by Chris Burton
“Anything to report?”
“No and yes. We have received no incoming and all systems are at full strength. The fleet is suffering. They targeted the two lead star ships last night and I believe the Washington is now in a bad state.”
“Okay, thanks. I will take the con. Are any recovery vessels needed?”
“No, they have it covered, Sir. There was some talk about Admiral Collins being in trouble.”
“I will speak to Shenke and get an update. Thank you Mister Peterson.”
The fleet command structure was already fragile, with Haines gone. Hopefully Collins was okay. He opened a secure comm. link to Admiral Shenke.
“Hi Jonathan. Not good news today I am afraid. We have lost the Washington and Admiral Collins is dead.”
“Confirmed?”
“Yes, three other ships were lost overnight. We have though, made some inroads into the Kryl fleet, with eight cruisers downed.”
“How many Jump Ships were lost on the Washington?”
“About a hundred and fifty. Fortunately, most were out, but not the 25,000 crew. We took a few knocks too but the Viceroy is a strong ship. It is clear they are targeting our lead ships, which means The Halo 7 will be at risk. Are your ships in a position to move out?”
“Yes. I have received your allocation schedules for the new fleet and we have had confirmation from the Sentinels, that twenty-five ships will join us at Alpha Centauri.”
“Good. We will coordinate your fleet for departure at midday today. Make sure you are ready Jonathan.”
The loss of the Washington and Collins was bad news. The Starships were the standard-bearer of Alpha’s galactic supremacy and with one less, Alpha’s position was beginning to look bleak.
Chapter Forty-One
Preparing for Invasion
Admiral Koenig had just been updated on the fleet’s position. He held his head in his hands and then raised his head and sighed deeply before speaking.
“I know Griffin will hold his position to the last man. Shenke maybe not. Either way, it will only be a few weeks now before they arrive on our doorstep. The question is to do we resupply the fleet with Jump Ships or keep them here to assist SED, when we really will be at last chance saloon?”
Admiral Clarke was in a less pensive mood.
“The Sentinel vessels will certainly help. Surely we can’t write them off when we still have sub-space weapons available?”
“We are running out of options. We cannot use sub-space charges in the solar system!”
“All I am saying is that we have done this before. Shenke knows how to beat the Kryl. Yes, the losses are massive but we are impacting on theirs—just as we did before.”
“I don’t know how long SED and our shields will hold, if the fleet fails. I guess I am just looking for a good news day. One is definitely overdue.
What news do we have on the shields?”
“About seventy-five percent coverage. That’s better than Titan.”
“But still not good enough, especially if there are still patches of less than fifty percent. Let’s assume that we have two weeks left before the shields will be needed. We need ninety to a hundred percent by then. Let’s move on, Jonas sent me the latest build figures, which are poor, but at least the repair shipyards can take some of our damaged ships. I have asked him to assume control over this area, so that Admiral Rodriguez can prepare himself to join the fleet. I need you to brief Rodriguez and get him underway as soon as possible. Initially he will join Shenke’s fleet and will command the Illustrious, which is now out of dock and ready for service again. Rodriguez will bring experience to the fold and the Illustrious will give us another first rate Starship in the area.”
“That’s a good move although I am surprised Rodriguez has accepted. Have you advised Shenke? He could see it as an attempt to undermine him.”
“No and it isn’t—not directly anyway, more a case of keeping him on his toes.”
The conversation was interrupted as Admiral Kohn arrived and took his seat at the conference table.
“Ah Jonas, I trust all is well at Alpha Two?”
“Yes. There is heightened anticipation, but we are ready. I do have bad news, I am afraid. We have just received word that the Kryl have engaged the Sentinel main fleet and we are getting reports of Kryl attacks on three Earth colonies: Brava, Cognos and Pantheon.”
“How many ships do we have supporting these colonies?”
“Virtually all colonies have at least one supporting cruiser in their near space, with two or three frigates and an armful of Jump Ships.”
Koenig sat up. “Collectively how many Cruisers do we have spread out across the colonies—there must be forty or fifty?”
“More, the outgoing colonies beyond Omega 2 have probably fifteen or so. I estimated there are about sixty.”
“On their own they can do little against a Kryl fleet, even a small one. Those cruisers and their Jump Ships are needed with the fleet. We should recall them.”
“That is going to be a controversial decision.”
“We are beyond that. In fact, I think we should urgently recall all non-essential Alpha ships, other than those allocated to the contingency fleet. Are we agreed?”
“Once the bench find out, they will not be happy.”
“Then I will stand up and defend my decision in front of them. I cannot be held back by politics. We are trying to win a war here!”
“That very definition will have the bench screaming for a war cabinet to be set up. We are treading on very thin ground here.”
Koenig stood up, clearly angry now.
“For God’s sake, we are trying to stop an invasion here. They could wipe us out. I don’t care what the repercussions are, we need every ship we can get and that is what is going to happen!”
Admiral Clarke often took the role of mediator when discussions were becoming heated. On this occasion, it was clear he needed to pacify their CIC. They had to be careful though. Koenig was on the verge of becoming obsessive.
