by G. P. Hudson
Major Ilthos had said that The Faction had members at all levels of government. What about General Dathos? The ships firing on them were his after all. Dathos had personally selected them as escorts. As Jon considered this, he became more convinced of Dathos’s guilt.
“Admiral on the bridge,” announced Commander Henderson
“Report,” said Jon, pulling up a tactical display.
“We’re outnumbered and taking a pounding, Sir,” said Henderson. “The Vanguard managed to disable one of the Diakan ships with its coil guns early on. Since then the Diakans have been using a lot of jump tactics.”
“You would think they’d stand and fight toe to toe,” said Jon. “I guess they’re nursing the bloody nose the Vanguard gave them. How are our birds holding up?”
“They’ve adapted to the Diakan tactics. As soon as the Diakans appear, our birds jump in on top of them. It surprised them at first, and our bombers were able to inflict some damage, but its becoming less effective, and casualty rates are climbing.”
“Bombers aren’t getting through anymore?”
Henderson shook his head. “The Diakans are ignoring our fighters and focusing on our bombers.”
Jon didn’t like that. If anything helped them even out the odds, it was their bombers. If they were lost, the Diakans would have an overwhelming advantage. That, combined with the potential of reinforcements arriving at any time, spelled disaster for them all.
Fresh explosions rocked the Freedom. Jon gripped the sides of his console for balance as the smell of burning circuits filled his nostrils. Screams echoed all around him.
Jon turned to see flames blazing from one of the consoles, and a young officer writhing on the floor, hands covering her face. The acrid smell of smoke followed as black clouds billowed through the bridge.
“Hull breaches on decks five and seven,” said Henderson. “Emergency containment fields are in place.”
On the tactical display Jon saw the Vanguard, Ronin, and Reiver move into defensive positions around the Freedom. They were preparing to make a last stand. If no new Diakan ships arrived, the defensive formation would improve their odds, although they were still at a disadvantage.
“Order our birds to stop chasing the Diakans. I want them in defensive formation around our ships.” If he had to circle the wagons, he might as well use everything he had. The Faction might end up victorious, but it wouldn’t come cheap. Jon would see to that. “Order all ships to synchronize their offensive weapon systems with ours. AI, based on the jump tactics the Diakans have used, can you identify a pattern to their actions?”
“Yes, Admiral. Their maneuvers do follow a certain logic.”
“Can you predict their future jumps?”
“Not with one hundred percent accuracy, but based on the data available, I can attain a sixty-seven percent success rate.”
“Good enough. AI, I want you to take control of all offensive weapons. When they jump, immediately fire on the estimated coordinates.”
“Yes, Admiral.”
Jon knew that no tactic was entirely random. With AI’s processing capabilities, he was confident she could figure out the Diakan logic.
So far, the Diakan strategy was sound. The initial surprise attack targeted the jump systems, which left his ships flat footed, while the Diakans enjoyed total freedom of mobility. An extreme advantage. One that might make someone careless.
On his tactical display he saw the Diakan ships jump, and at that same precise moment he felt the Freedom’s guns and missiles fire in unison. He knew that the same took place among all his ships, and that included the Vanguard’s powerful coil guns. The only question was did AI guess right?
The Diakan warships appeared a second later, unharmed, and fired their weapons.
“Modifying calculations,” said AI, as concussions rocked the Freedom.
All ships deployed countermeasures to defend against the missiles, and the fighters did their part, intercepting any missiles not fooled by the decoy drones. But they couldn’t do much against the Diakan energy weapons and projectiles. Jon watched as his screen lit up indicating the newly damaged sections of his ships.
AI fired a volley at the Diakans, forcing them to jump again, and immediately let loose another at an empty coordinate, anticipating a Diakan landing.
The Diakan ships landed unscathed, and fired, as AI again miscalculated.
“Hull breaches, levels twelve to fourteen,” said Henderson. “Emergency containment fields are not responding. Sealing off damaged sections.”
