by G. P. Hudson
“Target those breaches with the coil guns, Ensign. Show me how big a hole you can make,” said Kevin, rubbing his hands together. The attack was exhilarating. The emotion surprised him. They had fought the Kemmar multiple times since the prison planet, but this strike against that battleship was different. This was revenge. He thought of Jonas, and wished he could see the smile on the old Reiver’s face.
Within moments the big coil guns were tearing through the interior of the battleship, destroying large swathes of the ship with each blast. The Diakan battleships used their own heavy guns to full effect. The Chaanisar heavy cruisers, and the Reiver destroyer, added to the destruction with volleys of energy weapons, rail guns, and missiles. If the battleship had attempted to separate, Kevin didn’t notice. At this point, he doubted it could.
Mere moments after the attack began, Kevin had to shield his eyes from the eruption of light blazing through the viewscreen. Shockwaves from the blast hit the Vanguard, rocking the entire bridge. Kevin had to grip his console tightly to maintain his balance. Debris collided with the Vanguard’s hull, alerts indicated minor damage, but overall the hull remained intact. When he removed his hand from in front of his eyes, chunks of wreckage, both mechanical and biological, filled the viewscreen. The Kemmar battleship had been destroyed.
Kevin felt the urge to celebrate, but concussions on the ship’s hull yanked him back to reality. His tactical screen showed that the Kemmar armada had reacted, and were now engaging his battle group.
“Evasive maneuvers,” ordered Kevin.
The Vanguard sprang into action, and the other battle group began to spread out to engage the remaining Kemmar vessels.
The larger battle began in earnest. The two mammoth Diakan battleships moved in tandem, firing out at the threats all around them. Together they truly were a devastating combination. Like two stampeding elephants, they obliterated everything in their path.
The Chaanisar heavy cruisers were large, but nimbler. Taking the fight to the enemy, they streaked across the battlefield, unleashing their own impressive array of firepower. The two warships moved together, and apart, as need dictated.
The Vanguard hunted its own prey, dominating the battlefield with its size and firepower. Kevin noticed with concern that a cluster of Kemmar warships had targeted the Reiver. They were like wolves going after the smallest one in the herd. The Reiver zipped through the void, holding its own against the onslaught, but was badly outnumbered.
Kevin activated the jump grid on his console, dividing the tactical screen into numbered squares. Originally developed for use by the jump fighters on the Freedom, it had worked so well that the battleship’s display was modified to use the same technology, and better communicate short range tactical coordinates.
“Helm, jump to grid coordinate E7,” ordered Kevin.
Ensign Hayes, the helmsman, tapped his console and they landed directly behind the Kemmar ships assaulting the Reiver. “Target lead Kemmar vessel. Fire coil guns and launch missiles.” The Vanguard’s big guns pounded their target while missiles streamed out of their tubes. Kevin tapped his screen and Jonas appeared. “Jonas, jump your ship behind the Vanguard.”
“What? You think we need to hide behind your ship?” said Jonas angrily.
“Goddamnit Jonas, keep your ego in check. You won’t be hiding, you’ll just be confusing them. We’ll force their focus on the Vanguard, and you can jump in and hit them from behind.”
Jonas nodded slowly. “Stand by,” he said, as he disappeared from the screen.
A moment later, the Reiver had jumped away, landing behind the Vanguard. As Kevin expected, the other Kemmar ships turned their attention to the Vanguard, attempting to gang up on it. Kevin’s ship display began to light up, indicating hull damage in multiple places.
“Keep firing on the lead ship,” ordered Kevin. It seemed to be limping away. No match for the Vanguard’s heavy guns, it had already taken heavy damage in the encounter. The Vanguard stayed with it, however, ignoring the fire it took from the other warships.
The Reiver took the opportunity to jump beside one of the attacking ships. It was focused on the Vanguard, but now had the Reiver bearing down on it firing all its guns. The tactic had isolated the Kemmar warship, which tried to reorient its fire on the Reiver destroyer. Simultaneously, the Vanguard’s prey succumbed to its injuries and blew apart, the explosion like a tiny sun.
