WarWorld: The Battle of Sauron

by John Carr

  The thought of the Spartan Invasion being moved up did the trick; Diettinger was authorized to recall two heavy cruisers and a dozen more smaller, though still potent, vessels from surrounding areas. The courier vessels necessary to deliver those ships new orders disappeared into Sauron’s various Jump Points that very afternoon.

  At least, Diettinger thought with some relief, we did not have to deal with the Cyborgs. He didn’t think the Cyborgs would have been fooled for a moment by anything he’d said. For a moment, he wondered why the three Cyborgs on the High Command council had been absent from this morning’s meeting. However, Cyborgs were not known for their expertise or interest in Naval operations, simply because it was one of the few fields in which they did not excel. In the near future, starships crewed by full complements of Cyborgs would be capable of maneuvers so far beyond human norm capabilities as to sweep all opposition from space - but, as of yet, there were not enough of the Super Soldiers to risk losing large numbers of them to a lucky missile shot or Field burn-through.

  The Cyborgs were content to be masters of the surface of those worlds between which starships moved, and believed that the rest would come soon enough.

  So Diettinger was eventually able to convince himself that the briefing, dominated as it was by review of the naval engagement of the day before, probably would not have been of any great concern to the Cyborg members of the High Command anyway.

  But the policy effect it had would have been of interest, his mind niggled at him. And just why hadn’t the Cyborgs been there, anyway?

  The Super Soldier, a cultural icon, a dream in the mind of Sauron society, had at last come to life in the Cyborgs. Since the first battle where they had been committed, wherein a single regiment of Cyborgs had defeated three Imperial infantry divisions, it was inevitable that the same culture would develop a reverence for them bordering upon awe.

  But for Diettinger, the Cyborgs’ quiet acceptance of such reverence had always been more ominous than the reverence itself. Originally proposed to be merely the ultra elite of an elite warrior society, the Cyborgs had now found their way onto Sauron’s ruling council. From the cutting edge of the sword that was the Sauron war machine the Cyborgs had, all too quickly, become blade and hilt as well. For all their relative lack of numbers, the Cyborgs nevertheless seemed to be everywhere now, so for Diettinger at least, they were starting to make him more nervous when they weren’t around.

  II

  Cyborg Rank Koln moved through the same corridors as had Diettinger only days before. Where Diettinger had been routinely delayed at security checkpoints, Koln passed with an ease that was equally taken for granted. For Koln was a Cyborg, and though he was commander of the Pathfinder Cyborg unit attached to Diettinger’s own Fomoria, his real authority came from his genetically-engineered nature. Here on the Homeworld, the influence of a Cyborg - any Cyborg - was at its height, representing as they did the genetic imperative of the Sauron people.

  Koln entered the inner ring of offices of the Capitol, passing through a dozen more automated - and so, incorruptible - checkpoints, to pass finally through an unmarked door and join the three Cyborg members of the High Command. They sat at a large round table, watching the High Command meeting on a wall screen connected to viewers hidden within the council chamber. Koln took the empty seat and watched in silence with the rest until the meeting concluded.

  The three Cyborgs of the High Command turned to Koln. To anyone but another Cyborg, it would have seemed three mirrors turned toward the object they reflected.

  Ulm, the Cyborg to Koln’s left, spoke first: “Diettinger’s influence with the Sauron norms of the High Command increases daily. His analyses are insightful, his proposals inspired.”

  Saentz, seated across from Koln, added: “I did not believe that his naval reputation was free of embellishment by the Propaganda board. In this I was in error. My background research on Diettinger confirms that indeed, no naval force under his actual command has ever been defeated.”

  The third Cyborg, Manche: ”He would appear to be more than a Sauron norm, yet less than a Cyborg.”

  Koln nodded.”I have observed him carefully since my arrival aboard the Fomoria, His performance as commander of that vessel has left nothing to be desired. But I disagree with your assessment, Saentz. Although Diettinger is certainly more than a Sauron norm, he is not, strictly speaking, less than a Cyborg.”

