"Crossfire Tales"

[Barshy]

"The universe is made up of more than just atoms and matter, for an invisible and intelligent God created it; and the universe is more than just feelings and emotions, for what we feel does not ever alter the truth that God exists."

Reading The Collected Sermons by Sister Miriam always helped remind Sean of the foundations of his faith whenever his thoughts and feelings were out of control.

"Now it's time to get to business," Sean said outloud to himself, casting the demons out of his soul. He sat in the probe team control center, in the underground section of the Cathedral. He could feel his hands tremble. It sure is cold in here... he thought.. or was he thinking of Elizabeth's safety?
He flipped the radio switch.

*static* "Sean. Sean, I read you loud and clear." Liz's beautiful voice.

"Allright Liz, you know where you need to go. Straight ahead."

"Roger."
On the left side of the screen, Sean saw what Liz saw from the probe infrared camera over her left eye. On the right side, he could see the surrounding areas for any signs of other factions or mindworms.

Mindworms... he thought. A chill ran up his spine.. Ever since the Believers had reached Planet, it seemed like Satan began calling forth these creatures to expel them from their destiny. Like the Caananites in the Promised Land... he mused.

He closed his eyes. Ten years ago... he was still in secondary school at the time... he remembered a piercing scream from the outside of his house. This isn't a dream he thought. Completely awake in the middle of the night, Sean hurried down the stairs, bare feet touching the cold floor.

That scream he thought. Suddenly... another scream. This time, more anguish than fright.. and this time Sean felt a degree of familiarity with this voice..

"OH GOD!!!.." followed by sobs. A sense of shock and horror pierced Sean's heart and froze him in his steps. That voice... Sean thought.. Mother...

As he opened the front door, his fear was confirmed. There, lying on the front lawn, was his mother, writhing in silent agony, mindworms boring into her neck and spine.

earthbeing... earthbeinglandplanetnotearth... promisedtonoone... earthbeing earthbeing earthbeing Voices and thoughts attacked Sean's mind, rebounding off the walls of his soul. It seemed almost real, invisible tendrils reaching out and choking his heart.. choking his throat that he couldn't even cry...

"NOOOOOOOOOO"OOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! His mind burst forth, as if gasping for air, and suddenly his thoughts exploded, and he could feel his anger, his holy wrath, being poured out in pure mental force at those hideous demonic creatures...

Suddenly, Sean heard a popping sound. Actually, several popping sounds, like firecrackers.. and each mindworm exploded in rapid succession, bursting into blue and green florescent entrails. But it was too late. His mother was dead.

You will paaaayyy... Sean seemed to hear in his mind... a mental phrase much more coherent and almost human-like compared to the earlier barrage of incomprehensible voices...

"Sean! I've reached destination A. Now where to?" Sean heard in the speaker. He was daydreaming again.. Liz had gone through safe territory, and now he had to concentrate.

[Raging Mouse]

Location: Hive's Communal Nexus

Premier Lieutenant Manuel Cormora takes a very slow peek around the corner of the last intersection. Upon approach he has already seen two Hive units zoom past, on their way somewhere deeper into the base. Right now, however, the coast is clear. He is supposed to make a left turn, and follow a tunnel that slightly curves to the right as it heads for the surface. He pulls back his head, and signals to sergeant Storgard to take the lead. The other point is ceing carried by two privates, his legs gone below the knees. Their advance is, as always, utterly silent. Manuel signals for Koecker to join him.

"Koecker, we are the last team to exit this base. Why is there still gunfire coming from below us?"
"I don't know. Maybe the residents aren't that happy to see the Hive again?"
"Could be, but I doubt it. How's your friend?"
"Still unconscious. Why did you tie him up and gag him? Returning to the Hive would mean certain death for him as well as me."
"Because he might be unclear about his situation when he comes around. Allright, return to McDougal."

This corridor is about fifteen meters wide, and ten meters high. There are no arches supporting the roof; there is no place to hide. The group is almost running through it; no-one wants to get caught in a gunfight in here. About five hudndred meters down the tunnel Storgard realizes that he can see the red light from the emergency exit-sign, then the airlock is revealed around the slight curve of the wall. Storgard immediately quickens his pace, eager to return to the outside world. He hears quiet exclamations of joy from his fellow soldiers. He runs up to the control panel and hits the big blue button with considerable force.

He is awarded with several alarms going off.

"Don your breathers and blast that bloody door to pieces!"
Manuel readies his own rifle as well, and lets loose a swarm of shots. The door shatters, and the atmosphere of the Planet starts to enter the base. When Manuel's team has scrambled up to the surface, the wind from the opening is already blowing at hurricane speeds. Manuel is convinced that no Hive infantry can access this tunnel without considerable risk of injury, and he nods happily to himself.

His smile is gone when two Chaos Rovers virtually leap out of the hole. As they land with a loud crash Manuel's team is already down on the ground, crawling for cover. The rovers immediately open fire, and orange beams stab at the ground around the team. Manuel sees how the team's medic is hit in the neck; the beam burns a hole through him, and the body surrounding the hole bursts from the immense heat.

Manuel has found cover behind a large boulder. He hears a sharp crack, and sees a hole punched cleanly through the rock, missing him by centimeters. More cracks follow as the boulder tears itself to pieces when the spreading heat causes it to expand. Those rovers are armed with gatling lasers.. how odd; they can't be part of the Hive's standard army.

McDougal radioes him with the answer; "Koecker says those are engineering teams! That's gatling laser drills they are armed with!"

"Thanks, that means poor armor. On my mark, team.. FIRE!"
Several streaks of blue make contact with the rovers. Some ricochet off the front armor, but the majority manage to penetrate. One rover stops unceremoniously, the other explodes violently, and is flipped over. Manuel is already up and running.

"Let's get away while we still can." He fiddles with his comm-unit. "King, this is Soldier Four at coordinates 46-27-00. Requesting immediate pickup and tactical update."

Ten seconds later the comm-unit crackles into life.

"Soldier Four, this is King One. No pickup available. Downloading tactical data now."

The new information shows several Hive and Peacekeeper units on their way. It is unclear who will reach the team first. There is also a notice informing Manuel that an airdrop of equipment is on the way.

"Scan the skies, people. We have both friendlies and hostiles incoming."
"Behind us!"

A Hive needlejet is aligning itself for a strafing run. Everybody drops to the ground. An instant later the needlejet lets loose with it's chaos gun, and the air is filled with shrapnel. A bolt scores a direct hit on McDougal, and his personal shield doesn't stand a chance. When Manuel again manages to focus on where McDougal was only a crater remains. Koecker is quickly crawling away from it, dragging his friend who now is conscious again and regretting it.

The needlejet swoops away and starts to turn around for another go. At the same time, three more tailflames appear in the sky. These belong to the Peacekeepers. Two start to pursuit the Hive needlejet while another heads for the team. As it flies over, it drops something. A low platform on threads lands with a boom; it's an infantry crawler, outfitted with a chaos gun and vehicle-strength photon shields. Everybody quickly scrambles onto the vehicle, and Manuel grabs the controls. He floors the throttle, and the crawler rips into fifty kilometers per hour. He drives on until the sounds of battle can't be heard.

"Allright, Koecker. Untie your friend." Manuel nods gravely to both of them. "You are now officially POW:s, with all the rights assigned to such by our military law. It's not much, but it's a start I guess. Welcome to the Peacekeepers!"

[dante^]

M.Y. 2235
Port Svensgaard, Nautilus Pirates Psi Corps

earthvincent.

Greetings, Voice.

question we. earthvincent link with we again. reason?

I have something to ask of you, Voice. We need you to tell us how we can control Mindworms and Isles of the Deep.

not certain we. PlanetDenizens together think with Planet. think control PlanetDenizens not possible we.

Oh? Is there no way at all?

not certain we. flower synapse, worm synapse one with Planet. link present since hatchling. cannot be removed.

Very well, it's been nice talking to you, Voice.

question we earthvincent. why humans request control of PlanetDenizens?

