Scrapyard Ship 3 Space Vengeance (6 page)

Jason was willing to provide only so much information about this subject, and wanted to evade the current line of questioning. “Anyway, when we entered Earth space, we engaged the three vessels. Although the ships were somewhat more advanced than The Lilly, the Craing crews seemed to be inexperienced with the technology. Two of the vessels were destroyed and the third was disabled. We boarded that vessel and took control, but within hours the Craing crew, all at once, started to die. It was then that we discovered that we, the crew of The Lilly, also had the same defective nano-tech devices in our heads, and we too had very little time left to live.”

Jason saw that the others around the table were exchanging glances. This time it was Ben Walker who interjected. “So, tell us again how that one remaining Caldurian ship was destroyed? Seems we have conflicting reports about this aspect of your story, Captain. The vessel was extremely important; the loss of its technological advances is tremendous.” Walker was clearly agitated and made no attempt to hide it.

“
As I mentioned, sir, the Caldurian ships were highly advanced. From what we’ve been able to piece together, the ship’s AI had triggered defensive actions and fired at one of our approaching vessels. We returned fire and were lucky enough to destroy the ship before any more of our people were killed. It was then that the two outpost battle cruisers rendezvoused with us.”

Jason was perfectly aware they were skeptical of his accounts. They probably had suspicions that the Caldurian vessel was still in one piece, hidden somewhere. Jason’s father stood and walked over to the small minibar on the other side of the conference room.

“
Who needs their drink topped off?” he asked, taking some of the tension out of the room. Each of the men, including Jason, nodded. The admiral took extra time pouring from a cut glass decanter. Jason wanted to avoid the inevitable ongoing discussion of bringing The Lilly under the U.S. government’s purview.

“
I do have something more of interest to add about the Caldurians,” Jason said. “I’m not sure how much the admiral has already shared.” Jason saw his father’s alarmed expression and instantly regretted speaking up. Jason continued, “The same technology the Craing were so desperately trying to uncover here on Earth—actually, below Earth’s surface—apparently does in fact exist. Perhaps in time we’ll have access to this technology. What I’m talking about is unlimited wormhole travel.”

The admiral replaced the decanter on the sideboard table with enough noise to stop Jason mid-sentence.

“
Jason, getting everyone’s hopes up at this stage would be ill-advised. It’s premature for us to count our chickens before they’re hatched.”

Ben Walker looked from the admiral and then over to Jason and held up both hands. “Wait just a minute; we’re not talking fucking chickens here, we’re talking military capabilities that could alter the ongoing strategic balance of power in space. Who the hell are you, Admiral, to make the decision whether or not to disseminate or withhold that crucial information?”

The admiral quickly shot another irritated glance at Jason as he sat back down at the head of the table. Jason felt for his father—he really did—but he was relieved, even temporarily, to be off the hot seat.

“
Relax, Ben! We were hoping to have a full report to you within the next day or so,” the admiral said. “Jason can provide more of the details, but we’ve met with a Caldurian representative. Apparently, they have been watching us for some time now.”

Jason continued on for his father. “They are on the fence about our intentions. Their fear is of putting this technology in the wrong hands, such as the Craing, which would, beyond doubt, unbalance planetary co-existence to the far reaches of space. The Caldurians are not a warring society. If we approach them solely for our own military aspirations, in their eyes we’re no different than the Craing. It’s for these reasons we have kept this delicate stage of negotiations more informal. Please understand, this representative approached me personally, not the U.S. government.”

This seemed to appease Walker, and he mulled over Jason’s comments. Jason saw that his father had relaxed somewhat.

“
Let’s give it a day or so and see what Jason and this Caldurian come up with. What’s his name?” the admiral asked.

“
He goes by the name Granger,” Jason replied.

“
Okay, let’s give Jason some time to work with Granger and see what inroads can be made. But Jason, this technology needs to be shared, is that understood?” Walker said in a stern voice.

“
Yes, sir.”

“
All right, we need to change gears, Captain,” Walker said. “As I’m sure you’ve noticed, the outpost has come under the reign of the U.S. government. Each of the military branches—Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines—are now an integral part of this installation. I know you don’t approve, but that’s the way it is.”

“
And you are dividing up the Craing warships we have into those separate divisions?” Jason asked.

“
The lion’s share will go to the Air Force to support our efforts and defense of Earth space. The remaining crafts will supplement the Army, Navy and Marine’s defense efforts here on Earth.”

“
You do realize that diminishing the size of the fleet, even by a few warships, could render catastrophic results for us going up against potential enemies in space?” Jason asked, trying to keep calm.

“
The admiral has already made that argument; it’s been noted. Although I tend to agree with the two of you, there are other political forces at work here,” Walker replied.

Jason sat back in his chair, amazed how little had changed in Washington. The only two officers present who’d actually had deep space combat experience were being indiscriminately discounted.

“
That’s not what we need to discuss with you right now, Captain,” Admiral Reynolds said flatly. “I had thought what remained of the Alliance would still be in shambles, but they’ve reached out to me via FTL transmission. It seems they’re rallying again. Pooling what forces they have left, and now, other planetary systems have asked to join the Alliance.”

“
Why? Why now?” Jason asked.

