Talosian Chronicles 5: Raptor Squadron (11 page)

Glamia typed for a moment. "Because of the faster engines on our ships, the thirteenth will gate out two minutes before the projected arrival of the enemy near our fleet."

"We could not detect them while they were in the Grimaria system. They had to know that we would detect their jump, which surrendered their advantage. How would they get it back? Would that invisibility hold while they were in the nebula?" Shalo asked himself. He shook his head. No matter how he looked at it, the gates had to be destroyed. The risk was simply too high to allow any other option.

"My orders stand," he said to Glamia. "But warn the commanders remaining at the gates that this enemy has advanced stealth capabilities. Inform the Hyperion Governor that we are sending assistance, but he is to immediately institute his corporate security protocols." He paused. "Tell our commanders that information on these enemies is secondary only to their main objectives. We need as much information on these ships and the race operating them as we can."

Glamia nodded and relayed the orders. Shalo sighed and added. "Tell the Garrison commander at Grimaria I need his damage and loss reports as soon as he gets them finished." He reached out and touched the icon from a system near to the one being assaulted. When it opened its information window he grinned. "Glamia, inform the twenty-ninth Circadian Guard about Hyperion."

Glamia paled. The Circadian Units did not belong to the Imperial Military. They had their own missions and chain of command. No one knew for certain exactly who they answered to, but most thought the Priests controlled them. They were brutal, ruthless units that did anything and everything necessary to accomplish their mission. While the units were made up of her people, they no longer belonged to any clan or family. They were completely isolated from the rest of their society and acted as if they were another race entirely. If they took an interest in the planet of Hyperion, it would not be a good thing for the population there.

CHAPTER FIVE

TDF
Star Dancer

Deep Space Entrance vector

Aurigae system, Durnam Sector.

Commander Jennifer Williams, Commanding

"You know, since Ian mentioned this assault, I've always wondered why the system doesn't share the name of the planet like most other systems in the Talosian data base?" Jenny asked, looking at the image of the planet on the main viewer.

"The Aurigae system is far removed from nominal Talosian 'space'. It is the most distant of their colony worlds. The system had originally been discovered by a Benesian survey mission, but they did not explore the system. Through an agreement with the Benesians, the Talosian Alliance claimed the system with plans to build a remote ship yard and mining facility here. However, when they arrived, the colony ship discovered that the planet was ideal for agriculture.

"The agreement with the Benesians was contingent on this being a mostly dead system. When they discovered there was a viable planet here, they named it Hyperion and forbade the development of heavy industry on the planet. For some unknown reason, House Bjorin never built the facilities here it had intended," Star explained. "It was captured by Imperial forces with a minimum of fighting due to the lack of assets placed here to protect it."

"Maybe the Admiral should insist it be annexed into the House Cronos so the people here would at least be taken care of," the comms officer suggested.

"That is an excellent idea and I will make the suggestion to Councilor Noren after we finish taking it back," Ian said as he entered the bridge. "I can't insist, but I can make the suggestion based on past Bjorin stewardship."

Jenny stood and smiled at him. "As you know, we've arrived at our entry point and have begun scanning. Raptors
Damocles
and
Icarus
have already launched and are on course for the planet."

Ian nodded. "We're actually here early. We're going to delay out here for a bit longer than planned to make up the difference. Tell the
Icarus
and
Damocles
they will have a bit more time on planet than originally planned."

Jenny glanced over at Chloe who nodded and took care of it. Having all the combat departments available to the commander seemed like a good idea, but it had yet to be tested in a combat situation.

"Admiral, Fleet Admiral H'joles is on secure comm for you," the communications officer said.

Ian grinned up at Jenny. "I'm going to get a lot of exercise on those stairs to my office!" he nodded to the comms officer. "I'll take it up in my office, Ensign." He turned and re-climbed the stairs to his loft office.

After raising the security curtain around his desk, Ian accepted the call. "Good Day, Fleet Admiral, what can I do for you today?"

