"It's just the apartment computer. It can give you simple information such as time by prompting it with the right word. Don't worry, it can't see you. It's as dumb as a basic twentieth century computer." Katie relaxed again. "I have to get back to work, Charlie is probably wondering where I am." He got up and stepped into the bedroom's auto-wardrobe. "Williams, Admiral." In a flash, his uniform appeared over his body. He returned to the bed and gave Katie a deep kiss, "Make yourself at home. If you need anything, just ask the apartment computer or Mac for assistance."
"When do I start work?"
"The day after tomorrow. It will give a chance to familiarise yourself with your new environment."
"But the day after tomorrow we may all be dead!" She said with great reservations.
"Try to be a bit more optimistic about the future. The Warrians are looking for one man in a small freighter, not a Battle fleet. The element of surprise is in our favour and we plan to use it to our best advantage."
"How will I be able to find you again, this ship isn't exactly small?"
"Ask Mac, he will know where I am. I'll see you later." He gave her another kiss then walked out of the room.
"Bye." Katie sat up from the bed and stared out at the wondrous view of Earth, "I think I could get use to this!"
*******************
TIME - 11.50 AM
LOCATION - 24,840,000,000,000 KILOMETRES FROM EARTH.
Swirls of crushed matter spewed from the bright sun like white hole as two Battle Cruisers awaited the immanent conflict. The white hole was like a three dimensional exit where the prey of its counterpart - the black hole, was ejected in every direction to fill the universe with the basic elements that would create new worlds. The immense size and power of the White Hole dwarfed its two sentinels to a point where they were no more than insignificant specks. The Cruisers were strategically positioned on either side of the powerful phenomenon with their weapons trained on the white hole's horizon plane. The Warrian Battle Fleet could exit in any direction and the Cruisers needed a clear shot, no matter what way they came out.
Aboard the Valiant, its commanding officer stroked his clean shaven chin as his mind ran through the numerous battle tactics he had in store for his superior enemy. Captain Grant was in his early forties with rich dark hair and a large protruding nose that complimented his straight forward character. He was a formidable soldier that never lost his cool no matter what odds were against him. If his tactical mind could see a solution to a dilemma, he would push relentlessly to his mind's goal, oblivious off what assailed him. These forthright qualities were the reason Ryan chose him for this dangerous mission and Captain Grant thrived on danger.
His calculating mind stared at the impressive display before him as two black dots emerged from the brilliant White Hole.
The Navigation Officer spoke immediately as Grant's eyes perceived the dots. "Captain, a Warrian Battle Cruiser of the X class approaching dead ahead and her shields are up. So far, no evasive action is apparent."
The Captain calmly turned to his Weapons Officer. "Gunner Ash, the main guns to fire six rounds to the bow target followed by a megawarhead torpedo."
Within seconds of the Captain's command, the upper and lower main guns opened fire on its target. Huge fire balls erupted on the bow of the Warrian Cruiser as an invisible shield withheld the onslaught and upon the final blast. The shield flashed with red lightening and went dead. Then an unusual projectile launched from the Valiant leaving a circular vapour trail behind it and the moment it impacted with the target, the Warrian Cruiser ignited into a massive ball of fire.
Explosions from the far side of the White Hole indicated to Grant that the Reliant also was engaged in battle.
The Navigation Officer's voice rang in Grant's ears again. "Reliant has fired upon two targets, a Cruiser and a Destroyer and has achieved two successful kills." The Officer paused as further information came from the scanners that tracked new targets from the White Hole. "Three War class Destroyers at two o'clock and proceeding at impulse power. Their shields are up but no evasive action is apparent."
Grant turned back to the Weapons Officer. "Three rounds from the main guns to each target followed by a megawarhead torpedo."
