{"id":2154,"date":"2011-05-28T05:00:28","date_gmt":"2011-05-28T09:00:28","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.allandouglas.com\/blog\/?p=2154"},"modified":"2025-04-21T01:56:41","modified_gmt":"2025-04-21T05:56:41","slug":"chapter-3-cyborg-wars","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pineymountainfoster.org\/thoughts\/chapter-3-cyborg-wars\/","title":{"rendered":"Saturday Fun Stuff: Chapter 3 of Cyborg Wars"},"content":{"rendered":"

Want to Start at the beginning<\/a>?<\/p>\n

\"cyborg<\/a>Our operative’s report included coordinates: coordinates which had been transmitted to the entire Birdman fleet as a rendezvous point. \u00a0 Something big was about to happen.<\/p>\n

There had been quite a debate over whether this report could be trusted. \u00a0 It could be bait set out by the Birdmen to trap our best ships far from help, but discussion quickly dimmed the luminance of that possibility.<\/p>\n

Hastily we pieced together an assault fleet and ordered them to proceed to the coordinates given. \u00a0 The Executioner, a Dreadnought class battleship, was patrolling in my vicinity and I took command of her as my flag ship. \u00a0 My fleet was scattered all around the quadrant, a well coordinated, cohesive assault would be nearly impossible, but we would do the best we could.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/p>\n

I sit at the desk in my ready room and study charts – such as they are – of our destination. \u00a0 If space could be compared to planetary geology, this area is a desert. \u00a0 A nebula, a few gas clouds and a few proto-stars so young that even if they did have planets, they would be far from inhabitable. \u00a0 No life. \u00a0 Why would the Cyborg be interested in a place like this? Perhaps it is just what it appears; a hide out. \u00a0 The occasional survey ship is all that ever goes there. \u00a0 Navigation is difficult at best in the region. \u00a0 It would make a good place to hide, but darned difficult to get into and out of undetected.<\/p>\n

“Enough of this!” I snarl as I stand up and head for the door, which obediently slides aside.<\/p>\n

“Helm, how much longer?” \u00a0 We are screaming along at speeds well above our design specs. \u00a0 The ship complains audibly but is holding together. \u00a0 We will have to deal with the damage I’m doing to the ship once we find what’s out there.<\/p>\n

My helmsman is busy trying to keep the ship on course: at this speed even minute deviations quickly become a major issue, and our destination is difficult to get a solid navigational lock on. \u00a0 Still, he finds the time to report, “Another three to four hours, Sir, depending on the exact distance and whether we can maintain this speed.”<\/p>\n

“Sir\u2026” My tactical officer looks up from his Comm board, I turn to face him. “Sensors have picked up massive energy discharges in the target area. \u00a0 Very irregular, containing signatures of Cyborg and Bird Man weaponry. \u00a0 Looks like the battle has begun.”<\/p>\n

“Any word from the rest of the fleet?” \u00a0 We were running silent, no regular communications as we know both the Cyborg and the Bird Men are capable of intercepting and decrypting them. \u00a0 Instead we are using a method we developed for battle preparations. \u00a0 Using one special channel, and a series of numeric bursts, which often pass as background noise to an evesdropper, we are able to convey basic information about position, ETA, and preparedness.<\/p>\n

I decide to tour the ship prior to engagement. \u00a0 As I walk along the halls between stations I marvel at this ship. \u00a0 The Dreadnought class was developed out of desperation in our battles against the Cyborg. \u00a0 It’s the size of a Galaxy class cruiser, but carries half the compliment. \u00a0 It’s stuffed with weaponry. \u00a0 It even has a third nacelle that does nothing but supply power to the weapons systems. \u00a0 Multiple sets of phaser banks, bristling with torpedo tubes and our pride and joy, a phaser cannon. \u00a0 This baby is a cross between a torpedo launcher and a phaser emitter. \u00a0 It fires a ‘shell’ of energy so intense that it will short out the shield generators and punch a 100 foot diameter hole clear through the hull of any standard star ship. \u00a0 Most ships are destroyed with a single shot. \u00a0 Which is good because it takes several minutes for the cannon to recharge for another shot, especially if phasers and torpedoes are firing too. \u00a0 These ships are reasonably effective against the Cyborg cubes if used in conjunction with smaller, more agile ships to provide cover and draw the cubes fire while the Dreadnought withdraws to recharge for another run. \u00a0 We’ve proven that three Dreadnoughts along with half a dozen cruisers and destroyers, all with skilled Captains, will take out a cube. \u00a0 Casualties are high, however, typically 50%.
\n\"Dreadnaught<\/a>All four remaining Dreadnoughts are enroute to our rendezvous, along with another 12 assorted Federation ships. \u00a0 The Stormers are sending three Victorious class destroyers and 8 Thorns.<\/p>\n

