by Rick Bentsen
Captain Thane Starlos’s Office
“Something on your mind, K’Alan?” Thane asked as he looked at the man standing at the opposite side of his desk. “You don’t seem as happy about this promotion as I thought you’d be.”
“I know you gave your answers to why you promoted me in the briefing, Captain,” K’Alan started. “I just don’t feel that I’ve earned it.”
“I didn’t tell you all my reasons, Kal,’ Thane smiled. “There was one reason I purposefully omitted, but I’ll tell you now. You have the makings of a great command officer. I want to start grooming you for that.”
“Command?” K’Alan’s eyebrow shot up. “Are you sure? All I really want to be is a fighter pilot.”
“Power is never given to those who seek it, Kal,” Thane said. “Remember that. It goes to those who have earned it.”
“I think I understand,” K’Alan nodded. “It’s just that it’s so unexpected.”
“Do you really think Commander Westphalen would have been delegating so much of her paperwork to you if it weren’t at my instigation for you to learn it?” Thane winked. “Thing is, Steph loves her paperwork. She didn’t want to pass it off to you until I made it an order.”
K’Alan chuckled.
“Somehow, I have no trouble believing that,” K’Alan said, still chuckling. “My only concern is making a mistake.”
“We all make mistakes, Kal. It’s what we do when we make a mistake that make us the people we are,” Thane said as he leaned back in his chair. “I think we’ll find that, when you make mistakes, and you will, make no mistake about that, we’ll find out the man you truly are.”
“I wish I had your confidence, Captain,” K’Alan frowned.
“That will come with time,” Thane said softly. “Do you think I was this confident when I was given my first taste of command?”
“Probably not,” K’Alan admitted. Then he winked. “But then we all know that was hundreds of years ago.”
“I’m not even going to dignify that with a retort, Lieutenant,” Captain Starlos glared. “Now, you should probably go get some sleep. Tomorrow will be a long day of preparations.”
“Yes, sir!”
6.6.2125
0829
SLS Quintanilla
Main Conference Room
K’Alan frowned as he looked at the tactical display. The senior staff was discussing the fighter deployment for the battle. He brought up a specific quadrant on his personal monitor and frowned deeper.
“I’m not sure this is the best tactical configuration to use,” he said. His sudden outburst silenced the rest of the senior staff. “We’re leaving delta quadrant open to attack.”
“We are?” Thane asked, startled at the sudden comment from K’Alan who’d been silent most of the briefing. He brought up the quadrant on his monitor and frowned as deeply as K’Alan was. “So we are. Well, that’s not good. The Brentax could easily slip in and attack the Quintanilla directly. What would you suggest then?”
“If we shift the squadrons slightly like this,” K’Alan said as he tapped some commands on his terminal. A new fighter configuration appeared on the main tactical display. “We’ll have more complete fighter coverage on all quadrants. We’ll also be able to both attack and defend with all squadrons.”
“Very good, Lieutenant,” Commander Westphalen nodded. “Apparently your tactics classes have been paying off.”
“I’d like to think so,” K’Alan grinned. “I’ve been learning from the best.”
“But as you’ve just noted, even the best can make mistakes, Lieutenant,” Colonel Jameson chuckled. “None of us noticed what you pointed out until you mentioned it.”
“True enough,” K’Alan chuckled. “Perhaps I should take that to heart.”
“Perhaps you should indeed,” Captain Starlos nodded. “And therein ends the unintended lesson. Now, let’s get back to the business at hand. The Brentax have four Duhari class heavy cruisers and two Kovat class light cruisers defending the system.”
“That’s a lot of firepower for one system,” K’Alan noted. “Other than being a good jumping off point for attacking the Duterius system, what strategic importance does the Corathi system have?”
“Not much,” Colonel Jameson said, bringing up a statistical display of the system. “There are some important mineral and metal deposits within the system, but nothing that can’t be found elsewhere. The only real tactical significance of this system is the proximity to your home world, Lieutenant. I’m afraid the only conclusion that can be drawn is that the Brentax are planning on attacking Duterius Prime.”
