by Gary Caplan
“Well, now I think I may know what the Accads are after, besides territory,” Sheppard resumed. “Open a communication channel to the Aharri.”
He waited as a secure channel was established.
“Hello, Captain Klein Harrolid,” Sheppard said. “I have returned from my excursion to the surface.”
An image formed of the Aharri leader.
“We had heard you had extended your mission,” Harrolid said. “It is good that you are well. The Varlon are not the only enemies we have recently made. Both they and the Accads have attacked our colonies. The Accads struck us only once. For a mineral-rich world, it is likely they want raw materials. The markings on this ship are Accadian, but we do not recognize the design.”
“Yes, the configuration is Jiyarr, and from what we have learned through recent reports from the Betellians, the Accads were originally created by the Jiyarr as soldiers. They have evidently earned higher positions over time and are aspiring for territory of their own. I was wandering if you would like to join us; we are planning to remove this ship from our space,” stated Sheppard.
“We will assist when the time arrives, Commodore Sheppard. This will likely be a deadly battle. Please do not be offended if we break off our attack if we are seriously damaged. I need to make a personal report to the home world. We have also received a delegation from your ship to exchange information in order to understand you better. This exchange may lead to a formal treaty in the future.”
Sheppard looked at Sherman.
“That’s excellent news. We will send a signal to strike on this secure channel to notify you along with the other ships of this task force. Sheppard out.”
The communication imager dissipated, and Captain Harrolid’s image faded.
Sheppard looked at Sherman and said. “A delegation.”
“Yes, sir,” Sherman said. “I sent a few people with diplomatic skills over to Captain Harrolid’s ship. They should be on their way back by now. When we lost contact with you, I took over some duties, as did Wilder, when Commodore Helmslar’s communications temporarily went out from the Varlon’s nano-machines damage.”
Sheppard nodded and appreciatively clapped Sherman on his back. “Before we do anything further, I want to try to communicate with these Accad. Open a hailing frequency to the Accadian ship,” ordered Sheppard.
Seconds later, the communications officer replied, “Hailing frequency open, sir.”
“This is Commodore Robert Sheppard, acting fleet admiral of the Alliance of Worlds. We’re aware of what you are after. The quellien deposits are near an ancient colony site of the Calyx and should not be disturbed. This planet is under our protection, and I’m ordering you to leave the system now.”
Sheppard waited but there was no response. He continued. “Failure to comply will be considered a hostile act by the Alliance and will leave us no choice but to attack.”
While waiting for a response, he turned to Captain Wilder. “Captain, give the order to launch fighters. Since the Nile is still in low orbit, have it move to a position where it can strike the Accadian ground ship. That baseship is not in a good tactical position to help defend its mining ship, since its on the other side of QB7 ”
“Aye, sir,” replied Wilder. “The scans coming from the surface vessel indicate that it is heavily armed, but the scans were reflected and disrupted so much that the exact weaponry and defensive capability is indeterminate.”
“Sir,” added Ares, “I’m unable to tell whether or not this ship has starfighters, as deeper scans are not revealing much useful information. However, nothing resembling any has been launched yet.”
Wilder nodded, taking in the information as he scanned some reports.
“Sir,” said Sterling, “the Accadian behemoth has an unusual hull. It appears to be made from some sort of organic crystalline metal. Its hull configuration is similar to the Jiyarr baseship, but it doesn’t have as many layers.”
“From what we can determine,” added Andor, showing his data on the display terminal, “it’s at least as effective as a Varlon or Karratin hull, and has indeterminate regenerative capacity.”
“Great,” replied Sheppard sourly. He punched the intercom button to Engineering. “Chief O’Brien, come in please.”
A second later, the chief engineer’s redheaded and mustachioed face appeared on his communication display.
“O’Brien here, sir,” he said with an Irish brogue he occasionally slipped into when under pressure. “Wha’ can I do for ye?”
“Matthew, I need you to set the Nova cannon for an overload blast. We may only have one chance, and I’m not sure even that will be enough. Most likely, we’ll have to make a coordinated attack with the other Nova Gun–class ships.”
