different. The mutation in their DNA exploded into a quick death inside a Takelvee body. That secret must be closely kept or the sleeper children would be marked for death by the Hegemony.
Valerie and Sarah remained in the ship’s sick bay for a day. Their wounds were healed and they were given time to rest. When they returned to their cabin Paul was waiting. Paul said, “I reflect we should talk about all of this.”
“All of what? Valerie asked.
“What you had to do, what Sarah had to do, and what was discovered,” Paul answered.
“I think it’s better if Sarah didn’t have to relive it,” Valerie said.
“I judge it’s better if she talks about it Valerie,” Paul insisted, “She must be holding a lot in.”
“Since when did you become a psychologist,” Valerie snapped. “She’s my daughter and I’ll say what’s best for her.”
“Valerie, I’m only trying to attend,” Paul said a bit defensively.
“Sarah had a father,” Valerie lashed out, “she doesn’t need another one.”
The words cut deep into Paul, “The hurt showed on his face and he just said, “Maybe I better go.”
“Wait, Paul I’m. . .” It was too late; Paul was walking away and she didn’t know how to call him back.
The group gathered once again in their private party. Alan stood and began as soon as the room was sealed. “We had a halt call,” he said looking at Valerie and noticing that she wasn’t sitting with Paul. “We underestimated our enemy and it almost cost us a fine officer and her gorgeous child; that won’t happen again. As the lead of the SPINTEL effort I offer my sincerest apology to all that suffered because of our errors. Now we must move on.
Some of you already know the main mission. You are to gain a single crew and return to duty. Everyone, including your families and most of the directorate will beget that you will be aboard a refurbished S.D.D. Fearless. The fact is you will be aboard a unusual ship; a brand new ship It will be one of two notice new ships made especially for this mission. Zorshin Fearless will be a hybrid much like the Takelvee ships the Agunta encountered, but there will be differences. Zorshin Valiant will have Vaxtal trans-dimensional capability and hyperspace capability, and it will have the best directorate weaponry, but it will also have the latest dragon class sensors.
Vertain Cortow will be a Vaxtal/Agunta hybrid and it will have the Agunta’s latest normal space sensor suite. Another difference between the Takelvee ships and our ships; our Vaxtal drives will be handled by Vaxtal crew members. The jumps will be more precise and the transitions in and out of normal space will be quicker. In addition the Vaxtal will handle navigation; since they know where they’re going.
The ship construction plans were actually made soon after treaties were signed between the three parties; the appearance of the Takelvee just accelerated the construction and gave it a purpose.
We will have a full complement of space marines and the will have an important and dangerous task. Matt and I will be with the marines. We have the information that will guide them to their target and we possess a few new devices to make their job a wee bit easier.
As you know the main task is to deny the Takelvee access to the Vaxtal technology. From the incident of two days past; we can assume the enemy will be waiting for something to happen. We will give them something, but we are going to have to move quicker than we idea. If the Takelvee move the four Vaxtal ships into the heart of the Hegemony all hope of their destruction will be lost. We’re hoping they will assume that we are coming to possess the secret; that will give us an edge. They will have to deploy differently to prevent possession than to prevent destruction.
That’s the main task; it’s up to you to prepare the tactics to make this work. During the final three days of this little vacation you will spend time in the lower decks of this pleasing liner; there we have a Zorshin Courageous simulator set up. You will get a feel for the weapon you are about to command.
The marines will be given briefing on new weapons and armor. I have to tell you guys that this stuff is something. The weapons and armor was do together in a joint effort of all three militaries. Also marines; you will be joined by three Agunta officers commanding twenty of their Beclaw robot warriors. This will be a ground force like no other. After a few days of training we’ll return to Florida Then the detailed planning will be done. We expect to meet with the rest of our crews ten days hence and begin boarding S.D.D. Fearless.”
Paul waved his hand, “Excuse me Alan, I was told S.D.D. Daring was dropped into Jupiter.”
“It was,” Alan said, “S.D.D. Venger was in position dock for a refit. Hand picked dock workers have temporarily sent it out for system checks. The ship will dock at a SPINTEL dock and there it will be transformed to S.D.D. Fearless. It will return and pick you up. It will later return as S.D.D. Venger and no one will be the wiser.”
The fake Fearless will rendezvous with Zorshin Fearless in deep space and your mission will begin.”
“Excuse me Alan,” Ray asked, “why Zorshin Fearless; what does Zorshin mean? “
“Zorshin is the Vaxtal word for enduring or always. The first word on each ship is a Vaxtal word. Vertain means strong or mighty and Cortow is the Agunta word for a great bird of prey on Aguntaterra.
The meeting broke up and Ray walked out with Paul. He had to ask, “I guess that whole deal was quite a trauma for Sarah and Valerie.”
“Yeah it was,” Paul responded.
“Paul, tell me if I’m out of line, but it looks like it did quite a bit of damage to your relationship also.”
Paul answered, “I’m just giving Valerie some space. She has to work this whole thing out with Sarah. The poor kid must be quite upset inside. I’ve seen her; she’s putting on a good front. She still plays with the other kids, but there’s darkness behind her eyes.”
“What does Valerie say about it? “
“It’s not my station to ask,” Paul said in a masked complaint of his absorb position.
“I’m not sure about that,” Ray responded, “you’ve been the closest thing Sarah has had to a father in quite a while.”
“Well being a close thing and being the real thing seem to be to very different things. It was made clear to me that I don’t have a need to know.”
“Paul, you said yourself that Valerie is upset. I’m determined whatever she said; she didn’t really mean.”
“That’s probably honest Ray but it can also be true that I’ve been pushing too hard and that what she said was what she’s been thinking and it took a trauma to make her blurt it out.”
“Talk to her Paul,” Ray said. “If she wants you to pull back a little; have her tell you. Don’t throw away something that suitable on an assumption.”
“I will be talking to her; she is going to be my first officer. I know this has to be resolved before we return but I can’t right now. I know this is pure ego on my part, but I have to deal with what she told me before I can talk to her again. I’ll see you later; I have to meet with my Agunta and Vaxtal counterparts.”
As Ray watched Paul walk away Amy came up and put her arms around him. Ray said as stared off in Paul’s direction, “Whatever Valerie said; it hit Paul lovely hard.”
“She was upset Ray,” Amy said defending her friend. “Her eight year old daughter had to kill a monster that was beating her mother to death. That’s not to mention the other complication. She was angry and looking for a target; Paul was just there.”
“What did she say that did so much damage? ” Ray asked.
“She told him that Sarah had a father and that she didn’t need another one.”
“Oh boy,” Ray said, “Paul had gotten quite attached to Sarah since we’ve been Earthside. That would definitely injure.”
