“Kaboom!” Everyone turned and looked at Rudov. “I saw it in one of the human movies about an event called World War II that occurred on Earth. They used devices called bombs to destroy each side’s military weaponry.”
It clicked in John’s head. “Torpedoes. We can have the fighter bots mine the asteroid field with torpedoes. When the Screen come out, we detonate them.”
“But we don’t know where they’ll come out from,” Tim pointed out. “We don’t have enough torpedoes to mine the entire asteroid field that’s surrounding a whole star system.”
“We can already conclude with reasonable certainty that the Screen use gravimetric fields to create entry and exit points in the asteroid field,” said Korifluxinina.
“How do you know that?” John asked her.
“It is the only plausible explanation as to how the asteroid field is arranged in a perfect sphere around the system,” explained the Quix science officer. “The Screen must manipulate gravimetric fields to move the asteroids. If they knew the location of PHOENIX…”
“They’d come right at us,” John said, finishing her statement. He looked at the operations officer. “Have all available techs begin pulling torpedoes not in the launch tubes from storage and deliver them to the hangar. We’ll have the bots pick them up there. Vish, program the bots to mine the torpedoes in a pathway from the interior to us.”
“Yes, captain,” replied the computer.
“While the asteroid field is being mined, we should listen in on Screen communications to determine when they plan to depart for your star system,” advised Korifluxinina.
“Good idea,” said John. “Rudov, see if you can covertly listen in on them.”
“Yes, captain,” replied Rudov.
Thanks to Vish, the fighter bots worked efficiently to carry plasma torpedoes from PHOENIX out to the asteroid field. Rudov listened in on the Screen and learned that the armada planned to depart for the solar system in thirty-two hours.
After thirty-one hours ,John ordered a recall of the fighter bots. Lieutenant Gregson verified all departments were ready to execute the plan.
“Are the designated fighter bots ready?” John asked Tim.
The lieutenant nodded. “Each bot is armed with a torpedo and ready to launch.”
It was time for action. “Vish, launch the fighters and send them into the asteroid field. Have them target the nearest ship when they emerge on the other side.”
“Programming complete,” announced Vish. “Launching fighters.”
“We’re going to piss them off now, sweetie,” remarked Chris.
Those around the operations table watched as the fighters launched from the bay tubes and into the asteroid field.
“Contact with fighters has been terminated,” reported Vish. “They are running on automated instructions.”
Twenty minutes later, something happened. “I am detecting fluctuations in the gravimetric field,” said Korifluxinina.
To John, it meant the armada was on the move, no doubt enraged by the kamikaze run the fighters did against them. “Rudov, have the fighters in the belt begin emitting the echo pulse.”
“Sending the order now,” acknowledged Rudov.
“Echo pulse is running throughout the asteroid field,” reported Korifluxinina. “The Screen know we are here.”
“I’ll say,” replied Chris. “Look.”
They watched on the holographic display as the asteroid field began parting near PHOENIX, opening a pathway.
“A path has been created in the asteroid belt and I’m reading multiple Screen vessels entering it,” announced Tim.
“Kevin, move us away from the system,” ordered John. “Vish, on my mark, initiate the detonation sequence of the torpedoes in the belt.”
“Yes, captain,” replied Vish.
“PHOENIX is moving away from the system at half sub-light speed,” reported Kevin.
“Plot a course to the solar system and bring the interstellar drive online.” There was no going back now. The Screen would be looking to exact revenge against humanity.
“Sensors indicate the bulk of the fleet’s in the belt pathway,” reported Tim.
“Vish, detonate the torpedoes,” ordered John.
Everyone looked on their displays to see the energy bursts generated by the torpedoes. The Screen ships altered course to avoid the explosions, but had little room to maneuver within the pathway.
“I’ve got several Screen vessels emerging from the asteroid field,” said Tim.
That was it, it was time to go. “Kevin, initiate jump,” ordered John.
