Betrayal: Rise of Man, #3

By E. Wayne Stucki

Stranded in a foreign star system . . .

The Kthpok must conquer or die.

 

After the slave rebellion exiled the Kthpok from their home planet, a malfunction in their ship's drive maroons what's left of them in an unfamiliar corner of the galaxy.

 

With resources dwindling, rebuilding on the closest planet is their only chance at survival, but the battered Kthpok fleet is no match for the insectoid civilization dwelling there.

 

Kthpok leader Scinf must use his cunning to exterminate the Iidx—or his entire species will perish.

 

Fans of the Flinx series by Alan Dean Foster will love the intergalactic intrigue in this timeless fight for survival. Follow the ruthless Kthpok as they do whatever it takes to win in this next thrilling installment of the Rise of Man series. 

• Language: English
• Publisher: E. Wayne Stucki
• Release date: Mar 31, 2024
• ISBN: 9798988460855

Book preview

Prologue

Twenty-four ships swept towards a star system from the depths of interstellar space. The vessels were arrayed in a spherical formation intended to protect the three massive colony ships and two dreadnoughts at its center. A rough outer shell of three battleships and a single cruiser flew at stable, relative positions to the capital ships while fifteen escort vessels moved around the formation in a synchronized pattern.

Light from the distant sun glinted off hulls patched in haste where missiles and pulsers had blasted armor. Other areas melted and blackened by missiles detonating near the hulls, absorbed the light. Only the Colony ships sparkled with a uniform undamaged brightness.

It was a meager force compared with the armada of over a thousand vessels that had set out years earlier from Fairen, the Kthpok home planet. All the space forces from all the Runs of Fairen had been consolidated into a single armada which was a major political achievement of a lifetime. The mission, so long ago and so far away, was to adjust the course of an asteroid that threatened their home with complete destruction.

The armada’s mission was successful; the asteroid was diverted. But as this achievement was being celebrated a coup was staged by a creature which had been raised from its animal heritage by the Kthpok. Those creatures, known as humans had been taken in, educated, trained and put to work for the benefit of their Kthpok masters. The humans had planned well and seized their own ships, and then challenged the Kthpok. A cataclysmic battle between master and ungrateful servant began and stretched across the home system. Blasted, lifeless hulks, shredded debris and flash frozen corpses marked the path of their conflict from just inside the orbit of the asteroid belt, to Aris, the fourth planet of the system, and then into orbit around Fairen.

S’Cinf, the far-seeing leader of the L’Khast Run, had made preparations. As the leader of one of the planets superpowers he’d never trusted humans and wanted them extinct. While the fleet was going to divert the asteroid the L’Khast leader had colony ships constructed. They were completed just after word was received of the fleet’s success with the asteroid. Then, communications to the fleet were disrupted. Fearing the unknown S’Cinf had the colony ships stocked and crewed entirely with Kthpok loyal to him then left the planet. Probes placed near Fairen’s orbit allowed those in the colony ships to watch the battle between the human and Kthpok fleets. The battle lasted for days with neither side asking for or giving mercy. At last the fighting ended with the destruction of the Kthpok fleet and the flight of the battered survivors.

All the surviving Kthpok warships were contacted by S’Cinf and ordered to form up around the three colony ships. The consolidated force traveled to the outer system to find momentary refuge among the moons of a gas giant. Once there the Kthpok crews swarmed over their vessels to evaluate their condition. The vessels that could be repaired received material and equipment from those ships deemed unsalvageable. There were also additional modifications. It’d been determined that with their armada destroyed the Kthpok could only flee. To remain would mean the extinction of the Kthpok people at the claws of the human animal. Drive chambers were upgraded with interstellar drives and reactors improved. To accommodate the long journey suspension chambers were constructed for the crews. Computer programs were prepared to oversee all shipboard functions while the crews were in suspension. The computers were also expected to select the Kthpok’s new home.

When the repairs and modifications were completed and before their enemy had found their hiding place the Kthpok went into suspended animation then left their home system. S’Cinf was determined to find a new planet where a rejuvenated Kthpok people could rebuild then return to recover its home. The atmosphere inside the ships was reclaimed and life support functions shut down to conserve on resources.

Thus it was, after vast interstellar distances and centuries of travel, the Kthpok formation moved for orbit around a new sun. Long ago the leaders of the Kthpok had determined that the scored, blasted, and battered formation would remain well beyond detection outside the orbit of the outermost planet. From that safe location it could be determined whether or not the system was safe for the remnant of the Kthpok people to enter and colonize.

When sensors confirmed the fleet was where it was supposed to be another instruction path was opened. Diagnostics on all vital systems in all ships was initiated. This was a critical period for the fleet because all systems had to be disabled for the duration of the tests. That included the defenses. Of course, this was begun only after scans of nearby space had confirmed the total absence of any threat.

As the data began to come in the main computer was programmed to pay special attention to the stellar drives. With all the survivors of the Kthpok race on board the twenty something vessels the drives were examined first and then readied for use. This would allow the force to escape if any danger was detected.

