Animorphs: Galactic War
14: Fist of Iron: Part 1
The Tailstrike: Earth orbit
The battle on Earth was over but most of the Allied fleet had remained in Earth orbit whilst they considered their next move. Most of the Animorphs were in the dome getting a much-needed rest. Well, at least most of them were.
"Where's Jake?" Cassie asked, looking around the dome in concern.
"In his room trying to talk some sense into Justin," Ryan said. "He was feeling kind of down after we rescued him and you."
Ax and Marco are in the simulators again. Ax wanted some more training. Tobias revealed.
"I don't believe it! They're doing more than we are!" Rachel muttered. "Are we ever going to get back in this war?"
Careful what you wish for, Rachel, Tobias added grimly. You just might get it!
Chelrak homeworld
"The Iron Fist is here, Emperor. It awaits your arrival in orbit," Lieutenant Sorinek reported.
"Excellent!" Slaar had been waiting impatiently for this moment. "What about the fleets?"
"Almost all of them are here also, Emperor. The preparations will soon be complete."
"Good. Send Izlyr, Durok and Tyranous here at once."
"Yes Emperor."
All of them entered the room a few minutes later.
Slaar smiled as they entered. "Good news! The Iron Fist is in orbit."
"Then the moment has truly come, Emperor?" Izlyr asked.
"It has. Tyranous and Durok will accompany me on the Iron Fist. You will command the fleet's flagship with Sorinek. We can't fail this time."
"With the power we have now how can we, Emperor?" Tyranous sneered.
"True enough," Slaar replied. "But we can't afford to assume anything. Go to your ships. I will join you shortly."
After they had left, Slaar went back to his quarters and activated his private communicator.
"All is ready. This time we will succeed!"
I GROW TIRED OF YOUR PROMISES, SLAAR! YOU HAD BETTER SUCCEED THIS TIME. IF YOU FAIL, DO NOT BOTHER TO RETURN!
Slaar cursed as he cut the communication and left for his awaiting shuttle.
The Tailstrike
"For the tenth time, don't worry about it, Justin," Jake said. " I got captured once and you had to bail me out, remember that? We all screwed up a little down there. It wasn't all your fault."
"I…guess so," Justin sighed.
"Come on, let's get back to the others," Jake suggested, putting one arm round his cousin and dragging him toward the dome.
They had barely gone ten steps when they were almost knocked down by Estro and Ralgha. Both of them looked more frantic than they had ever been.
"What was all that about?" Justin asked.
"I've a feeling we'll find out soon enough," Jake replied. He had a very bad feeling about this.
Sure enough, the Animorphs were summoned to Galuit's quarters less than 2 minutes later. Galuit and Alloran weren't alone this time either. Ten other high-ranking Andalites were there along with Estro and Ralgha. Galuit was talking with an older looking Andalite when they walked in.
Ah, Prince Jake, your timing is excellent, Galuit said. As you can see, War-Prince Breeyar and the High Command have arrived to co-ordinate our final offensive. However…
Alloran then took up the narrative. Ralgha and Estro have some extremely bad news.
"What's happened now?" Marco asked worriedly.
"I just received this from my associates back home," Ralgha said as he produced a small disk. "I think it will speak for itself."
He loaded the disk into a holo-emitter nearby and it projected what looked like technical schematics.
"Forget about those for the moment," Ralgha said. "Here's the main event."
The emitter then showed a Chelrak standing on what looked like the bridge of a ship. The Animorphs, especially Hannah, knew the Chelrak well.
"Saavek!" she muttered with hatred.
"This is Science Leader Saavek," the hologram went on. "The final tests on the Iron Fist have been completed. The results were just what you were hoping for, Emperor. The combination of the Hydra tank technology with the Shockwave Pulsar has produced the ultimate weapon. So much so that you have to see the results to believe them. Allow me to demonstrate…"
Saavek then pointed out of the bridge window. The hologram then changed to show a massive ship hovering over a large, gas-giant type planet. The ship was larger than any yet encountered, Chelrak, Andalite or otherwise. As they watched, the front of the ship was beginning to open up.
Marco soon caught on. "Oh man! It's imposs…"
He hadn't even finished when a massive gold pillar of energy flared out from the ship toward the planet. Nothing seemed to happen for about 5 seconds. Then there was a massive explosion that seemed to fill the entire screen. When it cleared, there was nothing left of the planet except some floating asteroids.
"As you can see, Emperor, it is everything we could have hoped for. We will arrive at the homeworld tomorrow and the final offensive can begin. Saavek out."
Everyone was aghast as the hologram ended.
"A planet killer?" Ryan spluttered. "You're telling us they've got a freaking Death Star?!"
