Chapter 107. The Demonic Flame Planet completely explodes
Demon Flame's home planet shone golden in the bright sunlight. This is due to its relatively dry surface, which is mainly composed of sand. It can almost be said that the water source is extremely limited. There is only a few places with water, which looks like diamonds set on gold nuggets. There is little vegetation here, and it is tough, tough, and lacking in color. Here, evolution does not waste too much resources, it just ensures survival. It's a hot planet orbiting a red giant star. The sun's energy is almost scorching the surface of the planet. The living conditions here are close to the limit, and life similar to Earth can hardly be tolerated. Under these conditions, the demonic flames gradually grew and grew. They are heat-loving crawling cindies that need the warmth of the sun to survive. They are cold-blooded animals that rely on the heat of the sun to function. However, they now bear little resemblance to their ancestors. The current demonic flames have evolved to a more advanced level. And it's all happening faster than natural evolution should. Because a hundred years ago, Cindy came. Insect-like creatures have landed on the planet. They are so unique and possess so much power that the Demon Flame worships them like gods. Later, Cindy also assumed this status and ruled over the Demon Flame. Then, not long after, some of the demonic flames were improved through genetic manipulation. They become stronger, faster, see better, and move more nimbly. Their intelligence is also slightly increased. At least IQ is high enough to use advanced technology. Following the success of these experiments, Cindy conducted large-scale processing. They create an army of puppets that blindly follow every order. The first task is to destroy all untreated demonic flames. In this way, the lower levels of demonic flames are eliminated, and there are no longer unprocessed genes mixing with processed genes to contaminate Cindy's work. for any mixture would weaken the army. Cindy couldn't stand this happening.
When the last free demon flame dies, their natural evolution ends. What potential this race might still have, what opportunities it might still have, it no longer matters from that moment on. They have no chance to continue to develop. Insect Cindy has been working to expand this army for the past hundred years. Now, it's large enough to make the Klingon Empire take notice. In addition, the demonic flames adopted technologies from conquered races. Despite their limited intelligence, they managed to combine a variety of disparate technologies to construct a weapons technology unique in the universe. Of course, their faith demanded absolute obedience, so they told Cindy the Insect. But the insect Cindy let it go, thinking that they controlled everything and far exceeded the intelligence of the demon flames. By now, the demonic flames were powerful enough to defeat their god in a riot. As long as they dare to do so. However, their faith stopped them. But insect Cindy was unaware of the danger. They think they are too superior.
Several smaller ships suddenly appeared near Demon Flame's home planet. They exited the drive channel, a navigation channel similar to a portal. Only Cindy, a species in the known universe, has mastered this drive technology. This method of navigation not only allows multiple light speed voyages, but also far exceeds the conventional Wa
p drive speed. Ships in the portal passage are invisible to other ships. Only when they leave the channel and suddenly appear in front of their eyes, their presence will be detected by the sensors. The effect of such a surprise attack is extremely significant.
The Federation Starship Experimenter is undergoing similar testing of propulsion technology. As is now publicly acknowledged, the results were unsatisfactory. Although testing continues, few are counting on a breakthrough anymore. Everyone knows that there will still be a need for traditional Wa
p drive. It's at least not a disadvantage as long as everyone else besides Cindy needs it too.
The ships that emerged were small, but extremely nimble. People may underestimate them because they are smaller. But they are well equipped. The combination of weapons and speed make them extremely dangerous opponents.
These ships are here to carry out the Cindy Alliance's cruel decision: to destroy all demonic flames. The experiment started a hundred years ago has been terminated. They want to destroy the experimental subjects. In the process, their destruction of these things that were not bacterial cultures seemed to go unnoticed. Millions of demonic flames will face death. But not these ships. Although there are 20 ships in total, their firepower is not enough to destroy an entire planet. They don't need to do this. They're not here for this. Their mission is to intercept and destroy possible demonic ships in orbit around the planet. And no prisoners can be taken.
Insect Cindy has different plans for the planet. Many years ago, they installed an ancient security measure on the planet in case they lost control of the Demon Flame. Because if that happens, Insect Cindy must expect to be attacked. The rebels would certainly seek revenge on their former masters first. To eliminate this risk, insect Cindy prepared this safeguard many generations ago. The measures at that time were also installed on all Demon Flame ships. And it's designed so cleverly that it's inconspicuous among the ship's systems.
