by K M Dean
“I would be delighted Captain Chivington. Would you consider joining me aboard the Vikerlon battleship Mapustof? I would very much like for you to share this honor with me.”
“It would be my pleasure Supreme Commander. Thank you for asking.”
Meanwhile in the Drakkana System
The Midway, the Cantabria, the Venator the Concorde and the Manticor made a combat jump to a location directly behind the Jian fleet. The Federation ships opened fire as they broke out of their combat jump.
As the Midway contingent opened fire on the Jian fleet from the rear, the Odyssey, the Thunder, the Griffon and the Sherman all opened fire from the front of the formation. Mac realized that splitting his forces this way was a dangerous tactic, but he was certain the Jian fleet had orders to delay his fleet from returning to Delta Ceti. The Jian fleet was there only as a delaying tactic.
The Drakkana system was important due to its location. It had three major planets, only one was habitable. The planet Galerusk was peopled with a race called the Ventillons. The Ventillons were just beginning to explore their own system. The single moon Ardur, orbiting the planet Galerusk had a small Ventillon re
search station. What the Drakkana system had was its strategic location. It offered a prime location to stage an invasion fleet targeting the Jian Empire.
As soon as the Federation fleet attacked, the Jian fleet began to scramble. Mac realized the ships comprising the Jian fleet were older ships that did not come close to measuring up to the new Havoc class ships the Federation was fielding.
One of the Jian cruisers suffered a crippling blow to the aft part of the ship. The ship began to slowly drift, and escape pods began to exit. The rest of the Jian fleet made best speed to the outer edges of the Drakkana system where they would transition to FTL
Captain Gala Landau called Mac on his TUI. “Admiral, we can catch them before they get completely away.”
“No Captain let them go, they were bait. They just wanted to get us out of the Delta Ceti system. They never had any intention of fighting. That cruiser just wasn’t careful enough and got caught with his pants down or we wouldn’t have gotten any of them. Let’s get busy picking up the survivors so we can head back to Delta Ceti.”
After the Federation forces had rescued all the escape pods, Mac ordered the fast attack group to return to the Delta Ceti System.
Mac called Admiral Anderson on the four-qubit Cluster State FTL transceiver.
“John, it was as we thought. The Drakkana system attack was a ruse. We did take down one of their older Command cruisers, but other than that they just retreated. They wanted us to leave the Delta Ceti system without a defense. Captain Chivington was in command of the Delta Ceti defense group and she did a great job. The Barracuda wound up crippling the Jian Command cruiser, causing it to move out of the battle area for repairs. The Barracuda also took out one of the Myoxx cruisers. Then when the Command cruiser attempted to return to the battle the Barracuda destroyed it. The Jian never knew what hit them.”
“Mike Adams had command of the fighters and bombers and they devastated the Jian formation. They took out the other Myoxx cruiser.”
“The Outlaw II fleet had some damage, but it can all be repaired in the Vikerlon ship yards.”
“All Jian ships in the Delta Ceti system were either destroyed or surrendered. No ships escaped, although the Jian probably had a lurker, we didn’t see, watching.”
“It was a successful campaign Mac. It should be interesting to see what they try next.”
Admiral Anderson continued, “Good job out there Mac, but we are not going to wait on the Jian to make their next move. The council has decided we need to be a little more proactive. I had already dispatched five of the new battle platforms to Delta Ceti. They are accompanied by a command cruiser, two medium cruisers and four destroyers. The battle platforms are capable of tactical FTL jumps and have outstanding defensive and offensive weapons aboard. All the weapons we are sending to Delta Ceti are operating with minimum crews. The Vikerlon government is going to complete the staffing and the Vikerlon crews will be getting on the job training.”
“The rest of the story is that, as soon as the battle platforms and their support ships arrive at Delta Ceti, you will take the Predator fleet and return to the Drakkana system. We have succeeded in drafting a treaty with the Ventillons.”