“I know Ray, but she didn’t mean it. Paul’s genuine affection and caring for Sarah was one of the things that really made Valerie fall in love with him. She’s tried to come him, but he keeps turning away.”
“He can’t turn away much longer,” Ray said. “They have instruct orders. They have a brand new warship to command and they must work together.”
“Then,” Amy said with resolve, “we have a duty not only as friends but as directorate officers to see that this relate doesn’t interfere with our mission.”
Ray and Amy had lunch on deck alone. They knew their close friends would like to be with them, but to be with them; they’d have to be with each other. “This is ridiculous,” Amy complained. “Paul’s on one side of the ship and Valerie is on the other and we’re in the middle. It is a perfect geographical representation of this state and I’m damn tired of it.”
“I know,” Ray said, “but we’ve tried to talk to them and it just didn’t work. What else can we do? “
Amy sipped her drink and grumbled and then a thought came to her. “Ray, weren’t we told that Captain Wat served as first officer under Captain Mixor-Po on Bedsa before he got his own ship.”
“Yeah, to him it was just a diminutive earlier in his career; to us it was over five hundred years ago. How does that help? ” Ray asked.
Amy showed the cleverness that allowed her to outwit the aliens in the Solarian/Epsilon transfer position, “Ray the Agunta are very passionate and have that a true mate is the most precious gift that anyone could receive. Valerie told me many times that Ship’s Captain Mixor-Po was the catalyst that started her and Paul really talking. If an Agunta did it once; maybe an Agunta can do it again.”
Word was sent that Captain Wat requested a meeting with Zorshin Fearless’ captain and first officer. Paul and Valerie met in the hall and walked silently toward the honored guest’s suite. Paul asked in a business-like tone, “What do you think the Captain wants to discuss? “
“He will command Vertain Cortow,” Valerie answered, “he probably wants to get a feel for our command style.”
The officers entered the suite and found it decorated with Agunta furniture and fixtures. The seating was large octagon type chairs; there wasn’t anything like a human couch in the suite. A chair for a seven foot tall Agunta was big enough for a human to curl up comfortably in.
“Captain Wat greeted them with a human handshake then motioned them to sit down. Captain Wat remained standing and his wings moved on his back. The last time the humans saw that motion it was when Ship’s Captain Mixor-Po showed his concern over Paul’s decision to meet the Vaxtal unarmed. The humans knew something had their ally concerned.”
Captain Wat started, “You have suffered a big loss in the Black Eye. I suffered with you. Ship’s Captain Mixor-Po was one of my closest friends. He was my mentor and my confidant. I go to the cliffs whenever I’m home to sail in the updrafts; it’s the only thing that heals the pain.”
“I’m sorry for you loss,” Paul said. “Ship’s Captain Mixor-Po was a fine commander and wonderful person to know.”
“Thank you Captain,” Wat said. “Izer Mixor-Po was a lover of life and a lover of love. Next to his own admire for his mate Karva and the cherish for his ship and his crew; Izer loved to see others find adore. He had an uncanny insight in the matters of love and it was the secret that made him a great Ship’s Captain and an Agunta loved by all.”
Valerie smiled remembering Izer Mixor-Po on the shuttle on the blueprint to their first meeting with the Vaxtal. “He did love to bring people together.”
“Not just people,” Wat corrected. “He didn’t just bring people together; he brought together people that ought to be together. As I said, he had an insight in those things.”
Paul looked at Valerie and she looked support.
Captain Wat smiled and said, “Captain Mixor-Po was never wrong; and he wasn’t wrong with you. I’m looking forward to being supported by a ship commanded by two who can work as one.”
The Agunta ship captain turned the discussion to the plans to be made. Inside he congratulated himself on a job well done.”
Paul and Valerie exited Captain Wat’s suite and looked at each other. Valerie reached out her hands and Paul took them. Valerie said, “Paul I’m sorry; that was a bad thing to say to you. I was angry. I was angry and the directorate for coming up with this stupid vacation idea, I was wrathful at SPINTEL for failing to protect us, but mostly I was angry at myself.
I put my little girl in harms way. My God Paul my little girl was shot and handled by a Takelvee agent. But worst is that because of me; my little girl had to kill.
It’s killing me Paul; I can’t look at Sarah without seeing her little hand burnt murky and her eyes set to waste. What have I done to my baby? “
Paul place her arms around Valerie as she cried. “You didn’t do it; the Takelvee agent did it. You protect your daughter against a much enemy. You couldn’t help being where you were and you couldn’t help what happened. You did what you had to do. You helped your daughter survive then and you’ll help her heal now. You’re a colossal mom; don’t sell yourself short.”
Valerie looked up at him and said, “And you’re a great dad. Sarah loves you and I know in my heart that Scott would be happy to know that you are in her life. She’s misses you. Paul I was so wrong.”
“You were upset,” Paul said. “I was detestable to not see your hurt and understand. I care for you and Sarah. I understanding more of myself than of the pain you and Sarah were feeling. I was also wrong.”
They kissed and Valerie said, “Let’s spend some time with Sarah before we have to go below again.”
Paul smiled and agreed.
The officers were amazed at what the Zorshin Fearless simulator was teaching them. They needed to invent all fresh battle tactics to accommodate their new ship’s capabilities. This was the first time three allies trusted each other so completely. They all contributed their latest technologies. It was necessary; they could all feel the weight of the Hegemony bearing down on them.
As the officers put the simulators through their paces Paul had a thought; he called to Valerie. “What do you assume would happen if we engaged the hyperdrive while we’re in a dimensional shift? “
“I can’t imagine it would be anything agreeable,” Valerie said. “When we’re in another dimension we can’t be sure hyperspace works or even exists.”
“Physics has to work in every dimension,” Paul countered, “or the dimension couldn’t exist.”
“Without having a positive knowledge of the dimensional drive I couldn’t begin to answer that.”
Paul announced, “What the hell; let’s see what the simulator thinks will happen. He ordered the simulator to inaugurate a dimensional portal. As the portal opened he announced to the other officers what he was about to do.
Amy called from sensor opts, “It’s your ship; go for it. Now if this were the real ship and you about to send my adorable self to who knows where; I’d likely have a different opinion.”
The Vaxtal navigation officer wasn’t frail to this cavalier approach to training. “Captain, wouldn’t be better to stay within the prescribed limits. Mixing such vastly different types of propulsion could have serious results.”
Paul responded, “If your brilliant scientists stayed within their prescribed limits; they never would have discovered this amazing technology. Position navigation to plot a course in hyperspace that starts exactly two seconds after we complete our dimensional shift.”
