Star Strike

by I. G. Roberts

  “You’ll be fine Sam. Now, I hate to dump and run, but I need to clear the decks for you.”

  Harmon

  The next week, remembrance ceremonies proceeded as announced. The most poignant part was President Constantin’s speech. He spoke about the sacrifice made by so many people during the recent battle for the survival of Cambridge. Edward committed his administration to build a memorial to the fallen in Harmon. The most moving part of the speech, was when the President read the names of the dead. Those names belonged to people who died during the battle, or by enemy action during the immediate aftermath. There were five hundred names on the list, and President Constantin’s voice had grown hoarse by the time he finished.

  The media broadcast the ceremony throughout Cambridge, and Cambridge’s people shed many tears for the fallen. People across the System gathered to create their own shrines to remember the people who’d sacrificed so much. Overall, there was a massive groundswell of widespread support that forced the birth of a new movement.

  After the ceremony, President Constantin visited Dave Bach and presented him with the pardon. This document expunged Dave’s conviction for piracy and made him a citizen of Cambridge with the privileges, rights and responsibilities citizenship entailed.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  RECOVERY

  Naval Headquarters Harmon

  Colin walked into Headquarters intending to see Admiral Fraser. He’d spoken to the Captains of several System-Defense ships. They raised concerns about the lack of plans to restore Cambridge’s defense capacity. Colin understood everybody was busy after the Fleet sustained so much damage during the invasion. He had an imperative to repair the damaged vessels to a spaceworthy condition as fast as possible.

  When he reached Sarah’s desk, Colin asked to see Admiral Fraser. Sarah smiled as she called Henry to ask if he had time to see Commodore Gordon. Henry always made time for Colin. In Henry’s experience, if Colin wanted to talk, it was worth his time to listen, Colin wasted no time on trivia. That didn’t mean he couldn’t enjoy himself, but he separated the fun times from those requiring professional behavior.

  Colin walked into the Office and said, “Hello Admiral. I have concerns.”

  Henry felt as if his ears pricked up, so he asked, “What concerns, Commodore?”

  “I’ve talked to a few people. It appears there’s no direction in our efforts to repair the ships damaged during the Battle for Cambridge. They’re arguing about which vessels to fix first. Several people insist we repair the ships with the worst damage first. We can return more ships to service and faster if we start with the minor damage. We need to move things along as fast as possible because the Reserve Fleet cannot stay forever.”

  “Who’s in charge of organizing this Colin?”

  “I’m not sure, Henry, I asked, but nobody will take responsibility.”

  “Damn it, Colin, you’re right. Let me get Doug Corbett in here, maybe he can shed light on this. He might know who’s supposed to be in charge.”

  When Corbett arrived, Henry asked, “Do you have any idea who’s meant to be managing the repairs on our damaged ships?”

  “No Admiral. We weren’t even told how bad the damage is. We’re focused on the new Destroyer design. Sir, the damage repairs is more of a logistics issue. Engineering can and will support the repairs, but we don’t work the scheduling side.”

  “All right, Doug. We’ll find somebody to manage repairs.”

  Henry stood thinking for a moment. After a minute, his eyes fell on Colin.

  “I hate to do this to you Colin, but can you lick this into shape for us? Once you rank things, we should be back on track.”

  “I can do it Admiral, but I’ll need help. Are those three Ensigns who organized Cambridge’s weapons caches available. From what I hear, they did an excellent job in the limited available time. And the Lieutenant who kept an eye on them, what is her name? Kelly something, ah Kelly Downer wasn’t it? Give me those four, and we should be able to get it done. I can use them to help me with the Destroyer project too.”

  “Done, Colin, I’ll draft the orders at once. When should they report?”

  “They can report to a meeting room here tomorrow morning. I’ll go into orbit after I leave and talk to the people there.”

  “Okay, Colin. Ask Sarah to book you on the next Shuttle with a return trip tonight. Be here in the morning, 0900 hours. I’ll send you a message with the meeting room details.”

