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 |  Two hundred years after a colony vanishes, they return with a warning. |
Link to previous chapter: "Chapter 28"  Bernard's Star "Transition complete. Alcubierre Drive at nominal, the con officer reported. "Sensors, give me a report of the situation. Active scans are authorized," Scott said immediately. "Stand by Captain. Accumulating data now," Waters said. "There are over three hundred ships, sir. UEF transponders identify half as Fleet warships. The rest are unidentified. Some of those with no transponder appear to be our ships, too damaged to get a signal off. Others are only debris." "Com, get a signal to whoever is in charge and get orders. Until then, find me the biggest concentration of fleet ships between us and Earth's waypoint. Until we receive orders to the contrary, we will follow [Captain Visser's] orders to get the diplomatic party to Earth." "Captain." Waters interrupted. "Yes, Ensign." "Confirming fleet strength. I read twenty-two ships of the wall, thirteen Dreadnoughts, and nine Superdreadnoughts. There are eleven carriers and their support vessels. They have twenty-seven heavy cruisers and a host of smaller vessels. They are defending the Earth way point. Admiral Yamamoto's flagship, the Nimitz is commanding. About that number again is spread out between the other three way points." "What can you tell me about the enemy ships Ensign?" "They seem to be just over fifty ships like the ones we faced. Twenty or so similar ships but twice the size. More of the debris is Aeon ships, but there are many of ours destroyed or out of action. I'm picking up life pod beacons. Some of the mess out there cannot be identified but appears to be what's left of a fleet from both sides." "Our fleet will take them out," someone said. "At least it's better than Daedalus. Not just one sided," Scott observed. "I wish I knew the current situation. Some of that information is hours old." "Captain, I'm receiving an automated signal from a message drone," Gavin said. "Civilian ships are ordered to leave the system and scatter to their last way point and wait to be contacted. Navy ships are ordered to report to the nearest command ship and be ready to engage the attacking fleet. There is a data stream containing orders and instructions to disengage the AIs on board." "Navigation, plot a course to the Earth jump point. Those are general orders meant for any arriving warships. We have a different mission," Scott said. "At least someone figured out the AI problem." Scott studied the tactical plot on his board. "We are only a single heavy cruiser. We might not need to fight until we get closer to the Nimitz," Shay said. "We can hope Commander." "Course plotted and laid in Captain," Lorelei said. "All ahead full helm." "Aye, sir. All ahead full." The powerful sub-light engines roared to life with minimal vibration attesting to the skill of the Chief Engineer and his people. "Ensign Waters, what can you tell me of battle activity between us and the Nimitz?" Scott asked. As of an hour ago, Home Fleet was not engaged. There is likely active fighting between the Nimitz and us by now. I'm just now receiving what looks like a task force headed to Jump Point Curie. No transponders! They appear undamaged." "And our course?" "They will reach us before we get there, sir. Two hours forty minutes until intercept." Scott pursed his lips. "No transponders? They must be enemy ships, especially if undamaged. Using full military power, could be avoid them?" Waters checked his screen. "The ships, yes. Their missiles, no sir. And Captain, their drive signatures do not match ours or the Aeons. They could be Aeon ships we've not seen yet. I considered civilian vessels but they are approaching in a standard defense formation with power curves way above any civilian craft." "Navigation, plot the best course to reach way point Curie while maintaining the greatest distance from that intact unknown task force. We're going to try to avoid any pitched battle and jump to earth with our passengers as ordered." "The defense force may not let us pass, Captain, "Shay said. "Chief Gavin," Scott said. "Prepare an encrypted message to the Nimitz and Admiral Yamamoto. Explain out situation and who we have on board. Emphasize the data chip the Russian captain is carrying." "Sir, do you wish me to include any log entries?" Gavin asked. "Send everything since we came in contact with the Anatoly, chief." "Aye, sir. I have the log queued up already. I'm just making your additions." In less than a minute, the Chief said, "Message sent, Captain. They will not receive it for four hours and thirty-two minutes." "Now would have been an excellent time to have the FTL message torps," Shay commented. "Or equip more than survey ships with them. I suspect much will change now we are moving to a war footing," Scott said. "Mr. Loralei, is that course to Curie ready?" "Aye, sir. The helm has it." "Mister Lembke, sound the warning for full engine burn. Get us to that way point," Scott ordered. "All decks, prepare for engine burn in sixty seconds," the OD announced. Sixty seconds later the sub-light engines ignited and