The Slaver Wars: Retaliation (The Slaver Wars Book Five)
Page 4
“That sounds reasonable,” Teleck responded. Then, in a more serious tone of voice, “Jeremy, what are your plans? I have spoken to President Kincaid and Fleet Admiral Johnson and we have reached a decision. This was not an easy decision for any of us, and it could have some grave consequences for the morale of the Federation once it becomes known. We will not force your fleet to withdraw from Careth when Admiral Streth retreats from this section of space. The decision will be up to you.”
Grayseth looked over at Jeremy and spoke in a solemn and controlled voice. “Admiral Strong, you have become a good and trusting friend. Thanks to you, my world is once again free and growing strong. Across our entire world, our young are once more being taught the old ways and traditions. We will resist the evil ones when they return. We cannot in good faith expect you and your people to stay and face what may be a losing battle.”
Jeremy was silent as he listened to Grayseth, knowing the bear was speaking from his heart. He knew that without his fleet, the bears had only a slight chance of holding off the Hocklyns, and if an AI ship appeared that chance dropped to zero. If he were to return to the Federation and Careth was destroyed by the returning Hocklyns, Jeremy knew that he could never live with himself knowing his fleet might have made a difference.
“I will not leave,” Jeremy spoke, his eyes meeting the large brown ones of Grayseth. “In this battle we will be one and hunt together. Our enemy is the same and must be stopped; the Hocklyns will not be allowed to return to your world.” Jeremy had long since made this decision; he would not leave the bears to face the Hocklyns alone. He knew the crews of his fleet felt the same.
Grayseth reached out, placed his large hand on top of Jeremy’s, and nodded. At this moment, a bond was formed; one that nothing would ever break apart.
Admiral Teleck nodded. He had expected that answer from Admiral Strong even though there would be much concern in the Federation when it was discovered that Jeremy and the other special members of the Avenger had elected to stay behind and defend the bears. He strongly suspected that when the civilian population discovered Admiral Strong’s reasons for staying behind and defending the bears there would be a massive upwelling of popular support for his decision. It was the kind of stuff that created heroes.
“I want you to know that Ceres is fully behind your decision, as well as the president and Fleet Admiral Johnson,” Teleck spoke. It showed the growth in Jeremy as an admiral, and that pleased Teleck immensely. “When I leave, a number of the ships in my fleet will be remaining. They are all from Ceres and crewed by volunteers who know they might not be seeing home again for quite some time.”
“Thank you, Sir,” Jeremy replied, his eyes opening wide. He had never expected to have more than Fourth Fleet to defend the bears’ home system with.
“Admiral Stillson’s fleet over the past two months has been brought back up to full strength. After a few personnel changes, his fleet will also be remaining. I will be leaving you two battlecruisers, two battlecarriers, four Monarch heavy cruisers, four additional heavy strikecruisers, ten light cruisers, and all twenty of the destroyers that came with my fleet.”
“Thank you, Sir,” Jeremy spoke in a stunned voice as he realized all the extra firepower this would give him.
It made holding the bears’ system a real possibility. He could really use the strikecruisers, since with their new programming and more powerful Devastator Three missiles they were the only ships capable of taking on an AI ship and winning. This could be a game changer for the Careth system.
“Jeremy,” Admiral Teleck spoke in a more serious voice, his eyes taking on a grim look. “We will not be able to spare any more ships without seriously affecting Ceres’s ability to defend itself. There will be two more trips made with supplies and twenty-four additional satellite battle stations, and then you will be on your own. We placed additional FTL communication buoys in place as we jumped to allow you to communicate with the Federation. Keep in mind that once the Hocklyns and the AIs retake this section of space and advance on the Federation, you will be cut off with no safe way to return to Federation space.”
“I understand, Sir,” responded Jeremy, accepting the fact that it might be quite some time before any of his crews saw Federation space again. He knew and understood that once the Hocklyns arrived they might be on their own for a long time.