These measures in the past are proving to be very valuable now. It simplifies the tasks entrusted by insect Cindy. Because when they flip the switch, the Demon Flame's ships will be destroyed, along with their home planet and all outposts. There would be no chance of escape. All demonic flames, whether warriors or farmers, women, children or old people, will be destroyed by this device.
Cindy the Insect understands that destroying the Demon Flame will result in the death of thousands of other creatures. The slaves on the planet will not be spared because they are detained by the demonic flames. They will die along with their tormentors. But these are not important to the insect Cindy, just like the death of the magic flame itself. To these insects, humanoid or similar creatures mean nothing. In their view, these are lower creatures, just temporary changes in nature. On most planets they exist only briefly, whereas insects are almost everywhere, often existing for millions of years before other living things emerge. They still exist on the planet, while their human form Cindy has long been lost. The other four Sindi races accepted them because they were from the same planet and shared part of their DNA.
Ships were deployed around the planet. They maintain a safe distance but are ready to step in if needed.
Then, everything happened. Several explosions rocked the planet, cutting deep into the crust. They are deep enough to reach the planet's liquid core. Then, the bombs installed 100 years ago were freed from their fixation and as reliable as if they had just been built. This is a technical masterpiece. Through the blown entrance shaft, the bomb now entered the interior of the planet. They all detonated simultaneously, working like clockwork. They then detonated their destructive payload inside the planet. Millions of megatons of energy are released in an instant. A massive explosion ripped apart the planet's core. This explosion completely blew the planet into pieces. First, the surface cracks, and boiling magma searches for an outlet everywhere. Then, the planet fell apart. The rocky remains flew off in all directions, only to be captured again by the sun's gravity after only a few hundred kilometers. Most of the debris is inexorably attracted to the sun, where it evaporates. Only a few planetary remnants remain in the solar system and are now orbiting the sun in other orbits. No trace of past civilizations can be found. Hundreds of years later, if there is no information about the Demonic Flame in the records of other races, there is no evidence that this race ever existed.
The Demon Flame's ships and outposts will not end well either. Everywhere was activated by a subspace signal, and then explosive devices destroyed all the demonic flames.
Ollie paced back and forth restlessly in front of the podium. Although as a leader he should have concealed his inner unease, he was unable to do so. This nervousness was contagious to the crew. However, Ollie couldn't resist the feeling. Hours earlier, they had arrived at the planet Cindy had proposed as the meeting place. Starfleet had already announced the Lexington's arrival. Since then, however, Cindy has been procrastinating and pushing back. Ollie gradually began to suspect that this invitation to talk was not serious. When Cindy invited the Federation diplomats, they might have had ulterior motives, perhaps to kidnap hostages or something similar. Now, replaced by some Starfleet officials, Cindy felt a little flustered. They may be discussing next steps and whether Starfleet officers are as important as diplomats.
Ollie stopped behind Ingemar and asked, "How's it going?"
Ingemar, however, just shrugged. "No news yet," he replied. Just like five minutes ago, he added mentally. But he said nothing more.
The captain grunted disapprovingly and continued his wandering. On the podium, there was silence except for the footsteps of Orly Lion. Beyond that, you can hear a pin drop on the floor. The tension is huge. Because they may receive news of relief at any time, or they may have to wait for several hours. It's unpredictable.
Suddenly, the Ori Lion stopped again. He looked around at the people on the podium. Then said loudly: "We'll wait another hour. If we haven't heard from Cindy by then, we'll evacuate."
Most people present opened their eyes in surprise. They were surprised that the captain had made such a momentous decision without consulting Starfleet Command. However, no one dared to say anything.
Ingmar and Peterk exchanged a brief glance. Peterk was also surprised, but with a brief gesture he told Ingemar that it was best to remain silent. Apparently he thought he knew the captain better than Ingmar, since he had been here longer. But Ingemar has been here for half a year and knows exactly how to evaluate Ollie. He was convinced that the man had no authority to make such a decision. So Ingmar turned slowly. "captain?"
"What's wrong?" Ollie's voice was filled with reluctance. He knew from the way Ingmar spoke that he was not speaking because of the message he had received.
"Captain, we cannot simply evacuate," Ingmar said simply, trying to keep a neutral tone. After all, he didn't want to provoke the captain. "We have a mission to complete..."
"I understand our mission, Commander. Thank you." Ollie interrupted sharply.
"Then you understand..."
"Thank you, Commander." His voice was threatening. Ingmar knew it was best for him to remain silent for now. But this man was driving him absolutely crazy.
