Ep.#15 - "That Which Other Men Cannot Do" (The Frontiers Saga) (50 page)

“Everything discussed from this point forward is considered classified, and is not to be discussed with anyone outside of this room, unless otherwise directed by myself. Not even amongst yourselves.” The admiral looked around the room, making sure everyone had heard him. Satisfied that everyone understood his last words, he spoke. “As you were.”

As they sat back down, the admiral pressed the control pad on the podium, causing the lights to dim and the main view screen to come to life, displaying a system chart that was unfamiliar to most of the officers in the room.

“CP-60 424,” the admiral began, “Otherwise known as
Patoray
, a variation of the Jung word for ‘home’. It is a G8 star, slightly smaller than Sol with about half the luminosity, and is roughly sixty-four light years away. It has only four worlds. Three of them rocky, and a single gas giant. The Jung homeworld is the second planet in the system. They call it,
Nor-Patri.
If you are interested in the specifics of their homeworld, they will be available on your secure data pads, which are being updated as we speak. The Jung homeworld has four satellites, the biggest of which they have turned into a combination shipyard, spaceport, and military base. We believe that Jung command is located here. The satellite itself appears to be an asteroid. It is unknown if it orbits the Jung homeworld naturally, or if it was moved there by the Jung. The asteroid itself, which the Jung call
Zhu-Anok,
has a mean radius of four hundred and fifty kilometers and is composed of water-ice and rock. Although we were not able to use active sensors to scan its interior, there is evidence on the surface of interior excavation, which is most likely quite extensive.”

The admiral changed pictures, showing a close up of the asteroid. “
Zhu-Anok
is encircled by a massive ring-like structure that ranges in width from two kilometers, to as much as ten kilometers in some places. The structure is connected to the surface of the asteroid by a series of evenly spaced columns, each of which is several hundred meters in diameter.”

“Damn,” Nathan said under his breath.

“We believe this structure contains shipyards, complete with pressurized dry dock bays, docks, support facilities, fabrication shops, and of course, defensive systems.” Admiral Dumar looked up from his notes. “
This
, is our primary target.”

“What type of defenses are we talking about?” Captain Roselle asked.

“Three layers of rail guns,” the admiral replied. “The larger the guns, the fewer and more widely spaced they are. Of the largest, there are more than one hundred, and of the smallest, there are nearly ten times that number. They also have thirty missile launchers. However, it is unknown if they employ long or short range missiles, or if their warheads are nuclear or conventional.”

“If it is that heavily defended, then perhaps we should just use jump KKVs and take out the entire asteroid,” Captain Poc suggested.

“I have considered that option. However, based on the lack of shuttle traffic between the Jung homeworld and the asteroid base, we believe that the asteroid itself is a shell containing hundreds of levels, and quite possibly hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of people. Again, the reduced shuttle traffic would indicate that these people both live
and
work within this asteroid, and the structure encircling it. Even a single KKV strike would be catastrophic, and would likely kill hundreds of thousands of innocent people.”

“It didn’t seem to bother the Jung,” Nathan commented under his breath.

Admiral Dumar heard Captain Scott’s comment, but decided to ignore it, despite the fact that he sympathized with the captain’s position. “We believe that our usual hit and run tactics, using primarily plasma weapons, should do enough damage to the structure to send a clear message to the Jung leaders.”

“Message?” Jessica wondered aloud. “You want to send a message?” Jessica turned to Robert. “How about payback’s a bitch, asshole.”

Robert wanted to laugh, but controlled himself.

Jessica felt Nathan’s elbow in her side, and stopped chuckling at her own remark.

Admiral Dumar paused, sending a disapproving glare at the lieutenant commander, followed by a quick glance at her commanding officer next to her. “Do not misunderstand,” the admiral continued. “Our intent is not to destroy the Jung. We’re not even trying to take out all their military assets within their home system. Our goal is to arrive unannounced, cause as much destruction as possible, and then leave, all without losing a single ship.”

