Kevin looked down at his tactical display and watched the rest of the battle group appear. “Report,” said Kevin.
“We have successfully landed at our first way point, fifty light years from Sol. All battle group ships are accounted for and reporting jump ready,” said Ensign Balian.
“So far so good,” said Commander Hurley.
“Let’s hope it stays that way,” said Kevin, recalling the Juttari ambush of the Hermes at this way point. “Let’s keep moving. Helm, initiate second jump.”
“Initiating,” said Hayes.
The stars shifted again as the computer announced their second jump had completed.
“We’ve successfully landed at our second way point, one hundred light years from earth, all battle group ships accounted for, and reporting jump ready.”
The battle group successfully completed two more jumps, reaching the maximum jump system range of two hundred light years, before needing to be recharged. The battle group had landed in a system dominated by a giant red star. None of the planets showed any signs of life, and the no enemy ships appeared on the scans. Kevin knew that things could change in an instant, however. The Juttari knew this route, and would eventually send ships out this way to deal with the colonies, and probably the Kemmar too. He knew the Juttari had just suffered a major setback, but he still needed to remain vigilant.
The battle group spread out, taking a defensive formation. The two giant Diakan ships launched a few fighter squadrons, to establish a perimeter around the group.
“I didn’t realize these Diakan ships were carriers,” Kevin said to Major Ilthos.
“They are a hybrid design,” said Ilthos. “More battleship than carrier, but their large size allows them to carry several squadrons of attack craft.”
“Should be useful against the Kemmar,” said Kevin, pondering their next move.
“It is a reasonable assumption that we will encounter the Kemmar again,” said Ilthos.
“I fully expect to encounter them next jump,” said Kevin. “They’re determined to control that jump gate.”
“It is of great strategic value,” said Ilthos. “Giving up control of the gate leaves their territory vulnerable to attack.”
“Yeah, they’re just going to have to get over it. If we don’t take control of that gate, the Juttari will.”
“I agree, Captain. The system will require a permanent presence in order to hold the gate. We will also need to secure the territory on the other side of the gate.”
“That’s in Kemmar space. The Kemmar won’t like that very much.”
“As you say, Captain, they will have to get over it.”
Kevin laughed. He wasn’t used to Diakans making jokes, which made Ilthos’s comment that much more amusing. “You might be right, Major,” said Kevin, rising from his chair.
“Commander Hurley, you have the bridge,” he said, walking toward the door. He had an itch, and he knew exactly where he could get it scratched.
Chapter 17
Kevin strode into the Vanguard training center. Crewmembers used the massive facility to work out and keep themselves at peak performance. He scanned the cavernous room and spotted what he was looking for at the far end. There, he eyed a group of Marines sparring and training in various forms of combat. Kevin turned in their direction, his pace quickening. Crewmembers paused their training to salute him as he passed. He hastily returned the salutes without breaking stride.
As he drew nearer he noticed Security Chief Sanchez standing to the side. “Keep your arms up,” she shouted at one of the Marines. “You’re dropping your left again.”
The Marines weren’t wearing combat suits, or using weapons. Instead they wore sparring suits, and focused on hand to hand combat skills. Kevin watched as one of the Marines parried a vicious looking knife hand strike, gripping the offending arm and transitioning into a hip throw, sending his opponent over his shoulder onto the mat. Rolling out of the throw, the opposing Marine was back on his feet a split second later. Taking the offensive, he unleashed a flurry of kicks and punches at his opponent.
Chief Sanchez took notice of the Captain and stood at attention.
“At ease, Chief,” said Kevin, and turned his attention back to the match. “They’re pretty good.”
Sanchez relaxed her posture slightly. “Yes, Sir. They’re okay.” Sanchez looked up at Kevin with a mischievous grin. “Rumor has it you’re not too bad yourself, Sir.”
“Rumor, eh?”
“Yes, Sir.”
“I don’t like rumors, Chief.”
