Cadets: 2 The Ship of the Gods

by Edward Miller

  Granthaxe’s voice boomed through the speakers on Thompson’s chair. “Fear not, Admiral. Our ships and crews are ready to engage the evil ones known as the Karang. All flight plans have been implemented into each group of three battle cruisers’ navigational systems. We are most ready to attack.”

  “That’s good to hear. I have a question for you,” said Thompson.

  “What is the question that you have, Admiral? I will be sure to answer it quickly and with honesty.”

  “Do you think the Karang fleet will disperse and break their formation when they see us heading for them?”

  “It has been foretold that the Karang are fearless and fight with a reckless abandon. Also, there is the fact that they greatly outnumber us. I do not believe that they will break formation at all. It is of my personal belief that due to their arrogance they will simply attempt to run through us. I can assure you that they do not fear us. And that is also their weakness. For one not to have any fear of one’s enemy is foolish, as overconfidence can lead to disaster. I do not know if we can defeat them with the number of ships that we have. But if we can hold them off long enough for Amanda Williamson and Kyron to find The Ship of the Gods, our sacrifices shall be worth it.”

  “That was well said, Supreme Commander, and I tend to agree with you,” said Thompson. “Whatever happens here, I just want you to know it’s an honor to fight alongside of you. Let’s give them hell.”

  There was a brief moment of silence. Then the supreme commander’s voice boomed over the system. “If it’s all the same to you, Admiral Benjamin Thompson, I would much rather send them to hell.”

  “A good idea, Supreme Commander. I’m with you on that. Thompson out.” Out of the corner of his eye he noticed that his exec was smiling. “What’s that smile on your face all about Niles?” he asked.

  “Just glad that the big guy and his people are on our side this time,” said Niles. “Not to mention that I love the way he speaks.”

  “He certainly does have a way with words,” said Thompson.

  Romano said, “Admiral, we are fifteen minutes from sensor contact.”

  Thompson took one last look at the readings. “Niles,” he said. “Based on the size of the Karang ships, I’m thinking it may be best for each of our attack groups to concentrate their firepower on one enemy ship. If we direct the firepower of three of our ships against one of theirs it will allow us to ascertain the strength of their ships. I’d rather hit them with the kitchen sink method so we can get a handle on them. What do you think?”

  “I think it makes damn good sense, sir,” said Niles. “We definitely need to find out just how powerful their ships are and it’s not like we’re going to get multiple chances. I’d go with that plan.”

  “Barnes,” said Thompson. “Send a coded message. Have each attack group target a single Karang ship in their flight path and hit it with everything they’ve got. Then have them hit ‘em again on the second attack if the ships are still intact.”

  “Aye, sir,” said Barnes.” Sending message out now.”

  “Okay,” said Thompson. “Mister Diego, bring all pulse cannons to full power. Load forward and aft torpedoes with full spreads.”

  “Aye, Admiral,” said Diego.

  “Sir,” said Barnes. “All ships have replied and have reset targeting sensors per your orders.”

  Thompson sat back in his chair and watched his crew run their last-minute checks. In a few short moments they’d find out just how formidable their enemy was. Regardless of the odds, he knew they’d give it their all.

  “Sir,” said Diego, we will be in sensor range in sixty seconds.”

  “Barnes,” said Thompson, “have all ships prepare for attack. Maintain the formation and course as planned.”

  “Aye, sir. Message sent to the fleet.”

  “Admiral,” said Diego, “we are in sensor range. The enemy ships are maintaining their course. They are slowing down.”

  “Steady as she goes, Romano,” said Thompson.

  The next few seconds seemed to last an eternity.

  “Sir,” said Diego. “They are firing weapons.”

  “Now!” said Thompson. “Break formation. All battle groups commence maneuvers.”

  The UEDF Constitution nosed down sharply and the rest of the attack force followed suit. The ships broke into groups of three, each group in a winged formation. The G forces were strong but manageable.

  “Admiral,” said Diego from the weapons station, “they are firing weapons.”

  “Mister Romano,” said Thompson, “begin attack maneuvers. Pull her up.”

