Koban: When Empires Collide Page 15

  Within a few minutes, the two other groups of Kobani leaped to the tops of the compound wall, and from there ran along the roofs of the structures, easily leaping the gaps between buildings, to reach the central court yard in seconds, just as the Scout settled to the ground. Hitok and Grudfad left the Ravager for the plaza, as the human ship lifted from the island.

  Hitok said, “They were right. Our team was never a real threat to them, and they knew we would refuse to accept their claims. I had better ask our Sovereigns to rejoin us, if they dare to attend another meeting. They had believed that my half legion of Ragoons by your ship were their protection. They must know that isn’t true now.”

  They were speaking conversationally, standing in the plaza, out of hearing from the ten Ragoons next to Grudfad’s Ravager.

  From a point nearby came, words in Fotrol. “I give you my word of honor, Commander, your Sovereigns are as safe as they have been all day.”

  The two Ragnar whirled in the direction the words had arrived from, but saw only empty flagstones.

  “If you will caution your Ragoons to hold their fire, I’ll switch off my stealth. We want to have a peaceful final meeting, just as we offered to do when we arrived, before you forced us to prove our capabilities.”

  With a strained grimace, which was clearly not a smile, Hitok instructed his troopers to maintain their discipline, and warned them that at least one stealthed Kobani was with him and Grudfad.

  “Very well. Reveal yourself.”

  White, with black marking body armor rippled into view, several body lengths away. The alien, with its almost robotic looking face, proved not to have multiple blue glowing eyes as it first appeared. The helmet split at the sides, with a soft sigh of higher pressure air escaping, and the hands lifted it off, to reveal the slightly less alien human face and head inside.

  The suit was a marvel of formfitting stealth technology, and Hitok already knew the blue glowing objects on the face were energy beam emitters. At least three types, but likely more, since there were five of them. He’d heard of red and green lasers, and invisible microwave or infrared beams, and surely the largest blue circle was for plasma bolts.

  “Hello, Acting Force Commander Hitok, and Space Commander Grudfad. My name is Cal Branson. I was left here as security for our Scout ship. I mean no disrespect, but I will not offer you your traditional knuckle bump, or our traditional handshake. I suspect you don’t wish to have physical contact with any of us for now.

  “Your suspicion is correct. We will remain apart. I didn’t scent a ripper’s presence at any time. Did you bring any with you?”

  “If you don’t mind, Colonel Greeves will be here shortly, and he will answer that, and offer greater explanations of how we Kobani came to be as we are. I recommend you obtain refreshments, and something to sit on for you and your Sovereigns. The discussions may be lengthy, and out here in the open seems to be the safest place for us all.”

  “Like your stealthed Scouts you have in orbit, can I assume you are not the only Kobani in armor here on the Plaza?”

  “Sir, you saw how small the Scout is. There couldn’t be many of us carried inside one of them, and eight of my team went to your island.” Hitok surely suspected there were other armored Kobani around, but Fredrico was Cal’s only nearby backup. Although, Athena’s Scout was somewhere over the plaza again.

  “Colonel Greeves will speak with you. He authorized me to reveal myself, when you seemed concerned for the safety of your Sovereigns. We were no threat to them before, and we will not be a threat to them now. We came here to talk. If talking doesn’t produce the desired results, we may later return to attack, but you will know it quickly enough when we do that. We prefer to keep the peace with your people, even though you have provoked us with attacks more than once.”

  Hitok continued to press. “We will not have a final decision before Commander Thond returns, or is replaced as the Military Sovereign.”

  “Sir, please continue this discussion with Colonel Greeves. They just Jumped to orbit, and will be here…,” There was a soft pop sound as a white Scout appeared twenty feet above the plaza, right where it had departed a few minutes earlier.

  “He’s here now.” Branson concluded, with a grin.

  The side of the ship irised open, and eight, slightly grubbier looking Kobani walked out onto the granite flagstones.

  Hitok gestured towards the Ravager’s boarding ramp, as Ragnools marched out bearing chairs and tables, and trays of refreshments. “Our two Sovereigns will join us in a few moments. Will this discussion require much of their time, Colonel Greeves?”

  “Not much of theirs, yours, or our time, Commander. I told you, I wasn’t authorized to negotiate any sort of diplomatic solution, or agreement. Nor am I qualified to do so.”

  They let the Ragnar navy personnel set up the chairs and tables, and place trays of alien fruits and odd unidentifiable dishes out, with a very few obvious serving utensils. It looked like it was all “finger food,” since there were no personal knives, forks, or spoons. There were several tankards of beverages, and simple wide cups without handles.

  “Two of these containers hold fruit juices, and one holds a fermented brew. Does your species consume alcohol, as do ours and many other species, for enjoyment? I think our sugars and proteins will be compatible for you, at least if those found on Tanners World were suitable for you Kobani.”

  “Yes, we can consume what you do, in most cases. Because of our high metabolism, it is almost impossible for a Kobani to become incapacitated by alcohol, although a Normal human can do so quickly enough.”

  There was that infuriatingly vague difference being referenced again. Hitok hoped that would be resolved now. He observed the Sovereigns, as they were escorted from the Tri-Branch Government Center.

