Warrior One - Fleet Action Pt. 01

"You are correct Quinlan. Your device did not translate the spoken word correctly, but it did translate it to our writing."

Quinlan nodded, smiling up at S'mere, as the device translated his words.

"S'mere, if you would join me, I will show you my ship."

"I would be happy to see your ship. From the outside, it is most impressive."

"This way then," Ezra said indicating S'mere should walk with him.

S'mere nodded and walked alongside the Admiral and Ezra as they all left the shuttle bay.

Chapter 23

The group traveled through the ship, stopping at all the important and impressive spots on the way to the command conference room. S'mere was thoroughly impressed by Warrior's design. Others of his group were impressed by the weapons bays, engineering spaces and crew quarters. They were all equally impressed by the bridge and all the displays.

The K'lar were murmuring among themselves as everyone filed into the conference room. Ezra indicated that they should all take a seat. Admiral Cook took the head of the table, S'mere sat opposite him at the foot. Ezra sat to the right of Admiral cook, Quinlan to the left. The translation device was placed in the center of the table. Major Owens sat next to Ezra, while the two marines stood at parade rest by the door. S'mere's men sat at his end of the table.

"Captain," Admiral Cook said.

"Of course sir. S'mere, as we do not know what your tastes are, we offer you water. Until we learn more about each other, I am afraid this is all we have to offer. We would hate to serve you something that might... disagree with you."

"Water will be fine, Captain Nichols," S'mere said pouring himself a glass. "We have brought our own rations. They will sustain us until we return to our vessel."

"Good. Now sir... "

"If I may," S'mere interrupted Ezra. "We have been fighting the... what is it you call them?"

"Gar," Ezra filled in.

"Gar." S'mere looked surprised at the translation. "It does not... it is the same in both languages. Interesting. We have been fighting the Gar for one hundred solars... "

"What is solar?" Ezra asked.

"That is the time it takes our home planet to orbit once around its star."

"Ah, a year."

"Year?"

"Yes, the time it takes our home planet to orbit our sun once."

"We will have to compare the times at a later date. For the past two hundred solars, we have been fighting the Gar as they moved out of the core of the galaxy. Every race they have encountered have fallen prey to them and become subjects of the Empire."

"Empire? Just how vast is this Empire of theirs?"

"They have moved out of the galactic core up two of the spiral arms. In this arm, they have moved halfway. In the other they are but a scant ten parsecs out from the core. Another race, much like us, has put a stop to the advance of the Gar. We have tried to communicate with them, but they seem un... willing to acknowledge us. Their ships we have encountered, are small, but powerful. They have not attacked us, but have not assisted us either. They appear... indifferent... yes, that is the word, indifferent toward us."

"Surprising... or maybe not," Ezra interrupted. "Our first encounter with the Gar occurred fifty-five years, solars, ago. The reports of the survivors of that encounter told how the Gar ship was ignoring our ship until a signal of welcome was sent to them. Then our ship was savagely attacked. The Gar left them just alive enough, that they could bring back the tale of the encounter."

"So you have been fighting them for over fifty solars?" S'mere asked.

"No. We didn't encounter them again until five years ago. When we did, we destroyed them. Warrior hadn't been built yet. Since then we have been searching them out and destroying them when and where we find them."

"As have we," S'mere muttered, yet the translator said it in a loud clear voice.

For the next three hours, the group discussed the extent of each other's territory. The earthmen were surprised to find that the K'lar were next door neighbors. Then the discussion turned to mutual support and cooperation. It turned out that the K'lar had an FTL communication system and they were willing to give Earth several for them to study so they may communicate. As the meeting wound down, S'mere broached, what to the K'lar was a sensitive subject.

"Captain, if I may ask," S'mere said.

"Of course," Ezra replies.

"These two, the one you call Candle and the other, what purpose do they serve?"

"Ah, our ships androids?"

"Yes, androids, that is the word. To what purpose?"

"Candle is my command android, he relays my commands and requests to other personnel in the ship. He is in constant communication with the ship's computers and systems. He coordinates such things as I require of him."

"I see. Does he... does he issue orders of his own?"

"Heavens no. He has... does not hold a place of authority on the ship, except that which I confer to him. And then that is fleeting. If I were to die, command would transfer to my second in command, who would then utilize Candle in the same manner I do. Candle cannot command without the authority of the command structure of the humans in the ship."

