“Looks like we’re finally going to see what’s on the other side of that thing then, doesn’t it?”
The internal alarms sounded, the same sound used when the ship was about to accelerate to a new destination.
“Major Daniels again, we are approaching the Spacebridge. Strap in. We have no idea how rough this is going to be.”
Spartan, Gun and Khan looked at the speaker and then quickly grabbed the nearest straps they could find. The rest of the Vanguards and Jötnar did the same. Although not all made it, as the Yorkdale started to shake as if being struck by a massive hammer.
“Here we go again,” laughed Gun as he swung up, barely holding on to the thick straps and bars.
The ship shook and rattled as it built up speed towards the Spacebridge. It quickly hit its maximum acceleration, but the engines kept on pushing. The sirens maintained their din, and the ship ploughed on to its destination.
“Twenty seconds until Spacebridge!” said the voice of the Yorkdale’s Captain on the speakers.
“Hey, Spartan,” said Gun.
“Yeah?”
“What do you think is there?”
“What, on the other side you mean?”
Gun nodded.
“Well, based on past experience, it will probably be just the same as here, but just a lot worse!”
Gun laughed and Khan soon joined in, their low tones echoing through the cavernous landing bay. Other Jötnar must have heard what he had to say as they also joined in with the chorus of shouting and laughter. Then with a sickening feeling, the ship blasted through the Spacebridge. Spartan felt as if he had just been dropped from a great height, and it took all his control to not vomit immediately. Several of the other marines failed, but the Jötnar seemed to almost enjoy the sensation. Almost as soon as it had started the vibration stopped, and the ship reverted to its usual motionless state.
“This is the Major Daniels, we’re through, get ready!”
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Boarding parties have a long history in the Navy and offer many advantages to a wily commander. As well as providing a strong defensive deterrent, that can assist in anti-narcotics operations and hostage rescue operations. When required these small units can conduct ship-boarding actions, though it is no longer their focus. It is imperative that these troops are well trained and equipped, as they will be often fighting alone and without the support of other troops.
Naval Cadet’s Handbook
The sight of Terra Nova was something none of the officers in the CiC had ever expected to see. Admiral Jarvis stood up and moved directly in front of the main viewscreen to examine the glowing orb in all its glory. The planet was the main reason humanity had travelled to Alpha Centauri in the first place. It was an almost perfect mirror of old Earth, with its deep oceans and favourable climate. Though centuries of building had turned it into an overpopulated metropolis, it was still the beating heart of the Confederacy. She looked back to see her crew stood with a mixture of awe and anguish on their faces. A bloody stain on the wall showed where the Captain had been shot. He had been taken away to the medical bay. There didn’t seem to be any sign of a mutiny as clearly the Admiral’s action had sent a ripple through the ship.
“I need a full report on this sector, fast!” she said finally.
Lieutenant Nilsson was the first to speak.
“Sir, this is strange. I’m picking up a variety of military band signals but no civilian traffic of any kind. Not even civilian traffic, marker beacons or anything else.”
“What about from the surface?”
“Again, nothing but military frequencies. Wait, there is something else…”
One of the computer displays flickered and then exploded, sending shards of metal and plastic through the CiC. Several sections struck Lieutenant Nilsson and knocked her from her seat. One of the marine guards moved to help her up.
“What was that?” asked the XO.
The young lieutenant held onto one of the many grab rails and turned to face the Admiral.
“It came from Terra Nova, a signal like I’ve never seen before. It is being sent out on all frequencies, but most of the power is being used to send it to one point.”
“The Anomaly?” suggested Admiral Jarvis.
Lieutenant Nilsson nodded and then dropped slightly before being caught by the marine.
More sparks flashed around the system and the displays went black as computer systems powered down or were damaged.
“She’s alright, Admiral. Minor flesh wound and concussion, I’ll take her to sickbay.”
Admiral Jarvis simply nodded. She was far more concerned with what was happening to her ship. The crew did their best, but systems kept cutting out.
“Get us away from the Spacebridge and fast!”
The helmsman hit full power without even sending a warning. Those that were unstrapped flew through the ship and struck bulkheads, computer displays and equipment. CCS Crusader twisted along her length as the unplanned boost of power pushed her away from the distortion in space. In seconds a number of displays flickered back to life.
“That’s it. Put us on course for the planet. Continue scanning the sector.”
The door opened with a swish and in rushed a group of medics as well as more marines. There were a number of casualties, and at least one that had to be taken away on a stretcher.
“Leviathan is docking with the primary transit station in orbit around Terra Nova. Wait, there are more ships in orbit,” said the tactical officer. He checked the details on his computer system, turning in his chair to speak to the Admiral.
“There are three more vessels, same configuration as Leviathan, and they are all docked on the gantries of the transit station.”
Admiral Jarvis examined the ships in detail on her screen. The cruisers were powerful, and four of them would be easily capable of taking on and destroying her single warship. The transit station was a small space station, not much bigger than two or three battleships put together. She was wary of getting too close as most naval and transit stations were armoured and equipped with a small garrison.
