by Don Foxe
Before he could respond, OPS called, “The 109 fired its tachyon cannon. Sustained fire from both the ship’s railgun and plasma cannon followed.”
“Hold on Representative,” Hawks said and shut the mike off. “I didn’t say anything about the railgun and plasma cannon.”
OPS continued: “Tachyon beam connected with the middle destroyer. Massive damage to the forward sections. The ship maintains integrity, but badly damaged and having difficulty maintaining speed and course.
“The destroyer to its port is being hammered with kinetic rounds and plasma loads. Eight . . . nine . . . ten . . . damn, eleven hits and no misses. Way to go, Kennedy!” he yelled without thinking. The entire bridge crew of the Fairchild joined in.
Except Hawks, who yelled, “SIT DOWN AND GET BACK ON STATION! We are in a war, people, not at some damn football game. Ops, report. And report the way you are supposed to Ensign or you will be down a rank when you leave this bridge.”
“Yessir. Sorry, sir. The Kennedy hit the second destroyer eleven times, forward and above. The enemy ship shows massive damage and is leaking atmosphere. It is dead in space and sending out SOS calls. The initial destroyer hit is venting fluids and gases and appears to have lost steering. The forward quarter is gone. The third ship stopped.”
Hawks, now all smiles, remembered the representative from Fell remained on hold. He re-keyed his mike and said, “Representative, I appreciate your offer, but Space Fleet is capable of handling our own battles. Thank you. Hawks, out.”
CHAPTER 33
FELL
ASkiiunterel turned to Coop and simply shrugged. Coop showed no surprise in Hawks’ attitude.
“Adding the black crystal as the power source for the SH array boosted the signal strength,” Sparks said. “The communications from Hawks to us was weak. I boosted the reception to max and expanded the catch’s spread and barely caught the reply. The white noise may be spreading and becoming denser within the ion clouds, or there could be more gravity convergence points where the Earth ships currently travel, or both. Or something else.”
“You’re supposed to talk, not brood,” Sky said to Coop.
“They’re being herded,” he told her. “From the beginning the CVBG was led to a particular spot that would make them the most vulnerable. He has them within a vortex funnel, and the Prophet is pushing them towards the AF3-AF1 corridor edge.”
Coop looked at the holo-display of the Aster system, allowed his advanced logic-processing free rein, and considered Cassie’s explanation of tsunamis.
“Only two battlecruisers cover that corridor,” he said aloud, but to no one but himself. “While over two-hundred ships press in from the AF3-AF2 corridor. In front of them is only the Prophet and one other battlecruiser, but that way leads to twenty-five-million-miles of more gravitational distortions. Behind them is AF3 and six battlecruisers lined up and waiting. Why are the enemy ships directing the CVBG to that corridor?”
Before anyone could comment, a command tower crew member informed Coop the Admiral in charge of the Mischene on Aster Farum 3 was willing to talk with him. He turned in his chair and flipped the mike-speaker switch indicated by the crew member.
“This is Captain Daniel Cooper, thank you for taking the hail,” he said.
“I am Admiral Baynard Lexton, currently in command of the loyal Mischene military units still available on Aster Farum 3, as well as ships and units stationed off world,” came the tired, but hard voice. “I am aware of who you are, Captain Cooper. I am also surprised to find out that you are on Fell and not with your ships here in our system.”
Coop ignored the implied question, and went to the heart of the matter. “Admiral, if the Earth battle group now facing the Prophet should fail, what will the Prophet’s next move likely be?”
“He will complete the subjugation of the Aster system,” Lexton replied. “We will all either convert, be imprisoned, or killed. He is totally insane, Captain Cooper. If he is not stopped, after Aster he will take his brand of religious fervor backed by force to as many systems as he can. He believes it is his destiny to rule the galaxy as the Sacred Voice of the Tahbita.”
“Agreed,” Coop replied. “It is in everyone’s best interest if we can work together to stop him now. It appears his ships are trying to drive the battle group towards the AF3-AF1 corridor where only two Mischene battle cruisers sit. Why, Admiral?”
