by C. R. Daems
"Any skip time left?"
"None," they said simultaneously.
"Make necessary repairs and then proceed back to our assigned area. We need to examine the transports." I cut the connection and called the backup-Bridge crew to the Bridge, deciding to check in on each section. Although we were fortunate and nothing had been damaged, I felt the need for human contact. I chose the medical unit first.
"Captain, are you injured?" Felder asked when she saw me.
"No. Just thought I would drop by and see how you're doing."
"I was expecting…"
"The chaos I had mentioned?" I grinned and she nodded. "This time we were there more to annoy the Issogs—hit and run tactics."
"Yes. I knew we had encountered the Issog by the jumps…that eerie fading in and out of …?"
"Nobody has a good explanation of what exactly happens, although there are several theories. But it's like your body is left behind when the ship jumps approximately three hundred thousand kilometers a second, and it takes your body time to catch up to the ship."
"I thought I had died and was passing on to the next life." She laughed. "I'm glad I didn't. I'm not looking forward to the chaos you described, but to being where I can help."
"I'll do my best to keep your dispensary quiet and clean," I said, remembering her quip at our first staff meeting.
"I think that would make you as happy as it would make me." She gave me a knowing smile. I nodded agreement and left. I found Commander Stewart in his office. He stood as I entered.
"Captain, that was an exciting ride. I've never been on a ship engaged with the Issog without multiple hits."
"It was a fun ride. Our function was to annoy the Issog into doing something stupid, and we succeeded. We destroyed two transports and crippled two. I'll be sending out marines to make sure they are free of Vamps. You'll support them if they encounter heavy resistance."
"Our pleasure, Captain. Half of my group are new and can use the experience."
Next I found Colonel Storch, who was in the marines’ workout area with Gunny Chow. They straightened as I approached.
"Colonel, Gunny, are you ready for a rematch with the Issog?" I asked, knowing they had lost ten marines helping to clear Durban.
"Yes, we have a score to settle, and I think we're prepared for the rematch," Storch said, and Chow gave a sharp nod of agreement.
"I'd like you to get a team together to ensure the two transports we disabled are clear of Vamps. I'm hoping we can find something useful. Commander Stewart will support you if you encounter heavy resistance. I don't want any unnecessary heroics. This won't be our last encounter with the Issog, so don't hesitate to call him." I left when I saw their reluctant acknowledgement. Friends and comrades had died and they wanted revenge, but would follow orders.
"Captain," Lt. Commander Vanek said when I entered the engineering section. She smiled. "Nothing's broken."
"Good. Since you have nothing to do, send a couple of your engineers to examine the two transports we disabled."
"Are you looking for anything in particular?"
"No, but all information about the enemy is useful. I'll let you know when the marines have declared it safe." I made my way back to the Bridge, where Disanto and Maize waited.
"Captain on the Bridge," Disanto said loudly, as the first shift was on duty, but Maize was first to speak.
"Captain, why didn't you attack one of the cruisers? The transports couldn't have reached the Wave exit before one of us reached them."
"What was our mission?" I waited.
"To make the Commander of the escort mad enough to chase us into Captain Perkins’ task force," Disanto said. "Certainly, firing on several of his cruisers would have worked."
"And decreased their overall operational capability," Maize added.
"And screamed trap," I said. "The first mistake new captains make is thinking the Issog are stupid, or just not as smart. Yes, he would have been mad, but not crazy mad. Therefore, he would have stopped to assess the situation: The Commonwealth has ships orbiting Durban, and therefore, they defeated the Issog squadron that was stationed here. A single ship attacked eight cruisers, which is suicide unless …" I paused to let them consider the scenario. "Much more logical that a single ship would attack transports, which are an easy target, and then run for home. Besides, I killed hundreds of Issogs and caused the delay of food to their troops, for which the Issog commander will probably be held accountable."
Maize laughed. "That would be a personal affront and a good reason to want you drowned in a tub of guano."
