The Aurora (Aurora Saga, Book 1) (34 page)
The repairs to the
Aurora
were progressing well, but Kalrea had not had any more success in cracking the diary’s encryption keys.
The following day, James had been invited to a meeting of the Telqintre. When he entered the
Bren
meeting room, he noticed four members of the Telqintre were already seated around the table, over which a holographic picture of the Ulio system was displayed. Qintaino and Tetrol were highlighted.
Milonri looked around.
‘Ah James, thanks for coming. I thought, as you were instrumental in finding a way of defeating the Treitans; you might like to hear the results. Please take a seat,’ Milonri said.
Stuilo entered just behind James.
‘Sorry I’m late. The damn shuttle broke down again,’ he said, before taking his seat.
Amaunet stood up.
James suddenly noticed that there was a new holographic picture on the far wall just visible over her left shoulder. When she moved sideways, James suddenly realised it was the
Aurora
in full flight over the forest on the approach to the base. He smiled to himself; he felt very proud.
‘First, I have some encouraging news on the
Rellopila,
’ Amaunet said. ‘The
Vinzot
was on reconnaissance out near the Drej belt when it received a weak transmission. The encrypted class code, in the signal, confirmed the message was from the
Rellopila
, but unfortunately it was too distorted to be understood. They were unable to get a fix on their position.’
‘Well, at least the
Rellopila
hasn’t been destroyed,’ Cairl said.
‘But they could be anywhere,’ Stuilo remarked.
‘The
Vinzot
is staying in the area, in case there’s another transmission,’ Amaunet said. ‘It may take them some time, but there’s still a chance they’ll make it back.’
Amaunet returned to her seat before Milonri stood up.
‘Right, I can report that the attacks on Qintaino and Tetrol by the
Atenopila
and
Yemolopila
were one hundred percent successful,’ Milonri said. ‘The Treitans no longer infest our planets.’
‘Excellent! When can we get a taskforce together, to attack the Treitans on the other planets they inhabit?’ Cairl asked.
‘I wish we had the ships,’ Milonri said. ‘The Treitans know what we’ve done, and if the reports coming in are accurate, we won’t be able to attack any more planets.’
‘Why?’ Cairl asked.
‘The Treitans are sending ships to defend their young on all the other worlds,’ Milonri said.
‘At least it will stretch their forces,’ Julio said. ‘They’ll be unable to attack any more races for some time.’
‘Agreed,’ Milonri replied. ‘We hit them hard, but we can expect repercussions. In time, they may try and hit back at us. The
Eathopila
reports that there are a large number of their ships regrouping in the Lopkim and Goolup star systems, so we must be on our guard.’
‘But if we give them enough time they’ll rebuild the control base and we’ll be back to square one,’ Stuilo said. ‘Even if they can no longer live on Qintaino, there are plenty more worlds out there.’
‘I know,’ Milonri said. ‘That’s why I believe we must make them realise how vulnerable they really are now. We have to strike where it will hurt them most. We have to strike Polimop.’
‘What, their homeworld?’ Julio seemed surprised. ‘It would take us centuries to reach it.’
‘I know, it’s very far away, but I can’t see another way,’ Milonri said. ‘Wait too long and as Stuilo just said, they will continue from where they left off.’
He paused.
‘From the data James acquired for us from Dagnamk, we now have stellar maps showing the exact location of Polimop. And we now know that they regard their home world above all others.’
Julio shook her head, as Amaunet pressed some symbols on the table. The image changed to show Polimop.
Milonri continued,
‘I want to destroy every Treitan on Polimop, to show them they’re not invincible. If we can, then I believe they’ll withdraw from this galaxy. Then, we’ll make sure they cannot live on any worlds in this one, by introducing astoflorinic gas into their atmospheres. Please think it over. I’ve arranged a meeting tomorrow to discuss this in detail. We’ll need to make a decision.’
The image over the table faded away. Everyone else left the room, leaving James and Milonri alone.
‘James, I need an update on how the repairs are progressing,’ Milonri said.
