Interstellar War (The Pike Chronicles Book 5) (18 page)

Bast looked down at the mass of Kemmar warships just below the Ronin. They looked like a hastily put together fleet, as they hadn’t adopted any recognizable formation. Rather, the ships were all clustered together, like a swarm of insects. Perhaps something of a formation, he admitted. Still, he assumed they were more interested in speed, than anything else. They couldn’t know what the Vanguard’s group was up to, but they had realized it was something important, and decided that it had to be stopped.

A salvo of missiles raced out of the Ronin, toward their target, just as, energy weapons raked the enemy hull. Then it disappeared, replaced by another target, as the Ronin jumped to a different location. They fired at the nearest Kemmar warship, and jumped away, denying the enemy a stationary target it could retaliate against.

Reports flashed across his mind, streaming in through his brain chip. He saw that their targets thus far had not even deployed any countermeasures, leaving the missiles free to plow into their hulls. Combined, the allied ships were able to inflict a fair amount of damage. Some enemy ships had already been destroyed, and some had been disabled. Many ships had been damaged, but remained functional. They could reduce the Kemmar numbers, but he knew it wouldn’t be enough. They would remain outnumbered when the armada reached the battle group.

He wondered why the Kemmar didn’t slow, to deal with them more effectively. If they did, it would buy the Diakans more time to activate the jump gate. These Kemmar were clever beings. They chose to withstand the hit and run tactics used against them, rather than allow the battle group to finish whatever it was they set out to do. If they knew that a jump gate existed in this system, they would send all their ships to intercept instead.

The Ronin kept jumping. Kept firing. The Kemmar kept advancing. More statistics flashed across Bast’s mind. The fleet was now less than two minutes away. The Diakan and Vanguard projectiles were hitting the Kemmar, ripping through the lead ships. The Kemmar numbers were dropping. But Bast knew it wasn’t enough.

“Colonel, a New Byzantium destroyer is not jumping. They’re taking fire.”

“Contact them,” ordered Bast. “Send transmission to my comm.”

The New Byzantium Captain appeared on Bast’s display. “Why haven’t you jumped away? The Kemmar will destroy you.”

“We stayed in position too long. I didn’t expect that we would be hit as hard as we were. It knocked out our jump system.”

“Stand by,” said Bast, sending an order through his brain chip to jump to the prone destroyer’s location.

In an instant the Ronin appeared just above the destroyer, which had suffered a terrible beating in such a short time. It was taking fire from at least a dozen Kemmar ships. With just a thought Bast activated the Ronin’s jump drive, its proximity establishing a jump field around the prone warship. A split second later the Ronin appeared amidst the other New Byzantium ships, behind the mine field.

“You must now stay here in reserve and wait for the final engagement,” said Bast to the flustered Captain. Bast ended the transmission before the man had a chance to reply.

Bast sent another order through his chip, and the Ronin returned to the fray. He resumed firing weapons, and jumping before it could take any damage. He wondered if that fool of a Captain realized how much he had set them back. His ship had suffered considerable damage and would be less effective, thus weakening the battle group overall.

More statistics flowed in. The Kemmar were now just a minute away. The gate still hadn’t been activated. They were still outnumbered, although they had put a dent in the Kemmar force. They only had time for a few more hit and run attacks before they would have to jump back and make a stand.

“All ships, jump back behind the minefield,” ordered Kevin through his comm. “Helm, initiate jump.”

The jump ships landed back behind the minefield. Now they would wait for the smart mines to do their job.

“I want a tight battle line,” said Kevin. “We hold until the gate is activated.”

“Relaying orders,” said Hurley.

“How many ships are left?”

“Fifty-three.”

Kevin took a deep breath. On his tactical display, the swarm of red icons continued to approach, without showing signs of slowing. It amazed Kevin. Their scanner surely saw the mines yet they chose to simply drill a hole through the mine field, rather than conduct mine sweeping operations. They were willing to sacrifice thousands of lives to get at the battle group. Why? What gave them such incredible resolve?

“Mines are hot,” said Ensign Michael. “Impact! Reading multiple detonations.”

“All ships, open fire,” ordered Kevin. “Ensign Michael, fire all weapons at will.”

The battle group erupted with an unceasing volley of missiles, projectiles, and energy weapons, adding their weight to the destructive power of the mines.

“Kemmar ships are taking heavy damage,” said Ensign Michael, barely able to conceal his excitement.

“On viewscreen,” said Kevin.

The main viewscreen reoriented to show numerous tiny suns, as several Kemmar warships were blown apart. But they kept coming. As one ship was destroyed, another pushed through the hole it had created. This continued until the minefield directly in front of the battle group was clear.

“Nine Kemmar warships have been destroyed. Kemmar have broken through minefield. They’re firing. Reading multiple incoming missiles.”