  Greeves added, “We’ve had two of your people as captives for some time, and learned their food tastes. With your permission, I would like to release them to your custody now. They are aboard one of our other Scouts. They didn’t know they were being released, or even where they were being taken. I see no reason not to free them. If anything, they will confirm some of what I will tell you about who we Kobani are.”

  “I will accept their return, if you will have them brought down now.”

  Thad called for the Scout with the prisoners, and it promptly popped into view above them, and set down next to Thad’s ship.

  A bit put out at how fast the Kobani seemed to accomplish anything they did, Hitok hurriedly had four Ragoons, posted next to the Ravager, rush over to meet the dumbfounded, and overjoyed newly released Ragnar, and escort them past the approaching Sovereigns. They were cowed, and obviously frightened to find themselves at High City.

  There was a cooler version of the initial greeting from the morning, and only Thad stepped forward to exchange words, and no fist bumps were offered. He cut right to the chase.

  “You obviously saw what happened today, and what must be a painful result for you and your people. This contest was not what we wished to have happen, but it was forced upon us as a challenge that we needed to meet.

  “Let me explain why you lost so badly, and who and what we Kobani are. We have more than technological advantages in ships, body armor, and weapons, we also have biological advantages that no other species we’ve heard about can match. Do you know what genetic modifications are?”

  He received the expected blank looks.

  “How about if we sit down and consume these refreshments, because the explanations will require some time, and a few demonstrations. We can always start a nice honorable war later, if you still think that’s wise.”

  ****

  Their discussion was winding down. “Your supposition is correct, Commander. We Kobani do have that genetic adaptation from rippers as well. Only for us, we call it Mind Tap, not frilling, because we don’t have that frill of nerve sensitive tissue around our necks.”

  Hitok was incredulous. “You have incorporated physical features from several
other Koban species, many from those rippers, and yet you do not look like them? Why aren’t you blue?”

  Thad huffed in Ragnar amusement, and explained. “I have no doubt that many of the creatures on this planet, yourselves included, share many identical genes, and yet you all look different externally. We modified our internal nervous system, bones, muscles, eyes, nose, and hearing. Yet, we look the same as other humans, and we can reproduce with them. The children will inherit some of our dominant genes. Any human of our various races can be modified to become a Kobani, and that is happening now to some citizens of the Planetary Union.”

  Next, he corrected Hitok’s genetic accounting. “We have more genes than from just three Koban species. I’m not a genetic scientist, but there are five contributions from four Koban life forms, and one non-Koban gene that I can think of, and we have hundreds of older changes that were modifications of genes of our own species, or taken from creatures on our home world. We’re galactic mongrels, that’s for certain.

  “The most recent adaptation, which you witnessed at work today, has made us immune to Debilitater radiation, and as you may have observed with Macy,” he pointed to their one female team member. “She risked allowing one of your fighters to try to cut, and ultimately to stab her, so she could try to convince her opponent to end a pointless contest.

  “We have a layer of tough tissue under our surface skin, which shields us from the radiation spectrum of the Debilitaters, and which also happens to make us cut, scratch, and puncture resistant. You selected cutting and stabbing weapons for fighting us today that are the least effective against us. Except for being Debilitater safe, the new adaptation wasn’t needed. We didn’t have to allow your people even the opportunity to cut or stab us. You are much too weak, and far too slow to effectively threaten us that way. However, we knew that our claims of this would never convince you. I would have preferred that you to accept our words, and the demonstrations we offered, but you wouldn’t believe. We are not wanton killers, but you surely know now that we will kill when necessary.”

  Civil Sovereign Dendor, looking at Grudfad, had been engaged in a memory enhancer conversation with the Space Fleet commander. He now posed a contrary position.

  “The Empire’s greatest strength is in its naval forces, and your technological advantages there will likely be temporary. Our stealth systems, and especially our detection capability, will be improved quickly. Your new weapons have worked well against stationary targets at repair docks, and apparently at a secret Thandol naval base, which by your admission, was not prepared for an attack. That lack of preparedness will not be repeated by us, and I’m sure not by the Thandol. We can delay our fleet actions while we perform repairs, but we know the Thandol capability, and that of the other two security forces, but we do not fully know yours, and have never seen any fleet action by the Planetary Union. When you discover there are multiple fleets dividing your forces, and you must defend widely separated, and unknown targets, you will not be able to apply your physical strength, speed, and new weapons advantage in a concentrated manner. We also believe your weapons are new, because you did not use them previously. It takes time to produce and deploy completely new systems.

  “If your fleets are decimated before we must fight you again, and your cities are leveled, the will of your people to resist will fade. It has happened many times against other foes of the Empire. We will hold back, for now. When Sovereign Thond returns, he may have other recommendations that we need to consider.”

  Greeves stood up. “Sovereign Dendor, I told you and Commander Hitok that I am not empowered to negotiate, that I am a soldier-diplomat. I believe I have delivered our message. All you offer is a delay in the attack the Thandol have ordered you to make. It’s time for me and my Scouts to depart. We will report what transpired here, and I’ll await further instructions from my leaders before we leave this system.

