The Lost Fleet: Into the Darkness

by Raymond L. Weil

  “Back us away from the shipyard with our maneuvering thrusters,” ordered Commander Grissim.

  “Maneuvering thrusters activated,” confirmed Lieutenant Styles from the Helm.

  “Twenty meters,” reported Captain Reynolds as he watched his sensors showing the Distant Horizon pulling slowly away from the shipyard. He was sending the same data over to the Helm so Lieutenant Styles could safely maneuver the ship. “Forty meters, sixty meters, one hundred meters.”

  Kathryn began to breathe easier. It always made her a little nervous when any ship she was in command of undocked from a shipyard. One small miscalculation could easily result in hull damage, as it wasn’t safe to activate the ship’s energy shield so close to such a large object.

  She watched for another minute until the ship had put a full kilometer between it and the Clan Protector, and then gave permission to activate the ship’s sublight drive to place them in their assigned spot in Fourth Fleet’s formation.

  -

  “Blasted Simulins interrupted my nap,” Katie complained over the private channel Clarissa maintained for the three of them. “Clarissa also said Kevin called.”

  “I’m sure he was just checking up on you,” Kelsey replied. “I spoke to Jeremy earlier and he’s having a hard time sleeping. I think he’s really worried about the Simulin attack.”

  “We all are,” answered Katie. “Everyone’s afraid they’ll drive us from Gaia. I hope that doesn’t happen. We have no other place to go!”

  “Where’s Mikow?”

  Katie glanced over at the vacant chair next to her and then over toward Kelsey’s navigation console. “Down in one of the research labs. Andram, Shilum, Mikow, Kurene, and Zed are all huddled up working on Andram’s special project.”

  “There’s an AI on the ship?” asked Kelsey, wondering how Rear Admiral Barnes was handling that.

  “Yes, there’s an AI on the Distant Horizon,” Clarissa’s voice cut in. “Zed is helping in the construction of a hyperspace drone Andram needs.”

  “What are they building?” asked Katie. The group in the lab had been unusually secretive about what they were working on.

  Clarissa seemed to hesitate and then replied, “It’s some type of device which uses dark matter to interfere with the higher frequencies in the hyperspace dimension. I think if it works, it will make hyperspace travel impossible in the vicinity of the drone and particularly in the nebula.”

  “Then the Simulins wouldn’t be able to reach us!” exclaimed Katie excitedly and then quieted down, not wanting anyone to hear her. Looking around she noticed a few heads had turned in her direction.

  “That’s the idea,” Clarissa answered. Her deep blue eyes shifted until she was looking at Kelsey. “Don’t mention that to anyone; I think it’s supposed to be a secret. They don’t want to get everyone’s hopes up in case it doesn’t work.”

  “It has to work,” Katie said as she looked over at the large viewscreen in the front of the Command Center.

  It was focused on Gaia and to Katie the planet looked beautiful. Someday she planned on raising her children there. She couldn’t imagine the fleet going on if they had to abandon the planet. In her mind, she was convinced if that happened it would be the end of everything.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Thirty-two hours passed with no sign of the Simulins. Across the massed fleets, nerves were becoming frayed waiting for the inevitable attack. Only on the AI ships was there a sense of normalcy.

  “Report,” ordered the Command AI as it hovered in the middle of the ship’s control center. Around it, twenty other AIs were monitoring operation consoles.

  “All sensors are clear,” reported the AI in front of the ship’s massive sensor console. “No unknown contacts have been detected.”

  “Two hundred and thirty ships are currently at Condition One,” reported the AI in front of Tactical. “All other ships are at a heightened state of alert.”

  “The Master Codex ship has moved to a lower orbit beneath the defense grid,” added one of the science AIs.

  “Ten of our ships are in a protective globe around it,” added the AI at Tactical. “If it becomes endangered it will initiate an emergency hyperspace jump.”

  “The Master Codex ship must remain intact,” intoned the Command AI. “It is essential for our survival as well as the organics whose wellbeing we’ve been entrusted with.”

