Kelly Blake 3: Where the Stars Are Few and Far Between

by Rodney Smith

He was in mid-thought when his sensor operator reported A’Ngarii ships, over two hundred of them. G’Rof felt a sense that he had been rescued. He could change heading and smash through the A’Ngarii. The Humans did them no favors by talking them into coming along on this misadventure. Their missiles were no good against K’Rang countermeasures.

  He ordered his Grand Armada to turn and assault the Angaerry Fleet. If he could blow through them, he might escape to the shipyards along the K’Rang/A’Ngarii border, resupply, refit, and return to fight another day. If he could smash the A’Ngarii Fleet and go to FTL and execute an evasive course, he might be able to lose the Human fleet in the confusion. Baron G’Rof ordered a course toward the Angaerry at 0.5c.

  * * * * *

  Jotil Lenkva watched the sensor feed as the Grand Armada turned toward her and increased speed. She grew excited when she realized the K’Rang Grand Armada was coming right at her. She called her commanders, Angaerry and Human, and had them prepare their missile batteries for mass fire. She correctly surmised that the K’Rang commander did not know that the missile countermeasure problem had been solved and combat tested.

  She watched the distance close and prepared to give the command to fire. A-76 squadrons were launching to provide more missiles to the mix. The monitor in front of her showed the K’Rang fleet creeping toward the missile engagement zone. Angaerry missiles had a ten percent range advantage over the K’Rang. The K’Rang offensive missiles would launch within the Angaerry defensive missile envelope.

  When the K’Rang fleet crossed the missile engagement line, Jotil Lenkva ordered the front to rear ripple fire technique she had developed to saturate the K’Rang defenses. She had the A-76's concentrate on the cruisers. Between the A-76’s missiles, the Angaerry fleet’s missiles, and the fact that a large percentage of the K’Rang defensive missiles were employed against the 2nd Combined Fleet, she felt that a large portion of the K’Rang Fleet would go no further.

  * * * * *

  Baron G’Rof smiled in anticipation of his impending destruction of the A’Ngarii fleet. Their missiles were inbound, mixed in with missiles from the Human small attack ships and capital ships. His jammers would misdirect the Angaerry missiles and his defensive missiles would be more than enough to swat down the Human missiles. He was confident he could escape and save his fleet for another day. He fired his offensive missiles as the fleet came into range, and prepared to climb above the devastation and jump to FTL power 4.

  The faster, longer-ranged Angaerry missiles were approaching the point where the K’Rang jammers would block their homing system and send them off in every direction. The countermeasures officer sat ready to activate the fleet’s jammers. As the missiles crossed the range line, he pushed the button. Nothing happened. He pushed the button again and sent the command via voice, to no avail. The A’Ngarii missiles flew straight and true. The defensive missile officer fired every defensive missile left in their cells and launchers. It would not be enough. The math was simple. There were not enough defensive missiles to knock down the offensive missiles coming at them. He ordered all guns to prepare to take out leakers.

  The K’Rang defensive missiles took out three-quarters of the inbound missiles, but the remainder flew straight at them. Guns took out another 10 percent and close in defensive systems took out another 10 percent, but the remainder flew into the K’Rang formation. They created havoc as ships were hit and started losing steerage. A cruiser took a missile in the bridge, killing the captain and entire bridge crew. Before control could be switched to the auxiliary bridge, the ship turned into the path of a destroyer and the collision destroyed them both.

  Other K’Rang ships were destroyed outright as missiles bore in unopposed by missiles or guns. Evasive maneuvers made the situation worse, as ships collided and caused more damage than the missiles would have. In some cases, errant defensive gunfire damaged ships that would have had no damage otherwise.

  His surviving missiles flew into the Angaerry formation and killed or damaged 32 ships, but not enough to make a difference in the overall battle. He took out two cruisers, 16 destroyers and the rest frigates. It was an insignificant number.

  Baron G’Rof made a quick calculation and came to an inescapable conclusion. He was done. He had the A’Ngarii in front of him and their missiles were effective. The Humans were behind him and outnumbered him. He could fight to the end, but what would that accomplish? Thousands of K’Rang would die for no result, beyond fodder for poets and songwriters and profit for monument designers and sculptors. He turned his fleet away and activated his comms.

