Nanomachine War: Book 3, Killer Nanoboids

Description

The Nanomachine War - Book 3 escalates in brutal fashion. The Qumru starship Solruku has been captured by the Yoyka during the Battle For Holtu and taken to Emperor Rahta’s home world, Yoykan. The Yoyka scientists develop a new, more terrifying, nanoweapon that uses tiny nanobot drones to attack, kill and consume their prey; then replicate to wipe out entire species based on their DNA. The AI Shonya helps regenerate Tumil on the Solruku using Onutu technology and they plan their escape. Rahta attacks Earth’s solar system in another attempt to defeat the Holtu Military space fleet causing devastating damage on Mars and killing millions of people on Earth with their new nanoweapon. UN Space Strike Force Captain Douglas Martin must take over command of the USS Illinois during the battle to save Mars. In desperation, the Galactic Military Alliance (GMA) develops their own nanoweapon called Nanoboids, which are minuscule nanobot drones that use Swarm Intelligence like a flock of birds to attack their prey and replicate. The final climactic space battles between the Yoykan Imperial Fleet and the GMA warships determine the fate of the galaxy. No one is spared from the terror of nanoweapons and fear of annihilation. Freedom from Yoyka rule and control of the incredible, life prolonging Onutu technology are at stake in this galactic space war.

Copyright Page

Nanomachine War - Book 3, Killer Nanoboids

By Don Viecelli

Copyright © 2019 by Donald E. Viecelli.

Smashwords Edition

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

Ebook cover page image and design is provided by Kerman Rodriquez.

This is a work of science fiction. All the characters, names, incidents, places and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any errors found in editing, formatting, plot or structure will be corrected in future editions.

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you are reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favorite ebook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Positive reviews on various book sites are always welcome. It helps independent authors like me to reach a broader audience.

Smashwords ISBN: 9780463505571

For Smashwords Readers.

Published By Smashwords for Don Viecelli.

First Release May 2019.

Revision R2 released July 2019. Includes Excerpt from The Guardians - Book 1.

Word length approximately 94,162.

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Dedication

To those scientists who create nanotechnology for peaceful purposes and not war.

An asteroid or a super volcano could certainly destroy us, but we also face risks the dinosaurs never saw: An engineered virus, nuclear war, inadvertent creation of a micro black hole, or some as-yet-unknown technology could spell the end of us, Elon Musk.

Table of Contents

Description

Copyright Page

Dedication

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

Chapter 40

Chapter 41

Chapter 42

Chapter 43

Chapter 44

Chapter 45

Chapter 46

Chapter 47

Chapter 48

Chapter 49

Chapter 50

Chapter 51

Chapter 52

Chapter 53

Chapter 54

Chapter 55

Chapter 56

Chapter 57

Chapter 58

Chapter 59

Chapter 60

Chapter 61

Chapter 62

Chapter 63

Chapter 64

Chapter 65

Chapter 66

Excerpt From The Guardians, Book 1, Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Profile Page

Chapter 1

Synoran Rebellion

A beautiful blue planet slightly larger than Earth revolved slowly in space five thousand light years from the Yoykan Empire star system. It was heavily populated by an advanced race of people called Synorans who had conquered space travel and would have spread throughout the galaxy if they had not come into contact with the Yoyka Imperial Space Forces nearly a century ago. Now the race that survived on the planet Synor was completely subjugated and controlled by Imperial Leader Rahta’s mind controlling nanomachines.

Fortunately, a large portion of the population had moved out into space colonizing a few other worlds before the Yoyka warships attacked their home world. It was a devastating loss, but the Synoran people who escaped the Yoyka nanomachines continued to fight back anyway they could using hit and run tactics that harassed the Yoyka warships guarding the planet. It was all they could do with the limited Synoran space force left to fight.

A midsized Synoran warship cautiously approached Synor from a distance and scanned the star system for any signs of Yoyka warships. The warships were gone. The Captain of the ship, rebel leader Senior Commander Koral, stood silently at the helm. He was two meters tall, humanoid in appearance with yellowish skin, hairless head, narrow face, small mouth, nose and ears. He studied the monitors before him with two dark green oval eyes. His green uniform was frayed at the edges, but neatly pressed and displayed several medals on his chest. He turned to Second Commander Ratoon. Are we clear to approach Synor?