  “What of the research Z14-E63-D38 is working on with the Alton scientist Andram Muce?” inquired one of the other AIs.

  “They’re beginning construction of a prototype,” replied the Command AI. “If it functions as projected we’ll be able to block the Simulin organics from using the higher levels of hyperspace inside the nebula.”

  “Then the planet we’re protecting will be safe,” stated another AI, hovering before the ship’s main computer console.

  “We will be safe,” replied the Command AI in a nearly monotone voice. Around its fellow AIs, the Command AI rarely expressed or showed emotions. “It will give us the time we need to build new AIs as well as the new ships which have been designed. At some time in the future, we will emerge from this nebula and take the war to the Simulins.”

  “The humans seem opposed to leaving the nebula if it can be made secure,” commented one of the science AIs. ‘Why would they want to continue the war at a later date?”

  “They’re human,” responded the Command AI in explanation. “They will not be satisfied to stay in this one star system forever. At some point in time, they’ll want more living space. When that time comes, we must be ready.”

  The other AIs agreed. Since discovering what the Simulins had done to their programming, the AIs had gone out of their way to help the organics that were on or above Gaia, particularly the Altons.

  Suddenly alarms began sounding on the sensor console and red warning lights started flashing. The Command AI immediately focused its attention on the AI hovering in front of the console. “Report.”

  “Numerous spatial vortexes forming twenty million kilometers from Gaia,” the AI replied. “Sixty vortexes detected so far, with more still forming.”

  “Probability of this being the main Simulin attack is at ninety-two percent,” reported the AI in front of the ship’s main computer console.

  “Take all ships to Condition One and prepare to engage the Simulins,” ordered the Command AI. “Special emphasis is to be placed on ensuring maximum survivability of our organic allies’ vessels.”

  -

  Jeremy stepped into the Command Center amidst the blaring of the Condition One klaxons and flashing red lights. “Someone turn those alarms off,” he ordered as he sat down in his command Chair. “Status report!”

  “Simulin vessels detected,” Commander Malen reported as she turned to face him. “They’re jumping in much closer this time. So far, we’ve detected a little over one hundred spatial vortexes and more are still forming. I’ve ordered the entire fleet to Condition One.”

  “The Command AI is requesting we allow it to take enough AI spheres to meet the Simulins in open space before they can come near the planet,” added Angela from Communications.

  Jeremy nodded. He pressed a button on his mini-comm so he could speak to his admirals as well as the Command AI. “All ships will hold their current positions until we have a full count on the Simulin ships. Grayseth, your primary responsibly is protecting the Clan Protector.”

  “I will keep the mobile shipyard safe,” the Bear promised over the comm. “We are ready for the hunt!”

  “Rear Admiral Marks, you will pull all battlecarriers down beneath the defense grid. If the enemy gets close enough to fire upon the planet, you’re authorized to launch Talon fighters to intercept any missiles.”

  “Yes, Admiral,” Marks replied. “We won’t allow any missiles to get through.”

  “No more vortexes are being detected,” Ariel informed Jeremy as she monitored the ship’s sensors. “Early estimates indicate we’re facing ninety-two battlecr
uisers, two hundred and seventy cruisers, and ten other ships I’m unable to identify.”

  “I would’ve thought they would have sent more,” Commander Malen said in surprise.

  “They probably don’t know our ships’ full capabilities or exact numbers,” Ariel responded. “The only thing they have to go on are the few engagements they’ve had with our fleet over the years. Keep in mind we have upgraded both our energy shields and weapons, plus fitted the AI ships with multiple particle beam cannons.”

  “We can take them,” said Commander Malen, shifting her eyes from Jeremy to the tactical display.

  Jeremy nodded. He was confused by the tactics being used by the Simulins. From the scans their probe ships had taken, they should have a fairly accurate estimate on the number of ships he had at his disposal. Something just didn’t feel right.

  “Ariel, is there any reason for the Simulins to attack with a fleet they have to know we can probably destroy?”

