Moments later, Theseus replied, “The others have acknowledged. Their Shields took a pounding too so they will wait with us until they have recovered.”
Twenty minutes later, the Cobras continued their advance on the Jump-Point. As they closed on the Jump-Point, the Cobras encountered more areas with heavy Mine concentrations, and progress slowed. This concerned Sam because they’d detected ships boosting from the inner System. At current acceleration levels, those ships were at least a day away, but FNS Theseus had to reach the Jump-Point, orient herself, and then Jump. The Jump to FD-892S took two hours. When they arrived, Sam expected the Fleet to need at least an hour before the first ships were ready for the Jump to Hangelore. If the Cobras weren’t lined up prepared to be first, it might take longer. Sam didn’t expect reinforcements for at least five hours, then they had to extract themselves from the region near the Jump-Exit.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
THE SECOND BATTLE FOR HANGELORE PHASE 2
Hangelore
Hazilsor examined the Scan Logs. An unknown vessel Down-Jumped five-minutes after four other ships appeared and exploded. This one paused for a few moments, then disappeared from Sensors. Where did it go? This vessel couldn’t Micro-Jump so soon after traversing Jump from the Gateway, could it? The Pirate leader shook his head as he considered the problem. If he took most of his remaining Fleet, combining their fire-power with the Battle-Stations should be enough to defeat this enemy. Hazilsor thought the fixed defenses should hold long enough for him to arrive.
Twenty minutes after the fifth ship disappeared, four fast Patrol-Boats made a single attack run against the Battle-Stations. The attack stressed the Battle-Station Shields but caused no damage. Hazilsor wondered how these ships arrived? Scan Logs didn’t show them arriving via the Jump-Point, but now at least five vessels near the Jump-Point caused problems for Hangelore’s defenders. If he took enough fire-power to drive the interlopers into the teeth of his Battle-Stations, they’d still prevail. Another report suggested the Patrol-Boats had destroyed parts of his Mine-Field after attacking the Battle-Stations. Why make that attack run? They’d only attracted attention to themselves. Why draw attention?
Hazilsor called his Second in Command and said, “Something isn’t right. The normal way to assault a Star System is to push as many ships into the attack as possible. Most of the Federation Fleet remains in the Gateway; why haven’t they come to Hangelore? How soon can we move those captured Destroyers?”
“I don’t understand the delays either. We can move our Destroyers now, Suhmarlin, if we put skeleton crews on board. The Destroyers can’t fight yet, their armament and Shields aren’t ready.”
“Do it. Load whatever we can to generate income and pay for our needs. I’ll leave two Freighters here, load them too, take whatever we can fit. Take Zhavan with you, she is too entertaining to leave. Head for Dathelore, the shipyards there can finish Destroyer repairs and then we’ll raid the Federation without mercy.”
“Yes, of course, Suhmarlin.”
“Our other ships are ready, I’ll take command and repel the invaders.”
Hazilsor turned and left for his flagship. He’d won the earlier battle against Federation invaders, now he intended to win this one. Soon, the Pirate chief sat in his Command Chair and monitored his squadron as they undocked. The vessels moved into formation and boosted toward the Jump-Point. Shortly after leaving Hangelore Orbital, Hazilsor issued his orders to the other ships. The Pirates had to follow those instructions without deviation, or they’d fail in their quest.
FNS Theseus
As they closed on the Jump-Point, the Cobras had to pause more often for the Shields to regenerate after Mines exploded too near the vessels. These delays ate away at the limited time available to bring reinforcements to Hangelore. Sam Harland, Theseus’ Captain, worried over the delays. He had no options to hasten things without risking safety. Sam wondered why the Mines were so dense in places and surmised the Pirates must’ve had them there to replace others as incoming ships consumed them.
After another delay while the Shields regenerated, Sam ordered the Cobras to advance again. Point-Defense Lasers lashed at the surrounding Mines, especially the ones to the front and the Cobras moved forward again. The Cobras took far too long to fight their way to the Jump-Point but made it hours later. Although the Fire-Ships destroyed hundreds of Mines and pushed hundreds more out of position, plenty remained. Sam was impatient to bring the Fleet before FNS Harmon, and her companions had to fight the inbound Pirates.
