New Neighbors

Chapter 20

The next morning when Amy woke up she tried again to listen to the thoughts of some of her crew. There wasn't anything interesting going on though. Amy was still wondering if she could control someone's actions like SuLak-1 had been doing to the Iberians and the reptilians. After breakfast, Amy went to see Kate who was scheduled to be released today. As soon as she got to Kate's bedside Amy thought she would have a little fun with Kate. As she talked to Kate, Amy tried to project the idea that Kate was very horny and needed to get herself off. Kate didn't even seem to notice that she was playing with her own breasts until her nipples were very hard. Amy continued to talk and Kate started to play with her body more. Kate pulled her gown up and off without even taking notice. As Amy watched, Kate began to rub her clit and continued to play with her nipples. It wasn't long before Kate came. It was at that point that Amy said something to Kate about her actions. Kate suddenly turned bright red and started to stammer as she tried to explain her actions. Amy just told her to forget about it, no harm done. After Kate was dressed, Amy went with her to the meeting that had been called.

As the meeting was ending the perimeter drones sounded an alarm. As everyone was headed for their ships, the XO called and said that Ted was at the perimeter and requesting permission to enter. Amy had the alert canceled and permission granted for Ted to enter. Ted had brought the new Battleship, plus three damaged PDF ships. Once Ted had docked and the three PDF ships had been assigned a repair dock, Ted and the three captains came over to Amy's ship. Introductions were made and Ted explained that the three ships had shown up just as he was leaving Sol so he brought them with him. The damage wasn't too bad and repairs should be completed within 24 to 48 hours. Amy had quarters made available for the captains on the surface and suggested that they give their crews shore-leave. After the three captains had left, Amy brought Ted up to date on what they had found discovered since being here in the Alpha system. As she was explaining, Amy was trying to read Ted's mind but kept running into a block. Amy commented that Ted looked tired and was told that he didn't feel well and that he had gotten a sudden headache. Amy sent him to the Med Bay for an exam.

It was a couple of hours later when Ted returned, accompanied by AL. Ted told Amy they had discovered that he too had a limited telepathic ability, it must have something to do with his genetic link to the Progenitors. This was a welcome surprise to Amy, and explained why he had gotten the sudden headache when she tried to scan his mind. As they were talking Amy felt like someone was trying to get into her mind and mentally resisted. Ted grabbed his head and said the headache had just came back even worse than before. Amy cut back on her resistance and Ted's headache went away just as suddenly as it had appeared. Amy asked Ted if he had been trying to read her thoughts, when he said yes just as an experiment Amy told him not to do it again without warning her. Amy went on to explain that they had found that she was a telepath and was most likely to be a very strong one with practice. AL interjected himself and apologized saying that for Ted to try reading Amy's mind was his suggestion. But that judging from the reaction Ted had that maybe they needed to retest Jake. It might be that Jake's reaction to SuLak was caused by his mind rebelling against the intrusion.

Ted explained that he had been hearing voices for the past couple of days and thought he was just exhausted. Now he thought that maybe it was his ability waking up. Although, he wasn't sure what had caused it until now. It had started the day before they were to leave for the Alpha system. Another of the reptilian ships had shown up and while they were fighting he had gotten a sudden headache. The voices started the next day. He had gone to Med Bay but the Doc thought it was due to stress and little rest. AL explained that unless the Doc was looking specifically for mental telepathy he wouldn't notice it, as that was not an usual test. So Jake was retested and found to be telepathic also, just not as strong as Amy. In light of this new development, all personal were retested. The only real change was Jake and Kate; both were, or would be, telepathic but at a lower level than Amy.

When Kate was informed of the results of her testing, she immediately confronted Amy about what happened in Med Bay. Amy just smiled and admitted she had been having fun with Kate, but had really enjoyed the show. Kate told her that all she had to do was ask. Amy admitted that it was more fun the other way, especially how red Kate got when she was told what she had done. Kate vowed to get even sooner or later. Amy told her to be careful when she practiced and not to hurt anyone or embarrass them too much. Amy went on to explain that this could be very useful in the future if they all practiced and were able to communicate this way without anyone knowing. Kate saw the advantage as well. Amy told Kate about some of the things she had "overheard" when she was practicing the night before. While the girls were talking, they were informed that Jake had collapsed and had been taken to Med Bay.

