Hacker Chronicles 2/HACKER2.BIN/534.CHAP#5.TXT

Text File | 1993-03-01 | 13KB | 260 lines

                            ***    FIVE    ***



            The star was dark in comparison to those of similar size and
       mass.  Like all stars, this one was shrinking as it burned.  Though
       at a much slower than average rate of decline, entropy would still
       have the final word against it.  Seven planets were held in its
       gravitational pull, orbiting in close proximity to the burning
       fiery giant.

            The first and closest planet was named Tuj Wa, or "Hot One",
       without much imagination.  Its molten surface was not always so,
       but over thousands of years, as its orbit decayed, it was drawn
       closer to the star and would soon become fuel for it.

            The second planet, Ka Zsaholt, was named after a legendary
       hero, who led his people out of slavery into a land they could
       call their own.  Its three moons were said to hold the wealth of
       the Empire.  The Imperial Vaults were imbedded deep under each
       moon's surface.  Each held a heavily armed, fully insulated battle
       fortress, in place on the magnetic poles, to protect these
       valuables from everything and everyone.

            The third and fourth planets in the system were Toc and Fi.
       They were sister worlds; gaseous giants revolving around each
       other, as well as their stellar host.  An asteroid belt woven
       around and between the two was the only remnant of their once
       numerous moons, now pulverized as a result of impacting with each
       other.

            The fifth planet, if it could be called so, is the newest of
       the seven.  Long ago it had been a tremendous comet.  Though
       smaller than most standard moons by a third, it had been captured
       into an inescapable new orbit as it passed through the gas giant
       Fi's atmosphere, and slowed, narrowly escaping the gravity of the
       planet.  A warmer sun would have turned it completely to gas by
       now, but shrouded in its own reflective vapor, the small frozen
       core of it still remained.

            The sixth and least remarkable planet was Bok Buul. It was
       crater filled and  mildly volcanic, with just enough atmosphere,
       consisting mostly of hydrogen, to cause planet-wide fire clouds
       when eruptions occurred.  These fires, though spectacular, only
       happened once every 30 to 40 standard years, which is why the
       expression, "We will show you mercy when Bok Buul glows", means you
       will not see mercy soon.

            The seventh and last planet was the pride of the Empire.  She
       had many names and was often referred to in the female vernacular,
       for she was the Mother World.  Throne world she was often called,
       but Klinzhai was her proper name and Home was what she was to every
       Klingon.  She was the heart of the Empire; their first loyalty,
       their first love.

            It is said by all Klingons, "When the universe was created,

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       Klinzhai was the goal."  This did contrast with what the Federation
       said, which was "When the universe was created Klinzhai was where
       God's sewer backed up."



                                      *    *    *



            The Emperor rarely left the planet.  He did have the largest
       ship in the fleet and when he did travel, his ship was escorted by
       no less than four heavy cruisers.  He had been Emperor for 12
       standard years since the reign of his father ended with, of course,
       his father's life.  Mocdar Jek Tromok was his name.  He was a
       powerful man in authority and stature.  He bore the royal marking
       on his forehead.  The imperial crest that distinguished the
       highborn bloodline from the soft smooth brow of the common people.
       A resurgence of the line had been seen recently in the masses,
       giving all who bore the crest, military privileges above the
       others.

            The Emperor paced the long corridor decorated with tapestries,
       his cape trailing his heels, billowed with each thunderous stride.
       He stopped at the tall window overlooking the gates of the majestic
       palace's entrance.  His gaze drifted upwards as he heard the rumble
       of his Imperial transport descending through the copper veil of
       clouds in the rusty sky.  The landing platform, just outside the
       stone gates to the right, glowed blue with a red flashing perimeter
       as the beacon signaled the all clear code.

            No off-worlder had ever been allowed to approach Klinzhai,
       unless they came in magnetic bonds.  This intruder, who single-
       handedly defeated his best defensive wing, was not about to be
       permitted to set foot on royal dirt.  He was, however, not about to
       take the intruder lightly after viewing the destruction wrought by
       the lone ship.  Nor was he going to arbitrarily strike a blood
       covenant with the dangerous and secretive man whose voice the
       Emperor had recognized from his past.  But he could not remember to
       whom the voice belonged.

            A bell tolled, signalling that someone was approaching the
       door to the palace hall.  "Enter," came the bass voice of the
       Emperor as he rested his hand on the hilt of his energy dagger.
       The door opened and the force barrier parted.  Imperious Admiral
       Sorr entered with ten fully armed "Ramjep Avwi", the 'Midnight
       Guard', the Emperor's elite guard.

            The Admiral bowed. "Your Highness, your shuttle has arrived.
       If we are to rendezvous with the Fury on time, we must depart now."

            "Have your men been able to analyze the data on this new
       weapon with any favorable results?" questioned the Emperor.