The grin disappeared. “Sorry, Sir. I didn’t mean-”
“What I’m saying, Chief, is that if there are rumors about how well I can fight, then I need to put them to rest one way or another. And as far as I can tell, the only way to do that is to actually get in there and fight.” A smile spread across Kevin’s face as he looked down at Sanchez. Her face lit up again, and the grin returned. Kevin liked her smile, maybe more than he should. He made a mental note to be careful around her in the future.
“Are you saying you’re looking for an opponent?”
“I am.”
“I think I can arrange something worthwhile for you, Sir,” said Sanchez.
“Excellent. I’ll go put a sparring suit on.”
When Kevin returned, Sanchez looked him up and down. “Do you want to fight someone of equal size?”
“Seems only fair,” said Kevin, thinking about Chief Henderson, who wasn’t as big, but could knock most people on their asses without much effort.
“Bring Moose out here,” shouted Sanchez.
“I like the name,” said Kevin.
Sanchez motioned with her head for Kevin to turn around. When he did he saw a giant of a man standing there, easily a few inches taller than Kevin, and just as thick. The man was young, and he didn’t look like he had any fat on him.
“That’s Moose,” said Sanchez.
“I can see how he got his name.”
The young Marine walked over to Kevin and Sanchez, stood at attention and saluted.
“At ease,” said Kevin, returning the salute.
“Captain St. Clair, this is Corporal Jackson, otherwise known as Moose,” said Sanchez. “Moose, the Captain here is looking for a sparring partner. I thought you might make a good opponent.”
“You want me to fight the Captain?” said Moose, looking more than a little concerned.
“Don’t worry, Corporal. I don’t believe in ranks on the mats,” said Kevin.
“But what if I hurt you, Sir?”
Kevin smiled. “You’re welcome to try. Besides, I’ve got a sparring suit on. I doubt you’ll break any bones.” The sparring suits allowed training in realistic hand to hand combat conditions, without the risk of major injury. They were lightweight and flexible, yet capable of shielding the body from most injuries. The suits even worked with some handheld weapons, but couldn’t protect against firearms, energy weapons, or any other type of advanced weaponry. Still, they were perfect for realistic sparring, which was what they were designed for.
“Yes, Sir. If you are okay with it.”
“Do your best, son,” said Kevin, as he stepped out onto the mats. Moose followed. He already had his own suit on, but Kevin figured he hadn’t anticipated fighting the Captain today. Kevin also became aware that others had taken notice and were now gathering to watch. He wondered if he was doing the right thing, but hoped it would be good for morale to see the Captain down here training with them. Hell, he still considered himself to be one of them.
When he got to the center of the mat he turned and faced an uncomfortable looking Moose. “Remember what I said, there are no ranks on the mats. I’m just another opponent, and you are to treat me as such. That’s an order. Understood?”
“Yes, Sir,” said Moose, visibly perking up a bit.
“Good man. You ready?”
“Yes, Sir.”
Kevin bent his knees. “Begin.”
Moose moved sideways,
trying to get Kevin out of position. He was fast for a big guy, but Kevin stayed with him. He cut off the ring to prevent Moose from getting around him.
Moose adjusted quickly and lunged forward, going for a take down. Kevin kicked his legs back just in time, leaving only air for Moose to grab. The lunge left Moose’s head directly under Kevin’s chest and he snaked an arm around Moose’s neck, going for a choke.
Moose’s speed impressed Kevin again, pulling out his head just in time. Kevin tried to move with the man and maintain control, but soon the two were back on their feet circling each other.
Kevin took the initiative this time, striking high with his hands, and low with his feet. He tried to kick out the big man’s legs, first with sweeps, and then with stomps, sending powerful heel strikes, like hammers, at the knees. His hands moved with speed and precision, violently shooting out at the head and body.
Each hand strike carried devastating force, but Kevin’s real intent was to distract with the hands, allowing the feet to take out the legs. Moose again showed great agility, using quick footwork to move his legs away from the kicks, while still blocking Kevin’s hands.
