The Krift ducked her head in respect to one above her status, a movement that surprised Harmon. As the Swarm queen of the entire Krift fleet, it meant she viewed Harmon as the equal of the queen of her own system, and not just a fellow fleet commander.
“I am Swarm Queen Mayrell, and we are at your service,” she said.
“I see,” Harmon said, sitting back. “As you can tell, we’re in the middle of major repairs, and your appearance is a bit of a surprise. Can you brief me?”
“Certainly, sir,” Queen Mayrell said.
“Before you do,” Harmon said with a slight smile, “please sit. And call me Harmon. I’m the System president, but right now I’m a fleet commander, like you. If your military bearing won’t allow it, I understand. Commodore Tomeral will do.”
Harmon saw her tilt her head slightly in thought. She turned, walked back to her seat, and sat down.
“My aunt the queen said you would be easy to talk to,” Mayrell said. “A warrior like me. I can see she is correct.”
She continued, “Yes, I will call you Harmon. Please, call me Mayrell, or May as those close to me do.”
“You got it,” Harmon said. “Now, tell me how this all transpired.”
“As you know,” she began, “Queen Rathell recalled all Krift Q-ships and continued upgrading the shipyards and building ships. Two of the ships in my fleet went on the mission to eradicate the Squilla king. We have been training and upgrading the Q-ships, as well.”
“I did know that,” Harmon said. “Some of your officers have trained in the Tretrayon System. Your queen wants to use her forces as mercenaries as a way to bring credit to your system, since there isn’t much to trade.”
“Yes,” answered Mayrell. “I have received the benefits of that training. As far as mercenary work, it has been very slow, with only a few contracts. It seems we have a reputation among the galaxy that is…less than desirable. It is something we will have to contend with until we earn trust as honorable mercenaries. As for how we came to be here now, it is simple. Queen Rathell answered the All Call.”
“The Merc’s Honor All Call?” Harmon asked in disbelief. “What? How? It was called in Salvage System. I’ve never heard of an All Call ever being answered outside a system.”
“The message was delivered straight to Queen Rathell,” explained Mayrell. “We are now honorable mercenaries. She answered the call without hesitation and sent every available ship to Salvage System. It was over one hundred ships.”
Harmon looked off for a minute, trying to figure out who could have made the system to system call. Suddenly he sat up. “One moment, May,” he said.
He then spoke into the air, “Bahroot. Explain.”
“Hi, Uncle Harmon. Hello, Swarm Queen,” Bahroot said cheerfully. “I did it.”
“How?” Harmon asked.
“Yeah, dude,” Clip chimed in from behind Harmon. “How did you make a call when you were out of range of the gate’s signal? Because you’re going to have to show your old man that little trick.”
“It was easy, Dad,” Bahroot explained. “I wrote a program of pre-arranged potential calls. If anyone in Salvage System made a direct call to the Tretrayon System for aid and more than three key words were triggered, a call would go out to the Rincah president and Leethog queen for help, too.”
Bahroot continued, “I wrote another for a Merc’s Honor All Call. The odds of it being used was less than one tenth of a percent, but I did it anyway. Who cares about odds, right Uncle Harmon?”
Harmon laughed and said, “Right.”
“Anyway, the only mercenaries I thought would answer from outside the system would be the Krift. That’s why, as soon as I detected their presence, I came closer to the gate as fast as I could. Oh, and I’ll need a new mine shuttle. I rammed one into that gunship.
“Anyway,” he continued, “Grandpa Rinto says they have good ships. He says he has several contracts with the Krift now, and he likes them. If Grandpa Rinto likes someone, I like them, too. So I programed the message to go straight to Queen Rathell. It wasn’t wrong, was it?’
“No, Bahroot,” Jayneen said, cutting into the call. “It was exactly right, son. Defying the odds is a trait you have picked up from your uncle. One I should learn. You make me very proud.”
