Final Answer, page 22
part #9 of The Descendants War Series
And the oppressed, Titus thought. Can't forget that part.
"Weapons are ready to go," Violet said. "With the way they have those satellites set up, we could turn the planet to glass."
"I'm guessing," Sam added, "they didn't intend for anyone to do this."
Titus replied, "The best anyone can do at this point is stop them from firing. At least they're no longer a threat to ships in orbit." We can surround them with our vessels if we have to. I wonder if the ships about to arrive will care about their homeworld enough to stand down. Are they going to surrender?
A culture dedicated to military glory. Their only hope was defection. Enough people with a like mind to do away with violence might make all the difference. But it was a lot to risk and hope for. Though honestly, their government was done. No matter what happened with those ships, if they stayed to fight or ran, it was a matter of time before they'd be destroyed.
Hunted down as criminals. Not even a military. Titus smirked. They should've colonized the worlds they dominated. Taken them down. They'd have a place to run to. As it stands, they don't have many places to hide. Maybe they spread themselves too thin before then made a conscientious choice to keep the empire smaller.
"Shuttle's aboard," Violet announced. "Medical staff was standing by."
"Good." Titus ran his hands through his hair. "Alright, get me Trev on the line." He waited until the general appeared. "I know you've been running and gunning, sir. I'll make it quick. The satellites are under our control and been repositioned to face the surface. We're also standing by for whatever is next."
"Excellent," Trev said, "at any moment, we're expecting a broadcast that may well win the civilian population over to our side. They've been an explosion waiting to happen. Now, we're giving them the flame. Though we also know the Lord Marshal has been killed. The attack on the surface has been a resounding success."
"Wait," Rhys said, "does that mean it's over? Have we won?"
"For the most part," Trev nodded, "yes. But as you can tell, we're still in the middle of a brawl out here. That should end when they're told what's happened. General Zali can step up to bring this to a conclusion along with all the other commanders that have joined her cause. The ships incoming may need... persuasion, though."
Titus asked, "What do you want us to do in the meantime?"
"Act as a deterrent," Trev replied. "Remain in position until we have need of you. I'm fairly certain it won't be necessary to hit the planet. But just in case, I want the threat present." He paused. "I've received the news about Griel as well. We'll get the Brekka some help as soon as possible. General Trev out."
Titus relaxed his shoulders. "That's it then." He smirked. "We've done it. Their leader's gone. The people are ready to rise up. And the leaders the Prytin trust are about to take control of the planet. I... don't know what to say."
"It's not over yet," Jane said. "That much is certain."
"Yeah?" Sam asked. "Why are you so pessimistic?"
"Because until those ships stand down and the shooting ends..." Jane shrugged. "Then we're at war as far as I'm concerned." She turned to Titus. "Begging your pardon, sir."
"No, you're right," Titus agreed. "But we're close. Stay alert. Violet, stay on those comms too. If we get any messages, put them right through."
It all comes down to this moment, I suppose. A transmission... the way the people react... and how the soldiers respond to a call for peace. Titus hoped for the best, but he appreciated Jane's outlook. They stood on a precipice. If anything broke down, they might well be plunged into a bigger conflict.
One where the enemy didn't have an easily identified base. And far less to lose.
Chapter 11
"They're online!" Essa shouted. "I'm transmitting the data now!"
Thank God, Lysa thought. She worked with Milna to stabilize Uldin. The young man stopped breathing twice. They gave him some serious drugs that brought him back. While his heart rate turned normal, he remained cold. His chances were better, but they had a way to go. I hope it works out.
"What did you send?" Kyle asked. "What's it say?"
"It's the sign off," Essa replied. "I put together a shortened version of the message, the lesson learned in the pilgrimage about helping others. Kindness to their neighbors. You know, all the stuff they perverted into a crusade against the galaxy." He scoffed. "Anyway, that's done. How is Uldin?"
"We're on it!" Lysa shouted. "He's doing better, Essa! It's just a matter of time."
The older man entered the room. Milna waved at him to get back. He remained at the door, watching with wide eyes. "Please don't let him die," he said, "whatever I can do... however you need me, I will do it. I just... can't lose him. Not after all we've been through together."
"I'm..." Uldin spoke. "Hello?"
"Shh," Milna said. "Save your strength. I'm going to sedate you."
Talking should be good, Lysa thought. Must mean he's going to make it. At least it gave her a sense of hope. She kept assisting, doing as she was told. We should be done with everything else. All we have to do is wait for the Kahl to accept the information. Once they do, we're home free.
Back to something important... without the backdrop of war hovering over them. And with Uldin helping. Lysa took a moment to pray for him... something she hadn't done in a long time. Maybe that's trite... I can't help it. This man doesn't deserve to go. Not after how selflessly he protected his uncle.
"We're good for now," Milna said. "That's all I can do."
"Is he stable?" Essa asked. "Will he--"
"He's stable," Milna interrupted. "But we need real medics, a professional. Preferably someone aboard those fancy starships overhead. When we get him there, he'll be fine. Right now, he needs rest." She backed away. "I'm heading to the bridge. Someone should stay with him. Don't let him wake up. Keep him sedated."