  * * * * *

  Admiral Chang could barely believe his ears when a call came in over Fleet main comms in clear voice from the K’Rang commander. His translator told him it was the K’Rang commander asking for a cease-fire, in order to discuss terms of surrender. Chang ordered an immediate cease-fire for his forces and transmitted that to the K’Rang commander. A videoconference was established between Admiral Chang and Shadow Force Commander (Baron) G’Rof.

  G’Rof started the negotiation. “I am Shadow Force Commander (Baron) G’Rof of the K’Rang Grand Armada, or what is left of it. I wish to end these hostilities before thousands of my warriors and yours die in what has become a futile battle.”

  He paused and Admiral Chang introduced himself. “I am Admiral Samuel Chang of the Allied Fleet representing the Galactic Republic and the Angaerry Republic. I also wish to see an end to this useless warfare.”

  G’Rof continued, “Admiral Chang, I ask one thing before we continue. I wish to communicate with my government to receive guidance. I give you my word of honor that I will surrender my command no matter what they decide, but honor demands that I confer with my government.”

  Admiral Chang answered, “Baron G’Rof, I agree to a 12-hour cease-fire for you to confer with your government. All ships must hold in their current position. No resupply or repositioning is allowed. Damage control and rescue may continue. My fighters and attack ships will patrol over and around your fleet at a distance of no less than 50,000km during the cease-fire to guarantee compliance. Confer with your superiors, Baron. Convince them that continued combat will only result in the loss of a great many of your and my warriors to no avail.”

  G’Rof answered, “I will instruct my commanders to hold in place and that your ships will patrol our perimeters. I will communicate again as soon as I contact the Elders.”

  After the comms were cut, Admiral Chang contacted LTG Taylor and told him not to interfere with communications between the K’Rang fleet Commander and his superiors. He explained the cease-fire and negotiations for surrender and asked how things were on his end.

  LTG Taylor responded, talking around the cigar in his mouth, “Things are calm for the most part, sir. Some divisions are reporting isolated sniping, but the fire is inaccurate and stopped by our body armor. It’s mostly sporting arms. We captured all their military arms when we landed the 2nd Division on their guard regiment’s barracks. Besides, we tend to be pretty rough when we go after the snipers, using our disruptors to make extra entrances to the buildings they fire from. The people whose buildings we enter don’t like the thought of paying for the repairs and the inconvenience. Snipers aren’t too popular with the K’Rang down here right now.”

  “Good to hear. I’ll let you know what comes of the negotiations and make sure it includes you, too.”

  “Thank you, sir. That’s mighty thoughtful.”

  “Keep your head down for the next few hours, Dave, and we’ll have lots of boring stories to tell our grandkids.”

  The Admiral broke the connection and realized he was ravenous. He called over his Ops officer and gave direction for fighter and attack ship patrols no closer than 50,000km to the K’Rang Fleet and for all other ships to maintain position. He called a commanders’ conference for 1800. He retired to his cabin and had an orderly bring him some lunch. When there is nothing else you can do, a proper meal is a good use of your time.

  * *
* * *

  The Marines had to reconnect power to the Imperial Palace for them to be able to communicate with their fleet. Marine engineers had cut power when the fleet appeared.

  Baron G’Rof established a videoconference with the Elders as agreed. When the Elders appeared from a room not their normal audience chamber, it seemed strange to G’Rof, but he came to attention. Even more strange was J’Kol sitting as an Elder. That explained his absence.

  “Excellencies, I communicate with you today to tell you that our hopes for victory are pointless. The Humans have allied with the A’Ngarii and our jammers no longer affect the A’Ngarii missiles. It cost the lives of many brave warriors to learn that lesson today.”

  “I am currently at 50% of the strength I started the battle with, and that strength is mostly frigates and destroyers. I have only 10 cruisers left. It is my considered opinion that further combat is futile and will only waste the lives of thousands of warriors to no gain. I have negotiated a cease-fire with my Human counterpart. I have promised to surrender, but I wanted to receive your blessing first.”