“Sir, we’re getting unusual readings from the surface. Low level radiation and a number of distress beacons,” announced the science officer. The man continued checking his screen to confirm his readings.
“Yes, it looks like a number of nuclear warheads have been detonated in low orbit.”
“The bastards, so they’ve already hit the planet. Are there any signs of life? Don’t tell me they’ve sterilised the planet? That’s billions of citizens.”
Before he could reply a number of signal alerts appeared.
“Signal from the station. It’s Typhon, and he wishes to speak with you, Admiral,” said the XO as he took over the communications desk, recently vacated by Lieutenant Nilsson.
Admiral Jarvis said nothing but indicated with her hand to put it on the main screen.
The image of the most hated man in the Confederacy appeared in the middle of the display. He was stood in what looked like a well-decorated lounge and flanked by two fully armoured Zealot bodyguards.
“Admiral Jarvis, I commend your tenacity in coming through to our home. As you are no doubt aware, Terra Nova is ours. Alpha Centauri has fallen to our host, and Proxima will soon follow. I offer you a final opportunity to surrender and serve us.”
Admiral Jarvis stood up tall, her imposing figure filling the camera feed. She took two steps forward and looked hard at her adversary.
“What have you done here?”
“Here? On Terra Nova? Oh, the planet fell over a year ago.”
“Why are we detecting levels of radiation?” she asked, desperate to know more of what happened.
“What does it matter? The Sons of the League are ready to show their faces, and we are prepared to be kind, but only to those who submit, of course.”
The XO approached Admiral Jarvis and handed her a datapad. She glanced down at the data. It showed a number of craters on the surface
. There had evidently been heavy fighting, but the capital appeared undamaged.
“I assume you’re scanning the surface. Let me save you the trouble, if it will help you come to a decision. My Zealot brothers took control of the capital before the uprising in Proxima even began. The damage done here was by Confederate forces trying to seize our home. They are now dead, but their ships have proved useful,” he said with a sick smile.
“I do not believe you. There are garrisons on the planet. What about the Terra Nova Guards Brigade? They have thousands of soldiers.”
“Oh, our Biomech friends took good care of them. Their name still exists though.”
To the right of Typhon an image of the surface of the planet appeared. It showed the Palace of Terra Nova, the home of the President and the senior staff of the Confederacy. Outside the building flew the flag of the Union. On the parade ground stood hundreds of soldiers, all lined up and drilling. At first Admiral Jarvis thought they were the Brigade, until she spotted the way they moved.
“Biomechs? You replaced the Guard with them?”
“Of course, it is same on Carthago and the rest of the colonies. It is hopeless to resist. Your single, pitiful ship can do nothing here. Now, I have done my part. It is time for you to do yours.”
“Admiral,” called the science officer.
Admiral Jarvis signalled for the video feed to be paused, and she turned to the science desk.
“What is it?”
“The signal, I’ve managed to track it. There is a massive energy surge coming directly from the Palace itself. It is being diffracted at the transit station and from there to the Anomaly, as well as every colony in this sector. I think I’ve found the Core.”
The Admiral thought for a moment. The Core was something her intelligence operatives had uncovered months before. It was the assumed central point from which orders to the Biomechs, ships and automated systems was broadcast.
“You’re telling me the command and control system for the Union is based in the capital buildings of Terra Nova?”
“Yes, Sir.”
“Tactical, can we bombard the site from orbit?”
“Negative, outside of the atmosphere, we can do nothing. That’s assuming the signal is coming from the surface.”
“It isn’t, the power readings are off the charts. It looks like most of the Palace is being used to power it. The main power core is nearly two hundred metres underground.”
Typhon shouted out from the viewscreen.
“I assume from your silence that you are thinking of doing something hostile. Very well, prepare to join your lost comrades.”
“Sir, the station is launching fighters, four squadrons, and they’re armed with anti-ship missiles. One of the cruisers is detaching from the station and they’re arming their primary weapon,” called out the tactical officer. He checked one more detail. “We can’t take many more hits from the particle beams, Sir.”
“No, we can’t end this war like this. We need to do something,” she said quietly, desperately trying to think of a plan. Try as she could, there was no way to avoid the simple mathematics. Four powerful cruisers, squadrons of fighters and the station were more than enough to finally destroy the only battlecruiser in the fleet.
“Contact! It’s the Yorkdale!” called out one of the crew.
“What?” snapped the Admiral.
“It’s definitely her, Sir. They’ve taken damage, but it appears her hull is intact and she’s moving into position alongside us.”
The XO turned in excitement to the Admiral.
“We have contact from Major Daniels.”
“Put him on.”
The figure of the young Major filled the viewscreen. It was clear that the crew of the Yorkdale had sustained similar casualties during their trip through the Anomaly. Small fires burned in the background and crewmembers were busy putting out the flames.
“Major, what are you doing here?”
“We saw you leave the fight in pursuit of the Leviathan. We’re here to assist.”