As soon as they could both girls went to Med Bay to see about Jake. Jake was just waking up when they got there. The girls waited for the Doc to finish his exam before disturbing Jake. The Doc informed them that he could not explain what had happened. Jake said that he was working on a problem in Engineering when suddenly his head was filled with so many voices that he couldn't think clearly. The next thing he knew he was here. Amy had the Doc to contact AL to see what he thought. It only took a second before the Doc told them that AL said that Jake's ability had fully awaken and he had been overcome by the input. AL suggested that Jake be instructed in how to block out the "voices" and had transferred the information to the AI on Jake's ship so the Doc could access it. Doc said he would need to keep Jake in bed for a couple of hours until Jake was able to control his telepathy reception better. Doc also warned Kate to be aware that the same thing could happen to her. Kate said she would remain with Jake and learn at the same time as she was already hearing things. When asked, Amy admitted that at times the voices got pretty confusing but she had been able to control them so far. Amy thought that Ted should also receive the training before it got too bad for him to handle. So, all four of them underwent the instruction from Doc and AL.

It had been three days and now all the ships going to the Organo system were ready. Jones and about ten ships would remain in the Alpha system to protect it. That left Amy with about 100 ships going to the Organo system. Based on the navigation data it was estimated that the trip would take about two days in hyperspace, this surprised the PDF ships as they said it usually took four days for them to make the trip. Jake explained that due to the improvements to the drives it took less time. The cloak on the PDF ships had not been upgraded to the same level as Amy's ships on purpose, Amy still didn't trust the PDF completely. So they would have to be sure and stay close to the rest of the fleet. All of the IFF transponders had been upgraded so they could identify each other though. Ted's ship had been upgraded with the new hyperspace missiles, as had Jake's. It was agreed that Kate would be onboard the dreadnaught, that way they had instant communication between the four biggest ships and themselves.

All ships made the jump, they had set waypoints so that the PDF ships could keep up, There had not been time to upgrade their engines completely. At each waypoint all ships were accounted for before the next jump. At the last waypoint, Amy addressed all the ships to review the battle plan. The PDF ships would enter first and provide identification so that Amy's ships wouldn't be mistaken for invaders. What Amy didn't tell the PDF ships was that the two battleships and the Dreadnaught would jump exactly 10 seconds after they did and would be fully cloaked and undetectable. The rest of the fleet would follow 5 minutes later in mass.

The PDF ships entered the Organo system, followed unknowingly by the two battleships and the Dreadnaught. As soon as the ships were clear they saw several Iberian ships waiting. The battle for the Organo system had begun. All 30 PDF ships engaged the Iberians. The three ships from Amy just opened fire with hyperspace missiles, so as to remain hidden from the Iberians. Just as the battle got started good, there was a massive jump point formed and the rest of the fleet entered the system. Since they had made contact with the Iberians before Amy's fleet was able to monitor the Iberians communications. The sudden increase in traffic from the Iberians towards the center of the system was noticeable. They were all sending the same message, a very large fleet of ships had jumped into the system and they were being overrun. When one of the moon-size ships appeared it was hit with hyperspace missiles before it could even launch more than four fighters. Suddenly the area was filled with Amy's fighters which would wink in and out reeking havoc on the Iberian ships. This was in addition to the firepower of the rest of the fleet. Unbeknownst to the rest of the fleet, the three big ships had already started towards the center of the system, neither Ted, Jake, nor the Dreadnaught had launched a single fighter as yet. Their mission was to continue towards the center and do as much damage as they could to the Iberian and reptilian ships as possible without being detected. When the three ships arrived at the main planet they found two more of the moon-size reptilian ships just leaving orbit. The dreadnaught fired once at each ship with main guns and the ships ceased to be a problem, except for the debris left behind. When Ted asked what they had used, he was told half-power main guns. There were several Iberian destroyers in orbit around the planet and they had noticed the two ships explode and were coming to investigate. Just as the three ships were about to open fire, twenty more of Amy's ships decloaked in front of the Iberians. The odds were not in the favor of the Iberians, 4:1 in favor of Amy's ships. The Iberians fired anyway, but none of the shots got thru the shields. This was another short battle that the Iberians lost.

With no other Iberian or reptilian ships found anywhere close, AL decloaked followed by Jake, Ted and Kate. AL reported that there were many reptilian troops on the surface and he had located at least 15 different SuLak bio-signs. Amy asked Ted what he thought they should do about the ground troops. Ted suggested that they send the fighters down cloaked. Jake seconded that idea after his XO reminded him that the reptilians had not faired very well the last time fighters were used against them.

"Amy, Ted, and Kate; I'm feeling like I did when we were questioning those SuLaks back in Alpha system. Only it isn't as intense." Jake sent.