The Vanguard moved to join the Reiver. Once in position, it helped the Reiver to isolate the Kemmar warship. They continued to take fire from two other Kemmar ships. Thank the stars for the thick armor on this ship, Kevin thought. The tactic worked, and moments later the Kemmar reactor detonated, obliterating the enemy warship.
The Vanguard and the Reiver continued working in tandem to isolate Kemmar ships. The Vanguard would pound them with its heavy guns, while the Reiver used its jump system to flank the enemy, and finish them off.
“The battle is going well,” said Ilthos, as one by one, the Kemmar ships were destroyed. “This will be an impressive victory.”
“Jump gate is active,” announced Ensign Michael. “Reading multiple incoming contacts!”
Chapter 20
Kevin’s stomach dropped. A wave of Kemmar warships poured through the jump gate, to reinforce the enemy.
Captain Koufyos, one of the two Diakan commanders, suddenly appeared on Kevin’s screen. “Captain Vorlos and I will move to intercept the ships coming through the gate. We will hold them as long as possible while you defeat the remaining Kemmar ships.”
Kevin began to object, but quickly realized that the Diakan was right. The Diakan battleships were big enough, with enough firepower to temporarily hold off the Kemmar onslaught. While they couldn’t stand their ground indefinitely, they could buy the battle group enough time to eliminate the ships with which they were already engaged. Once they finished off the first armada, the battle group could unite to fight the new threat coming through the gate.
“Understood,” said Kevin, and Koufyos’s face disappeared from his screen. Looking at his tactical display he could see eight Kemmar warships remaining of the original fifteen. With the Diakan battleships focused on the gate, he was down to four ships to finish off the remaining Kemmar. Our odds are improving, Kevin thought. Only two to one now.
The Vanguard continued working together with the Reiver, isolating and hammering individual Kemmar warships until they were destroyed. The Chaanisar heavy cruisers used their agility and firepower to outmaneuver the enemy. The Kemmar simply couldn’t match the battle group in tactical ability, and soon it began to show.
As more Kemmar ships were destroyed, the odds evened out. That allowed the Chaanisar cruisers, to start working with the Vanguard and Reiver. Now all four teamed up to isolate and destroy individual Kemmar vessels. More importantly, they continued to learn and adapt, improving the tactic’s efficiency. As they adapted, each jump became more fluid, each attack more precise, speeding up the destruction of the enemy.
We’re writing the book, thought Kevin. They were pioneering battle tactics that would be taught to future jump ship commanders. He continued to marvel at the Chaanisar ability to adapt to any situation. There was no need for explanation. The Chaanisar observed the Vanguard and the Reiver, and simply joined in, anticipating tactics until all four ships fought as one.
The Kemmar numbers diminished rapidly. The remaining ships tried to make a run for the Kemmar reinforcements at the gate. The attempt proved futile. They simply couldn’t outrun the battle group, which continued to swarm the fleeing enemy. Using short range jumps, Kevin’s ships were able to confound the Kemmar, wreaking havoc on their hulls until their inevitable destruction.
“Sir, the Diakan battleships are taking heavy damage,” said Ensign Michael.
Kevin realized that while he took advantage of the jump system’s short range jump capabilities, the Diakans stood their ground to slug it out with the Kemmar ships spilling through the gate. While the Diakan battleships were design
ed to do just that, the sheer number of ships they faced proved overwhelming. The Diakans avoided using their jump systems because they were trying to block the Kemmar advance, but they were paying a heavy price.
“What is their status?” said Kevin.
“They are reporting hull breaches on each ship,” said Michael.
It was time to relieve the Diakans.
Kevin called up Captain Koufyos on his display. “Captain, use your jump systems and fall back. You can’t take much more of a pounding.”
“Four ships are not sufficient. You will not defeat the Kemmar without us.”
“Agreed, Captain, but you’re no good to me destroyed. I want you out of the direct line of fire. You can support us with your long range weapons.”