Jon pressed a hand against his temples. “How many did we lose?”
“Forty-seven crewmembers, Sir,” Henderson said solemnly.
“AI?” said Jon.
“Modifying calculations,” said AI, in her trademark unemotional tone. Jon knew she was an artificial intelligence, not a human, but the lack of empathy in her voice disturbed him. If she had been human, he might consider her a sociopath.
Sending another volley at the enemy, she forced them to jump again. Jon held his breath as she again fired at an empty section of space. Everyone on the bridge looked at the viewscreen in anticipation. That second seemed to drag on forever, as the missiles, energy weapons and projectiles raced toward nothing.
On the viewscreen, the combined firepower of Jon’s four warships striking together with such focused accuracy forced the bridge crew to shield their eyes. One of the giant battleships blew apart seconds after it appeared, briefly creating a tiny sun.
Even a massive Diakan battleship couldn’t withstand such a devastating onslaught. It didn’t have time to deploy countermeasures, or mount any sort of defense. It simply appeared at the same time that a barrage of missiles, energy weapons, and projectiles arrived.
The bridge crew cheered, just as AI let loose another volley. The Diakan ships jumped, and AI fired again in anticipation of their next landing. The celebrations on the bridge were quickly cut short, as AI miscalculated again. The remaining Diakan ships landed in a safe location and fired.
The Freedom jerked as it’s engines came to life, causing it to accelerate rapidly, just as it launched countermeasures. “Report! What’s going on?”
“I have taken control of the battle group’s propulsion systems,” said AI. “My calculations indicate a high probability that we will lose at least one ship if we remain stationary. I have concluded that evasive maneuvers are necessary.”
“Did you forget that I give the orders?” said Jon, annoyed that AI took it upon herself to take control of all the ships’ engines.
“No, Admiral. I did not. Immediate action was required to avoid the loss of one of our ships. Would you like me to return propulsion control?”
“No. Carry on. I agree with your reasoning. Just make sure you don’t forget the chain of command.”
“Thank you, Admiral,” said AI, as the Freedom rapidly accelerated.
“Sir, Chief Engineer Cheng is reporting that the rapid acceleration has surpassed safety protocols,” said Henderson.
“AI? Don’t break my engines,” said Jon.
“I am monitoring all aspects of engine performance, including containment fields, and critical temperatures,” said AI. “While it is true that we have exceeded the prescribed safety protocols, I am ensuring that we do not surpass terminal conditions.”
“How close are we to those conditions?” said Jon, cringing in anticipation of AI’s response.
“Two percentage points.”
“I knew I shouldn’t have asked.”
“A two percentage point buffer is well within my capabilities, Admiral. If the need arises, I can effectively perform with an even smaller buffer.”
Jon noticed a few worried looks from crewmembers who were within earshot. He didn’t blame them. “Just don’t blow us all up, AI.”
“I am taking these actions to avoid that outcome, Admiral.”
“Of course. Carry on.”
Even without the ability to achieve FTL speeds, the engines were capable o
f attaining substantial sub-light velocity. Still, compared to the Diakan ships, with intact jump systems, and FTL generators, they were like cosmic snails.
AI kept firing, and the Diakans kept jumping, but AI didn’t duplicate her earlier success. Instead, she made the ships dance around the system, launching countermeasures to confuse the Diakan missiles, and turning on a dime to avoid their energy weapons and projectiles. It bought them time, but Jon knew it wouldn’t last. The Diakans would run them down soon enough.
“Contacts!” announced Ensign Petrovic, the tactical officer. “Reading multiple Diakan signatures all around us.”
“How many?” said Jon, feeling his stomach sink.
Petrovic looked up at Jon with grim eyes. “Three hundred.”
Chapter 33
“New contacts are activating weapon systems!” said Ensign Petrovic.
