A Taste Of Despair (The Humal Sequence) (25 page)

“Now, officially, according to the records, Joel Amyson was assigned to the array, which was constructed here.” Another click, another image, this time a graphic depicting human space and the position of the array within it.

“However, thanks to Captain Rames deactivating the automated update routine aboard the
Ulysses
, we can look back at the database as it was just prior to the arrival of myself and my crew in the Glendara system. That database tells a different story. The array, according to the old database, is located here.”

The image changed again. Both locations were still marked but now the original location was marked “true position” and the official location marked “false position”.

“As you can see, the array was built in a good spot, at the edge of human space to spinward, but close enough that, once the aliens were here, they could easily migrate into the more populated systems of the Empire.

“However, after it became known to them that I and my fellows had returned, they amended the database, showing the array, and Mr. Amyson’s workplace, as here in the system designated 317-X12. It’s a feeble red dwarf system, completely unsuitable for colonization, hence why it only has a number. However, in analyzing the database differences, it appears there was a scientific research outpost located on an airless planet in this system. The outpost was abandoned over fifteen years ago due to radiation concerns from the star. Officially, it was never reoccupied.

“What the base means to us, however, is that the entire system was properly surveyed by the Corps that I was once a part of. We know where every planet, every moon and every tiny particle of dust is, within that system.

“Our enemy, in amending the database, has altered almost every piece of data concerning this system. I imagine he hoped we’d jump blindly into the system, be confused when it failed to match our database. Then, whilst we were trying to figure out if we’d mis-jumped or not, his ships would have pounced on us.”

Hamilton paused to let them digest the information. Behind him, the display showed the layout of the system as it actually was.

“The alteration of the database, from the time signatures, occurred about fifteen minutes after our likenesses were transmitted to Tantalus Station. So we can conclude that our enemy has exceptional communications, well above our own StellarNet facilities. What this means for us is, that we should assume that the moment we make our move, Walsh and his friends will know about it. Which is why both missions should be undertaken at the same time.”

A hand rose. Major Harvan. Hamilton nodded to him. “Major?”

“Aren’t we assuming they already know we’re coming? I mean, they’ve laid this ambush, or trap, for us.”

“True. They have set a trap. But they don’t know when, or even if, we’ll take the bait. The moment we do, they’ll spring every surprise they’ve got for us.”

Rames frowned. “You don’t intend for us to simply walk into their ambush, I hope!”

Hamilton shook his head. “No, of course not. The aim of both these missions is to improve our position. Gain more intelligence, obtain someone who might be able to assist us with analyzing the aliens and the Humal and, if we’re lucky, obtain an alien for study. Then we’ll see what else we can do.”

“So what are we going to be doing?” Rames asked.

Hamilton drew a deep breath. “The main mission is to secure information about the aliens, including, if possible, capturing one or more of them. To that end, most of the resources and manpower we have available are going to be sent here.” He clicked the remote, changing the image to the system that actually contained the Tachyon Array.

“Walsh went to some trouble to hide this from us. We know he used it to send his alien cohorts to. It’s likely he still sees a use for it. There are probably other caches of his alien friends dotted about the galaxy. He’s probably out searching for them right now. It would be most helpful for his goals if he could transmit them straight back to the array.

“Our aim, is to enter this system, bypass or destroy and defenses set against us and capture then destroy the array.”

There were nervous mutterings.

“I appreciate this might seem a monumental task, given what we have to work with, but our lot is not as poor as you might think. For one thing, Walsh almost certainly believes he’s hidden the array from us. It won’t be undefended, that’s for certain, but hopefully the main thrust of his attempts will be focused on his ambush attempt.

“The team will jump into the extreme edge of the system, as we did at Aurica, and take a look at what we’re up against. Since we can’t know the precise details until we get there, I’ll spare you any detailed planning. We’ll have to play it by ear. However, thanks to our shopping expedition, we have some serious ordnance available to us. Twenty-five Mark Ten EMP warheads and fifteen, fifty kiloton nuclear warheads.”

“Sorry,” Harvan frowned. “But what use are the warheads without a delivery system? We have no torps to put them in.”

Rames nodded in agreement. “
Ulysses
only has a small missile battery. Primarily for point defense against torpedoes. Nothing like large enough to take those payloads.”

Hamilton smiled. “We have, hopefully, all the delivery systems we need.”

There were mostly blank looks around him. Klane and, surprisingly, Lewis were the only two smiling with realization.

Hamilton sighed. “Why else do you think we stole those assault shuttles?”

It was like watching a sea of children’s faces light up at a magician’s trick. As they figured it out and started to see the possibilities there were nods of appreciation.

“With an EMP warhead on each of those shuttles and the shuttles themselves remote piloted, we have the ultimate in unavoidable ordnance – the Skip torpedo! We detect a threat, we Skip a shuttle to it and its lights out for the opposition! There is zero chance that they can avoid it, unless they happen to Skip away whilst it’s in transit. The minute it arrives, it detonates. The likelihood is that detecting it will be the last thing their sensor screens show them before they go dark!”

There were smiles and nods now. They understood there was a chance the mission could actually succeed.

“So… what are the nukes for?” Harvan asked eventually.

