Strategos Clearchus smiled at the news. Pleistoanax was one of the few commanders in the fleet that he knew could be counted upon to come through when times were tough.
“Excellent, put it up on my screen,” he replied.
The video feed appeared instantly from the scout cruiser being commanded by the second topoteretes. The face of the man appeared, but his expression suggested bad news. From the angle of the feed, it was difficult to see what was going on inside the cruiser. He couldn’t see the red glow of emergency lighting though, and there were no signs of battle or distress in the crew.
“Topoteretes, I assume by your expression you don’t have good news for me?”
There was a short pause, but it wasn’t clear if that was due to the distance, or simply down to the commander considering his response. Like Clearchus and Kleandridas, he wore his Laconian regalia, including full body armour and crimson cloak.
“No, Strategos, my scout group has performed a full scan of the area, and we can confirm the lack of resources due to the destruction of the planets. With most of the fleet down to less than half tanks, we need more before continuing much further into Median space. The next point is fifteen parsecs away, but there are no guarantees we will be able to refuel there, and that is a problem, a big problem.”
Clearchus looked confused at his last statement. Their route followed the standard Artis routes, and each point should be between five and fifteen parsecs away. They should be able to make at least one more, perhaps two more jumps with the remaining fuel.
“I don’t understand, why not?”
“The next location was being used as a stopover point for Median transports two years ago. There is a possibility that it is being used as a base of operations. The only other options are to expend all of our fuel in a single jump to one other sector. My estimates show that only half the ships in the fleet can make a jump of that distance. We’ll have to leave the rest behind and risk the remainder in one movement.”
“That isn’t acceptable. I must have the full fleet and all the Legion if this plan is to succeed. The jump to the site with a possible base is our only way forward. But if we are discovered this early on, we will have problems. We will never have the element of surprise when we reach the Core Worlds and could end up facing an insurmountable enemy force.”
“It’s worse than that.”
Clearchus sighed, bracing himself for whatever was coming next.
“Explain?”
“If we jump in and find the site contested, we will have enough fuel for a single short jump. We could make it back here, but for what? With this system lost, we will be unable to jump back any further and will be trapped, adrift in the wake of a destroyed star. Some of the ships could probably make it one further jump back, but we’d be strung out with some ships trapped here and around the dead star. It is a very big risk.”
Kleandridas tapped the large screen next to him and the commander. It was semi-transparent and almost three metres wide. It changed to show the immediate area around the fleet and the three projected routes they could take. One returned to the previous sector and two moved ahead. A symbol at the closest destination showed the potential position of the Median transit point. He pointed at the transit point.
“If there is no fuel, or we are forced to withdraw, we will end up trapped right here. We could always fight our way out, though?” he added.
Clearchus liked the idea of being able to fight their way through, but memories of the gruelling fight at the Cilician Gates returned. It should have been a simple operation and instead tied up most of the forces from an entire Titan. If they lost ships or warriors out here, they would have no way of replacing their losses; whereas the Medes numbers were unlimited. He looked back to the video feed where Pleistoanax waited patiently.
“Go on.”
“Yes, Strategos, assuming we can refuel at the next point, my staff have calculated three routes in case of future problems. We will have options that will allow us to work around such problems. For the duration of the journey, there will be only three more choke points that could be a problem. We can work around those when the time comes.”
“I see,” replied Clearchus. He considered but only for a few seconds. They could either go back and suffer no ill consequences, or push ahead with all the risks that entailed.
Kleandridas looked at the starmap before giving his opinion.
“If we turn back now, we could face mutiny. This Legion was assembled for the purpose of riches and adventure. If we return empty handed, our forces will have suffered a great humiliation.”
Clearchus nodded slowly, in partial agreement with him.
“True, I don’t like it either. But there is no glory in running out of fuel and being forced to stay in hostile territory. This is a fleet of warriors, not traders. I have a suggestion, however.”
Both of his deputies waited for his idea but thought they knew what he would offer them. If they were going to continue on this path, they would have to send something or somebody ahead to scout the lay of the land. Clearchus cleared his throat and started.
“We send a single ship, one with a skeleton crew of volunteers. They will jump ahead of the fleet and signal back the status of the location and availability of fuel. If clear, we will jump in, resupply the fleet and then select a new, more cautious route across the Maelstrom.”
His two deputies waited as they considered his suggestion. There wasn’t time to think any further, as Lord Cyrus and two of his guards approached from one of the side elevators. They were greeted by the watch officer before making their way to Clearchus. Cyrus stopped in front of Clearchus and started speaking, without even checking if the Terrans were engaged in conversation.
“Strategos, I have just been informed by Ariaeus that our Armada is being held back by lack of resources. It is my understanding that the next jump destination is the home of multiple gas giants, and the perfect point to refuel and plan our next course. Is this correct?”
Clearchus hid his irritation from the Medes commander well, but it was clear to his two deputies that he didn’t like being second guessed.
“Yes, that is correct. I am planning on sending a scout vessel ahead to assess the situation.”
Lord Cyrus looked both annoyed and nervous at his words.