‘We’re ahead of schedule,’ James replied. ‘The starboard event horizon drives from the
Pulsora
have been repaired and are in position on the
Aurora.
They’ve just been connected up to the plasma injectors but haven’t been tested yet. They had a few problems securing them to the hull. The
Pulsora’s
mounting points are different to the
Aurora’s
.’
Milonri looked surprised.
‘It must have been in the rush to get the
Aurora
away from Qintaino. Someone set the alignment lasers up wrong.’
‘The plasma reactor is currently being removed from the
Pulsora
. It will be installed on the
Aurora
in the next two days. Kalrea has almost constructed the new plasma tubes. She’s modifying six shell-generation chambers from the destroyer spares, here on Brinoli.’
‘Good, keep me informed! That’s all for now.’
James felt a bit nervous, but he needed to ask a question.
‘Milonri, I need your authorisation to allow Londuo… I mean Lieutenant Besic to visit the
Aurora
.’
‘Why?’
‘I…’
He’ll never believe me if I tell him. What do I say?
‘Er... Kalrea’s being very secretive over it. She wants to speak with Lieutenant Besic. She won’t say why.’
‘Kalrea, hey? Are you sure, James?’
‘Yes. Kalrea needs to speak to Lieutenant Besic. I don’t know why. Women’s talk, I think?’
What did I just say? Women’s talk! What made me say women’s talk?
Milonri smiled.
‘Okay, she can go. Londuo’s had a mind-scan, so we know there’s no danger. I believe she’s about to report back to the
Lonori
. I’ll give her authority to go tomorrow. Was there anything else?’
Do I tell him about Antaio,
James thought.
If I do, then they’ll perform a deep scan on him. That’s dangerous. What if Kalrea’s concerns are wrong and what if mine are? He could be damaged for life and it would be my fault. So I can’t; not yet. I have to be sure before I tell Milonri.
‘No, and thank you, Milonri,’ James said.
He got up.
As James was about to leave the room, he could hear Milonri talking quietly to himself.
‘Women’s talk. Is that a fact? Kalrea’s getting more Qinant by the day.’
James returned to his quarters and then took Kira out for a walk. Later, he laid in the seatra thinking about Londuo and slowly dozed off.
During a routine patrol of the surrounding space near to Brinoli, the
Landopila
swept quietly past a small planet out on the edge of the Wilarn system
.
The relaxed atmosphere on the bridge was interrupted by an alarm.
‘Long-range scanners have just picked up a ship decelerating from light speed,’ a lieutenant said, glancing over at the Captain. ‘Sir, it’s not on a recognised approach vector.’
The commander rose from her seat and moved quickly over to the lieutenant.
‘Can you identify it?’ she questioned the lieutenant.
‘Extending scanners,’ the lieutenant replied.
‘Captain, it’s the
Rellopila!
’ the commander said.
‘Hail it,’ the captain replied.
‘There’s no answer, sir,’ the lieutenant replied.
‘Try all emergency channels on narrow band 565 Hil Ghus,’ the captain said. ‘Commander, how long before the
Rellopila
is in visual range?’
‘Eleven seconds,’ she replied.
‘Sir, I’ve used all encryption classes. Still no response.’
‘Their communication systems must be damaged,’ the commander remarked.
‘Maybe their navigation systems are damaged too,’ the captain added.
‘Sir, we’re now coming into visual range,’ the commander said.
A large screen at the front of the bridge illuminated. The
Rellopila
was visible at its centre. The captain rose from his seat and moved closer.
‘It looks badly damaged,’ the captain said. ‘The bridge has been completely destroyed. They must be controlling everything from engineering. Inform control that they can expect casualties.’
‘Sir!’ the lieutenant suddenly shouted. ‘Long-range scanners have just picked up twenty! No, over thirty ships dropping from light speed.’
The captain turned.
‘What!’
The commander studied the lieutenant’s monitor closely.
‘They’re Treitan heavy cruisers. The
Rellopila’s
leading them straight here.’
The captain pressed a large blue symbol on a panel to his left.
