The Pike Chronicles: Books 5-8 (Pike Chronicles Space Opera Book 2)

by G. P. Hudson

Brock moved slowly, but steadily. “I assure you, Admiral, I am fit enough for duty.”

  Jon, about to order Brock back to sick bay, thought better of it. The assassination attempt had brought the Chaanisar leader extremely close to death. Despite his augmentation, it was nothing short of a miracle that he survived. Nonetheless, the damage he suffered was widespread, and severe.

  While the biobots were capable of treating his biological wounds, his damaged implants created serious complications. Microscopic engineering bots had to be employed, and even then, they required modifications to function inside a human body.

  The combined use of biobots and engineering bots to treat the Chaanisar was a medical first. Biobots fought the infection, and even sepsis, that the engineering bots left in their wake, as they worked to repair the tiny mechanisms inside his body.

  It was a precarious, and longer than normal recovery for First Colonel Brock. Looking at him now though, Jon could see that he was well on his way to recovery. And getting back to work was often the best way to speed things along.

  “In that case, come over here and join us.” Jon waited patiently for Brock to approach the holodisplay. “I’ve already briefed you on the jumpspace recognition technology. General Tallos and I were just going over which systems had been upgraded.”

  “I see,” said Brock, studying the three-dimensional galactic map. “These are the captured Juttari systems, are they not?”

  “That’s correct. They have been upgraded with the technology, along with Earth, the Diakan worlds, and most of the colonies. I expect to have all colonial systems protected within a week.”

  “And our ships?” said Brock.

  “All UHSF and Diakan ships have been equipped with jumpspace transponders, and many have had the jumpspace recognition upgrades. Due to the existing technology on our warships, the upgrades are easier to perform. Chief Engineer Singh is almost finished work on a process to streamline the ship upgrades, and we expect that to significantly speed up the process.”

  “That is encouraging,” said Brock.

  Jon studied the Chaanisar. It was difficult to see him in this weakened state.

  “The other matter we need to discuss is munitions. Mass production of the jump bombs is moving along steadily. We will be shipping out the weapons to our ships and planetary defense systems shortly. Soon, every ship in the fleet will be armed with the weapons. Then we can begin our offensive.”

  Jon adjusted the holodisplay to show three regions of space. He selected the first, lighting it up. “This is Telepylos. The Kemmar and Juttari ambushed us with joint forces, taking over the system. We will take it back. But we will not stop there. The jump gate here connects Telepylos to the Kemmar Empire. We will use the gate to push into Kemmar territory.”

  Jon touched another region of space on the holodisplay, highlighting it. “This was once Otan space, until the Kemmar invaded. We are going to open a second front against the Kemmar here. We will destroy the Kemmar forces occupying Otan space, and invade the Kemmar Empire from this side.”

  “This is similar to our existing plans, only now we have the benefit of the new technology,” said Brock.

  “And Diakan forces,” added Tallos.

  “Yes, a vital component. The Kemmar will be placed into a vice,” said Brock.

  “Exactly,” said Jon. “But we still have the Juttari to contend with. Since they are now allied with the Kemmar, we need to make sure they remain occupied elsewhere. We will use the territory captured last year to push deeper into Juttari space. That should keep the Juttari busy, and force them to reconsider sending ships to help the Kemmar.”

  “How far will you press into Juttari territory?” said Brock. “With this new technology, is it not advantageous to launch a full scale invasion of the Juttari Empire?”

  “Yes, and no. You’re right in that we need to exploit our technological advantage as much as possible. However, we have a problem with the Juttari, that we don’t have with the Kemmar. The Juttari Empire has been built around the jump gate network. Their territory is spread out across the galaxy, often with a thousand light years or more between systems. To use the jump bombs to our advantage, we need to get close, and this is difficult with the Juttari. The Kemmar, on the other hand, only recently discovered the jump gates. Their territory is a coherent whole. This is ideal. We will simply advance, using the jump bombs as we do, until we reach their home planet.”

  “Will you lay waste to their home planet?” said Brock.

