The Slaver Wars: Galactic Conflict

by Raymond L. Weil

  “The Hocklyns and the AIs could launch a major attack against Careth at any time,” Admiral Streth informed them as his eyes swept over the Federation Senators. “We can’t wait any longer. Over three weeks have already passed since the Hocklyn attack.”

  “We still have a large number of ships in the repair bays at New Tellus,” Senator Fulbright reminded the admiral in a conciliatory tone. “In my opinion, we can’t launch a relief force until we have repaired our ships and new construction replaces what we have lost. We have the entire Federation to think about. Careth will have to wait.”

  “The Inactive Reserve is being brought online and will be fully operational in another three months,” Senator Anderson from Earth commented. “That will more than make up for our fleet losses.”

  “But they’re older ships,” protested Senator Fulbright, shaking his head in denial. “We can’t count on them to protect us if the Hocklyns launch another major attack. What if they attack somewhere else besides New Tellus or Earth? Is there any other system here that could survive an attack the size of the one they launched against New Tellus?”

  The Senate Chamber was quiet as the senators looked worriedly at one another. They knew that the smaller systems would be vulnerable to such an attack. While many agreed with Admiral Streth’s desire to send a relief fleet, they also knew they had their own worlds to be concerned about. Many of the senators refused to meet Admiral Streth’s eyes.

  “We also need to further upgrade our warships with Alton weapons and shields,” President Kincaid said, rising to his feet in an attempt to take back control of the meeting. “We all would like to launch a relief fleet to Careth, but now is not the time, Admiral.”

  “How long before Alton weapons can be installed on our warships?” Senator Malle from Mars inquired. “If we encounter more AI ships in such a relief effort, those weapons will be sorely needed.”

  “The StarStrike and the New Tellus are already undergoing upgrades for the new weapons systems,” replied Admiral Streth, trying to keep his anger in check. “We have a team of Alton engineers at New Tellus working with our people to upgrade the two battleships as well as our battlecruisers. The two battleships will be ready in another two days.” Hedon had the crews working around the clock in order to have the two powerful ships ready to deploy. “We can be ready to leave by the end of the week.”

  “When all the ships are upgraded, come back and see us,” President Kincaid suggested as his eyes focused on Admiral Streth. “We understand your desire to rescue Rear Admiral Strong and the ships under his command. It will do him no good if you rush off in ships that haven’t been properly updated.”

  “A wise decision,” Senator Fulbright echoed, pleased that Admiral Streth was not going to get his way. He was also surprised that President Kincaid was siding with him.

  Admiral Streth stood in silence as he regarded the looks upon the senator’s faces. He knew he could not win this argument, at least not yet.

  “I will return when the ships are ready,” promised Hedon. “When I return I will not take no for an answer.” He turned and exited the Senate Chambers, still angry with the senators. It reminded him why politicians should not be allowed to run a war.

  President Kincaid watched him leave. He wished he could send the ships that Fleet Admiral Streth wanted. It pained him to know that the Special Five were in grave danger and could very well lose their lives at Careth. Rear Admiral Strong and the other four of that special group were very important to the entire Federation. Kincaid didn’t want to think about the ramifications if the relief force was to arrive too late. Kincaid knew he could have forced a vote, and while a number of key senators would have supported the measure, those opposed would have outnumbered them.

  -

  Governor Malleck was meeting with Fleet Admiral Karla Johnson, Admiral Telleck, and Admiral Kalen in his office at Ceres. They were discussing the recent meeting that Fleet Admiral Streth had with the Federation Senate.

  “It is as I expected,” Governor Malleck said with a disappointed sigh. “The attack at New Tellus has frightened many of the senators. They will not agree to a relief fleet until the Inactive Reserve has been mobilized and new ship construction has made up for our losses.” He had received a briefing on the meeting from an irate Senator Barnes. Barnes would have been one of the senators in support of sending the relief fleet.