  Cambridge Station

  Ascending into orbit was a nightmare. When Colin arrived for the flight, they bumped several people. He wasn’t permitted to travel alone and had a twelve-strong security team. Those people weren’t happy, but they accepted the necessity under the circumstances. Next, mechanical problems delayed the flight so, Colin called several Captains to arrange meetings on board FNS Ninja.

  As his Shuttle approached Cambridge Orbital, Colin looked out the porthole. He saw plenty of movement and clutter. Too many ships floated in Space near the Station because there weren’t enough docking births for them. He felt a slight jolt and heard the muffled thud as the Shuttle docked to the Station. Minutes later, Colin’s ears popped as the air pressure in the Shuttle equalized with the Station. Soon after, the crew opened the hatch to allow people to leave the Shuttle.

  Because of the necessity for his security to always be with him, Colin’s group disembarked last. When it was his turn, he entered the airlock just outside the Shuttle. Somebody sealed the Shuttle hatch before the one allowing entry into the Station itself opened while Colin waited. As he entered the Station, Colin picked up the faint smell of lubricants overlaid by a pleasant pine smell. Anne explained the pine smell made the air seem more natural.

  Colin called Dimitri first. He wanted to kill several birds with one stone by meeting Dimitri. Colin planned to use one of the meeting rooms on Ninja to reach as many other Captains as possible. He had to gather information about the damage each ship suffered during the Battle for Cambridge. Colin made his way to FNS Ninja’s docking port where Dimitri waited. As always, ‘The Mad Russian’ as Sonya called him was effusive in his greetings when he saw Colin.

  After the greetings were over, Dimitri gave Colin’s security team an appraising look.

  Dimitri said, “They gave you Cambridge Marines for security. I understood you’d upset the Alliance pukes, but they can’t be so good you need troops of this caliber to protect you.”

  “Well Dimitri, Henry gave me Marines for protection for several reasons. First, the Alliance has Spec-Ops troops running around on the ground. They came too close to getting me, they may have if it wasn’t for these Marines. The second reason is that I’m far too mobile for regular troops to give adequate protection.”

  “This is true Colin, and I see you have another pin. You’re a Commodore now. This is excellent, we need more men of your caliber in senior positions. You get things done. Why are you here this time?”

  Colin chuckled as he replied, “I can’t fool you can I Dimitri. Perhaps if you invite me onto your beautiful ship, we can discuss it further, yes?”

  “Colin my friend, I forget my manners. Come, tell me what you wish.”

  When they reached Dimitri’s office, Colin said, “Now Dimitri, I’m here because there’s no logic in the precedence for ship repairs. The priorities seem to be wrong. I’m here trying to understand how bad the situation is before taking over to set up sensible priorities. It’s the most important reason for my visit. The other reason, I must talk to you soon about our new Destroyers. I want you to put a wish list together. You know; armament, weapons, how fast, crew facilities, crew size, anything we might want. I’m asking as many Officers these questions as possible, but you Dimitri, you are the first person who came to mind.”

  “I will put together your list my friend.”

  “Good, and when it’s safe for me to repair my house, you must come and stay for a few days. We can enjoy each other’s company for a while, perhaps share a drink or three.”
<
br />   The two men chatted for a short time when the Alert 1 alarm sounded.

  Dimitri mashed his hand onto the intercom button and said, “Report!”

  Soon the voice came back from the other end telling Dimitri that someone fired an HVM at an inbound Shuttle near Harmon. FNS Sundara launched a Kinetic Energy Weapon (KEW) toward the launch site at once. While the Shuttle sustained damage and two people on board received injuries, the Shuttle made a safe landing. As soon as the KEW impacted the launch site, Troopers went into the area to search for clues. Colin mused to himself about the fog of war. He expected nobody to have a decent picture of events for hours yet.

  Half an hour after the attack on the Shuttle, the several Captains arrived at Ninja’s docking port for the meeting Colin arranged. They filed in, one by one. Colin moved to the front of the meeting room and waited till the assemblage of Captains quietened enough to speak.

