“They’ve spotted us,” said Kevin. “They’ll be waiting now.”
“Yes they have. That’s okay. They still don’t know what we’re going to do.”
“More contacts, Sir,” said Petrovic. “The carriers are launching fighters.”
Hundreds of smaller red icons appeared on the tactical display. They spread out in a wide radius encompassing the fleet.
“Interesting they’re using their fighters as a defense against jump attacks. It’s a good defense if they know we’re coming,” said Jon, with a wry smile. “Deploy comm drones.”
“Comm drones deployed, Sir.”
“Ensign Petrovic, do you have enough data on the fleet.”
“Yes, Sir,” said the young Ensign, who now looked much older than when Jon first met him on the Hermes. The experiences since then had aged them all considerably.
“Good. Load coordinates for a jump two light years away, and program the drones for the same jump.”
“Coordinates loaded. Comm drones programmed,” said Petrovic.
“Initiate jump.”
Jon’s fleet jumped and the icons on the tactical display disappeared.
“Jump complete. Reading no contacts.”
“Now we wait for the drones,” said Jon. The comm drones were originally intended to be used for communication by jump ships, but Jon had Singh make modifications to their design. Considering that Singh had created much of the initial design back at Space Force, it wasn’t too difficult to make changes.
“We didn’t get a chance to test them,” said Kevin, with a scowl. “They better work.”
“You still don’t trust Singh?” said Jon, seeing through Kevin’s comment.
“Sorry, Sir. I’m trying.”
Jon nodded. “They’ll work. As soon as that fleet starts to move they’ll capture the information and jump back here. That’s when we strike.” He tapped his comm screen and Colonel Steeg’s face appeared. “Colonel, did you see them deploy their fighters?”
“Yes, Admiral. A sound tactic,” said Steeg, his face as expressive as a block of stone.
“I want to focus on their carrier groups,” said Jon. “We jump in. Isolate one group, take out as many of its escorts as we can, then jump away before they can regroup. I’m only deploying my bomber squadron, so we’ll need your battleship’s heavy guns. The bombers will hit them first, then we follow up with our guns.”
“Understood,” said Steeg. “We’ll be ready.”
Jon tapped the screen again and Commander Konos appeared from within his fighter’s cockpit. “Commander, launch your strike squadron. When we jump, your bombers will launch torpedoes, then jump back to these coordinates. You will then wait for the rest of the fleet to return. No heroics. Understood?”
“Yes, Sir,” Konos said confidently. “You can count on us.”
“Good. Launch your birds and prepare for jump.”
Jon did not have enough firepower to take on the entire corporate fleet, but he had enough to conduct an effective hit and run operation. He hoped that would whittle the enemy fleet’s numbers down to a more manageable size. Pulling up an image of the fleet’s formation, he drew a circle around the strike group on the far left flank. One carrier with nine escorts. He tapped the screen and all the ship commanders appeared, including Konos. He tapped again to share the image with the group.
“Do you see the strike group I have circled on your screens?” said Jon. “When the drone brings back the data that the fleet has begun to move, we will jump in on their left flank and attack that strike group. Commander Konos, your bombers will jump in close, fire torpedoes at the escorts, and immediately jump away. Once you’re away, we’ll focus on finishing off the escorts. The fleet will not have had enough time to hit FTL speeds, so they’ll respond quickly. We need to be faster. Understood?”
The commanders responded affirmative, and disappeared from the screen. They then waited for the comm drone to return.
“Do you think it’s broken?” Kevin said after some time had passed.
“The comm drone?” said Jon.
“Yeah.”
“I’m sure it’s fine. The corporate fleet’s just being paranoid.”
“They should be. They don’t know when we’re going to attack.”
“Yeah, they’ll move sooner or later.”
“They’re going to change their formation after we attack,” said Kevin.
“I know. We’ll adapt.”
“Do the new Chaanisar ships have fabricators?” said Kevin.
“I think so. The Ronin does, so I don’t see why they wouldn’t.”
