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Outside - The Reflection
:: 01-01-31 ::
Chapter 9: Naggarok
Situation Report 17.73 AHL:
Since the Turanic and Imperialist attack on the shipyard, we have increased defense substantially. A prisoner’s claim that the attack was merely a prelude to something worse has left us all on edge. Five carrier groups have hyperspaced in as reinforcements, as well as two more Bentusi Tradeships. Bentusi fighters constantly patrol the area. We have devised mass evacuation plans for the station. Among our more controversial suggestions is to use the Beastslayer as a large lifeboat if need be. We are currently looking into this.
The situation in the Council has deteriorated much. The Imperialists claim to have seen a secret base being developed by us. They have proof also - recordings of the battle yesterday. They are demanding that we reveal ourselves immediately, and virtually every non-allied race agrees with them. It is only a matter of time before every race overreacts and the Galaxy is consumed by complete war.
The only good news is that the Beastslayer is ready for launch. The trans-hyperdrive can recreate the Naggarok’s hyperspace entry. The Bentusi have expressed deep concerns about something from “Outside” attacking the ship and wreaking destruction across the Universe. They do not go into specifics, but their fear is cause for much worry. What if they overreact? What if they inform the entire Council about the Beastslayer? What if they are justified in their fear?
This project is turning into our worst nightmares. It can be daunting many times, far too often. At present we will have to continue. We must hope that the ship will be launched before something happens.
Dolann Kaalel
Coordinator of Project
Hiigaran team
*****
“Datlai, I must talk to the research team,” Tasiin explained. “Ever since…the presence there has been something bothering me about the Beastslayer’s hyperdrive. You must wait while I talk to them.”
“Is it necessary that I cannot go further? Do you think I can understand what you are talking about?”
Tasiin sighed. “If you insist on following, be discrete. Do not tell anyone of what you heard or what you saw.” He approached the table of conversing Sjet, Taiidan, and I’ao, speculating about the trans-hyperdrive of the Beastslayer.
“Tasiin Limandatt, please join us and enlighten us about your theory,” a Taiidan said.
“There is something urgent I must share,” he warned. “Our temporary solution for the trans-hyperdrive was to copy the Naggarok.”
“A good idea,” said a Sjet. “What would be better than to imitate from the masters of trans-hyperdrive?”
“The problem is with what the ‘masters’ were trying to do. How much do you know about the energy requirements for hyperspace?”
“We are still dis-“ an I’ao said.
Tasiin summoned a small holographic display that appeared over the table. At the bottom was a plane filled with galaxies, representing normal space. Above it were blue layers of hyperspace. The distance between each higher plane was halved at each next level. The result was an infinite amount of blue planes layered in a finite distance.
“This is a diagram of the relations of the energy required to enter each layer of hyperspace,” Tasiin explained. “The scale is not accurate, but you can still see the implications - the infinitely high hyperspace level is reachable with finite energy. It is like an atom - only a finite amount of energy is needed to enter any of its infinite energy levels.”
“Are you saying the Naggarok reached the infinitely high energy level? That it had instantaneous travel?” another Sjet asked.
“No. Here is where the Naggarok’s energy requirements would be on the diagram.”
A red icon depicting the Naggarok appeared far higher than any of the planes representing the levels of hyperspace.
“Whoever built the Naggarok had no concern about traveling fast. They were trying to go beyond all the levels. There were trying to deliberately leave the Universe,” Tasiin said. None of the others said anything, too stunned to think further. Subtly glancing around, he was aware that Datlai, not too far away and pretending to be gazing at the stars, had frozen completely.
“Sajuuk help us,” the first Sjet whispered.
“Why?” a Taiidan wondered out loud.
“That question bothers me most,” Tasiin replied. If only they knew about the presence. About the thing that lurks Outside. They would see the threat immediately.
The emergency alert sounded throughout the station.
*****
“What is it?” Thenar Soban asked a waiting Shanal Alo, Dolann Kaalel, and Pukna Somtaaw.
“Hyperspace signatures at 100 kloms from the station,” Kaalel said. “They are massive ships with enormous energy readings - comparable to the Bentusi.”
“Who are they, then?”
“We have identified them,” a Soban at the defense display said. “They are T-Mat.”
“How many ships?” Kaalel asked. All hesitated while the strength of the belligerent Unbound race was measured.
“Kiith’s blood,” said Pukna, observing the display. Thenar also heard Shanal curse in Taiidan.
The Soban took in a deep breath. “Fifteen Megaships; over fifty capital ships. Approaching in wall formations. Intercept in two minutes.”
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