“Your people are honorable,” Grayseth spoke as he realized the ramifications of what Admiral Teleck and Jeremy had just done. “You may have just assured my people’s survival. We will never forget this. From this day forward, we will fight at your side until the evil ones are defeated.”
“You’re welcome, Grayseth,” responded Admiral Teleck, gravely. “We will honor your alliance with the Federation and do everything in our power to ensure your world remains free. Now, let’s discuss just how we are going to defend this system from the Hocklyns.”
-
Amanda was in the resort with Richard lying in bed and just enjoying each other’s presence. As they lay there in the afterglow of their lovemaking, he began to tell her of the decision by the higher ups to allow Admiral Strong to remain and attempt to defend the Carethians. He also informed her that Admiral Teleck had come with them.
“Admiral Teleck!” Amanda spoke, sitting up. “If Admiral Teleck is here then I need to go up to the station and report.”
“Not until tomorrow,” Richard said, pulling her back down beside him. “He will be here for a week or more before it’s time for us to leave.”
Amanda nodded. She was pleased to know that she had Richard for at least a week. She rolled over and kissed him. He reached for her and soon they were lost in each other once more as their heated passion took over.
-
In the Command Center of the space station, an alarm sounded. An unauthorized hyperjump had been detected in a nearby system by a hyper detection buoy. The officer in front of the console instantly notified his commanding officer, who came over and studied the data.
“Looks like one ship only,” the captain commented as he studied the information. He instantly notified the major who was currently the senior officer in command. “We have an unauthorized hyperjump in system 211-M, only two light years away.”
The major called up the data on his command console as one of the Carethians came over, and the two discussed it. It took only a moment for them to notify Admiral Strong who instantly ordered two light cruisers to be immediately dispatched to the system. Everyone knew that this could be a Hocklyn armed scout sent to probe the human defenses.
The major also ordered the station to go to Condition Three until the validity of the threat could be ascertained. While it wasn’t likely, there was a slim possibility of this being the prelude to an attack.
-
The light cruisers Kallen and Sidney emerged from two swirling spatial vortexes into system 211-M and instantly began searching for the unknown ship. From the data they had from the FTL detection buoy, the unknown should be within two million kilometers of their exit point.
“Nothing,” Lieutenant Dalk reported as his sensors came back negative.
Commander Linnert of the Kallen frowned and wondered if the hyper detection buoy could have been wrong. “Keep an eye on your sensors; something isn’t right.” He then turned toward his executive officer. “Keep the ship at Condition One until we determine for sure there is no threat.” He passed the same order on to the Sidney.
The two 700-meter Federation light cruisers were motionless in space as their powerful sensors scanned the area around them. For twenty minutes, they held their positions as their sensors swept the system.
-
A little over one million kilometers away the stealth destroyer New Ashton had gone to Condition One upon detecting the two Federation warships. The ship had come from the Old Federation world of New Providence on a mission to find the Humans that were fighting the Hocklyns.
“Are you sure they’re Federation light cruisers?” asked Commander Str
one, looking over at the sensor operator.
“Yes, Sir,” the lieutenant replied with excitement in his eyes. “It’s a definite computer match even though there are some slight differences.”
Strone nodded. That was to be expected since the last time they had seen a Federation light cruiser was over four hundred years ago. He had been sent to this section of space to see if it was indeed Federation ships that were fighting the Hocklyns. There had been much debate back on New Providence about how this could be possible. It had seemed extremely unlikely that the ships that Fleet Admiral Streth had escaped with could have built up a sufficient population and tech base to mount such an attack. However, if their sensors were right, there in front of them were two Federation light cruisers.
“Very well, prepare to come out of stealth and send our ID codes to the two cruisers,” he ordered, reaching a quick decision. “Let’s hope they still recognize the old codes and don’t open fire.” He knew his lightly armed destroyer would be no match for a light cruiser, let alone two of them.