"So, you have a machine that assists you, much like a computer?"

"Yes. That is what he is, even though he looks human. How did you know he wasn't human."

"You, Captain, along with your crew, emit an aura of sea green. These two are a harsh white in contrast. The same aura of our computers and yours."

"Interesting. Have you ever encountered a race of machines?"

"No. Not yet at least," S'mere said almost glaring at Candle and Shaffer.

"S'mere, there is no reason to worry," Ezra began.

"Ezra, my new friend, long ago, we K'lar made such machines in our own image... it was a disaster."

"How so, S'mere?"

"After a while, they ran... amuck... interesting word. They ran amuck and attempted to take over our society."

"Candle, can you quote the three laws?"

"Three laws?" S'mere questioned.

"Candle... all our androids are inhibited by the three laws of robotics. A very wise and honored man long ago devised them for such as these now. Candle what are the three laws of robotics?"

"Yes, sir. One: A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm.

Two: A robot must obey orders given it by human beings except where such orders would conflict with the First Law.

Three: A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Law."

"Thank you, Candle."

"You are welcome sir," Candle said.

"Can it override those laws?" S'mere asked.

"No. Yes, we are positive of that. The laws are the very first program initiated and they are stored in three places in the android's memory. For each operation, the laws are consulted. The android cannot help but consult the laws and follow the logic therein. I take it you did not have such laws?"

"No, we did not. Who was this wise man of yours?"

"His name was Isaac Asimov, he was a writer of science fiction among other things. He first postulated that man would create robots in his own image. He wrote the laws to prevent the robots from running amuck as you put it."

"Interesting," S'mere said. "What is science fiction?"

"Oh boy," Ezra said. "Maybe we should tackle this question another time. It's late and I'm sure you and your men would like to return to your ship for refreshing."

"Perhaps you are right. Well, Captain, Admiral, it has been a pleasure and a very, very informative meeting. Shall we get together again tomorrow?"

"Gladly," Ezra said. "Laff, if you would show the K'lar to their shuttle."

"Aye, aye, sir," Lafferty replied. "This way gentlemen. Commander Quinlan if you would accompany us."

"Of course Major," Quinlan said picking up his translation device.

The group filed out of the conference room, leaving Ezra and the Admiral at the table.

Chapter 24

Warrior One remained in orbit around Atlas for six more days. Every day, the group of K'lar shuttled over to discuss a treaty of sorts. Owing to the vast distances of the galaxy a mutual support treaty couldn't conceivably work. Yet, the K'lar and the humans wanted one. It was finally decided that if the two species found themselves fighting in the same sector, support would be given without hesitation if asked for.

While in orbit, several K'lar ships - many K'lar ships - came and went from the system. All of them were of the same class. Fast, heavily armed corvettes and frigates. When queried, S'mere told Ezra and the Admiral the K'lar could build ten of the smaller ships in the time it would take them to build a ship the size of Warrior One.

The Admiral told S'mere the humans could build ships the size of Warrior One, just as quick as their smaller counterparts. Then the Admiral told S'mere about the shipyards on Mars, where resources were abundant.

"S'mere, is this system your home system?" Admiral Cook queried.

"No. Our home system is now occupied by the Gar." S'mere brought a device from his pocket and set it on the conference table top. He pressed a button and the room lit up with the stars of the galaxy. "Our home system is here," he said pointing to a star some distance from Atlas.

"That's Rigel, Admiral, that's Rigel."

"So it is," Admiral Cook responded not looking at the stars but the device on the table.

"You know our home?" S'mere asked.

"We do. It is a prominent star in a major constellation in our night skies. Many past civilizations on our home planet used this constellation to predict certain happenings during the year. It is in a constellation we call Orion, Warrior or hunter."

"Your ship is named after him?"

"Indeed."

"S'mere, how does this device work?" Admiral Cook asked softly, still staring at the device.

"It is a simple projection device. You may have this one if you wish, although I don't know if you will be able to charge the power pack."

Picking up the device, the Admiral turned it over and over, looking carefully at the apparatus.

"These strips here and here, they are for charging the device?"

"Yes. The button on the top of the device turns it on and off. The power requirements are @@#$%%$$#E$... " S'mere looked at the translation device a frown on his face. "It would appear the device that changes my words for you to understand cannot handle our technical dialect."

