Various sections of this deck house power distribution, sewage handling, recycling, ships main lighting and environmental controls, water pumping and water manufacturing reactors and engineering fabrication. This area contains the highest concentration of automation controls of all levels in the Examiner. On entry, I don the required hearing protection. Except for the fully insulated supervisors' offices, the noise intensity is quite elevated within these spaces; but, sound reduction and noise-cancelling systems work to prevent its leakage into other regions of the vessel or out into space. Most OFSA vessels are enormous and based on a shared root design; customized to fit specific needs and functions.
It takes a little time; but, my brain can turn off the din while drowning out any unfamiliar sounds; thus, providing an environment I can use for deep reflection. By the end of my stroll, my thoughts are unclouded and lucid; but, I decide to move on to deck two to walk through the engine rooms and other facilities.
........................................................................................................
Major Heinz Prüfer sat in the office assigned to him, by Isreal Group's Command, aboard the FSS Israel. He was reading yesterday's reports, dated Saturday, June 1. There was no lack of forensic evidence; but, none of it reflected on a possible suspect. The only thing Heinz was absolutely sure of was that; when the perpetrator is caught, his guilt will be confirmed by locating all the trophies taken from the victims, now numbering seven. This sociopath is inspired; employing forensic counter-measures that would eliminate, spoil or camouflage.
The Major was realistically confident in the forensic psychological profile they had developed. He was sure the offender was male, from Earth, about six feet two inches in height, left handed and most likely an officer. These traits had all been determined logically from the evidence. Both ligature marks and cast-off suggested the height and left-handedness. It took a while; but, the pattern had finally indicated he was following Earth's lunar cycle. And, most of the victims had been lured to meet someone superior who they trusted. In a criminal planetary investigation, it would be the norm to look for a stressor that triggered the behavior; but, field deployed OFSA personnel are under so much daily pressure that looking for a cause is impractical.
Based on the current state of the lunar cycle, back home, the culprit would strike in the next two evenings. And, if the profile is correct, this criminal would be compelled to quench his need. Major Prüfer was employing a two-pronged approach to attempt to catch him in the act. First, two of his junior officers are placed covertly. One is now a part of the Isreal Group staff and the other, Ensign Muqatil Jayid, is the most junior bridge officer on shift four. That fourth rotation would be on duty during the correct period, over the next two days. Both these appointments appeared to be standard transfers from other vessels in Draco Fleet. Tine two of the strategy was for ISIE to employ the Kyoto's eighteen-person marine contingent. They would unobtrusively assume positions throughout the ship; making it look like familiar personnel was just conducting regular business. That way, a lot of new faces would not be apparent throughout Kyoto. As a safety measure and not public knowledge, all further transfers or promotions involving those that would move off the Frigate were on temporary hold. What concerned the Major the most was the Ensign on fourth shift duty. He had been selected for his ideal fit, based on victimology outlined in the profile. A junior officer, young, very fit, tall and blonde, he fit in perfectly with the previous ones. But, if he played his character and executed his role correctly; he should never actually be imperiled. Part of his routine would be to make constant trips off the bridge. One junior officer always did duty as a runner for the bridge team, during a week's shift. This period would appear to be his week. Jayid knew where the other Marines were positioned and would always route himself along those pathways.
Sure enough, as he navigated the central corridor on deck eight, that evening, he sensed, more than observed, a flash of movement from above his head; and, reacted instantly; turning, sharply while presenting a right leg side kick directly behind him at roughly waist level. Jayid momentarily hesitated as he saw the ship's Exec on the floor; but, sprang to further action once he decerned the garotte laying in the corridor, a foot from the stunned officer's left hand. Two sharp whistles as, he delivered another blow to the downed officer, brought three Marines from nearby corridor intersections.
The next two hours were spent acquiring a warrant and searching the man's quarters; a task that revealed all the rank insignia trophies from the previous homicides along with clothing containing both the victims' and the suspect's DNA. Lt. Commander Surjimarhaja was ushered to the JAG courtroom; aboard the Isreal, and formally charged with attempted murder and seven first-degree homicides. The judge ruled he be bound over for trial, without the benefit of bail. A rudely awakened, and yawning, criminal defense attorney was appointed; then, all moved to the interrogation room, aboard the Israel. Without any questioning, Surjimarhaja offered all the details. Though half Alezian by heritage, he was a second generation Earth citizen and half human. Alezia is the name the people of Beta Hydra Four give their planet. Labs were assigned his clothing, the garotte, the trophies and the suspect's comparative samples, for examination.
.................................................................................................................
In the meantime, we kept up with our usual daily routine; though, we punctuate it by communications aimed at keeping us all sharply focused on that second larger body of warships. Besides the typical concerns for personnel under my command, I was particularly worried about the prisoner we held aboard the Examiner. He is a confessed serial killer who created havoc aboard the FSS Kyoto; and, the most extreme security protocols were being employed to hold him in our bring; since he was considered incredibly dangerous. I feared he may get free; if, we were seriously damaged, in battle.
