Gray Panthers: Earths Revenge (30 page)

Gray Panther Head Quarters, Arizona

24 October 2128

Dan swore for the umpteenth time as yet another group of Libra warships dropped into regular space. The last group brought the number up to thirty. The Arizona Space Ship Bia was on the other side of Earth and had not been detected yet. The enemy fleet had not yet begun to fight as they instead seemed to be scanning the Earth and the moon. A half dozen shuttles that were either on their way to or from the moon were used for target practice by the Libra. One warship broke off from the Libra fleet to get a closer to the two Libra Cruisers to scan their damage and look for life signs.

“People of Earth in retaliation for your unprovoked attack on the peace loving peoples of the Libra Alliance you are hereby ordered to submit unconditional surrender to the Libra Alliance now and your cities shall be spared. If you do not surrender your space fleet and Army we will destroy your world entirely one continent at a time. We will give you one galactic hour to decide.” the Libra Admiral commanded over his communications device.

Dan looked at everyone in the command post. “Are we taking odds on being able to take on this fleet with just shuttles and Earth based weapons?”

Colonel David “Dusty” Rhodes looked at Dan and said, “Damn right boss! We have every shuttle on Earth at this moment getting their weapon pods installed. Those new lasers will make a difference. The size of their fleet just means we have more targets. If we can just get a couple more hours we can get them all armed.”

An officer came up to report to Dan. “Sir, we have leaders from all over the world trying to capitulate. The Libra are not getting the messages though since the Libra have no way to receive radio. There are only a dozen or so countries in the world that even heard their transmission to Earth and they are the countries building ship with us. The message is being spread from them to other countries.

“Open up a channel and see if we can detect the command ship,” Dan ordered. “Libra commander, this is the leader of the Gray Panthers. I regret to inform you that nobody heard your request for surrender. Our world is separated into a hundred different countries and I alone have the technology to interact with you. You may have noticed when you dropped by you did not hear too much communications. That’s because it’s so very obsolete by your standards you did not even scan for it. As a courtesy to you I will rebroadcast your transmission for you but it will take eight galactic hours for the message to be received by all governments. Then those governments will need to go to council to vote on your request. With our infrastructure it will take eight more hours to get them all together. Then they will all need to speak before they vote. What is your decision in this matter?” Dan almost laughed as he imaged first the commander finally comprehending how archaic the planet was then the limited choices before him.

“Gray Panther Leader, how is it on this primitive planet you alone have so much power and technology?” Commander Kik demanded.

“I was given the technology in order to make Earth acceptable for the Alliance that wanted us to join them. We are at the extreme end of their space and they wanted us to be able to warn them of any invaders. We accepted their technology in trade. When they see we have been attacked they will take revenge. Even now they are en route just as the Earth fleet that is now returning from destroying the anchorage of your closest fleet harbor. Before we start a real shooting war may I demonstrate one of my ships to you? I promise no deception on our part.” Dan sweated as he waited for the reply watching the clock.

“You may not. You have one hour to coordinate your worlds surrender make it quick,” The commander ordered.

“Libra commander I hope you see we were humanitarian in our early battles as we held out the hope of being able to offer your Libra Alliance to our own Alliance masters in friendship. We hold five hundred of your ship's crews to turn back over to you.” Dan turned to the others around him, “Am I playing this too deep?”

“Gray Panther Commander, I will give you one extra galactic hour to release the hostages and surrender your technology. In exchange I will only take from two of your continents the soldiers I need for our Army and leave you alone.”

“He’s either negotiating badly or he’s getting ready to pull a sneak attack on our ass. In exactly fifteen minutes we will fire on them. Contact every battery to be ready to fire with us. Notify the world governments to get their people underground now.” Turning to Abby, Dan continued, “When I got up this morning I did not think I was going to lead the last battle for Earth or I would have had a better breakfast. Dusty, when the Beamers and rail guns start firing launch the shuttles.” Turning to a communication troop Dan ordered, “Connect me to the Bia, Red fireworks are starting in a few minutes you are free to sit this one out thirty to one odds are not good. Do not reply in case they can monitor your location."

One last look at the clock showed only a few seconds left when the first batteries began firing. Initial hits surprised the Libras as the newly modified Beamers cut through their hulls with impunity as the rail guns also drew blood. The shuttles had to be careful to avoid friendly fire as they opened up. Seven ships initially were destroyed or damaged as the fleet quickly jumped out of range. The remaining 23 ships launched so many missiles it blotted out the sun as they targeted the shuttles. Missiles began to cut enormous swaths through the shuttles as the shuttles ignored the danger to themselves and instead concentrated on closing with the enemy. In ten minutes, half the shuttles were destroyed with only three enemy ships destroyed in trade.

Dan looked at the numbers in disgust. The enemy was out of range of the Earth base weapons and was chewing up the shuttles.

“Recall the shuttles while we have any left. Order the shuttles to make every effort to protect themselves. Cease all firing until they come back in range,” Dan said tiredly. “I’m afraid of what next they have up their sleeves next.”

“Earth Dog, you will pay for your treachery,” Was broadcast from the enemy fleets commander as his ships began to break any semblance of formation.

“Grub, any idea what they are getting ready to do?” Dan asked.

“Sir, each ship is on a heading for an asteroid. I believe they are going to tractor them in on us. We will be able to destroy most of the asteroids but some will get through especially the largest ones. The best that we will be able to do is break those up but not destroy them.”