“What the hell kind of message does
that
send?” Jessica asked.

“Jess,” Nathan scolded quietly.

“That we are both willing, and able, to visit as much death and destruction onto them, as they have brought onto us
and
our allies,” the admiral replied.

“Could that not be accomplished through the use of JKKVs?” Captain Poc reiterated.

“We will be using jump KKVs, Captain,” Admiral Dumar assured him. “However, we must demonstrate the abilities of our ships as well as our standoff weapons of mass destruction. They must witness the full range of our abilities. That is also why we are using their own ships against them…to show them that we can capture their vessels and make them our own.”

“Haven’t we demonstrated these facts already?” Lieutenant Delaveaga wondered. “Surely by now Jung command has received word about at least
some
of the systems we’ve liberated.”

“Indeed they have,” Admiral Dumar agreed. “But we have seen that the Jung are quite adept at the use of propaganda. There is no reason to think that they do not do the same with their own people. Therefore, we need to demonstrate our abilities and resolve by an attack within their home system, where their own people can witness the horror directly.”

“You’re hoping to turn the Jung population against their own leaders, aren’t you?” Nathan realized.

“Not so much
against
their leaders, but rather to put pressure on them to change their plans in regard to the Sol sector.”

“You’re looking for a cease-fire,” Nathan surmised, “not a victory.”

Admiral Dumar looked Nathan in the eyes. “I’m looking for a way to save us all, Captain Scott. By our estimates, the ships currently within the Jung home system represent only a quarter of their total forces… Perhaps even less. If they were to rally even half their total numbers to make another run at Earth, they would roll right over us, and then over every member system.”

“But it would take years for them to rally so many ships and send them our way, possibly even decades,” Jessica argued. “During that time, we can build more ships, create better…”

“How many ships do you think you can build in ten years’ time?” Admiral Dumar asked. “Ten? Twenty? A formidable force, yes, but against several hundred warships? And what if, during that ten years, the Jung manage to develop their own jump drive, and retrofit every ship in their fleet? What then?”

“All the more reason to throw everything we’ve got at them,” Jessica argued. “Now, before they have a chance to improve their defenses to protect against our jump weapons.”

Admiral Dumar stared at Jessica for several seconds. “Sometimes, it is more effective to show an enemy your weapon, to instill fear and to make them wonder just how badly they will be hurt should you use it. For if you
do
use it, and you fail to kill your enemy, they will know that they can survive your weapon. They will know that the pain it creates is not as bad as they had feared. More importantly, they will become enraged, and will seek vengeance, just as you are now, Lieutenant Commander.”

Jessica settled back down and considered the admiral’s words. As much as she wanted her revenge, she knew, just as the admiral knew, just as everyone in the room knew, that there was far more at stake.

“There are more effective ways to win a war than to simply destroy everything your enemy possesses or holds dear,” Admiral Dumar assured everyone in the room. “The Jung have demonstrated their lack of understanding of this concept time and time again. Most recently, by their destruction of Tanna.” The admiral took a breath. “
We
are about to educate them.”

Admiral Dumar looked around the room, briefly locking eyes with every person in attendance, before continuing. “Now, let us discuss the details of the attack.”

* * *

Nathan sat in his ready room, studying the admiral’s battle plan on both his data pad and the large view screen on his wall.

“What do you think?” Jessica wondered, as she lay stretched out on the couch, studying her own data pad.

“I think it’s a good plan. Not too much, not too little, minimal risk to our ships.”

“It’s based on a lot of assumptions, though,” Jessica pointed out. “Like assuming the battle platforms never change their orbital paths around the parent star. How the hell did he come up with that one from just a five-minute recon?”

“Probably because it takes so much propellant to change the course of something that large,” Nathan explained.

“Well, sure, if you’re going to go all ‘orbital mechanics’ on me.”

“Plus, there is no reason for them to do so, since they still think that no one would ever attack them.”

“Well, how do we know their shields will all be down?” she challenged.