Your Isles of the Deep act as transports for the Mindworm boils, don't they? We think that if we could control Isles of the Deep, they can also act as transports for out land troops. The military potential of this cannot be overemphasized.

ah. can help you we.

Oh? How can you do that?

earthvincent friend we. from humans learn we much, especially earthvincent. earthvincent live in ocean. no boreholes. no mines. no condensors. no roads. earthvincent friend of Planet. help you we.

Thank you, Voice. I shall talk to you again.

Vincent severed the mental link. His head was pounding.

****************

CONFIDENTIAL

To: Admiral Harold Briggs, Nautilus Pirates 2nd Fleet
From: Doctor Lukas, Director of Operations, Nautilus Pirates Psi Corps

Admiral Briggs:

From Subject #18's recent conversations with Planet, we have discovered that each and every Mindworm and Isle of the Deep, even those bred in captivity, has a strong mental link with the Planetmind. This makes it very unlikely that we can assert strong controls over the Mindworms and Isles of the Deep.

However, I believe that if a suitable empath is bonded to a nascent boil, before the mental link has sufficiently developed, making the empath an extension of the boil itself. If this is possible, chances that we can control of the boil is very high.

From Subject #18's most recent conversation with the Planetmind, it appears that the Planetmind has agreed to assist us. We shall conduct experiments to determine the carrying capacity and speed of an Isle of the Deep immediately.

Datalinks Item 490-PC-2235

[dante^]

M.Y. 2235
Nautilus Pirates 3rd Fleet Command Prometheus
Free Drone Borders

"Incoming transmission from the Mercury, Rear-Admiral. They report that two Peacekeeper cruisers have been sighted within Free Drone territory."

"Peacekeepers? What are they doing here?"

"The cruisers seem to be docked off the coast of the Free Drone land mass. Initiate contact, Sir?"

"No! Send an encoded transmission back to Safe Haven at once. Order the Mercury to withdraw."

****************

Safe Haven, The Maritime Control Center

Captain Ulrik Svensgaard stroked his chin as he studied the transmission from the Prometheus.

Svensgaard had not expected the Peacekeepers to be at the scene. Now he had to make new considerations for the two Peacekeeper cruisers, which would probably be on the side of the Free Drones.

****************

Nautilus Pirates 3rd Fleet Command Prometheus
Free Drone Borders

"Another incoming transmission, Rear-Admiral de Bilde. It appears to be from the Cyborgs. Patching them through."

"Sigma Leader to Prometheus. Your forces will proceed to sector 3918. You will meet up with two Cyborg transports there. The transports contain Chaos Shock Troops and are lightly armored. We expect your forces to provide escort as well as defend them from air assaults by the Drones. Sigma Squadron shall lead a aerial assault on the Free Drone base Living Standard. Sigma Leader out."

Rear-Admiral Thomas de Bilde was very annoyed. The Cyborgs were commanding him around as if he was a mere Ensign.

"Transmit the co-ordinates to the other ships at once, Ensign. We shall move to sector 3918 to rendezvous with the Cyborg transports and then move towards the Free Drone bases."

****************

Safe Haven, The Maritime Control Center

Svensgaard re-read the letter he had prepared. He was pleased with what he has written.

*****

To: Commissioner Pravin Lal, Peacekeeping Forces
From: Captain Ulrik Svensgaard, Nautilus Pirates

Greetings, Commissioner Lal. I see you and your minions have flourished on this unforgiving world.

I understand that you have come into contact with the new faction styling themselves as the Free Drones. You should also have received reports of the Cyborg attacks on the Free Drone bases and the Cloudbase Academy. Due to an unfortunate turn of events, the Cyborgs have coerced my faction into jointly attacking the Free Drones.

The Cyborgs have threatened to reveal the location of our seabases to all the factions on Planet. As a result of our raids on the transports of the other factions, the other factions will not take this lying down. You will understand that these raids are totally unsanctioned by the government.

We hence request you, in your position as Commissioner of the Peacekeeping Forces, to pacify the other factions. If you agree, we will pay reparations to the other factions in energy credits. The raids on the transports of the other factions will cease at once. If you wish, The Nautilus Pirates will also sign a Treaty of Friendship with the Peacekeeping Forces.

As a sign of our goodwill and friendship, we shall allow the Cyborgs to initiate the attack on the Free Drone holdings. Our forces will then neutralize the Cyborgs transports carrying their Chaos Shock Troops and retreat to beyond Free Drone borders.

Captain Ulrik Svensgaard

*****

Svensgaard smiled inwardly to himself. Not only would he neutralize the threat of the Cyborgs if the Peacekeepers agree to his request, he would also have revenge on the Cyborgs for coercing him into a war he did not want to fight.

"Ensign! Encode this message and send it to the Peacekeepers."

"Yes, Sir."

"Recall all naval officers at once. All leave has been cancelled. Also, prepare our base defences." Svensgaard didn't want to do this, but they had to be ready in case the Peacekeepers rejected his peace offering.

****************

Nautilus Pirates AAA Missile Foil Scorpion

"But they're our allies! We're supposed to on their side!"

"Orders are orders, Lieutenant Commander Ward. Either you abide by them, or I shall find someone who will to replace you."

"Orders received, Rear-Admiral de Bilde. We shall comply."

"Good. Rear-Admiral de Bilde out."
[This message has been edited by dante^ (edited November 17, 1999).]

[Raging Mouse]

Location: U.N. Headquarters, Commissioner Pravin Lal's office.

Lal sighs. "What are we to make of this?"

Juhani Makela smiles slightly. "As the Believers would say, they have seen the error of their ways, and wish to repent."

"No. The Believers would never see an error in their ways. But I see your point."

Lieutenant-General Zhu leans forward in his seat. "This talk about the raids not being government-sanctioned is obvious bull; they were too specific for that. My operatives inform me that heavily guarded naval transports of alien artifacts were frequently targeted in favor of lightly-defended supply transports."

Captain-General Steppleton turns to him. "Of course, as they style themselves 'pirates' we cannot rule out the possibility that the ships were showing off by raiding those targets."

"Possible, but they still had to be supported by their government; they didn't idly cruise the coastlines, they went straight for their targets."

Lal speaks again. "Allright, so it's probably an attempted coverup, nothing new in that. But I still need to know how I'm supposed to deal with this request. On one side, Can I trust these Pirates to keep their word? What if they are merely trying to divert the 'Delhi' and the 'Calcutta' so that they won't be able to stop this invasion? And on the other side, If they ARE trustworthy, how will the other factions react?"

Lady Jane speaks. "Our cruisers are currently manned by skeleton crews; everybody is on shore-leave and celebrating. Several hours will pass before they are ready for battle. And it sounds like the Pirate fleet is quite close already. Actually, I would guess this message was sent after they spotted our ships."

Zhu nods. "If that's true, then Captain Svensgaard's request might be sincere. We can certainly predict how the other factions would react if the locations of the pirate bases were suddenly revealed to them; we would have a crusade on our hands, and the Cyborgs would be greeted as the heroes of the day. On the other hand, If we intervene on the Pirates' behalf and explain to the planetary council that the Cyborgs were forcing them, the situation would be different. Nobody would be really convinced by their explanation of the raids, but an apology and energy-credits would go a long way towards establishing neutral relations. And, of course, if we form a treaty with this faction their words would carry more weight. We, of course, would lose from the treaty in the long run if the Pirates turn out to be untrustworthy after all."

Once again Lal is deep in thought. Everybody waits politely until he again focuses on here and now. "Thank you, people, for your thoughts. I wish to consider this further, so this meeting is adjourned. I'll see you all tomorrow at the advisors' council."

When they are gone Lal thinks for a long time. Then he operates his comm-panel. "Adams, prepare to send a message to the 'Calcutta', for Admiral Paulos' eyes only. Ready? Allright." Lal clears his throat, and pauses for a moment.

