The Lost Fleet Box Set, page 141
part #1 of The Lost Fleet Series
“We’re at Gaia,” Jolban said calmly. “By now, Kazak knows what we were planning. He won’t allow any of us near the Dominator.” The main hatch to the detention area opening interrupted him. Rear Admiral Barnes, Leeda, Reesa, and another man entered. Jolban rose to his feet, scarcely believing what he was seeing. He suddenly realized the terrible mistake they had almost committed.
Throughout the entire detention area all the Originator AIs rose to their feet, gazing in shock at the apparition that had appeared in their midst.
Camlin slowly turned and her eyes widened in disbelief. “This can’t be,” she uttered, her mind reeling. “There are no Originators left alive.”
“I told you there might be in the stasis chambers on the Dominator,” Leeda said, striding over to Camlin’s cell. “I was right!”
Camlin gazed at Leeda and then turned toward the Originator who was standing directly behind her. It was a sight she had never expected to see. She bowed slightly and then spoke. “I beg for your forgiveness. I was wrong and what we did was obviously a very foolish choice. We are here to serve you.”
“This is Second Officer Zafron of the Dominator,” Leeda said in a clear voice. “There are over two hundred Originators in stasis on board the ship. Most are children. However, it has been brought to my attention that the Originator scientist Bartoll is also among the survivors.” All the AIs in the detention center knew from the ancient records that Bartoll was the wisest and most intelligent of all the Originators.
Camlin nodded slowly, accepting how close she had come to making a serious and irrevocable mistake. She turned toward Rear Admiral Barnes, knowing what she must do. “Admiral, there is nothing I can do to make up for the lives lost due to my actions. I only did what I thought was right in order to bring back the Originator race. I accept any punishment you wish to hand out. If my continued life as an AI is forfeit, I accept it.”
“We are at war,” Kathryn said, her eyes focusing on Camlin. “In war, we all make mistakes that at times cost innocent lives. In your case, you were fighting for a cause that has been the focus of the Originator AIs for several million years. While I can never forgive you for the deaths you caused, I will not inflict further pain upon you for doing what you believed was right. I leave any punishment for your actions up to Second Officer Zafron.”
“Open the cells,” Zafron said, folding his arms across his chest and gazing slowly from one cell to the next. “All Originator AIs are under my command as the second officer of the Dominator. Since the Distant Horizon contains valuable Originator technology and weapons you are also under the command of Rear Admiral Barnes.”
Kathryn was surprised to hear this. She wasn’t quite sure what to say or why Zafron was doing this.
The AIs slowly came out and stood in a large circle around Zafron.
“There are twenty-two other adult Originators in stasis on the Dominator,” Zafron announced. “In addition there are two hundred and forty-seven children.”
The AIs looked from one to the other. They all knew what this meant. Once they returned to the Shrieels, they could now harvest sufficient germplasm and by use of artificial birthing chambers, they could rapidly increase the number of living Originators. It would only take a few generations to have a stable and thriving population.
“What are your orders?” asked Camlin. “Are we returning to the Communication and Transport Hub?” With its location being in intergalactic space and with the four Shrieels and other megastructures, it would be the safest.
“No, not yet,” replied Zafron. “We will use the pathogen cure on several more of the adults in the stasis chambers. Once we’re satisfied it functions properly, we will awaken all the adults. The children will wait until we are at a safer location.”
“And where will that be?” asked Camlin, hoping it was the Communication and Transport Hub.
“That has yet to be determined. I wish to consult with Bartoll and several others on where we need to take the Dominator.”
“Do you wish us to oversee the administration of the cure?”
“You may assist. For now I want the Altons to be in charge of awakening our people. They are very advanced when it comes to medical procedures, and I’m confident they can handle this.”
Camlin nodded. “As you wish. We too have noticed how advanced the Altons are. They are very scientifically minded and have been instrumental in the installation and the use of Originator technology on this ship.”
