Hypernova Series: Worlds At war Read online

  He turns to face Roxie.

  “Accompanying us on this mission will be Aver Gold Aderena Roxie who will be our Communications Officer, maintaining contact with the Citadel and updating us on any relevant developments.”

  A random Altair student raises her hand. Ron points at them.

  “Shoot.”

  “How are we supposed to fight against a god?”

  “What?” Ron looks as confused as the rest of us do.

  “Well...” the Altair student continues. “Rumour around the Outpost is that Odium isn’t a normal being. He’s immortal. Why send a group of Asters to fight him?”

  Ron shows her a look of compassion.

  “We won’t be fighting Odium himself, just his army. He is not likely to be there. But to answer your question, your training has been aimed at enabling you to engage in a mission like this. It’s a little premature, but it’s necessary experience.”

  This looks to set the Aster at slightly at ease.

  “We will be supporting Etis’ troops from inside the capitol, Asea. Only if any Raider or Spawn platoons get past the outer wall of fire, will we be the last line of defense, an’ blow em’ to smithereens.”

  His answer is satisfying enough. Ron leads us into the closest ship. Once we are past the airlock, he continues.

  “Tail-end of the vessel is all machinery and ships…”

  Ron explains as he leads us through a pipe-shaped hallway. The walls are lined with various tubes and switches.

  “...front of the ship is the crew quarters and AI Control Panel. Get ready for one hell of a view Asters. Now, as to travel arrangements. I will be helming the lead transport. With me, Ron, Naki and Nuyen. “

  The three of us move to stand beside him.

  “Oh, and of course, Aver Gold Roxie.”

  He looks over the remaining Asters. He is clearly thoughtful before addressing them. His lip twitches into a smirk,

  “Kiwok,” he says. “I want you to helm the second ship.”

  If it is possible to detect a stunned expression on Kiwok’s ursine feature, this is it.

  “Why you do this?” he asks, his voice much quieter than usual.

  “In our student versus instructor flight challenge, you placed third and I want the best pilot available to be at the controls. That’s you. Your father, Woya, has achieved a highly respected position on Altair and I am assuming that some of his intelligence has been passed on to you. I want you to think long and hard about what this role demands. It means curbing your violent temper and relying on your brain, not your brawn. Do you understand?”

  “I understand, Aver Bates.”…and he comes to attention. I personally wouldn’t trust Kiwok as far as I can throw him (which isn’t very far). But the appreciation in his voice gives me hope.

  Ron suppresses his smile and taps his Jericho watch.

  The entry ports slide open and we all proceed to our appointed vessel. Naki and I smile in unison as the five of us enter another airlock, Aver Roxie bringing up the rear. The doors slide closed and the airlock engages.

  We emerge onto the middle deck which contains our quarters, dining and relaxation areas.

  “Go stow your things and be back here in five minutes. Aver Roxie, your suite is behind the communications center. I hope you will find it comfortable.”

  We scatter to our rooms. There are plenty to choose from as a normal crew would be around twenty-five, then we hasten back to where Ron is waiting for us. He brings up the icons on his Jericho watch and presses a communications icon.

  “Kiwok, do you read, over?”

  Kiwok’s voice replies.

  “Read you. Loud and clear. Aver.”

  “Good. Just hold on for a moment whilst I play that into the voice recognition AI on your ship so that you can access the flight deck. And, just so you know, until we reach Dree, our AI units will be under my control. Once at Dree, you will have control of your own unit.”

  He adjusts his watch again to connect with the other ship’s AI.

  “Voice sample for security recognition.” We hear Kiwok’s voice saying,

  “Reading you. Loud and clear.”

  “Voice sample end.” He taps his watch again. “Okay, Kiwok, your voice-print is now in your ship’s AI so you can access the flight deck. Get ready for launch.”

  Ron approaches our own security post. Sensing his presence, the blue AI bulb glimmers.

  “Please state Name, Rank, and I.D number.”