Koufyos stayed silent, and Kevin wondered if he was going to disobey him. Technically, Kevin was in command of the battle group, but this was a loose alliance at best. If the Diakans, or any of the other ships in the battle group decided to disobey Kevin’s orders, he would have very little recourse, especially out here. He was sure that they all knew it, too.
“Understood. We will fall back,” Koufyos said finally, to Kevin’s relief.
Koufyos’s face blinked off Kevin’s display, then the Diakan battleships vanished. They reappeared safely behind the Vanguard, Reiver, and Chaanisar cruisers, which raced in to fill the gap.
On the viewscreen, Kevin could see the destruction the Diakans had left in their wake. They had endured a terrific pounding in the process, but managed to destroy many Kemmar warships. Beyond the debris, he also realized that the enemy were not in formation, probably due to the Diakans. That would make things considerably easier on him.
“Ensign Michael, fire the coil guns at the lead Kemmar ship,” said Kevin.
“Yes, Sir. Firing coil guns.”
The big guns shot their high velocity projectiles at their target as Kevin waited. The combined speed of the advancing ship and the projectiles hitting head on, would cause significant damage, hopefully destroying the warship. The only defense would be to get out of the way, but the odds of that were slim. The projectiles didn’t light up the void, like an energy weapon, or a missile, so they were difficult to see. The Kemmar scans wouldn’t pick up the incoming projectile until it was too late, if at all. Kevin waited until the projectiles reached their target.
“Direct hit, Sir,” said Ensign Michael. “Reading heavy damage.”
Kevin smiled. “Time to join the fray,” he said to no one in particular. “Helm, jump to grid coordinate B14.”
“Jumping to B14, Sir.”
The Vanguard appeared above the lead Kemmar warship. Plasma and debris vented into space through an ugly hull breech. The Reiver and Chaanisar cruisers soon appeared nearby. The four picked the prone Kemmar ship apart like a pack of famished hyenas. At the same time, the Diakan battleships laid down long range suppressing fire against the other advancing Kemmar vessels.
The enemy starship succumbed to its injuries, its hull snapping into two lifeless chunks. Seconds later the Vanguard jumped to a new location, targeting another warship. Just as before the others followed, isolating the target and pulverizing it with their combined weapons.
The battle continued in this way, spreading confusion and inevitable destruction throughout the Kemmar ranks. Together, they quickly destroyed their targets, jumping to the next before the other Kemmar ships could intercept them. Each attempt by the Kemmar to regroup, proved too late. The jump ships were too agile. And, together they created an insurmountable advantage.
The battle had raged for hours when Kevin’s ships emerged victorious. They had suffered substantial damage, but everyone remained in one piece. More importantly, they had learned how to fight together. The loose alliance had been thrown together at the last minute, but Kevin felt confident that the encounter made them a team. In particular, the Diakans proved willing to accept Kevin’s command and fight hard for the group.
“Helm, ping the jump gate,” ordered Kevin.
“Pinging gate, Sir.”
A large translucent field suddenly appeared in what was previously empty space. The Vanguard launched a small surveillance drone through the gate. It returned moments later, and transmitted the results of its scans to the Vanguard.
“Surveillance drone reporting all clear, Sir,” said Ensign Michael.
“Looks like that’s all the excitement for today,” said Kevin. “Advise all ships that we will be crossing through the gate.”
It was a matter of minutes before all six ships crossed through the gate, leaving behind only the lifeless debris of dozens of Kemmar warships.
Chapter 21
Prime Minister Sallas read through the grim report with trepidation. The Kemmar had spread like locusts across human space. How long until they conquered New Byzantium? The military worked tirelessly around the clock to shore up their defenses. But what could that really prevent? New Byzantium was cut off from any support, giving the Kemmar all the time they needed to slowly choke them into submission. They would all be enslaved.
It seemed a farce. He’d fought his whole life for freedom, he couldn’t fathom living what little he might have left in slavery. No matter what he did, there was always someone else trying to exert power over him. Even after bringing democracy to New Byzantium, his own military turned on him, tossing him in prison. Then the corporations attacked. Now the Kemmar. It was Jon Pike who had helped save New Byzantium from the Junta and the corporations. Where was he now? If he were here, could he hope to make a difference against so many Kemmar ships?
