Audacity (Warner's World Book 5)

by Dave O'Connor

  “After we crushed the rogan over Polaris the sleth approached us with an offer. They want us to escort them back to their home worlds, destroy any rogan there, liberate the sleth population, protect them while they rebuild their worlds and in exchange we get a firm base to prosecute the war into rogan space, resources at bargain rates and the support of a brigade of sleth troopers.”

  “They don’t have a brigade.”

  “Not here and now, but they do have troops resisting the rogan on their homeworlds. Once their population is liberated they will recruit and, with our help, train them and place them under joint command to defeat the rogan.”

  “Well that’s all well and good but they have, well had, twelve home worlds – less the one that got destroyed – that still leaves eleven. The rogan aren’t going to give up control without a fight and we’re not exactly flush with troops or ships ourselves.”

  “True, that’s why we need to defeat them in detail one system at a time. We have the Big Red One – a whole division – at our disposal. The Enterprise Group will be ready for ops in a month. She and most of the Kiev group will be committed plus your Resolute task force.”

  “Task force?”

  “I’ve not been idle Dave. The Spectre and Raptor will arrive next week if our good friends at Deathly Hollows live up to their promise. That’s two new Phantom class frigates under your command. I want your task force to reconnoitre the sleth systems. We need to know what forces the enemy has there so we can work out the best strategy for defeating them. Once we have that information your force will conduct a series of raids on the enemy with priority being given to enemy logistic capabilities. Avoid out-right fights. There will be plenty of time for that when we mount the operation to seize the systems.”

  Phil paused and looked at Dave. Dave was deep in thought pondering how he would undertake this mission and more importantly considering what could go wrong and what he needed to avoid that. The first thing that came to mind was logistic support.

  “How long will we be expected to operate independently?”

  “The earliest we can mount an invasion would be the beginning of November.”

  “And I guess you want us on our bike as soon as these new frigates arrive?”

  “I will give you a week to work up and exercise but I want you in warp to the sleth systems in two weeks’ time.”

  “So that’s six weeks on our Pat Malone. You know Torad and Javelin missiles don’t grow on trees. How and where do we get resup?”

  “Three Shakura class shuttles will accompany the Spectre and Raptor, fully laden with missiles and other stores. They come with two Hermes class frigates, your old friends the Sydney and Washington as escorts. They are under your command. Don’t lose them.”

  Dave nodded. “Droid replacements?”

  “They’re here now.”

  “Marines on the new frigates?”

  “Yep one marine and one droid platoon each. Each will have a cadre of veterans but most are green. That’s the best we could do.”

  Dave again nodded. “Ship commanders and crew?”

  “You owe poor Alex big time for this. He is now the most unpopular staff officer on Polaris. But he has got you two good crew. Lieutenant Commander Sheldon Brice was on the Auckland with Rudi during the battle. Rudi swears by him. The other commander is another political appointment I’m afraid.” Dave winced. “Hold on though. At least LCmd Meg Songa’s got combat experience. She was XO on the Fisher. She was lucky to escape. Her aunt’s the assistant Health Minister. So try not to get her killed.”

  “I’ll do my best” replied Dave in a dead pan manner. The last word trailing off as his thoughts returned to the next point he wanted to raise. “Can Ivan keep his temporary rank? It will put us above our establishment?”

  “Oh what the heck. Yeah, let him keep it. He deserves it. Besides it will make the swallowing of the pill easier.”

  “It will indeed. Thank you Sir. Oh and one other thing. Rihan will be going back with you to Polaris, right?”

  “Not quite. I know that was the deal, but I’m not going back to Polaris. I will be staying here. I’ve hoisted my flag on the Kiev and aim to martial the invasion fleet here. Once Du Gorin arrives to replace her we’ll send her back on the next shuttle.”

  “OK. You eaten yet Sir?”

  “Are you offering?”

  “Yes Sir, I think I am. Give me twenty to break the news and I’ll join you in the mess. I’ll just get someone to escort you there.”

  “No need Dave. I know my way.”

