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The Terpla'ns - Chapter 9
The Unified Command Center on Hamthen
Prime was located in a converted hotel in the capital
city. In a former grand ballroom one can find row after
row of consoles manned by Hamthen, Terpla’n, Crajen, and
even E’sani technicians. Sitting at a banquet table
serving as her desk Flag Admiral Tulcus Jki considered
the imposing task placed upon her by fate. The Axis
Fleet Command (AFC) successfully assaulted the Bedrock
system, regaining their lost colony and sending those
Commonwealth ships not destroyed running. Those ships
that could made for the Bedrock/Circuit Run warp point,
while the majority of the fleet train headed for the
Brickyard warp point. With their supplies the ships of
the fleet train could endure for a year in the outer
reaches of that system. The CSF task force that
conquered Bulwark, two transits from Bedrock, was now
isolated and limited to four months of supplies. Any
shrewd Axis admiral wouldn’t leave a potent enemy force
behind him, and liberating that system would only
provide more resources to replace losses incurred in
that liberation. As for the troopships that remained in
Bedrock to support the Commonwealth Army occupying the
planet they went to Tire Iron. The military treaty
between the Commonwealth and Hokum Imperium allowed for
CSF ships to utilize a warp chain to reach Metalstorm,
an Axis system occupied by the Commonwealth. However,
that route was in real danger of being sealed off.
In a move that echoed an operation over six months earlier the AFC gambled considerable resources to isolate CSF units in Axis space. One part of that operation was an attempt via a closed warp point in Output, a system one transit from Metalstorm and in turn one transit from Dotz, a Hamthen system. Now it came from Data Disk, next door to Output. The CSF task group defending the Output/Data Disk warp point was destroyed along with the attending bases. In Metalstorm the fixed defenses at the Output warp point were more substantial but with no mobile units any determined Axis assault would succeed. Should Metalstorm fall back in Axis hands no supplies and reinforcements would reach allied forces in Axis space. Battlement, the point of the CSF’s furthest inroad into Axis space and secured by the Royal Valhallan Space Navy, was in double jeopardy due to a closed warp point in Kerama Retto, revealed when the AFC conducted a raid on the repair anchorage located there. When the dam broke Jki had arrived at Hamthen Prime, expecting to give her opinion and insights on the long-term occupation of Axis worlds to a body of allied representatives. Instead she found herself made the commander of the Citadel Theatre of Operations by President Huj, representing the Commonwealth at the conference. That meant she had the authority to deploy those CSF and allied assets in that theatre as she saw fit. At the moment her eye was on a display showing Task Groups 111 and 112 in the Citadel system. A portion of both were undergoing refits, as was Task Force 21 in Forger’s Gate. Alone they would only serve as expensive speedbumps to the Axis steamroller. Together they might give pause to this offensive, long enough for the newly designated Task Force 14, forming up in Hagelkorn, to reach full strength. “This is not unlike preparing for a budget debate,” spoke a voice from behind Jki. Her left eye turned and blinked, finding President Huj approaching. “Weighing numbers, potential outcomes, when to compromise and when to stand firm. The only thing missing is the smell of pickled mackerel. If your father Sal was here instead of me you would’ve smelled him long before seeing him.” “To be fair it’s to give his opponents warning of his approach,” said Jki as she stood up and saluted Huj. “How was breakfast with the alliance representatives?” Huj acknowledged the salute and took Jki’s vacated seat. “90% political and 10% nutritional, Admiral. They’re very concerned about our next course of action. Given the strength of the Axis assaults involved the consensus is that Hamthen Prime won’t be invaded a second time but destroyed, just like what happened to the Uan homeworld.” “The Axis will come to enjoy the experience of the meatgrinder, Mr. Huj. They’ll have to go through Metalstorm, Dotz, Eversham and Hamthen’s warp point defenses, each one stronger than the last. Our minelayers and cargo pinnaces are moving stockpiled automated weapons even as we speak to reinforce those defenses, and those prefabricated bases still packed in their transports in Hagelkorn are being sent to Dotz and Eversham to be reassembled.” “I imagine we’ll have the means to counterattack them when they arrive at Eversham, given the arrival schedules, construction here and rate of refits.” Despite his voice Huj looked tired. The increase of folds, spots and wrinkles around his eyes were clear signs of stress-induced fatigue for a Terpla’n. Traveling all the way to Hamthen was a duty that Huj felt had to be done by him, given the importance of the decisions required. Now he faced the potential of having his ally lose his homeworld permanently. That thought alone would give anyone migraines and ulcers, and at this rate Huj would get those as well. On her part Jki’s abdominal pain, a result of a combat injury, had become more frequent as of late. “Admiral, have you come to a decision regarding the use of the new ordnance?” “I have, Sir. The new lasing warheads have been cleared for use since last month. As for the anti-fighter missiles the task group and task force commanders are under strict orders to use them for major engagements only. For the new mines, given their comparative scarcity, we’re putting them at the Hamthen and Eversham warp point defenses.” Huj blinked, and Jki saw for herself that his inner set of eyelids had a cloudy complexion instead of being clear. Yet another sign of the unrelenting strain the President was experiencing. “I can trust the Axis to exhaust themselves in their effort to get here. It’s a tragedy that it’ll take an inordinate amount of our blood to make that exhaustion arrive sooner.” The defenses of the Circuit Run/Bedrock warp point were respectable for the amount of time given to its construction. More bases would’ve been built had the assault into Bedrock failed, but with the allies advancing the current bases were slated to be dismantled and moved ‘up the chain.’ Now alone, for no ship was to be spared for the defense, the bases had to serve their function and slow the Axis advance. Nine type-5 bases, six beam and three escort, lay within plasma gun range in three equidistant groups. Further out at 3.25 LS were nine more bases, equally spaced in groups of three. One was composed of Crajen type-4s, armed with capital primary beams. Another had Bulan type-3s, also armed with capital primaries. The third had three Hazen standard missile type-3s. Together at 5.5 LS were three capital missile type-5s and three fighter type-5s. 9 squadrons of Sharks formed the CAP. It was anticipated the Axis would send in a mass wave of corvettes and frigates to dilute the fire of the defenders, just like in previous assaults. They had unexpected help in that matter. In order the supplement the defense of the Bedrock/Gravel Pit warp point mine patterns and weapon buoys had to be drawn from somewhere, and that somewhere was Circuit Run. Only 600 patterns of mines and 240 laser buoys held watch now, and no mines surrounded the inner bases to inflict attritional losses on armed pinnace attacks. Only a pair of small bases, located 9.5 LS out, had the controls for the automated weapons since the control ships had been pulled to Bedrock. That an attack was imminent there was no doubt as 60 regular Axis pinnaces made a probe three days previous. Having decided that three days was enough the Axis launched its first assault wave. Leading the way was a dreadnaught-sized minesweeper, followed by a Soar assault carrier. Next were the Grenadiers, and after interpenetration there were 7 escorts, 49 corvettes, and 18 frigates. Along with them came 78 Apins, though 12 of them interpenetrated as well. Surprisingly there were no Dispersion or Critical Mass ships. This either indicated the enemy was short on such ships or didn’t fancy using them against a mere 240 buoys. Following that lot were two more Soars and a Falcon Crest assault carrier. Despite transit effects, the minesweeper opened up on one of the southeast bases, hitting with four antimatter close assault missiles and a HET laser. In the ensuing exchange between ships, bases, and defending fighters the only active BS5E was destroyed and a BS5B lost shields and 70% of its armor. In turn the assault carriers felt the sting of primary beams from four active BS5Bs, seeing their engine rooms riddled with holes through control conduits and power regulators. Two BS5Vs crash-launched at total of 90 Shark fighters, and those CAP squadrons that got weapons online crushed the armor of all the carriers, two of them losing 9 squadrons in their hanger bays. 20 corvettes and 2 frigates were destroyed. Both automated weapon control bases failed to come on-line. 22 patterns of mines were destroyed by the external clearance rounds carried by the Axis ships, and even with addled systems the Machete armed pinnaces took out 14 laser buoys. No ship from the first wave transited out, save for one pinnace launched from the minesweeper. 10 Hatchet squadrons launched from carriers, with five of them heading for the northern beam bases. As for the Machetes they went for the southwest beam bases, through the minefield and incurring the loss of seven of their number. The second wave came in, comprised of two Cannonade BBs, two Falcon Crest CVs, and two Hand of Providence SDs. With no immediate allied jamming support the advantage went with the Axis for they had 10 corvettes with jammers. Those CAP fighters that were still armed were hacked up by defense-tasked Hatchets but still managed to destroy two first wave carriers. Further out the Crajen and Bulan primary beam bases opened up on the newcomer SDs and BBs, crippling engine rooms, reducing their turn rate and ability to engage targets. Despite having destroyed 14 more ships, most of them datalink jamming corvettes, and with the help of 100 laser buoys, the allied defenders sustained a decisive blow. Four BS5s failed to fire, and between the Hatchets, Machetes and Grenadiers only one intact BS5E and two BS5Bs (one with 85% internal damage) remained one minute into the battle. 15 crash-launched Shark Squadrons were still 1.5 LS out when the third wave made its entry. Three Prestige class DNs and three more Falcon Crest carriers found the space around them being rapidly depopulated of allied opposition. The two second wave carriers launched their 48 Hatchets and transited back to Bedrock. Primary beams lanced engine room components on two of the new CVs while the third was atomized by a tight volley of antimatter armed capital missiles, taking its four Hatchet squadrons along with it. One hundred laser buoys were fired before their numbers were reduced further, destroying another first wave Soar, and polishing off three more badly damaged corvettes. With the intent of landing boarding parties on the remaining close-in BS5s the Grenadiers fired mine clearance charges into the selected mine patch, reducing it to 57 patterns. Jammers on the assault SDs came to life as the first 15 Shark squadrons dove onto the Axis ships. Along with 13 defending Hatchet squadrons the fourth wave Barrier escort cruisers added their jilted fire to the maelstrom. Both BS5Bs were now energy-hulked wrecks, and the last BS5E still couldn’t bring its offensive systems online. But the overload dampeners worked just fine, taking all the energy beam hits from the Cannonades and Providences could dish out that round, but next time it will be different. The Sharks still pressed their attacks against the ships, and backed up by primary beams and antimatter standard and capital missiles sown great damage to the Providences and the last third wave carrier. All three Hazen bases were dashed into dust by a like number of second wave Hatchet squadrons. Those still with ordnance, along with Machetes still with FRAMs, began to make for the BS5Rs and BS5Vs ‘north’ of the warp point. What was left of the Shark strike stayed on the warp point, intent on bagging Hatchets. Six Sprinter DDs made the fifth wave, arriving just in time for the last 12 Shark squadrons to pounce on the growing Axis formation. With primary and capital missile support the Sharks destroyed the two Providences and the Prestige that carried the datalink jammers. Even the two Cannonades felled to massed FRAM hits. It took the lion’s share of firepower on the remaining Axis ships to bash into the hull of the remaining BS5E to destroy its jammer. Once done, the defending Hatchets, Machetes and Barriers butchers the Sharks to such an extent that only 15 remained. A Prestige left along with five Barriers, and were replaced by a War Engine and five Critical Mass explorers. That new big ship became the focus of the primary and capital missile bases, wrecking engine rooms, point defense mounts and leveling the shields. Four Machetes were splashed by the Sharks and in turn were wiped out, leaving no deployed Sharks within weapons range of the warp point. Due to that focus the last Soar of the first wave was able to transit along with the other Prestige dreadnaught, the last Barrier and three Sprinters. A Crajen beam base, having sustained multiple spinal force beam and laser hits, was destroyed in a final barrage of fire. The seventh wave comprised of six more Critical Mass explorers. No more ships were to follow as the commander on the Bedrock side of the warp point was coming up with a new transit plan. Inbetween the newcomers and bouts of combat the Grenadiers had reduced the southeast mine patch to 33 patterns. It was enough. With the last three Sprinters witnessing as they transited out the remaining Axis ships, sans five frigates, modulated engines and charged the mines. Four frigates were destroyed and 8 corvettes and 1 escort were immobilized. The War Engine was on the receiving end of 17 primary beams from the Bulan bases, losing the bulk of its point defense. Even so half of the ship’s lasers and tractor beams survived the barrage fired from the BS5Rs. The first wave DN minesweeper, having taking some mine hits, sustained primary beam fire as well from a Crajen base, engines rooms and point defense knocked out. With lasers and tractors in wide angle mode the DN and SD took out 6 more patterns, leaving a mere 15. Five fully-loaded Hatchet squadrons and those with laser packs reached the missile bases. One was destroyed with another losing almost 30% of its armor. Sprint-mode advanced launchers on the missile and fighter bases wiped out three fully loaded squadrons while antimatter capital missiles finished the War Engine. What few missiles the bases could spare was more than made up by the rapidly depleting mine patch for only the intrepid DN sweeper and 10 Critical Mass ships were left, along with five frigates. Primary beams failed to knock out the DNs two HET lasers, making the patch a mere 8 patterns plus change. Knowing it was a suicide run, the 17 still-armed Machetes attacked the second missile base. Shields failed and with the laser-armed fighters aiding the base sustained internal damage. 