The Forgotten Empire: War for the Empire by Raymond Weil (children's ebooks online TXT) 📗

technicians checked out the cannon. He placed his hand on the hard cold metal, thinking of the power the cannon represented.

“Once every twenty seconds,” replied General Flynn. “Any more than that and they have a tendency to overheat.”

From the platform, Dylan saw dozens of the massive twin cannons, also hundreds of smaller ones as well.

“How does the firepower of this PDC compare to a normal-size one?”

Flynn laughed. “There’s no comparison. I would guess this PDC has at least fifty times the firepower of any other PDC ever built. We built this base to take out an entire Confederation fleet by itself. It also has the most powerful energy shields ever designed. It takes twenty separate shields just to protect this base.”

“Where do you get the power?” asked Dylan. He didn’t see how fusion power plants could furnish enough.

“We used a core tap,” replied Flynn a little nervously. “The hot core of this moon provides us the power. It’s one of the reasons we could build such large cannons.”

Dylan frowned. “Isn’t that a little dangerous? Core taps overall were outlawed since, if control of one was lost, serious damage could occur to the moon or planet.

“We have sufficient safeguards. In the event of an extreme case, where we lose total control, a series of fusion explosions deep underground will seal off the shafts. Our scientists are certain that will work.”

To Dylan it sounded more like a desperate measure, but, if it worked, it might be worth it. He looked once more at all the massive cannons aimed toward space. Just maybe all these cannons powered by a core tap could make a huge difference in the battle. He suddenly felt a little better about the odds of winning.

-

For the next several hours they toured parts of the base. They inspected more fusion cannons, some missile launchers, and the attack interceptor hangars. Everyone was impressed by what they saw.

“How many personnel do you have here?” asked Dylan. Everywhere he looked, he saw technicians and soldiers.

“Nearly one hundred thousand,” replied General Flynn. “We also use a lot of work robots for construction and for moving material about. When the Confederation fleet or fleets are detected, everyone has a place to go. Some will go to underground bunkers, and others will be on damage repair details. Most of the troops will be aboveground in special barracks that should offer them some protection.”

Overall Dylan was satisfied with his inspection. “I think it’s time for me to get back up to the Themis. This tour has only increased my confidence that we will stop the Confederation cold, when they hit these defenses. General Flynn, you have done an excellent job with this base. I couldn’t have asked for more.”

The two governors agreed. They had discussed much during the tour and had a lot of questions answered. Now all they could do was wait for the Confederation attack, which was probably less than two days away.

-

On Golan Four, Cheryl had received Dylan’s recorded message. She had listened to it a number of times. A cold feeling passed over her, as she heard his words. It almost seemed as if Dylan were saying goodbye. Wiping the tears from her eyes, she decided to visit Layla and see if she knew if anything was happening in the Hagen Star Cluster. With every passing hour, Cheryl was more worried, feeling as if her life were about to come to an end.

-

Layla was in her office in the Imperial Palace, when Cheryl entered. Layla could tell instantly from the look on Cheryl’s face that she had been crying. “What’s wrong?”

“I’m scared that something’ll happen to Dylan,” Cheryl blurted out. “I just received a recorded message from him, and it almost sounded as if he was saying goodbye.”

Layla stood and walked over to a large couch, against one of the walls of her office. She indicated for Cheryl to come over and to sit next to her. “From what we know, the Confederation should hit the Hagen Star Cluster within the next day or two. I’ll call you when the battle starts, and we’ll go to the Command Center beneath the House of Worlds, so we can keep track of what’s going on. I want you to know that I’m just as concerned about Derrick. There’s not a moment I don’t think about the danger he’s soon to be in. I also know there’s nothing I can do to change his mind about commanding his fleet. We both know our two best admirals are Dylan and Derrick. We need them in command of their fleets, if we’ll survive what’s coming.”

Cheryl nodded. Her hands were in her lap, clasped together. “I know you’re right. I just wish things were different.”

“We all do,” replied Layla. “Look at it on the bright side. If we win the coming battles, we can permanently free the Empire from being attacked by the Confederation. We can usher in a new age of peace and prosperity.”

Cheryl forced a smile. “You’re always so positive about everything.”

“I have to be,” replied Layla. “I’m the High Princess, and my attitude reflects on the Empire and what I want it to become. It’s also very hard at times. In the coming days all of us will be filled with worry—Krista, Kala, you, and me—as we all have someone who we love who will be in grave danger. At times our minds will be full of doubt and fear, but we’ll get through this. Dylan, Derrick, Andrew, and Mathew will expect that of us.”

Cheryl leaned back against the sofa. “This will be hard.”

“Yes, it is,” replied Layla. She had spent days worrying about Derrick.

“I just wish this was over.”

Layla reached over and took Cheryl’s hand, squeezing it. “We all do.”

-

In orbit, Derrick was in his quarters, examining the Golan Four System on a