"Admiral, we have reasons to believe that the Free Drones will be the target of a hostile military action involving the Cyborgs and the Pirates, as the new faction wishes to be called. This manoeuver might well be underway as you receive this message. Your task will be, together with senior diplomat Alosar Bodinsky, to try and convince the Free Drones not to target the Pirates. I have reasons to believe that they are preparing to switch allegiances, and wish to give them every opportunity to do so. If and when they do abandon the Cyborgs, you will send the following message to them. If they do not switch sides you are ordered to assist the Free Drones in defending their territory by any means necessary."

Lal stops the recording, and thinks for a while. Then he continues. "Message begins: To Captain Svensgaard. If you receive this message then you have kept your word and your fleet has assisted in the defense of Free Drone territory. Know then, that the Peacekeepers are prepared to sign a treaty of friendship immediately after you have announced your existence to the council of Planet and offered compensation to every faction your ships have raided. We will then see to it that you receive a seat on the council, as every nation on Planet is entitled to one."

Lal takes a deep breath. "There are two conditions. One: You must not reveal the existence of the Free Drones to the council. Their survival depends on remaining unnoticed for some time, and it is my wish to help them in this. You probably understand, as your bases must also be actively hiding in order to evade detection by our satellites. Two: You must reveal your data on the Cyborgs to me. This will aid in our attempts at finding this new faction, and determining their main intentions. I welcome you to the nations on Planet. May our friendship be strong and enduring. Message ends."

Lal closes the comm-channel and sighs. It would, of course, only be a matter of time before the Hive detects the Free Drones. But Lal is determined not to let that happen anytime soon. He again contacts his secretary. "Adams, make sure nobody disturbs the advisors' council tomorrow. We have much to discuss."

[Jasonian]

Free Drone Central
Domai's War Room


Malcolm said at Domai, "They're all here, sir."

Domai looked out at the room. His main council members were all present, plus the University Commander Achenar and Alosar Bodinsky of the Peacekeeper diplomatic team, and a handful of technicians squinting into real-time monitors and messing with holo-displays of forces. The tension in the room could be cut with a knife. Living Standard was in trouble once more.

"All right. From what Diplomat Bodinksy here tells us, the Pirates are going to break off attack on the Peacekeeper cruisers and do what they can against the rest of the Cyborg forces. Is that correct?"

Bodinksy nodded, "Yes, if we can believe that they will keep their word."

Domai continued, "Jeffred, what is the state of the defenses at Free Drone Central?"

"We have 1 penetrator group, 1 interceptor group, and 2 conventional missiles, Foreman."

"Right. I want the conventional missiles armed and ready. Their targets are the two largest Pirate Cruisers. Do not fire until they fire on any of our forces. Supreme Commander Rockmore, what is the state of the needlejets at Living Standard?"

Rockmore was frowning, "Talon Group has seven jets and Razor group has six. Replacements will not be ready for quite some time yet. The new Blade bomber group and Falcon interceptor groups are in range, but we must launch them now."

Domai sighed, "Launch them. But keep the damaged groups grounded until they are needed. Captain Sheldon has reported that the Pirates have at least five ships coming our way, and there are at least two cruisers. Both cruisers are AAA protected, so we must not attack them from the air."

He went on, "Commander Achenar, you said that you have men in that area. Will they be much help to us?"

Achenar looked upset, "No. They're not answering my calls anymore. I think they got picked up by a University transport in the area."

Domai nodded to him, and stopped to look around. Jeffred, Malcolm, and Rockmore had left to carry out their orders. "Well then, if there's nothing else to discuss, I end this meeting. Let's move."

************

Cloudbase Academy, still near Living Standard


"Welcome back, Talon Four crew. Your actions may have cost you your jet, but it saved this base. With great honor I give you the new call sign of Talon On---"

"CAPTAIN SHELDON!!"

Sheldon was annoyed. He made a mental note to instruct that com officer to stick to protocol and not yell while on duty, especially to a superior officer. Still, it might be important.

"Yes, what is it officer?"

"We have two Cyborg needlejet groups coming our way. One group, scanned as Sigma Group, seems to be ready to make an aerial assault on Living Standard. The other group, Alpha Group, is hanging back with two transports, the cargo of which we can not scan."

"… did you say two needlejet groups?"

"Yes sir. Sigma and Alpha. We know that Sigma group is fairly good, and since alpha the first Greek letter, I can only assume that they are the elite of the Cyborg air forces."

Sheldon cursed. The briefing from Malcolm said that the Peacekeepers had heard about one incoming group. Now they had two, and the new one was probably the best. This is NOT good!

"Roger that com officer. Send that back to Free Drone Central, and inform Living Standard that their AAA guns had better be ready."


************

Living Standard


The AAA guns were indeed ready, and had already opened fire on the swirling mass of Sigma jets bombing and blasting the base. The battle was going well for the Drones, and Cyborg losses were high.

"Sir, we're inflicting heavy damage, but our losses are almost nothing. It almost seems like they aren't even trying to kill us."

The officer on duty scratched his head. He was a police chief, not a tactician. Still, the evidence seemed clear.

"Scan the coast. I want to know what's going on out at sea."

The com officer gasped in surprise, but the officer already knew what he had found.


************

Coast, near Living Standard

There was no way they could have been seen. The Cyborg transports had been hiding in the fungus with the two large Pirate cruisers. Alpha Group was circling around some large scan-blocks, which the Drones had taken for the ships. The Pirate foils were slowly closing in on the Peacekeeper ships docked out at sea. Cyborgs were landing on the beach. Two Chaos shock troop squads had disembarked, and the other transport was approaching, flanked by the Pirate cruisers.

That's when it happened. The Pirates rained onto both sides of the Cyborg transport. Within minutes, the transport's crew had been neutralized and the Pirates now had a full ship of POWs.

As it sailed off back to Safe Haven, the Cyborgs realized that they had been double-crossed. Alpha Group closed in on the weak transport while the larger AAA ships tried to intercept them. Little did they know that there were five entire Cyborg needlejet groups approaching their location, to arrive in fifteen minutes.

The Pirates had kept their word, but it was doubtful they were going to live to tell about it.

************

Free Drone Central
Domai's War Room


The council let out a whoop when they heard of the Pirates' betrayal. But they quickly quieted down as the face of Captain Svensgaard came up on the largest screen.

"Ahh… Foreman Domai. I know you are aware of what's happened right now, and have been aware for some time. Indeed, this war between our peoples is completely undesired by both our factions."

Domai became serious, "Yes. Our people deserve better. Tell me, why did you declare vendetta at all?"

Svensgaard's face hardened, "The Cyborgs threatened to transmit the location of my bases to all the factions on Planet. I know they would have came to get revenge on me for my 'acquisition' of their cargo. I did it to save my people."

Domai lightened up, "Well, any action that saves our people is one worth while. Won't you pledge a blood truce so our people don't need to face war?"

"I will. In fact, I'll even sign a treaty to ensure lasting peace. Normally this includes trade, but since you don't know where you're trading with, let's forget about that for now, yes?"

Domai smiled, "Whatever you want, Captain."

Svensgaard nodded, "Good. Now, my ships report that several entire squads of Cyborg needlejets are approaching. I require assistance in defending my ships."

Domai paused. It would be only fair to aid them after they had disabled a transport, but two Cyborg squads would bee too much for the damaged Living Standard garrison. "I will send my finest Interceptor squad to aid you. It should be very effective against the slower Cyborg jets."

Svensgaard almost smiled, "My thanks. We will talk again. Svensgaard out."

Domai let loose a sigh of relief. The Pirates were their allies now.
[This message has been edited by Jasonian (edited November 18, 1999).]

[dante^]

M.Y. 2235
Nautilus Pirates 3rd Fleet Command
AAA Chaos Cruiser Prometheus

The Cyborg needlejet exploded into a rolling inferno above the Prometheus, as wreckage rained down into the water.

"Ensign, order the Wyvern and the Scourge to retreat and take out the remaining Cyborg transport. They're not AAA equipped and they will only get in the way here."

"At once, Rear-Admiral."

