"I am confused. You want to do something, but will do nothing. If you will not act, then I will. What about my ships? You do not need them, correct?"
The young Prince did his best to hide his impatience, but now he had reached such a point that it was proving nearly impossible.
"True," said the Admiral, "I do not need all of your ships, and I still need information if I am to stabilise the situation. Above all, High Command wants to avoid a full-scale war with Tahkeome. I cannot send any of my ships, but I can give you other support."
Every one of the captains, as well as Prince Kratha looked to him in surprise.
"Yes?" Prince Kratha asked.
Admiral Churchill grinned, but it was a subtle gesture, bordering on a smirk.
"I suggest we compromise, to ensure that this reconnaissance in force can be completed successfully."
None were as surprised as Prince Kratha, and he watched with his mouth wide open. Even the other captains were surprised by this sudden turn of events. Sensing the mood, the Admiral continued.
"I will provide the rest of your ships with marines, support crew, and fighter squadrons from the Helios reserve. This will free up your own people so that you can send a small force of your best ships to reconnoitre the shipping lanes to the Serpentis System. Collect any loyalists you encounter, and if able, move on to the Karnak System in the Tenth Quadrant and make contact with Makos."
He tried to look reassuring to the Prince.
"Do not let your ships engage with the forces of Tahkeome unless they have the tactical advantage. The priority is to obtain actionable intelligence for me and stay in contact. When I have information, I can respond, but not before."
The room stayed quiet for nearly five seconds until finally the Prince spoke.
"I cannot send my ships on without me. They are my birth right, and all that I have remains with them."
Admiral Churchill shook his head.
"No, my friend. You are more important than any ship. You should stay aboard Warlord and help me plan a long-term strategy to stabilise this border, and to reclaim your lost homeland."
The Prince looked disappointed, but as he looked at the other captains, he knew the Admiral was right. General Honorious, who until now had been relatively quiet, decided to speak.
"The Admiral is correct, Prince. It would serve none of our causes if you were captured or killed leading loyalists inside occupied territory. Let me take Furiosa and her escorts through the Rift."
Prince Kratha walked over to his old mentor and grasped his arm in his. The captains watched on uncomfortably as they spoke. It was a private moment, yet none could tear their eyes away. Both spoke in their own tongue, but the translators did a reasonable job of converting their words after a short delay. After nearly a minute of talking, the two split apart. The General bowed slightly and then groaned. His injuries, though reasonably healed were still a problem to him.
"Very well. I will organise a taskforce within the hour."
Admiral Churchill nodded politely.
"Time is our enemy. Speed is the priority, so I would..."
Prince Kratha lifted his hands and pointed to the icons that represented each of the ships.
"Battleship Furiosa is the strongest and fastest ship here. If I strip my best crew and fighters from the other vessels, I can outfit her for the General. Although I could use more infantry and pilots, if you can spare them. Very few of our fighter pilots remain since the exodus. Furiosa and our new generation of fast destroyers can make the journey faster than any vessel here, even your own ships."
One of the captains laughed at that bold statement, but Captain Galanos' eyes remained on the Admiral. Through all of this, the others had been surprised, yet the Admiral remained calm and objective. He didn't seem particularly taken aback at the Prince's suggestion, and if she knew any better, it looked as though he'd been rather impatient for either Kratha or Honorius to make the point earlier in the conversation.
He planned this from the start. He wants the symbol of the Empire alone and in the heart of enemy territory. Why?
"Very well. Have your officers forward their needs to me, and I will do what I can to make the rest of your ships fully operational. Furiosa must leave within the hour. Any further delay and Tahkeome could very well strike before we know what is happening."
"Thank you," said the Prince, "I could use more pilots for my fighters, engineers, supplies, and as many marines as you can spare. Our warriors have been greatly diminished."
He looked pained as he realised the weakness of his position.
"One day Byotai strength will return, and on that day you will see what we are truly capable of."
The rest of the briefing was over in less than a minute, and one by one, the images of the captains vanished until just Admiral Churchill remained. Captain Galanos looked across the table at him and maintained her connection even though it appeared he'd dismissed her.
"Is there something else, Admiral?"
He smiled in answer.
"Yes, Captain. I need volunteer pilots to join the expedition, and they need experience of working with the Byotai military. Specifically, I need pilots with knowledge of the region."
Captain Galanos knew right away that this wasn't a request, and that there was only one group of pilots on her ship, perhaps even in the entire fleet that might be able to help.
"I think I might have some that fit that description."
The Admiral nodded as he listened.
"Indeed you do. Your Knighthawks trained with the Byotai at Mognathus Seven, did they not?"
Captain Galanos nodded slowly.
"Yes, Admiral. The cadets were part of a joint programme between the best youngsters in the Alliance and the Byotai Empire. They were to compete in a major dog-fighting tournament. But surely you would be better..."
He shook his head.
"No, Captain, it would not. I need people I can trust aboard that ship."
His eyes moved across to Captain Cornwallis. As the CAG for the ship, he'd not been asked any questions and had remained silent for the duration of the meeting.
"Captain, is Commander Higgins available?"