15 Machetes were shot down along with a few more Hatchets. The primary beam bases held their fire for there were no worthy targets. Only a solitary frigate and two explorers remained. Four mere patterns were what’s left in the southeast mine patch. A moment later two patterns expended a portion of their mines on those two explorers. The frigate joined them a moment later, smothered in conventional nuke-armed capital missiles. Changing plans, the laser Hatchets headed for the Crajen beam bases. Following them were four Shark squadrons, trailing because they were fully loaded compared to the enemy. With 24 laser packs the Sharks destroyed 4 Hatchets, leaving 32 armed ones. The 50 unarmed ones, along with 35 Machetes, were holding station 0.5 LS from the warp point. As for the reason it became clear. Having been kept informed by a steady stream of returning pinnaces the Axis commander launched his revised plan. An Axis battlecruiser made transit and plunged into the southeast mine patch, and in the process of leaving it took the remaining patterns that would’ve attacked its following squadronmate. That first cruiser was a shambles, and the second had its interior lanced by primaries from the Crajen bases. Holding fire, the Bulan bases expected more ships but none came. The missile bases, down to one salvo of antimatter capital missiles, used it on the second battlecruiser for it was believed to be a carrier. Distance, point defense and ADMs contributed to the outcome of only six hits. More laser-armed Hatchets were shot down by the trailing Sharks, but a damaged Crajen base received more internal hits as the Hatchets were within range for their lasers. A fresh Falcon Crest carrier transited in, moving at full speed and making use of the cleared minepatch. It was out of range of the Bulan bases, and the Crajen bases were recharging their primaries. As for the missile bases they concentrated on the mine-wrecked battlecruiser, destroying it. The second Crajen base was lased to death by the Hatchets, losing more to the Sharks but now inflicting losses on them in turn for three Hatchets were armed with gun packs. The carrier launched its four squadrons and they were met by the Sharks two light seconds from the last Crajen base. Seeing their demise the Shark pilots elected to take on the newcomers in a running charge against the carrier. Only five remained. The odds of the survivors reaching the carrier improved as the base fired its primaries, securing ten hits and reducing the carrier’s speed by two thirds. Both BS5Rs fired SBMs at the ship, obtaining 18 lock-ons. Point defense and three EDMs ensured only five hits, all nuclear. With both lasers and close assault missiles the Hatchets destroyed the last Crajen beam base. In the meantime the five Sharks engaged the Falcon Crest, scoring hits with lasers and FRAMs. Adding to the damage the BS5Rs fired another salvo of SBMs, reducing the carrier’s armor to 12%. The trailing battlecruiser, a minesweeper, fired on the five Sharks, knocking down two. Another new Falcon Crest emerged from the warp point, and like the last it moved at full speed, ending just outside the firing envelope of the Bulan bases. Sensing blood, the BS5Rs continued against the first Falcon Crest, wiping out its empty fighter bays and ensuring its destruction with the next volley. The new carrier launched its four squadrons and retrieved four spent ones. The BS5Rs fired just one volley at this carrier, comprised of antimatter SBMs at maximum range. Only 4 out of 16 managed to hit, and that was the last instance of armor damage inflicted on an Axis ship in the battle. With the carrier out of weapons range the other spent Hatchet squadrons were able to be rearmed in safety. In all 111 fighters, 26 F0 and 85 F1s, moved on the Bulan BS3s first, controlling the range so that they faced only one outburst of defensive fire. Just two Hatchets died in exchange for all three bases. Next came the BS5Rs and BS5Vs. In the intervening time one base restored its shields. It might as well not bother doing so. For the price of 15 more Hatchets the five bases were destroyed. Reports from the boarding parties aboard the three hulked bases were favorable and with each passing minute more cutters and shuttles were latching on and disgorging more troops to secure them and hopefully any databases contained therein. The way into Circuit Run was cleared, and the Axis reclaimed another of its systems. On Bedrock Prime a celebration was given by the Comensal civilians for their liberators. In the capital city of Resolute two regiments of the Axis Army, one of infantry and one of armored units, marched and rolled down the huge main thoroughfare. Before them was the divisional marching band, and in accompaniment of the martial music bouquets of scented ferns were thrown at the soldiers by the adoring public. After the troops came the spacers of the AFC: crewmembers, pilots and marines that fought the abomination enemy, destroying ships, fighters and boarding their bases and hulks. In an open top car at the back of the parade Star Admiral Mansel waved at the civilians. So did System Admiral Hovwen, though her waves were less energetic than that of her senior. “If you’re not going to put the effort in waving at least smile like you mean it,” said Mansel. Hovwen didn’t let her displeasure show on her face. “I would smile more earnestly if our most recent battle wasn’t so costly. Six of my assault carriers were destroyed in the process of securing our return to Circuit Run. Add the loss of the Grenadiers and the other assault units we were fortunate that no enemy ships were present to bolster the defenses.” “They may be abominations, Hovwen, but they’re not stupid. What forces they have beyond Circuit Run will be pulled to a point where they have a reasonable chance to defend.” “As long as they don’t run too far, Admiral. My carrier groups are anxious to engage.” “They may have an opportunity soon. The abom Hokum are still in Tire Iron. I don’t doubt they’ve been informed by the Commonwealth, and may very well engage the minelayer group that’s enroute to the Tire Iron warp point. Won’t it be a pleasant surprise for them to find that 30 of those ships are carriers with over 900 fighters embarked?” “With the number of hulls involved they’ll likely err on the side of caution and not engage.” Hovwen took a moment to wave at the crowds passing by the car. “We’ll be able to sustain the loss in fighter groups now that Bedrock’s industrial base, even in its current state, is at our disposal. Having said that, for the next two warp assaults, we’ll make use of F0 Hatchets in the initial assault waves.” “Oh, why so, Hovwen? The F1s are more potent.” “Conservation of resources, Admiral. As you know Gymnasium is now in the process of replacing its Hatchets with the newer model. Rather than breaking all of them up for scrap we can use them as long as they’re available, prolonging our reserve stock of the F1 models.” “I imagine the pilots aren’t particularly thrilled in using the older model, whatever the role they’re assigned to.” “Naturally, but I’ll rotate new squadrons to fly the F0s for each warp assault and then assigned them to F1s. An excellent way for our pilots to get combat experience, wouldn’t you say so, Admiral?” “Yes, Hovwen. By the time the Aboms are cleared out of pre-war space we’ll have a solid core of veteran squadrons that will burn a path into the heart of the enemy.” While the Comensal celebrated in the cities the hunt for the Commonwealth Space Army’s 3rd Expeditionary Corps began in earnest. Flocks of reconnaissance drones, large and small, flew over Bedrock, transmitting their findings to eager technicians in the orbiting troopships. If so much as a squad was found armed drones were sent to pin down the CSA troops while the Axis Army sent in loaded assault shuttles. Using a ratio of 6-to-1, the Axis ensured they had the superior numbers in the resulting battles. The use of tactical nukes on the Comensal part was ruled out, as was the use of support munitions from orbiting ships. Collateral damage had to be minimized, and due to other pressing research needs the Axis had yet to have their own version of the kinetic bombardment system. This strategy to eliminate CSA formations would take far longer than expected, a fact that 2nd General Bolsan had to live with. From his command post, a camouflaged hunting lodge located on an equatorial mountain in the eastern hemisphere, Bolsan tried to get a feel of his opposition. Intelligence sources placed the number of abom troops on Bedrock at least 400,000. Chief among these were the Terpla’ns and their E’sani allies, roughly numbering 180,000 each. The third major group was Tuphon, listed at 40,000. Bolsan had a feeling that there may be more aboms on the planet. Having for the most part been occupied in finding Bedrock’s scattered army units for the past several months the aboms had left the cities alone. In fact not one city was garrisoned. As a result there were no barracks, campsites or assembly areas to collect information, inspect abandon equipment, or gauge the consumption of supplies. Out in the field they policed their trash, leaving it to signal intelligence to puzzle out the size, numbers and name of abom army units. Most of all Bolsan wanted to know what sort of being Field General Tokuno was. He was identified by name from the head of the abom civilian liaison team and actually seen by Bedrock’s governor in two meetings. Was Tokuno a fighter, willing to attack in force? Or will he employ a guerilla ‘hit-and-fade’ strategy? Was his mission to keep his soldiers alive and refrain from combat for as long as possible? If he stayed in the equatorial zone then the latter was likely. Comensal hated the equatorial tropics of most of the planets they inhabited. The combination of year-long heat, humidity and rain did not sit well for their physiology, as well as the inevitable thick vegetation and the claustrophobia it induces. A condition known as bone rot could take hold after a week of exposure to such conditions, and any long-term habitation in such a zone would require structures equipped with air conditioning to provide warm, dry air. If Bolsan had his way whole swaths of rain forests and jungles would be burned or defoliated so as to deny the CSA hiding places. However the governor had forbidden it as such action could lead to poisoning of the oceans, and the Comensal here had developed a taste for the local sealife. With so much to ponder Bolsan had no time to dwell on facts he couldn’t change. He examined his maps, consulted with his staff, and drew up his plans. Meanwhile Tokuno couldn’t have been more pleased with his new headquarters on Bedrock. The orbital hospital base had successfully entered the atmosphere and soft landed in a mountainous area of the equatorial tropics. A combination of jamming, destruction of all Comensal satellites, detonation of low yield nukes to mess up radio and digital transmissions, and fake debris ensured that the true landing site remained hidden. Cammo nets were spread across the saucer-shaped construct, and having landed in an area with multiple magnetic anomalies added another layer of protection. The Tzelan Dr. Ghon Huu, Comensal specialist, was outside with Tokuno as soldiers continued to improve the base’s camouflage by breaking up the distinctive circular shape. “An excellent effort, General. It’s a shame, though, that this base can’t be salvaged after the war. The interior framework wasn’t meant for surface gravity, and without the station keeping generators the majority of the supports have warped. Some of the deck plates and bulkheads have as much as four centimeters of spacing between them.” “It’s not something that a few wooden wedges, plastifill and inserts can’t fix, Huu. The sickbays are all intact as well as the contents of the cargo holds. We can provide our troops with advanced medications for years.” Tokuno blinked as he turned to face a distant set of cloud shrouded mountains. “So, there are no permanent Comensal settlements on the equator?” “That is correct, General. They prefer dryer climes with less humidity. However, in my research there are a good number of hunting lodges, both public and private, in the equatorial zone. They have found the wildlife here to be particularly challenging for hunting. Some even make the challenge more intense by not using dry suits or medication.” Huu stroked the fine curls of wool on his chin while contemplating taking a bite from a Valhallan ‘cigar’ that an E’sani trooper gave him a while back. “The civilian safaris have undoubtedly resumed, with us being the hunted prey.” “Is that so, Huu? We’re perfectly willing to hunt them right back. I seem to recall a report from our Hokum friends that they found the hunting lodges on Crimson Expanse to be filled with all sort of material and information. Do we happen to know if the planetary governor has his own personal lodge?” “Oh yes,” Huu said enthusiastically. “He mentioned it in the talks, and in one instance it was in his office. On his office walls he had not only the stuffed heads of the animals he hunted, but a wide painting of the view from this lodge. He didn’t mention it, but I knew this because it was inscribed on the nameplate, and I have very good eyesight from where I was sitting. He did tell me the animals were local to where his lodge was, and that it was accessed via helicopter.” “That’s not much to go on, Huu. You’ll be consulting holomaps and satellite images for weeks.” “True, General, but I’m up to the challenge. I’m also helped by the fact that this lodge is on a mountainside, facing north. As you see, the nameplate was rather detailed.” Tokuno smirked. “It seems they didn’t appreciate that Tzelans have good eyesight, even with bangs of wool going over the eyes. If I was in that office I could’ve counted all the individual strands of hair between their boney face plates.” “Indeed, and one doesn’t need good eyes to see that the governor would’ve busted a blood vessel by being in the same room as an ‘abomination’ if it wasn’t for the fact of the expensive carpeting on the floor.” In the Hamthen town of North Branch there was a dedication ceremony for the new education center. At its core the center incorporated the remnants of the previous one, demolished when an Axis Army artillery unit used it for target practice. After the ceremony tours were conducted of the center as well as games and a cookout. In a refreshment tent Mr. and Mrs. Svaa were taking long draws of iced tea while their daughter Keltro continued to play out in the sun with the other children. “I’m getting old,” said the father. “My bum knee has been acting up more and more. I think I’ll get all four replaced and take the next three months off.” “You know it doesn’t work like that, dear,” said the mother. “It’s done one knee at a time. You’re too important to be loafing around for three months in a wheelchair. Buildings don’t build themselves, even with our technology.” “There’s some truth in that, Ma. If they did, then they’ll want compensation for services rendered.” “Now you’re just being silly, dear.” A familiar figure approached the couple. For a Hamthen he had a paunch, though it was good manners to refer someone with his thick midsection as stout. “Good afternoon, Mr. and Mrs. Svaa,” said Pnee, the center’s chief administrator. “I just got two messages for Keltro from her friend Sergeant Pepen-su.” He handed a datapad to Mrs. Svaa. “Ah, I’ll read the first one,” she said happily. “He’s such a good writer, that Pepen-su.” After a moment she read aloud. ‘Dear Keltro. Nothing much has changed since the last time I wrote you. We’re still dismantling Stone Hearth like it was some child’s construction set. At this rate they’ll have to label our company as combat engineers as the residents are disinclined to see their city vanish from the face of Citadel. Now that they know what it feels like to see one’s home destroyed perhaps the Comensal will come to their senses and stop fighting.’ “Not likely at all,” commented Mr. Svaa. “The Axis Army went out of their way to destroy our abandoned towns and cities. On Citadel they’re living in prefab buildings and in structures left by a now dead AI servitor race. As long as their world is occupied those Comensal colonists will be happy living in the wild.” “Hush, dear. It’s impolite to interrupt.” Mrs. Svaa resumed where she stopped. ‘This is a facet of war that belongs to another reality. What we’re doing is more akin to a city declaring eminent domain on a condemned building filled with squatters. We’re trained to engage other soldiers in battle, not civilians, even those belonging to a civilization that makes all of them combatants. It’s a strain that threatens to break the soul when one has to engage the youthful promise of a people on daily basis, even if it’s for survival of oneself and his platoon mates.’ Pnee blinked his eyes. “What wretchedness that business is,” he said. “I hope his regiment gets rotated off that planet.” Keltro’s mother paused as she read ahead. ‘I have come to learn that those that remained true to their core beliefs, adhering to a righteous code of conduct in a war that would make everyone a savage, are the strongest of all. We need these people to remind the others that there is life after war, and that one should keep their soul to make life after war worthwhile. I’ll write again soon. Perhaps your next letter you’ll tell me that you’ve finally placed moths in Mr. Pnee’s ceiling lights.’ “Ah, that explains the fingermarks on the ceiling,” said Pnee. “Now just how Keltro find the time to get in my office and with a ladder no less?” “My turn,” said Mr. Svaa, taking the datapad from his wife. “Ah, this one is from Corporal Minki-wa, his friend.” He read ahead, mouth at the ready, but no words came. His grip on the pad loosen, shifting downward so that the screen faced away. “What is it, dear?” asked the concerned wife. Mr. Svaa handed the pad over like it was a brick. “Mr. Pepen-su Karas is dead. His platoon was providing cover for combat engineers during a building removal. A Comensal child was inside, and Pepen-su went in to rescue him despite the fires and wreckage. Both made it outside, but the child detonated a suicide vest. There was to a party later that day. His regiment was due to be relieved and sent home one month from now.” “A party,” said a dejected Mrs. Svaa, looking at her nearly empty glass of iced tea. “Can I have that?” asked Mr. Pnee, hand outstretched for the pad. “I’ll post it for the children.” Mrs. Svaa reloaded the first letter and had the pad’s built-in printer produce a plaspaper strip copy. “No, post this one,” she said, giving the copy to Mr. Pnee. “It’s theirs.” Chapter 9.25 Forger’s Gate, a system linked to Circuit Run, was host to Task Force 21. Comprised of CSF ships with a smattering of units from various allies it was a potent force. It was holding orbit over FG Prime while the mobile yards and repair ships of the fleet train were conducting refits. One of the first ships to be so upgraded was the Captain Avma. While not the flagship of TF 21 it did play host to a meeting of senior officers. Among them was Captain Dojan, the Avma’s commanding officer, Rear Admiral Reas, combined carrier group commander, and Captain Yos, senior staff intelligence officer. Admiral Barsus, commanding TF 21 in Admiral Jki’s absence, was at the head of the wardroom table. “Thank all of you for arriving on such short notice,” he announced as he took his seat. His outer set of eyelids blinked hard. “I have some important news from the Unified Command, and it’s best you hear it directly from me so that there’s no misunderstanding.” “Has the AFC reclaimed Metalstorm?” Reas asked for the benefit of the other officers. “It’s related to Metalstorm. Given the demonstrated strength of the Axis assault in the Output system it’s assured that Metalstorm will fall next, especially since there’s no mobile force to back up the fortifications. Flag Admiral Jki, commander of the Citadel Theatre of Operations, has ordered us, Task Force 21, to fall back to the Silvershoe system as soon as those ships currently undergoing refit here are finished.” “Silvershoe? We’re going to concede this system?” This was from Captain Netts, in charge of the Tzelan contingent. “What is to be gained from doing this? We’ll be handing over the resources this system has to offer back to the Axis.” “That cannot be helped, Mr. Netts. Given the speed that Bedrock and Circuit Run fell it’s clear that the enemy has a healthy reserve of assault units. If we mount a defense of the Forger’s Gate warp point we will sustain heavy losses as there are no mine patterns and weapon buoys. It will be the same story even if we make the run to Borehole. Only 24 type-2 bases are guarding the Borehole/Circuit Run warp point and their automated weapons are similarly light. Task Group 113 is being pulled from Borehole to reinforce Task Groups 111 and 112 in Citadel. We will go to Silvershoe and assume a holding position at the Silvershoe/Metalstorm warp point. Then, at a time of my choosing, this task force will enter Metalstorm and lay siege at the Metalstorm/Output warp point.” “I see,” said Admiral Reas. “We’ll starve the Axis’ main thrust into Hamthen space and have a potent mobile force in Citadel with which to move back into Circuit Run.” “Supplies will be the key,” said General Mevtos, head of the Hazen contingent. Due to his life support needs he spoke via a video link. “We only have enough for five months. Whatever the Unified Command has planned they best have the Axis fleet defeated so that we’ll be in a position be resupplied.” “Our time can be extended,” Rear Admiral Ossla Dowel added. The Crajen’s crushing claws made a gesture that signified assuredness. “As supplies are consumed those freighters so emptied can be mothballed, thus saving on maintenance.” Netts spoke up. “What of Task Force 11? It’s still in the Bulwark system. Are we going to let it wither on the vine and abandoned it to its fate?” Barsus looked at the Tzelan with a measured eye. Given that Tzelans love to debate, Netts in particular after consuming chocolate-covered cigars, he decided beforehand to nip it in the bud. “Admiral Uanbo has his orders, captain. His supply situation is more critical than ours, and I’m sure he’ll devise a strategy that will ensure the preservation for the majority of his ships. Remember, he truly is behind enemy lines. If he does stage a breakout from Bulwark in a misguided effort to rejoin us he’ll face whatever forces the AFC has already emplaced in Gravel Pit to counter such an effort. As for our task force attempting a return to Bedrock without assault units it will be futile.” “The best thing Uanbo can do,” Dowel said, “is to remain in Bulwark and tie down Axis ships. Every month he can kept the enemy occupied is one month we’re denying them from using their full strength.” Netts clearly wanted to debate but held his tongue. He could only nod in agreement and kept his face as neutral as possible. Barsus spared the Tzelan just a glance before turning to the rest of the assembly. “Very well, gentlemen. Now we will discuss the disposition and transit schedules to Connectors for our ships.” It was a rather warm late spring day when First Leader Grandous arrived at his retreat in the historical Stout mountain range on Comensal Prime. The occasion was his birthday, and after attending a massive parade in his honor in the capital city he took the traditional three-day vacation as partaken by all previous first leaders. The retreat was an ancient restored fort, and while it appeared to belong to an age of bows, swords and trebuchets it was made to be a private vacation spot. While the form was kept as true as possible the interior was lively and lusciously decorated. In the main drawing room there were great murals depicting AFC victories in space and Army conquests on alien worlds. No doubt, however, that even here there was a sophisticated underground bunker and supplies to withstand a five-year siege. The Comensal are meticulous second to none. Out by a pool that overlooked the snowcapped peaks of the Stouts one can find Grandous in a lounge chair, sipping cucumber-laced water from an ice-filled perspiring glass. Though dressed for the weather he still looked like a military commander with his precisely tailored shorts and loose short-sleeve shirt. With him was a representative from the Survey Branch of the AFC, Commander Sandan, and the head of the Colonization Bureau, Yalwet. Also present was Netsul, representing the Budget Planning Executive (BPE). “So, Sandan,” Grandous said after a refreshing draw of water, “your report.” Sandan kept the data pad on his lap for he had memorized the pertinent facts. “Yes, First Leader. Our surveys of the last of the Nu’Chut and Elotoshani open warp points have been completed. 18 systems have been discovered. Of that number there are five habitable worlds in four systems and three super-terrestrial worlds in two systems. One habitable world is mineral poor while two are very rich. Of the twelve asteroid belts two are very poor in minerals while one is rich and three are very rich. There are a fair number of mineral rich moons and airless rockball planets. However, there are no more open warp points to explore. Unless an abom survey or another abom race comes through a closed warp point we don’t have a fresh avenue to advance.” “Where there any abomination races on those worlds, habitable or super terrestrial?” “Only one, First Leader. It was on a mineral-poor super terrestrial world, and investigations revealed they have achieved a level of technical advancement that includes basic electronics and thorium power plants. They pose no threat to us in space.” Grandous pondered on the implications and potential of the information for few moments. He took two sips of water while the three waited in perfect patience. “So it appears for the time being Operation Restoration is our best option in carrying the war back to the enemy. Sandan, Survey Branch will detach two squadrons and send them to the Hamthen front after they’ve been refitted. All remaining survey ships will get refitted and remain stationed in the new systems to keep surveillance until a comprehensive sensor net is emplaced. As for that primitive abom super terrestrial race we’ll ignore them until such time we’ve made considerable inroads against our enemies. Then we’ll invade and exterminate them so we can gain experience for our ground troops. You will get written orders to deliver to Survey Branch before you leave.” “As you command, First Leader.” With a non-challenging gaze Grandous turned to Yalwet. “What are the recommendations of the Colonization Bureau?” “Given that is will be the longest war to date for the Comensal,” Yalwet started, her light yellow eyes assertive, “we need to plan for the long run. Priority should be given to colonize the two habitable worlds and the three asteroid belts Sandan mentioned. The other habitable worlds and rich rockballs can be settled as funds and shipping becomes available.” Grandous nodded and took another sip from his glass. “I agree about the two worlds, Yalwet, but first Smelter must be addressed. The abom Hokum had interrupted our colonization schedule for that system. As you know, there is no asteroid colony in Smelter to act as the focus for economic control and material production. Sending two more outposts and one colony will finish the first phase of investment in Smelter. The two worlds will be colonized in standard fashion. We don’t have the funds nor can we tolerate the dip in production if we do a massive transfer of populations at this time.” Yalwet held her tongue. In her professional judgment investment in Smelter should be delayed until the abom Hokum were driven fully from Axis space. The funds and shipping would’ve been better applied to the new systems where enemy activity was very remote. She then recalled that the original colonization legislation was counter-signed by Grandous, and he wasn’t the one that went back on his word. “It will be done, First Leader.” “Now for you, Netsul,” Grandous said in a lively manner. “What does the BPE have to say?” “As it stands the funds are available for the initial colonization plan you described.” Like Sandan, Netsul had a data pad. He actually had to use it to run the numbers. “Afterwards, however, we can only afford to emplace one outpost per month regardless if it’s on a habitable world or asteroid.” “How far have we progressed on the industrial expansion program?” “Excluding those systems we’ve liberated from the aboms the program will be complete in three months. All habitable words and mineral rich outposts, colonies and settlements will have achieved full industrial output at that time, First Leader.” “Excellent. Once the goal is reached, Netsul, the program will be scaled down to 25% of its budget with the leftovers going to the Colonization Bureau for the purpose of additional colonization efforts. The task for the industrial expansion program for the duration will be to upgrade the industrial infrastructure of all remaining inhabited planets, moons and asteroids.” “As you command, First Leader. Over time we will see a significant increase in funds with which to wage war against the aboms.” “Spoken like a true patriot,” Grandous applauded. “Friends, please rise and enjoy the lunch provided by my staff. I shall retire to my study and have the orders for your superiors ready by the time you’re finished.” The trio of representatives stood up and saluted. “Thank you for your generosity, First Leader,” Sandan said for all three. Before the Axis started its current offensive the defenders of the Metalstorm/Output warp point had expected their bases to be upgraded, dismantled and then reassembled at the Output/Datadisk warp point. With that expectation gone the defenders also had to contend with having no reinforcements. There was no task group to back them up, and the nine Hamthen destroyers that were assigned in Metalstorm were ordered back into Dotz. Nine type-2 bases, three Bulan missile type-3s, and three type-5s stood guard with 450 mine patterns and 240 weapon buoys. Three small bases and a control ship managed the automated weapons. In Output the armed bases numbered three less but were all of the larger type-5 variety. Even so the three type-5s here were fighter platforms, making the CAP nine squadrons strong. The Terpla’ns and Bulani operating the bases knew any half-hearted assault performed by the Axis would succeed. What they hoped to achieve was to destroy or heavily damage every assault carrier and minesweeper they could. For this reason the three BS5Vs were moved by a small tug to within 3.75 LS of the warp point to decrease the response time for crash-launched fighter squadrons. They got their chance two weeks after the fall of Output. Six AFC Blockhouse battleships emerged one after another, turning about to achieve their exit vectors and bring back their sensor findings. Of the nine CAP squadrons six were able to fire on the intruders, pummeling four battleships with FRAMs. On their part those few bases that got active destroyed one Blockhouse. Added to that was the combined fire of 120 one-shot laser buoys, destroying three more. In turn the Axis almost destroyed one plasma-armed BS2 and shredded the armor of another base. Two armor-damaged Blockhouses transited back to Output, leaving the defenders to rearm and conduct what repairs were possible in the limited time available to them. Four days later the Axis returned. From their scans they knew there were 300 buoys (out of an original 420) left and 300 mine patterns equally distributed around the warp point. The full number of bases was also known, and the location of the BS5Vs gave the Axis the incentive to try a tactic laced with risk. A Grim Reaper minesweeper emerged, followed by four Falcon Crest carriers and a wave of Grenadier corvettes. Of the 36 that emerged 20 interpenetrated. It would be the only break the defenders would get. After spitting CAMs and plasma packets one BS2 was crushed while all the large Axis ships lost shields and a majority of their armor from four active CAP squadrons. One Falcon Crest was the focus of those active BS2s, and when only the Jonal mine warfare ship became active it was decided to fire 100 laser buoys, four for each ship present. It was enough for the Falcon Crest erupted in a fireball fueled by antimatter as bomb-pumped lasers stabbed through the hanger decks. Three Grenadiers picked on by an active BS3 and BS5V were destroyed by this round of buoy fire. The three remaining Falcon Crests launched their Hatchet fighters, 72 in all and each armed with a gun and two FRAMs, before retiring through the warp point. Joining the forces in Metalstorm were two more Grim Reapers, two Soars, and two Cannonade battleships. The jammer on the first wave Grim Reaper became active, throwing the five remaining CAP squadrons datalinks into disarray. Of the active laser-armed BS2s they all fired on the big ship for they were also within range of its jamming. It didn’t matter for six Hatchet squadrons were tasked to stay on the warp point to engage the CAP with the other six tasked to destroy the BS2s. Only one plasma-armed BS2 remained mostly untouched while the laser BS2s were destroyed or severely damaged, either by FRAMs fired by the Hatchets or from transit-addled lasers and CAMs from the newcomers. The first wave Grim Reaper was destroyed by the decimated CAP squadrons and a second wave minesweeper had its shields and half its armor taken out. Two of the active Bulani BS3s fired on the Grenadiers, adding more damage to what the laser buoys caused earlier. Only one was destroyed, leaving 16, but it was enough to justify the firing of 66 of the remaining 80 laser buoys. 10 of the pesky ships were removed from the continuum. Both Soars launched their fighters yet lacked enough motive potential to transit to Output. The Axis force in Metalstorm was joined by two Wave Riders, another pair of Falcon Crests, and two Bullseye cruisers. A second wave Grim Reaper became the focus of the allied effort as the jammer it carried went on-line. 9 fresh Shark squadrons engaged the ships over the warp point as the Hatchets of the first wave went about slaughtering them. Even that wasn’t enough to prevent the jamming Reaper from being made into a wreck along with one Soar. Further fire reduced the number of Grenadiers to just two. With 14 ships on the warp point the Terpla’n commander primed and released the 120 primary beam buoys he had at his disposal. ECM or not every Axis ship was hit by at least four primaries. The jamming Reaper ceased to be as its remaining engine room seized up like a petrol engine and its dying vibrations breaking the ship’s back. The wrecked Soar was even more so, only having one shut-down engine left after the primaries had done their work. All other ships lost one or more engines, but of those that stayed had their exit vector set and faced the Bulani BS3s and Terpla’n BS5Vs with weapons at the ready. Six Hero cruisers replaced the two retiring Falcon Crests, relieved of their fighters and further damaged. Even with addled fire the Heroes took care of most of the BS2s, saving one to be boarded by marine-filled shuttles. The BS3s (one of which still hadn’t become active) focused on the other second wave Reaper, breaking shields and rending armor so as to see it leave or be destroyed. As for the BS5Vs the other two finally crashed-launched their Sharks, but the 10 Soar-launched Hatchet squadrons changed their approach so that they avoided their fire. The bases only managed to shoot down four Hatchets before being worked over by antimatter fireballs. Of the three just two barely remained, still equipped with their missile launchers, but lost those Sharks from the CAP that landed to rearm. Three of the Hatchet squadrons only fired partial loads. Veering away, they made for the retreating Jonal while their empty brethren moved away at full speed, waiting for the battle to end. 23 Shark fighters, crashed-launched earlier, were now orphaned and left with only one option. The fifth wave was made of six Stalwart cruisers. With 18 Shark squadrons bearing down on the warp point all the Hatchets, including those launched from the third wave, stayed to defend the ships. Fire was exchanged with the Bulani bases with one losing all passives and taking internal damage. Another base was singled out by the Cannonades, firing just their energy beams so as to have another eventual hulk to inspect. Seeing what was coming the remaining Grim Reaper, already sustaining heavy armor damage, transited out and was replaced by two Hand of Providence assault ships and four Hailfires. One Wave Rider minesweeper turned on its jammer, making it the number-one target for the Sharks. Taking all that was thrown at them the Shark pilots destroyed the jamming Wave Rider, all but killed the other, took down both Cannonades and inflicted armor damage on a Providence. One Bulani BS3 was destroyed with another taking force beam, laser, and addled missile fire from the Hailfires. The minefield, pelt by externally carried anti-mine charges from each successive wave of ships, was down to 4 patterns. Of the 108 Sharks that went in only 20 pulled away from their completed attack runs. Combined with the other 23 orphaned Sharks the pilots focused on the previously hit Providence. 