Operation Hellfire (18 page)

"I can win this, Arthur."

The XO nodded.

"I know it, and probably so do they. Maybe that's why these militia forces are fighting with no sign of winning this fight. They are here just to delay us in rescuing civilians, so that Tahkeome can mobilise his real fleet to deliver the hammer blow."

He pointed to Ararrh II.

"If we try and fight them in an even engagement, we will risk everything else we came through here for. What about the civilians, Relentless and her escort? This battle is turning into a real mess."

Admiral Churchill moved his gaze back to Ararrh II.

"Relentless and her escorts have already activated their engines and are leaving. They'll be at the Rift and ready to head home in seventeen and a half hours. They must continue on their course."

The XO pointed at the shapes near to Relentless and the station. All were moving into position around the reserve base, while the single supercarrier appeared to be following Relentless, along with a modest escort of other capital ships.

"And look at them. They don't need that many ships to take the station."

Churchill appeared to be in agreement.

"Their ships are worn out, exhausted, and in desperate need of fuel, supplies, and perhaps even ammunition."

Admiral Churchill pointed at the station.

"I cannot tell you how tempted I am to redirect all our forces to those new arrivals. We could shatter them before they are ready."

He then shook his head.

"But then we would not be defending Byotai forces, we would be engaging in overt military action against the new regime."

He straightened his back and sighed.

"No. Today is all about survival. We will hit the remaining hostiles below us, and rescue as many as we can. Then we will leave. We have what, ninety minutes until we have to leave? That's how much longer we have left to fight. After that, all ships will make for the Rift."

Now that he'd made his decision he looked a little happier. With his ships in this part of the system, even with the Helion cruisers, it wasn't enough for any kind of decisive engagement, not when he had the distraction of so many civilian ships in the area. With a single smooth movement, he pulled down the intercom to his mouth. There were other easier ways to speak to the fleet, but this was the old, traditional way, and right now that felt important to him.

"This is the Admiral. All ships here at Ararrh III will follow Warlord into the fray. We have ninety minutes to clear a path for the civilians to use. I am authorising all operational measures in this fight. Launch all remaining fighters and engage the enemy. Let's turn this withdrawal into a victory. If anything comes too close, blast it."

As the acknowledgements came in, he noticed the XO looking at him, a confused expression to his face.

"Withdrawal?"

Admiral Churchill grimaced and then pointed to the tactical map. A smaller part of the display showed the wider region, with the nearest quadrants as well as the border. It looked remarkably different to any of the data they had seen over the last few weeks.

"Look at the intelligence coming in from Byotai loyalists. They are sending it out on Byotai secure channels, as well as to the Alliance. Looks like somebody finally woke up and realised which side we're on."

The two stared at the mapping information. Until now they had seen little more than glimpses of what was happening in the fallen star systems and shipping lanes of the old Byotai Empire. Only information obtained by Alliance agents, scout ships, and drones gave any indication as to what was happening. Now they could see how serious the great exodus was becoming.

"Incredible," said Commander Jarvis, "The refugee crisis is unlike anything I imagined. The impression we've been given is a relatively bloodless coup. But it looks like a good many of them are fleeing Tahkeome and his minions."

Admiral Churchill didn't seem as convinced.

"Perhaps, or they might simply be fleeing violence. Don't forget, the first to suffer in a major war are the civilians. Both sides continue to fight, while the innocents on both sides lose their livelihoods, homes, and families."

It was a despondent thought, but not even that could dissuade the young Commander.

"Then that must mean there are still loyalists, warriors, and captains prepared to fight for the Imperator."

Admiral Churchill breathed out slowly.

"Yes. Clearly Kratha's signal is spreading like wildfire, and the response is rapid, even if dangerous for those now acting upon it. I suppose this is ultimately good news. There might be more loyalist support in the fallen territories than we ever thought possible."

He nodded to himself.

"Maybe this struggle is not as hopeless as we first thought. Maybe."

He focused on the mapping data.

"The information from inside the Empire is not what we expected. It's not complete, but already it is showing some obvious trends inside the occupied territories. Look."

Blue and green shapes marked allied and friendly units. Red shapes showed known rebel vessels. The red were in the majority, but what really stood out was the mass of colour at the heart of the old Byotai Empire. There were a number of large groups of vessels.

"Fascinating," said Commander Jarvis, "If this is correct, the new regime is massing forces at a number of sites, with the largest in their core worlds around the capital. But for what?"

Admiral Churchill nodded in agreement.

"Indeed, but that is not all of it. Look here."

He moved his finger lower and pointed at two more groups that must have recently split. One was heading to the bottom left and the systems running along the border to the disputed Tenth Quadrant and the edge of Alliance space; the other headed down the map and towards the Alliance border.

