by Chris Burton
“We don’t usually release Jump Ships to just anyone. Sir. Not without official orders.”
“I am not just anyone, I am a four star commander and I have a priority mission which requires some discretion on the part of those involved. I need you to take this in good faith and verify my flight orders with fleet command after and I repeat after, I have departed.”
The Assistant CAG looked puzzled for a moment before responding.
“I need this to be ratified immediately on your departure. We would still bring you back if your orders do not correspond.”
“Fine. These processes are in place to prevent the misuse of Alpha vessels. Which of your vessels are ready for immediate departure?”
“Sub Bay 65. I’ll have the ship ready for departure in five minutes. You need to get suited up.”
Six minutes later, Jonathan Hoskins expertly piloted the Rapier 6 out of the exit shoot and headed away from the fleet and the wormholes at maximum acceleration. By now, they would be verifying his orders and within a minute or two, they would attempt to recall him. Too late, by then he would be out of range.
Fifteen minutes later, he brought the Rapier to standstill. He was in deep space, some distance from the wormholes, but still within the system. Here, he was out of range of either Alpha or Kryl detection. He opened a clear channel to Alpha One and used his priority command status to redirect the comm. link to Sarah. She answered almost immediately.
“Oh, my God, Jonathan, I thought I would never get a chance to speak to you.”
“How is Oliver?”
Sarah sighed before answering. “He is okay. The hospital have run some more tests, they think it’s an immune system problem. They say he is going to be fine but it’s very difficult, I am getting mixed signals from different medics. I need you here!”
“I have tried. They won’t release me. Things are getting a bit hairy around here. Even securing this communication needed verification from the highest level. Do you want me to get some Alpha medics on the case?”
“No! You have enough to worry about. How bad is the situation there?”
“I can’t talk about it Sarah. This is a open link. Look, I am in a Jump Ship. At high velocity I could be with you in less than two weeks.”
“No Jonathan. You will get into serious trouble and as much as I need you, you are needed there. I will deal with any problems. Oliver seems fine at the moment, just a few cold symptoms.”
“Okay...I am not happy about this. As soon as you have any news, let me know. I will get it, when the latest messages are downloaded, about twice a week. As soon as our position changes, then I should be able to contact you again.”
Hoskins hung up and set a heading back to the main fleet. Before he engaged, he hesitated. His son was ill. Surely, that was his main priority?
He did not have to think about it for much longer, he looked up as he contemplated his position and a familiar feeling overcame him. The space around him tinged with red with a blue hue cascading from the twin wormholes, having all but diminished. The Kryl had just broken through.
Chapter Twenty-Two
The Kryl Emerge
“Rapier Jump Ship A235, you are instructed to return to the Viceroy, Sub Bay 65.”
“I need to return to the Halo 7, which should be alongside the Viceroy, please verify.”
“Negative, your flight was unauthorized and you need to report to the CAG.”
“I am Commander of the Halo 7 and I need to be on board ASAP. Investigations can be carried out later.”
“Negative Commander, You must return to the Viceroy.”
Hoskins decided enough was enough and terminated the comm.link. He was nearing the fleet and any attempt by the Viceroy Recovery team would fail, not least, because he had instructed his NAVCOM to link with the Halo 7 recovery guidance systems and the Halo 7 as expected, still stood in front of the Viceroy. He had not heard the end of this but it was hardly important in the scheme of things.
* * * *
“We were ordered to lead the far left flank, Commander. Fleet have just instructed...”
“Move us into position, Number One. Charge up all weaponry banks and frontal shields to maximum.”
Hoskins had put down in the main Halo 7 Hanger deck and much to his CAG’s surprise, he had instructed her to enter the Rapier to the ships compliment, rather than set her aside for a return to the Viceroy. He headed straight for the bridge and to his ready room, where Shen Knui was waiting for him.
“You are going to be in trouble for taking the Rapier, Jonathan. The fleet CAG is not happy and we have not even returned it!”
“Thank you for your concern Commander. But I think we have bigger problems right now. Are we in position and ready?”
“Yes, but I don’t think we stand a chance do you? There are thousands of them!
“We were here before commander and successfully. We need to keep a steady hand and be ready for everything. For now, take the con, and I will join you shortly.”
Shen Knui left the ready room and Hoskins took a deep breath. Here we go again, he thought. He opened a comm. link to Admiral Shenke.
“Ah Hoskins. Nice of you to rejoin the fleet. I believe you have one of our Rapiers!”
“I am sorry, Sir. I tried to get back to fleet as soon as possible and the Rapier looked like the best solution.”
“Well, you are going to have to explain that to my CAG. That is not important right now. You have your orders?”
“Just seeking to clarify. I presume we plan to attack and flood them with Jump Ships again?”
“Yes, but we will pull back half of this fleet to outside the Tri-star Region, where they will be joined by the rest of the fleet, the Sentinels, and the Betanica Sect.”
“Isn’t it better to take them on here to stop them from getting into the galaxy proper?”
