“My Queen, there may be survivors in Hangelore, The Sensor data shows dozens of escape pods. When we entered Hangelore, the Sensors didn’t detect Federation IFF, so we concluded the Pirates had destroyed the Task-Force. FNS Disna had a Patrol-Boat, FNS Valaron for company so I ordered both ships to run for the Jump-Point. We struggled to survive and escape. We fought our way back to the Jump-Point, but something hit Valaron when we dropped our Shields to Jump. FNS Disna sustained most of her damage when FNS Valaron exploded.”
Koral’s eyes were still on the floor because he dared not look at his Queen.
Taveli said, “Look me in the eye Captain Koral and tell me it’s true.”
Koral complied with her request, and Taveli swore.
She said, “I gave Admiral Zhavan explicit orders, she was to go to Brondar and help the people there, no further. Did she relay those orders to the rest of her Task-Force?”
“I can’t speak for the other ships my Queen, but FNS Disna never received those orders.”
Wait here Captain, I shall return soon. Taveli left, calling for her secretary and demanding to see Admiral Forsa, the Commanding Admiral of the Kislaran Fleet. Forsa arrived within ten minutes.
Taveli said, “You’ve seen the records from FNS Disna, what is your opinion Admiral?”
“We’re lucky Captain Koral escaped. Now we’re aware of this, we can do something.”
“Should we send the rest of our Fleet to avenge Zhavan?”
“No, my Queen. Kislara’s Fleet is too outdated if those Sensor Logs are right. We must ask Sankarah for help; the humans on Cambridge may help too. Hangelore is closer to them, and I’ll wager that they won’t hesitate to help rid their sector of a major Pirate base.”
“Good, send a Fast Courier to Sankarah. Give the Council and the Navy the Sensor data, but not Hangelore’s location. While we wait, start upgrades and repairs for the Fleet; beginning with FNS Disna. Should I let Captain Koral keep his Command?”
“Koral saved his ship and brought news of the disaster back, my Queen. My only criticism is he came to Kislara first. He should’ve gone to Cotoni from Lahoshar, bur the other Captains may have overruled him.”
“Good, I will speak further with our Captain; I suspect he is expecting to face time in prison, or worse.”
“In the past my Queen, he may have. Since we suppressed the coup, our society is much cleaner.”
In the sitting room, Fana Koral had a nervous wait. He still expected to lose his Command at least. As Koral stood near one wall thinking, two servants entered and set up a light snack with Satha. Fana was wondering why they placed the food there when Taveli came.
She said, “I’ve missed lunch and so have you. Please, Captain Koral, join me, we need Officers of your caliber in our Navy. I’m not sure about Sarelni and Siran.”
“They’re junior my Queen. Our Fleet is on a peacetime footing and hasn’t received enough training.”
“Yet you performed well. Why is that?”
“Belief my Queen. While I will not disobey the Governments wishes, your wishes, I trained my crew. I did what I could with the available tools.”
Taveli nodded and opened a pad. The Queen said, “Your record shows many complaints from logistics Officers. How do you respond to that?”
Koral resisted the urge to shrug and replied, “My ship might’ve fallen apart if they had their way. We needed to keep her in good condition. I make no excuses for those complaints my Queen.”
Taveli smiled and said, “It may interest you, we executed several of those Officers, others are in prison. I’ve expunged the complaints from your record, but I have a difficult and dangerous task for you.”
“You only need ask my Queen.”
Taveli nodded and handed Koral a pad before saying, “This holds your orders and authority. You will take FNS Disna for immediate repairs and upgrades, the task is urgent. While Disna is in the yard, you will train those Patrol-Boat crews, but pay particular attention to the Captains, we must bring our Fleet to a war footing.”
Sankarah
The Courier from Kislara appeared well past the Jump-Point pickets. The pilot paused long enough to send ID codes to the pickets then accelerated for Sankarah Orbital.
Colin sat in his Ready-Room with Admiral Dalkasan discussing their recent war games when the intercom alarm sounded. The CCC team knew better than to interrupt except for an urgent situation. Colin looked at Dalkasan who nodded, so he opened the channel.
