by H. Alesso
CLANG! CLANG! CLANG!
Throughout the Indefatigable, the crew responded. Weapons were charged, but energy consumption was minimized for low priority equipment, environmental controls were adjusted with all compartment hatches battened down. The ship maintained it low emission state making it hard to detect at normal distances.
As the crew’s youngest member, Joshua was eager to report to the CIC to track the enemy ships. With his thin frame and slight build, the busy crew hardly noticed him.
“All battle stations manned and ready, Captain.”
“Great,” said Hawkins, furrowing his brow. “Give me each fleet’s course.”
Seconds later, the astrogator reported, “The Hellion fleet is steering course 010, mark two, sir, heading almost directly toward the sun.”
“The Jaxon fleet is steering course 190, mark 2, sir. Fleets are converging on the nearby colony.”
Hawkins mind raced, seeking some additional resources that would help him sway the impending battle in the Indefatigable’s favor.
“How long before we’re in range?” asked Hawkins.
The sensor operator said, “An hour, Captain.”
Hawkins watched the amplified view screen in fascination as the fleets approached.
He watched for any change to the enemy’s trajectory, looking for any indication that they had discovered the approaching Jaxon fleet.
***
Admiral Forester of the Victor formed his forty ships into a double line of battle with ten dreadnaughts leading each column. His twenty lesser ships following behind the dreadnaughts at a respectful distance, intent on providing what limited support they could offer.
He had received reports that the Hellion fleet was in this area and he guessed they would assault the local mining colony. He didn’t intend to let that happen.
He turned to his bridge officers and said confidently, “Victory is assured!” His men responded with a hearty cheer. One of Jaxon’s scout drones reported the Hellion fleet at some ten light-seconds distance.
Ship time read 5:30.
The captain in the lead ship reported, five enemy ships heading toward the mining colony.
The Jaxon fleet adjusted course slightly toward the Hellion ships. They completed their maneuver and settled in their new formation and course.
The bridge was alive with crewmen scanning their instruments for more details, chattering excitedly.
“I wonder what old Forester is thinking,” one muttered.
Forester had no idea of the size of the fleet, he was up against, but as the ships loomed up, a sensor lieutenant exclaimed, “Those are some real whoppers!”
On the bridge of Victor, the flag captain reported the count of enemy ships as they came into existence on the ship’s sensors.
“There are twenty Hellion ships, sir.”
“Very well.”
A minute later, “There are thirty ships, sir.”
“Very well.”
And again moments later, “There are fifty, sir.”
“Very well.”
“Sir, there are now . . .”
Forester’s back stiffened. “Tell me no more. No matter if there are a hundred enemy ships, I will not shirk.”
Forester pulled on his right ear, a mannerism he had in his adult life, indicating he was lost in thought.
The fighting formations in space warfare, particularly in attack, were characterized by massing concentrated gun fire at the critical point of battle. The Hellion were prone to sacrifice men at an alarming rate, in order to get into an advantageous position. They displayed contempt for the lives of their men. Their ships would attack in waves. Such ruthless methods sometimes produced results, but the cost in morale to their own troops was enormous, producing a lack of enthusiasm in their lower ranks.
On the other hand, the Jaxon ships were generally in poor condition due to Victor’s corruption , preventing them from taking swift advantage of these tactical situations.
Neither side was able to improve very much on the battle field, bound by strategies of rigid thinking.
The Hellion fleet was formed in three parallel divisions of twelve dreadnaughts each. Like an octopus it extended its tentacles toward its prey. Each of the divisions of dreadnaughts was a threatening appendage. The fleet had a large outer screen of sloops and frigates. The outer screen formed a quilt-like arrangement. The overall effect solidified the volume of the outer screen. The main battle fleet was about ten light-seconds ahead of a support force that included transports and supply ships which they used after capturing a colony. But the support ships were slow and ponderous, and now they were a burden for the Hellion Combat Fleet to protect them.
***
“What’s the range to the Hellion fleet?” Hawkins asked.
“They are within firing range of the colony, sir.”
Something about one of the defense satellites appeared strange. A moment later, it exploded and disappeared from the screen. Then, another bright flash appeared on the view screen. The Hellion ships were shooting at the colony defenses.
CIC reported, “That last explosion may have caused serious damage to the asteroid’s surface, but we’re uncertain how close it was to the populated area.”
Hawkins grimaced and nodded.
The sensor operator reported, “We’re still undetectable on the enemy’s sensor range, sir. They wouldn’t be detecting us at any time soon.”
“Good,” he said. “The Hellion should be sensing the Jaxon fleet by now.”
“The logical question is as the Hellion maneuvered to attack the colony, will the Jaxon fleet arrive in time to help?” asked Hale.
“Once they realize the Jaxon Combat Fleet is approaching, they may change their plans,” said Gunny.
“For the moment our focus should be on how we will respond,” said Hawkins.
“This means anything we attempt, will be playing catchup.”
“Indecision, in the face of the enemy is paralyzing, and is the cause of many defeats,” said Hawkins.
“I don’t like the sound of that,” said Hale.