At twelve hundred fifteen hours on July 7, a group of nearly two hundred enemy vessels began activating Kasimir Emitters to form jump points. As each vanished out of their space, a few minutes later, we determined their trajectories would terminate at our Automated Observation Platform at RA fifteen hours, declination forty-five degrees. Their jump velocity was twenty percent of C; right at the limit of their structural integrity. They would land at precisely six hundred thirty hours. Regardless of ulterior motives, the target is indispensable to the Federation. It scans the nearby space in a multitude of frequencies and at incredible resolutions; sending back composite images that make it nearly impossible to hide anything bigger than a golf cart within its extensive operational area. And, our current location, made its information available to us, with only a forty minute lag. Forty-eight such autonomous floating platforms, positioned equal distance from each other and supplemented by hundreds of less formidable mounted stations, populated and protected the entire border of the Orion Federation.
Almost immediately, I began receiving orders from George; detaching us from the main flotilla, for duty at the intended target. I knew, we were to protect the platforms at all costs. The next fifteen minutes were spent analyzing the trajectory paths of the incoming attackers. They would land in a pattern surrounding the platform, at about two million kilometers radius from it. I understood the tactic. It would permit them space to move in while firing without hitting each other.
I set about writing TAMs, memos and directives ordering my contingent to form two rings - one inside the intruder's radius, on the same Z-axis as their exit points; and, one outside and ten kilometers above. The firing angles of the two contingents would permit each to shoot without accidentally hitting each other. We would deploy two hundred raptors between the two defensive rings and another hundred right at the station. I ordered the jump for three hundred hours, at forty percent. That would place us at the site a little more than four hours ahead of our antagonists; allowing ample time for refining positions. I expressed the need for upper-level positions to be staggered with those of the o
nes circling the installation.
............................................................................................................
Admiral Coquinas observed the Inscrutable diversionary formation's arrival at Iota Bootis at four hundred thirty, on July 8. His flotilla was sitting a quarter light-year out and a quarter light-year above their opponents' exit points; with long range sensors widely deployed to avoid detection; but, permit observation on a thirteen-minute lag. They could jump to the enemy in less than three-quarters of an hour; if, it became necessary; but, were out of visual and short distance sensor range.
Iota Bootis is an expansive trinary group of relatively bright stars. The region is too high in radiation and ultraviolet light to permit the development of humanoid life; but, offers short-term stopover for retrieval of essential supplies, such as water and base minerals. Not even an observation post has been placed on any bodies in the system. It is ordinarily patrolled by Theatre Five's Ursa Major Fleet.
Our adversary exited their vortices with weapons blazing the instant they crossed their own thresholds; then, silenced when the realization dawned that; they were alone. Not a lot of time was wasted in their subterfuge. They spent thirty minutes searching nearby space; never even deploying long range detectors; then, generated jump points and left the region. Coquinas tracked their vortices back to their main body across the border from Mobile Fifth.
............................................................................................................
At six hundred twenty-eight hours, my people detected wormhole exit apertures growing in the expected formation and began pummeling them with particle charges; successfully disrupting seventy-three of them and filling the enclosed battlefield with dust, scrap and flotsam as the affected conduits vomited destruction into open space. One hundred twenty-one made it into the region struggling to target and return fire; as each was pounded by charges and spears from a multitude of angles. The difference in the enemy tactics of this particular attack was the numbers of fighters that exited the event horizons, already launched from their mother ships. We had examined these small vessels; but, it had not occurred that their robust construction made them suitable for FTL flight.
Like our forces, the Inscrutables devoted a percentage of their weaponry to defending against the incoming assault. It was common practice to attempt to intercept the weapons fire to reduce the damage it could do. But, in this case, we rained down layered sheets upon them, from a multitude of angles; forcing our foe to devote a much larger portion of their weaponry to defense. Maybe, one out of every hundred kinetic and particle shots were actually aimed at my IGB force; so, we were devoting only five percent of our firepower to defense; while the majority was being focused on direct attack. Very few, if any, vessels under my command were actually hit by enemy fire. In contrast, we watched little jets of gas and smoke spew from holes as enemy ships rocked in reaction to the constant pummelling.
However, the ferocity of the battle was unmatched by the previous ones; a result of their fighters engaging in close range dogfights with our Raptors. It was the first time this foe had actually been able to contest our front line and support vessels; and, it took considerable skill for our pilots to overcome them as they weaved and bobbed to gain an advantage in the tumultuous no-mans-land. I directed our warships to focus a portion of our weapon's fire on any enemy fighter they could target, without endangering our own; to provide a little relief to those front-line gladiators.
The sheer overpowering numbers of our repelling force meant that; the Inscrutables could only deflect a third of our onslaught; the rest finding their targets with only overtaxed shields to absorb the energy. By overwhelming numbers, I am referring to the entirety of all the cannons, missile launchers, rail guns and torpedo ports that dot every available space on the hulls of each ship. And, weapons control is able to use each and every weapon separately; or, synchronized with other assemblies; or even, in salvo mode with all firing together at one particular target. In fact, we can fire barrages from one group; while sequentially firing another; while independently firing the rest; all at the same time. When an enemy faces a single frigate, they are defending against a hundred paired particle cannons, sixty rail gun platforms, forty multiple missile launchers and several dozen dual torpedo tubes.