“Yes sir,” the Vaxtal said with some hesitation.
Paul looked around and said, “OK, let’s do this.”
The simulator fired up the hyperdrive just as the ship would be coming out of the dimension shift. The energy readings surged off the scale at all of the stations. The forward screen flashed white and then returned to a picture of space, but the stars were different.”
Paul called to his navigation officer, “Caton, where are we? “
“From what I can determine Captain we are in another dimension; another version of the universe. The system has reset and it is now calling this our launch point. Captain, we can only do dimensional shifts that bring us succor to this dimension. If you’ll forgive me Captain, but I think the experiments our scientists did were a bit more controlled.”
Everyone laughed and Paul said, “You’re definitely right about that. I’ll try to restrain myself in the future.”
The marines tried on the new armor. Bob Gables was a recent recruit; he joined the squad right out of basic training. He looked at the gear and said, “Why do we need all of this alien crap; the angels and the swivel heads aren’t bringing that much to the table. I think Lieutenant Mockus was right the first time; we should take their minute dimension trick and handle the Takelvee ourselves.”
Pat Wrobel calmly turned around, grabbed the recruit by his lapels and hoisted him up. “Listen child, the angels, as you call them, had my back in the Vaxtal system and the Vaxtal saved my life. If I ever hear you call them swivel heads again I’ll kick the crap out of you. You will keep that ignorant bull shit to yourself or this will be a long a painful tour for you. Do I make myself clear? “
“Yes sir.” Private Gables uttered.
The marine lieutenant heard no more complaints. What he did hear were exclamations as the marines tried on the armor. The armor formed to their bodies and it felt like it wasn’t there.”
“Goddamn kids,” Pat grumbled to Nick Blazina. “They fire a weapon a few times on the practice tracks and they’re ready to conquer the universe.”
Nick just smiled and asked, “Does he remind you of anyone you knew about ten years ago? “
“Yeah, I know,” Pat said, “I was the same way. My commanding officer set me straight; now I guess it’s my turn. This is some fine gear.”
“That it is,” Crop said, “and I bet we’re going to need it. I have a feeling we’re going to be taking on a whole lot of Takelvee. Have you ever seen the Beclaw in action? “
“No,” Pat answered, “but I hear those Agunta robots are pretty damn good, but their no match for a free thinking marine.”
“You’re damn right about that,” Nick responded.
Sarah jumped on Valerie’s bed early on their final morning at sea and said, “Mom; I feel I have to do something.”
“What’s that dear,” Valerie asked.
“I have to tell the other sleepers what makes them different.”
“Sarah you can’t,” Valerie said surprised by Sarah’s statement.
“I have to Mom,” Sarah insisted. “They have to know in case the secret gets out. Their parents have to know so that can protect them.”
“But honey telling more people will increase the chances of the secret getting out. We have to be very careful.”
“Being very careful helps us because we already know; it doesn’t wait on the others. Besides, there’s another reason. Sleepers will always wonder what the mutation will do to them. I know what the mutation is; I can take that fear from them and I have to take that fear from them. Paul could encourage couldn’t he? He could bring only those families someplace and we could tell them without any else knowing.”
“Yes he could,” Valerie said hugging her daughter. “I wish I could say that you got you intelligence and compassion from me.”
“I did Mom,” Sarah said, “I got it through example instead of genetics.”
Paul called the families together and they were told. They all praised Sarah’s courage and thanked her for being willing to portion her painful story. Sarah looked at Valerie and smiled, “Mom, I feel so distinguished better now.”
Valerie hugged her little girl with tears in her eyes. Sarah turned and reached out a hand to Paul and Paul joined them. Paul looked at them and said, “I was going to wait until dinner tonight, but I can’t think of a better time to ask of you. I fancy both of you more than life. Would you allow me to officially join you; Valerie; will you be my wife, and Sarah would you be my daughter? ” Paul produced a diamond for Valerie and a splendid gold necklace for Sarah.”
Valerie and Sarah looked at each other. They made Paul own his breath one more second that they both smiled and said yes. Sarah added, “If you ask me; it’s about time.”
They all laughed and went in search of Ray and Amy.
The vacation was over. The period of intense planning was far more difficult than they thought. Lining up the thought processes of three sentient life forms was a bit of a challenge. Finally the plan was formalized and crews were called to duty. The Agunta crew would travel to Novel Vaxtal and board Vertain Cortow there. The humans would board the disguised S.D.D. Venger and travel to a point one light year from Alpha Centauri. There they would rendezvous with Zorshin Fearless and Vertain Cortow and board their ship.
Security held and most of the directorate saw S.D.D. Fearless leave status dock on its way back to the Reliant battle group.
The pace to their new ship was uncomfortable to say the least. Most of the crew was kept in the shuttle bay to have them in dwelling for the transfer. The bridge crew went to the Venger’s bridge when they approached the rendezvous point. They watched the notion screen as two vertical strips of light appeared in situation. The sight of the dimensional rifts brought back strong memories. It was that sight that told them they had been saved from the grip of the Dark Eye.
The ships came through the rifts. They were hybrids from beginning to end. The hull shape was unique; none of the three races had another like it. The ships were deep blue. They had swept wings as if they were meant for the atmosphere. Under the wings there was a soft purple glow; that could only be the dimensional jump engines. The wings were slightly different on each ship. Brave had the smoothly curved pods that held the dragon class sensors, and Cortow had the cylinders that contained the normal position sensor drones. “There’s your ship Captain,” Valerie said, “I own it was worth the wait.”
“You can say that again,” Paul said smiling. “She is a beauty.” Then he asked, “Have you ever been to the ancient palace in Rhonda, Spain? “
“No,” Valerie answered.
“The palace sits next to a great gorge. Birds are always flying in the gorge; they are extremely fast and agile. That’s what our current Fearless reminds me of. It’s sleek and graceful like those birds.”
The crew boarded Intrepid. Ship’s Captain Wat came over from Cortow and was there waiting for them. “Welcome aboard Zorshin Fearless,” he said with a smile.
“Thank you,” Paul said shaking the big Agunta’s hand. “This is magnificent! I can’t wait to put her through her paces.”
“I won’t support you,” Wat said, “I unprejudiced wanted to be here when you arrived.”
“Thank you again, Paul said, “and I’m looking forward to our partnership on this task.”
Before Wat turned away; Valerie spoke up, “Captain, I just wanted to thank you for our little talk onboard the Island Zephyr. I’m not determined you know how much good it did.”
The big Agunta’s wings fluttered for a moment and then he said, “My dear friend Izer will smile in his resting place knowing treasure continues.”
