by PP Corcoran
“OK, people, what we’ve learned here is a game changer. The enemy knows where our home systems are located, and they have for the better part of a year and a half. As the commander pointed out, this base was designed to accommodate more than the equivalent of a battle group. Only a few elements of that battle group have been harassing Garunda for the past year and a half; it means that their other ships are somewhere else.” Radford stood tall. “We’ve been played, people. The Others have kept us occupied in Garunda while they planned to hit us elsewhere. It’s a lot less than nineteen months sailing time from here to Earth, it’s my guess they’re amassing their forces for an all-out assault on our home systems.”
A murmur of agreement ran through the room.
“I’ve ordered the dispatching of drones to the naval commands of Earth, Janus, Pars, and Garunda. Drones are also on their way to Alona to keep our naval attaché in the loop. It’s my intention to return to Garunda at the earliest opportunity and assume a defensive posture until I receive orders to the contrary from the Joint Chiefs.”
John looked slowly around the room, making eye contact with each of his subordinate commanders.
“Gentlemen. I suggest you return to your ships. We leave within the hour.”
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Alona See What You Want to See
ALONA SYSTEM – MESSIER 54 – 50,000 LIGHT YEARS FROM EARTH
Since the all-time low in relations between the Commonwealth Union of Planets and the Empire following the discovery that the Empire had purchased sensitive Commonwealth tech on the black market, the Alonan Imperial Navy had had its five gravity drive equipped Vaspar cruisers conducting training cruises at a much higher tempo than had been previously planned in order to train up the crews that would eventually man the remaining six Vaspars that were still under construction in the specially built naval yard in Alonan systems Ort cloud. The word was that neither Grand Admiral Raga or the emperor himself believed for a second that there was any chance of an armed conflict with the Commonwealth, but only a fool would not prepare for a possible worst-case scenario so Captain Welak and his crew worked hard at perfecting the skills required to master a gravity drive warship and the weapon systems that it carried. It didn’t help that the majority of systems were still calibrated in Commonwealth Standard English and used their numerical system, but that was just one more obstacle to be overcome.
“Captain, we’re picking something up on the long-range sensors.”
Welak activated his display and it flickered to life as it extended out from its position at the side of his chair. On a Commonwealth warship he had no doubt that the captain would have the benefit of a high-resolution holographic display, but Alonan technology still lagged behind that of the Commonwealth, and the mix of advanced and standard tech on board the AIN Volkar was a prime example of that.
On the display, a large bright cloud slowly closed on the Volkar’s position. “Can you clean it up any?”
“Sorry, sir but the ships are so tightly packed that at this range their energy sources are overlapping. The computers just can’t pick out individual ships at this distance.”
Welak massaged his temples as if weary. “Do we at least have a likely course for them?”
“Computer is working on it now, sir but it will be a few minutes.”
Welak cursed quietly. If only they had Commonwealth computers! But wishing got him nothing, so all he could do was wait. Welak couldn’t even call for help. The Volkar was over a light year from Alona so the approaching ships would be long gone before any radio transmission reached home and the espionage types hadn’t been able to procure any of the Commonwealth communications drones. All he could do was temper his impatience and wait for the computers to spit out their findings.
#
The minutes dragged by but eventually the information popped up on the navigator’s screen. “Computer predicts that unless the ships make a radical course correction, they should enter the Alonan system in thirty-six hours, assuming they slow down to sub-light speeds. On entering the system, their earliest time for Alona is seven hours after that. Total time forty-three hours.”
Welak stood up, clasped his hands behind his back and began pacing up and down the small bridge. “Do we have a ship count yet?”
The exasperated lieutenant at tactical tapped his keys then sat back in frustration. “Whoever they are, they seem to be running their drives at maximum output. Our sensors are having a hard time burning through the interference. My best guess at the moment is fifty-plus ships in the battleship class with numerous smaller ships surrounding them. As they get closer I should be able to refine that.”
Welak knew his next question had to be asked but he also knew he wouldn’t like the answer either way. “Are they Commonwealth?”
“Negative, sir. Computers cannot identify the engine type at this time but I’ve seen enough traces of Commonwealth gravity drives and what I see isn’t that.”