PHOENIX jumped away from the system and before long, the Screen followed in pursuit.
“Vish, can you estimate how many ships we took out?” asked John.
“Based on my analysis, seventy-eight Screen vessels were destroyed.”
“We barely scratched them,” Chris commented in disappointment.
“It’s seventy-eight less ships to deal with,” said John, trying to stay positive about the situation, even though he agreed with Chris’ assessment. “Are the Screen in pursuit?”
Kevin checked the sensors. “The entire fleet is following us. But they’re slowly falling behind. Looks like they can’t keep up with our speed.”
Good. That would give them time to help ready the fleet that was hopefully waiting for them back in the solar system.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
Julie sat at a bridge station on the Onixin cruiser GUIX, tapping her fingers on the console. They received a message from the PHOENIX detailing the size of the Screen’s armada. The news spurred TERRA into action, and everyone worked to prepare for the impending invasion. But thirty-two plus hours was simply not enough time to retrofit TERRA’s five capital ships with improved defensive and weapons systems. Julie directed new shield systems installed on all of them and provided each of them a compliment of upgraded plasma torpedoes the alliance fleet brought from the PHOENIX. If nothing else, they could hold out in a firefight for awhile and inflict some damage against the Screen. But the capital ships were still much weaker than the Quix, Onixin, and Senfo ships. So Julie ordered them to be positioned to the back of the alliance fleet. The TERRA ship commanders didn’t appreciate the order, especially from a cadet. Luckily, Admiral Vespia agreed with Julie’s assessment and reiterated the order.
“We have an incoming transmission from the PHOENIX,” announced the Onixin communications officer.
“Let us hear it,” said the vori.
“Alliance fleet,” came the voice of John. Julie was relieved to hear him and grateful that PHOENIX had escaped the Screen’s star system. “This is the PHOENIX. We’re inbound to your position and should arrive in fifteen minutes. What’s your status?”
Julie opened up the comm. line. “Captain, this is Commander Olson. The alliance fleet is positioned near Mars. We have seven hundred forty three ships assembled and ready for battle.” It was decided to position the fleet near Mars so that they could utilize the planetary cannon in the fight. With less than eight hundred ships going up against over four thousand Screen starships, they would need all the help they could get.
“Understood, commander. I’ll take command of the fleet upon arrival and position PHOENIX at the front of the fleet. Be advised the Screen armada is in pursuit and should arrive ninety minutes after us.”
“Acknowledged.”
“I have relayed the information to the rest of the fleet,” Jacks told Julie.
“Have a shuttle ready,” Julie said to the Onixin vori. “Once PHOENIX arrives and takes position Jacks, Bret and I will be returning to her.”
“Should you not remain here and coordinate the attack with Captain Roberts on the GUIX?” asked the vori. “It may be to our advantage if you both operated from separate ships. I am willing to relinquish command of the GUIX to you.”
“I appreciate the offer, but my place is on the PHOENIX,” said Julie. “And the alliance ship commanders are familiar with our tactical plans.�
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“Very well, commander,” said the vori.
In the council chambers on Luna, Admiral Vespia was seated with the remaining three council members who sided with her. They watched a tactical display of the alliance fleet on a large monitor. The capital ship commanders were incensed when they were told that John Roberts would be commanding the fleet during the battle. They argued they had years of experience and were better qualified, but the alliance commanders made it clear that they would only take orders from John. The Quix commanders even went as far as to threaten to remove themselves from the solar system if John didn’t lead them in battle. Although Vespia didn’t like the idea of a cadet commanding a major battle campaign, she felt she had no choice. They needed the alien ships if they were to successfully repel the Screen invasion.
One of Vespia’s assistants approached her. “I’ve sent a message to the government and Earth Security about the situation. They are preparing Earth defenses.”
“Thank you,” replied Vespia.
“You contacted the government?” asked one of the council members.
“Donalds elected to cut ties with them, not I,” said Vespia. “Our priority is protecting the population.”