Onboard Zorshin Fearless the crew eagerly took their positions. They had practiced with the simulators but that did nothing to diminish the excitement of getting their hands on the real thing.
“Very nice,” Amy announced, “we have the latest improvements in the dragon class sensors. I can track ships from much further away and detect matter in space that doesn’t conform to natural bodies; that would include things like an inactive portal.”
Paul asked his Vaxtal officer, “Caton, how does the dimension drive look.”
“It’s one hundred percent Captain, “I’ve just received a status report from engineering and we are ready to engage on your mark.”
Paul called to the rest of the bridge crew, “Everyone get status reports from your people and record when ready.”
One by one the crew reported one hundred percent plot. When all reports were received Paul turned to Lieutenant Darcy Davis at communication, “Darcy, signal Cortow that we’re standing by.”
Darcy responded, “Captain, Captain Wat says to move at your pleasure.”
Paul took a breath and went back to his navigation officer, “Caton, is the course set.”
“Yes sir,” Caton responded, “all systems show ready.”
“OK,” Paul said, “let’s do this. Caton, recall the dimensional drive.”
The purple engines under the wings of the ships flashed to life and the dimensional rift was created.
Pat Wrobel and Nick Blazina inspected their recent marine shuttles. They smiled with approval at the new design. The marine shuttles were now battle shuttles. They had forward and aft lasers and small wings each containing two Hound Dog missiles. The sensors were improved and they had their enjoy hyperdrive. The shuttles resembled tiny destroyers.
Alan Erskine entered the shuttle bay and asked, “Well gentlemen, do you like them.”
“You bet,” Pat answered. “We won’t have to run and hide if an enemy finds us. It’s good to know that we can fight our method out of a jam.”
“I wouldn’t go taken on any Takelvee cruisers,” Alan responded, “but I know what you mean.”
“What’s that pod under the hull,” Nick asked.
“That’s your knew normal space eyes,” Alan said, “you gentleman have something that even your captain doesn’t have. That is an Agunta sensor drone launcher. You can launch two drones that can be directed anywhere in a star system and they’ll return on your order. They give you a damn good picture of what’s going on.”
“They will be useful,” Nick said.
“You’ll need all of it to get at the Vaxtal lab. As you know it is hidden under a lake on a very hospitable moon that orbits Vaxtal Prime’s neighboring planet. That’s the good news. The bad news is that Takelvee seem to like the lake. They’ve made a itsy-bitsy resort out of it. I cringe at the thought of seeing a bunch of four armed blue people lounging by the water. There is always at least battalion of Takelvee there at one time, and unprejudiced because they are lounging; it doesn’t mean they aren’t armed to the teeth.”
“I’m sure there’s a security squad or two,” Pat Wrobel said, “but the rest will be there for fun and it’s not likely they will be in organized units.”
“I’m sorry to disappoint you Lieutenant but they do everything in units. The unit commander is always with them. He eats with them and even sleeps in the same bunk house; they’re immense on control, but I agree that most of them won’t be prepared to fight.”
“Unless they’re tipped off,” Slice said.
“Right you are Nick,” Alan said, “in which case we win them all on. That lab has to be blown and going in is the only way to do it. We go in even if we can’t get out.”
Pat and Nick looked at the shuttles. The names on the side were simple; Valorous One and Fearless Two. They seemed to come up with the idea at the same time as if they were in mental contact.
One the bridge the crew prepared for their entry into Takelvee space. The captain’s com link buzzed and Pat Wrobel’s voice came through, “Captain, this is Lieutenant Wrobel in shuttle bay one. Sergeant Blazina and I have a request.”
“Yes Lieutenant,” Paul said, “what it is? “
“Captain we would like to change the name of the shuttles.”
“Really,” the Paul responded, “do you have something more creative in mind? “
“Yes sir,” Pat answered. “We would like to replace the one and the two in the names with Merriel and Bort sir. We figured since the ship has a two word name that it would be OK for the shuttles to have two word names.”
“That would be a great tribute and I whole heartedly agree. I’ll have maintenance get on it immediately, and I will have the ship records exhibit those as the official names of the shuttles.”
Pat said, “If you don’t mind Captain, maintenance can accomplish the stencils, but Mike and I would like to paint the names on the shuttles.”
“Of course Lieutenant,” Paul answered.
Valerie called to Paul, “Captain, may I speak to Lieutenant Wrobel? “
“Absolutely Valerie, be my guest.”
Valerie got on the link, “Pat this is a wonderful thing you’re doing; you guys are the best.”
“No Commander,” Pat said, “They were the best and they will not be forgotten.”
The ships appeared in normal space three light years from Vaxtal Prime. Amy got right to work. She worked the sensor system like an artist. She made her first assessment, “Captain it looks like they have and entire Taket Macaw in the system. I guess the warlord wants to protect his prize.”
Paul noticed the puzzled contemplate on his Vaxtal officer’s face and he explain, “Caton, a Taket Macaw is equivalent to our battle group in number of ships and fire power,”
Caton surprised everyone by saying, “Then I guess a frontal assault is out of the question.” No one expect humor from the Vaxtal; they had always seemed so stoic.
Captain, “Darcy called, “Captain Wat would like to coordinate the next step.
Paul asked, “Is the dark frequency antenna in operation? “
“Yes sir,” Darcy answered, “I coordinated with Communication Chief Gafton on Cortow and we are solid and bag.”
“Excellent Darcy, put Captain Wat on the screen”, Paul said.
Captain Wat appeared. Paul could glimpse his crew busily flying from one position to the next in what seemed to humans to be a three dimensional dance. “Captain we are receiving your long range dragon sensor data and I have to say it is quite remarkable. It looks like the task will be a challenge.”
“Yes sir, it will be,” Paul responded, but fortunately the enemy’s disbursal is advantageous. They have their flagship and three destroyers near the space dock and Vaxtal Prime and their cruiser Curo and two destroyers at the target moon. The other cruiser and two destroyers are orbiting a grand asteroid which seems to be holding their attention.”
“Of course,” Captain Wat said, “our intelligence reports indicated that the Takelvee believed the mining asteroid was the place of the hidden laboratory. It has hundreds of tunnels. It must be taken them a while to convince themselves it’s not there.”
“Paul guessed, “The commander who claimed it was there will face a severe reprimand if his claim comes up empty. I’m sure he is looking carefully through every tunnel; maybe more to delay the inevitable than to find the laboratory.”
“In any case,” Captain Wat said, “it is suitable fortune for us to have one third of their group so far out of area. We should direct our diversion to draw the enemy further in that direction.”
“The beclaw in your ships were programmed to attack Vaxtal Prime; the pattern has already been spot,” Paul said knowing the Agunta captain knew that.
