by Saxon Andrew
RJ was focused on the tactical monitor, but he suddenly had a thought, “Desmond, have the Garrions assigned to take out the next Planet Killer that falls out of their formation to do a full active scan of it before they destroy it.”
“Yes Sir.”
It was another ten minutes before the next Planet Killer fell out of formation. RJ saw it was not firing its blasters and immediately ordered, “All ships, do not fire on that Planet Killer!” The Planet Killer disappeared behind them and Angel wondered what RJ was doing. RJ then ordered, “Fire on any others that fall out!”
It wasn’t that the Hare’s cutters weren’t causing damage to the giant alien warships. But the cutter’s beams were weakened by having to pass through the blaster barrage and they didn’t have their full penetration power. Hitting a ten-mile long warship with a twenty-foot wide beam was like hitting an elephant with a small bullet. It had to hit a critical system perfectly to damage the Planet Killer enough to take it out of action.
RJ said over his helmet communicator, “Desmond, now is the time.”
Angel looked up at the tactical monitor and saw the three-thousand Garrions trailing their formation suddenly accelerate to maximum speed and disappear ahead of them. What was going on?
• • •
The Second saw he was in extreme danger but at the rate he was losing ships, he should be able to make it into communication range and call in reinforcements before his fleet was destroyed. He sat in his chair and saw the crew were all close to dark black in color showing their fear. He almost yelled at them before noticing that his color was darker than theirs. He looked at his scanning leader, “What about the message probes?”
“They’ve moved outside our scanner range, War Leader. They will arrive at our defensive lines in less than two hours.” The Second nodded and hoped the Supreme War Leader would dispatch a fleet to rescue him.
• • •
Admiral Crews turned to Kendal, “Long-range scanners have detected a large cloud of small ships moving toward us, Sir.”
“Activate computer targeting on all ships and notify all ships that weapons will be free after the initial barrage,” Kendal ordered. Those message probes were moving toward them a super-light-speed and it would be up to the computers to determine when they should be attacked. She waited and heard Lt. Sommers count it down, “They’ll be in range in five, four, three, two, one…”
Every blaster on the carriers and Garrions opened fire and a giant wall of blaster beams met the message probes head on. The explosions were too numerous to count and filled the space in front of the carrier’s forces. After a moment, the ships turned their fire control over to their ship’s computers and thousands of explosions happened behind their formation. Admiral Kelly said loudly, “Sir, more than nine-hundred message probes have managed to get through our defenses. We must assign ships to chase them down.”
“You will hold position, Admiral.”
“But Sir!”
Lt. Sommers announced, “Ships approaching at high speed, Sir.”
“Order all ships to hold fire!” Kendal ordered. The fleet held position and Lt. Sommers smiled, “Sir, they’re ours.”
Kendal smiled, “Order all ships to go to full stealth mode.”
• • •
The three-thousand Garrions RJ sent passed the Carriers at an unbelievable speed. They caught the surviving message probes and the last one was destroyed thirty-six minutes outside the Britannia Aliens’ communication range. They turned and flew back toward the Carriers at maximum speed.
• • •
RJ activated the general frequency, “All ships in my wing will slow and keep a hundred miles separation between the alien formation and our unit.”
• • •
The Scanning Leader looked up at the Second, “War Leader, the attacking warships are falling behind slightly.”
The Second smiled, “Our probes must have reached the Senior War Leader and he’s launched a fleet to defend us.” The crew looked at each other and started to relax. Their dark colors started changing but their hopes were dashed in an instant.
• • •
Kendal saw the approach of the alien formation on the tactical monitor and ordered the three Carriers to change position three-hundred miles above and to the port side of their current position. She sat back and said calmly over the Carrier’s frequency, “Cutters are free and will fire on computer command. All Garrions will not fire and hold position. Be prepared for cleanup operations.”
