by Saxon Andrew
Jeremy returned her hug and Tal walked over to gather both in his arms. Jeremy smiled but then his expression turned serious, “Tal you’ve revealed the Alphas to the aliens. They’ll know Earth has a stardrive!”
Tal released the twins and went to his chair, “I don’t think so.”
“Tal, you know the aliens have scans of the Alphas.”
Tal nodded, “They do, but not of these Alphas, Jeremy. These modified and updated Alphas look nothing like the older version. Have you not compared them?”
“I did and there are a lot of similarities.”
“Only visually, Jeremy. On a scanner, they are nothing alike. The power signature the new alphas emit aren’t anywhere close to the older version. Even the visual clues aren’t clear. The basic shape has been changed radically with the new blasters and missile ports and the new paint is crimson instead of white. There’s enough differences to fool them. But even if they don’t, Earth has more than thirty Alphas completed, and they are fully capable of defending Earth from an alien attack.”
Jeremy relaxed a little and asked, “I came here to see what you’re going to do about Captain Park?”
“I’ve handled it.” Jeremy sat down in the chair Park used earlier and was silent. Tal saw his expression and turned to Jan, “Notify Dan that he and his crew will be taking command of Captain Park’s Epy.” Jeremy was startled by the comment and Tal added, “He’s been relieved of his command and he will not be given command of another warship.”
Jeremy slowly nodded, “You had to let him off the hook to avoid punishing his crew?”
Tal nodded, “I did.”
“What happens now, Tal?”
“I suspect the end-game begins, Jeremy. After this latest defeat, I believe the next fleet the aliens send here will be their best shot at defeating us. So far, they’ve only sent their most powerful warships against us piece meal with only a few at a time. That’s going to change with the next fleet.”
“Do you think we can handle it?”
“We’ll have to see when they arrive.”
“How long do you think we have?”
“Probably a month or so, Jeremy.”
“Are we going to get any more support out here?”
“No, we’ll win or lose this war with what we have here now. We don’t want to reveal we have any other warships to use against them. However, the Alphas will make a huge difference.”
Jeremy nodded, “Well, I guess we have some time to decompress.”
Jan quickly asked, “How are you doing?”
Jeremy turned his attention to her, “Are you referring to Allison?”
“I am.”
“I’m doing ok. I’ve come to terms with it.”
“Interested in anyone else?”
Jeremy turned to Tal, “Don’t you think that question is a little premature? I’m just getting out of a relationship.”
“That’s not an answer.”
Jeremy chuckled, “I’ll probably have to wait until we go home before I find anyone interested in me.”
“That isn’t what I asked, Jeremy.”
Jeremy’s expression showed his aggravation, “No, Tal. I’m not interested in anyone.”
Tal smiled, “Just checking.”
“Do you know something I don’t?” Jeremy asked.
“You do miss a lot, Jeremy. See if you can figure it out.” Tal stood up and walked off the bridge.
Jeremy turned to Jan, “What was that all about?”
Jan was shaking her head, as she watched Tal leave, and replied, “That man is a diabolical genius and I’m really thankful he’s on our side.” Jan turned to her brother, “He’s seen something. I don’t know what it is, and I suspect he won’t tell you. Good luck figuring it out.” Jeremy’s expression showed his consternation as he left the bridge with Jan and Rachael to head to the cafeteria to meet the other crews for supper.
• • •
The AL announced “Commander, the ship should have all the metals unloaded in another three hours!”
The Commander was quite satisfied as he leaned back in his chair. With the pay from this venture, he could finally retire and start spending time with his family. Suddenly, he saw a light start blinking on his chair arm. He immediately sat up straight in his chair and pressed it. The Law Enforcer appeared on the main-wall-monitor and announced, “Commander, please standby for an incoming call from the Central Governors.”
The monitor went dark and the Commander’s eyes were wide open as he turned to the AL, “Have we broken any laws.”
The Alien Liaison raised his hands and shook his head, “NO! WE FOLLOWED THE AGREEMENT TO THE LETTER.”
“Then what is this about?”
“I have no idea, Fleet Commander.”
Ten long minutes later, the main-monitor illuminated, and he saw the five leaders of his civilization appear. The Elder Governor began speaking immediately, “Fleet Commander, we have suffered a major defeat in the galaxy where we have been fighting against the alien civilization that’s been scouting us. We are forming a new fleet with our most powerful warships to return and remove this threat to our assembly. You are ordered to take command of the fleet and lead it against this threat.”
“But Governor, I know nothing about this threat and I’ve turned in my retirement papers. They’ve been approved, and I’ll no longer be in the service after a few more hours!”
“Your retirement papers have been rescinded, and you are promoted to Supreme Fleet Commander of our forces. The Law Enforcer will send you all the data that’s been collected on this enemy and you will lead our fleet against them as soon as your warships have gathered.”
“But, Excellency…”
“You do not have an option, Fleet Commander. You will lead our forces or enjoy your retirement from prison.”
The monitor went dark and the AL turned to his console’s monitor. He turned back to the Commander, “I was afraid this might happen. The data on this enemy is coming in and it’s going to take a lot of time to thresh it out.”