  “I don’t understand their thinking,” Admiral Telleck said with a frown. “We have Alton warships assigned to each Federation system. Neither the AIs nor the Hocklyns will attack us as long as those ships are present.”

  “But they are in small numbers,” pointed out Admiral Kalen. “There are four ships at New Tellus and Earth, but only two in each of the other systems.”

  “I spoke to Ambassador Tureen several days ago,” Malleck said as he looked at the others. “The majority of their people are pacifists. That’s what took them so long to activate their warships. Even the ships they sent to New Tellus had very small crews in them; just enough to operate the ships.”

  “Governor,” spoke Admiral Telleck, squaring up his shoulders. “I volunteer to take my fleet and go to Careth. Perhaps with the added numbers Admiral Strong will be able to survive until Fleet Admiral Streth can arrive with a large enough force to drive off the besieging Hocklyns.”

  Malleck leaned back in his chair, slowly shook his head and looked at Admiral Telleck. The two had been friends for many years and he knew that the admiral was serious in his offer. “Glenn, we don’t dare do so,” he spoke in a soft voice. “For all that we know Careth may have already fallen. I have made arrangements with Ambassador Tureen for a number of Alton engineers to come to Ceres in the next few days. They will be bringing a number of cargo ships containing some special equipment that they will need. We’re going to install the new shields, weapons, and power systems upon our battlecarriers and battlecruisers. All of our new ships under construction will be equipped with the new systems.”

  “That will take weeks!” protested Telleck, arching his eyebrows in deep concern. “The relief fleet needs to be sent as soon as possible!”

  “Six weeks at the most,” replied Malleck, recalling the timeline the Altons had agreed upon. “At the end of six weeks, I promise we will send a relief fleet, even if Ceres has to do it alone.”

  “You won’t be alone,” Fleet Admiral Johnson said determinedly. “I will see to it that in six weeks Admiral Streth will have First and Second Fleets back up to full strength and they'll be going with you.”

  “What if the Federation Senate objects?” Admiral Kalen asked his eyes focusing on the Fleet Admiral. He knew she might be putting her job on the line.

  “They won’t know until after the mission has been launched,” Karla replied, her eyes flashing defiantly. “We don’t leave our people behind!”

  -

  Later that evening, Karla and Admiral Telleck were in one of the classier restaurants inside one of the large habitats within Ceres. They were currently in the Aquarian Habitat, which had been named after one of the worlds of the original Federation.

  “If you send this fleet without the permission of the Federation Senate, you could lose your command,” Glenn spoke with concern in his voice. Karla and he had been close friends for years.

  “It will be a difficult decision,” Karla admitted with a deep sigh. “I think President Kincaid really wants to send the mission as soon as possible, but he doesn’t dare with the current mood of the Senate. The senators have seen videos of the battle at New Tellus. Hell, the AIs and Hocklyns managed to destroy two of our asteroid fortresses, and those were supposed to be nearly indestructible. I guess you can’t blame them for being scared.”

  A waiter brought their food and the two were quiet for a moment as they began to eat. Karla was having smoked trout and Glenn his normal rib eye steak, cooked medium rare.

  “I don’t see how you can eat a steak cooked like that,” commented Karla, shaking her head in mild disgust. “I’m surp
rised that steak doesn’t holler every time you cut off a slice.”

  “It’s all in the flavor,” replied Glenn, defensively. “If you grill a good steak too long you cook the flavor out.”

  “Perhaps,” Karla replied as she took a small bite of her trout. It was cooked perfectly.

  “Will Admiral Streth be willing to wait six weeks?”

  Karla put her fork down and looked over at Glenn. “I don’t know. He promised Jeremy he would be returning and Hedon believes in keeping his promises. Once we return to New Tellus, I’ll have a long talk with him. He won’t like it, but I think I can talk him into waiting. I just hope Rear Admiral Strong can hold out until help arrives.”

  -

  Fleet Admiral Streth was on board the battlecarrier Endurance, which was part of Second Fleet. The battlecarrier had come through the battle at New Tellus relatively unscathed. The only other surviving battlecarrier from Operation First Strike was the Essex under the command of Commander Bixby.