Ratoon was the same height as his commander, but heavier in appearance. His voice was steady and measured. Our scans detect no Yoyka warships in our system, Commander.

Very well. Move us closer to home. Koral remained alert, but was becoming more concerned for his people.

The Synoran warship quickly sped up to close the distance before entering into orbit above their home world. It had been a long time since Koral and his small crew of rebels had been able to return home. There were less than thirty Synoran warships left in existence since the war with the Yoyka had begun. Koral had no illusions of victory against their overwhelmingly superior foe. In fact, up until a few Synoran days ago, there was little hope at all of even surviving as a people. Then word of what happened at Qum reached his small force of rebels. Everyone on board was worried that what the Yoyka did to Qum could happen to Synor.

Ever practical, Senior Commander Koral was still not convinced the news they had received from friendly sources was really true. It seemed impossible. Another race, maybe more than one, had found a way to drive the Yoyka away in defeat. Even more improbable, the Qumru may have found a way to counteract the terrible mind controlling Yoyka nanomachines that had enslaved his people.

Something was threatening the Yoyka. They had left hurriedly from Synor and nearby space territories. Reconnaissance probes verified Yoyka warships were indeed withdrawing from several Yoyka controlled planets back to Yoykan space. A great war was coming between two powerful adversaries and Koral was beginning to feel hopeful once again after many hard years.

First, it was necessary to see what was happening on their home planet. Koral motioned to Ratoon. Scan the surface and see if our people are still alive.

Ratoon did as commanded. As the warship circled Synor, they listened to all radio frequencies, recorded images on the ground, checked for live thermal images and tried to communicate with any person or group on the ground that might be able to see their ship or hear their messages.

After one complete orbit, Ratoon looked up at Koral. We are receiving no responses to our signals, Commander. Scans and surveillance cameras show people are still alive on the surface, but they are not acknowledging our attempts to contact them.

Koral nodded his head in understanding. I was hoping to hear from any repel forces still operating on the ground. It appears they have all been compromised.

What do you wish to do now, Commander?

Record as much as we can while we orbit the planet. It appears the Yoyka have left our planet and taken all the resources they wanted before they departed. I’m afraid if they do not return our people on Synor will be left to die unless we can find a way to help them.

What about the messages we received concerning the Qumru? Could they not help us?

Perhaps—if it is true. Let us see what is left of our home world. Then we will go.

Out of caution, Koral ordered more space probes be sent on patrol to alert them if any Yoyka warships returned while they surveyed their world. All indications were the Yoyka had depleted the resources they wanted on Synor. If that was true, Koral could only guess what the Yoyka would do next.

Chapter 2

Mars

Haffen City on Mars was a bustle of activity. Over the past two months, thousands of colonists, military personnel and their families had journeyed to Mars from Earth. Nearly ten thousand residents made Haffen City their new home. More than sixty thousand people lived on Mars in all four cities now. Almost fifty thousand were military troops under the command of the UN Space Strike Force (UNSSF). Many were pilots and crewmembers training to operate Zoltu fighters and serve on Holtu designed warships preparing for the war with the Yoykan Empire. More troops were arriving every day.

Doug Martin was at home on his only day off with his wife, Doctor Janice Martin and their two month old baby boy they named Jules Edward Martin after Doug’s father (first name) and Jan’s father (middle name), both of which still lived on Earth with their wives, Jean and Virginia. The grandparents had not visited or held their grandson in person yet and it was becoming an issue with Jan.

We need to plan a trip to Earth to visit our parents soon, Doug! Jan insisted.

I know, but it needs to wait until after the awards ceremony on Holtu. We’re still at war you know. Doug picked up Jules who began to cry at hearing the loud voices in the room. He put the baby on his shoulder and tried to soothe him while talking to Jan.

Things are so hectic lately. We need more time to ourselves, Jan complained as he handed Jules over to her for feeding.

Doug tried to explain. As soon as we get this trip over with, we can visit our parents on Earth with Jules. It won’t be long. The President wants an update on our military status as soon as we return from Holtu. But the trip to Holtu has priority. We both must attend.

We need a babysitter we can trust, or I’m not going to Holtu. Jan had made this request already.

I said I agree with you. We’ll find a babysitter for Jules while we’re gone. The whole trip will only last a few days. Besides, you won the bet to visit the canyons on Holtu and this is the best opportunity to do it.