“He is correct, Harmon,” Mayrell said. “My aunt was messaged by an Ensign Bahroot. Tell me, is this ensign one of the…inorganic life forms residing in Salvage System?”
“Yes,” Jayneen said, surprise evident in her voice. “I am Lieutenant Commander Jayneen. He is Ensign Bahroot, and my son. Thank you for not using the term artificial intelligence.”
“You are quite welcome, Lieutenant Commander,” Queen Mayrell said, “but why would I say that you are artificial? I am speaking to you right now. Very confusing, some Earth Common terms.”
* * * * *
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Bleeve Dreadnaught Devastation
Another slate smashed against the bulkhead. “What do you mean, seventy-eight ships entered the system, and they are not Bleeve ships? Explain!” shouted Admiral Gorligthah. He moved toward the main screen, trying to make out the details relayed from the sensor platforms. The distance was too great.
“Sir,” Vice Admiral Ashlah answered, “those ships are not ours. One warship is registered to Salvage System. It is of Krift design. The rest are registered as Krift.”
“Krift!” exclaimed Gorligthah. “Tomeral is affiliated with the Krift?”
The admiral slowly made his way to his dais. After he settled, he spoke, “How close are they to the Salvage Fleet?”
“Two hours, sir,” answered Ashlah. “Sensors indicate the vast majority of those ships are Q-ships.”
“Finish what repairs can be made. In six hours, we move to meet them. The only chance we have now is to bring them in range of our lasers. If the Krift are with them, they will have a resupply of missiles. The stalling tactic has now worked against us. We are low on missiles, and they are not. Q-ships should pose little threat. We need to take out those warships.”
* * *
Skitter Force Headquarters
General Fellgothah stood before his map. He called out behind him, “Any word from the Fleet?”
“None, sir,” answered Lieutenant Colonel Skatah. “They are too far away to contact without a ship in orbit to relay the call, and we still can’t get access to the Galaxy Network.”
“The enemy is coming,” observed Fellgothah. “Third Brigade has been wiped out. I am certain it cost them more than they wished. When they come, we will prevail. First and Second Brigades are fully provisioned, with another combat load ready at every position.”
“Yes, sir,” answered Skatah. “I have the reports here for you to go over.”
General Fellgothah waved off the slate held out to him. “I don’t need to see it. There has been plenty of time for it to happen. Have the secondary and alternate positions been completed?”
“Yes, sir,” Skatah said.
“Good,” Fellgothah said. “They will hit us on our flank as well. When it happens, half the force can shift and keep it from being effective.”
“Will we not know the directions until it happens,” Skatah said. “We cannot get any of the remaining aircraft near them.”
“We do not own the skies yet,” Fellgothah agreed. “I am beginning to think we never will.”
The general continued staring at the map. He pointed to several positions. “Set platoons here and here. When the enemy makes contact, they can call back, and then we will know where to shift. Give the artillery several reference coordinates; the platoons will act as forward observers.”
“Yes sir,” Skatah said, taking notes.
“Let them know they will be in position for days,” the general said. “They have permission to forage. There is a small town nearby. Let them feed. It will keep their morale high while they are out front.”
* * *
Salvage Title
Harmon sat in hi
s command chair, reading the reports of repairs. Depending on shielding and working launchers, he had an idea of the formation he would use to finally defeat the defending fleet. The entire fleet was being resupplied with missiles from the supplies in Salvage System at near battle speeds headed into the system. Large gunships moved back and forth into bays. Some were able to do it without bays having to be opened, the damage was so bad. They entered where the doors should be. There was plenty to go around. Bradford had ensured every spare missile the replicators could build was loaded in the Q-ships.
Once the Krift delivered the supplies, they would form up into three formations. Their shielding was greater than any Q-ship Harmon had ever heard of. He estimated them to be as strong as average destroyer shields. Each ship had eight missile launchers, and several medium laser turrets, along with ten of the impressive Krift fighters. Their battle doctrine called for the fighters to also defend against incoming missiles with their quad lasers.
