First Command

by Rodney Smith

  Between the two, they catalogued every vessel within sensor range. The captain of the T’Rak was attempting to resolve a cluster of ships between Aldebaran and the star cluster that he thought might be Fleet warships. The H’Gou was attempting to resolve what appeared to be a dispersed small fleet of corvettes and smaller combatants. Both captains agreed that there were enough warships in this sector for it not to be a backwater. In their judgment, the Humans considered this to be a frontline sector. Their independent reports to the K’Rang Imperial Analytical Cabal and Fleet commander read almost word for word.

  * * * * *

  After they fought off another torpedo ship squadron long enough to recover the four fighters, Ben Alden retired his reduced fleet from the Pleiades star cluster. Upon rallying above Rigel Prime’s pole, he had the ships disperse as before. He had accomplished his goal at the cost of three missile boats and many good men and women. He calculated their death benefit and thought that at least their beneficiaries would live comfortably, cold comfort that it would be for them.

  While he waited for his operatives to do their job, he prepared his report for Mr. Debran.

  * * * * *

  Fleet Commander J’Kalt completed his personal inspection of the ships assigned to his command. He caught many discrepancies, improved his command knowledge, and it gave him something to do while awaiting the arrival of the two Shadow Force scout ships. He wouldn’t move without his eyes and ears. The K’Rang could ill afford to waste ships by barging into the unknown; the debacle at G’Dranu taught them that. He would move when he knew what he was up against. This could easily be another Human trap.

  * * * * *

  Mr. Debran read Captain Alden’s report with interest. Who would have thought that there was a habitable world in the star cluster? He had anticipated some type of pirate base, an asteroid or moon facility perhaps, but not a living, breathing planet. The scientists for years had said the star cluster was impenetrable. How wrong they were.

  Friedrich Debran saw the possibility of a large profit here. Land equaled credits and an entire world would equal a world full of credits. He called Delphant to arrange for an armored executive transport ship to be brought to Rigel station and kept on stand by. He just might need to visit this pirate world soon.

  * * * * *

  Steven Maynard was not having a good week. Yesterday, a mystery ship came in and killed one of his torpedo squadrons. Today, a mystery fleet came in, killed a second, and wounded a third. Fortunately, the damage to the third was only superficial. His ships killed three of a ship type he’d never seen before. What was going on? He couldn’t keep taking losses like this. He only had six squadrons left.

  He notified his Undefeated captains that they would be put onto the shift schedule and one of them would be on patrol around the planet at all times. He would put two torpedo squadrons flying cover at all times. That should give them an edge, being able to support one another.

  He considered that his troubles started when the Debran women were brought in. He discarded that idea as soon as it came into his head. He knew that his pirate brotherhood couldn’t last forever. He knew that the Fleet would come after him, but who owns this other ship and fleet? He had some credits stashed away in various world banks. If he pulled it all together, it made quite a tidy sum. He could live quite comfortably on that sum. He also knew that he would have to survive this current situation before he could even consider that.

  He reviewed his defense plans again and decided to increase the numbers of mines placed by each shift. He also put one torpedo squadron from the next shift on stand by. That would give him 37 ships to defend the planet, if necessary. He also notified the Templar Corps Bishop-Commander that they might have company in the next few days, to pull out his heavy equipment, and start preparing ground defenses. Of course, he would also have to notify the populace and dust off his civil defense plans. Satisfied he had done all he could, he put himself to bed. Sleep did not come easy to him that night.

  * * * * *

  The two Shadow Scout Commanders reported into Fleet Commander J’Kalt. “Sir, Shadow Scout Commanders D’Lon and V’Tagg acknowledge your command. How may we serve the Empire?”

  Admiral J’Kalt surveyed them with interest. D’Lon was a poster perfect Shadow Warrior, resplendent in his crimson cape. V’Tagg was something unexpected, a female Shadow Warrior. J’Kalt had known females were being recruited into Shadow Force, but V’Tagg was the first he’d seen. She was a perfect example of a K’Rang female. She was long of limb, sleek of fur, and bore the brow markings that were all the rage at the moment. He would be more than happy to fight for her submission when she came into season.

