“You just liked the resorts,” teased Benjamin, trying to inject some levity into their conversation.
He knew Angela had been seriously considering opting out of the fleet before agreeing to stay on board the new WarStorm. She'd been given that option because of her time spent in cryosleep and what had happened to the ship. He'd been given the same choice.
“The resorts were nice,” admitted Angela, allowing a smile to creep onto her face.
“The resorts on Careth are also,” Benjamin reminded her. “Maybe we can swing some leave time to check them out.”
“It’s a thought,” replied Angela, letting out a deep breath. Talking to Benjamin did help to make her feel more at ease. He had that type of charm about him.
They both fell silent as they watched the ship’s main viewscreens. The deep, swirling purples of hyperspace were a comfort as no ship could be attacked while in this strange, other reality.
Amanda let out a deep sigh and leaned back. She closed her eyes briefly wondering how long it would be before she saw Richard again. She'd been briefed by Fleet Admiral Johnson about the threat at the center of the galaxy. It was hard to imagine that they only had two years to defeat the Hocklyns and stop the AIs. If the structures the AIs were building around the black hole at the galaxy’s center were indeed aimed at wiping out all organic life, she wasn’t sure they could stop them. Amanda had a lot of faith in Hedon and his ability to survive impossible situations. However, for once Amanda greatly feared that her long time friend was up against a force that he would be powerless to prevail against.
-
Admiral Streth was in his quarters aboard the StarStrike as he studied a detailed map of the galactic center. The map and the photos that had accompanied it had been furnished by the Altons. There was an area ten thousand light years across where the average star was less than a light week apart. Closer to the center, stars were moving at millions of kilometers per hour as they orbited the all consuming black hole monster at the galactic core, Saggitarius A. This entire section of the galaxy was home to the AIs. Hedon doubted if any type of organic life still existed in this dangerous part of space.
He moved the map over to one side and looked down at a photo showing the black hole itself, a monstrosity with the mass of over four million times that of Earth’s sun. At a distance of one tenth of a light year there orbited hundreds of massive structures, all constructed by the AIs. Hedon knew if they'd been built any closer, the tidal forces from the black hole would tear them apart. As it was, they orbited the black hole at extremely high speeds.
Leaning back, he closed his eyes and let out a deep sigh of resignation. How could you attack something so close to the black hole? A ship’s jump drive wouldn’t even function so close to such a massive gravity source. Opening his eyes, he leaned forward. The AIs could evidently jump in. He knew their jump drives allowed them to jump in close to planets, ignoring the limiting factor that gravity had on Federation ships. For that matter, Alton ships had the same ability.
He looked once again at one of the massive structures displayed in the photo the Altons had furnished. He noticed what looked like numerous small objects around the structure. Curious as to what they could be, he called up the same photo on the computer on his desk and zoomed in on the small objects. His breathing nearly stopped as he gazed at an AI sphere. There were hundreds of them around the structure, and there were hundreds of structures. Hedon felt a sudden chill run down his back. He'd known there were a lot of AI ships at the galaxy’s center; it was just chilling to see that knowledge confirmed.
-
Weeks passed and Hedon was back in the Command Center. The next jump would bring them back to Careth and safety, assuming you could be safe from three thousand pursuing enemy ships. The long-range scouts had observed the massed Hocklyns and Borzon fleets leaving Kenward Seven. They'd also reported that there were thirty AI ships in the enemy fleet formations as well. Hedon estimated they had a little over five weeks before the enemy arrived. It all depended on how far the AIs had updated the Hocklyn ships FTL drives and what the Borzon ships were capable of.
“Almost back to Careth,” Colonel Trist commented as he turned away from the tactical display and looked over at the admiral. “Are we going to allow the crews some leave time? They could sure use it.”
“Yes,” Hedon answered with a nod. “We know we have some time before the next attack, anywhere from four to six weeks. When we get to Careth, I plan to give all the crews two full weeks of leave. Many of our ships need to have some repairs done anyway. I want our people at top efficiency when the Hocklyns and their new friends get to Careth.”