Harmon grinned to himself. After the fleets under his command spread apart, the Bleeve would face a battle on five fronts. There was no way they could survive. Three Q-ship formations, the Salvage Fleet with added Krift warships, and the Kashkal, who were being loaded at the same time. Bradford had ensured a resupply of Kashkal missiles was loaded from the Kashkal Tenders before he’d left Salvage System.
“Hello,” two voices said behind him, then one said, “where would you like us?”
Harmon turned quickly. “Hank, Stan! What are you two doing on board my ship?” He looked around. “You walked the hull! Your ships are supposed to be attached beneath us, since they’re combat ineffective. It’s a wonder your crews were able to hold them together long enough to attach.”
Harmon paused a moment, realized the implications, and asked, “Do Kyla and Vera know you walked the hulls? We’re at near battle speed. Are you crazy?”
“We did not tell them,” Stan said.
“Yes, it is a secret,” Hank added.
“Do you have any spare fighters?” Stan asked.
“Yes, we could take off before they find out,” Hank said with a grin.
“If you do not, do you think the Krift have any?” Stan asked.
“Yes!” Hank said. “They are very fast. I would like to fly one.”
“Can I call their Swarm queen and ask?” Stan asked.
“Yes, you can give us her personal frequency,” Hank suggested, reaching for his comm.
Harmon shook his head slowly. He couldn’t believe what they’d done, or what they were asking. He glanced over at Brickle and said, “Can you believe these two?’
Brickle put his hands on his hips and stared at the brothers. “Do you want to die? Because that is how you die.”
“Walking hulls?” Hank asked when Brickle didn’t continue. “We are good at it, though that is the first time we have done it at battle speeds.”
“No,” Brickle said. He pointed with his long nose behind them. “That. That is how you do it. Making senior chief warrant officers angry.”
The brothers whipped around, eyes wide, shock clearly evident on their faces. Harmon held his breath, along with every other crew member on the bridge. Kyla and Vera didn’t say a word. They both rushed into their mates’ arms and held them tight. Harmon finally breathed. It was a sigh of relief. He’d feared for the brothers for a second there.
Kyla looked up toward the overhead speaker and said, “Thank you, Jayneen.”
“You are very welcome,” Jayneen said.
“Does this mean we cannot fly Krift fighters?” Stan asked.
Kyla and Vera hissed in laughter, still giddy from the reunion with their mates after knowing how much damage their ships had taken. They both grabbed a hand and left the bridge, towing them behind.
“Looks like the power plant has some help in the upcoming battle,” Harmon said to no one in particular. “Maybe they can get another engine running.” He went back to studying the reports.
* * *
Salvage Title
“They’ll be in range in five minutes,” the tactical officer announced.
“Thanks, Adam,” Harmon said.
He reached over and hit the comms. “Jayneen, you sure you got this?” he asked.
“I do,” she assured him. “I believe I can pilot the ship and still work with Clip here in the defensive bridge. I will never be the pilot Lena was—I do not have her instincts—but I will try my best.”
Harmon looked over at the empty space at the helm console. “That’s all anyone can do, Jayneen.”
“Preparing to fire,” the weapons officer said. “Launching eight. Our first target will be in main weapons range in two minutes.”
“Keep launching, Bev,” Harmon said. “We need to take that missile carrier out.”
“Sir, our entire task force is launching with us,” the tactical officer announced.
“This needs to happen quick,” Clip said. “We only have thirty-six of the shotgun missiles. The rest were distributed.”
“I know, buddy,” Harmon said.
“The Krift have launched,” called out the tactical officer. “From what I can tell, half are headed to the dreadnaught, the rest to the missile carrier.”
“Good,” Harmon answered. “Just like the plan called for.”
“Forty missiles inbound,” Jayneen announced. “Desert Shade is engaging them at maximum distance with their main lasers.”
Harmon grinned. “Big Nick is doing everything he can. He might get lucky and hit a couple.”