"We will!" Essa stepped inside, taking Uldin's hand. "I'm right here, boy. Don't worry. I'm not going anywhere."
"I'll stay too," Lysa replied. "He'll pull through this, Essa. I know he will."
"He has to!" Essa said. "He's too strong to give up."
That's probably true. Lysa stood nearby, falling silent. The next several minutes would feel like eternity. We get to find out whether the war is over or if it'll rage on. What state will the universe be in? Will the Kahl Empire crumble away for something new? Or can we expect a worse horror as they seek vengeance?
Time would tell but the waiting promised to be hell.
***
Maurda took joy in obliterating the smaller Kahl ships that drew too close to his flank. When they first left the system to engage the enemy, he worried about coordinating with his fellow commanders. Once the fighting started, they proved to be better at it than he anticipated, to the point only a few mishaps plagued them.
But the most important part, the only thing he really cared about, involved killing the enemy. The first three destroyers he faced, his team annihilated. His gunnery crew alone showed incredible promise. He wished he would've had their skills before he'd been captured. His team became one of the deadlier crews on the field.
The enemy fleet felt the vice of their opponents closing in on all sides. Maurda gave the order to unleash hell on them, dropping all their firepower in a constant barrage. Diverting power from the engines gave them a faster recharge time. Some weapon always fired, meaning he offered no reprieve to their opponents, no chance to breathe.
A battleship took the brunt of the most recent attack, straight to the starboard flank. Shields chipped away before the war vessel climbed, attempting to flee to flee the assault. As the engines kicked on, Maurda ordered his helm to fall in behind them. This required them to break formation, a risk he gladly accepted.
Once the thrusters were in their firing solution, he gave the order to blast them. The first attack knocked out the weakened shields. The second tore straight through the thrusters into the reactor area. Generators blew first followed by emitters all along the sides. Each burst sent bits of debris flying before the entirety of the ship practically vanished.
"Bring us around," Maurda ordered, "zero in on target three-seven two." He designated every blip on the screen, naming them on the tactical map for ease of identification. It allowed his gunnery team to easily focus on the targets he called out. As they adjusted to go after the ship, his comm blared in his seat. He tapped it. "Yes?"
"This is Zali. What are you doing over there? You've broken formation."
"I'm finishing off the last of the enemy ships that can threaten us," Maurda replied. "It won't be long now before they're totally crippled."
"We have a large fleet incoming... enemy reinforcements. The plan's about to go off. I need you to fall back. They'll all need the chance to surrender in a few moments."
"What?" Maurda frowned. "Did I hear you say surrender? You want to give them that chance?" He huffed. "That's ridiculous. You know it better than I do. The Kahl do not surrender. Not ever."
"They may," Zali said, "when a group of their highest-ranking commanders demand it of them. And we show that the Lord Marshal is gone. Along with the priesthood. So yes, I need you to preserve their lives. The harder you push, the greater chance the enemy will crave vengeance more than survival."
"All these people deserve to die," Maurda said. "That much is certain."
"We need those ships, Maurda! And I shouldn't have to argue with you. I'm in command of this operation. You're expected to obey me. These are orders. Fall back to your position and await my command."
"I can't do that." Maurda's hand hovered over the comm. "I'm sorry, General... but this is personal for me. I'm going to annihilate every single one of these bastards. If you don't want to be involved, then stay out of my way. We can do it ourselves. Good luck."
"Wait, Maurda!" Zali continued speaking but he killed the connection, turning to the helm again.
"Maintain speed and course. Gunners, you may fire at will when they are in range." None of them said anything about his conversation with the general. He expected them to. Particularly because they were her people. They must've believed in the sanctity of the man sitting in the command chair.
Maybe they think the way I do. That we have to utterly dominate the Kahl if we hope to win this conflict.
Allied ships sat all around them. Some engaged in combat while others fell back to regroup. His was the only vessel to cut across the field of battle, to pass the others on the way to one of the last enemy battleships. Smaller crafts darted out of the way... destroyers, gunboats. Bits of a weapon platform drifted in front of them.
They plowed through the obstacles. Metal burned in the shields or bounced away, tossed off in some random direction. The ship moved within range... the gunnery crew opened fire... beams made contact with their target. Shields flared up, a bright light flickering against the black backdrop of space.
"Keep it up!" Maurda shouted. "Don't let them turn around. Do whatever it takes to maintain this firing solution." They faced the rear port flank of the enemy ship. As their opponent attempted to turn, the helmsman used the maneuvering thrusters to maintain their position. This allowed the gunners to deliver some serious damage.
A blast made the ship rumble, but not from their opponent. It came from behind and above. Maurda frowned, turning his attention to the scanner. The attack came from one of their allies. Another battleship... the human one called The Muse. He tilted his head, wondering how they could've made the mistake.
"Muse," Maurda spoke into his microphone, "you have attacked a friendly vessel. Please withdraw and let us do our work!"
"This is Captain Lyman," a man replied, "you've been ordered to stand down and ignored it. I gave you a nudge to get you talking. Leave that battleship alone or face the consequences."