“That is the Commodore’s assessment as well,” Thane nodded. “And that is why it’s so important for us to drive the Brentax off.”
“Captain, I have a personal interest in making sure that we succeed,” K’Alan said, his voice strangled with emotion.
“Yes, and I’m sure your wife will be appreciative of your very best efforts, Lieutenant,” Thane grinned. “But keep your mind on the battle. Distractions can only hurt you.”
“I understand,’ K’Alan nodded. “The Quintanilla would have no problems with the Kovat class ships, but I’m not sure we could take out a Duhari class cruiser.”
“Which is why our assignment is to take on the Kovat class cruisers,” Thane said, a twinkle in his eye. “Our specific job is to take on the two Kovat cruisers and make sure they don’t join in the battle amongst the larger ships.”
The officers looked at each other, knowing that it would be a tough battle and knowing they’d be depending on each other immensely the next little while.
“That concludes this briefing,” Thane said softly. “Lieutenant Bryce, you should go familiarize yourself with your new station.”
“Yes, sir,” the young Duterian nodded. He headed out towards the bridge, leaving the rest of the senior staff.
“Well?” Thane asked the rest of his staff. “How do you think he’ll do?”
“He’s got a gift,” Stephanie Westphalen said. “You saw how he caught the flaw in the tactical deployment.”
“Yes, I did,” Thane nodded. “That flaw shouldn’t have been there to begin with though.”
“That would be my fault, Captain,” Colonel Jameson sighed. “Commander Westphalen asked me to draw up tactical scenarios for the battle. I never caught the fact that we would be leaving the delta quadrant open for attack.”
“Well then,” Thane grinned. “We should be glad that young Lieutenant Bryce has been paying attention to your tactics classes, John.”
“He’s an excellent student, Thane,” John nodded. “I’ll be honest. With a little seasoning, he’d be an officer I’d be proud to serve under.”
“I agree,” Stephanie added. “He’s shown all the qualities of an excellent leader. He even has the respect and loyalty of all the pilots.”
“That’s a good sign,” Thane nodded. “I think he’ll do well, also. Steph, why don’t you go show him the ins and outs of his new station.”
“Certainly,” the dark-haired second in command nodded, smiling.
6.6.2125
1515
SLS Quintanilla
The Bridge
“And this is the tactical holo controls,” Stephanie Westphalen was saying. “They work exactly like the tactical holos in fighters work, only there are two different systems. One is the main tactical holo, which the entire bridge sees. The second is the mini tactical holo for your station only. I recommend you use that second system as you coordinate the fighters in the battle as you can zoom in on specific sectors without interfering with the general working of the bridge crew.”
K’Alan nodded then pointed to another bank of controls. “I recognize this. This would be a communications array so I can coordinate with each individual fighter if I need to. It looks pretty similar to my Starfire’s comms array.”
“It should. It’s exactly the same,” Westphalen grinned. “Colonel Jameson was right. You are a good student. You’ll
do fine. Just remember one thing. If something happens to Captain Starlos, you’re to let me know immediately.”
“I understand. Believe me. I don’t want his job,” K’Alan grinned.
“Who are you kidding, Kal?” Westphalen chuckled. “You don’t even want my job.”
“True enough. But just answer me one question, Commander,” K’Alan said with a gleam in his eye. “Since I do have your job for now, do I get to pawn off my paperwork too?”
6.6.2125
2100
SLS Quintanilla
K’Alan Bryce’s Quarters
K’Alan tried to sleep, but sleep was a hard time coming. Sighing, he stood and headed over to his desk.
“Computer, prepare to record a message for delivery to Duterius Prime,” he said softly.
“Recording…” the computer announced in its feminine monotone voice.
“Kit, I don’t know when you’ll actually get this message. I might actually be able to talk to you first before this gets to you."
“I’m about to go into battle. And this one scares me. There’s such a high price of failure on this one. If we fail, then Duterius Prime itself might be the next target.