Beside the Prometheus, the Onslaught was not having as much luck. It was only equipped with AAA missiles, which only managed to dent the fuselage of the Cyborg needlejets.

The 3rd Fleet had been prepared for a assault on land, with AAA capabilities to support the Cyborg fighters. Now that the only targets were needlejets in the skies, half of the fleet had been rendered helpless, like lambs to the slaughter.

"Order the Scorpion to take up defensive positions next to the captured Cyborg transport to escort it back to base. We'll need all the AAA power we have. Oh, and any sign of the Mercury?"

"No, Rear-Admiral. The Cyborgs saw that our Recon Foil was unarmored and took it out in the early stages of fighting."

"Cyborg bastards! Our only consolation is that their Alpha Squadron has been completely wiped out."

As Rear-Admiral Thomas de Bilde spoke, the Prometheus blasted another Cyborg needlejet out of the sky and into the burning sea below.

"There goes the last of the Cyborg Alpha Squadron. Ensign, order the 3rd Fleet to withdraw and move back to base. Our job here is done."

The young Ensign did not answer, his eyes glued to the sensor screen. Rear-Admiral de Bilde moved quickly to his side. In a way, he knew what to expect, but what he saw stunned him.

Five needlejet groups! Five! Each comprising of 10 needlejets meaning 50 needlejets in all. de Bilde suddenly found that he could not swallow, the lump in his throat was too big.

"Ensign." de Bilde managed to find his voice, but the sound that came out was barely audible. "Order all Nautilus Pirate ships to retreat. Open up a data feed to the Maritime Control Center so that Svensgaard can see the battle. That is all we can do now." He closed his eyes.

****************

Nautilus Pirates AAA Missile Foil Scorpion

Lieutenant Commander Phelan Ward let out a whoop as he saw the Prometheus take out the last of the Cyborg planes. Around him, the crew of the Scorpion let out a collective cheer.

"Yes!" Phelan pumped his fist. His first taste of victory. Granted, it had been mostly the credit of the cruisers, but Phelan's Scorpion had taken out two Cyborg needlejets in their defence of the captured Cyborg transport.

"Lieutenant Commander Ward. I think you'd better have a look at this." The commtech's voice beside him faltered a little.

Phelan peered at the sensor screen in front of the commtech. He saw an array of dots, moving rapidly towards them in tight formation. The sensors marked their squadron designation as Beta, Epsilon, Kappa, Mu and Pi.

"They're Cyborg needlejets, aren't they?" Phelan tried to keep his voice steady, but failed.

The commtech nodded, his face a deathly shade of pale. "Cyborg reinforcements, Sir. 50 of them."

The celebrations in the control room of the Scorpion had dissolved into a stunned silence as realization struck the crew.

"Incoming orders from the Prometheus, Lieutenant Commander Ward. We are to retreat immediately."

"Do it, Ensign."

Phelan saw the Cyborg needlejets as a dark cloud on the horizon. The cloud grew larger as the needlejets neared.

Almost in slow-motion, just as the needlejets reached the Pirate ships. Their formation broke, and they descended on the ships like locusts.

Phelan saw the Scourge and the Wyvern, both attacking the Cyborg transport, explode in massive balls of flame. No chance for the crews to flee. I can only hope that their deaths were swift.

The Scorpion's AAA missiles, sped through the air. Most missed but those that hit caused the most damage. Phelan saw a Cyborg needlejet, wing clipped off by a lucky hit, crash into its comrade, both exploding in a sphere of flame and shrapnel.

Not far from the Scorpion, Phelan saw the Onslaught, beset upon by three Cyborg needlejets, take a hole in its hull and slowly sinking into the ocean.

The Cyborg needlejets were clearly holding back from the Scorpion, probably because it was guarding the captured Cyborg transport in close proximity.

"Take out the lead needlejet! The one sensors mark as Epsilon leader!" Phelan yelled above the din of the explosions all around him.

The Scorpion's AAA missiles realigned themselves and prepared to fire. Phelan looked at the sensor screen and saw that the dot representing the Prometheus had disappeared. He looked out of the window of the control room and saw the once majestic Prometheus, its hull riddled with holes and melted armor, slowly collapse onto its side. On the sensor screen, only a mass of red dots representing the Cyborg needlejets remained.

"Sir! Sensors have picked up Free Drone Interceptors on a vector heading straight for our position!"

Phelan shook his head sadly. "It's too late, Ensign. The 3rd Fleet has been completely destroyed. We are all that is left of it now. It shall be our turn next."

The Scorpion shook violently, throwing Phelan to the ground.

"They've got us, Lieutenant Commander! One more hit like that and we go down!"

"Targeting systems down, Sir! Our AAA missiles are no good now!"

They were sitting ducks now. There was no doubt about that. Phelan picked himself up from the floor.

"Very well. Ensign, order an immediate evacuation of the Scorpion at once in the lifeboats."

"Aren't you coming, Sir?"

"I'm afraid not, Ensign. The captain must go down with the ship. That's the way it is. Now go. This is an order."

Phelan could hardly believe what he was saying. He heard the little voice inside him. What the hell do you think you are doing? You are no hero. Think of your mother. What would she do if she knows you are dead? Run to the lifeboat. You can still make it.

Through a tremendous force of will, he supressed the insistent little voice. Phelan walked out of the control room and to the front of the ship. He screamed at the Cyborg needlejets in the skies, knowing that they could not hear him.

"Cyborg scum! Here I am! Come and get me if you can, you bastards!" Phelan screamed until his voice was hoarse, salty tears streaming down his cheeks.

A Cyborg needlejet, fatally damaged by a Free Drone interceptor, spiralled lazily through the sky and crashed into the Scorpion's control room. The detonation of the needlejet's engine threw Phelan against the railing of the ship.

Phelan could taste the warm blood in his mouth. The force of the explosion caused him to topple over the railing, to fall towards the sea below.

In a sudden moment of lucidity, he could see the sea growing larger and larger before his eyes. Is this what death feels like? Phelan felt himself hit the water and darkness surrounded him.

****************

Safe Haven, The Maritime Control Center

Svensgaard slammed his fist onto the table in front of him.

Five! Five groups of needlejets! The Cyborgs did not need his help to attack the Free Drones at all. They could have done it by themselves all along. The Cyborgs had planned to use the Pirates to distract the Free Drones while they launched their own attack.

"Damage report coming in now, Sir."

*****

*** Nautilus Pirates 3rd Fleet ***
Damage Report

Prometheus AAA Chaos Cruiser
Status: Destroyed
Commander: Rear-Admiral Thomas de Bilde
Status: KIA

Onslaught AAA Missile Destroyer
Status: Destroyed
Commander: Commodore Alexander Smith
Status: KIA

Scorpion AAA Missile Foil
Status: Destroyed
Commander: Lieutenant Commander Phelan Ward
Status: MIA

Scourge Missile Foil
Status: Destroyed
Commander: Captain Heinrich Wittig
Status: KIA

Wyvern Missile Foil
Status: Destroyed
Commander: Captain Susan Detloff
Status: KIA

Mercury Recon Foil
Status: Destroyed
Commander: Lieutenant Commander Gerald Templer
Status: MIA

*****

Svensgaard clenched his teeth together in his fury. An entire fleet, decimated. And Rear-Admiral Thomas de Bilde had been his friend, right from their old Navy days back on the old Earth. The Cyborgs had used him.

"Ensign. Prepare our 1st Fleet. We shall move to Free Drone territories at once."

And they were going to pay.

[Barshy]

"I've reached the first checkpoint, Sean. Now where to?" Liz asked through her radio.

"That Sean's got his head in the clouds all the time," a memeber of her probe team quipped.

Liz turned around. "Stop it, Don. I know he can be a dreamer sometimes but if you had half of his depth and maturity you'd be much more of a man." Other team members snickered, but Don knew she wasn't serious.

He walked up close to her. "Awww, come on... I just don't know why you're friends with that guy. He totally freaks me out when he looks at me. I don't know what that guy's thinking." He gave her a peck on the cheek.

