by Don Viecelli
“First Leader Miata, notify Earth Defense Systems that the Yoyka have fired missiles targeting their planet! They must prepare to fire laser defense weapons at all missiles that get through our defenses.”
“Sending notification now, Vice Leader!” Miata responded.
Another nuclear blast shook the Bakutu as two Yoyka warships were heading straight for Di’s ship firing more missiles as they closed in. Control immediately took evasive action to avoid the incoming missiles while firing laser beams with deadly accuracy. The kill ratio was close to ninety-eight percent, but even that was not enough to prevent numerous hits on their energy shield.
“Damage report!” Di requested as the ship rocked violently to one side.
“Energy shield down to thirty percent. AIC compensating!” Miata reported.
The Command Center lights dimmed momentarily; then normalized. Di looked at his viewscreen and was relieved when both Yoyka warships suddenly exploded in front of him.
“Warships from Holtu are attacking the Yoyka fleet now, Vice Leader!”
That was good news thought Di. The Allied fleet had been taking serious damage moments before the sudden arrival of more warships that were part of High Leader Altek’s warfleet. Altek had promised to send one hundred warships filled with Zoltu fighters and new Orca drone weapons once he determined where the Yoyka would attack first. Apparently, the Yoykan Emperor Rahta was convinced he could destroy the Earth solar system and all humans in it before attacking Holtu again. He was about to be proven wrong again.
“What is the status of Mars defenses?” Di asked Miata.
“The Yoyka warships are being attacked by Altek’s fleet. Their warships are being destroyed quickly, Vice Leader.”
“What about those Yoyka missiles heading towards the surface of Mars?”
Miata waited for AIC to gather the data from long range scanners. “Twenty NDW missiles are still on target to reach Mars. Five minutes to impact!”
That was not good. Di hoped the Mars satellite defense lasers could stop the missiles before reaching the planet’s surface. Otherwise, things could get a lot worse.
Di turned his attention to the viewscreen that was tracking the Yoyka missiles heading towards Earth. “How many missiles are targeting Earth?” he asked Miata.
“Sixty missiles on target to hit Earth,” Miata replied looking at the tracking monitor.
The missiles had been fired from three Yoyka warships attacking from difference locations in space. The missiles had been fired when they were one hundred million kilometers from Earth. It would take just over six minutes to reach the planet travelling at ninety percent light speed; not much time to stop them.
“Earth is firing antimissile defense systems at the incoming missiles now, Vice Leader,” Miata reported. “They will engage laser defense systems when the missiles are within range.”
Di’s scanning data identified the Yoyka missiles as NDW’s; not nuclear. They would explode in the atmosphere above populated areas and the nanobot drone swarms would descend quickly to the surface to attack humans wherever they found them. Millions would die if not hiding in bomb shelters or protected rooms with closed air systems. The nanobots were so tiny they could slip through any type of crack or air space.
“We cannot prevent the NDW missiles from reaching Earth,” Di finally said. “It is up to Earth’s defense system to stop those missiles.”
“Some will get through, Vice Leader. AIC calculates ten missiles will reach the atmosphere of Earth,” Miata said.
“I understand, First Leader. UN Space Defense Forces will do what is necessary to eliminate the nanobot drone swarms. They will use their thermonuclear devices to wipe out any swarms that make it to the surface.”
It was all made clear to the UN Space Strike Forces and UN Space Defense Group leaders on Earth what must be done if any nanobot drone weapons made it through their defenses during the space battle and reached any planet surfaces. The military must authorize the use of thermonuclear neutron and EMP bombs to wipe out the swarms before they could kill more people and spread. There was no alternative option for saving the human race except for one and that option may be their only hope.
Chapter 34
New Command
Winning the battle looked certain until another one hundred Holtu warships suddenly erupted out of hyperspace to join the space battle now in full conflict near two populated human planets. First Commander Trolga was no long so confident of victory.
“The lead warship trying to stop us has been disabled, First Commander,” Second Command Qunta reported.
Trolga looked at his viewscreen. It was true. They had hit the enemy warship following them with more missiles until it was knocked out of commission, drifting helplessly in space.
“Our warships are moving in for the kill!” Qunta said.
Without warning, other warships in Trolga’s fleet began to explode for no apparent reason.
“We are losing warships too quickly!” shouted Qunta.
It was true. Trolga starred helplessly at his viewscreen. One after another of his warships was disappearing from his screen. There was no explainable reason why. In some cases no missiles at all were being fired at his ships before they exploded in complete destruction.
“We are receiving alarm messages from several warships, First Commander. They are demanding withdrawal from the battle!” Qunta said.
“It’s got to be these treacherous Humans!” Trolga said at last. “They must have a new weapon to use against us. We must find out what it is!”
More warships disappeared off Trolga’s viewscreen. The total count was now up to 100 lost or damaged; one third of his fleet gone!
“What is the enemy warship count now!” Trolga demanded.
Qunta queried his database and answered, “With the new arrivals and enemy loses, the enemy strength in warships is two hundred forty-two against our two hundred warships.”