Again the Valiant released its deadly projectiles and with each impact, the bow of the three Destroyers were assaulted with fire and shrapnel. Following the thunderous rain of the main guns were three circular exhaust trails that hunted down the passive Destroyers. The closest target erupted into enormous fireballs that momentarily outshone the brightness of the White Hole. The remaining targets instantly came to life and retaliated against the torpedo threat. The second Destroyer's attempts to ignite the assailing projectile were futile. It was too close and too fast for the battlements to hit and shortly, the Destroyer met its comrade's fate. The third and final Destroyer released a decoy and harshly changed trajectory in an effort to divert the approaching torpedo. Seconds before impact the torpedo changed direction in favour of the decoy and impacted with a burst of fire. The Valiant's guns fired again at the fortunate Destroyer but its target was too swift and quickly dashed out of range.
The Navigator question his superior. "Will we pursue the Destroyer Captain Grant?"
"Negative, we stay here until the job is done."
"What if the Destroyer assails us from behind? The War class is quick enough to release several shots before we could take evasive action!"
"His shields have been obliterated. Not even a Warrian would take on a fully armed Cruiser without his shields. He knows as well as I do that he's out of the game."
A massive structure invaded the scene before Grant's eyes as it blotted out the brilliance of the White Hole. The Navigator was quick to react. "Captain, a class A Battleship dead ahead and closing fast. It's the Kryton Sir, her shields are up but it too is not taking any evasive action.
"Load every megawarhead torpedo we have and fire at the engine superstructures. Manoeuvre to hyperspace trajectory. If our missiles don't penetrate, we don't want to stick around when that beast wakes up!"
Seven missiles launched in succession as the Valiant turned to face the deep, dark space. As each of the megawarhead torpedoes struck the low slung engine structures the powerful shield system of the Battleship was greatly weakened. With the impact of sixth projectile, the sophisticated shield system failed relinquishing a colourful lightening display as its final annihilation came to pass. The last torpedo impacted with the starboard engine superstructure severing it from the main hull.
As Grant witnessed the devastation a smile came across his face as clenched his fist. "Bulls eye! Navigator, turn to attack trajectory from the Battleship's starboard flank." He turned to his Weapons Officer. "I need missiles that will penetrate the main battlements and fast."
"I'm already on it Captain. We are modifying the warheads on our standard photon missiles and the first will be ready in forty seconds."
"Good, start blanket bombing the secondary battlements on the starboard flank. If time is on our side, we may be able to blast a neutral window, then we can leisurely take out our first Battleship." More than anything he wanted this Battleship to be his kill and nothing was going to stop him.
*******************
Captain Edward Blackman's dark, brown eyes studied the spectacular scene of the White Hole with great intent. About him, the Bridge Crew of the Reliant sat with their heart's racing from the conflict with another Warrian Cruiser and Destroyer. A single bead of sweat trickled from his black, curly hair and down his dark brown skin to his prominent jaw. The voice of his Navigation Officer quickly broke his stare causing him to turn his head in the Officer's direction.
"Sir, the Flagship Kron has just exited the Hole. Bearing three two three, point six and no evasive action has been taken."
Captain Blackman could not believe his luck. It was a fifty fifty chance that he would get the Kron as his target and somehow the coin fell in his favour. "I want a clear view of her, Navigator. Perform
an axis rotation of negative fifteen degrees." Commanded Blackman. Slowly the scene from the Bridge moved until a massive black structure came into view. "Launch all the magaproton torpedoes we have. As soon as her shields fail, the main battlements are to take out the primary defence systems." He paused for a moment as he took in a breath. "This is a once in a life time opportunity ladies and gentlemen, so keep your cool and stay sharp."
The first of the torpedoes launched at the Kron as Blackman's heart thumped louder. For many years he had hoped that was him who had the chance at the Emperor's ship and there it was before him, the mighty Kron. Somewhere onboard was the Emperor himself and if the Reliant could destroy the Kron, then they could stop the Warrian Battle Fleet right here and now. The danger to Earth would be no more and the name Reliant would be on the lips of the whole of Intersect. They would be the crew that saved Earth! As every explosion ripped away at the Kron's shields, he came just a little closer to his dream.
