Retribution

by Dave O'Connor

  Chapter 30. Nova Vista 0815, 24 June

  Rihan looked at the holo in the ops centre. It was zoomed out so she could see the entire system. The Polaris sun was in the centre. The small oven of a barren planet, known as Archer, orbited closest. Then there was Polaris in the habitable zone with its two moons – Afridas and Sentia.

  Mentos was third from the sun, smaller and much, much colder than Polaris. It was home to no one save for the miners. But now days most mining was fully automated. The actual human population on Mentos amounted to less than a thousand.

  Then came the inner asteroid belt known as the Achmed belt. It stretched for thousands of kilometres before empty space. A long, long way further out lay the gas giant Sibu. The reason there was such a gap was Sibu’s gravity well that was systematically sucking in the rock at the outer edge of the Achmed belt. It did the same to the rock on the inner edge of the outer Holstrum asteroid belt.

  Rihan populated the holo first with the civilian shipping. ‘Boy there’s a lot’ said Rihan to herself. Around Polaris she could see the warp belt designated for civilian craft to warp in and out of. Icons were flashing on and off every few minutes. Well below the warp belt there was the domestic belt for domestic shuttles flying between cities of the planet. This was alive with craft. From her god like perspective it looked like a spaghetti of lines.

  There were also intra system craft including a couple that plied their trade between the two moons. There were six en route between Polaris and Mentos and two between Sibu and Polaris. Rihan checked their status and was pleased to see that they were Polaris bound. All civilian craft would be grounded upon arrival on Polaris effective now.

  There had been a lot of debate about whether doing so would arouse rogan suspicions so in the end they opted for a simple subtefuse that recalled all craft of two specific types ostensibly top check and rectify a possible fault. It just so happened that every one of the current craft out there came within the specified types. The craft were being impounded on their arrival along with their crew. They were not happy but Rihan was.

  She also knew that the two craft from Sibu would be carrying the majority of the mining personnel from the two giant platforms that orbited Sibu. A few volunteers remained to service the automated mining craft that were based at these platforms.

  They would be in danger for sure but hopefully would be evacuated by FFS Argonaut and FFS Frankton, the two frigates operating around Sibu. They had three tasks to perform. First, they had to act as piquets and provide warning of any craft warping into the blind spot behind Sibu. Second, they had to deactivate the rogan device on Arcwright and third evacuate the remaining staff from the Bowager and Dengonen platforms.

  Similarly FFS Warspite and FFS Shanghai operating around Mentos would provide piquet duty. They would not be evacuating anyone from Mentos. There was just too many people. But the settlements on Mentos all had hardened shelters.

  Rihan overlaid the holo with the ships of the COP as broadcast by the Arcwright sat. It showed two frigates around Sibu and another two around Mentos. Six of the Polaris Home Fleet caps were in orbit around the planet with 7 frigates. A further two caps and three frigates were shown as on the deck of the planet.

  Rihan then turned that overlay off and activated the overlay for the actual COP. It told a different storey. It had the two frigates around Sibu and the two around Mentos. Around Polaris there were already too many ship to display their individual icons at this resolution. Instead there were several task group icons. There was one for the Ark Royal group (Ark Royal carrier, 6 caps and 12 frigates), one for the Aukland group (8 caps and 10 frigates with FFS Aukland leading) one for the Resolute group (1 cap an 1 frigate) and another for the Harlow group (currently 3 caps and 6 frigates based around FFS Harlow).

  Rihan added the Reinforcement Schedule Omega 1 overlay and this augmented the Harlow group with another 3 caps and 4 frigates expected in later today. That would bring it to 6 caps and 10 frigates. The Enterprise group was expected tomorrow. It would have the Enterprise carrier, 8 caps and 12 frigates.

  That would see two carrier and two cruiser groups deployed in orbit around Polaris, plus the Resolute group.

  Phil stuck his head in. He was attracted by the display, so he walked in. “Impressive hey?” he asked.

