“We are nearing engagement range,” First Leader Ganth reported as he watched with anticipation as the fleets approached one another. “Honor awaits us.”
“Indeed!” roared Fleet Leader Resmunt. He could already taste victory. His war wings would roll over the human fighters and then his fleet would annihilate the human warships. This battle would be over very quickly. He had the tactical advantage this time, and he intended to keep it.
-
War Leader Versith watched the tactical display intently. First Leader Trion and Second Leader Jaseth were next to him by the command pedestal. “I worry about this attack,” Versith spoke as he watched the human ships. They seemed so unafraid as they held their positions waiting for the approaching Hocklyn fleets.
“The humans will die!” spat Second Leader Jaseth as he gazed with hate at the tactical hologram and the waiting enemy. He only wished he could take a more active role in their destruction.
“They did destroy two more AI ships,” First Leader Trion reminded Jaseth. He wondered if the humans had more of those devastating weapons they had used against the AIs. He wasn’t sure if their new and stronger shields could hold up to such weapons. “If they use the same weapons against our ships, I don’t believe even the new shields will do us any good.”
“Order all ships to put maximum power to the shields,” ordered War Leader Versith, agreeing with First Leader Trion’s assessment of the human weapons. He knew by doing so it would drastically reduce the strength of his fleet’s energy beams, but he had a feeling the humans were not quite as defenseless as they seemed. “Hold off using our energy beams until we know if the humans possess more of those hell weapons.”
Trion passed on the orders, agreeing with the wisdom of strengthening the shields to the maximum. If the humans had used up the last of their dangerous missiles against the AIs, then the energy could be taken from the shields and used for the energy beams. He could also see the look of disgust in Second Leader Jaseth’s eyes from not being able to use the new energy beams against the humans. Jaseth worried First Leader Trion; he would bear careful watching during the coming battle.
-
“Our fighters are going to be heavily outnumbered,” gasped Colonel Trist as he saw the myriads of Hocklyn fighters streaking toward the waiting Talons. “They have us outnumbered by at least six to one!”
“Inform our fighters to make two passes through the enemy formation and then to fall back to Admiral Adler; our defensive lasers and railguns will have to handle the remaining enemy fighters.”
“Two minutes until Hocklyn fleets are in combat range,” Captain Reynolds reported as he watched his sensor screens and then transferred the data over to one of the tactical displays.
Each one of the four large tactical displays was now showing a different aspect of the coming battle. One screen was focusing on the fighters, the second on the Hocklyn fleet, another had everything combined, and the fourth was focused on the defensive grid and Admiral Adler’s fleet. Hedon drew in a sharp breath, hoping he was making the right decisions. He allowed his gaze to wander over toward Captain Duncan, seeing how she was going efficiently about her job as she communicated with the other ships in the fleet. Janice must have sensed his gaze as she looked over at him and quickly smiled, then turned back to her console. Hedon looked back toward the main viewscreen on the front wall, which was now focused on a Hocklyn dreadnought. The 1,200-meter ship was covered in weapons, all aimed at First and Second Fleet.
-
The four hundred and twenty human Talon fighters suddenly surged forward and flew headfirst into the oncoming Hocklyn fighter formation. Flight leader Major John Summerfield led the charge as each fighter formed up with a wingman. “All missiles are to be expended as rapidly as possible,” Major Summerfield ordered over his com. “We’re making two passes and I don’t want to see any missiles on a fighter when we make our run back to Third Fleet. Make them count!”
“In missile range,” he said as his targeting computer locked on to a Hocklyn fighter. “Firing!”
From beneath the stubby wings of his fighter, a small Hunter class interceptor missile rocketed off toward its intended target. All across the line hundreds of missiles were fired, but the Hocklyns weren’t idle; they were doing the same. In just a matter of a few moments, both flights of fighters were full of blazing balls of destruction as missiles found and detonated on their targets. Fighter after fighter vanished in fiery blasts that blew them apart.