The Naval officer nodded smartly.
"Yes, Admiral. He remains as my deputy and has performed admirably in the operation so far."
"Good...very good. I want him, and as many of Knighthawks active pilots as you can muster. General Honorius needs them on board within the hour. Get them ready. They will need to leave in the next thirty minutes."
Both turned away as alerts sounded inside their separate ships. Captain Galanos checked her tactical screen that was just visible through the partially smoked divider that led back into the combined CIC and bridge. Two more ships were coming through and already taking fire from the Alliance ships waiting for them. She looked back and exhaled, making a sound that was a borderline sigh.
"I'm a little confused as to our strategy, Admiral."
"Really, how so?"
Captain Galanos felt uncomfortable, but of all the senior officers in the fleet, there were few that would listen as carefully as the Admiral.
"Well, is it wise sending a small Byotai force to the Serpentis System? What if they reach the Tenth Quadrant and run directly into Tahkeome. Won't this simply show him that we know where he is, and what he is doing?"
Admiral Churchill grinned.
"Quite. And that is exactly what I am counting on. We will continue to ready ourselves, but I must have information on Tahkeome, and I need to know where his strength is."
Captain Galanos' eyes lit up.
"So you send something that even Tahkeome cannot ignore. You want General Honorius to be discovered, why? Won't they give chase and follow them back here?"
To our waiting fleet. He wants that to happen?
Admiral Churchill gave nothing away with either his tone or body language.
"Please have the pilots and their craft ready to leave. This mission is critical to us, Kratha, an
d General Makos, assuming he is even alive."
"Yes, Admiral."
The imagery faded, and the Captain waited for a few seconds as she collected her thoughts. The mission was simple, but she still couldn't quite understand the Admiral's strategy.
Is Churchill really sending Furiosa in for reconnaissance, or is she going in as bait?
An image of the massive ship appeared in her mind, the vessel surrounded and pounded by scores of Star Empire ships. It wasn't a pretty sight at all.
What will Tahkeome do if he finds the Byotai flagship at his flank?
The Captain shook her head, knowing full well the answer was obvious.
The Admiral wants intelligence, but he also wants Tahkeome to make the first move. And when he does, he can then act.
Only then did she realise that Captain Cornwallis was still there.
"Everything okay, Captain?"
She smiled.
"Of course."
As she turned away, a thought popped into her head. She looked back at the officer with a quizzical look to her face.
"This entire mission for the General, it's not just for intelligence, is it?"
The man shrugged.
"I...don't know, Sir. By sending in the General, he is guaranteed to get Tahkeome's attention. Maybe that is all he desires. A way to control Tahkeome, and to bring him where he needs him.
He then smiled as though he didn't believe a word of what he'd just said.
"Alternatively, it would be the perfect case of casus belli to bring him before our guns and force him to act. Either he leaves, or he assault our combined fleet."
Her eyes lit up at the term.
Cause for war, surely not?
CHAPTER FIVE
Alliance Armoured Assault Ship 'ANS Relentless'
23 December 2472
The skirmishing at the Fiorr Veej System continued to erupt sporadically at the exit point of the Rift. Sometimes it was a single warship, but more often than not it was a cluster of captured ships, each forced through the minefield and into the waiting guns. As before, streaks of gunfire lashed the bow of Relentless as the ship sailed past the Rift. She remained in a loose formation along with the entirety of the Alliance war fleet. Energy lashed the ships from the Rift as small groups appeared from the heart of the enemy domain. It was a dream that seemed little different to Nate's waking routine. Yet this time the skirmish had transformed into a violent confrontation between two massed fleets. It was as exciting as it was terrifying. Nate had not slept so long in a very long time, and his fatigue resulted in fantasy and reality merging together into a bizarre hybrid of space battles and violence.
The only big difference this time was that he was in command of Relentless, and no matter what decisions he made, guns and missiles continued to rain down on his ship. It was a deep sleep, exactly what he'd needed for weeks. So deep that the moment Relentless took a direct hit he almost jumped out of his bunk. In his dream it was nothing more than a stealthy cruise missile that travelled at impossible speeds while remaining invisible to sensors. The weapon had been launched by an aged and already badly damaged frigate. The vessel was a burning wreck by the time the missile made it towards the fleet. The weapon streaked past the defending destroyers and struck Relentless amidships. The klaxon sounded loudly as the breach widened, sucking out crew, pilots, and marines at will. It took a full five blasts before he opened his eyes and groaned, "What?"
The thunderous drone of the loudspeakers echoed through Nate's quarters like a relentless pounding on a drum. He shook his head and tried to close his eyes, but the sound would not stop. After so many sorties and briefings, the sound blurred into random noise, and in his mind the role of commanding Relentless still felt like his. He might have wanted to ignore it, but like everybody on Relentless, he had a responsibility to be ready. He shook his head in irritation and checked the clock.
Not even midnight yet. I need sleep.
He checked his Secpad bracelet without even rolling out of his bunk. The device lit up, and it took a second or two for his eyes to adjust. There was, of course, no day and night aboard the ship, at least not in relation to the planets or stars around them. Instead, they operated under Alliance Central Time, fixed specifically on the world of Terra Nova, the capital.