If we find what we expect to find, it won’t be nearly enough.<\/p>\n

“Bridge to Admiral Mann.”<\/p>\n

I touch my commbadge to activate it, “Go Ahead.”<\/p>\n

“Sir, the Go’Zilla and the Vahl’Pah are within visual range and on intercepting course, the Invincible will be joining us in 20 minutes. \u00a0 Four more ships are ahead of us and slowing to rendezvous. \u00a0 The others will arrive at various times within the next hour. \u00a0 At our current course and speed we’ll arrive on target in 25 minutes.”<\/p>\n

“Slow to warp 8 to allow as many of the other ships as possible to arrive, and compile all the data we can get from passive scanners on what is ahead. \u00a0 We’ll wait a while before going to active scans. \u00a0 I’m on my way to the bridge. \u00a0 Admiral out.”<\/p>\n

I know there is no rush, but my steps quicken just the same.<\/p>\n

I arrive in the bridge to find the view screen filled with the pink and blue hues of an enormous gas cloud. \u00a0 The picture is fuzzy, index points flip and flash erratically. \u00a0 “Can we see anything yet?”<\/p>\n

“Yes, sir, we are picking up weapons fire and an occasional energy burst. \u00a0 Probably ship detonations.”<\/p>\n

“Can we tell who’s winning?”<\/p>\n

“No, Sir. \u00a0 The readings are obscured by the gas cloud and residual energy from weapons. \u00a0 The only thing certain right now is that there has been quite a fire fight.”<\/p>\n

The minutes tick by slowly. \u00a0 One by one, more ships swoop in and form up into a fleet. \u00a0 Now we use the short range ship-to-ship communications to lay out the attack plan and give assignments.<\/p>\n

High General Gohn is aboard the Vahl’Pah, a Victorious; I’ve fought with him before. \u00a0 Timid he’s not. \u00a0 He’ll do his part.<\/p>\n

Finally we come into visual range at maximum enlargement. \u00a0 The picture is still fuzzy. \u00a0 It’s difficult to count ships, but we can just make out the pinpricks of weapons fire, and movement as ships weave and dodge. \u00a0 We see at least three definite Cyborg cubes.<\/p>\n

Approaching, the number increases to five, then seven cubes.<\/p>\n

“Seven of them!” someone mutters, “How are we going to fight that many so close together?”<\/p>\n

“Belay that, mister.” \u00a0 I say it as gently as I can, we’re all feeling it, he just gave it voice, “Begin active scans of the area. \u00a0 I want to know energy outputs and locations of every ship in that area. \u00a0 Take us to red alert. \u00a0 Let’s heat up the weapons.”<\/p>\n

The crew begins scurrying about, preparing, checking, confirming and reporting status of their systems. \u00a0 I watch as the status board lights begin blinking to green. \u00a0 30 phaser banks; ready. \u00a0 20 torpedo bays; loaded and ready. \u00a0 10 close range guns charged and waiting. \u00a0 And 1 canon fully charged, ready to fire.<\/p>\n

We divide the fleet into 7 wings, each containing one major gun ship and 2 or three cruisers. \u00a0 I order the wings to take their position, and they began to peel off; providing a little separation between us would make it harder to concentrate fire on us and help prevent us from sustaining damage from friendly fire or from our ships detonating. \u00a0 It also gives each wing room for evasive maneuvers. \u00a0 We don’t have time to form up for a spherical attack, but we’ll do the best we can.<\/p>\n

“I am reading 12 Cyborg cubes, Admiral. \u00a0 Only four of them are fully operational. \u00a0 Three more are trying to fight, but power emissions indicate massive damage. \u00a0 The others are dead in space. \u00a0 Approximately 100 Birdman ships or their debris are also in the battle zone. \u00a0 About 10 are operational, all of them badly damaged.”<\/p>\n

“Send coordinates of the four operational cubes to the wing commanders. \u00a0 Two wings to each of the first three cubes, we’ll take the fourth.”<\/p>\n

The plan is to make high speed passes, dodging and weaving as we approach and throw everything we have at them at very close range.<\/p>\n

“All wings in position, Admiral. \u00a0 One of the cubes is headed our way.”<\/p>\n

