“May we see the Liberty?” Vargev asked.
“Of course.”
They made their way down to the lower repair docks, and stood by a large viewing platform. There in all its dark brooding glory, rested the Liberty.
Unmanned repair drones controlled by Solarians on board the station crawled over parts of its hull that were damaged in the fighting. Flashes from the drones’ welding arcs could be seen reflecting off the Liberty’s dark hull.
“Soon we will strike back against those Krenaran scum,” Michael whispered with malice, almost as if he was talking to the ship.
“We have drawn up a list of upgrades as advised by the Solarian council that we would like to carry out to the ship,” the Commander said as he passed the data pad over to Michael after re-configuring it so that he could read it.
Michael took the list and began reading through it; a new negative Ion propulsion system, and replacement of the Krenaran thruster system with Solarian Ionic ones. Replacement of standard Krenaran torpedoes with new Solarian high energy launchers, and finally replacement of the standard Krenaran particle cannon with a Solarian fusion cannon.
Ralavas ran through the relative advantages of each. “The Solarian Ionic thruster system, especially when linked with the negative Ion propulsion system, allows the vessel to turn within approximately half its current turning circle.”
There was a slight pause as he fumbled for words, “what is that saying you Terrans have? Turn on a sixpence.”
Michael and Vargev both smiled.
Ralavas continued, “Solarian high energy torpedoes have a forty percent higher yield than Krenaran ones, and an eighty percent higher explosive force. We would like to replace both launchers and install automatic feeds, with 30 warheads per launcher,” he said watching the two humans nodding in agreement.
“And the Solarian fusion cannon has been constantly developed, researched, and re-developed to become the most powerful anti-ship weapon anywhere in the known galaxy. However with that we have a slight problem.”
“What’s that?” Michael asked.
“To fit the fusion cannon would require the stripping of the old detention facility on deck five to allow the fitting of the power couplings, fusion coils, and targeting matrices essential to the operation of the cannon.”
“It’s not like we need the detention centre anymore anyway,” Michael replied as he looked at Vargev.
There was still one burning question on Michael’s mind however; how the hell were they going to operate all this stuff.
The Solarians were turning the Liberty into a veritable ship of death. Filling it full of new advanced technology that was light years ahead of what the E.D. F could produce; even now as he looked upon it he swore that the ship took on a more menacing air.
Were they becoming as bad as the Krenarans? He hoped not, he swallowed his pride and said. “Carry out your modifications Commander.”
Ralavas was making his way to the door when Michael turned toward him; remembering another important question. “All the ships functions will be in English, right?”
“Our translation processors are already working on it,” the Solarian Commander gave them a respectful nod, turned and left the booth.
“I am not sure this is right Nikolai, the Solarians don’t just want to go to war with the Krenarans, they want to decimate them. They’re turning the Liberty into a virtual ship of death.”
“It is what must be done comrade,” Nikolai replied. “You saw how they attacked Agemman, and tore apart the fleet in orbit.”
“But in defeating the Krenarans, will we become like them?”
“That; no man can guess, but I honestly believe the E.D. F and E.O.C. A will grow stronger and more powerful from this.”
Michael considered this for a moment, “I hope you’re right Nikolai.”
“So do I.”
Kerulithar returned to the booth bearing drinks for everyone. Michael and Vargev both took one; long minutes were spent watching the repair work being done, the small unmanned vessels continued to constantly repair the damaged parts of the Liberty’s hull.
Michael and Vargev slept in quarters that had been prepared for them during their stay. Michael slept rather uneasily; haunted by the magnitude of the storm they had just unleashed. Would anyone survive it? He simply didn’t know.
Next morning he awoke feeling no better; the three of them had breakfast together in the canteen area of the station, and they spent some more time in the booth watching the repairs and upgrades progress.
Later in the day Kerulithar spoke to the both of them.
“Gentlemen, my work here is now done, the Solarians are going to aid you in your war, however I am an ambassador and not a soldier.” He took a slight breath before continuing, “my place is at the negotiating table. I hope to count you among my friends and I look forward to visiting your planet in the future, as you have mine. I really hope that this trial leads to true friendship between our peoples. I will bid you a good day and good luck in your war.” Finally he said with a nod, “may your people prosper.”
“And yours,” Michael and Vargev replied together; they were sad that Kerulithar was leaving. However they understood his motives; he had no reason to be here. They both hoped they would see him in the future if they survived this war.
“Thank you for all that you have done for us,” Michael said.
“As you Terrans say, it was nothing,” and with that Kerulithar, the Solarian ambassador, left the two humans.
Over the next few days Michael watched as the repair drones and small one man vessels carried equipment over to the Liberty; and as the days and weeks rolled on he watched his pride and joy metamorphose into the lethal killing machine it now was, and he didn’t like it.
He felt like he was slowly selling his soul to the devil, the smaller torpedo launchers at the top of the ship were gradually replaced by two huge launchers. The wrecked primary sub light drive was replaced with the brand new Solarian unit. Great indents were cut into the port and starboard sides of the ship. There the new Solarian Ionic thruster systems sat glowing a bright electric blue as it powered up.
Michael watched as his favourite Roy Orbison song, ‘only the lonely’ he had requested was playing in the background of the viewing platform.
Every spare man was busy on the Liberty; desperately trying to have it ready for the approaching deadline which was just two weeks away.
A few more days passed, and finally they began the first manned test of the vessel. Michael and Vargev both watched on a nearby monitor, as the wreckage of a previously decommissioned, and very old Solarian merchant vessel was towed out into space a safe distance away from the station.
All was quiet; the wreckage of the aged ship simply floated there silently.
Then like a bullet, the Liberty swooped down upon the drifting vessel. Its fusion cannon shot out an incandescent bright blue beam of death, which slammed into the wreckage with tremendous force; the wreckage was smashed to pieces with a huge explosion, the pieces of debris scattered in all directions. The flames slowly dispersed as the Liberty shot past where the wreck once floated.
It was at that moment when Michaels’ will wavered, as he watched the sheer speed and lethal efficiency that it dispatched the abandoned vessel.
Nikolai also watched, smiling, his head nodding in appreciation.
“I’m not sure I want to do this Nikolai.”
The major was beginning to tire of Michael’s despondent mood, “listen to me, you little prick!” The Russian roared. “I have not travelled half way across the galaxy, watched thousands of innocent people be slaughtered and be damned near strangled to death, just for you to quit now.” Fuming, he took a short breath. “Those fucking Krenarans have killed thousands of people; ripped apart my entire unit, many of which were my friends. And you want to go easy on them!”