Keg’s voice came over the speaker, “Commodore, a Fast Courier has arrived in the System. He’s in an almighty hurry, heading for us.”
“Has he communicated with anyone?”
“Not sure, Sir, but his acceleration curve concerns me.”
Colin looked at Admiral Dalkasan who nodded.
“Keg, contact System Control and see what they can tell you, use Admiral Dalkasan’s name. If they quibble, pipe them through to us, and they can quibble with the Admiral.”
“Will do Commodore.”
Ten minutes later, the intercom sounded again. This time, System Control wanted to speak with Admiral Dalkasan. Colin rose to give him privacy, but he waved the Commodore to his seat. The System Control Officer told them that the Courier had urgent messages from Kislara. One for Headquarters and one for the Federation Council. The Admiral excused himself and left to consult his staff, this didn’t bode well.
Six hours later, Dalkasan returned pad in hand. He handed the pad to Colin saying, “Read it.”
Colin scanned the message then looked again, then placed the pad on the desk.
Colin said, “I met Admiral Zhavan on the way to Cotoni, Sir. An attack on Brondar upset her, and she tried to convince me to join them. My orders specified I visit Sankarah, so I declined. I filed a report when I arrived.”
“Delanot can be a trifle emotional sometimes. How do we resolve this? Is Zhavan still alive? Can the Pirates salvage worthwhile wreckage?”
“Sir, there’s no choice, we must find out. By now, they would’ve cleared the Jump-Lanes and replaced their spent ordnance. This’ll be a hard nut to crack.”
“You’re right, the risk is high, and the Kislarans haven’t told us where to find Hangelore.”
“This suggests they want us to visit; my guess is they want to contribute.”
“That’s correct Commodore. The delanot are a proud people. They will feel humiliated by this defeat and the need to ask for our help. Any Kislaran contribution will be superficial, they’ve lost half their Fleet. What a mess Colin, one fool loses control and people must risk their lives to recover the loss of face. We’re meeting tomorrow morning to decide what next. I want you at Headquarters, 0900.”
“I’ll be there, Sir.”
Kislara
After Queen Taveli dismissed him, the same Security Officers escorted Captain Koral back to FNS Disna. When Lamana saw him, he grinned.
“So, you’re back Captain, I’ve kept your seat warm. Oh, we received a curious eyes-only message for the Captain. It wouldn’t open for me, so I assumed someone else was coming. In reply, Koral handed the pad to his First Officer. Sevarn read it with growing excitement.
“Captain, we’re returning to Hangelore, I’ll assemble a list of training for you. Read that eyes-only message, Sir.”
“I will. Now, prepare FNS Disna for a move to the yard, time is short.”
After Lamana left, Koral turned to his message. It ordered him to prepare a precis of the battle as he understood it and suggest ways to improve training in Kislara’s Fleet. Koral wondered why this message was eyes-only for him, it contained nothing requiring that level of security. Political instincts prodded him to save the message somewhere. He hid it in plain sight among his First Officer’s Logs and then moved another copy to portable storage. Koral mailed that copy to a representative for safekeeping with instructions to send it to the Queen if someone harmed him. Somebody wanted to cover their tracks. Koral thought Queen Taveli understood the games people played and looked for i
ncompetence.
Soon after, FNS Disna moved to the shipyard for repairs and upgrades. Before this, a ship needed to have severe problems before the shipyard took them, now Fana saw Disna was one of four ships in dock. He looked around and realized there was more activity as Naval vessels moved around the System, several exercising, others patrolling. The shipyard surprised him when he arrived. A team of workers swarmed into FNS Disna to begin the repairs and upgrades. Many of these were long overdue, delayed by penny-pinching bureaucrats. Koral looked at the Fleet lists and found many Officers he knew gone, replaced by younger people. Koral saw new ships listed too. These were the first Kislaran Cobras. Two of the construction bays looked larger than Koral remembered, he wondered, what’s changed?
Over the following days, new parts and equipment flooded onto FNS Disna. If Koral asked for supplies, they arrived within hours. The crew moved off the ship when workers came to dismantle the Power Systems. Kora read through the list of upgrades they planned for his vessel and whistled in surprise. Fana called Lamana in to show him.