The destruction seemed to roll across both lines of fighters and then they were in amongst each other. Numerous fighters collided with their opponents as too many fighters were in such a small confined area and moving at such a high rate of speed. Missile trails and tracer rounds filled space as they searched for targets. Soon, space became filled with shattered wreckage and even a few bodies of both Human and Hocklyn pilots.
By the time the human fighters made it through the dispersing Hocklyn formation, command had fallen to Major Cedrik Thompson. Major Summerfield had been killed when his Talon fighter had collided with an opposing Hocklyn fighter.
“Hit them again,” Thompson ordered the remaining fighters grimly as he turned sharply and accelerated back toward the Hocklyns. “Hit them again and then head to Third Fleet to rearm.”
Checking his weapons, he saw he still had a single Hunter missile left, and his 30 mm cannon rounds were down to forty percent. A tone sounded in his cockpit, confirming missile lock. Pressing a button, he felt the missile rocket away from his fighter. His eyes followed it, and he grinned in wolfish satisfaction as another Hocklyn ship exploded. He never saw the Hocklyn fighter that dropped in behind him and quickly launched two of its interceptors. Major Thompson’s fighter died in a brilliant flash of light.
The Hocklyns were rapidly reforming their formation to face the oncoming human fighters. Once again, the two groups merged, and waves of fire seemed to wash over the formation as fighters from both sides vanished in fiery explosions as interceptor missiles and cannon rounds found and destroyed their targets.
When the human fighters exited the shattered Hocklyn formation Captain Denise Wright was in command. “Head for Third Fleet,” she ordered, seeing that not many human fighters remained. She felt a cold chill as she realized how many fighters had been lost. They had taken out a lot of Hocklyns, but they had paid a heavy toll in fighters and pilots. She knew that many of her close friends had just paid the ultimate price.
-
“Fighters are disengaging,” Captain Reynolds reported as he saw the human fighters pulling away from the Hocklyns.
“How many survived?” asked Hedon sharply, knowing he had just sent a lot of good men and women to their untimely deaths. He braced himself, knowing the report would not be good. Too few green icons were heading toward Third Fleet.
“Sixty-eight,” Colonel Trist reported grim faced. “We lost all the squadron commanders. Captain Denise Wright is the surviving senior officer.”
“What about the Hocklyn fighters; how many did they destroy?” asked Hedon, knowing that the dead pilots would soon be followed by many more.
“A little over seven hundred confirmed,” Captain Reynolds reported. “The Hocklyn fighters are pulling back to their fleet, probably to rearm.”
“At least we don’t have to worry about them for a while,” Colonel Trist remarked grimly.
Hedon nodded; the Hocklyn fighters had to be thinned out if the coming bomber strike was to be successful. Looking over at one of the tactical holograms, he gave the order for First and Second Fleet to move forward and engage the enemy. The main part of the battle was about to begin. Hedon closed his eyes and said a brief prayer; he knew he was about to send a lot of good men and women to their deaths and that this would haunt him forever.
Chapter Fourteen
Admiral Teleck watched as the Zanth ambassador left the Command Center of the Ceres to return to his planet. The Zanth controlled a small group of star systems, including their home planet
and two established sister colony worlds. They also had half a dozen highly efficient mining operations in nearby star systems and were the closest developed alien race to the Federation, being only eighteen light years away. They had a fleet of eighty warships that were stationed around their home planet in case of an attack. The home planet, as well as their two colonies, were surrounded by massive minefields to deter aggression from other races.
The Zanth were a small race, with larger than normal heads and their skin was grayish in color. They had developed space travel much earlier than humans, and there was a lot of speculation in Earth UFO circles that they might be the legendary little gray men spoken about in Earth UFO legends. The Zanth had been asked about this but had denied ever landing on any planet in Earth’s solar system. During early contact, it was discovered that the Zanth seldom sent out exploratory missions and their population grew very slowly. They were also a reclusive race, preferring to stay close to home. The Zanth systems were in a small area of space only ten light years across.