Jon stared at his tactical screen in disbelief. His greatest fear had materialized. Diakan reinforcements had arrived. Without a jump system there was no hope of escape. Now they were well and truly screwed.
“The Diakans are firing,” said Petrovic.
Jon gripped the sides of his console, waiting for the inevitable impact, and oblivion. The Faction had won. Again. There would be no prophecy. Once he was gone, The Faction would simply take control of the recent territorial gains, and then nobody could stop them.
“Sir, the Diakan ships are firing on their own,” said Petrovic with the same astonishment that Jon now felt.
“On main viewscreen,” said Jon, wondering what miracle had just taken place.
As the viewscreen changed orientation, multiple blinding flashes blazed through, as the giant Diakan battleships began to buckle, and blow apart. The attack on them was so sudden, and presumably unexpected, that the enemy ships had no time to jump.
Jon stared in disbelief, as one by one, the enemy was eliminated. For a Diakan force to fire on its own, and destroy seven of its own battleships was unheard of. Even more so since it was in aid of humans. He wondered which Diakan commander had the audacity to give such an order.
“Sir, we have an incoming request from the Diakans,” said the communications officer. “General Tallos is asking to speak with you.”
“Tallos?” Jon glanced at Henderson who looked just as confused as Jon felt. “Patch him through to my console.”
With the comm link established, Tallos’s face appeared on Jon’s screen. “Greetings, Admiral.”
“What the hell is going on, Tallos?” said Jon.
“Your sense of gratitude is most flattering, Admiral.”
Jon took a deep breath. “Okay. Right. Thank you for the help.”
“You are welcome, Admiral.”
“Now cut the crap and tell me what’s going on?”
“Of course, Admiral. I have been working covertly with Major Ilthos to help investigate The Faction.”
“You’ve been working with Ilthos? How long has this been going on?”
“Since he found me on New Byzantium. He requested my assistance then, and I agreed. Despite what you may think, I am a loyal Diakan. I freely admit my errors on board the Hermes. But I assure you, Admiral, I devoutly follow the Great See’er, and the Prophecy. The Faction is a group of traitors and heretics who must be brought to justice.”
“Okay, so how did you know to come here?”
“When news arrived of your death on Diakus, I knew The Faction had to be involved. This set prior plans in motion.”
“Prior plans?”
“Yes, Admiral. Major Ilthos had rather convincing evidence indicating that The Faction would move to seize control of Diakus. News of your death led me to believe that those events had begun. Once we arrived and witnessed the attack on your ships, I knew my assumption was correct. As we speak, my ships are entering orbit around Diakus. Troops will immediately be deployed to the planet surface, to help protect vital institutions.”
“This is crazy. You’re talking about a Diakan civil war.”
“No, Admiral. It is not a civil war, but a conspiracy. The perpetrators are relying on the element of surprise to achieve their goals. Our arrival will negate that surprise.”
“But if The Faction controls the military, then you will have a civil war on your hands.”
“They do not control the entire military. They have people in senior positions in the military. They are powerful people, but their power is rapidly fading. The loyal military leaders are now aware of the plot, as is the government. The evidence against The Faction is overwhelming. Especially now that they have played their hand and moved against you.”
Jon was starting to feel like a Diakan pawn again. “So what happens next?”
“Major Ilthos has extensive files on The Faction and many of its members. It numbers in the thousands. Arrest warrants will soon be issued for those members.”
“A purge,” said Jon, in understanding.
“I prefer to call it a cleansing, Admiral. Diakus cannot tolerate such blasphemy and dissent. Not in times like these. Unity must be preserved.”
Jon knew that The Faction must dealt with, but he wondered how much collateral damage would result. Throughout history humanity had manipulated these types of situations as excuses for abuse. How many other Diakan individuals and groups would be lumped in with The Faction in order to eliminate dissent?
Whether or not that was the case, there was nothing he could do. It was a Diakan matter now, and out of his hands. He had more pressing concerns. “What about General Dathos?”