“What about you, Hedon?” Colonel Trist asked in a quieter voice. He'd known the admiral from the very beginning and very seldom called Hedon by his first name. “You need some rest also.”
“Maybe a few days,” conceded Hedon, looking over at Janice at Communications. “There’s a lot of planning I need to do and work that has to be taken care of if we want to survive the coming attack.”
“Take the days off, Hedon,” Trist said simply, glancing over at Captain Duncan. “Take Janice with you.” Colonel Trist turned and returned to his duties.
He was well aware of the discreet relationship between Hedon and Janice; it was one he approved of. He knew from all the years of serving with the admiral that he had very seldom let a woman get close to him. It was good to see the Fleet Admiral to finally let his guard down with someone.
Hedon looked at his executive officer’s back, knowing that Trist had given him some good advice. Perhaps Trist was right; a few days of rest and maybe he would be able to view this with a new perspective. He looked over at Janice. He knew if Taylor or Lendle were around, they'd be telling him to do it. There was no way to know what the future might hold. Because of their positions as fleet officers, it would be wise not to be intimate, but they could still spend some time together. The decision made he would speak to Janice as soon as they got off duty. He hoped she would say yes.
Chapter Nineteen
Admiral Streth gazed out over the calm ocean waters of the seaside resort where he and Janice were staying. After two weeks of frantic work helping Grayseth, Admiral Telleck, and others design a defense strategy for the Carethian system he'd finally allowed himself a few days off. Admiral Telleck was still aboard his flagship coordinating the defense effort.
“This is nice,” Janice spoke as she leaned back in her lounge chair and stretched. She was wearing a black two piece that only accented her figure even more. She smiled to herself as she noticed Hedon’s eyes focus on her body. It made her feel warm inside knowing he was attracted to her that way. Now, if she could only get him to do something about it!
“A few days away from the war,” said Hedon, smiling. He knew Janice was hoping for something more intimate, and Hedon was highly tempted, but it was wiser for them to wait. How could he expect others to obey fleet regulations if he didn't?
“It’s so relaxing here,” Janice spoke as she reached for the suntan lotion and handed it to Hedon.
Sitting up, he began to slowly rub the lotion over her skin. He had a strong suspicion that Janice was doing everything she could to encourage more physical contact. Her soft skin felt wonderful under his hands. He knew if it wasn’t for the war, she would easily have her way with him. It was all he could do to resist her charms. She was becoming someone very special in is life and he wanted to share that experience with her.
“I’m glad you’re enjoying it,” Hedon replied as he found himself spending more time than necessary applying the suntan lotion. “I’m happy we’re doing this. At least it gives us some time together away from the ship.”
“But not the marines,” Janice added with a laugh. At a discreet distance, two female marines stood, keeping a protective eye on the two. Even here at the resort, a minimum of security was required for the Fleet Admiral.
“It goes with the job,” Hedon sighed. He finished applying the suntan lotion and
reaching over, picked up the fruit drink on the small table.
“At least they’re keeping their distance,” Janice replied as she lay back down on the lounger. She slid the straps of her bathing suit off her shoulders and tucked them into the top piece so she could get a better tan. She noticed Hedon watching her. “The Carethians have really done a great job building these resorts.”
“I understand from speaking to Grayseth that they are in the process of building several additional resorts for our allies,” Hedon added as he lay back down and looked out across the ocean.
It reminded him a lot of the calm, peaceful lake at the cabin. There were even a few seabirds lazily circling in the air. He hoped fervently that someday he could rebuild that cabin and retire there. If he did, he hoped that Janice would be a part of his retirement. However, a lot had to happen before that dream could become a reality.
Janice watched Hedon out of the corners of her eyes. She knew this time off was good for him even if they didn’t become intimate. She let out a small, disappointed sigh, knowing that if she had to wait longer she would.