After the diagnostics were completed, the defensive systems were powered back up and slaved to the computer. The results of the computers examination was saved in a file for review by the crew when they were revived. Although short-range scans indicated there were no other vessels within striking distance the computer was given no allowances to reduce the level of readiness. The Kthpok would take no chances regarding their survival. Longer ranged scans were avoided in fear of drawing unwanted attention to the Kthpok if the new system was inhabited.

With its first task of ensuring the fleets continued readiness completed the attention of the computer was directed towards the system being orbited and its next priority. Habitable planets suitable for colonization had to be located. High-powered telescopes were used for visual confirmation of planets in the proper orbit while other equipment scanned the visual and audio frequencies for any sign of technology.

It took one complete transit around the distant sun for the requisite data to be gathered. This equated to almost two hundred years as the Kthpok reckoned time. As everyone was kept in suspension time wasn’t an issue for the computer. The data received from the meticulous research was used to plot and evaluate planetary orbits. Everything was compared to the parameters specified by the Kthpok when the fleet left its system.

Surveys of two other, earlier planetary systems had provided only what the Kthpok crews would have considered bad news if they’d been awake. There were no habitable planets. This time, however, the computer logged good news along with the bad.

The current system the Kthpok ships were orbiting consisted of twelve planets and two asteroid belts. Three of those planets were gas giants and two planets were in the designated life zone. In its vital statistics the computer noted that while the habitable planet closest to the sun was orbiting further out than the Kthpok home planet it appeared to have the necessary humid climate. That was due to the type of star. The next planet moving outward, number five, was also considered suitable but had a climate similar to the colder northern regions of Fairen’s only continent. The interpretation of all the data collected was that a potential new home for the Kthpok had been found. That was the good news.

The bad news was realized when electronic scanning detected transmissions indicative of an advanced civilization. Broadcasts were picked up in many audio and video frequencies. There was no attempt by the computer at analysis of the broadcasts. It just logged what it had found. Items moving between planets or were in orbit around the two habitable planets were also observed. Another indication of and advanced civilization.

Nanoseconds passed as new decision paths were consulted. This was the first time the computer had to deal with this particular set of problems. In the prior two systems that had been examined, the computer had not found a suitable planet for the Kthpok. When that happened the computer simply located another target star, the stellar drives were activated and the Kthpok force headed for the new destination.

Although there was a planet or planets available for colonization in the current system a flag had been tripped. Prior to being put into suspension the Kthpok Point had specified that no sentient life forms were to be present. Or if they were present the natives couldn’t be technologically advanced enough to present a creditable defense. The humans had taught the Kthpok a very valuable and very expensive lesson: There was to be no competing species for the Kthpok. If an advanced native population was found the Kthpok would leave to find another unpopulated planet. But if the natives had a low enough technological level the Kthpok would eliminate the beings as should have been done with the humans when the vile creature had been discovered. The presence of broadcasts and vessels traveling between planets in the current system indicated that the natives were sufficiently advanced and wouldn’t be defeated with ease.

Once the computer determined this system failed to pass the requirements for colonization the scanning equipment was reactivated. This time most of the instruments were pointed outward looking for another likely star system. While this search was being conducted the computer maintained a watch on the inner system. If there was any indication the Kthpok force had been seen by the systems inhabitants the computer would leave the system without a destination. The survivors of the holocaust had to be preserved at all costs.

The ships swept through another complete orbit around the sun before the examination of the surrounding region of space was finished. Several stars were discovered that were similar to the home sun and, after a complex heuristic process; a new target system was selected.

Still following its instructions put in place before leaving the home system the computer shifted the Kthpok fleet into the formation designated for interstellar travel. This time it was computed the journey would take decades to reach the new system so the whole evaluation process could be repeated.

When it was confirmed each ship was in its proper place in the new formation another command was sent to initiate the final warm up of the stellar drives in preparation for launch. At the same time a countdown began to mark the time to the escape window for the new system. With less than an hour to go before launch a signal was received by the flagships computer from the Deliberate, one of the other two colony ships.

Electrons flashed over immense lengths of wire and intricate equipment as the new data was processed. At first the countdown continued while the message was evaluated. Then the departure was aborted. A catastrophic problem had been encountered.

The computer issued new commands and the formation shifted once again. It powered down the drives and maintained orbit around the distant sun to wait for new instructions. Equipment which had been on standby for almost a millennia was activated.

Chapter 1

S’Cinf, the lone surviving Run Point for the Kthpok people, stalked down a corridor of his colony ship. There were no tapestries or art to break up the monotony of the white walls and light grey metal floor. Only an occasional sign marking a corridor or vital room broke the stark whiteness.

As the leader for what little remained of the L’Khast people . . . S’Cinf paused and shook his head at the thought. He didn’t lead just the L’Khast anymore. Among the fleet were Kthpok all over the world including from the Ch’Kar and the L’Mong Runs. Once they were from competing Runs but now. . . . Now, they were all members of an endangered species looking for a home.

According to the ship’s chronometers it’d been close to a thousand years since he’d gone into suspension. His foot talons extended in agitation, leaving bright scars on the metal deck to mark his passage as he resumed walking. A thousand years of traveling between stars and, if what he’d been told was true, they still hadn’t found a suitable planet for their new nest.