*******************
The massive Flagship Kron, traversed the ruthless world of the Black Hole along the same course of its fellow traveller, the Kryton. The unruly domain abruptly ended as the Kron passed through the White Hole and gracefully entered the universe on the opposite side from the Kryton's conflict. As the Valiant prepared to fire, the Kron also was to suffer a similar fate of its comrade.
Zardon sat upon the Kron's Helm with his senses reeling wildly within his head. He grasped the arms of the chair with his powerful hands to keep from falling to the bridge floor. Finally, the onslaught on his mind abdicated and with all his mental strength, he fought back to a conscious state. He opened his sinister red eyes to behold the unconscious crew of the Kron.
The bridge was a semi-circular chamber with a hundred and thirty five degree view of the space scape and the ship's bow. The Bridge was eight metres high and thirty metres in diameter with all but the helm sunk into the floor. Above his head were a number of screens showing various data as well as a clear view of an alien Battle Cruiser.
The moment Zardon's eyes perceived the Reliant, the Kron began to shudder from the Cruiser's assault. He stood from the helm and yelled at the top of his booming voice. "Wake up you lame simpletons, we are under attack!" As his voice echoed through the Bridge, his roar fell on deaf ears. In anger he clenched his fist and shook it at the unconscious crew. "Why am I wasting my time with you rabble. I don't need help from your worthless hides, I have the ultimate weapon in my own hands!" His piercing stare fell upon the Battle Cruiser, Reliant. "You pathetic creatures! You dare attack me?!" He spread his arm out wide as he commanded the Bracelets to do his bidding. The infinite forces that existed within the universe flooded into his body like matter into a Black Hole. His frame trembled from the intense rush of energy and in reaction, he spread his feet apart to balance himself. "For your contempt, you shall feel my mighty wrath!" He slammed his fists together and projected the monumental energy bolt at the unsuspecting Cruiser. The bridge became like day as the bolt launched to its target and the Battle Cruiser Reliant was utterly obliterated.
*******************
A rain of gunfire fell upon the Valiant from the dominate, but crippled Kryton. Fortunately, time was on the Valiant's side and the combination of torpedoes, guns and resourceful tactics, enabled the Valiant to diffuse the Kryton's vital defences. From the obscure angle of the starboard flank, many of her most powerful weapons were either ineffective or destroyed and the Valiant had a good chance at shattering the heart of the Kryton.
Grant questioned the Weapons officer. "How are the shields holding up?"
"At sixty percent and declining Captain. Under this level of bombardment, we have only seventy seconds left before our shields fail." There was a pause as further information came to hand. "Captain, the modified megawarhead torpedo is ready to fire."
"Navigator, if we move up far enough to get a clear shot at the central power plant, how much of the Valiant will be in the firing line of the forward main battlement?"
"Sir, only our top battlement will be in a direct line of fire."
"That sounds like a reasonable sacrifice. Evacuate the top battlement and seal off the area for depressurisation."
The Weapons Officer closely monitored the evacuation of the twenty gunners that manned the top battlement. The countless drills they had performed, reduced the time of evacuation and pressure sealing the area to little over a minute. With the confirmation from the Chief Gunner, the Weapons Officer spoke out. "Battlement is cleared and sealed, Captain."
The navigator's attention was drawn towards the energy sensor readouts. "Captain, The Emperor's Flagship has exited the white hole and Captain, I'm getting some very unusual energy readings from her."
"Put it up on screen."
The large rectangular monitor that hung above their heads displayed a rear angle view of the Flagship Kron.
"My God!" The Navigator gasped. "Sir that energy reading has gone right off the gigawatt scale! A thousand battleships couldn't generate that much power."
A large beam of energy shot from the Kron to the Reliant and with an enormous burst of fire, it shattered the Reliant into a million fragments.