  Elder J’Gon launched at G’Rof, “You say you have already surrendered, Baron. What, then, do you expect us to do, now that you have appointed yourself an Elder and made decisions only we can make?”

  Baron G’Rof physically backed up in the videoconference from the vehemence of Elder J’Gon’s attack. Elder G’Tol held up his hand for silence as he saw G’Rof about to respond.

  “Elder J’Gon, Baron G’Rof was unable to contact us and made the only decision a commander could make, given the obvious futility of continuing. I imagine he contacted us to determine if we wished to negotiate with the Allied Commander or if he should do so. We might also decide what we wish from the negotiations, in the way of concessions for cessation of hostilities.”

  G’Tol could see G’Rof relax slightly.

  J’Gon took a breath and said, “Of course, in the absence of communications he did the correct thing to save the lives of K’Rang warriors we will need to rebuild our fleet. I recommend, as concessions, the removal of Human occupiers from our planet and exchange of any prisoners. We will allow you to speak for us, Baron. Negotiate the best deal you can.”

  J’Kol was next. “Baron G’Rof, perhaps it is time we reduce our xenophobic attitudes toward our neighbors. Offer a follow-on trade and diplomatic agreement with the Humans and A’Ngarii, to be negotiated after the armistice is signed. Allow them to suggest other agreements, but we will negotiate all other agreements here on G’Durin, after the occupying forces have left. We must not negotiate under the gun.”

  Elder J’Kol asked his fellow elders if they had any other guidance. Neither did, so J’Kol gave G’Rof their blessing and said the armistice signing ceremony should be here at the Imperial Palace. They dismissed him and the videoconference link was severed.

  The Elders called the Human general back. When LTG Taylor arrived, they met him in the smaller audience room, as a result of damage to their large audience room from his prior visit. Elder J’Kol led the discussion.

  “General Taylor, we understand that your warriors are being subjected to sporadic small arms fire by our citizens. In accordance with the cease-fire in place above us, we would like to bring a halt to this unsanctioned resistance. We have transmitted a call to our citizens to put away their arms and cease attacks on your warriors. Not all will accede to our command. We have a suggestion: if you agree, we will assign a number of our Imperial Guards as liaison officers for your duration on the planet. This should alleviate any number of misunderstandings. Our Imperial Guards have distinctive uniforms, and their presence alone should stop any further attacks.”

  LTG Taylor was amazed at the change in attitude of the K’Rang, but he was happy for it, especially if it stopped the sniping on his Marines.

  “Gentlemen, I accept your offer. If possible, I would like one liaison officer for each headquarters, brigade and above. There are 24 brigades, six divisions, and my headquarters.”

  Elder J’Kol said, “Fine, we will have the Commander of the Imperial Guard contact you and negotiate the details. Unless you have something more, that is all we have.”

  LTG Taylor had nothing, gave an informal salute, and left with his aide. As they exited the building, he said, “Well, Jimmy, they were certainly more hospitable this time than last.”

  * * * * *

  Elder J’Gon left the audience room, walked down the marble floored hallway, and retired to his chambers. His aide was waiting for him. The aide helped him remove his ceremonial robes and change into more comfortable lounging clothes. There were no more audiences today and J’Gon had time to relax and read the schedule and agenda for tomorrow.

  He saw that the schedule was light, as they would be observing the negotiations over a special closed circuit system. He did see one briefing by the shipbuilding consortium, to discuss damage to shipbuilding facilities all over K’Rang space. It would take a decade for them to recover their commercial fleet with the state of the shipyards. Shipments all over the Empire were halved, including to G’Durin, which was dependent on outside foodstuff and goods.

  He wondered if he should prepare a position on this or just roll over and let J’Kol and G’Tol decide. They never seemed interested in his positions. They overruled him every time he wanted to hold the line against the Human invasion and now it included the Angaerry, too. He couldn’t take the humiliation much longer.

  He called his aide, Shadow Warrior H’Kona, over and said, “You have been with me a long time. You have seen how these militarists – Lions of the K’Rang Empire – have subjugated us to these Humans and Angaerry.”