Now they were in place, three Cobras moved away from FNS Theseus to widen and lengthen the cleared area while waiting for the Fleet. Theseus accelerated to her Jump-Entry speed and entered Jump. Sam stood his crew down from Alert One to let them rest until FNS Theseus reached FD-892S.
FD-892S
In FD-892S, tensions among the waiting Federation Fleet were palpable. FNS Harmon had Jumped for Hangelore nine hours before, and still, they’d received no word.
Commodore Gordon’s orders were explicit, “Do not Jump until we send word.”
Gordon had often made the point to Devlaran and Xion. They understood the reasons and even agreed with them, but it made the wait no easier. Both Officers would’ve preferred having another Harmon class Destroyer to send in and reinforce the ships in Hangelore, but that wasn’t a choice.
Devlaran paced back and forth in his CCC as he waited for word. If something happened to Commodore Gordon, he was next in line to lead the Fleet, but right then, he didn’t relish the thought. Gordon was famous for his tactical abilities, Devlaran wasn’t sure he had the skills to match this human. Their first meeting was an embarrassment to the Officer in Command (OiC) of Home-Fleet. Devlaran had trusted the wrong subordinate and took the losing side in an argument. Commodore Gordon might’ve capitalized on it but refrained. He could’ve had Devlaran’s resignation but recommended that Admiral Dalkasan not accept it. Gordon could’ve taken this ship’s Captain’s commission, but taught the Officer how to be a better leader instead. They might have lost three Officers from that debacle, but they only lost one. Commodore Gordon held a well-deserved reputation for being tough but fair, Devlaran saw that now.
The people in the Reserve-Fleet seemed devoted to Commodore Gordon after they saw what he achieved in Cambridge, now Devlaran understood why. Even surrounded by this, the man maintained his humility. Colin never displayed arrogance, just a calm demeanor. Gordon was a born leader, and people responded to his orders. Even Devlaran wanted to follow him.
The Sensor Tech said, “Commodore Devlaran, a Cobra Down-Jumped from Hangelore, it’s FNS Theseus.”
“Excellent, contact the Captain, let’s find out how things are progressing in Hangelore.”
Soon, Captain Sam Harland came on-line to speak to Commodore Devlaran.
Sam said, “Good day to you Commodore. FNS Harmon has removed the Battle-Stations from contention, Sir. We’ve cleared enough of the Mine-Field to move more ships into Hangelore. The Pirates have eighteen ships boosting toward the Jump-Point, but they’re twelve to fourteen hours away. I suggest the remaining Cobras return with me now, so we can continue Mine clearance. Send the other ships through with standard separation two hours later. That’ll give us time to expand the safe zone so you won’t have too many problems. Sir, they have plenty of Mines and Missile Platforms there. It’ll take days to remove them.”
“Is this Commodore Gordon’s order Captain?”
“No, Sir, it’s my assessment. Commodore Gordon is busy with Pirates right now.”
“I’ll accept your suggestion, Captain Harland. You’ve seen conditions in Hangelore so have a better idea of how to proceed than I.”
“Thank you, Sir. When the Cobras are ready, we’ll leave.”
Devlaran nodded and closed the connection. He turned to the Comms Officer and said, “Send orders to the Cobras, they are to join FNS Theseus and head to Hangelore. The Cobras will continue Mine clearance operations until they’re needed for something e
lse, or complete the job.”
Soon the remaining Cobras formed up on FNS Theseus and headed toward the Jump-Point to make the Jump to Hangelore. Devlaran placed a call to Admiral Xion to start work bringing the Fleet into position ready to make the Jump into Hangelore. While he waited for Xion, Devlaran watched the Scan Displays as FNS Theseus Jumped in company with FNS Thor. The other Cobras lined up ready to Jump at one-minute intervals.
As the last Cobra disappeared from FD-892S, Devlaran mused, ‘At least I know FNS Harmon was winning a few hours ago.’
FNS Harmon CCC
Anne kept her eye on Commodore Gordon. Colin’s eyes had dark circles under them from fatigue. Everyone but him had rested since they entered Hangelore. Colin had reached a point of exhaustion. Anne looked at her friend and realized it was time to help him because he did nothing for himself.