"Screen off..." Grant said quietly. When the Navigator did not respond immediately to his command, he shouted the order. "Screen off Navigator!" The Navigator's horrific trance was broken by the Captain's stern voice and he turned off the monitor.
"Sergeant, how long before our shields are down?"
"Fifteen seconds, Captain." Replied the Weapons officer.
"Navigator, move us up five hundred metres. We better make it our best shot because we won't get another chance."
Smoothly, the Valiant travelled vertically into the range of the forward main Battlement whose guns could destroy her with one direct blast. The massive four barrelled gun rotated to the direction of the Valiant and released a round of destructive energy. The Battle Cruiser shook as the top Battlement was sheared from its mounts and sent scattering into space.
"The Battlement has been destroyed, Captain."
"Are we in position yet, Sergeant?" Grant questioned desperately.
"Three seconds...two...one, torpedo trajectory in line with target."
As he spoke his command, Captain Grant raised his fist and squeezed an imaginary trigger. "Fire!"
"Torpedo away Captain."
A circular exhaust trail darted from the Valiant to the giant Battleship and struck the main hull. There was a small explosion upon the surface of the superstructure, but that was not the blast that the Valiant's crew were waiting for. Their target was deep with the ship's hull and there would be a delay before the projectile would strike its true target. A moment later, something ignited with the immense ship, but only silence followed.
"Navigator, Get us out of here now!" Shouted Grant.
"Yes Captain." He said reluctantly.
A roar came from the far side of the ship as the powerful warp drive engines gathered their energy for jump to hyperspace. The scene before them blurred as the Valiant accelerated to ten times the speed of light. As they passed over the Battleship Kryton, a mighty explosion ripped its huge superstructure apart.
*******************
Stationed around the White Hole was the remainder of the Warrian Battle Fleet. Although the Cruisers, Valiant and Reliant had struck a mighty blow to their numbers, they were still a very formidable fighting force. Unknown to the crew of the Valiant, the Reliant had struck two more kills; a Battle Cruiser and a Destroyer. The Fleet now comprised of the Flagship Kron, one Battleship, four Cruisers and six Destroyers....
Zardon sat back in the helm of the Kron as Warlord Zen approached and bowed. "Have you found out where we are yet?" He spat.
"Yes my Lord. We are in the Milky Way Galaxy near the system of Alpha Centaury, but there is a problem."
"What is it Warlord Zen?"
"It's when we are!"
"What are you babbling about?"
"My lord, according to the alignment of the stars
we have arrived one thousand years in the past. The year one thousand nine hundred and ninety five A.D."
"What?!"
"We have travelled into history my Lord."
Zardon's mind reeled as he tried to comprehend what had happened. Quickly the reality sank in and his devious intellect was already formulating stratagem. "What was the status of the human race in this era?"
Zen shouted at his subordinate in his native tongue and shortly the subordinate returned with a hand held computer then handed it to Zen. After pressing a number of buttons, he was presented with the information he required. "The status for the late twentieth century was only one planet of habitation, called Earth. The humans were still very primitive during this era."
Zardon pondered over the data. "That cancels out that theory. If those Cruisers didn't come from Earth, then where did they come?"
"Maybe the humans sent them through prior to our entry?"
"No. All of the Federation fleet has been destroyed and every Cruiser has been accounted for."
"What if they were new and yet to be put into service?"
"That is possible as an insurance policy against the likely event of defeat. Whatever the reason, there is only one Cruiser left and they no longer have the element of surprise. Do we have a trace on the human, Williams?"
"No my lord, but we do have a trace on the surviving Cruiser."
"Where is it headed?"
"On a direct course with the planet Earth."
"This is an interesting development. I have no doubt that the Cruiser has something to do with Williams and it will lead us straight to him." Zardon paused as he revelled with the realisation that the other Bracelets had not slipped from his grasp. "Change course at once and make with all speed to the planet Earth,. We have a date with the ancestors of the Federation."
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