Star Strike: Book 3 of the Star Man Series

by I. G. Roberts

  The guards unhooked the wire from Zhavan’s manacles and hustled her from the room. They arrived at the same Air-Lock as before, but this time, they hurried her through and onto a ship. There they marched her to a hatch where two more guards were on sentry duty. The sentries opened the hatch and shoved her into the compartment. Zhavan stumbled on her way through the hatch and would’ve fallen if strong hands hadn’t caught her. The guards laughed as the hatch closed.

  One of the Kislarans who stopped Admiral Zhavan from falling said, “Sorry, ma’am, I had to touch you to stop you falling and injuring yourself.”

  Kashir turned to gaze at her companion and replied, “No apology is necessary. You tried to help me.”

  While she spoke, Kashir noticed the Kislaran’s singed and torn uniform had blood stains on it. Zhavan continued, “How many survivors do we have, and please, tell me your name.”

  “I’m not sure of the numbers, but we have two hundred in this hold, including you. Ma’am something spooked the Pirates. I think we’re leaving.”

  Zhavan smiled and said again, “Please, tell me your name. What do I call you?”

  “I apologize, Admiral, I am Daram Bishar.”

  “Again, apologies aren’t necessary Daram Bishar. Now, I can tell you the news. Commodore Colin Gordon is here in Hangelore. Our Pirate friends are panicking because he’s blown through their Jump-Point defenses and is busy wreaking havoc out there.”

  Bishar whispered, “Commodore Gordon is here? He is insane. How can they survive the Jump-Point defenses?”

  Word spread through the hold. If Gordon was here and had made it past the defenses, then they expected he’d either rescue them or kill them before this finished. For these people, death was preferable if the man didn’t stage a successful rescue. The ship shuddered as it separated from Hangelore Orbital and the prisoners noticed the engines come on-line.

  Hangelore

  Sithu Harsen sat in his Escape-Pod feeling demoralized. Until FNS Harmon demolished their plans, he would never have believed one ship was so deadly.

  One of Harsen’s companions asked, “Will they pick us up, Sir?”

  Harsen replied, “I expect so. These ships are from the Federation remember. They didn’t catch us in the Federation so unless you’re wanted there, we have little to fear. Even destroying the Kislaran Fleet won’t count too much against us. We did our jobs, nothing more, and we rescued the survivors.”

  Sometimes, they saw a flash through a porthole as the Federation ships shot a Mine. Harsen said, “They’re dismantling our defenses. I’d say they’re preparing to bring more ships. They’ll rescue us after those arrive. We will sit and wait until then.”

  On FNS Harmon, Colin followed his doctor’s orders to the letter. He ate a meal to fuel his body and rested in his Ready-Room before returning to work. The CCC team would call him if anything happened while waiting for the Fleet. They kept a close eye on the Pirates heading in their direction. Colin noticed other ships leaving Hangelore Orbital and traveling toward another Jump-Point. FNS Harmon couldn’t tackle them until reinforcements came.

  When Colin returned to the CCC, he noticed Dave Bach examining the Scan Displays.

  Bach said, “Commodore, those five ships running in the other direction look interesting. Two are big Freighters, the others are older Federation Destroyers. Sir, their signatures are like FNS Disna’s.”

  “The Pirates may have captured a few Destroyers from the Kislarans. That isn’t good. Although the Kislaran ships are old, and out of date, they’re still too dangerous to leave unmolested. Damn; we can’t go after them until Commodore Devlaran or Commodore Xion come.”

  Dave replied, “FNS Theseus has returned with FNS Thor. They’re moving away from the Jump-Point now, Sir. Reinforcements are on the way.”

  “That’s good news, Dave. Now I must wait for Commodore Devlaran, then I can rest. No, better yet, I’ll be in my Ready-Room. Call if you need me.”

  Anne smiled to herself. If Colin was saying this, he felt exhausted. The Lieutenant glanced at the displays and saw the Pirates were still seven hours away. By the time they reached engagement range, the Federation would have them outmatched. The Cobras spread out, and Mine clearance sped up as more vessels joined the effort. By the time the next Fleet units arrived two hours later, the Cobras had cleared the Mines and other hazards along a wide path to free Space. As the Fleet arrived, the Cobras continued removing the defensive ordnance left in the vicinity by the Pirates.

