“Captain,” Lieutenant Housman announced from the tactical console. “We show a ship exiting from M-space. It reads as a scavenger vessel of the same configuration as the one that Captain Jakes reported.”
“Let’s see it.” Dalton said, turning to his chair arm and tapping the controls. A projection of the system jumped into view. The ship slowed and entered the boneyard on a trajectory that kept the Alliance ships from view. It moved with a purpose that told Dalton that the scavengers had no fear of discovery. He traced the course the ship took and watched as it slowed in front of the station.
“They’re using Al-Amein station as a base,” Dalton said. “That means it’s probably been restored to minimal power.”
“Al-Amein was equipped with defensive shielding as well as an array of plasma cannon.” Bach said, looking closely at the projection. “It may be more formidable than we initially thought.”
Dalton threw a glance at his first officer. He had rarely heard her admit an underestimation. She looked back at him with confidence. He looked back to the data pad and tapped the analysis down. He found a plan embedded in the analysis that detailed what they might do if the station had been reactivated. When he looked back at Bach, she had a rare smile on her lips.
“I said that it might be more formidable than we thought, sir,” Back said. “Not more than I thought.”
“Commander, your record is intact,” Dalton said. “Initiate your plan. Let’s get this show on the road.”
“Aye, sir,” Bach said. “Signal Mars to prepare for contingency plan D-1. Sweet Liberty, you have point for this operation. Zeus will stay and launch cover if needed.”
“Ya’ll get to have all the fun.” Captain Jakes’ voice crackled over the speaker. “We’ll be headin’ out. Catch ya later.”
Dalton watched his projections as the bridge crew erupted into activity. Tactical readouts began to stream across the display, changing each second as positions of derelict ships altered and the station orbited. An operational projection showed his fighter squadron’s level of readiness. The ship was coming to life for its intended purpose and Dalton felt the hum of activity.
Sweet Liberty moved out of formation and around the edge of the planet. She was a converted yacht that Jakes’ had refitted into a privateer vessel. He had managed to have the ship’s hull painted a dark gray color that blended with the surrounding space. The ship moved with stealth when it needed to hide from predators.
The yacht accelerated towards the station. Jakes managed to get in close to the station before Dalton saw the shields snap into place. The Liberty turned away from the station as the first shot launched from the facility. Dalton watched as the pirate ship flew in lazy circles around the station, evading the plasma bolts being hurled at it. The scavengers might be good mechanics, but they were terrible shots.
The scavenger ship finally undocked from the station and moved into an attack posture. Liberty swung around the far side of the station, still evading the blasts from the station. As the scavenger vessel began to pursue the small privateer, Jakes accelerated and set a course back for the edge of the planet. The scavengers adjusted their course and began to pursue. Blasts of plasma flew past the Sweet Liberty, some impacting the ship’s shields. Dalton hoped that Jakes had strengthened the ship against this kind of military attack. It would be a rough ride if he hadn’t.
“Mars, move into position for recovery ops,” Bach ordered. “Sweet Liberty is coming in hot.”
“Acknowledged, Zeus,” Captain Browning’s voice came over the speaker. “We are coming around the horizon.”
Captain Dalton watched the assault cruiser move around the edge of the planet. Its course would allow it to intercept the yacht and its pursuer. Dalton saw the energy spike as Mars’ shields sprang to life. She had been upgraded by the Elves and was vastly superior to the scavenger’s small ship. Dalton estimated that the battle would be over soon and his mission started.
As Liberty came around the planet, Mars sped past it and towards the attacking scavenger vessel. The plasma bolts stopped for a moment as the smaller vessel readjusted to the much larger target. Mars began to drop its battle platforms in its wake. The small platforms held independent plasma cannons that targeted enemy ships. As the two ships neared one another, Mars opened fire with its forward batteries. There was a flare of energy as the first bolts struck the scavenger shields. The ship was configured from parts of many different types of ships. The power systems produced a strangely energetic type of shield. White tendrils of energy sparked off the shields and into surrounding space.