“Gentlemen, petty in-fighting will not resolve our problems. I believe I speak for Jonas too, we are as one and of course, we support you. However, we do need to tread carefully. I will draft an internal release this afternoon and will try to cover all the bases.”
Koenig was still agitated but Clarke’s intervention took the sting out of the argument. The meeting settled down and the three admirals continued their discussions for a further half hour before the meeting broke up and the two advisors left Koenig’s office.
The two admirals talked as they entered the long corridor which ran to the main entrance of the building.
“We have to be careful, Jonas. Tom could be seen as being irrational with some of his decisions.”
Admiral Kohn sighed. “Yes, if he carries on. I am not sure how long I can continue to support him. The bench will remove him.”
“We must avoid that at all costs. We need to manage him carefully, or we will have to pick up the pieces.”
Chapter Forty-Two
Alpha Centauri
At a distance of just over four light years, Alpha CentaurIs one of the nearest star systems to Earth and the arrival here of the first light-speed vessel was perhaps one of mans greatest achievements. That journey, some one hundred years before, took over four years—a trip which could now take a matter of hours. The achievement was significant and was later recognized by Earth’s Central Government when they formed Alpha.
It followed that the first territories to be explored by man were in this star system and the first albeit, unsuccessful colonies were founded here. Man’s desperate quest to find other life floundered here. None of the planets in the system were capable of sustaining life and their quest continued beyond the system to others before their first encounter with an alien race. The system became what it was now—a passing place, beyond which the riches of space were abundant. An important historical site but of no commercial consequence.
Jake Carter was pleased to
be here. Communication with Earth via secure links was achievable and he wasted no time in setting up his comm. link. Carla answered almost immediately.
“Hi Carla.”
“Oh, my God! Jake, it’s you. Oh, thank God! Where are you? Are you okay? Are you coming home?”
“So many questions! I am fine now but I am not aboard the Antibes. She was hit badly and I had to get off quick, so I took a Jump Ship and headed out to the nearest ship! Guess what? It was the Halo 7!”
“You’re kidding me! Where are you now?”
“Alpha Centauri. Hoskins is heading up a fleet of ships and we are waiting for whatever the Kryl throw at us next. It’s all a bit close to home now.”
“Are you flying yet?”
“No. Hoskins wants me on the bridge. I am learning the ropes at the comms station. It’s all a bit weird, but he doesn’t want me out there. How are you?”
“I am good. This post is excellent. I have seen Steve. He is full of himself. Yes, he did try to come on to me again but I put paid to that very quickly. I think he knows where he stands now.”
“Is he okay with that?”
“I hope so. To be honest, he is champing at the bit to get his first outing with the Kryl. Sounds to me as if it won’t be long. You need to keep yourself safe Jake.”
“Not easy when the flagship is a key target. Listen , I can only transmit one message, so can you get a message to my parents. Also, when the Kryl do arrive, it’s going to be comms silence again, so who knows when we will get a chance to speak again. I need you to promise me to find somewhere safe when they come. I will find you, if it comes down to that. Okay?”
“I will if you will. I love you Jake.”
“I love you too Carla! I have to go now, our time restriction is over. Take care and I will call soon.”
The comm. link cut out, just as it had started and Jake was alone again. He was pleased for Carla, but very worried. Alpha Two would be the Kryl’s first port of call, when they hit the inner planets and Carla was very vulnerable in her comms role. He vowed to keep her safe.
* * * *
Jake arrived on the bridge ten minutes early. It was quiet, with just three other people at their stations and Lieutenant Commander Peterson at the con. The CO was in his ready room.
“Old man wants to see you Jake.”
“Okay, thanks.”
Jake waited for the door to open and Hoskins to summon him in.
“Mister Carter. Come in take a seat. Commander Jacques informs me that your comms station training is complete. I just wanted to congratulate you.”
“Thank you, Sir.”
“Your role is an important one, especially right now. I want you to keep a very close eye on traffic movements within the whole system. We know they are here; it is just where and how many we don’t know...that’s it.”
“Thanks. I was wondering whether I could take a non-combat Jump Ship or CAG assist role as well, Sir. As you know, I graduated as a Jump Ship pilot in the first instance.”
“You can’t be in two places at once, Lieutenant Carter. You should treat my paranoia and your injury as a blessing. A place on the bridge is a premium position for a newly graduated officer.”
“I know, Sir, and I am grateful. I guess I am just trying to be all things to all men.”
“There is nothing wrong with that. Let’s see how things pan out. You may be surprised at how quickly things progress once you have made it to the bridge. Okay, thank you Lieutenant.”
Jake returned to the bridge and sat down at his station. He did not know it yet, but things were going to start to hot up, very quickly indeed.
* * * *
“Incoming Kryl ships, Sir. At least a hundred maybe more, to port.”
“Shields to maximum, CO and XO to the bridge. We are under attack!”
Hoskins was through the door of the ready room and at his command station, before Peterson had completed his sentence.
“Battle Stations!
CAG, coordinate with the rest of the fleet and launch one hundred Rapiers.