  “Ready to jump, Sir,” Commander Evelyn Marsh reported from her position behind the main command console.

  Hedon gazed at the large viewscreen, which showed a view of the planet Earth. He let out a long, deep sigh. The planet reminded him so much of his home planet, Maken. The deep blues of the oceans, the scattering of white clouds drifting in the atmosphere, and the green and browns of the landmasses.

  “Let’s go to New Tellus,” Hedon ordered with a nod. He was anxious to get back and see the progress being made on the StarStrike. He also wanted to visit Amanda. She and Richard were currently down on New Tellus relaxing at one of the mountain resorts.

  A swirling blue-white spatial vortex suddenly formed in front of the Endurance and the ship accelerated into it. The battlecarrier jumped into hyperspace and shortly after, the vortex collapsed and then vanished.

  -

  On Earth, President Kincaid was in his office watching a large viewscreen, which had been focused on the Endurance. He breathed a deep sigh of regret as he saw the ship disappear. He knew it contained a very upset Fleet Admiral.

  “He’s on his way back to New Tellus,” Senator Anderson commented from where he was sitting in front of the president’s desk.

  “Yes, and he’s not a happy admiral,” Senator Malle added from his seat next to Anderson.

  “We didn’t have the votes,” spoke Kincaid, looking across his desk at the other two. “Senator Fulbright and his faction would have voted the measure down.”

  “What if the Special Five die?” asked Anderson, arching his eyebrows. “The entire population of the Federation will be demanding our heads. Next to Admiral Streth, those five young people are the Federation’s biggest heroes.”

  “Perhaps we should use that popularity to our advantage,” Senator Malle proposed. “If enough people put pressure on the Federation Senators who are opposed to a rescue operation it could force them to change their minds.”

  “That just might work,” Senator Anderson spoke in agreement. Even Senator Fulbright would have to give in to public pressure.”

  “We don’t know what happened to the AIs and the Hocklyns after they jumped away from New Tellus,” Kincaid reminded them. He liked the idea of using public pressure against some of the other senators to get them to agree to send a relief fleet. A few choice words dropped to several of the larger media outlets would probably do the trick.

  “No, we don’t,” responded Malle, leaning forward. “But they still had one hell of a fleet. If that fleet attacks Rear Admiral Strong and we don’t send a relief fleet, he won’t stand a chance.”

  “It’s out of our hands for now,” Kincaid replied in a grim voice. “If the Altons were willing to furnish a large number of their warships for such an endeavor, then I would have put forward a motion to send a relief force and I think it would have carried. However, they have made it plain that they are not willing to risk a major portion of their fleet so far from home.”

  “Fleet Admiral Streth may take it upon himself to act alone,” warned Anderson, warily. “The man is full of pride and loyalty to the people that serve under him. He may take First and Second Fleet and go off on his own.”

  “Perhaps,” replied Kincaid, letting out a deep breath as he considered the possibility. “But I think that once he calms down, he will see the wisdom of waiting until his ships are updated.”

  “The people of the Federation all know he played a major role in the victory at New Tellus,” Malle reminded them. “If he does decide to do this on his own, I don’t think there is anything we could do. He is by far the most popular officer in the fleet.”

  The three continued to talk and make future plans. They all knew that the destiny of the New Federation of Worlds rested squarely upon Admiral Streth’s shoulders. After all, everyone had always been taught that the great Admiral Streth would someday awaken from cryosleep and lead the Human race to victory over the Hocklyns. All President Kincaid had to do was to find some way to make sure that happened.

  -

  Amanda and Richard were in a shuttle flying over one of the former cities of New Tellus. The city had been hit with a twenty-megaton nuclear missile and all that remained was rubble. All the skyscrapers and other buildings had been leveled in the blast. A large, blackened crater was visible at the city’s center.

