***
Excelsior
Aaron wanted to close his eyes as the missiles approached. But he willed himself to stare at death as it reached out to embrace them. A series of bright short-lived flashes was all the sensors registered. When the sensors recalibrated to penetrate the noise…
The missiles were gone.
“Phoenix vectoring in, Commander!”
Phoenix blew past Excelsior in the opposite direction. Her PDCs ripped through more incoming missiles from the second and third destroyers. Havoc heavy missiles rocketed for the Imperial vessels. The lead destroyer switched lasers to Phoenix. Phoenix barked withering return fire with railguns.
The comm buzzed with the XO’s voice.
“Phoenix to Excelsior.”
“We’re hearing you, Vee,” Aaron replied.
“Follow our lead. On our signal begin breaking maneuver, and loop under us. We’ll cover your course beyond their weapons range.”
“Acknowledged, Phoenix.”
“That was nice flying, Flaps,” Lee said.
Flaps looked at Aaron. “Did Lee hit his head over there, sir?”
Aaron looked at Lee. “Too many times to count.”
“Phoenix is signaling,” Lee said.
“It’s your show, Ensign,” Aaron said.
Flaps throttled back their speed, veered hard to starboard and swooped underneath Phoenix as she rocketed past ten thousand kilometers to port, on the same plane.
The fight was on.
***
Phoenix accelerated along the closest destroyer’s port quarter, shielding Excelsior. Her PDCs splashed more incoming missiles. Her railguns ripped massive holes into the hull of the closest destroyer while also firing down range at the two trailing destroyers keeping them away from the engagement.
Avery opened a comm to Excelsior.
“Excelsior, nice flying, now make your course, zero-three-zero mark two-one, maintain z-elevation with Phoenix. Match acceleration. We’ll continue to shield you. Then prepare for emergency docking procedure.”
“Acknowledged, Phoenix.”
Flaps had done this before, but that time he’d been piloting Phoenix. Both ships burned away from the encounter on an escape vector. The escape course placed the trailing Imperial destroyers on a narrow angle behind, cutting off any attempt by the other two to flank starboard.
“Zane, engage the barrier, cover our stern.”
Gravitic charges fired from small cannons on the stern, pushing aside missile volleys from the Imperial ships. Soon the Imperials stopped firing missiles and concentrated lasers.
The deck rattled.
“Polarization on the aft quarter is weakening,” Zane reported.
Avery raised Phoenix again. He told Flaps the plan.
Excelsior accelerated away. The other two destroyers had kept their distance, far enough to shoot down havoc missiles. Avery decided not to crush the closest one with havocs, but if it came to it, he would. He figured someone should appreciate his gesture.
The deck lurched. Unabated laser fire from those powerful Imperial lasers didn’t take long at point blank range to dissipate the armor.
“Rear armor is depolarized!”
“Corporal, now, hard about. I’m opening the hangar bay doors.”
Phoenix’s bow swiveled one-eighty degrees and now faced her pursuer, while still moving away. The Imperial lasers struck the forward armor.
Excelsior had already surged ahead and now decelerated to match speed with Phoenix. It didn’t have to turn. Subtle burns from the thrusters lined her up with the hangar bay doors, and Flaps bled speed until it was safely swallowed, and controlled by Phoenix’s inertia systems.
Avery leaned back. “Delaine, retract all weapons. Corporal, bring us about and engage micro jump. Maximum possible distance towards system’s edge.”
***
Max met them at the bottom of the ramp to Excelsior’s receiving deck. He was carrying a medkit. Everyone filed off.
“Let me see that leg, Sergeant,” Max said. He took out his medscanner.
“Max?” Aaron asked.
“He’ll be fine. I’ll fix his leg, but he’s got a concussion too.” Max clipped a device to the Sergeant’s head. “It sounds worse than it is. I’ll close his head wound properly, and he’ll be good after a few hours rest.”
