by K M Dean
“Lieutenant, I’m hit,” said Rahae.
“Can you move back to us Talan?” Asked Lieutenant Kocrux.
“I don’t think so Loo. They got me bad in the shoulder and took out my legs. I’m bleeding a lot and I don’t have any cover.”
“OK Talan hang in there. We’ll get you some help as soon as we can.” Said the Lieutenant.
Lieutenant Kocrux turned to Sergeant Abby Voorman. “Sergeant, can we lay some fire down and keep those bastards heads down long enough to get Rahae out of there?”
“I Don’t believe so sir, they’re just using her for bait.”
“Okay Abby, take as many people as you need. Go back to the first hatch on the starboard side. If the Jian are anything like the Federation, they will want at least two exits from a room. See if you can get behind them and take them out. I don’t intend to lose anyone on my first raid if I can help it.”
“Aye Sir,” replied Sergeant Voorman. “Merchant and Aledd B'vavden, you are on me.” Said Sergeant Voorman. “Bring the heavy laser cutter we use to cut through hatches.”
Sergeant Voorman took her troops and returned to the hatch lieutenant Kocrux had indicated. As they entered the room it was clear there was only one entrance. It was some type of storage area. Sergeant Voorman said, “Merchant, use your sensor, find out where the Jian troops are located.” Merchant placed his sensor near the wall closest to where the Jian were located. He silently signaled Voorman where the Jian were located. “Okay Aledd, lets move a little behind them. We are going to use the heavy laser to make a small hole, just large enough to put a couple of frag grenades through. Wait for my signal.”
Sergeant Voorman called Lieutenant Kocrux on her temporal unit. “Lieutenant open up with everything you have, lots of noise, keep it going long enough for us to make a hole for a couple of grenades. Don’t stop till you hear the grenades go off.”
Immediately the Marines with the Lieutenant opened up. They made certain nothing would rebound on Private First-Class Talan Rahae, but the amount of munitions laid down and the noise they made were amazing.
As the firing started, Private First-Class Aledd B'vavden began making a small opening. It only took a few seconds, but it seemed much longer. Finally, just before the firing stopped, Sergeant Voorman was able to step up and drop two frag grenades behind the Jian. The Jian never knew what hit them. Those that survived were in no condition to resist. Voorman and his Marines restrained those that were still alive and secured their weapons. Meanwhile Navy Corpsman, Wo'Qhodgor cared for Private First-Class Talan Rahae. She was badly hurt, but with the Corpsman’s attention she would survive.
The battle at the intersection of the corridors was the last real resistance the Marines faced. The few crew persons encountered gave up immediately.
As they approached the hatch to the Bridge they realized it would take some time to cut through the heavy hatch. It was locked and designed to discourage easy entrance. Lieutenant Kocrux turned to Sergeant Voorman and said, “We had a speaker at one of our training seminars. They had a somewhat similar situation facing them. They had to make entrance to the Bridge but needed to make an unannounced entry. They gained admission to the Captains ready room and then the bridge via his access from his ready room. Do you suppose they have corrected that weakness Sergeant?”
“As I recall Sir, that was an Eldirelian ship.” Replied Sergeant Voorman. “But with any luck it could just work.”
Lieutenant Kocrux said, “Corporal Binol, it has come to my attention that at one time you were quite adept at getting into places you were not supposed to be. By any chance do you believe you could perform that deed under the present circumstances?”
Corporal Binol said, “Aye Loo, I imagine I could do that, just give a minute.”
True to his word, Corporal Binol had “jimmied” the Captains ready room door. Fortunately, there was no one inside.
As the Federation Marines quietly entered the bridge from the Captains ready room, they were able to obtain complete surprise over the Jian crew. In fact, Sergeant Voorman announced the Marines in a rather loud voice. “Drop your weapons and get your hands in the air.”
There was a moment of confusion and then the Jian marines began to fire. Lieutenant Kocrux ducked behind the captains’ chair while Sergeant Voorman dropped to a crouch behind a communications console. The rest of the Federation troops dropped to the floor and began firing.
