Maddox raised his eyebrows, but decided not to pursue the topic. Let the AI have its occasional little verbal victories.

  “Mr. Barnes,” Maddox said, “please charge the disrupter cannon.”

  “Yes, sir,” Barnes said.

  “I’m reinforcing the shield, sir,” Andros said.

  Maddox nodded. He’d expected no less.

  As a million kilometers separated the combined needle ships from Victory, the enemy graviton beams shot outward. The beams struck a point on Victory’s shield, and that spot immediately turned red and started to brown.

  “Fire,” Maddox said.

  The yellow disrupter beam shot outward from Victory as the distance rapidly closed between the vessels. The beam did nothing against the alien hull alloy for thirty seconds, astounding the captain.

  As a mark finally appeared on the hull, the needle ship traded positions with another of its kind, so it took the disrupter beam on its unaffected hull.

  Now, the brown part of the shield had turned purple.

  “Sir,” Andros said. “There is danger to us from these beams.”

  “Galyan,” Maddox said, “deploy the neutron beam as well. Let’s hit them as hard as we can.”

  “How will we save one of the needle ships then?” Galyan asked.

  “We’ll worry about it when there are only one or two of them left. Now fire the neutron cannon.”

  “Yes, sir,” Galyan said. “That is wise thinking.”

  “And see if you can figure out what kind of alloy that is,” Maddox said. “Star Watch could use something like that.”

  Galyan’s eyelids fluttered.

  “Shield failure in thirty seconds, sir,” Andros said.

  “Evasive maneuvers. Shift the ship,” Maddox told Keith.

  “Yes, sir,” Keith said, as his hands flew over the helm control.

  “The needle ships are hailing us again,” Valerie said.

  “If they’re not surrendering, I’m not interested,” Maddox said.

  “I’m rotating the shield and recalibrating,” Andros said, as he manipulated his board.

  The black part of the shield turned a bright red as Andros exchanged shield areas, a newer technology of the ship.

  “Sir,” Valerie said. “While they’re not surrendering, the Unity believes you will want to hear this.”

  “Wrong,” Maddox said. “Galyan, where is the neutron beam?”

  “Are they willing to tell us where the Adoks live?” Galyan asked.

  “I’ll have Ludendorff shut you down, Galyan, if you don’t start immediately firing the neutron cannon,” Maddox said.

  The little Adok holoimage stared at the captain, noting, perhaps, the flintiness in the man’s eyes. A second later, the purple neutron beam reached out, striking the exact spot the disrupter beam did.

  The combined wattage and energy burned through the strange alien alloy and stabbed into the vessel. Air, water and organic matter blew outward. Abruptly, the needle ship detonated.

  The blast knocked the other needle ships around it, causing them to veer away from each other.

  “Hit them in tandem with the beams,” Maddox said.

  The graviton beams no longer struck the shield.

  “Their request is more urgent,” Valerie said.

  “I bet it is,” Maddox said, his focus on the main screen.

  The disrupter and neutron beams struck the next vessel, destroying it in short order.

  “This is their last request for a talk, Captain,” Valerie said.

  “Sir, please,” Galyan said. “I implore you to attempt to find out the location of the Adoks.”

  Maddox glanced at Galyan, noting his anguish, and he nodded sharply. “Put them on the main screen,” he told Valerie.

  Diana appeared with tears streaming down her dirty checks. There was no hint of her human personality now. “You have destroyed two ships of the Unity, two ships with precious cargo. Leave us these three vessels, please.”

  “What will you give me in return?” Maddox said coldly.

  “The location of the Adoks,” Diana said.

  “Start talking,” Maddox said.

  Diana did so, speaking about a star system in the nebula twelve light-years from here. “Now,” she said. “Will you let us live?”

  “I want one other thing,” Maddox said. “How do we recondition the humans controlled by the cerebraters?”

  Diana wiped tears from her eyes. “You won’t live up to your agreement?”

  “I will,” Maddox said.

  “I told you about the Adoks.”

