"Admiral, I have Captain Garcia on the line. He reports his force is ready."
Admiral Lewis brought up the disposition screen. He could already see that most of his own ships were well engaged against Object Thunar. A quick glance showed the much smaller line of ships that had remained closer to the planet. He did notice six more Alliance destroyers had just arrived to bolster the line, as well as hundreds of fighters from all sides. They were supposed to be waiting, but instead, he saw more than half now in combat with Biomech ships coming through the Spascia Rift.
How many more damned ships do they have?
"Comms, send an urgent flashcom to Commodore Hampel in Spascia. I need to know what the hell is going on out there."
"Aye, Sir."
He might be busy managing the fine details of the unusual space battle, but that didn't remove his responsibility in keeping an eye on what else was happening in the system. As well as the trickle of ships from Spascia, there was still the main C34 comet that would reach its optimal position around the planet in just half a day. He knew that no matter what happened to his fleet, the remnants would have to move back and help tackle C34. It was a long, complex task, and one that so far had given him little thanks.
"Sir, I'm getting emergency traffic from the Spascia Rift. It’s a message from the Admiral Jarvis Naval Station. It's Admiral Anderson."
"Put him on the mainscreen, now."
He glanced over to Captain Marcus to join him. Even as the man approached, he called out to the helmsman.
"Move us away from the fight. I need a clear signal for this."
The ship didn't need to leave the scene of the battle completely, but it did relocate more than thirty kilometers to the side of the debris field. Three Liberty destroyers moved with them for air cover. Even as they moved, the ships continued to add their fire to the battle. After nearly a full minute, an image of the Admiral appeared. He looked even more haggard than he might have expected. It was the group of alien representatives that really caught his attention though. He recognized Naglou, the newly elected leader of the Helion Executive, but not the Byotai figure alongside him.
"Admiral Anderson, good to hear from you. We're making slow progress, but the Biomechs have begun moving their ships into position to counterattack."
A low rattle ran down one side of the ship. It was an unusual sound, but everybody inside knew exactly what it was, small-caliber gunfire from one of the Biomech fighters. Although unable to penetrate the thick armor, it was more likely to be indiscriminate fire from a nearby dogfight.
"I know you're somewhat preoccupied, so I will be brief."
There was nearly ten seconds of lag, much less than normal due to the distances being shortened through repeaters placed at the Rifts. In that short time, a single Biomanta made it to within two kilometers of the Alliance starship before the Liberty class destroyers tore it apart with massed gunfire.
"General Rivers has put together a contingency plan for this campaign. We have ships and troops assembling, but everything that's ready is already being thrown into the line. I'm assembling a reserve in T'Karan space. This is a buffer in case of the worst. This is at the request of High Command."
Admiral Lewis raised his hand and turned to the tactical display. He could see the ever-changing battlefield and quickly moved his hands to select different groups of ships to change their priorities.
"Admiral, the comet is taking longer to break up than expected."
He looked to his XO and then spoke quietly.
"Get Commander Erdeniz back here."
The Captain marched away to find the illusive officer who was lurking further back in the CIC. No sooner had he looked back to the screen than the Admiral was talking again.
"General Rivers is conducting a full review of security for our own colonies, in case the enemy manages to find a way back into our territory. "
He nodded in the direction of the aliens to his side.
"I have no doubt this campaign will be a long and difficult one. Our diplomats have been pushing hard, and they've at last come up with something. The politicians finally did something right. General Kolak from the Byotai has negotiated an agreement between us, Helios, the Klithi, and his people."
He looked at the camera.
"This agreement comes with a guarantee of nearly three hundred ships, the first wave of which will be at the Helios-Byotai Rift shortly. The rest are going to Micaya to open up a second front, if and when it would be prudent. The forces at Micaya will be under the command of General Kolak, and he will report directly to you.
Admiral Lewis nodded slowly.
"What price have we or the Helions paid for this kind of gesture, Sir?"
Admiral Anderson looked pained to explain this in front of the others. He could see the commotion aboard ANS Conqueror and decided against dragging it out any longer than was necessary.
"Both the Byotai and the Klithi have long term grievances they want settled. They also want the Narau reinstated, but with new powers. It's going to be complicated. All we need to know is that when, and if this is all over, every race is going to want to relook at this entire arrangement, with fair involvement for them all."
Admiral Lewis listened and wondered quite how any of them could even be thinking of politics and details. Helios Prime was on the brink, and if the Biomechs were able to take control of the system, they would control the Nexus, the heart of the Rift connections between all the races in this part of the Orion Nebula. He shook his head and almost said what he was thinking.
"I've been monitoring your operation. Our figures show you've managed an almost seven percent reduction in the total mass approaching Helios Prime so far. That's good. I suspect you do not have much time left though before the main part of C34 is close enough to begin planetary assault."
"Yes, Admiral. I should get back to this."
He knew that wouldn't be it, but deep down he hoped he could leave this discussion and get back to what was important, the battle for Helios Prime.