“There is a wormhole gate located near those two battle cruisers,” came the answer. “I do not know how he is able to communicate with ships inside a wormhole channel, but I believe that once your ships near the edge, while they are still in the worst section of the vortex and without shields, a nasty surprise will come out of that gate to greet them.”
“I know how he communicates with them,” Cassie interrupted through the speaker. “He’s using the ships’ gravity-well warning systems. Those systems warn a captain if a gate lies proximal to a gravity well or orbital body capable of causing damage. They wait until the system gives them an all clear before exiting. The Prophet is detonating nuclear bombs just inside the vortex near the gates. The gravity waves create an expansion and the ship’s receive a blip in the warning system. When they see the blip, it’s the signal to enter natural space.”
“Simple and effective,” Admiral Lexton said. “It would only work if a gate opened near a vortex, which is exactly what he has. It appears Soren and his people have been designing plans to trap your ships for some time, Captain Cooper. I tried to warn Admiral Hawks, but the man would not listen.”
“Admiral Lexton, we have to get those ships out of that killing field,” Coop said. “I have ideas, but I need your assistance.”
Before the Mischene Admiral could reply, Cassie interrupted again. “The CVBG has been fired on, and it will be bad,” she said. “I count sixty torpedoes and missiles in total coming from the two disabled destroyers.”
“That would be everything each ship had,” Lexton said. “If your ships do not have force fields strong enough, or maneuvering ability and escape speed, they are about to take heavy losses.”
RESA VORTEX
(Chapter One Redux)
“Casalobos,” the Admiral called over his com.
“109 targeting incoming enemy torpedoes in support of your gunners, Admiral,” she replied and cut off further distractions.
“Tal,” he called next.
“First three Spirit fighters set to launch in less than one minute,” replied the Squadron Leader. No tension detectable in her tone. “Next three will follow as soon as the rear blast deflectors retract. We’ll take out as many targets as we can before they reach the carrier.” She cut him off as well.
“OPERATIONS, update” he demanded, swiveling to face the twenty-something operator who would not dare cut him off.
“Incoming torpedoes within range of our laser defenses. Automatic fire commencing,” he replied. “The third enemy destroyer fired their pulse cannon and plasma cannon at the Fairchild, Admiral. The loads will arrive at the same time as the torpedo swarm.”
Switching his attention from the Admiral, the OPS controller informed fighter command, “Captain Tal, you now have fifty-three-seconds before the first wave of torpedoes impact.”
Spirits 2, 5, and 6 fired rear thrusters against the deflectors for an emergency launch. Instead of a normal controlled departure, they screamed out of the hangar, passed through the force-screen that prevented atmosphere from escaping into open space, and exited above the carrier’s flight deck.
The three light fighters immediately encountered intense cross-gravity waves unique to the vortex. Flamer, piloting 2, rode the strongest wave, allowing it to push his ship sideways. Spirit 2 slipped over the side of the Fairchild. Like a swimmer allowing an undertow to pull him out to sea, Flamer went with the wave until he could pull the ship out of its grip.
The other two pilots, Wild Bill and Yassin, both made the mistake of fighting the gravity distortions crossing over the battle carrier. The small ships att
empted to push forward against forces capable of moving small planets. For a moment the fighters appeared to hang still in space, caught in swirls and eddies similar to gravity whirlpools around black holes. The ships and crews pinned between the carrier and incoming enemy fire.
Realizing the futility of fighting the headwind, Wild Bill yanked on his collective. The keel thrusters fired, sending Spirit 5 straight up the chute. The incoming pulse beam from the third enemy destroyer passed beneath them.
Yassin and the crew of Spirit 6 disappeared within the following plasma load. The fighter vaporized in the super-heated projectile’s path toward the Space Fleet carrier’s bridge.
The PT-109 removed incoming torpedoes as Kennedy, the ship’s AI, acquired, determined speed and course, and fired. The ship employed railgun, lasers, and the plasma cannon, selecting the defense with the best odds of reaching a target in time to prevent an impact.