“Yes, that issue is more complex. The General is quite powerful, and the evidence against him is circumstantial.”
“How can you say that. The ships he personally picked to act as our escorts attacked us. How much more evidence do you need?”
“It is very suspicious, and I am inclined to agree that he is complicit, but it is not enough to seek his arrest.”
Jon considered the situation. It was tricky. He couldn’t just go after Dathos because he would risk angering the Diakans. But he couldn’t allow him to remain in command of all those ships. Something had to be done.
“Is there enough evidence to relieve him of command? We may not be able to convict him, but there should be enough to raise suspicion.”
“It may be. It is a thorny political matter, but after today, any suspicion of Faction loyalty will be a black mark on someone’s career. I believe we can have him relieved. The military will likely suggest retirement with full military honors. That will get him out of the way. Though we will need to find his replacement.”
“Aren’t you a general, Tallos?”
“That is correct.”
“Then why don’t you take command?”
“I do not understand.”
“This is the second time you’ve come to our rescue. I’d say you’ve redeemed yourself somewhat. I’m willing to support you as Dathos’s replacement on one condition.”
“What would you have me do?”
“Come visit the Great See’er with me.”
Chapter 34
Days later, Jon and Tallos flew down to the Temple of the Great See’er in a shuttle. A team of heavily armed Marines and Diakans offered protection on board the shuttle. Two full squadrons of fighters provided escort, one Diakan, the other human. The warships in orbit maintained a watchful eye. The battle group still at high alert, a result of the events in the days prior.
With so much security, Jon bet he was currently the safest person on Diakus. The Diakan government had wasted no time in dismantling The Faction. Major Ilthos had accompanied Tallos’s troops to the surface, to present his evidence. Ilthos now coordinated the massive hunt to root out all conspirators.
The Diakan response to the coup was quick and surprisingly efficient. Diakan Intelligence seemed all too prepared for the crackdown. From what Jon could tell, they were simply looking for an excuse to take action.
Sitting across from him, Jon couldn’t get over how much Tallos had changed. He had attempted to kill both Jo
n and Breeah. Jon had him imprisoned, then interrogated in a rather painful fashion. There was enough bad blood between them to ensure they remained enemies forever. If anyone had a reason to join The Faction, it was Tallos. He was the last person Jon expected to support the prophecy. Yet here he sat.
All Tallos’s actions indicated that he had buried the hatchet. And even though he couldn’t sense any hostile intent emanating from the Diakan, he was no fool. It was why he decided to bring Tallos with him to the Great See’er. He had no real understanding of the protocol for such a visit, but if Jon was ‘of the Temple’ as the See’er had said, then he should have some liberties.
“You do realize that we were both manipulated by The Faction,” said Tallos.
“I know I was. I’m not so sure about you,” replied Jon, challenging the Diakan to back his statement up.
“On the Hermes, my orders were to strictly follow the mission objectives at all costs,” said Tallos. “Including relieving you of command if you violated any of the mission protocols. I had orders to terminate your life, if necessary.”
“What about the prophecy? Didn’t it make you question your orders?”
“I had received misinformation regarding the prophecy. While I understood your role, I was led to believe that it was not a vital component. The main thrust of the prophecy was that humans will rise to power, and that rise would be in the best interests of all Diakans. I was led to believe that the colonies were the true linchpin. If the colonies were found, the prophecy would unfold with or without you. Major Ilthos explained the errors in that interpretation.”
“I’m not your savior, Tallos,” said Jon. Talk of the prophecy, and his role in it, still made him uncomfortable.
“You do not need to accept the prophecy, for it to unfold,” countered Tallos.
“Everything I’ve done has been out of necessity. There was no spiritual guidance, or any visions. Nothing. I just did what I had to do.”
“Do you not wonder how you were thrust in the positions you found yourself? Your ship was destroyed, yet you found the colonies. The Chaanisar, your mortal enemies, rescued your crew.”