“Because they were then, and again, they have no reason to suspect that anyone would attempt a direct attack on their homeworld.”

Jessica shook her head. “Still a lot of assumptions in here.”

“I thought we aren’t supposed to talk about it?”

“He said we could only discuss it with our senior staff, and even then only a few hours before go time,” Jessica reminded him. “So, I guess it depends on your definition of ‘a few’.”

“I’m pretty sure twelve hours is more than a few, Jess.”

“All right, define ‘go time’.”

“Maybe we should just shut up and stop talking about it,” Nathan said.

“Maybe.” Jessica continued looking at her data pad. “I still don’t think it’s enough.”

“You don’t think destroying six battle platforms, twelve destroyers, a few cruisers and frigates, and taking a few chunks out of their shipyard ring with jump KKVs, is enough?”

“No, I don’t,” Jessica replied in a matter-of-fact tone. “And I’m betting you don’t either.”

“Then what do you think would ‘be enough’?” Nathan wondered.

“Destroy everything
and
glass their fucking world,” Jessica replied, her voice heavy with malice. “
That
would be enough.”

“And then every Jung ship still out there eventually hears about it, and heads for Earth,” Nathan said. “And
they
all want to do the same to us, and all our friends. Where does it stop, Jess?”

Jessica sat up on the couch and looked at Nathan. “Are you seriously going to sit there and lie to my face and tell me that you
don’t
want to see every last one of them fry? Really?”

“You’re damned right I want to see them fry!” Nathan replied. “Every last one of them!” Nathan paused a moment to regain his composure. “But like I said, that won’t solve anything. It might make you and me feel better, at least for a moment, but it won’t solve anything, and it probably
will
make matters worse, just like Dumar said.”

Jessica sighed. “I still don’t buy it.”

“You don’t have to. Neither one of us does. We
do
have to follow orders, and carry out the mission as designed. And that’s exactly what I’m going to do. I’m assuming that you will too.” Nathan waited several seconds for an answer. “You will, won’t you?”

“Of course I will, Nathan,” she finally replied. “Don’t be an idiot.”

“I’m never too sure about you these days,” Nathan commented. “Half the time, I wonder if you’re going to turn around and pop me in the mouth.”

“And get thrown in the brig for the rest of my days?” Jessica replied. “Sorry, you’re not worth it.”

“Gee, thanks.”

Jessica stood up and stretched. “Well, since we’re headed for the proverbial hornet’s nest tomorrow, I guess I’d better get some sleep.”

“It’s going to take us nearly twenty-eight hours just to get to the JKKV launch point, Jess,” Nathan reminded her. “I think there’s time.”

“Oh, that’s right,” Jessica replied. “Well, in that case, maybe you and I should go for a tumble or two between the sheets. You could try that line on me again. You know, how you’re shipping out tomorrow, and it could be your last night on Earth. It worked before, remember? At your father’s party?”

Nathan sat dumbfounded, his eyes wide and his mouth open. “Uh…”

“Jesus, look at you,” she laughed. “I was kidding, Nathan,” she added as she headed for the exit. She stopped at the hatch and turned back to him. “Hey, at least I didn’t punch you in the face.”

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

The intercom buzzer in Nathan’s ready room sounded. Nathan pressed the button. “Go ahead.”

“
Helm reports we’re completing our big turn,
” Naralena reported over the intercom.

“On my way,” Nathan replied. He rose from his chair and headed for the exit.

“Captain on the bridge!” the guard announced as Nathan stepped through the ready room hatch onto the Aurora’s bridge.

They had been within a few light years of the outer edges of the Jung’s home system for seven hours now, during which time he had been hesitant to go any further than his ready room.

“About time, Mister Chiles,” Nathan said in jest as he passed by Jessica at the tactical station and headed for his command chair.

“Sorry, sir,” Mister Chiles replied. “Coming about at three quarters light takes a while.”

“How much propellant have we used so far?” Nathan asked as he took his seat.