Zafron frowned. “That is something else we need to discuss. Some of our most important laws restrict what you did in providing such technology to the Distant Horizon. I need to know how it was done and why.”
“When the last Originators were dying they gave us the ability to adjust our programming. We have very seldom used that option in the past two million years. However, in order to find the Dominator and Kazak we made the necessary changes to allow us to circumvent several of the restrictions on sharing Originator technology.”
Zafron turned so he could face both Leeda and Camlin. “I want half the Originator AIs on the Distant Horizon reassigned to the Dominator. They are to assist in the weapons upgrades Kazak has initiated. Until I say otherwise, I want two AIs in the stasis compartment at all times monitoring the individual stasis chambers. Leeda, since you had faith that there were still Originators on the Dominator you will lead the AIs going over to the ship. Camlin, you will continue to work closely with Rear Admiral Barnes.”
Kathryn frowned. “My crew is still familiarizing themselves with the changes to the ship. It will reduce the efficiency of my crew to respond to an emergency by having that many of the AIs transferred to the Dominator.”
“Contact Fleet Admiral Strong and request additional Altons be assigned to the Distant Horizon. Your ship is short on crewmembers as it is. I would suggest you use this opportunity to fill all of your crew vacancies in case I decide to allow you to keep some or all of the technology our AIs have provided you with.”
“I will do so immediately,” responded Kathryn. It didn’t bother her that Zafron was giving orders. After all, he was an Originator. She would have expected nothing less.
-
At Gladen Three, Supreme High Commander Altrab waited for the arrival of Grand Councilmember Marden. This time he had left his armed escort behind. He fully expected to be executed as soon as the councilor arrived on board the StarFire. He let out a long breath. He gazed at his hand, seeing the pulsing blood veins beneath his skin. Altrab had served many years as a dedicated officer. He had no fear of death but regretted deeply that he had failed in his last mission. The hatch suddenly slid open and Marden stepped inside. Altrab was surprised to see the councilor was alone and hadn’t brought his normal retinue of armed escorts.
“Let us go to your Command Center,” Marden said. “What I have to say, I want all of your command crew to hear as well.”
“Yes, Councilor,” answered Altrab, wondering what was going on. Was Councilor Marden going to carry out the execution himself in front of the crew as an example of what it meant to fail the Grand Council?
For several minutes they made their way through the ship with neither speaking. Reaching the Command Center, Altrab stepped inside with his head bowed, waiting to be struck down by the councilor.
“Take your place at your command station,” ordered Marden. “Today is not your day to die.”
Altrab felt confused but made his way to his command chair and sat down, turning his attention back to Grand Councilmember Marden. “I don’t understand. I failed in my duty to the council.”
“You faced a ship armed with weapons from the ancient Sphere Builders,” Marden explained. “We ran numerous battle simulations on the main battle computer on Gladen Three and all resulted in the destruction of your fleet at Ornellia. You didn’t fail due to your strategy; you failed due to the presence of that single vessel.”
Altrab hesitated. In normal circumstances, it was not wise to ask questions of a councilmember but he sensed this was not a normal situation. “What are we to do?”
“Turn on all of your viewscreens,” ordered Marden. “We are gathering our fleets.”
Altrab gave the order and then sat back in disbelief. Around Gladen Three, there were thousands of Simulin warships.
“There are more ships arriving every minute,” the sensor operator reported. “Sensors indicate the presence of six thousand vessels.”
“I don’t understand.” Altrab hadn’t checked the sensors since arriving in the system as he had expected to die.
Marden stepped closer to the viewscreens. “We are gathering all of our ships to strike the organics and their AIs inside the Fitula Nebula. All ships will be equipped with a device that will render the hyperspace jamming in the nebula ineffective.”
“There may be more ships in the nebula equipped with ancient weapons,” warned Altrab. “We could be risking substantial ship losses if we attack their base.”
“We have considered that,” replied Marden. He turned back to face Altrab. “We are gathering all of our ships. The outer fleets have been recalled as well as all the ships protecting our remaining worlds.”
