“How can the absence of this one ship place your Federation in peril?”
“I cannot answer that without access to the facts and these are on Polaris.”
“We can request the facts and have them here by return signal.”
“Not without informing the Imperial Rogan Fleet” said Julian, himself struggling to remain calm.
“What do you mean by that?” said Evie “Are you implying that somehow I would pass on that information?”
“No I am not” and Julian paused for her to work it out.
“Oh I see. You don’t trust the security of your own communications. Is that it?”
“Precisely.”
Evie changed her tone and tack. “But can’t you Commodore make an executive decision here and now?”
“Even if I could, I wouldn’t. I trust the Admiral. He is the commander on the spot with all the facts to hand. It is his call and he has made it. He knows, more than anyone else the importance of our mission.”
Evie had the good sense to know that she was not going to change things. “Of course Commodore. Back to Polaris we must go then.”
Chapter 19. Maryland 2020, 13 June
Rose McCubbin read Phil’s message. At first, she thought he was playing some silly game. But the reference to operation Pegasus forced a rethink. It had been a training exercise that she had convinced Phil Yomoto to conduct when she was his ops officer on Earth. The key feature was the loss of comms in and out of the Sol system.
“Oh fuck” she said out loud as she realised what he was asking. She stared at the date – the 25th – ‘that’s 12 days away’ she thought ‘and it’s going to take twelve days to warp there.’ “Oh shit!”
Rose donned her uniform for the first time since she was suspended. She slammed the door of her cottage, ran to her car and pulled out onto the street. She didn’t give a damm about the noise she was making. She only cared about getting to Fleet HQ as soon as she could.
Even at that time of night it took her 32 minutes to get to the HQ. The officer of the watch was Commander Sandra Durham. “You’re not authorised to be here Maam” she said.
“I know but I need to speak to the acting Fleet Admiral urgently.”
“Your suspended Maam. I can’t do that.”
“If you don’t put me in touch with the acting Fleet Admiral right now you will be responsible for the loss of Polaris.”
Sandra looked at her incredulously. She wasn’t buying it. “Maam you need to leave. You’re not authorised to be here. Please leave now or I will have to call the guard.”
Rose blew out her breath. “What, you think I’m crazy do you? Look at this” and Rose showed her the message she had received. She explained that it was from Admiral Yomoto’s private account and that it was saying they had to get every Fleet ship they could to defend Polaris and they had to warp there now.
“Well, excuse me Maam, but there could be a whole lot of other ways of interpreting that message.”
“Operation Pegasus, look it up. Go on, do it now.”
Sandra reluctantly started typing on a nearby workstation. “Hmm” she said as she actually found it and yes the author was Rose and it was approved by Yomoto. “OK that checks out, but let’s just assume that you are right and the rogan are interfering with comms, who’s to say they haven’t sent this.”
“How could they know about an operation conducted eight years ago?”
“Good point” said Sandra. She paused for a second. “OK please wait here Maam.”
Sandra went into the internal office and closed the glass door. Rose could see her on her communicator. She was talking and listening. After a good few minutes, with a wave of her hand, Sandra beckoned Rose to come into the office.
“Rose” said Admiral Gunter Schmidt. They talked for ten minutes. “OK I’m coming in, but Rose you need to leave now. You’re still suspended. I’ll take it from here. Thanks.”
“Thank you Sir.”
Chapter 20. Washington 2130, 13 June
It had taken five minutes for Gunter Schmidt to get through to the acting Defence Minister, Julian Morrow, and another five minutes to explain things to him. He then rang the Chief Minister. It was an annoyed Malissa Karalis that put the communicator to her face and said “What is it? This better be important.”
“It is Chief Minister” said Julian “it’s critical. I have evidence that the rogan sent the directive for the retaliatory strikes as a gambit to decapitate our military leadership while they attack Polaris. The acting Fleet Admiral wants approval to commit most of the home fleet to Polaris. They need to warp in a few hours’ time.”
“Oh Christ….all right I’ll be there in twenty. Tell him to start preparing those orders, but I want to see this evidence. ”
True to her word Malissa arrived at Fleet HQ with Julian Morrow. They were rushed up to see Gunter. He explained what had happened and showed her the messages from and to Rose. Malissa thought for a moment and then asked “You obviously believe these to be genuine?”
“Yes I do” replied Gunter “it’s been a con job from the start and we fell for it hook, line and sinker.”
“And you don’t believe we are being sucked in now?”
“No Maam. I propose keeping a cruiser group of 6 caps and 10 frigates here and sending every other ship that can get to Polaris by the 25th. We can’t afford to lose Polaris. It accounts for over 20% of our military production. It will be the beginning of the end if we do. Better to give this our best shot.”
“And what if we lose Polaris anyway and the bulk of our fleet destroyed or out of action.”
“Sue for terms. But I agree with Yomoto we stand a good chance of surprising the enemy and defeating his force. This is probably our best opportunity to blunt their ambitions. If we do nothing or worse commit just a small force, we will lose. Strategically we’ll be in a very bad position – maybe not as bad as having lost all our Fleet, but the force ratio will be so unfavourable that the destruction of our entire Fleet will only be a matter of time.”