"It would appear so," Ezra said softly.

Quinlan was tapping on some keys of the device when a projection of words appeared above it. The words were in English.

"Ah, there we are. I believe we can safely charge the device. I assume the small holes are for data upload and download?"

"They are. I will have the technical manual sent over. You seem to be able to translate the tech language. It will explain how the device works and how to interface, yes that is the word, interface it to your ships computers."

"Quinlan, is it ready?" Admiral Cook asked the Linguist.

"It is Admiral."

"Well man, go get it."

"Here, this is it," Quinlan said, handing the Admiral two devices the size of a large button. "We didn't know what their power was rated at, so it will pull a charge from the radio waves in the air."

"S'mere, may I present to you, two translation devices, so you may be able to talk to and understand any of our ships you may encounter," the Admiral said handing S'mere the button.

"So small... how do I get it to display the words?"

"It will do that automatically when it detects a flaw in the verbal translation," Quinlan told him.

"Will it translate other languages?"

"No. It will only translate English and K'lar. If I had time, I could have added several more languages, but the device would have been bigger," Quinlan said sheepishly.

"I see. This will do nicely." S'mere was smiling as he looked intently at the device.

"When we get back to our home world, I will see to it that every ship in our fleet is equipped with one of these devices. Quinlan will also see to it that you get a schematic of the devices before we leave."

"Aye, aye sir," Quinlan responded.

"And I will see that every warrior in our fleet is aware of our new ally in the fight against the Gar."

"Then I think we have completed our mission and it is time for us to return to our fleet," Admiral Cook said.

"Yes, I must get back to my duties with the fleet here too," S'mere said standing. "We will go and the instructions I promised will be delivered within the hour."

"Thank you S'mere, the schematics will be ready for your courier when he arrives," the Admiral responded, standing up. "It has been a pleasure having you on board Warrior and my pleasure to have met you. Hopefully, our two species can forge a bond that will last for eons."

"Indeed," S'mere said a look of surprise on his face. "I look forward to further communications with you and your kind. I also wish you luck in your encounters with the Gar."

"Fair winds and following seas," Admiral Cook told S'mere.

"What does that mean?" S'mere asked a little befuddled.

"It is an old saying from our mariners, wet navy when the only mode of propulsion was the winds of our world."

"Ah, yes, sailing ships."

"Yes. Sailing ships."

"Well then, Admiral Cook, fair winds and following seas."

"Thank you."

The group of K'lar were escorted by Major Owens and his two marines. Preparations were made to leave orbit and the Atlas system.

Chapter 25

It was the twenty-fifth day inbound to Aldebaran. Warrior One was decelerating at fifteen gravities. It would drop out of hyperspace in five days into normal space just outside the Aldebaran system. Captain Nichols was at his post on the bridge, watching, waiting. He had a feeling. A feeling his ship was in peril or would be in peril. He didn't know why. The foreboding of danger was strong. He didn't voice his concerns to anyone. He had no one to confide in, except maybe the Admiral, but that wouldn't do him any favor.

All stations were manned and ready as the countdown to normal space proceeded.

"Weapons, Countermeasures, Shields, I want everything powered up as we drop out of hyperspace," Ezra called out.

"Aye, aye sir," all stations answered at the same time.

The tension in the air was palpable. Even the Admiral was keyed up as he watched from his console.

"Fifteen minutes," Commander Nolan called out from his console.

By now the crew, those who were awake, were hardened to the transition of the ship jumping into or dropping out of hyperspace. None of them liked the gut-wrenching feeling they felt, yet none of them would vomit as it happened from now on. They were seasoned sailors now.

"Ten minutes." Came the word from Commander Nolan.

"Sensors," Captain Nichols shouted.

"Nothing yet, sir, just some unusual static. I haven't seen anything like it before."

"Very well, stay sharp."

"Aye, aye sir."

The tension on the bridge grew. Now every member of the bridge crew was intently watching gauges and data as it scrolled across their screens. Not a word was spoken.

"Five minutes."

"Sir, Sensors, static is the discharge of power weapons. Aldebaran is under attack!"

"Are you sure Ensign?"

"Yes, sir. Fleet One is engaged in battle. Sensors say it is Gar weapons firing out there."

"Mister Nolan, how long?"

