The Forgotten Empire: War for the Empire

by Raymond L. Weil

  “Close to the truth,” replied Ardon. “Isn’t it true all your offensive actions have come to a stop due to the Humans of the Empire and the Humans of Earth deploying new weapons capable of bringing down the energy shields of Confederation warships?”

  A rumbling came from the other councilors, as they digested this information. Several looked at Damora, wanting to know if this was true.

  “I’ve answered enough of your questions,” replied Damora, as he turned and left the council chambers.

  Councilor Reull watched him go. “I think that answers that question.” Ardon then looked at the other councilors, who had sided with the Morag. “As to you other councilors, the Morag may not be as invincible as you think. All they are doing is sacrificing your fleets in order to preserve theirs.” With that Ardon turned, and he too left the council chambers. He needed to send out a few hyperlight messages. Councilor Damora had confirmed that the fleets in the Human Empire were currently not attacking.

  -

  Admiral Cleemorl met with Rear Admiral Barnes in his office. “Why did we not know you were coming?” He had been stunned when Rear Admiral Barnes’s fleet had dropped out of hyperspace.

  Barnes smiled. “Fleet Admiral Marloo knew we were. We kept it quiet because we were not sure we would get here in time. We pushed our hyperdrives to the limit, and I’m afraid that nearly all of them need some maintenance before we dare make another long hyperspace jump. We have a supply fleet about a week behind us. It has another ten dreadnoughts and forty battlecruisers for protection. Also two mobile repair yards, a large number of supply ships, and twenty-three battlecarriers are on their way.”

  Dylan looked suspiciously at Rear Admiral Barnes. “This is part of the fleet you would use to attack the Confederation in reprisal for what they did to the Solar System?”

  Admiral Barnes nodded. “Yes, but we decided that defending the Human Empire had to come first. We will attack the Confederation later.”

  “What about the core worlds?” Dylan felt the Earth fleet should have gone there. “Should your fleet go there, once its hyperdrives are repaired?”

  “Rear Admiral Collison and Fourth Fleet are headed there,” replied Barnes. “They should arrive sometime late tomorrow. Collison’s fleet is about the same size as mine. He also has a supply fleet, but it’s nearly two weeks behind. However, all his battlecarriers are with his fleet.”

  “How many?”

  “Fifteen,” answered Admiral Barnes. “We were not sure how many you would leave here to protect Golan Four, if the Hagen Star Cluster was attacked.”

  Dylan grew concerned that Earth may have sent too many ships. “Does Earth still have the ships to defend itself?”

  Barnes nodded. “Rear Admiral Mendoza and Rear Admiral Everett are still there. Not only that, we have over twenty thousand attack interceptors. The Solar System is well protected, and that’s why we could send these fleets. We would have sent them sooner, but we were still equipping some of the ships with the new accelerator cannons.”

  “The accelerator cannons seem to work very well. They were blowing the hell out of the Confederation warships.”

  Barnes smiled. “Yes, they were. The accelerator cannon rounds strike the energy shield with the force of nearly 23,000 megatons of raw energy. No energy shield can survive such a blast to such a small area. The shield basically bursts, and many of the power couplings in the ship blow from the power feedback. The second shot will normally disintegrate its target. That’s why each ship has two of these cannons. One to bring down the shield and the second to destroy the ship. Your particle beam cannons seem to work very well also.”

  Dylan nodded. “Yes, they accelerate a large number of small particles into a beam, and the resulting kinetic energy, where the beam strikes, will tear a hole in an energy shield, and then the beam will strike the ship. So far, it’s been very effective. So what are your plans now?”

  Rear Admiral Barnes let out a deep sigh. “To stay here in the Hagen Star Cluster. It will take at least a week to get all my ships’ hyperdrives back to 100 percent. So my fleet is at your disposal.”

  This pleased Dylan. With Rear Admiral Barnes’s fleet plus his own vessels, no doubt he could keep the cluster out of Confederation hands. “We’ll join our fleets into one fleet formation. Then we just need to wait and see what the Confederation does next.” Dylan was certain the attacks were not over.