"Effectively," Ralgha said grimly. "As Saavek said, it's a combination of Hydra tank and Shockwave Pulsar technology. It's a massive plasma cannon, capable of hitting with such force that it can strike down to the core of a planet and explode it from the inside out."
Where did they get this technology? Alloran asked. We're not capable of producing anything like this! Not for at least another century anyway!
"I've got an idea," Jake said darkly.
What is it, Prince Jake? Galuit asked.
"I'm not sure about this but I always thought the Chelraks must have had help. Special help."
Crayak? Tobias asked with dread.
It would explain a great deal, Ax said. Their initial survival, their superior technology, Slaar's ascension. Crayak could have arranged for all of that to happen.
Crayak? Alloran asked. He was confused. So were the other War-Princes.
"An evil version of the Ellimists," Jake said. "He's powerful and this isn't the first time he's interfered. He's a menace."
"A pain in the butt is what he is!" Rachel snarled. "First he uses the Howlers, then the Yeerks, then he dumps them and uses the Predators, then those acid-bleeding aliens and when those don't work he uses the Chelraks."
"Then why haven't the Ellimists done anything?" Tom wondered. "Crayak must have broken the rules at least once by helping the Chelraks like this. Why haven't they done something?"
"Maybe they think they don't need to," Cassie said. "After all, by opposing the Chelraks we're opposing Crayak again, right?"
Marco nodded. "It doesn't alter anything and my brain will be 5 days dead before I start relying on the Ellimist. Bottom line is we have to destroy that thing, right?"
Yes, we must, Galuit said. If this weapon is unleashed on the galaxy then we will all have fought for nothing. Both of our homeworlds will be destroyed and everyone else will begin surrendering to the Chelraks in droves.
"Easier said than done, I'm afraid," Estro said. "My intelligence indicates that the weapon is surrounded by the bulk of the Chelrak fleet. They seem to have left only a bare defence at their bases and homeworld. I think they're gambling everything on this."
"Unless we destroy it, it won't be much of a gamble," Marco said.
True, War-Prince Breeyar spoke up for the first time. Therefore we must do the same. If our intelligence is accurate then we know the route the Iron Fist will take. As he said this Ralgha brought up a holo-map. It clearly showed the Iron Fist's route along several planets. Its final was clear: straight to the Andalite homeworld. Our Allied fleet will be awaiting them when they jump into our system. The final battle will be there. Either they survive or we do.
"Can they stand up to that thing?" Rachel wondered.
"There's one bright spot in this," Ralgha said. "The Iron Fist isn't built for ship-to-ship combat, at least not with its main weapon. It's too slow and bulky, plus its own ships will surround it. It can't fire its main weapon there, not without taking out some of its own forces."
"Then what do you need us for?" Ryan asked. "Apart from Ax and Marco, none of us are involved with the fleet."
"There's another problem," Ralgha went on. "The Iron Fist might not be able to harm our fleet, but at the moment we can't harm it either." He brought up another hologram of the Iron Fist. "It's covered by some new kind of shield. They're calling it the Defender shield. Analysis indicates that it would withstand any bombardment or direct assault. So unless the shield is taken down somehow…"
"…We'll lose," Jake said grimly.
Unfortunately, yes, Galuit said. There is only one chance left. We must get a team onto the Iron Fist and destroy it from within, or at the very least bring down its Defender shield so the fleet can finish the job.
"Looks like we're on point again, Jake," Tom said.
Jake nodded. "When do we leave?"
Are you certain that you wish to do this? Breeyar asked. You will have to go into the heart of enemy territory to board that weapon and once you are aboard it may be impossible to escape again. The Defender shield is only lowered when the weapon is being fired or when there are shuttles coming or going. Once you get on that weapon you will never get off unless you succeed. You still have time to back out.
Jake snorted. "Back out? To where? There's nowhere to hide from this weapon and I didn't fight the Chelraks just to surrender to them now!"
"It's the same for all of us," Justin added. "This goes all the way!"
Breeyar smiled. Elfangor chose well, it seems. Very well, if you're set on fighting, get onto that weapon and make sure that it never gets used on a live target. I must return to my ship and prepare the rest of the fleet.
As he and most of the other War-Princes left, Ralgha brought up the Iron Fist's planned route again. "We think your best chance for getting onto the Iron Fist will be here at the Abraxis system. The Chelrak fleet has a supply base there and the Iron Fist will be making a long stop here before the final offensive begins. It'll be in orbit for 5 hours at least."
"So what do we do?" Ryan asked impatiently.
"First we get down to the surface with a cloaked shuttle that the Predators have provided us with, we sneak into the supply base and take control of one of their supply shuttles. Then hopefully we can get onto the Iron Fist undetected."
"Will the Predators be joining us on this one?" Hannah asked.
No, Darnexva and Malarnex have returned to their homeworld to rally their people, Galuit explained. They're sending all the ships they can spare to aid us.