“The Federation has dispatched five of the new battle platforms to the Drakkana system as well. They are accompanied by a command cruiser, two medium cruisers and four destroyers. That will be the Drakkana system defense group. The Predator fleet is going to position itself in the Drakkana system under your command, for the time being. We want a visible force on the Jian Empires doorstep. The Jian will have no choice but to retain a large portion of their offensive capability to defend their territory.”
“The battle platforms and their support ships should arrive in the Delta Ceti system within twenty-four hours. The Drakkana system battle platforms and their support ships left at twelve hundred hours yesterday. They should be arriving on station by twenty-four hundred the day after tomorrow.”
“All right Admiral. We should be able to make that timetable work.” Said Admiral McCreary.
“Mac,” Said Admiral Anderson. “I need you to choose your successor to lead the Predator Fleet. And choose a new captain for the Odyssey. I realize this is coming out of left field, but it just needs to happen. As soon as you have made those assignments come back to Apsis Prime. The Destroyer Intrepid is returning to Apsis Prime from the Drakkana system. She will wait for you there.”
“What’s going on Admiral? I really need to stay with the Predator fleet.”
“Mac, I will explain everything when you get here. The new offensive requires your experience.”
“Alright John. This is kind of a shock, and I am not crazy about leaving the Predator fleet.”
“I understand Mac, and you will as well, but for now just get it done.”
Later in the Vikerlon Palace
Admiral McCreary and his fleet had returned to the Delta Ceti system. He called Queen Tapava and asked if he could call. Of course, “Tappy” was happy to have him back in system. She said yes.
Queen Tapava called her handmaiden. “Vuual, Admiral McCreary will be calling in a short while. I will receive him in my private quarters.”
“Yes, your excellency, should I alert Mr. Thules?” Said Vuual with a sly smile.
“Tappy” rolled her eyes and said, “That will not be necessary, Vuual. Thank you.”
“Yes, Your Highness, said Vuual with ill-disguised glee. Vuual continued, “Nuevo Fallapadax, Noble from the Quixinohae sector has asked for an audience. What shall I tell him?”
“I can see him later this afternoon Vuual. Tell him to arrive at four o’clock please.”
Later when Mac made his appearance at the castle, Vuual showed him in to the Queens private quarters.
“Admiral McCreary, how nice to see you again.” Said Queen Tapava Araimel.
“It is my pleasure your highness.”
“What brings you to the palace today Admiral?”
“There have been some developments that I need to cover with you your highness.”
“Very well Admiral.” Queen Tapava Araimel turned to her handmaiden. “Vuual, we are going to discuss certain sensitive matters. We will require some privacy. Will you be sure no one disturbs us for the next hour or so?”
“Of course, your highness, I will see to it.” All the while attempting to hide a huge smile. She had been the personal handmaiden to Queen Tapava since ‘Tappy’ was a child and she had never seen her Queen so happy.
After Vuual had left, Tappy put her arms around Mac and gave him a very passionate kiss. “I have missed you so.” She said.
“And I have missed you as well Tappy my love. How is the reorganization of the Vikerlon government going?”
“At last they are progressing. I shall relinquish the Crown in favor of my brother. He will appoint me to the new posit
ion of “Councilor to the Crown. Councilor to the Crown will allow me to be appointed to the Federation Council as the Vikerlon representative.”
“Will that require you to relocate to Giana Prime?”
“Yes, it will my love, and I should have ample time to spend at Apsis Prime.”
“At least we will be able to see one another from time to time.” Replied Mac. “I will be leaving tomorrow morning for the Drakkana system. That will be the Fast Attack Group staging area. I don’t understand why, but I am being required to find someone to replace me. Then I will be returning to Apsis Prime. For what I have no idea. Admiral Anderson and Admiral Miller have something in mind for me, but what it is, is a mystery. I only hope it will allow us to meet from time to time. Our time apart is excruciating to say the least.” He took her in his arms and held her close.”
At that moment, Vuual knocked on the door. When Tappy went to answer, Vuual said. “Nuevo Fallapadax, Noble from the Quixinohae sector says he must see you now. It is a matter of life and death.”
“Did you tell him that I was meeting with Admiral McCreary?”