“Zeus to Mars, watch those shields.” Bach called to Browning. “I’m showing enough energy there to fry your hull if you get too close.”
“We’ve got it,” Browning responded. “Adjusting course to avoid the shields.”
Dalton saw the cruiser pull away from the scavenger vessel. As the Alliance ship turned broadside to the scavenger, it opened fire with a series of cannons lining the hull. More tendrils leapt from the shields. One of the energy trails smashed into the cruiser’s shields. Dalton saw the shield flicker but hold. As the two ships moved apart, one of the cruiser’s platforms fired plasma bolts at the scavenger. As the shields lashed out, the platform was destroyed by the arc of energy.
“Where the hell did they come up with that?” Dalton asked aloud. “I’ve never seen anything like it.”
“Their lack of offensive skill must have pushed them to develop new defensive weapons.” Bach replied, studying the big screen. “The more energy we pour out there, the stronger that shield becomes.”
“Maybe we could throw rocks?” Dalton replied. “Plasma fire seems to make it worse.”
“Mars,” ordered Bach. “Launch missiles. Plasma cannons are too dangerous.”
Dalton saw the cruiser turn back towards the scavenger vessel. Twin blooms of energy erupted from the cruiser as it fired missiles. The same magnetic drive that allowed capital ships to move through space pulled the small projectiles towards the scavenger. Easy to deflect and confuse, missiles were not used often by Alliance vessels. Against a shield that could redirect plasma energy back at the attacker, the missiles might have a chance.
Dalton waited as the missiles accelerated after their target. The scavenger fired plasma bolts at the missiles. One of the projectiles was blasted from space, but the other continued. The remaining missile struck the scavenger’s shields. Instead of the bright tendrils of energy, there was a massive explosion. Debris was hurled towards the cruiser as the scavenger ship seemed to break up in flight. The ship tumbled through space without power.
“Can we pick that ship up with grapples?” Dalton asked. “I want to take a closer look at those shields.”
“The scavenger ship is leaking drive energy, sir.” Bach replied, studying the tactical display. “I recommend we destroy it before it gets too far away. It could be a hazard to our operations here.”
Before Dalton could order the cruiser to open fire, the scavenger ship exploded. There was a small burst of fire as the atmosphere in the ship ignited. The drive plasma from the scavenger ship bloomed out and then the energy bled out into space. The debris from the ship had been annihilated in the blast leaving no evidence of the scavenger vessel.
“Well,” Captain Jakes’ voice crackled over the speaker. “That was easy.”
“I agree,” replied Dalton, studying the scanner projection. “I don’t see any other ships in the vicinity. Let’s begin operations to…”
Captain!” The tactical officer called from the pit. “I’ve got incoming ships launching from one of the derelicts.”
Dalton swung his view around to spot dozens of new vessels pouring from an abandoned carrier. They appeared to be Falcon class fighters but had been altered with scavenger technology. Two of the Independence class battleships began to move from their previous positions.
“Did you figure this into your analysis?” Dalton asked Bach. “I don’t remember this scenario.”
�
�You didn’t read it all the way through,” Bach replied. “Launch fighter squadron and prepare for battle stations.”
The lights on the bridge dimmed as the ship prepared for launch operations. Dalton watched the projection as his Crowned Eagle fighters sped from the launch bays. Mars had begun a turn back to face the oncoming ships. Sweet Liberty was swinging around to hide under the bigger carrier.
“I am glad you are on our side, Commander,” Dalton said, glancing back at the data pad. “I’d hate to be there when you’re wrong.”
13
Planet Anu
The atmosphere of Anu was thicker than Earth’s but was still within the tolerable limit of human life. Humans came to this planet to start a new world where they would become the dominant species. Anu’s native populations were large reptilian creatures that walked across the surface gathering nutrient rich bacteria that existed only in the middle atmosphere.
