“Even if he pulls this off” said Felis “we won’t be able to test any active sensors. We’d be detected in no time flat.”
“I know. But we can use the passive sensors to tell us when Yomoto’s fleet arrives. Then we can decide to go active or not.”
“OK fair enough. What about getting those plans?” asked Felis referring to the space station.
“I have plans for the main cargo docks but that’s it” said Bakun. “That was all we were trusted with. However, I do know where you can get a copy.”
“Yes” responded Felis with mild enthusiasm.
“I think I can get access through a contact but you’ll need to go and get them and it won’t be easy.”
“Why can’t your contact do that?”
“Well they could but they won’t. There’s too much risk of detection for them and it won’t be just them that suffers. You know that.”
“Where is it?” asked Felis without acknowledging the truth of what Bakun had just said.
“At the Mintoslum B9 complex in Lewista. They have the contract for the command systems.”
Felis shook his head. “And I was hoping it would be at the Fleet base” he replied sarcastically.
“That would be easier” said Bakun with a smile.
Chapter 39. Washington 1040, 26 August
“Oh Adrian” said Malissa out loud to herself as she read the report from her Foreign Minister “you have done wonders.” She sat back in her chair and felt the tension in her body relax. She picked up the cup from her desk and sipped the coffee, lingering over the aroma.
She reflected on the spate of good news from Yomoto and now Adrian. ‘Maybe we can do this without nuking those bastards’ she thought. “Belinda” she yelled to her Senior Political Advisor, Beinda Klondike, who was in the adjacent office. “Have those boffins made any progress?” she asked.
Belinda did not respond immediately. Her rather large frame appeared in the doorway a good minute later with an annoyed expression on her face. “Which boffins do you mean?” asked Belinda.
“You know the one working on the PME tech.”
“Yeah but which ones? The ones working to reacquire the capability or the others trying to develop the counter?”
“The latter of course Belinda. Please keep up.”
“Yes Maam” said Belinda drawing out the Maam to let her boss know that she was displeased with her. After a pause she added “Leave it with me and I’ll get you an answer later today.”
“Ring them now. No wait, ring them straight after you’ve prepared that message for Yomoto.”
“Yes Maam” said Belinda, still drawing out the Maam but with ‘tired’ emphasis.
Chapter 40. Resolute over Chelora 1430, 26 August
“Well Julian” said Dave “are we going to see it work now?”
“Nearly, Sir, nearly” replied Julian without a pause in his typing. “Just about to compile now. Gunter is that parser reset?”
“In a moment” said a stressed Gunter. The demo hadn’t exactly gone according to plan. Buster’s team were integrated with a platoon of droids in a mock battle to secure a space down on H deck. While Buster’s commands had been received OK initially and the droids executed the first ‘clear’ order he issued, once the simulated firing started and Buster raised his voice from physical exertion and stress the parser failed to function correctly and the droids didn’t execute his second set of orders.
It had been Buster who suggested that until they get the parser working properly there should at least be a fall back protocol whereby the droids defended in place pending new orders. Julian was implementing this right now while Gunter was tweaking the parser yet again.
“Let’s give ‘em some space Sir” suggested Jim and with a wave of his hand beckoned Dave to come outside of Julian’s office. Jim more than anyone wanted this to work and he feared Dave’s frustration was adversely affecting Julian and Gunter.
Out of the office Dave cast an eye around the big cavernous hold where the droids stood motionless and the marines took a breather. Dave could tell from the expression on Jim’s face that Jim wasn’t all that happy with the effect he was having on them. “Sorry Jim. So much is riding on this. If it’s not going to work I want to focus on our plan B. We’ve only got two days.”
“I know Sir but let’s not write ‘em off just yet.”
Dave nodded and they both fell into silence as each pondered the coming battle and what it would mean for the troops under their command.
The silence was broken when Julian called out loudly “We’re good to go.”
“Right” said Jim. “Take it away Buster.”
“Roger that Sir” said Buster “OK everyone suit up. Positions.” He waited till his marines were in their start positions. “Activate Training protocol. Two Delta One (first droid team) clear corridor left side. Two Delta Two (second droid team) clear corridor right side. Two Delta Three (third droid team) in reserve current position. Two Bravo One (group one of marine team) support Two Delta One. Two Bravo Two (group two of marine team) support Two Delta Two. Go now!”
The two droid teams leading cleared the first rooms on either side of the corridor. The marines moved in bounds behind each of them. All went as planned, just as it had last time. As the droids exited the first rooms and made their way using bounding overwatch they came under simulated fire from Two Alpha team, who were the exercise enemy. The noise level rose with pulse fire and grenade explosions as the lead droids broke into the next set of rooms. Smoke filled the entire space. The enemy within these rooms had scored simulated hits on the droids and these were deactivated automatically by the exercise simulation control.
Buster now had to commit his reserve while he was taking cover out in the corridor itself behind one of the structural bulkheads all the time while automatic quanto fire ripped past nearby. He tried to steady his voice but it was difficult under the circumstances. “Two Delta Three assault enemy gun at end of corridor. Two Delta One and Two Delta Two support Two Delta Three.”