“No mam, I felt that it was not his concern.”
“All right Vuual, give me a moment.” She turned to Mac. “Mac would you mind waiting in the alcove? It shouldn’t take more than a moment. Nuevo Fallapadax is an easily overexcited older gentleman. He is having a major problem adjusting to the new government. I am certain it is of no importance, but I should see him.”
“Of course, Tappy. Not a problem. I hope there won’t be any state secrets that I might overhear.” Mac said with a grin. He then stepped in to the alcove
Queen Tapava Araimel said, “Vuual, please show in noble Fallapadax.”
As Noble Fallapadax stepped in to the room he said to Vuual, “Leave us alone please.”
Vuual gave her queen a questioning look.
Tapava Araimel nodded to Vuual to comply.
After Vuual had left the room, Noble Fallapadax turned to Tappy and said, “Your highness, thank you for seeing me on such short notice. This is very important. I have been in contact with spokespersons for the Jian Empire. They have assured me that we have nothing to fear from them. They have no interest in our system. They just don’t want the Federation here. We can still have a treaty with the Jian Empire that will assure the continuation of our monarchial government. One that assures us we can continue as we have for thousands of years. We can save our world.”
Queen Tapava Ariel was shocked. She said, “Noble Fallapadax, you had no sanction to negotiate on the behalf of the Vikerlon people. The people have voted and chosen to join the Federation. How could you have done such a thing. You could be considered a traitor to Lithios and the Vikerlon people. What were you thinking?”
Fallapadax shook his head as he replied, “They said you would say that. They assured me that you are the true traitor and they also told me the only answer was that you had to die to create enough confusion, so the Jian can come in and return to us our sense of honor. Perhaps we can find some sanity in the chaos that must follow.”
The he shouted, “what I do now is for the Vikerlon people.”
Fallapadax reached within his tunic and withdrew a very sharp dagger. As he began his stabbing motion, his arm was gripped by Admiral Mac McCreary. The Noble struggled but was no match for the younger man. Mac forced Fallapadax to the floor and secured him. Removing the dagger from his reach. Fallapadax was screaming in powerless rage. Spittle flew from his lips.
Moments later, guards alerted by Vuual responded. As they entered the queen’s quarters, Queen Tapava Araimel said. “Arrest Noble Fallapadax. He attempted to assassinate me. If it hadn’t been for Admiral McCreary, he might have succeeded. Lock him in the dungeons. The High Court will deal with him.”
Shortly after the guards left with Fallapadax, a breathless Noble Silravlynn Dachan came rushing in to the queens living room. “My Gods your Highness, I had no idea the old man had gotten so out of touch. I only just now received information that indicated he may have been involved in the assignation attempt on Athega. Are you, all right?”
“I am fine Silravlynn. Thankfully Admiral McCreary was here. I am not certain I could have stopped him by myself.”
“It appears the Vikerlon people are in your debt yet again for saving our queen, Admiral McCreary. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”
“It was my pleasure Noble Dachan.” Replied Mac.
After all the commotion had settled down, and Mac and Tappy were alone, Tappy said. “Mac, what can I say. You have rescued me once again.”
“Tappy, just say you will marry me and I will be the happiest man in the universe.”
“Of course, I will marry you. That will happen Admiral McCreary. Nothing will make me happier than to trade the title of Queen for the title of Mrs. Morin McCreary. And the sooner the better. We can begin to make plans when we are both in Apsis Prime.”
“I am good with that Tappy.”
Mac continued. “As soon as the battle platforms and their support ships arrive here in the Delta Ceti system, the Predator fleet will be relocating to the Drakkana system. I have to choose someone I trust to command the fleet, then I will be back at Apsis Prime. By the way. As the Federation Representative for the Vikerlon people, you will have a four-qubit Cluster State FTL transceiver of your own to use. I am certain no one would mind if we managed to talk from time to time.”
“Admiral Morin McCreary, you do realize I am in love with you?”
“Queen Tapava Araimel, you had damn well better be, because I am in love with you. It certainly would be awkward if you weren’t.”