-
Admiral Telleck was in the large space station working with Grayseth, Daelthon, and Colonel Malang to increase the defenses around Careth. They were currently studying a large holographic display, which showed all of the current weapons systems.
“We have all twelve of the Alton battle stations online as well as the five hundred particle beam satellites,” Grayseth commented in his powerful voice as his large brown eyes stared at the display. “We’ve also deployed seventy-two of the type two battle stations with updated screens and full loads of Devastator Three missiles.”
“All of the laser satellites and missile platforms have also been put in place,” added Daelthon, folding his large, powerful arms across his chest. “Nearly sixty percent of the original ones were destroyed in the last attack.”
“The planet is very well defended,” conceded Admiral Telleck as he walked around the display studying it from different angels. “I'm pleased to see the space station has completed installing the twenty particle beam cannons the Federation sent.”
“As well as the new power beam batteries,” Colonel Malang added. “We've also installed one of the new fusion reactors, which will greatly increase the strength of the station’s energy shield. We’ve had engineering teams working around the clock to get everything finished.”
“How soon before Admiral Strong and Admiral Sheen arrive?” asked Grayseth, looking inquiringly at Admiral Telleck. “They should have already been here.” He missed Jeremy and his crew and was anxious to see them. Even Rear Admiral Susan Marks was greatly missed. She'd helped train many of the original fighter and bomber crews.
“Their fleets have taken up station in a nearby star system,” Telleck responded evenly, his eyes focusing on Grayseth. “Their fleets will be used to hit the enemy from the rear once the battle begins.”
“Pinning them between our two forces,” Grayseth said with approval. “It will be a good hunt and many of the evil ones will die.” It meant it would be a bit longer before he could see Jeremy, but he understood the reasoning.
“It will be a good hunt indeed,” Admiral Telleck responded. “How many fighters and bombers with Carethian pilots will you be able to deploy?”
“We will have over one thousand fighters and nearly twelve hundred bombers when the time comes,” Grayseth boasted, pleased with the numbers. The Federation had furnished large numbers of both, and one of the large fleet repair ships was equipped to produce additional fighters and bombers and had been doing so since it arrived. “Many of the squadrons will be based on our new shipyard.”
Admiral Telleck looked at the large green icon, which represented the shipyard. Already, four construction and repair bays were operational. Multitudes of Ceres' spider robots were swarming over the shipyard, adding to it hourly. In addition, four of the large fleet repair ships were also assisting in its construction. It was also being heavily armed with defensive satellites and a number of type two battle stations in orbit around it.
“Will it be enough?” Colonel Malang asked in a concerned voice. She knew what they were up against. They'd put up a good fight, but could anything they do stop three thousand warships plus the AIs? “We’re going to be heavily outnumbered even with our allies’ ships.”
“I guess we'll find out,” Admiral Telleck spoke. He hoped Hedon had some brilliant plan up his sleeve. They were certainly going to need it.
-
Jeremy was pacing impatiently in his quarters. For weeks, they'd been stuck in this nameless star system, waiting. What for, Jeremy wasn’t exactly sure. It made no sense for them to attack the Hocklyns and Borzons from the rear. They just didn’t have enough ships to make that big of a difference. To him it made more sense if their fleets were used in conjunction with the planetary defenses of Careth.
“Sit down, Jeremy,” Kelsey admonished with a long sigh. She'd been watching Jeremy pace back and forth for quite some time. “There’s nothing you can do; we have our orders.”
“Strange orders,” uttered Jeremy, stopping and turning to face Kelsey. “They make no sense.”
“That we know of,” Kelsey reminded him. “Admiral Sheen knows what she’s doing. If these orders were wrong, do you really think she would allow our fleets just to set here?”
“No,” Jeremy admitted. He knew Admiral Sheen knew enough about tactics that if this strategy was unsound she wouldn't go along with it.
“Come sit down,” Kelsey said, patting the spot next to her on the sofa.