  “What? No? I have no interest in genocide.”

  “They would lay waste to your planets, and enslave the survivors. Why do you show them mercy?”

  Jon took a deep breath. “Because, I am not Kemmar, or Juttari. Just because they are prepared to commit genocide against us, doesn’t mean that we will retaliate in kind. Don’t get me wrong. We will crush them. Their military will be destroyed, their planetary infrastructure flattened, their leaders charged with war crimes, and executed. They will pay for what they’ve done. The Kemmar Empire will cease to exist, and I will see that it never rises again. Does that sound like mercy to you?”

  “No, Admiral, it does not.”

  “Once we have finished with the Kemmar, we will be free to focus on the Juttari.”

  “The Juttari will know of your technological advancements by that time,” said Brock.

  “Yes, that’s inevitable.”

  “Once they discover what we have accomplished,” said Tallos. “We believe they will accelerate their own jump research. It is reasonable to assume that they will successfully miniaturize the jump system enough to create their own jump bombs. This cannot be helped, and will create a sizable obstacle. However, they are unlikely to discover jumpspace recognition. This alone will give the Alliance a substantial edge.”

  “We’re confident that this edge will be enough to emerge victorious,” added Jon.

  “The Juttari obtain more through espionage, than through research,” said Brock. “They will seek to steal the secrets of this technology. I would not discount this threat.”

  “We are taking the necessary precautions.”

  “Your Space Force thought they had taken the same precautions with the jump system,” said Brock. “As did Diakus. And yet, they failed.”

  “Are you saying we have a mole?” said Jon.

  “No. I am merely pointing out the Juttari are experts at espionage. Do not discount this ability.”

  “It is a good question,” said Tallos. What happens if the Juttari obtain the jump bombs, and jumpspace recognition?”

  Jon thought about it for a moment, and agreed it would be a major setback, but would it be enough to stop them? He knew there could be only one answer. “We invade anyway.”

  Chapter 42

  The UHSF Carrier Intrepid floated in space near DLC Station. Several squadrons of its fighters patrolled the skies around it, as a few UHSF destroyers hung back, keeping a watchful eye on the goings on. Despite the recent upheaval, DLC remained an important commercial hub, and Captain Konos found it a suitable destination for shore leave. His crew took turns going down to the station to spend some credits, and enjoy themselves.

  It was important for their morale, especially after the defeat they suffered in Telepylos. Their defeat had introduced his mostly green crew to the uncertainties of war, but provided much needed experience. Konos continued training them mercilessly. And now that training was consolidated with priceless firsthand experience.

  The Intrepid had undergone much needed repairs since the battle. They then took part in exercises, learning how to use the new jumpspace recognition technology. His crew worked hard, and Konos was confident that they were ready for the next encounter with the enemy.

  He knew that the fleet was gearing up for a big push into Kemmar territory, but had no indication of when it would take place. When the time came, he wanted his crew fresh, and ready to perform. They were well trained, and good at their jobs. All they needed now was to blow off some steam
.

  “When are you going to head down to the station, Commander?” Konos said to his XO, Commander Mani.

  Mani, who sat in his command chair on the Intrepid’s bridge, looked up from his array of monitors, seemingly confused by the question. “Uh, there is still a lot of work to be done, Sir.”

  “There’s always work to be done, Commander. You need shore leave just as much as everyone else.”

  “Yes, Sir. If you insist.”

  “I do.”

  “Then I’ll finish my duties for the day, and take a flight to the station,” Mani said, clearly cheering up.

  “Good. And have some fun down there. That’s an order.”

  Yes, Sir. I’ll follow that order to the letter,” said Mani, laughing.

  “Non-UHSF jumpspace disturbance identified,” said the Intrepid’s computer.

  “Shit,” said Konos, slamming his fist into his armrest. “Target disturbance and fire missiles. Ready all offensive weapons. Deploy all available fighters and bombers immediately.”

  “Firing missiles,” said Mani. “DLC station’s defense system is firing weapons. Destroyers are launching missiles, and moving to intercept.”