Liz sighed. Don would never understand their lifelong friendship... how she grew up totally infatuated with him in secondary school, but later turned off by his aloofness during seminary. Yet she still liked Sean, a lot, never understanding her real feelings toward him since they grew up so close together.

Then she met Don Kimball. Tall, good-looking, all the girls at the Neuroscience Academy were after him. And he chose her. His faith wasn't as strong as Sean's, but he did know how to have fun. Unlike Sean, he was direct and outspoken. They dated for years, off and on, but he never could really appreciate Elizabeth for who she was like Sean could.

And Sean didn't know about him.

"Don, I thought we had an agreement," Liz reminded him.

"Yeah, yeah, I know, I know..." Don replied, backing off. No physical touching, they had agreed.

"Liz, you there? You need to turn south, toward the xenofungus," Sean said through the radio.

"All right team. Move out." Xenofungus always made Elizabeth nervous.

******************************************
Top Floor, Main Cathedral, New Jeruselum.

"Sister Miriam, in no way do I mean to question God's will, but may I ask what convinced you to appoint Minister Sean Yang to the Lord's Council?" asked Matthew Levtin, economic advisor.

"I know he doesn't have the necessary qualities of a leader, but the Holy Spirit moved me to appoint him. I have a strong feeling that he will be of special importance to us," Miriam replied. "Have faith."

Matthew nodded. That was enough to convince him. Reason and logic, man-made worldly wisdom, melted in the presence of faith.

Miriam then addressed the council. "Recently the number of mindworm attacks have risen, especially in our outer bases. Our soldiers are weary... their faith is weak." She turned to Peter Herriott, her trusted advisor.
"Order the governors of the 3 outer bases to recruit more trance and empath soldiers and to build a command center in each base."

Matthew spoke up. "Sister, I feel that the mindworms seem to purposely target our faction. Even moreso than the Morganites at times. I've been observing the economic behavior of the Gaians, and maybe if we try to emulate their system, it will curb the mindworm attacks."

Miriam did not like imitating others, looking to others, especially unbelievers, for guidance, for the only guidance should come from God. Nevertheless, she was curious. "Matthew, explain this system to me."

"Certainly. If we adopted this system, we would take full advantage of the recycling tanks, remodelling them to better adapt to the environment. Our bases would run much more efficiently, and given our sprawling kingdom, it seems fit to model this system."

"Intriguing," Miriam replied. She thought for a moment. "It seemed idolatrous to me at first to conform to this environment, succumbing to the pagan gods the Gaians worship. But all creation comes from God. We should respect it and attempt to live in harmony with it. We should not abuse our Promised Land."

Matthew breathed a sigh of relief. Any remarks close to idolatry in Miriam's eyes could result in probation. "I will restructure the economy at once."

"Wait," Miriam replied. "As economic advisor, I would have expected you to notice one flaw. By adopting this... Green system, mothers and fathers will desire to protect the environment. Instead of taking it for granted, they will grow to enjoy it. As they see the supposed 'ravages' upon our Promised Land, they will be repulsed at how humans, made in the image of God, have ruined this Planet." The Council stared at Miriam as she paced back and forth, eyes glowing and the gears of her mind turning, creating different scenarios and dissecting them with uncanny precision. It was times like these that Council members knew not to interrupt, for Miriam's God-given ability to psychoanalyze humans was at work.

"They will see the growth and reproduction of humans, obedience to God's command to be fruitful and increase in number, as a sin. A sin to Planet. Family planning and abortion clinics will arise--- hideous agencies designed to murder unborn babies. Of course, we can easily outlaw such facilities, but how can our followers understand such a policy when they see the hypocrisy in our Green, Planet-worshipping economics at odds with our Biblical social policies?" The holy fire in her eyes burned.

"Matthew, thank you for your suggestion. I certainly appreciate your initiative, but at the moment I must say it would be a dreadful sin to carry out this measure." Miriam spoke with a finality in her voice that Matthew dared not question.

"The command centers will be built right away," Peter remarked.

[Barshy]

"I've reached the first checkpoint, Sean. Now where to?" Liz asked through her radio.

"That Sean's got his head in the clouds all the time," a memeber of her probe team quipped.

Liz turned around. "Stop it, Don. I know he can be a dreamer sometimes but if you had half of his depth and maturity you'd be much more of a man." Other team members snickered, but Don knew she wasn't serious.

He walked up close to her. "Awww, come on... I just don't know why you're friends with that guy. He totally freaks me out when he looks at me. I don't know what that guy's thinking." He gave her a peck on the cheek.

Liz sighed. Don would never understand their lifelong friendship... how she grew up totally infatuated with him in secondary school, but later turned off by his aloofness during seminary. Yet she still liked Sean, a lot, never understanding her real feelings toward him since they grew up so close together.

Then she met Don Kimball. Tall, good-looking, all the girls at the Neuroscience Academy were after him. And he chose her. His faith wasn't as strong as Sean's, but he did know how to have fun. Unlike Sean, he was direct and outspoken. They dated for years, off and on, but he never could really appreciate Elizabeth for who she was like Sean could.

And Sean didn't know about him.

"Don, I thought we had an agreement," Liz reminded him.

"Yeah, yeah, I know, I know..." Don replied, backing off. No physical touching, they had agreed.

"Liz, you there? You need to turn south, toward the xenofungus," Sean said through the radio.

"All right team. Move out." Xenofungus always made Elizabeth nervous.

******************************************
Top Floor, Main Cathedral, New Jeruselum.

"Sister Miriam, in no way do I mean to question God's will, but may I ask what convinced you to appoint Minister Sean Yang to the Lord's Council?" asked Matthew Levtin, economic advisor.

"I know he doesn't have the necessary qualities of a leader, but the Holy Spirit moved me to appoint him. I have a strong feeling that he will be of special importance to us," Miriam replied. "Have faith."

Matthew nodded. That was enough to convince him. Reason and logic, man-made worldly wisdom, melted in the presence of faith.

Miriam then addressed the council. "Recently the number of mindworm attacks have risen, especially in our outer bases. Our soldiers are weary... their faith is weak." She turned to Peter Herriott, her trusted advisor.
"Order the governors of the 3 outer bases to recruit more trance and empath soldiers and to build a command center in each base."

Matthew spoke up. "Sister, I feel that the mindworms seem to purposely target our faction. Even moreso than the Morganites at times. I've been observing the economic behavior of the Gaians, and maybe if we try to emulate their system, it will curb the mindworm attacks."

Miriam did not like imitating others, looking to others, especially unbelievers, for guidance, for the only guidance should come from God. Nevertheless, she was curious. "Matthew, explain this system to me."

"Certainly. If we adopted this system, we would take full advantage of the recycling tanks, remodelling them to better adapt to the environment. Our bases would run much more efficiently, and given our sprawling kingdom, it seems fit to model this system."

"Intriguing," Miriam replied. She thought for a moment. "It seemed idolatrous to me at first to conform to this environment, succumbing to the pagan gods the Gaians worship. But all creation comes from God. We should respect it and attempt to live in harmony with it. We should not abuse our Promised Land."

Matthew breathed a sigh of relief. Any remarks close to idolatry in Miriam's eyes could result in probation. "I will restructure the economy at once."

"Wait," Miriam replied. "As economic advisor, I would have expected you to notice one flaw. By adopting this... Green system, mothers and fathers will desire to protect the environment. Instead of taking it for granted, they will grow to enjoy it. As they see the supposed 'ravages' upon our Promised Land, they will be repulsed at how humans, made in the image of God, have ruined this Planet." The Council stared at Miriam as she paced back and forth, eyes glowing and the gears of her mind turning, creating different scenarios and dissecting them with uncanny precision. It was times like these that Council members knew not to interrupt, for Miriam's God-given ability to psychoanalyze humans was at work.

"They will see the growth and reproduction of humans, obedience to God's command to be fruitful and increase in number, as a sin. A sin to Planet. Family planning and abortion clinics will arise--- hideous agencies designed to murder unborn babies. Of course, we can easily outlaw such facilities, but how can our followers understand such a policy when they see the hypocrisy in our Green, Planet-worshipping economics at odds with our Biblical social policies?" The holy fire in her eyes burned.