  Gordon said, “Gentlemen, Ladies, thank you for coming at such short notice. I invited you here to discuss priorities for repairing your ships. I’ve already spoken to several people, and can’t decipher any logic behind the decisions defining which ships to repair and when. What I need from each of you, is a complete list of the damage your ships sustained during the battle. Include current breakdowns. Please send your lists to Headquarters before 0900 hours tomorrow. This won’t be a significant burden to you. You should already have this information. Mark it for my attention. Do you have any comments or questions?”

  Suzanne Riley asked, “How do you think we should rank repairs, Sir?”

  “We shall fix the ships with the least damage first. If a ship has a slow leak or other damage making it uninhabitable, we will take steps to decrease those problems. First, though, we must return our System-Defense assets to service. To induct a ship requiring a major rebuild while another with two day’s work sits waiting in line makes little sense. We shall repair your ships as fast as possible, several have worse damage than others.”

  Captain Sandringham of the FNS Copperhead asked, “Who will decide on priorities?”

  “I will, with help. We’ve assembled a team for the job, and will analyze the data you send me and make recommendations. I’ll review those recommendations and make the final decision. My background includes work like this. Trust me when I say, we’ll have most of you operational again faster if we do this. The other choice is to allow things to continue as they are and you’ll all sit around in broken ships waiting for a repair slot.”

  The discussion continued for hours, but there was no real argument. These Officers respected and trusted Colin to look after Cambridge. They may disagree with his decisions sometimes but accepted he outranked them. All understood he’d earned his rank by being right most times and making few mistakes. They took Colin’s orders without argument and departed to prepare and send the damage lists he requested. Colin caught Suzanne’s eye as she moved and asked her to stay, he wanted a quick word with her.

  When the others departed, Dimitri saw Colin wanted to talk to Suzanne in private. He excused himself and sent the orders Colin drafted earlier to the other Cambridge ships.

  After they were alone, Colin said, “How are you holding up Suzanne. I know you joined System-Defense so you could see your child. I suspect it has been a while since you’ve managed a visit. How are your family? Are they okay?”

  “They’re well thank you, Sir. The Pirates damaged our house and looted our property, but my family escaped unharmed. My baby misses me, and I miss him, but I should be able to see him soon. Thank you for asking Sir.”

  “Suzanne, when we’re alone, and discussing personal matters, my name is Colin or Col. If I can do anything, like taking something to them, or arranging leave for you, just ask.”

  “Thank you, Colin, I might take you up on that offer when Loki goes in for repairs.”

  “You do that Suzanne. We’ve shared something of an adventure, so I feel an affinity with you. I care about you, Suzanne. When things settle, and I move back home with repairs complete, bring your family to visit. Perhaps we can invite a few others.”

  “Thank you, Colin, I’d enjoy that.”

  “All right Suzanne, go, take care of Loki and your crew.”

  Suzanne came to attention and saluted Colin, and left. Colin sat looking at the door for several minutes after she went, shaking his head before going to find Dimitri. Dimitri was in his office with a glass of rotgut in his hand. He offered one to Colin who accepted it. When Colin took a swig, it burned all the way down his throat and into his stomach.

  After a short coughing fit, Colin asked, “Where did you get this rocket fuel, Dimitri. God, we should just offer it for free to the Pirates. It’ll kill them quicker than bullets.”

  “This came from the non-existent distillery in Engineering. You understand Colin, you don’t notice it unless it becomes a problem. That works if you set clear rules defining what you mean by ‘Out of Hand.’”

  “I see what you mean Dimitri. I’ve had nothing like it on my ship. Now, it’s time for me to catch a Shuttle to Harmon.”

  “You will need to grab a Troop Shuttle, my friend. The authorities suspended the regular service while they search for more HVM batteries on the approaches. I’ll ask my XO to arrange transport for you. You’ll enjoy the ride, Drop-Shuttles are fun.”

  Colin just groaned then rose to leave, saying goodbye to his friend as he did so. After leaving FNS Ninja’s docking area, Colin walked toward the Shuttle docks.

