AMP Siege (2 page)

The voice continued, "Each side has been allowed twenty-six heavy abutment plates on their destructors. The Fergie have chosen to group those plates in the center, while the Hargets have evenly dispersed them throughout the face of their machine. Each destructor has forty-two fifty-millimeter projectile cannons along with one hundred twelve-millimeter rumble cannons and five hundred eight-millimeter mini cannons."

As we listened in, the Captain spoke. "Looks like the Gontas, or whatever they are, are using this other species for sport. I don't think we are going to be working out any trade deals with the locals. I doubt they have the authority to make any such deals. We need to talk to the others."

I replied, "Those battleships they have are well armored, but we have our Yacabucci if needed. If we lock them down, we might be able to work a deal."

The weapons officer spoke. "Sorry to interrupt, Sir, but I don't think the Yacabucci will work so close to this planet. It is one giant ball of iron. We wouldn't be able to develop the field strength needed to capture much of anything, Sir. And that effect might run out to as much as twenty thousand kilometers."

I turned to the Captain. "Looks like we are stuck here until they leave. Ten credits say the Fergies take 'em."

With that remark I drew a cold stare from Ashley. My attempt at humor bombed. These were sentient beings that were being forced into battle for sport. Given our own constant situation of war, I could see how others might be sensitive to the plight of the Targs. I leaned back in my chair feeling a moderate amount of shame.

As the announcements continued, each of the great machines came to life. Hundreds of video feeds were broadcast from the different chambers within each destructor. Our view-screen was soon full of a half dozen such feeds from the Fergie side. The furry green Fergies moved about carrying supplies of ammo from large armories in the rear up to the gun mounts on the face of the machine. War was about to begin.

I had watched many a video feed from our raids on Milgari ships. It was easy to get excited over death coming to enemy combatants from the hands of our Marines. At the time, every dead Milgari meant one less that could take one or more of our own lives. This event before us did not evoke that same sense of excitement. It brought with it a sense of dread at having to watch. These were essentially slaves, forced into battle for sport. I began to get a sickening feeling in my gut.

The one-kilometer distance between the two machines began to close. Cannon fire quickly erupted. The Fergie had positioned most of their large cannons in and around the heavy plating in the center. With the first barrage, the center of the Harget machine exploded with a flurry of flying metal plates. The Hargets returned fire, decimating the structure surrounding the Fergie stronghold. As the tracked machines slowly closed their distance, the smaller weapons came online.

The video feeds from inside told of the loss of life on both teams. The deaths were brutal, but each side maintained order. Each side was determined to win.

I stood and began to pace the bridge, desperately seeking a way to bring about the end of the abomination that was playing out before me.

Ashley placed her hand on my shoulder. "Just let it go, Don. There is nothing we can do about this. We don't have the means to stop it."

I replied, "Can we at least turn off those feeds? It seems a bit too barbaric of us to be watching that."

Ashley replied, "As horrific as this whole situation is, we need to keep those feeds running. That is information streaming to us, and anything we learn now may work heavily in our favor in the future."

I sat back down and spoke. "How can you do that: just sit and watch? Doesn't this bother you?"

Ashley replied, "It bothers me a great deal, Don. In situations like this, we have to separate our feelings of humanity from our needs for analysis. It is a horribly bad situation, but we can learn from it, and should learn from it."

Our tactical officers focused on the view-screens as they typed feverishly into their consoles. After an hour of mayhem and death, I left the bridge and sat in the cafeteria with a coffee. Ashley soon joined me.

I spoke. "Had enough of your analysis?"

Ashley replied, "Just wanted to check on you. Are you feeling any better?"

I took a sip of my coffee and spoke. "I'm a tough guy. I've put down many an alien myself. I've destroyed ships and transports. I've stolen resources, interrogated prisoners, but for some reason, those images out there—I just can't sit with them. This galaxy has enough death and destruction without someone doing it for sport."

Ashley placed her arm across the middle of my back and leaned in close to me. "You were fighting a war. Fighting for what you believed in, for the people you cared for. This is unfamiliar to us. We are sitting on the outside looking in. We have no attachment to any of those species down there. And yet we somehow feel compelled to protect them, to help them. I think that is what separates us from most of the species in this galaxy, Don. We care when so many others don't. We can't stop that monstrosity going on down there, but maybe we can learn how to stop the next one."