  -

  Derrick felt great relief when Rear Admiral Collison and his Fourth Fleet dropped out of hyperspace inside the Golan Four System.

  “Detecting 1,253 battlecruisers, 242 dreadnoughts, and 15 battlecarriers,” reported Lieutenant Nower from her sensor console.

  “Excellent, have them join our formation and see if any of their ships’ hyperdrives need work. We can put them in some of the repair bays, if needed.” Derrick knew that Rear Admiral Collison had been pushing his ships to get them here in time.

  As Collison’s fleet moved toward Fifth Fleet, Derrick had to smile. That gave him over four thousand warships to defend the Golan Four System. When he added in all the attack interceptors based on Golan Four as well as Meta, he felt certain he could repel any size attack by the Confederation. The only thing he was worried about was this mysterious weapon the Morag supposedly had. This weapon had not been used at the Tantula System, so it was still an unknown.

  As soon as Collison had his fleet in formation, Derrick planned on having a video call with both Rear Admiral Collison and Rear Admiral Banora. At least Collison was a very experienced admiral. He had to be to be entrusted with the defense of Earth.

  -

  Fleet Admiral Marloo was in the underground Command Center beneath the House of Worlds. Chancellor Stein and Governor Bemire from Ambary Two were also with him.

  “I’m glad to see the Earth fleet arrive,” said Chancellor Stein.

  “As am I,” added Governor Bemire. “It greatly strengthens all the core worlds.” Bemire turned toward Admiral Marloo. “Are you certain the Golan Four System will be the primary target of the Morag and not another core world?”

  Marloo nodded. “It’s the only target that makes sense. If they can conquer the Golan System, it would seriously affect the morale in the entire Human Empire. The war could still continue if the Hagen Star Cluster survives, but I’m certain the Confederation’s goals are to conquer both.”

  “I agree,” said Chancellor Stein. “How soon do you expect an attack?”

  “There have been no new attacks on the periphery and no sign of the Morag fleets active out there. I’m convinced those fleets have been called inward to reinforce the fleets aimed at us and the ones recently driven out of the Hagen Star Cluster.”

  Chancellor Stein nodded. “So, a few days at least.” He wished the attacks were over but knew they weren’t.

  “Probably closer to four to six. It will take some time for those fleets to travel from the periphery to where their other fleets are waiting.”

  “I’ll return to Ambary Two late tomorrow,” said Governor Bemire. “Seeing the ships now in orbit above Golan Four has increased my belief we will win this war.”

  “It’s a long way from over,” replied Fleet Admiral Marloo. His gaze traveled to the tactical display, full of friendly green icons. “But this is certainly a good start.”

  -

  Derrick had just finished talking to Rear Admiral Banora and Rear Admiral Barnes. The consensus was that the Confederation would attack Golan Four first, in an attempt to either conquer or destroy the planet.

  “I think they’ll try to destroy the planet,” said Barnes. “It would destroy the morale in the Empire, and many worlds would probably refuse to even fight if Golan Four was gone.”

  “I agree,” said Banora. “The only worlds that might still fight are some of the more major worlds, but they would have to be led by someone. As long as the Hagen Star Cluster survives, I believe they could still lead the war, particularly with Admiral Cleemorl there with a major fleet.”


  Derrick remained silent for a long moment. “What would it mean if the entire Royal Family was killed in the attack?” This was a question that needed to be asked and one he feared asking.

  Rear Admiral Banora shook her head. “It would be devastating. At least one of them needs to survive. We can’t afford to lose the entire Royal Family. They’re what’s holding the Empire together. Have you taken a walk in the capital? Nearly every store, office building, and restaurant has hung up a picture of one of the two Princesses. The same in residential areas, where signs in yards show their support for the Princesses. The Princesses are the Empire.”

  Derrick had not been aware of this. It made him realize just how popular Layla and Krista were with the people. He would talk to Layla again. Tantula Five was nearly as powerfully held as Golan Four. He knew there was no way Layla would consider leaving, the same for Andrew. However, Krista might agree, since Mathew was currently in the Hagen Star Cluster. Krista and Mathew should be safe in one of the deep underground bunkers. Before he spoke to Layla, he wanted to contact Admiral Cleemorl, as well as Governor Dyson, to ensure proper arrangements could be made and made quickly. He also knew that Admiral Cleemorl would do whatever was necessary to keep Krista safe.

