For every three of four civilian ships, there was a captured Byotai military vessel, and even a handful of mercenary ships, and none gave any quarter. One Alliance destroyer was quickly surrounded by a total of eight ships. Although she sustained damage, her multiple gun turrets put out such a withering bombardment she managed to break through, just in time for the next Alliance ship to pass through the same sector. Each time an enemy ship was crippled or destroyed, it was quickly replaced by another two, and all seemed desperate to fire everything they had at the new arrivals; or worse still to crash their own damaged ships into anything they could find.
"This is insanity," said Admiral Churchill.
Admiral Churchill had fought in many battles in his life, but never in one so confused. His enemy was not a disciplined fleet of Biomech warships, or even the advanced and futuristic designs rumoured to be used by some Star Alliance units. Instead, he faced the motley forces of Star Empire militia, and most of the ships were civilian or stolen Byotai military. They lacked discipline and cohesion as a military force, yet for all that, they were causing him problems.
"They can do little to harm us from a distance, and yet still they come on. They are slowing us down, and if we break formation, they will pick us off one by one."
He looked to his XO, a man with a worried look on his face. In the background, the Admiral spotted a Crusader Class heavy cruiser burning its way through a transport as it careered towards the Alliance ship on a collision course. The guns flashed back and forth before the transport finally exploded. Through the flames came another two ships, and as they moved closer, they opened up hidden gun ports and raked the ship with broadsides.
"How many more Byotai civilians are left? We can't take much more of this. All they need is one major success, and they will be on us like wolves on a wounded animal."
Commander Jarvis looked out through the tall windows at the planet of Ararrh III below them. It was a meaningless rock with little strategic value. The only reason they were there was because it sat between the Spacebridges that led both home, and deeper into the former realm of the Byotai.
"Three quarters of the civilian ships have already left, and they are heading for the Rift at full speed. The only group left are those."
He pointed ahead and a good distance below their current position. They were dots from this far way, but the tactical map showed the designations of scores more ships, and these were clustered around the single largest group of the enemy ships. Dotted lines marked where the guns from both sides were firing, and it was already turning into something of a bloodbath.
"An hour ago they were either running or surrendering. They had no hope."
Admiral Churchill shook his head and sighed.
"And now they've heard the message from Kratha."
Commander Jarvis nodded.
"According to comms, the signal has spread through the Byotai hierarchy and is not stopping. It's like the signal fires of old. It takes time, but eventually every single person will get the message."
Both looked down at the hundreds of flashing lights. At that very moment, the entire CIC filled with a bright white light. Protective shielding on the windows activated immediately to dim the effect and ensure none of the officers was injured. As the brightness receded, they both looked out through the windows and towards the shrinking fireball.
"Admiral," said the tactical officer, "That was one of the civilian heavy transports. They must have detonated some kind of atomic warhead. They destroyed themselves, as well as two of the ships filled with refugees."
Admiral Churchill shook his head in frustration.
"We have to move faster. Lives are at stake!"
Even as he said the words, he saw another civilian ship that had altered course. Instead of fleeing the planet, it was making directly for a similarly sized enemy ship. The only obvious difference between them was the brightly coloured insignia that marked the enemy ship. Small guns on both vessels blasted away to little discernible effect.
"They have hope. And now they fight for their Imperator."
The Admiral rubbed his chin as he considered his next move. It wasn't what he'd wanted them to do.
"Okay, it's time."
He walked back from the bridge and towards the heart of the CIC, a position filled with screens and dozens of senior officers. It was the busiest CIC in the fleet, and certainly the largest. The mainscreen showed a magnified view of the battle, but it was the tactical display of the disposition of the entire fleet he was truly interested in. He looked to the left, and right, and then followed the empty expanse of space until reaching Ararrh II. They were at opposite sides of the map. A number of new red shapes flickered around the second planet.
"So, these are the new, vaunted ships of the Star Alliance. Interesting."
Alongside the map icons were images of the actual ships. He was fascinated to see that the enemy flagship was similar in size to his own, and for a moment wondered what would happen if they were to meet.
One day, perhaps, but not today!
"Look at these ships."
The Admiral lifted his right arm and pointed at another group that had just come through the first Rift and was heading towards Ararrh II and Relentless.
"Based on the scans, they look damaged and are overheating badly."
"Yes," Commander Jarvis agreed, "It can only mean one thing."
The Admiral looked to his XO with a single raised eyebrow.
"Well?"
"They have made it here at maximum burn. I'd say their ships are worn out, perhaps even damaged by the race to get here. Either that, or they are making a big deal at trying to make us think that."
Admiral Churchill licked his lips and nodded.
"Yes, you may be right. It's the kind of ruse that we would probably try and pull off, but why the rush? They have the resources and the time to deal with us or any other threat."
The two men said the next words at the same time, and that unnerved the Admiral more than anything else.
"It's a trap."
