Victory in the Stars (Marston Chronicles Book 6)
Page 39
“Three more days,” War stated to no one. Then our fleet will be complete. Then the soft skins will see the Mortek wrath.”
“My Overlord, I am sorry to interrupt.”
“What, First Sensor?”
“The lead jump-ship, what the soft skins call Griffin has returned.”
“Weapons, is the grid activated?”
“Yes, My Overlord. Our fleet is protected.”
“Our nuclear missiles?”
“All launch tubes are loaded and ready for firing.”
“Is that damnable little ship within range?”
“No, My Overlord.”
“My Overlord, the ship is transmitting a data stream.”
“Are you capturing it, First Communicator?
“Yes, My Overlord. I am storing it in an isolated data bank.”
“When the transmission completes, review it and give me a report.”
“At your command, My Overlord.”
“The soft skin ship has opened a communication channel.”
“What do you want, Food?”
“War, review the information I’ve sent you. I’ll wait,” Krag responded.
The packet of information finished being transferred. First Communicator reviewed the data. During the review, his wings flicked in agitation. His tongue darted in and out of his mouth. He chittered his rage.
“What do you see, First Communicator? Put it on the viewer,” War demanded.
The entire Mortek bridge crew of Ravage maker saw the nuclear destruction of a cruiser. They saw the collateral damage of the ships in its immediate vicinity.
“I will burn your planets to ash,” War raged into the communicator. “When I am finished, there will be no soft skins left alive!”
“Your extra ships will arrive in three or four days,” Krag answered in a very bland tone. “When they arrive, you will take your fleet back to Yeni Persia.”
“No. there are twelve star systems in what you soft skins call ‘The Federacy’. I will destroy every soft skin on every one of them. I will rain nuclear fire on every planet and every moon where you reside. I will end this soft skin infestation.”
“You will never wipe out Humanity.”
“I know where your home world is. What you call, ‘Old Earth’. Once I destroy this Federacy, I will take my fleet to your home world and destroy that. I will rid all of the galaxy of you soft skin vermin.”
“Now, some reality, War. You may be able to make all our worlds uninhabitable. You may kill every Human in the Federacy. But, two points. One, it will take you a year to get to Humanity’s home world. What do you think that we will be doing for that year?”
“It does not matter what you do. Without your production and ship building, you will be weak.”
“That brings me to the second point. Our production, our shipyards are two hundred and forty lightyears from where you currently float. And, there are no gates. It would take you three hundred years to reach us. This system, by the way, is named ‘Ballison’. While you are busy destroying planets, we will be converting the rest of the Mortek fleet which we have moved to Ballison. And we will be building larger, more powerful jump-ships.”
“You lie. Return the ships that you have stolen. Or, in three days you will feel my wrath.”
“The first warning has been sent. Prepare to receive the next.”
Chapter 32
Aboard Vengeance – Yeni Persia
Two Human-owned Mortek cruisers sat in the Deep Dark, just outside of the Yeni Persia solar system. Heimdallr, like a lamprey, hid next to the flagship, Vengeance. Vice-Admiral Weiskoff sat in his command chair and studied eight-minute old videos of the thousands of Mortek ships encompassing the remains of Sasania
“Mr. Connors, contact Heimdallr.”
Vengeance’s communication specialist received a nod from his captain and worked his board.
“Heimdallr here.”
“Captain, get down there. I need an up-to-date configuration. Specifically, any cruisers.”
“Aye, aye, Sir.”
Heimdallr winked out. Two minutes later, she winked back.
“Still only the two remaining cruisers, Admiral. I’m sending their locations now.”
“Be sure to send them to Retribution. Activate all sensors and video, Heimdallr. Keep your com open.”
“All activated, Admiral. Com remaining open.”
“Mr. Connors, Get me Retribution.”
“Retribution Actual.”
“Captain Wright, have you received Heimdallr’s intel?”
“Yes, Admiral. The cruisers haven’t moved since we arrived.”