Trolga tried to reassess the situation. He could stay and try to win victory, which was no longer certain; or he could flee and return to Yoykan. The only thing he knew for certain is Emperor Rahta would not accept retreat without a good explanation, especially if Trolga did not complete his mission.
“We must make certain the NDW missiles reach the two planets before we can leave. The Humans must be exterminated on those planets. Order all warships closets to these two planets to fire their NDW missiles even if they are not within range. Do it now!” Trolga ordered.
Qunta transmitted the order to all warships in the fleet. Each warship had twenty NDW missiles on board. All they had to do was load the missiles in tubes and fire. The only problem is it would take a few minutes to accomplish at the expense of defending themselves from an unknown weapon capable of destroying them.
“What is the status of our missiles heading to Mars?”
“They are on target, First Commander. Impact in tre kas (three minutes)!” Qunta said.
Trolga watched his long range viewscreen that was tracking the twenty NDW missiles heading to Mars. So far, no defense systems were trying to stop them from reaching the planet. Normally, the missiles would just explode in the atmosphere above populated cities or areas. However, Mars did not contain a viable human atmosphere. The population centers were covered by protective domes. These domes would have to be destroyed first to let in the nanobot drones. It would be up to the Spitka fighters speeding ahead of the missiles to strike and make holes in the domes before the NDW missiles exploded above them. Either way, the humans inside the dome cities would die.
*****
The USS Illinois was still drifting aimlessly in space. Its main propulsion control system was damaged and unable to engage. The ship was still intact without a hull breach, but the Command Center was in shambles. Most command officers were knocked out from the concussive shock wave of the nuclear explosions near their hull. The fires started by the missiles that hit them were no longer burning. The smoke was clearing out. Cries for help from some of t
he officers on the Bridge could be heard as they called out in pain and shock. Admiral Jason Weston was still unconscious and seriously hurt. The AIC finally regained operational status as backup systems kicked in. It quickly assessed the damage and reported in.
“Admiral Weston, are you in command?” No response
“Captain Martin, are you in command?” No response at first. Then a response.
“I’m here, Control.” Captain Doug Martin’s eyes suddenly opened. He was still strapped into his seat, but it was lying sideways on the deck. He unhooked himself and sat up. Looking around, he could see the damage around him. He saw Jason still strapped into his seat, but it was lying near the far wall. The Admiral was not moving.
“Call for medical, Control!” Doug said. “What’s the ship’s status?”
“All control systems down, Captain. I am accessing backup systems now trying to restore power and energy shield. We are defenseless at the moment.”
That was not good. Doug looked at his wristcom for the time. He estimated he was out for a few minutes at best. He wondered why the Yoyka ships that fired on them did not finish them off? It did not make sense. They should all be dead by now.
“I am receiving a call on the vidcom. Can you take the call?” Control asked in a calm voice as always.
“Yes, put it on the speaker. Captain Martin here.”
“Captain, it’s good to hear your voice! This is Commodore Potter. Where is Admiral Weston?”
It was good to hear Susan’s voice. She was Commodore of the USS Washington. “He is hurt. I am not sure how bad yet. Our Command Center and Bridge have been damaged. We are without engine power and energy shield. What is your position?”
“Do not worry. There are no enemy warships or fighters near us. I am protecting your ship.”
“What happened to the Yoyka warships attacking us?”
“We were authorized by Vice Leader Di to use our new Orca weapons on the Yoyka warships. I destroyed the two warships that attacked your ship, but the lead ship escaped after firing twenty missiles at Mars. We are trying to intercept those missiles as we speak.”
“Those might be NDW missiles, Commodore. They must be stopped at all costs!” Doug said trying to stand up.
“I understand. Mars has been alerted. They are sending up Zoltu fighters to intercept the missiles and the Spitka fighters heading their way.”
Spitka fighters? Doug had to think a moment before he realized what they were up to. They could be carrying more NDW missiles or more probably would attack the domed cities to open them up. In either case, more people may die, including his wife and child.
“We must stop them from reaching Mars!” Doug said raising his voice in alarm.
“We are aware of the danger, Captain. We are doing all we can.” Potter responded. Her voice was empathetic, yet firm. She knew the danger to Mars.
“I must attend to duties here. Do what you can to save Mars, Commodore.” Doug ended the call.
The medical team had arrived. They were attending to the wounded officers. Admiral Weston was still in critical condition. The medics were trying to keep him breathing as they put him on a stretcher to get him to the medical bay for surgery. Doug was now the senior officer in charge of the USS Illinois. He needed to get his warship back into the fight.
“How long before engine power is restored!” Doug questioned Control.
“Engineering reporting QV Thrusters are operational. Waiting for power and drive control systems to be restored. Estimating four minutes.”
“What about shield?” he asked.
“Energy shield back online,” Control said.
“Good. Check all weapon systems. Load Orca missiles in all firing tubes!”
“Loading Orca missiles in launch tubes now, Captain.”
The lights finally came on in the Command Center. Computer monitors and viewscreens came alive. Several new ship officers appeared on the Bridge reporting for duty. Doug assigned them where they were needed. All wounded officers were taken to medical bays on lower Deck Level 17.
