by Clark Graham
When they were both situated, Merken asked, “How are you getting along with Lieutenant Phay?”
“I’ve wanted to send him through the incinerator a time or two. Can you send me someone else?”
Merken laughed. “Of course I will. That isn’t the reason I called you here. I’m putting my pilots back into the Drottning fighters. They have enough range to cover the gap, so I don’t need you here anymore.”
“Does that mean I’ll be going back to Andaria Major?”
“Not so fast. I don’t need you here. I still need you. I’m going to tow you closer to the enemy space dock. I want patrols sent out to watch what’s going on, what ships are coming and going. If you find a pirate ship by itself, I want it engaged.”
“How close, Sir?” Sevil swallowed involuntarily.
“About halfway between here and where the station is now. It should be hot, but not too hot for you.”
“A little action will do the men a world of good. Except for the pirate ship that tried to sneak through, we’ve been sitting here like driftwood.”
“We will take you in tow as soon as we get the lines rigged. Go back to your ship and send Phay to the Granville. You’ve suffered enough.”
“Thank you, Sir.”
Sevil didn’t go back to his ship until he was assured Phay was gone. When he did, it was only a matter of minutes before it was being dragged through space.
Eisler approached the captain. “Sir, when is my chance to get out of this box?”
“Are you going to leave when things are about to get exciting?”
“Exciting? I like exciting. Where are we going?”
“Closer to danger.”
The array was towed into position by a battlecruiser. Merken had hoped it would become part of his fleet, but it left as soon as the station was powered up. He took a shuttle over to the sensor station.
It was a flat ugly station with crisscrossing metal antennae reaching out in all directions. The shuttle bay opened and Merken stepped out with Moore at his side. No one was there to greet them. The control center was just a few strides away, so the two of them headed into there.
The three men didn’t notice them enter.
“Captain on deck,” Moore called out.
The men looked up. “Oh, sorry,” the closest one said. “We’re not used to visitors.” He gave a halfheartedly salute. “We see a problem already.” He pointed at the screen. “The pirates have set up a votecian system. They can shield their movement from your sensors. My sensors aren’t fooled by it. There are three ships in there now. It’s at the border so they are slipping in and out with ease.”
Merken stepped up to the screen. “I see. I’ve got to go and intercept them. Keep me posted.” He rushed back to the shuttle.
The three old Empire Era destroyers stood in the path of the approaching pirates. They were in full stealth mode. Because they had no stealth capabilities, the frigates stood back out of sensor range. When the battle started, they would swoop in and finish up the enemy. The Chaple was nearby. Its pilots were ready to finish off anyone who tried to flee.
“Sir, the destroyers are within gun range.”
“Tell them to attack. Frigates, full speed ahead.”
The battle was over before the frigates arrived. Each destroyer opened up at the pirate ship nearest to them. The salvos tore through the pirate ships. One caught fire, the other two lost power.
In turn the destroyers ceased firing. When Merken arrived, he scanned the screen. “Life support on those vessels?”
“The ship that was on fire and the other one has lost all life support. The third one has lost power, but has minimal life support,” the helmsman reported. “Escape pods!”
Merken watched as dozens of small dots left the sides of the pirate ship. “Stop them from getting to the enemy space dock.”
“Sir, they don’t have enough fuel to get that far. This is a rescue mission.”
Am I really going to rescue them, just to execute them? He shrugged. “Fine, send out shuttles and pick them up. Meanwhile, I want Marines to storm the two ships not on fire. Gather all the data files you can.” He watched Moore out of the corner of his eye make his way out of the bridge and head towards the shuttle bay.
Chapter 37
Keldar Sector
Frigate Ederic
The shuttle landed next to the rose garden of a woman named Thina. It had all been arranged ahead of time. Two guards stepped out and took up position on the other side of the garden. An amber-haired girl was next to walk out, followed by two more guards. Merken was the last to leave the shuttle.
Leona stood there soaking up the sun while a guard stepped forward and undid her handcuffs.
“It’s so warm,” she said. “I can’t bear to look at it.”
“Don’t try, it will hurt your eyes,” Merken replied. “Take off your shoes, walk barefooted in the grass.”
She did, even putting a hand down at one point and feeling it with her fingers. “It’s so soft.”
“Smell the roses, but don’t touch them, they have thorns.”
“Roses?” she looked around.
“The red flowers.”
“Oh, they have an odor?” She sniffed the closest one. “How wonderful.” She sniffed more. “I want to die now, at this moment. I never want to step inside a spaceship again. Have your guards shoot me.”
Merken shifted his stance. “You will not die today, nor tomorrow. I’ve asked for and was granted a rehabilitation program for pirates that can be helped. You are the first one. If you fail and go back to that barbarous life, then no other will be given a chance.”
She stood wide-eyed. “What will become of me?”
“I will.” An old, grey-haired woman stepped out from the stone house. “You are here to help me manage this garden and a dozen more across town. It was all we had during the last war. It kept our morale up while the occupation went on and on.” She turned to Merken. “I’ve got it from here. No sense in pointing blasters at her any longer.”