  Admiral J’Kalt tossed these thoughts from his head and prepared to give these two their patrol orders.

  “Shadow Scout Commanders, you will enter the star cluster at the location where the Human ship appeared. That appears to be an area of low gravity. Advance into the star cluster and determine a path sufficiently broad to allow my fleet to advance in battle formation. Identify all Human defenses, forces, and settlements. Find the path through the star cluster into Human space. Return when you have accomplished these tasks and report to me. Do you have any questions?”

  They both came to attention and answered in unison, “No, Fleet Commander J’Kalt.”

  “Then you are dismissed. Accomplish your mission. Long live the Empire!”

  They came to a stiffer attention and echoed, “Long live the Empire!”

  * * * * *

  Alistair Bennett walked across the unoccupied golf course behind the large manor house. He stealthily moved from a grove of trees to ornamental shrubbery, always keeping out of view of the house. He made a quick dash from the last shrub 20 meters to the pool house. He crawled under a hedge and waited to see if there was to be any reaction from security forces.

  After a reasonable time he peered around the edge of the pool house and froze. There, ten meters away, were two young women, nude, soaking up the sunlight. One was face down on the lounger and the other face up with a large hat covering her face. The view was breathtaking.

  Alistair assumed these two were the Debran daughters, but needed to see their faces to confirm. He thought to himself, as he settled in to wait for one of them to show her face, that it was a dirty job, but someone had to do it. He didn’t have long to wait. The woman laying face up sat up, looked at her arms, and started applying lotion to them. She poked the other one and said she should turn over, as she was looking pink. As the second turned over and sat upright, Alistair confirmed he had found the Debran daughters. He stared for only a few seconds, but it seemed like an hour. Now he had to find the mother.

  Julia Debran decided to join her daughters. Unlike them, she did not feel the need for an all over tan. She was perfectly fine with the tan lines left by her minimal swimsuit. She walked out to the pool, put down her book bag, took a quick dip, and climbed out to join her daughters. Not wanting full sun, she took the lounger in the shade of the hedge.

  Alistair couldn’t ask for better luck. Julia Debran was five meters from him. He took a few seconds to compose a message and sent it off to the Vigilant.

  “The Debrans have been found at the manor house—confirmed.”

  He pondered whether to retire from the scene and contact them when a rescue was imminent, but figured he may not get a better opportunity than this. He silently moved behind the hedge until he was one meter away and directly behind Mrs. Debran.

  He whispered, “Mrs. Debran.”

  She reacted and said, “Yes?”

  He whispered again, “Mrs. Debran, don’t turn around. I am part of your rescue force. Don’t speak. Just nod your head up and down for yes and side-to-side for no. Do you understand me?”

  She nodded yes.

  “I am going to leave a communicator in a small jewel case here behind you. Pretend you dropped something and pick it up. Fit it into your ear.”

  Julia grabbed at her ear then sat up and looke
d around. She got off the lounger and looked underneath it and then at the shrubs. She saw Alistair lying there under the hedge. Sotto voce, she said, “This better be real and you’re not just some peeping tom.”

  She picked up the box, opened it, removed the small communicator, and inserted it into her ear. Alistair climbed back away from the hedge and moved back toward the golf course.

  Once he was safely inside a copse of concealing trees, with good all around visibility, he contacted Mrs. Debran.

  “Julia, I have moved away and can’t see you now so you don’t need to nod in response. I have just sent a message to Fleet confirming your identity and location. They will work up a rescue plan, inform me, and then I will inform you. Don’t change your normal activities or act differently in any way. The rescue may take place tonight or tomorrow or next week. I won’t know more until they contact me with the details. If there is an emergency or they move you from this house, remove the communicator from your ear and tap the button on the bottom of the communicator then insert it back in your ear. The communicator has a locator so I will be able to find you wherever they take you.”