  “Ron Bates, Aver Bronze Class, I.D 4409 preparing for launch from sub-level 450.”

  “Launch approval granted.”

  Ron turns to the rest of us.

  “Finn’s riding with me. You others settle in and buckle up. This may be a rough departure.”

  Roxie glares at him. It’s painful to suppress my smile. Sorry Roxie! It’s my turn on the flight deck. Afterall, “Bro’s before”...

  Nevermind…

  She can’t protest without breaking her cover-story, so she goes back to her quarters behind the Communications Room.

  Ron and I head up to the flight deck which is not so very different from Euonia’s. The AI already has the ion-thrust engines whining and straining to depart. Ron calls Flight Control.

  “Flight Control. Mission Aqua 315. Ready for departure.”

  The response is immediate.

  “Aqua 315 is cleared for priority departure. Launch at your discretion”

  As one, our two ships accelerate out of the departure bays and, in moments, Altair is a diminishing speck that winks out as we approach hyperspace speed.

  “Entering hyperspace in ten seconds,” the AI advises.

  A familiar set of brilliant lights suck us into hyperspace. Our ships rattles.

  Ron sees my concerned look.

  “Relax.” he says with a chuckle. “These ships are meant for underwater travel. Although they can get us to our destination, they aren’t exactly built for long trips.”

  “Meaning?” I ask him.

  “Meaning, let’s just make sure we don’t take any detours. Don’t make me pull over to take a pee-break, ok?”

  “Dude. Gross.”

  We burst out of hyperdrive. In the distance, a flash of brilliant blue lights erupt as Kiwok’s ship appears.

  “Aqua 1 and Aqua 2 you have arrived at your destination.”

  Roxie Tells Us What’s-What

  Dree is a tiny bright-blue planet with a distant sun and a singular moon. At first glance, it reminds me of Pluto. It’s unassuming and otherwise normal looking.

  Roxies voice echoes over the loudspeaker. “Connecting to Etis troops local command center.”

  There is a series of crackles and pops as both our ships are connected. What we hear next sends shivers down my spine.

  “Mayday! Mayday! Mayday!”

  A female voice calls.

  “Spawn have breached the southern Asea barrier! Requesting immediate assistance.”

  Ron's face turns pale.

  We're supposed to be the last line of defence, and Odium’s troops have already breached the city?

  Ron opens the link to the communications centre.

  “Aver Roxie, can you get us the coordinates?” Ron asks, keeping his voice calm.

  There is a brief pause and then Roxie’s voice responds.

  “Coordinates received. Southern Sector. Linking you directly…”

  The voice changes as the mayday caller rattles off a series of numbers. We are already sweeping down into the thermosphere. Kiwok’s ship remains glued to our side. The female voice cuts in again.

  “They’re approaching the...bzzt...help us...bzzt.”

  That’s all we hear before the intermission cuts out leaving a haunting silence.

  We steadily approach the planet. As hard as I search I find no land whatsoever. I furrow my brows as we get closer to the raging crystal-blue sea which seems to stretch on for eternity.

  Where the heck is everybody?

  Our ship levels out. The voice of the
AI sounds throughout the ship.

  “Initiating underwater mode.”

  What the…? I gasp.

  Ron smiles.

  “I told you this ship was built for underwater travel.”

  He keys Kiwok.

  “Kiwok, tell your crew not to be alarmed. These vessels were built to travel underwater. In a moment, I will be separating our AI’s. Keep a communications channel open and follow my instructions unless your vessel is in imminent danger. Then use your own initiative.”

  Ron switches channels and his voice is heard throughout the ship.

  “As I have just informed Aqua 2, these vessels are designed for underwater travel so you may hear an occasional hiss as the internal and external pressure equalise. Now, stand by for submersion”

  The ship, whiirrsss, and pops! A shield of neon-blue energy explodes around the exterior and we hit the water belly-first. The crew quarters and pilot bay rattles.

  “Hold on tight, we’re almost there,” Ron comments as we submerge.