  On the viewscreen, hundreds of missiles raced toward the empty coordinates where the jumpspace recognition technology identified the disturbance.

  The Intrepid had not received any jump bombs yet, and Konos hoped the early warning would be enough to give them a substantial advantage against the intruders.

  The Intrepid’s fighters began launching and blinking off the screen, as they jumped toward the disturbance. They were followed close behind by the bombers flying out of the Intrepid’s launch tubes.

  “Six Kemmar warships have appeared at the designated coordinates,” said Mani.

  “On viewscreen,” ordered Konos. The central viewscreen changed orientation, showing the six Kemmar warships.

  “Non-UHSF jumpspace disturbances identified,” the Intrepid’s computer announced, identifying more incursions.

  “Fire missiles at new coordinates,” ordered Konos. “Set system to auto-fire as any new incursions are identified. How many new disturbances do we have?”

  “Three, Sir. DLC Station is firing at the new coordinates.”

  The original six Kemmar ships had materialized just as the first salvo of missiles closed in on their position. They had little time to respond, and no countermeasures were deployed. The UHSF missiles plowed into the vulnerable ships unopposed.

  Massive explosions rocked the unsuspecting vessels. Hull breaches began to tear open, belching personnel and equipment into the unforgiving void.

  More missiles hit their hulls, as the Intrepid’s fighters and bombers joined in the offensive, swarming the enemy.

  The UHSF destroyers added their heavy energy weapons to the carnage, raking the listing warships, mercilessly targeting their hull breaches.

  The attack proved decisive, and the Kemmar ships succumbed. One by one they blew apart, unable to counter the powerful onslaught.

  “Fifteen Kemmar warships have just appeared at the newly designated coordinates,” said Mani.

  “On viewscreen,” said Konos.

  Switching to a split screen format, the viewscreen plotted each of the Kemmar landing coordinates. The new arrivals consisted of three battle groups with five ships in each. Two of the enemy battle groups had landed on the Intrepid’s side of the station, while the other landed on the opposite side, where it had only to deal with the station’s missiles.

  “The first six Kemmar ships have been destroyed,” announced Mani. “Destroyers are firing missiles at the new bogeys.”

  “Order our birds to engage the battle group on the far side of DLC. We’ll stay here and deal with the other two. Target the nearest battle group and fire all weapons.”

  “Firing weapons. Birds away. First wave of missiles has hit the new Kemmar ships.”

  The Kemmar were better prepared this time, but not by much. They had landed in three separate locations, and as a result, weren’t hit with the same force as the first Kemmar group had been.

  A few of the Kemmar ships managed to deploy countermeasures, diverting some of the missiles, while others brought their point defense systems online, establishing an explosive shield around their hulls.

  The Kemmar were quick to respond, but they’d been caught off guard. Multiple missiles managed to find their targets, crippling many of the warships.

  On the far side of DLC Station, the Intrepid’s bombers had landed, adding their hull piercing torpedoes to the barrage. Heavily shielded, the torpedoes bullied their way through the Kemmar point defense shields, finding the ships’ hulls.

  The torpedoes were designed to burrow their way into a ship’s hull and detonate inside, leaving behind gaping hull breaches. The Intrepid’s fighters followed up with vicious strafing attacks, targeting the ships’ weapon turrets, and sensors.

  DLC Station displayed all its power now, firing missiles, and plasma cannons in all directions. All the while energy weapons lanced out at the enemy ships with surgical precision.

  The Intrepid showed off its own formidable array of weapons, behaving more like a battleship than a carrier. The hulking ship stood its ground lending its support to the speeding destroyers, now engaging the surviving Kemmar ships.

  “How many bogeys are left?” said Konos.

  “Nine ships survived the initial attack, but two have been critically damaged.”

  “Finish those two off.”

  “Yes, Sir. Retargeting.”

  “Non-UHSF jumpspace disturbances identified,” the Intrepid’s computer announced. “Missiles have been launched.”