Disanto choked out a laugh. "That's a picture which will be hard to forget. You were right, Captain. This tour will be like graduating the War College. On my previous tours, I was second and third shift and wasn't privy to the strategy or the tactics involved."
"I agree. Given we don't wind up in the guano, I believe I'll make a good XO under some captain after a tour with you, Captain."
"Why not captain? Given the attrition rate we are having, this experience may well qualify you and Disanto."
"A couple of months ago, I may have thought it possible after a year as XO on the front lines, but after watching you, I understand experience takes time to acquire and that it will take me more than a year to be ready." She gave a slight shrug.
She was right, but unfortunately, the war had accelerated the promotions and too many captains weren't ready to command a cruiser in war time, which consequently resulted in a higher casualty rate and faster promotions. A death cycle that could result in the destruction of the Commonwealth.
* * *
Two days later, Simons had invited Captain Perkins and me to dine with her and Captain Lipscomb. She had skipped the Sakhmet out three light minutes to reduce Perkins’ and my travel time.
"That was a good plan, Zoe," Perkins said as we waited in the Admiral's dining room on the Sakhmet. "Of course, the Issog commander did help. When he realized we had taken Durban, he positioned his transports to his rear—the right strategy at the wrong time." He laughed. "A good reminder for all of us. That one misjudgment can cost you your entire squadron."
Just then Lipscomb walked in and called, "Attention," a second before Simons entered.
"At ease. That was nice work you two pulled off against the Issog," she said as she poured a glass of wine from the sideboard. "It feels like Christmas when we lose less ships than the Issog, and today they lost two to one."
"I think Zoe proved that Issog commanders can be made to lose their tempers and act irrationally just like humans. He knew something was wrong by the way he positioned his transports, yet he chased the Odin squadron." Perkins shook his head at the irony.
"Yes, Zoe knows the Issog better than most. If I were crazy enough to give anyone the authority to take independent action, it would be her. The question is what do we do now that they will shortly know we have liberated Durban and destroyed their resupply taskforce?" Simons asked, signaling a willingness to listen to suggestions.
"Logically, we can expect them to send in an overwhelming force," Lipscomb said. "Based on our previous history against them, they will have to assume we had two fleets initially and have one remaining. Therefore, I think we can expect twenty-five to thirty Issog cruisers."
"Sounds about right." Perkins nodded agreement.
"Zoe, any comments or suggestions?" Simons prompted. I had given it some thought and had come to the same conclusion. This time, tricks wouldn't work, not to overcome a two-to-one advantage.
"Yes, destroy the Issog's infrastructure on Durban and go free another system—"
"You’re suggesting we leave Durban to the Issogs?" Lipscomb roared, his face twisted in disgust. Perkins frowned but said nothing. Simons stared at me but also remained silent.
"If we stay, they will still retake Durban. The only difference will be the Sixth Fleet will no longer exist—eleven cruisers and near five thousand crew."
"Better that than a cowardly retreat." Libcomb's face n
ow flushed red in rage.
"I didn't say retreat. I said let's go free another system. We've agreed the Issog can be rattled and subsequently use poor judgment. It's going to take six months to a year to reestablish the operation they had when we arrived. If we shut down another?" I left the question hanging.
"Zoe's idea is abhorrent and against tradition…but she's right. We can't hold Durban even if Admiral Fossett sends replacements. It will be difficult to surprise them, as they know we are here in force. The fact is the Issog will retake Durban whether we stay or go." She sipped her coffee while awaiting comments.
"I agree." Perkins nodded, his eyes closed in resignation. Lipscomb sat silently shaking his head.
"I'm sure everyone who hears the idea will be repulsed by the thought of leaving Durban defenseless, feel it's cowardly and a betrayal of our responsibility—including Admiral Fossett. Nevertheless, I believe it's the right response, but I'm going to need Admiral Fossett's approval and reinforcements." Simons left for Utopia later that evening. "For now, return to New Hope."