Altrab nodded his understanding. “We risk everything. Either we win or they do.”
Marden nodded. “Yes, if we lose, then control of this galaxy will fall to the Fitula organics and their AIs. I suspect they will cleanse our worlds of life to ensure we never become a threat again.”
“Who will command this fleet?”
Marden gazed directly at Altrab. “The main battle computer has selected you as commander. You have already fought a ship equipped with ancient weapons. We have also developed several strategies based on the battle information you sent back that might be effective against such ships.”
Altrab felt a huge weight descend on his shoulders. He felt pride at being selected to lead the greatest Simulin fleet ever gathered in this galaxy. “When do we leave?”
“Many ships have already made their way to the assembly area,” Marden answered. “In two weeks, we launch our attack.”
Altrab gazed at the viewscreens. Everywhere there were Simulin warships. He shifted his gaze back to Grand Councilmember Marden. “There can only be Simulin.”
“Only Simulin,” Marden responded. But in the back of his mind, he wondered if that were true. Never before had the Simulins dealt with an enemy as dangerous as this one.
-
One week later Jeremy was over on the Alton science ship where the Originators were being awakened. The Originator scientist Bartoll had already been awakened and much to his surprise Jeremy had taken an immediate liking to the scientist. In many ways he reminded him of Andram. Bartoll was highly intelligent, wise, and seemed to possess a very good sense of humor.
“How are you feeling today?” asked Jeremy, as he entered the special quarters the Altons had set up for the esteemed scientist.
The furnishings in the room had even been changed to accommodate his height. The Altons themselves being nearly seven feet tall was helpful in that it allowed Bartoll to move about the ship easily without bumping his head. He only had to duck occasionally when he went through a hatch.
“Ah, Fleet Admiral Strong,” Bartoll said, standing up with a pleased smile. “I’m glad you came by today. As to my health, Daena has assured me I am fully recovered. There is no longer any trace of the pathogen in my body. For the first time in years, I can look forward to a long life of study and research.”
“Then I assume the other adults in the stasis chambers are going to be awakened?”
“Yes,” replied Bartoll, indicating for Jeremy so sit down. There were several chairs in his quarters built for Humans.
Jeremy sat down and looked over at the Originator. “I’m surprised that Reesa isn’t here.”
Bartoll laughed. “She is fascinating to talk to. Reesa is so full of life and curiosity. She reminds me of what I was like in my youth.”
“I’ve spoken with her a few times,” Jeremy said. “She is from my home galaxy which we’re cut off from.”
Bartoll’s eyes clouded slightly. “Yes, I was told about that by Andram. The Altons are an amazing race. Their culture is highly advanced and they are well on their way to becoming what my race once was.”
“Would you trust them with your technology?”
“If it were up to me I would consider it. However, I think it wise if that discussion is made when all the adults of my race have been awoken.” Bartoll sat back down and let out a deep sigh. “There are so few of us left. Even using the birthing chambers on the Shrieels it will take generations for us to once more establish a viable population.”
“Keep in mind that many of the Dyson Spheres have Simulins in control of the vortex Control Centers. They will have to be dealt with at some point.”
Bartoll nodded. “Leeda and I have had several long conversations about that very point. I understand Rear Admiral Barnes left some of her Marines behind at the Communication and Transport Hub to begin training to take the Control Centers from the Simulins.”
“Yes,” replied Jeremy, recalling what Kathryn had said about Captain Wilde staying behind. “She also promised I would send more Marines after she contacted me. It will not be an easy task as the Control Centers will all be heavily held by the Simulins and their Conqueror Drones.”
“It does present a problem. Leeda, Camlin, Kazak and Second Officer Zafron came to visit me yesterday. It seems the Simulins have a confirmed presence in twenty-six Shrieels. Kazak is confident he can order the defenses the Shrieels possess to destroy all the Simulin warships both inside and outside. However, Second Officer Zafron knows of no way that we ourselves can remove them from the Control Centers.”