“Comms shut down all outgoing communications and monitor all channels. I think we can expect more than a hundred.”
“Sir, more ships coming in on all sides. Another three, four hundred...”
“Comms, locate the Sentinel fleet. They should be in the system by now.”
Commander Jacques took his place at the command station and the two executive officers exchanged a few words, before Hoskins stood up and set off towards his ready room.
“Comms, open a secure comm. link to Admiral Shenke. Number One, you have the con.”
The excitement was palpable and Jake suddenly found himself in the middle of a full on battle, with the small Alpha fleet under attack from all sides. He saw his role was critical. He had to stay cool.
* * * *
“Comms, any news on the sentinels?”
“There’s a lot of traffic, Sir. I am still trying to determine who’s who!?”
“Keep it calm, Mister Carter. The signatures for the Kryl, Alpha and Sentinels should be quite different.”
Jake took his time and looked at the detail on his monitor again.
“Confirmed Commander, the Sentinel fleet is coming in, about forty vessels, including support.”
“Make sure they know what is going on here.”
The XO moved to the main weaponry station to verify with the weapons chief that PBA capability was available fleet wide, while Hoskins re-entered the bridge.
“I have the con. Report Number One?”
“Sentinels in system. ETA ten minutes. All vessels report, heavy plasma fire. The Kryl have launched eight hundred fighters. Over two thousand Kryl cruisers are in the system, with more on their way.”
“Launch five hundred more Rapiers. What is the status with the PBA?”
“Five minutes to launch.”
“Let’s have a look at their fleet patterns, Number One.”
The two commanders moved to the tactical holographic display, where Jake had downloaded a schematic of who was where in the system. Hoskins was in his element, this was real command.
“If the Sentinels come in silent, they can launch a full on nuclear attack on the rear of this Kryl flank. That is about two hundred ships. If we target our PBA attack on the same grid reference and then follow up with intensive Jump Ship fire we could make a real impact.”
“Yes, but the Sentinels version of silence is different to ours. Let’s hope we can keep them quiet. We could use the Sentinels late arrival to our advantage, but we look outnumbered, without them. Strange thing though, The Halo has not received a direct shot from the Kryl. It is almost as if they are deliberately avoiding us. You had better add that to your conspiracy theory.”
“I am sure that will not last. Let’s not be complacent. Get an encrypted message to the Sentinels to advise the plan and let me know when all is set up. Shenke reports that things are still going badly at his end. I suspect he will join us before too long and leave Griffin in charge to total them, with a sustained sub-space attack. The battlefront is here and we are charged with stopping the Kryl. We will use all options, Number One.”
Jake’s position at his comms station gave him the perfect window for his first experience of battlefield command. Both executive officers were in their element, but the stress levels on the bridge were enormous. He was scared, but exited and he knew that this is where he wanted to be.
Chapter Forty-Three
Seeking Carter
Morvalt followed the small fleet to Alpha Centauri and waited patiently as the component parts of his ‘invasion’ fleet came together, before he gave the order to attack. Alpha had made it easy for him, with the Halo 7 leading. All he had to do was to avoid destroying Jake Carter’s ship, while he dismantled the remainder of Alpha’s Fleet. Then he would take Carter and deliver him to the Queen.
His battle strategy was simple and mattered not, whether they faced one hundred or five hundred enemy vessels. They would ou
tnumber the Alpha fleet, surround them, squeeze them into a huddle and then, if by then, resistance persisted, the Queen’s ship would be on hand to deliver the final blow such was her devastating capability. A power yet to be inflicted on Alpha.
The process had already started; six hundred Kryl cruisers and thousands of fighters were smashing into the Alpha fleet. Why had no one used his favored tactic themselves? Thought Morvalt. This was too easy.
Morvalt did not anticipate what happened next. Unseen, a salvo of missiles smashed directly into the rearward vessels of the Kryl fleet. Almost immediately, from the front, Alpha engaged a row of particle beam accelerators discharging their powerful plasma beams directly into the same section of fleet. Morvalt acted quickly and moved a swathe of Kryl cruisers, who assumed an attack posture against the visible incoming vessels to the rear, but the action was too late for this small section of his fleet.
Now a huge black cloud had enveloped half the battlefield. The incoming vessels had used some kind of neutronic device, crude but deadly.
Visibility was reduced to just a few meters and deathly silence hovered over the fracas. There was no fighting, as every vessel was forced to use guidance computers rather than sight to maneuver.
Morvalt ordered compensators to clear the smog and quickly the battle continued its ferocious intensity. Alpha showed their capability, but he would quickly put them back in their place.
Chapter Forty-Four
The Last Stand
Shenke stood transfixed as he watched yet another battle cruiser break up. The time was coming when difficult decisions had to be made. He had summoned Admiral Griffin to his stateroom for what would be a difficult conversation.
“Ah Griffin, please take a seat. Malt whisky? This is a Martian blend, a very unusual taste, but it has a smooth texture.”
Shenke busied himself preparing two small whisky glasses of the premium Single Malt, handing one to Griffin, before sipping his own and then taking a seat.