"Two minutes, sir."

"Hold dropout ten seconds."

"But sir... "

"That's an order Commander."

"Aye, aye sir," Commander Nolan turned back to his console and quickly tapped in a series of commands.

"I hope you know what you're doing Captain," came a whisper from behind Ezra.

"Me too, sir."

"One minute, ten seconds." Commander Nolan sounded perturbed.

"All station prepare for transition," Ezra called out.

"Thirty seconds."

"Projected exit point inside the orbit of Aldebaran III sir."

"Very well. Helm rotate the ship so we are face out system."

"Aye, aye sir."

"Ten, nine, eight, seven, prepare for transition, five, four, three, two, one... "

The ship lurched as it dropped out of hyperspace.

"All ahead full," Ezra shouted.

"Aye, aye sir," answered the helm officer.

Acceleration pressed everyone into their couches until the inertial dampeners kicked in.

"Sensors?"

"Ten Gar vessels attacking Aldebaran, sir."

"Weapons, fire as we come into range."

"Aye, aye sir."

"What of the Fleet?" asked the Admiral.

"All ships still fighting, sir," Ensign Carlson answered. "All fighters deployed and attacking."

"Very good," the Admiral responded a smile on his face.

"How long until we are in range?" Ezra asked.

"Two minutes. Then we will have ten minutes before we are once again out of range."

"Helm, flip the ship and decelerate hard in six minutes. Don't wait for my order just do it," Ezra told him. "When we are at a dead stop, shut down engines."

"Aye, aye sir."

Chapter 26

Warrior started taking fire as they closed on the battle. Three Gar ships broke off their attacks to turn toward Warrior. A flight of ten fighters followed them.

"Weapons, fire at will," Ezra said calmly.

"Aye, aye sir," Commander Kinsella answered just as calmly as the vibrations of weapons fire was felt through the deck.

The bridge screens now showed the ships in real time. Tactical overlays were faint white ghosts. Plasma bolts crisscrossed the screen. Five torpedoes could be seen ducking in and out of hyperspace on their way to the Gar ships. Missiles flashed between the ships as they closed. Suddenly, the lead Gar ship exploded as six torpedoes slashed home.

"Helm, speed?" Ezra asked softly, listening to the chuff of torpedoes as they left the tubes.

"We are now dead in space."

"Very well. Make one-quarter toward fleet ships. Weapons keep firing at any and all Gar ships. Have any of our missiles made contact?"

"Aye, aye sir. No missiles have made contact with a Gar ship."

"Secure missiles. Increase the use of torpedoes."

"Aye, aye sir."

"Comm, signal the Fleet to use torpedoes only."

"Aye, aye sir."

The fight continued as Warrior slowly moved toward the fleet ships in their defensive formation between the Gar and Aldebaran V. Torpedoes kept hitting the Gar ships at random intervals. Two more ships either exploded or just quit firing and maneuvering.

"Sir, Mauthe Doog is wanting to talk to the Admiral."

"Put them through Candle."

"Aye, aye sir."

The Admiral bent over his console as he spoke into his microphone. Ezra was too busy fighting his own ship to listen to what the Admiral was saying. There were still six Gar ships out there fighting for their lives. The last of the ships to break off and attack Warrior was turning as it zipped past Warrior. Eight fighters still attacked the ship as Ezra watched them pass.

"Comm, signal fighters to use bay five for refuel and rearm if needed," Ezra said.

"Aye, aye sir," Ensign Flannery said, then whispered into his comm. "Lieutenant Ryan sends her regards and thanks to the Captain. Flight two-two-one will be landing in five minutes."

"Very well comms. Mister Steel, alert bay five personnel."

"Yes sir," Candle replied tapping out the orders to bay five.

Ezra watched the Gar ship as three torpedoes impacted it from three different directions. The Gar ship imploded and was gone, leaving behind bits and pieces floating away from Warrior.

"Where did it go?" Ezra heard the question from across the bridge.

He too wondered where the ship had gone. He would have to have a talk with Connor MacDonald when this was over. In the meantime, he had a ship to fight. He watched his screens. He saw the fighter flight slip into the topside bay. Ten minutes later he watched as they zipped out, headed toward the Gar ships still attacking the rest of the fleet. As he watched another Gar ship was destroyed. This one was torn apart by plasma fire.