“Remember. We need simultaneous launches.”
“Understood, Admiral.”
“You will take the closest cruiser. On my mark, we jump.”
“Ready.”
“Three, two, one, mark!”
Within a blink, Heimdallr sat alone. Less than ten seconds later, she was rejoined by Vengeance and Retribution.
The duel nuclear explosions created a much more massive light and energy show than the previous, single detonation. More civilian ships died from the blast and the electromagnetic pulse. More Mortek crew beings died or would die from the radiation poisoning.
“Heimdallr, did you get it?”
“Seven more minutes before we receive the light and radiation readings, Admiral.”
Vice-Admiral Weiskoff sat in his command chair, relishing the destruction which his ships had wrought on the Mortek counterparts. Seven minutes later, Heimdallr came back on the line.
“We have clean reads, Admiral.”
“Send them to me. Captain Brewer, get us back to Arium.”
Aboard Griffin - Arium
Drifting next the Gregor’s shipyard, Griffin appeared as a toy beside the massive asteroid. With all doors and gates shut and all navigation lights extinguished, that is all that everyone on Griffin saw. A massive asteroid.
All of Griffin’s crewmates, except for Sue, found themselves taking a breather in her galley.
“I’m thinking I need to take some coffee and maybe a Danish up to Sweet Sue.”
“Let her be, Mack. Lately she’s needed her quiet time. Besides, she might be talking with her boy, Dean.”
“Maybe she should take some time, go down to the yards and be with her boy.”
“Maybe. Not a bad idea. Mack, do you want to get down to the yards? Spend some time with your family?”
“For now, I’m good. I talk to Ma and Pa pretty much every day, Wee-One. I think I need to stay here until we get old Mortek War sorted out.”
“You need to formally introduce your bond-mate to your family, Mack.”
“Bond-Mate, Guppy? Sweet Sue and I are lovers. I don’t think she wants me for a husband or a bond-mate.”
“You’re are so dense, Mack.”
“What does that mean, Keiko?”
“If you don’t know, I will not be the one to tell you.”
Just then, Sue entered and headed for the replicator counter. After ordering up a coffee and a pastry, she joined the table.
“See? I know what my Sweet Lassie needs.”
“What did I miss?”
“Nothing, Sue. Just reaffirming that Mack is thick as a brick.”
“Aw, Tinman. Dinna go picking on me.”
“Commander, Vengeance and Retribution have returned. Vice-Admiral Weiskoff is contacting you.”
“Yes, Vice-Admiral?”
“I’m transmitting the intel now. Where do we stand with the Mortek?”
“As predicted, Sir. The Commander, War, blew a gasket. The fleet is still anchored in Bridgelen.”
“They better stay that way. If they move, all bets are off.”
“The plan is still on, Vice-Admiral.”
“I’m down to seven nukes. I need more. Tell McCauley to get them for me.”
“I am sure that Doctor McCauley is doing everything he can, Sir.”
“Just get it done. Are my other two ships on schedule to arrive
tonight?”
“Preceptor?”
“Yes, Vice-Admiral.”
“They better be. I’m making my third run tomorrow. We will be out of nukes then. I need more nukes.”
“Is there anything else, Vice-Admiral?”
“No. dismissed.”
Igaklay made a show of disconnecting the link.
“It is strange having negative loops in my emotional matrix, Commander. At the same time, my pleasure matrix enjoys it. I really dislike that man.”
“Ya, Iggy. Join the club.”
“I have already joined the club, Wrenchy.”
“As we all have, Iggy. As we all have.”
At Krag’s standing, everyone knew that it was time to head back to the bridge and back to work. Everyone took their places and buckled in.
“Mack. Contact your father. Find out how he’s doing with our rock.”
“I talked to him this morning, Cap. Our new surprise is ready. Galactic Express already has it loaded.”
“Perfect. So far, so good. Keiko, contact Galactic Express. Have her hold until after our third run.”
“Roger, Commander.”