“Activate point defense system. Launch countermeasures.”

An explosive halo began to form around the battle group, as each ship activated its point defense shield. Decoy drones raced away in countless directions, trying to lure the missiles away from their targets. All along, the Kemmar ships continued to push forward, establishing a battle line of their own.

Their tenacity was impressive, as was their discipline. Nine ships had been destroyed by the minefield, but still they pushed. The first warships breaking past the minefield faced a gauntlet of twenty warships firing all weapons. Yet, even while facing certain destruction, they continued to push forward.

As their numbers grew, the battle group began taking heavy damage. The first casualty was a New Byzantium jump ships. Kevin recognized it as the one that Colonel Bast had rescued earlier. Considering the previous damage sustained, it was no surprise. Still, Kevin felt the kick in his gut.
All those men and women gone
. His years of experience, reminded him that the time for mourning was after the battle, not during.

“Close ranks,” said Kevin. “Fill the hole in the line.”

“Sir, two of those New Byzantium ships have just jumped away,” said Hurley, agitation in his voice.

“What? Where the hell did they go?” If they left the battlefield, Kevin would make sure their Captains were shot.

“They’re attacking the Kemmar flank, Sir.”

“Damn it!” It was bad enough that they had lost one ship, but now they were going to lose two more. All because of stubborn stupidity. Kevin tapped his console, and opened a comm with the captains of both ships, whose faces appeared on his display. “What the hell are you two doing? Get your ships back into formation,” Kevin barked.

“If we stay in your formation, we’ll be destroyed, just like the other ship was,” said one of the New Byzantium captains. “We cannot fight a larger force head on. Our only hope is to use the jump system.”

“Our job is to protect the science vessel long enough so it can activate the jump gate. That means we keep the Kemmar from getting near it. We can’t do that by jumping around all over the damn place. Now get your ships back in formation.”

“Negative. We do not recognize your command over us. We decide how our ships fight.”

“Sir, the third New Byzantium jump ship has vanished,” said Hurley. “They’ve joined the other two on the Kemmar flank.”

“General Calledonius will hear about this,” said Kevin in exasperation, and cut the comm link with the two men. He tapped his console again and Tallos appeared on his screen. “Tallos, what is the science vessel’s status?”

“They are making progress, Captain. They’ve received a response from the gate, but need more time.”

“Why? If they got a response, can’t they just send a command to activate the damn thing?”

“Yes, that would be ideal. Unfortunately, when the colonists shut the gate down five hundred years ago, they seem to have damaged it in their haste.”

“It just keeps getting better.”

“I’m sorry, Captain. I do not understand. How is this better?”

“It’s a figure of speech.”

“I see. We need to hold off the Kemmar a while longer, Captain. May I ask why you have sent those three ships to attack the Kemmar flank? They would better protect the science vessel in formation.”

“I didn’t send them. They are moving on their own.”

“They disobeyed your command?”

“Yes. They did. And I will deal with them once this mission is over.”

“Their actions have damaged our position, which was a difficult one to begin with.”

“We have to hold the Kemmar back until the gate is activated.”

“I agree, Captain. Is there anything else?”

“No. St. Clair out.”

“Sir, I’m reading an energy spike from one of the destroyers,” said Hurley, as an explosive flash of light filled the viewscreen. “That was one of our ships, Sir. She’s gone.”

“Hold position. Keep firing.”

Kevin’s tactical screen illustrated just how bad things had become. Two of their ships had been destroyed, and three more had broken formation. Those left were taking heavy damage. Even worse, the Kemmar were now trying to get around their formation. It was obvious that the battle group was protecting the science vessel. Now it seemed the Kemmar had decided to specifically go after it.

Colonel Bast’s ship was positioned on that flank, and it moved to prevent the maneuver. Engaging in a short tactical jump, it landed directly in front of the flanking ship, engaging it nose to nose. The two warships relentlessly pounded each other, while the battle group tried to salvage what remained of their line. Too many holes had developed, however, and Kevin’s brick wall was now quickly turning into a sieve.

When another Kemmar warship broke through the line, it was the Reiver that jumped in front of it, blocking its path, but creating another hole in the formation. Colonel Mace moved next, jumping to intercept a third ship that had broken through. The line had all but crumbled.

“All ships, fall back,” ordered Kevin. “Protect the science vessel at all costs.”

The three rogue New Byzantium jump ships remained on the Kemmar flank, and from what Kevin could see on his tactical screen, they were enjoying some success. That success was irrelevant, however. The main Kemmar force continued to push forward, determined to get to the science vessel. The Vanguard fought hard to keep the Kemmar from getting around it, and took heavy fire from multiple vessels for its trouble.

“Reading multiple hull breaches, decks three through seven,” announced Hurley. “Establishing emergency containment fields.”