“It doesn’t matter what you want, it only matters what we can accomplish,” said Hawkins.
“I’d advise caution,” said Hale, scratching his chin. “We can’t face those dreadnaughts,”
“We may not have a choice,” said Hawkins. “Are you counting on surprise, or just blindness on the part of the enemy?” asked Hale.
“Even if we do everything right and achieve complete surprise, we’ll still be badly outnumbered and outgunned, not a winning combination,” said Hawkins. “We’ll do well to remain hidden and sneak away when the fleets engage.”
***
Admiral Forester asked, “How long before we’re in firing range?”
“Thirty minutes, Admiral,” said the flag captain. “But I must point out that we are badly outnumbered.”
Admiral Forester’s jaw tightened and his eyes flashed, “I am counting on the pride and courage of my men to carry the day.”
The flag captain said, “I'm afraid I can't share your optimism.”
“Just obey my orders and leave the optimism to me.”
“The enemy is no longer accelerating toward us in a single battle line of dreadnaughts,” said the flag captain. “Their ships are staggered in attack formation.”
“Increase the scan rate,” ordered Admiral Forester.
Why run another scan? The news will not get better.
Adrenaline made his hands tremble. He took a deep breath.
***
Hawkins tore his gaze from the panel to look at the sensor screen.
“That’s odd,” said the sensor tech.
“What is?”
“It might be a ghost sensor reading.”
“Holy hell!” the sensor tech cried, blanching deathly pale.
“What the hell do they think they’re doing?” asked Hawkins, looking at the chilling pale blue screen with its flashing dots of light and its pop-up data boxe
s describing a battle field with a frightening array of ships.
“What’s the range?” he croaked.
“Two light seconds.”
The sensor tech said, “But Captain, the Hellion fleet is turning around and going back the way they came. They’re avoiding the engagement.”
“Will the Jaxon fleet be able to catch them?”
“I’m afraid not, sir, they’re too far away.”
Hawkins considered his options. The wisest plan would be to stay out of sight and sensor range.
But after a moment, a strange feeling struck him, the same feeling he often got when he saw an opportunity emerge from a pattern of possibilities. He could not say exactly, what it was that triggered the idea in his mind, but now, he felt as if he were on the edge of a precipice, about to step off into a dark nothingness.
He stood up from his command chair and put his hands on his hips.
Hale, his face, a contortion of unhappy recognition and instant distress, rose to his feet without any place to go, “No, Jamie. No! Tell me you’re not going to do what I know you’re going to do.”
“Helm, ahead full!” said Hawkins with relish. “Come to an intercept course with the lead dreadnaught in the Hellion rear guard.”
“Aye, Captain.”
“Gunny, full power to shields, charge all weapons.”
“Aye, captain.”
“Comm, signal the rebel fleet to power up and follow us.”
The sudden appearance of Hawkins' six ships on all of the Hellion’s scan screens must have been a stunning surprise. The reaction of the Hellion rear guard was to protect its fleet withdrawal by turning toward Hawkins’s ship and attacking.
“What we are about to receive . . .,” said Hale shaking his head.
Hawkins intended to use his little flotilla to cut off the Hellion rear guard of six dreadnaughts from the rest of its fleet. This would force the Hellion admiral to choose to either turn back to support his cut-off ships, and thus become embroiled in a major action with the soon-to-arrive Jaxon fleet, or abandon the rear guard to fight its way past Hawkins on its own, which would mean that they would inevitably fall into action with the main Jaxon fleet, dooming them.
Regardless of the Hellion admiral’s choice, Hawkins and his ships would be in the thick of battle between two opposing fleets, both of which wanted him dead.
“Don’t open fire until I say. They don’t know how much fire power we’re packing and I want to reserve as much surprise as possible. At least until we are at our best weapon range.”
“Sir, they’re trying to jam our comms.”
“Increase power and override.”
He watched the display with calm detachment.
The rebel fleet closed with the Hellion rear division of six dreadnaughts. Pollux and Castor were closest behind Indefatigable, but were farther from the sun and therefore closer to the Hellion dreadnaughts. As a result, they were the first to come under fire.
Steady streams of deadly radiation blasts were released.
“Range decreasing.”
“Open fire.”
“A hit.”
“Keep firing.”
The ships charged forward.
He looked at the damage report panel and saw it light up like a pinball machine.
Two more hits on the Indefatigable.
Smoke billowed up on the bridge, creating a blazing pocket of hell sizzling circuit boards.
But she scored too. They ripped at one dreadnaught.
“Hard to starboard.”
“Aye sir, . . .”
The combined firepower of Hawkins three frigates was enough to wound the lead dreadnaught. The injured ship limped out of formation.
Grinning from ear to ear, Hawkins ordered, “Send this message to the Victor:
‘Greetings Admiral Forester,
I have the honor to report that forces loyal to Jaxon have taken it upon themselves to aid you in your efforts to bring the Hellion fleet to battle. We have cut off and engaged the rearguard of the Hellion fleet. I suspect that Admiral Slade is making a tough decision right about now, but I think in the end, he will turn around and come back this way. While I’m sure we will give their rear division a sound drubbing, I would appreciate any assistance you might offer to deal with the rest of the Hellion fleet.