The Fleet Commander was in a state of shock, “Is there anything I can do to avoid this?”
“Yes.”
“What is it?”
“Go to jail.”
“That’s not an option!!”
“It might be the best option if what I’m seeing in this data is accurate. The most recent Supreme Fleet Commander was killed by this enemy twelve days after his promotion, along with sixty percent of his forces.” The AL turned to the Commander, “However, I honestly don’t think they’ll send you to prison.”
“That’s comforting.”
“They’ll probably execute you, instead.”
The Commander’s head fell into his hands, as he struggled to find a way out of this box.
Chapter Twenty-One
“Sir, I’ve received a communication from Captain Gibbons.”
Tal rolled over in his bed and looked at the clock. He sat up on the side of his bed and punched his desk communicator, “What is it, Jan?”
“He’s recording a huge volume of communication traffic leaving the Pinwheel Galaxy.”
“Estimated time of arrival?”
“Eight days, Sir.”
Tal rubbed his eyes and tried to think, “How long will it take us to move to the outer edge of the LMC closest to their line of approach?”
“Five days, Sir.”
“Notify the crews to prepare for launch in three days.”
‘Yes, Sir. Sorry to interrupt your sleep.”
“I ordered you to notify me the moment you found out, Jan. Thanks.” Tal set his alarm and rolled back over. He was exhausted and prayed he could go back to sleep. His prayer was answered, and he fell asleep a few moments after he closed his eyes.
• • •
The next morning, Tal entered the cafeteria and loaded his tray. He perused to the huge room and saw Admiral Kohl waving him to join him and Captain Sager at their table. He walked over and sat down, “Good morni
ng, gentlemen.”
“Sir, Captain Sager has offered a suggestion and I think it’s something you might want to consider,” Kohl suggested.
Tal turned to Sager and nodded for him to start. “Sir, I’ve received a large shipment of the new long-range missiles to keep the Alphas inventory full. However, the Alphas didn’t fire any missiles during the last battle and we have surplus inventory, now.”
“Go on,” Tal prodded as he took a bite of his breakfast.
“I was thinking that you can have my ship join your forces during the next attack and the Brazil can launch the missiles ahead of your vessels.”
Tal shook his head, “Captain, your ship does not have any defenses capable of holding off any warships from attacking your ship.”
“Yes, Sir. But I can launch the missiles and then move the ship away from the conflict. The increased range of the new missiles will allow me enough time to escape before they arrive.” Tal stopped eating, as Sager continued, “The Brazil has a hundred-launch-tubes and I can quickfire fifteen-hundred missiles in less than ten minutes.”
“The Aliens would see your phase field from extremely long-range. Captain,” Tal added while he considered Sager’s suggestion.
“Yes, Sir. But they would have to make it through the Alphas and your Epys before they could pursue; I should be able to disappear from their scanners before they could start a pursuit.”
“That isn’t a certainty, Captain.”
“I know, Sir. But I think the benefit of this plan outweighs the downside, Sir.”
Tal thought about the idea and turned to Admiral Kohl, “What do you think about this strategy?”
“It would be a shame to waste those missiles, Sir,” Kohl answered with a shrug.
Tal chuckled, “Indeed it would. Captain Sager, start your ship moving toward the edge of the LMC. You will not fire until I give the order, understood?”
“Yes, Sir.”
“I’ll launch the Epys when we arrive at the attack site.”
Captain Sager stood up, “Yes, Sir.”
“And Captain!” Sager stopped and turned around. “Shut down your phase field the moment we arrive at the site.”
Sager nodded, “Yes, Sir.”
Tal turned to Kohl, “Are your ships ready?”
“They are, Sir. It won’t be as easy this time.”
Tal nodded, “I know. I suspect they’ll try to overwhelm your defenses with a missile barrage.”
Kohl nodded, “I believe we can knock out any barrage, but it would prevent many of my hull blasters from firing at the enemy’s warships to make it happen.” Tal knew he was right and hoped the Brazil’s missile barrage would make up the difference in firepower. Admiral Kohl excused himself and left Tal to think about what was coming.
• • •
The Lincoln arrived at the freighter when it was one day out from the chosen attack site. Tal and Rachel met Gibbs in the landing bay and Roy immediately saluted when he saw them. “At ease, Captain. What have you determined?”
“Lt. Turner estimates that there are between four and five thousand warships moving our way,” Gibbs replied.
“Were you able to determine the type of ships being sent?”
“No, Sir. To get close enough to do that would have risked being detected by the alien’s gravity scanners. It might have caused them to change course.”
“That was a good decision, Captain; You and your crew get something to eat and get some rest. You’ll launch with the other Epy’s tomorrow.”
“Yes, Sir. Roy turned and joined his crew as they headed toward the cafeteria. Tal saw several of the Epy commanders waiting for him to find out what he knew.
“You know they have to be sending their most advanced warships, Sir,” Rachael said softly. Tal kept his eyes on the commanders and nodded. “Well, this should be fun.”
Tal turned to her, “Is this what you call fun?”
“I also like prickly heat.”
Tal burst out laughing and Rachael joined him.