22 kept the big ship in their sights and of that number 11 broke past the point defense barrage and rammed, wiping out one-third of the ship’s armor. Obliterating one BS3 with spinal force beams, the Providences did more damage to the last armed Bulani base. Those Axis ships that still had shuttles and pinnaces launched them, sending them to that base as the Providences worked it over with long range energy beam fire. The Hatchets finished the rest of the warp point Sharks, and the most recent wave of new ships, six Sprinter destroyers, finished making a path through the minefield. Just as the shuttles made their approach the Bulani base self-destructed along with two of the three Terpla’n BS1s. Rightfully miffed, the Axis commander on the scene had the two Providences thoroughly drench the last BS1 in energy beam fire before sending over the shuttles. As for the Jonal it was destroyed by twelve Hatchets but not before it shot down two of them. While the boarding actions continued on the BS1 and BS2 the Axis fleet poured into Metalstorm. Once formed, the formation made for the Dotz warp point. Along the way a small detachment was sent to the lunar colony on the third moon of the gas giant Metalstorm A-3. This marked the second time the system had been reclaimed from the Commonwealth. Unlike last time there was going to be a fortified presence from now on. The Hazen marines stationed to keep watch over the two Comensal colonies and eight outposts were able to evacuate via pinnaces and only then by abandoning practically all their heavy gear and the fact that the Axis fleet moved at dreadnaught cruising speed. Like what happened before with System Admiral Lorcan there were three mining groups tasked to ring the warp points leading to Dotz, Silvershoe and Abyssal-019 with minefields and weapon buoys. Added to that were two heavy reconnaissance groups. The one slated for Silvershoe was tasked to probe and watch the system’s two other warp points. As for the other group it was going ‘up the chain’ to Abyssal-019 and BRB-1. From there it would split up to two groups, with one going to Ampere and then Blood Pride to determine the fate of the colony in that system. The other part would test to see what the abominable Hokum were up to in Solid State and Red Wire. So far this portion of Operation Restoration was going to plan. Unified Headquarters on Hamthen Prime was filled with smothered tension. With the AFC now in Metalstorm all contact with allied forces in the Citadel theatre was cut off. For Admiral Jki there was one serendipitous outcome. When news of King Russan’s death reached the Valhallan homeworld a group of anti-monarchists comprised of greedy and resentful aristocrats and members of the petty nobility launched a coup. One week on the fighting in the major cities was still intense. It was bad enough to be cut off from reinforcement, but had the Valhallan crews knew what was going on it would’ve caused additional morale problems. Worse if the news prompted the Royal Expeditionary Fleet to abandon Battlement in a misguided effort to return home to suppress the coup, a journey that would take close to a year. Jki could only wonder what President Huj was going through and how this event was going to affect the war effort. Jki was in her conference room, a polite description for what it actually was – a partitioned section of a hotel’s conference center. With her was Captain Geln of the Humarsh United World League Navy. As commander of the allied bases at the Hamthen/Evershem warp point he was keen on improving and revising tactics for the defenses. Both were going over the reports of the Metalstorm battle to glean facts that were hidden among words and numbers. “They’re showing some improvement, those boneheads,” Geln said as he reviewed the progression and composition of the Axis assault waves. “They sent in those superdreadnaught-sized assault ships in a later wave this time and armed their initial squadrons of Hatchets with a mixed load of FRAMs and gun packs.” “Having destroyed the lion’s share of BS2s it was worth the loss of one first wave carrier.” Jki watched the replay of the Falcon Crest’s destruction on the main monitor. “They tailored this assault to suit their anticipated level of losses. No armed pinnaces this time, either they’re still restocking from the previous battle or they didn’t want to incur losses against apparently light defenses. There were also no jammers on their corvettes. Just as well since there wasn’t enough of them when the BS5V strike came in.” The monitor played back a representation of the battle at five times normal speed. Geln’s three eyes expressed his professional contempt for the Axis. “They still have some learning to do. 60 armed pinnaces would’ve taken care of the small bases and left all of the Hatchets to deal with our fighters. It seems they like to measure their success in the number of personnel they lose in comparison to our own.” Something sparked in Jki’s mind. A manipulation of the playback had the focus changed to that of the BS5Vs. “Geln, while the repositioning of the BS5Vs was inspired there was one flaw in the doctrine. The returning CAP fighters were destroyed in their bays before they had a chance to rearm. Under the circumstances the fighters would have best been left in space and formed up with the other strike survivors, making for a stronger suicide attack on the superdreadnaught.” Just then a sharp, twisting pain filled Jki’s gut, making her grimace and grip the edge of the table. It was a lingering aftereffect of the wound she suffered at Hagelkorn. An infrequent occurrence, some less charitable soul would say it was divine punishment for casually advocating a more profitable expenditure of lives. For Jki she noted how the pain made its presence known more often in the last few weeks, especially in regards to discussions about casualties. If it was her subconscious giving a proverbial kick to the shins to make her less callous about the expenditure of lives then she wished it would quit it. There would be plenty of time to feel guilty after the war. “Would you like to take a break, Admiral?” Geln said respectfully, his triangular Humarsh face emoting concern. “No, it’ll pass.” She released her grip on the table, letting the color come back into her hands. “We should consider having one or two fighter bases stationed 8 light-seconds from a warp point, whether they are BS2s, BS4s or BS5s, with the rest at 4 light-seconds. By doing that we can rearm those squadrons from the combat area patrol with gunpacks and close assault missiles armed with proximity fuses. That way any follow-up Axis squadrons can be destroyed in greater numbers. Only 33 Hatchets were destroyed in the battle. Just as important that we destroy assault carriers is the elimination of Axis flightgroups.” “If we try that, Admiral, then there should be jammers on those bases, at least on the BS5Vs. That will give the defending fighters more time to decimate their opposite number.” Jki blinked. “On the subject of decimation it’s likely the AFC will use armed pinnaces for Dotz. The minefields there should include a thin shell that reaches out and encompass the inner ring of bases. With enough attritional losses the Axis will have to pause, and give us time to bring Task Force 22 to full strength.” “That’s just it, Admiral. Time. In less than three weeks the Axis felt confident and strong enough to retake Metalstorm. I wonder how fast they’ll move from Curcuit Run.” In the occupied Comensal system of Borehole the Commonwealth Army 2nd Expeditionary Corps waited patiently. On Borehole Prime the center of attention for the 40,000 allied soldiers was the Quad Cities (Riverport, Haven, East Haven, and Bedrock). Battles with the Comensal had lessen as the months went by, but that had more to do with Borehole’s weather than with any other factor. With the fall of Circuit Run the Corps was ready to disengage and make for a set of three parallel mountain ranges in the southern hemisphere. It was miserable terrain with weather to match, unfit for mechanized land units and dangerous for aircraft. There were enough transports for the troops to be lifted off, but the general in command ruled that out. With supply caches in the mountains he planned on keeping the Comensal busy and bothered hunting him, wasting time, lives and resources: resources that would otherwise go towards building ships and weapons with which to destroy Commonwealth lives. On Meadow, the other habitable planet in the Borehole system, the 16,000 soldiers stationed there had fewer options on where to hide. With such a mild climate even the equatorial regions were agreeable to Comensal physiology. The division commander eventually chosen the valleys above the planet’s arctic circle. Carved out ages ago during Meadow’s last significant period of glacial activity, these valleys played host to forests filled with various species of thick and long-lived trees. Along with marshes and a species of insect that liked the smell of Comensal it would be a long and arduous hunt to remove the Commonwealth presence. As for the Borehole/Circuit Run warp point defenses there was a fatalistic sense of defiance. Like in Metalstorm the defenders had expected their 24 BS2s to be upgraded, dismantled, and moved. In this case it was for Gravel Pit. With the fall of Bedrock those plans were shelved and the upgrades halted after eight units. There were 6 BS2s armed with HET lasers, 3 plasma-armed BS2s, 3 Quagaar BS2s, 6 BS2Rs and 6 BS2Vs with 24 Shark squadrons. 3 BS1s controlled the 300 mine patterns, 120 laser and 60 energy beam buoys. Nothing more than a speed bump as far as defenses went. But as speedbumps went it had potential to do some damage to an overeager driver. 12 days after the fall of Circuit Run the Axis probed the warp point. Not with pinnaces, nor with Grenadier corvettes and Dispersion escorts, but with a trio of Blockhouse battleships and a like number of Ablative class battlecruisers. Those ships found the inner ring of bases arranged in four groups of three, at a range of 1.25 LS at subjective northeast, southeast, southwest and northwest. Further out at 4 LS were two groups of six, one each at subjective north and south. The Axis commander of the probe, in the lead ship, selected one base in the southwest group and opened fire with the rest following his lead. A laser BS2 was nearly destroyed, and it took the combined fire of all those bases that went active, as well as two of the six CAP squadrons, to nearly killed one Blockhouse and wreak four engine rooms on an Ablative. While the battleship was immobile the battlecruiser still had motive power, trying to follow the other four ships as they transited back to Circuit Run. Three more hits with HET lasers put an end to that effort, leaving two ships little better than hulks. With no mobile yards with which to inspect them, and not wanting to waste lives on boarding actions that likely won’t result in captured databases, the defense commander had both ships destroyed in place. Emergency repairs were conducted on the BS2 with all other units restocking their external ordnance and rearming the CAP squadrons. Another tension filled wait was their reward. It was ten days later that the Axis returned. A pair of Falcon Crests carriers was followed by a mass transit of Grenadiers. Of the 33 little ships 8 interpenetrated and exploded in great fireballs, proving that some had antimatter ordnance in their magazines. Two more Falcon Crests followed, and the first assault wave was rounded out by 92 armed pinnaces of which 14 interpenetrated. With righteous malice the defenders fired, destroying one Falcon Crest and lancing the engine rooms with primaries on two others. Four gun-armed Grenadiers also went down as well as an armed pinnace. While only a few of the close-in bases went active all six fighter bases did so, crash-launching the remaining 18 Shark squadrons. On their part the defenders lost the base damaged in the Axis probe and 12 buoys. More important the two BS1 controllers failed to become active, thus denying the chance of inflicting further damage on the remaining carriers. While the three Falcon Crest carriers launched their Hatchets and transited out two Soars and four Cannonades emerged. Over half of the Grenadiers proved to have jammers, throwing the allied CAP squadrons into disarray. Thought able to do some damage, and assisted in destroying four Grenadiers, the remaining four CAP squadrons were destroyed in their entirety. Seeing that the Hatchet squadrons, with no Sharks to kill, starting to go after the buoys the allied commander fired off 56 energy and 72 one-shot laser buoys. While no Axis ship was destroyed one Soar, thanks to concerted efforts of a plasma BS2 and the missile-armed Quagaar and capital missile BS2s, sustained energy beam damage to an engine, reducing its speed and hampering its rate of turn. The 77 Axis armed pinnaces divided into four groups and went through the minefields, losing 8 of their number. Attacking the close-in bases with FRAMs the armed pinnaces only left seven badly wrecked ones. Of that number included the three Quagaar BS2s, slated to be hosed with energy beam fire from the Cannonades so that they could be boarded. Those pinnaces still armed with FRAMs made course for either the northern or southern missile BS2s. What the Axis tactical officers took note was that the bases in the southwest and northwest BS2 groups had rather effective point defense fire, knocking down 8 of the 9 pinnaces lost to defensive fire. Two of the responsible BS2s were Quagaar units, making them more of a priority for capture. One Soar transited out after launching its 30 Hatchets but the other one was unable to follow in time. Keeping it company were three newly arrived Grenadier 3 frigates and three Hero class battlecruisers, just in time to be embraced by 18 datalinked-jammed squadrons of Sharks. Despite their ranks being cut down like harvest wheat the Sharks destroyed the Soar and then turned on the jamming Grenadiers, eliminating all but one. The last of the one-shot laser buoys added more hurt to the gun-armed Grenadiers and the capital missile BS2s took out one of the Grenadier 3s. For their tenacity all but 2 of the 108 Sharks were shot down. While the quintet of fourth-wave National Power battleships orientated themselves the remaining 14 Sharks, bereft of weapons, gathered and charged the 7 remaining Grenadier 2s. Only one succeeded in ramming, and those that missed were quickly overwhelmed by the Hatchets. Meanwhile the armed pinnaces conducted their attack runs on the capital missile BS2s. Defensive fire from the neighboring BS2Vs gained a small measure of revenge by bagging a handful of the aggressive small craft. One missile base was destroyed with the other five losing their passive defenses and internal systems. Six Sprinter destroyers arrived and three Grenadiers passed them on the way back to Circuit Run. Long range force and laser fire grounded down the missile bases. When the sixth wave came the allies had no weapons with which to harm the Axis ships. Those Hatchet squadrons still carrying regular close attack missiles went after the distant trio of BS1s while the minefield was so weakened in one spot that it was finally breached by the Heroes, allowing the Cannonades to move out and hose down the BS2Vs and remaining missile BS2s with energy beam fire. The magazines were intact despite the massive electrical shorts, and after the explosions from multiple self-destructs there were four bases left to be boarded. No data was found, but instead of destroying the hulks the Axis commander elected to have the mobile yards inspect them to puzzle out the new point defense system seen in action. The Axis task group that sprinted across the Circuit Run system gathered and settled into formation in Borehole. It moved at cruising speed to prevent further abuse to their engines. A small formation of ships, containing a pair of warship-hulled troopships, broke off to head for Meadow while the rest made for Borehole Prime. Aboard five large transports 50,000 fresh troops of the Axis Army were ready to eradicate every Commonwealth soldier on the mineral rich planet. In orbit of Bedrock Prime was a collection of mobile yards and repair ships, putting right the damage inflicted on Axis ships during the liberation of the system. Some were being refitted to new standards, reflecting battlefield necessities and improvements perceived to enhance performance. In one of those mobile yards was System Admiral Hovwen, Commander of Carriers for the Third Advanced Fleet, reading the after-action report for the battle of Borehole. That the battle happened at all was mainly due to the perceived weakness of the Commonwealth defenses. With only two assault carriers destroyed she considered it to be a very effective assault, despite the losses among the Machete armed pinnaces and the Grenadier corvettes. The only fighters lost were those on the vaporized first wave Falcon Crest and those sent against the small BS1s, 20 in all. With both colonized worlds in Borehole liberated (though the abom troops still had to be hunted down and killed) the Asteroid