"What is it?" Billy asked.
Nate rolled his head to the side and spotted his friend leaning up against the wall, but still sitting on his bed. A thin film of perspiration covered his forehead, and it looked as though he hadn't slept in days.
"Relentless has joined the rotation for the Rift. We're moving up to support two more ships around ANS Promethium....wait..."
Nate threw himself forward and landed on his feet in front of his bunk.
"Suit up. Higgins wants us in the briefing room. Something big has come up, and he's calling in all squadron pilots."
Billy yawned and began to move to the edge of his bunk. He didn't dawdle, but he also didn't appear to be in any great hurry to get ready.
"When?"
Nate grabbed his tunic and laughed, just as the separating curtain slid past and the tired face of Matilda appeared. It was rare to see her without her glasses, and both of them looked at her as she rubbed her eyes. It took a moment for them to even realise she was only half dressed, with just her pants and underwear. Nate gulped nervously, and Billy's mouth quickly turned to a smile. Matilda spotted him gawping at her and shook her head. Military issue gear was hardly exotic, and upon formally joining the Squadron, each had been issued with everything they would ever need as part of the Alliance Navy. Women all wore the same style of sports bras and underwear, something that had caused quite a ruckus with Cassandra when they'd boxed up all her personal items.
"Class act, as always, Billy."
She then looked over to Nate as she pulled on her field blouse. As it moved down over her head, she sighed.
"It's serious, though. He hasn't just requested us, or the Corsairs. He wants everybody!"
Nate chuckled. "You don't say."
Billy pulled on his pants and grabbed Nate's shoulder.
"Okay, so when does he need us there?"
"When?" Matilda muttered.
She turned away, and the curtain fell down behind her, but not before both heard her laughing to herself. Billy looked to Nate who nodded at the curtain and on to the compartment door.
"Try ten minutes ago. She's not wrong. It's very serious."
Billy's expression changed, but as usual it was little more than confusion. He may not have been the brightest of the pilots in Knighthawk Squadron, but he was certainly one of the most capable. What he lacked in knowledge, he more than made up for with his dog fighting skills.
As they grabbed their last bits of gear and made for the door, Nate smiled at Billy. He had many faults, but unlike high-achievers like Rex, Billy could be relied upon. In a dogfight, Rex was just as likely to quit his position to chase an enemy, as he was to stay in formation. Billy, on the other hand, would be there till the end. He would do as he was ordered to the best of his ability.
"Let's see what this emergency is that only we can fix!"
* * *
Nate and Billy moved quickly down the passageway and towards the wide door that led inside. As was normal now, a pair of Marine guards waited at each side of the door, both in full armour and carrying their standard issue L56 carbines. As Nate moved closer, he smiled to himself. Just a few months ago even visiting a room like this would have been a treat, like seeing a museum filled with fighters and bombers. Now everything had changed, and he was entering this place as an equal, one of many pilots on board the aged warship.
"Can you believe we're still here?"
Billy looked at him and shrugged.
"What, in the passageway?"
Nate laughed and shook his head.
"No, I mean here, on this ship and part of a fighter squadron. Did you ever think it would be possible?"
Billy shook his head immediately.
"
No chance. I failed the entry tests on my fourteenth birthday to join the military school. Why do you think I ended up in the civilian academy instead, like you?"
Nate's left eyebrow rose whimsically.
"Good point."
They passed the marines and entered the packed briefing room. The lights were still bright as the two walked inside. There were even more pilots pushing in from the main passageway. He kept on moving and sat in the front row. More pilots continued to arrive, but it took another minute before the first of the familiar faces of Knighthawk Squadron arrived. First in was Rex, and he ignored looking at Nate and headed for the rear of the room. Next came Matilda and Cassandra, both of whom joined Nate and were clearly not impressed by Rex's behaviour.
"What's going on, Nate?" Cassandra asked, "I saw something about pilots being selected for some kind of special mission."
"No idea. Maybe we're going through the Rift and taking the fight to them."
Matilda shrugged.
"Doubtful. We are not embroiled in a total war with the Star Empire, at least not yet. We're here to maintain lines of communication to Makos in the Tenth Quadrant, and to protect the route through to Helios Prime."
Nate's eyebrows rose as he listened to her. Matilda had no more access to Alliance intelligence than he did, and yet she seemed better informed than he was. He looked ahead and wondered quite how dangerous Matilda would be in a command position. She had taken the same information as him and managed to understand and assess it in a matter of minutes.
"They have not come through in force, and we have not gone back to fight them. If you ask me, I'd say this sector is nothing more than a stalemate, and we've been pinned in position."
Her eyebrows rose as though she'd just discovered some great secret.
"The real action is going on somewhere else right now, and I bet that's why we're all in here."
Then Cassandra spoke, and this time her tone seemed to have mellowed. For the last few days she'd shown little but contempt for anything Nate had to say. Now she blinked slowly and made sure he heard each and every word.
Battleship Furiosa Page 7