Gnosis: Legacy War Book 1

by John Walker

  Gnosis

  Legacy War

  Book 1

  John Walker

  Copyright © 2018 John Walker

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

  DISCLAIMER

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, business, places, events, and incidents are either the products of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental. This story contains explicit language and violence.

  Blurb

  A Surprise attack.

  Technology has allowed humanity to take to the stars. Earth’s first step toward exploring the unknown universe begins with a surge of hope followed by the sting of a surprise attack. Just as their most advanced ship embarks on its maiden voyage, aliens assault the unprepared fleet, making a play for an ancient technology the human race has relied upon for all major advances.

  This sudden meeting proves humans are not the only sentient beings in the vastness of space and it quickly becomes clear they will need to thwart the plans of their new enemies. If they do not, our first foray into the unknown could well be our last.

  Table of Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Epilogue

  Chapter 1

  Captain Desmond Bradford leaned forward, willing the ship to move faster. They had received reports of the attack less than twenty minutes earlier and were well on their way back to Earth. Hyperspace made distances meaningless but travel was not instantaneous. The maiden voyage of the Gnosis took them to the edge of the solar system.

  Another ten minutes would see them return home.

  Experience told him every second counted when it came to combat and the defense force needed them. Though the other ships were certainly capable, the Gnosis was the most powerful ship in the fleet. The best experimental technology made up the offensive and defensive capabilities of the vessel, making it ideal for the intended purpose of exploration.

  And just on the verge of our first trip, an unknown enemy force attacks Earth. Desmond narrowed his eyes. Who could it be? The unification put the old conflicts to rest a long time ago. They can’t possibly be gunning for the Orb… can they?

  The view screen showed the glowing yellow-green pulse light of hyperspace. Faster-than-light travel made for an incredible light show as they rocketed through what scientists call an alternate dimension. An intense, focused burst of energy allowed them to enter then hurtle themselves well beyond the speed of light.

  “Sixty seconds to destination,” Lieutenant Salina Gold announced from the science station. She wore her brown hair in a tight bun, her face set in a neutral, professional expression.“Scan data coming through now. Enemy ships number ten and are hitting orbital defenses as well as the fleet.”

  “Thank you,” Desmond said. He turned to Commander Vincent Bowman sitting to his right. His first officer’s blue eyes were narrowed in concentration, his nearly shaved blond hair spiking in the middle of his head.“Who do you think we’re racing to fight?”

  “Can’t say,” Vincent replied.“Maybe some fringe from the Eastern Coalition? But where would they get the equipment? Anything capable of standing against our defenses would need some serious tech. Stolen maybe?”

  Desmond shook his head.“I didn’t hear anything about missing gear in any briefing I’ve attended.”

  “We’re about to find out one way or another.” Vincent shrugged.“I hope we’re ready.”

  “Emerging from hyperspace now, sir.” Salina called.“Control transferring to Lieutenant Commander Caplanin five… four… three… two… one…”

  As the light show faded and they emerged into normal space, a chaotic battle raged dead ahead. Ships from the Earth fleet clashed with unusual vessels unlike any Desmond had ever seen. He gestured to Salina but he knew she was already performing a full scan of their opponents.

  Lieutenant Commander Zachary Caplanwas the ship’s pilot and one of the best in the fleet. He could’ve been Vincent’s brother with his light hair and blue eyes though he was a bit shorter and more slight. He’d been a fighter pilot before moving into the helmsman station and his flying instincts served him well in the new role.

  “Permission to engage?” Zach asked, hands poised to follow the order. Desmond would’ve preferred to wait for some more intelbut the fleet’s SOS made it clear they needed help immediately. The Gnosis had to get in the fight immediately or risk losing good men and women.

  “Granted,” Desmond said.“Close to range and target the closest enemy. Be nimble though. When the scans complete, we may need to change up our tactics.”

  “Captain,” Salina spoke up quickly.“I’m picking up odd readings from the hulls of these ships. They have shields, like ours, but theirs are deflecting my ability to receive system information. I highly recommend we use beam weapons to disrupt their defenses before employing our mass drivers.”

  Desmond watched the screen as the enemy ships fired blue beams at the Earth fleet. The weapons caused their shields to light up but didn’t immediately pierce them. Wherever they came from, they weren’t giants so it gave him some faith that they’d be able to fend them off. However, they clearly came with some advantages if they could deflect scans.

  The attackers numbered at twelve large ships, each one holding their own against two to one odds with the Earth fleet. At first glance, it appeared the fight might be even but it only took a few moments to see the invaders had an advantage. They were soaking incoming shots and dishing out a nearly continuous assault.

  The ship rumbled and he turned to Salina again. Her hands flew over the controls at her panel, the touch screen causing a quiet, dull thump with every finger stroke.“We just experienced the wake of a stray attack. None of the enemy ships have engaged us as of yet. They are too occupied with the fleet.”