• • •
The three Carriers’ fifteen-hundred cutters opened fire hitting the oncoming alien formation a hundred and fifty miles out from them. The cutters on the Carriers were the most powerful blaster in the Colonies’ inventory. The King Hare Cutters were powered by five reactors each; the Carrier’s cutters were powered by ten-reactors each and their beams were fifty-feet wide. Those beams hit the oncoming Planet Killers and the entire formation went up in a huge explosion. None of them came out of the barrage undamaged and the Garrions fell on them launching heavy missiles. The Carrier’s computers targeted the most dangerous of the survivors and most were hit by more than a hundred cutters each. In less than fifteen minutes, nothing remained of the alien fleet but vapor and a giant field of debris. RJ’s Hares joined in the destruction of the survivors and with the assistance of the Carriers, every piece of the giant warships was vaporized.
• • •
Kendal appeared on RJ’s faceplate and asked, “Were your Garrions able to remove the probes?”
“Yes, Admiral, they did.”
“What happens now?” Kendal asked.
“We go home.”
“You don’t think they’ll launch another attack, Junior?”
“They might but the odds are against it. They won’t do anything until they hear from this fleet. That will take some time before they start to get suspicious. I suspect we have several months before that happens. We’ve delayed them and carried out our mission. Sticking around now serves no purpose.”
“It’s been a pleasure serving with you, Junior.”
“Let me know if you get any grief from Admiral Connor, Kendal. I’ll tell her I gave you a direct order.”
“I did what had to be done, Junior. I’ll handle Admiral Connor.”
RJ smiled, “Stay safe, Kendal.”
“You do the same, Junior.”
Kendal disappeared from his face plate and RJ raised it. He turned to Angel and smiled, “Order the wing to form up and prepare to go home.”
Angel smiled, “It will be my pleasure, Sir.”
The Garrions moved back to their carriers and RJ waited until they were all landed before ordering the wing to form up on his ship and leave for New Britannia.
Chapter Sixteen
RJ sat back in his chair and took a deep breath. He looked forward to getting back and leaving all the hard decisions to someone else. He thought for a moment and smiled. He pressed his communicator and Connie appeared, “Were you able to get a Planet Killer, Connie?”
“Actually, I got three.”
“How did you manage to do that?”
Connie smiled, “I’ve learned where to hit them.”
“Congratulations. You should know that the Senior Admirals have promoted you to Admiral and you will be commanding all of New Britannia’s scouts. Congratulations.”
“Thank you, Sir. It’s your putting me above the core that led to this.”
“You deserve it, Connie.” The monitor went dark and RJ stared at the stars flashing past through the viewport and was once again amazed at how fast they were moving. The galaxy had shrunk because of the new speed of warships and distance no longer represented the safety is once did.
He blew out a breath and reached for his console. He pulled up Candy’s last message and, for the first time in a long time, he thought about her. He felt the pain of losing her all over again and closed his eyes. He suspected Angel was once interested in being in a relationship with him b
ut that abruptly ended when he dressed her down about deleting Candy’s message. Angel was a beautiful and a wonderful woman…but…she wasn’t Candy. He took another deep breath and wondered if anyone would ever capture his heart. Probably not. He tried to get Candy out of his mind but just couldn’t pull it off.
• • •
Candy sat on the Defender and stared at her console. The training staff had developed simulations for her ships to complete. They included situations with slave planets with no freighters above it up to planets with three freighters and warships above them. Fleet quickly determined that in order to cover all possibilities, Candy needed to send six warships to each of the slave planets. Her fleet had doubled in size and getting them organized had proven to be difficult. But they were coming along, and she was thankful she had the time to get them ready. Her console beeped and Taffy appeared on the display, “Mom! It’s good to hear from you.”
“How’s it coming along, Candy?”
“We’ll be ready when the time comes.”
Taffy smiled, “I thought you should know that RJ’s fleet has completed its mission and they’re coming home.” Candy’s expression froze and Taffy added, “Grady expects them back in a week.”
Candy forced a smile before saying, “That’s marvelous. Were any of his ships detected by the Britannia Aliens?”