“Normally, I have no trouble sleeping before a battle, but I can’t help thinking about you and what will happen to you if I fail. If we fail, I mean.
“I fear for you and for my sister. You will be directly in the line of fire if we do not succeed. I will do everything in my power to ensure your safety. But then, you already knew that.
“I hope I can come to see you soon, but I don’t know when I will be able to. I think about you all the time, and can’t wait to see you again.
“I think I’m going to try to go to sleep now. I’ll send this off as soon as I’m able. Computer, end recording and save.”
K’Alan rubbed his eyes and headed back to bed.
6.7.2125
0900
SLS Quintanilla
The Bridge
The mood on the bridge was one of quiet desperation and apprehension when K’Alan walked onto the bridge to take what would be his station for the upcoming battle. K’Alan checked over the systems on his console before nodding to the captain that he was ready for what was to come.
“All systems ready, Captain,” Colonel Jameson noted to Thane Starlos.
“Good,” Thane nodded. “Kim, signal the Argus that we’re ready to proceed.”
“Aye, sir,” the communications tech nodded and proceeded to relay the message.
“Lieutenant, signal the alert to the pilots to prepare to launch,” Thane said as he turned to face K’Alan.
“Aye, sir,” K’Alan nodded. He flicked a switch on his console. “All pilots report to your fighters immediately. Repeat. All pilots report to your fighters immediately. Be ready to launch on my signal.”
“Response coming in from Commodore Bonetti, Captain,” Kim Ericson announced.
“Holo,” Thane ordered.
“Aye, sir.”
“Captain Starlos,” Commodore Bonetti said as he appeared on the small holopad by the Captain’s chair. “Is the Quintanilla ready for your part of this battle?”
“Yes, Commodore,” Thane nodded. “We’re ready.”
“Good,” Bonetti smiled. “The Argus, Haphaestus, and Arden Lake II will head in first and start attacking the Duhari class heavy cruisers, leaving you and your fighters to take on the Kovat class light cruisers.”
“Understood,” Thane acknowledged. “When do we begin the battle?”
“Soon,” Bonetti said. “The Haphaestus has some last minute repairs they need to finish then we’ll go in. Perhaps an hour.”
“Good. We’ll be waiting for the launch order.”
“Good,” Bonetti nodded. “Commodore Bonetti out.”
The bridge continued its pre-battle preparations. Bridge officers hunkered over their stations checking settings and making sure everything is in readiness.
“Nervous, Lieutenant?” Thane asked quietly.
“Shouldn’t I be?” K’Alan countered. “It’s a bit different being on this side of the battle instead of out there in my fighter.”
“Yes, I know,” Thane nodded. “I once felt the same way that you do now.”
“I bet all fighter pilots that turn into command personnel feel the same way,” K’Alan chuckled.
“Yes,” Thane grinned. “It’s that way with all fighter pilots. Every one I know that came up through the ranks of the fighter pilots felt the same way. It’s normal.”
“I also feel like I’m abandoning my squad mates,” K’Alan sighed.
“I can understand that too,” Thane nodded again. “But you’re not abandoning them. You’re simply with them in a different way now.”
“Honestly, I’d rather be out there protecting them in my own Starfire,” K’Alan chuckled.
“I’m sure,” Thane winked. “Just keep your mind on your task at hand.”
“I will,” K’Alan said as he gently laid a picture of K’Itea on the top of his console where he could see it but it wouldn’t interfere with his normal duties.
“Good,” Thane nodded. “We’re all counting on you, Lieutenant. As the acting XO, you’re a key figure in this battle.”
“I know, sir,” K’Alan said, before turning back to his console and running one last system check on the station.
“Captain,” Ensign Ericson announced. “Commodore Bonetti just signaled to proceed into the Corathi system.
“Acknowledged,” Thane nodded. “Helm, flank speed ahead.”