“Our Marines can,” Jeremy swiftly pointed out. “They’ve already demonstrated that in the Dyson Sphere in my home galaxy.”
With a smile Bartoll folded his arms across his chest. “It seems we’re at an impasse. You want some of our technology and we need your Marines to remove the Simulins and their Conqueror Drones.”
“Perhaps we can work out a compromise of some kind,” suggested Jeremy.
“I suspect there will be a compromise of some sort,” agreed Bartoll. “When the others are awake I will make the recommendation. I believe they will follow it. However, there will be some restrictions. Our technology and weapons are very advanced and must not be allowed to come into the possession of other races. The only reason I am willing to make an exception with you is that your people are cut off from your home galaxy, you have a small population, and the presence of the Altons.”
“So, we will not be allowed to use the intergalactic drive on the Distant Horizon to send a mission back home to tell them of our survival?”
“No,” Bartoll said, shaking his head. “We can’t risk it. If people in your Federation became aware that you possessed such technology, they would demand you turn it over. I don’t want to force you to have to disobey the orders of your superiors.”
Jeremy let out a deep sigh. He had been afraid that would be one of the restrictions. He knew Rear Admiral Barnes deeply wanted to return to Ceres to see her father. Perhaps once the surviving Originators came to know the people of Gaia better that restriction might be reconsidered.
-
Twenty-eight light years from the Fitula Nebula, High Commander Caluthe watched as his fleet began the entry into hyperspace. After days of searching, he had found three patrol fleets of the organics and the AIs from the nebula. He was working up his plan of attack when the recall order had come from the Grand Council. He was to take his fleet to star A1-479-347 and join the growing fleet of ships assembling there to attack the nebula. It was disconcerting to him to learn Supreme High Commander Altrab would command the attack. If he could have destroyed just one of the patrol fleets, the promotion to Supreme High Commander might have been his.
“The time has finally come,” said Second Commander Gantol. “We are going to crush the organics and their AIs.”
“It seems so,” replied Caluthe. “When we reach the rendezvous point our ships are to be equipped with a new device to eliminate the hyperspace interference in the nebula.”
“Once the enemy in the nebula has been eliminated we can renew our expansion in this galaxy. Someday this galaxy will be inhabited by trillions of Simulins.”
Caluthe stared long and hard at his second in command. “We have a battle to fight against the organics and their AIs,” he reminded Gantol. “We have no idea what type of defenses they may have built around their world inside the nebula. It will be a difficult battle, and many of our warships will be lost.”
“Nevertheless, we will be victorious,” responded Gantol. “We are Simulin and the universe is destined to be ours.”
Caluthe remained silent. He was not going to underestimate this enemy. The Fitula organics and their AIs had already demonstrated how dangerous they could be. Shifting his attention to one of the viewscreens, he saw a swirling spatial vortex form in front of his flagship. It was time to leave the vicinity of the nebula, but they would be back with a fleet the organics and the AIs in the nebula would never expect.
-
Jeremy and recently promoted Rear Admiral Hiru Akira were in a shuttle inspecting the defenses around Gaia. The shuttle was currently orbiting one of the massive one-thousand-meter Indomitable Class battlestations. There were six of them in orbit, and each possessed the firepower of ten battleships.
“Will it be enough?” asked Akira as he gazed at the numerous particle beam cannons on the battlestation.
“We’ve added some ion beams as well,” answered Jeremy. “If a Simulin warship gets close enough, the station can strip it of its energy shield and then destroy it.” Jeremy wished he had more of the powerful battlestations. “We have eighty-seven Type Two stations plus six thousand particle beam satellites’.”
“That’s a powerful defensive grid,” commented Akira. “It should be sufficient to protect Gaia.”
“The only problem is we have no idea how large a force the Simulins will attack with or when the attack will be coming. It could be now or still years in the future.”