"Matthew, thank you for your suggestion. I certainly appreciate your initiative, but at the moment I must say it would be a dreadful sin to carry out this measure." Miriam spoke with a finality in her voice that Matthew dared not question.

"The command centers will be built right away," Peter said.

[Cotroneo]

0430 hours
Temporary Command Center, Secret Hallow

“I’m sorry for the lack of a better facility then this tent, but a lavish headquarter facility is not our first priority.” Sinder said as she addressed the council in the morning of their fifth day at the Borehole Cluster. “I thought it would be good to have a council meeting, to help solidify our short term and long term goals.”

The council members nodded their heads in agreement, although they despised waking up this early. Zebra had refused to go to sleep last night until the network was up and running and he especially hated the idea of an important meeting before sunrise.

“First, Raptor, please brief us on your findings inside Borehole A’s surrounding building. Hopefully you have something for us, after three days of searching.” Sinder asked Raptor, who inserted a small micro disc into the holo-projector that was crudely installed on top of the table.

Apparently, most of the command and control equipment that the council was using, was pulled from the Messiah’s command room. Even, the temporary housing for the base was made up of parts of the aircraft’s fuselage.

Raptor touched his datapad, causing a three-dimensional picture of the building’s interior to form on the holo-projector.

“Apparently the building around Borehole A was not the University’s main research focus. Preliminary reports on the computers left by the University, have showed that they allocated most of their resources to Borehole B’s building. Which is close to twice the size of A’s. We are planning on scouting out B’s building this evening. It will take some time, but I’m sure we will have it debugged of any University traps within a few days.” Raptor finished and turned to Sinder, waiting for her obvious question.

But, to Raptor’s amazement, the next question came from the groggy Zebra who had his head on the table, almost sleeping.

“Have you fully checked the University files for any useful information. I was hoping I could get some preliminary information of the exact mineral and structural makeup of each Borehole. All we have is few indications of raw Chiron stone.” Zebra said as he drank some cold water, which unfortunately didn’t produce the effect that he wanted.

“Actually I’m glad you asked, this data file was downloaded from the central University computer in the building. It took us a whole day to brake into their systems, but we have quite substantial readings on this particular Borehole. Hopefully, Borehole B’s building will have the full file on all their observations, if they didn’t erase the files in the rush to leave here.” Zebra seemed satisfied as Raptor handed him a micro disk.

“I’m sure you gentlemen can talk further on the subject during the day, so lets move on.” Sinder paused to take sip of coffee, she had been saving for such a day. “What should we do about relationships between other factions. Is it wise for us to make contact, no one but Tomahawk and perhaps Morgan, know about our whereabouts. The University is also aware of the Borehole Cluster, but they don’t know we are here. Any suggestions?” Sinder sat down in an apparently uncomfortable metal chair.

“Perhaps we should contact Domai, his industrial might may be an asset to us now that we have an almost unlimited amount of resources.” Virus suggested as she shifted back and forth on her hard metal seat.

“You may be forgetting something Virus…. We have no way to get resources or people to Domai and his little drones. If you haven’t noticed, our only means of leaving, the Messiah, is nothing more than a piece of Swiss cheese, with all the salvaging we have done.” Beetle responded to Virus’s suggestion.

“But Beetle, Virus may have a good idea, we need to reopen comlinks with the drones. In the future we may need their help, and they ours. I have heard from the few operatives within the other factions that we still have loyal to us, that new forces are attacking the drones. We must correct this lack of information. If I remember correctly, our original faction goal was to know all secrets and all knowledge. I feel as if we have reverted to the Stone Age.” Sinder’s allusion to primitive man gave Zebra a small bit of a laugh.

“Then perhaps I better get out my bone horn and communicate with the Drones through different howls.” Zebra comically responded to Sinder. “We must remember that hijacking satellite communication is very easy to trace, and I suggest the bear minimum of transmissions until we have solidified our defenses and industry.” The council agreed to Zebra’s answer, and they decided they wouldn’t contact outsides until they were secure in their new residents.

“Next foreign affairs topic…. is Tomahawk. I hear he has eliminated his fellow council members and runs the Data DeCentral by himself. I’m also aware of a plot to attack Data DeCentral by the other factions, lead by the University.” Sinder said as she stood up and walked to the wall of the tent, remembering the beautiful landscape of Data DeCentral.

“We can not do anything for them. Even though it pains me to say so, I believe the other factions don’t understand what exactly they’re going to be dealing with. Tomahawk is a brilliant tactician, and is respected by his troops. Perhaps Data DeCentral has repaired the damage from the civil war and is ready for them.” Beetle said to Sinder’s back, as she continued to stand facing the wall.

She finally turned around, with a tear in her eye. She wiped her face, trying to hide her tears from the others, but her facial expression told a thousand words.

She finally spoke, “Raptor I want you to accelerate your scouting of the Boreholes and I want you Zebra, to scan that disk front to back, I need ways to help our friends in Data DeCentral, that we left behind. I had originally planned to take the city back from Tomahawk when we were a power to be dealt with, but apparently we must help Tomahawk in a fight against the other factions. Don’t do it for Tomahawk or his ideals, do it for the friends and family we left behind. We originally left the old factions to be free, we must stop them from retaking control or letting them take vengeance for my mistake. Virus and Beetle, I want you to contact Domai and get data on their plans to attack Data DeCentral. I don’t care about the risks.” Sinder hated the feeling of letting her former citizens fight for their freedom, without her. She had promised to protect them, but running and hiding was not protecting them. “Oh, I almost forgot, Zebra, after the hap complexes are built, start work on retrofitting the Messiah back to flight status. I think the old bird may have some flight still in her.”

Sinder ended the meeting and walked out the back of the tent alone, to contemplate her next move.

[Raging Mouse]

Location: U.N. Headquarters

"...And therefore, we can expect no assistance from the Gaians. Although they wish to encourage our efforts against the Hive, they have chosen to adopt a strictly neutral position in this conflict. They have, as they are frequent to remind us, problems of their own. Personally I believe that we are witnessing the effects of a strengthening move towards isolationism on the part of the Gaians. Only on the issue of the environment do they participate actively in world politics; and then mainly to shout down any proposal by the Morgans in the council."

The senior diplomat nods to Lal, and returns to his chair. I let my gaze slide across the room again; this is the third time I have been inside it. Officially, it is room 2631. Unofficially, this is Lal's favoured conference room; it is never reserved for any other use. There are seven people present currently. Three of us represent the government: Myself, as a science advisor, Captain-General Steppleton as a military advisor and Lieutenant-General Zhu as an intelligence advisor. Three other persons represent the civilian administration: mr. Makela, the senior diplomat (Lal insists that decisions on external affairs belong to the civilian administration. In reality Lal does all the deciding), miss Etienne of energy and trade, and mr. Khotar of Industry.

It is unusual for all six of Lal's advisors to be present simultaneously; last time, we were planning operation 'tunnel fire', in the beginning of the war with the Hive. This time, we have yet to decide a suitable name. Zhu's suggestion of 'D-day' was voted down as sounding too megalomanic.

Lal is resting his chin in his left palm. He is obviously unhappy with what he has just heard. "I suppose we couldn't bargain with them, as we did with the Free Drones?"

At this, Etienne stirs. "Well, we could trade technology for energy, but I am having difficulties evaluating our knowledge, since professor Kropotkin is unwilling to help."

I give an involuntary shudder. "Commisioner, It is my opinion that information should only be exchanged with information. Anyway, The market values for technology, as determined by Morgan Exchange, are grossly underestimated. We would never get a fair deal."

Zhu nods in agreement. "Knowledge is power, Commissioner. We should not trade power for a short-term gain."

Etienne turns towards zhu. "Nevertheless, we must replenish our energy reserves from somewhere; otherwise several civilian projects will suffer." Khotar nods. "Hear, hear."