  “By definition,” Ulm said, “any being not a Cyborg is less than a Cyborg,”

  Koln attempted to explain: “Diettinger is different. He thinks differently, at times much like a human norm, but with the military mindset that is uniquely Sauron. He is unpredictable, adaptable, utterly ruthless.”

  “Yet he lost an eye to a human norm; a captive one, at that.”

  Koln gave a barely perceptible sigh and admitted regretfully: “He is also chivalrous.”

  Manche blinked once - a sign of astonishment in a creature that did not need to blink more than once a minute. “Jest.”

  “Fact. Diettinger had the human norm at his complete mercy. Had the captive been even remotely capable of escape, the incident could not have occurred.” He cocked an eyebrow at Manche. “The human’s guards were Cyborgs in battle armor.”

  Ethics between Cyborgs precluded the possibility that Koln would lie to him, yet Manche could not stop himself, ”Impossible.”

  Ulm concurred. “I should have thought so, too. This human norm must have been an exceptionally able specimen.”

  Koln nodded, reflectively. “Or must have appeared exceptionally unexceptional. Doubtless he has found himself promoted to command of an Imperial battlegroup.”

  “He lives?” Ulm sounded nearly incredulous.

  “Diettinger released him. The First Rank had promised him he would let him live, then promised him he would get the borloi off Tanith; he kept his first promise to show he would keep his second.”

  Ulm, Saentz and Manche looked at one another. Saentz voiced their unanimous opinion. “There is no logical explanation for this behavior, save that Diettinger is in league with the Empire.”

  Koln shook his head. “You fail to understand; I repeat: Diettinger is different. He may be unique in Sauron history. He is certainly so in current Sauron society.”

  “Sauron society is military in character,” Ulm said. “Any member of such a society sufficiently different to qualify as ‘unique’ cannot, by definition, be integrated into the activities of such a society. That member is therefore of no value.”

  “Except as a supreme commander.” Koln concluded.

  Cyborgs rarely showed anger, never rage. Self-discipline was their watchword, and re-focusing the energy and adrenaline wasted in such displays allowed both to be used to greater effect during battle. But Ulm almost shot up out of his chair before sitting back with a quiet: “Unacceptable. Mastery of Sauron society is the Cyborgs’ destiny. Introducing a Sauron norm Dictator at our present stage of influence will disrupt our timetable.”

  “Worse, should he prove sufficiently capable, Sauron could defeat the Empire while led by a Sauron norm,” Saentz added. “Such a victory must be achieved with Cyborg leadership to allow the Sauron norm population to appreciate the logic of permanent Cyborg rule.”

  Assuming such a victory occurs, Koln found himself thinking, then: Curious; I never doubted that outcome before. Have I been observing Diettinger so long that I have become infected by his defeatism? For Koln knew that Diettinger believed Sauron would lose, was already losing, the war. Koln’s agents, Sauron norms awed by Cyborg superiority into abject obedience, had kept the First Rank under surveillance since the first day of Diettinger’s presence on the Homeworld. What does he see that I do not?

  “Then you oppose Diettinger’s appointment as Fleet First Rank for the invasion of Sparta?” Manche asked.

  “I do,” Ulm answered.

  Saentz concurred, adding: “Why not Fleet First Rank Morgenthau, commander of the flag battleship Sauron? His entire crèche was sp
ecifically educated for fleet actions.”

  “Morgenthau’s tenure as Fleet First Rank has been twice extended. His growing sense of personal indispensability is beginning to distance him from supporting our goals,” Manche reminded them. “Hence his being relieved of command upon his return from Tanith, as already stated. Added to which, his command style is correct, but not dynamic.”

  “Lucan, then, commanding the Wallenstein” Ulm suggested. “A near-perfect operational record in his successful prosecution of twenty-eight fleet engagements and forty-three raid operations without a single casualty among his crew.”

  “Irrelevant. Casualties are inevitable, eventually. His performance is the result of superior skill in planning, not necessarily in execution,” Koln reminded them.