  “The communicator has transmit capability. You can speak in a normal tone or whisper. Don’t try to speak to me in the house; the house is probably bugged. Come out to the pool by the waterfall or out on the golf course with no one around. I will leave it to you whether you will tell your daughters or not. If you do, make sure they keep their routine the same.”

  “I’m going to go find a hide location now. I will be close by and watching. My name is Alistair, by the way. It’s been a pleasure to meet you. I’ll be in touch.”

  Alistair moved off to the wooded area where he had accessed the property. He found a soft spot amongst the trees and made himself comfortable. He pulled out the sandwich Sally had made for him and chowed down. He hoped the rescue wouldn’t be too much of a wait. He hated field rations.

  * * * * *

  Kelly forwarded the message to Admiral Minacci and the 3rd ALG captains, per instructions, and he awaited a reaction. The reaction was swift, in the form of an execution order to dock with the Yellow Jacket and embark a platoon from the SOC. Admiral Minacci decided to conduct the rescue first and the assault after. He felt it was too dangerous for the Debran women to be rescued in the midst of an all out assault on the pirates. The women could be injured in the assault, executed by the pirates, or moved where the Fleet couldn’t get at them so easily.

  Kelly dutifully docked with the Yellow Jacket and had his crew assist with loading and securing the Marines’ gear on the Vigilant. CPT Chen came up to the airlock entrance with 1st LT Bob Heron and requested permission to come aboard. Kelly shook hands with 1st LT Heron and welcomed him aboard. LTJG Cortez escorted him to where the platoon was securing their gear. CPT Chen asked him if he would allow her to ride along to observe the platoon. Kelly asked if she didn’t have work to do on the moon attack.

  She responded, “We’re already practiced and ready. Admiral Minacci wants to have the fleet ships practice their maneuvers in the attack for the next two days. I’d like to watch my Marines in action, if it’s alright with you, sir.”

  Kelly laughed, “Sure Ms. Chen, it’s alright with me. Permission granted.”

  She picked up a large duffle bag and said, “My gear. I go nowhere without it.”

  As soon as all the Marines and their gear were on board and secure, Kelly asked permission to depart.

  Admiral Minacci came up on the circuit and granted permission to depart. He wished them good luck and good hunting, the traditional Scout Force farewell. The Admiral was learning.

  Kelly ordered the helm to undock from the Yellow Jacket and set course for the previously determined hold position within the star cluster. The Vigilant smoothly undocked and moved outside the fleet perimeter before engaging FTL Power 3. It was time to go to work.

  Chapter Fourteen

  The commander of Torpedo Ship Squadron Four was monitoring the space within the star cluster pathway. He had broken the twelve ships into two-ship sections and had them covering the maximum volume toward the Rigel-Aldebaran sector. Taking a risk, he had loaded his four Charybdis with mines and had them seed a spider’s web of mines throughout the edges of the path, then return to be fitted with torpedoes. He kept all of his Scylla ships on patrol, and the weapons handlers were working at high efficiency to rearm and reload the Charybdis with torpedoes. All but one ship had returned from reloading. Torpedo Ship Squadron Five had done the same and was covering his back.

  This would be his third four-hour patrol since the last assault had taken out Torpedo Ship Squadron Two. He hoped for a nice quiet patrol like the last two. He felt more secure now that they had a dense field of mines in front and in back of them.

  His last pilot returned from the planet and joined up with her wingman. Now they waited and kept their eyes open. What he wouldn’t give for a sector early warning grid.

  * * * * *

  The two Shadow scout ships moved up to the star cluster in echelon formation. They were similar to the Vigilant, but only half the Vigilant’s size. They lacked Vigilant’s turrets, but had a deadly mix of plasma and particle cannons in their nose and winglets. Twelve guns could do a lot of damage.