Zhu's forehead wrinkles, and he turns to Lal. "My probe-teams could, of course, pay off themselves. If we were to drain some of Yang's energy resources-" Lal interrupts him. "Never. Those probe-operatives' lives won't be risked for a few megajoules."

Steppleton clears her throat. "Maybe we could hunt some mindworms? We know that their brains produce this weird pearl when they die, that stores massive amounts of energy."

Lal shakes his head. "That would hurt our relationships with the Gaians. They insist we shouldn't attack mindworm boils unless someone's life is in danger."

Suddenly, Khotar stands up. "Commissioner, I have a suggestion. As the factories of our capital have just recently finished another batch of military equipment, I propose that we now commence construction on this little idea that Etienne and I have been toying around with. I -that is, we- call it the Merchant Exchange. It would dramatically increase energy production in all areas."

This sounds interesting, so Khotar and Etienne are given the floor for almost eighty minutes as they explain their plan. In the end, everybody is extremely impressed. Khotar finishes: "I realize that this immense project will require a staggering amount of resources. In fact, we estimate about equal consumption to the Human Genome Project. I can tell you, I was far from pleased when I calculated the final cost of that project. But now U.N. Headquarters is much bigger; it could handle the construction in a significantly shorter time. So I think it is entirely possible to accomplish."

Lal nods. "Very impressive. I assume you will need the assistance of professor Kropotkin and his staff?"

"Only initially; to work out a design for the actual facility, and for some quick consultation during construction. But the main effort will come from our industry. Of course, everything would be much quicker if only you would authorise the use of one of the alien artifacts-"

I jump out of my chair. "NEVER! Those artifacts' capabilities are beyond our wildest dreams. To just unceremoniously use their abilities as building material would approach madness, and would certainly qualify as stupidity!"

Lal is amused by my outburst. "Calm down, professor. Your precious artifacts are safe. No need to get upset." He turns to Khotar. "You can, however, use a reasonable amount of energy to expedite construction in the later stages. The facility should not take long to repay itself."

Khotar and Etienne both signal their agreement, and Lal continues. "I wish to spend the rest of this meeting planning our continued military strategies, so you of the civilian branch are free to leave. Thank you."

Khotar, Etienne and and Makela leave. Steppleton rises from her seat and turns to face Lal, Zhu and me. "Now that our first batch of new units have been completed, it is time to discuss strategies. Commissioner, I know you have a strong desire to avoid military campaigns that probably cost a lot of lives, but in order to actually accomplish the goals you have set up -namely, drawing enough of Yang's men to our borders to give the Free Drones a chance- such a campaign is unavoidable. I want to make sure you understand this."

Lal nods. "Yes. You have to understand something, general. Once our goal becomes something else than merely keeping Yang at bay at our borders, I operate by different standards. As I have said before, it would be a great moral victory on my part if the Free Drones would survive and prosper; I could claim with renewed strength that Yang's social system is an insult to everything the U.N. stands for, and that it is highly susceptible to entropy. Also, I cannot imagine what Yang would do to a rebellious city; I'd prefer not to find out. I recognize that the only tool I have left is to wage intense war against the Hive; there is no more room for negotiations as it would only serve Yang." He sighs. "It is still with a heavy heart that I acknowledge the need for more aggressive military action."

Lady Jane nods. "With that in mind, I have drafted a plan. I want to replace all the infantry being scheduled for production in the second batch. Let's breed some mindworm boils instead."

Nobody is particularly happy about the suggestion. Zhu seems especially disturbed; I remember that he has actually survived a close encounter with a boil of mindworms. Steppleton sees this, and continues.

"I understand that you feel nervous thinking about those mindworms crawling around on our roads. Actually, after studying the Gaian technique I think they wouldn't use the roads very often; they are better at moving in xenofungus. Also, think how nervous the enemy will feel once those boils come swarming at them! Lal, it would spare a lot of men; one boil is easily as effective as an entire unit of infantry, and requires only three people, as a minimum, to manage."

Lal doesn't look convinced, but he is deep in thought. Eventually he nods. "What are you planning to use them for?"

"I intend to launch a full-scale assault on Communal Nexus with my normal units; needlejets, missiles, artillery, rovers and prototype chaos drop troops. Meanwhile, on the other side of the Freshwater Sea, I will form a strong defensive line consisting of garrison units with the prototype chaos 'copters as backup. If I guess right, Yang will pound on that defensive line for a while, and then relocate an ever increasing number of his military units to the defense -or, if we are lucky, recapture- of Communal Nexus. When that happens, our mindworm units will travel to Paradise Swarming, using the xenofungus as cover, and mount a surprise attack on the base. Once we have at least one of these bases it is unlikely that Yang will spend resources trying to eradicate -or even find- the Free Drones; he'll be much too busy with us."

Lal nods. "And the longer we keep one or more of his bases, the bigger the chances of the Free Drones, and the bigger initial advantage we have once the time is again ripe for negotiations. Very good. I approve of your plan, general. Let's follow it -until events force us to reconsider."

The meeting is over.

[Jayk]

University Base - Temporary Headquarters

With a sigh the leader of the University of Planet set aside another damage report. He shook his head and picked up the second datapad left sitting atop his inbox. After quickly scanning its contents, he set it aside and pushed back from his desk. Academician Prokhor Zakharov swiveled around and took up a glass from the bar that sat directly behind him. He filled it with water, eyeing the vodka right next to the pitcher but decided against indulging knowing that today he would need a clear mind. Repairs were underway at his beloved University Base; the chemical weapons attack did little physical damage, but left a few building on unsteady ground. The worst part of the attack was the fact that hundreds of citizen’s lay everywhere; frozen visages of pain and bodies twisted into agonizing positions were the only real evidence that anything serious had happened at all. Removal of the bodies was the hardest part of the clean up, the deadly weapons turned flesh to putty, some people had to literally be scooped up with shovels; this did nothing for moral. Chemical residue covered everything and had to be scrubbed off by workers in sealed encounter suits before scientists could return to their offices. The latest statistics put the job at two months before things could go back to being semi-normal at the base. Zakharov slammed his fist down on the table as he took a sip of cold water. He had already made up his mind; the criminal or criminals responsible would pay dearly for such a devastating and unprovoked assault.

The door chimed and the University leader struck a button on the flatpanel display aside his desk reflexively. Zakharov had little time for titles; he thought them a waste of time, time that could be used for research. As such, the student entering his office walked swiftly to the desk and addressed him by his first name.

“Prokhor, one of our satellites picked up a slight distortion near the Bole Hole Cluster we were studying. The next time the unit passes by that area during its orbit I can have it perform a more detailed analysis. It may be nothing, but I felt it should be brought to your attention.”

He slid a datapad across the desk for the Academician to review before standing at attention in an almost militaristic fashion. Zakharov scanned its contents before holding it out for the student to take.

“Monitor that area closely, use two satellites if you need. I spent too many resources studying the cluster to let anything happen to it.” With a scowl he set his glass on the desk and leaned forward. “I will speak with Colonel Santiago about this too … I do not want any further misunderstandings to hurt our relationship. Report back to me when the satellites have made their pass.”

“The report will be on your desk by tomorrow evening.” With that the man turned on his heels and strode out the door, back to the satellite monitoring station.

Zakharov shook his head as he ran the new information through his mind. His list of things gone wrong was growing faster and faster as the week progressed. He adjusted his mechanical spectacles, pulled another report from the pile and finished off his water as he read.

[Jasonian]

Free Drone Central
Domai’s War Room


The reports had come in from Living Standard over a minute ago, and the arguing of the council members filled the room. The Cyborg needlejet cloud had totally destroyed the pirate’s fleet, and was moving on Free Drone Central. Although Falcon group had taken no damage, they had to stop and refuel at Living Standard. The Cloudbase was slowly following, but was falling more behind by the minute.

Domai fought for control, “Stop this! STOP AT ONCE!” Eventually the members quieted down and looked toward Domai.