Ubu and Max lifted Dawes onto an antigrav stretcher and ferried him off to sickbay. Everyone moved to the lift which provided direct transit to the bridge. Aaron fixed them with a glare. They’d wait. He pulled in Quintus. The doors shut.
“What the hell was that?”
“Careful, Aaron, I hold you in high esteem. You are my friend. But do not presume to man handle me.”
Aaron seethed. He promised to smash Platus’ nose. But Quintus was fast pushing his way to a suitable alternative.
“He led us into a trap.”
Quintus stared back defiantly. “He didn’t know for certain about the facility.”
“He knew for certain he was leading us into a trap. One he arranged from the time we departed Hosque.”
“I don’t see you racing to your homeworld to demand to learn the truth of the dark matter weapon. Instead you’re here chasing after unknowns, instead of confronting your own government and Shepherd.”
“I promised you, we’d get there after we left Draconis.”
Aaron didn’t think it possible, he’d angered Quintus. The Imperial squared off with him.
“It’s always the Empire in the wrong . . . always we who are the aggressor. Here you are in our space. Don’t think of me as some fool. You would have come here, regardless. This just made it easier, coming on my authority.”
Aaron didn’t miss the Lord Commander’s clenched fists. “Your authority? Your authority is due for execution! Or haven’t you been listening? Forgetting that you’re developing weapons so unpredictable, they could destroy the universe.”
“You’re arguing semantics. Both are terrible weapons, yet here we are forwarding your agenda. Your precious United Systems the priority. All save the Systems,” he said with a mocking tone.
“You know it isn’t like that with me. I could just as easily let war come and smash the Empire when it did.”
“You still have that opportunity. It rather seems that is what you wish. Let’s end this farce of yours and get it on. Finish what your Fleet started at Hosque all those years ago during the war . . . bomb the planet to ashes. Use your dark matter bomb there first.”
Aaron balled his fists and struck. Quintus may not have expected it but he expected it enough to duck under it. The wind escaped Aaron as Quintus slammed a fist to his gut.
Aaron brought an elbow down on the back of the Lord Commander’s head. Quintus grabbed him around the waist, picked up him and shoved him against the bulkhead.
Aaron pushed him away and booted him in the chest as the lift doors opened and sent the Lord Commander sprawling on to the bridge deck.
“Aaron!” Vee shouted in disbelief.
Aaron stepped onto the bridge over Quintus.
“I gave my life to save you because I believed you were different. Because I believed you—not me—could bridge the gap between the USS and the Empire. You, Quintus, a high-ranking military officer, who believed in peace and coexistence. Who, like me, would know, that there are those on both sides we might one day have to fight. My time to fight my side hadn’t come yet. It’s come now. And before you give me the chance to show you that I’ll fight that fight, you let doubt cloud your usually impeccable judgment. You let Platus sow the seed. It seems you have a choice now. You can get off my ship, or you can finish what we started. We’ve learned what we came here to learn. Now my next course is Sol. Just as before we’ll stand together and confront the forces in my government about the dark matter bomb.”
Quintus remained on the deck. “I will go with you. But there’s one thing you must clarify.”
Aaron raised an eyebrow.
“What did you mean wh
en you said you gave your life to save me?”
Aaron grinned and shook his head. “A story for another time, Quintus.”
He extended his arm. Quintus took it.
The others burst onto the bridge.
“Commander, two Imperial squadrons have arrived in the outer system. If we alter course to jump to the opposite side of the system, they’ll just warp around the outskirts and re-position to cut us off.”
“Then we’ll have to fight our way through.”
“Stations everyone. Micro jump. Center of Imperial formation. Let’s take as many as we can on the first pass. Deploy all weapons and PDCs on jump completion. Weapons free, Lieutenant. Hold the havocs until we’re clear of the melee.”
“Jump preparation complete.”
“Punch it, Flaps.”
“Three-two-one. Phoenix jumping.”
Chapter 26-Stand Down
“Prepare to be boarded” – Imperial Sub-Commander
Phoenix
An observer would see a single bright flash as Phoenix exited the micro jump. Her armaments deployed from the hull.