  “Hit them, Zach,” Desmond said.“Fire at will. Draw their fire away from our allies.”

  The Gnosis had the best defenses in the fleet. While they didn’t know what to expect from the attacks of their enemies, Desmond knew they could weather a direct assault for longer. As they rapidly approached the fray, he sat back down and braced himself for what came next. He was about to conduct a major battle in an untested ship with a crew that had worked together for barely six months.

  Thank God everyone’s well trained.

  The deck trembled slightly as Zach fired the beam weapons. Orange light lanced forward and struck one of the targets, slamming them hard enough to penetrate their defenses and cause the hull to spark. Desmond hadn’t anticipated their attack being so successful immediately. Everything he had studied about shields suggested they should’ve repelled the strike.

  “They have fighters,” Salina said.“I’m picking up smaller vessels attacking our orbital defense systems.”

  “Vincent, how long to deploy interceptors?”

  Vincent checked his computer before replying.“Our pilots were standing by from when we got the distress call. Hangar control reports they can be out there in less than two minutes.”

  “Launch when ready.” Desmond gestured to the screen, redirecting his focus.“Hit that same target with the mass
drivers before they can retaliate.”

  Mass drivers threw chunks of metal, propelling them at hypersonic speed. As a barrage battered the hull of the enemy, pieces of the target began to break off and sail into space. The vessel popped a moment later, destroyed from their attacks.

  “Okay, we can handle these guys,” Desmond said.“Zach, acquire your next target and fire. Salina, do you have a full scan of what they’re putting out?”

  “They have a similar energy signature to our own,” Salina replied.“I suspect we hit one which diverted power to weapons. We may not have as easy a time with other ships in their fleet. And the fighters are also quite advanced. I advise caution to our own pilots. They’ll want to fly defensively I suspect, at least until they fully understand the capabilities of their opponents.”

  “Vincent, convey that to our pilots,” Desmond said,“and provide command oversight throughout the engagement there. I want them away from our orbital defenses. I’ll take care of the capital ship situation.”

  “The orbital defenses are firing back,” Salina announced.“But they seem to be unable to calculate proper lead to hit the smaller ships.”

  “Something to keep in mind as we do a retrospective on this fight,” Desmond replied.“Zach, time to next target.”

  Zach hummed.“Five seconds… and we’ll be in range of several of them at that point.”

  “Keep your targeting tight,” Desmond said.“We’ll move through them as quickly as we can but getting them from two angles should definitely tip the scales. Salina, have you been in contact with our people yet? Did anyone try to talk before this broke out? Or was it a total sneak attack?”

  “No communication occurred before the attack,” Salina reported.“They emerged from hyperspace near the moon, closed the distance and fired. Their initial entry gave our fleet time to intercept. We received the distress call the moment the enemy showed up and began ignoring hails.”

  “Which is why we were here right when it started,” Desmond said.“Thank you. Vincent, report on fighters?”

  “Mustang Squadron is our first response unit. Raptor’s up next and will cover them.” Vincent tapped his screen before continuing.“We’re holding bomber units in reserve at this time.”

  “They shouldn’t be needed.” Desmond watched as they fired their beam weapons again. This time, the enemy’s shields held firm. He nodded. Salina was right, and they figured it out quickly too. They know we’re hitting them with some heavy ordnance and they also have the means to defend against it. This fight won’t be as cut and dry as I hoped.“Keep it up, Zach.”

  The enemy ship disengaged from the Earth fleet to put more attention on the Gnosis. As it tried to acquire a firing solution, Zach fired again, this time doubling up energy blasts with a mass driver barrage. The two together caused superficial damage but enough to give the Earth fleet some confidence.

  A beam weapon struck the Gnosis in the bow, making the shields flash bright enough to make the screen go temporarily white. Desmond winced and turned to Salina, waiting for her report on their defenses. She shook her head, not bothering to look up to offer her analysis.“Defenses held. Shield power drained to eighty percent in that one blast. Recharging now.”

  If they concentrated their fire, they could be dangerous. Especially if they hit a single point. Desmond nodded and let Zach do his job, returning fire again. The brawl might last longer than they wanted and he needed to start thinking of alternative tactics rather than keep exchanging fire. Maybe they’d need the bombers after all.

  “I’m receiving a message from high command,” Salina said.“They are…” She went silent, drawing Desmond’s attention.

  “What is it?”

  “The aliens have attacked Gamma Alpha.”

  Desmond’s stomach flipped at the thought. Gamma Alpha might’ve been the single most well defended structure on the entire planet. It held the Orb and though plenty of potential intruders attempted to access the base, they all failed. Could they repel whoever these invaders were? It really depended on their weapons… and how many they sent.

  “They are requesting help from us,” Salina said.“From our expeditionary troops.”

  Desmond nodded.“Get them on a shuttle and have Raptor escort them through this mess. If they’re asking for help, that’s not good.”