“I still don’t think it’s wise to let Cadet Roberts lead this fleet,” another member commented.
“I don’t like it either,” agreed Vespia. “But let’s keep in mind that because of him PHOENIX survived three years in space. I’m hoping whatever skills he used to accomplish that will help us here.”
“Jump exit successful,” reported Kevin as PHOENIX entered the outer portion of the solar system. “We’re en route to Mars and should rendezvous with the alliance fleet in ten minutes.”
“How far back is the armada?” John asked.
Tim checked his display. “They’ve managed to increase their speed and should arrive in twenty-five minutes.”
“Should we launch fighter bots with plasma torpedoes to slow their progress?” asked Korifluxinina.
John shook his head. “We’ll need all our remaining fighters to help repel the attack.”
“Captain,” said Rudov. “The Onixin cruiser has sent a message notifying us that they’ll be dispatching a shuttle carrying Julie Olson, Bret Michaels, and Jacks.”
“Acknowledge the message,” instructed John. “Have the hangar prepared to receive them as soon as we’re in position.” He looked at the holographic display of the solar system. They were finally home. He thought he would be happy, but John felt little euphoria about coming back. The existence of the human race was on the line and because of PHOENIX’s actions these past few years the Screen were heading here in full force to wipe out humanity.
John looked at Chris Anne and Thresha. “You should head to a shelter area.”
“Are you kidding?” shot back Chris. “I’m not going anywhere when Earth is on the line.”
“My people are safe within the coilquin, protected by ship security,” said Thresha. “My place is here with you. The outcome of this battle will affect all of us.”
John smiled at them. “Ok then. We do this together.”
PHOENIX took position at the head of the fleet. As it did, the shuttle landed in the hangar. Within minutes Julie, Bret, and Jacks arrived on the command deck.
“Glad you made it back,” John said as he hugged Julie and patted Bret on the back.
“Glad to be back, captain,” said Bret. “I wish I could have brought more Senfo ships.”
“You did good, Bret,” John reassured him. “We’ll make do with what we have.” He looked at Julie. “How’d it go with TERRA?”
Julie gave a devious smile. “They needed a little convincing, but I was able to communicate the gravity of the situation to them.”
John smiled. “I knew you would.”
“Captain, we’re in position,” announced Tim.
“Open a channel to the fleet,” ordered John. Rudov complied as everyone went to their stations.
“Channel open,” said Rudov.
“This is John Roberts of the PHOENIX. I’m taking command of the fleet. We’re transmitting our battle formation. Review it and reposition your ships.”
“All fighters are prepped and ready for launch,” reported Jacks.
“Launch them and arrange them in a defensive formation in the front half of PHOENIX,” said John.
“The fleet’s reported in,” said Bret. “They’ve acknowledged your message, but the TERRA capital ships are acknowledging under protest.”
“They don’t like the idea of a cadet giving orders,” remarked Julie.
“Cadet, my ass,” said Chris Anne. “None of them would have lasted even one month in space. They’re nothing but a bunch of jealous little bitches.”
Despite the gravity of their situation, John had to bite his lip to keep from laughing. “What’s important is they’re willing to follow orders.”
The operations table beeped. “Captain, massive energy readings coming from the outer solar system,” said Tim. “It’s the Screen armada.”
“Number of ships?” asked Julie.
“Readings indicated four thousand, five hundred, forty-six vessels.”
“Open a channel to them,” said John.
“Channel open,” said Bret.
“This is Captain John Roberts of the PHOENIX, commander of the alliance fleet you see before you. You’re ordered to remove yourselves from this system immediately. If you attempt to proceed inward, we will respond with all necessary force.” He looked back at Bret. “Confirm they’ve received.”
“They heard you,” said Bret.
“I’m showing no change in the armada’s movement. They’re continuing towards Mars,” reported Tim.
“It was worth a shot, “said Julie, who never really expected the Screen to turn and run.