  “Speak plainly, Koln,” Ulm said; “Has your extended observation of Diettinger aboard the Fomoria inclined you to suggest his appointment as a supreme commander over all forces, beyond that of Fleet First Rank?”

  Koln decided to commit his reserve. “Such an appointment to the office of supreme commander will not occur.”

  Manche watched him carefully.”Why?”

  “The raid by the three Imperial Canopus class ships could only have been a scouting mission. Whether it came from Tanith or elsewhere is irrelevant. If Tanith, it means the Imperials are desperate to see what reserves we have remaining available to commit there. If elsewhere, it means they plan a stronger operation here in Sauron System. In either case, the destruction of these vessels means that more will certainly follow. Human norm patterns indicate they will next send a significantly larger force, although not necessarily one that is decisively so.”

  “Your point?”

  “Fully support Diettinger as Fleet First Rank. The next Imperial sortie will occur while he is assembling the Sparta invasion fleet. As Fleet First Rank, he will be in command of all in-system assets, which he will be forced to commit to destroy the Imperial intruders; all the Imperial intruders, since none can be allowed to escape which may carry warning to the Imperial capital.”

  “You propose to edify Diettinger’s status before he leads the invasion as well as during?” Ulm said mockingly.

  “On the surface of any world, Sauron soldiers are unbeatable. In space, dependent as we are on materiel no more advanced than that of the Empire, only Sauron norm reflexes and higher G-force tolerance confer any advantage. Both such characteristics can be - are - countered by Imperial equipment quantity and a five hundred year head start in tactics. Although Diettinger’s fleet will not be defeated in Sauron space, the action against Sparta will include long-term ground engagements during the subjugation of the Imperial capital.”

  “Sparta should be Earthed,” Ulm said tacitly. The last Wars of Nationalism between political entities on humanity’s home planet had given rise to the term “Earthed” among the off-world survivors. It was a popular euphemism for rendering a planetary surface permanently uninhabitable by the prodigious use of cobalt-encased thermonuclear bombs.

  “The Sauron norms feel that Sparta must be occupied as a decisive psychological blow to any lingering Empire-loyalist sentiments,” Manche reminded them. It was a concept no Cyborg fully appreciated; to defeat an enemy, you destroyed him. No ‘psychology’ survived once the head of the enemy that held it was removed from his shoulders. “They will insist on the ground action and occupation.”

  “And concomitant loss of Sauron life.” Ulm pointed out. Sauron blood was precious to all Saurons, even the Cyborgs; especially the Cyborgs, who saw themselves as guardians of the eventual uplifting of all Sauron norm progeny to Cyborg level.

  “This can be turned to our advantage,” Koln continued. “By having our operatives emphasize Diettinger’s expertise in naval matters, his capability as a ground force commander becomes occluded. The High Command can then be influenced to appoint a Ground Force First Rank for the invasion proper; logically - because of the fierce resistance which can be expected from the Imperials in defense of their capital - this should be a Cyborg.”

  “If you were made commander of the Cyborg forces aboard Diettinger’s new flagship, you would be the logical choice,” Saentz said. “But such an appointment would generate opposition from those factions still not convinced of the logic of Cyborg authority.”

  “Support Diettinger as Fleet First Rank,” Ulm suggested. “Fomoria will be his flagship for the invasion, all current staff remain in place, and Koln can be made Ground Force First Rank as a logical extension of his duties.”

  “The shipboard Deathmaster holds authority over planetary invasion actions,” Manche said.”And from his record, Deathmaster Quilland is no less qualified for that position than Diettinger is for his.”

  “We cannot expect to accomplish everything by subterfuge,” Koln pressed the point.”We have seats on the High Command, we have influence with the other members of the council; this influence should be brought to bear. Appeal to their psychology. Remind them of the contributions of the Cyborgs to this victory, demand a place for the Cyborgs in the forefront of the final battle, impress upon them the need to show the Sauron population that we, the future of all Saurons, were instrumental in securing that future for them.”