First Commander Tausir began to shout. “Stop firing, you will get us all killed. That is an order, all Jian personnel, stop firing and drop your weapons.” The firing became sporadic and finally stopped. The Jian marine commander told his troops to lay down their weapons and stand down.
Lieutenant Kocrux said, “Is everybody OK?”
Corporal Kneebo Wonfourn said, “Sir, Roscoe is down. He looks like he is hurt bad.”
Corpsman Melody Osmond said, “I’ve got it Sir.” A few seconds later she said, “I need to move him sir. He is badly hurt, I need to get him someplace I can work on him,”
One of the junior Jian officer, Uslaw Scoyfol, said, “take him to medical, they can help.”
Jian First Commander Tausir said “anyone who gives aid to these invaders is a traitor and deserves to be shot.”
Sergeant Voorman said “Eldiral and Aojaban, give her a hand.” He then pointed at the junior officer that had just spoken, “you show them where to go.” He turned to First Commander Tausir and said, “You’re kind of a pain in the ass, maybe we should just shoot you.”
First Commander Tausir said smugly, “You can’t shoot me, I am a prisoner of war.”
Sergeant Voorman said,” I am not so sure, we are on an enemy ship and we are surrounded by enemy combatants. It seems we could be justified in shooting you just to shut you up. What do you think Lieutenant?”
“Well Sergeant, I am not disagreeing with you, but why waste the laser charge. If he agrees to tell the rest of his marines and crew to stand down just restrain him. But, if he opens his mouth again, just space him. That way we can throw his useless carcass out the airlock and won’t have to drag his sorry ass back to the Odyssey.”
Just as things had settled down on the bridge, Sergeant Ehmon gave the lieutenant a call on his temporal unit. “Lieutenant, we are in engineering. Everything is cool down here. The engineering crew is cooperating, and I have detached a team to check out the rest of the ship to make certain we have no stragglers out there to give us trouble.”
“Thank you, Sergeant.” Replied Lieutenant Kocrux. He then turned to First Commander Tausir and said, “Will you advise the rest of your people to stand down?”
“Absolutely not, it is a Jian military tradition to resist to the death.”
Lieutenant Kocrux said, “Sergeant, space this asshole, let him resist all the way to the airlock.”
“Wait, wait just a moment. I don’t believe our traditions should color our better judgement” Said First Commander Tausir. “I will comply with your request. Allow me to use the intercom please.”
Sergeant Voorman handed him the intercom mike. “This is First Commander Tausir. All Jian personnel stand down. Drop your weapons and surrender to the nearest Federation officer. That is an order”
“Following tradition is a bitch, when it’s your butt in the crosshairs aint it First Commander.” Said Sergeant Voorman.
Back aboard the Odyssey, Commander Aranari Savar said. “Captain, Lieutenant Kocrux just reported in. The Jian Cruiser is under control. Some injuries, but no casualties.”
“Thank you, Commander. Tell our people aboard that ship to stay put. Advise all ships that the Jian Legaliri cruiser is under Federation control.”
“Now let’s get back into the battle, it isn’t over yet. Jump us in to a position on the port side of the final Myoxx cruiser. I want to be in a position just below him with our nose in a ten degree up-tilt to focus our chin cannon on his belly. Put a full spread of laser cannon on his shields. When his shields are discharged, put two jump missiles in him.”
“Aye Captain, jumping now. Target acquired, and laser cannon are firing.”
“We have return fire sir; our shields are down to ninety percent. Eighty five percent, eighty percent. Sir his fire is unusually intense, our shields are at seventy percent. Enemy shields are at forty percent. Now thirty percent and dropping quickly, our shields are at sixty percent. Sir I recommend we make an tactical combat jump and recharge our shields. We can come back for him later.”
“Hold your position Commander.” Said Admiral McCreary. “Give it ten seconds and then put a spread of jump missiles in his belly.” “Yes sir, counting down now, six -five-four-three-two-one, missiles away.
Sensor operator Ensign Daniel Wells said, “Captain I am reading a massive buildup in the Jian cruisers reactor. He may be getting ready to blow. And I have several escape capsules exiting the Jian ship Sir.”