  With both Battle-Stations out of the picture, Mines and Missile Platforms were the only remaining threats. FNS Harmon’s AI tracked the Escape-Pods drifting around the wreckage, Colin didn’t want to lose track of anyone. He hadn’t considered how to manage the Battle-Station crews. These people weren’t in Federation Space, but they worked to protect Pirates who raided the Federation. The legalities promised to make the lawyers wealthy.

  FNS Disna was the first Federation Destroyer to arrive in Hangelore after the Cobras cleared enough Mines to allow safe passage. Captain Fana Koral was on edge as FNS Disna Down-Jumped into the System. Their last visit ended in disaster and ignominious defeat at the hands of the Pirates who infested the place. Koral was suffering survivors guilt and only functioned because Queen Taveli took the time to reassure him. Other vessels trickled in even as FNS Disna worked her way through the confines of the Mine-Field. Captain Koral had set his mind on redeeming his honor this time. He contacted Commodore Gordon for orders while FNS Disna traversed the corridor to free Space.

  Fana said, “FNS Disna reporting Commodore. What are your orders?”

  Colin considered this for a moment. He couldn’t ask the Kislarans to rescue Battle-Station crew. That would rub salt into the wound. FNS Disna didn’t have strong enough Shields to send them on Mine clearance duties. He’d keep them close; they should help watch for threats until the Fleet arrived. The circumstances weren’t ideal, they’d need another hour or maybe two before Colin considered the area was secure.

  Suhmarlin Hazilsor watched his Scans as the Federation Fleet trickled into Hangelore. He’d missed his chance. Without the Battle-Stations, Hazilsor’s Pirates had no hope of defeating this Federation Fleet. Suhmarlin brooded on his misfortune for a while and issued his orders. He could run while he still had something to salvage. Hazilsor’s Pirates should find another backward world to conquer, but this would set him back years. Hazilsor issued his instructions, and his ships began a long looping turn toward their alternate destination.

  Dave Bach sat at his Sensor Station and said, “Commodore, the incoming Pirates are changing course. They’ve seen the Fleet coming in and are running.”

  “Hmmm. It’s a shame, but we can’t do much about it. I’m more interested in the other five ships. Perhaps their boss wants us to tie ourselves up with these while he makes his escape with the others. What would you do, Dave?”

  “Toss a coin, Commodore. The Pirate boss might be with either set of ships. Hell, the closer ones may have been a feint to focus our attention while they escape with their valuable assets.”

  “Maybe. The fact remains, we can’t intervene until Commodore Devlaran or Commodore Xion take charge here.”

  “Sir, FNS Kaval has Down-Jumped. Commodore Devlaran is using her to carry his Flag, isn’t he?”

  “He is, Dave. Keg, tell me when it’s safe to contact them please.”

  Keg replied, “They’ll clear the corridor in ten minutes, Commodore.”

  “Excellent, open a channel with them when they’re ready, please.”

  Colin considered what he needed and contacted Dimitri. He said, “Captain Molchaoff when I hand local command to Commodore Devlaran, we’ll go hunting. Ask your navigators to plot a Jump to intercept those five ships on the other side of the System. Bring us out of Jump far enough away to launch the Venoms. We’ll let the Wing have fun; I’ll brief Commander Thompson. We aim to capture rather than destroy so I’ll need your Troopers too. FNS Disna will come for extra insurance and their Troopers
. You worry about your ship, I’ll handle the rest.”

  Dimitri acknowledged Colin’s orders and began preparing, so they were ready when the Commodore sent the order to move. Meanwhile, FNS Kaval made her way from the corridor and Keg opened a Comms channel to Commodore Devlaran. When he’d established the link, he connected Gordon. Colin briefed Devlaran about the local situation and told the other Officer his plans. Devlaran accepted that FNS Harmon was able to take on three Destroyers. She’d proven that in Sankarah, and that was before he embarked two squadrons of Venoms. Devlaran agreed with Colin, this was the best course of action.