“A coordinated attack with Nova cannons overloaded? What in hell are we going up against, sir?”
“Accad, Matthew,” replied Sheppard. “Accad.”
“Aye aye, sir. We’ll get right on it,” said O’Brien. “But remember, if we use an excess charge, it will lengthen the recharging time by thirty seconds or more.”
“I understand. It’ll have to do. Sheppard out.”
Sheppard noticed that Wilder was looking at him and remembered that, although he was the highest-ranking officer on the ship, he was not the commanding officer of the Phoenix.
“I’m sorry, Captain Wilder. I’m used to being in command on the bridge, and it seems I’m stepping on your professional toes.”
“You’re the acting fleet admiral and a proven expert in starship tactics. Besides that, I think it’s a good plan. I can’t think of anything better,” said Wilder, nonplussed. “No, sir, you’re not stepping on my toes.”
“Good,” replied Sheppard. “Will you see to the coordination procedure then?”
“Yes, sir,” replied Wilder.
“Well then, until I’m needed,” he smiled, “I’ll be in my office. I’ve got a ton of paperwork to get through. You’ll let me know if the Accads try anything, right?”
Wilder returned the smile. “Yes, sir.”
C HAP TE R 3 1
THE FACE OF THE ENEMY
Sheppard walked back into the command office. He had been listening to some music at his workstation to help calm his anxiety before the Accadian problem had arisen. Since he’d been gone, the music had switched to The Planets Suite by Gustav Holst, which was now playing softly in the background.
A few moments later, Sheppard’s commlink chimed softly. “Yes?”
“Sir,” said the communications officer. “It’s the Accads. They’re
sending a reply to our message.”
“I’ll be right there,” replied Sheppard. “Sheppard out.” Half of the Phoenix’s main view screen produced an image of a
reptilian being reminiscent of a raptor-like dinosaur yet with a more flat and less extended face. The other side of the screen continued to display tactical data and images on the starships in the area. This Accad was wearing some sort of modern phasing armor and ceremonial regalia reminiscent of an old-style emperor. This commander, or whoever he was, appeared imposing and confidant.
The Universal Translation Matrix instantly started as the speaker began talking. Sheppard noted this individual seemed quite arrogant.
“I am Lord Asura Jin Kra'ag, imperial high governor of the Accadian forces of the Jiyarr Empire in this region of the universe. You shall
227 relinquish this planet to me. I will be taking the quellien crystals, and your alliance will not interfere.” He paused and looked menacingly at the bridge crew.
Sheppard found himself immediately disliking this Kra'ag. “My starship’s sensors indicate your ships’ weaponry and defenses are inferior to our own. Any attack your vessel would make against the Kad’jiah would be futile,” sneered the imperial high governor. He paused then his expression softened and appeared thoughtful as if he was going to grant everyone a favor. “In addition, you are not fighting at full strength. I prefer to fight a fresh enemy. There is no honor o
r glory in the defeat of damaged starships. I am feeling generous, leave now, and I will spare your lives.”
Wilder raised his eyebrow and looked as if he might say something but then looked toward Commodore Sheppard, who was patiently waiting for his ships to arrive into attack range. Most of the rest of the bridge crew started to get nervous. Tensions built as everyone waited to hear what the high governor would say next.
********** On board the Kad’ jiah, Kra'ag scanned the data from instrument panels as he paced during his response. Sensors indicated that twelve ships were operational to the point of being able to attack. The closest Alliance starships were several thousands of selkecks from the Kad’ jiah. Kra’ag continued to look at the sensor data. There was also one Aharri heavy cruiser, but that ship would not make a significant difference; the Aharri used stealth and speed. Their weapons would also prove to be of minimal effect against this Jiyarr ship. Governor Mor'ag had reported that the Aharri had only battled the Accadian Kadath dreadnaughts and other Accadian-style ships sent against them, but those ships were second rate compared to this vessel.