“Emergency jump commander get us out of here now.” Replied Mac.
“Jump complete Sir, we are in a position three light seconds abeam the Jian Cruiser.”
As the view screen cleared, a new small sun appeared where the Jian cruiser had been.
“Damage report.” Said Mac.
“Captain,” said Sogav Ch’Korub, the Egolari Chief of Engineering, “we have damage to the bow shields, they are only going to give us about eighty percent until I can spend some time on repairs, and that will not be possible while we are in combat. All other shields will be recharged in thirty seconds and will be at one hundred percent. All weapons are operating normally.”
“Thank You Commander, we will get you some time when this is all over.”
“Tactical,” said Admiral McCreary. “What is the status of the attack group?”
“Sir,” replied Tactical Officer Lazare. “The Legaliri class command cruiser is under our control, two Myoxx class Cruisers have been destroyed. The destroyer Damascus has some damage, but the Medium Cruiser she was assigned is venting atmosphere and the ship has surrendered. We might want to add our firepower to the destroyer escort Geronimo. She is tangling with a Jian Medium Cruisers and she is punching way above her weight. All other federation vessels are doing well Sir.”
“All right,” said Mac. “Navigation put us on the stern of that Medium Cruiser working over the Geronimo. Tactical, be ready to fire with the chin lasers. Punch a hole through her shields and then put a couple of fast attack missiles in her.”
“Roger that sir, jumping now.”
“Sir, said tactical officer Lazare. “Shields on the Jian Medium Cruisers are down; two fast attack missiles are on their way. The Jian cruiser is venting atmosphere and escape pods are exiting the ship.”
“Okay,” said Mac. “Where are we needed now.”
“Something strange is going on Sir.” Said tactical officer Lazare. “There are ships coming from Lithios, the primary planet in the Delta Ceti system. That is the home planet of the Vikerlons, they are arming weapons sir, should we prepare to fire?”
“Negative, hold your fire.” Replied Mac. “Keep your shields at maximum, but do not target any of their vessels. As soon as we are in position, transmit this message to the Vikerlons.”
“This is Admiral Morin McCreary aboard the Federation Command ship Odyssey. We are here to help protect your system from the Jian. We see that you have armed your weapons. What are your intentions?”
The reply came quickly. “This is Supreme Commander Bojer Ozgozar of the battleship Mapustof. We only wish to defend the Delta Ceti system. We are aware of what the Jian had in mind for us, but what does the Federation want with us? Are we going to have to fight the Federation as well as the Jian?”
“Comms contact the battleship Mapustof by radio. On my console please.”
As soon as the Vikerlon ship had replied, Mac said. “Supreme Commander Bojer Ozgozar, the Federation has no designs on your system or people. We are in our own struggle with the Jian and, tactically, we could not allow the Jian to take control of your shipyards. We would have advised you of our intentions, but there was no time. Once we finish mopping up the rest of the Jian attack group we would like very much to sit down with your representatives and talk, but we have no interest in taking over the Delta Ceti system.”
“Very well Admiral McCreary. It appears you have the situation under control. We will wait here while you finish with the Jian fleet, but do not approach Lithios. To do so will invite an attack by our taskforce.”
“I understand Supreme Commander Ozgozar. We will finish and then talk,” replied Mac.
Commander Aranari Savar said, “Do you think they really believe they could successfully defend their system with the equipment they have now?”
“I doubt they believe it, commander, but I have no doubt they would try if they had to. It has to be hard to trust anyone when you are so close to an aggressive empire like the Jian.”
A few minutes later, Commander Savar said, “Captain, the rest of the Jian ships are bugging out Sir.”
“Let them go Mr. Savar. I am certain the Jian already know what happened here. I am also certain it will be much more difficult the next time we meet them.”
Chapter Eight
The Delta Ceti system
Communications officer Lieutenant Argan Yhaub said. “Captain McCreary, the Vikerlons are asking for you on channel four.”
“Very well comm. Put them through to my console.”