6.7.2125
0935
SLS Quintanilla
Alpha Launch Bay
“OK, folks, it’s the real deal,” Stephanie Westphalen said to the rest of the assembled pilots. “We just got the word that we’re going in. Mount up and be ready to launch in five minutes!”
There were assorted cheers as the pilots grabbed their helmets and climbed into their fighters. Stephanie, chuckling softly to herself at their enthusiasm, jumped into her own cockpit and sealed herself in. She signaled to the bridge that she and the rest of her squadrons were ready to launch at a moment’s notice.
“Commander Westphalen to Lieutenant Bryce,” she called over her commlink. “How are things up on the bridge?”
“All things considered, ma’am, I’d rather be going out there with you,” K’Alan chuckled over the comms. “This is gonna be rough on me.”
“You’ll get used to it. And you’ll do fine, Lieutenant,” Stephanie laughed.
“That seems to be the message of the day, today,” K’Alan pointed out. “And while I’m glad I have all of your faith in me, I still don’t want this job.”
“Do you think I did the first time I was given that job, Kal?” Stephanie asked, a touch of almost motherly tenderness in her voice.
“Not really, Steph,” K’Alan said. She could almost hear the smile in his voice. “But as they say, a soldier has to do what he or she is ordered to.”
“This is true,” Stephanie nodded. “At any rate, we’re all ready to launch on your order. Remember, let me know immediately if anything happens to Captain Starlos.”
“Acknowledged,” K’Alan said. “Bridge out.”
6.7.2125
0937
Draxus Porida
Main Bridge
On the bridge of the Draxus Porida, Commander M’Tak Jolan drummed his fingers on his chair in complete boredom. His ship was the flagship of the fleet currently in the Corathi system. It had been a very easy victory taking the Corathi system, but now the fleet’s commander was bored.
If only the orders would come down to attack the Duterius system, he snarled to himself. That would indeed be a welcome change to this boredom.
“Commander,” the sensor tech called. “I’m reading Star League vessels on fast approach to us.”
“Well, then,” the commander smiled. “Perhaps the boredom will end quickly. Hail the rest of the fleet. Prepare for an attack!”
6.7.2125
<
br /> 0942
SLS Quintanilla
The Bridge
“Entering the Corathi system now, Captain,” the helmsman said. “Five minutes to contact with Brentax forces.”
“Understood,” Thane nodded then turned to Colonel Jameson. “Colonel, target the two Kovat class light cruisers. Begin with weapons, shield generators and engines.”
“Yes, sir!” the Colonel barked. His fingers flew across his console and he acquired several target locks on each ship. “Targets acquired, Captain. Ready to fire on your command.”
“Hold fire until the order is given, Colonel,” Thane said.
“This is Commodore Bonetti to all ships in the Argus fleet,” the voice of the Commodore drifted in the stillness of the bridge as he addressed the fleet on fleet wide communication. “Find and acquire your targets and commence operation. Launch all fighters and attack!”
“That’s our cue, people,” Thane grinned. “Colonel, start firing on those two Kovat class cruisers. Lieutenant Bryce, issue the launch order to our squadrons.”
“Aye sir!” K’Alan and Colonel Jameson said in unison.
“All fighters, launch when ready,” K’Alan said as he flicked a switch on his console. “Prepare to engage enemy fighters when they launch from the Brentax vessels.”
They could all feel slight shudders as all of the fighters on the ship rocketed down the launch tubes into the coldness of space.
“Fighters away, Captain,” K’Alan announced.
“Good,” Thane nodded. “Colonel Jameson, concentrate your fire on the right hand Kovat class cruiser. Target engines only.”
“Aye, sir,” Jameson said, nodding slightly. “All weapons firing now.”
“Now, let’s see what damage we can do,” Thane grinned.
6.7.2125
1001
Draxus Porida
Main Bridge
“Commander, the Brecos is starting to take serious damage from the SLS Quintanilla,” the sensor tech reported.
“Fire a series of cluster bombs at the Quintanilla then turn our attention back to the Argus,” Commander M’Tak Jolan ordered.