  “Well let’s hope so Sir.”

  “Where’s Admiral Holland hoisting his flag?”

  “On the Aukland.”

  “Mmm…good ship.”

  “You know, many of these ships are under manned or manned with inexperienced personnel.”

  “True and I wonder what manning problems our foe has?”

  “Good point” said Rihan. “Let’s hope we can add to their manning problems.”

  “Or alleviate them in the most dramatic fashion” said Phil with a smile.

  Chapter 31. Tumos 1300, 24 June

  Sue climbed out of the back of her command droid and jumped onto the floor inside the main entrance. Emilio had just left, having finished his lunch. He was standing to in his tunnel ready to issue orders. Sue had left the engineers busily installing the automated defence systems at her tunnel and knew that another group was working on Emilio’s tunnel.

  She wiped her brow with a sweat rag. It was very hot inside the droid out in the sun during the middle of a summer’s day. She hoped she wouldn’t have to stay in one outside for any length of time.

  1st Lt Lincoln Bell caught up with her just before she entered the dining hall. “Excuse me Maam” he called out from behind her. She turned her head to see who it was. She’d only known Lincoln a few days and was still trying to work him out.

  On the one hand he was a reservist with over eight years’ experience, including two years full time duty. But on the other hand he was a real worry wart. Ever since she had told him he would be in charge of the inner defences he had been fretting about one thing another.

  “What is it Lincoln?” she asked.

  “Can we get the engineers to install a flechette device out the front of Hangar 2?”

  “I’m not sure how they are placed and whether there are too many more devices. You need to follow up that directly with them. You’re in charge inside here. You need to make your own decisions. My focus is outside.”

  “Yes Maam. OK will do.”

  “Good. I need to get my lunch now.”

  “Of course Maam” and Lincoln left her.

  ‘If he’s like this now, what’s he going to be like in a real fight?’ she asked herself. The two rookie one pippers in charge of the two marine platoons posed different problems. One acted all gung ho but she knew that wouldn’t last long when pulse shot began twanging about him. The other one looked like she’d fall over with the next breeze. ‘Heaven help us…I had better make sure they don’t get in.’

  Chapter 32. FFS Aukland over Polaris 1420, 24 June

  “Five, six, no seven bogeys have just warped in” called out the excited defensive battle systems operator in the command centre. “Three caps and 4 lights bearing 210 up 15 range 9,000.”

  “Verify friend of foe” ordered the watch officer.

  “Oh sorry Sir…friendly…I’m sorry.”

  The watch officer shook his head in disappointment. Rudi cut the quickest of glances but chose not to make the young lieutenant’s discomfort any worse. He knew that everyone’s nerves were on edge. Thankfully in this case the watch officer was on the ball.

  “It’s the Moscow Sir” said the comms officer. “Hailing you now is Captain Jorgen.”

  Rudi welcomed the newcomers and invited the Captain on board for a briefing. But he kept it short, keen for this new group to join the Harlow group and be on station.

  They had three other false alarms with civilian craft warping in. By 1630 Rudi was in need of a rest. He went back to his cabin and began entering into his diary the day’s events. This was a practice he had started three years ago after his wife died in a car accident and his doctor advised him to reign in his high blood pressure. He po
pped the pills each day but he attributed most of his wellbeing to this daily practice.

  He started as he did each day with the words “My dear Marnie…” It was as though he had never stopped his daily conversations with the woman he still loved. The psychiatrist had warned him that this would just prevent him from starting a new chapter, possibly with someone new. But he didn’t want a new chapter. He was content with this one.

  And so he wrote ‘Tis the eve of the greatest day of my career. How fortune has shined on me. I know you wouldn’t see it like that but that’s always been the way with us hasn’t it? I now command the biggest space fleet ever assembled over a human planet and the fate of billions hangs on my decisions and on the actions of a relatively small number of warriors. It’s an awesome responsibility Marnie. But like you keep saying I am equal to the challenge. I wish you were here to hug and to hold. But as always I caress your sweet face within my heart. Your beloved Rudi.’