"Those are not patrols. They're major war fleets. According to the data there are scores of ships, and they are heading..."

"The second one is coming right here, to the Ararrh System."

Something lit up in his face.

"Of course, they must know Kratha is here, and they want him. The fleet is coming to surround and destroy him, and us in the middle of it. It looks like this time they really mean business, doesn't it?"

Admiral Churchill nodded.

"Yes, and the second one, it is moving to intercept something near the border. "

The two men looked to each other, but while the Commander looked confused, Admiral Churchill appeared almost amused.

"Why would they send a war fleet to their own border, in a direction that is not being threatened? Surely they would be better off sending both fleets at us to destroy any remaining loyalists, and capture or kill Kratha? What would possibly stop them?"

Now the Commander understood.

"It has to be Makos. That crazy fool must have received a message from Kratha. Hell, if he's coming to assist, then things might be about to change."

"Perhaps," agreed the Admiral, "Or they might be about to get a whole lot bloodier."

He paused for a moment. The news was momentous, and if true would change the balance of power in the region. Of all the great figures of the old Byotai state, none was more famous than the old General Makos. A veteran of the Biomech War, he had already been a hero to the people for a generation. Years of combat out on the border in the Tenth Quadrant had done little to change that view, and by becoming an outcast, his mythos had increased exponentially.

"If Makos and the Prince can get together, they will truly be a force to be reckoned with. One is a visionary war hero, loved by old and young alike, and the other the last of the Royal line. The final link in an unbroken chain of Byotai history."

His eyes seemed to twinkle as he described the two of them.

"We are in a unique position, you and I. Between us, we have the power to help or destroy what remains of this ancient race. We could turn our backs, and see Makos overwhelmed and the Prince killed. That could be enough to create peace, perhaps a permanent one between Tahkeome and his Star Empire. It might even allow a degree of friendship by stopping the rebels from escaping. Or..."

He lifted his hand and raised a single finger.

"We can ignite the flame, protect the two leaders, and help them create a resistance movement that will keep the old Empire alive. And in doing so, keep Tahkeome from our door."

He already knew what he was going to do, and that wasn't really up to him. He had his orders, and they were clear and unambiguous. He was to assist the Byotai in any way possible, if and when they needed the help. High Command had clearly determined that Tahkeome was a threat, and the best way to contain that threat was to ensure he was unable to obtain the resources of the old Byotai Empire, at least not without a major fight.

"Very well. I need to get a message to High Command...and to Makos, if he's still in this fight. It's time to mobilise everything we have on the border. If this Tahkeome wants a show of force, we'll give him one."

He looked at the map and moved his finger around until stopping at the last point in the Deadlands, the final star system between the old Byotai Empire and the Alliance.

"That's it. Fiorr Veej."

Commander Jarvis seemed surprised at this.

"Fiorr Veej? Why not here?"

Admiral Churchill smiled at his confusion.

"The Ararrh System is indefensible, and too far inside hostile territory for us to hold. No, the Fiorr Veej will become our new strongpoint. It houses the four Rifts that link the South and West of the Byotai territories. It's the only direct link between the Alliance, the Byotai territories, and the Tenth Quadrant. It's the key to this entire front."

"But to what end? Will we use it to strike at our new enemy?"

The Admiral smiled and then tapped his finger on his display.

"Oh, that is for another day. Whoever controls Fiorr Veej will control the initiative in the fight to come. We need Makos and his ships, and fast."

He then pointed at the large formation of ships heading from the Trinity Core Worlds and in their direction.

"Because that looks like a fleet designed for one thing, and I mean to put a stop to them."

Alliance Armoured Assault Ship 'ANS Relentless', Leaving Ararrh II.

"How in the name of all that is holy, did we do that?" said Captain Galanos.

The CIC was busier than ever, with her officers in constant contact with the many damaged parts of the ship. Even Captain Cornwallis seemed permanently busy as he managed his badly mauled fighter squadrons. She was speaking to nobody in particular, and watched the shrinking space station with relief. The battle for the station might only have been part of the operation, but it had been a much longer and more drawn out battle than she had ever expected.

At least we achieved our objective. Now we can only hope it makes a difference.

Only the small Byotai contingent seemed to have time on their side. Captain Dreuc was there as usual, but this time so was the venerable old General. She glanced at the two of them and then turned her attention back to the large holographic unit.

"I don't like this, not one little bit."

The General grunted and then pointed to the destination point.

"I understand your concern."

There were a hundred different things the alien could have said to her, but that was perhaps the least helpful. There were three separate groups of ships on the displays, and all heading from different points to the same destination. She moved her hand to the left, where the world of Ararrh III sat lifeless and abandoned.