“Well, assuming our six shuttles are sufficient to deal with any ships and other defenses, we go down to the array’s storage area and control buildings. I’m betting there may be one or two of Walsh’s buddies there to keep an eye on things at least. We try to capture them. There are also likely logs of what activity the array has been doing. It’s possible Walsh has erased all this, but then again, it’s worth a look-see. If we can copy the logs, it might tell us where the aliens were sent after they arrived at the array. That would at least give us future targets for attack if we manage to survive all this.”

“I like it!” Klane grinned. “We fry the defenses, go in and rape the computer systems. Then I guess the next step is where the nukes come in?”

Hamilton nodded. “We leave as many as necessary behind to destroy the facility and the actual array itself. Any civilians that aren’t either aliens or controlled, we get clear. From what I’ve seen of the records, the staff was minimal at the best of times. So we aren’t talking scores of people to relocate, just a handful.”

“Hmmm.” Rames admitted. “It actually sounds do-able.”

“We’ll need both ships.
Ulysses
to go in and get the data, capture any aliens etc. and plant the nukes.
Morebaeus
will remain out-system acting as a carrier for the assault shuttles, which will deal with any threats in-system. This will require most of our personnel to pull off, but I think the gains will be worth it.”

“What about the other mission?” Rames asked. “To kidnap a Humal expert. How are we going to accomplish that if all our ships are taking part in the assault on the array?”

“I didn’t say all our ships would be at the array.” Hamilton replied. He flicked the remote back a few images until the display showed the overview of human space. A few more taps highlighted certain systems. “We’re here…at Aurica, currently. Sol system is here and the array over here. As you can see, to get to the array it’s not exactly a major detour to stop off at Sol. We’ll jump far outsystem of Sol, drop off the maintenance craft along with the kidnap team. Then the rest of you can jump to the array.”

“So you’re taking on the kidnap mission yourself?” Rames asked.

Hamilton nodded. “It makes sense. I’m more use in an infiltration role, anyway. But I plan on asking for a few volunteers later. First, though, let me outline what the kidnap will entail.”

More pressing of the remote.

“This is Sol. Heart of the Empire and residence of our dearly beloved, but entirely decorative, Emperor. It is the seat of all things military and civilian. Population estimated to be sixty five billion, spread across the planets and moons and outposts and orbiting facilities. Suffice to say, it’s very busy and very full. Security is extremely tight. No ship moves without logging a flight plan. Any that do are immediately pounced upon by Skip capable craft. Anything that looks remotely dangerous is destroyed by either the innumerable warships that prowl the system or the even more numerous orbot and batsat defense systems that festoon every planet and moon. All command and control functions are centralized in a major orbiting facility around Earth. But outlying ‘satellite’ systems are semi-autonomous and capable of acting on their own initiative. It’s beyond a doubt that Walsh has a major alien presence here, so effectively any defenses are under his control. Which, given their almost instantaneous comms, means that one slip and we’ll have had it.”

Rames scowled. “So, let me get this straight. You want us to drop you and a couple of others off in a craft that doesn’t have a proper hyperdrive. Then leave you there. It’ll take us, what, best part of a week to jump to the array, do our business, then a week back. What are you supposed to do for two weeks?”

“One week to infiltrate Sol and the Martian Science Institute. Then we have to do our mission as you do yours. Once the cat’s out of the bag, so to speak, I suspect security will tighten dramatically. You do not come back for us. We set a rendezvous, like we did before at Tantalus Station. You do your mission, then head to the rendezvous. We do the same.”

“You’re going to need a ship, then.” Rames pointed out.

Hamilton nodded. “I have some ideas about that. Again, a lot of it will playing by ear as we go. Mars has a pretty large surface spaceport ten klicks north of Olympus. I’m hoping we’ll find something there.”

“It doesn’t explain how you plan to get to Mars in the first place.” Jones added.

Rames nodded at Jones. “That’s right. If security is as tight as you say, how do you expect to get anywhere near Mars?”

“I’m planning on hitching a ride.” He flipped the remote buttons again. This time a generic asteroid mining facility appeared.

“Sol has a lot of mining operations going on in the main asteroid belt. In fact, most of the belt is taken up with mining and processing facilities. Sixty percent of all ores and minerals used by the Empire originates there.

“What I plan to do is to use the Skip Drive to jump in among the belt’s asteroids. There is so much additional rubble and debris from the mining ops that sensors aren’t reliable. Once there, we find one of the many automated transports that run between Mars and the asteroids and attach the maintenance vessel to it. We ride it all the way to Mars. Then we switch to one of the freight shuttles taking the refined metals down to the surface. Once there, all we have to do is make our way to the Science Institute.”

There was silence.

“I thought my mission was crazy.” Rames muttered.

Hamilton shrugged. “Difficult yes. Impossible, no. Which is why I’m calling for volunteers to accompany me. Obviously, anyone that is better used on the array mission, like Veltin, won’t be considered. Marines, I’d love to have one or two of you, but you’re more use to Captain Rames and you’re used to each other’s way of doing things. Tech guys, same deal. You’ll be needed to get into the array’s systems to get at the data. Best if you all work on that. But I’ll need someone versed in piloting, someone good with security circumvention and one or two people for muscle. Five or six people, tops, including me.”