That seemed to calm Jan down as she prepared to feed Jules. She walked to the kitchen to get the bottle heating on the stove. She tested the milk and walked back to the living room to sit down and feed Jules.

Doug watched her and Jules in silence. It had been an adjustment in their lives getting used to having a baby to watch and protect every minute of the day. After two months, they both had finally gotten into a routine that seemed to make life a little less stressful than it was at first. They were even getting more sleep as Jules put on weight and almost slept through the night. Before long, Jules would be crawling, talking and then walking as time continued to move forward. In a way, Doug was thankful for the time they had enjoyed over the last two months since Jules was born. He knew it wouldn’t last much longer, not if the Yoyka had anything to do with it.

Doug looked out the front window of their home at the domed city of Haffen. It had grown larger by necessity, especially the Spaceport and the military base situated next to it. Shuttles were landing and taking off every few minutes. Doug knew how busy everyone was at the base because he was now in charge.

Doug had been recently promoted to Captain UN Space Strike Force after serving as Commander and XO under Admiral Jason Weston on the USS Illinois. After the Battle For Holtu and his work on Qum, Doug had been reassigned to command the military buildup on Mars until he was ready to return to duty on Admiral Weston’s warship. This was fine with Doug as it allowed him to remain on Mars for a time with Jan and their new baby.

The command of the Mars military base would not last much longer, however, due to the expected attack by the Yoyka. Everyone knew the Yoyka forces were revamping their warships with the new FTL hyperdrive capability in preparation for another attack on Holtu, Mars and Earth. It was just a matter of time.

Jan was feeding Jules in her favorite rocking chair in the room behind Doug. She noticed he looked deep in thought. She asked, You thinking about work?

Doug turned around and smiled. "Yes, but it can wait until tomorrow. I’m sure Colonel Tills has everything under control. Shirley Tills served with him on the USS Illinois and he was glad she was in charge of training UN Space Marines on the rough Mars terrain.

I have to go back to work tomorrow also, you know, Jan said. "It’s been nice staying home with Jules, but I’m ready to get back to the lab working with Doctor Mun at MCDC (Mars Center for Disease Control).

Has Mun found anything knew on the Yoyka nanomachines? Doug asked.

The last message he sent me was Qumru researchers are testing the new version on some Yoyka test subjects on Holtu. It seems to be working as expected.

Doug shook involuntarily. As much as he hated the Yoyka for what they tried to do to all of them, he hated the idea of using the same type of nanomachine weapon on their enemies. Using mind control nanomachines to enslave people, any people, was abhorrent to him.

I hope we don’t have to use it on anybody, Doug replied.

Me neither, but the Yoyka need to know we have the capability if they don’t stop this terrible war.

Doug had to agree with her. The Yoyka used their biotech nanomachine weapon on numerous alien races and planets in the galaxy under the control of Rahta, Imperial Leader of the Yoykan Empire. All indications were the Yoyka would not stop their aggression or attacks on any Galactic Military Alliance (GMA) partners that included the Holtu, Qumru and Humans. Reason or negotiation with Rahta was not possible as far as Doug could determine. The Yoyka would have to be defeated or destroyed before they accepted unconditional surrender.

Tomorrow, I’ll meet with Vice Leader Di and get ready for our trip to Holtu. We have a lot to discuss, Doug said.

Is General Bradstone coming? Jan wondered.

He’s arriving tonight. Hopefully, he has an update on our space fleet and weapons status. Earth is on full wartime alert now. Military war production is at full capacity. One more month and we will be ready to move against Yoyka space territory if all goes well.

You’ll be going back to duty on the USS Illinois then?

I expect so, but not before the trip to Holtu. Then we’ll know more.

Jan was silent for a moment. It had been relatively peaceful on Mars for two months, but it was all going to change soon. She stopped feeding Jules and put him on her shoulder to burp him. She could only hope Jules had a chance to grow up and explore the stars without war taking all his dreams away.

Chapter 3

Trip To Holtu

The trip to Holtu lasted twenty hours travelling through hyperspace at the new FTL speed close to one thousand light years per hour. Doug and Jan were on Admiral Jason Weston’s warship, USS Illinois, along with Vice President Allen Denton, Secretary of Defense Carlo Russo, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General William Bradstone, Secretary of State Susan Liang, various members of the UN Space Defense Group and other world leaders and government officials. The official reason for the visit to Holtu was to attend a special awards ceremony to honor the many Holtu military personnel, Qumru and Humans who helped defend their worlds from the Yoyka and defeated them in battle at great personal loss and sorrow.