“About half our normal capacity,” the systems officer replied.

“Our next three turns are all only a few degrees each,” Mister Riley reminded the captain, “so we won’t be using much propellant. The decel burn is a different story.”

“We’ll use up an additional twenty-five percent when we decelerate,” the systems officer added. “But I’ve already started transferring propellant from the extra propellant bladders in the cargo bays, so we should be back up to half capacity by the time we make our first attack jump.”

“Very well,” Nathan replied.

“Turn complete,” Mister Chiles reported from the helm.

“Jump to fourth deployment point is plotted and ready,” Mister Riley added.

“Port and starboard flight decks report first waves of JKKVs are loaded and ready to deploy, and second waves are standing by,” Jessica announced.

“Very well. Mister Riley, execute your jump.”

“Aye, sir. Jumping to JKKV deployment point four… In three…”

As his navigator counted down, Nathan glanced at the mission status display on the port auxiliary view screen to his left. Since they were running silent during the deployment phase of the attack, the display could only verify what steps the Aurora had completed. It was, however, able to estimate what tasks the other ships should have completed, based on elapsed time since the mission clock had started nearly eight hours ago. According to the display, the Celestia—which had started much later than the Aurora due to the fact that she did not have to execute a big turn—was about to deploy her fourth group of JKKVs as well. According to mission protocol, no news from the other ships meant everything was going according to plan. However, Nathan would have preferred direct data links, even the asynchronous ones they used during coordinated battles over wide areas.

The jump flash washed over them, and Nathan’s attention turned to the main view screen. It was a habit he had never been able to break: feeling the need to immediately
see
where they were, even though the stars themselves rarely moved enough to notice.

“Jump complete.”

“We are at launch point four,” Mister Navashee reported. “No contacts.”

“Deploy JKKVs,” Nathan instructed.

“Aye, sir,” Jessica replied.

A catapult tech in a full pressure suit checked the hookup on the forward gear of the jump KKV on the outboard catapult in the port launch bay. Satisfied that it was ready to go, he gave a thumbs-up to the controller on the other side of the window to the port launch control room. After receiving both visual and audio confirmations from the controller, he quickly moved to the side of the launch bay, where he disappeared behind a safety wall.

The tech at the inboard catapult did the same, followed by the tech at the center JKKV, sitting between and behind the inboard and outboard JKKVs, each of them running to the sides of the launch bay to take refuge behind their safety wall.

Seconds later, the launch alarm sounded, and the inside of the launch bay turned red. There was a swoosh of air as the massive door at the front of the launch bay began to rise, sucking the last bit of atmosphere out into space. The door quickly disappeared into the ceiling, and the launch tube was open to space and ready to launch.

The outboard JKKV accelerated quickly down the wide launch tunnel, riding a glow of blue light at the base of the catapult sled as powerful electro magnets pulled both toward the exit. The inboard JKKV was next, surging forward and accelerating in the same manner only seconds after the first JKKV had exited the launch tunnel. Finally, the center JKKV departed, racing down the launch tunnel and into space, to join the others that had preceded it.

The massive door lowered again, dropping from its slot in the ceiling. It took only five seconds for the door to fully close and seal off the launch tube again. There was a sudden whoosh of air as the launch bay began to repressurize. In thirty seconds, the bay would be back to normal air pressure. Then the next three JKKVs, waiting just outside the launch bay would also be rolled in and hooked up to the catapults for launch.

“First six jump KKVs are away,” Jessica announced.

“Translating to port,” Mister Chiles reported from the helm.

“Next six will be ready to launch in two minutes,” Jessica added.

“Very, well,” Nathan replied. After the next wave was launched, they would start the process again, making a slight course change and short jump between the next two deployment points.

Another glance at the mission display told Nathan they were on schedule. In less than fifteen minutes, they would be jumping into the Jung home system of Patoray.

* * *

“They only know that we have
two
jump-capable ships,” Cameron corrected her tactical officer. “And as far as they know, we have no shields, and just medium-powered plasma torpedoes.”