“All hands to battle stations,” ordered John as the battle klaxons blared. “Order all alliance ships to bring their weapons and shields online.”
“Captain, even with the superior firepower of PHOENIX and the alliance vessels, probability is we will not win,” said Korifluxinina.
“Don’t count us out,” said John. “I know what this fleet can do.”
Suddenly, the operations table beeped again as Tim checked the readings. “Captain, I’m reading a massive energy signature from above us. It’s…it’s thousands of ships exiting a jump.”
John was alarmed. They couldn’t deal with anymore enemy ships. “Identify them.”
Julie checked the sensor readings and was surprised what she saw. “Five Ni vessels and…., seven thousand Cresorian ships.”
John checked the readings. Sure enough, a massive group of Ni and Cresorian ships we’re heading towards them.
“Captain, incoming message from one of the Cresorian ships,” said Bret.
“Put it through,” ordered John.
“This is Jevex, speaker of the Cresorian and Ni ships you see before you. For the honor of our fallen homeworld, we request permission to join your fleet and defend the human star system against the Screen.”
John was moved beyond words. He looked at Julie and nodded.
“Drix would be proud to witness this,” said Thresha.
John agreed and wished his friend was here to see how his people had come together. “Signal the Cresorians and Ni they’re welcomed to join us. Communicate our battle formation plan to them.”
“Gladly,” said Bret.
“Captain, shall I raise the Screen again?” asked Bret.
“Absolutely.” Bret nodded when the channel was open. “This is Captain Roberts. As your sensors show, we are now joined by the Cresorian and Ni ships that have just entered this system. You’re outmatched and outgunned. Retreat while you can.”
“I’m not showing any change in their course,” reported Julie. “They’re still heading right for us. Five minutes to intercept.”
“Have the Ni ships take position next to the TERRA capital ships,” John said to Tim. “Instruct the Ni to provide pro
tection for them.”
“Screen cruisers and battleships are launching fighters,” said Julie.
John zoomed his display to the Screen armada. “Have fighter bots groups A and B head out to meet them.”
“Screen fighters inbound,” reported Julie.
“Here we go,” said John.
The Screen fighters headed to a single target, PHOENIX. But the two fighter bot groups intercepted them first and attacked, forcing the Screen fighters to disperse. But it didn’t take long before most of them redirected themselves back towards the massive starship. They began firing, trying to breech its shields. However, they had to not only contend with the fighter bots attacking from behind them now, but also the nearby alliance cruisers who began picking off the fighters in quick succession.
“Negligible impact on our shields,” reported Jacks. “The fighters have insufficient power to their weapons to penetrate our shields.”
“I think the Screen just realized that,” said Tim. “Twelve groups of Screen cruisers breaking off and approaching us at different vectors. Each is supported by a battleship and they’re all targeting us.”
John briefly remembered the overwhelming odds PHOENIX faced alone at the Ni star system. But this time things were different. This time, PHOENIX wasn’t alone. “Order planetary cannon control to take out the battleships,” John said to Julie. “Tim, dispatch combat groups to take on the Screen battle groups. Have the Ni maintain their position, but open fire on any cruiser or battleship that come within their weapons’ range.”
The local area of space lit up in a multitude of colors as the alliance and Screen ships engaged in combat. At one time the Screen might have held the advantage, but the addition of the smaller Cresorian ships tipped the balance squarely in the alliance’s favor. For every alliance ship destroyed or disabled, twelve Screen ships were obliterated.
“I’ve got five battleships bearing down on us,” said Julie. “Sensors show they’re locked targeting scanners on PHOENIX.”
“Shields at 94%,” reported Jacks as several blasts struck the ship.
It was obvious that the Screen wanted to take out PHOENIX as quickly as possible. “Fire starburst on nearest battleship and fire ruialon beams at ships two and three.”
Fury Of The Phoenix (Exodus) Page 12