Welak forced himself to sit back down in his chair and consider his options. He had a force of fifty-plus battleships accompanied by numerous smaller ships with an ETA in the Alonan system of thirty-six hours. His only means of warning home of the impending threat was to fold his ship for home but if he did that they wouldn’t know the total composition of the force. Or, remain where he was until his inadequate sensors could pierce the veil of interference and get a good look at the approaching ships. Information that could be vital. But what if his ship wasn’t quick enough to get away and it was destroyed? A force that large falling on an unprepared Alona would be a catastrophe.
“Navigator, plot a course for home and fold when ready.”
#
The mood in the Imperial Navy’s central command was one of heavy somberness. The news of an approaching fleet had roused Grand Admiral Raga from his bed and, in turn, the emperor. Raga stared at the ugly, mammoth vessel, which spouted weapon emplacements along its 1700 meter length in the wall display.
Emperor Paxt broke the silence of the room. “It’s them, isn’t it, Admiral?”
Raga slowly nodded before answering his emperor in a low, resigned voice. “I fear it is, your Majesty. With your permission, I would like to request the military attaché at the Commonwealth embassy review our data but…”
Emperor Paxt placed a hand on the shoulder of the man whose counsel he had come to rely on. “Can we stop them?” Under his hand he felt his friend’s shoulders slouch.
“I’ve ordered the new cruisers to form a defense line 500,000 kilometers from Alona. The yards are working nonstop to bring the other cruisers on line. Even with their efforts, it would be a miracle if they could get even one more of the cruisers out of the yard in time to make a difference. Our remaining fleet, such as it is, will fight but it would be only a valiant gesture, and they wouldn’t stand a chance against the firepower that’s headed our way. I’m sorry, your Majesty, but without help, our forces will be defeated and the orbital defense satellites alone won’t be enough to stop any form of orbital bombardment.”
Paxt released his grip on his friend’s shoulder, attempting to hide his own anguish. He turned to a waiting aide. “Get me the Commonwealth embassy. I wish to speak with the ambassador personally on a matter of the utmost importance.”
#
EARTH ORBIT – SOL SYSTEM
TDF Southern Cross entered Earth space less than five minutes after its communications drone arrived at the inner marker screaming its warning of an imminent emergency arrival. The traffic controllers scrambled to clear the priority approach corridor in the time available. A three million ton cargo hauler made a radical maneuver that her designers would never have believed possible. Southern Cross’ arrival was followed almost instantly by three tight beam transmissions, two earthbound, the third a simple, plain language message for Earth Port Control that sent the Port Controller himself rushing for the traffic control center. Clear all incoming and outgoing civilian traffic in Earth space and prepare for priority naval traffic!
#
CENTRAL COMMAND – MONT SALÈVE – EARTH – SOL SYSTEM
The day-to-day running of the Commonwealth Union of Planets was overseen by three ministers, one from each of the member planets. Together, they formed the Commonwealth Council. These ministers dealt with the mundane minutia that was generated in something as vast and complex as a union whose members were divided by light years. Although the gravity drive had shrunk these distances to nothing more than an inconvenience, it was still too arduous and time-consuming to refer back every question on minor policy changes to the various home worlds, so each of the three council members had broad discretionary powers to implement policy in the name of their planet. But in exceptional circumstances these three individuals had a power that, though it was always hoped they would never need, was incorporated into the legislation that formed the very basis of the Commonwealth. The power to authorize the emergency deployment of military force.
Deep inside Mont Salève, the Combined Joint Chiefs sat on one side of a table facing in the holo cube, the three members of the Commonwealth Council in their plush, comfortable offices in Geneva. The tension in the room was palatable and tempers were wearing thin.
“May I remind the Council that if the humans had not come to the aid of Garunda when the Others first appeared, then I would not be here right now? Those forces were deployed by a people who, even though they hadn’t been asked, knew that it would mean the deaths of their own for a people they had never even met but they did it because it was the moral thing to do!” Admiral Razna Holan nearly shouted at the three politicians.
Minister Yalus replied with the quiet, unemotional voice of one long used to thinking rationally about real politic. “Admiral, I too, remember standing in the street outside of my house and wondering at the flashes of light in the night sky only to find out later that our human cousins had saved us all. Although I agree with your sentiment, Admiral, the Alonan Empire has repeatedly refused membership of the Commonwealth and has gone as far as stealing military secrets from us to further their own agenda.”