This was the moment of truth where previously Two Delta One and Two Delta Two had failed to support Two Delta Three. But this time it all worked. Jim turned to Dave and smiled. Dave was smiling too. “That’s more like it” said Dave. He felt the tension in his neck muscles ease.
“I think we have something here” said Jim. “I’ll keep ‘em at it all afternoon. But it’s looking good.”
Dave nodded and poked his head back into Julian’s office. “Good work everyone.”
Chapter 41. Kiev over Chelora 1700, 26 August
Rihan was about to head down to catch a shuttle over to the Resolute when she was called into the Admiral’s office. Phil’s inner circle, comprising Alex, Rihan, Greta and Jock left little extra room in the office.
“Greta” said Phil when they all were seated.
“We just got this report in from Q2” said Greta. “They have been attacked by two frigates. The spaceport’s been badly damaged by a bombardment. A small ground assault was mounted and destroyed. But the two enemy frigates are still overhead. It’s no longer possible to launch or receive shuttles. All support droids destroyed.”
“What about Sue?” asked Rihan anxiously.
“She’s OK” replied Greta “All our people are ok but the Resistance suffered heavy casualties in the battle. The short of it is the enemy control the space above and the Resistance the space below.”
“When are Spectre and Raptor due in?” asked Alex.
“29th” replied Rihan. But her mind had already moved on. She turned to the Admiral. “Do you want to send the Resolute now?”
Phil had already thought about this option. It was the first thing that had come into his mind. “No I don’t think so. Brice and Songa should be capable of defeating those two frigates…provided they team up. They’ll have the element of surprise. Besides, the integration with the marines and droids is not complete.”
“Perhaps the Resolute should go straight after the demo on the
28th Sir” recommended Rihan. “Our two frigates will most likely need a resup after the engagement.”
“Don’t look at me” said Jock. There’s no way we can get any missiles to them till the main body arrives.
“But that’s a month away” countered Rihan. “The enemy will send an even bigger force after we destroy their frigates and they’ll arrive well before the end of next month. We should send the Resolute and the Mailon. I mean the Maelstrom…loaded with missiles and fighters.”
“Mmm” said Phil. “It’s a big risk sending the Maelstrom. If the enemy respond with a really big force then at least the Resolute and the frigates can hide. Not so for the Maelstrom. She will have to warp away or be destroyed. And if she warps back here she won’t be available for Cheklin.”
“What we really need is a complete stealth fleet” chimed in Alex.
“It’s coming” defended Phil and with an emphasis born of frustration he added “but it’s not here now.”
“Sir, if the frigates don’t have missiles, you might as well send them back now” said Rihan.
“Sir” said Greta “I agree with Rihan. Send the Maelstrom chock full of missiles and as many fighters as there’s space left. We can signal the Phantom. They have the rogan comms suite. They can break warp and head for Q2. She’s also in need of missiles. The Tenacity will arrive here on the 28th. We can send them off immediately. That way we have two stealth caps, three stealth frigates plus a swag of fighters, probably enough to deal with a single rogan fleet. The Maelstrom could warp to an outer planet in one of the nearby systems till the main body arrives. She may need to bounce around a bit.”
Phil nodded at Greta and then asked “What do the rest of you think?”
“I’m for it” said Alex.
“Me too” said Rihan.
“Well I’m not going to be the odd man out” said Jock.
“Do you want Lennox to take command?” asked Alex, referring to Commodore Amelia Lennox.
“Mmm…” muttered Phil. “No she’s no experience with stealth craft. Warner’s the man.” He turned to Rihan and added “I’m sure you’d approve.”
Rihan nodded. “Especially if he gets the rank to go with it.”
“Not this time” said Phil. “We’ll see how he handles it.”
Chapter 42. Resolute over Chelora 1000, 27 August
It was a lay day for everyone except Val and her loggies and Jim and his marines. Rihan and Dave had slept in till 0800, meditated, exercised, and taken breakfast at a leisurely pace. Dave had to go to his office and deal with some admin for Val.
Rihan poked her head in the door carrying a tray with two mugs of coffee and a couple of Cranky’s friands. Dave waved his hand for her to come in while he waited on his communicator. Rihan gave Dave a frown as she struggled to find room on Dave’s desk. She eventually made a clearing and then in frustration just handed Dave the mug with the froth of his favourite flat white swishing a little as he tried to grab it without really focussing on it. All the time he was responding to the person on the other end with monosyllables.
Rihan didn’t even attempt to hand him the plate with the friand. Instead she sank back into the visitors chair, put her feet up on the other one, took a sip of her coffee and placed it on top of a small carved wooden box that had been given to Dave by his uncle. It was perched at the end of the desk and threatened to fall over the edge. She poked it forward to minimise the risk of it and her cup falling off. In doing so the box nudged a piece of ePaper that in turn poked against Dave’s hand. He frowned at her.
She ignored his reproach, picked up the plate and gently held the friand in her hand, brought it to her nose and inhaled the almond essence. With a small gentle movement of her head from left to right she sighed with contentment.
Dave smiled as his focus had been captured by the image of his wife. He was overcome not so much by her beauty but by her state of contentment. He smiled even more though when suddenly she bit half of the friand off in one bite and began munching it with gusto.