Kevin couldn’t let up now. He had the momentum, and while Moose successfully defended against Kevin’s attack, he had to back up to do so. Kevin pushed harder, deciding to close the gap.
His hands now sought Moose’s limbs. Each blocked strike offered a forearm for Kevin to seize. Kevin bridged the distance, and moved into trapping range. He still tried to kick out Moose’s legs, but his hands now turned into hooks, grabbing and tangling up his opponent’s arms.
Moose managed to keep up, his arms keeping time with Kevin’s, a testament to his skill and training. But Kevin wasn’t about to let up. Punches turned into elbows, and kicks were replaced by knee strikes.
The fight quickly transitioned into a grappling contest. Vision was now replaced by sensitivity and energy, push and pull, as each man tried to gain an advantage.
By the time Kevin felt the opening, his body had already acted, sending Moose careening to the floor. Kevin stayed with the man, a vice grip hold on his arm. Moose landed hard on his back, air violently exiting his lungs. Kevin fluidly swung his legs around and over Moose’s neck and chest. Leaning back, Kevin applied tremendous force against the elbow joint. Moose had no choice but to tap out.
Letting go of the arm, Kevin rose to his feet. It was only then that he realized that the crewmembers watching the match were clapping and cheering.
This was good for morale after all, he thought. When Moose stood Kevin offered a handshake. “Great work, Moose. You’re one hell of a fighter.”
“Thank you, Sir. You’re a damn good fighter yourself,” Moose said laughing.
“Are you feeling better now, Sir?” said Sanchez as Kevin walked off the mats.
“Was it that obvious?” said Kevin.
“Let’s just say I know the feeling,” she said with a grin.
“I hope you don’t mind me sparring with your Marines from time to time.”
“You don’t need my permission, Sir. And no, I don’t mind. You can kick the shit out of them whenever you like.”
Laughing, Kevin knew he would enjoy working with Security Chief Sanchez.
Chapter 18
Two Marines stood at attention as Kevin walked onto the bridge. Kevin returned their salutes, recognizing one of them from the training facility the day before. After besting Moose, he took on a more opponents. One was the Marine now standing guard on the bridge, who was also the cause of his sore ribcage. Kevin always felt he knew a man better after sparring with him. There was a certain honesty about fighting. Regardless how much training one possessed, fighting remained primal, allowing you to see someone’s true nature.
Between the workout and a good night’s sleep, Kevin felt ready to get started on the next leg of his mission. Noticing his entrance, Commander Hurley stepped up to greet Kevin.
“Good morning, Commander,” said Kevin. “Anything interesting happen while I was gone?”
“No, Sir,” said Hurley. “Everything’s been quiet. The jump system has recharged and is at one hundred percent. The rest of the ships in the battle group are also reporting their jump systems at one hundred percent. We are jump ready.”
“Excellent. Ensign Balian, is the battle group still synchronized with our jump system?”
“Yes, Sir,” said Balian.
“Very well. Send notice to the other ships that we will be jumping momentarily.”
“Notifying battle group of impending jump.”
“Commander, sound General Quarters, ship wide and across the battle group.”
“General Quarters, General Quarters! All hands man your battle stations,” said Hurley, over the public address system. The lights on the bridge, like those across the ship took on a red hue to reinforce the alert status. “All ships reporting that they have sounded General Quarters, Sir.”
“A wise precaution, Captain,” said Major Ilthos, who’d come up so quietly he took Kevin by surprise.
Why are all these Diakans so damn sneaky, he thought. “I fully expect to run into the Kemmar. No point waiting until the last minute,” Kevin replied.
“May I ask, what is your plan for the Kemmar? Are you open to negotiations?”
“Are you joking, Ilthos?”
“I am a Diakan, Captain. I do not joke.”
“No, I suppose you don’t. Well then, I’ll clarify my position regarding the Kemmar. If we run into any Kemmar warships, I plan to use the Vanguard’s big coil guns to blast a giant hole through their hull. That is how I intend to negotiate.”