Lieutenant Fraser walked to Colin’s Command Chair and in a quiet voice said, “May I speak to you in private please Sir?”
Colin turned toward his aide and saw the concern in her eyes. He nodded then rose to his feet to walk toward his Ready-Room. Gordon handed control of the CCC to Lieutenant Anthony Harrison and made his way to his inner sanctum as Anne followed. Colin suspected his aide planned to lecture him about taking better care of himself, but she surprised him.
Anne said, “Sir, you’ve worked for thirty hours straight now. You look exhausted, you’ll make mistakes. I understand that you can’t rest just yet, but will you let a doctor check you? Maybe he can give you a stimulant. When Commodore Devlaran is here, you can rest, but until then we must keep you alert.”
Colin’s mind had grown lethargic. Gordon knew he was running on empty, so he nodded to Anne to show agreement. Lieutenant Fraser and Lieutenant Downer supported each other, so they’d both rested during the operation. Colin had no one to hand responsibility to while he slept. The situation was still too fluid for him to rest. With Colin’s consent, Anne contacted Medical and asked to speak to a doctor.
Doctor Lawrence Capel answered Anne’s call and listened to her as she explained Colin’s condition. Lawrence is a career Navy Officer and understood the problems but still wouldn’t agree to medication without examining the patient. Instead, the doctor decided to check Colin but said he’d only give the Commodore a stimulant if he thought it safe.
Capel threw a few things into a bag and headed for the CCC to examine Commodore Gordon. This wasn’t ideal, he had far more capable equipment in Medical, but Colin couldn’t leave the CCC then, not when they were alone in a hostile System.
When Lawrence arrived at the CCC, a Marine guard escorted him to the Ready-Room, pressed the buzzer and the door opened. Lawrence entered to find Gordon reclining on a settee with his eyes closed. Lieutenant Fraser sat to one side, a look of concern on her face as she watched over her boss.
Lawrence said, “Are there any health issues I should know before I go ahead?”
Anne opened her mouth to answer, but Colin spoke first. “None I’m aware of, doctor, at least no physical issues. I’m tired though, it’s too long since I slept. Doc, you understand we have a Psych on board to keep an eye on my mental health, don’t you?”
“Yes, Commodore, they briefed us on that. I’ve been working with your Psychiatrist, I’ll call her if she’s needed. You need rest, but your reasons for not resting are valid. I’ll give you a physical check, and if I can’t find a reason to withhold a stimulant, you can have one.”
“Thanks, doctor, I need to keep going until Commodore Devlaran arrives. Theseus has gone to fetch the balance of our Fleet, so I need another six or seven hours.”
“Commodore, we shall see. First, I must examine you. I’ll try to give you what you want, but we must take care. The records show you have no history of requesting stimulants. That and the operational realities are why I’m considering this now.”
“Doctor, I’m not interested in drugs unless there’s no alternative.”
“That’s a healthy attitude Commodore. Now, sit while I check your condition.”
One benefit of an implant is that it watches the host’s health. This made it much easier for doctors. A record of the patient’s health is available direct from the implant. If the patient suffers health issues, the implant keeps a record. It was similar to the computers in modern motor vehicles on Earth. Doctor Capel reached into his bag and retrieved a scanner. This device established a wireless link to Colin’s implant and downloaded the health data. Capel examined it for a few minutes, noting the levels of various hormones and toxins in the Commodores body. He conducted a thorough physical examination to make sure the implant had missed nothing.
After he finished, Capel said, “Commodore, I’ll give you something, but you have six hours. Sir, you’re carrying a heavy load of waste. This waste has built up because of high stress and fatigue. I’m giving you two drugs, the first will cause your body to expel much of the waste. The second will neutralize the dopamine in your body. Eat a decent meal as soon as possible. You need to fuel your body to continue.”
Over to one side, Anne rose from her seat and crossed to Colin’s desk to order a meal. Both Colin and Lawrence noticed. Bemused, Colin said, “Lieutenant Fraser will keep me in line doctor. You’re here because she decided I need your help. I’ve learned to listen to Anne, it’s rare for her to make a mistake.”
Anne said, “Food’s on the way, it’ll be here in ten minutes.”