Luis stood behind the Celestia’s tactical console, doubt clearly written on his face. “They know we were able to take down a battle platform. That, by itself, should make them worry.”

“But they still think we do not know where their homeworld is located,” Cameron reminded him. “That’s why it was so important to use one of their shuttles to peek inside their system, so as not to raise suspicion.”

“First group of JKKVs is away,” Luis reported, temporarily interrupting their conversation. “Second group in two minutes.” He looked back at his captain, facing him in her command chair. “So, you don’t think an FTL shuttle, with a broken transponder—one which they probably have no record of, no flight plan, or
anything
for—isn’t going to raise any suspicions?”

“Surely they’ve had undocumented flights before,” Cameron said. “Besides, they’ve been able to keep their location a secret for centuries. I doubt they’d put
all
their forces on alert just because of
one
mysterious flight of one of their
own
shuttles.”

“I suppose you could be right,” Luis finally admitted. “After all, the Jung are nothing if not arrogant.” He sighed. “Still, I find it hard to imagine that we can take out a significant portion of their fleet in a single attack.”

“Just think of all the ordnance being put onto multiple targets at the same time,” Cameron pointed out. “It’s mind boggling, to say the least.”

“Just the seventy-two jump KKVs is hard to wrap my mind around, let alone all the jump missiles.”

“Exactly,” Cameron agreed. “This very well could be the Alliance’s greatest victory.”

“Let’s hope,” Luis replied. “The second group of JKKVs is away, Captain. We’re clear to decelerate.”

“Very well,” Cameron said, rotating in her chair to face forward again. “Mister Hunt, you may begin our deceleration to combat speed.”

“Beginning deceleration burn, aye,” the helmsman confirmed.

* * *

“Falcon crews, you’ll be launching immediately after the briefing,” Major Prechitt explained to the flight crews in the mission briefing room. “You’ll fly to your rally points and meet up with the cargo shuttles you’re escorting. You’ll jump into the atmosphere of the Jung homeworld at an altitude of twelve hundred meters. Since you’ll be jumping in at the same time as the JKKV strikes against the battle groups, you should not encounter any defenses, air or surface based. As long as the cargo shuttles jump in, drop their loads, and get out, you should be fine. As the entire surface of Nor-Patri is urban, it doesn’t matter where the drops occur as far as distribution is concerned. Therefore, we chose the jump-in points so that you can lock onto your primary surface targets
and
launch
while
the cargo shuttles are conducting their drops. As soon as they finish their drops and jump away, you will jump to your secondary surface targets and engage them as well. After that, you jump back up to orbit and engage anything small that you find. Fast-attack shuttles, gunships, patrol ships, fighters…you can even take a run at a frigate if you can do so without putting your ship at undue risk.”

“What are the cargo shuttles dropping?” Josh asked.

“Leaflets,” Major Prechitt replied.

“You’re kidding,” Josh said.

“Isn’t that a little, uh…” Loki began hesitantly.

“Archaic?” Major Prechitt finished for him.

“I was going to say inefficient, but…” Loki let his words trail off.

“Don’t worry, they’ll be broadcasting the same message,” Major Prechitt explained. “From a series of simple comm-sats being deployed by a flight of twelve utility jump shuttles.”

“Won’t the Jung just shoot them down?” Josh wondered.

“Of course they will,” Major Prechitt responded. “Sooner or later. But considering all they’ll have to deal with in the first few minutes of the battle, I doubt they are going to get around to a dozen com-sats broadcasting unwanted messages to their citizens for at least five or ten minutes. That’s plenty of time for the message to be heard by billions.”

“Then why the leaflets?” Josh asked.

“Mostly, because it scares them.”

“But, they’re only pieces of paper, sir,” Josh reminded the major.

“Yes, but an enemy was able to suddenly appear over their heads, and drop millions of those pieces of paper on top of them,” the major replied. “What if that paper was infected with some highly contagious disease?”