"Warlord is leading the withdrawal from battle, along with the Helions and more than seventy civilian ships. They are moving fast, but look behind them."

Her hand moved a fraction below and tagged the mass of red icons.

"Fifty plus vessels from Ararrh III, and all in a pursuit course of the Admiral. Nearly a third of those are captured military ships."

She let that sink in for a second.

"And then we have us, three battered ships and a reduced complement of marines and fighters on board."

"Don't forget the third group," said a familiar voice.

They all turned to see the splendid figure of Prince Kratha approaching. He walked up to the Captain and saluted in the human fashion.

"I have just received another series of messages via the Cortex. It would appear the equipment is still functioning, for now at least."

"What do you have?" asked the Captain.

Prince Kratha pointed to the third group again.

"This is the vanguard of a major force. They are bearing the insignia of the Legate of the Interior. According to my sources, this fleet is responsible for internal security in their new Empire. It comprises almost a quarter of the available ships."

His eyes opened much wider before he continued.

"This one fleet includes military ships taken throughout the fallen systems. Byotai, Anicinàbe, and even a few Alliance that had been loaned to our military. And as for this one..."

His hand pointed to the vanguard formation.

"This supercarrier was unknown to my agents until recently. There is scattered information coming from inside Anicinàbe space that it is based upon a much older vessel, modified to use more recent weapons and fighters."

He handed over an electronic device, similar in size to the old Secpad used in the Alliance. It showed a coloured schematic of the ship, along with details in Byotai script.

"A loyalist special ops team recovered this data from a hulk two weeks ago."

Captain Galanos examined it for a moment, and then signalled for her tactical officer to come over. The young officer moved to join them and examined the diagram with growing interest.

"Can I add this to our system?"

The Prince nodded, and the officer moved away to his own computer system. Prince Kratha looked back to the senior officers.

"You should find quite quickly that the ship is based upon what we believe is a Byotai relic from almost four hundred years ago. I have no idea where they found it, but it will have taken a number of years to restore and refit to the level it is at now."

His eyes narrowed and he tried to smile.

"Now it is the flagship of the Deadlands Fleet, itself part of the many forces commanded by the Legate of the Interior. Who knows what other surprises this Tahkeome has in store for us."

He licked his lips again, clearly trying to be careful about what he said.

"Others ships have been seen and new designs are already being sent to shipyards in The Trinity. They have the capacity to produce new ships every month, the factories are a work of art.
"

The Prince looked bitter and angry as he described what the agents had seen.

"Entire new designs were taking the place of the tried and tested Byotai designs, with almost all civilian shipyards now working on the new programme. And my agents say the great robotic machines are slaving away night and day to construct them in blocks."

Captain Galanos laughed.

"From the people spouting the gospel of machine hatred. How ironic."

The icons that represented the ships showed little detail other than their estimated size and class. Yet there was a clear discrepancy between the majority of them and the so-called supercarrier.

"Wait," said Captain Galanos, "What technology are you talking about, exactly?"

Prince Kratha moved closer and spoke quietly in her ear, his translator automatically reducing its volume so as not to be too easily heard and understood.

"I cannot confirm or deny any of this, but my agents say Tahkeome has been exchanging technology with one of your own corporations."

Captain Galanos looked taken aback by this.

"What? Do you have evidence for this?"

Prince Kratha shook his head.

"Not yet. The information is scattered, but a derelict was mentioned. I am awaiting direct contact with my agents soon."

The name meant little to the Captain, and for now she put it aside, though making a mental note to mention it to the Admiral when next they spoke. For now, she had more pressing concerns.

"So tell me, Kratha. What else have you learnt from the people we rescued on the station? They've been here some time, I suspect. Have they other news from inside the Empire that could help in our struggle?"

The Prince lifted his head and considered her question.

"There is news, but most of it is unimportant. Political appointments, collaboration by several governors, and the like."

Captain Galanos kept nodding as he spoke.

"Tell me, all of it."

The alien was surprised to see her taking so much interest in his affairs.

"Why all the questions?"

Captain Dreuc, who until now had been silent, lifted an arm.

"Because it is clear to all of us that the future of the Alliance is now inextricably tied with our own. Since we escaped, the Captain and I have had many discussions about the Empire and our heritage. She is considered the resident expert on Byotai affairs in this fleet."

"I see," said Prince Kratha.

He gave the Captain a mock bow.

"In that case, where shall I begin?"