  “Aqua 1, initiate heads-up mode.”

  A series of cameras displaying key areas of the ship's exterior appears in front of him. Our engines are now facing away from the hull, blasting huge amounts of energy into the open sea firing us into the depths of the ocean.

  “Approaching the seafloor access port. Current depth, 8,000 clicks.”

  I assume that’s really deep.

  “Ron, I’m going to head down below to see how Naki is doing.” I tell him.

  “Good idea. Reassure her and the others.” he says. “As soon as we engage the entry port, I’ll join you.’

  I could do with a little reassurance myself, but I climb down the ladder.

  Ron switches channels again.

  “Kiwok, do you see the entry ports directly ahead of you?

  “I see them,” Kiwok replies.

  “You take the right one and I’ll take the left.”

  “Roger that” Kiwok responds.

  “AI, auto-dock Port 4.” Ron orders.

  When I reach the crew level, Naki is not in her quarters but is huddled by the security stand. Our vessel groans and I spot her flinching.

  “Are you ok?”

  I try to grin but it feels forced. That’s what she should be asking me!

  “I’m fine. I always get nervous before going into battle.”

  She pauses to contemplate what is about to happen.

  “How are we going to fight Odium’s troops underwater?”

  “I really have no idea”, I say, but then the underwater city of Asea comes into view through the port.

  At that moment, Ron arrives from the flight deck and joins us gazing at an under-sea wonder, an underwater utopia that puts the city of Atlantis to shame. Easily the size of New York, Asea’s buildings sparkle like a crystal ball, catching the light of ginormous floating jellyfish-shaped plants that act as lanterns in the total darkness. The tall, bizarrely shaped buildings look to be made of coral or limestone. The entire city is protected by an energy-dome, much like the one Altair uses to protect its ships and structures. It appears that inside the barrier, the city is completely dry and safe.

  Looking more closely, I realize that my stunning first impression is completely wrong. The buildings are half-cracked and destroyed, the roads which were once beautiful are now destroyed and swarming with panicked Asea people. The citizens have four arms, blue skin, and tiny scales. I spot fins growing out of their backs like cloth. On their foreheads are antennas tipped with gold or silver. Many are terrified.

  Raider ships are swarming the southern sector. Warriors dressed in golden armour patrol the streets in packs, fighting any Spawn that have slipped past the first line of defence.

  “Where are the Dree and Etis’s battleships?” I ask Ron, who in turn furrows his brows.

  Following the question, we scan the horizon. It’s daunting...there isn’t a single ship in sight. What the hell happened to them?

  Naki gasps. “This is worse than Aronevia!”

  At the mention of that planet, Ron’s eyes widen. He seems to lapse into a haunting memory. His hands clutch the AI table until his knuckles turn white.

  Oh no...he’s thinking about Miv.

  I go to his side.

  “Ron…” he’s zoned out.

  I snap my fingers.

  “Dude, look at me.”

  His head turns.

  “You can’t freeze up like this.”

  He remains silent, so I continue.

  “You’re not just being evaluated by Roxie. You’re in charge of us Asters too.”

  “I know that,” he snaps, instantly regretting his outburst. He turns back to the window.

  “And we’re scared, so you need to look brave, even if you’re just as terrified as we are.”

  I can’t figure out if I'm coming across as irritating or helpful (hopefully the latter). Ron nods, giving a halfhearted smile.

  “I understand.”

  The South Sector landing dock is on a launch pad protruding from an enormous tower where a group of Etis troops are fighting a pack of snarling Spawn. The Etis troops are wearing uniforms identical with Roxie’s. So that means Etis sent the best-of-the-best to deal with this war and they are still losing? That doesn’t make me feel confident.

  Ron connects with Kiwok.

  “Okay, Kiwok. Now is where your size and strength can really come in use. Get your squad out there! Launch emergency defence measures! We are doing the same.”

  Behind the static, I can hear Kiwok and the rest of his platoon scrambling to attention.