Using their internal cyberlink communication system, Admiral Kensya said privately to Lord Kra’ag, “Sir, their type and level of sensors are likely providing them with poor information about this ship. These Alliance officers have no idea who they’re up against.”
Aboard the Phoenix, Sheppard began to speak. “I hear you, Lord Kra'ag, however, my ultimatum still stands,” he said, trying to keep his voice calm. “I cannot permit you to take this planet. We have reinforcements on the way, and we have allies among them. I think you may know them: the Estrians and the Lyramenians!”
Sheppard could still hear the music coming from his office, playing Holst softly in the background. The piece was “Mars, the Bringer of War.”
Admiral Kensya informed Kra’ag through the cyberlink imbedded near his auditory canal, “Lord Governor, the sensors indicate the Alliance forces are moving to intercept the Bm’kroth, and its mission is not yet complete. In addition, their ships have moved into our weapons range and are continuing to move closer. I have been informed some of their ships appear to be charging weapon systems.”
The Accadian supreme governor paced and wondered just who these people were. They evidently were proud and underestimated the military might they were now up against.
Kra'ag looked disdainfully at the bridge crew of the Phoenix. “It seems you wish to deny me my quellien crystals and the planet as well. Then prepare for your deaths. The Kad’jiah will destroy you.”
Communications ended as the Kad’jiah went to battle stations. “Admiral Kensya,” Kra'ag called, “charge the plasma cannons, ready the singularity torpedoes, and prepare a spread of antimatter torpedoes.” He paused as the crew began to carry out his orders. “Also ready the antiproton cannon and leave a distribution of antiparticles for discharge to destroy the planet. I will not allow them to have the planet. Allow this ‘acting’ Admiral Sheppard time to see the destruction of his fleet; strike his ship last.”
Admiral Kensya hesitated when she heard the order to destroy the planet but relayed Kra’ag’s orders to subordinate officers. She turned back to the governor. “Sir, that will deplete our antimatter reserve if we also destroy this planet. Plus, there are over two hundred million potential laborers on this planet.”
“I have just seen the preliminary report from the mining crew, and obtaining even a small portion of the quellien makes our trip here worthwhile,” replied Kra’ag.
“Yes, sir, the crystals will be extremely valuable, and we will have the time necessary to generate more antimatter on the voyage to Volsk,” responded Kensya.
“I have no plans for further combat in the immediate future,” Kra'ag said. “Long range sensors show that Estrian, Lyramenian, and some different kind of Karratin ships are closing,” Admiral Kensya informed him.
Kra'ag nodded. “I noticed, Kensya. It would be a good battle; however, I want to take these Quellien samples to Volsk, and I don’t want them to have the remainder,” he said. “Besides, there will be many opportunities for laborers.”
The admiral nodded and then continued to verify that the battle orders were being carried out.
********** Meanwhile, onboard the Phoenix, the crew was implementing Sheppard’s orders and attack strategies. The bridge crew seemed nervous, yet each did his duty. It was like the calm before the storm. A few junior crew members and support staff glanced toward the senior officers for reassurance. Communications from the heavy starfighter pilots indicated some trepidation as some readied to use antimatter torpedoes on the behemoth that was still in a stationary holding position in a tunnel it had made.
“Commodore,” said Sherman with less than confidence in his voice, looking up from his display. “The task force has moved into position, but …”
“But what, Captain?”
“Well, sir, I’m worried we might not be able to get the last three remaining ships’ Nova weapons to synchronize their discharge,” he replied. “All the ships in the task force will be in targeting range in just over a minute.”
Looking disturbed, Commander York turned to Sheppard. “Sir, their hull seems to be giving off a rapid pulsing of energy, which could be some kind of point defense, and sensors are detecting an antiparticle stream forming from an emitter in the forward section of the ship.” York’s demeanor appeared strained after the recent Varlon conflict. “Science section what are the energy readings.”
“I am having the sensors measure the energy levels now sir,” Andor replied.
The scientific detachment in Andor’s voice reminded York of the fact that his science officer was indeed an android.