“
As we all know, several months ago the Craing annihilated the Alliance fleet. The Craing, with a fleet of two thousand warships, moved on with virtually no losses. Five hundred of those ships broke off and headed straight for Earth. We defeated them at the outskirts of our solar system. We had hoped what remained of the original Craing fleet, some fifteen hundred warships, had returned to the Craing worlds. Unfortunately, we’ve recently discovered that was not the case. With the destruction of the Loop, those ships were indeed marooned here and all indications are they’re now heading back toward Alliance space.”

“
How much time do we have?”

“
A week, maybe two.”

Jason thought about that. “You mentioned the Alliance is rebuilding. What are we talking about? How many vessels?”

“
Maybe five hundred, give or take,” the admiral replied.

Jason looked back at his father and then at the others around the table. “Against fifteen hundred Craing warships, three of which are Dreadnaught class vessels?”

Ben Walker ground the stub of his cigar into an oversized ashtray. “Captain, this is an all or nothing situation. If we can defeat them here, we’ll rid Alliance space of the Craing well into the next century. What we need is your input on how we can accomplish this.”

Jason knew exactly what they were asking of him. They wanted The Lilly back in the fight. “Even with The Lilly, we’re in no position to take on that fleet.”

“
We were already counting on The Lilly, Captain. We should also make every effort to acquire the new technology that Granger and his people possess. That could be a deciding factor, no?”

“
Perhaps we can make it worth their while; what can we offer them?” Vice Admiral Brightman asked.

“
There’s little the Caldurians seem to need from us. Although their disdain for the Craing is evident, I can’t say to what lengths they’ll go to help us. I’m sure I’ll be seeing Granger again soon. I’ll keep you all up to date on what transpires.”

Jason had the feeling that the men in this room were under the illusion that they’d be able to muster an adequate defense. He pushed his chair out to stand, then added, “The truth is, I think we need to be prepared for the worst. With fifteen hundred warships, even with help from the Alliance, I’m sorry but I don’t see how we can defeat the Craing. Not this time.”

The room went quiet, the men obviously sobered by Jason’s comment.

Jason’s father added, “If the Craing are victorious, we should be prepared. They’ll be heading for Earth wanting to finish what they’d started. My suggestion—contact other world leaders, tell them to prepare as best they can for an alien incursion.”

Chapter 6

Chapter 6

The smaller of the two rhinos, Walks With Limp, grabbed Traveler’s feet and hefted them to his midsection. Rustling Leaves, one of the rhino warriors that had been watching the battle from the side-lines, now stood at Traveler’s shoulders, hesitated, and then bent down to inspect Traveler’s wound. It was serious, but his friend was not dead, at least not yet. Rustling Leaves had watched Traveler take down three of the strongest warriors, only to be struck with a cowardly hit from behind.

Three Horns watched from across the camp. His irritation was clearly evident by a growing number of snorts and huffs—a misty spray of snot shot in Rustling Leaves’ direction.

“
You will do as I say or face his same fate,” Three Horns barked.

Rustling Leaves did not acknowledge the older rhino’s words. Instead, he looked to the others. Slowly, one by one, making eye contact with each. Nearly imperceptibly, each conveyed their intention with the slightest movements of their large heads. Each had nodded toward Rustling Leaves—each agreed to stand at his side. The tribe of rhinos converged on the leader.

Three Horns’ death was quick and honorable. His heavy hammer would be saved and given to his offspring. His body was thrown onto the fire and prayers were spoken aloud.

Rustling Leaves knew Traveler had little chance of survival. He would need help from the strange-colored being, the one called Dira.

“
Take Traveler to his dome,” Rustling Leaves said. “I will bring help.”

* * *

Jack and Mollie were having one of their many heated discussions. Jack wanted her to finish her daily chores in the Zoo, while Mollie would have preferred to go into HAB 4 and play with Alice, her drog, a dog-like creature brought back from HAB 12. Impertinent, hands on hips, Mollie was making a stand. But it was Rustling Leaves’ shadow farther down the corridor that caught her attention. Jack turned to see what Mollie was looking at, then scurried over to see what the large beast wanted. Jack was reluctant to unlock the portal into the habitat without Captain Reynolds’ permission, but something was wrong. The rhino needed help. Jack input the necessary keystrokes and the portal opened.

“
We need the one you call Dira.”

“
What’s wrong? Who’s sick?” Mollie asked, looking up at the large beast in front of her.

“
It is Traveler. Hit in the head with a heavy hammer.”

* * *

In addition to Dira, both Ricket and the captain had been notified. The three now moved quickly into the rhino encampment. At the entrance to one of the large mud-packed domes, Rustling Leaves waved them over. Jason was the last to enter the dome and it took several moments for his eyes to adjust to the dark. A small fire burned in the middle of the room, its smoke leisurely rising up, disappearing into a small opening high above. Dira and Ricket were kneeling at Traveler’s side and speaking in hushed voices. They went to work.

Jason approached Rustling Leaves. “What the hell happened?”

“
Our leader, Three Horns, and three others attacked Traveler.”

“
Why? I thought Traveler was respected—”

“
Three Horns feared Traveler and no longer wished to be confined in a habitat. Time to return home to mates and offspring. Was planning to take ship back home.”

“
Why didn’t Three Horns, or any of you, just come to me? I know it’s taken longer than I’d hoped, but we will get you home. I’ve promised that much.”