  “We observed that you have Stranglers loaned to you, some orbiting one of your moon bases, and others at repair docks. Those are not normal elements of a Ragnar fleet, and you have used those weapons against human worlds. As happened on Tanner’s World, it is possible that I will be ordered to eliminate those parts of the Thandol fleet. We are committed to weakening our mutual enemy. However, I will not act without warning you in advance.

  “Despite our differences, and the misfortune your combat team met at our hands, I was honored to meet you. If circumstances someday permit, I would be pleased to fight on the same side with you. You have the heart of warriors, and fight bravely and with determination. I hope someday you shake off the yoke of the Thandol.”

  With that, he and his team walked to their Scout, which spiraled open and deployed its ramp. Flickering into view, Fredrico stepped onto the ramp from the plaza, and turned to watch as his other nine crewmates approached.

  Hitok huffed and pant hooted, as he pointed at the tenth Kobani. “I told you there must be more than one of them watching over their ship. Not even our sonic systems saw either one of those they left here. We must examine every sensor recording made today. No stealth can be entirely perfect, or those inside the suits would be blind to the outside world around them. If we understand how to detect their suits, we will understand stealthed ship detection.

  “We also know how much mass these small ships represent, and we can work on the mass detectors we stole from the Thandol, to improve their sensitivity. We need to gain something from their visit.”

  He offered a human style wave, in reply to one made by Greeves, as the ramp retracted and the curiously flowing material of the hull closed the outer hatch

  The two ships promptly lifted, and another one that had been hovering over High City flickered into view. All three ships Jumped while within atmosphere with triple booms, at a considerable height above the city.

  Hitok turned to Grudfad. “You heard his words, Space Force Commander. I caution you to evacuate any Stranglers we still have on loan from the Thandol.”

  ****

  Still in the Ragnar system, Thad had largely finished his report. “Tet, Athena and our other Scouts have found some Thandol ships. There are at least twenty-three Stranglers in the system. They obviously had more of them than they took to Tanner’s World, or acquired more after their fleet returned. They know now we have personal defense against Debilitaters, or at least from the lower power level of a hand-held device.”

  Mirikami reached a decision. “They also know it’s a new defense, and that only Kobani have that. We know that not all Kobani have it yet, but we soon all will. The PU citizens remain at risk, and their new Kobani. The Ragnar only agreed to delay attacking the Federation, and their Civil Sovereign only committed to that delay until Thond returns. That could be any time. They didn’t admit to being ordered to attack any colony of ours, although we believe the Thandol may know where the Prada home world is now. If not the Ragnar, then one of the other two forces will go there. I think they need one more demonstration, Thad. But warn them first, so they can evacuate the targets.”

  Anticipating, he asked, “Hit the Stranglers, right?”

  “Absolutely! I don’t want them repairable, or even used for parts. Tell them they have the equivalent of a half hour to evacuate the ships. If they’re at docks, use head sized event horizons to repeatedly perforate them. I want to minimize collateral damage, yet show them how it’s impossible to block that weapon. Report the results to me, and try to prevent any Stranglers from fleeing.”

  “You got it, Sir.”

  Thad passed the order to all ten Scouts, some of which had spread to the other planets and moons in their search for Ragnar installations in the home system of Tantor. As soon as they were in position, he made another broadcast to the Ragnar, explaining what was about to happen.

  “Acting Force Commander Hitok, I have received new orders. Because your government refused to make a firm commitment to not attack either the Federation, or the Planetary Union, and offered only a delay, we intend to eliminate as many Thandol built s
hips as we can, especially the weapon that offers the greatest threat to civilian populations. Stranglers were never going to be used in the first phase of naval attacks, but we intend to make certain they are not used at all. You must evacuate crews from every Strangler in this system. If any are docked at an orbital station, we will try to minimize collateral damage. If you set them adrift, such damage will be prevented. If we detect any of them powering up for a possible Jump, they will be destroyed instantly, wherever they are.” He told them how long they had to evacuate.

  Within minutes, Grudfad’s voice, transmitting unencrypted, was heard in a general broadcast. Stranglers were to be evacuated, and set adrift. He even included ships based around moons at some of their outer planets. Because, of the lag time of the transmission reaching those planets, Greeves told those Scouts to delay their attacks by the appropriate time after Grudfad’s radio messaged arrived. Those Stranglers were destroyed as much as an hour later.

  When the warning time had expired, Stranglers that had drifted completely clear of docks and other ships, simply crumpled in upon themselves, as massive black hoes formed at their centers. They simply vanished from this Universe, as the event horizons were provided a rotation into Tachyon Space, to avoid the hazards of drifting small black holes being left behind.

  Six Stranglers, not cast adrift, resembled Swiss cheese afterwards, where at least a hundred passages of foot diameter black holes had repeatedly bored through them. They all spewed plasma when any of their active fusion generators were partially consumed. These ships had remained docked, and having them completely drawn into a larger event horizon could have pulled in the docking stations where they were attached, depressurizing occupied repair docks or orbital stations. That smaller size of event horizon was chosen because if it did puncture the bulkhead of a dock or another ship, the built-in auto-sealing systems could seal off the venting atmosphere.