Kevin saw that the two Diakan battleships were struggling to fend off no fewer than eight warships. They were taking heavy damage, with numerous hull breaches, but stood their ground like a couple of snarling guard dogs. Yet, even those massive Diakan ships couldn’t hold out forever. Neither could the Vanguard. Soon, the damage would be too great, the odds too overwhelming, and the battle would be over. Their mission a failure.

A light flashed on the viewscreen, and Kevin look up from his console. He expected another exploding reactor, but the light in the void was more a translucent shimmer.

A moment later, Tallos was on his screen. “Captain, the jump gate has been activated.”

“Thank you, Tallos,” said Kevin, and then opened a ship to ship comm. “All ships, retreat through the jump gate. I repeat, retreat through the jump gate.”

The battle group continued to fight, but no longer needed to stand their ground. Instead, they moved as quickly as they could toward the gate, with the Kemmar in hot pursuit. The Vanguard entered the gate, and a split second later came through on the other side. On the viewscreen, the first thing the bridge crew saw was Earth floating majestically in the distance before them. A spontaneous cheer broke out, then quickly silenced as enemy fire hit the Vanguard hull.

That fire would prove to be short lived, however, as a combination of Diakan and Chaanisar warships quickly converged on the gate, shredding the Kemmar ships in a barrage of weapons fire. Kevin breathed a sigh of relief as he watched the dozens of allied ships go to work on their pursuers as they passed through the gate. The battle was over. The mission a success. He would leave the mop up operation to the fresh ships in this system. All that was left now was to retake the colonies from the Kemmar.

“Repairs on the hull are scheduled to be completed later today,” said Commander Konos, as Jon studied a dynamic image of the Freedom on his display, indicating where repair crews were currently at work. “Chief Engineer Singh reports that work on the ship’s engines has completed, and that the engines are running at ninety-eight percent.”

“Good. How about our birds?”

“They’ve been patched up as well, Sir. Commander Mani has been running combat exercises with the flight teams non stop. They’re ready for action.”

“They’re going to need to be,” said Jon. “AI, give me a progress report on the station.”

“Yes, Admiral. Repairs are ongoing. As you know the station suffered significant damage in the battle for Meybaris. I have made weapon systems a priority, however, and can report that all station weapon systems are now online. Work is currently being done to repair the hull and reinforce the armor. Internal repairs will follow. The station is fully capable of defending itself, however.”

“Good. I want the Juttari station ready to destroy any Juttari jump ships that happen to show up.”

“Yes, Admiral. The station is ready to deal with any threat. I have also taken the liberty of installing short range weapon systems on the hull to deal with any boarding attempts using jump ships. A Chaanisar contingent is also on board as security.”

“Thank you, AI.”

“You’re most welcome, Admiral.”

“Do you think the Juttari will try to retake this system?” said Konos.

“Anything is possible,” said Jon. “As is another assassination attempt. In any event, that station is going to be a major deterrent.”

“Picking up jump gate activity,” announced Ensign Petrovic, from the tactical station on the Freedom’s bridge.

“Identify,” said Jon, reorienting his tactical display to focus on the gate activity.

“They’re Diakan, Sir.”

“On viewscreen,” said Jon.

The viewscreen shifted to display the Diakan ships coming through the gate. Many times larger than the giant Diakan battleships, these new ships seemed to take forever just to clear the gate’s field.

Konos stared at the viewscreen with mouth agape. “What in the stars? I’ve never seen anything that big before.”

“They are a sight, aren’t they?” said Jon. “It’s been a while since I’ve seen a Diakan siege ship.”

“A siege ship?” said Konos, still wide eyed.

“Yeah. General Dathos requested them from Diakus,” said Jon. “He only recently advised me that Diakus had approved the request. They are used for jump gate assaults.”

“They’ll be handy for the invasion of the Widow’s Triangle.”

“My thoughts exactly.”

The Widow’s Triangle was roughly eight-hundred light years away from Meybaris, making the jump gate connecting the two systems essential to the invasion. Unfortunately, it also meant Jon’s fleet would have to face a gauntlet of defenses waiting on the other side. Given the distance between the two systems, using the jump ships was possible, but not most practical option, as it would take several days for the jump ships just to get into position. Jon didn’t want to wait that long. Speed was vital. They needed to keep the Juttari on the defensive. That meant doing things the old fashioned way, with a direct assault on the gate.

The gate would be heavily defended, making any attempt to cross through very costly. Both the Diakans and the Juttari had built siege ships to deal with such a problem. Siege ships were heavily armored super battleships of monstrous proportions. They were typically at least one hundred kilometers long, and clad in armor too thick for most warship designs. Built for one purpose, a siege ship was designed to bully its way through an enemy jump gate. Its size and armor allowed it to withstand the initial pounding from the gate defenses, while its numerous weapon systems softened the enemy, making way for the rest of the fleet.