“No. They almost found out about his ships, but he managed to keep them in the dark. The Senior Admirals were all highly impressed with the job he did, and Grady says he’s probably going to get another promotion when he returns.” Candy’s smile disappeared and Taffy added, “Grady is giving his crews liberty before they’re reassigned. RJ is only going to have two days before he reports to Intelligence for debriefing.”
Candy nodded and said softly, “Thanks for telling me, Mom.”
“If you want to see him, those two days is when you’ll have to do it.”
Candy nodded slightly and said, “I love you, Mom.”
“Good luck, honey. Come and see me soon, ok?”
“I’ll see you in a week.” Taffy smiled and the display went dark. Candy sat back and tried to think of what she was going to say to RJ. The words eluded her.
• • •
The fifty-one King Hare warships arrived above New Britannia and the crews began moving to shuttles to go to the planet’s surface. Matt stood up and hugged the others in the bridge crew before leaving. He hugged Angel and she said, “Do you have a moment?”
“Sure.”
“I suspect you are going to be reassigned once you arrive on the planet.”
Matt smiled, “That’s the plan.”
Angel stared intently in his eyes and said, “Turn it down!”
“What?”
“Matt, I don’t want you to leave the Troke!”
Matt’s eyes narrowed, “Why?”
“Because life without you on board will not be bearable. I need you here.”
“What are you saying, Angel?”
“I’m saying that life without you in it just won’t be worth anything. Please don’t leave me.”
Matt stared into Angel’s eyes and he started shaking his head, “I thought you were interested in RJ?”
“I was. But that’s no longer the case. I’ve watched you during our mission and I’ve come to admire you and…ultimately…start having feelings for you. Please don’t leave!”
Matt blew out a harsh breath, “Why didn’t you say something before now?”
“I couldn’t get up the nerve, Matt. Now time has run out and I have to tell you now.”
“Angel, I’ll have to take a demotion to say on the Troke. It’ll set back my career years.”
Angel lowered her eyes, “I know.” She looked up and said softly, “Admit it, being on the front lines confronting our enemies is much more exciting than commanding fleet trainers. Please say you’ll stay!”
Matt stared at Angel for a long moment before answering, “I can’t make that promise, Angel. I’m sorry.” Matt turned and left the bridge.
Angel went to her chair and sat down. RJ looked at her and was silent. Angel’s tears were falling, and she said, “I know how you felt when Candy chose to leave.”
RJ sighed, “I couldn’t help but over hear you. I’m sorry, Angel.”
“You’ve been an outstanding commander, RJ. I’ve come to admire and see that you are much more than I thought when you brought me on board. I know you’re going to go a long way in Fleet.”
RJ reached across and put his hand on Angel’s arm, “Like I told you when you came on board.” Angel turned to him and he said, “You’ll only go up with me.” Angel nodded and smiled slightly. She stood up, hugged RJ, and left the bridge. RJ watched her leave and blew out a breath. He looked around the empty bridge, stood up, went to his quarters to pick up his duffle bag, and went to his command shuttle. He sat down and thought, “Angel should have told him sooner and given him time to digest it.” He closed his eyes and shook his head; he should have done the same thing with Candy.
• • •
The shuttle landed at his parent’s home and Abby was jumping up and down in anticipation as the shuttle landed. He stepped out and Abby ran forward and leaped into his arms. He had to quickly drop his duffle bag to catch her. Abby was crying tears of joy and RJ looked over at Rory and saw him holding a tiny baby. His smile was huge, as he asked Abby, “Who do we have here?”
Abby stopped hugging his neck as RJ put her down, “This is your sister Linda Kay Dunhan.”
Abby pulled RJ over to Rory and he smiled, “Your sister is beautiful, Junior.” RJ took the small baby from Rory’s arms and the baby smiled. RJ kissed her on the forehead and felt love fill him. Abby was crying as she said, “Let’s go inside and have something to eat.” RJ nodded and walked with them inside their home.