  “There’s no radiation,” Richard commented as he gazed out at the destruction. It reminded him of what the Hocklyns had done to New Providence while he had been trapped in orbit on New Providence Station, powerless to stop them. “The Altons were able to eliminate the radiation, so there will be no residual effects.”

  Amanda nodded as she looked down seeing construction equipment busily at work tearing down and hauling off what remained of the once thriving city. “What are the people doing?”

  “Many of the smaller towns survived,” replied Richard, looking over at his wife. Amanda was almost back to normal after being injured aboard the WarStorm, even though it worried Richard that she had spoken very little about the battle and the loss of her ship. He feared that she regretted not dying with the rest of her crew. “There is a massive effort to rebuild what the Hocklyns and the AIs destroyed. I spoke to Senator Amy Karnes a few days ago and she is confident they can have everything rebuilt in less than a year. They’re going to use some of the spider-like repair robots that Ceres makes use of in their construction projects.”

  “I hope so,” replied Amanda, softly. She knew there had been very few civilian casualties as New Tellus had been prepared for this type of attack. The people had survived in deep underground bunkers, safe from the Hocklyn bombardment. “Where are we going?”

  Richard smiled and then replied. “We're going to New Tellus Station, there is something there I want to show you.”

  The small shuttle rapidly climbed up out of the planet’s atmosphere and was soon approaching the massive shipyard that orbited the planet. There were currently five shipyards around New Tellus. At one time, there had been six, but Shipyard Clements had been destroyed in the Hocklyn attack. Space was still littered with debris from countless ships, the satellite defensive grid, as well as the two asteroid fortresses that had been destroyed. Dozens of small tugs were busy gathering up the debris and taking it to the shipyards to be reprocessed. Eventually, new warships would emerge. There were even plans being made to build another shipyard.

  Amanda gazed out of the viewport next to her. This was the first time in several weeks that she had been back up into space. In the back of her mind, she could still hear the screams and panicked voices in the Command Center of the WarStorm as it was struck by the deadly sublight missile launched by the AI. After that, there was nothing as she had been knocked unconscious. Her ship had died when Commander Evans had rammed an AI ship, destroying both in the process. She knew from reports that less than twenty of the crew had survived. Most of those had been injured and evacuated under Commander Evans orders. Her eyes glistened with tears at the memory.

  I should have been with them, Aman
da thought, as she peered out the viewport and wiped away the tears. Most of her fleet had died; the people she had grown so close to had perished while she had survived. It wasn’t fair!

  The shuttle docked to the station and as they walked down the shuttle’s ramp, Amanda was surprised to see Rear Admiral Bennett, as well as Lieutenant Benjamin Stalls and Lieutenant Angela Trask. She allowed herself to smile upon seeing the two lieutenants. They had been with her from the very beginning and she was extremely thankful that they had survived the destruction of the WarStorm. It also reminded her that Lieutenant Karen Ashton had not. Karen had also been with them for a very long time and she would be deeply missed.

  “Admiral,” greeted Amanda, shaking hands with Admiral Bennett. Then she walked over and uncharacteristically hugged both of the lieutenants. “I’m glad to see the two of you. It’s been awhile.”

  “Yes, Admiral,” Benjamin replied, surprised and embarrassed at Admiral Sheen’s emotional response to seeing them. “You look well.”

  Amanda nodded and then turned to Admiral Bennett. “Just why am I here? There has to be a reason.”

  Admiral Bennett allowed himself to smile. “Follow me and I'll show you.”

  The small group made their way through the busy station, even passing a small group of Altons.

  “How many Altons are on the station?” Amanda asked as they passed by the taller, white haired aliens. She knew that if not for the Altons, New Tellus would have fallen.

  “Several hundred,” Bennett replied. “They’re helping to install some new power systems for the station as well as working on upgrading our warships.”

  “Just what are they doing to our ships?” asked Amanda, feeling intrigued. She had heard a number of rumors, but Richard had insisted that she stay away from Fleet stuff while she had recuperated from her injury.