“Engage the enemy.”<\/p>\n

The Executioner and her escorts begin their dance. \u00a0 Physics being what they are makes it difficult for ships of The Executioner’s size and weight to change directions quickly. \u00a0 We cannot dodge a blow like a nimble footed boxer, or an atmospheric fighter. \u00a0 Even if we had wings, there is nothing for them to work against in space. \u00a0 Course of travel is adjusted using power vectors, and lots of energy. \u00a0 The more footwork we do, the less energy we have to throw a punch.\u00a0 Still, we make it as hard as possible for the enemy to get a weapons lock on us.<\/p>\n

A bright green lance of cohesive energy streaks from the cube, barely missing our port nacelle. \u00a0 Another glances off our upper shields.<\/p>\n

Tactical reports: “Topside shields holding.”<\/p>\n

Another shot hits the Armageddon, smaller and lighter, it’s knocked off course, but not seriously damaged. \u00a0 Her Captain is experienced and I resist the urge to issue orders to him to protect his weakened side.<\/p>\n

“Weapons at ready!” \u00a0 The distance counter ticks off rapidly. \u00a0 The Cyborg weapons concentrate on my ship, they’ve learned what we can do. \u00a0 Forward shields are draining fast.<\/p>\n

“Cannon: Fire!” \u00a0 The ship lurches slightly as she hurls the packet at the cube. \u00a0 It lights up their shields as they try to suck the energy out of the highly charged shell which punches through the shields and impacts on the ship itself, damaging its hull.<\/p>\n

“Fire all weapons!” \u00a0 We’ve created a weak spot in their shielding, a hole through which we can fire our other weapons. \u00a0 We do so until we are practically inside their shields. \u00a0 “Hard to port, warp 3!”<\/p>\n

The ship groans as we execute a high G turn then kick in the warp engines.<\/p>\n

“Damage report.”<\/p>\n

“Forward shields down to 50%, Topside 90%, Port 85%, starboard and aft 100%. \u00a0 Minor hull damage to the forward end of decks 9, 10, and 11. \u00a0 A few injuries, no casualties, Sir.”<\/p>\n

“Damage control, we need those forward shields bolstered, you’ve got 10 minutes.” \u00a0 I know that my crew is already swarming into the bays housing those shield generators, spare parts at hand, but they expect me to say it anyway.<\/p>\n

“Helm: come about. \u00a0 Take us back at warp 1.”<\/p>\n

As we make another run, the cube moves back into the debris field of the battle with the Birdmen. \u00a0 Probably hoping the floating junk would provide obstacles for us, hampering our maneuvering. \u00a0 It does.<\/p>\n

They also turn their damaged side away from us and present a fresh surface to sting. The cannon is not as effective this time. \u00a0 Apparently they threw all available power into the shields on the surface facing us. \u00a0 The cannon shot loses so much juice getting through that shield that it barely scratches the ship’s hull. \u00a0 But we see lots of tiny white explosions on the hull as shield generators get fried trying to ablate the cannon’s energy, and our second volley does more damage.<\/p>\n

However, we’ve lost our forward shield completely and suffer damage to the hull. \u00a0 We also lose five phaser banks and two torpedo launchers. \u00a0 A few crewmen as well. \u00a0 The Kha’Plah, which serves as my starboard wing man takes a heavy hit and is having difficulty steering.<\/p>\n

We swing around for another pass. \u00a0 The cannon aims by steering the ship. \u00a0 With our forward shields gone, that presents a major danger for us. \u00a0 Either we crab in and don’t use the cannon, or risk losing the ship for one last shot.<\/p>\n

In the distance I see an orange plasma blossom as one of the other Cubes blew up. \u00a0 “Invite Captain Martin and his party to join us at this table, won’t you?”<\/p>\n

“Yes, Sir.” \u00a0 The ensign speaks into her headset, then looks at me, “Sir, the Incisor has sustained heavy damage and is adrift, but the remaining ships of this wing are en route.”<\/p>\n

Moments later three smaller ships swing into position beside us. \u00a0 I order then to bunch up in front, providing cover where we were missing defensive shields.<\/p>\n

We accelerate to attack speed and go in again, keeping low, my cover ships just above us so we can fire our cannon from underneath. \u00a0 The cannon fires, penetrates the shields, and leaves a nice patch of glowing, twisted metal. \u00a0 A soft spot for us to enlarge with our other weapons. \u00a0 We do our best to capitalize on that and take several more hits ourselves. \u00a0 I smell smoke that’s gotten into the ventilation system from damaged parts of the ship.<\/p>\n