-
“Hostile contact at one million kilometers,” Lieutenant Dalk called out as a red threat icon suddenly appeared on his sensor screen.”
“Crap,” muttered Commander Linnert, seeing how close the enemy was. “Contact the Sidney and tell them to prepare to engage.” If this was a Hocklyn scout ship or escort cruiser, they needed to destroy it as quickly as possible.
“Hold,” the communications operator suddenly called out, her voice sounding confused. “I am receiving ship IDs from the unknown contact.”
“Ship IDs?” replied Linnert in astonishment, turning his gaze toward communications. “Who are they?”
“I’m not sure,” replied the ensign, sounding confused. “The ID codes are old Federation. The ship is called the New Ashton.”
“New Ashton,” spoke Lieutenant Dalk, turning pale as he recalled his old Federation history. “That was the capital city on New Providence!”
“Ensign, try to raise that ship,” ordered Commander Linnert, suspecting a Hocklyn trick. “Ask them to explain who they are and what they are doing here!”
-
Jeremy was still in his meeting with Admiral Teleck and Grayseth when his mini-com activated. His eyes narrowed and his heart rate quickened as he listened to the impossible report. After a moment, he looked over at Admiral Teleck, wondering how he would receive this news. It was like a person long dead suddenly turning up alive and healthy.
“Admiral Teleck, there was an unauthorized hyperjump into a nearby system a short time ago,” he began. “I sent two light cruisers to investigate in case it was a Hocklyn armed scout.”
“Yes, I recall you doing that,” Teleck responded. He hoped it had turned out to be a false alarm.
“The light cruisers have found a ship,” continued Jeremy, finding it hard to believe what he was about to say. He took a deep breath and then continued. “It is a Federation destroyer from New Providence. They claim they have come here searching for us.”
“New Providence!” Admiral Teleck repeated, his eyes growing wide in astonishment. “That’s impossible! The population of New Providence was wiped out by the Hocklyns. There are no survivors in the old Federation.”
“Nevertheless, that’s what they claim,” Jeremy replied evenly. “The two light cruisers are bringing the ship here. They should be ready to jump shortly.”
Admiral Teleck leaned back in his chair as he thought about what this might mean. Could humans have actually survived in hiding back in the old Federation? He knew there had been a serious attempt to do so on New Providence. If there were any survivors in the old Federation, New Providence would be the logical place. What would this mean to the new Federation and the war effort if this ship was actually from where they claimed?
“Contact Admiral Sheen and Admiral Andrews and get them both up here,” ordered Admiral Teleck, reaching a quick decision. “Admiral Andrews is from New Providence and Admiral Sheen went there on a secret mission during the New Horizon incident. Perhaps they can shed some light on this situation. I also want the supposed origin of this ship kept a secret. If anyone asks, it is a new Federation ship that has just returned from a secret mission. If there are survivors on New Providence we can’t let that become general knowledge for their own safety.”
Jeremy nodded. He would also contact Ariel on the Avenger. She was very familiar with the old Federation and might be of some help. Jeremy suspected if this ship was really from New Providence that the war was about to get even more complicated and much more dangerous.
Chapter Three
The 400-meter destroyer New Ashton had docked to the space station, and Admiral Strong and Admiral Teleck were waiting for the people on board to make an appearance. Two full squads of marines, as well as a squad of heavily armed bears, were waiting for the hatch to open. Admirals Sheen and Andrews were en route from the surface of Careth and would be arriving shortly. Both had been stunned when they had been informed that a Federation destroyer from New Providence had put in an appearance.
“How can this ship actually be from New Providence?” Jeremy asked as he kept his eyes glued to the hatch. Everything he had heard in the past stated clearly that the old Federation worlds had been wiped out.