CHAPTER NINE
Utopia: Admiral Fossett—Retreat or Hold
"Simons, are you crazy?" Fossett's fist slammed his mahogany desk so hard, coffee jumped from his cup, splattering the sleeve of his right arm. "It's our sworn duty to protect the citizens of the Commonwealth or to die trying."
Simons sat quietly waiting for the knee-jerk tirade to end. When Fossett stopped to take a breath, she spoke. "Only Durban, or does our oath include the other systems?"
Fossett's eyes narrowed and he glared at Simons for several seconds. "It includes everyone, but right now Durban is the priority."
"So, our new strategy is to look good at any cost?" Simons asked with no hint of amusement.
"What's looking good have to do with trying to save Durban?"
"Because you and I know for certain the Issog will retake Durban even if you reinforce the Sixth."
Fossett was quiet for a long time. "You and I know we've sent captains on what amounted to suicide missions. It's unavoidable sometimes."
"True, but we have never sacrificed the Commonwealth for one system. Durban could well be the battle that destroys the Commonwealth."
"Don't be ridiculous, Simons. You'll destroy more Vamp cruisers than they'll destroy Commonwealth cruisers, so it will be a great victory and something to boost morale."
"I take it you no longer believe the Odin concept can save the Commonwealth?"
"Of course, look at the results—" Fossett's mouth dropped open in midsentence as he realized he hadn't considered the Odin. "I'll give Captain LaFon orders to join another fleet."
"I know Zoe. She won't leave under those conditions, and you can't court martial a dead captain."
"What's your assessment of the Odin?" Fossett suddenly changed topics, appearing to dismiss the previous discussion.
"Under the command of Captain LaFon, it's potentially our savior."
"Explain," Fossett said while continuing to glare tight lipped at Simons.
"The Odin would permit any captain to react faster than the Issog, and that would result in a few extra kills. Nice, but not decisive. It's Captain LaFon's experience against the Issog and her clever integration of her squadron into an Odin squadron that has made the Sixth so effective."
"So you want to free the people of Yorklan, knowing in advance you can't hold it?"
"Although it will be satisfying freeing the citizens of Yorklan from the Issog, the objective is not freeing them but to confuse the Issog. LaFon has proven that the Issog commanders can be rattled, and when they are, they commit the same kind of stupid mistakes we humans do when we are angry or surprised. The problem has been the Issog aren't easy to rattle. I'm hoping that will eventually lead to the kind of blunder that turns the war in our favor."
"What about the citizens of Durban and Yorklan?" Fossett's voice was soft and sounded distraught.
"We will destroy the Issog's infrastructure and free the people. Hopefully, that action will take the Issog six months to a year to rebuild and collect humans. If we're losing the war, it won't matter, on the other hand if we're winning…?" Simons shrugged.
"All right. I don't like it, nor will anyone else, but…if we can't gain an advantage over the Issog, we will eventually lose the war." Fossett shook his head while he stared at his clenched fists. "Retreat to New Hope and I'll send you replacements to bring you up to full strength."
* * *
New Hope
When we reached New Hope, we were hailed as heroes. Everyone ignored the fact we had left Durban without protection. Simons had left Perkins in charge, and he had agreed to let each cruiser only have ten percent of its compliment on shore leave at a time, so as not to overwhelm New Hope’s resources. I made each department chief responsible for maintaining the ten percent.
Five days into our return, Perkins invited me to dine with him at an exclusive restaurant, the Dojun, which looked like a private old-earth Japanese house. Each dining area was separated by sliding paper doors, making each room private. In addition, every room opened on to a porch that looked out onto a stone garden with small bridges over slow-moving streams and exotic trees and bushes.
"This is beautiful and…peaceful," I said, looking around.
"After the killing, one needs a tranquil place to clear one's head."
"This certainly qualifies."
Just then a waitress in a long white gown, red Obi belt, and wooden shoes entered and placed a platter of hors d'oeuvres on the low ebony table.