“Adjustments can be made,” Captain Wat said with a sly smile, “I suggest we target the group by the asteroid and have Kitner and Porlas send out shuttles as if they’re trying to recover something. Maybe the group will call for support and pull more ships in that direction. I will signal the ships to come out of hyperspace at the proper time.”
Paul idea, “The Agunta can loiter in hyperspace; man, what else can these guys do? “
The Agunta donated the two older destroyers to the cause. They were being controlled by beclaw robot warriors. It was determined the Agunta had a way of reprogramming them; even with the ships in hyperspace. Paul was learning just how capable the Agunta were.
Now that you have given us the big picture; allow me to fill in the details.” Wat turned in his teach chair and gave the order in Agunta. A moment later the cylinders under Cortow’s wings opened and the sensor drones flew out. A minute later they flashed into hyper space. They appeared in the Vaxtal system and disbursed. Amy’s auxiliary sensors station came to life. She smiled and said, “I love smart people.”
She was able to focus on the three target areas and get close in views. It didn’t take long for her to do her first discovery. “Captain, Curo has its entire command staff on the moon.”
“Captain Wat asked from the screen, “How do you know that Commander? “
Amy answered, “There are three Takelvee shuttles sitting on the ground discontinuance an Octagon shaped building. The Takelvee are big on enthralling angles. The more corners a building has the more important it is. An octagon shaped building would only house the higher ranking officers. Also, when the command staff is on the ground; their shuttles stay with them. If they weren’t there the shuttles would have returned to Curo after dropping off its passengers.”
Now it was Paul’s turn to offer a suggestion, “Captain Wat I believe we need another slight change in the conception.”
The marines prepared for their task. Alan gave them the state to a hidden cave behind a waterfall. A wall in the back of the cave contained a Vaxtal cipher cylinder. It could only be found by scanning in the ultra violet light range. Once found it had to be pulled out exactly four Vaxtal camins; exactly 6.734 inches. It then had to be turned thirty-seven degrees to the legal and pushed back in. If each measurements were off by more than two percent the cylinder would seal in the rock and the wall would remain solid. If the operation was performed successfully the wall would slide open and the tunnel to the laboratory would be accessible.
The marines would move into laboratory plant an anti-matter jewel in its center. Lieutenant Wrobel will break the seal on the jewel when the marines return the month of the cave late the waterfall. They may not be out of the blast range but they must be sure that the explosion does the trick. An explosion of that magnitude should vaporize the laboratory and open up the ceiling bringing the lake above rushing into the gap.
The Agunta beclaw will be guarding the parameter and they’ll engage any Takelvee that approach the area.
The operation will be insensible from the start if Takelvee security detects the shuttles landing on the moon. The shuttles can shield themselves from the ships in orbit but once the hit atmosphere they will have nothing that will hide them from ground security. It will be up to Alan and Matt to knock out the security sensors before the shuttles dive into the atmosphere.
Sever asked Matt, “How the hell are you guys going to get on the moon without a shuttle.”
“You guys know how to jump from ship to ship in place don’t you? ” Matt asked.
“Yeah,” Nick said.
“Instead of jumping; we tumble,” Matt said. “You will secure us in our eggs and we will drop out of the shuttle while you’re in orbit. A quick shot from our tiny thrusters will boring us up enough to inaugurate falling. We’ll guide out topple right to where we want to go.”
“Pretty nifty,” Nick said.
“Yeah,” Matt said, “and it’s a wild and a really hot ride. We know where the sensors operations are; we’ll take it out and make our way to the cave. You will wait one hour or until you detect our pulse. If you don’t detect our pulse; you will proceed anyway; aborting the mission isn’t an option.”
“We understand,” Nick said.
The operation began. Captain Wat announced, “I will order the destroyers to come out of hyperspace when I detect the blast on the target moon.”
Paul said, “They must have detected the Agunta destroyers in hyperspace; that was the weak part of the plan.”
“It could be our strength,” Captain Wat countered, “It may draw more of their ships to the asteroid.
Three shuttles came out of hyperspace close to the target moon. The Takelvee were not prepared for something as small as a shuttle to cause a light flux. Before they understood the sudden energy surge the shuttles will in orbit and cloaked. They matched the orbital speed of the Takelvee ships and they kept the moon between them. It was night at the lake. Shuttle Fearless Merriel dropped the eggs and the agents’ thrill ride began. The agents felt like they were being cooked in their shells as the friction scorched the eggs as they dropped. The eggs dropped straight into the lake and sunk to the bottom. Several Takelvee saw the meteorites strike the lake; when nothing happened after several minutes; they wondered off.
The eggs cracked open and the agents swam underwater to a wooded region and slipped out of the water
The agents approached the Takelvee security office carefully. It was quiet but not very dark. The planet was gleaming and it took up most of the eastern horizon. They kept to the deep shadows and the used sound suppression devices to remain aloof.
It seemed even the Takelvee knew how to slack off. Using imagine enhancing binoculars Matt determined that there were two soldiers on duty and one looked like he was dozing at his desk.
Music, or what passes for music to the Takelvee ear, drifted from a community house about a quarter of a mile to the north.
The agents position up the launchers and fired. The missiles burst commence above the building and small metallic entities dropped onto the roof. They crawled along like snakes searching out the main structure points and then they borrowed in. Four minutes later twelve pops were heard and twelve puffs of smoke rose and the building simply collapsed.
The agents moved as quickly as they could away from the scene but their run of good luck had run out; a Takelvee officer stumbled out of a small building apt in front of them. The creature stared at the humans for a second and it cost it its life. Alan shoved his weapon under the creature’s small arm and fired. It went down and the agents dashed down the small road. Several soldiers came out behind the officer. They fired at the humans and raised the alarm. Armed Takelvee warriors appeared from every direction. Shots whizzed by the humans as they made for the trees. The trees on the moon were only eight feet high and very thin, but they were better than nothing.
They were a few feet from the trees when Matt caught a laser bolt in the leg; he went down hard. Alan spun around and fired at the approaching warriors. They slowed enough to give him time to hoist his partner up.
“You can’t let them take me Alan; you know that.” Matt said as he hobbled along with Alan’s succor.”
“We’ll lose them in the trees;” Alan said. “Those four armed devils have terrible night vision.”
“If I go down,” Matt said finishing his point, “you have to shoot me; they can’t get me alive.”
“You’re not going down,” Alan said puffing. “I have no procedure of sitting at SPINTEL headquarters for a week or more explaining to the pin heads why I shot my partner. That’s not to mention explaining it to Captain Bushman you know he never got over that issue on Beta Apus three.”