What is he hiding this time? Clearchus thought.
“That isn’t necessary. I have already sent Ariaeus ahead with his forces to perform a full reconnaissance of the area. He will contact you when it is safe for your forces to make the jump.”
The last line almost made Clearchus’ blood boil with rage.
How dare this upstart think he can start throwing his weight around? This is a Terran operation, my operation!
He looked to Cyrus, but the expression on Kleandridas’ face told him to slow and calm down. Clearchus was aware he had a tendency to lose his temper. He still regretted some of his decisions on the border world of Bissus prior to meeting Cyrus. The fortress city was part of an independent league of planets nestled between the Terran and Median territories. It had been in his charge until a riot inside the city turned violent. His crackdown had been severe, but it did stop the revolt. There were still a good number of citizens that blamed him for excessive force on that day. He thought of that city and remembered what he had to.
Be calm, think long term and control yourself, he said to himself.
“Ariaeus and his forces should not be dictating when and where my forces can go. Don’t forget, this Terran Armada is under my control, and we will take orders from one person, and one person alone, and that is you, my Lord.”
Lord Cyrus looked at him and immediately knew he had gone too far.
They really are a proud and arrogant people. Why has it taken us so long to claim their worlds as our own?
“Of course, my apologies, Ariaeus and his forces will report to you and inform you as to the status of the objective. In future, I will ensure communication travels directly through me.”
The great Titan shuddered once more, and the Median nobleman was forced to recover his balance. Clearchus was well used to fighting or standing on unstable ground after years of training and war and simply grabbed the nearest pillar to avoid falling. He watched the Median noble alter his posture and was surprised, almost impressed, with both the speed and recovery of the man. He straightened up and turned back to Clearchus.
“I assume this is due to the debris in this area?” he asked.
Clearchus indicated for Kleandridas to explain.
“The star has gone supernova, but this isn’t the only issue. We can expect a variety of storms, debris and uncharted anomalies until we have completed the entire journey across the Maelstrom, a distance of just over a kiloparsec.”
Clearchus expected him to be surprised at the distance, yet the man seemed completely unfazed by the words. Not that it was always easy to tell what the Medes thought as their expressions were a mystery to many. He had to keep reminding himself that they were not human, even though they shared much in terms of build, language, even genetics. Cyrus noticed that he was being watched by Clearchus and had difficulty in identifying exactly what he was thinking.
Ah, the distance! He smiled at the Laconian. How small they think.
“A kiloparsec is nothing in the Empire. We have worlds a kiloparsec away at every border. Still, the gulf of space between the Terran border worlds and the Core is not an easy route. I will have the Medes navigators come aboard and along with their charts for this region. Would that help?”
Clearchus nodded.
“Very well, that will help. When can we expect to hear from Ariaeus?”
“Within the hour, I will contact you with the scout reports as soon as they arrive.”
The Median Lord nodded to Clearchus and walked away in the same direction from which he had arrived. The Laconian officers watched him leave without saying anything. As soon as the door shut, Kleandridas exploded in a fury that surprised even Clearchus.
“Can you believe the arrogance of these people?” he snapped.
Clearchus looked at his screen and the face of Pleistoanax who had remained hidden from the Medes for the entire conversation. His deputy looked almost as annoyed as Kleandridas.
“My brother Kleandridas is correct,” he said, using the common term in the Laconian military for those of the same or similar rank. They knew each other well having trained together often, as well as having fought in a myriad of bloody campaigns on behalf of the League.
“The Medes are not to be trusted. Ariaeus does as he pleases, and tells us nothing in advance. He commands a fleet that is double our size, and yet refuses to work under or even with us. If we are to head into dangerous enemy space, we must be cautious.”
Kleandridas placed his hand on Clearchus’ shoulder and nodded.
“I agree. We are the power behind this Armada, and without us Cyrus has no chance of ever seizing the throne from his brother. It is time we took a more active role in this operation. You are the experienced commander, and you control the heart of our forces.”
Clearchus listened to them both and then looked back to the command deck. Scores of officers moved about to control the scanners, communications gear, engineering and weapons systems. It was an impressive scene, and the more he looked at them, the more he agreed that it was the Terrans who were in charge. He looked back to the two deputies.
“When Cyrus gets back in touch with the news from Ariaeus, I will lay down the law. It is time Laconia asserted full control of our ground forces...”
He paused and considered Cyrus for a moment before adding, “...including all those of the Medes.”
CHAPTER FOUR
Laconian Titan ‘Valediction’, Su’bartu Maelstrom
Clearchus paced about the command deck, his face flushed and his body agitated. Neither of his deputies was to be seen, and most of the officers did their best to avoid his gaze. A Medes representative entered and approached him but was stopped by his personal guards. Much to the man’s chagrin, they performed a full scan to check for weapons or unauthorised equipment. Once cleared, the now irritable man approached the commander of the Terrans.
“Lord Cyrus demands to know why you...”
Clearchus reached out and placed his hand around the man’s throat, gripping tightly and cutting off the flow of air. He could feel the pulse and noticed the much faster rate when compared to that of humans. The Medes was surprisingly strong for such a scrawny figure, but still Clearchus maintained his grip.