  -

  Krista was once more in Layla’s quarters, along with Emira, Brenda, Cheryl, Andrew, and Chancellor Stein.

  “We’re expecting a major attack by the Morag on Golan Four within the next four to six days,” began Stein. “Derrick contacted me earlier, and he’s really concerned about what would happen to the Empire if the entire Royal Family is killed in the upcoming battle.”

  “But we should be safe here!” protested Krista.

  “Maybe,” replied Layla. She had spoken to Derrick for nearly an hour, as he expressed his concerns. “But Derrick’s right. We can’t risk all of us being killed. We can’t all be in the same place.”

  Tears formed in Krista’s eyes as she knew what Layla would say. “Then what do you want to do?” She suspected where this conversation was going.

  Layla took a deep breath. “I want you and Cheryl to go to the Hagen Star Cluster. Tantula Five is just as heavily defended as Golan Four is. Admiral Cleemorl has seen to that. In addition, Derrick has made arrangements for Mathew to be responsible for your protection. He will be taken off the Orion and transferred to Tantula Five and placed in charge of your guard detail.”

  “It’s best for the Empire,” added Chancellor Stein. “There’s a good chance, if the entire Royal Family were to be killed, the Empire would fall apart. At least if one member of the Royal Family survives, the war would continue. This has to be done for the sake of the Empire.”

  Krista closed her eyes tightly and then reopened them. She wiped the tears from her eyes and took in a deep breath. “I am a Royal Princess, and it is my duty to do what is best for the Empire. When do we need to leave?” This was the hardest decision Krista had ever made. She did not know what she would do if Layla were to be killed in the coming attack.

  Layla smiled. She had never felt prouder of her cousin. “Tomorrow. The dreadnought High Kingdom will take you and Cheryl to Tantula Five. In addition Brenda will go with you, and she will be in charge of all your attendants and Royal functions.”

  “She is ready,” announced Emira, smiling broadly. “I’m getting too old to travel across the Empire. It’s time for a younger, more energetic woman to take my place, and Brenda will do nicely. She has been a superior student in learning what her responsibilities will be.”

  “You will have your normal escort of Imperial Guards. However, due to the circumstances, I have doubled the number who will go with you. In addition, Emira and I have chosen a dozen Royal Attendants who will accompany you as well.”

  “Also a full platoon of Marines is going,” added Chancellor Stein. “These Marines will be assigned permanently to you, as a special guard detail. They are some of the best we have.”

  “Andrew and I will be splitting up as well,” said Layla, seeing the surprised look on his face. “Andrew will be assigned to the underground Command Center beneath the House of Worlds. Kala, I’m having quarters for you set up there as well.”

  Andrew was dumbfounded. He had planned to be aboard the main shipyard, where he had been working. However, he realized that what Layla had suggested was the wise thing to do. “Thank you” was all he said.

  Layla forced a smile and then spoke. “Tonight we will have a family meal, along with a few special guests. I’ve already asked the chefs to cook something special.”

  Krista nodded. She was committed now. At least she would have Mathew with her. Even though she hated leaving Layla and the Imperial Palace, Krista knew it was the right thing to do. She just needed to continue to tell herself that.

  -

  Later that evening, Krista entered the dining room reserved for the Royal Family. She had spent most of the afternoon packing, with the help of Emira, Brenda, and two of her attendants. Krista was amazed at all the clothing that Emira and Brenda insisted she take with her. Looking around the dining room, she saw all of the Royal Family, including Derrick.

  “I’m surprised to see you,” said Krista, walking over and giving Derrick a big hug.

  Derrick smiled. “Rear Admirals’ Banora and Barnes can handle the fleet. Both have sufficient battle experience. Besides, this is a meal I didn’t want to miss.”

  “Am I doing the right thing in going to Tantula Five?” Krista asked in a low voice.