Keyton Joyce could see that Razna was building up for a retort that may not have been as polite as it could be so out of view of the pick-up he placed a steadying hand on the diminutive admiral’s forearm. The man facing them was a politician, so maybe they should attempt to come at this from a different, more political, perspective.
“Ministers. This is a golden opportunity to show the Empire the benefits of membership of the Commonwealth. If we stand back and do not come to their aid in their time of need, how will the Benii, the Nilmerg, and the Deres view us? Would you wish to be associated with a Commonwealth that did not come to your aid in your time of need but would rather leave your entire planet and people to die?”
The three ministers stared back at Keyton for a long moment before Minister Tovana lent across and said something in a low growl to Yalus as only an eight-foot-tall Persai could. In the holo cube, Yalus gave a curt nod before leaning back into the range of the audio pick-up. “One moment please, gentlemen.” And the holo cube faded to a mellow yellow, leaving the military men alone for the moment.
“That Yalus is nothing but a sniveling political Katharaz! In days gone by, I would have challenged him to Gallav as a matter of honor and wet my blade with his worthless blood!”
Force Leader Tolas slapped his fellow member of the Combined Joint Chiefs on the back with such force that it knocked him forward in his seat. “And I would be your second. These politicians need to be reminded of their own mortality sometimes.”
Before Keyton could add anything, the holo cube chimed and the three council members appeared once again.
Minister Yalus spoke for the council. “In an unanimous decision, under Article 52.4 sub paragraph six of the Commonwealth Union of Planets Charter, the Council authorizes the deployment of such forces as the Combined Joint Chiefs feel necessary to secure the safety of Alona. The authority will remain in place until such time as this decision is either endorsed or revoked by the respective heads of state of the Commonwealth Union of Planets. Good luck, gentlemen.”
The holo cube returned to its yellow standby mode as Keyton turned to his fellow Chiefs. “Let’s get the orders cut and transmitted to Admiral Jing. We’re up against the clock here and you can bet The Others aren’t waiting for us.”
#
TDF RESOLUTION – EARTH ORBIT – SOL SYSTEM
Aboard the TDF Resolution Admiral Ai Jing brooded quietly in his chair. Around him the organized chaos that the orders from the Combined Joint Chiefs had unleashed on First Fleet two hours ago had his staff scurrying around the flag bridge like ants but the area around the admiral remained one of calm, as if a physical bubble blocked out the nightmare of trying to move an entire fleet of ships from rest to a war footing in the precious time allowed within the Chiefs’ orders. A lone figure was impertinent enough to enter the bubble and approach the most senior fleet admiral of the entire Commonwealth.
“The latest readiness updates are in, Admiral.”
“Tell me it’s good news, Jamie.”
Commodore Jamie Walker, Chief of Staff, First Fleet brought his PAD up and activated the display so Ai could see it. “BatFor 1.4 was the ready BatFor so they report ready in all regards. BatFors 1.1 and 1.3 were preparing for a war games exercise so they were nearly fully manned and the last stragglers are reporting aboard now so they report ready. BatFor 1.2 is hosting the port visit of the Benii carrier Koslla. They’re off-loading their visitors as we speak. That leaves us BatFor 1.5. We’ve caught them in the middle of a maintenance-and-stand-down cycle so they’re only at thirty percent manning. A call has gone out for all crew to repair aboard immediately, but I don’t hold out any hope of any of their ships being able to become fully operational in the time window, I’m afraid.”
Ai steepled his fingers in front of him as he ran the numbers in his head. If he took BatFor 1.5 out of the equation, that would give him thirty-six Nemesis battleships, forty-two Vulcan heavy cruisers, twenty-four Talos light cruisers and seventy-two Agis destroyers. A formidable force and one that on its own should be able to handle the Others’ fleet fast approaching Alona.
“What have we heard from the other fleet commanders?”
“Second Fleets ready BatFor, BatFor 2.2 has moved to full readiness and Admiral Lewis believes that BatFor 2.1 and 2.3 will be ready to deploy within twelve hours.”