"I'm getting a headache too" Ted replied

"Me too", Kate added.

"I'm not feeling much at all. But, I can sense several of them trying to group together. They don't seem to know that we can use telepathy also. The three of you let your XOs handle this while you concentrate on blocking. Once you have been able to block them try to connect with me and we will see if we can't use their own tactics against them" Amy sent.

It took almost 30 minutes before the three of them had been able to block out everyone but each other. First Ted, then Jake, and finally Kate contacted Amy and through trial and error the four of them linked together and the commands they sent seemed to overpower the SuLak clones. After a few minutes, Amy could not detect any of them. Scans showed that they were unconscious, and without their control the reptilians were turning on their former masters and each other. Amy broke the connections, too quickly it seemed, as all four of them were stunned for about five minutes.

Amy was the first to come back to her senses. She realized what had probably happened. She tried contacting each of the others, and while she could sense them she couldn't get a coherent response from any of the other three. Her concentration was interrupted by a message from Admiral TuLak that was very weak.

Admiral Ward,

This is Admiral TuLak. I'm very glad to hear that you have come to our aid. I am transmitting with as little power as possible to avoid detection by the enemy forces. Be advised that they have two of those big spherical ships in orbit around the planet. They have almost a thousand troops on the surface. I hope you brought something that will help with the ground forces. Myself and one other of the council are all that have survived.

The message cut off unexpectedly. But Amy's communications officer had been able to locate the source of the signal and Amy had 10 fighters dispatched to that area with instructions to remove as many of the ground forces as they could. Just as she finished dispatching the fighters, Jake contacted her and said he was sending his Marines down to help out. Jake sounded a little groggy. And when Ted and Kate contacted Amy they sounded groggy also. Amy told them to rest for a little while longer and get their strength back, not to over extend themselves.

It took two days to neutralize the reptilian forces on the ground. Admiral TuLak had been found and brought to Amy's ship along with the other surviving council member. Both were in Med Bay during the two days. Of the 15 SuLak clones only two were captured alive, the rest had either been killed by Amy's forces or the reptilians. Now that the majority of the battle was over, Amy had the ships spread out throughout the system to act as pickets in case reinforcements came. The PDF headquarters had been leveled, most of the troops they had left on the ground were in very poor shape. There were not any PDF ships left, except the ones that had come with Amy or the ones that were still somewhere else. Amy set up a meeting that included Admiral TuLak, the surviving council member, Ted, and Jake; Kate would be monitoring the meeting and the PDF representatives from an adjacent room.

Once everyone was settled Amy gave the Admiral, and Councilman Sotis, an update as to what had happened since they had been found and rescued. She included the information they had gathered from the captives about the Empire, the Iberians and reptilians, and the telepathic clones controlling them. Sotis was skeptical of this information, as the Iberians had been a problem for a long time. TuLak wasn't ready to believe this information either. The admiral asked if it would be possible to have both he and Sotis transferred to a PDF ship so they could recall more of there ships and defend this system. Amy had Turrini summoned to the meeting. As soon as Turrini came in TuLak asked why Turrini had not returned when the call for aid was sent. Turrini, who appeared nervous for the first time, started to explain that he had been ordered to remain with Amy by the admiral.

"Amy, something is very wrong. Turrini is way too nervous. His anger is almost overwhelming, it's so intense. You should be hearing him too." Kate sent.

"I can hear it. Please scan the admiral and Sotis. I would but I don't want to be distracted. Jake, Ted I think we may have a problem." Amy sent.

"Understood" both Jake and Ted replied.

Sotis started to berate Turrini for not responding to the call. The admiral just stared at the councilman. Turrini was getting even more upset. As Sotis continued to down-dress Turrini, Amy heard from Kate again.

"Amy, the admiral was satisfied with Turrini's explanation, but Sotis is hiding something. He is using his anger to cover his inability to figure out a way to regain control of the PDF. Also, he had some really weird thoughts. It seems that someone named Tuvok was the head of the council and he and Sotis were at odds with each other over the way to handle the Sol and Alpha systems. Why does that name sound so familiar? Kate sent.

"Councilman Sotis, would it not be better to continue your discussion with Captain Turrini after you are onboard his ship? Our reason for this meeting was to figure out a way to assist you in restoring your position in this system. I can tell you that Captain Turrini has served me, Sol and Alpha systems with the greatest honor. He should be commended for his excellent service not raked over the coals for following orders that came from the council." Amy interjected.