Josh’s eyes grew wide with shock. “Are they?”

“No, but they don’t know that. It’s all about panic, gentlemen. Panic among the citizenry puts pressure on the political leaders. If the people of Nor-Patri do not feel safe, they may pressure their leaders to call for a cease-fire with us. It’s all a mental game.”

“That our butts are being put on the line to play,” Josh muttered under his breath.

“Eagle drivers, your first task will be to harass surface targets. Infrastructure, mostly. Power plants, communications, water supplies, sewage treatment facilities…anything that will make their life miserable. Now, while we’ve identified a handful of targets from the limited recon data that Ensigns Hayes and Sheehan so bravely acquired for us…”

Josh waved modestly at the crowd from his seat. “It was nothing, really…”

“…You will likely have to identify many targets on your own,” the major continued. “Again, try to keep collateral damages low, whenever possible. Now, within minutes of the attack, we expect the Jung to launch fighters to come after you. You may engage them, if you feel you have the advantage. However, do not press a bad situation. That’s what a jump drive is for. Never stay in one place for long, and always vary your jump distances and patterns. Stir up some shit, get them to chase you about for a bit, then jump up to orbit and start harassing anything you can find up there. That will force the fighters in the atmosphere, which have already been burning propellant, to burn even more of it to follow you up to orbit.”

“Understood,” Commander Goodreau replied with a nod.

“We’ll try to leave something in orbit for you guys to shoot at, Commander,” Josh joked.

The commander did not respond.

* * *

“Sixteen missiles away,” Commander Jento reported from the Kent’s tactical station.

“Ensign Vitko, take us to the next launch point,” Captain Poc instructed from his command station.

“Jumping to launch point two,” the navigator announced. “In three seconds.”

Captain Poc watched calmly as his navigator counted down, and then jumped the frigate to their next missile launch point. Just like the first one, it was just inside the outer borders of the Jung’s home system, Patoray. They would launch missiles from four different locations, against six different target groups. All of their missiles, just like those of their sister ship commanded by Captain Nash, would execute their jumps simultaneously along with the jump KKVs deployed by the Aurora and the Celestia. Together, their weapons would wipe out half the Jung forces in the Patoray system in the blink of an eye.

“Jump complete,” the navigator reported.

“All missiles loaded,” the tactical officer reported. “Aligning launchers.”

“Stand by to execute your turn, Lieutenant Serra,” Captain Poc instructed.

“Aye, sir,” the Kent’s helmsman replied.

“All missile launchers aligned. All jump missiles ready for launch.”

“Launch.”

“Launching all missiles,” the commander replied.

Captain Poc watched the tactical display on his console as twelve missile tracks appeared and started moving away from the center of the display.

“Twelve missiles away,” the commander reported. “Reloading.”

“Executing turn to next jump line,” the helmsman reported.

“Jump to launch point three, in one minute,” Ensign Vitko reported.

The attack was a well-choreographed series of jumps and launches, by multiple ships, and at multiple targets, with every weapon timed to jump in and strike its assigned target at the same moment in time. So far, it was going like clockwork.

* * *

“Are the SAR shuttles ready?” Captain Roselle asked his XO.

“Loaded and ready,” the commander replied. “We even put Lieutenant Commander Bowden’s ex-Jung cohorts on them to handle comms, just in case.”

“Remember, they are not to use the jump drives unless absolutely necessary. If the Jung don’t tag them as unfriendlies the moment they come out of our shuttle bays, they sure as hell will when they see them jump. So if they do, they’d better make damn sure they jump their asses all the way out to the pickup point.”

“I’ve been over it with them, Gil,” the commander assured him. “Stop worrying.”

Captain Roselle leaned back in his ready room chair. “Who’s worrying?” he said casually. “I’m just double-checking, that’s all.”

“That’s what I’m here for, Gil.”

“Okay, maybe I am worrying, but only a little. Can you blame me? We’re about to attack the whole damned Jung system.”