“If they do, we can use them to ramp up production of the smaller jump systems.”
Jon smiled. “Are you developing a little more faith in Chief Engineer Singh?”
“Just being practical, Sir. If all our fighters were jump capable, they would have a huge advantage against the enemy fighters.”
“You’re right, they would. Once we’re done with the corporate fleet, we’ll get them built.”
“Contact,” said Petrovic. “Comm drone has just returned. Receiving data.”
“Here we go,” said Jon. “Ensign Petrovic, send the data on the fleet’s location and speed to Navigation to plot jump coordinates.”
“Yes, Sir,” said Petrovic. “Sending now.”
Ensign Yao looked over the data at the navigation station. She analyzed and entered the necessary information into her console. “Coordinates plotted,” said Yao. “Sending coordinates to bomber squadron.”
“Sound General Quarters,” said Jon.
Kevin opened a comm with the rest of the fleet. “All hands, sound General Quarters. Man your battle stations and prepare for jump.” When the ships had reported back, Kevin said, “All ships reporting jump ready, Sir.”
“Initiate jump,” ordered Jon. A split second later they landed just ahead and off the left flank of the corporate armada. Jon knew the fleet would stop once they saw his ships, but he needed to make sure they didn’t overshoot him. On the screen he watched the bombers move in, with Commander Konos and a few fighters as escort.
“Fleet is slowing,” said Petrovic. “Torpedoes are away.”
On the screen, the bomber squadron disappeared from view, along with its fighter escorts, as they returned to the jump waypoint. A few seconds later the torpedoes crashed into their targets. Twelve Scorpion torpedoes tore through nine escort ships, which consisted of a mix of destroyers, cruisers, and frigates. The frigates could not withstand the impact, and were each obliterated, creating blinding flashes of white light as their reactors blew. The remaining warships were left with large, gaping hull breaches that vented into space.
“Carriers are launching fighters and bombers,” said Petrovic.
“Rail guns in point defense mode. Focus the rest of the guns on those escort ships.” Jon’s warships pounded the prone corporate ships as fighters and bombers streaked toward them.
“The other warships are breaking formation and moving to intercept,” said Petrovic. On his tactical display, Jon saw the red icons leaving the pack and heading straight for his ships from both sides.
“They’re going to try and swarm us,” said Kevin, studying his own display.
“It’s okay. Just a little longer,” said Jon.
The damaged escort ships tried to fight back, but the torpedoes had severely crippled them, and they couldn’t stand up to the combined firepower of Jon’s ships. The hull breaches had caused gaps in their point defense shields and those gaps were exploited with energy bolts, projectiles, and missile volleys. The breaches were widened, and the missiles flew through the openings, into the ships, detonating deep inside. Internal explosions rocked each warship, fracturing their hulls, resulting in more breaches. One by one, each ship succumbed to its injuries and began to break apart.
The Freedom shook as the first of the responding enemy warships approached and opened fire. Missiles were launched, but the ones that weren’t fooled by the decoy dro
nes were rendered useless by the point defense shield. Projectiles and energy bolts continued to pepper the carrier, however. On the tactical screen, more red icons drew nearer and the rate of fire hitting the Freedom grew exponentially. Two escort ships remained. Both destroyers. Jon wasn’t going to leave until they were taken out. He waited just moments to watch one of the destroyers blow apart, followed within seconds by the other.
“Initiate jump,” ordered Jon, and the enemy fleet was gone, replaced by his waiting bomber squadron. Jon let out a sigh of relief. “Damage report,” he said.
“No hull breaches. The hull took some pounding. There are weak spots in the armor, but everything is still intact,” said Kevin.
“What about the other ships?”
“Reports are coming in right now. No hull breaches. Only minor damage,” Kevin said beaming.
“Outstanding work, people,” said Jon, to the elated bridge crew. We just destroyed nine warships without sustaining any casualties, he thought. That’s unbelievable. He could tell that everyone else on the bridge thought the same.
Foolish, said the symbiont.