* * *

The powerful warship left the planet at maximum burn. Her engines burned white hot as the ship blasted away from yet another volley of gunfire from the distant warships. Just behind her were the battered shapes of her two escorts, ANS New Berlin and ANS London. Both had taken a number of heavy impacts, and large black marks showed the impact points of multiple missiles. For all the damage they'd sustained, all three were now moving away from the planet at an ever-increasing velocity. Behind them the station, surrounded by the wreckage of fighters and civilian ships, as well as fuel and spent ammunition. The bulk of the newly arrived ships continued on their present course to the station, but a portion changed course to match the route taken by the Alliance ships. They were now moving parallel to each other and for the Spacebridge that led to Fiorr Veej and beyond.

* * *

A great cloud surrounded the Mauler as its occupants clambered out of the spacecraft's hull. Many were wounded. Some even staggered and then fell to the ground as they moved away from the damage hull. First out were those marines able to walk under their own effort, and carrying or helping the many wounded onto the ship. More than a dozen medical personnel were already there with stretchers, emergency gear, and a pair of Mules. The robotic machines settled down low onto their four legs and waited until the wounded were loaded onto their panniers. Privates Valentine and Jackson came out together, and once on the deck they grabbed each other, sharing an embrace.

"That was intense. I mean seriously intense," said Jackson as they separated.

Private Valentine removed her helmet and let it drop down to her side. Her hair was matted with sweat, her faced marked from dozens of tiny scratches.

"Intense? Are you kidding me? That was insane!"

Prince Kratha, General Honorius, and his escort stepped out and stretched their limbs as they waited on the deck. Lieutenant Heiskell waited alongside them, the thermal bolt still embedded in his shoulder. Now his helmet was off he sported a new gash on his forehead, yet as usual nothing seemed to concern him about himself, only these marines and their guests. A group of orderlies moved past, and he directed them inside.

"We've got wounded Byotai soldiers inside. Take care of them..."

He grabbed the first medic.

"Don't forget procedure, though. They are unknown to us. They must be thoroughly vetted, and when they are able, the Prince will see to each of them."

The medic nodded and then moved inside the shattered spacecraft. Lieutenant Heiskell turned back to his Byotai friends. Prince Kratha nodded in agreement of what he'd just done. His translator spoke a dull monotone voice, but that didn't seem to irritate the officer as much as usual.

"That is a sensible decision. Any of my people brought aboard must be disarmed and questioned thoroughly. All are welcome to join in my battle to reclaim the Empire, but there are many that have already changed sides. None of us can afford to take chances."

The Lieutenant acknowledged with a grim smile, but he'd already decided that he simply wanted to go through the motion, to make sure procedures were adhered to. In reality, if the Byotai had been hostile, they could quite easily have detonated a weapon on their way back. A single grenade could have killed the future of the Empire there and then. There would be other occasions, though, and like so many of the veterans on the ship, he knew how easy it was to forget the basics.

"Well, Prince. That went..."

"Well," agreed Prince Kratha.

Both looked at the craft they had arrived on. The General, normally silent on this alien ship, pointed to the Mauler.

"Your engineers are to be commended. This spacecraft is a true work of art."

The aged warrior walked slowly towards the craft’s flank and placed a hand on the metal. He proceeded to whisper something his own tongue, all while the others watch in a mixture of surprise and confusion.

"What's he doing?" Lieutenant Heiskell asked.

The Prince extended his tongue and ran it along his teeth before answering.

"He is thanking the spacecraft and our Gods for bringing us back alive."

He didn't seem very impressed.

"Don't thank the ship; she's just a lump of metal and spare parts. Thank the people that made and maintained her, and the people flying her."

Prince Kratha seemed to agree, but he refused to say anything to his old General and left him to continue his almost silent talking to the battered machine. The Prince moved his attention back to the Lieutenant.

"Your people have done me a great service today, and I cannot thank you enough. The signal from the Cortex is spreading, and nothing will be able to stop the signal. I have encoded it with my Royal seal, and given my orders as Imperator to what remains of the Imperial military and bureaucracy."

As the small group continued to talk, Nate and Billy sat still and waited. They were completely stunned by what had just happened, and neither could summon the mental or physical will to release their harnesses and leave the Mauler. They sat in the cockpit of the Mauler and said nothing. Nate could feel his entire body shaking even as the small side hatch clicked and hissed open. Ground crew signalled for them to get out, but neither could move. One of the men clambered up the side and leaned inside.

"You both okay?"

Nate nodded quickly.

"Yeah, give us a minute."

The man pulled back and gave them an okay sign with his right hand. As he vanished from view, Nate looked to his friend.

"How the hell did we get back in one piece, Billy? That last part, with the fighters. I thought we were goners."

Billy's face was white, so much so that Nate was sure he must have been injured. All of their readings read as normal on the bio-indicators, with the obvious exception of their heart rates. Both were still pumped up high on adrenalin, and their hearts hammered away like drums. Billy panted as he spoke, slightly out of breath.