the crippled warship began to move toward the concentrated fleet presence around the final way point. To spare the ship and her systems, Scott had the helm gradually bring the engines to full. Those who could glanced at the big display taking note of the changing situation as it was updated. Ships winked out. Some displaying emergency beacons, many did not. The tension increase on the bridge as well as with Scott as the display updated. With each UEF icon that disappeared or changed to an emergency transponder, everyone knew that hundreds of lives were lost as well as the destruction of a ship with the associated weakening of the fleet. Even though the McHenry did not face enemy vessels sparing the ship from further damage, the time traveling towards the last way point brought frustration at seeing their fellows fighting and dying. "Sensor contact, sir," Waters said. "Two ships, bearing two, niner, niner. Distance eleven light minutes." Scott had followed the small fleet that was going to reach them prior to the way point but the appearance of the two-additional enemy ships this close was a real surprise. He had counted on being seen and with his message, receiving fleet support. "Time to engagement range for both groups?" "We will be in engagement range with the two new contacts in just under ten minutes. The other contact follows thirty minutes later." Scott looked at Shay. They both knew that the two new ships changed everything. The original four ships would have been chasing the McHenry who should have fleet support by then. "We can't take on all of them, even if the ship was undamaged." His XO didn't comment but her face showed she had come to the same conclusion. "Sir," Waters said. "The two new contacts are the enemy's larger ships." "Acknowledged, Ensign." Scott said, still watching Shay. Scott considered, "It might be possible to engage only one ship if they altered course to a more roundabout approach to the way point. If everyone else behaved." "Navigation, give helm a hyperbolic course to way point Curie maintaining maximum separation from those ships. See if you can keep us from engaging more than one vessel at a time." "I try sir," Loralei said. Shay stood. "I'll help her, Captain," she said and went to confer with the navigation officer. Scott had to ask. "Ensign Waters. Could the new ships be another false reading? How did we miss them?" "No, sir. They were drifting with the engines shut down. I picked them up when they brought their sub-lights online, altering course to intercept us." "Captain, we have that course change," Loralei said. Shay stood by her and nodded. "We will not have to engage all at once. For a few minutes, we will face both of the new pair depending or their missile range, but will mostly have only one to deal with." "Helm, execute the new course," Scott ordered, frowning at what his ship and crew were going to face despite the improved odds. He watched them for a few minutes before scanning the display for further updates of the battle. "The other four ships have altered course," Waters said. "They are heading to meet up with the two larger ships. They can't have picked up our course change yet, sir. Neither group should have." Shay now stood beside Scott. "We play out our hand. It's the best we are going to get." "If we hadn't insisted on a full payload despite Captain Visser's insistence we wouldn't need it..." "We would have been much worse off," Shay finished. "I guess this is it," Scott said. "Chief Gavin, give me all ship." "Aye sir. All ship." "This is the Captain," Scott started. "We have come this far through all odds. As I'm sure you all know, we have arrived in the middle of a fleet engagement with our enemy. Since what we need to deliver to Earth is vital, and we received orders to do so, we tried to avoid joining the battle. It seems the battle has joined us. Do as you have always done, your best, and the McHenry will deliver." Scott nodded to his OD. Mr. Lembke, bring the ship to battle stations," Scott ordered. "Battle Stations, Battle Stations," Lembke started. Scott watched his crew preparing to fight once again. Likely, of all the surviving fleet ships, his crew now had the most battle experience. All the rest were gone." "Set tubes one through seven to fire two missiles each at the new ships. They're the biggest threat because of the range, the probably won't do anything but slow them down." "Aye sir, Wilkes answered." They were still over four light minutes apart. This made the AI on board each missile critical. Much can change during the time of launch and their arrival at the target. Even with accelerations of fifteen hundred gravities, when the warhead arrived, much could have change. Not intending to enter the main battle, Scott decided to try to take out the closer ships quickly. "Mr. Wilkes, launch first volley. The second and third barrages as soon as possible. Let's try to overwhelm their Point Defense. We know it's not quite as good as ours. Hit or not, the detonating missiles interfere with their laser defenses." "Aye, sir. Rapid fire, three waves." "Missile launch! Twelve incoming," Waters said. "Launching Indictors," Wilkes said. "Intercept