"There's a lot of ifs in this one, Ralgha," Marco complained. "Are you sure this is a good idea? For all we know this could all be a Chelrak trap."
Ralgha winced. "This information came through my regular channels, which have always proved reliable so far. I've also run every test I can think of on the data. As far as I can tell it is genuine. I would like to know how the movement got hold of this, however. From what I've heard only the Inner Circle is meant to have access to this information. Still, the stakes are too high. I don't think we can afford not to act on it."
Anyway, Warrior Marco, you will not have to worry about that, Galuit said. You and Warrior Aximili will be fighting with the fleet.
Marco groaned. He had been half-expecting and dreading that.
Don't worry, Marco, Ax said. It will be our greatest fight yet.
"Ugh! I was afraid you'd say that!" Marco muttered.
"I'll see you in the docking bay in 2 hours," Ralgha said to Jake as the meeting broke up.
"You're going too?" Jake was surprised.
"I've no choice," Ralgha said uncomfortably. "I have to be there to help you get through their security and the movement will be sending a team of their own to meet us. Best if I deal with them directly."
Jake nodded and headed for the dome again. This was certainly a battle he couldn't afford to screw up…
Tailstrike docking bay: 2 hours later
"Do you really think they can pull this one off, Ax?" Marco asked as the shuttle pulled out of the docking bay.
I can only hope so, Warrior Marco, Ax replied. I can only hope so.
Why are you so worried? Alloran asked, overhearing their conversation. You've overcome nearly impossible odds before.
"Yeah, but we've never had to deal with something this big before," Marco said. "2 years ago we were just regular kids and now we're fighting in a space war with cyber-lizards who can smash planets! Jake must be having a nervous breakdown about now!"
He will be coming back, Warrior Marco. We will win this war, I can promise you that. If it makes you feel any better I have my own suicide mission to go on soon.
"What's that?" Marco asked.
I have to lead a diversionary raid on another Chelrak supply base soon, Alloran said. I'll be leading your other friends along with my troops.
"Other friends? The cyborgs? You pushed them into this?" Marco couldn't believe it.
They pushed themselves into this, Alloran said. Since they were so eager for revenge on the Chelraks they volunteered.
Marco could easily believe it. He'd watched some of the cyborgs as they trained in the Andalites' firing range. The looks on their faces as they blasted the mock Chelrak targets had chilled him to the bone.
We should go to the simulators again, Warrior Marco, Ax advised. We will need all the training we can get.
"Alright Ax. Good luck," Marco said to Alloran as he left for his shuttle.
To all of us, Alloran replied.
Predator shuttle
Jake and the rest of the Animorphs were going over their plans one final time.
"Will getting in be a problem?" Rachel was asking.
"It shouldn't be," Ralgha said. "The base is only lightly garrisoned and, if it weren't for the movement, the Andalites probably wouldn't even know about it. The planet's climate and atmosphere make sensors almost useless."
"The planet's climate?" Hannah didn't like the sound of this.
"Didn't they tell you? Abraxis is a frozen world. Its entire surface is covered with ice and its temperature is always well below freezing."
"Great. Just great!" Rachel muttered. Their experience at the North Pole wasn't one that she wanted to repeat.
"So how are we going to get into this base without freezing to death?" Tom asked coldly.
"We have warmer clothing for you," Ralgha said. "Fortunately we planned ahead. I know several ways into the base so you shouldn't need to morph, at least not until we're inside. Then the climate won't matter."
We're approaching Abraxis now, the Andalite pilot reported.
As soon as they'd jumped to normal space Ralgha quickly engaged the cloaking device. "Were we detected?"
I don't think so. We jumped in behind one of the moons and we were only visible for a short time.
Everyone breathed a sigh of relief at that. "Let's get this over with," Jake said.
Ralgha nodded. "Take us in, slowly."
It was a good job they'd jumped in where they had. 20 Chelrak destroyers were in the planet's orbit, along with dozens of Raptor fighters.
"Are you sure they can't see us?" Justin asked nervously.
If they could they'd be all over us by now, Tobias tried to reassure him.
"It must be the advance fleet," Ralgha said. "The Iron Fist and the main fleet will be here anytime now. We have to get to the surface quickly!"
Understood. The pilot increased their speed a little more as he navigated carefully past the Chelrak fleet.
The Tailstrike
Entering normal space now, War-Prince.
Excellent, Galuit said as he saw the Andalite armada on the viewscreen. There were at least 100 Dome ships. The Andalites had nearly committed everything to this. Intermingled with them were almost as many Predator Hunter-Killers. If we are to die, then at least it will be in battle.
I'd better go to the fighter bays, Edullon said. I've a feeling we'll be needed soon.
Transmission coming in. It's War-Prince Breeyar.