*****
Alarms sounded on the base waking James.
‘COMBAT PERSONNEL. REPORT TO STATIONS IMMEDIATELY!’ echoed over the base address system and the communications console in his room.
What’s… What’s happening, Kalrea?
James thought instinctively. He lifted his head and rubbed his eyes.
‘ALL CIVILIANS AND NON KEY PERSONNEL REPORT TO WEST LANDING AREA.’
Frightened by the noise, Kira’s head appeared nervously over the edge of the seatra.
James jumped to his feet and quickly put some clothes on. He opened the door. People were running by and the alarm was continuing to sound. He looked back at the monitor as it brightened.
‘James, are you there?’ Gulino’s image appeared on the monitor.
James moved over to the monitor.
‘Ah, there you are!’ Gulino said with urgency in his voice. ‘The base is being evacuated. You must get back to your ship. Treitan cruisers are only ten minutes away from Brinoli.’
‘We can’t leave, Gulino. The ship’s not ready,’ James said with concern. ‘The drives haven’t even been tested.’
‘Don’t worry. The hangar is shielded. It will show up on the Treitan scanners as rock. You should be safe,’ Gulino said. ‘There’s a shuttle arriving on the east pad to take you. I’ve got to go; I have a fighter waiting.’
‘Wait! Where’s Londuo?’ James asked anxiously.
‘She reported to the
Lonori
over two hours ago,’ Gulino replied. ‘She’s in the best place. Look, every second counts. I hope to see you again, James.’
‘No, wait! I must get to Londuo.’
As soon as their conversation finished the computer began again to sound the alarm. James moved quickly back to the door. He turned.
‘Kira!’ he shouted.
Kira jumped out of the seatra and followed him along the corridor and out to where the shuttle was waiting for him. As soon as they had climbed onboard, the shuttle lifted rapidly into the air. James was thrown onto one of the seats.
*****
The Telecan
Vinqui
and three frigates joined the
Landopila
. They turned towards the mass of approaching ships. In the distance, behind them, ships of all sizes were travelling between Brinoli and some waiting destroyers, which were holding station perilously close to the planet’s gravity well.
The
Lonori
was now turning away from the planet.
‘Captains, this is Executive Captain Isistia Hirniol. The
Lonori
will join you in one minute. Prepare to engage the Treitan ships. We must give our people time to evacuate. We do not retreat. Is that clear?’
The captains acknowledged.
‘Sir, the bulk of the main Treitan fleet has stopped,’ Adonti said surprised. ‘Just the four lead ships are advancing on our position.’
‘Launch the frigates. All ships, launch fighters!’ Isistia said. ‘What are they up to?’
‘Their speed is increasing,’ Adonti said. ‘Range thirty thousand kilometres and closing.’
Isistia looked concerned.
*****
Back on Brinoli, the shuttle carrying James approached the rocky outcrop where the
Aurora
was concealed. A larger transport was just landing ahead of them on a plateau. As it landed, a door opened in one of the large rocks nearby and people rushed out to meet it. Close behind, the shuttle carrying James also descended and touched down. James and Kira jumped out.
A man was standing impatiently besides the door in the large rock. Seeing James, he clambered quickly over the ground to meet him.
‘Captain Brasdoi, we don’t have much time. The Treitan ships are almost within scanner range. You must get below the surface.’
He pointed to the open door in the rock, before heading towards the transport.
James moved quickly through the doorway with Kira following very closely behind. He glanced back to see both ships lifting away together and accelerating into the distance. The door suddenly slammed shut, startling him. There was an eerie silence. He turned and looked down a well-lit corridor cut into the rock. At the far end was a large pojin lift with its doors open.
James entered the lift and waited for a moment.
Where am I going?
I need to tell the lift. Kalrea, can you hear me? I need some help with this lift.
I thought you could look after yourself?
Kalrea said abruptly.
Kalrea!
James thought agitated.
We don’t have time for this.
The doors closed and James felt his stomach rise as the lift accelerated quietly downwards. Ten seconds later, it decelerated. He felt his stomach lurch again.
