Star Force: Symbiosis (Star Force Universe Book 72) Read online

  That was resolved prior to arrival, after which blockages began to pop up inside the magma layer, limiting movement and corralling the control room into a smaller and smaller area before Star Force’s own magma drones broke holes in the blockades to allow it out…after which there was a short war between drones as they sought control of the magma layer. The Star Force drones lost, but their mission was still a success as the control room remained out of the Nu’avi’s reach as the invaders remained underground at all times and away from view of any of the Vargemma. Only Caretaker drones and some Star Force versions saw them, for no personnel were allowed anywhere near the region where the Nu’avi were operating in teams that began to split up further and further, with some of them eventually being lost to surveillance.

  One that had 3 Nu’avi in it reappeared some 18 hours later when one of the subterranean Caretaker production facilities went dark, and any drones that went in to investigate did not return. And that told Morgan one thing that was now crystal clear.

  “They’re not here for you, Kara,” she said looking at the limited battlemap they had of the underground areas around the infiltration point. “I don’t know why they’re here, but it’s not you.”

  “I had to be the impetus,” the twin braided archon argued. “And maybe our immediate contact forced an alteration to their plans.”

  “They’re trying to reassert control over the Temple,” Morgan said flatly. “Now tell me how to fight this before they get really creative. Something that doesn’t involve us going down there.”

  “If they can’t travel through the magma layer, the solution is obvious,” Viceroy Frassa said via holo in the Elcee city hovering near the invasion zone where Morgan and Kara had relocated to in order to manage this while Strovok remained in their training area waiting for combat to either come to him or him to be summoned for an assault. And if it came to him, their well laid trap might actually be put into use, though now it seemed rather obsolete.

  “Hem them in?” Morgan said with a raised eyebrow.

  “How?” Kara asked.

  “We sever the connections to other areas.”

  “There’s a labyrinth of tunnels down into the bedrock.”

  “Yes, and they all need to be severed.”

  “How?”

  “We cut a chasm down to the magma and let it flow up and seal in the gap.”

  “What good would…” Kara asked, finally catching on. “Cut? You mean explosively dig a canyon miles deep around the entire area.”

  “Indeed.”

  Kara blew out a breath. “If we knew where they all were that’s possible, but some may have moved beyond the area already.”

  “Better to divide them then.”

  “I agree,” Morgan said, feeling like they had so few options that they needed to get what they could now before this mess snowballed even worse. “Move the fleet into position.”

  The Nu’avi were having far more trouble than they expected, for the Temple itself wasn’t obeying their command codes. No one had ever compromised the Bond of Resistance technology to this extent in the history of the alliance. The Vargemma in every galaxy were never allowed into areas where they could have accessed the critical equipment, and those that tried were summarily executed. Others had attempted to access and reverse engineer the visible equipment with similar results, though some technology was freely given to them and for the most part they were content with it.

  Furthermore, Vargemma culture was crafted to keep them from questioning the Temple itself and focusing on self-improvement. But Star Force was not Vargemma. They were outsiders who had somehow found a way inside. How was still a mystery, but they’d successfully taken partial control over all the Temples in this galaxy save for 3, all of which were decommissioned due to lack of resources.

  That information was available to them through the Zotav, along with a lot of other information that was flowing out of the Temples and their support infrastructure, but not enough. The kind of infestation that was taking place here was not anticipated and sufficient monitoring of the reprogramming had not been crafted. That meant the Nu’avi were somewhat blind to what was happening here, but their inability to access the control rooms and the inactive intra-Temple transit system suggested that Star Force was in near complete control of this facility, and that was something they’d been told could never happen.

  That meant they were in uncharted territory, and while they began to claim low level facilities in the immediate area by physically going there and cutting remote access, there was discussion amongst themselves as to how to proceed…during which the orbital bombardment began.

  They couldn’t see it directly, but some of them could feel the rumbles moving through the subterranean chambers. It took a while to get access to surface cameras, but when they did it became clear what was happening as a ring of warships so thick they looked to be connected hovered around the perimeter of the Nu’avi’s arrival location…and were blasting down into the bedrock in a curtain of energy weapons that were visible now and then through the massive dust donut that was leeching back towards the clear center, soon to mask everything in the dirty haze.

  It was not a quick thing, but hours long as a chasm was cut down through the surface and severing the conduits in and out of the region. During which one of Binoy’s holographic messages finally was answered with something other than an Essence detonation of the transmission drone.

  “Explain your presence here,” the tailed biped said in the Star Force language that he’d downloaded into his bioarmor prior to arriving in the Temple.

  The Arch Duke concealed his shock at the sudden change of events and remotely keyed for Morgan and others to join in from wherever they were at the moment.

  “We have taken possession of this Temple and the others after the denizens of them launched an unprovoked attack on our capitol and killed nearly everyone on the planet. Explain your presence here,” the Human countered.

  “We were sent by the Neofan to end your infestation of the Temples and return them to normal order.”

