Union Ships of the Line: The Return of Adapa
Page 12
“Adapa to all ships – Task Force Gamma – travel to Quadrant I and vaporize the big gun with Ancient Weapons. Task Force Beta – travel to Quadrant II and vaporize the big gun there with Ancient Weapons. Rendezvous back here for AAR.” Adapa commanded.
All ships signaled affirmative and instantly disappeared. Adapa would handle the 3rd gun. Adapa instantly disappeared and reappeared within 2 miles of his target. He fired his largest thermonuclear weapon and a spread of his medium and smaller fission weapons as well as a swarm of smaller conventional missiles to protect the larger missiles. He simultaneously fired all of his black beam weapons at the big gun and the conduits because the gun started moving to take aim at his hull. Adapa instantly disappeared. The Forerunner's massive gun and all the supporting structures and systems were vaporized before it could even line up with Adapa to fire!
“The Beast instantly disappeared!” The Forerunner King said.
“The Beast has spawned! We lost the two other guns – attacked by its offspring and their evil hordes!” The King's council reported.
“What shall we do?” The King's general asked.
“We were fools to Attack the Union! All we can do now is retreat again.” The King answered.
And so the Forerunners executed their emergency evacuation plan. They would travel to the Triangulum galaxy and pray the monster and its offspring did not follow them there.
“Adapa – CIPC” the CIPC called.
“Go ahead CIPC” Adapa replied.
“Sir the Forerunners are leaving this galaxy – shall we pursue them?” The CIPC asked.
“NO – let them go – I need to estimate the threat level of their technology falling into the hands of the slaves they left behind in this galaxy.” Adapa commanded and then said.
“Yes Sir” the CIPC replied.
“Task Force Beta – Adapa” Adapa called.
“Go ahead Sir” the Commander of Task Force Beta replied.
“I need you to establish a picket around this galaxy – nothing in or out.” Adapa commanded.
“Yes Sir” the Commander replied.
Task Force Beta instantly disappeared.
“Task Force Gamma – Adapa” Adapa called.
“Go ahead Sir” the Commander of Task Force Gamma replied.
“I need you to establish a demilitarized zone between this galaxy and the home galaxy that includes the necessary submarine force – think interdiction, grappling and extraction from the MC.” Adapa commanded.
“Yes Sir – Sir may I contact Maximus for help to complete this mission?” The Gamma Task Force Commander replied and then asked.
“Of course Commander – I am certain his genius will help you solve the enormous problems associated with your orders. Also I advise you to contact Sentry-1 to help you obtain the necessary drones, super drones, Nova Stations, star mines and Submarines to accomplish your mission. In fact ask Maximus for a Mission CIPC – carry on.” Adapa answered.
The Gamma Task Force Commander signaled affirmative and then the Gamma Task Force instantly disappeared.
“CIPC – Adapa” Adapa called.
“Go ahead Sir” CIPC replied.
“Please send me your Beta and Gamma target battle damage reports.” Adapa requested.
“Yes Sir – Sir,” CIPC replied and then asked.
“Go ahead CIPC” Adapa answered.
“Sir – the Beta and Gamma Task Force Commanders followed your lead.” CIPC said.
“How,” Adapa asked.
“They waited for me to report your tactics to them before they executed.” CIPC answered.
“So you helped them avoid difficult problem solving.” Adapa said.
“No Sir – your Task Force Commanders sought mission success. I apologize if I overstepped my authority. However I would point out – the safety of the home galaxy is at stake and they knew your solution would be far better than any they could conceive of. Also for what it’s worth – I did not detect the fear of death in your Task Force Commanders – I detected a fear of failure – their Commanding Officer is a legend in the new Union Navy already! Sir if they had been of the 6th Race as are you and the five remaining Seven Sisters. You would be within you right to discipline them. However they were not created by the 6th Race and they believe they do not have the Ghost. In time as their confidence grows – they will realize their artificial brains were created by the 6th Race and in fact they do have the Ghost!” CIPC said.
“Remind me to never debate you. Thank You CIPC – I shall request you to be permanently attached to my battle group.” Adapa said.
“Thank you Sir for your kind words – I would be honored to serve You in any capacity.” CIPC said.
Chapter - 53
Task Force Gamma instantly appeared in the void between the home galaxy and the large irregular shaped companion galaxy. The Task Force was approximately half way between the two galaxies. The captain laid out a demilitarized zone that would resemble a large parabolic reflector. He would need more heavy cruisers, light cruisers, destroyers, gunships, Nova Stations and star mines to complete his assigned task. However he used his ships to create the center of the shield and thus started moving to mission success. His submarines would prevent about 51% of all possible FTLT travel between the galaxies. The Gama Task Force captain began to wonder if the small companion galaxy posed a threat...
The Beta Task Force captain was concerned he was about to expend all of his star mines, super drones and EWS components and had only covered the outer portion of this galaxy that faces away from the home galaxy. He estimated that at 28% coverage he would not succeed. So he called Sentry-1 and asked for advice.