As the battle continued, the two machines closed to within a few meters of each other. In an instant the guns all went silent. Walkways were extended from either side where enough structure remained for connections across to be made. The bulk of the warriors on either side picked up hand weapons, axes, blades, and maces. They raced across the walkways into the remains of the machines on either side. It was a bloody spectacle of a battle as each side slaughtered the soldiers of the other.

After nine hours of the hand-to-hand fighting, the hostilities aboard the great machines came to an end. Four hundred twelve Hargets remained. I rejoined the others on the bridge when the spectacle had ended.

As I sat back in my chair, I spoke. "So it’s over. They slaughter each other to the delight of those watching. All for what? For a little entertainment?"

The Captain replied, "I don't think it is over yet, Mr. Grange. They are moving both machines back towards the Fergie starting point. And look at the mass of Hargets that are gathering in their territory. I don't think they are celebrating. I think they are mobilizing. Look... here... they are armed with the same hand weapons as those on the machine."

When the two machines reached the original starting point of the Fergie machine, the Harget machine came to a stop. At that moment, a great horn sounded and the Harget hordes began to move en masse towards the buildings to either side.

What happened next was even more revolting than the war we had just witnessed. As the Hargets moved in and about the buildings, we could see Fergie being dragged out into the streets and butchered. Men, women, and children, all were victims of a kilometer-deep purge.

Buildings were not destroyed or damaged. Only the occupants were expelled and killed. It was a barbaric sight, an occurrence that I could not comprehend a reason for. When the purge ended, Harget families could be seen moving into the newly captured buildings.

Once teams of Hargets had finished cleaning up the piles of bodies from the streets, the new residents gathered and began a celebration that lasted for several hours. When it was all done, the conquered section of the city looked as it would on any other day: kids played and adults conducted business or moved about with their daily lives.

The steel-gray ships of the wagerers soon lifted off towards wherever they had come from. Except for those who had perished, the lives of the Targs had returned to normal: a normal that I had trouble identifying the basis of.

Over the next few weeks, our harvester ran nonstop. Every two days, a shipment of highly refined ore arrived on the Grid for final processing. In the two weeks following the first delivery, two of our new harvesters were ready to put into service. New sites were selected and the harvesters deployed.

A decision was made to send the
Granger
out to the nearby star systems in search of the sleek steel-gray ships and their origins. Only by stopping their return to Targ could we then stop the bimonthly slaughter that took place. Just before we set out for the first star system, I received a much-needed surprise.

A familiar voice spoke. "Don Grange! At last we have found you. I was beginning to have doubts that the Grid had survived the jump. You are well short of the intended destination. I am certain you have a story to tell. The Durians caught up to our position not long after your departure. We lost some good ships and good crews, but the bulk of our fleet remains intact."

I could hardly contain my emotions. "Frig! Wow! Man, I am so happy to hear your voice! And yes, we have had our struggles, but we are mostly OK. How far out are you?"

Frig replied, "I am still two years’ journey from your position, Sir. We managed to evade the Durians, but they have gone before us. They are two thousand ships strong, Sir, and their ships are more powerful and more heavily shielded than ever. They are following your original trajectory. You should make plans to move as soon as possible."

I sighed as the thought of a new conflict with the Durians took hold. "We just arrived where we are. Hydrogen tanks are empty, and we only have five hydrogen harvesters at the moment. We are working on getting more. We just need time. Really glad to hear your voice, though. It's music to my ears."

Frig replied, "It always was, Sir, music to your ears. Only perhaps now you are not so tone deaf."

I spoke. "Aw, now you are just going to make me tear up! I have so missed that sarcasm!"

My good friend replied, "Truth be told, Sir, I missed your dull wit and gargantuan mistakes too. And I have the
Swift
here with me, Sir. She is as ready and capable as ever. I have made a few minor enhancements to her, but we have much to discuss, so I will tell you of those later."

I stood with nervous energy as I replied, "You are right. We have much to discuss. There may be more Grid stations, with other alien races that have no prior history such as ourselves. If they prove to be real, they will be the first clues we have had as to our origin. Open a portal so I can come through and see you!"