"Admiral Lewis. There's another reason why the Byotai have offered to assist us in such numbers."
Here it comes, what's happened?
"The Anicinàbe have problems, big problems. One of their larger factions has crossed the Byotai border and raided two worlds. The news won't have hit you yet, but this clan known as the Red Scars have also attacked Anicinàbe ships from other clans."
He closed his eyes and slowed his breathing, doing his utmost to calm his frustration.
"The Byotai hit them hard, and it’s looking fragile out there. But they suspect this Scars group poses a threat that could tip all of the Anicinàbe into a civil war. You must remember, they have no central control and are always fighting each other. They have asked for Narau assistance in keeping the Anicinàbe situation under control and away from their borders. That's the price, and in exchange they are sending us warships."
"I see. When will they arrive?"
"Admiral," said Lieutenant Vitelli, "A single Byotai ship has just arrived from the Helios-Byotai Rift. It's big, Sir, very big."
"Put it on my screen."
The image of a single ship was impressive, much like the dragonfly vessel they had already seen in the current order of battle.
"That's General Makos. He is bringing a dozen ships, all of them with combat experience. Make good use of them. I will be in touch.”
He moved to leave and then looked back with a wry smile.
“I’ll mobilize everything we have in the meantime, just don’t let Helios Prime fall."
With that feed gone, he watched the arrival of the first ship that was soon joined by the rest of the black, insect shaped vessels. The rest were no larger than an Alliance cruiser, but the flagship was truly massive, perhaps fifty percent larger than even ANS Dreadnought.
"Get me their commander."
The communications officer looked back, surprise on his face.
"Admiral, they are already waiting to speak with you."
"Admiral Lewis. I am General Makos. My ships are at your disposal."
The figure had much in common with the Jötnar, just shorter and reptilian in look. This one wore thick plating on key parts of its body and a dull helm that covered its forehead and ran down to its neck.
"Good. You are closer to C34 than I am. One moment.”
He sent a short request to communications, and in less than five seconds, a poor quality feed reached Captain Perry.
“Admiral, we’ve detected these new ships. What can you tell me about them?”
The man sounded nervous, not that Admiral Lewis could blame him.
“This is General Makos. I want him to assist your forces with C34."
The translator on the Byotai was unable to pass on the confusion, but his expression worked just as well.
"Attack, with just my twelve ships on the forces around this world? We don’t have the firepower."
"No."
Admiral Lewis concentrated on Captain Perry.
“There’s a reason I left all of the troop transports with you, Captain. I want a coordinated assault put into action within the hour. Hit them hard and get marines inside that thing. Both Captain Perry and General Makos looked stunned.
Yes, that is exactly why you’re going to do this, he thought, because that’s just how the Biomechs will see this plan.
* * *
The fighting around Object Thunar had reached a critical stage. Every second a chunk of the massive object was torn apart, yet the Biomech warship now moved in to stop whatever chance the defenders might have. The task of dealing with the debris field was one that left few ships able to deal with them. While the cruisers and Battlecruisers continued their one-sided battle, the task of the ship-to-ship battle fell on the Lightnings, Hammerheads, and Maulers of the Alliance. The only capital ships to assist then were the black Byotai warships, each of which was modeled on a flying creature from their own worlds. At the center of this group moved three large dragonfly shaped Byotai heavy merchant ships. All of them had been modified to carry significant numbers of large caliber railguns; every one helpfully donated by the Alliance from old war stocks.
The lead position was taken by an entire wing of Maulers, each of them being shadowed by two or more fighters. They were in among the first wave of Biomantas just as they smashed into the debris cloud.
“Do it, now!” Captain Garcia ordered.
He shook his head in amazement as the first two nuclear warheads impacted on the nearest Biomanta. The first missile failed to detonate, but the second erupted just after it punched through the outer armor of the ship. The subsequent explosion tore the vessel in half, much to the cheering approval of his modest crew.
“Great work.”
The craft spun about on its axis and accelerated to the side, just as an unguided rocket surged past and struck a chunk of hardened ice. The Mauler leveled off and moved back to its original trajectory. Captain Garcia sighed and looked to his co-pilot who smiled sheepishly. Lieutenant Takeda might be the youngest Mauler pilot in the fleet, and perhaps the shortest, yet her skill was without question the best.
"Damned good, Takeda, that's what I'm talking about!"
More than thirty fighters of mixed types moved in around the group of Maulers. Behind them followed the Byotai Dragonflies, as they were being nicknamed by the crew. They were dark and almost beautiful to look at. The massed gun batteries built into their hulls dispelled any myths at their lack of effectiveness. More than a dozen of the sleek Helion fighters moved on the one flank, and four Khreenk Corsairs moved with them. Two Helion cruisers protected the rear of the force and unleashed a barrage of missiles and then pushed on.
“Ready for the Cephalon?”
Takeda nodded firmly. Captain Garcia tapped the intercom button on his console. He'd been granted full tactical control of this part of the battle, and he could feel the stress already building. The shape of the huge Cephalon command ship filled their view from the cockpit, and at this range it looked like a Kraken moving from the ocean to devour them. There was little else to see from their current position.