  “Who are you?”

  “We are Nu’avi, sworn to House Mutavi. How did you learn to reprogram our technology?”

  “It’s not that much more advanced than our own. Be aware, we’ve removed the mass murder hardware built into this Temple, so you’re not going to be able to remove our ‘infestation’ with the press of a button.”

  “Removed?”

  “Physically removed and destroyed.”

  “These Temples are not meant for you. What right do you claim them by?”

  “The right to deny our enemies a secure base from which to strike out at us from. We knew little of Essence when the attacks came, and were unable to defend ourselves. We have remedied that since, and in recompense we have claimed the Temples from which the attack was launched. Did the Neofan order the attack?”

  “The Temples are meant to operate independently, and the Vargemma are meant to remain inside them other than to attend to duties involving the Hadarak. What did you do to attract their attention?”

  “It seems they want us to lay down and die to the Hadarak purge. We chose to fight back, and are winning. They didn’t like that.”

  The Nu’avi’s eyes narrowed. “You are successfully engaging the Hadarak?”

  “One moment,” Binoy said, mentally accessing other data and producing holographic icons of Wardens and Lurkers in rows and evenly numbered clusters for the alien to see. “Our current kill count to date.”

  The sheer number of icons seemed to have an effect on the Nu’avi. “How have you accomplished this?”

  “Hard work. If the Neofan are currently fighting the Hadarak, are we not natural allies? Or are we destined to war against one another?”

  “You would not survive it if we did.”

  “Are you responsible for the Vargemma’s actions?”

  “We were not aware of them.”

  “Are you also not aware that an Apprentice of the Veloqueen tr
ied to coopt one of our allies, and when they refused he murdered their leadership and tried to assume command?”

  The Nu’avi blinked twice. “Are you acting under his authority here?”

  The Arch Duke crossed his arms over his chest and huffed slowly. “No. He’s dead, though he took a lot of our people down with him.”

  That put the look of fear into the Nu’avi, and Binoy made sure to keep his poker face on.

  “What did you do to provoke the Hadarak?”

  “Nothing. What triggered their purge is a mystery. It wasn’t anything we did. At least nothing that hadn’t been done long before we rose to our position of dominance.”

  “They react to threats. Your Essence use…”

  “Did not manifest to weaponized status until after the purge began. Regardless, it is happening and we have a responsibility to stop it. The Vargemma tried to stop us from stopping the Hadarak, and in recompense we relieved them of possession of the Temples.”

  “Why have you left them alive? The Caretaker protocols have been overridden. You now control this facility, and I assume the others. Why have you not taken your vengeance on your attackers?”

  “We have. By taking the Temples.”

  “The Temples do not belong to the Vargemma. They merely inhabit them. Your vengeance has been misplaced.”

  “You gave them the means to attack us, and you gave them a secure hiding place to do it from. You lost the Temples and are not getting them back. But then again you don’t need them. You’ve got plenty across multiple galaxies. No point in starting a war over these.”

  “They are not yours.”

  “They are now. We’re a nice empire. We get along with our neighbors who behave themselves, but don’t mistake that for weakness. When we’re hit, we hit back. And if the Neofan need as large of a distraction against the Hadarak as they can manage while they invade another galaxy to replace the one they are losing, us fighting each other is counterproductive.”

  “How are you aware of events in other galaxies?”

  “You’re shipping frozen people through this galaxy. We woke one up to ask what was going on.”

  “You should not have interfered.”

  “You should not have left this galaxy without a watcher. Relying on automated equipment is foolhardy. Your ‘denizens’ picked a fight with the wrong empire. We’re not looking for a fight with you, but if you bring one, you will get more than you expect back.”

  “Why are you expanding beyond the Temples? Your attacks are nearing the Zotav, and there was no attack launched from there.”

  “If you mean the large coin-shaped installations, there are Caretaker units coming out from them that are not playing nice with the locals. In order to defend them we have to counter the flow, and that means backtracking to the source.”

  “What attacks have the Caretakers made beyond the Temples?”

  “They have been harvesting, in a variety of forms.”

  “They are programmed to harvest primitives only.”

  “Star Force defends primitives.”

  “For what purpose?”

  “They’re people, not property, and they have the same right to live that you do.”

  “The hierarchy of ascension deems otherwise.”

  “Then the hierarchy of ascension…whatever it is…is our enemy. We stick up for the little guys here, and don’t like bullies in any form. That’s why we left the Vargemma alive, despite the threat they pose.”

  “How can the Vargemma be a threat if you are successfully able to fight the Hadarak?”

  “It’s complicated. Why were you sent here now and not earlier?”

  “Your infestation rose to a level that could no longer be ignored.”

  “We’ve been here a while. What changed? Or are you guys just that slow in responding?”

  “You know much, yet you know so little. That is our error. A civilization such as yours that can kill Hadarak should have been identified and contacted long before now. I do not know why it wasn’t. You have not been briefed on the nature of the universe, so perhaps this conflict is one born of ignorance. I require information from you.”