Aaron looked to Quintus. He had to give the Lord Commander his respect and also the chance to order his people to stand down. “Your show, Quintus.”
Quintus nodded and faced the viewer. “Imperial warships, this is Lord Commander Quintus Scipio. I order you to stand down.”
“Lord Commander. Respect for your rank.” The Sub-Commander saluted, as he appeared on visual. “I am sorry to inform you, Lord, the Emperor is dead. The forces of Marcus and Cato are poised to engage each other. I am House Anglor, and we’ve sworn loyalty to Marcus. I offer you the chance to surrender. We are here to take you into custody.”
“Listen to me, Praetorian. I know the Emperor is dead. He was murdered. Marcus is planning to unleash a devastating weapon. This weapon they’ve created here in Draconis will wipe out not only anyone they target, but possibly the universe with it. Surely you cannot be in agreement with this.”
The Imperial appeared to have doubts. “I am not. Nor am I aware of such plans. We were told you would try to mislead us with such a story. And that the operatives accompanying you assassinated the Emperor. Prepare to be boarded.”
“Not this ship, Sub-Commander.” Aaron interjected.
“Commander,” Zane called. “More ships warping in!”
A dozen more Imperial vessels swarmed the heliopause.
Quintus’ eyes widened. “Would this be a good time to micro jump?” he asked.
Aaron gave him a grim look. “It isn’t charged yet.”
A familiar voice echoed on the comms.
“Lord Commander. Sorry we’re late. We ran into some . . . difficulty along the way.”
Decimus! Aaron had to admit he was glad to hear the Imperial officer’s voice.
The Imperial flagship Phalanx and twelve Imperial destroyers took positions behind the Marcus-loyal vessels.
Quintus turned back to the holoviewer. “Sub-Commander, you can attempt to arrest me later if it pleases you. At the moment, there is no need to shed useless blood. We will be departing this system. I assure you, I colluded with no one to assassinate our Emperor. Those who did, I will hunt, and they will pay for what they’ve done.”
“Lord Commander, I wish you good fortune. And if what you say is true by any small measure, I dare wish you luck—for all our sakes. However, if you are wrong, there’s no going back.”
The communication cut.
“Commander,” Vee said. “A shuttle is en route from Phalanx for the Lord Commander.”
Aaron stood. “Quintus, we’re going to Earth. I know your duty takes you to Hosque with Decimus. I give you my word you have my support on the weapon. Trust me to handle it. Even if you knew nothing else about me, you know I will.”
Quintus slapped his fist to his chest. “It is not difficult to trust a man who sacrificed himself to save you. Until we meet again.”
Aaron motioned for Rachael to escort the Lord Commander to the hangar bay. Quintus left the bridge with her trailing.
“Commander,” Vee said. “There’s a communication waiting for you from the Supreme Commander.”
“Send it to my ready room.”
Aaron rose from the command chair and entered the room. He sat behind his desk and keyed in his command code. The message was sent two days ago. Three days after they left Hosque.
“Commander, time is short.” The SC shuffled some images on his desk.
When is it not?
Shepherd continued.
“You’re probably asking yourself when is time not short where I’m concerned?”
“It seems the fate of all things never leaves much time for us to decide how to handle them.”
That was true.
“I was shocked by your transmission burst regarding the events on Hosque. I understand why you’ve gone dark, given where you intended to go within Imperial space. I have confirmation the Emperor is dead. His son Marcus has dispatched a short message claiming succession.”
“Reports are limited. No one knows what’s become of Cato or if he’s alive. Maybe his Praetorian guards have hidden him while the Empire sorts this out. Marcus is consolidating his strength and moving forces we didn’t know he had.”
“Three squadrons of Imperial ships are moving across the border. They’ll pass Orion before this message reaches you. Their trajectory will take them to Earth. They’ll be here within six days if that is their objective.