When he reached an intersection S’Cinf paused once more to look down the adjoining corridors, his long neck swinging back and forth. In better times he’d’ve seen security personnel posted at regular intervals in all directions. The sentries weren’t just an ostentatious demand to feed his ego or something to insure his security or to keep the adoring crowds back. They were a traditional honor for his position as Run Point. He gave a slight shake of his head. Even his customary entourage of aides and staff were missing which was a sad commentary of how far the Kthpok had fallen.

Cold air coming from an overhead ventilation grill caused a shiver that started just behind his head, traveled down the scales of his long neck, gained momentum as it passed over his light gray torso and ended with a vigorous shaking of his long tail. The Run Point snorted and resumed walking. The first thing he was going to do after this meeting was over was have the environment adjusted. It was too cold by almost twenty degrees. He could feel the heat being sucked from his feet by the metal of the floor.

After walking the ships corridors for another ten minutes looking for a particular conference room the Kthpok leader was beginning to get frustrated. Although he’d spent months in the ship prior to being suspended he’d only gone from his quarters to the Center Room or a nearby conference center. He hadn’t bothered to explore what lay beyond those areas. There was too much work to do getting the fleet ready to leave the Nest system.

Even with the number of Kthpok revived being kept to a minimum P’Mar could have provided him with a guide when the meeting had been announced. Instead S’Cinf had been given instructions of how to find this particular room. A sudden flick of his tail slammed into a nearby wall. He was the Run Point, for shell’s sake, not a tourist.

S’Cinf was about to stop and retrace his path back to the Center Room where he could order the admiral’s death when he came upon a particular sign over one of the doors in the corridor. He’d found his destination at last! At his approach the door panel slid aside to let a gust of comforting warmth escape into the corridor.

The Kthpok leader quickly moved into the room and paused for a moment to let the door slide shut behind him. A casual glance revealed this room was just as devoid of decorations as the corridors outside. There was a brief urge to stretch his tail out to its full length and luxuriate in the heat but he suppressed it. He had more important business to attend to. After the brief moment of hesitation he left the area of the door and moved around the table placed in the center of the conference room to reach the position which was his by right.

The short walk through the room gave him enough time to take note of the other Kthpok assembled around the table. At one end of the table was Fleet Admiral P’Mar. But the other four Kthpok sitting around the table, two on each side were strangers. Two were outfitted as scientists, one wore the trappings of a technician and the last was an engineer.

Now, said S’Cinf as he settled onto his perch at the head of the table, I assume that everyone’s here? He looked over at the Fleet Admiral who gave a confirming bob of his head. Very well then, we’ll begin. From what I’ve been told we are not orbiting our new planet nor are we on course to such a planet. Once again the admiral bobbed his head. Since this is outside the parameters outlined before leaving our home system I want to know why we’ve been revived, wasting vital resources.

The other Kthpok around the table twisted their long necks so they could look over at the Fleet Admiral making it obvious who was to be the spokesman. At a gesture from the Kthpok leader P’Mar picked up an electronic pad from the table. He already knew what he was going to report but the feel of metal and plastic gave him a needed sense of security. Computer records show that this is the third planetary system surveyed since we left Fairen, the officer announced. The first two systems had no planets suitable for Kthpok life although there were several rich in resources. It’s in the current system that two planets have been found which are in the Life Belt. The fourth planet out from the sun has the proper climate while the fifth planet out is a bit cold. He gestured to the other Kthpok in the room. Our scientists, after reviewing the data obtained by the computer, have compared these planets to Fairen and Aris from our own system. Although the outer planet is not quite as cold as Aris and has a full atmosphere. Indications are that we could live on either planet. This system fits all of our parameters exactly with one exception: Evidence of an advanced native race has been found.

S’Cinf arched his neck and dipped his head forward. Extending a talon on his right hand he scratched a spot next to an eye which had developed an itch. That is unfortunate, he said when he was finished scratching. However, I seem to remember giving orders to leave any system which had evidence of an intelligent, advanced species. Was that order ignored? The Run Point glared at the admiral. Or have we discovered that being suspended for extended periods causes hallucinations and I just dreamed giving those instructions?

No Run Point, replied P’Mar giving a definite shake of his tail. There was no hallucination. You did give those orders and the programmers did encode instructions for the computer that complied with your instructions.

I see, mused S’Cinf, then explain why we aren’t orbiting a planet that fits our parameters.

In reply to the Run Points question the admiral gestured with a tail at a technician on a perch in the middle of the table. This is S’Tap, P’Mar introduced. He’s the chief programmer for this vessel’s computer which, as you know, controlled the fleet during the flight and he can explain what’s happened.

The indicated Kthpok, not used to briefing senior officers and government officials let alone the ruler of all Kthpok, stiffened. The Run Point noted that this Kthpok’s scales were a shade lighter than the others in the room and its marking were distinctive. He wondered where this Kthpok came from.

After S’Cinf gave a bob of permission to speak the programmer took a deep breath to recover his composure then began his report. Yes, Run Point, you’ve outlined very well the procedure the main computer was following, he said. According to the logs, after the threat had been detected a new target system was selected by the computer, the formation shifted and a count down for departure started. However, before initiating the stellar drives and departing for the next star system, a final check of the drives themselves, the power systems, and their related systems are performed as a matter of routine. He gave a nervous twitch of his tail. "That diagnostic is or was a fail safe. But it’s good we set it up that way. It was during the diagnostic that a problem was discovered in the drive system of the Colony ship, Deliberate.

