Chapter 9: Stranger On The Shore

The battle over, the three allied ships warily moved to the destroyed Venti’s debris. Unlikely as it seemed, enough of the Sa’arm units might still live to maintain a gestalt and the ability to fight. Along the way, the new allies began to get acquainted.

“That was a pretty slick defense mechanism you used. Has it become common in many systems?” Paladin asked in an American southwest drawl.

“Not at all,” T’Bwinkel entered the discussion. “This array was established solely to facilitate trade, and it took my brilliant godson to see its use for defense. I think it might now be adopted elsewhere by humans, but it will be slow, careful, and resource intensive.”

“But less resource expensive than a mine-field,” Paladin responded.

“Maybe, but the point is moot for human systems. The Darjee have not provided us with the technology to extend portal linkage beyond the fundamental 402,000 km limit, and I have no idea where we would get the power source to pass multiple missiles like we just did,” Caleb told them, his frustration evident, “And for other Confederacy systems, it’s not practical, because it is not a passive defense, like mines. A human would be required to launch the missiles.”

“AND any installation must be protected to keep the Dangerous Ones from acquiring transporter technology. That said, I think the Krathees have a new project for Trd’Ya,” T’Bwinkel finished.

“What’s the procedure here?” Paladin moved on to a new subject.

“I’m not sure there is anything established,” Caleb replied. “Earth custom is that the victor gains the spoils, but the Confederacy doesn’t fight, so I doubt they have anything in place. If you need anything, speak up and it’s yours.”

“Our raw materials are definitely depleted,” Paladin told him, “Harvesting refined metals and such from the Horde ship’s remains would be very welcome as would resuming our resupply at your terminus. Given enough time to work, I’m sure we will now be able to pay you for our resupply.”

“Then, we’ll stand off and guard while you send crews to search out your needs and proceed inward to resupply,” Caleb assured him and instructed his Praetorians to raise his gun turrets.

Caleb and all humans aboard Cheval Jaune avidly watched the huge ship retrieve its remaining fighters and disgorge a swarm of disc-shaped ships to begin their harvesting. “My continued thanks,” Paladin told them, “and we’d be glad to bring you raw materials if you can use them.”

Caleb happily accepted the offer knowing he would be able to feed his replicators to replace his expended missiles.

As the Hwee began their search among the spreading debris field, the allied commanders discussed the battle. “It is well,” Paladin began, “that none of the Horde escaped. The location of this place of trade will not be reported, but you may find that some survivors of our previous battle may have been able to determine and report the direction of our fleeing.”

“More important,” Paladin continued. “An aspect of Hwee defeat was the Horde’s ability to adapt. When we used new technology or new tactics, subsequent waves from the Horde were prepared to counter whatever we had thrown at them before – or even use captured technology. Every wave was better prepared than the previous – unless no Horde ship survived to report back.”

“We did notice one weakness in these adaptations,” he continued. “Perhaps you have as well. The Horde’s changes were almost always tailored to address one tactic or one technology, but were usually vulnerable to variations. Blunt force was their primary tactic, and over time, they had overwhelming force.”

“We are aware, but your warning is well received,” T’Bwinkel told him, ‘this installation will be retrofitted with nanites tailored to dissolve each portal before it can fall into the clutches of the Dangerous Ones. That will be a good project for the Krathees as a partial price for us to return Trd’Ya to them. We certainly don’t want to have to run it.”

Contrary to any preconceptions or expectations, two ‘voices’ were heard. The first was from F’Kduvr, the P’Ukerrchp. “Friend T’Bwinkel, may we have assistance in retrieving our pinnace that we sent towards the dangerous Ones? Its AI bud indicates all fuel is expended.”

“Certainly, friend F’Kduvr, Pink Panther can certainly catch her and reverse her course.” <Can we, A’Udree?> She injected silently.

“But I confess, I’m surprised you did not flee,” T’Bwinkel commented.

“We did move away from the axis the Dangerous Ones would enter,” F’Kduvr explained, “And we were aquiver with fear. But we had to see for ourselves if these humans really offered hope that the Dangerous Ones could be stopped or diverted. I find it significant that while I cannot contemplate acting violently towards another, I could watch the humans defend us by using violence. You will notice that this is true for only two of us out of the many here when you arrived.”

“The Tu’ull and these humans have an interesting partnership that I wish we could join, but we do not have that capability. However, we can honor and expedite our commitment to communicate your wishes to our authorities.” F’Kduvr promised. “Further, we will urge them to send representatives to Tu’ullat to learn more.”

While T’Bwinkel and F’Kduvr were talking, Shellie heard from Frtrdr Baslim, the Thring, <Friend Shellie, might we also partake of the salvage operations? I’m sure that we’d find some artifacts that would be of interest to some of our weirder customers.>