by K M Dean
“The important thing to remember is stay sharp, watch your six and always make certain we stay together. I have said it before, but it is important to remember, we are a small team. That is not a handicap. The corridors in the battle station are narrow. They can’t throw any more at us than we can at them. Stay together and remember, there are only six of us. Stay in touch with the team, anything else that moves kill. We don’t need prisoners. If they surrender, we will restrain them. If they resist, they are dead. We don’t have the luxury of wait and see. Take care of your team.”
“We will be arriving in the Zeta Reticuli system tomorrow. The Zeta Reticuli system is where the research station is located. We don’t know for sure how long it will take to neutralize the station weapons. But when we go we need to move fast.”
The next day in the Zeta Reticuli system.
“Captain, we are dropping out of FTL now at one hundred thousand kilometers. Passive sensors are on line. Stealth is active.” Reported Commander Gabrielli. He continued, “it will take a few seconds for the sensor signals to stabilize. Should—be—painting--now. Ah, okay, Captain, we have a problem. There is a Binalmorane battle cruiser near the battle station.”
“All right Commander keep an eye on him and let’s see what he is doing.” Replied Captain Sukhov.
“He seems to be patrolling Captain. He is maintaining a steady one-thousand-kilometer orbit around the battle station.”
“Why so close Gunnar? I would think a patrol should be something like twenty-five thousand kilometers at least. They are right on top of the station.”
“I’m not sure Captain, maybe they are just being careless.”
“Let’s think about this for a moment Commander. It looks almost like that battle cruiser is bait. What would the first thing we would do in this case?”
“Captain, I believe we would attempt to draw the battle cruiser away from the research station. We need to separate the battle cruiser from the research station to increase our odds of prevailing over both.”
“How would we go about doing that Gunnar?”
“Well Captain, we might allow the battle cruiser to catch a glimpse of us on their sensors in hopes that we could draw them away from the station. If they took the bait, we could attack the battle cruiser, finish him off and then go after the research station without interference.”
“And if we were to do that, commander, if we were to draw the battle cruiser to our location, we would most likely destroy the battle cruiser and then take the research station. If it were you, how would you defend against something like that.”
“Captain, I would set the battle cruiser so that it would have to be taken out before attacking the station. The battle cruiser is bait. I would place one or perhaps more ships in a hidden position. When we revealed our location, the hidden battle cruisers would jump in and overwhelm us with sheer numbers.”
“Exactly my thought commander. Where would be the best place to hide a ship or ships in a scenario like that?”
“I believe I would put them on the opposite side of the gas giant. They would need some cover.”
“I agree Commander, before we reveal our position, lets take a look and see if we have some ambushers lying in wait.”
“Roger that Captain. I suggest that we jump to a location on the opposite side of the gas giant. Two hundred thousand kilometers out. We can remain in stealth and use our passive sensors to detect any ships laying in wait.”
“Make it happen Commander.”
“Aye Captain, coordinates set at two hundred thousand kilometers out and behind the gas giant.”
“Jump complete. Sensors are on line and…Just as you thought Captain, there are two Binalmorane battle cruisers holding station.”
“We would have to drop stealth to fire the torpedoes. I want to avoid that.”
“Lieutenant Mgarch, designate the target dead ahead as target one. Preset the target information on the torpedoes and then eject them from the magazine. We will be able to maintain stealth, without showing a launch.”
“Aye Captain…..I have programmed two AMEP torpedoes. I have ejected them from the magazine. They have target one locked in. They will activate on your signal.”
“All right, put us in position on the other battle cruiser. That one will be designated target two. Put two AMEP torpedoes right up her backside on my command.”
A few moments later Commander Gabrielli said, “We are in position behind target two.”
“Target lock Captain.” Replied LT Marshall, “ready to fire on your order.”
“Very well, XO, drop stealth.”
“Lieutenant Mgarch, as soon as we have cleared stealth, fire both torpedoes and activate the two remotes.”