“Sue, pick a spot on the other side of our last destination. We don’t want War to think he can sit in wait.”
“Will do, Commander.”
Griffin’s crew waited the short time for Sue to perform her calculations.
“Calculated, Commander. Transferring them to Keiko now.”
“I’m ready when you are, Krag.”
“Okay. Round two. Punch it, Keiko.”
Aboard Ravage Maker – Bridgelen
“My Overlord, we have another transmission.”
“From that wretched little jump-ship?”
“Yes, My Overlord. The same ship.”
“Logistics, Intelligence, Weapons, my conference room, now!” War bellowed.
As War strode to his ready room, the three summoned underlings raced to catch up. Arriving, all four took their places with War sitting and angrily beating his claw on the desktop.
“First Communicator, have you received the packet?”
“Yes, My Overlord.”
“Send it to my console.”
After War received the notice of completion, he ran it on the ready room screen. The four Mortek leaders watched. They saw the deaths of the two remaining cruisers protecting Nest One. They saw multiple civilian ships being destroyed by the energy clouds generated by the two nuclear explosions. They saw more Mortek civilian ships become dead debris ballistically floating through space. All four demonstrated their extreme rage in different ways.
“My Lord, the soft skin commander requests an audience.”
“Put that monster through.”
“War, by now you have seen the video. You no longer have any cruisers to protect Nest One. Your destroyers are next.”
“This changes nothing. The Mortek are prepared for casualties as we completely annihilate all you soft skins, purge these systems of this pestilence.”
“About that. We will have a demonstration for you tomorrow. For now, let it be known that we will do everything in our power to destroy the Mortek.”
“Small words from a weak enemy.”
“We know that you are still waiting for the arrival of the rest of your fleet. It should arrive in one or two Sasanian days. When it does, do not leave Bridgelen.”
“You do not command the Mortek. We will do whatever we wish.”
“If you do not remain in Bridgelen, there will be costs. See you later.”
Chapter 33
Aboard Vengeance – Yeni Persia
Captain Brewer assessed his bridge crew. Lieutenant Collins proved that his promotion to Senior Pilot was no fluke. The switch from Lieutenant Wright went seamlessly. And, from what Vengeance’s Captain had heard, Lieutenant Wright had proved to be a fine captain. The rest of his bridge crew, now minus some seasoned members and intermingled with fresh recruits, performed in unison.
Yes, after two attack runs, his bridge crew was battle tested and unified in its purpose.
“Heimdallr, get down there. Get us the coordinates of those destroyers.”
“Aye, aye, Admiral.”
Heimdallr vanished from the screen. A few minutes later, she returned.
“Heimdallr reporting, Admiral. The six destroyers have scattered around Sasania, with as much distance in between them as possible. Here are the new coordinates.”
“Captain Brewer, all four of my ships, are they here? Get them on the com.”
“Mr. Connors, please contact Retribution, requital and retaliation. Notify them that Vice-Admiral Weiskoff requests links.”
“Aye, aye, Captain.”
The images of the three other captains within Vice-Admiral Weiskoff’s fledgling fleet appeared on Vengeance’s main viewing screen.
“Gentlemen.” Weiskoff had a hard time calling these newly appointed captains as ‘Captains’.
“Reprisal died because her captain did not follow procedure.”
Captain Brewer flinched at this non-truth. Reprisal had died because of the introduction by the Mortek of nuclear missiles. Staying quiet, Vengeance’s Captain understood the need to infuse a good, healthy fear of breaking procedure.
“Our targets are the six destroyers. Heimdallr has just finished its recon. I am sending you your target coordinates now.”
Weiskoff worked his console, divvied up the coordinates and sent them to his ships.
“From your studying the after-action reports, we know that the destroyers carry less firepower than the cruisers. We also know, from inspections of our captured Mortek destroyers, that their armor is half-again tougher than cruiser of frigate armor. They are designed to take a beating. We also know where their weakest point is. Just behind the bridge. You have all been briefed on your attack plans, firing points and responsibilities. Do your jobs. You must hit your targets. Understood?”