The planet had a similar mix of liquid water and land to Earth and shone in space as a blue marble. The colonists brought with them the desire to create an environment for their children and the means to do so. Vast cities had been built along the inland rivers. Artificial biospheres that recreated the lighter atmosphere of Earth and brought alien plants to Anu dotted the landscape. The colony had thrived for seven decades until the arrival of the Ch’Tauk invasion fleet.
The Ch’Tauk had rained fire on the largest cities in an attack that had been coordinated with the attack on Earth and elsewhere. Human survivors had been rounded up by the armored invaders and forced into slavery. Five years after the destruction of the colony world, only a few remnants of the Terran population remained in secure areas. They were guarded by legions of centurions and forced to work mining vital minerals for Ch’Tauk ships.
In orbit around the equatorial region of the planet was a Ch’Tauk troop station. Constructed around the same banded plate design as the Ch’Tauk ships, the station seemed like a mother beetle surrounded by dozens of smaller bugs. The Ch’Tauk fighter ships that flitted from the surface and back to the station were engaged in a rotation cycle with the troops on the ground. Ignored by most of the Primero, Anu continued to function as its last orders requested. Centurions suppressed the colonies and occasionally transported groups up for slave auctions.
The Quartero left in charge of the operation had gained his rank during the initial invasion of Anu. He had held off a Confederation attack ship with his fighter for nearly five units. His squadron had been destroyed by the Terran ship while the Confederation fought back against the invasion. He had managed to evade destruction long enough to wear the other ship down. A Ch’Tauk weapon ship moved in after and incinerated the attacker with a single shot. The centurion had gone on to distinguish himself in a ground confrontation where the humans had tried to stage a rebellion.
“Quartero Du’Solas,” said the centurion manning the scanning station. “We have an opening of the great membrane forming at the limit of our scanners.”
“A ship?” the Quartero asked. “I thought we were not due for rotation until three more rotations. Signal the ship and request confirmation of orders.”
The centurion slid his fingers over the command screen. He waited to hear a confirmation but none came. He slid his controls around again with the same results. After the third try, the centurion turned back to the Quartero and emitted a confused pheromone.
“I am getting no response from the ship, Quartero.” The centurion said. “The configuration is unusual. I am not reading a transponder from the craft either.”
Du’Solas walked to the scanner station and called up a projection. The station’s computer processed the incoming data and formed an image of the ship. It did not resemble the banded design of a Ch’Tauk ship. The ship had a rounded nose that tapered back to a lumpy tail section. Du’Solas did not recognize the design from any database. The Quartero turned the image projection with his hands and looked closely for any markings. There were blast patterns along the side of the ship but no symbols or identification.
“Centurion,” asked the Quartero. “Signal the ship that this is Ch’Tauk space and that they are to turn away and leave now. Alert the fighter squadrons to stand ready.”
“Yes, Quartero.”
Du’Solas stared at the image of the ship. It resembled one of the Terran ships that he had fought during the invasion, but smaller and without any of the clean lines of the Confederation fleet. A tingle of fear began to grow in his spine as the ship refused to answer hails. He had fought in a fighter against a larger ship, but the approaching vessel did not seem to be avoiding contact or defending it. The vessel just kept moving towards the station.
“Whoever this is, they are in a great hurry to ascend to the next level,” the Quartero said. “Let’s send them on their way. Launch fighter squadrons. Target the propulsion systems. I want to watch that captain die in front of me.”
The Quartero watched as the fighters broke off from rotation duty and formed up to attack the ship. As the smaller ships approached, the vessel turned its bow away from the approaching ships. The fighters continued towards the ship, accelerating as they got closer. Before the fighters entered firing range, however, the larger vessel opened fire.