Admiral Churchill took several deep breaths and considered his options. He was already outnumbered, but he was sure that even with just fifteen ships and his Helion allies he could prevail. What worried him was that Ararrh II was almost eighteen hours from the Spacebridge to the safety of the Fiorr Veej System. From his current position, it would take at least sixteen hours to reach the same destination, assuming his ships could sustain a one hundred and fifty percent engine burn. It was still not home, but it was out in the Deadlands, and currently protected by a small force of hired security ships under the auspices of the Byotai military.
"I can win this, Arthur."
The XO nodded.
"I know it, and probably so do they. Maybe that's why these militia forces are fighting with no sign of winning this fight. They are here just to delay us in rescuing civilians, so that Tahkeome can mobilise his real fleet to deliver the hammer blow."
He pointed to Ararrh II.
"If we try and fight them in an even engagement, we will risk everything else we came through here for. What about the civilians, Relentless and her escort? This battle is turning into a real mess."
Admiral Churchill moved his gaze back to Ararrh II.
"Relentless and her escorts have already activated their engines and are leaving. They'll be at the Rift and ready to head home in seventeen and a half hours. They must continue on their course."
The XO pointed at the shapes near to Relentless and the station. All were moving into position around the reserve base, while the single supercarrier appeared to be following Relentless, along with a modest escort of other capital ships.
"And look at them. They don't need that many ships to take the station."
Churchill appeared to be in agreement.
"Their ships are worn out, exhausted, and in desperate need of fuel, supplies, and perhaps even ammunition."
Admiral Churchill pointed at the station.
"I cannot tell
you how tempted I am to redirect all our forces to those new arrivals. We could shatter them before they are ready."
He then shook his head.
"But then we would not be defending Byotai forces, we would be engaging in overt military action against the new regime."
He straightened his back and sighed.
"No. Today is all about survival. We will hit the remaining hostiles below us, and rescue as many as we can. Then we will leave. We have what, ninety minutes until we have to leave? That's how much longer we have left to fight. After that, all ships will make for the Rift."
Now that he'd made his decision he looked a little happier. With his ships in this part of the system, even with the Helion cruisers, it wasn't enough for any kind of decisive engagement, not when he had the distraction of so many civilian ships in the area. With a single smooth movement, he pulled down the intercom to his mouth. There were other easier ways to speak to the fleet, but this was the old, traditional way, and right now that felt important to him.
"This is the Admiral. All ships here at Ararrh III will follow Warlord into the fray. We have ninety minutes to clear a path for the civilians to use. I am authorising all operational measures in this fight. Launch all remaining fighters and engage the enemy. Let's turn this withdrawal into a victory. If anything comes too close, blast it."
As the acknowledgements came in, he noticed the XO looking at him, a confused expression to his face.
"Withdrawal?"
Admiral Churchill grimaced and then pointed to the tactical map. A smaller part of the display showed the wider region, with the nearest quadrants as well as the border. It looked remarkably different to any of the data they had seen over the last few weeks.
"Look at the intelligence coming in from Byotai loyalists. They are sending it out on Byotai secure channels, as well as to the Alliance. Looks like somebody finally woke up and realised which side we're on."
The two stared at the mapping information. Until now they had seen little more than glimpses of what was happening in the fallen star systems and shipping lanes of the old Byotai Empire. Only information obtained by Alliance agents, scout ships, and drones gave any indication as to what was happening. Now they could see how serious the great exodus was becoming.
"Incredible," said Commander Jarvis, "The refugee crisis is unlike anything I imagined. The impression we've been given is a relatively bloodless coup. But it looks like a good many of them are fleeing Tahkeome and his minions."
Admiral Churchill didn't seem as convinced.
"Perhaps, or they might simply be fleeing violence. Don't forget, the first to suffer in a major war are the civilians. Both sides continue to fight, while the innocents on both sides lose their livelihoods, homes, and families."
It was a despondent thought, but not even that could dissuade the young Commander.
"Then that must mean there are still loyalists, warriors, and captains prepared to fight for the Imperator."
Admiral Churchill breathed out slowly.
"Yes. Clearly Kratha's signal is spreading like wildfire, and the response is rapid, even if dangerous for those now acting upon it. I suppose this is ultimately good news. There might be more loyalist support in the fallen territories than we ever thought possible."
He nodded to himself.
"Maybe this struggle is not as hopeless as we first thought. Maybe."
He focused on the mapping data.
"The information from inside the Empire is not what we expected. It's not complete, but already it is showing some obvious trends inside the occupied territories. Look."
Blue and green shapes marked allied and friendly units. Red shapes showed known rebel vessels. The red were in the majority, but what really stood out was the mass of colour at the heart of the old Byotai Empire. There were a number of large groups of vessels.
"Fascinating," said Commander Jarvis, "If this is correct, the new regime is massing forces at a number of sites, with the largest in their core worlds around the capital. But for what?"
Admiral Churchill nodded in agreement.
"Indeed, but that is not all of it. Look here."