A medley of shrapnel created a surreal post-apocalyptic image. The major defensive objective turned from deflecting weapons hits to avoiding spiraling garbage, scrap, flotsam and partial hulls flying unpredictably through the tightly constrained battlefield.
The main struggle ended less than an hour after it began; when we lobbed anti-matter torpedoes at each of the functioning craft in the enemy fleet; annihilating all remaining ships. The dog fights continued for another two hours. Raptors twisted, rolled, spiraled and looped; zig-zagging to achieve superior positioning to their enemy counterparts; finally firing a missile or guns and peeling away to avoid the spreading debris erupting from the destroyed fighters. In very short order, enemy fighter craft expended all ammunition; with nowhere to turn for resupply. One by one, they activated their self-destruct systems.
As reports streamed in, I realized we had lost just four raptors. Those pilots had inadvertently crossed between our weapons fire and our antagonists' deflecting shots. There were some minor injuries reported throughout my contingent; but, no one else had been killed and no ships required anything but minor repairs. And the Automated Observation Platform had not suffered a scratch.
We scavenged, unsuccessfully, through the debris for a couple of hours; before, I ordered all to return to our base location behind the Mobile Fifth Forces.
Though considered an OFSA support operation, IGB had proved its worth as a tactical force. My people could now draw on this most recently acquired battle experience. There are only about ten months to get ready for the big one.
But, regardless of the outcome, I could not help feeling unsettled. We had lost some of our own. Casualties always hurt. But, even worse, was the dreaded feeling I had that; something was amiss. The enemy had conducted itself fearlessly; but, I couldn't help but feel this was not a genuine attempt to take out the observation platform.
Throughout the jump to home base, I faced a myriad of questioning reporters. I had granted them the requested access; and, they made the most of it. I had not seen much of this kind of activity since our wedding and the rebellion. But, I knew it was expected of me; so, I continued to respond; until, we exited the jump. Then, I excused myself and went back to work.
Part Two
Chapter 14 Spilling the Beans
Tuesday, August 6, 2261
"Battle is an orgy of disorder." General George S. Patton
It's coincidental; but, Tom just happens to be looking out of the Midgard’s starboard side flag bridge viewing window when an exit aperture opens, and Admiral Bryant’s craft appears on August 6, 2261. He had taken a moment to relax; after hours of pouring over battlefield charts; then, issuing orders to counter today's enemy moves. Stevens decides he better shuttle over to the Valhalla, immediately.
His two counterparts dock almost simultaneously; just after, he is welcomed aboard. The three officers make their way up to Bryant’s office; sharing trivial chitchat and some laughter in route. They all report to George together.
“How’s everyone, today?” George asks with a smile; as, he waves them into his office, quickly; avoiding the standard protocols followed by service personnel of different rank encountering each other.
Each expresses a positive well-being in a jumbled chorus as they move past his desk area into the conversation pit, at the far end of the large space. In route, they reflexively help themselves to refreshments; always presented atop the elongated buffet running along the side of the area, under two large view windows. Then, each position themselves on one of the couches surrounding the massive wrought iron and glass coffee table, in the conversation pit.
“How was the Executive Planning Committee Me
eting, George?” Admiral Coquinas asks.
“It was enjoyable. A year and a half ago, I wouldn’t have said that. Thanks to Brubacher, it’s not only manageable; it can be downright pleasant.' George answers. 'Over the three or four days, we cover a lot of ground, of course; but, there is time to enjoy all the marvels on Rigil. It may be warm there; but, Rigil New York has everything. Then, there's the lake and its stunning beaches. If that's not your thing, you can go skiing in the mountains; or, examine a volcano. I think Marie and I should build there. We can construct a smaller place on Earth for visits there; but, I think, we should make Rigil our home." George trailed off.
“What’s going on?” Pal asks. She is always to the point; if not impatient.
“Well, when it came time to report on Mobile Fifth’s status, I guess I let my frustrations slip out, again. This time, it was more for dramatic effect; since we already had a provisional approval for a plan. I was laying the groundwork for a quick signoff. I let it be known; I am just a little pissed at never being able to go into CauDo space to counter attack the Inscrutables. And, I injected my displeasure at the resistance some still had towards the plan Kurt and I developed.
Of course, all the usual platitudes about CauDo sovereign space were fired at me by Stephenson and Tonaka; though, the SOD just sat back and listened. I think Kurt Brubacher was waiting for those standard bromides; because he piped in before their words had even faded into silence.” Bryant pauses.
“What did he say?” Stevens asks. The three subordinates were all leaning forward in their seats, in suspense; as if, they did not want to miss a word.
“He reviewed the plan. He compared the benefits and costs of executing it; against, the advantages and expenses of prolonging our current response; like he was analyzing a balance sheet. By the time he was finished, there was little doubt of the necessity to execute our scheme; and the benefits of engagement. The planning committee gave unanimous consent; and, the initiating orders have been written and countersigned by my two counterparts. The OFSA and SOD are committed to the action, now." George is interrupted.
Righteous Reign The Series: E-version Boxed Set Edition Page 75