“We’ve suspected for some time the Imperials devised a way to move ships at warp without being detected, although not quite as fast as normal. We are still working on ways to detect it. The Research Division claims to be on the verge of a break through. However, we still aren’t quite sure what the Imperials hope to accomplish. Our interdiction drones will intercept them outside Sol and the Homeguard is responding. They’re never going to make it past our defense fleet.
“By now, given that you missed or didn’t take your rendezvous with Valiant, I know you’ve accomplished your mission one way or another. Return at maximum warp to Sol. Maybe you’ll get here in time to paste these wayward Imperialists a second time.
“The USS will not insert itself into their civil war. However, we don’t recognize Marcus as Emperor. Never will. Hopefully, Quintus can restore order. We are staying out of it. If Quintus asks for our help, we’ll have to decide what to do then. But this is internal and we can’t get involved to push it either way, no matter which side we favor.
“I’ll be on Excalibur. I know it feels like Atlas all over again. But I have a bad feeling deep in my gut, Rayne. Something is very wrong. Why does the Empire think it can come at us with half a fleet, in Sol? We will meet them with overwhelming force.”
***
The screen flickered and the Fleet logo flashed in its place.
Aaron thumbed the comm. “Bridge, Rayne. Set course for Earth. Maximum warp.”
“Course: Earth. Maximum warp, aye, Commander.” Vee responded.
The Emperor—dead. Civil war in the Empire.
An Imperial fleet on a direct course for Earth? Not only unusual. Downright suicidal. And Imperials were many things, but they weren’t suicidal. They might fall upon swords in a battle only if it guaranteed victory. So why were they keen to throw their ships upon swords? What did they hope to achieve?
This wasn’t any remote coup. This was something someone had planned for a long time. The Emperor said something about Bannon before Marcus stabbed him. Perhaps Bannon had been using the boy for his own purposes. A semblance of the late Lord Praetor was evident inside him.
They’d been stupid and naïve to think that the will of a few conspirators could have galvanized such a large attack at Atlas Prime. Was Shepherd equally foolish to believe the same about the United Systems? Was the bomb being developed with the intent to deploy it soon? Did the Imperials learn of it through their obviously capable intelligence networks and decide on a preemptive strike? If so, that would mean any Imperia
l preemptive strike might include the use of subspace weapons.
And now, an Imperial fleet was heading directly for Earth.
PART III
Save the Frontier
Chapter 27-Invasion of Sol
“What’s unusual about it, Lieutenant?” – John Shepherd
USSF Battleship—Excalibur
Sol
Fleet Admiral John Shepherd, Supreme Commander of the United Star Systems Fleet paced the bridge. Around him, the crew of Excalibur performed final battle readiness checks.
Different to the Battle of Atlas Prime, Excalibur and each ship in the Homeguard now possessed a full complement of havoc heavy missiles. The missiles had proven to be quite the edge they needed in that battle, and no doubt, they would prove so again. Now with more missile reserves, he wouldn’t have to use them sparingly.
It was unfortunate that the technologies developed the past ten years and deployed on the Valkerie-class ships powered by the dark-matter reactor, wasn’t adaptable to older ships. The new reflective armor matrix, the kinetic barrier and micro jump drive. Phoenix had proven how invaluable each new piece of technology was in an engagement. Each complimented the other.
Shepherd would miss those capabilities here.
Since fleet battles or any battles were largely about positioning, Phoenix was the only ship that had the ability to attain the ideal position on any formation of ships and punish them with overwhelming firepower from point blank range before they knew what hit them. Ordinarily, ships maintained precision formations and engaged tactical maneuvering while trying to stay alive with coordinated point defense to ward off ungodly amounts of missile salvoes. All the while trying to get closer to an opposing enemy formation to challenge their point defense and increase accuracy with railgun bursts.
Shepherd studied the tactical board. Rhineheart and his squadron of frigates burned ahead escorting the six battleships. Heavy cruisers protected the flanks. A hundred and twenty ships of the Homeguard stood between the Imperial squadrons and Earth.
Unite the Frontier (United Star Systems Book 3) Page 15