in two minutes. All volleys launched. Fifteen second spacing." "What are those other four ships doing, Mr. Waters," Scott asked "Sir, I'm not sure they intend to engage us until we intercept the. They should be changing course our way to back up these others." "Let's not give them that chance. Mr. Wilkes, send a barrage of two each their way to keep them occupied," Scott ordered. "Sir," Chief Gavin said. I have Captain -- I mean, Mr. Matvei on the com." Scott considered ignoring her but touched his panel. "Veronika, we are a bit busy up here." "Somethings wrong. Do not fire on the furthest four ships," she said. "What? Why not?" Scott demanded. "I think those are Russian Federation ships," she said. "Russian Federation!" "Two still incoming, point defense active, rail-guns firing," Wilkes reported. "Second wave detected. Twelve more," Waters barked. 'These Aeons don't reload as quickly as we do,' Scott thought. The ship shook from the detonation of the intercepted missiles. Alarms went off, then quieted. "Minimal damage to the secondary hull. Damage control responding," Shay said. "Their defensive missiles took out our first wave. They missed one of the second," Wilkes reported. "And two of the third got through. I think our Counter Measures are better. One ship will not be targeted when they go terminal. Indictors away to intersect that second wave." "Waters, any change in the aspect of the other four?" Waters had his hands full watching the two threats as well as providing sensor data to Wilkes, the tactical officer. Without looking away from his displays, he answered, "No sir, they are still headed directly towards the Nimitz." "Your opinion Mr. Waters. Are they Aeons or Russian Federation?" "I can't be one hundred percent sure, but I'm convinced they are not Aeon. I'm less sure they are Federation ships, but it's likely." "CIC, this is the Captain. Mr. Matvei, how sure are you they are your ships?" "Completely Captain." Scott had come to trust the Russian officer's judgment and he knew she was one of the best tactical officers he had met. Of course, she has been fighting battles for years where he had only fought for a few months. Scott made his decision. "Ignore the Russian vessels for now Mr. Wilkes. Concentrate of the ships firing on us." "Aye, sir. That will help. Indictors interception in twenty seconds. Point defenses ready." "Laser turrets one through five just went down," Shay said. "I don't think they'll be back up before this wave." "Helm, roll the ship. Face our strong side towards the incoming," Scott said. "Our third barrage away. Concentrating on the undamaged ship. Nine intercepted. Three still incoming." "Helm?" "We're rolling into position. Turrets won't quite be in optimal position." Wilkes spoke quietly, "I don't think we can get them all." "Brace for impact. Damage control stand by," Shay said. "Point defenses firing. Only got..." The ship shuttered violently, the lights dimming momentarily. The ozone from damaged circuits burned Scott's none. His stomach tightened as the gravity fluctuated." Scott waited for Wilkes' tactical update. When he heard nothing, he glanced over to tactical to see the officer bent over his station, a large shard of plastic protruding from his side. He now noticed the smell of blood also. "Wilkes is down. Get a medical team up hear. Waters, give me report on those missiles." "Double missile detonation two hundred kilometers," Waters said, coughing in the smoke-filled air. "Our second wave destroyed. Third approaching. Intercept in twenty seconds." "CIC, this is the captain. Wilkes is injured. You..." "Captain," the XO interrupted. "Tactical is offline." "Lieutenant Murphy, you have Tactical. We're offline up here." There was no response for a few moments, then Matvei's voice come over the com, "Lieutenant Murphy is injured. I have tactical." Scott froze at this unexpected development. The damage control officer on the bridge was also down and he needed his XO to cover for that crewman and take care of the ship. "Six of ours intercepted, the others going terminal on selected targets," Matvei reported. She's doing her job while I hesitated. Scott was qualified at Tactical, but was needed to command the ship." "Mr. Matvei, you have Tactical. Fight my ship!" Scott finally said. "Yes, Captain. Indictor missiles away. Three detonations, all three ships leaking atmosphere. It appears their drives are down." Matvei reported. They must have fired during the commotion when Wilkes went down. "Return fire," Scott said. "Missile seven and nine are not responding," Shay said. "Secondary launchers firing, missiles away," Matvei said. "Four still incoming. Point defense engaging." We're short turrets on that side. If they can take them out, it will be close. Scott was jerked to the side, the harness digging into his chest painfully. Hull breach alarms sounded. The light flickered but remained on. "Hull breach deck seven. Port tubes down. Main engines and thrusters offline." Shay shouted above the clamor. "Damage control responding." Without thrusters, Scott knew they couldn't bring the starboard tubes to bear. Neither the offense or defense missiles could fire. "We