  Chapter 33. Nova Vista 1500, 24 June

  Alex gazed out at the 400 people sitting down in the theatre before him. He tried to focus on faces but the bright lights aimed at his face made that nigh impossible. But they were a necessary evil for this was being video conferenced to every significant population centre on the planet.

  “So to recap” said Alex “tonight at 1800 our time we implement the plan without any communications via Arcwright. That means all comms are double checked to ensure no recipients outside this system. I can’t emphasise this enough. Just one slip will undo us.”

  Alex continued “Shelter wardens are to be at their station by 1730, along with transport and comms staff. The aim is to have completed the category 1 relocations by 2300 and cat 2 by 0500. This is going to be a massive undertaking in terms of logistics and coordination. It is imperative that all staff remain calm throughout. We do not want to instil a sense of panic.”

  “I want to extend the Admiral’s appreciation to you all. Now are there any final questions?”

  There was a sea of hands rising in the crowd and Alex thought ‘Oh boy.’ He looked down at his console and saw he had over five hundred online questions. He selected one of the online ones.

  “Yes it’s Mira Owanga here from Langford” said the strong face on the monitor. “We still haven’t received our assigned transport. I have responsibility for over 15 outback townships and unless I get those transports asap we’re not going to make it.”

  “Mira” said Alex “and anyone else with a similar resource issue, please contact your sector coordinator. If they can’t help you directly then they will contact their country coordinator. Are there any non-resource questions?”

  The hands in the audience subsided below the wave of heads and he was left with just a few dozen online ones. He selected another.

  “Boris Yovenski from Bulbark” announced the head on the screen “what happens if the rogan invade. Do we still stay in the shelters and if so for how long and how will we be resupplied. Here we have only five days worth of provisions.”

  “Good question Boris. As per the plan you stay in the shelter till the all clear is given. We anticipate this battle to be over in a matter of days. In the unlikely event that things drag on, we’ll implement one of our contingency plans and you will be contacted and given instructions.”

  “But what if comms are down” asked Boris.

  “Then try and make physical contact with your sector coordinator. Failing that you will have to exercise your own judgement. Just remember that the lives of millions rest in your hands.”

  Boris appeared quite sobered by that. “Should we surrender to the rogan if there are no friendly forces to protect us?”

  “If there are no means of escape then yes it’s probably best to surrender civilians than to try and resist.”

  “Right next question….” And so it continued for half an hour.

  The question queue was now empty on his console and there were no hands up in front of him.

  “Thanks for your questions. Remember no comms outside the system and stay calm. Thank you.”

  Alex felt relieved when it was over. He picked up his gear, thanked the theatre staff for their efforts and headed back to Polaris HQ. As he drove through downtown Nova Vista he realised that things would look quite different here tomorrow.

  Chapter 34. Nova Vista 1700, 24 June

  General Shen Xian had had enough of waiting. He hopped in the passenger’ seat of his buggy and told his driver to take him downtown. He was also sick and tired of being cooped up indoors. He wanted to breathe fresh air and feel the wind on his weathered face.

  Outside the heavy cumulus clouds were billowing and expanding rapidly in the late afternoon sun. It had been stinking hot and now it was almost oppressively humid. It would be raining before too long. To many looking at the ominous clouds, they were a portend of yet another burden to bear in the operation. But to Shen they offered the promise of relief from the heat followed by crystal clear air. A smile appeared on his face. It was noted by his driver as he glanced across.

  Out of Polaris HQ they encountered a steady stream of military vehicles making their way into the city. This was ostensibly what Shen was out to see. But he had every confidence in his staff and subordinates. What he was really about was being seen by his troops.

  He knew how many of these troops would be feeling. Most had never seen actual combat. Unlike the Marines, who often were employed to trouble spots to deal with minor troubles, the Army tended to be held back and only committed for major crisis. Some had seen active service in one or more of the Federation’s intractable disputes. But these tended to be protracted peace keeping operations or counter insurgency operations. As such most of the action was small scale and low intensity.