            "I fear not, my lord.  Against it we have no defense," the
       Admiral stated matter-of-factly.  "If we were to try to oppose

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       the intruder, we would sacrifice most or all of the fleet with no
       guarantee of victory.  The only positive point of view is that the
       Federation has no defense against it either."

            The Emperor looked again to the window.  "The counsil has
       advised an alliance, with provision...  The provision being that we
       trade for the weapons aboard his vessel in addition to the formula
       and dynamics of this weapon.  In turn, he will receive the Tkomat
       solar system to rule under me with two new cruisers to command."
       He inhaled deeply the thick hot air of his world, savoring his last
       moments on the planet.  "What is your opinion of this proposal?"

            The Admiral thought for a moment.  It was a danger to speak to
       the Emperor without choosing carefully the correct words and
       considering the consequences should their meaning be
       misinterpreted.  "My lord, this jeQ Ha'Dlbah is merely a terrorist
       from the Federation.  Granted, a most powerful one as he has
       demonstrated.  But, my liege, I see only one course of action apart
       from giving in to the treacherous villain." He waited for the
       Emperor to command him to speak, for only by command could he hope
       to say what he must and leave the palace alive.

            The Emperor turned his complete attention to the Admiral.  His
       dark grey shoulder-length hair waved behind his back as a strong
       hot blast of wind entered the hall from the shuttle's touchdown.
       The ground shook momentarily, then steadied once again.  Perceiving
       the reason for Sorr's delay, he responded, "So be it; you have my
       command."

            The guards behind the Admiral, knowing the risk he was taking,
       tensed their muscles, hoping their next mission would not be to
       bury him.

            "Your Majesty, by his own words, the intruder has put your
       life in jeopardy, as he is only allowing three armed guards to
       escort you aboard his ship.  He has sworn to keep his shields
       lowered while you are on board and promises to have no more than
       three armed guards of his own present at the meeting.  Scanners
       will verify all of this.  But, Sire, if he should raise his
       shields,"

            "Are you questioning my ability to defend myself?  Do you
       think the Emperor of all Klinzhai's realm is afraid to face this
       invader at the cost of his life?" the Emperor fumed.  His anger was
       explosive.

            "No, my liege.  I am counting on it," he continued.  "But if
       it is at all possible, face him alone.  Leave all guards outside the
       meeting chamber.  Agree to all his terms if you must, but make him
       swear the blood oath to it.  If he allows his enemy, you my lord,
       to cut his palm, you can just as easily lacerate his throat," he
       said, trying to read his Emperor's reaction.

            "You have half a plan.  Is there more?" the Emperor spoke
       coldly.


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            "I have a device here."  He produced a small box with several
       buttons on it from inside his breastplate.  "This will allow you
       to record the foe's voice by pressing the black button.  Once he
       is dead, you simply speak into the box pressing the blue button,
       issue the command to transfer all weapons to your ship, and the
       machine will repattern your voice to that of our enemy's.  Then
       while their shields are still lowered, we lock onto you, beam you
       back and destroy his vessel.  No enemy, no concessions."

            The Emperor listened to the Admiral, considering his words and
       picturing himself carrying out the plan.  If events transpired as
       predicted, he would single-handedly give victory to his empire and
       restore his pride with it.  Both were of equal value to him.  It
       was not without risk, but being willing to even board the most
       dangerous ship in the galaxy was a tremendous gamble within
       itself.  While dwelling on these thoughts, his anger left him.

            "Why don't you use the voice from the recorded conversation
       with him.  If I am seen pressing buttons, might it not be construed
       as suspicious?" the Emperor pondered.

            "My lord, we can not be sure the voice we heard is his actual
       voice.  The acoustic enhancements of this device is not a new
       technology.  There are many ways to deceive over any broadcast
       medium," the Admiral explained.  "My prime fear is that a code or
       password may be required to command the enemy's crew to transfer
       the weapons to your ship.  Regardless of that, we will be able to
       transport you back before they can react to our deception and beam
       over a boarding party.  We may be able to attack more effectively
       from within."

            The Admiral could tell that his idea was being well received.
       His pulse rate began to drop to the normal level.  "As for being
       observed operating the unit, my men are even now working on a micro
       remote that will fit inside your glove where you may control it
       unseen."

            "You have thought this well through, Sorr.  I will take this
       plan you suggest under advisement on the way to my destination.
       Have your men continue as if I had accepted this avenue," spoke the
       Emperor.  "Now let us depart.  The sooner our invader is dealt
       with, the quicker we will be able to deal with the Federation."

            With that the Emperor passed through the ranks of his elite
       guard, who turned on their heels and escorted him to his launch.

            "One more thing Admiral," he said without turning. "I want the
       enemy's voice cross referenced with all transmissions intercepted
       from the Federation in the past 30 years.  And I want the results
       before the rendezvous!"

            "As you command, my lord," he answered, trailing Emperor
       Tromok.

             'I know that voice!' thought the Emperor to himself.


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