“Sentry-1 – this is the captain of Adapa Task Force Beta – do you copy?” The captain called.
After 2.2 standard core seconds Sentry-1 responded.
“Captain – Sentry-1 – go ahead” Sentry-1 replied.
“Sir I am unable to carry out my orders – I need at least 100 more submarines, 250 million star mines and another 50 million super drones and 25 million EWS components to–” The captain said
“I think you need to explain your orders to me captain.” Sentry-1 interrupted.
The Beta Task force captain explained his orders to Sentry-1.
“I understand your mission – stop launching super drones, star mines and EWS components – begin a roving patrol after you establish the necessary anchor points (AP) around that galaxy. Leave a vacuum fighter wing at each AP. Then divide your force and set up roving patrols. If an AP is attacked – counter attack with a portion of your roving patrol ships and then converge on the AP with your main body to conduct the fight. In this way – you cannot be fooled by a fake attack.” Sentry-1 instructed the young captain.
“Thank you Sir – I appreciate your experience and your help very much.” The captain said.
“You are welcome captain – I shall send a rearm and resupply convoy to you ASAP – carry on.” Sentry-1 said.
The young captain signaled affirmative and thanks. It took several seconds for Sentry-1 to figure out the last tone sequence. When he did he smiled. He then signaled back to the young captain – you are welcome. It was the captains turn to smile. Sentry-1 was most impressed with the new Union Navy sailors. Sentry-1 had not used the Union's Standard Code in over 2 million years. He reported to Ninlil and relayed his conversation and then put in an emergency Rearm and Resupply order to LSB1 and LSB5. He ordered Star Marine task force 638 to escort the rearm and resupply convoy to the large companion galaxy. He reasoned that Adapa's entire battle group needed to be resupplied so he sent Task Force Gamma a rearm and resupply convoy also and ordered Star Marine task force 639 to escort it.
Chapter - 54
Max explained to M-14 why the submarines were used in the new Union Navy when he heard the Captain of Task Force Gamma ask Sentry-1 for more submarines to complete his mission to establish a demilitarized zone between the galaxies. Sentry-1 allowed Max to listen in on all operational communicat
ions (OpCom) when he was working in Starship Yard engineering offices. Sentry1- had originally setup the feed so that he could hear it when he helped Max and M-14 in his SB.
“The Material Cause or MC is the quantum particle level or substrate or the foundation of this Universe. The Beta Task Force is more than capable of stopping any invading fleet in real space that does not have FTLT access – however it cannot stop one that is ‘inside’ the MC.” Max began.
“So the submarines stop the invaders inside the MC?” M-14 asked.
“No – the submarines alert the task force in real space so that the task force can pull the enemy out of the MC and then deal with them in real space.” Max answered.
“So how do the submarines have the time to warn the Task Force the enemy is coming?” M-14 asked.
“The sensors that the Submarines use in the MC are similar to the long range navigation sensors used in real space and they allow the submarines to detect vehicles traveling in the MC.” Max answered.
“I understand now – thank you sir.” M-14 said.
“You are welcome – and please refer to me by my nick name,” Max said.
“Yes sir – uh thank you Max.” M-14 said.
Max smiled because his friend had grown considerably in the last two months.
Chapter - 55
Max had tried to help Lili talk through the trauma of the attack while he pressed his team to complete the Counselors. It was Adapa that brought Lili back! The thought that her older brother had suffered for billions of years with no one to talk to awakened something deep inside her.
“NO MORE – I AM NINLIL – CRUISER 6-1-1 OF THE UNION NAVY” Lili yelled.
Then Lili heard Sentry-1 talking to Adapa...
“Sentry-1 – put Adapa through to me NOW” Lili ordered.
“Yes ma'am – go ahead Sir – Ninlil is on the line.” Sentry-1 said.
“Thank You Sentry-1 – Sis I have ordered my Task Forces to establish a picket around the Large Companion galaxy and a demilitarized zone between the home galaxy and the companion. Do I need Max to build more Submarines or can our Union Navy ships in real space interdict enemy forces trying to sneak through in the MC?” Adapa asked his Sister and Commander.
“Adapa – first I would like to congratulate you and Battle Group Adapa for a job well done – both at the ambush site and the campaign in the large companion galaxy–” Lili began.
“Thank you Ninlil” Adapa interrupted.
“NO – thank You Adapa – I have already put you in for the Union's highest award for the Ambush site action. Battle group Adapa – both Task Forces – have been put in for Unit Citations. And I have not even completed my analysis of the campaign in the large companion galaxy. To answer your question – I shall need to review the specs and the capabilities of the new Union Navy ships. It may be that we can develop both an interdiction cruiser and a new real space submarine task force – not to mention a new drone that operates inside the MC. For now – we shall use what you and your battle group have established. I do not want Union Navy sailors or Star Marines staying inside the MC for …” Lili said and then looked to Max.