  The ship went into a steep climb. The force of it slammed Thompson back into his chair. “Keep her steady, Romano,” said Thompson, his voice straining.

  “Aye, sir,” said Romano.

  “We have incoming torpedoes,” said Diego.

  The ship rocked as it took multiple hits from the enemy vessels. “Shields holding,” said Niles. “But their weapons pack a hell of a wallop, sir. Shield power down to fifty-eight percent.”

  “Maintain course and speed,” said Thompson. Turning his attention to Diego he said, “Fire all forward weapons.”

  The ship recoiled like a snake attacking its prey as all forward torpedoes fired. From the sensor station Niles called out, “Multiple hits on the Karang ship. She appears to be listing on her port side.”

  Within seconds the combined forces of the Altarrans and the UEDF had passed through the Karang Armanda.

  “Fire all aft weapons,” said Thompson.

  “Firing aft torpedoes,” replied Diego.

  “Another direct hit, Admiral,” said Niles. “She’s listing heavy to her port side and venting oxygen. Her nose is down.”

  “Hard about, Romano,” ordered Thompson. “Bring us back around and target the same ship.”

  The ship did a one-eighty and went into a dive. It sounded like the hull was groaning from the stress of the G forces. The automated warnings were flashing on the bridge.

  “Sir,” said Niles, “we are overloading the systems. I have warning lights flashing everywhere.”

  “Understood,” said Thompson. “Do not deviate from our attack pattern. These ships can handle a lot more than you think.” Turning to his helmsman he ordered, “Steady as she goes.”

  “Aye, sir,” came Romano’s reply. “She’s sluggish but on course.”

  “Incoming weapons fire,” said Diego.

  The UEDF Constitution took another direct hit. The entire ship shuddered and the lighting on the bridge dimmed briefly. “Stay on course,” yelled Thompson. “Barnes, get me Chief Fowler now!”

  Before Barnes could answer, Fowler’s harried voice filled the bridge. “Can you try not to take so many direct hits, Admiral?” Their weapons are far more powerful than anything we’ve ever dealt with before. At this pace we’ll be lucky to crawl out of here.”

  “We’re doing our best, Chief,” said Thompson. “Just hold her together a little bit longer.”

  “Aye, sir. Fowler out.”

  “Admiral,” said Diego, I have a weapons lock. Firing all forward weapons.”

  The UEDF Constitution plowed past the Karang ships and leveled out. “Fire aft weapons,” ordered Thompson.”

  “Multiple hits,” called out Niles. “She’s breaking up.”

  A cheer erupted from the bridge. While Thompson was pleased with the results, it was way too soon to for overconfidence. Thompson knew it was time to leave. “Romano,” he said. “Break off attack. Let’s move out. Set course for Altarra. Barnes, have all ships follow us.”

  “Aye, sir,” replied Romano.

  “Contacting the fleet now, Admiral,” said Barnes.

  Thompson turned his attention to his exec. “What’s the verdict, Niles?”

  “We’ve got thirty enemy vessels dead in space. It appears that twenty of them are in pieces. The other ten are not moving. Their fleet is currently at a dead stop. It appears that they are surveying their damaged ships and looking for
survivors. On the down side, our shields are down to eighteen percent.”

  “Barnes,” said Thompson, “did we lose any ships?”

  Barnes hesitated for a moment while she checked. “None, sir. Ten of ours and six Altarran ships report some damage, but nothing serious. Though more than three-quarters of the ships are reporting their shield strength is under twenty percent.”

  “Understood. Keep me posted should anything change. Diego, deploy mines and surveillance drones.”

  “Yes, sir,” said Diego. “Deploying now.”

  The combined fleet of Earth and Altarra sped towards Altarran space. Thompson sat back and took a few seconds to enjoy their success. But the truth was also staring him in the face. Their ships couldn’t handle more than one or two more direct hits from the Karang. Considering the sheer numbers of the enemy fleet, the probable outcome wasn’t a pleasant one. They had managed to buy some time and had won a moral victory, but you don’t win a war with a moral victory. Time was running out for Altarra. And once Altarra was defeated, the next stop was earth.