Frig replied, "I am sorry, Sir. This comm link is all that can be opened. It seems the wormhole consumes ever-more power at greater distance. I estimate it will be another year before a full doorway can be opened."

I plopped back down in my chair. "OK. Well, we won't be going anywhere anytime soon. So, go ahead and tell us more about your Durian encounter, and I will fill you in on our follies."

With Frig's return, if only by voice, the trip to the surrounding systems was canceled. There was much to be discussed. The Durians were coming; we would need to plan for our defense.

I made my way to the council room. Ashley had gone to Touchstone’s lab to assist in the further interrogation of Duke Ferdete’s captured head. As I entered the council chamber, I was greeted by Colonel Harper and Admiral Zimmerman.

I sat and spoke. "Frig should be contacting us any minute. I want to hear whatever he has to say about the Durians before we talk about our current situation. We may only have a little over a year before they arrive."

The Colonel replied, "If they come aboard, we are better prepared to deal with them this time. The Ghouls have been training nonstop in those new hybrid battle suits. And the weapons they used on us last time—Dr. Touchstone and his science nerds have seen to it that they are much less effective. We have been testing out the pulse gun the Colossuns use, and if the good doctor can slow that pulse by 50 percent, the Durians will be wishing they were somewhere else."

My comm then warbled as Frig called in.

I patched him through to the conference room speaker. "Hello, all. I hope all are well."

The Colonel replied, "Frig! Great to hear your voice, son. Grange here has been a basket case to deal with. Always getting into trouble that we have to dig him out of. I will be happy to hand that job back over to you!"

Frig was silent, then replied, "I'm sorry, Colonel. I think we have a bad connection, Sir. I couldn't quite make out what you were saying."

The Colonel bellowed in laughter.

I spoke. "They are of course exaggerating. I've been bailing them out. But, let's get down to the business of Durians. Tell us about your encounter."

Frig cleared his throat. "I made a point to open wormholes in our wake and performed deep scans with the assumption that they would be following us. At first I was unable to track them, as they travel with their stealth technology activated. One of my assistants had a brilliant idea of how they might be found. The solar winds from every sun fill the voids between systems. These winds are typically in a set stable pattern, as star positions are relatively fixed with regards to one another. We were able to map those patterns as we passed them by. When the Durians, or anyone else for that matter, pass through those patterns, they cause disruptions. A disruption that travels in a straight line can be detected with relative ease. Evidence of a disruption in deep space remains identifiable for several months’ time."

I replied, "And do we know that the Durians haven't figured this out yet?"

Frig again cleared his throat. "Sir, I would think that was obvious. We are still here. The Durians would not have allowed that had they known we were so close by. I think it is safe to say that they are not aware of this method of tracking. It took us several months to determine that there was a traceable pattern. You have to know that pattern before you can look back over it. I would add that the closer one travels to a star system, the sooner that disruption is swept away. Within a star system, it is gone within hours or even minutes."

The Colonel spoke. "How long ago did they catch up to your position?"

Frig replied, "They caught up to us almost six months ago, Sir."

I cut in. "You said they had a couple thousand ships in their fleet?"

Frig sent images as he responded. "There were just over two thousand ships. Some were bigger than any that we previously dealt with. Initial scans show Tantric armor layers that number in the hundreds and ion cannons an order of magnitude more powerful. Their ships’ engines appear to be switching ion polarity. So, we may have lost an advantage that we previously relied heavily upon."

The Colonel spoke. "Was there anything else unusual about their ships?"

Frig replied, "Yes, there were approximately twenty ships with the large sphere. They look similar to the ship we observed adding the enhanced shielding to the Milgari vessels some time back. I was able to observe them in action. They are repair cruisers, Sir. I witnessed the repair of a rift nearly two hundred meters long in under a minute's time. If we do battle with their ships, it will require complete kills to take them out of battle."

I spoke. "We managed to get our hands on some pulse technology weapons. It is ancient compared to ionics, but it may be something that is not shielded well against. I will send you the details so you can look them over. Now, finish with what happened with the Durians."

