OMEGA Hostile Read online

The captain replied, "Will do."

  Several seconds later the captain continued. "We are running fifteen millisecond pulses, requiring about five seconds of burst."

  I nodded. "Captain, target every ship you can to knock out those shields. And don't worry about pushing them back. They will back out on their own if they lose that shield. This might be just the thing the Salton ships need to stay alive."

  One-by-one the attacking ships lost their forward deflectors. As each ship succumbed to our new weapon, it moved back from the field of battle. After fifteen minutes of the Odentus handing out damage, the attacking fleet withdrew.

  Garrett commented, "Should we stick around?"

  I replied, "I think we have to."

  Chapter 2

  * * *

  An audio hail came over the comm with a harsh tone: "This is the Salton fleet commander, Paulus Figg. You are in Salton space. Identify yourself."

  Jack replied, "You might want to lighten up on the attitude there, Commander. We just saved you from certain death. A nice thank-you might be in order before demanding identification."

  The commander opened his video feed. "My apologies. We appreciate your assistance. Now, who are you? In violation of Alliance law, you do not have a transponder running."

  I laughed. "No, we are hardly in Alliance space, Commander. How many ships did you lose?"

  The commander growled. "I am asking the questions here! Now, who are you?"

  A familiar face stepped in behind the commander. It was Colonel Dag Madigan.

  After quiet words were exchanged, the colonel stepped up to the comm. "Mr. Beutcher. Thank you for your assistance. The answer to your question, sixty-two ships."

  The commander pulled the colonel back from the comm. "That is privileged information, Colonel! Whose side are you on?"

  The colonel replied, "Sorry, Commander, but I can vouch for our friend here. He is on our side. And if I were you, I would listen to whatever he says."

  The commander scowled in resentment.

  I said, "Look, Commander. Those were the Moddle. You are at war with the Moddle. They will be back. And from the looks of the debris field around your fleet, I would say you were not only losing, but losing in a bad way. You would do well to heed the colonel's advice. Now, as far as who we are, let's just say we are on your side and leave it at that."

  The commander pushed his way back into the comm view. "Our scans show that their deflectors failed. By what mechanism were you able to make that happen?"

  I smiled. "We have our methods, Commander. And those methods will remain with us exclusively. If that fleet should return, and we aren't here to assist, you will end up like the rest of that debris floating around you."

  The commander scowled before turning toward his officers. "Bring us around, Miss Harvey. Lieutenant Match, bring those cannons online!"

  The colonel placed his hand on the commander's shoulder. "Sir, what are you doing?"

  The commander spun to face Dag Madigan. "Colonel, I am in command here! Your advice is no longer desired. Return to your quarters. This is a command issue and you no longer have a place on this bridge."

  The colonel rolled his eyes as he turned away from the comm.

  The commander directed his attention toward us. "Whoever you are, this is a Salton fleet battleship of the newest issue. You would do well to prepare yourselves to be boarded."

  I opened a comm to the Odentus. "Captain, if you would, please, I believe the ship that is approaching has hostile intent. If you could knock down his forward deflector that would be appreciated."

  Several seconds later the approaching ship lost its deflector shield as its forward gravity emitters failed.

  I returned to the comm with the commander. "Mr. Figg, I would advise that you drop back below light speed. Without that shield, your hull is vulnerable to debris strikes. And from what I can see, you are surrounded by debris."

  The commander scowled as he gave the order to slow.

  I continued, "Sorry about that, Commander, but we can hardly afford to allow you or anyone else to take us captive. And as a reminder, one that I'm certain you do not need, this is a war zone. You would do well to move your ships back to that portal area to await reinforcements. If the Moddle return, they will continue their slaughter."

  I switched comms to Garrett. "We'll be heading planet-side to talk with the Council. I recommend you stay out here with the Odentus and keep watch. I don't like us both being down there at the same time with the Moddle waiting out there somewhere."