  “Concerning what?”

  “Your war with the Hadarak, and your interaction with the Vargemma. Provide it and we will seek counsel from the Neofan as to how to proceed.”

  “Does that mean you’ll be leaving, or staying put?”

  “You have already established the borders for a containment area. If you provide the information requested, we will remain inside those borders while we await clarification of our orders.”

  “And if they say to try to take back possession of the Temple?”

  “Then we will do so. It was you who suggested there might be an alternative to war. Do you not wish to pursue it now?”

  “Do you think we are so unwise to give you a full rundown on our capabilities?”

  “An honest assessment is required.”

  “Then you will have it, minus a few details.”

  “If you wish to seek peerdom, full disclosure is required. If you fabricate your strength, there will be no forgiveness for the lie.”

  “We’re not big on lies. But some secrets we will keep. The rest you can have.”

  “How soon can you compile this information?”

  “You will have it within the day.”

  “Then we will be at truce upon its arrival until we receive our revised orders.”

  “Very well. However, we still have some digging to do. Please don’t try and pass beyond the boundary.”

  “Deliver the information and that will not be an issue.”

  “It will be forthcoming,” Arch Duke Binoy said with a nod, then his hologram cut out…leaving him with holograms of his peers surrounding him.

  “Well done,” Morgan said.

  “I’m surprised they talked at all,” he admitted. “The fact that they did worries me.”

  “Why?” the Viceroy asked.

  “Because it didn’t seem to be out of fear. It was a business attitude. They are still confident they can take us down if they need to, and that worries me because I have no idea how they could do it.”

  “I agree,” Kara said. “Zealots I can handle. This guy was too reasonable for an assassin. He was acting like a parent and we’re the children who are a little older than he was told, making his orders in error.”

  “That bit about the Veloqueen…” Morgan added. “Anyone else sense a little tension there?”

  “Possibly,” Binoy said. “But it could also be him accidentally stepping onto someone else’s turf. Communication between galaxies probably isn’t all that common.”

  “I got the, ‘they’re the bigger bad guy’ vibe. And it was weird how easily he spoke our language. More than just the words. Also the subtle intonations. Someone has done their homework.”

  “He also didn’t mention me,” Kara noted. “Either he didn’t know, or didn’t want to tip his hand as to that being a second reason why they are here.”

  “Out of all the Temples, why come here if not for you?” Morgan pointed out the obvious. “Now I really want to know what these guys’ power levels are.”

  “I think it’s clear we have a reprieve, nothing more,” the Viceroy said. “Assuming they honor the agreement, which I am not. We must be alert for a perimeter breach or magma activity.”

  “Agreed. I’ll assemble the data packet and make sure it’s scrubbed accordingly. Do not mention the Uriti if Cooler talks to you again.”

  “Cooler?” Binoy asked, then huffed when she showed him an ancient anime picture that was loosely similar. “Guess I never asked for a name. I suck at being a diplomat.”

  “Hardly,” Morgan scoffed. “And if we can buy some time here, that gives Jason time to find the leak. That may be worth more than anything else.”

  “Especially if they decide we’re worth more than 60 of them,” Kara added. “I don’t think this situation is going to improve unless there is some really big misunderstan
ding on their part. And I still don’t see a good option of fighting these guys other than face to face.”

  “Not if they don’t come to the surface,” Morgan agreed. “But they’re here, and we have to deal with it. Suggestions after we’re done digging?”

  “Stay on the lookout in case some got outside the perimeter already,” another lower ranking Archon reminded them.

  “You get that job,” Morgan delegated. “Anyone else?”

  The following silence was telling, and Morgan let it hang in the air for a few moments.

  “Well then. Guess it’s on me. Stay sharp and don’t trust these bastards an inch. And while we’re at it, let’s make the chasm double wide and throw in some sensors afterward.”

  “It will be done,” the Viceroy said, then his holo winked out as Morgan signaled their little conference was over.

  Kara leaned her butt back on the central holopedestal as she looked at Morgan. “We’re screwed, aren’t we?”

  “Deadlocked is more like it. I think he was honest when he said he didn’t expect us to have this much control over the Temple. I just don’t like the idea of letting them run around down there without being able to confront them with anything other than drones.”

  “If they’re not siphons, we can spam them to drain them of their reserves.”

  Morgan nodded. “Get on it. And if they are siphons?”

  “It won’t matter in the tunnels. Only a huge amount point overloading their production capabilities will have an effect.”

  “Which means bringing them to the surface, or at least a large subterranean chamber.”

  “I don’t think we can stop their movement, but we can frustrate it if we can produce enough of the right models. Keep them defending rather than acting.”

  “They just gave us time to build them. Use it.”

  “How much are you going to give them?” Kara asked.

  “Enough,” Morgan said as she linked into the computer and began rifling through secure files on the Hadarak campaigns…