Jeremy sat down obediently and leaned back, closing his eyes. He wanted so badly to take the Avenger and go to Careth. Grayseth was depending on him returning and he'd promised the large bear he would. He wondered if this was how Admiral Streth had felt when his return with the relief fleets had been delayed.
Kelsey placed her hand on Jeremy’s chest and leaned her head against his shoulder. “Everything will work out,” she said gently. “I just know it will.”
Jeremy put his hand over Kelsey’s and squeezed it gently. He tried to allow himself to relax. Surely Kelsey was right; he just wished he knew what was going on.
Ariel had been watching the two in silence. She turned off the monitors to Jeremy’s quarters and began studying the recent communications between Admiral Sheen and the Federation. There was no doubt something big was up. These weren’t normal fleet reports or just casual conversations. All of them were highly encrypted and flying back and forth almost hourly. Knowing she shouldn’t, she activated a special program she'd put together just for this type of situation. In less than ten minutes, she'd broken the encryption and was reading the messages. She knew if Jeremy found out, he would be highly upset with her.
If her hologram had been activated, its eyes would have widened in shock. No wonder Admiral Sheen was being so secretive about what was going on! Jeremy would be thunderstruck if he knew what was being planned. The next big question was should she tell him? She knew the answer had to be no. She'd known Admiral Sheen for a very long time and didn't want to violate her trust. No one must ever know she'd read the messages. But it did give her some ideas. She had some tactical plans to work up. At least she could do something constructive and when the time came, she would be ready.
-
Fleet Commodore Resmunt looked at the tactical display with deep satisfaction. At last, he had the forces he needed to destroy the Humans. Three thousand warships and the thirty AI ships he had originally had grown to sixty. Evidently, even the AIs believed the new fleet was unstoppable.
“High Leader Nartel is demanding to know how soon we will begin jumping again?” First Leader Ganth said as he walked over from Communications.
“Shortly,” Resmunt responded.
It would take them another week to reach the system of Careth, but he was going to pause long enough to allow all of his ships to retune their drives back to top efficiency. They would linger in this system for a full day and th
en begin making their final jumps toward their target. For once, not even the AIs were complaining.
“There is much honor ahead of us,” First Leader Ganth rasped as he touched the blade at his waist. “The Humans and their allies will fall before our fleets.”
“This time they will,” Resmunt agreed with a nod. “Inform the High Leader that we will stay in this system for a full day and then resume our course.”
He looked around the War Room with his large, dark eyes. He felt the cold blood in his veins grow warmer at the thought of the impending victory. The High Leader would see his ability as a Fleet Commodore and once the Humans were destroyed, Resmunt would be able to rise high in the Hocklyn Hierarchy. Perhaps even to the rank of High Councilor. His family would become flush with honor and prestige. Limitless wealth would come his way.
First Leader Ganth turned away from Fleet Commodore Resmunt. Honor for the flagship would be great. When this battle was over, he would take his rightful place as a War Leader.
-
Second Leader Jaseth looked over at all the green icons in the main sensor display. Surely, this was the greatest fleet ever gathered in the entire galaxy! He felt excitement knowing that very soon the Human threat would come to an end. He touched the sharp blade at his waist. The only blood it had ever known was that of Hocklyns in honor duels. He hoped that in the coming battle he could find some way to drench it in Human blood.
Jaseth looked around the busy War Room. Fleet Commodore Versith was at the command pedestal speaking to War Leader Trion. If Jaseth could score enough kills with his weapons, then a position of First Leader or perhaps even a War Leader was possible. Someday he would return to Calzen and reclaim his family’s honor and even the family’s ancestral habitat above Anlesh.
-
The Command AI of the AI fleet floated a few inches above the metal floor in the Control Room of the massive sphere. Around the AI was an intense amount of activity as various AIs worked analyzing the tactical situation. Battle scenarios were being run of the attack on Careth and its probable outcome. In every scenario so far, the Humans and their allies had been defeated with relative ease.
The Slaver Wars: Galactic Conflict Page 27