“Admiral, we do not have enough shielding left to survive another run.”<\/p>\n

The Kha’Plah takes a heavy hit and begins to roll, out of control. \u00a0 Its commander radios, “Get clear, get clear!”<\/p>\n

“Commander, we can tow you out with a tractor beam\u2026”<\/p>\n

“NO! Our ship is breaking up.” He pauses, then says very calmly, “It is a good day to die!”<\/p>\n

“All ships: hard about, get clear!”<\/p>\n

Metal screams as we spin the ship around and throttle up the engines. \u00a0 The Kha’Plah also accelerates; but toward the cube, not away from it. \u00a0 The cube tries to move out of the way but, with all it’s power thrown into defensive shields, the engines won’t respond quickly enough. \u00a0 Almost in slow motion the Stormer ship lances through the cube’s protective bubble, which is designed to disperse energy not solid matter, and plunges into the upper right corner of the ship itself in a bloom of red, blue and orange.<\/p>\n

This bloom spreads outward across the ship as the plasma fire ignites more and more of the cubes systems. \u00a0 It takes several minutes for the whole thing to be engulfed; jets of glowing gas shooting out of hull ruptures.\u00a0 Finally the fire reaches the ship’s main core and it destructs in a glowing ball of anti-matter fire, hurling glowing chunks across the sector.<\/p>\n

Out of danger, we again reverse our course and cautiously head back in.<\/p>\n

“Tactical, give me a status report.”<\/p>\n

“Two cubes remain operational but are damaged. \u00a0 Several more are badly damaged.\u00a0 They seem to be running interference between our ships; which have formed into a single wing, and the two cubes; which are moving away. \u00a0 There are six Birdmen ships still operating, and they are going into orbit around the third planet of this star system.”<\/p>\n

“An inhabitable planet, here?”<\/p>\n

No sir, even from here I can tell that the planet is very volcanic, highly unstable. \u00a0 But there is a moon; more like a large asteroid — probably captured, maybe brought in — that does appear stable.”<\/p>\n

Just then, a huge blue ring ignites in the distance.\u00a0 Buzzers sound as energy readings fly off the scale, my officers bend to the task of identifying the anomaly.<\/p>\n

“A worm hole?” I ask.<\/p>\n

“Nnn\u2026 no, Sir. \u00a0 It’s similar, but not a natural occurrence.”<\/p>\n

We watch as two cubes penetrate the disk of swirling blue fire.\u00a0 The disk shrinks rapidly and blinks out of existence.<\/p>\n

The remaining, crippled, cubes then detonate one after another. \u00a0 We will not get the chance to study a Cyborg cube and try to ferret out its secrets.<\/p>\n

I watch the screen showing a vast cloud of debris and junk, some still glowing, some dark and lifeless.<\/p>\n

“Status?”<\/p>\n

“No sign of weapons fire, residual energy makes it difficult to read if there are any life signs or operable ships in that mess.”<\/p>\n

“Order the rest of our fleet to scan this debris field for survivors. \u00a0 We’re going to see what’s on that moon. \u00a0 Plot a course around the majority of this wreckage and engage engines at one half impulse.”<\/p>\n

“Aye, Sir.”<\/p>\n

The Birdmen had definitely found something here. \u00a0 I just hoped it was worth over a hundred ships and the lives of their crews.<\/p>\n

_________________________<\/p>\n

Go on to Part Four<\/a><\/p>\n

More fun info on Dreadnought Class ship<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Want to Start at the beginning? Our operative’s report included coordinates: coordinates which had been transmitted to the entire Birdman fleet as a rendezvous point.   Something big was about to happen. There had been quite a debate over whether this report could be trusted.   It could be bait set out by the Birdmen … Continue reading “Saturday Fun Stuff: Chapter 3 of Cyborg Wars”<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[12],"tags":[13],"class_list":["post-2154","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-muse","tag-scifi"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pineymountainfoster.org\/thoughts\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2154","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/pineymountainfoster.org\/thoughts\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/pineymountainfoster.org\/thoughts\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pineymountainfoster.org\/thoughts\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pineymountainfoster.org\/thoughts\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2154"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/pineymountainfoster.org\/thoughts\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2154\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":20764,"href":"https:\/\/pineymountainfoster.org\/thoughts\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2154\/revisions\/20764"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pineymountainfoster.org\/thoughts\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2154"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pineymountainfoster.org\/thoughts\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2154"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pineymountainfoster.org\/thoughts\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2154"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}