“I’m sorry my friend, but you may have to.” Matt slurred out the final words before he fell.”
“Damn you Matthew,” Alan said easing his friend to the ground. He tossed a heat grenade at the approaching enemy then started dragging Matt toward the trees. “Come on Matt; just a little further.”
Alan looked up and knew he wasn’t going to make it. Then four beclaw warriors dropped out of the sky between the agents and the Takelvee. The Takelvee were unnerved by the sight of the robots and the beclaw took the advantage. They fired a furious volley while two others descended, picked up the agents and carried them away.
As Alan flew under his robot transport he saw the Agunta shuttle rise out of the trees and begin firing. It was attacking the Takelvee shuttle crafts that sat on the ground. When they were destroyed the shuttle raced skyward.
Alan and Matt were dropped by the marine shuttles and the beclaw moved off to join the parameter defense. Alan rushed in and got the medical kit.
The marines made it to the cave. They found the Vaxtal cipher cylinder. Pat Wrobel carefully pulled it out while Nick held up a stick that was exactly 6.734 inches long. When the cylinder was pulled out to the length Nick encircled it with a ring bearing degree notches. Pat turned the cylinder to the right and stopped at the thirty-seven degree mark. He held his breath and push the cylinder back in.
The wall slid away and everyone let out a breath. Pat stayed with first squad. They would defend the entrance. Pat would hold the remote detonator and use it when second squad returned.
Nick took second squad down the long narrow tunnel. The tunnel was unruffled and stable, Prick wasted no time getting his people to the laboratory. Nick found the hidden access panel and entered the Vaxtal code. The laboratory opened. The marines didn’t waste time marveling at the current and complex tools and instruments; they went straight for the heart of the structure.
Pat Wrobel tensely stared out at the trees and through the falling water. After a few minutes he heard the sounds of battle. He called to Sever, “Hey Nick the Take’m Outs are up and fighting; you better score that thing planted.”
“We’re just about there,” Carve answered.
Nick’s squad found the entrance to the core of the laboratory. He carefully set the ant-matter jewel down and he said, “OK, let’s get out of here.”
The squad headed out of the lab and Slash called to Pat, “The jewel is planted and we’re on our design befriend.”
Pat responded, “Crop theirs something wrong; I’ve lost contact with the jewel.”
Nick turned back and he realized what was happening. He told his squad to return to the entrance and he went back to the lab.
“What’s going on Nick,” Pat asked.
“The lab is surrounded by an arc field; it’s cutting off communication to the detonator. The field automatically activates when the last person leaves the lab.”
“You’ll have to find the shut down and net it in a race. I don’t know how long our flying metal friends can gain off the Take’m Outs.”
“There may not be one,” Cleave responded, “and if there is; we haven’t been given a code to use it.” Nick paused then said, “I’m staying Pat. When my people reach you; let it rip.”
“No, Prick you’re not staying,” Pat yelled. Pick Up your ass up here and that’s an order. Put the jewel outside the field; it should be able to end the lab from there.”
“It will waste it but it won’t vaporize it. The arch field will deflect some of the energy. There could be enough left to give the Takelvee the answer they seek. In that case we would not only have failed to raze the lab; we would have led the Takelvee right to it. The only scheme is to detonate that thing in the core of the laboratory.”
A marine called out, “Lieutenant, the Takelvee are flanking the robots; their move is putting them between us and the shuttles. If they collect those shuttles we’ll be waking up tomorrow inside a Takelvee lockup; if we wake up at all.”
Nick’s squad returned and Nick heard them report to Pat. He called, “Pat, you’re out of time; hit the button and get out of there. I won’t feel a damn thing; I won’t even know it happened.”
An explosion lit up the trees and the marine reported, “Lieutenant, they’re bringing up the heavy stuff.”
Nick said through the speaker, “Pat you’ve got ten seconds to get our people out of there. A laser travel is as trustworthy as a detonator.”
“Nick”, Pat called.
Nick just counted it down, “Nine, eight seven. . .”
“Everyone out;” Pat order, “obtain back to the shuttle.”
“But Lieutenant, what about Sergeant Balzina? “
“Damn it objective do it Private or you’ll never discover home again. Cut to the right when you get out of the cave. Recede move.”
The explosion ripped through the tunnel with deadly force. The marines had just got to the opening when it struck. Soldiers were catapulted through the waterfall landing in the river below. Two didn’t survive and four others were badly hurt. Pat got his damaged squads together and they hobbled toward the shuttles. They only got half way when they were intercepted by a squad of Takelvee. The marines dug in to make a fight of it.
Pat ordered, “Spread out; let’s not all be taken out with one explosive round.”
“They may get us,” one marine yelled, “but they’ll a pay price to do it.”
The fighting was wrathful. “The marine’s new body armor proved to be worth its weight in gold and then some. Several marines took hits that would have killed them in their old armor. They were stunned and their ribs were broken, but they returned to the fight.
An Agunta battle commander and his four remaining beclaw joined the battle. The commander dove in next Pat while the robots attacked the Takelvee from the air. “There’s too many,” the Agunta said, “I counted forty to fifty in this area and more tantalizing in.”
“Then we go out fighting,” Pat growled as he fired toward his enemy.
“Battle Commander Jutar is gone,” the Agunta said, “and Commander Ashin has ordered his beclaw to ram the enemy cruiser with our shuttle; we’re all that’s left.”
“The mission was successful,” Pat said, “those four armed bastards won’t ever see the Vaxtal technology from this lab.”
“And that’s what matters,” the Agunta said. “Now we’ll rid the universe of a few more Takelvee.”
“You’re damn right,” Pat said.
The Takelvee were pressing in when suddenly several explosion sent Takelvee flying and the shuttles slid across the tree tops and dropped late the marines. Alan called, “We thought it would be wise to near to you.”
Audacious Merriel landed and Alan helped bag the marines in. “It will be a tight fit,” he said.
Plucky Bort hovered slowing the Takelvee with laser blasts. When the last marine was in Alan jumped back in the pilot’s seat and the shuttles shot into the sky with laser bolts flashing around them.
Pat Wrobel asked as he tended to his marines, “Who is piloting the other shuttle? “
“It’s Agunta Commander Ashin,” Alan answered, “he trained with us. He’s quite a smart fellow.”
The Takelvee warships in orbit around the moon were in disarray. The cruiser Curo was without its command staff and it took pain from the Agunta shuttle. They were sending more troops to the surface and at the same time preparing to leave orbit to reinforce the ships around the asteroid. The appearance of the shuttles in orbit caught the cruiser unprepared but not the accompanying destroyers. The destroyers move to engage as the shuttles broke orbit at top speed.