  I’ve been to Gamma Alpha. The gun emplacements alone should be enough to drive any ground force off. What did they bring to get through there? I guess we’ll find out soon enough. This orbital attack might be a ruse to get what they want down there. I guess we’re fighting a battle on three fronts. Time to earn our pay.

  ***

  Squadron Leader Dennis Arden launched first, providing what he hoped to be solid leadership to the rest of his Mustang unit. They’d trained together, flying simulations and formation work for the past six months, but none of them had seen actual combat as a team. Today, they would be tested.

  Some of them had fought in earlier conflicts with inferior technology with different units. Dennis brawled with separatists over Australia when he’d been out of flight school for less than a month. Back then, they kept things mostly in atmosphere against opponents they easily understood, other human beings with similar equipment.

  The briefing for this fight stated they would be taking on what command believed to be alien invaders. Their ships certainly didn’t match the Earth variety. Checking his scanner, he brought up the silhouettes. Rounded with a thorn like protrusion on one side and thrusters opposite it, they appeared to be highly maneuverable and quick.

  In contrast, the interceptors Dennis and his squadron flew went with a variable swept wing approach to allow for trans-atmospheric flight. They could tuck them in during especially tight maneuvering and their weapons came from the stubby nose or the body itself. Three thrusters provided rear propulsion and dozens of micro thrusters gave them their alternative motion.

  The other five came out behind him, forming up in a wide vanguard. Their orders were to help defend the orbital defense systems, which weren’t able to keep up with the smaller attackers. Commander Bowman told them to observe prior to attack, giving them a warning about the advanced technology they might be facing.

  Dennis did so on their way to the operational theater, altering his attention between his scanner’s high resolution images and the path directly in front of him. The enemies were fast and maneuverable, climbing and banking around energy blasts that might’ve destroyed them with a single shot if they became careless.

  Speaking of which, we need to have the orbital defenses settle down when we’re in range. I don’t want to have a friendly fire incident.

  He tried to ping orbital defense control but an error appeared on his screen, some kind of low level interference. Redirecting his signal back to the ship, he got through but not without a liberal amount of static.“This is Mustang One to Gnosis Control. Can you boost your gain? The connection out here is terrible.”

  “This is Commander Bowman. We’ll do what we can from here.”

  “Thank you, sir. I can’t reach Orbital either. Can you make sure they crank down when we get there?”

  “Friend or foe should be active,” Commander Bowman replied.“We’ll do what we can from here though. Time to engagement?”

  “Um…” Dennis glanced at the scanner and frowned.“They’re coming our way.” An energy beam flew past his cockpit and he jogged to the right, putting a little more distance from it. His heart beat a little faster but he maintained his composure, and replied in an even tone,“Contact. Enemy has engaged.”

  “Fire at will,” Commander Bowman said.“Repeat, fire at will.”

  Dennis signaled the rest of his squadron just as more shots grazed his shields. He initiated evasive maneuvers, spinning and falling into a dive. His wingman, Flight Lieutenant Shane Goring followed suit as the rest of his unit broke off into pairs. The fight kicked into high gear, energy beams lighting up the space all around them.

  The targeting computer failed to
secure a connection with the enemy ships. Scans indicated they were giving off some kind of radiation, a field interfering with the connection.“We’re doing this the old fashioned way, folks.” Dennis spoke over the com.“Save your missiles and stick to guns and beams. You’ll probably have to get pretty damn close.”

  “Yeah, I can’t get a lock,” Shane said.“You think that’s part of their defenses?”

  “Doesn’t matter,” Lieutenant Hal Brown, Mustang Three, called out.“My computer can’t get through it. I’m engaging.”

  Dennis glanced to the right and saw his ally make an attack run with Lieutenant Kate Zeller, his wingman, close behind. They both strafed their target, blasting away with mass driver cannons before pulling up and away, parting at the last second. A blue field erupted around their opponent, shields taking direct damage before fading back to a dull haze.

  Shane began firing, throttling up to overtake him. His attack made the enemy pull up and rocket off and Dennis maneuvered to follow. He fell in behind his target’s thrusters, blue ovals that made a fantastic focus. They tried to shake him, moving to the left and right but he timed it, firing a blast to get his bearings.

  A clean miss gave him some perspective and he tilted the stick for a better shot. As the enemy continued its pendulum-like motion, he fired again, this time scoring a direct hit. The mass drivers pounded the shields and nudged the ship enough to break its motion cycle. He fired his beams this time, holding down the trigger and sweeping to the left.

  The attack cut across his focus, blasting the shields and making them shatter like energized glass. Shane followed up with mass drivers and with nothing to stop them, the enemy engines were annihilated. The pilot ejected, his pod hurtling off into space but they didn’t have time to worry about it. Two more invaders engaged them and they had to go defensive again.