This is War-Prince Breeyar to all ships. Our long-range probes have detected the Iron Fist and the main Chelrak fleet. Our human allies are poised to strike soon. But whether they succeed or not, this fleet will engage the enemy in just over 10 hours' time. I will not lie to you. If they do not succeed in their mission then most, if not all of this fleet, will probably not be going home. There might not even be a home to go to if the Chelraks succeed. But there will be no retreat. We are the last line of defence for our homeworld and the galaxy. We must hold that line at all costs. We fight here to the last man. Victory or Death!
A loud cheer went through the Tailstrike as Breeyar finished his speech. Galuit moved the Tailstrike alongside Breeyar's flagship, the Invincible, as Edullon reported in from the launch bay.
All ships ready, War-Prince. We can launch at any time.
Good. Get some rest now if you can, Galuit ordered. All we can do for now is sit here and wait for them.
Understood.
Galuit settled back to wait. It now all depended on Prince Jake and his team…
Chelrak supply base: Abraxis
Jake and his team were shivering in a maintenance shaft of the supply base whilst Ralgha was working on disabling the base's security system.
"He'd better h-h-hurry before I f-f-freeze to death!" Cassie moaned. Even in the Arctic gear Ralgha had given them they were still not feeling warm. They'd stepped out of the shuttle into a raging snowstorm with the temperature at -35° C and had to endure half an hour of walking through it before they'd reached the base.
"You can come through now," Ralgha called from further down the shaft.
"What took you so long?" Tobias asked irritably. He was in his human form. Hawks didn't perform well on ice.
"Sorry about that. Disabling those Gleet bio-filters was more difficult than I thought. Come on, the launch bays are just ahead."
The launch bay was a hive of activity. Several dozen Chelraks were loading supplies onto transport ships.
"Time to morph," Jake said. "Do you think you can get onto one of those ships without trouble?" he asked Ralgha.
"It would be better if we could commandeer one of them," Ralgha suggested. "The flight crews should be arriving soon."
Jake grinned. "Ok, here's the plan…"
Chelrak transport: 1 hour later
"That was easier than I thought!" Tom grinned as he morphed back from his fly form.
The Animorphs had managed to sneak in close, wait until the pilots had arrived and then Tom, in Predator form, had 'disabled' one of them and taken his uniform. Then they'd all morphed to fly and Ralgha carried them into the transport wearing the pilot's uniform. He was now at the helm, listening carefully to instructions over the communicator.
"That was only stage one," Jake said. "We're not there yet."
"What about your friends?" Hannah asked Ralgha. "Weren't they supposed to meet us?"
"They're meeting us…on that," Ralgha replied, pointing at the viewscreen.
"Oh man!" Ryan gaped in shock as he gazed at the transport's viewscreen. The Iron Fist nearly filled it, along with 200 Chelrak destroyers.
"So it really exists," Rachel said. "Oh well, that thought was nice while it lasted!"
"Can we really take out that thing?" Cassie asked. "It's bigger than most countries!"
"We have to," Justin said firmly.
The communicator sounded. "Transport 10, the Defender shield has been lowered and you are cleared to dock. Follow your present course."
"Understood," Ralgha replied quickly. "You'd better get ready to morph again."
"Right," Jake nodded.
"Let's do it!" Rachel said as usual. Everyone noticed, however, that she didn't sound so enthusiastic.
Bridge of the Iron Fist
"The last of the supplies are aboard, Emperor," Durok said. "We can begin the offensive whenever you're ready."
"Excellent!" Slaar smiled. "Open a channel to the fleet."
"All ships are awaiting your order to attack, Emperor," Tyranous said from his station.
Slaar nodded as Durok finished opening communications. "Emperor, channels are open."
"This is the Emperor to all fleet ships. At last, after years of suffering and struggle, our victory is at hand! The Yeerks sought to destroy us, the Andalites betrayed us and the humans and Predators conspired against us but they have only made us stronger! Now, with this weapon, we will claim what is rightfully ours! The time has come to claim this galaxy as our own! The time has come to destroy the Andalites and all their allies! To Victory!"
A massive cheer seemed to echo through the entire fleet as Slaar finished.
"Jump to Zero-Space," he ordered. "Head to the Andalite homeworld. Burn anything that gets in our way!"
Iron Fist docking bay
The Animorphs had heard Slaar's speech through their communicator too.
"Man, he's dead serious about this!" Tom said. "With this thing, he's got a good chance of pulling it off too!"
Jake had never felt so much weight on him before. The fate of the Andalites, the human race and many others were all in their hands.
"Ok everyone, try not to think about it," Jake said. "It's just another mission, right? Let's do it!"
Yeah right, like anyone's going to believe that! he thought miserably. This was one battle they couldn't afford to screw up…
TO BE CONTINUED…