Weiskoff got nods and vocals of understanding from the three captains on his display, as well as Captain Brewer.
“Vengeance and Retribution will make the first run against the destroyers. Watch. Learn. Requital and Retaliation will follow. Then, we will finish the last two destroyers. Clear?”
Again, the Vice-Admiral received assurances.
“Captain Brewer, Captain Wright, we attack on my mark.”
Weiskoff counted down. Vengeance and Retribution jumped. They delivered their nuclear payloads and jumped back.
Four Federacy ships waited for the light and radiation to reach their ships. All sensors and cameras collected and stored the incoming data.”
“Bradley, put it up.”
The double explosions were a repeat of yesterday’s attack. Where before, cruisers were turns to radioactive space dust and steam, this time, the same occurred to two of the six Mortek destroyers. Vengeance’s bridge crew again showed their enthusiasm at the destruction of their enemy.
“Requital, Retaliation, you are up. You saw our run. Make yours as clean.”
“Admiral, the remaining destroyers are moving. They are attempting to form a defensive grid.”
“Go now! Do not allow those ships to link up!”
First Retaliation then Requital jumped. Requital returned in her allotted time. Retaliation took three times as long to return.
“Retaliation, report!”
“Our target had moved quite a bit, Admiral. She got under power and had established a good escape velocity. We had to recalculate and jump again. We missed with that jump. So, we calculated and jumped a third time. That brought us into our firing vector. We successfully engaged the target.”
“We shall see. Bradley, do we have the readings?”
“Just finishing up now, Admiral.”
Without being ordered, Sensor Specialist Bradley transferred the video to the main view-screen. Everyone watched. Requital’s run stayed according to plan. Retaliation jumped to open space, paused, jumped, paused and jumped again. Finally closing the distance on the fleeing Mortek d
estroyer, Retaliation fired.”
“Admiral, according to the readings, Retaliation was clear of Requital’s blast radius, but not the radiation radius. She took some heavy rads, Sir.”
Retaliation, everyone on anti-radiation meds. Now!
“Vice-Admiral Weiskoff,” everyone on Vengeance’s bridge heard.
“You’ve been listening in, Igaklay?”
“Yes, Vice-Admiral.”
“That is not acceptable!”
“It is required, Vice-Admiral for the monitoring of the Ballisonian and Elonian technology. As I was about to say, Ballison’s medical center can counter radiation damage. If you send Retaliation back to Ballison, I will be able to remove the radiation and heal its damage.”
To everyone on the deck, it was obvious at how angry Vice-Admiral Weiskoff was at this alien A.I. monitoring his ships. With a deep, relaxing breath, Weiskoff reigned in his retort.
“Retaliation, Get back to Bridgelen. Now!”
After a moment, the radiation-infused ship blinked from Yeni Persia space.
“Retribution, on my mark.”
The two commandeered Mortek cruisers attacked. Two more destroyers disappeared in nuclear explosions. More Mortek civilian ships became so much flotsam and corpses.
“Heimdallr, back to Arium. Retribution, Requital, after you receive the after-action data, follow.”
Vengeance jumped last, returning to Arium to deliver her readings to Griffin.
Aboard Griffin - Arium
Krag and Keiko were the only occupants of Griffin’s bridge. sitting in their gravity chairs, with Keiko’s rotated to face Griffin’s Captain, the two talked in the tones of the deeply familiar and deeply involved.
“Keiko, I really do want to talk to your father about us getting married.”
“I told you. You are gaijin. Father, my family will never approve.”
“Why don’t we just run back to Ballison? Get married there? Maybe have Lord Kaporine or an Elonian priest perform the ceremony?”
“I know that you are estranged from your family, Krag. But, in Japanese tradition, for me, family is very important. I couldn’t do that to Mother or Father.”
“If I can get your father to agree, do you want to marry me?”