Axis was that much closer in fulfilling Operation Restoration. Still there was room for improvement. With every warp assault from now it had to be taken for granted that there will be enemy datalink jamming. Even though there was none for Borehole the light missile salvos thrown at the destroyed assault carriers showed that slight improvements in beefing up of passive defenses was in order. With that Hovwen looked hard at the Talon Pride and Soar class carriers. It made little sense to include datalink point defense when operating in an environment that would preclude it from working. For the Talon Pride this would mean trading a pair of standard datalink defense mounts with one regular capital mount and three additional bulkhead partitions. It made for more robust ship in an intensive laser buoy environment as well as better able to fend off hopefully light missile salvos in the initial stages of an assault. As for the Soar class it was painfully clear that refits and new construction be concentrated on giving all units engine tuners. Already saddled with a poor rate of turn it boiled down to the available firepower possessed by the enemy to destroy a Soar or riddle it with primary beam fire, slowing it down and allowing more bases a chance to destroy it. With engine tuners at least the possibility for escape was increased, and by making the change to point defense it was quite possible to make a Soar almost as damage resistant as a Talon Pride. Also having six Soars in an assault wave was appealing, especially for weak defenses like those found in Borehole. While the solutions were practical Hovwen knew that funding the large carriers wasn’t going to meet the insatiable need for assault units. Even with the recovery of Bedrock and Borehole and the impending liberation of Bulwark and Forger’s Gate the credits were going to fall short. From here on out it would fall on the Falcon Crest class to shoulder the burden. Hovwen had her advocates on Comensal Prime, but even they could only reach a compromise with the Economic Application Bureau. In the naval budget plan they drew up only one Soar would be built for every three Falcon Crests while a Talon Pride would be authorized for every eight. This will result in having a large reserve of the smaller carrier. When it comes time for the Second Advance Fleet to assault Hamthen there was no doubt in Hovwen’s mind that Falcon Crests would be used in simultaneous transit attack. As for the Third Advance Fleet Hovwen doubted that she would use such a tactic as Machete armed pinnace production had hit its stride, ensuring a steady supply to all fronts. A chime sounded, informing that the mobile yard was about to release the carrier it had just finished repairing. Hovwen watched as an external view showed the last of the docking clamps, gangways and power connections being retracted from the ship. With a light touch on thrusters the carrier moved until it was far enough away to engage its drive field. Just as it did another ship moved into position and settled into the mobile yard’s extendible dock arms. In a matter of weeks it too will rejoin the fleet and continue the drive to crush the enemies of the Comensal. Chapter 9.50 Dovsol, commander of Star Force 3 of the Third Advance Fleet, reasoned that she should feel honored for the task given to her. The recovery of the Bulwark system, currently occupied by an abomination task force, would provide for a new source of supply as well as improve Dovsol’s prospect for promotion or being moved closer to the actual front lines. However, with the resources on hand Dovsol was concerned that she was facing a pyrrhic victory. In the drive to recover Axis territory the higher ups had drawn all reserves in Gravel Pit forward to Bedrock, Circuit Run, and Borehole. Brickyard, adjacent to Bedrock as the warp lines went, was technically liberated but for some abom ships that took refuge in the outer reaches of the system. A comprehensive scanner buoy network is being constructed in Brickyard and backed up by a carrier task group. It was a matter of time before the abom ships ran out of supplies and start breaking down. The same cannot be said for Bulwark. What supplies the aboms have on hand might be considerable when factoring in the number of ships and how long they were getting supplies from Bedrock before being cut off. Instead of waiting them out Star Force 3 was ordered to reclaim Bulwark at the earliest opportunity. Dovsol didn’t mind but for the fact that the Grenadier escorts, corvettes, and frigates had been taken away from her and moved forward. The Nu’Chut Theatre Command in Gymnasium decided that they weren’t needed for Bulwark as the most recent probe showed only 240 weapon buoys and 30 capital ships within scanner range of the pinnaces. 11 squadrons of abom fighters prowled close to the warp point. Such a low number made Dovsol suspicious for any commander would have as many fighters as possible for a combat area patrol. Did the enemy commander wanted to keep an attacker unaware of his full strength? If that’s the case where were the cruisers and destroyers? Smaller ships were more expendable that capital units and would complicate any warp assault. That dipping into Star Force 3’s stock of capital ships didn’t still well, but Dovsol had work with what she had on hand. First to emerge from the warp point were 200 Machete armed pinnaces and a Soar assault carrier. 30 of those pinnaces interpenetrated and exploded violently due to their pure loads of antimatter close attack missiles. The big ship escaped that fate, and its transit-addled sensors took in the surroundings. Buoys remained at 240 with the number of mines still unknown, and the 11 CAP squadrons began their short run on the warp point. As for ships there were 6 Terpla DNs at 1.5 LS range, divided between subjective NE and S. Further out at 3 LS were 6 Cqux DNs, split NE and S. Settled in the 4.75 shell were the 6 Oknib DNs, also allotted in two groups N and S. Six Nikazu BBs in groups of three were situated 1.5 LS from the warp point on a subjective heading of SE and N. The last six ships were slightly further out at the 1.75 LS shell. A pair of SDs were NW, two DNs at NE, and two BBs at S. From orientation and direction of travel all the abom ships were orbiting the warp point in a subjective clockwise pattern. As the second Soar emerged the Machetes entered and encountered the expected minefield patch. It was comparatively light at 50 patterns but it did cost 17 Machetes. Moving on the small craft ran into a second mine shell, comprised of 25 patterns. 15 more Machetes were consumed in nuclear fireballs before the rest were clear, coming atop the southern trio of Terpla DNs with the two Nikazu-Vs just 0.25 LS away. Four Falcon Crest carriers finished the first wave, and at that the first Soar opened fire with its HET laser at a southern Terpla DN while unloading anti-mine charges into the patch that claimed the first set of Machetes. It was a brutal first exchange as far as the Comensal were concerned. Eight of the eleven Shark CAP squadrons were able to fire, putting the hurt on the first wave ships. Follow on salvos from those Commonwealth ships able to arm and fire weapons would’ve made the result of the impending laser buoy release very satisfying. Yet the sole control ship wasn’t able to arm and prime those one-shot weapons, and for that 26 Hatchet squadrons were flung into space like pigeons released from their coop. Against this the Commonwealth SD(V)s and DN(V)s were able to crash-launch 27 Shark squadrons, all of which converged on the warp point. One first wave Soar and all four Falcon Crest carriers transited out and were replaced by two Hand of Providence SDs, one Cannonade and Raptor, and two more Falcon Crests. All of these ships, including the other first wave Soar, were destroyed by the fresh Shark squadrons and those Commonwealth ships that became active. Defending Hatchet fighters destroyed 97 laser and FRAM-armed Sharks and 20 of the gun-armed original defenders while losing 30 of their own. Despite the loss of the second wave ships one Nikazu battleship was lacerated by spinal force beams and had over half of its innards fried by energy beams. Likewise three Terpla dreadnaughts and both Nikazu-V carriers were swamped by the Machetes, destroyed in a maelstrom of antimatter explosions. Some measure of vengeance was secured as both carriers crash launched their six remaining squadrons, destroying 33 Machetes even as they were destroyed to the last by the enemy’s sheer numbers. Dovsol made transit in the third wave aboard her superdreadnaught, the Alpon Fedun, along with two more SDs and three Falcon Crest carriers. The loss of the entire second wave only briefly registered on her mind as she took in the situation. She was pleased to find that three enemy dreadnaughts had been vaporized as well as two assault carriers. As for the defending Hatchets they had their job cut out for them, bagging those Sharks armed with laser packs while being bagged in turn by the defending CAP fighters. Again the buoy control ship failed to arm its charges, but the aboms warships and Sharks took down the three Falcon Crests and collapsing the shields of all three Righteous superdreadnaughts and lancing engine rooms with primary beam fire. Two abom Nikazu BBs ceased to exist with a third made immobile by the Machetes. Those that had already expended their FRAMs went to work on the southern buoy parks. Hampered by distance thanks to the mines these Machetes nevertheless took out 13 buoys. Three battleships and three battlecruisers joined the ongoing battle in Bulwark. As for the aboms their other sets of Terplas and Nikazus had closed the range to one light-second. Aside from the more distant missile DNs both sides were now being affected by each other’s datalink jamming. Again the Machetes proved their mettle by finishing what the SDs started, turning all the Terplas into barely mobile wrecks. Dovsol’s transit addled newcomers pummeled one Nikazu in exchange for one BB and BC destroyed and another BC made nearly dead. While the fighters continued their frenzied battle about the warp point the unloaded Machetes continued to work on the still silent buoys, taking out 30 more. Fresh Axis forces came in the form of three more Righteous SDs and a Talon Pride kept company by a pair of Stalwart cruisers. The six Cqux and like number of Oknibs were all now active, firing in full datagroups at the intruders. Two Axis BCs and a BB from the fourth wave were destroyed while the aboms lost another Nikazu and took heavy damage to another. As for the Sharks those with laser packs fired their final shots at a battleship before they were erased from the continuum by the Hatchets. Finding that the three Cquxs to the northeast of the warp point were in arc Dovsol had one of them designated as a target for the third-wave SDs. Some hits were made with spinal force beams and HET lasers. Payback came in the form of 100 laser buoys for the tender finally got its act together. Already shields down and with armor damage the third-wave SDs all got internal damage. Dovsol doubted that the two remaining Nikazus could be destroyed in time to restore the datalinks, seeing that the abom missiles ships were the major threats now. She also expected her three SDs to be destroyed presently. Working with that in mind she had the eight Hatchet squadrons from the Talon Pride to take care of the southern Cquxs and Oknibs. Meanwhile the spent Machetes continued to work over the remaining unused buoys, leaving 84. As it turned out the aboms had their own priorities. All of their missile armed warships focused on the Talon Pride, flailing it with antimatter ordnance to such an extent that all of its now-empty hanger bays were wrecked. The last Nikazu fired on a Stalwart, crippling it. Before the Machetes and Hatchets could make further inroads into the buoys the last 79 fired, destroying the Stalwart and furthering harming the third wave SDs. With datalink jamming gone Dovsol’s SDs fired on the same Cqux, hacking into its armor. As for the Nikazu it was finished by the sixth wave’s BCs. Shifting fire as the seventh wave’s light cruisers emerged the abom missile ships finished the Talon Pride and worked over four SDs and a sixth wave DN. Of the 36 still-armed Machetes 28 took care of the northern Oknib trio. Dovsol had the remainder head for the two Avami assault carriers. In the south the three Cqux unleashed their external CAMs, taking out two complete Hatchet squadrons. With assistance from the sixth wave DNs and BCs the Hatchets broken down the passive defenses of two of the ships and breached the internals of the third. Three Hatchet squadrons still retained partial loads of FRAMs, ordered to save some so that the southern Oknibs could be denuded of their shields. As for the SDs they had hit their stride, bashing an eastern Cqux with all their ordnance. Six minesweepers arrived in the next wave, firing clearance rounds into that part of the second mine shell where the pinnaces passed through. Then, along with the seventh wave light cruisers, they finished the job, creating a clear path back into Bulwark. Despite the temptation of polishing off the cruisers the aboms continued on their goal of eliminating the SDs and a DN. Dovsol’s SD finished its laborious turn and transited back to Gravel Patch. It was practically dead and with Dovsol injured as the CIC had become a tangled wreck around her in a parting shot from the enemy. Now free and at full speed the CLs wrecked what remained of the SW Cquxs. For last three Oknibs they dropped ECM and went to full speed away from the warp point and commenced firing on their pursuers. The result was never in doubt, though one CL was claimed and another lost its passives. What followed was the scuttling of the cripples by their Commonwealth crews. No life pods were ejected by any Commonwealth ship during the battle. Six ships failed to self-destruct and were boarded. In two instances records were found. They were of limited value for only sensor data in a twelve light-minute radius around the warp point for the past month was recovered. Dovsol, recovering aboard a transport, took in the salient facts of the battle. Insofar the enemy didn’t employ their full strength in defending the warp point was the main reason why the assault was successful. However, aside from the automated weapons ship (which was ran down and destroyed), there were no cruisers, destroyers, fleet and light carriers. Scouts found no signs of moving enemy ships, and once contact was reestablished with Bulwark’s population centers they had no sightings of the enemy for a month as well. Two scout elements were dispatched to the warp point leading to the uninhabited and lifeless Nu’Chut home system while four others began the thankless task of reestablishing Bulwark’s sensor network. For the 107 remaining Machetes they were collected aboard their motherships and moved on to the Laser Burn system for a planned assault on the abom Hokum in the Cain system. The bulk of Star Force 3 moved on to Bulwark Prime and settled in orbit. Fleet train freighters began disgorging supplies and components of a base for the mobile yards to assemble. With the Gravel Pit side of the warp point covered by SF3’s capital units, mine fields and buoys the remaining abom ships couldn’t force the issue now that they had sacrificed their assault carriers. If they had moved on to the Nu’Chut system, or even to the trackless depths of Bulwark’s outer system, they’ll run out of supplies. Dovsol strongly suspected the aboms conducted the battle the way they did in order to extend their supplies as well as increase tactical flexibility. With no dreadnaughts and battleships to slow them down the aboms could cruise at a higher speed. They could’ve simply left their larger units in the outer reaches and mothballed them, but that ran the risk of them being found and inspected by her units. A week later new orders came from Gymnasium. To the chagrin of Dovsol all of her assault carriers, dreadnaughts and battleships were detached from SF3 and, after repair and refit, sent forward to Star Admiral Mansel in Bedrock to deploy as he sees fit. She was counting on those units to defend the Gravel Pit side of the warp point in case the remaining abom ships in Bulwark attempted a breakout. Instead of ships four lunar colonies in Gravel Pit, with the facilities of a quartet of mobile yards drawn from her own fleet train no less, will construct at total of four of the new type-4 fighter bases as well as assemble two type-2 automated weapon control bases. 