  “I won’t know if you’re lying or not until I go there. Therefore, I want to know something I can test right away.”

  “You are a vain creature,” Diana said. “The Unity will ultimately rule the galaxy. We are the greatest species in existence.”

  “Sir,” Andros said. “I’m picking up a power surge in the three ships.”

  Diana wiped the final tears from her eyes, and she grinned in malevolent glee at Maddox.

  “What is it now?” Maddox asked.

  Diana vanished from the main screen. It brought the three silver needle ships back into focus. One after another, they ignited, blowing up.

  Maddox frowned. What had just happened? “Andros, Galyan, scan everywhere. See if—”

  “I found it,” Galyan said. “I’m using high magnification.”

  On the main screen appeared a round spaceship with the same silver alloy as the needle ships. It was some distance already from Remus, and had traveled in a different direction from the needle ships. As Galyan showed them the ship, a hole appeared in space near the ship. The round ship slid into the hole, and vanished. A second later, the hole vanished as well.

  “What was that?” Maddox asked quietly.

  “The hole was a manufactured Laumer Point,” Galyan said. “The silver-colored ship was no doubt the last Unity spacecraft in the Remus System.”

  “It got away,” Maddox said.

  “Yes,” Galyan said. “Obviously, the five-ship convoy was a distraction for us. The Unity thought of everything. They were never going to let us capture any of them to interrogate them.”

  “No…” Maddox said slowly.

  “That means the star system of the Adoks they told us about is a fake,” Galyan said.

  “We’ll see,” Maddox said.

  “Sir?”

  “We’re going to find your Adoks, Galyan. First, though, run a sweep for salvage. We need a sample of that alloy for Star Watch science. Then, we’ll finish with the First Fleet and Fusion.”

  -79-

  Victory returned to Remus and observed the ongoing ground conflict. With the combined mass of the battlewagons in space, the Unity-controlled humans didn’t stand a chance.

  Soon, all the enemy artillery and tanks had become twisted hulks of metal. Armored cars and machine-gun strongpoints vanished under battlewagon heavy laser and THOR assaults. The latter were guided iron rods falling like meteors, striking with devastating force.

  Huge storms, volcanic-ash clouds and regular debris clouds covered much of the planet. The weather had turned harsh, and the growing season no doubt considerably shortened, if there would be one at all for a time.

  The Fusion First Fleet remained in one group over Remus, monitoring the last stages of the ground battle.

  Soon enough, Captain Maddox and Grand Director Shinto spoke via screen. There was a solid three million kilometers between them, with Victory much farther from Remus than the Fusion fleet.

  “Congratulations on your achievement, sir,” Maddox said.

  “This latest battle?” asked Shinto.

  “No, no,” Maddox said. “I mean the campaign. Surely, some of your people saw what happened with the five Unity needle ships?”

  “I’m afraid not,” Shinto said.

  Maddox gave the Grand Director the short version.

  “The aliens had a fleet of spaceships?” Shinto asked in wonder.

  “I suspect now that the asteroid strike before didn’t destroy all the Unity spacecraft,” Maddox said. “We faced five silver ships. None of them survived. One other ship got away, though.”

  “It used your jump capacity?”

  “No,” Maddox said. “It used a generated Laumer Point, a wormhole, if you will.”

  “So, the Unity aliens escaped with data about the Fusion?”

  Maddox nodded. “That’s true. But it’s also possible the Unity already knew about the Fusion. The critical point is that we defeated them here and saved a planet of humans. Plus, you’re adding a world to the greater Fusion of Planets.”

  After a second, Shinto smiled, no doubt envisioning the parades and honor he would accrue because of the victory. “What happens now between us?”

  “I’ll leave and report home, telling the Lord High Admiral about the Fusion. I imagine in time others of Star Watch will return, wanting to speak with the Chairman.”

  “You mean you’ll return with a fleet and attempt to conquer us.”

  Maddox shook his head. “You’re too far from the Commonwealth. Your ancestors traveled farther than any other colonizing humans I know, perhaps for this very reason. Besides, we only conquer those who attack us. Do you plan to attack us?”