If the drives had been activated as planned the Deliberate would have exploded, killing all on board. It’s been calculated that an explosion of that magnitude would have also destroyed the other colony ships, the dreadnoughts, and severely damaged the remaining vessels of the fleet. When the danger became apparent the computer halted the countdown and powered down the drives.

What about the automatics? asked the Kthpok leader. Couldn’t they have repaired the fault?

A negative shake came from S’Tap’s tail. The diagnostics indicate the fault is something which could require a shipyard to correct. At the least Kthpok intervention was required.

S’Cinf turned his attention to the engineer. Well? he asked. Can we fix it without help?

The engineer, S’Lent, dipped his head in submissive apology before replying. I’m sorry, your Eminence. It’s impossible to tell at this time. We have to locate and evaluate the problem first.

Are there any other vessels that have the same problem the Kthpok leader asked.

S’Lent shook his head. All the other ships show clear, he replied. Of course, we won’t know for sure unless a detailed inspection is performed. However, indications are the rest of the fleet could depart without danger.

The Run Point thought for a moment then gave an impatient flip of his tail. So it appears our options are to sacrifice the Deliberate with all it carries or find a way to make repairs with the resources at hand then leave, S’Cinf summarized.

The admiral bobbed his head in agreement. There is a third possibility, Run Point, he commented. We take the planets here.

S’Cinf bobbed his head to acknowledge the admiral’s statement while still looking at the engineer. Abandoning the Deliberate is unacceptable, he announced. I will not lose that many people. Or the equipment carried on that vessel, he said, which means at the least we’re here until repairs are made.

Then his eyes took on a predatory gleam as he turned to the admiral. Tell me just how advanced the natives are. Are they really a threat?

They may be, your Eminence, P’Mar replied and gestured to the scientists perched on the other side of the table from the computer programmer and engineer. B’Rig and R’Min have evaluated the data developed by the computer. For that reason they have a better feel for the natives.

We have examined the results of the scans, your Eminence. B’Rig broke in without receiving permission from S’Cinf.

They are quite extensive, sir, added R’Min with an emphatic bob of his head.

I’m sure the computer was very meticulous in its scan routines, said S’Cinf working to keep a tight rein on his frustration. So what does this extensive data show?

At the present what we have, said R’Min, is the electronic transmissions produced by this civilization. We’ve received both audio and visual transmissions, which are comparable to a level of technology less capable than ours. The video gives us an idea of what they look like. They’re more hideous than the humans with all those legs and antennae. And the shells . . . . It’ll take some preparation and mental adjustments if we’re expected to interact with them.

A warning snort from the Run Point brought the Kthpok back to the issue in question. R’Min cleared this throat then continued. Because we’re limited to those transmissions we cannot confirm if the natives have a military force. We’ve detected vessels moving between planets but if they’re military. . . . His tail gave a shrug of ignorance. At this distance we’re unable to differentiate freighters from warships.

The other scientist broke in. However, to guarantee our safety, we’ve assumed there is such a force. With that assumption, coupled with the experience of our own civilization and the observed technology of the natives an extrapolation of their strength is possible.

Another assumption is required, added R’Min. We must assume that the natives have used their most advanced technology for their military. B’Rig nodded agreement as his companion continued. With that in mind we’ve determined that we hold a slight technological edge.

Even though they may not be as advanced as we are, our limited numbers and damaged condition make our position very precarious, said P’Mar. There’s also the problem of our missile inventories being virtually non-existent. We only have what the colony ships carry. He gave a concerned bob of his head. If the natives attack we’d hurt any force they send against us but we’d lose. Despite the best we could do they’d obliterate us within hours.

There was silence in the Conference Room while the Run Point mulled over the options his subordinates had presented him. After a few moments he spoke. There’s not enough information to make a proper decision. To get it I want more engineers revived. They’re to go out and visually inspect the drives on all ships. He paused for another moment then continued. "We’d better start with the Deliberate to see where and what the problem is. Once they’ve determined there’s a problem and what it is the engineers can examine the other vessels for similar faults.

I want to know if we can leave. And if we can’t, I want to know if the problem can be fixed using our own resources. I want as much information as possible.

After the Run Point received assurances that S’Lent understood what was to be accomplished he turned back to the admiral. In case the initial indications are confirmed and we can’t leave this system I want options on how to proceed.

S’Cinf arched his neck then stretched his head over the table towards P’Mar. We have two main objectives: First, we’re to safeguard the Kthpok race. Since, the Colony ships contain most of our personnel and equipment their safety must be guaranteed. Our second objective is to discover and take a planet our people can live on. If we’re to survive we have to have a new nest. It may be that we can eliminate the creatures of this system and take their planets for our own. But that might not be possible. I need options.

The admiral nodded his understanding and bared his teeth in a snarl. I’ll have several possibilities ready by the time the engineers complete their inspections of the drives.