Sevarn said, “If we had this at Hangelore we might have won Captain.”
Fana laughed and replied, “No, these improvements are not enough, Disna can last longer though. I agree with your suspicions, we’re going back. Queen Taveli told me to prepare the ship for war. Now, I must visit two Patrol-Boat Captains.”
Federation Naval Headquarters
Colin arrived at the meeting room five minutes early and entered to find several Officers, including Commodore Devlaran. He wondered what Devlaran thought now but left this till later. Moments later, Dalkasan arrived with a civilian. The Admiral called the meeting to order and introduced the civilian as Hooral Deta, a Federation Council Representative.
Deta stood to address the meeting and said, “We’ve received news from Kislara. Admiral Zhavan went looking for Pirates and found they are stronger than expected. Only four ships from the Kislaran Task-Force returned, that’s five Destroyers and seven Patrol-Boats destroyed. Available evidence suggests a few people survived so Queen Taveli, the Kislaran Monarch asked for our help. The Federation Council will allow the Navy to extend help.”
After Deta finished, Admiral Dalkasan stood. He walked to the front of the room and said, “The Kislarans sent Sensor Logs. Our analysts put together a precis of the important data for the time FNS Disna spent in Hangelore. Watch it, then we’ll discuss the matter further.”
Dalkasan motioned to an aide, and the Sensor Logs scrolled down the screen. The group viewed the entire recording, and FNS Valaron’s demise startled several people. Colin turned his full focus to the display, recording essential points for later consideration.
With the Scan Logs finished, Dalkasan said, “As you can see, Hangelore was a mess. Now to business, I watched these Scans last night in full. After discussing the matter with the Council Rep, we will send the entire Reserve-Fleet, along with FNS Harmon, FNS Kaval and six to eight Cobras on this Mission. This will give you enough firepower to carry the day. We don’t have the coordinates for Hangelore yet. The Fleet must travel to Kislara to get them. Queen Taveli will want to send a token participation on this Mission. Questions?”
Dalkasan looked around the table at many thoughtful faces. Meanwhile, Colin worked with his implant, analyzing possibilities. The Pirates will replenish their defenses before the Reserve-Fleet reaches Hangelore so conventional tactics would cause another bloodbath. Commodore Gordon was so immersed that he didn’t hear the question from Commodore Devlaran.
“Admiral, who will Command this Mission.”
Dalkasan’s reply made a few ears prick up when he said, “I’ve considered this since I first saw the Sensor Logs. We are fortunate to have the most experienced Combat Commander in the Federation here today. Commodore Gordon will have overall Command. Commodore Devlaran you will go with the Fleet too. We’ve discussed this, it’s time we send our people to fight, training can only take you so far.”
When Colin heard his name, he tuned into the conversation. The implant had recorded everything, so he reviewed it. His eyes scanned the room noticing everyone looking at him.
Admiral Dalkasan grinned and said, “You’re planning an attack on Hangelore?”
“Yes, Admiral. I expected to be part of the force sent to resolve this mess. I didn’t expect to be in Command.”
Dalkasan’s eyes turned to Commodores Devlaran and Xion.
He asked, “Do either of you wish to add anything?”
Xion spoke up, “I agree with your choice Admiral. Remember, I saw what then Commander Gordon achieved at Cambridge, we’ll learn from him.”
“Excellent. Commodore Devlaran, I want you on this Mission too. Commodore Havi will take over Home-Fleet in your absence. If we’re attacked, I’ll take Command, but he can do the day to day running.”
Both Officers nodded in understanding.
Dalkasan said, “It’s time to plan the Mission. Commodores, you’re with me, the rest of you understand what to do. I want this Fleet departing in four days or fewer.
When they were alone, Dalkasan said, “Colin, forgive me for the theatre out there. I spoke to Devlaran and Xion earlier because I needed their ideas. Colin, they agree you’re the best to Command this Mission. Can we take Hangelore, Commodore?”
Colin replied, “Yes Admiral, we can take Hangelore. My concern is the potential losses, I don’t want another disaster in Hangelore. We must make it into the System, destroy their defenses then bring the Fleet through Jump. The Jump into Hangelore is short, two hours so if somebody clears the Jump-Lanes, they can send a ship back to alert the Fleet. That means a wait of at least four hours before help arrives.”