  Shinto’s eyes narrowed, but he dodged the question. Instead, he boasted, “We’ve created a human utopia here.”

  Maddox smiled faintly.

  “Will you tell them about our remarkable political achievement?”

  “I’m sure others from Star Watch will come to learn all that from you.”

  “And teach us how to use this star-drive jump outside the nebula?”

  “It’s possible,” Maddox said. “I’m not able to make any promises, you understand? I am not authorized to give out proprietary technology anyway.”

  Shinto became thoughtful. “I’m glad we could work together. I’ll tell the Chairman about your part in this conquest.”

  I doubt you will, Maddox thought to himself, although maybe the security officer behind you will do that.

  “What happens to those of Remus?” Maddox asked.

  The Grand Director frowned, shaking his head. “I’m afraid that isn’t a proper question for you, as this is now an internal Fusion matter. We freed Remus from alien control and the antiquated nonsense of aristocratic rule, if one can even call it that. Such rule is exploitation of the worst form.”

  “I’m sorry to hear that.”

  “I’ve come to believe that the aliens attacked Remus first because of their political weakness. The Unity must have realized Remus would fall more easily to their methods. We of the Fusion are made of much sterner stuff.”

  “I’m sure you’re right.”

  “I know I am,” Shinto said. “The facts prove it. However, I have been remiss. Surely, you’ll join us for a victory celebration aboard the Karl Radek.”

  “Alas, I have pressing matters,” Maddox said, “although, I appreciate the offer.”

  “Your unwillingness to join the celebration shows an ungrateful attitude regarding us. We did most of the fighting.”

  “I don’t want you to feel that way.”

  “Then come, please,” Shinto said, stretching his lips into an obviously false smile. “I guarantee your safety, if that’s what’s bothering you.”

  “Hmm, it’s a thought then, as I know what your personal guarantee is worth.” Maddox didn’t add aloud, nothing at all.

  “When can I expect you aboard then?”

  “Well…” Maddox said. “I could come in a shuttle. Let me speak with my people. Then, I can tell you.”

  “This is wonderful news,” Shinto said. “I look forward to shaking your hand and thanking you face to face for all you’ve done for us.”

  “Yes,” Maddox said. “It will be a pleasure to greet you in person. I admire what I’ve seen so far. I dearly wish to see more of the Fusion and its people.”

  “Until then, Captain.”

  “Let it be so,” Maddox said.

  The connection ceased a moment later.

  “Are you really going over there?” Valerie asked from the comm station.

  “No,” Maddox said.

  “Then why say you are?”

  “I want to make it easier later for whatever Star Watch people make contact with the Fusion. We’ll wait a bit, and then I’ll have you send the Grand Director my regrets, that we’re dealing with an emergency.”

  “He’ll know you never meant to come.”

  “Maybe,” Maddox said. “But at least it will allow any others to work with that fiction.”

  “He’s a bastard,” Valerie said with heat.

  “Yes,” Maddox said. “I’m afraid he is, and I suspect their Social Harmony is Hell on Earth, only marginally less so than being mentally controlled by trillions of maggot aliens.”

  Valerie shuddered.

  “Will you speak to Consul Arrius again?” Galyan asked.

  “No. As I’m sure the Fusion is monitoring his communications. Any friendliness on my part to the Consul will only hurt him.” Maddox inhaled deeply through his nostrils. “It’s time for us to leave. Keep scanning the star system for any sign of Grutch. After all this, we don’t want to fall prey to one of his Morag ploys.”

  Galyan stood rigidly as his eyelids began to flutter.

  “Mr. Maker,” Maddox said.

  “I’m on it, sir,” Keith said.

  Maddox nodded. He felt good destroying the Unity effort here. At least the people on Remus would no longer be alien puppets, their every thought controlled. The people of Remus would fall prey to the Fusion, however, but it was human, at least, and not nearly as vile as the Unity. Still, Maddox was glad to be leaving the Remus System.