N’Brask settled back on his haunches, using his tail to keep his balance. He arched his neck up and back then dropped his head lower. Once he was in position, the panel in front of him was removed and set aside. Dropping his head even further, N’Brask peered at the circuit boards contained in the small exposed area of the drive console of engineering. He gave a hiss of disgust. I don’t see anything, he said and placed a probe in the proper port. Probe inserted, N’Brask announced, begin diagnostics.

Standing off to one side and a little behind his companion, U’Stan, made an entry on a keypad. Connection made, diagnostics beginning, he reported and consulted a readout. The data’s coming in now. Estimated time to completion is ten minutes.

N’Brask swung his head back around to look at U’Stan. I still think this task should be done by property not us, he said continuing an argument that had begun light-years away and thousands of years ago. There are better things we could be doing.

You know the Run Points directive, U’Stan replied as he continued to watch his equipment. He hates humans—with good reason. He didn’t want property involved with the Colony ships so there aren’t any onboard. He intended the new planet to be all Kthpok.

That’s insane! Property has its uses.

You’d better not let the Run Point hear you think he’s insane. He might not like that. The fact that we’re an endangered species now might not be enough to prevent your untimely death if he should find out what you’ve said. Besides I’d think you’d show a little gratitude for that policy. If it weren’t for the Run Point deciding to go Kthpok-only with these ships we’d’ve been left behind on Fairen to be turned into radioactive dust. You heard what the humans did to the planet. There’s no one left alive.

N’Brask gave another snort. I still thin . . .

Wait, interrupted U’Stan, There’s something wrong! He paused for a moment then made a few more entries on his device. A moment later he keened in surprise.

What? asked N’Brask, what’s the problem?

U’Stan gave a nervous twitch of his tail and looked up from his device. I hope you’ve kept up on your E-suit procedures, he said, because this indicates there’s a problem in the power transfer system between the reactors and stellar drive. He gave a shrug. Or it could be that the lining of the exhaust tubes has worn thin or it’s in the ignition area. Either way if the drives are activated, we explode.

N’Brask’s scales turned a shade lighter so his marking stood out in sharp contrast. So that’s why we’re doing this, he mused.

His companion bobbed his head. That’s why we’re going to check everything; including the actual reaction chambers. We need to find out if there’s really a problem. And if there is what can be done about it.

Half a day later an airlock hatch in the hull of the Deliberate slid open to allow two suited figures to emerge. Once clear of the lock the two figures used maneuvering jets to move down the length of the hull to the exhaust port of the stellar drive and disappeared inside.

Speaking of drives, radioed N’Brask as he shone his suit light down the dark tunnel, I hope the Kthpok in the Center room don’t decide to test the drives while we’re in here. If they do we’re ash.

A snort was heard over the suit radio. They won’t, replied U’Stan. You keep forgetting why we’re here. The computers tell us that if the drives are activated, even for a test, the entire ship explodes. And that would take out the rest of the fleet. Short of a command to self-destruct the computer won’t allow anything like that to happen.

Since it’s that dangerous why aren’t we isolated from the rest of the fleet? N’Brask wondered. That seems the reasonable thing to do.

Who knows, replied U’Stan suppressing a shrug of his tail. Careless movements in weightless conditions had dangerous consequences. Maybe they have. I’ve learned not to worry about things outside my pay grade. Life’s easier that way. What I’m worrying about right now is finding out if the drive can be fixed.

At that point a voice came over their helmet speakers cutting through the engineer’s conversation. Enough talking! You’re out there to conduct an inspection.

Both Kthpok acknowledged the implied orders and worked in silence for the next few minutes. Progressing deeper into the ship the two engineers continued to use their instruments to study the drives lining. They’d already checked the electronics inside the vessel before leaving the interior. Everything they’d examined checked out.

The closer to the reaction chamber they got without finding anything the more frustrated N’Brask became. There’s nothing wrong here! he exclaimed, forgetting that the Center room was listening in. The problem’s got to be in that first panel we examined. It’s just giving us a false reading!

We’ve checked those circuits a couple of times, U’Stan reminded. You even pulled the boards for a visual inspection, remember?

So why haven’t we found anything? wondered N’Brask.

Because we haven’t looked in the right place.

N’Brask snorted at the comment and continued down the drive chamber. When they reached the reaction chamber the engineers split up so their inspection could go faster.

U’Stan’s light traced around the portion of the chamber he was inspecting then stopped. He jetted over and ran a scanner over the actual ignition area. Hey N’Brask! he called to his companion. Come look at this! I think I’ve found what our diagnostics have been warning us about.

What you’re telling me, said S’Cinf, is that we have no alternative but to enter this system to seek assistance. He swiveled his head on his long neck to look at S’Lent who’d presented the report. They were back in the conference room to evaluate what the engineers had found on the Deliberate. S’Lent bobbed his head in confirmation.

It is possible for most of the fleet to proceed to the next promising system, commented S’Tap who was perched next to the engineer and had heard the report.

The fleet can leave, agreed the Kthpok Point, but at the expense of abandoning the Deliberate. And when we get to the next system we have no guarantee we’ll find a habitable planet there which meets our requirements. There’s also the possibility that other ships will develop the same fault once we’re there. And without any assistance we’d really be stranded. He gave a negative shake of his tail. That doesn’t sound like a very attractive option to me. We stay!