Doctor Capel said, “Excellent. Commodore, drink plenty of water, you must flush these toxins out. Now, I’ll give you the medications. You’ll be much more alert in another fifteen or twenty minutes.”
Colin replied, “Thank you, doctor.”
After the doctor left, Colin rested for a few minutes. When he felt is energy returning, he ordered Captain Molchaoff to close on the Mine-Field’s remains and destroy the weapons near the Escape-Pods. Colin didn’t consider it safe to recover Pods floating near the Battle-Station wreckage until they removed the Mines and live Missile Platforms. Rescue efforts must wait until they neutralized these hazards.
Meanwhile, Anne checked the Scan Displays and realized FNS Theseus had gone. For a moment, she panicked before realizing they must’ve Jumped out to bring the Fleet to Hangelore.
Hangelore Orbital
Admiral Zhavan lay on the floor of her cell on Hangelore Orbital. She’d been stupid and arrogant, Kashir knew that now. The Admiral never grasped how strong the Pirates had grown in recent years. So many lives lost because she’d refused to listen to reason. Her mind drifted to Commodore Gordon’s plea to go with him to Sankarah. Zhavan called him a coward, but even then, Kashir knew he was no coward. Colin Gordon had more experience fighting the Pirates than anyone else.
Zhavan heard shouting outside her cell and doors crashing open. Soon she the sounds of people shuffling past her cell door reached her ears. Zhavan’s door crashed open, and two burly guards came and dragged her to her feet before shoving her into the corridor. The guards manacled her to the waiting line of prisoners then shouted for them to move. If someone lagged or slowed, the guards touched a neuronic whip to their body. When that happened, the victim screamed and tried harder to stay with the group. The guards found this amusing and laughed.
Kashir peered around at her fellow prisoners. Most were Kislarans, many were Naval personnel, people the Pirates captured because of her stupidity. The line of prisoners moved along until they reached an Air-Lock. The Pirates were taking them from the Station. Zhavan looked around, wondering where the guards planned to take them. Two new guards came, and unchained Zhavan from the line of prisoners then hustled her off in another direction.
Soon, Zhavan found herself in a well-appointed room with a holo-display in the center. A Pirate who Zhavan hadn’t seen before waited near a desk while the guards attached Zhavan’s manacles to a wire that hung from the ceiling. When the guards secured Kashir, they nodded at the creature near the desk and left Zhavan alone with him.
After staring at her for a long moment, the Pirate
pressed a button and the display lit with Scan Logs. The Pirate asked, “Have you seen this vessel? What can you tell us?”
Zhavan refused to look at first, but a light touch from the neuronic whip focused her attention. Kashir peered at the display, not recognizing the ship at first. As Zhavan stared at the image, recognition came, and a smile spread across her face. She didn’t expect to survive this, but neither would the Pirates.
Admiral Kashir Zhavan pulled herself to her full height and said, “I recognize that vessel.” A giggle escaped before she continued, “The bogeyman has come for you. That ship is FNS Harmon with Commodore Colin Gordon in charge. If he’s in Hangelore, I suspect he isn’t alone.”
The Pirate smiled and said, “Suhmarlin Hazilsor will take delight in killing Gordon, he’s a thorn in our sides. It’s time we plucked it and threw it away.”
Zhavan laughed at the Pirates bravado then replied, “You mean the way you removed the thorn when you attacked Lahoshar or Cotoni? Are you referring to the way you plucked the thorn when you attacked Cambridge? This thorn defeated you every time you’ve met him even when you enjoyed overwhelming odds. No, I doubt you will pluck this thorn today. I wanted him to come with me when I met him. Commodore Gordon refused, begging me to go to Sankarah and gather reinforcements. He was right, I was wrong. If he’s in Hangelore, I expect there’s a large Navy presence nearby.”
The Pirate struck Zhavan hard across the face, knocking her head sideways and dazing her for a moment. She sagged, hanging from the wire as blood trickled from her lip. She tasted the salt of the blood on her tongue. Zhavan turned to the Pirate and smiled to goad him. He stared at her for a minute then called the guards.
When they entered, he said, “Take her and put her with the others. Hazilsor wants to play with her after he finishes with the Federation scum so don’t inflict too much damage.”
Star Strike: Book 3 of the Star Man Series Page 38