  Derrick nodded. “Layla and I discussed this for a very long time earlier. For the Empire, it’s the right and the smart thing to do. I wish you could stay at the Imperial Palace. It’s the safest structure on Golan Four. However, we just can’t take the risk of having the entire Royal Family together.”

  Gazing at the long dining table, Krista saw that appetizers were being brought to the table. The smell of the food was tantalizing. At least nothing was wrong with her appetite. “We better go sit down. The chefs get aggravated when we let their food get cold.”

  In a few minutes everyone was seated and engaged in routine conversation, while the attendants served the food. Krista noticed they were all her favorites. Looking accusingly at Layla, who sat across from her, she spoke. “Is this a bribe?”

  Layla laughed. “No, but I don’t know how good the food is on Tantula Five. You might be eating military rations, for all that I know.”

  Krista turned pale. She had tried military rations a few times. While they were decent, she had no desire for a steady diet of them.

  “Don’t worry,” said Emira, frowning at Layla. “I’m sending two Royal Chefs as well. You will eat just fine.”

  Feeling relieved, Krista began eating. She felt a little sad, knowing this would be her last meal with Layla and the others for possibly quite some time.

  At the end of the meal, the servers brought in Krista’s favorite dessert. Strawberry ice cream on top of a thick piece of red velvet cake. Krista savored every bite and noticed that Layla watched her with a pleased smile on her face.

  “Did I do good?”

  Krista nodded. “Of course you did. This meal was great!”

  After the meal, everyone stood around, talking. They all knew this would be the last time they would be together until the Morag were driven out of the Empire.

  “What type of escort have you arranged for Krista?” Derrick asked Fleet Admiral Marloo, who was sipping a glass of red wine.

  “Ten battlecruisers and three more dreadnoughts. The High Kingdom and two battlecruisers will remain at Tantula Five, in case they need to make a run for it with the Princess. The other ships will return here as soon as they can.”

  “If Tantula Five and Gideon fall, where will the High Kingdom take Krista?”

  “Lydol Four, The Lamina Stars, and lastly the Vortex Worlds. I’ve already spoken to the governors of the worlds involved, and they all have said they would take and protect the Princess.”

  Derrick nodded. “I think I would prefer Lydol Four. It’s
now heavily defended, and I know General Livingston and Governor Lang. I would trust both of them with Princess Krista’s life. Not only that, they have five other nearby worlds to aid in Lydol Four’s defense, if it ever became necessary, Krista could safely hide on any of them.”

  “I’ll inform Captain Barrow of our choice then. I’ll also let Governor Lang know to be ready, if it becomes necessary to hide the Princess.”

  “Rear Admiral Barnes brought fifteen battlecarriers with her,” said Derrick. “I’ll position them in low orbit, with twenty battlecruisers to protect them. Since Rear Admiral Carrie is at Tantula Five, we’ll need those fifteen battlecarriers to refuel and rearm our ground-based attack interceptors.”

  Admiral Marloo nodded. “I’ll need one thousand of those interceptors to help shoot down any missiles that get through the defense grid.”

  “I expected that. That will still leave me nearly 11,000 to throw at the Morag.”

  “Let’s just hope our defenses are good enough,” added Marloo. He let out a deep sigh. “By this time next week this will be over. Either we will have won or Golan Four will have been destroyed. I don’t believe they dare allow the capital planet of the Empire to survive intact.”

  Derrick and his rear admirals had already come to the same conclusion. “I agree. This will be a battle to the death, and one we have to win.”

  -

  Later Derrick and Layla were in their quarters. He had to head back up to orbit shortly. “Krista will be fine,” he assured his wife. “Just make sure, when the battle starts, that you get to safety. By that I mean, the deep underground bunker beneath the Palace. The Imperial Palace will be a primary target, and they will be firing hundreds if not thousands of missiles. Not even the energy shields you have put around the Palace and the surrounding grounds can resist that type of pounding. As soon as the alarm has sounded that the Morag have entered the system, you’re to evacuate everyone in the palace to the underground bunker and to stay there until you hear from either me or Fleet Admiral Marloo.”

  “Yes, Derrick,” replied Layla meekly. She knew Derrick was dead serious about this, and she didn’t want him worrying about her during the battle.