“Only thirty-four inbound now,” Clip said.
“Firing main weapons,” the weapons officer said.
Harmon and the others felt the distinct vibration as the lone working pulse cannon up front fired. Momentum eased off, and the ship turned. Two more pulse cannons fired, one second apart. The ship turned again. This time both rear weapons fired. The ship rotated until they were facing the enemy again.
“Launching missiles at a new target,” the weapons officer announced.
* * *
Defensive Bridge
Salvage Title
“Forty missiles inbound,” Jayneen announced.
“Launch eight shotgun missiles,” Clip ordered. “We have to spread them around.”
“Launching eight,” announced the Leethog in Position Two.
“Preparing defensive lasers,” Position Four said.
“Only thirty-four inbound now,” Clip said ship-wide. To the two crew members and Jayneen, he said, “Wow, Big Nick hit a few.”
The shotgun missiles detonated at the programmed coordinates, and the destructive steel balls met the incoming missiles. Across the fleet, several others were able to launch some, resulting in the same reduction of incoming Bleeve missiles.
“Eight missiles still inbound,” Clip said. “Hit it, Four,”
“Yes, sir,” the Leethog said as she engaged the remaining working lasers.
“One is still coming,” Clip shouted. “Brace for impact!”
Nothing happened. Clip looked around, puzzled, dismissed it, and check his sensors again. “Twenty missiles inbound,” he announced.
* * *
Krift Warship Winds of Change
“Divert twenty fighters to Salvage Title,” Swarm Queen Mayrell ordered. “Have them defend against missiles. Contact Flight Operations and let them know they are not to leave that ship. They will not engage in one-on-one should the Bleeve launch fighters. Have I made myself clear?”
“Yes, my Queen,” answered the tactical drone. “It will be done.”
“The Bleeve will be in range in five minutes, my Queen,” the weapons drone said. “Preparing to launch missiles.”
“Good,” Mayrell said, rubbing two of her upper limbs together. She spread her wings slightly in anticipation. “Commodore Tomeral places his ship at the forefront, regardless of the damage it has sustained in previous battles. He is fearless. It is an honor to fight at his side. We will finally start building a reputation as honorable mercenaries. The
cause is just, and there is an enemy in sight. This is how it should be.”
* * *
Bleeve Dreadnaught Devastation
“They have spread their formations!” exclaimed Vice Admiral Ashlah. “There are five formations coming in at different angles.”
“I see it,” Admiral Gorligthah said. “Those outside are the Q-ships. Split the fleet, and we will take out the initial two fleets. The others we can deal with later.”
“Five minutes until missile range,” announced the weapons officer. “The distance is closing rapidly.”
Minutes later the tactical officer said, “They have begun launching missiles. They clearly are damaged. Each ship is launching far fewer missiles than before. The ship Salvage Title has only launched eight. Only sixteen missiles from their fleet are tracking us.”
“Good,” Gorligthah said, shifting forward. “They may have been resupplied, but it does them no good if they can’t launch them.”
“The Krift warships have launched! Over one hundred missiles from them alone are tracking us, with the same number locked on to the missile carrier!” shouted the tactical officer.
“At only us?” demanded Admiral Gorligthah.
Instead of answering, the tactical officer backed away from his console slowly, turned, looked at the admiral and said, “The Q-ships have all launched. They have eight missile launchers each. They launched five hundred and sixty missiles at our fleet. The Kashkal fleet has swung around and is launching. I am losing track of the count.”
“Prepare to launch fighters!” shouted Gorligthah.
The tactical officer didn’t bother to look at his screens. “The Q-ships alone have disbursed over seven hundred fighters.”
Admiral Gorligthah sank down onto his dais and stared at the main screen. He remained silent when missiles pounded the shields, and the ship shuddered. When the deck below him lurched with the first hit from the pulse cannons, he simply closed his eyes and waited. It didn’t take long.
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