H'joles was smiling, so Ian knew it couldn't be bad news. "You can recommend those teams of yours for medals when they return! They have planted several hidden surveillance devices in the Grimaria system and we have begun receiving data from them. Not only that, but they have managed to inflict massive damage on the enemy while they did it! They've been very busy while they try to lure the enemy fleet in."

He lost much of his smile though. "Unfortunately, their efforts have not, as yet, been successful. The last reports we have received indicate that only light elements of the fleet have been sent to the system to investigate the 'mysterious destruction' of multiple facilities. However, that report is three hours old."

"The data feeds aren't live?" Ian asked.

H'joles shook his head. "Data burst transmissions. Given the distance and the security of the system, this was the best way to handle it. We should be receiving another data burst very soon. Perhaps we will know more when it arrives. What I am calling about is to express to you how amazed I am at the success of your teams. In the week that they have been there, they have managed to do more damage to the enemy than an entire Alliance assault fleet could have done." As he finished, his terminal beeped at him, which Ian could hear.

H'joles quickly read the report. 'I was correct; we did get a new data burst. The Empire is moving several of their capitol ships into the system. Major Rathbone reports that they will continue seeding demolition charges, but will also equip the capitol ships with the charges made to destroy the gates. He goes on to report that the AI believes there is a possibility the Empire will destroy the gates themselves in order to prevent us from obtaining a detailed scan of the structures. To that end, once the charges are planted, they will jump toward the gate from orbit, thus revealing themselves to the enemy." H'joles looked concerned. "Admiral, if they do this, will not the Empire be able to destroy them?"

"The action of revealing themselves is to remove any doubt in the enemy commander's mind that they have been attacked by a hostile force," Ian explained. "The action will also give the Empire the ability to track them while in hyperspace. It is a risky move, but if the AI are correct, it will accomplish the destruction of the gates. As for the danger to the teams, I wouldn't count them out just yet; they wouldn't be jumping into a trap without a plan."

H'joles nodded his understanding. "I am forwarding all data to you as we receive it. I pray you are correct, Admiral. Because, from what this report says, they are all committing suicide."

"Chloe, there is an incoming data link for you and Major Eischens. Please get it analyzed as quickly as possible," Ian said as he returned to the bridge.

"What's going on?" Jenny asked.

"Our wayward children have been busy," Ian said winking at her. "Operations, what's the status of the
Damocles
and the
Icarus
?"

TDF
Raptor Damocles

TDF
Star Dancer

Hyperspace Transit Vector

Durnam Sector

Two days before their arrival at the Aurigae System, Ian had briefed Cindy on a new team member she would have for this mission. Lieutenant Shannon Roberts was an engineering researcher, but she was also a very strong telepath that moonlighted working for Janet Laskar. Since one of their tasks would be to locate the Benesian exile on Hyclarion, Ian wanted Cindy to take the diminutive lieutenant with her.

At first, Cindy objected to taking someone untrained with them. However, Shannon helped with that. "Major, I may not be as well trained as you and your team are, but I do know which end of a pulse rifle is dangerous. I grew up in a family that enjoyed hunting and was taught how to handle firearms at a very young age. I passed military basic training as well as advanced officers training at the top of my class. I can protect myself if I need to."

"That's not really what I'm worried about, Lieutenant. We are going behind enemy lines. If we are compromised, my team and I stand a chance of evading the enemy long enough to rejoin our forces when the attack begins. If we have someone untrained with us, it lowers those odds. Honestly, I don't see the need to bring her along, Admiral," Cindy replied.

"Cindy, according to Janet, Shannon is one of the strongest telepaths we have. She can search a much larger area than you could ever hope to on foot or even with the scanners on the ship. Besides, if the Benesian woman feels someone searching for her, there is a stronger chance she will help in her own location. She's going; you're going to need her abilities," Ian said.

Cindy sighed. She knew that no matter what, Shannon would be going with them to the planet. She just hoped the girl wasn't bragging about knowing how to use a pulse rifle. She looked at the girl. "Grab your gear and report to the
Damocles,
Lieutenant."