The programmer dipped his head in submission and settled back onto his perch. S’Cinf gave a slight snort at the gesture then turned to the admiral. You’ve heard my decision, admiral, he said. Do you have anything to add? Any arguments?

No, Run Point, P’Mar said.

Since we’re here to stay what plans do you have to secure this system?

There aren’t many options available to us, your Eminence, the admiral replied. As I mentioned a couple of days ago we don’t have the weight in ships of the line for a fight. Just the two dreadnoughts and the Colony ships are in that class. Of course, the last thing we want to do is put the colony ships in a combat situation. Besides that our other vessels aren’t in any condition for combat. About a third of our missile tubes and laser mounts are out of commission. He shook his head. Our armor is shattered and thin; hull integrity is marginal. Inviting combat at this time would be committing racial suicide.

So, what do we do?

We use guile, said P’Mar.

What? That exclamation came from B’Rig. Both Kthpok leaders glared at the scientist who’d spoken out of turn. Realizing he’d intruded where he wasn’t wanted the Kthpok dipped his head and muttered apologies.

We don’t have enough information to prepare extensive battle plans at the present, continued the admiral after the scientist had settled. There’s the possibility the natives of this system may prove useful though. If their tech base is sufficiently advanced, they can help us repair our ships and weapons as well as manufacture missiles to fill our caches.

Why’d they do that? asked S’Tap without thinking. We’re competitors.

P’Mar bared his fangs. If we’re right and we have the tech edge this’d give them a boost up.

S’Cinf nodded. They’d save years of research and development. Not to mention the costs associated with all that research.

I can see that, ScTap replied. That might work.

It’s so good you approve, the Run Point said in droll tones. The programmer blanched and shrunk down on his perch. With the interruption taken care of S’Cinf nodded at the admiral. Continue, he ordered.

After we’ve completed repairs and rearmed then we can determine if it’s possible to conquer this system. During the repair stage we’ll also have the opportunity to gather intelligence about targets and capabilities. Once that’s done and we’ve determined that we can win we complete our preparations. Then we attack and take their planets. Otherwise we leave this system fully armed and repaired. Our task now will be to persuade them to assist us while keeping our true intentions from them.

S’Cinf nodded his understanding and bared his sharp teeth. This idea has a certain appeal, he said. The humans used guile to destroy our civilization and wrest Fairen from us. This time we could use it to gain a planet for ourselves. He glared at the Kthpok around the table and snarled. I want their planets and I want them dead.

Chapter 2

S’Cinf sat on his perch in the Colony ship’s Center Room and watched the Command Pack perform their assigned duties. Kthpok monitored systems and worked their consoles. Muttered conversations could be heard coming from several places throughout the room. From time to time a rating would leave his station to walk over and confer with another in quiet whispers. The Run Point took a deep breath and let it out in a soft, bored whistle. It seemed everyone had something to do except him.

On its course to the inner planets the fleet was passing another gas giant with a large complement of moons. A group of scientists had been revived and were now huddled near the science suite. These Kthpok appeared to be enjoying themselves taking readings, examining the magnetosphere of the planet, the elements in its atmosphere, wind speed, and whatever data that could be collected. Images of the gas giant interspersed with pictures and data about the orbiting moons flashed on an auxiliary screen above the scientists.

Acting on an impulse to do something S’Cinf worked his keyboard and called up the picture of the gas giant to his screen. He took a moment to study the bands of vibrant color that covered the planet. I wonder if there’s something in there we can exploit? he said in a soft whisper. Before he could open a communications link with the science station a Lieutenant posted in the Scanning suite called for the ship’s Captain, J’Nes. The movement caught the Run Point’s notice and he watched as the captain walked over.

An image of still another moon was projected on a screen. Excited chatter coming from the science suite brought the Run Points attention back to what the scientists were doing. It was easy to see why they were so excited. The formations on that moon were contorted and twisted while covered with brilliant and unusual colors. A moment later the Kthpok leader glanced back at the scan station to see that Fleet Admiral P’Mar had joined the Scan Officer and Captain J’Nes.

That’s interesting, thought S’Cinf. Shifting his tail out of the way he left his perch and headed for the suite where the three Kthpok were conferring. As he neared the scanning suite the Run Point was able to overhear what was being said.

. . . unable to know the count for sure, reported Lieutenant D’Pan, the Scan Officer. They’re too far away.

If the distance prevents a count, how can you be sure of what’s coming? asked J’Nes.

I’m the best scanner you’ve got, Captain, replied the officer in an offended tone and gestured at his equipment. I can work this equipment to show the warts on a female’s tail on a dark night. The captain didn’t seem as impressed as he should have been but the Lieutenant continued. We’ve been scanning the inner planets since entering the orbit of the outer planets. We also have the record generated by the computers as this system was being evaluated. What I see is a large metallic mass heading away from the inner planets. I checked the computer before calling it to your attention and this mass wasn’t observed moving around the system during the initial evaluation.

That is unusual, commented the Fleet Admiral, but not unknown.

In addition to the sighting there’s the electronic emissions we’ve detected coming from that mass, the location of the mass, its speed, and destination. There’s also the fact that it’s accelerating, said the officer with an emphatic swing of his tail. It all points to one conclusion.