Merken nodded and the five men walked back into the shuttle.
Leona turned to the woman, but no words came.
“Hi Leona, I’m Thina.”
Merken stood all the captured pirates up against the bulkhead of the space station. Those rescued were chained and brought into the space dock.
Twenty-three in all, both old and young. The old ones, with plenty of battle scars, he separated out. He was surprised that almost half of the prisoners were women. The Empire never let them fight in combat. Emor, so far, had kept up that tradition.
Pointing to those he had separated out, Merken commanded, “Bring them into the interview room, one at a time.”
The first, a gray-haired woman with missing teeth and an eye patch, stood in front of the desk defiantly.
Merken leaned back in the chair. “Let’s start with something simple. What is your name?”
She didn’t say a word.
“You’re not giving away any military secrets by telling me your name.”
Her face softened. “I am Palina.”
“I can tell I’m not going to get any information out of you.”
“No, you’re just going to kill me if I talk or not.”
“You chose to be a pirate. You know the consequences of getting caught.” He folded his arms.
“Choice, is that what you call it? I was born and raised in a space dock. Null space is a hard place to live. You have to steal to survive. The pirates were the only ones not struggling. They had all the food. Null space doesn’t produce much. The majority of it has to be stolen.”
“Nevertheless, you will die. Your kind has committed murders and destruction and it is not going to happen any longer. The border is being secured and you will not be able to cross it at will. It’s only a matter of time until we blast that space dock inside our borders into dust.”
Her eyes widened. “No, please. My daughter and her children live there. They have never raided your transpo
rts. They are guilty of nothing but being alive.”
Merken thought for a minute. Things were no longer simple. “It’s your lucky day. I’m sending you with a shuttle to the space dock. You will warn those inside that they have a week to get out. Those ships you paint orange will be given free passage from the dock, back into Null Space. You do know how to drive a shuttle, right?”
“Yes, Sir. Thank you, Sir.”
Merken motioned the guards to take her out of the room.
Moore walked into the room. “Sir, is it true you’re letting a pirate warn the dock of our attack?”
“First of all, I have no plans to attack the dock. I’m only letting those who wish to stay out of the war to leave. Every one that goes is one less I have to kill.”
Moore nodded. “Yes, Sir.”
Chapter 38
Keldar Sector
Frigate Ederic
The five ships of the squadron watched as forty-one ships, all painted orange, flew slowly past. Merken reflected on the interrogations of the other pirates. The old man, missing a hand and had scars all over his face. told his sad story. All those he started out with were dead. He’d had three ships shot out from under him. One of them exploded right after he launched the escape pod. He’d been the only one making it out. He welcomed his imminent execution. The alcohol no longer drowned out the cries of all those he’d seen die in front of him, including those he’d killed.
The young boy was another story. Fifteen years old, and on his first mission. He’d not killed anyone. Ivar would be the next in the rehabilitation program if Leona did well.
It was easier before he put a face to the enemy. Faceless raiders and murderers were easier to kill than children, women and old men. Now Leona’s face haunted his thoughts whenever a pirate ship was destroyed. How many Leona’s have I killed? He shook himself out of his thoughts.
The display screen was filled with Commander Finch’s face. “Sir, I know you gave them your word, but words mean nothing to the pirates. Can’t we attack? It’s our chance to destroy a lot of the enemy ships.”
Merken shook his head. “They outnumber us nine to one, besides, if we’re ever in a place to negotiate peace, they need to trust us. What you are seeing is forty plus ships we no longer have to fight.”
The screen went blank. Merken’s face had reddened. He hated having his orders constantly questioned.
Moore was at his elbow again. “Sir, the enemy ships do not have weapons. They have gun mounts where the weapon used to be, but they have been removed.”
Merken looked in the view screen. “They must have wanted more guns at the space dock. We have them worried. “
“Sir, shuttle approaching. One person on board,” The helmsman called out.
“Open the shuttle bay. Have five Marines standing by.”
“Yes, sir.” Moore left the bridge, while making his way to the shuttle bay.
Moore and the five Marines, with blasters at the ready, met the shuttle as soon as the shuttle bay doors closed. Palina stepped out. “I wish to speak with the captain.”
Ignoring her for a minute, three Marines checked the rear of the shuttles for explosives. Moore picked up his communicator after the shuttle was cleared. “Sir, it’s Palina. She wishes to speak with you.”
“Bring her to the bridge.”
Two Marines, with Palina in the middle marched in, followed by Moore.
“I am more than a little surprised to see you back here,” Merken said.
“You are a man of honor. You let me warn the civilians that the space dock would be destroyed. You didn’t fire upon us as we left. I couldn’t disgrace myself by being dishonorable. The Chieftain wouldn’t let us leave, despite my pleadings. Then he came up with a plan. He let us fly out, in ships that could barely make the journey into Null Space. He took the guns off and put them on his twenty-two best ships. Figuring you would have your entire fleet monitoring the exodus, he gathered his forces. It’s a trap. He’s going to hit you with everything he has.”
“I see,” he nodded at Palina. “For this information, I will spare your life. You will be set down on a planet of your choice when this is all over.” He turned to Moore. “Put her in a comfortable quarters, but guard her for now.”