“All attack wings move on the targets. Break and attack!”
The Maulers were large craft, much bigger than any Alliance fighter, and originally designed for use in landing operations to put marines into battle. Their powerful engines, thick armor, and multiple gun turrets had proven useful as support gunships in ways never envisaged. Even better, the Maulers all contained a large cargo area that could carry a multitude of mission modules, such as drone control, missiles systems, and even enough space to carry a single Avenger drone.
“Captain, I’ve got fighters coming this way,” said Takeda.
Captain Garcia wasn’t surprised. The Cephalon class ships were something new, but already the basic schematics and capabilities had been spread through the Alliance computer databases. These ships functioned as heavy battleships and command vessels. Many suspected they were the fortified homes for the Biomech Steersmen, the leadership caste of the enemy.
“Clear a path for the Byotai!”
The Maulers split up to run down the flanks of the massive ship and raked it from all angles with continuous gunfire. Biomech fighters tried to intercept them, but the flanking Alliance fighters easily beat them back. With most of the gunfire concentrating on the fast moving small craft, the Byotai warships were clear to launch their own attacks. One by one, they launched a barrage of unguided torpedoes. Each projectile was the size of a fighter and blasted away at hypersonic speeds. Half were cut down by defensive fire, but enough struck the bow of the Cephalon to start a series of explosions that ran a quarter the way down its hull.
The Byotai Dragonflies followed the Maulers to the rear of the Cephalon and then broke out to face the rest of the Biomantas. Captain Garcia was the first to spot the second Cephalon leading a huge column of ships. A bright white light forced the cockpit glass to darken for a moment then a dozen streaks tore past them to cut away a Dragonfly’s wings. Another burst hit the Helion cruiser.
“Bring us in closer; we need to thin the herd!”
CHAPTER TWELVE
Who was Spartan before the Uprising? The only public records of the man show that he’d been one of many involved in the underground gladiatorial combat circuit. A veteran of multiple bouts, it wasn’t until his killing of a public servant that brought him to public attention. Who were his family, and where did he come from? There were rumors of an accident involving his family, and many more described a variety of misadventures while in care. Few of these could be corroborated, however. These were questions that would never be satisfactorily answered until the events of the great contest with the Biomechs in the Orion Nebula. The greatest mystery to many remained the origins of his name. Who was Spartan, and where did he come from?
The Rise of Spartan
The bright flash of the Helion cruiser’s engines detonating announced the arrival of the rest of the Biomech vanguard. More than ninety warships streamed past the wreckage with their guns blazing. A single Cephalon command ship proved so massive that it merely crashed directly into the flank of the crippled ship and tore it apart like tissue paper. This wave of ships was not there for the invasion of Helios Prime. Their task was a simple one, the complete destruction of the ships defending Helios Prime so that the next wave could make it unscathed.
“I want four destroyers providing overwatch for ANS Endurance now!”
Admiral Lewis almost stumbled as a double volley from a passing Biomanta tore a chunk six meters long from the flank of the ship. An emergency alert sounded and was quickly drowned out by the shouting of the officers in the CIC. He looked at them as they conducted their work. Every single one concentrated on their tasks with all their attention on the battle. He turned back to face Sanlav.
“Tell me this is working? Our ships are taking a pounding here, and there is not one chance in hell
we can do this on our own,” he snapped.
“I put us right here, based on the figures you gave us. You’re sure the tech on your ship can do this?”
Instead of answering, it was his XO that spoke.
“Six fragments destroyed. The largest is too big for us to damage. ANS Endurance is maneuvering alongside us to take the first shot. She’s taking fire from their fighters.”
The mainscreen showed the massive space battle, and now both sides were fully engaged. Biomantas fought Crusader warships and exchanged volleys while fighters dashed in and out. Maulers moved in small groups, but Biomech fighters harried their every move. Even the alien ships had done their part and fired on Biomechs and chunks of Object Thunar with equal gusto.
Commander Erdeniz moved his hands with surprising speed and dexterity, as he coordinated his controls with the new readings coming back from the engineering vessel.
“Tell me you can do this?”
Sanlav looked to the Admiral and gave an odd, almost sinister smile. It wasn't what he'd expected, and he found it a little unnerving. He'd heard things about this man before, about his unusual past that mixed combat, research, and more than a few scandals. Even so, his reputation for improvisation was something of a legend in the Alliance.
“If it doesn’t, the feedback loop will destroy the ship and anything within a kilometer.”
“Admiral, we’ve got a clear shot through the field,” said Lieutenant Vitelli.
The imagery on the mainscreen showed a large, oval shape covered in spikes and odd fissures. The computers were already running detailed scans, but it was Commander Erdeniz that recognized it instantly for what it was. He spun about and made a number of changes to the settings for the engineering ship.
“That is more than the largest section, Admiral.”
Star Crusades Nexus: The Third Trilogy Page 21