Frig continued, "Since we had knowledge of their approach, we divided the fleet. Seventy-five volunteers piloted ships to lure them away from the
Suppressor
and the rest of our fleet. We took refuge on the back side of a large gas planet as the Durians followed the others."

The Colonel spoke. "Were any of the volunteers able to evade them?"

Frig replied, "I am afraid not, Colonel. The cruiser
Daughtry
was our largest and most well-armed ship with the volunteers. It lasted all of sixteen seconds in battle. Two Durian battleships caught it broadside after it turned and attacked a destroyer-sized vessel. The
Daughtry
and Major Howard inflicted the only Durian wound during the short battle that ensued. That was the rift I spoke of earlier. The repair ships healed the damaged outer skin of the destroyer in forty-nine seconds. The other ships traveling with the
Daughtry
fared much worse."

I spoke. "So, I suppose you used a wormhole to put your sensors’ scans as close as possible?"

Frig replied, "Impressive reasoning for a meat eater, Sir! And yes, that is precisely what we did. I am transferring the data that was gathered over to you now. Perhaps Dr. Touchstone can make something of it. I have continued to focus my thoughts and energies on the wormhole generator. I believe it to be our best potential weapon if we can better control its use."

Once Frig had finished briefing us, I gave him an account of our fight with the Colossuns. After several hours of talk, he was caught up on our current status. I left the conference room and headed for Touchstone's lab.

When I entered the room, Ashley was attaching a probe to the Duke's head. "What do we have cooking in here? It smells awful!"

To my surprise, the Duke spoke. "Hello, Don Grange. Your wife and friend here were just attempting to access my control circuits. I am interested to see what they come up with."

I replied while looking at Ashley, "Tell me he hasn't been a smart-ass this whole time. I've been dealing with one of those all morning."

Ashley replied, "How is Frig?"

I shook my head. "As sarcastic as ever. And I will have to admit that I liked it!"

The Duke spoke. "This Frig is your friend, Don Grange? Friends can sometimes be a thorn in your side in the name of comedy. I believe the translation of comity was somehow transposed. I have found it an interesting trait in many cultures."

I looked at the Duke's head and replied, "Somehow I don't see you as one who has had many friends, Duke. You are too polite. The one thing I am sure of with you is that you are always working an angle. You are a difficult ma... head to trust."

The Duke spoke. "I will let you in on a little secret, Mr. Grange. I am not a Colossun. The Colossus Empire is of my doing, but I am not one of them."

I replied, "We figured that out when your escorts bled and you didn't. You always seem to be in the planning mode. When we kicked your fleet’s butt back there, I couldn't help but think we were somehow playing into your hands. I haven't figured you out yet, Duke, but the wife here, she is good at figuring these things out. I look forward to hearing what it is that she can squeeze out of you."

The Duke smirked. "I look forward to the interrogation as well. The questions asked will be very telling of what your intentions are in this galaxy, Mr. Grange. I will have to say, though, I am very excited by what I have seen!"

The Duke's eyes wiggled as a current was applied to the newly attached probe.

Dr. Touchstone spoke. "Hmmm. I think we found the visual-motor link. Mr. Grange, could you attach this to the plug on that probe? I would like to see how much control we have over what the Duke sees."

As I plugged in the small connector, the Duke’s eyes were looking up and to the right at me. There was no sense of worry or angst in them. Only an undeniable look of curiosity.

The Duke spoke. "What is it, Mr. Grange? What troubles you?"

I replied, "You just seem too eager for someone who is in for a long bout of poking and prodding. It isn't a natural reaction."

The Duke smiled. "I am an open book, Mr. Grange. I look forward to seeing exactly how the good doctor gathers and makes use of the information I have to offer."

I shook my head. "That is exactly what I'm talking about, Duke. Responses like that are not normal. They are just creepy. How about we change the subject. Tell me about how you came to be in power over the Colossuns. And don't gloss it over either. I want the down-and-dirty details."

The Duke’s eyes again wiggled as another low-current signal was sent to the probe. "The Colossuns were a promising species at one time. They had conquered a dozen star systems through diplomacy. It was an unusual approach to empire building that I had not seen as being successful. I thought with a little molding, the Colossuns would be a formidable species. As it turns out, they have a docile side to them that is dominant. They are fierce warriors when they want to be, but they prefer quiet negotiations."