  “Shit. How many more ships are we dealing with?” said Konos.

  “None, the ships in system are jumping,” said Mani, as the Kemmar warships blinked off the screen, reappearing at the new coordinates, only to be greeted by a fresh wave of missiles.

  There was no time to respond. No countermeasures were deployed. No point defense shields were established. The missiles fired by the Intrepid, and DLC Station, easily found their target, mercilessly detonating against the exposed hulls. Violent explosions rocked the enemy warships, snapping one in two, as if it were no more than a dried piece of kindling.

  Blinding light blazed through the viewscreen as the ships were obliterated, each one becoming a small sun as its reactors blew. Konos raised a hand to shield his eyes.

  “All Kemmar warships have been destroyed,” Mani said with pride.

  “Any casualties?” said Konos.

  “None, Sir.”

  A savage grin spread across his face. They had destroyed twenty-one Kemmar warships, with a skeleton crew, and no loss of life. They hadn’t even received their first shipment of jump bombs yet. He sat back and considered the looming invasion. With two space battles under their belts, his crew was now well experienced. The Kemmar were about to pay for their crimes, and he would be right there, ready to collect.

  Chapter 43

  “Have you made arrangements with the Seibens?” Jon said to Breeah, sitting at the metal dinner table with Anki, and Jonas.

  “Yes. Darla has agreed to watch Anki,” said Breeah, smiling at her little girl.

  “I get to have a sleepover with Alina and Otka?” Anki said excitedly.

  “Yes. You’ll be staying with them while we’re gone.”

  Anki’s smile disappeared. “But why can’t I come with you?”

  “It will be too dangerous,” said Breeah.

  “But I’ve trained hard. I can fight better than many grown men I’ve seen.”

  Jonas let loose a hardy belly laugh. “Yes you can, little one. I would wager you can disembowel many of the so called soldiers from the colonies. But we won’t be fighting them. We will be fighting the Kemmar. A big difference.”

  “I’m not afraid of the Kemmar,” Anki said defiantly.

  “Nobody said you were, little one,” said Jonas. “We all know you are very brave.”

  “Then
why can’t I come? I was allowed to go on raids on the Reiver ship.”

  “That was different,” said Breeah. “Your father was the captain of that ship and we lived on it for long periods of time. It was the Reiver way.”

  “But isn’t Jon my new father?”

  The words brought a smile to Jon’s face. While it was true that he had looked at her like a daughter for quite a while, it was the first time Anki had said anything like that about him. But it was a painful reminder of his own daughters, and how much he missed them.

  “Yes, I suppose he is,” said Breeah, smiling at Jon in understanding. It cemented what he already felt, that this was his family now, even if it included the salty old Reiver, Jonas, as his adopted father-in-law.

  “You and Jon are both going, and so is grandfather,” said Anki. “You are my whole family. We should stay together.”

  Breeah, Jonas and Jon exchanged glances. “It’ll be safer for you here, with the Seibens,” said Jon. “Plus, you’ll have Alina and Otka to play with. There won’t be any other children to play with on the Freedom.”

  “I am a Reiver, am I not?” Anki asked her mother.

  “Yes, child,” said Breeah. “Of course you are.”

  “And Reiver children go on raids with their parents, do they not?”

  “They do. But the Freedom is not a Reiver ship,” said Breeah.

  “Then I will go with grandfather. He commands a Reiver ship.”

  “It’s not that simple,” said Jon, wondering how the three of them were losing an argument to a child.

  “Why? I saw battle on my father’s ship. I’ve seen battle on your ships. I’ve seen hand to hand combat. I’ve seen death. Why do you treat me like I am weak?”

  “We’re just trying to protect you,” said Jon, marveling at the little girl’s strength. She would grow up to be a truly formidable woman, just like her mother.

  “Then keep me with you. How can you protect me if I am on Earth, and you are all fighting the Kemmar in space?”

  Breeah fixed her defiant daughter with a piercing gaze.

  “She is certainly your child,” said Jonas, erupting in another bout of laughter. “I say bring her along.”