Sindy Kebede at Tac-Ops monitored the action while keeping watch on the reset-timer for the tachyon weapon. She needed the system to recycle in order to take out the third destroyer.
“Comeon, comeon, comeon,” she spoke the prayer-plea aloud, but it did not speed the process.
Genna controlled the Patrol Boat’s back-up electro-magnetic generated force field. This allowed her to pad impact zones and minimize damage when missed torpedoes made contact. Instead of trusting untested software, she relied on reflexes enhanced by genetic engineering. The AI’s avatar concentrated on the incoming torpedoes, dismissing those likely intercepted by Kennedy, and projecting flight-lines for the ones getting through. Her calculations provided only seconds to increase the force field’s strength at the points of impact. Her inhuman eye-hand coordination the last available opportunity to save the ship from lethal damage. All other systems operated at max, and Kennedy engaged with battling the gravity-distortions within the vortex, while defending the ship from enemy fire, and covering the battle carrier.
Elie piloted the battle-tested space boat. In spite of the distortions, she forced the 109 to move. With safety limits disconnected, she taxed the power plants. The Spaniard played a deadly game of shuttling power between maneuvering the ship, and shunting as much energy to the shields as possible. She kept an eye on Genna, trying to anticipate when the avatar would shift the field in order to slide power from performance to protection.
Her re-engineered strength nearly crushed the manual flight control yoke in her right hand when coms called out, “Spirit 6 is gone.”
The coms officer continued to provide bad news. “Enemy pulse and plasma rounds exploded against the Fairchild’s aft deck. Upper Flight Hangar force-screen disabled. The hangar entrance collapsed. Three Spirit fighters are trapped inside. Carrier’s bridge hit, but remains operational.”
Coms continued to voice data-reports displayed on his terminal, as well as communications incoming from the other three ships in the beleaguered battle group.
“The 99 continues to cover the Pegasus. The 99 has taken four torpedo hits. Top, front starboard section is open to space . . . section sealed. Upper deck plasma cannon is gone. Hit amidship on port side. Section sealed. Fourth torpedo was a dud.”
From the pilot station, Elie could see Sindy’s Tac-Ops halo-display. She knew they were doing an incredible job taking out torpedoes headed for them and the Fairchild. The loss of sonic force-field protection, no communications beyond immediate vicinity, the constant strain placed on the BCVG by the anomalies within the vortex, and more rounds incoming from enemy ships meant the odds of survival continued to stack up against them.
Genna successfully redirected forcefield depths and prevented more than minimal damage by five high-explosive torpedoes that evaded the ship’s defenses. The Fairchild, a bigger, more important target, received more attention, and more damage.
Coms confirmed Casalobos’ concerns.
“Four torpedoes were blunted by the Fairchild’s force field, but one connected at the bridge. Captain, the damaged bridge could not withstand the concussion. Fairchild reporting bridge and combat control room, including main communications and telemetry consoles, is destroyed. Operational control of the ship has been moved to Engineering.”
In spite of the intense concentration required to pilot the ship, oversee command, and distribute energy, the Captain of the 109 could not ignore the call when she heard her name weakly through the Fellen trans-com bracelet she always wore.
“Noa, copy. It’s Elie,” she answered through gritted teeth, hoping her personal communications bracelet had the power to reach the twin Tal wore.
Kennedy, unrequested, boosted the signal while maintaining fire on incoming torpedoes.
“Hey, Loba. We’re in pretty bad shape over here,” came the reply. “My fighters are trapped behind the blast-deflection barriers. That probably saved us when the ceiling and walls came down. Hangar is venting atmosphere. Any crew not already dead escaped. They sealed the area. Spirits 3 and 4 are safe, functional, and stuck with me. We have environment inside the ships, but no way off the hangar. Hawks is not answering hails, and I’m unable to take command. Master Chief is running the show from engineering, but he’s blind down there, Loba. He could use your help.”