Regards,
Jamie Hawkins’.”
Hale rolled his eyes.
They continued to fight while they waited for Forester’s reply.
They didn’t have to wait long.
The comm tech reported, “Message from the Victor; sir.
‘Captain Hawkins,
You do credit to your reputation.
Good luck.
Fleet Admiral Charles Forester’.”
“Good luck? That’s it?” squawked Hale in obvious distress.
“Sir, sensors show the Victor converging on our position. The rest of the fleet is following,” said the tech practically cheering.
“I hope those dreadnaughts are faster than they look,” grumbled Hale.
The Hellion admiral proved of stronger mettle than many would have thought. He turned his fleet back toward Hawkins, his rearguard, and the approaching Jaxon fleet.
Hawkins had achieved his objective, but would now pay the price for his reckless decision.
As the pitched battle continued, three of the dreadnaughts converged on the Pollux. After several volleys the Pollux suddenly exploded in a spectacular, brilliant fireball.
“Oh, my God,” cried Hale.
The bridge of the Indefatigable stood stunned.
Hawkins was dumbfounded—guilt flooded his soul. He stared mesmerized at the screen that showed a field of debris—all that remained of the Pollux. The pain and despair was awesome and his mask momentarily dropped away, exposing a pained expression. He closed his eyes and dropped his head in his hands. His mind reeled with the possibility that he had made a terrible mistake and done exactly what Hale had feared earlier: added more victims to the carnage.
The sense of reckless absurdity with which he had first approached this battle evaporated, replaced by deadly solemnity.
Perhaps it was already too late. In a few minutes, his rebel command would be so entwined with the Hellion ships that there would be no possibility of retreat. A deep flush rose in his cheeks. There was no more time. It was too late for second guesses, or for “if only, or maybe.”
Anger drove away his fear, doubt, and anguish. His heart pounded against his ribs like a drum beat.
What is the enemy planning?
Holding his present course would expose the Indefatigable to a withering fire. His best plan was to fire and dodge, before counter blows were delivered. His ship handling would be critical.
“Helm,” he ordered, “change course to intercept the lead dreadnaught. Ahead flank.”
The Indefatigable came around to fire its broadside on the lead dreadnaught.
The two ships fired simultaneously.
Hawkins knew that the enemy was powerful, well drilled, and prepared for action. He was also aware that he had a slim chance in a ship-to-ship slugging match with a dreadnaught.
The dreadnaught focused all its firepower on the Indefatigable exclusively, ignoring the other ships.
Hawkins paced across the back of the bridge. Suppose he was drawn into close action against this ship. What were his chances? Would his shields hold or his weapons be powerful enough? The odds of a frigate against a dreadnaught ordinarily would have been inconceivable, but the Indefatigable had already proved she was no ordinary ship. He shook off the black mood. He had no time for introspection; he had to find some creative way to rid themselves of this attacker.
We may be outgunned and outclassed, but we won’t be outfought.
They were shocked by the power of the next broadside. There were considerable casualties, including Joshua who was wounded and carried from CIC by the med tech, down to the medical center.
Hawkins reassessed the situation and re
vised his plan. He vowed the next broadside exchange would be different. It was becoming an exhausting struggle. He maneuvered his ship trying to shake his determined pursuer, hoping to convince them that they were chasing a ghost.
The seconds passed like minutes as the Indefatigable plunged further into the battle space with every crew member feeling the stress. The corridors were choked with disconnected wires and ruptured pipes extruding from the bulkhead and entwined through grates that supported the overhead deck. In was no coincident that all the circuits were out and the AI controls were limp. There were odd noises coming from all directions indicating problems and damage, but too few crewmen available to plug the holes.
***
Admiral Forester ordered his fleet to attack at flank speed. He knew the situation would only get worse if the Hellion fleet rejoined with its rearguard.
After several minutes, it became obvious that the Hellion dreadnaughts ships were formed in three loose columns, one of about 20 ships to sunward and another, of about 14 ships, somewhat closer to the colony. This gave the impression that they might form a single line and pass along the sunward column of the Jaxon fleet, exposing one column of the Jaxon fleet to the entire fire of the larger Hellion force.
Forester gave his order, “Form in a double line of battle behind and beside the Victor as most convenient.”
When this order was completed his fleet had formed a double line of battle, flying directly at the Hellion fleet.
“Engage the enemy,” Forester signaled.
The two fleets met. Forester’s concentration was now well and truly focused on the screen displays, as he tried to fit all the information into his brain to devise his next move.
Jaxon had the advantage, in that the Hellion fleet was split into two groups and was unprepared for close battle, while the Jaxon fleet was already in line. Forester ordered the Jaxon fleet to pass between the two groups, minimizing the fire they could launch into him, while he could fire in both directions.
After ten minutes, Victor tacked to reverse her course and take on one of the Hellion columns individually. The Hellion division now put about to port with the intention of breaking the Jaxon line at the point where the ships were tacking in succession. The ships came round, and gave covering fire.