“What do you think Julian?” asked Malissa.
“My gut feeling is to fight. But it does sound like the gamble of the millennium. Losing Polaris will be a devastating blow and the Fleet Admiral’s probably right. We are unlikely to recover from it.”
“What’s the latest you need a decision by?” asked Malissa.
“I really need it now.”
Malissa sat back in her chair opposite Gunter with the big desk in between. She felt trapped, pinned against the wall. This was a decision she had dreaded since the start of this war. It was an all or nothing gamble. Normally she would have taken this to the cabinet and debated the merits. But that was not possible. Time was against her and time would be her tormentor till this battle was decided.
She knew very well that the rogan would insist on unconditional surrender if they won and she would go down in history as the leader who led humanity into subservience. If they won she would be hailed a hero. There was nothing in between these two extremes that didn’t end in a long slow bleed for humanity. She did not want to prevail over that.
“Do it!” she commanded.
“At once” said Gunter. “I believe you’ve made the right decision. I need to oversee matters now, but before I do, I would recommend the reinstatement of the suspended chiefs.”
“Oh yes…what a fiasco.”
Chapter 21. Maryland 0400, 14 June
Admiral Gunter Schmidt rang Rose McCubbin. He sat there tapping his desk impatiently. He rubbed his tired eyes, tapped some more and finally Rose picked up.
“Rose, I need you to come in again. I need you to send a message to Yomoto.”
“What now?” said a groggy Rose. She fumbled to display the time on her communicator. “It’s four in the morning.”
“I know. Get in here now - in your uniform. You’re no longer suspended.”
Even in her half-awake state those last few words registered with joy. “OK Sir. I’m on my way.”
For the second time that night Rose tore out of her street like a bat out of hell. Only this time she was on official business.
An hour later she finished crafting the message and showed Gunter.
‘Dear Phil, overjoyed to hear of the imminent arrival of our friends. I have pulled out all stops to gather the clan. I’ve managed to get in touch with fourteen of the elders and twenty two of the young’uns. With enterprise, ten of the elders and sixteen of the young’uns should arrive just in time. Expect the others to arrive early. I trust you will coordinate things at your end. Oh and just so you know Brag and his brood should arrive two days late but hopefully can still get to meet our friends.’
Gunter smiled. “I like it. Send it.”
Chapter 22. Nova Vista 1830, 15 June
Phil and Dave where waiting at the spaceport, when the Phantom touched down. Phil wanted to reassure Evie that the mission was just being suspended not cancelled. Aubrey was a little surprised and even more so when the Admiral asked to have a meeting on board with Evie.
Inside the ships briefing room, Evie listened to Phil’s reassurances. With the damage already done, Evie appeared sanguine and graciously accepted his reassurances. Phil looked relieved another potential problem assuaged.
Chapter 23. Nova Vista 0200, 16 June
Phil’s communicator pinged. It pinged again but Phil was snoring far too loudly for him to wake up. He slept solidly till his alarm woke him at 0630. If the truth be known he could have slept a lot longer and would probably still be tired. Like every morning this month he woke tired. But when he double tapped the communicator a light still glowed on its display.
He picked up the communicator and opened the message from Rose. It was the best news he had heard in a long time. The question remained – was the Enterprise, 14 caps and 22 frigates going to be enough. Rudi had promised to have 8 caps and 14 frigates overhead by the 22nd. That was in addition to the Ark Royal group, with its carrier, 6 caps and 12 frigates. So all up he would have two carriers, the Resolute, 28 caps, 48 frigates and the Phantom.
Each carrier carried 48 Lightning fighters and 48 Marauder bombers. The Marauder was a drone craft. The Resolute’s 12 Lightnings brought that to a total of 108 Lightnings and 96 Marauders.
It would be the biggest most formidable Federation fleet ever assembled in one system. ‘But will it be enough?’ asked Phil. ‘And how best to use it?’
Chapter 24. Nova Vista 0800, 16 June
Despite his physical tiredness Phil strode into his office almost buoyant. As usual he was first in. By the time Alex, Dave and Rihan arrived around 0830 he had already decided to hold a planning conference. He’d sent invites to RAdm Samantha Shepherd, RAdm Rudi Holland and General Shen Xian. Each was to bring their XO and up to two staff officers. Phil didn’t want an unwieldy number.
“Listen up folks” said Phil. “Planning conference – briefing room 2, 1000 hrs. Rihan can you configure the holo with the current situation and then load the reinforcement schedule titled Omega 1 please?”
“Sure Sir” said Rihan “what’s in Omega 1?”
“Lots of goodies coming our way from the motherland” replied Phil with a smile.
“Like how many goodies?” asked Alex, his interest piqued.
“With everything else we should have around 80 ships.”
“Really?” asked Dave.
“Yep, their pulling out all stops.”
“I’ve never seen that many ships in the one place before” said Dave.
“Me neither” said Phil. “Oh and MajGen Brag and the Big Red One will arrive on the 27th.”
“General Xian will be pleased” said Alex “And not just any Army Division.”