"And what would those be?" Maurda asked. "Are you going to hit us with everything you've got? Or do you have something else in mind?"
"I'm going to stop you," Lyman said, "that can be with a conversation or weapons. You decide but make it quick. This battle is practically over. What you do now determines how much longer the fighting goes on. So make your choice. You've got ten seconds to decide for you and your crew."
Maurda clenched his fists, scowling at the viewscreen. "Cease fire," he said. There's something else we can do. Something that will make a bigger impression than taking out a simple battleship. "Alter course. Six-three mark seven. Divert all power to the engines and accelerate."
"Sir?" Ralth turned to him. "That's a direct course for the planet."
"It is." Maurda nodded. "Comply with the order."
"What's your intention?" Ralth stood, coming closer. "Surely, you don't mean to--"
"This war is not over," Maurda replied, "not after what the Kahl have done to the universe. To the people in that prison camp. To Rhulin civilians. They pushed us to betray our alliance. And now these idiots think they can what... make nice? No. That's far too good for these bastards."
"So you're going to--"
"Compel them," Maurda replied, "ensure this fight ends the way it is supposed to. Properly. With the Kahl military devastated, and their people as cowed as those they made suffer. So will you comply with the order? Or do I have to do it myself?"
The three members of the gunnery crew stood. Ralth looked them over before turning back to Maurda. "Sir... we're not committing suicide for you."
"Indeed not." Maurda pointed at the console. "Set the course then take yourselves to the escape pods. Evacuate the ship. I don't care. But this is going to happen." He drew a pistol. "I can do it myself. Believe me, I know these ships well enough. I helmed on my first tour. Make your choice. Help and go... or just get out of my way."
"We hate them too," Ralth said, "but this isn't the way. If you do this, if you push everyone to a massive war... a lot of people are going to die for nothing. General Zali planned this to minimize casualties! So please... I know you're upset. This isn't the way. Put the gun down and let's stand down."
A man's voice came through the speakers. He was Kahl, announcing some kind of transmission for his people. Something that would change their perspective on the conflict. He told them to pay attention to their devices to see what had been hidden from them. The purpose of their culture.
I don't care. Maurda kept the weapon trained on Ralth as he moved for the helm. It was clear the pilot wanted to intervene. He didn't, but his muscles tensed, waiting for the moment. "If you want to live, you'd better get to the life pods." He reached for the console with his left hand.
Ralth jumped him, reaching for the weapon. Maurda pulled the trigger... the young man's eyes widened as he slumped to the floor, maintaining eye contact up to the moment he expired. As the body collapsed, the others gasped.
What did I just do? Maurda waved the pistol at the others. "I'm serious about this! Back down! Go to your life pods or I will shoot you!" I can't believe I killed him. I can't believe... this is too important! I can't let them get away with it. The Kahl can't have a victory at the end. That would be unfair to the universe.
He input the course, jamming the throttle forward. "Go!" He fired at the floor, making them dart for the elevator. On a real battleship, security forces would've been stationed there. They might've stopped him. The resistance didn't have the numbers to fill out the crew properly.
Which meant Maurda may get away with his plan.
Depends on whether those men think to go to Engineering. Maurda had no idea how well versed they were with the equipment. With any luck, they don't have a clue. And by the time they try, it'll be far too late. He adjusted the power settings, shutting down the weapons and leaving only environmental shields.
Life support came next. Shutting it down on several decks compelled the crew to evacuate. As the planet came into view, a timer appeared. The impact would easily be enough to turn the majority of the hemisphere into a wasteland. And since his allies turned the guns around to intimidate the Kahl, they had no way to stop him.
This is for torturing us to the point of losing our dignity. Maurda sat at the console, staring at the planet. You tried to break me. Now, I'll destroy whatever population you've got spirited away in that horrible city. Every single one of you will burn for what you've done. And that's too good for you.
It may not have been an act of genocide, but it would have to do. When they retaliate, they'll fight to the last man. Zali and the others will be forced to end them. My sacrifice will ensure no aggressive Kahl bastard breathes air ever again. Good riddance, you foul piles of filth. This is the fate you've worked hard to deserve.
***
"Sir," Violet said, "we have a transmission from the planet's surface. It's going out to all starships and the entire planetary population."
"What's it say?" Rhys asked. "Is that what we've been waiting for?"
"Details about the purpose of their race," Violet replied. "Information from the pilgrimage. Why people made that trip. What they were supposed to learn. Helping one another. And those that needed it beyond their borders. Apparently, their history shows they'd been to war before."
"You're getting a lot of info there," Titus said, "how's that?"
"The information feed is in text too. I translated it." Violet shrugged. "Plus, I've read a bunch of this stuff from when Kyle and Lysa were with us. They didn't have the final piece. Basically, the sign off from a high priest. Looks like it was a man named Aldin Divol." She paused. "The father of the Lord Marshal."
"What?" Titus turned to her. "Wow... so... I wonder how compelling that will be for the people."
"The civilians are taking to the streets." Violet brought up a shot of the main city where people flooded out of buildings. They marched toward the control tower near the middle of the city. "They're demanding the military stand down." She sucked a breath through her teeth. "Just as that fleet is coming through."