  They moved in, scanned, and one of them powered forward at FTL Power 5 for two seconds then drifted, scanning the whole time. Then the other powered forward for four seconds at FTL Power 5 and drifted, scanning. The first powered by the second ship for four seconds and drifted, scanning. The second ship adjusted for the change in angle of the path and powered forward. They kept this up until they started to see indications of Human activity on their long-range scanners. Both stopped and scanned. They received indications of terrestrial communications, including planet-wide entertainment broadcasts. The two captains were amazed that any life form could exist in this star cluster, much less Humans, but pressed ever forward. They moved forward slowly now, expecting a Human force to respond to their presence at any moment.

  Their gravimetric sensors were of a match for the Vigilant’s, and they quickly found a path that would accommodate Fleet Commander J’Kalt’s maneuver scheme. Locating a minefield, they determined that it was an undisciplined and scattershot field, and easily found a path around it. It was a tricky maneuver, with two opposing 90 degree turns in quick succession, but still passable by the fleet. They pressed ever forward, sensing that the Human planet was ahead, but as of yet had not gotten a direct bearing on it.

  * * * * *

  The Vigilant coasted into a nest of four brown dwarves, close enough to the pirate world for the Vigilant’s sensors to get high resolution scans, but far enough away to be undetectable from the planet or the patrolling ships. The sensor section plotted and calculated the numbers and patrol patterns of the torpedo ships and the recently added cutter orbiting the planet. They intercepted the ships’ reports to the defense HQ on the planet, noting that the defenders were becoming more disciplined and more effective.

  When Vigilant Sensors had a good enough plot to anticipate the patrol ships’ actions, they tested their ability to predict where the torpedo ships and cutter would be at any given times. Their patrol patterns were very predictable, like sentries walking post. One successful test was followed by a second, and third. Kelly thanked God they were lock step and predictable. He had Sensors calculate the next time all the patrol ships would be facing away from the planet and the orbiting patrol ship would be behind the planet.

  They worked their magic and gave him a window of 40 minutes, to begin in one hour and twenty minutes. Kelly told CPT Chen to get her Marines ready. He had Chief Blankenship send a message to Alistair, giving him their ETA and to get the Debran women ready. The Vigilant would meet them on the ninth hole.

  * * * * *

  In exactly one hour and twenty minutes, the Vigilant made a high-speed dash into the pirate world’s atmosphere. They spiraled in, aiming for the pin of the ninth hole of the manor house golf course. Night had set in, but the
Vigilant’s sensor feed made the helmsman’s monitor picture as bright as noon. The Marines were positioned to the port and starboard of the gangplank. As the Vigilant got within 100 feet of the ground, the gangplank went down and ten Marines rappelled out the opening. They landed softly and fanned out to form perimeter security for the ship.

  As the Vigilant came down on its landing gear facing the manor house, the remaining Marines and CPT Chen ran down the ramp and across the short distance to the house. Kelly had the turret gunners prepared to fire in support of the Marines. Alistair came up on their tactical net and told them to stand down, as all the staff and security personnel were neutralized. He would bring the Debrans out to them.

  True to his word, Alistair led the three women out of the house. He turned them over to CPT Chen and followed them as they ran back to the Vigilant. The Debrans were brought aboard, then the Marines hustled back on in the reverse order that they left. The ten perimeter guards were last on and ran up the gangplank, coiling their ropes just as the Vigilant lifted off. Kelly went back to congratulate Alistair and the Marines. He also wanted to greet the women who had caused this uproar.

  Kelly found the Debran women being examined by “Doc” Kumar.

  “How are they Doc?”

  “Right as rain, sir. Just a slight touch of sunburn.”

  Kelly turned to the three women and welcomed them aboard the Vigilant. He told them he had no quarters for them, but to just remain here in sickbay until they could be transferred to another ship. He then excused himself, as he had a battle to fight.

  As Kelly congratulated the Marines and thanked them for a smooth operation, he saw that CPT Chen was in a heated discussion with Alistair. He ushered the two of them forward to get them away from the crowd of Marines around the raised gangplank.