"Captain Noah would never..."
"That's enough!" Ollie shouted loudly. Evidently Ingmar felt his authority was undermined by his urging. "Captain Noah was not sent on this mission, but me." Ollie said emphatically. "I give the order. And you, commander, have exceeded your authority. Security personnel, escort Mr. Ingemar down from the command platform." He ordered to the security director.
Atlan nodded and stood up. With a brief glance she motioned for Ingmar to follow her. And she won't hesitate to use force to remove him from the command platform if necessary. Ingmar wasn't sure he would have stood a chance against the woman if he had tried to resist.
So, he just shook his head incomprehensibly, but still followed obediently. After one last look at Ollie, he and Atlan walked to the elevator together. Just before the two entered the elevator, Ollie raised his voice again. "The performance just now will be recorded in your file."
Ingmar shrugged nonchalantly. This is not his first archival record. But this is the first time in nearly two years. Still, he didn't want to give the captain, and Commander Porterson, the satisfaction of the latter, who was glaring at him over his shoulder.
The security chief turned to him as the elevator doors closed behind them. "I'm sorry, Commander. It seems to me that you are right and the Captain is wrong. But he is the Captain after all."
Ingmar sneered. "Yeah, he's the captain. And he's an asshole." But if no one can argue with that, what's the point?
Atlan's usually serious expression revealed a hint of smile. "Yes, he is," she whispered, almost as if she was worried he would hear. Besides, that's not the right thing to say about a captain.
"Then why didn't anyone say anything?" Ingmar couldn't understand.
"He's the captain," she said again, as if that was explanation enough.
"But..." Ingmar was about to say something, but she immediately raised her hand to signal him not to continue the topic.
"Now I will take you to your quarters until your next shift," she explained.
"What if I don't do this?" The rebellion within him surfaced. He simply couldn't take the captain's orders seriously. This man is an idiot and does not deserve respect. Things were different under Captain Noah's command. So there, it was easier for him to adapt to the hierarchy. But here, he couldn't do it. He knew it would get him into trouble, but he didn't care, he couldn't make any other choice.
"Then I'll put you in a holding cell," she answered his question deadpan.
Ingmar just nodded. Just like the thought of resistance, it disappeared quickly. He was in no mood to resist anything right now. In fact, it doesn't matter what the captain does. If he retreats too early, he could miss the chance of a century. But what does that have to do with him? Since losing Shu Ran, the entire universe has no meaning to him. No, he won't resist. He would retreat to his quarters and spend a quiet day. He doesn't force himself. If the captain made a fatal mistake, it didn't matter to him.
And for the rest of the day, while Dre Ingmar stayed at his place, Lexington finally heard back from Cindy. Within the one-hour limit set by the captain himself. In her reply, Cindy invited Federation representatives to the planet for talks. The coordinates of the meeting point are also attached to the response. So the captain decided to send a field team there. Although Starfleet stipulates that the first lieutenant is responsible for field missions, the Orly Lion here leads the team himself. He thought it would make a better impression if such a meeting was attended by the highest-ranking representatives of Starfleet. However, he is very cautious about safety issues and never wants to take too big a risk. Absolutely no desire to put yourself and your representatives at risk. He didn't want to leave the ship unmanned. So he decided, much to Portson's dissatisfaction, that the commander must remain on board. Instead, he went with the ship's doctor and safety chief. In addition, the scientist Bartholomew will accompany him. He represents aliens in a way. Because Ollie represents a multi-racial alliance, it would leave a bad impression if he only traveled with humans.
The four of them teleported directly to the coordinates given by Cindy. They were immediately greeted by a group of Cindy representatives. This group of representatives mainly consists of humanoid Cindy, with two tree-like plant Cindy among them. Seeing them, the representatives of the Federation immediately thought of the primates of Earth. The similarities cannot be ignored. These creatures have thick beards on their faces and necks, which they stroke with their long fingers. They look like giant orangutans, except they're not orange.
A figure emerged from Cindy's delegation and walked directly towards the guests. He is a middle-aged, slightly tall man. His hair recedes far back, which is normal among Sindi. Because the bony ridge on the forehead extends all the way to the top, preventing hair from growing. The man had a friendly expression on his face and smiled as he welcomed the Federation representatives. He walked towards Captain Ollishi with firm eyes, because Ollishi walked in front of his companions, so that the hierarchical relationship was clear.