“I understand your feelings toward the Kemmar, Captain. You were their prisoner-”
“Yes, I was their prisoner. I watched them eat one of my men. And I’ve fought them multiple times. The Kemmar only understand power, Major. Nothing else.”
“Of course, Captain. However, they may prove useful in the greater war against the Juttari.”
“Is that right?” said Kevin sarcastically. “And how do you see that playing out?”
“The Kemmar Empire will be drawn into the greater galactic war. That is an inevitability. If they join our side they can be used as a bulwark between the Juttari, and the colonies. If not, they might decide to ally with the Juttari against us, giving the Juttari easy access to the colonies.”
“You’re forgetting something, Ilthos. The Juttari are going to need the gate in the binary system to access the Kemmar Empire. The Kemmar control that gate, but we are going to take it. Once we have more jump ships available, we will fortify it. The Juttari will have to fight us for it before they can even talk to the Kemmar.”
“The Juttari do have the jump technology,” said Ilthos. “They could feasibly reach Kemmar space in a week using the jump system. Two weeks at the most.”
“That is possible. Not much we can do about that.”
“We can negotiate with the Kemmar,” said Ilthos.
“Didn’t I just explain to you that I’m not interested in negotiating with the Kemmar? And even if I was, I can pretty much guarantee that Admiral Pike wouldn’t be.”
“He will have to negotiate at some point. No one remains at war forever.”
“It’s true. One day we’ll have peace with the Kemmar. But it will be the Kemmar who will ask for peace. Not us.”
“If you insist, Captain. You are in command.”
“Look, I know you encountered the Kemmar with Captain Pierce, and that you tried to come to terms with them, but you saw how that turned out. They cannot be trusted. Believe me. It’s better to just consider them enemies, than be forever worried about them stabbing us in the back.”
“As you wish, Captain,” said Ilthos.
Kevin eyed the Diakan warily. His experience with Tallos on the Hermes inclined him to be less trusting of the Diakans. It might be wise to watch his back when it came to Ilthos. Allies or not.
A final check of the battle group’s readiness indicated the time had come to act.
“Helm, initiate jump.”
“Yes, Sir. Initiating jump.”
On the viewscreen the giant red star dominating the current system was suddenly replaced by the two eternally circling suns of the binary system.
“Jump complete,” stated the computer.
“Contacts!” announced Ensign Michael, the tactical officer. “Reading fifteen Kemmar warships.”
They had plotted their landing on the far side of the binary system. As such, they had a chance to survey the situation, without having to worry about an immediate onslaught. Kevin believed the Kemmar’s primary objective was to defend the jump gate. That would position the Kemmar ships defensively around the gate. Initial scans assured him his logic was correct.
“Have they seen us yet?” said Kevin.
“It doesn’t appear so, Sir. They are not moving to intercept,” said Ensign Michael.
“They’ll see us soon enough,” said Hurley. “They know we have the jump system. They’ll probably wait for us to make the first move.”
“Agreed. That would be the smart thing to do.” Kevin glanced down at his tactical screen. All ships in the battle group were present. Even at just six ships, they were a formidable fighting force. Nonetheless, fifteen ships was nothing to take lightly, and they couldn’t know what was waiting for them on the other side of the gate. The jump system had allowed them to take on greater numbers when they fought against the corporations. This was the Kemmar, however. They were considerably more dangerous than a colonial corporation. He couldn’t take them lightly. They were sitting at close to a three to one disadvantage. Could the jump system even out those odds?
Examining the formation on his tactical screen he realized that at least one of those ships was a Kemmar battleship. He tapped his console a few times and the commanders of the battle group appeared on his screen. “You all see what we’re up against. At first glance it looks like fifteen ships.”
“Challenging. But not overwhelmingly so,” said Captain Vorlos, one of the Diakan commanders.
“Yes,” said Captain Koufyos, the other Diakan commander. “None of these Kemmar vessels are our equal.”
The Pike Chronicles - Books 1 - 10 Page 100