He moved his finger lower and pointed at two more groups that must have recently split. One was heading to the bottom left and the systems running along the border to the disputed Tenth Quadrant and the edge of Alliance space; the other headed down the map and towards the Alliance border.
"Those are not patrols. They're major war fleets. According to the data there are scores of ships, and they are heading..."
"The second one is coming right here, to the Ararrh System."
Something lit up in his face.
"Of course, they must know Kratha is here, and they want him. The fleet is coming to surround and destroy him, and us in the middle of it. It looks like this time they really mean business, doesn't it?"
Admiral Churchill nodded.
"Yes, and the second one, it is moving to intercept something near the border. "
The two men looked to each other, but while the Commander looked confused, Admiral Churchill appeared almost amused.
"Why would they send a war fleet to their own border, in a direction that is not being threatened? Surely they would be better off sending both fleets at us to destroy any remaining loyalists, and capture or kill Kratha? What would possibly stop them?"
Now the Commander understood.
"It has to be Makos. That crazy fool must have received a message from Kratha. Hell, if he's coming to assist, then things might be about to change."
"Perhaps," agreed the Admiral, "Or they might be about to get a whole lot bloodier."
He paused for a moment. The news was momentous, and if true would change the balance of power in the region. Of all the great figures of the old Byotai state, none was more famous than the old General Makos. A veteran of the Biomech War, he had already been a hero to the people for a generation. Years of combat out on the border in the Tenth Quadrant had done little to change that view, and by becoming an outcast, his mythos had increased exponentially.
"If Makos and the Prince can get together, they will truly be a force to be reckoned with. One is a visionary war hero, loved by old and young alike, and the other the last of the Royal line. The final link in an unbroken chain of Byotai history."
His eyes seemed to twinkle as he described the two of them.
"We are in a unique position, you and I. Between us, we have the power to help or destroy what remains of this ancient race. We could turn our backs, and see Makos overwhelmed and the Prince killed. That could be enough to create peace, perhaps a permanent one between Tahkeome and his Star Empire. It might even allow a degree of friendship by stopping the rebels from escaping. Or..."
He lifted his hand and raised a single finger.
"We can ignite the flame, protect the two leaders, and help them create a resistance movement that will keep the old Empire alive. And in doing so, keep Tahkeome from our door."
He already knew what he was going to do, and that wasn't really up to him. He had his orders, and they were clear and unambiguous. He was to assist the Byotai in any way possible, if and when they needed the help. High Command had clearly determined that Tahkeome was a threat, and the best way to contain that threat was to ensure he was unable to obtain the resources of the old Byotai Empire, at least not without a major fight.
"Very well. I need to get a message to High Command...and to Makos, if he's still in this fight. It's time to mobilise everything we have on the border. If this Tahkeome wants a show of force, we'll give him one."
He looked at the map and moved his finger around until stopping at the last point in the Deadlands, the final star system between the old Byotai Empire and the Alliance.
"That's it. Fiorr Veej."
Commander Jarvis seemed surprised at this.
"Fiorr Veej? Why not here?"
Admiral Churchill smiled at his confusion.
"The Ararrh System is indefensible, and too far inside hostile terr
itory for us to hold. No, the Fiorr Veej will become our new strongpoint. It houses the four Rifts that link the South and West of the Byotai territories. It's the only direct link between the Alliance, the Byotai territories, and the Tenth Quadrant. It's the key to this entire front."
"But to what end? Will we use it to strike at our new enemy?"
The Admiral smiled and then tapped his finger on his display.
"Oh, that is for another day. Whoever controls Fiorr Veej will control the initiative in the fight to come. We need Makos and his ships, and fast."
He then pointed at the large formation of ships heading from the Trinity Core Worlds and in their direction.
"Because that looks like a fleet designed for one thing, and I mean to put a stop to them."
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Alliance Armoured Assault Ship 'ANS Relentless', Leaving Ararrh II.
"How in the name of all that is holy, did we do that?" said Captain Galanos.
The CIC was busier than ever, with her officers in constant contact with the many damaged parts of the ship. Even Captain Cornwallis seemed permanently busy as he managed his badly mauled fighter squadrons. She was speaking to nobody in particular, and watched the shrinking space station with relief. The battle for the station might only have been part of the operation, but it had been a much longer and more drawn out battle than she had ever expected.
At least we achieved our objective. Now we can only hope it makes a difference.
Only the small Byotai contingent seemed to have time on their side. Captain Dreuc was there as usual, but this time so was the venerable old General. She glanced at the two of them and then turned her attention back to the large holographic unit.
"I don't like this, not one little bit."
The General grunted and then pointed to the destination point.
"I understand your concern."
There were a hundred different things the alien could have said to her, but that was perhaps the least helpful. There were three separate groups of ships on the displays, and all heading from different points to the same destination. She moved her hand to the left, where the world of Ararrh III sat lifeless and abandoned.
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