“Admiral McCreary, this is Supreme Commander Bojer Ozgozar of the battleship Mapustof. My Government is curious what your intentions are now that the Jian have left our system. They are concerned that we may suffer repercussions for this defeat after your ships depart. Are you willing to meet with our representatives and explain what the future may hold for our world?”
“Supreme Commander Ozgozar, I will be happy to meet with your people. May I suggest that I send a shuttle to your capitol and transport them here?”
“That will be unnecessary Admiral. The Imperial cruiser has been prepared and Her Imperial Highness, Queen Tapavea Araimel and her Assembly of Nobles will be departing within the next few [19]okea. Do you have a meeting room aboard your ship that would be suitable for Her Majesty to enter?”
“Supreme Commander Ozgozar, this is a ship of war. Our ward rooms are much like the rest of the ship, utilitarian. However, we will do our utmost to make Her Majesty and her Nobles comfortable.”
Two hours later the Imperial cruiser hailed the Odyssey, “Odyssey, this is the Vikerlon Imperial Cruiser Ashacklon. The Imperial barge will be departing our landing bay for your ship momentarily. Please have the appropriate honor Guard prepared to greet her Majesty.”
“Roger that Celestial Serenity have your pilot enter our dorsal landing bay, the bay doors are open.”
In the dorsal landing bay, Admiral McCreary was standing with his XO, Commander Aranari Savar and a squad of Marines, at attention, in battle dress.
As the Vikerlon contingent left the Imperial Barge, it soon became obvious Her Imperial Majesty was a total knockout. Her beauty nearly took “Mac’s” breath away. It was all he could do to avoid staring. Recovering his composure, Mac said, “Welcome to the Odyssey, your Imperial Majesty.” To which she simply dipped her head. At just that moment a serious looking little man interposed himself between the Queen and Mac. “Here now, as a commoner, you are not allowed to address her majesty directly.”
“Well,” said Mac, that is going to make negotiations very difficult then isn’t it.”
The small officious man said, “Where is your royal blood representative, the queen can only communicate with Royalty.”
“First of all, sir, could I have your name please?” Said Mac.
“My name is S'Kalren Thules, chief protocol officer to the throne.” Replied the small officious man.
“Mr. Thules, may I suggest we adjourn to the ward room. We can find a way to manage our communications there rather than in the middle of a noisy landing bay.” With that Mac turned and walked toward the exit.
Mr. Thules sputtered
and said, “this is highly irregular sir, the niceties must be observed.”
As Mac turned to deliver a rather withering reply to the rude little man, the Queen spoke up, “S’Kalren, Stop. Stop this instant. I am not a helpless ornament. I will be happy to speak with the Admiral. These people just saved us from the Jian. It is true, we are a monarchy, but as a people in a modern era, we must learn to adjust to the current times. Now step aside and let us get started, please.”
The queen continued, “Please, Admiral lead us to your ward room.”
Mac replied, “right this way your highness.”
Admiral McCreary moved to the seat at the head of the table while Queen Tapavea Araimel was escorted to the far end. The Assembly of Nobles took their places on one side of the table and the Federation officers were arranged, according to rank, on the other side.
S'Kalren Thules stood to the right of the Queen and said, “Admiral, I insist that you communicate with me and I will in turn pass on your communication to the Queen.”
Mac replied, “Let me get this straight. I am to talk to you only and then you will tell the Queen what I said. Even though she is sitting right there listening. Is that correct?”
“That is the correct protocol Admiral. The Queen is not allowed to communicate directly with commoners.”
“Well Mr. Thules, I believe that train has left the station sir. I have already communicated directly with the Queen. If the Queen insists on following protocol then I shall endeavor to make that happen, however I feel our conversation could go much more quickly without an interpreter.”
Queen Araimel spoke up. “S’Kalren, please. This is an entirely new situation. I understand you are only doing your job, but we can no longer afford the royal protocol requirements. When dealing with our friends and allies we must be able to communicate as equals. This is a new age. We must adjust with the times. If I am to be effective as a leader these things must change. I am no longer just a figurehead. I must now be a true leader, or our people will not survive. I need your help to make that happen.”