Sotis just sat there with his mouth open, he was not used to anyone interrupting him or correcting him.

"Admiral TuLak, if it would help we can call for one of our space docks to come to this system to assist you with repairs. I am sure that you could make use of a space dock without having to build one from start to finish. That way we can get on with the problem of the Empire." Amy continued.

TuLak said that the offer was greatly appreciated and that they could sure use the space dock. But it would take several months to tow one here. Amy told him about their discoveries about the space docks that they had built and that one could be here in two to three days if needed.

"Now, Admiral TuLak, I have a question if you don't mind. Do you know what happened to Councilman Tuvok? Could he still be alive and hiding somewhere?" Jake asked.

"Councilman Tuvok has been heard from since the attack started. He might have been old but he was one who would pick up a hand weapon and fight along side the troops. I fear that he must be dead." TuLak replied.

"What would you know of that old man? He was too old to be the leader of the council and I would have been able to get rid of him if these Iberians hadn't attacked." Sotis interjected rudely.

"Admiral Ward, we have inbound ships. There are two of those big spheres entering the system. I took the liberty of sending Dreadnaught to intercept" the intercom reported.

Amy acknowledged this and told everyone the meeting was over for now. She asked Turrini if he would return to his ship and assist the Dreadnaught with the problem and told Ted to go along also. She apologized to TuLak and Sotis, but explained that the ships took priority. Sotis was not pleased and started towards Amy when Jake stepped up and grabbed him and reminded him that he was a guest only as long as Amy was willing to put up with him. Sotis made a big mistake then, he called Amy a name that Jake didn't like. Jake had a hard time controlling himself, but he did until Sotis repeated the name. Jake hit him, hard.

When Sotis came to he was in a room with Admiral TuLak and an auto-doc was examining him. Sotis just batted the auto-doc away and went to the door, it did not open. When he asked TuLak why they were locked in, TuLak told him that due to his disrespect of Amy he was not welcome to the freedom of the ship. That they were confined for their own safety until after the two spheres could be dealt with. Then TuLak asked Sotis what he was thanking, trying to attack the person who had rescued him? Sotis once again called Amy a name and said that all she was doing was trying to take over the system. TuLak just shook his head.

Meanwhile Ted and Turrini had gone to assist the Dreadnaught with the two spheres. The three ships met up, all three cloaked, about 5 Km from the spheres. Ted asked the other two captains what they thought about trying to capture one, or both, of the ships. Before they could decide, a lone PDF ship attacked the spheres and was destroyed. Ted was only sensing one of the SuLak clones; that was not usual, there should be one on each ship. Ted ordered all ships to target engines and weapons only on the spheres. Twenty two person fighters attacked the spheres at almost the same time. Before the spheres could even try to figure out where the attacks were coming from they were hit by Turrini's main guns. Scans showed that both spheres were without propulsion now, and the fighters had taken out their weapons. Ted hailed both spheres and told them to surrender or be destroyed, there was no reply.

Ted took a chance, he moved away from the other two ships and decloaked. There was no response from either sphere. Ted hailed them again, this time he got a response. A SuLak clone answered, but he was demanding that Ted surrender instead. Ted felt the clone trying to enter his mind and remembering what Amy had done to him, he resisted very strongly. When the mental assault dropped off Ted focused all of his ability on the clone. Ted sensed that the clone had never had to deal with this type of attack before and was at a loss as to how to respond or resist the attack. Then Ted felt another clone's presence, but on the same ship. Ted's attack dropped off as he was busy defending himself. Ted gathered all his strength and told the Dreadnaught and Turrini to destroy the one sphere only, he didn't give a reason. All three ships open fire on the one sphere at once. The ship didn't last but about five minutes before it was finished.

Ted was exhausted after the mental battle, but he had the presence of mind to order that shuttles of marines and security forces be sent to the remaining sphere to take control. Turrini said he would lead the assault personally with some of his security force. Ted warned him that he thought that there was a clone onboard but he wasn't sure.

It took about an hour for the sphere to be put under the control of Amy's forces. When Turrini reported he told Ted that they had found thirty clones in stasis on the ship. He had made sure that they would not be awaken. They had also found one clone unconscious on the bridge of the ship. Ted relayed this information back to Amy who had him standby. Amy had TuLak brought to her ready room. Once he was there she asked if there was a planet or some place they could hold all of the reptilian captives. TuLak thought for a minute then said that there was one planet that might be useable and pointed it out. Amy had Ted, Turrini, and the Dreadnaught tow the sphere to that planet and off-load the captive reptilians.