“It’s too restrictive. The area is too confined. We can’t use PBA, we can’t spread our tactical solutions,and we can’t even use sub-space weaponry effectively. Add to that, our quest to close the wormholes and you will understand why here is not the best place for a full on battle.”
“So, who will command the remainder?”
“Admiral Haines initially and then one of the Four Stars. You are in the driving seat Jonathan. With the fastest ship, the control of the remaining-Star fleet may well fall to you.”
“That’s good to know, Sir.”
“Make sure, you don’t jeopardize that, by flouting the rule book. Stealing Jump Ships, however well-intentioned, is a disciplinary matter. Keep it clean.”
“I understand, Sir. I will see to it that the Rapier in question is returned to the Viceroy and that a full apology is issued to the CAG.”
“Make it so. But concentrate on the battle right now!”
The comm. link closed and Hoskins reflected for a moment. This would be tough, but assuming they came out the other side, he could advance his Alpha position considerably. His positive thoughts dissipated briefly, as his mind turned back to his son, his wife and Obeya, before a huge explosion, echoed across the bow of the ship, rattling the ceiling and sending his comms device plunging to the floor. A sure sign that the battle had started.
Hoskins left his ready room and took his place at the command station on the bridge.
“Shield status?”
The Halo 7 had yet to be hit, but it was surely just a matter of time and it was imperative that shield protection was at its maximum and deployed accurately.
“Maximum shields deployed to forward and command decks. Auxiliary shielding to frontal weaponry bays.”
“Keep it tight everyone.”
“Command has just requested two Rapier and one Sabre Battle group, shall I confirm?”
“Yes, Number One. Brief the CAG and let her know I am on my way down. You have the Con, Number One, hold us steady and keep us clear of any direct weapons fire.”
* * * *
Over a thousand Kryl vessels entered the Tri-star System. The area
surrounding the wormholes was protected by the mass of the growing Kryl fleet, the red tinge from their undercarriages, cascading across the cosmos blending into purple hues, mixing with the colors of the blue wormhole.
The majority of the fleet was composed of the smaller Kryl fighters, interspersed with cruisers and larger vessels. All with the same underlying red tinge to their underbelly. The blue wormhole was now some ten thousand meters in diameter, allowing the larger vessels to come through side by side. As each entered the system, they moved purposefully to pre-determined fleet positions.
The Kryl fleet assumed a crescent shape with the majority of the smaller vessels protecting the cruisers and these, in turn, protecting the biggest vessels. Only the front Kryl fighters were deployed into action but the sheer number made their effectiveness devastating.
Unseen, Morvalt’s cruiser joined them at the back of the fleet. He was waiting for his Queen.
Chapter Twenty-Three
The Final Exams
It was a long walk to the academy this morning for Jake, Carla and Steve. Geometric Maths was a core subject that all students took in the final year and failure was not an option. Today was the first time all three had attended the same exam and they had all been together since the truth had come out about Jake and Carla’s relationship. Steve walked slightly ahead, he was with them physically, but he would rather have been light years away.
And that was what this was all about, reasoned Steve. The exams will soon be over and I will be free of both of them. They wanted to be friends. Like hell, he thought, they can keep each other.
They entered the exam hall, maintaining the silence that had pervaded the journey from Steve’s apartment. The students took their seats and waited for the invigilators to confirm that the examination had started.
He was not looking forward to this. He had struggled with Geometrics, throughout the school year, despite the extra tuition and help from Jake. Whether he could keep it all together on the day and remember the damn formulas was another matter. He knew the subject; it was just the application which was problematic. If he failed, it would have a major impact on his final grade: 8.2 could become 7.5 and with that kind of grade, he could kiss a decent posting goodbye.
Three hours later and the punishment had ended. The students left the exam room in silence and as Steve stepped outside Jake and Carla were waiting for him. Here we go, he thought.
“So, how was it Steve? Did you remember all those bloody formulae?”
“Yes, just about.” He lied.
“As long as you got that right, you should be fine.”
“Shall we go to the Refectory for a drink? It’s getting hot again!”
It was Carla who spoke this time and this simple basic action, sent shivers down Steve’s spine. He had hardly seen her in the last week.
“Sorry, I am going to have to pass. I have to get back for some final cramming. I have two exams tomorrow. You guys go and have a drink and I will catch up with you later.”
Jake departed, leaving Steve and Carla alone together.
“Shall we walk?” Carla seemed her usual self, bubbly, enthusiastic, and just plain gorgeous.
“Okay. I should probably do some studying myself.”
“Rubbish. You do not have an exam for two days and you have just done you hardest one. It’s about time we had a talk anyway.”
Here we go, thought Steve.
“So, how are you Steve? Not about the exam, but in general?”
“How do you think I am? My best mate hooked up with my girlfriend behind my back and everything is supposed to be okay. I am apparently just expected to accept it.”
“I understand Steve, but Jake and I can’t help the way be feel about each other and this was bound to come out at some stage. Maybe it’s better now, it is in the open.”
“For who? I am sure it’s better for you. Actually I preferred things as they were before!”