  Thompson knew that their only hope for victory was in the hands of Amanda and Kyron. Sure, they had taken out twenty ships. But they had used three ships firing everything they had multiple times to take out one of the enemy’s. Those were not good odds. He said a prayer and took a moment to regroup. It was less than three days before they would meet the Karang inside Altarran space. And with their shield strength down in all ships, he knew the next outcome would be much different from today’s.

  Amanda was inputting data into her slider. She was working on the riddle that the Semina Vitae had given her in the caves. Kyron was standing next to her when she saw her father enter the room. “Did you hear any news about the fleet?” she asked.

  “Yes,” he said. “They made contact with the Karang armada and used tactic known as hit and run. But as you know, it’s a short-term solution. I’m sure you practiced that maneuver at the academy.”

  “Yes, we did,” said Amanda. “What were the results of the attack?”

  “It was moderately successful. We did manage to destroy twenty of their ships and severely damage ten others. We did not lose any of ours, but the Karang’s weapons carry quite a wallop. If we hadn’t had the shields the Altarrans gave us, it would have been a massacre. A few of our ships sustained minimal damage, but the shields are almost depleted. A couple more direct hits and they will be gone. And an even bigger problem is that we are severely outnumbered. Not to mention that their ships are bigger and more powerful than ours.” He turned to face Kyron. “I cannot stress enough how grateful we are to you and your people for giving us your shielding system.”

  “You need not thank us, Admiral Jonas Williamson,” said Kyron. “Our people are allies and we fight a common enemy. It was the correct thing to do.”

  “And we are deeply indebted to your people for the assistance,” said the admiral. “Now we need to do our jobs and find that ship. Amanda, have you found anything that could help us with our search?”

  Amanda was focused on her slider but was listening to the conversation. “According to the information they gave me and the fact that many years ago there were rumors of alien activity and ships disappearing, it would appear that the area is the Bermuda Triangle. But as you know, in the last fifty years we did extensive research and never found anything that substantiated the claims of an alien presence there.”

  “Mandy,” said her father. “Didn’t you say that they also mentioned demons and dragons?”

  “Yes, they did. But there were some that thought the Bermuda Triangle was a gateway to hell protected by demons. Or that is was a gateway to another dimension. Some thought it was an abandoned alien base. Why do you ask?”

  “Because, back in the mid-twentieth century near Japan there was an area known as the Devil’s Sea. There were some that also called it the Dragon’s Triangle. It was near Tokyo. Pull it up on the slider.”

  Amanda quickly accessed the information. “Look at all the data. It states that in the peacetime years between 1952 and 1954, Japan lost five military vessels in those waters. Those ships had a total of over seven hundred people. None were ever found, and there were no signs of any wreckage. There were no distress calls from any of the ships. A massive air search turned up nothing. Then, a few months later, the Japanese government sent a research vessel with over one hundred scientists on board to study the Devil’s Sea as well as search for any signs of the missing ships at the bottom of the ocean, and that ship also vanished. Finally the Japanese government declared that the area was a danger zone and not fit for travel. This has to be the area they told me about. We’ve got to get going!”

  “This most certainly appears to be the place the gods spoke of, Amanda Williamson,” said Kyron. “We must make arrangements to search the area with great haste, Admiral Jonas Williamson.”

  “I’m going to have to get in contact with the president and have him inform the Japanese leaders that we need to search the area,” said the admiral. “I’m sure with all that’s at stake the Japanese will have no problems granting our request. In fact I’m positive that they will assist us. Give me a few minutes. I’ll be right back.”

  “Okay, sir,” said Amanda. “I’ll continue to research the area and see what other useful information I can find.”

  Amanda watched as her father left the room. She continued to look into the folklore as well as the documented facts concerning The Dragon’s Triangle. After about thirty minutes she shut down her slider, reduced its size, and placed it in her pocket. She stood up and started pacing.

  “What is troubling you, Amanda Williamson?” asked Kyron. “It appears that we have solid information that could lead us to the Ship of the Gods. This should be comforting news to you.”