The cost of building a siege ship was naturally prohibitive. Even races with vast empires, like the Diakans and the Juttari, only had a handful of the deadly vessels. The fact that Diakus dispatched not one, but two of the behemoths greatly impressed Jon. It proved that they were ‘all in’, and committed to victory.

Following closely behind the siege ships were several hundred standard Diakan warships. They were sent to defend Meybaris once the invasion was underway, and to stand by as reinforcements if needed. As Jon watched the display of power, a comm request came in from General Dathos.

“I’m sure you’ve noticed the ships coming through the jump gate, Admiral,” said Dathos, his unblinking Diakan eyes locking onto Jon’s.

“Yes, General. I’m glad that Diakus took your request seriously,” said Jon.

“Diakus believes in you, Admiral. Your desire to continue deeper into the jump gate network, after taking the Triangle, is favored by Diakus. We believe two siege ships will be sufficient to complete this task. We also have access to more resources if needed. Diakus will provide whatever support is necessary.”

“Forgive me General, but I still find the generosity Diakus is bestowing quite a surprise.”

“You think we are being deceptive?”

“No. I wouldn’t say that.”

“Yet you still question our commitment. I understand, Admiral. It is a logical reaction. As we have mentioned, the Great See’er has foretold of these events. She has seen your rise. And She has seen our support. We are merely playing our part in the prophecy.”

“What if she’s wrong?”

“The Great See’er is never wrong. You are not Diakan, so you may question Her visions. For a Diakan to do so is blasphemous. We are all that we are because of Her wisdom.”

“So she says you have to support Jon Pike, and you do as she says?”

“Yes, Admiral. Our future is intertwined with yours.”

“If you say so,” said Jon, still uncomfortable with the new found Diakan hero worship. “Our repairs are almost complete. Now that the siege ships have arrived, I don’t want to waste anymore time. Once the Freedom is ready, we invade.” Jon figured there were probably worse things in the galaxy, so he might as well try and accept the new Diakan attitude. It wouldn’t be easy, though. He spent too many years despising the Diakans to just change overnight. Nonetheless, a few more victories would go a long way to helping him change his mind.

“Of course, Admiral. I also have news from the colonies for you,” said Dathos.

“Oh? What news?”

“We have received word from one of our ships that the colonial jump gate has been successfully activated.”

You did it Kevin. Good man
. “That’s great news. But why didn’t Captain St. Clair just come tell me himself?

“It seems the Vanguard needs extensive repairs. They faced stiff resistance while completing their mission.

“What kind of resistance?”

“From the species known as the Kemmar. They invaded the colonies while you were absent.”

The goddamn Kemmar. I should’ve known
. “Have they taken New Byzantium?”

“No. New Byzantium has not fallen, but many of the other systems have. The jump gate itself is in a system that the Kemmar control. Captain St. Clair had to engage the Kemmar there to activate the gate. He was successful, but, as I said, his ship sustained heavy damage. A combined Diakan and Chaanisar task force has been sent through the gate to dislodge the Kemmar.”

“We need to take the Kemmar seriously. They’re an aggressive, expansionary species.”

“The task force will endeavor to secure the jump gate first. Then we can work to remove them from the colonies.” Dathos paused for a moment. “There is something else, Admiral. I am told that Captain St. Clair has shared the jump technology with New Byzantium.”

“What?”

“Yes, Admiral. From what I am told, the Kemmar were threatening to invade, and he required more ships to complete his. They struck an agreement. Captain St. Clair gave New Byzantium the technology, in return for a signed treaty where they pledge their allegiance to you. Prime Minister Sallas is now not only the leader of New Byzantium, but also of the colonies.”

“I’m sure he doesn’t mind. I’ll have to speak with Captain St. Clair about all this. What’s done is done. And the other ships in the battle group?”

“The Chaanisar and Reiver ships are on route to Meybaris, and should be arriving shortly. They did not sustain as much damage as the Vanguard. I understand they fully intend to take part in the invasion.”

“Of course they do. I wouldn’t expect any less of them. Is that all the news from the colonies?”

“There is one more thing. I’m sure you’re familiar with General Tallos.”

“Yes, how could I forget Tallos.”

“He came through the gate on one of our ships. He has asked to be part of the invasion of the Widow’s Triangle. Diakus has agreed. He will be arriving shortly.”

“You’re joking.”

“Admiral, Diakans do not joke.”

“Of course not.”

“Admiral, I understand that there was some conflict between you and General Tallos in the past. I assure you that there is no reason for concern. General Tallos is a loyal Diakan. He will do what is asked of him.”

“We’ll see,” said Jon.