“They’re not at full throttle,” Pat said. “What are they waiting for? “
“There in a bit of a quandary,” Alan answered, “they assumed the shuttles came from a ship somewhere in the system. They don’t want to rush in and get caught by a hidden cruiser. Remember that these are the first shuttles with their enjoy hyper-drive. If they give us a little more room; I’ll give them a demonstration of out hyperspace capability.
“Ut oh”, Alan said, “we have incoming missiles; hold on to something I’m kicking in the hyper-drive.”
Two small light fluxes flashed in space; the shuttles were gone before the missiles arrived.
“So far so good,” Paul said from his command chair.
“Agreed,” Captain Wat answered, “We seem to have the Takelvee convinced that the attack on the moon was the diversion and an attempt to slow down the reinforcements. They have even committed one of the flag ship destroyers to the battle at the asteroid.”
“Your robot destroyers are giving them quite a tussle,” Paul commented.
“The strategy was to stay in close; mix in so the enemy would have trouble getting a clean strike. A small group can hold off a large group when the ships and the crews are expendable and they have no other purpose.”
“Our people have been valiant in their efforts; now it’s our turn,” Paul said. “We know our tasks; shall we win to it? “
“Indeed,” Captain Wat answered, “good hunting Captain. I’ll see you at the rendezvous point.”
The screen return to the view of space and Paul got to work, “Caton prepare to make the jump.”
“Yes sir,” the Vaxtal officer responded.
Paul turned to Valerie, “Valerie coordinate with Amy. I want missiles targeted and away as soon as we emerge for the vortex.”
“Yes sir,” Valerie responded.
“Everyone; look sharp,” Paul said. “We will be enchanting three enemy warships and one will be a flag ship. We have to keep their attention until Cortow has destroyed all four of the ships in spot dock. That means we strike and move. We’ve practiced many hours; let’s see if that practice can keep us in one piece. Let’s do this.”
Valerie worked furious on the tactics as the dimensional drive came alive. Zorshin Fearless appeared in normal space close to Vaxtal Prime without warning. Hound dog missile rushed from the ship catching the enemy in orbit. Two destroyers were struck and damaged. Paul called, “Valerie we have to land a strike on the flag ship’s launch bays before they can ready their fighters.”
“I’ll need to do a cloud skimmer to pull that off Captain”, Valerie reported.
“Do it Valerie. If those fighters get out we may not survive long enough for Cortow to complete its mission.”
Fearless flashed between the flag ship and a destroyer absorbing laser hits as it went. The ship shook from the strikes and Darcy reported, “Captain we have wound to our starboard side aft laser and the shield on the starboard side is weakening.”
“We’ll have to compensate,” Paul responded, “but first we have to hit the launch bays.”
Fearless dove into the atmosphere using the distortion to confuse their enemy. The ride was rough and the strain on the ship started causing damage. “We better be able to pull out soon,” Darcy called, “or the Takelvee won’t have to destroy us.”
Valerie counted, “Three, two, one, Jack punch it gives us all you got!” Bold rushed out of the atmosphere directly under the flag ship. It let go four programmed missiles and broke off to starboard putting the immense ship’s return fire on the port side. Paul watched the missiles and called to Valerie, “Those missiles are not heading for the launch bays.”
“No sir,” Valerie answered, “there are six launch bays on this class of ship, but only one commence control. It’s in the lower forward section and that’s where all of the missiles will hit.”
“Brilliant!” Paul exclaimed.
Vertain Cortow waited until the enemy was fully engaged with Fearless before it appeared. It moved at top speed to the space dock. Its firing pattern and targets were locked in as it closed. The target ships were unmanned and not shielded. The Agunta warship managed to destroy two of the ships with its first pass. On the second run the spot dock defense became active and flashed out laser bursts from its towers. Cortow didn’t want to maneuver too far away and ended up absorbing several hits in order to strike the other ship.
Captain Wat ordered, “Launch our remaining shuttle under remote control. Sigh it into the tower closest to the ships. Use a Panker maneuver and have it ram the tower. If it can’t destroy the tower; it will at least keep it busy.”
Being three dimensional the Agunta never maneuvered their ships in a simple horizontal or vertical motion; there was always a three dimensional aspect to all of their actions. This surprised the Takelvee and it allowed Cortow to evade the laser bolts from the space dock towers.
The automated shuttle raced ahead on a collision course with a tower while Cortow aged the diversion to streak by the defender. Once inside the ring that was the Takelvee space dock; Cortow evaded fire from the other towers. Once again it sacrificed agility to stay on course to their target. It took several hits but other shots sliced by striking the dock ring. The ship spun as it closed on its target. It fired out a unique Agunta weapon. A cloud of a hundred tiny darts shot from the aft destroy of the ship as it turned and sped away. Each dart contained a minute grain of anti-matter. They hit the inactive Vaxtal ship and it shredded into tiny pieces; then exploded with a force that smashed the mooring and the ring face behind it.
Cortow zoomed out of the ring and headed for deep position. Fearless kept the Takelvee ships off balance long enough for Cortow to get away.
Darcy called to the captain, “Captain, Cortow is away and Captain Wat said that they will pick up our people.”
“Capable,” Paul said as Fearless was slammed on the port side by a laser bolt, “let’s catch the hell out of here.”
Valerie called, “Captain, the Takelvee posthaste in mobilized and their maneuvering outside of the system. My guess is they’re plotting hyperspace projections. I believe that no matter what course we set; Takelvee warships will be waiting for us when we come out of hyperspace.”
The ship shook again and Darcy announced, “Captain, the starboard side shield is down. We have a hull breach on the starboard side aft lower deck. The portion has been sealed off.”
“What about my starboard aft gun crew,” Valerie asked.
“I’m sorry Commander,” Darcy said, “they’re gone. They were vented into station with the atmosphere.”
Valerie had to take a breath; then she returned to the pressing pickle. “Captain, the port side shield is weak and we can’t take another hit on the starboard side.”
“Then we get out of here,” Paul said. “Caton, can we fire up the dimensional jump engines.”
“No sir,” the Vaxtal answered, “the enemy would be on us long before the portal opened.”
“Then we go into hyperspace, Caton site a course for the Takelvee home world, Jack; prepare to engage the hyper drive.”
“Captain,” Valerie called, “did you say the Takelvee home world? “
“That’s factual Valerie; I want to be as far away from human space as possible. If we go to the void; the Takelvee will move into the void. They’ll be detected by the dragon class sensors on S.D.D. Python. The Reliant battle group will disappear to meet them. We could easily start a battle that got hundreds of our people killed; not to mention possibly starting a war. We have to find another scheme.”