  Ron jumps away from the AI table.

  “Time to go! Follow me. There are underwater suits in the crew's quarters so get ready.”

  Much like my pilot’s pressure suit, the underwater suit is fitted with a slim helmet and a tiny breathing apparatus. The fabric is thin yet durable.

  “The air is breathable inside the dome, but gravity is 5% heavier. If we take the fight outside the dome, these suits will protect you.”

  So, this is it! The real thing.

  My heart is hammering in my chest. This moment reminds me of those old World War Two movies, the ones they made us watch in social studies class …the ones where the troops jump out of the back of a ship, heading into a gruesome death.

  “Remember.”

  Ron gestures to us.

  “Work together, and above all else...” he grins. “Try not ta’ panic. I’m sure we’ll be fine.”

  The only person who looks mildly convinced is Naki. She nods enthusiastically while shooting me a thumbs up.

  At the very least, the last thing I’ll see before heading to my inevitable doom is Naki acting wholesome.

  ∆∆∆

  We leap out of the exit port with plasma pistols in hand.

  “Aqua Squad 2 approaching from above.”

  Kiwok’s voice announces and he and his fellow Asters rain hellfire down on the Spawn circling the Etis troops.

  “Aqua 1 support Aqua 2.” Ron orders and I rush to his side.

  Some distance away, more of the Citadel’s troops are fighting off the attackers

  We crouch on the rear of the ship and I aim my pistol at the closest enemy. I fire. The bullet explodes the Spawn in a shower of dust. A volley of gunfire echoes around me. My heart quickens. A Spawn dashes towards us. It leaps. With its corporeal form it easily skitters up the ship.

  “Uh-oh, this one's hungry!” Ron jokes.

  He fires a blast right between its eyes and it spirals into a heap on the platform before disappearing.

  The Etis troops do well, dispatching the last of the Spawn. One of the Citadel’s Avers waves at us. It appears to be a four-legged, greyish-skinned alien with one large eye. A female voice is heard in my helmet.

  “My name is Phillia. I’m the Etis Aver Gold in charge of this platoon.”

  “What the hell happened?” Ron asks.

  “We thought we had the fight under control! Our battleships outmaneuvered Odium’s primi
tive Raider subs...but.”

  Phillia’s voice wavers.

  “Something came from the sea...a creature unlike anything I’ve ever seen! It ate half our ships and destroyed the rest. We crash-landed here in the Southern Sector. No doubt, more of Odiums reinforcements are on the way to take over the last of Asea!”

  Ron looks puzzled.

  “That makes no sense. Our ships should have picked up a life-signature of something that enormous.”

  “Well, they didn’t, and I could not invent something like that!” Phillia snaps.

  “It was a sea creature. As quickly as it appeared it disappeared.”

  “It’s okay Phillia; I believe you but this is no time for discussion. Let’s kill these Raiders and be done with it!”

  “We go this way,” Phillia says, heading towards a few of the relatively unscathed buildings.

  As we follow, I trail behind the Etis troops and notice the spots of blood on their uniforms.

  I ask. “Are any of you hurt?”

  Phillia’s response is lightning quick.

  “It doesn’t matter. We need to rendezvous with the Asea General before Odium launches another attack.”

  I gulp. “Or before the loch ness monster returns.”

  A random Aster turns and screams.

  “Look out!”

  A rocket fired from a building narrowly misses our position. It decimates a nearby tower. Large boulders fall to the seafloor destroying any smaller buildings around it. The aftershock shakes some Asters to their knees. The flowers illuminating our surroundings shift in unison to the other side of the sector.

  “Get down!” Phillia shouts. “Find cover!”

  We run across the landing pad to a nearby coral building. I duck behind a corner. The wall is rough and uncomfortable against my suit. Ron joins me on the left and I hear his heavy breathing. His eyes scan the surroundings. He looks to be desperately thinking of a strategy as another rocket launcher fires. It explodes several feet away.