What the hell are you talking about? How is any of this foolish? This is a great victory, thought Jon.
Arrogant, replied the symbiont.
Okay, you seriously need to work on your communication skills.
“Program jump coordinates into the comm drone,” ordered Jon. “Five hundred million kilometers from the fleet’s present location. Jump when ready. Have it monitor the fleet and jump back the second they start to move. Same as before.”
“Yes, Sir,” said Petrovic.
“In the meantime, rearm the bombers with Scorpion torpedoes, and have them ready to jump in again.”
“Bombers are returning to hangar bay to be rearmed.”
“I imagine it will be a while until they feel safe enough to move again. Let’s do what we can to reinforce the ship’s armor where it’s been weakened.”
“Crews have already been dispatched, Sir,” said Kevin.
Jon allowed himself a smile. Kevin had really adapted to his role as XO. Jon never doubted that he could do it, but it was still good to see.
His thoughts returned to the symbiont. What was the damn thing talking about? Was he being arrogant? Was he foolishly putting everyone’s life at risk? Would they suffer the same fate as the Hermes? The thought troubled him, but this wasn’t the Hermes. They were seven ships, not one, all with jump systems. Everything was different. Their mission was dangerous, but he had no doubt that they would succeed.
Foolish, said the symbiont.
I wish I could put a damn muzzle on you, Jon replied.
The repairs continued for some hours, and the comm drone had not returned. A general feeling of restlessness seemed to permeate the fleet.
“The comm drone didn’t take this long the first time, Sir,” said Kevin.
“I know, but they hadn’t lost nine ships the first time. They may have decided to stand their ground and wait us out,” said Jon. “Which is fine by me. Waiting suits us better than them.”
Restlessness turned into impatience as the hours passed.
“They might have spotted the drone, or it could’ve malfunctioned,” said Kevin.
“Maybe. Let’s find out,” said Jon. “Ensign Petrovic, deploy another comm drone. Jump it to the same location as the previous drone, take scans, and jump back.”
“Yes, Sir. Deploying drone,” said Petrovic.
The Freedom launched a second comm drone which immediately jumped away. Moments later it reappeared.
“Drone has returned,” said Petrovic. “Receiving data stream.”
“Send tactical information to my console,” said Jon.
“Forwarding data.”
Jon’s display transitioned to show the tactical data the drone had captured. “There’s the fleet,” Jon said to Kevin, pointing at the red icons on his screen.
Kevin stepped over to Jon’s console. “Where are the fighters?” said Kevin.
“I don’t know. Looks like they’ve returned to their carriers. Speaking of carriers, look here. That carrier is still unprotected.”
“Why would they leave it unguarded? Are they trying to bait us?” said Kevin.
Jon chuckled. “I think you’re right. They want us to attack again.”
“They must have some surprises waiting for us. Do they think we’re that stupid?” said Kevin.
“They figure an isolated carrier is too tempting to pass up. And they’d be right.”
Kevin looked up at Jon, surprised. “Sir?”
“Think about it. They’re leaving that carrier exposed, waiting for us to take the bait. What does that tell you?”
“Uh, that we shouldn’t take the bait?”
Jon smiled. “It tells us that whatever they have planned is focused on that carrier, which gives us a great opportunity.”
“We attack elsewhere,” said Kevin, realization sweeping across his face.
“That’s right,” said Jon, slapping Kevin on the shoulder. “We’re going to attack here instead.” Jon pointed to the right flank and circled the strike group positioned there. He then tapped the screen and sent the image to the other ships. When the commanders acknowledged that they understood the orders and were jump ready, Jon said, “Initiate jump.”
Chapter 48
Major Karlin Vogel strode through Engineering with purpose and urgency. After a lifetime as an officer in the military, he knew how to exude confidence and leadership, and it went a long way toward making people believe that he belonged. It turned out that these were valuable skills in the world of intelligence, not to mention counterintelligence. As he walked by, busy engineers didn’t give him a second look, if they even noticed him. They continued with their duties, which would be many on a ship of this size.