Too late.
“Third Fleet is out of position. Admiral Radford has BatFor 3.1, 3.2, and 3.4 with him. BatFor 3.1 suffered significant damage but remains operational. BatFor 3.3 remains in Garunda as system defense. Admiral Radford has expressed his concerns about dispatching elements of his fleet to assist in operations in Alona. He is concerned that with the bulk of First Fleet deployed so far from home that if this is part of a general push by the Others, we may not have adequate forces available locally to counter them.”
Ai raised as eyebrow. A valid point, John, and one that hadn’t escaped my notice either.
“What of Fourth Fleet, Jamie?”
“Force Leader Rhon has limited heavy units available. The Persai are still in the process of building and commissioning their first battleships, relying on aid from the TDF if they have to face anything heavier than an oversized enemy task group. He does, however, have a flotilla of cruisers that he can deploy to join us at Alona.”
Persai cruisers were well able to punch above their weight, as was demonstrated at the Second Battle of Garunda, and he could do with the additional firepower.
“What does that leave us here in the Sol system?”
“BatFor 5.1 and 5.2. Admiral Chavez is currently in command of both units awaiting a replacement for Admiral Ricco. 5.2 is combat ready but 5.1 is only sixty-five percent effective at this time. Fifth Fleet’s marine assault element and its escorts are intact although the same cannot be said for the actual marines, they’re still restructuring following 70 Ophiuchi. However, I’m not expecting a requirement for ground co
mbat and if so, I’m assured that Alona will provide any ground units needed. That leaves DesRon 5.8 and 5.9, totaling six Havoc destroyers currently employed as either individual units or in pairs throughout the system on perimeter patrol…Oh yes, I nearly forgot. The Garundan training flotilla is due to arrive in system later today. I was looking forward to seeing their new Baasa destroyers, their specs look impressive.”
“Maybe another time, Jamie. OK, this is what I want to happen. BatFor 1.5 is to continue its recall and when complete, chop it to Fifth Fleet under Admiral Chavez. Admiral Lewis is to retain his full strength but be prepared to deploy units to the Sol system. Admiral Radford is right to be concerned that this may be a general push and I don’t like leaving Earth so uncovered. Third Fleet is to return to Garunda at the earliest opportunity. Fourth Fleet is to release the cruisers and they are to rendezvous with us at Alona. Order DesRon 5.8 and 5.9 to deploy as individual units and cover as much of their patrol areas as possible. If the Others do come this way, I want Admiral Chavez to have as much notice as possible to call for help.”
Jamie’s head was bent over his PAD and he tapped away furiously. Ai waited for him to come to a stop and look up.
“Inform the fleet that we fold in twenty minutes, ready or not.”
#
TDF FURIOUS – EARTH ORBIT – SOL SYSTEM
Analisa Chavez watched quietly from the observation lounge of TDF Furious as the last of First Fleet entered fold space and began its 50,000 light year journey to Messier 54 and the defense of the Alonan system. Analisa was under no illusions about what faced them there. The latest intelligence estimates had identified at least fifty-four individual drive sources, thirty of which were confirmed as Buzzard class battleships and if the Others’ fleet was anything like their typical structure, you could put good money that at the heart of the oncoming fleet there would be another dozen or so massive 2300 meter long Vultures supported by the Goshawk anti-missile ships. A small shudder ran down her spine as she remembered the devastation that only three Buzzards and a single Goshawk had managed to inflict on her own BatFor 5.1 and 5.2 when they had emerged out of fold space in 70 Ophiuchi and been jumped by the small enemy task force. Losses had been heavy and the face of Stephano Ricco came unbidden into her thoughts as Analisa’s vision began to blur with tears. Her hand reached up and her fingers touched the golden cross that hung from a thin chain around her neck. Her mind went back to a late summer’s evening on a hillside in the Apennine mountains only a few weeks before, when two women had sat together, watching the sun set. One an admiral who was still coming to terms with the loss of so many men and women under her command and the other a woman who was mourning the loss of the man who had been her husband and companion for over forty years. As night fell, Analisa had bid her farewells but as she went to leave, Rosetta Ricco held out her hand and in it was a small gold cross and its chain.