Domai continued, “This changes nothing. The pirates did their part by disabling the transports and taking out the air cover. They did that, although at a great price. Now-“

Rockmore could be quiet no longer, “NOW we have 37 enemy jets and two shock troop squads on our soil!”

“The floor is NOT open to discussion right now, Rockmore!” Domai roared, suprising even Rockmore himself.

“As I was saying, now we need to stop those jets. Newman, are the Blade group bombers ready to launch?” Domai went on.

“Yes, foreman. Also, both Talon and Razor group are at 80%. If we time it right, we can catch the Cyborgs in the middle and attack them from both sides. That should give the Cloudbase time enough to catch up and join the fight.”

Domai nodded, “Right. Will the Falcon interceptors be any more use of us, Jeffred?

Jeffred checked his reports, “They are nearly done refueling. If we launch them several minutes after the other bombers, they should arrive there at the same time.”

“Yes… that’s 26 bombers and 10 interceptors against 37 jets. 36 to 37, with ten of ours being made for this. The odds favor us again. Lauch them, now.”

A com officer keyed in the orders. Rockmore waited to be acknowledged by Domai, and then said, “Sir, even with those odds, damage to our forces will be very high. Any faction that would want to carve us up could, very easily.”

Domai sighed, “I know. I know! But we aren’t doing this to stop them. We’re doing this to slow them down. Short attacks. Little damage to us, more to them. They’ll eventually follow us, and we’ll lead them right into the Cloudbase’s guns.”

Rockmore shook his head; “Eventually they’ll give up and just head straight for us here. It will buy us no more then five minutes, at the cost of Free Drone lives!”

Domai roared again, “I KNOW that Rockmore! Do you think I have any choice!? I don’t want to risk my people, yet we have to save the base! It’s the only way!”

Rockmore was clearly not happy with the plan, but before he could protest, a com officer reported, “Sir, the needlejets are closing in on the Cyborg fighters. ETA in one minute. Changing display to large screen… now.”

The seventy-some colored dots popped up on the display. Thirty-seven teal ones with 10 brown approaching from one side and 26 on the other.

[Jasonian]

Double post.
[This message has been edited by Jasonian (edited November 20, 1999).]

[Cotroneo]

1430 hours
Sinder’s personal tent, Secret Hollow

“You weren’t yourself this morning.” Beetle said as he walked into Sinder’s tent.

“Perhaps, I’m not cut out to be your leader. I have made so many foolish decisions in the past, which has cost people their lives.” Sinder said as she looked at an old picture in her hands.

“Don’t be harsh, we didn’t make it this far without your careful decisions. But there are topics we must discuss.” Beetle put his hand on Sinder’s shoulder almost as if he were her father.

“Yes, you’re right, please take a seat.” Sinder lifted his hand off her shoulder gently, and motioned for Beetle to join her at the table next to her bed.

“We are not as secure as you let the others think.” Beetle said as he took a seat opposing to Sinder’s chair.

“You have a point. I’m sure the University is watching this plot of land very closely, especially as the tension between them and the Spartans eases. They will want their territory back.” Sinder responded as she looked Beetle strait in the eyes.

“How do you suggest we stop them. Is it also wise to put resources into a feeble defense of our old home, even if they are our friends. I’m sure they wouldn’t want us to risk this.” Beetle turned away, unable to hold the strict stare.

“That is true, we wouldn’t be able to physically help them. But, perhaps we can save some lives, or try to evacuate some civilians to safe factions, like the drones if they’re willing to harbor them.” Sinder stood up and walked to a portable mini-kitchen she had in her tent.

“When they attack Data DeCentral, Tomahawk may tell every one about our location and the truth about the chemical incident, if they haven’t already found out.” Beetle suggested as he stretched his arms out.

“It does look grim old friend, but we have survived harsher times. Remember the Believer probe crackdowns when we were still working for Morgan.” She said as she handed Beetle a glass of water and an old picture.

Beetle uttered a small laugh, over the sight of the picture.

“When and who took this picture? I’m sure Raptor would like to take a glare at this.” Beetle had a large smile over his face, as his mind filled with past memories.

The picture showed Sinder, Beetle, Raptor and Richmond in black plasma suits sitting on top of a believer statue of Moses in New Jerusalem Square. Richmond was hanging from Moses’ stretched arm, with his pants down near his ankles.

“Well, I don’t actually remember who took the picture. Oh yes….Virus did. Those were dangerous times….but good times none the less.” Sinder answered as she sipped out of her own glass of water.

“Well old friend, we still don’t have a defense or plan for the inevitable horde to come. I would hate to see all that we worked for go down the drain.” Beetle stood up from his chair and leaned against the chair as he waited for Sinder to respond.

“All will work out in the end…. You must have faith in our mission.”

“You sound like a Believer Sinder, I’ll go get you some ordained robes.” Beetle said as he let loose a bit of a chuckle, but Sinder didn’t laugh. “Well I do have some good news. We are ready to have our first elections. What made you go back to a full democratic system like Lal, especially in such a weird time.”

“Perhaps it’s my regret for my decisions in the past. But, I feel that freedom and the exchange of ideas and feelings is the only true way to live. Perhaps, It’s my time to leave.” Sinder walked Beetle to the door and stopped. “Who is running against me?”

“If I remember clearly, no one is, Sinder. Like I said before, we all still trust you, and we understand you make wrong decisions. You are human after all.” Beetle finished and walked out the door.

*********************************************

1500 hours
Borehole B’s Surrounding Building

“Herc what do you got on your scanner, anything coming up?” Raptor was following behind Mongoose at point, with Jacobs and Herc behind him.

“Raptor… I’m reading a large room coming up, about two hundred meters along our current route. Some strange magnetic fields are surrounding the room, it could be what we are looking for.” Herc said as he looked at his strange readings on his datapad.

“That’s good news, but lets be heads up gentleman, I’m sure the University left some welcome gifts to visitors.” Raptor said to the whole group as they walked slowly in the middle of the hallway.

Borehole B’s surrounding building was strange, compared to the other buildings at the cluster site, besides the obvious size difference. B building, as they referred to it, was covered with strange text along its walls, obviously different then any tongue they had ever heard of.

“Do you hear that Raptor?” Mongoose asked as he placed his head against the floor.

“What is it Mongoose, nothings on my scanner? Herc, check yours.” Raptor walked closer to Mongoose, as he un-strapped his rifle from his back.

“Something is coming, there may be two….no….. shoot.… three people incoming.” Mongoose jumped up, un-strapped his rifle and dived for the cover of a nearby bulkhead which protruded from the wall.

A buzzing sound was coming from the pitch black hallway ahead, then suddenly Raptor and Herc, who were still standing in the hallway, turned to see Jacob explode into pieces the size of human hairs. Herc threw up from the site, but Raptor quickly pushed Herc to the cover of a bulkhead across the hallway.

Three large droids came rolling down the hallway, with one droid’s weapon still fuming from its discharge.

“Mongoose, cover me. Herc, help him.” Raptor yelled across the hallway, to where Herc and Mongoose were hiding.

Mongoose, without even looking stuck his gun out into the hallway and started firing, not sure where exactly he was shooting. Herc, who was still was throwing up, just sat there with his hand holding his stomach in agony.

Mongoose’s impact shots just bounced off the robot’s photon armor, as they slowly advanced on the small group of humans.

“What the hell are you doing Raptor, we need to combine our fire.” Mongoose who was still firing blind from his bulkhead, screamed over to Raptor.

“Hold them… I need one second.” Raptor responded as he went through his backpack.

Three shots crashed into Mongoose’s bulkhead, almost ripping apart the structure. Then a shockwave of energy ran through the hallway, and the shooting stopped.

“Darn we got lucky. I wonder why my EMP shut down those robots down? I thought the University had learned their lesson a while back.” Raptor said as he stuck his head out from his own bulkhead, seeing the three droids standing their, motionless.

“I guess I’ll write the letter. I hate when I get to know these kids.” Mongoose suggested as he turned to what was left of Jacob.