60 squadrons of F0 Hatchets by themselves would take the starch out any opponent though having mobile units to back up those fighters was much more preferable. After recovering from her wounds Dovsol resumed command of SF3 in Bulwark. She waited while the scout elements performed their job. In the interim Bulwark Prime was being restored to full industrial capacity. A new space station was under construction, and individual units were repaired and refitted. Lunar colonies began building new fighter bases. Dovsol knew it wasn’t going to be long wait. Sooner or later the aboms will show their hand. Bedrock Prime was bristling with activity. On the surface the newly constructed spaceport was being added upon. Industrial sectors bombarded by the Commonwealth were being rebuilt, increasing the planet's overall production capability. Troops from other Comensal worlds were being settled and equipped to hunt down and destroy Commonwealth Army units still residing in the wilds of the continental interiors. In orbit a newly assembled base was itself assembling another one while a mobile shipyard assisted in the construction of a new space station to take the place of the previous one that was destroyed. Freighters dispensed cargoes for all concerned, ranging from army units in the field to destroyers replenishing their holds. All and all it was activity devoted to the cause of victory over that abomination known as the Commonwealth. For a pioneering people the Comensal still didn't know all that much about the planet they colonized. The one hundred million souls were concentrated in their towns and cities, along lakes and rivers. Few settlements were at the shores of oceans and only then for fishing. Thus the deep waters of Bedrock still held onto its mysteries and secrets. One of those secrets was about to be revealed. The Commonwealth Army is responsible for anything on a planet's surface and atmosphere up to 200 kilometers. Oceans were included, but out of respect to the Navy all mobile objects that operated in liquid environments had to be called water craft, not boats or even ships. One such water craft was a 'submersible patrol craft' with the designation SPC-014. Name aside it was a true submarine powered by a micro-fusion bottle one would find in any ordinary cutter. At 4,000 tons it was the largest object every carried in the holds of the cargo ship that brought it to Bedrock. Crewed by 14, the SPC-014 could stay submerged for over two years. With a crew so small on a relatively large craft one could expect it to stay on-station for much longer. But while it was designed for long-term surveillance and interdiction of enemy ocean craft the SPC-014 had one special role. Field Lieutenant Pessus was strapped to his command chair as well as everyone else on board. The 014 was standing on end, its bow a scant 300 meters below the surface of Bedrock's Purple Murk Ocean. His Terpla'n eyes blinked, regarding the flat panel screens as a chess master would when contemplating moves against three opponents. Sitting in orbit a scant 1,200 kilometers above was an AFC freighter of the Ballast class. Passive camouflage sensor panels dotted the surface of the Purple Murk. They had detected the ship when it entered orbit three days earlier. In that time she just sat there, dispensing cargo via shuttles and tractor beams. Not once did she move to a higher or lower, faster or slower orbit. While it was something to observe Axis supply routines and operational procedures it was the job of the 014 to complicate the life of the enemy. While equipped with two torpedo tubes the 014 was literally built around four silos, each one holding a starship-grade standard missile. In this case each missile was armed with an antimatter warhead. While not a match against an attentive enemy the same cannot be said for the Ballast. Her shields and drivefield were down to facilitate cargo transfer. Also her point defense radars were not active. However, the silos weren't launchers, meaning the four missiles had to use their own drives instead of getting an initial kick from magnetic launchers. While still quite fast there was a chance for an interception… if the enemy knew. "Fire control solution at 99%," said the 014's weapons operator. "Traffic in the orbital space is routine," added the sensor tech. "No contacts on the local passive sonar and the nearest Comensal fishing boat is 800 kilometers away. All radio chatter points to normal." "Awaiting order to release records buoy and perform crash drive, Lieutenant," announced the helm operator. Pessus involuntarily brushed the rank insignia on his suit with his thumb. He had only just been promoted to field lieutenant upon arrival at Bedrock three months prior and placed in command of 014. After officer training he was selected for what was commonly referred to as the Lung Fish Navy, the aquatic portion of the Commonwealth Army. Other field lieutenants would be commanding a tank squad or infantry platoons. But how many of them can claim that they can shoot down an enemy ship in orbit? "Weapons and Sensors, mark the time in the log. Launch will commence in twenty seconds. All hands brace for launch and crash dive. Helm, continue to send data to the records buoy until the order is given to launch it." The operators acknowledged their orders. 014 shook slightly as the missiles left their silos in pockets of air. Only when breaching the ocean's surface did the attached rocket boosters ignited, pushing their loads to a height of 1.5 kilometers at which point their main drives kicked in. If it was done at a lower height it would've destroyed the 014 in a convergence of drive field energy. As for the 014 the submersible had begun its descent just a scant second after the missiles had cleared their silos. The helm operator brought the craft level and then pointed its bow down 45 degrees, bringing the craft up to its maximum speed. No clichéd engine noises were heard in the 014's control room, only the depth counter clicking off every 100 meters further down the craft went. It took the computer minds aboard every Axis ship in orbit near the Ballast a moment to register that there were multiple launches on Bedrock. A fraction of second was needed to confirm that there were no scheduled launches by the Axis Army, despite the fact there were no assets in the Purple Murk that were capable of launches to begin with. The tardy point defense systems weren't fast enough to engage the missiles while they were fleetingly vulnerable in the planet's atmosphere. Then again the warships weren't the target. With drive field and shields down, point defense off-line and even datalink not even active the Ballast didn't stand a chance. Detonating a scant 100 meters away four angry suns engulfed the ship, each one doing five times the damage thanks to the drive field's absence. Armor boiled away and the relatively weak internal structure failed. What replaced the ship was a cloud of container-filled debris that not only heralded its own death but that of two shuttles as well for they were just five kilometers away at the time, unable to bring their drives on line in time. On the 014 Pessus saw a computer interpretation of the explosion, extrapolated from the data from the passive sensors. Then the screen went blank. "We lost our wired connection to our receiver buoy," said Sensors. "The spool ran out." "Helm, release the records buoy," Pessus ordered. "Yes, Lieutenant." Actually torpedo shaped, the buoy left its launch tube and speed away on a different course. If it survives it will reach its pre-designated resting place, under the southern polar cap next to a submerged mountain. Hopefully it will be picked up by the Commonwealth, for not only did it contain a record of 014's activities but the last messages of her crew. "Current depth is 5 kilometers," said Helm. "We're at maximum speed of 30 knots." "Attention crew. Expect an orbital saturation bombardment by the enemy presently," Pessus said into his open mic. "They will most likely use antimatter ordnance..." "High-velocity impact above us!" Sensors yelled. The submersible shook violently, the lights flickering and finally cutting off. In the cacophony of underwater explosions that followed the Axis was sure the submersible was put to rights. The discolored waters of the Purple Murk slowly assumed their natural state over the next few days. As for the confidence of the ship masters over Bedrock that took much longer to restore. For the third time the Hamthen system of Dotz was violated by an Axis assault. Just a warp link separated it from Metalstorm, but the Dotz defenders swore they felt the warp point pulsing to the hideous beat of the Axis enemy's heart. What emerged was the source of that imagined beat. Four Blockhouse and two Ablative probe ships emerged, turning in place to achieve an exit vector. They found a collection of six type 4 bases aligned in pairs at the edge of jamming range of the warp point. Just beyond them were six type-2 bases, also placed in pairs. Further back at 4 LS were three groups composed of one type-4 and two type-2s each. At 4.5 LS range was a trio of type-4s, most likely capital missile platforms. Finally, though unseen at the moment, at 8 LS range was a trio of automated weapon bases. Mobile forces comprised just nine Hamthen destroyers, orbiting in the same shell as the close-in type-2 bases. This time a control base became active and unleashed 100 reusable laser buoys out of 660 around the warp point. Of the ten CAP squadrons on duty five got active and obliterated one Blockhouse and crippled an Ablative. Not one base within weapons range became active. For getting that unexpected reprieve three BBs and one BCA transited back to Metalstorm. However, before leaving, one BB launched two squadrons of F0 Hatchets. Their target was a type-4 that had taken all the transit addled fire from the Axis intruders. That base got active and took some of the Hatchets, but after all was said and done the base was practically dead. As for the Ablative it was further crippled and then immobilized as the DDs fired energy beams into the laser blasted hull. The drones it had launched were all shot down by those type-4 beam bases that did get active. A Hamthen tug, sitting 16 light second out, collected the Axis hulk and towed it towards the Dotz/Evershem warp point where mobile yards were busy constructing three more missile bases from prefabricated stocks. The defenders, a mix of Terpla’ns, Bulani, Crajen and Tuphon, had their disgust of the Axis renewed. Using armed pinnaces, which at least had a chance to escape after conducting an attack, was understood. But using obsolete fighters and abandoning them and their pilots to their fate suggested a level of callous presumption bordering the criminal. It appeared they didn’t care whether or not the Hatchet pilots were successful in finishing off the base. Doing that little bit more damage to the enemy, even against armor, and making them that much more vulnerable to the real assault appeared to be the goal of the Hatchet attack. After three days what emergency repairs to the type-4 that could be done was done. It was a shell of its former self, but its two HET lasers and jammer were workable. When the Axis assault began later that day it had a chance to spit in the enemy’s face before dying. Two Soars emerged first, turning on an exit vector that placed the suspected capital missile type -4s directly head instead of astern. Next was a mass transit of Grenadier escorts, corvettes and frigates. Out of 52 ships 24 interpenetrated, two-thirds of them being corvettes. With them came also 120 Machete armed pinnaces of which 18 interpenetrated and died. A third Soar and two Falcon Crests followed. Only two of the close-in beam type-4s got active, including the crippled one. Also none of the fighter type-4 and type-2s crashed launched their pools of Shark fighters. Two missile type-4s did have their act together, and along with four Hamthen DDs and five CAP squadrons they took down one Soar, seven corvettes and one escort. The other two Soars had their passive defenses either destroyed or badly mauled. As for the Machetes they stayed on the warp point, losing four of their number from long-range point defense fire from one beam-armed type-4. With transit addled guns they brought down three complete squadrons of Sharks, leaving just two that had yet to become active. The control bases failed to activate any buoys and for their trouble 18 F1 Hatchets squadrons catapulted from their hangers. Both Falcon Crests transited back to Metalstorm with the other two Soars doing their best to follow. What replaced them were three superdreadnaughts (Talon Pride, War Engine, and Providence), a minesweeping dreadnaught, and two more Falcon Crests. On this day fate was decidedly cruel for the Commonwealth for only three type-2 bases went on-line while the larger beam type-4s were destroyed by Grenadier plasma fire and the Machetes, despite the latter losing 25 of their number from passing through two minefield shells and point defense fire from the one intact type-4. The Hamthen destroyers closed in, taking on the five jamming Grenadiers. The distant missile type-4s took care of the resulting cripples, leaving just 24 Axis ships on the warp point. A control base went online and had 72 primary and 24 force beam buoys open fire. One previously hit Grenadier escort was destroyed along with a first wave Soar. Both remaining CAP squadrons were shot down before they could fire, leaving the remaining Hatchets firing on a buoy park, claiming 55 that hadn’t fired yet. A pair of Grenadier escorts, a first wave Soar, a second wave Talon Pride and two Falcon Crests transited out, but not before launching 16 more Hatchet squadrons. Replacing them were two dreadnaughts, three battleships and a battlecruiser. While the new Hatchets speed towards the missile bases the three squadrons of Sharks crashed-launch moments earlier made for the warp point. While the pilots knew they were doomed they were determined to inflict more losses on the enemy. For the Machetes, those still with FRAMs or even just the single laser packs, they went after the close-in type-2 bases, leaving only two mostly intact examples. Eight Hatchet squadrons were temporarily detached from buoy clearance duty and attacked the Hamthen DDs with laser packs and regular close attack missiles. The stalwart defenders were down to just one intact ship and 4 immobile cripples. Some good news came in the form of two of the three fighter type-4s and two type-2s crash-launching a total of 126 Sharks. ETA to the warp point was one minute. While the Axis was busy both of the control bases primed and fired 195 reusable weapon buoys in sequence. First came 15 laser buoys, denuding those ships that still had EDMs on their flanks. Following this was 30 primaries, lancing engines and weapons on the small ships and engine rooms on the larger ones. For three Axis ships it was the end as 75 force beams pierced the void, destroying them with overkill. Shields on some of the big ships, already hit, were brought down. That the opportunity for the last set of 75 buoys – all energy beam mounts. Two assault DNs were forced to use their overload dampeners with one having to burn out all three. In response the Hatchets still tasked to destroy buoys took out 46 that hadn’t fired yet. A fourth wave emerged in time to see 18 Shark fighters brought down by the defending Hatchets for a pittance of damage done in return. The last three Grenadiers were finished off, as well as the Hamthen destroyers and the last two close-in type 2 bases, leaving the missile type-4s, the incoming 21 Shark squadrons and the buoys as ongoing threats. Again the buoys were fired in sequence, with the last force and energy beam buoys being used along with 84 of the laser variety. The latter’s power was great diluted for in the fourth wave were 3 DNs, 2 BCs and 100 explorer-sized vessels, 30 of which interpenetrated and exploded. Even so both third-wave Battering Rams, previously hit, were damaged to such an extent that they transited back to Metalstorm along with a Raptor battleship. However that battleship launched 20 escort shuttles before departing, adding their fire to defeat the incoming Sharks. The last type-4 fighter base had finally launched its 48 remaining Sharks and where halfway to the warp point when the fifth wave emerged. With the datalink jamming the Sharks that were already there did a credible job by destroying the Providence and a Grim Reaper. All 126 Sharks were shot down by the Hatchets, Machetes, Stilettos and ships. All three missile type-4 bases were obliterated, leaving the 13 still armed Hatchet squadrons from the second wave carriers the task of demolishing the remaining bases. As for the Stilettos they moved off the warp point and made for the three 3 type-1 bases 8 light seconds out. In the end phase the Critical Mass explorers launched their marine-filled cutters, heading for or waiting just outside point defense range of the bases. Just three new ships transited in. One of them was a Sapper assault minesweeper. It fired mine clearance charges to finish what the earlier waves had started in a primary minefield patch. The fifth wave capital missile battlecruisers began the process by destroying the type-2s that had the jammers, making the Hatchets’ job easier. Save for those Shark CAP squadrons that made it back to their respective bases to rearm there was no resistance. One fighter type-4 was destroyed and another lost all of its hangers. The third did manage to rearm and launch two Shark squadrons. They attacked the converging Axis Hatchets and bagged five before dying in antimatter fireballs. Meanwhile the Stilettos lost 13 of their number as they brought down the shields of the three type-1 bases and landed on them. Overall the Axis boarded 11 bases and one e-hulked Hamthen destroyer. On the Commonwealth’s part there were no records for the Axis to plunder, nor were there any examples of new technology with which to study. The hulls were destroyed soon after they were inspected. Star Force 1, Second Advanced Fleet, moved into the Dotz System. Instead of heading for the Evershem warp point SF1 first moved on Dotz III. There the ships orbited the planet for two hours. It was done to motivate and inspire the crews. Earlier in the war the 40 million Hamthen abominations on the planet were exterminated, their