Jennifer Foehner Wells - Valence

Consul Elvira Kang studied the holographic simulation of the battle between her ships, and the strange human vessels. She still found it hard to believe that these puny creatures could so easily defeat a Dvorkan Imperial squadron. At first glance, her warships outclassed the alien ships in every way. Yet the humans possessed wondrous technology, and that very technology ensured their victory.

She suspected that the humans had advanced propulsion systems. Kang hoped the capture of that tech would win her favor at the Imperial court, and get her off this desolate rock of a planet. An assignment on one of the more civilized worlds would have been ideal. Unfortunately, she miscalculated.

The humans did indeed have advanced propulsion technology. Technology they had adapted to their weapon systems. Analyzing the battle now, it was clear that her squadron had little chance. Even worse, rather than gaining Imperial favor, she now had the abysmal duty of explaining how she lost so many ships.

Kang considered just telling the truth. She did have evidence to back up her story. But then she would need to explain why she hadnt initially reported her suspicions. Central Command would think her greedy, and incompetent. Not only did she try to claim all the glory for herself, she also let the aliens get away, depriving the Empire of their scientific advances.

Wearily, she rubbed her temples. They would take everything from her. Her command. Her rank. Even this miserable planet. All the privileges of her status would vanish. Her entire life flipped upside down.

As she sat there, licking her wounds, the face of one of her subordinates suddenly replaced the battle simulation. Captain Keen. She narrowed her eyes at the man, already chewing on several enticing punishments for this brash interruption. She hadnt lost her status yet. Might as well take advantage of her power before it was gone.

Forgive my intrusion, Consul Kang, but a fleet of alien warships has just appeared in this system, Keen said uneasily.

Have the humans returned? said Kang perking up. Could this be a second chance?

We dont believe so. These ships are a different configuration, and they are not responding to hails.

I see. How have you responded?

Planetary weapon systems are on alert, and all available ships are taking defensive positions.

Are our ships cloaked?

Yes, Consul. The aliens do not know our numbers.

Kang pulled up a secondary display and gasped as she tapped into Captain Keens feed. Hundreds of unidentified alien warships approached the planet in a clear battle formation. These ships were not human. They were more alien. Somehow sinister. There could be no doubt about their intentions. If they have not responded by the time they reach weapons range, you are authorized to open fire. I will advise Central Command of our situation and request reinforcements.

Understood. Keen out.

Captain Keens face vanished from the holographic display, leaving the feed of the alien fleet hovering over Kangs desk. Kang made a quick copy of the feed, and sent it to her superiors at Central Command, along with a request for assistance. Unfortunately, she knew that help wouldnt arrive in time. Their forces were woefully outnumbered to do anything more than delay the inevitable.

Kang opened a second comm, and the face of her personal assistant, Shun, appeared. Yes, Consul? said the mighty Dvorkan who doubled as her bodyguard. A former member of the Imperial Special Forces, Shun was a formidable obstacle for anyone trying to harm her.

Get my ship ready. Were leaving the dome immediately, she said.

May I ask our destination? said Shun.

The bunker. This planet is about to come under attack.

Her assistant remained stoic. Calm. Leave it to me.

While the domed cities made this planet habitable, they were a terrible place to be in times of war. There were fortified shelters under the domes for the civilian populations. In the case of a breach, the shelters would ensure their survival. For people like Kang, however, there was a secret off-site command bunker. Once there, she could coordinate a planetary response.

Kang rose from her desk, gathered her things, and headed for the exit. Outside, she found Shun waiting by her ship, its engines already powered up. Kang and Shun boarded, and the craft raced away. Once safely in the air, Kang issued a general order, requiring all civilians to evacuate to their respective bunkers.

The consular craft sped toward the edge of the city, and the dome enclosure. Kang pulled up a feed of the battle now raging in space. Her blood ran cold. The enemy possessed unfamiliar shielding technology, that diminished the effect of the formidable Dvorkan weapons.

She cringed as the first Imperial warship blew apart, followed quickly by another, then another. As their defenses crumbled, the battle became even more lopsided. To their credit, the Dvorkan ships adapted, managing to destroy a few of the enemy ships. They could focus their combined firepower until the shields collapsed. But it wouldnt be enough, and the outcome was a foregone conclusion.

The Dvorkans had long desired a return to their age of glory. From this encounter with this new enemy, however, Kang feared that they might enter a new age of slavery instead.