"What do you think Fossett will do?" Perkins picked up something on a stick and took a bite as he awaited a response.
"Simons has a ‘get out of jail’ card in her pocket." I bit into a small sushi roll, rice and fish of some kind, giving Perkins time to think about what I had said.
"The Odin? He could just assign you to another fleet."
"Simons knows I won't go if he insists on the Sixth Fleet defending Durban."
Perkins laughed. "I tend to agree with you. Rather die fighting than be milked. Do you think the Odin will enable us to win against the Issog…and be prepared to stand off the Arrith?"
"I also had my doubts about whether the increased reaction time of an Odin captain would make a difference in battle. But I've found it does. It offsets the Issog's ability to detect our positions faster than we can detect theirs, and that can rattle them. An Odin squadron is several times more effective, but the potential effectiveness will depend upon the individuals who qualify and how they are used—not to mention their graduation and subsequent attrition rates. We need captains who have fought the Issog and understand them, and Admirals like Simons who can adapt to captains who are authorized to take independent actions."
"In other words, you don't have a clue." He laughed. "It also depends on how many cruisers the Issog have available."
"That sums it up perfectly." I laughed and took a drink of my wine.
* * *
Admiral Simons returned a week later accompanied by three squadrons, which brought the Sixth Fleet up to full strength—eighteen cruisers, six squadrons of three each. She wasted no time in calling for a meeting of her squadron leaders.
"Admiral Fossett saw no advantage in trying to hold Durban, as painful as it is to leave Durban undefended. In fact, trying to hold Durban would require committing scarce resources that could weaken our overall effectiveness and result in losses we can't afford. He has instead directed the Sixth Fleet to free Yorklan. Before anyone asks, we will make no attempt to hold Yorklan. During our engagements at Durban we discovered the Issog can be rattled, and when they are, they are far more vulnerable. Our objective at Yorklan is to prod the Issog into doing something we can use to our advantage. A war of attrition isn't in our favor." Simons looked at each individual and hearing no comments continued. "If you haven't already canceled planet-side leave, do so, and be prepared to leave twenty-four hours from now. Libscomb, Perkins, and LaFon, I'd like a word with you." Simons waited to speak until
everyone had left. "I sent a scout to Yorklan seven days ago. He should have returned by now, so I don't know what we can expect at Yorklan. Do you have any suggestions, LaFon?"
"I propose we use the same strategy we used at Durban. Issog commanders appear to have a lot of autonomy, therefore we can't count on the Issog commander on Yorklan employing the same defensive configuration. Give me five minutes to assess the situation and maybe create some chaos." I paused, wishing Mikel were here on New Hope. "We need an Odin Fleet," I mumbled.
"Everyone taking orders from you!" Libscomb shot back, an angry scowl on his clean-shaven face, on which gravity was beginning to win around his jowls. I thought him still angry at me because of Durban. Simons was frowning, either in thought or censure. I wasn't sure. Perkins’ eyebrows rose in what appeared interest.
"Of course not. No one person could direct eighteen cruisers or even six squadrons during an engagement. No, the problem is giving Admiral Simons and the squadron commanders the status the minute they exit the Wave, so that they are operational sooner."
"That would be helpful," Simons said, looking off into space. "But how do you propose you do that?"
"Let me send a priority message to Mikel at Next Robotics. I'll wager he comes with his top engineers. It won't help this time, but it may in the future." I wasn't sure what form the message package would take or what it would contain, but I thought Mikel's people could make it work.
"You think he'd come to the war zone?" Simons asked. When I nodded, she continued. "I don't want some civilian telling me how to run the fleet, LaFon."
"Mikel is a visionary, but also pragmatic. You'll tell him what you would like to have and he'll do his best to provide it."
"We're not going to win this war doing the same things we've been doing and hoping for a different result." Simons's voice sounded angry and frustrated. "Compose the message and send it to me. If I agree, I'll send it to Next Robotics."