  The other three practically stared at him. Cyborgs were not ambitious. Their psyches embodied the Sauron ideal of the First Principle that demanded of every Sauron, norm or Cyborg: Subjugate the ego to the battle plan. Still, each wondered briefly if Koln did not desire the rank of First Citizen more for himself than for the future of all Saurons. But such a thought was inherently illogical, and each of the three dismissed it immediately.

  Their agreement was therefore unanimous.

  Seventeen

  I

  Diettinger was reading readiness reports when second rank brought him news of the arrival of the first elements of his new command.

  “Heralds from the carriers Bucephalus, Pegasus and Traveller report their mother ships two days behind them. The Sauron cruisers Nike, Sagittarius and Raptor emerged at the Jump Point an hour ago. The heavy cruisers Assyria and Hokkaido have just entered orbit. Of the Alliance ships, the out-worlder battle cruiser Falkenberg and two New Ireland light cruisers, Banshee and Ire of Eire will be in orbit within the next two hours - First Rank.”

  Diettinger was grinning. “I suppose every navy has a ship called the Falkenberg” he explained. “But ‘Ire of Eire’? They really named a ship that?” Diettinger actually chuckled, and the lines on his face disappeared for a moment. “Well, as long as it can fight” he muttered.”That brings our total fleet strength in-system to thirty-seven capital ships, forty with those three carriers.”

  Second Rank frowned.”Forty-one, First Rank. Including the Fomoria”

  Diettinger only nodded. “Yes,” he said. “Signal the commanders of the Alliance ships that I will meet personally with them in six hours. Send our own shuttle to collect all of them. If they protest their own importance, explain the need to keep in-system traffic to a minimum. Give them no cause for complaint.”

  “This Falkenberg’s captain has a reputation for professionalism, First Rank,” Althene assured him, “and the New Ireland captains tend to show impatience only when being restrained from engaging Imperial ships.”

  Diettinger shrugged, a short, mirthless laugh. “So long as we don’t have a repeat of the Quantrill incident.”

  Quantrill was a commerce raider from the Secession Alliance world of Burgess. It had arrived last week with three Imperial merchant ships under prize crews, which ships were declared to be “gifts” to the people of Sauron System. Whereupon, her captain had demanded immediate berthing and an audience with the Sauron High Command, almost certainly to request command of the Alliance elements of the fleet. When such permission was regretfully denied, the Quantrill’s captain peremptorily dispatched the prize ships with orders to head home to Burgess, and sullenly declared “pressing need of his vessel in defense of Burgess interests elsewhere.”

  Diettinger had demanded that the Qua
ntrill and its prize ships be seized and the Quantrill herself interned, rather than allow any ship to leave Sauron System after seeing the fleet being assembled there.

  In the diplomatic disaster that followed, all three merchant ships were scuttled by their prize crews and the Quantrill herself was crippled beyond use, her vainglorious captain killed on his bridge and her crew imprisoned incommunicado on one of Sauron’s penal asteroids.

  Diettinger had explained to the High Command that the incident would only be an embarrassment if Burgess found out about it, and they certainly would not hear of it from him. Or, he added, from anyone else who had to leave Sauron System to tell them. Still, Diettinger had fully expected to be relieved of his command, until the Cyborg members of the High Command voiced their approval of his action. It was exactly what he would expect from Cyborgs, and for once he was glad they had a voice on the council.

  The final surprise had come two days later, when Captain Hawksley, commander of the Falkenberg, had publicly praised Diettinger’s handling of the incident. At first, Diettinger had found the impertinence of the man amusing. But as time had passed, he realized that the Burgess privateer’s pubic statement of support had helped bring several vacillating commanders back into line, strengthening the resolve of the independent forces allied with Sauron for this last battle.

  Ultimately, Diettinger had decided this Hawksley might be the sort of person he was seeking for a particular purpose, and he planned to meet with him later in the week to discuss that very thing.