“Goodbye Mac. I will call you as soon as I am established in the Vikerlon residence on Giana Prime.”
“So long for now Tappy.” Replied Admiral Morin McCreary.
The next day in the Delta Ceti system
Commander Aranari Savar, XO of the Odyssey called Mac on his TUI. “Mac, the battle platforms and their supporting ships just arrived.”
Mac was in his quarters working through a list of people he thought could lead the Predator fleet.
“I’ll be right there Aranari.”
Mac made his way to the bridge. Just as he walked through the hatch, comm operator lieutenant Chulal Quon'toh said, “Admiral McCreary, Admiral Nuebvo Uavoo for you.”
“Put him on my console lieutenant.”
“Aye Sir” replied lieutenant Quon’toh.
“Nuebvo, good to hear your voice. How was your trip?”
“Uneventful Mac. Just the way we like them. Mac, I am going to go ahead and deploy my forces in a standard defensive package. Do you have any suggestions?”
“Not really Nuebvo. This is your bailiwick now. Although it might be a good idea to organize a tour of the Battle Stations for The Queen, her brother Prince Taufan Araimel, The Assembly of Nobles and Supreme Commander Ozgozar. There will probably be a fussbudget by the name of S'Kalren Thules, chief protocol officer to the throne with the group. He may have settled down a bit, but he can be a real pain in the kiester.”
“Thanks Mac, that is already in the works. Admiral Anderson gave me a thorough briefing.
Why don’t you and your XO join us for the tour? We are going to throw a dinner after, it would probably help to have you there to run interference. What do you say?”
“When is this going to take place Nuebvo?”
“Its actually on for this evening. I would really appreciate your help Mac. You know these folks and I am sure they would feel more comfortable with someone they already know to ease the process.”
“I would love to Nuebvo, but I have to get to the Drakkana system right away. How about I leave the Constitution. Captain Maya Chivington has a pretty good working relationship with the Vikerlons. The Constitution can follow us to the Drakkana system tomorrow. Will that work for you?”
“Of course, Mac. Sorry to see you go, but we will make that work just fine.”
Later that evening in the Drakkana system
> The Odyssey dropped out of FTL in the Drakkana system. She was greeted by the sight of multiple Battle Stations with supporting ships. The Battle stations were orbiting the planet Galerusk. The support ships were interspersed among the Battle Stations to aid in their defense.
Comm operator lieutenant Chulal Quon'toh said, “Captain, we are being queried by the battle station network. I have responded by activating our transponder. The are asking to speak to you Sir.”
“Very well Mr. Quon’toh. On my console.”
“Welcome back to the Drakkana system Odyssey.” Said Captain Samuel Stone.
“Hello Sam, this is Mac. How was your trip?”
“Our battle stations don’t move through FTL quite as quickly as the ships do, but it was an uneventful journey Admiral. Glad to be on station and ready to go to work. I understand the Fast Attack Group will be staying with us for a while.”
“Yes, they will Sam. The Fast Attack Group will be positioned here for the foreseeable future.”
“I see Admiral, well the more the merrier.”
“Your right Sam, more is a good thing when it comes to firepower. We will have a staff meeting tomorrow at thirteen hundred hours here on the Odyssey. You and your XO should be there. I will explain how the Battle Station Network and the Fast Attack Group relationship is going to work.”
“Roger that Admiral. Lieutenant Commander Arana Martell and I will be there. See you tomorrow.”
The next morning, Mac awoke about zero five thirty. The Constitution had arrived overnight. Mac took his morning shower and shaved. He was a bit perplexed. He couldn’t understand why he was being recalled to the Gamma Remidian System. He couldn’t understand what he might have done to justify a recall.
It really didn’t matter. He knew he wasn’t going to find out until he arrived back at Gamma Remidian Station and he had work to do here. There would be plenty of time to worry about that later.
Mac paged Captain Maya Chivington on her TUI, when she answered, he said. “Maya, we have a staff meeting at thirteen hundred hours. Have lunch with me on the Odyssey at twelve hundred hours. I need to brief you on some things that are happening.”