Plasma cannon parts, previously hidden under thick armor plates, poured red-orange plasma into space. The Ch’Tauk fighters broke formation to evade the deadly bolts. Space filled with deadly fire as the attacker turned its flank towards the fighters. Several of the smaller ships collided in their attempt to flee from the warship.
“We are under attack!” yelled the scanner officer. “Quartero, the vessel has attacked!”
“I see that, you fool,” replied the Quartero. “Dispatch a message to the fleet. Tell them to send ships to defend the planet. Recall our defender ship from patrol duty. I need to destroy that ship!”
The centurion slid his fingers across the display, calling more reinforcements and signaling the larger patrol craft that were assigned to the station. The Quartero saw the signal to the home world begin transmission. The station scent changed to a warning pheromone that drew centurions to their duty positions.
The attacking ship began a low orbit of the station, drawing closer as it approached. Ch’Tauk fighters regrouped and tried to approach the ship from the front, hoping to avoid the deadly flanks. A series of cannons positioned across the nose of the ship spit plasma at the fighters. The Ch’Tauk defenders split into smaller groups and attempted an attack from multiple angles. Plasma fire from multiple ports made the surrounding space a deadly kill zone for the smaller ships. Some bolts had even begun to impact the station.
“Where are the patrol ships?” The Quartero screamed at his crew. “Why aren’t they here?”
“Patrol craft are signaling their arrival in three units, Quartero.” The centurion reported. “They are charging weapons in preparation of the battle.”
“We won’t survive three units if those fighters can’t hold off that ship.” The Quartero replied. “Have them form up for the Ki’Beda maneuver.”
The centurion sent out the orders and Du’Solas watched as the fighters responded. Each of the Ch’Tauk ships turned suddenly away from the attacker. The ship ceased firing as the fighters exceeded effective range of the cannons. As the attacking vessel turned its attention back to the station, the fighters formed up into groups of four. Each group accelerated in a large arc around to a different approach to the attacker. They began to approach the ship again from different direction. At the range of the enemy cannons, the fighters activated their membrane engines and the blue-black swirl of energy surrounded the ship. As each of the fighters disappeared into the membrane, the attacker ceased firing, confused. The vortices closed around the warship leaving strange magnetic fields to warp the nearby space.
The attacker seemed paralyzed as the warped space passed over the hull. The vessel’s shields flared and crackled as the energy pattern closed around them. The maneuver was designed to disable magnetic fields around single
ships and had proven effective against human ships. The effect was temporary and Du’Solas knew that he had to strike before the enemy restored their power.
“Fire beam weapons.” The Quartero roared. “Destroy them.”
The station was equipped with several banks of plasma beam projectors. Primarily meant to keep pirates away from the planet, the beams would be enough to carve holes through the enemy ship’s hull. The white beam lanced from the projectors and impacted on the bare hull of the enemy ship. There was a momentary pause before the flank of the ship blew out. Venting atmosphere confirmed that the beam projector had inflicted serious damage. Debris spun away from the ship as the hull rupture widened.
“Fire again.” Du’Solas ordered. “Carve them like a beast.”
The white beam struck at the ship again but the ship had restored its shields. The blue energy field brightened as the beam was absorbed. The ship began to move again in a slow turn away from the station. The hull rupture looked like a wound in the side of the ship as it moved away from a predator. Du’Solas enjoyed the sight of the damaged ship limping away.
“Quartero, the patrol craft are closing in.” The centurion said. “They are moving into attack position.”
“Let the prey move off before you pounce,” Du’Solas said to the ship commanders. “They are far too damaged to put up much of a fight. You arrived too late to do anything but deliver the killing blow, Tercero.”
He watched as the two patrol ships began to trail behind the attacker. The vessel tried to fire at its pursuers but it was obvious that the cannon systems had been damaged. Most of the bolts missed the patrol ships entirely. The remaining energy bursts impacted the Ch’Tauk ship’s hull without effect. The patrol craft began to fire at the fleeing craft.
Resolute Uprising (The War for Terra) Page 11