The doors opened to reveal the floor of the hangar, which was deserted. James looked quickly around. He noticed there were only two fighters left, sitting on the platform to his right. In front, on the steps leading up to them, were strewn some tools. To the left was a large enclosed workshop set back into the rock.
*****
On the bridge of the
Lonori,
Isistia impatiently viewed the monitor.
‘Captain, the Treitan ships still haven’t launched their fighters,’ a lieutenant said.
‘Something’s not right!’ Isistia said. ‘Why is the main fleet holding its position so far away? They know we’ll destroy so few ships.’
She paused.
‘Unless—’
She looked over at Adonti.
‘Recall the frigates and fighters immediately!’ she shouted. ‘All ships reverse course.’
The
Lonori
and the other ships banked rapidly away from the advancing ships.
‘What’s happening, Captain?’ Adonti questioned her. ‘The rear plasma torpedoes are locked on; we’re ready to fire.’
‘Commander, it’s a suicide run.’ Isistia replied. ‘Maximum power! I think they’re going to try and ram us.’
Suddenly behind the
Lonori
the four Treitan cruisers exploded simultaneously.
‘Captain!’ the lieutenant said.
The main monitor on the bridge looked back from the
Lonori
. Fighters were slowing, ready to enter the landing bays. Behind them, a tidal wave of white light from the explosion rushed towards them.
‘That’s a very large shock wave,’ Isistia said. ‘Commander, prepare the ship for impact! Close the fighter bay doors!’
‘Drives are now offline, but what about the fighters?’
‘Close the fighter bay doors now! That’s an order!’ Isistia said.
‘But they won’t survive the impact!’ Adonti replied.
‘Do it, or we’ll all be dead! All decks prepare for impact!’ Isistia said.
In an instant the fighters were engulfed, and the wave struck the
Lonori
.
*****
James looked up at the rear of the
Aurora
. It was standing on three new landing legs and the new event horizon drives were visible through the large tapered ducts in the Plyane hull. In the distance, on the far side of the
Aurora,
lay the shell of the
Pulsora
.
James walked over to one of the doors of the workshop which was open. On a table just inside the door was a half-eaten meal. Kira followed him into the workshop. She sniffed around.
James felt uneasy
. Kalrea, where is everyone?
You’re the only one left here,
she replied.
Where’s everyone gone?
The engineers left on that transport. They’ve done all that is required of them.
Are we going to be safe here?
James thought, hearing the first muffled explosions outside.
Only a direct hit from a mass-converter would penetrate the doors. The chance of that are three thousand, five hundred and sixty-three to one.
James could hear more muffled explosions outside. Occasionally he could see dust falling from the ceiling.
I wish we knew what was happening outside, Kalrea
, James thought.
He suddenly felt a shiver run down his spine. He gripped the telementor on his wrist.
Have you received any transmissions from Londuo,
he thought nervously.
The hangar is shielded
, Kalrea reminded him.
Suddenly there was a loud bang and roar. James put his hand over his heart.
Kalrea! You just scared the life out of me. Please tell me when you’re going to do something like that!
He felt a cool rush of air, which was being drawn to the front of the ship.
Sorry.
James looked up at the rear of the
Aurora
. An orange flame shot out of one of the new drives as they started; then, with the noise decreasing, the flames retreated.
When can we leave, Kalrea? We’ve got the help the other ships.
Four hours and the drives will be tested,
Kalrea replied.
Then, we can leave. I still need another ten days to finish the construction of the rear plasma tubes.
Can’t you speed things up a bit?
James, I’m doing everything I can to get us into space as soon as possible. I have to test the drives. We don’t want anything to fail in combat.
I understand, Kalrea. It’s just I’m worried about Londuo. She’s only just recovered from her injuries and I know her; she’ll be out there fighting.
I know, James.
Is the reactor from the Pulsora onboard?
No, we only have the one reactor. If you want to leave in four hours, then we’ll have to leave it behind.
Then we leave it.