“Steve, you and I finished a long time ago and nothing went on between me and Jake until after we split up. I don’t want this bitterness to continue, we need to be friends and part on good company. The exams will be over in a few days and then we can relax and wait for the results. Then, it’s party time!”
“I am sorry Carla. I don’t think I can do that! As you say, we will soon be clear of this place and we will be parting company. I see no reason to drag that process out. Let’s just call it a day now. And you can tell Jake the same thing; if I see him again, I am likely to punch him!”
Steve stormed off in the opposite direction. He was going to the Refectory to see Townsend.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Freedom!
That was it. The last exam was finished and now there was nothing. A week to relax and party and then relax and party again before the big day came, results, graduation and then posting.
It also meant was his last week with Carla. They had always known this, of course, but that did not make it any easier. What chance was there of being anywhere near each other? They had committed to each other, swearing it did not matter how far and how long apart they would be, they would remain together. One day, once career paths were established and it was time to do the right thing, they would be together again. That was the ideal. The reality was likely to be very different. The chances of them being posted in even the same quadrant of the galaxy was unlikely. If he managed to secure a JS posting aboard a ship of the line, he could be moving from one part of the galaxy to another in just a few days. Not the best undercurrent for a relationship. The truth was they both had a career path set out. They both wanted to move quickly up the echelons of Alpha to the highest possible level and that was the be all and end all. However, come what may, they committed to try to stay together and he for one had every intention of sticking to his pledge. He just hoped Carla did too.
Now, it was party time and the traditional end of exam bash at the Refectory was underway. All the students were in attendance. It was not compulsory but just one of those things you had to go to.
Jake was with Carla and they sat with four of their newly graduated colleagues: Maria Shavenosky, Simon Ward Anderson, Siobhan Maguire and Lydia Lyons. Steve joined them and it was clear already the alcohol took its toll as he flirted outrageously with Lydia Lyons.
Simon Ward Anderson was not known for his diplomacy and showed little respect for those in the academy who were likely to graduate with a ‘lower’ score. He grinned expansively as he realized Steve was there for the taking.
“So Steve, how was your Geometrics? If you fail, I don’t suppose Miss Lyons will continue to accept your affections?”
Steve was surprisingly controlled. “I am sure Lydia is not as transparent as you, staff officer Anderson. At least I can hold the interest of the opposite sex. Your graduation path through the Admin slush pile is not exactly interesting is it?”
Ward Anderson was slightly taken aback by Steve’s response, but wanted the last word, which was probably a mistake.
“Of course, the Jump Ship Graduate is really a different caste from the rest of us. Steve, I regret it’s likely within a month you will be cannon fodder, as with your grades they tell you where to go. A crying shame for a great talent.”
It was Jake’s turn to react this time.
“Simon, you realize that some JS graduates will score much higher than you!”
“Ah yes, Jake, but you are an exception. Steve’s grades will of course be very low. I doubt whether he will make it to the end of the year.”
Steve stood up. He was seeing red now. He took one-step towards Ward Anderson and delivered the biggest left punch, he could muster, knocking Ward Anderson across the table, in front of him, sending drinks flying and the table collapsing in a crescendo of smashing glass. Ward Anderson lay there unconscious, the glass from the table digging deep into his chest.
The medical team arrived promptly as did the security patrol. Ward Anderson was taken immediately to the campus emergency medical facility, where the medics re
moved several large pieces of glass from his chest. He was very lucky, as none had penetrated any major vessels. Steve was arrested and taken to the campus precinct. He was in big trouble—a second offence within a matter of weeks.
* * * *
Jake and Carla sat alone at the Refectory bar. Jake was in a reflective mood. He never liked Simon Ward Anderson.
“He had it coming!”
“He was just being Simon. Steve needs to control his temper and his drinking. He is a liability.”
“He probably won’t graduate now.”
“So are we going to come to his rescue again and try to keep this away from the tutor?”
“That could be difficult given that he hit a student on campus. I think we will just have to do our best for him.”
* * * *
Steve Costello was officially charged, locked in a cell, and bailed to appear before the magistrate at 9:00 a.m. the next morning.
The magistrate transferred the case to the Academy Disciplinary Panel, as the incident was alleged to have taken place on campus, between two academy students. The chair of the Disciplinary Panel then transferred the case to the Academy’s Chancellor, because of vested interests. The Chancellor summoned Steve Costello to appear before him at midday.
“I am slightly astonished to see that you have re-offended after such a short period of time. Did you not learn anything from your previous experience?”
Steve was not in the mood for this. If he was to be kicked out, why didn’t they just get on with it?
“I am presumed guilty without a trial.”
“This is not a criminal court, Mister Costello. Things work slightly differently in here. I have viewed the security VT evidence, which clearly shows both visually and audibly that you were being cajoled by Mister Ward Anderson. You lashed out and knocked him onto a glass table in response. He sustained chest injuries as a result of hitting the glass table and, fortunately for him and for you, he is in a stable condition. My advisors determined that these injuries were not as a direct result of your hitting him. However, it is clear that you are guilty of assault.”