  But if the Fleet failed to hold back the Rogan above, then this would be large scale, high intensity conflict not seen be the vast majority of serving soldiers. They had trained for it, of course, in the annual simulation exercises. But actually experienced it, no. This would be playing on their minds. ‘What would it be like?’ ‘How would I stand up to it?’ ‘What are my chances of survival?’ These were the questions he knew they would be asking of themselves.

  He couldn’t answer them as such but what he could do, what he was about to do was demonstrate that they were not alone and that they were being led by confident commanders, who valued their lives.

  He indicated for his driver to pull over at the upcoming checkpoint that was being setup. His appearance caused a stir amongst the troops on the ground. A sergeant called his troops to attention and saluted.

  “As you were Sergeant. Where’s your officer?”

  “He’s over on the next street setting up another check point.”

  “Good. You’ll be ready by 1800?”

  “Yes Sir. No worries.”

  “Have you identified the nearest shelter for you and your troops?”

  “Yes Sir it’s two blocks away.”

  “You reckon you get there in five minutes?”

  “Should do Sir, though I may have to use these boots on these guys to do so.”

  Shen chuckled. “Very good, though I’m sure it won’t come to that. What happens to the tanks?” added Shen pointing to the tracked armoured fighting vehicles on the side of the road. They were the older T260s but still mounted a formidable 90mm pulse cannon. Army tanks were heavier and more powerful than Marine battlewagons.

  “We leave them here Sir…they won’t fit through the doors” said the sergeant with a wry smile.

  Shen laughed. “All right Sergeant I’ll leave you to get on with it. Keep up the good work soldiers.”

  Shen climbed back in the buggy and the driver pulled back out onto the road and headed to the next checkpoint.

  Chapter 35. Nova Vista 1800, 24 June

  Rihan turned to Cmdr Andy Bagnitis, the head of fighter ops staff, and nodded. He activated the command that would see a rolling series of interceptor flights around the planet. These were designed to test the combined fighter respo
nse.

  The holo showed no less than 100 fighters, mostly the older Thunderbolts but with a few Lightnings, and a further 100 Marauder drones taking off from ten different bases in the western hemisphere. They were climbing rapidly into space and had marshalled into four different groups, one of which was centred over Nova Vista.

  Rihan let Andy and his staff run the exercise. What she was interested in were the timings and any lagging by particular squadrons. Coordination was paramount lest they be defeated in detail. She looked on as the individual fighter icons merged first into their respective squadrons and then into the groups.

  Once that happened the staff initiated the commit and the group icons changed status to attack. A series of waypoints could be seen leading from the Groups towards the designated target ships.

  Rihan was already noting the average time to form group. At 14 minutes it wasn’t bad. ‘But will we get that long?’ she asked herself. She interrogated the stats and identified that the average time would have been 12 minutes had five of the squadrons actually taken off on time. She flagged a note on her console before returning her attention to the attacks.

  The air staff had zoomed in the holo to watch the group over Nova Vista conduct its attack on the designated ‘enemy cap’. The fighters were expending most of their missile systems taking out the simulated missiles launched from the enemy cap. Thus they were protecting the Marauders while they closed within missile range. The drone craft had sophisticated AI but even so were generally not regarded for their evasive capabilities.

  At 1857 Andy called a halt to the exercise. The fighter and bomber craft streamed back to their bases and for the subsequent debriefing. As previously agreed, Rihan let Andy alone for five minutes while he discussed with his staff the outcomes. She then joined their group.

  Andy looked either annoyed or bothered or both. “What’s wrong?” asked Rihan.

  “Where do I start” said Andy. “First off, the bloody take offs were hopeless. Look at this spread of launch times. 17th squadron didn’t get its last fighter into the air until 1812. Bloody hopeless.” Rihan mentally ticked that one off her list.