“Aye Captain. We are clear of stealth. Both torpedoes fired at target two. They are running hot and straight and normal. Both remotes activated they are running hot and straight and normal for target one.”
There was a tremendous explosion. Lieutenant Marshall said, “Target two is down Captain, we must have penetrated her reactor containment fields. There is only debris remaining. “Remote torpedoes should reach their target about now.” Another bright flash. “Target one is venting atmosphere Captain. She is without power. She is launching survival pods and broadcasting an emergency signal asking for help.”
“All right XO. Good shooting.”
“XO Jump us to our initial position. Let’s look to see how the enemy is responding.”
“Jump complete Captain. The battle cruiser circling the research station is departing orbit. It looks like she is going to the aid of the crippled battle cruiser.”
“Listen to this captain.” Said LT JG Danielle Marshall. The overhead speaker came to life. “….Etaplon, This is Binalmorane Security Service Commander SDotan Brakol do not leave orbit. You are to remain and protect this station. I say again, Do Not Leave orbit. That is an order.”
LT Marshall said, “Captain, the battle cruiser is reversing course. She is returning to orbit,”
“O-kay people. I had hoped the remaining cruiser would go to their aid. That’s OK. We have taken care of the two battle cruisers in the Binalmorane trap. Now we need to get that other cruiser away from the research station.”
“XO weren’t there some drones in the inventory from the Arusha?”
Commander Gabrielli replied, “indeed there were Captain. They are in our hold as a matter of fact.”
“Lieutenant Marshall, are you familiar with the drones? Are you able to program them so they represent themselves as Ornian battle cruisers? I want to position them about three hundred thousand kilometers along our inbound course. And, can the drones be used as a relay, so the radio signal appears to come from them?”
“Yes Captain,” replied Lieutenant Mgarch. The drones are capable of short jumps like that. They can also serve as a relay. It will take about fifteen minutes to program and another ten minutes for them to reach their assigned position.”
“Make it happen Lieutenant. Have their transponders go active upon reaching their position. I want it to appear they just jumped in to the system. Let me know when you have finished Lieutenant Mgarch.”
“XO, can you represent yourself as the Ornia commander of our small taskforce?”
“I’m sorry Captain, I don’t know the language well enough to pull that off. I believe that Lieutenant Nanan could do that. He is familiar with the jargon and they are speaking Orniaish[28] it is his native language.”
“Lieutenant Nanan, to the bridge.”
“Lieutenant Nanan reporting as ordered Captain.”
Captain Sukhov explained the ploy to Lieutenant Nanan. “Lieutenant. As soon as the drones go active the Etaplon will sense that two new ships have jumped in to the system. When they challenge what they believe are the two new ships, I want you to impersonate a Ornian Admiral. Advise the Etaplon to break orbit immediately and render aid because they are much closer than the two incoming cruisers. Advise the research station that battle cruisers Bomer a
nd Eruchan will provide protection for the research station. Can you do that lieutenant?”
“Yes, I can Captain. You should know that the Ornian Navy don’t have Admirals, they use the rank of Marshal to command a squadron. I believe that would be more accurate.”
“Thank you, Lieutenant.” Replied Captain Sukhov. “Good catch.”
“Have you finished programming the drones Lieutenant Mgarch?”
“Yes, I have Captain. They are ready to go on your command.”
“Launch the drones.
A few minutes later the drones went active.
“This is the battle cruiser Etaplon. The two ships that have just arrived in the Zeta Reticuli system identify yourselves.”
Lieutenant Nanan responded. “This is Marshall Nanan in command of the Ornian fifth squadron, battle cruisers Bomer and Eruchan. We have seen your situation. We have come to help. Etaplon, go to the aid of your distressed ship. We will cover the research station.”
“Marshall Nanan, this is Captain Veyk chief officer of the Binalmorane battle cruiser Etaplon. I have orders to remain on site.”
“Captain Veyk, the entire Binalmorane fleet is under the command of the Ornia Navy, is it not?”