“I’m glad that’s over,” Colonel Barnes spoke as the massive door to the Command Center slid shut. “I don’t know what it is about the Zanthians, but they give me the shivers anytime I’m around them.”
Admiral Teleck chuckled and looked over at Kathryn. “The Zanth have that affect on a lot of people,” he replied, recalling the first time he had met one. “Once you get to know them, they’re actually a quite friendly people and extremely proud of their heritage.”
“What’s next on the agenda?” Kathryn asked. So far, the admiral had forced her to attend two state dinners and take several long boring tours on a couple of their allies’ planets. She wondered if her father had anything to do with this since she had refused to enter politics. Maybe this was his way of getting even with her.
“We’re going to drop by the Epsilon Eridani System and pay our respects to Senators Fulbright and Davis,” Teleck responded with a frown crossing his face. He hated playing politics, but Fleet Admiral Johnson had asked him to do this favor to try to help smooth things over with the two nervous senators. They were still complaining about the defenses of their system not being up to par with the rest of the Federation.
“Admiral,” Captain Travers at Communications suddenly spoke up with a look of deep concern spreading across his face. “We’re getting a priority message from Fleet Admiral Johnson at New Tellus.”
“What’s it say?” asked Teleck, feeling a cold chill run up his spine. He had a strong suspicion what was in the message. There could only be one reason Admiral Johnson would be contacting him way out here.
“A stealth scout has detected a massive Hocklyn fleet moving toward Fleet Admiral Streth,” Travers reported as he read the message aloud. “There are also ten AI ships with the Hocklyns.”
“Ten AIs!” Colonel Barnes uttered, her face turning pale. No one expected them to send so many. This worried her; how could Admiral Streth handle ten of the massive AI ships?
“Fleet Admiral Streth knows how to fight a battle,” responded Admiral Teleck, looking across the now silent Command Center. Most had heard Captain Travers read the message and knew what it meant. The mention of the AI ships had visibly shaken everyone.
“What are your orders, Sir?” Kathryn asked, her hazel eyes focusing on Admiral Teleck. “Do we return to Ceres?”
“Yes,” he responded, his face taking on a grave look. He then turned toward Captain Travers. “Send a message to Admiral Kalen to activate our fleet. All ships to be manned and ready for battle, we’re returning immediately.”
Teleck knew that due to the long distance from where Admiral Streth was to the Federation over forty hours had passed since the stealth scout had spotted the Hocklyns and the AIs. More than likely the battle had already commenced or might even be over with. He needed to return to Ceres as quickly as possible for he knew that, in all probability, the Hocklyns and their AI masters would be arriving in the Federation sometime within the next two weeks. He just hoped that Admiral Streth and what remained of the Ready Reserve Fleet arrived first.
-
Jeremy looked over the quiet Command Center of the Avenger; no one had spoken for several minutes. They had just received the latest report from Admiral Streth on the size and strength of the Hocklyn and AI fleets that he was facing.
“Over six hundred Hocklyn warships and eight AIs,” Colonel Malen spoke in a quiet voice. “How can they fight so many?”
“They've already destroyed two of the AI ships and forced the others to withdraw, so we know that Ariel and Lieutenant Johnson’s new program works,” replied Jeremy, looking over at Ariel who was standing next to the tactical hologram. So far, it was clear of red threat icons. He knew that probably wouldn’t last much longer.
“Did you hear that?” Angela said from her position at Communications as she looked over toward Kelsey. “If the Hocklyns and AIs are using that large of a force against Admiral Streth, what will they send against us?”
“We actually have a stronger force than Fleet Admiral Streth,” responded Kelsey, wanting to alleviate Angela’s fears. “With the space station and the defenses we've set up it will take a truly massive fleet to defeat us. Not only that, don’t forget the bears have over two hundred small warships we can call upon.”
“We also have fourteen heavy strikecruisers, including the Avenger,” Kevin added as he listened to the girls. “And don’t forget the four new type two battle stations we have put around the station as well.”
“We will hold the system,” Katie added firmly over their private channel. “We can’t let anything happen to the Carethians!”