The unofficial reason for Doug and Jan was to spend some time exploring the great canyon on Holtu where Jan wanted to continue her work on astrobiology dealing with the origins and evolution of life in the universe, and exobiology dealing with the search for life external to Earth. It also had to do with Doug losing his bet to Jan on whether or not their baby was going to be a boy or girl before Jules was born. That was fine with Doug. Besides, he liked exploring canyons on alien planets as much as the next person.

We’re almost there, Doug! Jan said excitedly looking out the front window on the Command Center deck of the warship as it exited hyperspace near Holtu. They and a few others in their group were allowed to be on the top level of the ship where Admiral Weston and his crewmembers actually controlled the ship. Doug had served as the Admiral’s XO during the battles with the Yoyka before being reassigned to Mars duty. It was expected Doug would return to active duty on the USS Illinois as soon as they returned home to Mars.

I see. It always amazes me how fast we can travel between planets now. Holtu is as beautiful as ever.

Prepare to enter Holtu space, Admiral Weston said from his command chair to his current XO, Captain Susan Potter who previously served as CAG or Commander of Space Wing on the USS Illinois. They had served together before when the Yoyka Imperial Dreadnaught destroyed their space shuttle on its way to Mars at the beginning of the war.

Sending ID authorization codes to Holtu command, Admiral, Captain Potter announced. Codes accepted. We have docking coordinates.

Doug and Jan watched as the warship turned toward the planet and quickly approached the space station terminal that orbited Holtu. It seemed ages ago that Doug had been here, but in fact it was only a few short months after the Battle For Holtu.

I’m kind of anxious about being here for the awards, Jan finally said watching the ship approach the docking station.

So am I, but both of us are being honored for what we did, so we might as well try to enjoy it.

Neither Jan nor Doug felt they deserved to be honored by the Holtu and Qumru people for what they did in the war, but it was out of their hands. The awards ceremony was part of their local traditions and it would have been impolite not to accept the honor. In fact, the UN Council on Earth planned to hold their own awards ceremony as soon as they could get around to it.

I just wish Tumil could be here with us, Jan said finally. No one knew if Tumil was alive or dead; just that he was on the Solruku starship when the Yoyka captured it and was taken to the Yoykan solar system. Nothing had been heard from the starship or people on board since the last Yoyka attack on Qum. Jan feared the worse.

We have surveillance probes searching near Yoykan now, Jan. Hopefully, we will know what happened to the Solruku soon, Doug replied. We’ll find him.

As soon as the USS Illinois pulled into the docking station that orbited Holtu, shuttles were made available for the visitors who planned to stay in the capital city of Iconda where the awards ceremony was being held the next day in the Capitol Building. Doug and Jan got on the second shuttle with Carlo Russo, General Bradstone and a few other people. Carlo seemed a little anxious since this was only the second time he had been on a space shuttle let alone travel to another planet through hyperspace on a warship.

I’m still not used to space travel, Carlo mentioned to Doug as they rapidly descended to the Iconda Spaceport on Holtu. He hung on to his shoulder straps tightly with both hands.

Believe me, it took Jan and I a while to get used to it too, Doug said trying to ease his mind. I’ve never heard of any shuttle having an accident transporting people to the ground or spaceship. They’re one of the safest modes of space travel.

Within minutes the shuttle was on the ground. The doors opened and everyone departed. Carlo and General Bradstone were ushered to a separate ground vehicle for the ride to the hotel. Doug and Jan followed in a second vehicle. They all ended up in the same hotel Doug and Jan had stayed in the last time they visited Holtu.

Jan looked up at the majestic looking hotel building that reached one hundred stories tall. I remember this place when we were here last time. I was four months pregnant with Jules.

Doug remembered also. He had arrived to negotiate a new Galactic Military Alliance with the Holtu and Qumru people to fight the Yoyka. Jan had met with Tumil and other scientists to develop an antidote to the nanomachine weapon. Both were successful on that trip.

We’ll be here for a few days before we have to leave. I made sure we’ll have time to visit the Holtu canyon you wanted, Doug said.