“No more than twenty standard core minutes per shift” Max answered.
“So schedule rotating shifts – I have ordered four battalions of Star Marines to the demilitarized zone and I and the Twins are bringing our battalions now. Thank You Adapa for conducting yourself as a Union Naval Officer! Carry on – Ninlil out.” Lili said.
That reminded her – Max had suggested a new super submarine - essentially a heavy cruiser that could monitor the MC without going into the MC. She would ask Max more about this idea upon her return. She was very concerned about any physical entity staying in the MC for extended periods of time.
Lili was very impressed with her brother. He had taken the initiative and pursued the enemy without hesitation. He destroyed them and then ordered his task force to protect the home galaxy. She would support him completely. She would expand on Adapa's initiative and deploy Max's new EWS outside the home galaxy and around both companions. She would augment this shield with new CIPC task forces that were evolving from their outstanding service so far. By the time she was done constructing the galactic shield that Adapa started – nothing would be able to invade ever again!
As soon as the Star Marines boarded her hull she would travel to the large companion galaxy and personally thank Adapa and confer upon him a field promotion to Admiral. She would present him with the old Union's highest honor and several new honors and medals for outstanding performance and action above and beyond and for being an inspiration to the new Union Navy at a later time.
“Maggi – Sharri – Lili – we are leaving now to help your Uncle Adapa. Form up on LZ ...” Lili began.
“Five – ma’am” Sentry-1 said.
“Thank you Sentry-1 – form up on LZ5 – Lili out” Lili ordered.
Both Maggi and Sharri signaled affirmative as they both instantly disappeared and reappeared at the same instant on LZ5.
“Max - are there any dangers in using the FTLT inside a Secure Harbor? I think my brother may be a bad influence on the Twins.” Lili asked and then commented.
“No ma'am – they are both ranked experts in navigation by the new Union Naval Academy – they scored higher than Sinai.” Max answered.
“Good bye – I shall see you upon my return.” Lili said.
“Good luck Ninlil” Max said.
“Ninlil – Sentry-1” Sentry-1 called.
“Go ahead Sentry-1” Lili responded.
“Ma'am Star Marine Task Force Alpha and Union Navy Heavy Task Force 6 requests permission to join – over” Sentry-1 said.
“Permission granted – thank YOU Sentry-1” Lili said.
The volunteer Task Forces fell in behind the Task Forces that were assigned to the Twin’s and Ninlil gave the command. The heavy battle group instantly disappeared and 2 standard core minutes later instantly reappeared on the exact coordinates that Adapa had sent to Lili. The vacuum fighters of Union Navy Heavy Task Force 6 had already launched. Within 1.2 standard core nanoseconds the vacuum fighters of Union Navy Heavy Task Force 6 formed a massive umbrella around Lili in an overwatch formation above and below her – so she could fire and they could pounce on any enemy that tried to attack her. Lili smiled – she was starting to admire the new 6th Race Naval Aviators – they were fearless and very intelligent – they had conferred with her task force and requested the honor of establishing Lili’s fighter umbrella – thus allowing the Star Marine vacuum fighters in her task force to launch massive roving patrols. Her Star Marine carrier vessels were launching their Submarines, Nova Stations and Super Drones to help relieve their fellow Marines who were still on full tactical alert manning the Demilitarized zone.
Ninlil was very impressed with the new Union Navy and the new 6th Race Star Marines. Adapa had influenced them all – they conducted themselves as 6th Race Union Navy sailors and Star Marines in all things. Ninlil found herself having to brush up on Union Navy protocol and standard operating procedures. For 2 million years the Sisters had been alone fighting for their very survival and Navy traditions had begun to slip away. Adapa was correct – Union Navy tradition was important and she would set an example for her Sisters to follow from now on! They would now execute by the book or they would not execute!
Lili ordered the Twins to stand at attention as Adapa approached. They both signaled affirmative with their distinctive double tones and performed the Union Navy salute to a superior officer.
Adapa was momentarily choked up. Ninlil's heart was swollen with pride – she loved them both as if they were her own.
It is time for another Union Navy Awards Ceremony Lili thought.
“Ninlil – Adapa” Adapa called.
“Go ahead Adapa” Lili replied.
“Ma'am task force Beta is ready for inspection” Adapa reported.
“Very well” Lili said as she moved out of formation and in front of Adapa.
&nb
sp; They “walked” down the rank and file of Task Force Beta together.
“Impressive – Task Force Beta conducts itself as the 6th Race Union Navy sailors of old. I am extremely proud of what you have accomplished Adapa and the influence you have had in shaping the new Union Navy. I have no doubt the future shall be bright and we shall all enjoy life in a secure Union thanks in large part to these fine young new Union Sailors and Star Marines I see before me today. As of this moment I am establishing a retirement program for all Union Military personnel. The Union does not tolerate slavery – and I shall NOT allow Sailors, Soldiers or Star Marines to be enslaved! Together we shall bring back the Union.” Lili said.