  Garrett nodded. "I'll be here. Just be prepared to run if needed. We can only slow one of those Moddle ships at a time. I actually thought we would be stuck with them for a while. At least someone in their fleet was smart enough to have the ships with no deflectors ride in close behind the others on their way out. If they had stayed at sub-light, it would have taken them a week to move away."

  I replied, "Mr. Carson had that same realization a few minutes ago. Just keep yourself safe. I don't think we'll be long."

  Jack set the Garmon down in a city where the Council had taken refuge. After a short walk, I was guided into a building with a conference room. After ten minutes of my pleading for the Council to make every effort to leave Doomlight, I was told it would not be happening.

  The Council lead held up her hand. "Mr. Beutcher, we are again thankful for your assistance with the Moddle, but our reason for remaining here has not changed. The Moddle and the Saltons view us as an asset. We don't particularly care which party has control of the space surrounding this planet. What we do care about is having the chance to fight against the Grumar and the Grotus. We believe the Moddle and the Saltons would both provide us with that opportunity. Any planning beyond that event is premature."

  I nodded. "It's my desire to eliminate the Grotus as well. I believe we could better do so under our own terms. I can return with the transports needed to move our entire populace back to Odenta. They are willing to join with us in any effort to rid the galaxy of the Grotus. That would include building our own fleet."

  The lead councilwoman gestured toward the door. "Thank you for your input, Mr. Beutcher. We have important items to discuss."

  I nodded, turned and strode out into the hallway.

  Go was waiting. "They're more stubborn than you are."

  I replied, "Please tell me you weren't in there."

  Go looked around sheepishly. "If you want, I can go back in to see what they are saying about you now."

  I shook my head. "Please don't. If they got wind of that I would be locked up for high treason. They don't like me as things stand. I don't need to give them more reasons."

  As we walked, Go continued: "I don't get why they wouldn't want to leave if given the chance."

  "They have their reasons. And it's not my place to question them."

  Go asked. "What's next?"

  I gestured toward the Garmon as we approached. "Jack will be taking us to the town where Getta is stationed. I'll be spending a few hours there with my family before we head back to Odenta."

  Go sighed. "Still no chance of convincing them to come with us?"

  I walked up the ramp-way into the Garmon. "Not a chance. They will do as the Council instructs."

  I continued to the galley and sat as the Garmon lifted off. Go walked past and returned with two cups of the Odenta's version of coffee.

  I took a sip. "This a poor substitute for the real stuff. Too salty for my taste."

  Go laughed. "And yet you've been drinking it every day for a month."

  I half smiled as I blew the heat off before taking another sip. "Unfortunately, that saltiness starts to grow on you. I'm hoping my taste buds won't be tainted by the time we return to the Triangulum."

  Jack came over the comm. "We're landing in Harmond. We should only be a few hundred meters from Getta. When you exit, head down the street to your left."

  I stood. "I'll be back in a few hours. If anything shows on the scans, or if Garrett or the Odentus call
s, don't hesitate to fill me in with the current status."

  Go nodded.

  I walked from the galley down a flight of stairs to the main hallway on deck one. The ramp-way was down and I soon found myself walking up a street with circular houses to either side. Several of my children were waiting as I reached the house Getta had been assigned. It was evident repairs had been made, and more were underway.

  Getta yelled from the side yard as five of my kids ran forward to begin licking my arms: "Over here!"

  When I reached her, we touched foreheads. "What is it you have going on back here?"

  Getta turned to face the beginnings of a rock wall. "We are building livestock pens. There are feral animals running loose all over town that resemble galligs. Garot and Bareta have gone out to capture one. If it has a decent taste, we'll fill up the pens. Won't hurt to make a few extra credits while we are out here."

  I smiled. "Always the businesswoman."

  "Just being prudent. We don't know how long we'll be on this planet."

  I sat on a bench constructed from two stumps and a rock slab. "I had another meeting with the Council."