  Colin said to one of the Marine guards, “They’ve suspended the regular Shuttle service. We’re riding in a Drop-Shuttle.”

  The Marine grimaced then said, “Those Drop-Shuttle pilots are crazy Sir. I hope you have a cast iron stomach. A few pilots take pleasure seeing how many people throw up during descent. They get away with it because they say it’s necessary to keep their skills sharp. A Drop-Shuttle is far more likely to get you safe and sound on the ground than a normal one though. We need to go to Bay E6 Sir. A Shuttle will be ready soon.”

  The group arrived at the Shuttle and boarded to await departure. The Shuttle crew comprised Troopers, so they weren’t interested in the niceties of service. Drop-Shuttles rarely carry civilians, and then only during an emergency. Thirty minutes after Colin’s party boarded, the Shuttle undocked from Cambridge Orbital and lined up for re-entry. The descent was over the ocean well away from large land masses. Only the final few minutes required the Shuttle to cross land on its way to Harmon Shuttle Station.

  As expected, the descent felt like a Roller-Coaster ride. The pilots bled speed off by making sharp turns toward one side, then the other. After a while, the flight smoothed out, and they flew across the ocean toward the coast.

  Not long after crossing the coast, the Shuttle made a sudden lurch to one side, sped up and clawed for altitude. Somebody had fired an HVM at it. This time the Pirates had aimed at a target designed with a host of technologies intended to protect it from Missiles. The crew often trained to deal with hazards like this. Hatches slid aside in the craft’s belly, and small Point-Defense Lasers popped out to target and destroy the incoming Missile. The pilots continued to speed up, the Shuttle clawing for altitude as they tried to buy time for the Point-Defense. Ever stoic, Colin sat in his seat, waiting for the outcome, knowing he couldn’t do anything to change it. He saw no point in panicking, so relaxed, waiting. Seconds later, the crew announced that Point-Defence had destroyed the Missile. They expected to land the Shuttle in less than ninety seconds. The final approach and landing were far more violent than Colin had experienced before but they remained safe, so Colin held no animosity toward the crew. At least he made it to the ground, unharmed.

  Harmon

  As soon as the Shuttle halted, Colin’s security team disembarked and checked the surroundings before ushering him straight into a waiting Ground-Car.

  One Marine who rode in the Ground-Car with Colin said, “That was fun. Drop-Shuttle trips are never dull, this one was better than most.”

  Coli
n replied, “I’m glad I could get your juices flowing there.”

  “Oh Sir, I always knew we wouldn’t suffer boredom working for you. I’m one-hundred percent right.”

  Colin chuckled as the men in the vehicle settled back in silence for the trip to Headquarters. Just before the Ground-Car left the Shuttle Station, Colin looked through the window to see another Drop-Shuttle coming in to land. Given the one he arrived on wasn’t full, Colin wondered what the other craft carried.

  When they arrived, many staff had already gone or were leaving. Colin stayed to check his message queue for anything requiring his attention because he’d been away all day. A few Captains had already sent the damage lists he requested. Colin found one message asking him to report to Admiral Fraser as soon as possible. He made his way straight to Henry’s office where Sarah still worked at her desk. She smiled as soon as Colin entered and called Henry to warn him of another visitor. The word came for Colin to enter Henry’s office where he found Admiral Dalkasan waiting. Colin apologized for the interruption, but Dalkasan replied that they both wanted him.

  Dalkasan said, “I hear you had an exciting trip back Colin.”

  “I’m told, someone fired an HVM at us. The Shuttle crew took it out though.”

  Henry grinned as he said, “You don’t know the half of it. A Stealthed-Shuttle came in on a different vector. They wanted to entice someone on the ground to fire an HVM and then hit them with Lightning Missiles. That operation is the reason we had a Drop-Shuttle available to bring you home.”

  “Okay. So I was a decoy?”

  “That’s about right.”

  “Oh well, C’est la vie.”

  Both Henry and Dalkasan gave Colin a strange look but didn’t pursue his (to them) incomprehensible quotation any further. Instead, Henry moved on to the point of the meeting.