• • •
The freighter, four Alphas, and eight Epys held their position in space and Jan looked up from her display, “Sir, I’m detecting a gravity scanner’s beam.”
Tal jerked his head to her, “Aren’t we far outside their scanning range?”
Jan’s eyebrows came together, “Yes, Sir, we’re far outside the scanners they used in the past. But these scanners they’re using are a leap ahead in technology from those. I’m reasonably certain they know we’re here.”
“How long before they move into the range of the Brazil’s missiles?”
“About eight hours, Sir.”
Tal nodded and turned back to focus on the front-monitor, “Keep me informed.”
• • •
“Commander, we’ve detected the alien ships.”
The Supreme Commander turned to his scanner operator, “How long before we move into weapon’s range?”
“Eleven, hours, Supremacy.”
“Keep me updated.” The Commander turned to the AL, “Have you found anything that might help us win this fight?”
The AL raised his hands, “No, Commander. I do notice that there is one ship in those we detected that is twice the size of the four-large-warships recorded during our last battle.”
The Commander lowered his head and closed his eyes, “That can’t be good!”
The AL lowered his hands, “No, I think you’re right about that.”
“Surly there’s something in all that data you’ve been studying that can offer something!”
“No, I’ve not seen anything, Commander.” The Commander stared at the monitor and knew his vast superiority in numbers might not be enough to survive what was coming.
• • •
Jan looked up from her console, “Sir, fifteen minutes until the aliens are inside the Brazil’s missile range.”
Tal activated his communicator, “Captain Sager, do not fire until all their vessels are inside the range of your missiles.”
“Awaiting your order, Admiral.”
• • •
The Commander stared at the blips on his monitor and heard the AL say under his breath, “That’s interesting.”
“WHAT’S INTERESTING?!”
The AL jerked in his chair and turned to the Commander, “I don’t think we’ve ever attempted to communicate with the aliens.”
“WHAT?”
The AL leaned back and shrugged, “I’ve been through all the data and at no point did any of the previous commanders attempt to communicate with them.”
The Commander slammed his hand on his chair’s arm activating the fleet’s general frequency, as he ordered, “ALL SHIPS WILL COME TO A STOP AND HOLD THEIR POSITIONS!”
• • •
Jan’s eyes narrowed as she looked up to Tal, “Sir, the alien fleet is coming to a stop. The ships in the rear-formations are not inside missile range!”
Tal glanced from her to the front monitor and then back to her, “What are they doing?” Jan turned back to her monitor, “I don’t know, Sir. I’m certain they see us.”
“Do you have any ideas, Rachael?” Tal asked.
“Not really. But if you launch the Brazil’s missiles now, they’ll detect them and have time for their fleet to move out of range.”
Tal glared at the front monitor intently and wondered what was going on. He turned back to Jan, “Do you detect any other alien ships coming at us from another direction?”
“No, Sir. I’ve been running active scans, and nothing has shown up. Captain Gibbons made sure no other ship formations left the Pinwheel Galaxy before he came back.”
Tal turned to the monitor and ordered, “Brazil, hold your fire. All ships maintain your positions.”
• • •
The Commander said over his shoulder to his communications operator, “Open a broadband of frequencies and link my panel into your sender.”
“Yes, Supremacy.”
The Commander noticed a button on h
is chair’s arm illuminate out of the corner of his eye and he turned to the AL, “What should I say?”
“How would I know?”
“You’re supposed to the alien expert!”
“Not on these particular aliens. Say what you feel needs saying!”
The Commander blew out a hard breath, “Alien expert, humph.” He pressed the flashing button and leaned back in his chair, “I’m wondering if you might want to have a conversation before we introduce ourselves to each other.”
Tal heard the alien’s voice over the wall-speaker and his head jerked around to it. Jan and Rachael stared at him with their mouths open and Tal turned back around to the monitor. He thought a moment and said to Jan, “Do not send a video feed.”
“Yes, Sir. Audio only,” Jan replied.
Tal put his chin on his right hand and replied, “I didn’t think you are capable of having a conversation.”
The Supreme Commander jerked full upright in his chair and his eyes flew wide open. He collected himself and then sat back, “Now I know you’ve been receiving our communication frequencies for a long time. You have to know we’re capable of carrying on a conversation.”
“Then why haven’t you?” Tal asked.
The Commander was thrown by the question and replied, “We weren’t sure you could understand our language.”
Tal snorted, “Now you know that’s not true. Your civilization has been scouting another civilization and you deciphered their language. You have to know that we know your language after all we’ve been through.” The Commander raised his eyes at his stupid remark and Tal added, “Why are you talking now?”
“I discovered a moment ago that no one from my civilization has attempted to speak with you and decided that maybe I should make the effort,” the commander replied.
“Why?”
“To ask if your civilization represents a threat to my civilization. You have to be scouting us for a reason.”
Tal tilted his head to the right, shook it, and responded, “I believe that you are the ones that represent the threat here.”
“Your ships attacked us first!”
“Only after you sent two-thousand-warships looking to find us! If you wanted to know why we’re scouting you, you could have sent an unarmed ship and ask!”