What? asked S’Cinf as he entered the conversation. What conclusion are you talking about? The three Kthpok fell silent when they realized that the Run Point had joined them. Well? he prompted.

At a gesture from Admiral P’Mar the scan officer responded. He ducked his head in respect as he spoke, I’ve been monitoring the inner system, Run Point.

That much I heard. What did you find? Lieutenant . . . ? he let the question trail off.

D’Pan, sir, the officer replied. There’s a force of ships heading out system on an intercept course with us. The distance prevents us from getting an accurate determination of class and number. That will come as they close.

If you can’t determine the count, asked S’Cinf, how can you tell they’re ships?

The sunlight reflecting from the hulls, was the immediate reply.

Sunlight? S’Cinf questioned. How . . . ?

That technique’s been used for many years by astronomers to determine the elements in a planet’s atmosphere, your Eminence, volunteered Captain J’Nes.

The Run Point bobbed his head in understanding. I see. What else? he asked.

This new fleet originated from the fourth planet, said D’Pan.

That’s the main native planet, supplied P’Mar.

S’Cinf sent a quelling look at the admiral. I know that’s the main native planet, the Run Point said.

The force’s course intersects ours well outside the orbit of the fifth planet which, as you know, is also inhabited, said D’Pan cutting through the budding dispute. That’ll occur within six days.

S’Cinf’s tail began a slow twitch as he pondered the news. That seems to indicate the natives do have a military force, he commented. "They wouldn’t send freighters to investigate something coming from outside their system. In addition, their scanners are capable enough to’ve picked up our mass.

So, they’ve dispatched a force to meet us before we reach their inhabited planets. That’s what I’d do. The Run Point looked over at the admiral. What’s your recommendation, admiral?

I want to revive enough of the crews to have people at all defensive stations before the native force reaches us, P’Mar replied.

S’Cinf’s tail stiffened in surprise. I thought you said we couldn’t survive, let alone win, a fight.

P’Mar bobbed his head. We won’t, he replied. "But I still want the crews revived.

I understand that our original intentions were to keep the crews in suspension until a viable colony had been established or at least discovered, he replied and gave a shrug of his tail. But the drive problems on the Deliberate changed that. The arrival of or impending interception by an enemy force requires our ship weapons stations be posted. The admiral paused for a moment to let the Run Point consider his request. We’ll have an early test of our ability to convince the natives we’re peaceful. But if it doesn’t work and they attack I refuse to die without a fight.

Very well, said S’Cinf with an approving sweep of his tail, you can have your people. The revival’s been approved.

He glared at Captain J’Nes and Admiral P’Mar standing before him. And our plans had better, must succeed. It’s not just our lives that are at stake. It’s our entire people. The extinction of the Kthpok as a species is what we’re facing.

The admiral bobbed his head. We understand what we have to lose, Run Point, he said, and we will not fail. We will time the revival of the additional packs to keep the drain on our supplies to a minimum yet allow sufficient time for recovery. Our vessels will be defended.

There’s another factor, your Eminence, added J’Nes. If we’re successful in deceiving the natives we’ll have all the supplies we need.

P’Mar gave a snort then added. And if we’re not successful we won’t need what we have. We’ll be dead.

There is that, replied S’Cinf.

With a twitch from his tail that signified dismissal the Run Point turned and moved back to his perch. Once there he resumed watching the images received from the probes sent to the gas giant. At this point he wasn’t going to inject himself into the preparations to meet the oncoming natives. Preparing for a fight was the admiral’s responsibility.

Two days before the fleet was scheduled to intercept the native force S’Cinf stalked into the Center Room. As the door slid shut behind him he paused on the landing to survey the activity at the various consoles. Before he could move further into the room the officer-on-duty hurried over, saluted and adopted the proper pose.

Your Eminence, how may I assist you? asked the OOD.

S’Cinf considered for a moment before answering. A quick glance at the badge on the Lieutenant’s harness gave him the officer’s name. I would see the Fleet Admiral, Lieutenant M’Ton. Have him called to the Center Room immediately.

The OOD dipped his head in acknowledgement. At once, my Lord. If I may?

At a twitch from the Run Point’s tail the Lieutenant hurried over to the communications suite to summon the admiral. Unsure of how long it would take for P’Mar to arrive S’Cinf moved over to his perch and logged onto the system.

A few short moments later the admiral arrived in the Center Room and hurried over to where the Run Point waited. After adopting the same respectful pose as Lieutenant M’Ton but with an adjustment for his higher rank P’Mar spoke. What is the Run Points wish?

The Kthpok leader looked up from the screen he’d been watching. I’ve realized that we have no way to communicate with the force that’s coming to greet us. At least with the beast humans they’d learned our language so they could understand their instructions. It’s obvious these creatures won’t be able to speak our language nor we theirs. He gave a questioning twitch of his tail. How’re we going to convince them we’re peaceful and that they should assist us?

Admiral P’Mar bobbed his head to show he understood the question. We’ve prepared a short documentary of how we came to be here for an introduction, P’Mar replied without preamble. It’s based on a visual record of the battles we endured with the humans. I gave the techs a general idea of what I wanted and had them use their imagination. It’s taken them several days to complete to my satisfaction. He gave a brief bob of his head in wry humor. I think it gets our message across without requiring them to understand our language. The admiral paused for a moment then spoke again. Would you like to see it, your Eminence?