A communication request from General Calledonius jerked him out of the frightening scenario.
“What can I do for you, General,” Sallas said half-heartedly.
“I have some news for you, Prime Minister. The jump ships have returned.”
“Admiral Pike is back?” said Sallas, his spirits lifting.
“No, Admiral Pike is not with them. The Reiver, and two of the Chaanisar ships have returned, but there are three new ships with them. One is an Earth ship, and two are Diakan.”
“Diakan?”
“Yes, Sir. I’ve never seen anything like them. They are gigantic, although badly damaged. In fact, all six ships are in urgent need of repair.”
“Why? What happened?” Sallas said worriedly.
“It seems they fought the Kemmar on their way here. From the state of their ships, it must have been quite the battle. The Diakan ships in particular have several hull breaches. It’s a damn good thing they’re so big. I don’t know of any other ship that could withstand that much and still be spaceworthy.”
They’ve already battled the Kemmar, thought Sallas. Where? “And you say that Admiral Pike is not with them?”
“That’s right, Sir. Neither is the Freedom.”
“Then who is in command?”
“Captain St. Clair is in command of the battle group,” said Calledonius.
“St. Clair? Pike’s first officer?”
“Yes, Prime Minister. It appears that he has been promoted.”
“I see. There have been some new developments since Admiral Pike left.”
“Yes, Prime Minister. The ships are moving into orbit around New Byzantium, and we are providing whatever help they need to conduct repairs.”
“Good. The stars know we’re going to need their help against the Kemmar.”
“Agreed, Sir. Captain St. Clair also mentioned that he would like to meet with you.”
“Of course. I was hoping to speak with him.”
“I thought so. Once their ships are in orbit, he’ll take a shuttle down to the surface.”
“Yes. Thank you, General.”
Calledonius bowed his head and ended the transmission. Sallas leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms in front of his chest. Six jump ships, but no Admiral Pike. Would they fight for New Byzantium? The Reiver and the two Chaanisar ships had sworn to defend New Byzantium, but he had no power over the Diakans, nor the Earth ship. Even with S
t. Clair as their commanding officer, the crew wouldn’t have any feelings of loyalty for New Byzantium. Besides, even if all six ships agreed to fight for New Byzantium, would they be enough to defeat the Kemmar?
Chapter 22
Kevin and Major Ilthos were escorted by a Guardsman to Prime Minister Sallas’s office. Sallas stood and approached them at once. He smiled broadly, and it wasn’t a phony politician’s smile. Either he was very good at his job, or he was genuinely pleased to see them. Kevin wanted to believe the latter. He didn’t like being cynical, and chose to see the good in people first.
“It’s a pleasure to see you again, Captain St. Clair,” said Sallas, hand outstretched.
Kevin gripped the Prime Minister’s hand firmly. “It’s good to see you too, Sir.” Kevin glanced at Ilthos, “Allow me to introduce Major Ilthos, my Diakan liaison.”
Sallas let go of Kevin’s hand extending his to Ilthos. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Major. I have heard a lot about Diakus.”
Ilthos bowed his head slightly. “Forgive me, Prime Minister. Diakans do not shake hands.”
“Yes, of course,” said Sallas, pulling his hand away, unphased. “Please, sit down,” Sallas, gestured toward a group of arm chairs arranged around a coffee table. Sallas continued. “I was expecting to find Admiral Pike with you,” said Sallas, an inquisitive look on his face.
“Things got complicated in the Sol System,” said Kevin. “The Juttari nuked Earth.”
“What?!” said Sallas, eyes wide with shock. “How bad?”
“Bad, Sir. They targeted all major cities. Most of the population is dead. The radiation threatens to eliminate the rest.”
“Of course, Diakus is doing what it can,” said Ilthos. “We have sent a group of sophisticated vessels, capable of cleaning up the radiation. It will take some time, but we will see to it that Earth returns to health.”
“That is generous of Diakus,” said Sallas. “This is horrible news. I am so very sorry. “