  After the Admiral had left, Dave asked Ivan to come and see him. Ivan entered half suspecting his fate.

  “I’ve got some good news and some bad news Ivan. The short of it is Cmdr Chen is to be the new XO but you get to retain you present rank and revert back to being the senior Comms and Intel officer.”

  Ivan nodded his head with grim acceptance.

  “It was always on the cards Ivan. I’m sorry.”

  “That’s OK Sir. I take it I owe you for retaining my rank?”

  Dave smiled. “Let’s just say I played on the Admiral’s guilt.” Ivan smiled. Dave added “we’ve got a new mission and it will keep you pretty busy. We’re going to be doing a recce of the sleth systems and then supporting an invasion. I’ll be doing a formal briefing later. Right now keep that to yourself. We’re hosting the Admiral for dinner. Can you organise things?”

  “Of course Sir” replied Ivan and rose to his feet. Just before his tall frame reached the door he turned. “I really do appreciate the rank Sir. It would have been impossible here with Chase as my senior.” Ivan was referring to Chase Hanlon the ops officer who was temporarily promoted to LCmd at the same time as Ivan.

  Dave nodded and smiled as Ivan closed the door behind him. He was still smiling when Rihan opened the door directly after and took the seat opposite. “So?” she asked.

  “Cmdr Chen out there is my new XO. His dad is the Treasurer. I’m to watch him like a hawk.”

  “My poor Dave. Don’t you wish you had me back then?” she taunted.

  “True but you are homeward bound my darling.”

  “When’s the Admiral going back?”

  “He’s not. He’s staying here to martial an invasion fleet. You go back once your replacement arrives.”

  “When?”

  “Just over a week.”

  “Oh well” said Rihan somewhat flatly “At least your new XO is not a platinum blond with long legs.”

  “Oh you never know Chen might scrub up nicely.” To whit Rihan burst out laughing.

  Chapter 10. Resolute over Chelora 1830, 2 August

  Cpl Kali Chada was waiting for the passengers of the warthog to disembark on G deck. She could hardly contain herself. Her eyes lit up as she made contact with Sgt Buster Williams. By the way he moved she could tell he had recovered well from his injuries.

  A big grin took over his face. His hands were full carrying his gear but his light blue eyes spoke volumes for the joy that was rippling through his body. He had thought of little else these past weeks as he recuperated first on Beta Phi and then on Polaris.

  Kali raced over to him and leapt at him from several paces. He had to drop his gear in order to catch her. She planted a big kiss on his lips. He kissed her back on the lips but knew that this was not the place to do what he really wanted. He lowered her feet to the floor. “Now that’s what I call a welcome” he said.

  She pecked at his cheek one more time. “You ain’t seen nothing yet!” she exclaimed. Their antics were attracting some attention from the others trying to exit the hangar space. “Come on. I’ve got a room” she whispered in his ear.

  Buster laughed. “You don’t waste time do you?”

  “Is the iron hot?” she asked cheekily.

  “Could be. Lead the way Kali. I’m all yours.”

  “Not so quick” called out WO2 Emilio Shavez who had arrived late but just in time to collar his former team mate. “The OC (Officer Commanding) wants a
word with you Buster.” Emilio moved a step closer and gave Buster a solid pat on the back. “Welcome back mate. Come on there will be plenty of time for what you have on your mind later tonight. Right now, though you love birds are going to have to hold your fire.”

  Kali gave Emilio a filthy look.

  Buster put out his arms, palms up, as if to say ‘what can I do?’ Kali was deflated. “What’s your room number?” he asked Kali.

  Kali perked up. “Twenty nine.”

  “I won’t be long.”

  “You better not be. I’m hungry enough as it is” and she gave him a wink.

  The flight marshal ushered them out the hangar doors, where Emilio led Buster to the right and Kali went left. After a few paces she turned to look back and caught sight of Buster also looking back to her. “Twenty nine” she called out.

  “Twenty nine” he replied with a smile.