cities incinerated by nuclear fire and land tainted with fallout. Bonson, commander of SF1, had a short speech before the ships broke orbit. “What was done here will be visited a hundredfold on the Hamthen homeworld,” he said. “All the Comensal lost on that planet, including the civilians that formed the first outpost in conquered abom territory, will be avenged. From there our drive will be renewed, blazing past the Uan system and onto the rest of abom space. Strength, unity and purpose! With Providence’s favor our nation will succeed!” While Bonson was reveling in victory other forces went about their business. A reconnaissance group finished its rounds in the Abyssal-019 system, destroying the chain of communication buoys leading to the BRB-1 system. From there it probed the warp points for Solid State and Ampere, finding Hokum mines covering the former and nothing for the latter. That made the decision easier for the group had no appreciable mine clearance ability. After eliminating the Commonwealth comm buoys the group moved onto Ampere and dispatched a small pinnace tender accompanied by a scout to probe the warp point for Blood Pride, finding it clear to enter. With the reconnaissance group was a transport carrying a battalion of infantry backed up by a company of armor. There was just a type-2 base over the planet, dispatched from outside point defense range by fighters and armed pinnaces carrying stand-off missiles. The Comensal colonists of Blood Pride were greatly relieved that their navy and army had come to their aid after long months of occupation. Now with the help of a pair of cruiser-hulled mobile yards the colonists began to construct a small space station and spaceport with which to build mines and buoys for their defense as well as fortifying warp points in Ampere and BRB-1. The other reconnaissance group moved into Silvershoe, also knocking out chains of comm buoys as it investigated the warp points for Connectors and Citadel. Unlike the other group this one had a substantial amount of mines and buoys in the holds of its freighters. A mobile yard began the task of assembling prefabricated bases to control those automated weapons. Citadel was guarded by light forces and only then after the expenditure of four pinnaces. As for Connectors a trio of scouts made a beeline for the Forger’s Gate warp point, laying a comm buoy trail as they went. Halfway in the scouts detected a Commonwealth drive signature. In the hours that followed the signature resolved into over 100 contacts, a mix of military and commercial drives. With orders to investigate further the scouts continued to close. Two contacts broke from the main body and closed on the scouts at 0.117c. Once identified as escort carriers the scouts came about and moved at full speed, putting a good 5 light-seconds between them and the four squadrons of Sharks that now followed them. After an hour the fighters dropped life support packs, giving them the speed to overtake the scouts. In response the trio detuned engines and hoped the fighters would turn about when their life support became critical. Instead the odds beat them for thirty minutes later two of the scouts lost an engine room, reducing their speed. Staying together and utilizing datalink the scouts attempted to defend themselves as they slowed to 0.1c and waiting for the fighters to close the range. At a distance of 1.5 LS the four Shark squadrons fired their stand-off missiles, 12 per squadron, at the two scouts with burned out engines. Distance and ECM had their role, but the Axis didn’t know that the fighters used a new generation of missile and that the fighters themselves were of a newer model. A shield went down on the first scout with the other one, mounting the extra point defense, had its armor breached. Closer in showed that there was a joker in the deck for a jammer went online, breaking the datalinks of the Sharks. One was shot down while both targeted scouts were slagged into mobile wrecks. The Sharks destroyed those two and slowly dismembered the last one with the jammer while losing just one more of their number. When the escort carriers arrived this scout had managed to repair its point defense system. It didn’t matter for the squadrons had landed with two being reloaded and launched; one had scanner packs and missiles while the other had laser packs. Once the shield was down the carriers launched their shuttles, their landing on the scout’s hull cleared for the lasers took out the repaired point defense. After wresting control of the ship from the crew there were no records on the computers. With no compelling need to further inspect the ship it was finished off with the carriers rejoining the main formation. Aboard the Captain Velkoi, command ship for Task Force 21, Admiral Barsus reviewed the situation. That Axis scouts were in Connectors proved that AFC units were now in Silvershoe. Considering that Citadel also had a warp link to Silvershoe meant that the AFC had to watch two warp points. However Citadel was part of a warp chain that lead to Borehole, giving the enemy two routes to choose from. With three task groups in Citadel it will require a major effort on part of the enemy to remove them. Given the situation it would’ve been a prudent plan to simply keep a blockade on both warp points and stave out the Commonwealth ships. It all depended on how disciplined and patient the AFC was this time. Barsus’ plan was to place his own mines and buoys at the Silvershoe/Metalstorm and Silvershoe/Connectors warp points. Any Axis formations in Silvershoe would be cut off from supply as a result, and any half-hearted effort to clear a path at either location would be countered. The Axis would have to mount a proper assault to gain entry, and once that happened TF 21 will stage an assault into Metalstorm and destroy any defenses, instillations and shipping that happen to be in the system. In turn it will be the Axis forces staged from Metalstorm that will be cut off from supply, giving the reinforcements in Hamthen a better chance for its own counterattack. There was a time limit, however, for TF 21 had just five months of provisions on hand, longer if supply ships and auxiliaries were mothballed when they ran empty and losses due to combat. Barsus was confident that supplies will not become an issue. Given the apparent speed of Axis operations he expected to be in Metalstorm before his five months were up. In the conference rooms at the Unified Command Center on Hamthen Prime there was a gathering of government and military officials. Among them was Flag Admiral Tulcus Jki, giving a private briefing to Hamthen President Skuu and Commonwealth President Huj. The Terpla’n admiral had the warp point defenses of Dotz on display, playing the battle out with detail-laden annotations. “As they have done in Output and Metalstorm the AFC has used dedicated probe ships to gather information on our warp point defenses,” Jki said clinically. “They may be doing this instead of using pinnaces and Dispersion class escorts because they correctly assumed that there will be fixed defenses waiting for them. They’re also tailoring the number of Grenadier class ships they’re using based on the threats they observed.” “So they’ve become more economical in their approach,” Skuu surmised. “I suppose that will mean they’ll use more armed pinnaces for the Evershem assault.” “I have no doubt, President Skuu. Armed pinnaces are inexpensive compared to the armor-laden explorers the AFC uses, especially for personnel requirements. Evershem has significantly stronger defenses along with a larger mobile force. Again it depends on factors we can’t gauge to any degree of certainty. How fast, strong and confident those AFC formations tasked to reclaim the rest of their territory will directly influence how the forces arrayed against us will act.” Huj, looking better as of late due to heeding his doctor’s advice and resting more often, blinked slowly. “We have to assume that they’re saving the bulk of their assault carriers and those heavily armored warships equipped with spinal force beams for us, Admiral. As Hamthen is the main objective of this offensive what are the chances of a mass transit assault involving carriers?” The clutching pain made its presence known in Jki’s gut. Instead of suppressing it she used the great discomfort to emphasize the conviction of her words. “I’d be surprise if they didn’t do it, President Huj. Hamthen was the first instance in their history that they were forced to abandon a planet they’ve considered their own. Add to that the destruction of the civilian evacuation convoy, which will fuel the desire to avenge their loss,” she continued, despite a brief intensification of her pain, “and their own written history the AFC is perfectly willing to perform a mass transit that will involve not only their assault carriers and Grenadiers, but of other capital units as well.” Skuu had become quite practiced at noticing Terpla’n expressions. He had seen the subtle twitch of Jki’s inner eyelids whenever she had the pain in her gut, the result of a wound receive earlier in the war. He believed that it was a psychological act of punishment, devised to keep her humble and honest so as not to become a self-righteous parody that exalted her greatness. Nevertheless the pain was quite real, and there was one way to quell it. “They will break their backs when they try to scale the walls of our virtual fortress, Admiral. They are in a hurry. In less than three months they have reconquered three systems. But we’re getting stronger each week as fresh squadrons of ships arrive from our allies. All the bases at the Hamthen/Evershem warp point have been refitted or will be finished in two months time, and the pinnace support stations we’ve taken from Hagelkorn are being reassembled here as we speak. Plus there’s the new energy weapon buoys and mines.” “We’re encouraging them,” Huj added. “We could have easily placed all available mobile units in Evershem or even Dotz. By holding back our strength the Axis is being convinced that Hathmen is heavily fortified, and is planning accordingly.” Jki looked reproachfully at Skuu. It was the way he spoke about the strength of the defenses that reminded her of over-eager pundits in the Terpla’n media. On her part she sought to ground Skuu in reality. “As sound as that strategy may be, it’s coming at the expense of our base crews and our ally. Mr. Skuu, the ships you have now at Evershem represent a significant fraction of your fleet. They can better serve your nation by standing at the homeworld warp point.” The Hamthen made a fist and pounded the table. “I’ve made a pledge to my nation that all future Axis incursions into our territory will be resisted by Hamthen steel and blood. I will remind those boneheads as well as everyone else that we’re still an active participant in this war. It’s regretful that we’ve traded the lives of those in Dotz, and will do so in Evershem, just to gain an advantage. My people may forgive me, in time, and the crews of my ships know what is expected of them. Breaking the Axis advance is the only answer they accept. We must not fail.” Huj blinked acknowledgement. “We won’t, Mr. Skuu. Cut off as they may be, our forces in Axis space are siphoning enemy ships and resources away from us. Let us not forget that the Valhallan fleet in Battlement is a threat to all those Axis systems beyond it, and the Hokum found a system that our enemy is undoubtedly scrambling to fortify. Once they’re broken here the Asteroid Axis will be retreating so fast they’ll be tripping over their biped feet.” Chapter 9.75 “Just tell me how it was possible,” said 2nd General Bolsan as he gazed out the window of the hunting lodge owned by Bedrock’s Governor Lovcon. The equatorial jungle outside looked humid and thick as it always did. It matched the atmosphere of the room as the assembly of officers, both Army and Navy, waited expectantly for the inevitable berating. “How is it possible for a submarine, a submarine, to shoot down a starship?” He looked to the senior naval officer present which happened to be the Prime Commander (Commodore) of the Bedrock system. “Well?” “All precautionary measures and routines were in place, General,” said Darqan, “as far as the Navy is concerned. Had there been more information about the composition of Commonwealth surface forces,” he eyed the Army commander of Bedrock’s troops during the Commonwealth occupation and Bolsan’s second-in-command, 4th General Honton, “then more stringent measures would’ve been in place.” “Don’t put that on me, Darqan,” Honton said indignantly. “I didn’t have the wherewithal to keep all those Aboms under surveillance. They controlled the orbitals, and had plenty of small freighters entering the atmosphere. We didn’t know which ones would be carrying full-fledge submersibles, much less how many there may be left in the oceans.” “Ocean surveillance should’ve been increased, Honton. More autonomous drones and sonar nets could’ve easily been deployed under the aboms’ noses.” It was the way that Darqan flippantly spoke his words that grated Honton. He squeezed his fist under the table. “They were watching the fishing ports and all aircraft flying over the Purple Murk,” seethed the 4th General. “If an aircraft flew too low and at reduced speed it was shot down from orbit. Also the native sealife seem to like catching and chewing up our aquatic drones. If anything the fault is weighted towards you for the complacent way the ships in orbit did their business.” “Complacent? No, an accepted risk for if the supply ships were positioned further away the transshipment of…” Darqan was interrupted by Bolsan’s dismissive hand gesture. “Enough. I wanted to hear it for myself instead of reading reports padded with contextual explanations and blame shoveling.” Bolsan motioned harshly at to the two senior officers and their collective lieutenants. “This action by the Aboms has instilled a delay in our orbital work. Instead of hitting a drive-down freighter they could’ve gone for a mobile yard and easily kill hundreds of skilled personnel. Now they’ll have to stay on the far side of Bedrock’s moon along with the freighters, incurring a much more involved effort for the shuttles and pinnaces ferrying supplies. It would’ve been worse had they gone after the space station currently under construction. The station-keeping drives would’ve been activated automatically for the attack, and despite at being at such lower level the radiation would’ve killed workers by the dozen.” He looked at Darqan and Honton until both men were made to lower their eyes. “Both of you will come up with a comprehensive plan to locate and destroy any threats to our orbital infrastructure and traffic. Until such threats have been countered and neutralized, all ships in Bedrock orbit will have their drivefields up regardless of their length of stay. You may go.” The officers and their lieutenants left, leaving Bolsan and an aide to pour over field intelligence data on a flat panel screen. Little did they know that they were being monitored from afar: four kilometers in this instance. On a stout branch of a cascade tree two Tuphonese soldiers were eavesdropping on the lodge. They had focused a laser on the edge of the window pane, listening and recording what was being said inside the room. Field Sargent Guntha and Corporal Nas didn’t mind the humidity at all despite the signature suppression suits they wore. What they did mind was that they weren’t allowed to snipe Axis soldiers unless it was absolutely necessary. To shoot one this close to the lodge would likely spook the general and make him relocate his headquarters. “So what is the Old Man gonna do with his info, Sarge?” said Nas as he listened to the Comensal talk over his suit’s headphones. “I’m sure our Sigint would’ve been more useful than this.” “There’s more to know about the enemy than cracking his codes and observing their deployments,” replied Guntha as he gazed through a pair of field binoculars, recording the lodge and its environs. “General Tokuno and Dr. Huu are trying to get a feel for this General Bolsan. That’s why we’re recording his conversations with his lieutenants and his reaction to news.” “Just how long are we gonna be out here? I mean he’s not gonna stay in that lodge for long. He doesn’t sound like a desk general to me.” “We’ll go back to Company once he leaves. Too bad. His helicopter would’ve made a fine target for our sniper rifle.” With minefields and buoys in place the newly arrived Star Force 4, Third Advance Fleet, transited from the liberated system of Borehole and entered the Guilded Wire system. Further down the warp line were the systems of Tinsmith, Brass Latch and Citadel, the goal of SF 4. The formation divided into four groups. First were the CA and BC-hulled minelayers, escorted by fleet carriers and battlecruisers. Their job was to mine the Tinsmith/Brass Latch warp point. Following at a slower pace were the DNs, BBs, CAs and CVLs. As for the third group it was actually composed of several scout divisions. Each of Guilded Wire’s planets and moons were investigated as a new sensor buoy network was building emplaced. The fourth group was SF4’s fleet train, escorted by CLs, DDs and CVSs. It entered Guilded Wire two weeks later, heading for the second moon of the second gas giant. As the sensor buoy network was up and running the Axis admiral, Sanvas, believed it was safe enough to bring in the support elements. The vigilance paid off as a Commonwealth