Elie smiled. One: relieved Noa, and the other fighter crews were alive. Two: The Israeli more concerned about the Master Chief than herself. Before she could respond to the gritty pilot, Sindy announced:
“Tachyon cannon ready. Firing. Hope you burn in hell,” she added as the super-charged beam hurled towards the enemy destroyer. “Kennedy, light that mother-fucker up.”
Coms called the action: “Third destroyer hit by our tachyon beam. The space-frame is crumpling. Multiple hits of kinetic and plasma loads from the 109 are on the way to finish the job.”
With the distance to travel, and the vortex playing havoc with anything moving, it would take time and luck for the rods and plasma loads to reach the crippled destroyer.
Cons finally called out, “Two rods made contact. Implosion imminent (hesitation -- pause -- deep breath). There she blows. Implosion. Concussive reaction, amplified by the gravity distortions, completely taking out the disabled destroyer.”
“Pegasus reports a hit to her starboard forward quarter. Casualties, but the section has been sealed. The ship remains operational. The 99 did one hell of a job keeping her safe,” the LTJG added, not realizing the sting it gave Elie, who had not kept the Fairchild as well protected.
“Sorry, Noa,” Elie said, releasing the yoke, and returning pilot control of the 109 to Kennedy. “I should have done more to protect the Fairchild.”
“Stow it, Elie,” Noa responded over the com. “The enemy ships targeted two-thirds of their armaments at us, not the Pegasus. The 109, the Fairchild crew, Flamer, and Wild Bill did everything possible. There were just too many incoming. If the Prophet and his other battlecruiser decide to join the fight now, I’m not sure we’ll survive. Keep an eye on them, and get the group out of this kelba vortex.”
“Any word on Hawks?” Elie asked.
“No, but until we know for sure if he survived or not I’m sure Rachelle and Sam will agree you should have flag. I’ll call them. Noa, out.”
Elie was not sure what to do, then Sindy’s hand took hers. Casalobos released a long, slow breath. Whatever she faced, she had friends, an able crew, and a strong ship.
CHAPTER 34
FELL
“Admiral Lexton, your ships have dealt with the vortex before. What do I need to know to help my people?” Coop asked.
“A couple of things right now,” Lexton said. “First, the gravity waves currently move down across the field, they bunch up, and then rise and become more violent as they near Aster Farum 3. The Prophet mapped the waves and placed his personal battlecruiser and escort at the point where they begin to crest. Your ships are in the area where they will face the largest distortions. He chose this area well. The gravity is compacted. Ion particles from wormhole events that would normally fade remain trapped inside the vortex. Th
is is why the white noise emitters are able to diminish your sonic force fields. One moment, Captain. My Chief of Intelligence has arrived. He may have more information.”
“What are you thinking?” Sky asked.
“If these gravity waves act anything like real waves, either the CVBG can go up, past the Prophet and into an area of the vortex which is calmer, or they can ride the waves back towards AF3.”
“Where six battle cruisers are waiting,” Sky added.
“True, but there is no telling what may be waiting inside the wormhole they are heading for,” he countered. “Either way, they need force fields back to full capacity. The shields will protect them from enemy fire, and help mitigate the effects of the gravity distortions. We also have to devise a plan to handle the other enemy destroyers and two-hundred ships bearing down on their location.”
“Captain Cooper of Earth?” A new voice came over the com from Aster system. “Are you there, sir?”
“This is Captain Cooper. Who is this, and where is Admiral Lexton?”
“This is Admiral Revas Nan, Admiral Lexton has been assassinated by Major Willmer, our military intelligence commander.”
“Admiral Nan, I’m truly sorry to hear this. What is happening?” Coop asked, afraid the headway made with Lexton now gone.
“Major Willmer killed Admiral Lexton and General Ostella,” Nan said. “Captain Covane, our communications specialist, shot Willmer before he could do more damage. Captain, I have been monitoring your conversations with Admiral Lexton, and I agree we must help each other to stop the Prophet. Unfortunately, Major Willmer was obviously one of Soren’s agents. He may know everything you were discussing.”
“Which was not much in the way of usable intel,” Coop said. “Having said that, Admiral Nan, if you agree we must cooperate, I need two things to occur quickly.”