She bowed. “Thank you for my life.”
Merken contacted the space station. “How many Drottning roc’fis do you have ready?”
“I have seventeen ships ready with plenty of pilots to go around.”
“Thank you.”
He called the sensor array. “As soon as you see ships moving away from the pirate space dock, you let me know.”
“It’s a little blurry that far away, but we can see clean to the dock. I can’t tell how many ships they got till they get closer. Sir, they are already on the move.”
With his heart thundering he called the station again. “Send in the roc’fis.”
Chapter 39
Keldar Sector
Frigate Ederic
It was a terrible sight. Twenty-two heavily armed ex-merchant ships headed towards the squadron. Merken swallowed. He’d seen battles before, but even in victory, losses were horrible. Am I going to win this one?
“Sir, the roc’fis are almost here.” Moore stood next to Merken in his usual spot. “They will only be able to be on station about ten minutes. They won’t have enough fuel to get back otherwise.”
“Have them stay. We’ll pick them up after the battle.”
“They will all be captured and killed if we lose, Sir.” There was no emotion in his voice, just the facts.
“All or nothing.” Merken contacted the starbase. “Send Rescue 7 and Rescue 10.”
“Yes, Sir.”
Eisler turned his roc’fi on. He’d let the enemy fleet pass by his position. They didn’t pick up the two small fighters. It was prime hunting. The engines would be exposed from this angle. He hit the intercom. “Time to party, one missile in each ship. Aim for the engines only. When your missiles are gone, get back to the Chaple.”
“Yes, Sir.” Eisler heard the young ensign’s nervous voice.
“Let’s go.”
The roc’fis roared to life and streaked towards the pirates. No shots came from them. All their guns were pointed forward towards Merken’s fleet. Carefully, Eisler squeezed the trigger and a missile streaked towards the nearest pirate. The impact blew one of its engines sideways, and put out the flame of the other. Re-aiming at another pirate, he pulled the trigger again. This one was smaller. Both engines and the whole engine compartment disintegrated. Escape pods left the stricken ship. Eisler turned ninety degrees as to not fly over the guns of the enemy ships.
Eisler watched in horror as the other roc’fi fired both his missile into the same pirate ship. One hit the engine compartment but the other hit midship. It split in half. The roc’fi continued forward, over the enemy guns. They opened up. The roc’fi exploded.
“No!” he screamed, even though it was too late.
Back on the Chaple, he remained in his seat. “Arm me up again, I’m going back out.”
The seventeen roc’fis from the station bore down on the enemy formation. The enemy bunched together, making easy targets.
Gromsom himself led the attack. He knew Captain Merken would throw a fit when he found out that he’d left Phay was in charge of the station. Gromsom would face the captain’s wrath when and if they all survived. He would rather have Phay there than commanding men in battle. “This is Zebra leader. Each of you stick to your assigned targets on the first pass, ignore the rest.”
The Drottnings spread out. The pirates saw them coming and turned their guns at the onrushing roc’fis.
“Now, full speed ahead.” Merken’s three destroyers and two frigates moved forward, firing all guns.
Two of the roc’fis were blown to bits, but fifteen pirate ships lit up at the same time as missiles struck home. The frigates were the first to engage the pirates and one of the lead ships erupted in flame. The pirates ignored the frigates
and went at the destroyers. Explosion peppered the hulls.
Four of the pirate ships turned and raced back towards the space dock. “Zebra three, this is Zebra leader. You and your men go after those retreating. The rest of us, we’ll make another pass at the others. Fire at will.”
Merken saw the destroyers were taking heavy damage. He turned the frigate to get between them and the pirates. He trained all of his guns at the nearest one. “Let’s get their attention.”
Two more Drottnings burst into flame, but not until the roc’fis took several more ships out of action.
A hit shook the Ederic. “Damage report,” Merken demanded.
The helmsman’s fingers were a blur as he checked the monitor. “Deck three damaged, engines at normal, force fields holding. No report on casualties yet.”
Merken scanned for targets. The ship he was pounding was out of action and on fire. The roc’fis were making another pass, but not firing their guns. “Zebra leader, what are you seeing?”
“No viable enemy left, as far as I can see. Those that retreated have been dealt with also. Lots of escape pods heading towards the space dock.”
“Let them go. We’ll deal with them later. Get your ships together and park them behind the squadron. I’ll send the rescue ships to you.”
“Yes, Sir.”
Moore walked onto the bridge. His face was blackened and his clothes covered in soot.
“Are you okay?”
“Yes, Sir. All fires are contained. Your cabin, Sir, is a total loss, however.”
“Never mind that. Check on the destroyers. They took a beating.”
Moore walked over to a monitor station. “The Granville has one engine out and several decks damaged. They are under their own power. The Sallic has taken a lot of hits, but they were of a lesser caliber gun. Both engines operational. All fires have been put out. The Legister has both engines extensively damaged. Emergency power only, life support is failing. The order to abandon ship was issued, and Rescue 10 is picking up survivors. The Telstar is intact. No damage.”