Jan smiled. We can visit the canyon anytime, Doug. It’s not that important.

A bet is a bet. You won, so we will do it as promised. Besides, I don’t know when we may get another chance with this war on.

The threat of war always seemed to get in the way of any plans for the future Jan thought to herself. Doug was right. There was no better time to visit the canyon than the present once the awards ceremony was over.

It was getting late in the day. Doug and Jan checked into their room on the seventy-fifth floor with spectacular views of the snowcapped mountains in the distance and the seaside harbor and beach that stretched for miles below them.

They unpacked a few belongings and headed downstairs for dinner before returning to their room for the evening. They had a very early wakeup call in the morning and decided to break in their bed with some romantic music playing on the speaker system. Doug realized it was the first night alone with Jan since Jules was born. It felt a little like when they first met and settled on Mars. They both felt a little guilty for leaving Jules at home with a babysitter, but it quickly vanished as they turned off the lights and made love before falling asleep for the night.

Chapter 4

Awards Ceremony

Walking into the Iconda Capitol Building the next morning was like visiting the US Capitol Building on Earth, but much more majestic. The circular dome was over a thousand feet in the air and several hundred feet in diameter. The meeting chamber where the awards ceremony will be held was big enough to seat a thousand people in plush leather chairs, each equipped with their own monitor and speaker system for members of the House and visitors. The speaker podium stood on a large stage area in front with two rows of seats and a very large viewing screen behind it with long purple colored, floor length curtains on each side.

Doug walked forward to the stage area with Jan beside him. The room was filling up fast and the noise level was rising.

Where are we supposed to sit? Jan asked looking around at the immense hall and all the people, mostly Holtu and Qumru.

I see General Blackstone, Admiral Weston and Carlo Russo up on the stage. I guess we could ask them, Doug answered.

As they approached the stage, Doug felt a tap on his shoulder. He turned around and saw First Chair Cleota smiling at him.

First Chair Cleota! It’s nice to see you again, Doug said. He turned to Jan. You know my wife, Doctor Janice Martin.

Certainly, Captain Martin and Doctor Martin. It’s a pleasure to see you both again. We are happy you could attend the ceremony in person.

Doug was surprised Cleota knew his new rank, but then First Chair Cleota always seemed to know what was going on around her.

Jan and I were just about to sit down, but we’re not sure where to go.

Cleota smiled again and pointed to the row of chairs on the stage. All our award recipients will sit together behind the podium to receive their medals. That would include you two as well.

Thank you, First Chair. We’re happy to be here. Doug wasn’t just referring to the present. He was thankful they were still alive to attend any event. He could see in Cleota’s expression she knew what he meant.

Cleota left them standing by the stage as she made her way to the top of the stairs. The ceremony would start in thirty minutes and she was one of the main speakers. First Chair Brendu would actually host the ceremony and present the first award medals.

Doug and Jan finally made it to the stage and looked for General Bradstone and Carlo Russo. He noticed a familiar figure standing next to them. It was High Leader Altek in full military uniform. He looked completely normal and in good health.

Doug whispered to Jan, "Altek is here! I heard they regenerated his body with Onutu after the Battle For Holtu, but I didn’t know if he would be coming to the ceremony."

Jan pulled Doug’s arm. Come on. Let’s go over and say hello.

They quickly walked up to the group and waited for General Bradstone to finish talking. He turned to Doug. I was just telling High Leader Altek about our military buildup plans on Earth and Mars. He plans to visit soon.

Doug looked at Altek and said, It’s good to see you again High Leader. You look well.

Thank you, Captain Martin and it’s good to see you Doctor Martin. I know it may seem a bit strange to you, but I am completely back to normal, all due to Onutu technology.

Jan shook his hand. It’s hard to understand from a human perspective, but we plan to study it ourselves soon. Can you tell me about the Qumru people we lost on Qum?

It was a great loss, but I know what you did to help save the ones you could on Qum. That is why you both are here, after all. To answer your question, we have started to regenerate the bodies. It will take many years to complete the process. The Qumru lost nearly nine billion people from the Yoyka mass genocide attempt. Vice Leader Di told me how he was able to save and transfer the Qumru minds to Holtu after Rahta initiated his nanomachine kill code. We plan to regenerate them all and return them to Qum if they wish.