“General Allister stayed behind in a number of hidden military bunkers,” Admiral Teleck answered. “They were going to attempt to hide from the Hocklyns and save as many civilians as possible. At the time of the New Horizon incident, Admiral Sheen was sent on a mission to find out if anyone had survived. As you know, she was detoured while searching for your ship, but she did finally complete her mission. They found a few survivors on Aquaria, but none on any of the other planets. We thought General Allister had failed. Now it seems he may have succeeded after all.”
“Imagine staying hidden from the Hocklyns for all of these years,” responded Jeremy, shaking his head. He couldn’t comprehend how difficult that would have been. “It seems as if it would be almost impossible.”
“I would have thought so too,” Teleck replied his eyes focused on the hatch of the small destroyer. “But it seems as if somehow they managed to do just that. Keep in mind that Grayseth’s people have underground cities on Careth that the Hocklyns never found.”
The hatch opened, and a man and a woman stepped out. One was obviously the commander of the ship from his fleet uniform and insignia, but the other was a civilian.
They came to a stop in front of the two admirals, and the commander came to attention and saluted. “I am Commander Strone of the New Providence destroyer Ashton, and this is Maureen Arden of the New Providence Senate.”
“At ease, Commander,” Admiral Teleck responded. “I am Admiral Teleck, and this is Admiral Strong. We represent the new Federation of Worlds which is based on our old Federation.”
“Then you are Federation survivors?” Senator Arden spoke, her eyes widening at the revelation. “We hadn’t thought that was possible.”
“Yes and no,” Admiral Teleck responded. “Let’s go to a conference room where we can be more comfortable and talk privately. We have two other admirals we are waiting for who will be joining us shortly.”
The four went to a conference room and were soon joined by Amanda and Richard. Then it was time for revelations.
Senator Arden began first by giving a brief description of the situation in the old Federation of Worlds and what they had done to survive. “Immediately after Admiral Streth left the Federation the Hocklyns returned with a vengeance. They scoured all the planets looking for human survivors and eradicating them whenever any were found. On New Providence General Allister stayed hidden, only sending out occasional patrols to bring in scattered groups of survivors. Despite the Hocklyns believing they had killed everyone, they continued to monitor the Federation worlds. Even today a routine patrol goes through each system weekly, scanning it.”
“Those early years must have been tough,” Amanda spoke as she recalled what General Allister had planned to
do. She was in awe that his plan had actually worked.
“The last time I spoke to General Allister he thought there was a remote chance that he could remain hidden. I am glad to see that he succeeded,” added Richard, recalling his days in the shipyard above New Providence.
“You spoke to General Allister?” Senator Arden repeated, her eyes growing wide in astonishment. “That was over four hundred years ago!”
“Yes,” Admiral Teleck said, and then explained. “After Admiral Streth arrived in Earth’s solar system a number of key personnel went into cryosleep to be awakened when it was time to renew the war with the Hocklyns.”
“Earth?” said Senator Arden, looking confused. “I have heard that word mentioned in old legends. It supposedly represents the world from which we originated. I thought that was just a fairy tale; everyone did.”
“Earth’s real enough,” Admiral Teleck responded. He then proceeded to explain to the two what had transpired with Earth and the establishing of the new Federation.
“You mean to tell me that Admiral Streth is still alive!” Commander Strone spoke, his eyes widening in awe at the thought of meeting the legendary admiral of the old Federation.
“Yes, and you will be meeting him at his base before you continue on to Earth,” Admiral Teleck promised. Then he looked at the two. “I assume you want to go on to the new Federation and speak to its leaders.”
“Yes,” replied Senator Arden, feeling excited at the prospect. She was anxious to see this new Federation for herself. If it was as powerful as Admiral Teleck had indicated they would have much to talk about.
Commander Strone nodded his head. He had seen all the powerful Federation warships that were around this planet. The battlecruisers and the battlecarriers had been impressive sights on the New Ashton’s viewscreens. The largest warship New Providence had were destroyers; it wasn’t practical to build anything larger in the underground construction bays. It was impossible to launch a battlecruiser or carrier from the surface of a planet.