• • •
They finished eating and Abby’s communicator beeped. Rory was giving the baby her bottle as Abby pressed her communicator. RJ and Rory saw Abby’s expression change to anger, “It’s a bad time! He just got home.” Her expression turned angrier and she said, “You can ask him!” She held out her communicator and glared at RJ, “It’s Candy Henricks! I’ve told her it’s not a good time, but she insists I ask you if you’ll meet her.”
RJ took the communicator and said, “Hello, Candy.” He listened for a moment and then said, “I’ll come meet you.”
Abby stamped her foot and said sternly, “Junior!”
“Mom, this is something that I must resolve once and for all. I won’t be gone long.”
Rory looked at Abby, “He needs to do this, Abby.”
Abby glared at them shaking her head, but RJ stood up and hugged her, “I’ll be ok, Mom.”
“Junior, I just don’t want to see you hurt again!”
Neither do I, Mom. I’ll be back.” RJ stood up and went to the roof. He recalled his shuttle.
Abby was furious and Rory said softly, “He’s had time to deal with this, Abby. He needs to do this.” Abby sighed and sat down.
• • •
RJ had the crew fly the shuttle to Sunrise Beach and he stepped out. He walked toward the beach and saw Candy sitting with two chairs. She was staring out at the ocean and didn’t turn around as he walked up. He sat down beside her and stared out at the waves with her. After a few minutes, Candy turned to him, “I love this place. We had so many good times when we were children, didn’t we?” RJ nodded. “But we grew up, and everything changed.” RJ tilted his head slightly. Candy lifted her communicator and RJ saw two small speakers in the cup holders on her chair. ‘This I Promise You’ started playing and RJ’s stern expression softened. The song ended and Candy said softly, “I didn’t understand your feelings a year ago. But the line of the song that says the one you should call was standing there all along hit me like a ton of steel. You have been there through every bad moment in my life defending me and picking me up. I’ve had a year to think about you and all that you mean to me. That song released feelings that I’ve
been keeping locked up. My father says you will never trust me again for turning you down.” Candy lowered her head and then said softly, “I love you, RJ. I’m praying you can find it in your heart to forgive me for being so selfish and stupid.”
Candy raised her eyes and saw RJ staring at her. After a moment he said, “The fact that you’re here today should show you that prayers are answered.” Candy jumped out of her chair and fell into RJ’s lap. He held her close and said softly in her ear, “Til the day my life is through, this I promise you.” She leaned up and kissed him. They remained on the beach until the stars came out.
• • •
Abby was furious and was a bear to be with. Finally, the door opened, and RJ came in. Abby started to yell until she saw Candy come in behind him. Her mouth closed and Candy came around RJ to stand in front of Abby, “I know you don’t like me, and I understand why. But I asked to come here to tell you that I love your son and I’m hoping you will accept me into your family.”
Abby was still angry and asked, “Why didn’t Taffy call and tell me where you were!?”
“You are the first one we’ve told,” Candy answered.
Abby stared at Candy and saw RJ’s expression. She turned back to Candy and suddenly pulled her into her arms, “You have always been and will always be a part of our family.”
Candy returned her hug and Rory stood up and joined in the hug. “What happens now, Junior?”
“We want to get married now but I think we should wait and make sure this is the right thing to do.”
Candy turned to him, “I have absolutely no doubts about it. But if you need more time, I’ll wait forever if you need it.”
Rory shook his head, “There will be no time for a wedding until after the war is over. I doubt we’ll be seeing Junior for a long time once Fleet gets hold of him. And you still have a mission in Fagan Territory, Candy.”
RJ turned to Candy, “He’s right.”
“I can wait however long it takes, RJ,” Candy responded. RJ stepped in and pulled Candy out of his parent’s hug. He held her close and said, “I love you.” Candy put her head on his chest and Abby’s fears disappeared. Candy’s smile said all she needed to hear. She prayed both of them survived what was coming. Candy stayed with RJ the next day and left for her fleet the following day as RJ reported to Fleet Intelligence.