Doug had one more order before he would get engine power. “Prepare Railguns for firing!” The space battle had reached the stage where enemy warships were going to be within shooting distance of the railguns. They would be passing each other by at sublight speeds; too close for missile fire. Laser guns would also be fired, but nothing could destroy a warship better at close range than kinetic energy metal projectiles fired from electromagnetic railguns travelling at twenty kilometers per second. They would ripe a metal hulled warship apart in seconds.
Finally, QVT engine power was restored. Engineers quickly re-mounted Doug’s command seat on the Bridge. Doug strapped himself in and said to his new navigator, “All engines at max power. Find me that lead warship!”
Chapter 35
Death And Destruction
In a last ditch effort to prevent the twenty Yoyka nanobot drone weapon missiles and two dozen Spitka fighters from reaching Mars, the Haffen City Spaceport sent up fifty Zoltu fighters to stop them. Missile impact was in two minutes. What the Zoltu fighters were up to was anyone’s guess.
Lieutenant Commander Corky Bell was as good a fighter pilot and Squadron Leader the UN Strike Space Force could produce. His job was to protect Mars from any Yoyka enemy fighters that came within striking distance of Mars once the space battle began. The battle had been raging for close to thirty minutes and the outcome did not look good until another one hundred Holtu warships joined the battle deep in space.
Things looked pretty much in control until a few minutes ago when long range scanners detected five Yoyka warships heading straight for Mars. Everyone knew what the Yoyka planned to do when missiles were fired at Mars instead of at Holtu warships. Those missiles had to be stopped at all costs. At the same time Spitka fighters were detected racing ahead of the missiles, all travelling very fast. It was going to be tough to intercept and destroy the missiles let alone stop the Spitkas from spewing death and destruction to the planet.
Commander Bell used the comchannel to communicate with his two Flight Leaders, Lieutenants Timothy Kiev and Mateo Ortez. “Kiev, take ten fighters and hold back in case some fighters get through. Ortez, follow me. I’ll lead the squadron to meet the Spitkas. Let’s kill these bastards!”
“What about the missiles behind them, Commander?” Ortez asked, his voice tense with excitement.
“The satellite laser guns will take care of them. Let’s take out those Spitkas before they get any closer!”
Commander Bell left his comlink on to hear any communications between his fighter pilots. Sometimes, it becomes necessary to calm pilots down during a fight to keep their fear or panic from getting them killed. Unfortunately, it doesn’t always work, and some of them will die today no matter what he tries to do.
The UN squadron of Zoltu fighters was now within range of the fast approaching Spitkas that separated into two groups of twenty fighters each. They were travelling so fast, Commander Bell knew his fighters would get only one chance to stop them before they flew right past them at sublight speeds.
“Shields full power! Fire missiles now!” Bell ordered. “Keep laser fire on auto. Let your AI handle the work!”
Enemy Spitkas did the same thing the Zoltu fighters did, but for some reason they did not fire all their missiles. It seemed to Bell that Yoyka fighters were saving their missiles for some other reason than shooting at them.
The two opposing fighter groups were still five hundred thousand kilometers apart. At the speeds they were moving, they would meet each other in face-to-face battle within two seconds. Missiles fired earlier had reached all targets and started to explode sending metal fragments in all directions. The force of the blasts collapsed energy shields, allowing laser fire to penetrate, burning holes through everything it touched.
The last thing Commander Bell heard before his fighter caught fire and his control pod was ejected into space was loud screams coming from dozens of his fighter pilots. The last thing
Bell saw before he was knocked unconscious from the force of the ejection was ten or so Spitka fighters streaking past his fighters heading for Mars.
One minute later, the Mars satellite antimissile defense systems fired at all incoming missiles and Spitka fighters still thousands of kilometers away. Laser fire would follow. The defense satellites would keep firing until all incoming threats were eliminated. That was the goal, but the reality was they probably could not stop all of the missiles. One or two would get through.
Lieutenant Kiev, Flight Leader of eleven Zoltu fighters including himself was still orbiting Mars waiting for word from Commander Bell. Instead, he received a call on the comchannel from Lieutenant Ortez. “Flight Leader One, this is Flight Leader Two. Commander Bell is no longer in command. His fighter has been destroyed!
“We are turning back. Fourteen enemy fighters destroyed. Ten enemy fighters still headed for Mars. We managed to take out five enemy missiles. Fifteen enemy missiles still on target for Mars. It’s up to you guys now to stop them! Over and out.”
“Acknowledged, Flight Leader One. We’re ready for them!” Kiev responded, thankful to hear Ortez was still alive. He was not sure if Commander Bell survived or not, but his orders remained the same. They were to stop the threat heading their way.
*****
Janice was holding Jules in her lap feeding him from a bottle. She was staying in a bomb shelter with thousands of other people built especially for what was about to happen. Since the war with the Yoyka began, government leaders on Mars and Earth built secure underground facilities they hoped could survive a nuclear attack from the Yoyka. This particular bunker was underneath the UN Building in Haffen City. Janice promised Doug she would take shelter with Jules in case of a Yoyka attack. She has been inside the bunker for twenty-four hours now. The latest news broadcast over the media was the space battle had begun and the fighting was still in progress.