need weapons!" Scott said. "Get port missile control or the thrusters online, now." "Twenty-four incoming!" Waters said. "Wait, I don't know where..." "They are not targeted at us." Matvei burst in. "They are from my people. They fired on the Aeons. Two minutes to PD bubble." Shay caught Scott's eye. "They fired at extreme range," She said. "Chief Gavin, I think we need to communicate with our friends," Scott said. "See what you can do." Scott wished he could break Captain Matvei away from Tactical, but he needed her there. As if reading his mind, he heard Matvei, "Major Stanislav has com experience." "Commander," he said to his XO. "Get him up here to help the chief." Chief Gavin spoke up, "Captain, send him to Comm. He and I have discussed this." They have? "Send him to Comm then." "Six missiles inbound from Bogey One." "I need something to defend ourselves. Commander, what have you got?" "Port thrusters only online. Still no working tubes that side." "Helm. Roll the ship. Get the starboard tubes positioned." "Aye, sir. She's sluggish. We may not..." "Six missiles away. Target, incoming enemy barrage," Matvei said. "Captain! Those six are headed away from the enemy. They were launched from the starboard tubes." Scott trusted the Russian captain. She had no reason nor was she unskilled enough to make a mistake. "John, I..." Matvei started, sounding defensive not apologetic. "Carry on, Tactical. The birds are yours." "They've looped around. They're heading for the ship. Should I abort, sir?" Waters asked. "Negative, Ensign. Stand down, tactical has the ball," Scott ordered. Scott tapped his board and watched the salvo head straight for his ship. I know that woman. They were close enough that he could see the bright flare of their anti-matter drives. They shot pass the McHenry clearing the hull by only fifty meters. These were not Indictors, but main armament. They were designed for ship to ship, not for intercepting tactical missiles. "The ships almost in position to launch Indictors," Chief Wagner said. "It won't be in time, Chief," Scott said. "Stand by. Ten seconds," Matvei said. Ten seconds until what? Maybe... The drives for the six tactical missiles were clearly visible for a few more seconds until a bright flash filled the screen, automatically filtered to protect the eyes of the bridge crew. "All incoming destroyed," Waters reported. "Salvo from the Russians is twenty seconds out. The Aeons are launching from all ships, two towards us and eight towards Bogey Two. Two of the Russian salvo are peeling off to intercept the ones coming our way." Shay was shifting her gaze between Scott and her display. "Bogey two is doing what Tactical did, sir." The screen flashed again as the Russian missiles intercepted the Aeon's inbound, detonating near enough to destroy them. Waters said, "Inbound destroyed. Russian's are on terminal, five seconds till impact." The flash wasn't as bright or as large because of the distance, but it was clear that the Aeons failed to stop the barrage. Suddenly a larger flash filled the screen as two of the enemy ships lost reactor containment. "Two ships destroyed, one disabled," Matvei reported. "No threats on the board." "Engineering, is the main drive online yet?" Scott asked. "No, sir," the engineering officer answered. "The Chief says two hours." "Chief Gavin. How are you coming on communicating with the Russians?" "Give the Major and I a few more minutes. It's getting easier since they're coming our way." "Keep at it, Chief." Scott spoke to his acting tactical officer over the still open com. "Very good, Captain Matvei. I think you saved many of my crew if not the whole ship." Scott heard Matvei mumble her thanks as he watched the medical team load Lieutenant Wilkes onto a gurney. He waited until he caught the eye of the medical technician. "I don't know, Captain. He'll probably be okay, but Doctor Lehr will tell you more," the man said knowing what Scott's look meant. Captain Scott turned to see the second medical team pull the cover over the other injured mans face. One of the techs caught his eye and shook his head. Scott knew there would be many more and that the battle for Bernard's Star and Earth was not over. Even without active drives, they were headed towards Waypoint Curie and the Earth home fleet at one fiftieth light speed. ****** Shay spoke next to him. "I'll have a full damage report momentarily, Captain." He nodded his head just as Chief Gavin said, "We have the Russian task force leader for you, sir. He is using standard EM transmission. They are currently at ten light seconds. There will be the associated delay." "Understood, Chief. You can play the message now." "Captain?" Shay said. "Do you think Captain Matvei..." She didn't finish but Scott knew what she was asking. "Chief, Scott said, Nodding to his XO. "I want you to patch Captain Matvei into this. Touching his console, he linked back to the CIC. Matvei appeared with technicians working on consoles in the background partially obscured by the haze from burnt circuits. "Mister Matvei. It seems your compatriots wish to speak with us. We thought you would like to be included in this conversation." "I