“Yes, it is Marshall Nanan.”
“And unless I am mistaken a Marshall outranks a Captain. Am I not correct?”
“That is true Marshall Nanan.”
“Then follow your orders or I will personally see you stripped of rank and imprisoned.”
“Yes Sir, we are going to the aid of the battle cruiser. We will break orbit immediately.”
Captain Sukhov said “Good job lieutenant Nanan. Or should I say Marshall Nanan.” with a chuckle.
“Thank you, Captain. I was not sure I could make the pretense work.”
“You did just fine Lieutenant. Good job.”
“Lieutenant Mgarch.” Said Captain Sukhov. “Program two more torpedoes. I want them to target the transponder of the Etaplon. Jump them back to the site of the disabled battle cruiser, activate them so when the Etaplon arrives they will take her down.”
“Aye Captain.”
A few minutes later, “Captain, two AMEP torpedoes have jumped to the near coordinates of the disabled cruiser. As soon as the Etaplon arrives they will activate. It shouldn’t be long now.”
Just ten minutes later, sensors identified the explosion of two AMEP torpedoes, with the following explosion signifying the Binalmorane cruisers destruction.
“Captain, the Binalmorane cruiser has been hit. I have no idea how badly but two torpedoes will create a lot of damage, even if they don’t hit something critical.”
“Alright Lieutenant. Thank you.”
“XO drop us in to a position within weapons range of the research station.”
“Aye Captain.” A few seconds later, “Captain, we are in position.”
“Drop stealth XO.”
“Roger Captain, dropping stealth now.”
“Binalmorane research station. This is the Federation ship Barracuda. Stand down and prepare to be boarded. This is your only warning.”
“Captain, sensor indicate weapons arming aboard the research station.”
“Lieutenant Marshall, Target all weapons systems. If we are fired upon, weapons are released. Try to take out the weapons systems. We need to rescue the Krayari, not kill him.”
Almost at once the research station opened fire. The lasers were no match for the new defensive shields. The missiles the research station fired were to slow to be a real risk. The defensive lasers were more than capable of taking down the missiles. Lieutenant Marshall was able to pinpoint the defensive systems and destroy them with impunity. It took less that twenty minutes for the defensive systems on the research station to go quiet.
Captain Sukhov said, “XO, ask the strike team to meet me in the launch bay.”
“Aye captain.”
As the team gathered in the launch bay, Captain Sukhov finished donning her lightweight armored suit. “You all know what your jobs are. Stick together and be ready for anything. We believe there will be twelve to fifteen Binalmorane marines aboard. We need to neutralize those marines. Once that is done we hope we will meet much less resistance. Our priority is finding the Krayari officer and deliver him or her to the Barracuda. Watch your backs. Any questions?"
The team donned the pressurized helmets for their armored suit. The material of the suits, though soft and supple’ was strong enough for short trips in a vacuum and offered good armor protection from hand held lasers and even hand held projectile weapons. The helmets were made of the same material with a modified type of Lexan for the clear face shields. Once the team was ready, Captain Sukhov began to pump the air in the bay down to zero. She opened the bay hatch. Lieutenant Nanan had positioned the Krayari two-man shuttle in the hatch opening. The rest of the team had tethered themselves to the shuttle. Once Captain Sukhov was secured she gave the go signal. Lieutenant Nanan began the trek to the Station. It would take approximately fifteen minutes for the shuttle to make the trip.
As the shuttle made its way to the research station, Captain Sukhov took a moment to look around her. The beauty of the galaxy was awe-inspiring once you got past the panic of constantly falling. Captain Sukhov was able to conquer her fear and was finally able to experience the majesty laid out before her. It was a very humbling experience. She couldn’t help but wonder if her companions felt the same awe that she did.
As the shuttle approached the station, Captain Sukhov said, “Heads up. We have no idea what we are going to encounter. At the very least we should expect heavy fire as we attempt to enter the station.”
“Lieutenant Tareer, you are on the air lock.”