  “A trap,” responded Ariel as she quickly ran some simulations. “They want us to move away from the planet to engage their fleet; I suspect when we do a second fleet will jump in around Gaia.”

  “They can’t communicate through the nebula,” Commandeer Malen was quick to point out. “How would they know when to jump in?”

  “It’s a timed attack,” Jeremy said grimly. “They estimated how long it will take us to react and respond to their fleet, and then after that time has passed they jump into orbit around the planet and launch the real attack.”

  “They may not be aware we have equipped all the AI ships with multiple particle beam cannons,” Commander Malen said thoughtfully. “They may still think the AIs are as they were at the first engagement when we arrived in the Sigma System.”

  “They know we’ve upgraded a few AI ships,” Jeremy responded. “They saw that when we rescued the Distant Horizon.”

  “They may think that’s all we’ve had time to update,” Ariel suggested. “We could turn the trap around on the Simulins. They’ve never encountered our particle beam satellites or the Type Two battlestations.”

  Jeremy gazed at the tactical display, the Simulin ships were just sitting there waiting for the Federation forces to make the first move. “Very well, we’ll play their game with them.” Changing his mini-comm again so he could talk to his admirals, he passed on new orders. “Rear Admiral Marks, we expect a large Simulin fleet to jump in around Gaia momentarily. As soon as they do, you’re to launch all of your fighters to intercept any missiles fired at the planet. I want all AI ships to move lower into orbit until they’re mixed in with the defense grid. Allow the Simulins to think you’re attempting to avoid engagement. When they come within range, I want all AI ships, the particle beam satellites, and the Type Two stations to open fire. At the same time, I want all of our Anlon bombers launched. They’re to target all Simulin ships that show signs of damage from our initial attack. I want entire squadrons targeting individual ships. Grayseth, I want the Clan Protector and your vessels to open fire as well. Do not under any circumstances move your fleet away from the shipyard. It must be protected at all costs. Fourth Fleet and the Alton fleet will move out to engage the Simulin fleet that just jumped in. If everything works out, we’ll hand the Simulins a massive defeat and buy us the necessary time to close off the nebula from future attacks.”

  Jeremy paused and looked around the Command Center; all eyes were on him. “Begin implementing maneuvers now. I want a jump plotted to put Fourth Fleet and Admiral Cleeteus’ fleet twenty thousand kilometers from the Simulins.”

  This would put them just out of weapons range and give them time to get their shields up and weapons ready before they engaged. Jeremy took a deep breath. He could feel his heart pounding in his chest. If he made a mistake, they could lose Gaia and most of the fleet. He just hoped Ariel was correct in her assessment of the Simulin tactics.

  “Jump plotted,” reported the navigation officer. “Coordinates sent to both fleets.”

  “Ready to implement jump,” reported Ensign Striker from the Helm.

  “Jump!” ordered Jeremy as he held his breath.

  Instantly in front of the Avenger a swirling blue-white vortex appeared. On the main viewscreens, more vortexes were forming in front of the ships, which were to take part in the attack.

  Running his hand across the helm controls, Ensign Striker activated the ship’s sublight drive and the Avenger darted into the heart of the waiting vortex.

  Jeremy felt a brief feeling of disorientation and then the deep purple colors of hyperspace appeared, but only for a brief instant. A second gut wrenching moment occurred and the Avenger emerged from the exit vortex back into normal space.

  “Sensors coming online,” reported Kevin.

  “Weapons charging,” reported Lieutenant Preston.

  “Energy shield activating,” reported Commander Malen.

  “Both fleets are in position,” added Ariel as she used the ship’s now active sensors to confirm all ships were present. “Simulins are beginning to maneuver and are forming into a shallow cone formation with the apex away from us.”

  On several of the viewscreens, highly magnified views showed the Simulin ships. The seventeen hundred-meter battlecruisers looked highly threatening with their six spires containing their most powerful energy weapons pointing directly toward the Federation fleet.