would appreciate that, Captain Scott," she said. "You're welcome. They are ten light seconds out with the associated delay. Chief. Let's see what our saviors have to say." After a moment, Chief Gavin nodded. "This is Fleet Commander Volkov commanding the Russian Federation's Warship Akhotova with two fleet destroyers. It seems we have a common enemy Captain Scott." He glanced over to Chief Gavin. "I told them who you were while setting up the com." Scott nodded to the Chief and replied to the closing ship. "This is Captain Scott of the EFS MeHenry. We thank you for your timely assistance." He knew at lease twenty seconds would elapse before a reply and sat planning replies to how the conversation could possibly go. "You are most welcome, Captain Scott. However, the battle is not over and I must reach Earth to propose an alliance. That will not happen if your fleet or the enemy prevent me." Scott considered the Russian Commander's words while watching Captain Matvei who now manned the CIC, a flurry of emotions passed over her face. "Captain Scott, I know Fleet Commander Volkov. He is not among those sent to locate Earth and does not have the data chip nor the authority to negotiate with your Assembly and the Secretary General." Scott frowned. "Do you trust him Veronica?" Matvei pursed her lips and dropped for a moment from eye contact. "He is a good man, but--he is a soldier. It would be preferable I and my staff reach Earth and deal with your government." "I'm going to let you talk with him. It is you I know, and you I trust. You can tell him you are here and we intend to deliver you at all cost to Earth to fulfill your mission." Her eyes glistened as she answered, "Thank you for your respect--and trust, Captain." "Fleet Commander," Scot started. "I understand the importance of your mission. We have someone on board with information pertaining to fulfilling that mission." He touched off the com and said to Matvei, "Com three Mister Matvei. He will be able to see you." Scott heard someone mutter, "I'm wondering why they now have full radio communications ability." Matvei addressed the Fleet Commander. This is Captain Matvei, commanding the Russian Federation Warship Anatoly. We made contact with this ship [39] days ago. My staff and me are on board the McHenry. I posses the diplomatic chip and Captain Scott is delivering me to Earth's government." "Veronika? How did you... Captain Matvei, I'm please you accomplished your mission to find Earth--well, almost. I would be honored to offer my small fleet to protect you and the McHenry in fulfilling your mission." The beautiful but disheveled Russian Captain looked at Scott from the CIC waiting for his decision. He nodded. "We don't know what we'll face between here and Way-Point Curie. Tell him he is welcome to escort us. I'll have to get the Admiral's approval to allow his fleet to follow us through Curie." "Dimitri, Captain Scott has agreed to your offer as escort. To go through to the Sol system, he has yet to receive approval from the Earth Force Commander, Admiral [Yarumoto]." The battle raged hotter in the space between the McHenry and Curie. The delay on the update for the holographic display were minutes old having traveled light speed to reach them. If anything, it was likely the situation was worse than indicated. They had to move now. Scott took the com channel. "We appreciate your help but understand that I must retain overall command of the battle group. Without real-time tactical interface and update, we will need to pass on orders to you, to pass on to your escorts." While waiting for a reply, Chief Gavin said, "Captain, I might be able to work out something with the Volkov's com officer. A way to exchange tactical data at least." "Make it so Chief, Scott said. "I understand, Captain. It shall be as you say. I was about to suggest you take direct command but your solution is better," Volkov said. "Fleet Commander, when we reach you, please take up escort positions that my tactical will transmit to you; maintain you speed and distance relative to my ship." He nodded to his tactical officer who sent the formation information. "We will rendezvous with you in [thirty-three] minutes. McHenry, out." "Captain Scott." Matvei's voice brought him out of his thoughts. "Perhaps interface with my people would be best handled by myself." After a moment's thought, he answered, "I agree. Report to the bridge. Have [Lieutenant Murphy] take your post in the CIC." "Aye, Aye, Sir. On my way." "Four enemy ships have turned our way, Captain," Waters reported. "They are on an intercept course." "We have been in system and moving towards way-point Curie long enough for the enemy to get a track on where we are going," Shay said. "But why would they care about our one ship?" Scott asked. "Waters, where will they cross our course: how close to Curie?" "If they do not change course and neither do we; about one light minute out." The bridge door opened to admit Captain Matvei. Scott motioned her to the auxiliary tactical station. Note to reader: This is a work in progress. The last two chapters should be completed soon. |
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