Dalkasan said, “Quite the problem, Commodore. Have you considered a way in yet?”
“I’ve thought of several, Sir. I’m not confident any will be painless though, all will cause many casualties. No, Sir, I need more thought before I understand my options well enough. This shouldn’t stop us from bringing the Fleet together and loading supplies. Admiral, my Sensor Tech, Dave Bach knows a little about the Pirates, maybe he can offer insights.”
Dalkasan replied, “We need whatever help we can muster, Commodore. Spend the rest of today working with Devlaran and Xion. Get them working on logistics for you. They can work on the background tasks while you bring the available intelligence together. Assume the Pirates have strengthened their defenses since Admiral Zhavan’s attack.”
Colin considered Dalkasan’s comment for a moment before saying, “You’re right Admiral. The ideal solution is to send…”
Gordon stared into space, his mind far away for five minutes or more. Dalkasan’s concern grew with each passing minute then Colin blinked and smiled.
Colin said, “I have it, Fire-Ships.”
Colin’s reference confused the others. None knew of Fire-Ships.
Colin noticed the blank looks and explained, “Earth has a varied history, full of mythology and stories about great battles. The British suffered a blockade by European Nations. They tired of the blockade and decided on a new strategy. They took old ships and applied liberal amounts of flammable material, then, sailed them into an enemies harbor. When they were close enough, the crew lit the fire and abandoned ship, leaving it to sail into the enemy Fleet and cause it to burn.”
The others didn’t appear to understand why Colin told them this story so he continued, “We can use this same strategy with suitable changes. I want to send something in to clear the mines. We turn them into bombs and send them in to detonate on the Hangelore side of the Jump. Do we have any old ships due for the scrapheap?”
“Are you proposing we sacrifice a crew?”
“No Sir. I’m thinking we automate it so when it exits Jump it explodes and sends out a hail of objects to destroy nearby mines.”
Dalkasan grew thoughtful as he considered Colin’s idea.
Sankarah
Devlaran entered Colin’s Ready-Room with a pad in his hand.
He said, “Colin, we’re re
ady to go, we’ve co-opted three Freighters, but that isn’t enough. FNS Fortitude helps, but she loses cargo capacity to her weapons. We can top up supplies along the way, but we need a quick campaign, or we’ll starve.”
“It’s too soon to panic yet Hanar, I’m sure the Kislarans will help. Why else are they making us call by Kislara before we travel to Hangelore? I understand they’re a proud people. A Kislaran contribution might have limits, but they’ll send what they can. Cambridge and Lahoshar aren’t too far from Hangelore either. They’ll help because our Mission will rid them of a major Pirate base in their backyard.”
“I hope you’re right Colin, I’m too used to having a major logistics base next door.”
“Logistics is an art form for an expeditionary force Hanar. We’ll find we’ve forgotten something important. When we find what, we’ll improvise. Don’t panic Hanar, we’ll survive this and prevail.”
Devlaran chuckled and said, “It’s hard to dent your optimism.”
“I’ve learned not to worry about the things I can’t change. I reserve worry and energy for things I can influence. Hangelore and those Pirates are mine.”
The next day, Dalkasan came to wish them well.
He said, “Colin, I know you won’t waste our people but take care. Losing a base will hurt the Pirates, but we must recover Admiral Zhavan if she’s alive.”
“The plan of attack needs work Sir, but we’re filling in the holes. Those old Destroyers and Patrol-Boats will help reduce our casualties. Remember, we won’t return them, they’re expendable.”
Dalkasan let out a full-throated laugh before he replied, “Somehow, I expect you will deliver good value.”
After Dalkasan departed, FNS Harmon undocked from Sankarah, and the Fleet moved toward the Jump-Point with ships moving into their assigned positions as the Fleet came together. Harmon, along with her attendant Cobras raced ahead because Colin planned to Jump first and secure the next System before the Fleet arrived. They experienced a few minor problems along the way, but Commodore Xion resolved these.
Star Strike: Book 3 of the Star Man Series Page 33