“Sir new development, the Bia is attacking while their fleet is disbursed. They have drawn blood. Two of the medium sized ships appear out of action. We have twelve asteroids inbound the Bia has broken off her attack and is trying to destroy them. Enemy fleet has recovered and attacking the Bia. Bia is taking heavy damage. Bia appears to be venting atmosphere and has stopped returning fire. All shuttles are launching from the Bia, it appears they are abandoning ship. The enemy is not firing on the shuttles. Sir the shuttles are forming and heading towards the enemy ships. The shuttles have started to fire on the enemy fleet. Numerous enemy ships appear damaged one destroyed. Enemy ships are now firing on the shuttles. "

Dan collapsed in his chair. The loss of the the Bia with her Captain, Commander Caleb “Red” Erickson and the crew hit him hard. The realization the bloodbath of Earth itself was next was physically painful as he fought back the urge to puke.

"Sir, the enemy has just destroyed the last surviving shuttle. New ships are now dropping from FTL. There appears to be an additional thirty ships. New ships are joining with the formation, no; the new ships are attacking the Libra fleet. Libras are taking a pounding. Two, no, three ships destroyed.”

“Grub, can we distinguish between the new ships and Libra ships, if so let's get our shuttles back into the fight.”

“Shuttles have been launched sir,” Grub stated.

“Sir enemy damage is continuing to mount the new attackers have destroyed or damaged all but four of the enemy. The enemy are engaging their FTLs, enemy has departed. We have communication coming in from the new ships.”

“Gray Panther Command, this is Admiral Pierre Gustave Toutant-Beauregard of the Dixie Fleet. I am at your disposal, sir.”

“I’m damn glad to see you Admiral; can your forces commence rescue operations on the Bia? Is there anything we can do to support your people, Admiral?” Dan asked as he fought the racing in his heart and the dizziness brought on by the turn in events.

“We are in good condition. We only took minor damages as it seems you took all the fight out of the Libra. We are sending damage control parties onboard the Bia. I will report back when we know anything.”

Dan just slumped down into his chair as reports of asteroids being destroyed or moved to new trajectories were reported. Reports continued to roll in and had no effect on Dan as he mourned the loss of the Bia, until the Dixie commander reported in an hour later.

“Gray Panther Command this is Admiral Pierre Gustave Toutant-Beauregard of the Dixie Fleet.”

“Go ahead admiral this is Daniels here.”

“Numerous survivors found on the Bia. They were in emergency shelters towards the center of the ship. When their ship was knocked out of the fight they went to their emergency shelters. They used their shuttles as their last weapons to fight back against the Libra. I salute the courage and tenacity of your warriors sir. We are sealing the external leaks to the ship and will try to have power restored soon. Your ships are like your people, built tough. Commander Caleb “Red” Erickson would like you to know he will report in when the ship is back online.”

“Thank you again admiral, any chance to pursue the enemy and destroy him? We know their destination,” Dan said ready to plead.

“I would like to more than you realize sir. The parameters of my mission are quite strict. Assist Earth in their defense and not to escalate my mission through any additional operations against the enemy. Sir what do you want done with the survivors on the Libra ships?” the admiral requested.

“I’d like to space the lot of them but we have a facility for them. We will send our shuttles to deliver them to their new homes on the moon. If you can please monitor those ships to make sure there’s not one playing opossum. I’d hate for one to get away or get in a cheap shot on one of your ships.”

“We are monitoring them closely and have let them know any treachery will be met with the severest of consequences. Looks like you should have an additional two dozen ships for your fleet when those ships are salvaged and repaired. Perhaps at that time our two fleets can go on the offensive and truly make the Libra pay for their actions.”

“Thank you again, Admiral. I look forward to future joint operations. I now have to report to my boss what's going on for the first time since we were attacked. The easy part is over. Daniels out.”

“God speed, Mr. Daniels. Admiral Pierre Gustave Toutant-Beauregard out.”

Dan hesitated as he thought what he wanted to say then had Grub connect him with the president.

“Mr. President, I have some information for you.”

“You mean like you just fought a space battle and almost lost?” President Goldstein said vehemently.

Dan flushed with anger replied back, “No sir, to report that Earth has once again been saved with the blood of my Gray Panthers and that tonight people all over the world can go to sleep knowing they are safe. Our new allies from the Planet Dixie came to our rescue at just the right moment. Once cleanup operations are done we should be able to add another two dozen major war ships to our fleet. After that addition and our own manufacturing program we will be strong enough to not only defend ourselves but take the fight to our enemy and win.”

“Who are these new aliens? Can we really trust them? Is there any relationship between their name and our Dixie? I’d hate to think we are safe then be taken over by these new aliens.”

“Sir this communication is set so no one can monitor us. Please let me know when you have turned off all recording devices on your end and that you are alone and I will continue my report.”

“Mr. Daniels that is not how this conversation will continue, now just—” Dan disconnected from the call. Those around him decided not to bother him as his cheeks and face were flushed with anger. Grub noticed his mood but knew that the information discovered on one of the ships could not wait.

“Dan, I have additional new about the enemy fleet.”

“Go ahead, what did you find?”

“There is another fleet of ships carrying troops. The plan was to establish an initial bridgehead from which to ship out humans for their Army. The second invasion fleet as you know never materialized. The initial fleet was able to warn them off. The fleet consisted of two warships and ten huge transports. It also appears they have paid agents in the Republic that gave them information on us. Their agent was able to scan sensitive data that includes information on Dixie…”

“Grub, get me the admiral now!”

“Admiral Pierre Gustave Toutant-Beauregard I was just briefed seconds ago that data was discovered on one of the enemy ships that included information on Dixie. Your mission here is done. Please return home now.” Dan practically pleaded.

“Thank you, Mr. Daniels we will leave post haste. I will leave a squadron of ten ships until your own ships return and I will not waste time debating that decision. Commander Butler will be in charge of the squadron until we—”

Grub interrupted the communications with vital news. “Sir a single ship has dropped into normal space it is heavily damaged and is from Dixie.” The communications with the admiral was still open and Dan heard the report from the new ship.