  Two hours later Buster tossed his kit in his cabin on C deck, which held the living quarters for the senior non-commissioned officers (SNCOs). It was his old cabin and it brought back a sense of familiarity even if it had only been four months ago that the ship was commissioned.

  It took him fifteen minutes to stow his gear. He was keen to finish. He had other things on his mind. He made his way down to D deck where the other ranks (ORs) were housed.

  He didn’t need to read the room numbers to know where room 29 was. Kali was standing in the doorway in her tank top and a pair of tight shorts that were definitely not regulation issue. She was leaning with her back against the door jam. Her left knee was bent and foot raised and pressed against the door jam. Her face lit up as she caught sight of him. She lowered her left foot to the floor as he approached her. She cast an eye over his uniform. “This official?” she asked.

  He shook his head and smiled. She waved him in. He did as he was bid. The door shut behind him. He turned and asked “where’s your roommate?”

  “Unavoidably detained” answered Kali.

  “That’s convenient” commented Buster with a smile.

  “It is, isn’t it?” Kali pulled off her tank top and threw it against the wall. Her honey brown breasts were barely contained by the bra.

  Buster began undoing his buttons on his shirt but his eyes were focussed squarely ahead of him.

  Kali smiled and shook her head and then took a pace towards him. “You were a lot quicker last time” she teased as she pulled up his shirt over his head.

  “If I remember correctly neither of us got this far” and he took her in his arms. Their eyes locked and Buster felt this surge of desire. He kissed her on the lips. Her lips opened immediately and her tongue beckoned his in. He came up for air and once again their eyes locked.

  Kali felt him undoing her bra while she wrestled with his trousers. She beat him hands down and when his trousers dropped around his ankles, she smiled at him gently. “Let me” she said and she had it off in no time. As her breasts were liberated she registered his excitement and licked her lips.

  He cupped her right breast and she kissed him pushing her tongue into his mouth. She withdrew from the kiss and pulled on his underpants.

  “Wait” he said and sat down on the end of the bed and began taking off his boots.

  Kali began laughing lightly. “There’s a sight you don’t see every day.” She dropped her shorts and nickers in the one motion.

  “And there’s another” he came back. With a degree of effort he managed to heave off the final boot. As he did so, she pushed his shoulders back and he fell willingly back onto the bed.

  She mounted him and leaned over allowing her breasts to rub against his chest. She could tell from his eyes that he was really enjoying it. She leant a little further forward and rubbed her nipples over his eyes. She heard him sigh and then felt his hands grasp her buttocks. She found herself smiling so hard. She was overwhelmed by the feeling of joy in giving joy to her lover. She raised her hips a little and then came down for the piece de resistance.

  Chapter 11. Resolute over Chelora 0145, 2 August

  Emilio woke with a start. He may have been dreaming but he knew that the scream he just heard was not part of it, or the thump on the wall. He gathered his thoughts. ‘Buster’ he announced to himself, for on the other side of the adjoining wall was Buster’s cabin.

  Emilio stayed dead quiet like he would out on a night ambush. He steadied his own breathing and craned to hear. But he heard no further noise. He thought about knocking on Buster’s door but in the end decided not to. He lay back down and sleep claimed him.

  Chapter 12. Maelstrom over Chelora 0930, 3 August

  The renaming ceremony had just finished and the IRS Mailon was now the FFS Maelstrom. Rihan was still in command, at least for the next week till the new commander arrived. She was escorting the Admiral around and introducing him to the ship’s crew when her watch officer hailed.

  “Maam we have a message in from the Phantom. I think you need to see this straight away.”

  “Right. I’m coming.” Rihan excused herself and a few minutes later was reading the message sent over a day ago from deep within rogan space. They were not expecting any comms. The protocol was supposed to be zero emissions.

  She read the report of the gravitational anomaly with some curiosity but this turned to alarm with the assessment about a PME device. Unlike Aubrey, Rihan knew only too well the history around the PME project. It had been the case study on ethics in her final year at the academy. The more she read the more questions she had. One thing was for sure, if it was a PME device then they were looking down the barrel of a new terror.