All had gone well thus far. He had memorized the ship’s schematics and followed the layout of engineering he had burned into his memory. He had taken off his comm, positive that it tracked his movements, and couldn’t risk consulting a computer for directions. Memory would be his only guide, and that would be enough. Up ahead the room was divided with a corridor leading to another section. The section he needed to reach. He picked up his pace and entered the corridor. As he walked through he looked out the other end and his heart rate increased slightly. A Marine sentry stood off to the side, just past the exit of the corridor. The man was armed, but thankfully he was not wearing any body armor. Either way, the Marine was confirmation that Vogel headed in the right direction.
Vogel emerged from the corridor and covertly glanced around to ensure there were no curious eyes, and that no one else stood nearby. Satisfied, he approached the man. He remained casual, yet still maintaining his air of authority, which wasn’t difficult. He was a major, after all. At least on New Byzantium. If this man was originally from the New Byzantium military, his conditioning should kick in out of reflex, and he would fall into line. If he happened to be one of the Earth Marines, then things would become difficult.
“Corporal, where is Chief Engineer Singh?” said Vogel.
The Marine eyed Vogel warily. “You’re not allowed to be in here, Sir,” said the man, with a hint of menace in his tone.
“What’s your name, Corporal?” Vogel barked, still pushing the commanding officer attitude, while approaching the Marine. The man was roughly the same size as Vogel, but younger. He had a no nonsense look about him that told Vogel he wasn’t going to fall for the act. Vogel closed the gap between them quickly and without any hint of ill intent.
“Sir, you need to turn around, and walk out of here right now, or-” Vogel hit the man with a spear hand strike to the throat, severing his windpipe with the piercing blow. The young Marine fell backward into the wall, clutching his neck, eyes wide, then collapsed to the floor. As the man fell, Vogel followed up with a devastating kick to the trachea. If the man could still speak, this second strike would prevent him from calling out for help. The young man’s body recoiled fro
m the force of the blow, sending him onto his back. Vogel stayed with him. He stomped his foot on the man’s neck and pushed down, applying crushing pressure. The man writhed, and clawed at Vogel’s boot, but he was at too much of a disadvantage to change the outcome. Finally, the Marine stopped struggling.
“Sorry, son,” said Vogel, removing his foot from the dead man’s throat. “Nothing personal.” Vogel grabbed the man by his armpits, and pulled him behind some nearby crates. He relieved the Marine of his sidearm, and looked around for witnesses. There were none. Satisfied that the Marine was out of sight, Vogel walked out from behind the crates and continued on his quest.
The carrier’s engineering section must have been three times the size of the engineering sections on other ships. He hoped his intel was correct, or he’d be wandering around for a while. He knew that sooner or later the Marine’s body would be found, and he needed to be long gone before that.
The floor shuddered as he walked. The Freedom was taking fire. They had engaged the corporate fleet again. He had to act fast. Vogel crossed the room, passing the ship’s monolithic FTL reactors. People rushed around, even more focused on their duties now that they were again in the midst of a battle. No one gave him a second look. It was like he was invisible. Vogel pressed on. According to the layout he had memorized, the ship’s jump system should be straight ahead. From what he understood, it had to tie into the ship’s FTL reactors, so it needed to be relatively close to them. Vogel rounded the final reactor and saw what he came for. The jump system. And standing in front of it was Chief Engineer Singh.
Sing must have heard him approach because he turned around and looked right at Vogel. “Major Vogel? You shouldn’t be in here. Are you lost?”
“Chief Engineer Singh,” said Vogel with a smile. “I need to speak with you.”
“Really? What’s this about?”
Vogel looked at the equipment Singh worked on. “Say, is that the jump system?”
Singh frowned. “Yes, Major. This is the jump system. Now what do you need to speak with me about. I’m very busy right now.”
“You know, it’s hard to believe that something so small and unassuming would be capable of such miraculous feats. I mean, compared to the FTL reactors the jump system is tiny.”
The Pike Chronicles - Books 1 - 10 Page 88
