Alpha One - Chris Burton [136]
“There was little I could do once he made up his mind. I have grounded him and confined him to his quarters. He is a good pilot and will one day make a good commander, I am sure of that. Although acting in his own self interest, he did play an important part in securing Winterburn.”
“I agree, and I won’t take the matter further. I do, however, wish to speak to him about his knowledge of Winterburn. Can you take me to his quarters?”
* * * *
Jake Carter was enjoying a well-earned rest when Hoskins entered. He was surprised to receive the ship’s commander at his door, especially with the ship at battle stations.
“At ease, Mister Carter. I want to talk to you about Winterburn. I need an insight into what it feels like to be under his control.”
“Well, sir. I am afraid you need to talk to someone who was cast under his spell, and I was not. He can only influence certain people. You can feel him trying to pull you in, but for me he never established any real control. I didn’t feel drawn to him in any way. Carla, or more so her sister, would be more able to provide an insight.”
“Very well. I will send for them in due course—and I think perhaps you again as well. Your relationship with them may help to bring this all out into the open.”
With that, the commander left, and Jake felt a sudden sense of unease. Yes, he would see Carla again, but something didn’t feel right. It didn’t feel right at all.
* * * *
Winterburn felt his power enveloping his disciples. There was some reluctance but he gradually exercised control once again. His fellow Kryl also exercised their influence. They gradually engaged the minds of the humans. They would fall under the Kryl’s power like every other race who ever encountered them.
The interrogation was surprisingly lengthy, but there was no pain. Winterburn felt the pain of interrogation once before from his own kind before he achieved his high status. The primitive and ineffective techniques deployed by the humans made no comparison to those adopted by his own people. He revealed no more than known already. He alone would dictate the extent of any information provided.
* * * *
The Kryl armada was small. It was deployed by the Queen’s ship, following a subspace message from Winterburn. The Kronan’s request was treated with the highest priority. The Human ship was visible ahead. It travelled at light speed but could easily be overtaken. They’d surround it and draw in, then dispatch drones to take the ship. The Kronan would be collected and returned to the Queen’s ship where he would report personally to the Queen.
The Kryl force spread into a curved attack formation. They were nearing their prey. Soon the small fleet would feed.
* * * *
Hoskins detected the formation change of the Kryl fleet himself and immediately placed his jump ship squadrons on standby. He would not give in so easily. A battle was the last resort, with escape still being the most preferred option by far. They neared the fissure and would have to slow to prepare for their departure from this galaxy. That would be the time when the tactic would be won or lost. He needed more information, and called for the Stevenson sisters and Jake Carter to meet him in his ready room. Carter had just arrived.
“Enson Carter. Please take a seat, the ladies will be here shortly. As you can see from the viewer, this is a critical moment.”
Jake and Commander Hoskins watched as the Kryl’s circular formation completed. They were still closing in, but were outside weapons range. Hoskins was not taking any chances.
“Increase velocity. Let’s have all we’ve got.”
“We are already running at maximum, sir. There is no guarantee the stellar drive will hold at this velocity sir. We are also putting a huge strain on the ship’s hull.”
“She can take it. Just keep it going as long as we can and keep running diagnostics. We don’t want to be caught out with a sudden power dip.”
Hoskins was in his element, but Jake saw the strain on him as he sought to maintain his strategy,