  Amanda smiled at Kyron. “I’m not troubled at all. I’m restless. I don’t like sitting around doing nothing. If it were up to me we’d already be on a transport ship heading to Japan.”

  “Worry not, my child,” said Kyron. “Your father will have us on our way as quickly as he can make it happen.”

  Before Amanda could say another word her father entered the room. “Okay,” he said. “The president has cleared us with the Japanese government. We have a team of science officers joining us as well as some naval ships and submersibles.”

  “Great,” said Amanda. “When do we leave?”

  “Wheels up in thirty minutes. Grab whatever you need and meet me at the transport area. I’m heading out there now to make sure we have everything we need.”

  “Sounds like a plan to me, sir,” said Amanda. She grabbed her backpack and called out to Kyron. “Do you need to stop and get anything before we leave?”

  “There is nothing I need, Amanda Williamson. Other than for you to find the Ship of the Gods. Then and only then shall I rest. Let us proceed with great haste.”

  Amanda locked eyes with Kyron. She had to admit that while the Altarrans were large and intimidating, they also had a very soft and caring side to them and she was glad to call them friends. “I agree completely,” she said. “Let’s hit the road.”

  Amanda and Kyron made their way out of the building where a large military vehicle was waiting for them. Once inside they made their way to the transport hangar where Amanda could see equipment being loaded into a large shuttle. They got out and started to walk to the ship when she noticed Kyron kneeling down.

  “What are you doing?” she asked.

  “Did you not say to hit the road, Amanda Williamson?”

  “It’s a figure of speech, Kyron. It means let’s get going.”

  Kyron stood up and stared down at her. She had a quizzical look on her face. Then she started to laugh. And a very loud and hearty laugh it was.

  “What’s so funny?” asked Amanda.

  “I believe the correct answer to that would be . . . got you, Amanda Williamson. Humor achieved.”

  Amanda laughed. “Well done, Kyron. Now let’s get on that shuttle.”

&nbs
p; As they entered the shuttle Amanda saw her father talking to a woman with a familiar face. “Commodore Laurent,” said Amanda, “will you be joining us?”

  “Yes,” said Laurent. “Admiral Thompson insisted that I come along during the actual search for the ship. In the event that we find it perhaps I could assist you, if needed.”

  “I can certainly understand,” said Amanda. “You are our most knowledgeable scientist and weapons specialist.”

  “It will matter not,” said Kyron. “Only the chosen one will be able to operate the Ship of the Gods. It is the will of the gods, Amanda Williamson. And as it is written, so shall it be.”

  “I understand,” said Amanda. “But it doesn’t hurt to have more people to assist us. Especially when they are as qualified as Commodore Laurent.”

  “This is quite true, Amanda Williamson,” said Kyron. I can see why Admiral Benjamin Thompson is attracted to this female. She is most confident and has a fiery attitude. I approve.”

  Amanda glanced at Laurent and was glad to see that she was smiling. In fact she was blushing as well. “O-kaayyy,” said Amanda. Too much information.”

  Kyron had a puzzled look on her face. “One can never have too much information, Amanda Williamson.”

  Amanda and the commodore laughed. “I agree with you completely,” said Amanda.

  Her father entered the passenger area. “We will be departing in two minutes,” he said. “Make sure everything is stowed away. Once everything is completely secured, get in your seats and buckle up.”

  They performed a final check, then took their seats and prepared for takeoff. Amanda truly hoped that they were on the right track and that they would find the ship needed to defeat the Karang. Thankfully the Karang were still on the other side of the wormhole and had yet to reach Altarra. This bought Amanda and her team some much-needed time.

  Supreme Commander Granthaxe finished reading the reports concerning their encounter with the Karang. He had to admit that the Earth-based fleet had fought with the courage of true warriors and their plan was well conceived. But he also knew that it would not bring victory and salvation to Altarra or Earth. While it would give them insight into the strength of their enemy, he had no delusions that it would enable them to defeat the Karang. The sheer numbers of the enemy alone made victory unattainable. The only hope for both worlds was that the legends of the gods would prove true. Their fate now lay in the hands of Kyron and young Amanda Williamson.