There was no hesitation in S’Cinf’s response. Show me what you’ve prepared! he replied with a definite bob of his head.

The admiral gestured compliance with his tail. Communications! he called loud enough to carry over the muted noise of the Center Room. Have Intro One opened and displayed to this terminal.

The communications officer, Lieutenant L’Art, swung his head around to verify where the admiral was then made some entries on his keyboard, consulted the list that appeared on his screen, selected an item and then turned back to his commander. It’s coming up now, admiral he announced.

S’Cinf craned his neck to watch as the specified monitor flickered. A moment later a transmission header appeared then the message began. In rapid sequence the Run Point saw various pictures of cities, factories, farms and recreation areas. All were showing Kthpok going about their normal routines. The Run Point’s tail began a slow, methodic swing as he considered what he was seeing. It was obvious to one who knew about Kthpok society that care had been taken to erase any sign of human property.

The Kthpok leader watched the presentation unfold and a sense of nostalgia for what they’d lost came over him. The next images showed a beautiful blue-green and white planet in a black field. A picture of a Kthpok was superimposed on the planet with a blinking violet dot off to one side. The Run Point bobbed his head. Anyone watching would understand from that sequence that the Kthpok came from the planet shown. The orb shrank and dropped into a schematic that S’Cinf recognized as the solar system they’d fled. The pulsing violet dot indicated the position in the system of the Kthpok home planet.

After a few seconds the schematic disappeared and a new image appeared: that of a human matched with a blinking blue dot. The solar system schematic returned and a blinking blue dot came from out system on a course straight for the Kthpok planet.

Next came a sequence of images showing Kthpok ships leaving their home planet and being attacked. S’Cinf saw pictures of Kthpok ships exploding, Damage Suppression Packs struggling to repair damage, missiles being fired and pulsers trying to stop incoming missiles. The schematic of the solar system was superimposed over the images of fighting to show the location of the battle by using the blinking dots. The dot representing the Kthpok force shattered and disappeared. The blue dot representing the humans continued towards Fairen.

Once again, the Kthpok home planet was shown but this time the human fleet was in orbit. Explosions appeared in space as the enemy attacked defenses based on the moon and those in orbit. Then another sequence was presented which showed images of humans running through the corridors of the Lunar Defense Complexes blasting every Kthpok in sight. A moment later a nuclear explosion on the moon was shown.

Images of cities and Kthpok were shown once again. This time the buildings, vehicles and people were destroyed by nuclear fireballs. A Kthpok family huddled in their home disappeared in a blinding flash. Entire cities and forests were shown inundated in flames. The planet reappeared only this time its surface was marred by dark blotches of smoke and bright flares of explosions.

The scene shifted to show a small force of ships with battle damage prominent accompanied by the purple dot. The Run Point recognized the Colony Ships and knew he was seeing the remnant of the Kthpok fleet. A schematic was shown with a blinking purple dot leaving the system. The blue dot representing the humans was in pursuit. Then the screen blanked.

There was a brief pause and S’Cinf swiveled his head back to look at P’Mar. That was very well done, Admiral, he said. It should explain to the natives where we came from and why, he said. But what asks for help?

P’Mar didn’t answer the Run Point’s question instead called out, Communications! Activate Intro Two.

Moments later the screen flickered again. This time pictures of wounded or ill Kthpok were shown. Medical technicians were shown moving from patient to patient administering what aid and comfort they could. Occasionally a tech would dip his head and cover the patient with a blanket. Last came a funeral procession and ejection of a number of bodies into space.

I’m impressed, said S’Cinf when the transmission ended. That ejection into space was a good touch. Commend the Kthpok who developed that sequence.

Thank you, Run Point, said P’Mar, dipping his tail in gratitude. "When he was young one of the communication techs had attended a similar event for a human pet. He modeled the whole thing on what he’d witnessed then.

As you can see our pictures explain why we’re here and that we have injured among us, but it can’t ask for help. When the presentations are completed, I’ll speak to them, request assistance and hope they get the message.

The Kthpok leader bobbed his understanding. What you’ve planned is satisfactory, but I want one change. As the Run Point I will speak for the Kthpok.

Admiral P’Mar went to object but was stopped by an adamant sweep from the Run Point’s tail. S’Cinf continued, "I have not made a practice of explaining my intentions or decisions, Admiral. But in this instance, you need to know why we’re going to do it this way.

If the natives accept that our intentions are peaceful and then learn about our command structure there may be questions about why the Kthpok Run Point didn’t address them at the initial meeting. I know it’s a small issue, but it raises a question. He stared at P’Mar. And questions are best kept unraised and unasked if we want our deception to work.

The admiral dipped his head in submission. I bow to your wisdom and wishes, your Eminence. If you so order my staff will be instructed to assist you on possible tones and wording.

It is so ordered, said S’Cinf. Now, how large is the force the natives are sending to meet us? We should be close enough to know that.

P’Mar paused to consult an electronic pad before replying. Scans show a decent sized task force coming our way, your Eminence. It consists of four dreadnoughts, eight battleships and appropriate numbers of cruisers, destroyers, and escorts.