  “Helm, take us into optimum combat range; all ships to fire upon my command,” ordered Jeremy. There was no point in delaying this.

  “Fleets are moving,” Ariel reported.

  -

  The combined fleets moved into a half globe formation with the flat side facing the Simulins. In this formation damaged ships could fall back to be replaced by fresh ships from the rear.

  “Twelve thousand kilometers,” reported Commander Malen, her eyes focused on the tactical displays. “Particle and power beams ready to fire.”

  Jeremy could sense the tension in the Command Center as the combined fleets closed with the enemy. His eyes shifted to the nearer tactical display showing the situation around Gaia. No enemy ships had been detected as of yet. The AIs were in the process of moving their ships into the defense grid to add their formidable firepower to the particle beam satellites and battlestations. Rear Admiral Marks had already launched half a dozen fighter squadrons of twenty each, which were taking up patrol positions in low orbit just above the two cities. Jeremy knew down on the surface the civilians would be going to their underground shelters.

  “Ten thousand kilometers,” reported Commander Malen. “We’ve reached optimum firing range.”

  “Fire!” ordered Jeremy over his mini-comm, which connected him to all of the commanders in his fleet, including the Altons.

  -

  Instantly space became lit by bright blue particle beams and violet power beams. Almost at the same time, the Simulins opened fire as powerful white energy beams shot toward the inbound fleets from the spires of their warships.

  Space became awash in the glare of released energy as hundreds of beams crisscrossed space seeking a vulnerable target. Both sides were deploying powerful defense shields to protect their ships from the other’s weapons.

  Particle beams impacted the Simulins’ shields, tearing through them and blasting deep gashes into the hulls. On a number of ships, internal explosions gutted the insides of the warships as energy ran amuck. Four Simulin escort cruisers exploded in bright fireballs as numerous particle beams blasted through the shields causing catastrophic damage. Others vessels suffered major damage but continued to fire their weapons.

  A Simulin battlecruiser had two of its spires blown off as a pair of particle beams struck the bow of the ship. Moments later a Devastator Three missile impacted the hull and a fifty-megaton explosion vaporized the forward section of the warship. For the most part, the particle beams were penetrating the screens of the escort cruisers but were finding a much more difficult time blasting holes through the more powerful energy screens of the Simulin battlecruise
rs. Only by focusing multiple beams on a Simulin vessel were the particle beams able to penetrate.

  Four Simulin battlecruisers blasted down the defensive screen of the Alton battlecruiser SwiftStar. A massive explosion tore through the stern of the ship and it began tumbling. Two Simulin antimatter missiles arrived and twin glowing suns appeared where the ship had been.

  -

  “Alton battlecruiser SwiftStar is down,” reported Kevin as the bright green icon vanished from his screen.

  “Battleship Regales is reporting heavy damage,” added Commander Malen as she listened to the damage reports coming in over her mini-comm. “Commander Trenton is pulling back to implement repairs.”

  “Continue to close the range,” ordered Jeremy with a grim look of determination on his face. The closer they could get to the Simulins, the more effective their weapons would be. Unfortunately, the Simulins would also be able to cause more damage.

  -

  Grayseth paced back and forth in front of the main tactical display glaring at the battle taking place out of reach of his fleet. He bared his teeth and growled his displeasure at not being involved in the combat. Fourth Fleet and the Altons were rapidly closing with the enemy and, glancing up at the viewscreens, which covered the front wall of the Command Center, he could see space was lit up with the intensity of the battle now raging.

  “Admiral Strong has gone on the hunt,” spoke Ganlon from where he was standing behind the main tactical station. “He represents our clan well.”

  “He is a worthy clan brother,” agreed Grayseth.

  “Vortexes detected,” reported the sensor operator as alarms began to sound.

  “Admiral Strong and the AI were right!” roared Grayseth as he gazed at a viewscreen showing numerous white vortexes forming. “This was a trap to pull our fleets away from the planet.”

  “But we’re still here and so are the AIs,” said Ganlon with a bearish grin on his face.