“Listen, Medes,” he hissed through clenched teeth, “I am Strategos Clearchus, commander of this Legion and commander of this ship. You will treat me with honour and respect as befitting a commander of your own race. Understood?”
His victim glanced back to his face with a look of hatred in his eyes. Clearchus almost smiled back at the man but restrained himself at the last moment. At least, he hoped he had masked his thoughts.
Good, he finally understands.
He released his hold, and the Medes dropped to his knees, gasping for air. It took a moment before he was able to raise himself and look back to the commander. He cleared his throat and grimaced at the pain. Clearchus struggled, but ultimately failed, to suppress a smile at the alien’s discomfort.
“Now, let’s start again.”
“My Lord,” started the Medes with great reluctance, “I have an urgent message from my commander, Lord Cyrus. He wishes to understand why you have not followed Ariaeus into battle. Did you not receive his demand for your forces to assist?”
Clearchus’ expression changed from one of irritation to one of outright anger.
“Demands, does he? Well, Ariaeus is Cyrus’ man, and he can do what he likes. The Legion is under my personal command and does not run errands for Lord Cyrus like some whipping boy. When my scouts have reported, I will allow the Legion to jump.”
“But Ariaeus...” exclaimed the Medes in apparent fear.
Clearchus raised one eyebrow in amusement.
“What about Ariaeus?”
“His forces have encountered resistance from the station and are under attack.”
Clearchus looked about the command deck and again tried to hide his amusement at the problems facing Ariaeus. The commander of the Median fleet was hardly his favourite person.
Kleandridas would be overjoyed at this news, he thought ruefully.
But that wasn’t the problem. It was being treated as a subordinate that irked him and his senior commanders. The other Dukas would probably leave the expedition if they knew they were being issued thinly veiled orders by the hated deputy of Cyrus. The operation had been from the very start a Terran led Armada, paid for by Cyrus. They worked for him, not a Medes. Working beneath such a hated man would cause a split that even he would probably be unable to resolve.
“I see. So Ariaeus didn’t carry out the allotted task of scouting the area so that we could jump in. He moved to the station and started his own occupation, I assume?”
“No, My Lord, Ariaeus landed a number of combat units on the Aronton automated station to ascertain its assets and benefits to the fleet. It would appear that it is garrisoned by combat drones.”
Drones? The memory of those intelligent machines flooded back to him.
“Yes, the station’s automated defences were deactivated, and that is how he was able to land. Once inside, the defences activated, and the stationed garrison slaughtered those on board. Ariaeus and his picked unit of Anusiya shock troops are still aboard but are trapped inside the structure.”
“Ariaeus, the fool, he put himself at risk for his own personal gratification.”
The Medes looked confused at what he said. Clearchus tried to assess the man, but as usual, his expression was too vague to fathom.
“What is it?” he asked.
“I don’t understand, Strategos. You Laconians are famed above all other Terrans for your combat prowess and dedication to the arts of war. Yet when a man like Ariaeus puts him
self in danger, and even takes dangerous, perhaps heroic risks, you still scorn him. Why is that? Is it because he isn’t human?”
Clearchus smiled, now understanding the confusion. He looked off to his left and spotted a group of low ranked officers trying not to draw attention. He lifted his hand and indicated for them to approach. The three men and one woman rushed over and stood smartly to attention. He looked at each of them, noting their smart uniforms, physically fit bodies and their faces. Yes, he always liked to try and ascertain what kind of intelligence sat behind a warrior’s eyes. He stopped on reaching the woman, the shortest and by far the youngest of the four. She was short, with auburn hair and blue eyes. Unlike many of the other officers on the deck, she wore a utility jumpsuit and carried a diagnostic computer on her belt.
“Pentarchos, identify yourself.”
The woman replied quickly and decisively.
“Pentarchos Shane Lopet, 1st Maintenance Squadron, co-pilot, Strategos.”
“Good, I want you to answer a question for me, if you will?”
She looked to Clearchus and then to the Medes messenger.
“Of course, Strategos.”
“Explain our thoughts concerning personal courage and sacrifice.”
“Strategos,” she replied and turned to the Medes.
“It is the duty of every single Laconian warrior, whether a foot soldier, pilot or administrative clerk, to always consider the whole. The warrior that moves from the line may win individual glory, perhaps even turn the course of a battle, but this isn’t the Laconian way. It is critical that when we stand in battle, we can reply on the warrior on the left of us and to the right. The strength of Laconians is not individually, but together.”
Clearchus indicated for the group to leave before speaking.
“Even a lowly pentarchos understands where Ariaeus has gone wrong. You may pass on to Cyrus that I have sent a scout squadron ahead, and that I am expecting news within thirty minutes. I will move in the fleet when I am satisfied the fuel and resources are usable. I will not jump into a dead system and be trapped with nothing but Ariaeus, his arrogance and an automated defence system. Understood?”
Black Legion: 02 - Assault on Khorram Page 7