“It is building an antiparticle stream,” stated Andor. He continued describing the data he was viewing on his display screen. “Sensors indicate the stream is now being separated and emitted into three beams as it is firing. It is spreading to a wedge. It must have a greater range than we thought.”
Both Sheppard and Wilder grimaced at this.
“Each anti-particle beam will result in energy levels of over sixteenth power. From sensors, I can estimate that that is not the full power of the weapon. Sir, we don’t have—”
“I know,” Wilder interrupted dolefully. “We don’t have an adequate defense against that kind of power.” Wilder seemed withdrawn, as if he was reconciling something.
The calm before the storm was over; now the tsunami would hit. Sheppard noticed the crew growing nervous. Even he was almost frightened, but he had faced death several times in his life as an officer and a Star Knight. He knew they still had the Nova weapons, if they could synch them properly.
“Sir,” added Ares with a hint of alarm in her voice. “We’re having difficulty getting targeting solutions on the forward section where the antimatter stream is generated.”
“We’re coming into Nova weapon’s range,” stated Sterling, his eyes riveted to the range finder.
A strange calm came over Wilder’s face as he saw the Accadian weapon strike the battlecruiser Lompoc. Its stream of antiparticles overwhelmed the ship’s defense screens and began to cut through the hull, slicing the ship in half with a series of blinding flashes as matter and antimatter annihilated each other, blasting the starship’s sections far apart.
Two more ships were struck as they attacked the Jiyarr ship. The Aharri had launched salvos of torpedoes and fired particle cannons at the Jiyarr vessel. Then Kline Harrolid’s cruiser was grazed by part of the antimatter stream, doing severe structural damage and causing the engine to fail. The Aharri ship drifted erratically out of its targeting range.
Sheppard looked on as the Kad’jiah’s shields absorbed the Aharri weapons. The torpedoes that penetrated did only minor damage to the armor.
Then the Alliance of Worlds dreadnaught Pisces became the target of the enemy’s weapons. The Pisces held its fire until seeing the dreaded super-weapon slice its way through the vacuum toward it, then fired its Nova Gun. The two beams connected,
and there was a tremendous blast that expanded into a shockwave that rocked the nearby ships.
“Commodore,” said Commander Taylor, “sensors are detecting a point singularity coming from a weapons area on the enemy’s port side. We detected a gravity well as it passed forward of the Phoenix. It’s being launched like a torpedo.”
“What’s its target?” asked Sheppard.
“The cruiser Defiant, sir.”
“We’ve got to warn them!” cried Wilder.
“Too late!” stated Taylor, looking to the view-screen in horror.
Sheppard turned his eyes to the screen just in time to see the singularity torpedo pass through the Defiant, leaving huge hole in the ship and destruction in its wake.
“Damn it!” shouted Sheppard. “Haven’t those starfighters found a weak spot on that ship yet?”
“No, sir,” replied Ares. “Nothing yet.”
“We’re getting eaten alive out there,” noted Wilder tersely. “They’d better find something soon, or else there won’t be anything left.”
There was more activity on Andor’s sensor display. “Sir, there is another energy buildup,” stated the android after analyzing the incoming data. “They are preparing to fire again.”
Sheppard looked at Wilder, stern but desperate.
At that moment, Lee Sterling chimed in with an emphatic, “Sir, both the Phoenix and the Legendary-class battlecriuser Valley Forge are now in firing range.” The Valley Forge was one of the ships that recently fought the Varlon under Commodore Helmslar.
“Coordinate our torpedo and energy weapons fire with the Valley Forge,” ordered Wilder. “On my command, initiate fire pattern bravoeight-two-niner.”
“Aye, sir,” replied Sterling and transmitted the data to the Valley Forge’s tactical computer. The response came seconds later. “We’re go, sir. We can fire on your mark.”
Wilder gave the order through gritted teeth. “Attack pattern bravoeight-two-niner. Fire!”
“Sir, there is another energy buildup,” stated Commander Andor.