“On it Captain.” Lieutenant Tareer attached an EHA[29] device used by emergency teams to rescue trapped crew. He checked the internal pressure. There was none. The EHA worked. They had been prepared to blow the hatch, but it would not be necessary. The hatch opened. Expecting heavy fire from inside the station, Lieutenant Tareer took a quick look. “Captain, there are no personnel in the bay. They must be waiting in the corridor of the ship.”
“Alright everyone. Let’s get inside and pressurize the bay. We can go from there.”
Once the bay was pressurized, Lieutenant Terzo used his body proximity sensor. “Captain, I am reading six bodies on the other side of this hatch.”
“All right Lieutenant, this is a standard research station for this sector, bring up the design layout. I believe that the design called for a mess hall to our right. There also should be a private office below us. Check for bodies in the mess hall. Lieutenant Terzo said, “I count twenty-six bodies in the mess hall Captain. Wait one, I will check the space below us. It will just take a second. Got it. There is no one in the office below us.”
“Lieutenant Chgal, cut through to the space below us.”
“Aye Captain.” Lieutenant Chgal took the laser cutter from his backpack and began to apply it to the floor. He made a circle about five feet in diameter. Once he completed the circle, he firmly applied the heel of his boot to the edge. The inner part of the circle fell through to the space below.
The space below was not an office, but a storage area. Once the entire team was through the opening on the floor. Lieutenant Terzo found the hatch leading to the passageway. He applied his body proximity sensor. “Captain, there are no bodies sensed in the passageway.”
Captain Sukhov, said “O-kay, let’s do this. Lieutenant Terzo stepped out to the passageway, only to jump back inside, barely dodging laser fire.
“It’s a DeOvoid[30].” Lieutenant Terzo reached to his equipment belt and withdrew an anti-personnel mine. He armed the mine and tossed it toward the DeOvoid. The blast took out the DeOvoid, but also alerted the forces in the passageway above to their location. Almost at once they began to draw fire from the left. Lieutenant Nanan fired in response and two defenders fell.
“Move.” Said Captain Sukhov. A she headed down the passageway to her right. About one hundred
meters ahead, one companionway led up and one led down. “Up” said Captain Sukhov. Nearing the top of the companionway, the team, again, began to draw fire. Captain Sukhov moved to her far right and stole slowly forward. As she approached the upper deck she caught a laser to her armor. Her reaction was to fire in response. As she prepared to fire again, a body fell forward and down the companionway. Captain Sukhov realized, this was no Binalmorane marine. This was a civilian. She shook her head. Why were civilians defending this station? There should be Binalmorane marines on the defense.
She turned to lieutenant Nanan. “Lieutenant, can you patch us in to the station communication system?”
“Of course, Captain, but why? They will be using individual comms for communication.”
“That was not a Binalmorane marine. The two you took down were civilians as well. We have not yet seen a Binalmorane marine. I believe this station has been left in the hands of civilians. There are no marines aboard. We need to see if we can get them to surrender. There is no need to kill them all.”
Lieutenant Nanan said, “there is a room behind us. I may be able to patch in to the Comm. System from there.
The team returned to the room behind them. It was an office of some sort. It took Lieutenant Nanan a couple of minutes and then he said. “The Comm system is ready Captain. It should reach the entire station. Use this mike”
“This is Federation Captain Indira Sukhov. Lay down you weapons and surrender. We will not harm you if you cooperate. We are here to make a recovery. There is no need for anyone else to die.”
A short time later a voice came back over the intercom. “How do we know you won’t kill us anyway if we lay down our weapons?”
“You don’t, but why would we bother. All we want is our comrade. If you give him to us we will leave you in peace.”
“We have no one here that might be your comrade.” Replied the voice.
“Of course, you do.” Said Captain Sukhov. “There is a Krayari officer aboard this station. We have sensors that report his personal transponder is here. If we must go look for him, it will mean many more of your civilians will die. Do you really want that?”