  “How long before they finish installing the rogan comms on the Kiev?” she asked her comms officer.

  “Another day Maam.”

  “All right I’ll grab the Admiral while he’s here.” Rihan caught up with the Admiral on F deck where his big fame looked decidedly cramped navigating the engineering facility. “Sir you need to see this.”

  Phil nodded. “Well thanks lieutenant that was most informative” he said to the rogan engineering officer. Phil sighed with relief once he got back into the larger hallway. “Thank you” he said to Rihan “I’m not built for that space that’s for sure. So what have you got for me.”

  Rihan briefed him as they made their way back up to A deck. Phil was grateful to sit down in a chair in the command centre. He read the message himself and sat back pondering. Rihan waited patiently while he pontificated.

  “There could be another explanation” he said finally. He looked into Rihan’s eyes and felt like she was slicing and dicing through his last statement. “You don’t buy it do you?” Rihan shook her head. “It’s hard enough preventing our leaders launching retaliatory nuclear strikes without this” added Phil. “I was counting on that four month reprieve. Once the chief minister hears about this she will demand we launch those strikes now.”

  “The Council will wait for news from Aubrey’s mission. I’m sure of it.”

  “I’m not. In any event her mission was always a long shot. The short run is the liberation of the sleth home worlds. That shows real progress with a much higher probability of success. If we can succeed there I’m sure I can get the Council to pull that directive. But I need those four months Rihan.”

  “What, are you just going to ignore this?”

  “No. We need to check it out and pronto. And until we can confirm it we’ll hold off bothering the Council about it.” Phil looked to see Rihan’s expression which said “really?” Phil shrugged his shoulders. “Well it works for me. We need to buy time. Now who can we get to check out this anomaly?” Phil looked directly at Rihan.

  “We both know there’s only one ship here with a drive fast enough to go that far into rogan space and report back in a reasonable time and has a stealth capability to remain undetected.”

  “Yes and I’ve committed it to a high priority recce.” Phil pondered. “We could send your ship.”

  “The Mailon…” stated Rihan.

  “The Maelstrom, Co
mmander” interjected Phil.

  “Yes the Maelstrom. It could get there in time but would be vulnerable without escorts. No stealth, a crew of questionable allegiance and no escorts to enforce that allegiance or protect the ship from hostile intent. Not a good choice Sir. Besides, you promised.”

  “Yeah, yeah I know” said a frustrated Phil. “Why is everything so dammed difficult?”

  “I’m sorry” said Rihan with a shrug of her shoulders. “So what do you plan to do?”

  “Delay the recon, what else?”

  Rihan nodded.

  Chapter 13. Kiev over Chelora 1315, 3 August

  “So what do you think?” asked Chief Lisa Oxmore, the senior comms technician aboard the carrier Kiev. But the rogan she was asking wasn’t paying attention. Sgt Peena Kraal, a comms technician from what used to be the Mailon, was staring away, his mind obviously elsewhere. “Kraal” Lisa called louder.

  It had the desired effect, snapping Kraal out of his train of thought. He turned to focus on the diagram on the screen in front of Lisa. “Yes that will work” he replied.

  Lisa gave him an annoyed look and a slight shake of her head but Kraal ignored it. He was playing for time anyway. This could take another week for all he was concerned. What mattered to him was getting the opportunity to send a signal to his controller at the Internal Security Service (ISS). They had to know that Imperial Admiral (IAdm) Meeka Sallusam had deserted his command and murdered his chief of staff in the process. They also had to know that a Federation Fleet was massing over Chelora.

  ‘But how to get out that signal?’ thought Peena. So far he had been under constant supervision during this upgrade to the Kiev’s communications that would allow it to send and receive comms using the rogan advanced comms technology. The main benefit of this was the ability to communicate while in warp.

  Peena was a veteran agent of the ISS. He had been in deep undercover embedded in Sallusam’s staff where he could keep a close eye on him. Sallusam’s political ambitions were well known and that alone marked him for close scrutiny. Now he could add to that Sallusam’s incompetence, cowardice and treachery. These had to be reported and soon.