  FNS Theseus

  In FNS Theseus’ CCC, Sam watched his Sensors as FNS Harmon Jumped away with FNS Disna. For a moment, he felt left out. Sam didn’t know the Commodore’s destination but thought it would be cleaner than this. They couldn’t do much else though, they had to remove these Mines. From time to time, one came close enough to the corridor to give an incoming ship a scare, but that happened less often as the Cobras thinned the weapons out. The sooner they finished this job, the better. Theseus’ Shields had taken a beating and Sam had to stop too often while they regenerated. The Shields dropped off faster each time they cleared Mines, but Engineering assured him they hadn’t deteriorated. Theseus agreed with Engineering, but that did little to increase Sam’s confidence.

  FNS Theseus continued toward the next group of Mines. Sam stood off, using the big Lasers to knock the Pirate defenses out. He made sure friendly ships weren’t near the Laser beam, it wouldn’t do to shoot a Federation Navy vessel. Theseus moved forward, firing the Primary Lasers during the approach. Mines exploded, or sometimes, went dead if the beam fried their electronics when it hit. Sometimes the Laser destroyed a target and then hit a second that hid behind causing an unexpected explosion.

  One of these explosions caused a domino effect that pushed Mines in different directions. Several moved toward FNS Theseus, unnoticed by her crew as they steered the vessel further into the Mine drift. Theseus used her passive Sensors as she tried to protect her human cargo. Active Sensors weren’t an option because of the Mines proximity. If the Federation vessels used active Sensors, they risked drawing an attack from surrounding weapons.

  FNS Theseus coasted into the drift with her Shields on maximum and the Point-Defense Lasers firing in all directions. The Mines used by the Pirates had various Sensors that searched for things like nearby mass, thermal images, radiation and a few other properties. As FNS Theseus reached a point where Mines surrounded her, twenty Mines activated and attacked. For a while, Theseus’ defenses held, but these were a new Mine, one the Federation hadn’t experienced yet. When they detect a something that meets specific parameters, tiny thrusters push the Mine toward its target. As these Mines move, they send its location to nearby weapons and those move toward the same target.

  Theseus knocked half the attacking Mines out before the rest exploded around her Shields and battered them into collapse. Debris from the explosions reduced the Patrol-Boat’s Sensor resolution, so the Point-Defense didn’t target the second set of five attacking Mines. The second group slammed into Theseus’ Hull and exploded, opening large parts of the vessel to Space and killing two-thirds of the crew.

  Theseus sat, unable to move because too many weapons drifted nearby. Worse, the ship couldn’t call for help because any transmission or sign of life might cause another attack. Theseus ran through her options, testing the risk for each. Whichever way she looked at the problem, there was no practical solution. Theseus’ only hope and the only chance for the surviving crew was to wait for rescue.

  Aaron Thompson, the First Officer, lay unconscious in the Secondary Control Center. Lieutenant Susan Wills moved around, trying to make him more comfortable and find out what happened. Two others sat nearby, but they were in shock. The CCC didn’t answer her calls, and Engineering was offline. Susan glanced at the others to see if they had suggestions, but they shrugged their shoulders.

  Susan said, “Theseus, can you hear me?”

  Theseus replied, “Yes, Lieutenant.”

  “Give me a situation report please.”

  “The Mines destroyed the CCC, Engineering has taken severe damage, and we’ve lost sixty-six percent of the crew. Mines surround us, and I have no way to communicate with other vessels.”

  “So, we sit here and wait for rescue.”

  “Correct.”

  Susan sat on the deck and placed her arms on her knees then rested her head while she waited.

  FNS Harmon

  Dave Bach kept a close eye on his Scan Displays, so the Federation ships weren’t blindsided. He soon realized that as more Fleet units reached Hangelore, the approaching Pirates were tightening their turn to set up an escape vector. Dave looked further afield, noticing the five ships that had departed from the Orbital were accelerating.

  Dave forwarded his findings to Commodore Gordon and while waiting for orders observed something strange happening inside the Mine-Field. FNS Theseus was clearing Mines and then disappeared. Dave held concerns that something terrible had happened. He contacted the Commodore on a private channel.

  Dave said, “Sir, something, I’m not sure what, just happened with FNS Theseus. She was working her way through a Mine drift then disappeared.”

  Gordon was silent for a few moments then replied, “Contact Commodore Devlaran and ask him to send the nearest Cobra to investigate. Tell him we’re off to chase escaping Pirates and can’t stay here.”