  She looked him deep in his golden eyes and said, “Excellency, if you leave, who will replace you? Baron G’Rof is of your faction, is he not? What would happen if he occupied your seat on the bench? No, you must stay and fight the fight. You will need to be patient, to stay focused, and work with members of their factions that may have unrealized ambition to wear the azure. Remember, it only takes a simple majority of the faction to change out an Elder.”

  J’Gon brightened at these words and ran through the list of K’Rang that had been rejected as Elders at the funeral for J’Tona. Perhaps he could build some ambition in one of them to challenge J’Kol. It would not happen overnight, but if he was patient, he could see the right K’Rang nobleman working from within the faction rising up to challenge J’Kol.

  “Shadow Warrior H’Kona, now I know why I keep you around. You always give the best advice. Now leave me. I need to rest.”

  She backed out of his room and turned out the light as she left. She retired to her quarters and composed a message to Elder G’Tol that she had stopped J’Gon from contemplating suicide. She warned him to have J’Kol watch for overambitious members of his faction attempting to unseat him. She suggested that perhaps Baron G’Rof might be groomed to replace J’Gon. She closed out the message to G’Tol and thought about her strange mission of serving one Elder, but reporting to another. “Oh well,” she thought, “What are cousins for?”

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Admiral Chang wanted to conduct the negotiation on G’Durin. He looked at his options and wasn’t pleased with going down to the surface in his Admiral’s Gig. It wasn’t very impressive to land in what is essentially a small yacht. He could go down in an AS-500, but that was too utilitarian and not at all impressive. He knew the answer. He ordered the Orion to rendezvous and dock with his flagship, but first picking up Jotil Lenkva and her entourage. She would be the senior Angaerry representative at the talks.

  He informed Baron G’Rof that they would be negotiating on the G’Durin at the government center. He only provided slight resistance. Admiral Chang ordered LTG Taylor to erect an extra large insta-shelter on the government center to use as a negotiation hall. He had his staff and Ambassador Thorson provide LTG Taylor with the details on internal arrangement, facilities, and services.

  He wanted the Orion parked very close by for visual
effect. He wanted a parking area cleared adjacent to the negotiating hall to use as a landing pad. Admiral Chang also wanted a second insta-shelter or suitable K’Rang quarters for him and his staff and his Angaerry allies. The Orion would be used for alliance-only discussions.

  * * * * *

  The negotiations began on a crisp, cool G’Durin morning. Kelly smelled what on earth would be a pine scent, but was sure it must be some G’Durin cousin to the spruce or white pine back on Earth. He walked over to the big tent and peeked inside. Seeing frenzied last minute preparations underway, he pulled back. He looked around for the brigade HQ that controlled this area and found it under a copse of the trees giving off that wonderful scent.

  He appeared at the entrance and enquired if Major Chen was in. The guard asked his name, asked him to wait, and sent a runner inside. The runner came back with Major Chen and here eyes lit up.

  “Commander Blake, how the hell are you?”

  “I’m fine, Mary. How have you been? I see you’re all in one piece.”

  “Hey, look at this,” she pointed out his wedding ring, “I’m fine. I heard you got hitched. Who’s the lucky lady?”

  “I married Candy Craddock, Admiral Craddock’s daughter. Here’s her picture.”

  “Wow! She’s a stunner. You’re a lucky man. I wish you all the best, Kelly. How is it you always outrank me?”

  Kelly smiled and said, “I guess I’m just better than you,” and laughed.

  She winced, growled at him, and said, “Nah, that can’t be it.”

  They both laughed and Mary excused herself. She had to go take care of some security issues for the conference.

  Kelly walked back to his ship and went into the CIC. The Orion’s sensors didn’t just work in space. A number of them worked equally well on a planet’s surface. He had his crew monitoring for hostile K’Rang communications, heat sources in buildings, and gunfire. Since the Imperial Guard started going on patrols with the Marines, the gunfire and sniping decreased to almost nothing. Kelly kept his sensor section busy just the same. This surrender conference can’t sit well with a lot of K’Rang. He also kept a gunner in top turret control at all times. Better safe than sorry.