“What is your status?”
“Full complement of Vanguards and Jötnar, less a small number of casualties. I have Commander Gun on board, as well as Lieutenant Spartan and Sergeant Lovett who made it off the Oceania.”
“The transit station is being used as a diffraction site for the Union communications system. If we can cripple it, we might be able to create confusion in their forces, especially those receiving orders back home.”
“Understood. What stops them using a ship to bounce the signal though?”
She turned to her science officer who was busy running the data through the computer. He fumbled, nervous under pressure but managed to get a workable result.
“The Major is correct, Sir. If they reposition a large enough vessel, they can bounce it through to the Anomaly. It will be less effective, but it will still work.”
“So...we need to hit both targets, and quickly.”
“Both?” asked Major Daniels.
“Yes, the station and the Core that is buried deep inside the Palace below.”
“The Palace of Terra Nova is where the Core is based?”
“Correct,” she replied.
“Admiral, here they come!” called out the XO as he brought up the forward display. The groups of fighters approached at high speed. Each of the craft jinked to avoid the automated defensive turrets. The Admiral turned back to the Major.
“Move into formation behind us. We will escort you to the station. When we are close enough, I want you to unleash all of your troops. Hit the station and the cruisers. I will give you all the fire I can.”
“Understood, Admiral,” he replied and saluted quickly.
Admiral Jarvis did the same and then turned to the XO.
“Give me full power, put us in position one kilometre from the station. All crew to battle stations, we need to hit them before they can launch.”
He nodded and got straight to work organising the ship for the attack. On the viewscreen, the fighters were now in range and firing volleys of missiles towards the warship. Streaks of fire from the turrets brought down most, but two managed to penetrate the defensive fire and struck one of the engine housings.
“The first cruiser is pulling away from the station, shall we alter course?” asked the XO.
“Negative, keep on course, the station must be neutralised.”
* * *
Spartan and the rest of the 1st Company watched the approach to the station with a mixture of pride and fear. CCS Crusader was taking a beating from the concentrated fire of four cruisers and the station. Only one cruiser had managed to pull free, but the other three were still able to make use of their lateral gun turrets. The cloud of weapons fire around the battlecruiser gave the impression she was pushing through a cloud of smoke rather than the hail of metal and explosives. The marines stood tall and powerful in their armoured Vanguard suits, but even with the extra plating they were nowhere near the size of the Jötnar.
Major Daniels entered the landing bay along with a squad of marines. He stopped in front of Commander Gun, Spartan and Captain Khan.
“What are you doing here, Sir?”
“This is going to be a ground battle, maybe the last of the war for us. I’m not sitting in the CiC with nothing to do. I’m coming with you.”
Sergeant Lovett was about to speak but Spartan lifted his hand, letting him know it was okay.
“I understand, Sir. You joining our company?” asked Spartan.
“I would be honoured to do so. Do you have any additional Vanguard gear?”
Sergeant Lovett indicated towards the weapons and armour store behind one of the strapped down shuttles.
“Come with me, Sir.”
The small group moved off leaving Spartan, Khan and Gun waiting on the landing bay floor. By now, the three were well used to the clatter of gunfire as it struck the thickly plated hull of the ship. Unlike many of the other transports in the fleet, she was reinforced and fitted
out with extra armour plating, more powerful engines and a small number of defensive weapon turrets.
“You ready?” asked Gun.
The others nodded, each feeling the adrenalin surging through their bodies at the prospect of a momentous battle. They all carried an impressive arsenal of ranged and close quarter weapons. A loud clanking noise to the side caught their attention. It was the return of the Major, along with his bodyguard, and both were wearing the vaunted Vanguard Armour.
“Come on then, it’s time,” he said.
Without hesitating, the small party boarded their landing craft and took their positions inside. Spartan glanced at the many warriors checking their weapons for the hundredth time. The 1st Company was the most experienced unit on the ship, but even they had their own routines they went through prior to a fight. Commander Gun checked his modified datapad on his arm. According to the information displayed, his forces were forty percent ready. The gunships, landing craft and shuttles were filled to capacity. The remaining sixty percent would have to wait for the craft to return before they could join the fight. The Major was busy speaking to somebody on the communications system in his suit. The rest of those inside waited to hear what he had to say. After what appeared to be an eternity, he looked to them with a look of grim determination.
“It’s not looking good. Crusader is being hit hard.”
* * *
“What do you mean our weapons are off-line?” demanded Admiral Jarvis.
The ship vibrated violently as hundreds of projectiles smashed into the now defenceless warship. With no point defence turrets functioning, it meant even the lowliest missile was able to strike, and the ship was paying the price.
“Damage on all decks, leaks in the main powerplant, engines only partially operational,” said the chief engineer.
One of the bulkheads near the XO ripped in half sending shards of metal flying through the CiC. A marine guard was struck in the face and another knocked to the ground. The tactical officer called out to her.
Star Crusades Uprising: The Second Trilogy Page 57