He wound up his call and then took a sip of his coffee. “The good life, hey?” he asked. Rihan had her mouth full but managed to smile with her face and in particular her green almond shaped eyes. They looked crystal clear this morning. “Life seems to be agreeing with you?” asked Dave.
Rihan swallowed and then with a wan smile said “Yes but after tomorrow I’ll be miserable again. My better half will have departed.”
Dave reached over and stroked her hand. Then he spied the friand on the plate, reached out, grabbed it and downed it in one mouthful. Rihan just shook her head and smiled as Dave munched and smiled with his smoky blue eyes.
Chapter 43. Resolute over Chelora 0750, 28 August
There was an enormous amount of activity aboard the Resolute – far more than normal for the hour of the day. But Dave had insisted on an early reveille so the integrated demo could start at 0830 sharp. In fact he was in Jim’s office on G deck when he got the hail that the Admiral was arriving. He double checked the time on his communicator to confirm that the Admiral was in fact 25 minutes early.
“Blast” he said to Jim “I gotta go meet the Admiral. I’ll leave the rest to you Jim.”
Jim gave a shrug of his shoulders. He’d been here before. “So long as we’re still starting as scheduled.”
“Just get everyone ready. He may just want to discuss something else before the demo” said Dave with one foot out the door. He used his arm on the bulkhead to pivot his frame and push off into a light jog towards the shuttle bay. He got there just as the Admiral’s warthog touched down. The Admiral and his entourage began dismounting.
Rihan, who had stayed aboard the Resolute over night came along side Dave. “They’re early!” she stated. “That’s not good form” she said disapprovingly.
“Admiral’s prerogative I’m afraid” said Dave. “Who’s that?” he asked referring to the last figure getting out of the shuttle.
“Must be Captain Jeb Wilson” said Rihan.
“He doesn’t look that mad” said Dave in a whisper into her ear.
“I bet he doesn’t bark either” she came back with a smile.
Phil introduced the new captain without any reference to his ‘mad dog’ epitaph. “Since Jeb’s just arrived” said Phil to Dave “I thought it would be good for him to sit in on this demo.
“More the merrier Sir” responded Dave. “Would you all follow me.”
Chapter 44. Resolute over Chelora 1300, 28 August
It had been a full morning. There were definitely a few teething problems to be sorted but on the whole the smile on Jim’s face said it all. He was seated around the big briefing room table.
“So by the expression on your face Jim you must be pleased?” asked Phil.
“Yes Sir, on the whole I am. There are things we can improve, like the timings. The droids just execute a lot faster than we jarheads. But I’ve talked with Julian about implementing a form of orders delay in their protocols when they are working as part of an integrated force. That should do the trick. But really, just look at those exercise stats. Marine cas are down by 61%. Sure the droids are up but not by that much. It gets my tick of approval.”
“And what about you Julian?” asked Phil.
“I agree with the good commander” said Julian “And this is only using basic commands. Just imagine what it’s going to be like when we’ve got the complex commands working as well.” Julian was talking loudly, full of confidence.
Phil invited comment from the others present. There was discussion about comms security and about breaching procedures. The latter lasted for over half an hour. Finally Phil, conscious of the need to release the Resolute, said “Thanks everyone. I was a bit sceptical beforehand but you impressed me today. I say it’s a goer.” Phil turned to Jeb “Do you think you can implement these changes on the Tenacity during the warp?”
“Hell yeah” said Jeb, brushing his blond locks back. “Really impressed. We’ll need the new estabs and AI?”
>
“I can get that to you straight away” chimed in Julian. “But there’s a few things you or your tech lead need to know.”
“How about you go back with the Captain” said Dave to Julian “brief them and come back with him and his XO for the pre-mission briefing at 1500.”
“My pleasure Sir” said Julian.
“OK everyone” said Phil in his commanding tone “you have less than three hours before you warp for Q2. Good luck to you all. We’re done!” As they began filing out he added “Jeb, remember what I told you.” His tone was a cautionary one.
But like the perpetual truant to the headmaster Jeb replied with a big wide grin on his face “How could I forget Sir?”
Phil couldn’t help himself smile.
As Dave and Rihan made their way down to B deck he hailed the watch to make sure the Admiral’s shuttle would be coming over and to ensure everything else was in order for a warp at 1600. Then he hailed Ivan to ensure that he and Chase were all go for the briefing at 1500.
Back in their cabin he watched Rihan pack up her overnight bag. There wasn’t much to throw in it. She zipped it up and threw it on the floor. “There, done!” she said. She turned to see Dave’s eyes almost tearing up. With all the activity he hadn’t really had time to come to terms with the fact that he would be unlikely to see Rihan for many months. He had felt a wave of emotion dump on him. She walked over to him, took his head between her two hands and gently kissed him on the lips. “I’m going to miss you” she said.
“Ditto!” and he kissed her gently on the lips. He was content to hold her in his arms and breathe in her sent.
She pulled out of his embrace and looked at the time on her communicator. With a greedy, mischievous look she asked “Once more with feeling?”
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