“We will be fine,” Ariel assured them over the com as she continued to study the tactical display. It bothered her to see and hear the worry and fear in her friend’s voices. She knew Kelsey was doing a good job of disguising her true feelings, but Ariel could sense the hidden concern in her voice. “The station is heavily armed and can hold off an entire Hocklyn fleet on its own.”
Their conversation was interrupted as an alarm went off on one of the sensor screens. Kevin and Ariel both instantly turned their attention toward it. That alarm could only mean one thing, the Hocklyns were coming!
“Multiple hyperjumps being detected in system K-772,” Kevin reported as he studied the data from the hyperjump detection buoy. System K-772 was only four light years away.
“Hyperjumps still being detected,” Ariel continued as she began to calculate the number of ships jumping into the nearby system.
“How many?” Jeremy asked as he stepped over closer to Ariel. There was no doubt that this was the Hocklyn fleet they had been expecting.
Ariel was quiet for a moment and then turned to face Jeremy, her dark eyes focusing on him. “Hyperjumps are still being detected.”
“How many so far?” demanded Colonel Malen her eyes growing wide in concern.
“Over four hundred,” Ariel spoke in a quiet voice. “The numbers are still growing.”
For the next five minutes, Ariel and Kevin continued to record additional hyperjumps from the buoy. Finally, the jumps slowed down and then came to a stop.
“What’s the total?” asked Jeremy, knowing that the entire Command Crew was listening with rapt attention.
He knew this wasn’t going to be good news. It had taken too long for all the Hocklyn ships to exit hyperspace, which indicated they had jumped in with a truly massive fleet.
“Over eight hundred,” Kevin reported in a grim voice.
He still couldn’t believe that there could be that many Hocklyn ships in one place. Not with so many currently attacking Admiral Streth. He looked over at Katie and saw the open look of fear growing on her face.
Jeremy saw that everyone was looking intently at him, waiting for his orders, even his close friends. He took a deep breath and could feel his heart racing. This was what they had prepared for over all these months. “Take the fleet to Condition Two and get me Admiral Stillson and Grayseth. It’s time to prepare our welcoming
party for the Hocklyns.”
-
Admiral Streth calmly watched the approaching Hocklyn ships. Their fighters had not stopped at their mother ships but had continued on to rearm on the ships waiting just outside of the gravity well. That seemed to indicate the Hocklyn commodore was saving them for later. Probably to use against the defensive satellite grid or the fleet’s bombers.
“All ships, prepare to fire,” ordered Hedon, feeling the growing anxiety in the large Command Center. He couldn’t blame the crew for that feeling, not with the odds they were facing.
“Devastator Threes loaded and ready to fire,” Colonel Trist reported as he listened to Tactical over his mini-com. “Fleet is ready to fire upon your command.”
Hedon knew that the Hocklyns were already in range of the deadly Devastator Three missiles, but he allowed the range to continue to fall so their other missiles and weapons would be more effective. They had to inflict as much damage as possible on the Hocklyns in the shortest amount of time.
“Optimum firing range,” Major Simpkins reported from Tactical as he waited for the orders to launch the missiles.
“Hocklyns are launching missiles,” Captain Reynolds reported as several warning alarms went off on his console and one of his sensor screens lit up with myriads of new red threat icons, all moving rapidly toward the fleet. “I am detecting several thousand inbound missiles.”
“Launch!” Hedon ordered, his eyes glued to the tactical display. “All ships, activate defensive weapons and prepare to engage enemy missiles.”
Instantly, from the Federation battlecruisers and strikecruisers, nearly five hundred Devastator Three missiles launched. An additional twenty-four Devastator Three missiles from the StarStrike joined them. There was only a brief blur as the missiles exited the missile tubes, then the blur vanished.
The missiles arrived on target almost as soon as they were launched; just a few microseconds passed before impacting their target. Their small sublight drives and inertial dampening systems allowed unbelievable speeds in the deadly, compact weapons.
The Slaver Wars: Retaliation (The Slaver Wars Book Five) Page 21