The planning conference dragged on till 1300 when Phil said “Enough. I need a break.” He cast an eye around the faces. “By the look of you, I reckon you do too. We’ve covered a lot already. Let’s meet back here at 1430 and we’ll aim to finish off the contingency plans by 1630.” As the bodies rose from their chairs, Phil could see the short, stocky figure of Rudi talking with the tall, lean Shen about how best to effect the redeployment of Shen’s army troop without updating the COP. Samantha was issuing instructions to her XO and Ops Officer. Rihan was still making edits to the plans they had so far drawn up. Alex had already ducked out.
“Dave can I have a word?” asked Phil. “Come and let’s grab a sandwich and go for a walk.”
Outside the summer sun was shining brightly. It was hot and humid but the smell of sea salt wafting in from the bay compensated. Phil led the way out to Knox’s knoll that overlooked the bay on one side and the parade ground on the other. No one was using the parade ground, so apart from the distant hum of traffic, it was quiet. They both sat down on one of the benches around the knoll facing the bay. It was in partial shade from the copse of trees that populated the knoll. Phil tucked into his lunch, as did Dave.
“I know I told everyone in there that I wanted to keep the Resolute and Phantom as my personal reserve. But I really don’t want to commit you to this battle unless it’s really needed.”
Dave looked stunned. He finished his mouthful and asked “But why?”
“Because of what will happen after the battle, assuming we win and win well. If the enemy do hit us with a big force and we destroy them, or damage them so badly they can’t be an effective force anymore, then I want to send you and Aubrey to Chelora to seize it in a surprise counter-attack. So I don’t want you and Aubrey getting all gung-ho and getting your ships damaged. Do you understand?”
Dave swallowed. “Fair enough Sir. I’ll try and restrain Aubrey.”
“And yourself Dave.”
Dave nodded “and myself.”
“Good.”
“You know Aubrey’s really not going to like being held back. Look at it from her perspective. You recalled her from Beta Phi just so she could help with the defence.”
“Yeah I know but that was then and I was desperate. Now, with these reinforcements I have other options.” Phil paused and then added earnestly “Your two craft are the only ones at my disposal that can warp to Chelora before those rogan ships, the ones that escape from here, can repair themselves. I want to crush this rogan force Dave. I want their total destruction. That way we will be in a very strong position for either another battle or for negotiations.”
“We’ll probably be in a strong enough position for negotiations without pursuing to Chelora. Don’t you think?”
“Maybe, but I’d rather be certain.”
“Is this the retribution you were after?”
Phil didn’t like the question. He thought how to respond. “Perhaps. But face it Dave, the rogan could have sought terms after Beta Phi…”
“Hold on I think they did…”
“No I don’t mean from Felis. He did that as Johnny on the spot. His superiors don’t even know if he survived. No I mean we never got approached from the rogan high command or government. What does that say to you? It says to me that they still believe they are strong enough to roll right over us. If Evie’s account of their strength is anything to go by then on paper they should be strong enough.”
“We may beat them here” continued Phil “and they may still want to continue fighting. If I was a betting man, I’d take odds on that. If that occurs then we go back to the original plan of breaking up their empire through insurrection. And what will facilitate that more than anything else?”
“Mmm…a weaker Imperial Rogan Fleet.”
“Precisely” confirmed Phil with a small measure of triumph. He did like to win an argument.
Part 4
Tensions Rising
The battle looms closer and closer
Muscles and sinews tighten
Minds focus young and older
Fears resurface and frighten
Opportunities present but most ignored
Costs calculated and consequences noted
Strengths identified and weaknesses explored
Shortages identified an
d juniors promoted
Closer and closer the tension rises
Some fall foul of inherent weakness
Others shine and create surprises
Some pray but most are speechless
Chapter 1. Nova Vista 1430, 17 June
Art waited for Sue to open the door to their apartment in Nelson’s Tower. He held the door open while Sue dragged in his pack with all his stuff. He was under strict instructions not to use his injured left arm and to avoid any situation which could put it at risk.
He’d only had the robo cast on for a day and was still finding it uncomfortable. He was yet to adjust to the way it seemed to respond to his minds signals. He’d been told he was doing fine, though he had doubts about whether he’d ever get used to it. It was always slow responding. ‘It must be the dammed interface’ he thought as he looked at the patch on his arm where the fibre optics had been fused with his organic nerves. He flinched at the thought of how that had been done and was grateful he was not conscious when it was.
“Thanks darling” said Sue as she squeezed past him dragging his pack. She dropped his pack in the bedroom and came out to find Art on the lounge already interrogating his messages on his console.
“What am I going to do here for the next four weeks?” he asked.
“Look lovely of course” said Sue and she cuddled up next to his good right side. But this interfered with him using the console and he looked at her. She ignored him. He gave her a little nudge with his right elbow. She ignored that too.
“Like that is it?” he asked, giving up his efforts with the console. Instead he wrapped his right arm around her and they sat there quietly for a couple of minutes. Art admired the water of the bay. It was about three kilometres away and he could see that there was little wind to whip up the water. The tide was on its way out and in a way it reminded him of his current predicament.
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