  -80-

  From the Remus System, Victory plunged back into the dense nebula, heading for the supposed Adok-holding star system twelve light-years away. Maddox issued an order. Whoever was on watch at the time should destroy any Unity satellite found drifting in space. He didn’t want any more nonsense with cerebraters.

  “This could be a trap,” Valerie said in the cafeteria a day later.

  Maddox, Meta and Valerie drank coffee together at a table. Maddox had believed it a good idea to meet so the two women could repair any bridges that might have been broken when Meta had marched Valerie to the brig.

  “Could be,” Maddox said noncommittally.

  “If there had been more needle ships during the Remus breakout,” Valerie said, “we might not have survived the battle. We know the Unity means to either enslave or destroy us.”

  “We’ll take care upon reaching the next star system,” Maddox said.

  “Do you really suppose we’ll find Adoks there?” Meta asked.

  Maddox sipped his coffee and because he felt pressure on the back of his neck, he looked around the cafeteria. He spied a distortion in the air. Surely that was Galyan in deep ghost mode. He might have to talk to Ludendorff about how to correct Galyan’s tendency to eavesdrop whenever he felt like it. That would mean having the Methuselah Man going into the Adok AI systems. Maddox didn’t know if that was a good idea this time, but he was getting tired of this secret spying.

  “Of course, I think we’ll find Adoks,” Maddox said. “It may take some hard searching, but I’m determined to make the effort.”

  Valerie was frowning at him. “Who are you speaking to?”

  “You,” Maddox said. He touched his wife’s arm. “And Meta.”

  “It felt like you were talking to someone else,” Valerie said.

  “Nevertheless,” Maddox said. “I was talking to you.”

  Valerie’s frown lessened, but it was clear she was thinking. “Do you mean to say you believe the Adoks will be at this star system?”

  “That I don’t know,” Maddox said. “But if not, we’ll keep searching throughout the nebula until we find Adoks, or verify they never entered this place.”

  Maddox left a few minutes later, leaving the two women to chat alone.

  ***

  Valerie departed an hour later, the breach between her and Meta healed. Valerie recognized now that it would have been a disaster if Meta hadn’t done what she had on the bridge. Her right shoulder was still sore, though, from Meta’s powerful wrench.

  The best part of the talk had been Meta asking about her future. Valerie had surprised herself by talking about Keith.

  Meta was a great listener. She asked a few questions and had brought Valerie out, saying how she wanted to fix things between Keith and her.

  Meta had nodded, smiling encouragement.

  “You think I should do that right now, don’t you?” Valerie had asked.

  “Would that be wise?”

  Valerie had thought about it and nodded. “What better time?”

  “Do you know of any?”

  Valerie had laughed, agreeing there wasn’t one. Now, she headed down the corridor, seeking Keith Maker, the cockiest pilot in Star Watch.

  Valerie found him in a rec room where he shot pool with Riker.

  The old sergeant was healing, and he looked thinner than he had several weeks ago upon leaving medical.

  “Hi, Riker,” Valerie said.

  Sergeant Riker turned and studied her as she approached. “Ah,” he said, rubbing his heart. “I can feel it.” He turned to Keith. “I’ve had enough for today. I need a rest.”

  “Because you haven’t won a single game yet,” Keith said. “You need to practice if you hope to beat me.”

  “Yes. That’s it.” Riker held out his cue stick for Valerie. “Will you take over for me?”

  Valerie studied the pool table. Keith had three striped balls left. Riker had all his solids on the table. “Give that to me. I think I can do this.”

  Riker stepped closer, handing her the cue stick. He was grinning from ear to ear.

  “Is there something wrong?” Valerie asked.

  “Not anymore.” With that, Riker sauntered out of the rec room.

  Valerie turned to Keith. He was staring at her with speculation in his eyes. He quickly looked away.

  “Do you mind if I take over?” Valerie asked.

  Keith shrugged without looking at her.

  A burst of heat flooded Valerie’s heart. She almost said, “If that’s how you feel about it, fine. I’m leaving.” Instead, she asked, “Whose shot is it?”