  Getta looked over as she placed a rock on the wall. "And?"

  I sighed. "And they haven't budged on their desire to stay right here. I believe we could move everyone back to Odenta. Certainly we could do that in two trips with the ships we have, but they have no interest in doing so."

  Getta brushed off her hands and sat. "And what of the Odentas? What would they think of your plan?"

  I leaned forward, placing my elbows on my legs. "The Odentas think it's an excellent idea. They want badly to attack the Grumar and Grotus on their home world. They would welcome anyone with the same desire. I believe that's also the desire of the Council, but they seem locked into staying right here. The battles that rage above us are not of concern to them."

  Getta replied, "They must have their reasons. And they have kept us safe so far, giving us no reason to doubt their decisions."

  I huffed. "We have saved them twice now. Saved all of you twice now. Go made a statement today that I believe to be true. That they are more stubborn than I am."

  Getta laughed as she put her arm around my shoulder. "The Council is made up of Grunta women. We are as stubborn as they come. I don't know why that would be a shock to anyone."

  I spent the next two hours talking with my wife and joking around with my children. They were healthy and strong. Four of the eighteen were already as tall as I was. In three months they would reach Getta's height and beyond. Any Grunta parent would have been proud to call them their own.

  After saying my goodbyes I was escorted back to the Garmon by my family.

  As I stepped up onto the ramp-way I was surprised by a gesture from my mother-in-law. "Knog, one moment. Come here."

  I stepped down and stopped in front of her. "We are all proud of your efforts, Knog. All these years I've had my doubts about you. But you've proven me wrong."

  I nodded. "Thank you for your kindness, Mayla. It's the strength and resolve of both you and your daughter that I stand upon."

  Mayla poked at my shoulders. "Puff out your chest. I have a gift for you."

  I took a deep breath and pushed my chest out until it felt like my lungs would burst. Mayla cocked back her fists and gave me a chest beating that took me within a breath of my life. When she finished, she bowed her head and stepped back. I glanced over at Getta with tears of both joy and pain in my eyes. Getta stood in silent disbelief.

  I turned and walked to the top of the ramp-way, where Jack was waiting. "Man, that hurt me from all the way back here!"

  I gritted my teeth as I replied, "It's a good hurt, Jack. One I will not soon forget."

  Jack gently patted me on the back as I continued into the ship. As we began to lift off, I hailed Garrett on the comm.

  Garrett answered. "All quiet up here. Scans have all been clean. Hey, what's wrong with your eyes? Things OK with the family?"

  I nodded. "Things are very good with the family. I'll tell you about it on our ride back to Odenta. We should be pulling alongside you in a few minutes."

  Garrett half smiled. "I'll be here."

  Go blinked in beside me as I sat in a chair on the bridge. "What happened to you?"

  Jack laughed. "He has a mother-in-law that likes him."

  I looked toward Go. "You look like something is on your mind. What have you been up to?"

  Go half looked away. "Nothing. I just took the time to do some flying around. Looks like your people are settling in for the long haul here."

  I took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "They are committed to following the Council's decisions. I believe our best option is to get back to Odenta and to build more ships. If we build a dozen of the Garmon class light cruisers, we should have enough to keep the Saltons, Moddle and Grumar away from attacking this planet. After that, we build transports to move the people. The Council will have to listen to reason at some point."

  Jack leaned back as we rose through the atmosphere. "Your culture still baffles me. Your men staff all the government offices, but your ruling council is all women, and you all seem to answer to your wives, who are the stronger of your species."

  I replied, "It wasn't always so. Before the War of Wars, there was a time when our men had the say in most everything. Our women had the strength, but were prone to emotional outbursts that often led to fights. When the War of Wars came, it was about survival and not about being civil to one another. Just after, the Council was formed. The men were blamed for losing in the War of Wars. Truth be told, it was our mistake of underestimating the Humans that cost us the war. Looking back, it was good we lost, but we paid a heavy price, and the men were blamed for getting us into the situation to begin with.