Ashley stepped up. "Wait. This empire was not built in six hundred years or however long you say you have been living. Thousands of years is more like it. So, you lied about your age?"

The Duke smiled. "Very good, Mrs. Grange. And yes, I have been around much longer than the Colossus Empire. I will leave it at that, as I wouldn't want to give away too much too soon."

I spoke. "Those Verna you showed us pictures of, were they real?"

The Duke replied, "They were very real, Mr. Grange. I suppose you are interested in how they came to be?"

I replied, "We are very interested in that, Duke. You are aware of our own beginnings. Tell us about the Verna."

The Duke was silent for a moment. "The Verna, Mr. Grange, were occupied by a species called the Serians. They were a warrior breed, but they were not altogether good at war. Their tactics were horribly inadequate for this galaxy, and it showed when they met the Colossuns. At the time, I was merely an observer. I found it fascinating to watch as the Colossuns worked their diplomatic magic. The Serians were totally unprepared for warfare of the mind like the Colossuns played."

I spoke. "So, the Colossuns overran the Verna from the inside? We've had to deal with that ourselves."

The Duke continued. "The Colossuns took several years to set up their strategy. All the while they were becoming fast friends with the Serians. They traded technologies; they opened colonies on the Verna and allowed Serian settlers on their planets. Once the two species were completely intertwined, the Colossuns unloaded with a violent Serian purge."

I spoke. "So, the Colossuns gained the Verna through genocide. With nine ships like the Grid, I would guess it was quite easy for them to dominate this sector of the galaxy arm."

The Duke replied, "Ah, but the Serians were not as trusting as the Colossuns thought. The nine Verna were destroyed by detonation of their hydrogen stores. I will admit to deceiving you with pictures of complete Verna. They only exist as relic shells of debris that circle around the star system in which they were last active."

I pulled a chair up next to the Duke. "Was there any record of how the Serians had come to be in the Verna? Was any of their history captured before the attempted takeover?"

The Duke frowned. "I am afraid not, Mr. Grange. I will say that it was a disappointment to me that the Colossuns extinguished every Serian without giving a thought to learning about their history. History is our biggest teacher, Mr. Grange. If you should burn your hand, you remember next time to make every effort to not burn your hand in the same manner. That is knowledge that may be useful if retained. If you study the history of others, you will gain knowledge that would otherwise be learned only through experience. If you want to shape the future, Mr. Grange, it is best to first study the past."

I stood and began to pace the room. "So, you are telling us that you are some type of traveling historian? Somehow, Duke, I don't think you are giving us the whole picture. Have you come across any other Grids or Verna in your travels? You must have some knowledge of their origin."

The Duke pursed his lips. "I am so sorry, Mr. Grange, but you are asking questions that I cannot answer."

I replied, "Cannot or will not?"

The Duke spoke. "That is for you to discover, Mr. Grange. I am a wealth of knowledge, having lived for many, many of your years. That knowledge, however, must be worked for; it does require a price. As I learn more about Humans, I will happily answer some of the questions that you may have. Everything has a price, Mr. Grange. If you and your people are willing to pay that price, I will help where I can to assist you in your quest to discover Man's origins."

I signaled for Jon Touchstone to follow me into another room. When the door was closed, I sat on a desk and faced him.

I spoke. "Well, Doc, have you made any progress interfacing with his memory circuits?"

Touchstone replied, "We are only at the early stages of understanding that machine out there, Mr. Grange. The outer layers are impressively simplistic in their application, which has allowed us to make it as far as we have. But, as we probe deeper, we are encountering designs that we don't yet understand. I would say that it will take much longer than you would like to unlock the Duke's secrets, years perhaps, if we are able to do it at all."

I nodded my head. "What have you found out about the Colossun androids as compared to the Duke? Are they of the same make?"

Touchstone replied, "There are many similarities, Mr. Grange. The external physical circuits are nearly identical. I would venture to say that whoever created the Duke was responsible for creating the Colossun androids. They did not come from the Grell."

I stood and spoke. "But the Duke sent a shipload of those androids along with the Grell and then destroyed them when he had the Grell massacred. Why would he do that?"