  A few moments later, Dave said, “Message sent Sir.”

  FNS Harmon was over a light minute from FNS Kaval, so Colin didn’t expect an immediate answer. He used the time to get the Air-Wing ready for the next part of the operation.

  Five minutes later, Devlaran replied, “Our Scan Logs show detonations near FNS Theseus’ Shields. I’ve tasked FNS Thor and FNS Forseti to investigate. The Cobras will mount a rescue if needed. Fleet strength is building here Commodore. We have enough fire-power to handle the known threats, and the inbound Pirates have veered away. They’ve seen us and decided discretion is the better part of valor.”

  Colin said, “Excellent, Hanar. I’ll take FNS Disna for backup. The Kislarans need to contribute here so we’ll give them this opportunity. FNS Disna deserves to capture at least one fleeing Destroyer. The Venoms can help them, and FNS Harmon will catch the Freighters.”

  “I’ll leave you to it then, Colin.”

  With that call over, Colin contacted Cal Thompson. Colin said “Commander Thompson, get your Venoms ready for action, you have three hours. We’re chasing five ships, three Destroyers, two Freighters. The Venoms will support FNS Disna against the Destroyers. FNS Harmon will take care of the Freighters.”

  Cal replied, “What are our rules of engagement, Sir?”

  “Keep out of FNS Disna’s way and don’t shoot her or the Assault-Boats. Questions?”

  With the Venoms organized, Colin contacted Captain Koral on FNS Disna. Disna was some distance from Harmon, so Colin had to wait while the message reached the Kislaran Destroyer and they replied.

  When Fana replied, Colin said, “Captain Koral, we have five ships escaping the System. We’ll capture them, and you will come to help. Three of those ships are Destroyers. While we don’t have IDs on them, I’m assuming they’re captured Kislaran ships. Activate your Troopers for a hostile boarding. While you’re doing so, move closer to FNS Harmon. By the time you reach us, I’ll have an attack plan ready for you.”

  Fana acknowledged Colin’s orders and complied. He began by ordering Disna’s Helm to make way toward FNS Harmon, then contacted his Trooper CO. The Troopers were central to this operation. Colin wanted to capture the Destroyers if possible, and he wanted the Kislarans to achieve that result.

  Inside FNS Harmon’s CCC a part of Colin’s mind mulled over what he should tell Anne about FNS Theseus. She’d requested a transfer to Colin’s staff, in part, because she had a burgeoning relationship with Sam Harland. This meant she had to leave FNS Theseus where he was
her superior before the relationship developed.

  Colin understood he had to confront the problem head-on, but needed Anne focused on her job until they secured Hangelore. He’d wait until they completed the attack on the escaping vessels.

  On the hanger deck, Cal called Bill Kress and Ariana Pilta into his office. When they arrived, Cal said, “Bring your Venom crews together, we have three hours to get ready.”

  The two Officers nodded, and Ariana asked, “What’s the mission, Sir?”

  “We’re supporting FNS Disna for an attack on three Destroyers. Commodore Gordon wants to board and capture them. Disna is providing Troopers for that. The Venoms will buzz our targets and look threatening. Intimidation is the name of the game here, we’ll carry a full complement of armament but won’t fire unless necessary. Our job is to stay out of FNS Disna’s way, so they don’t shoot us, and to make sure we don’t shoot them or their Assault-Boats.”

  Bill said, “We’d best start then Commander.”

  Cal nodded, and his Wing leaders left to prepare. Soon, the hanger deck buzzed with activity as teams serviced and armed the Venoms ready for action. Meanwhile, the Venom crews made their way to the briefing rooms to learn about their roles in the coming mission.

  In the CCC, Colin watched, FNS Disna drew closer until he could communicate in real time. Colin opened Comms with Captain Koral and explained what he wanted from FNS Disna.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

  HANGELORE FALLS

  Hangelore Jump-Point

  After talking to Colin, Hanar Devlaran sprang into action. Scans showed the Patrol-Boat leaked atmosphere, so survivors might run out of air soon. They needed to try an immediate rescue in case FNS Theseus held survivors. Devlaran contacted Captain Carl Fraser on FNS Thor and explained.