  "The heavy decisions are now left to the Council while the men handle the day-to-day tasks of running a government. That system has worked well for two thousand years. It makes my questioning of the Council's decisions difficult to justify."

  Jack looked back at the nav screen as we approached the Jess. "Well, if it's any consolation, I think you are doing the right thing. Sometimes it's good to have someone spouting the opposing view. Helps to prevent the herd mentality that develops from like-mindedness."

  I questioned Go about his behavior on several occasions as we journeyed back to Odenta. When we reached our final day of travel I cornered him in the galley.

  I blocked the door as he got up to leave. "You know I can just blink out and go through you, right?"

  I replied, "You could, but you won't. Instead, you're going to sit back down and tell me what has been on your mind for the past few weeks. Something is stuck in that little Human brain or yours and the wheels just keep going round and round."

  Go looked up at the ceiling in thought before lowering his eyes toward me. "When you were with the family, I did some flying around."

  I lowered my head slightly. "Yes?"

  Go glanced to the side and continued. "I may have done something you wouldn't approve of. And I may have overheard something that you might not want to hear."

  I crossed my arms. "Does this have to do with the Council?"

  Go nodded. "I'm sorry. It's just curiosity got the best of me and I couldn't quit thinking about what it could possibly be they were discussing. And what I heard, I don't think you will want to hear."

  I leaned in. "What you heard. Does it affect the safety of my family?"

  Go rolled his eyes. "In a big way."

  I unfurled my arms and placed my fists on the table. "Tell me what they said... word for word."

  Go took a deep breath. "OK. It seems the Council has a few secrets of their own."

  I motioned with my head. "Go on."

  Go looked at me for several seconds. "Your people weren't conscripted."

  A feeling of shock came over my body. "What?"

  Go removed his helmet, setting it on the table and wiping the sweat from his brow. "I said they weren't conscripted."

&
nbsp; After several seconds of pause, he said, "They volunteered."

  I sat forward in confusion. "What? Who volunteered?"

  Go cleared his throat. "The Council volunteered your people for conscription."

  I sat with my jaw dropped for several seconds before I momentarily regained my composure, replying with a heated response. "And why would they do that?"

  Go placed his hands flat on the table in front of him. "They did it because Harden Salton told them about the Grotus. He promised to let them fight and kill the Grotus on Doomlight, and then on the Grumar home-world."

  I sat back in silence for nearly a minute as I gathered my thoughts. "This is hard to believe."

  Go replied, "I promise you, I heard them discussing this in a very heated manner. I thought there were going to be fights breaking out at several instances. There are those in the Council who side with you, but they are in the minority. When the final vote was cast, it was unanimous. They will continue to wait for the assistance from the Saltons. They fight with the Alliance."

  I shook my head. "They risked everyone. They chose to disrupt everyone's lives just to go after the Grotus? It doesn't make sense. We are planners. We make every effort to put things in place before undertaking anything of significance. We do that so we have the best chance of success at completing whatever that plan is. This seems like a reactionary decision, which is very uncharacteristic of us. There must be something else going on for them to take this action."

  Go held up his hands. "If we go back, I can drift in and listen to whatever they have to say."

  I looked Go in the eye. "Why didn't you tell me of this when you first found out?"

  Go lowered his gaze. "I just kind of panicked and didn't know what to think of it. I knew it would be news that you didn't want to hear and might not believe. And I knew you'd be angry with me for going back in there after you asked me not to. I'm sorry I took so long to tell you. What are we going to do?"

  I was silent for several seconds as I thought. "I don't know. Don't mention this to Jack or Garrett until I've had some time to think."

  Go nodded. "I'm just glad to finally tell you. Keeping that information to myself has been like being eaten alive from the inside. And since this is your people, it's better that it's your information to tell. If you need a sounding board at any time, I'll be here to... hear."