"I'll be there, Ma'am," Shannon replied grinning. "
You really don't have a choice, Major. Janet told Ian I have to be with you. Don't worry, we'll be fine. Besides, I'm one of the top rated snipers we have."

Cindy was surprised to hear the soft voice in her mind, but covered it well; she grinned at the girl. "We'll see, Lieutenant."

Lissa and Cindy were waiting as Shannon arrived carrying a smallish duffel bag. “Hi Major, It’s good to see you again.” She dropped the duffel and saluted. "Reporting as ordered."

Cindy returned the salute. “Shannon, let me introduce one of our team-mates; Lissa Dancer. Lissa, this is Lieutenant Shannon Roberts. As I told you before, she’ll be going with us to Hyperion,” Cindy said.

“It’s nice to make your acquaintance.” Lissa offered her hand to Shannon.

Returning the handshake Shannon got a strange look on her face and glanced at Cindy.

“Lissa is our computer and electronic countermeasures expert.” Cindy said aloud. "
She is also an android but that is a secret, and up to her to divulge to you,
" Cindy held in the front of her mind so Shannon could read it.

“I look forward to getting to know you,” Shannon said to Lissa.             

“Let’s get back to the Raptor and get her settled in. The rest of the team is anxious to meet you,” Cindy said.

In the day and a half that Shannon had been with Cindy's team, she had done her best to get to know the other members, as well as do her share of the work. When Cindy entered the bay after her briefing, she found Shannon and Ben working on one of the land rails.

“What are you two doing? This thing is supposed to be loaded.” She took a seat on the open left rear wheel of the modified dune buggy.

“Modifications, Ma’am,” Ben said. “The whiz-kids at Phoenix Base came up with a new weapons configuration, so we thought to implement it. We didn’t think we had time to do both rails though…”

“How much longer will it take?” Cindy asked.

“About another six hours. We have the parts to do both rails; but you did want these loaded,” Ben replied.

“How long have you been working on this?” Cindy asked. Looking at the turret mounted rail gun that replaced the laser on the top of the vehicle.

“We started about oh-seven-hundred. It’s really not that bad to do. You’re getting a new weapons computer and, of course, the rail gun. We are also mounting two more laser cannons on each side of the turret, installing a shield generator, and some suspension modifications,” Shannon explained.

“Wow, all that in ten hours?” Cindy asked.

“Yes Ma’am, Jerry and Lissa said they would give us a hand as soon as we finish getting the turret installed. Jerry will do the new suspension and Lissa will take care of the computer,” Shannon replied.

“Well, if you can pull it off in ten hours, unpack the other one and get it modified, too. For now, however, we have a mission briefing. Let’s go.” Cindy nodded her head in the direction of the Raptor.

When they got inside and the team was assembled, Cindy sealed the ship.
“Damocles
please project briefing notes for this mission,” Cindy began. “We're headed for the planet Hyperion. It fell to Imperial forces a few years ago and Admiral Williams thinks we can take it back. We will make planet fall here...” she pointed to the map, “…outside the village of Plainview. We are to keep a low profile until we can evaluate the situation and possibly make contact with any partisan forces on the planet. Our main mission is to evaluate enemy strength, reconnaissance of the area surrounding the city of Starlight; the planetary capitol, and to begin the search for a Benesian exile. The main planetary spaceport is located here, just south of the city. After our initial evaluation, we report back and await orders. Until those orders come in, we are to search for the exile and any partisans.””

“What are the rules of engagement?” Sasha asked.

“Ideally, we never fire a shot. The enemy is not to know we're there. However, if we are discovered, we are authorized to protect ourselves and the ship. Situational containment is also authorized, but only if the situation can be contained. Raptor
Icarus
will also be making planet fall near Rominy.” She indicated another major city 9000 kilometers to the west. “We will be going to full stealth after launch.
Star Dancer’s
Centurions are to do the recon of the system. We launch as soon as
Star Dancer
drops to normal space.”