“Captain,” Valerie warned, “we’ll probably be obliterated as soon as we enter normal space.”
“Our job is done Valerie,” Paul answered, “the Takelvee will not get the Vaxtal technology. Our marines will get away on Cortow and we will do what we have to do.”
“Yes sir,” Valerie responded.
The ship shook again and Paul called, “Punch it Jack!”
Zorshin Fearless flashed into hyperspace knowing there was no turning back. Colorful their time in hyperspace was limited; Paul searched his mind for a solution. Everyone tensely worked at the stations; each running possibilities around in their brains. Finally Paul called, “Caton prepare the dimensional drive; set a course for the Sol system.”
“Captain,” the Vaxtal officer said in surprise, “we’re in hyperspace. The drive isn’t designed to be used under these conditions. The results will be unpredictable at best. I will remind the Captain what happened when we tried this in the simulator.”
“Caton,” Paul said, “in that case we engaged the dimensional drive first and then attempted to prefer the hyper drive. The dimensional integrity was disrupted by hyper place insertion. We’re already in hyperspace; the dimensional drive will not be affected.”
“Forgive me Captain,” Caton responded, “but I believe you’re guessing.”
“It’s a chance,” Paul said, “the only one we have. Lay in the course and fire up the jump engines and that’s an order.”
Amy spoke up, “Captain, the sensors note the Takelvee are waiting at every possible normal site transition point.”
“Well we won’t be there,” Paul said, “we’ll be somewhere else; hopefully in our universe.”
“The course is laid in sir,” Caton said, “I’ll engage on your mark.”
Paul took a breath and said, “OK let’s do this. Caton engage the jump engages.”
The portal opened up before them but instead of being a solid vertical rectangle it wavered and seemed misshapen. Its color varied with its energy.”
As Amy watched the curved portal approach on the view screen; she clicked on the ship’s communication to the security section and the voice came through, “Security Mockus here.”
Amy just said, “I love you Ray.”
The cloak flashed bright white, a shock wave slammed into Fearless and it was sent tumbling through the dimensions. The bridge crew woke up on the deck of the bridge. The emergency lights were flashing and the siren was blaring.
Paul picked himself up and yelled, “Status report all decks!”
Darcy got to her station and began listening. Then she reported to the captain, “Captain all decks are stable. Medical teams are moving through the ship but there haven’t been any serious injuries reported yet.”
Valerie, and Caton reported their system’s to be stable they waited for Amy and Jack to report. Amy stared at her sensor screens. Her standard sensors and her dragon sensors passed all diagnostics but she just couldn’t hold what they were telling her. She looked like she had seen a ghost.
“Amy,” Paul called, “what about sensor opts; are the systems stable.”
“The diagnostics prove everything is in good order Captain,” Amy reported.
“Amy, you don’t seem very happy about that; what’s going on? “
“Captain, may I should honest set aside on the view screen.” Amy switched on the screen and all of the humans on the bridge sucked in their breath. They were staring at total blackness.
“Are we where I think we are? ” Valerie asked hoping to get a no for an answer.
“We are in the vicinity of, what our Agunta friends call, The Black Eye. I understand your trauma about returning here.
“Are you sure the jump engines can get us out of here? ” Paul asked.
“Yes sir,” Caton said, “the engines are fully operational.
“How did we end up here,” Amy asked.
Caton answered, “Indications are that the system lost directional control while in both a multi-dimensional state and in hyperspace. All indications are that it would not have arrive out of hyperspace at all if we hadn’t encountered this part of space.
Valerie stared at the screen her anger overcame her apprehension, “I wish could destroy it. I wish it was alive so I could watch it die.”
Paul called to her, “Commander prepare to hound dog missiles.”
“Captain? ” Valerie stared at Paul.
“A gesture,” Paul said. “Just because we can’t affect it doesn’t mean we can’t lash out. That blackness out there killed some of the finest people we ever knew in its destruction of three great ships. It also crippled Fearless and left us for dead. I think its worth two missiles.”
“I’ll second that,” Valerie said and turned to her tactics board.
A moment later she announced, “Two hound dog missiles armed in ready sir.”
“Fire,” Paul ordered and the missiles flashed ahead of Fearless.
Paul could feel the sense of satisfaction wash over the bridge. He smiled and said, “Now we can go home.”
The wedding was beautiful; all of their friends and family were there. It was the first time that Valerie had seen so many smiles in a long time. It felt good; really good.
It was a honeymoon for three and it was unanimous to where it would be spent. Paul, Valerie and Sarah relaxed on the deck of the Island Zephyr looking up at the stars. The warm breeze drifted over them as the smuggled on one big deck chair.
Valerie lazily stated, “As much as I love my job and my duty; sometimes this is as close as I want to be to the stars.”
Related Blogs
- The Amsterdam Report: Forbidden footage! Coffeeshop | Wild India Tour
- Chicago Lightning Strikes Downtown Skyscrapers | The Doc Is In
- Planned Network Maintenance « Open Mind Status
- Family-Friendly Activities in Downtown Chicago | LowFares.com
- » U.S. & Israel Navy Battlegroup Cross Suez Canal, Iranian Showdown Underway? Cristy Li
- When Villains Join Forces: SEIU Pressured Blagojevich to Appoint Valerie Jarrett | Chicago Daily Observer
- chicago movies downtown | Adrian Edmondson's Fan Site
- Legal News – Your Source for Legal News and Advice | Alimony: Taxes, Medical Insurance, and Stock Options
- Jobs & Business | Integrated Case Management Solution Harmonises Business Operations
- Hardware Maintenance Software | Parker Marketing Solutions
- Ethical Software Design Manifesto « Nördic Battlegroup – Ad Omnia Piratus
- Succor. « : f l e u r y b l u e :
- Grossman Attorneys at Law, a U.S. Admiralty & Maritime Law Firm, Encourages Passage of the ”Security Protections on Liability Act’ (SPILL Act) to Protect American Families and not Ration Justice (source: 24-7 Pressrelease)
- EU Horde Battlegroup? | Gaming News – BackLINK
- Burns Times Herald » Blog Archive » Frank Aloise Killinger 1924-2010
- Mentor Graphics Announces Commercial Linux Platform for Freescale Semiconductor’s Processors Based on Power Architecture Technology; Support for New QorIQ P3 and P5 Platform J | TTKN News
- Professional IT support Maintenance Service | Computer Technology
- carrier-battle-group | Tiki Tumble
- 4339 ADMIRALTY Ct, Riverside, CA 92503 | MLS# C10064648
- Trying To Conceive Support Forum
| Conception Tips
Technical Requirement for an Appeal to the State of NC Court of Appeals