Sloop scout, engines down and drifting aimlessly was stumbled upon by chance by a Picket scout that was four light-minutes from the gas giant. Powered up, the Sloop moved on the Picket, intent on using its sole CAM to destroy the freighter-hulled vessel. But the captain did not know about the Stiletto shuttles and was surprised by what his sensor readings told him while 2.5 light-seconds short of his target. He launched a solitary courier drone just before his ship was destroyed by four of the armed small craft. As for the drone it headed out past the orbit of the lone methane world and the ken of the sensor net. Because of this there was a suspicion of Commonwealth ships hiding in ‘the big dark’, and half a dozen Pickets were dispatched to ferret out these supposed ships. It was a tedious, thankless mission that was in all fairness suited for these little ships while the fleet concentrated on other duties. In the BRB-1 system Star Force 2, Second Advance Fleet, was in the process of preparing two operations. The first was the recovery of the Solid State system followed by the Comensal colonized Fallowed Field system. As for the second operation it was a raiding group. Starting from the Ampere system, this group was slated to enter Com-14 and then Com-7. From there the mission was to destroy any and all Hokum installations such as pinnace waystations, com buoy networks and shipping in systems two warp transits out. Despite its label SF2’s size and composition was on the light side. With no dreadnaughts to slow it down SF2 had a higher cruising speed and could keep the range open should it encounter dreadnaughts later on. While SF2 was preparing there was still work ongoing in the recovered systems. In Abyssal 019 the sensor and comm buoy network covered both warp points and the direct route between them. Slowly this network was being expanded so that mobile ships could be detected as far away as 252 light-minutes from the warp points. This task fell on Picket-029, a freighter-hulled vessel barely larger than an escort. After two weeks into its effort 029 encountered a surprise. Convoy BP-05, comprised of two frigate-sized freighters and a corvette, was on its way back to Hamthen after delivering supplies to the occupation force on Blood Pride when the Axis reclaimed the Metalstorm system. Cut off, the convoy commander had the option of hiding in the trackless depths of Abyssal 019 or back track to Blood Pride. He chose the former, knowing that the enemy will likely emplace a minimal sensor net in the starless nexus. Sitting 216 light-minutes from the Abyssal 019/Metalstorm warp point the convoy commander, a Tzelan named Capp, was notified of an approaching ship thanks to a deployed sensor buoy. Slowly, surely, the contact came close enough to be identified as a single Axis ship. That it moved at a sedate pace and by its drive frequency Capp came to the conclusion it was a freighter on a sensor buoy deployment mission. He decided to intercept and destroy the ship and in doing so tie down additional Axis scouting assets needed on other fronts. As for the 029’s commander he was more delighted than surprised when Capp’s ship suddenly appeared a mere 70 light-seconds away. From drive strength alone the commander knew he faced at least an escort and working on that assumption he waited until the range dropped further. At 15 light-seconds he launched his four Stiletto escort shuttles and came about, all eyes turned to the tactical plot on the 029’s bridge. Despite being perplexed at what he saw approaching Capp pressed on. He did not know about the new type of attack shuttle the Axis employed and assumed these were attempting to ram. Maneuvering, the corvette engaged the large shuttles at 1 LS range, missing but in turn was hit by two lasers. At 0.5 LS range one of the shuttles was splashed with two more laser hits sustained. Capp then went to maximum engine modulation as the shuttles maneuvered into his blind spot at point blank range. They crippled the ship with two FRAM and two laser hits. A second salvo of laser fire finished the ship. The two freighter captains watched as the sensor buoy kept tabs on the shuttles returning to their mothership and in turn that ship came about and headed in their general direction. The Axis captain would’ve known the corvette didn’t have the tonnage to mount a long range scanner suite when it fired its point defense systems and advanced launcher. It stood to reason that another ship or least a buoy was nearby, and if the latter then destroying it would deny its use to other Commonwealth ships. Moving now will only confirm the two freighter’s existence to this Axis ship, so the captains agreed to wait and see what happens next. Slowly and inevitably the 029 reached the detection threshold and discovered the drive-down freighters. It launched the three remaining Stilettos and turned away. On their part the freighters brought up their engines and went after the 029, keeping an eye on the approaching shuttles. At 1 LS range the captains had their point defense mounts fire what they assumed would be their only volley and were surprised that two of the shuttles were splashed, their deaths proving they were carrying FRAMs. Instead of modulating their engines the freighters maneuvered in place so that they both faced each other, ensuring that the remaining shuttle would be in firing arc of one freighter. The sole Stiletto survived and did crippling damage to its target and sped back to the 029. Undaunted, the undamaged freighter pressed on, moving at twice the speed of the smaller Axis ship. Understandably anxious the crew of the 029 rearmed the shuttle with the last two FRAMs in stock and sent it back out. The freighter captain knew his business, waiting until the shuttle reached the right distance before maneuvering his ship so that the range was 0.5 LS. A point defense missile exploded just a mere 200 meters away from the shuttle, destroying it with the liberated energy of the 20 kiloton warhead. With that danger removed the captain went back after the 029. On his part the 029 captain believed his ship was going be tractored and boarded. This wasn’t the case for the tractor on the freighter was for cargo handling only. What it did have was a CAM on its external racks. At 0.75 LS the short-range missile hit but didn’t destroy the 029. That didn’t satisfy the freighter captain. At full speed he rammed the smaller ship from behind, destroying it outright while losing passive defenses and half of his holds (empty in this case). The first damaged freighter was able to repair one of two wrecked engine rooms and three holds. Sixteen hours were spent on searching for lifepods from the destroyed corvette and what pods that were found had enough to fill the remaining crew space on the freighters. With enough supplies on hand to last eight months the duo moved out, picking up the scanner buoy in passing, and headed for another pre-arranged spot in the expanse of Abyssal 019. Because of this action three scouts and two Pickets were pulled Star Force 2, 2nd Advanced Fleet to hunt down the freighters. In time those scouting assets were going to be sorely missed by the commander of SF2. The tension on Elotoshani Prime was still palatable a month after the purge of Eloto science teams working for the AFC Science Development Bureau. Several demonstrations were held at universities directly involved in the collaborative effort, but the Axis garrison allowed the local Eloto police to break them up. They posed no problem to the colonial enclave. If they did then punitive measures such as flooding the southern farmlands with open dams and reducing output of the fusion power plant network would enforce the necessity of obedience. System Admiral Wanfel, in charge of the SDB division located at the enclave, wondered what the central staff back on the homeworld was planning for him. All effort for the past month had been focused on a new secured computer network, starting from scratch and adding data from the backup cores only after they’ve been checked for Eloto Trojan horse programs several times. This galled Wanfel for that meant a whole month was wasted when it could’ve been put to use in devising new systems and weapons for the fleet. It was also in the realm of possibility that this SBD division could be shut down entirely and thus remove even the remotest chance of future Eloto sabotage. Wanfel, having been sent to Elotoshani to fix the previous director’s mess to being with, was sure his chances of career advancement were good. Those officers of lower rank ran a high risk of being placed in departments and bureaus where advancement was much slower. However, by going on a combat tour these officers could have this incident expunged from their records. Provided they survive the full year, naturally. He was sure that his immediate subordinate, Prime Commander Konset, was going to take a tour due to his close association with the former director. The door to Wanfel’s office opened, and there was only one officer that could enter without identifying himself first. “Ah, I was just thinking of you, Konset,” said the System Admiral as the subordinate stood smartly in front of the desk. “Providence has a way of responding to one’s idle thoughts. I was wondering what happened to your former boss.” “Ah, System Admiral Joncan,” replied Konset. “Yes, about him. He was made the commander of all defenses in the Virus House system. I imagine he has a duty shift in the Marine cafeteria, given the number of personnel assigned to him.” “Now, now, prime commander,” Wanfel chided. “I’m sure he has an assistant to handle that particular task for him. Counting plaspaper rolls is more suitable for his rank.” Both officers chuckled. Found after the conquest of the Elotoshani, the Virus House system played host to a pair of gas giants, an asteroid belt, two greenhouse planets and, on the surface of it, a habitable world. It looked the part, and covetous eyes were on the great harbors and valleys for placement of settlements. However the planet played host to several diseases that were quite fatal to Comensal. A colony was established on the planet’s moon, and along with the normal mineral extraction a biomedical complex was included so that cures to these diseases could be found. It was also the center of the AFC’s biological/biochemical warfare research. A virus to kill off the remaining Lauset was among the ongoing projects at this center. Virus House became to be known as a hardship duty posting for those AFC personnel sent there for a one-year tour. There was nothing to do since visiting the planet was prohibited and the facilities on the other asteroid and lunar outposts and colonies in the system were exactly the same. Their sole apparent duty was to destroy the biolabs in case of an infectious breakout. AFC officers sent to command the system defenses were either on the verge of retirement or had done something to earn the displeasure of their superiors. Joncan was the latter, and despite his age it was likely he was going to command that detachment until the war was over or reach the mandatory retirement age. Konset handed a datapad to Wanfel. “This is the latest message from the SDB on the homeworld. It requires your security code to unlock it.” Accepting the pad Wanfel entered his code and read the contents. He smiled moments later. “Good news all round, Prime Commander. We’re not destined for the chopping block. A new research project has been assigned to us. In the abom Hokum seizure of the Bandstand system they displayed two new technologies. The homeworld will be handling what appears to be a new point defense missile, while we will tackle a scanner pack scaled down for external mounting on a fighter.” “Reverse engineering yet another enemy invention,” Konset mused. “Hopefully the tactical scans obtained in combat will give us some pertinent clues.” “Remember that when Providence provides it comes at a cost. It a fast track project, Prime Commander. All available teams will be working in shifts until results are produced. I expect to have the duty list in two hours on my desk. They will be staying here in this facility for the duration of the project, so have the quarters prepped as well.” “As you order, System Admiral.” In the Battlement system the Royal Valhallan Fleet kept to a routine that took their minds off the predicament they were in. At the far end of a supply line that was cut off with the loss of the Metalstorm system and threaten by a new warp point in the Kerama Retto system it was tempting to pull back to Citadel and support the three Terpla’n task groups assigned there. However, Admiral Pike, now in command following the death of King Russan, was not about to give up on the gains the fleet had paid so heavily for. He organized his forces and send probes to Battlement’s other two warp points. Warp point three was where the survivors of an Axis fleet, mainly carriers, fled after their defeat. Pinnace probes finally revealed that the carriers had been resupplied with fighters, most likely uncrated on-site, and a buoy shell 300 strong ringed the far side of the warp point. As for warp point two the pinnace probe was completed with far fewer losses. The reason was simple for there were only three fighters, F0 Hatchets at that, within 5 light-seconds of the warp point. With that miniscule threat facing them Admiral Pike elected to send in just armed pinnaces for the first waves. Six Whales emerged from the warp point and turned to face each other so that the Hatchets would still be in the firing arcs of the majority. Loaded down with standard close-attack missiles the Whales, for the loss of one of their number, got all three Hatchets. When the 9 other Hatchets arrived two minutes later, crashed-launched from their bases, there were 29 Whales on the warp point, blasting away at the modest weapon buoy shell. Those Hatchets extracted 7 Whale kills before they themselves were consumed by proximity-fused close attack missiles. With buoys destroyed a Whale transited back to Battlement and was replaced by a light carrier and a scout. Three Shark squadrons were launched and were vectored towards a trio of undersized type-2 bases 8 light-seconds from the warp point. Before they could be attacked the bases self-destructed, denying the possibility of boarding them and securing information on the system. Admiral Pike committed his two survey ships to explore the new system and locate any further warp points. Two weeks later a drive source was spotted at extreme range. A scout was dispatched to investigate, and upon further inspection the drive frequency was found to be Hokum. Closer in messages composed in prearranged codes were sent and responded by both sides, proving each other’s veracity. Pike and the rest of the fleet were greatly relieved by the news. Forays by the Hokum Imperium Space Navy had gained control of the warp line leading out of the system, thus creating a tenuous but tangible communication route for not only Pike but the rest of the allied forces in the Citadel Theatre of Operations. It was through the Office of the Terpla’n Ambassador on Hokum Prime that Pike and his fleet learned the news. Upon hearing word of the death of King Russan a coup, staged by anti-monarchal forces on the Valhallan homeworld, broke out. It lasted only two weeks for the coup plotters underestimated the people’s devotion to the King. All involved that survived the pitched battles were arrested, including some of the government leaders. Princess Quasso, daughter of the King, was ordained as Queen. Morale climbed several orders of magnitude, and it couldn’t have come at a better time. In the Hamthen system of Evershem, one transit out from Hamthen, the defenders of the Evershem/Dotz warp point were stoic in the face of the threat against them. The Terpla’n, Hazen, and Hamthen crews knew they served an important part of Admiral Jki’s plan. As ever, the goal was to destroy and damage as many Axis ships as possible. This went double for any purpose-built assault ships and armed pinnaces. If the stock of these weapons was low the Axis faced the choice of waiting for fresh ships, restock supplies and repairs, or plowing right on ahead to storm the Hamthen warp point. Many hoped it was the latter for as soon as the Axis spent its strength the quicker the allies could mount their counterattack. As far as strength went the Axis still had a considerable amount of it. A probe force consisting of 100 regular pinnaces and 100 Dispersions emerged from the warp point. 18 of the former and 34 of the latter interpenetrated and exploded violently, leaving the survivors to come about to reach their exit vectors. What they found in the immediate area were 9 bases in three groups 1.25 light-seconds out and 6 bases in three groups 3.25 LS out. 600 buoys ringed the warp point and 120 Shark fighters formed the CAP. To round out the findings there were 12 light cruisers and 12 destroyers, all Hamthen built and crewed, orbiting in two groups 1.25 LS from the warp point. After all was said and done, and firing of 99 one-shot laser buoys, there were 73 pinnaces and 21 Dispersions left thirty seconds later. Aside from the expenditure of external ordnance from those active close-in ships and bases the allies only lost one pattern of mines. For the Axis their total losses (including interpenetration losses when returning to Dotz) were 39 pinnaces and 87 Dispersions. However, thanks to the tactical scanners on those sacrificial little ships Star Admiral Bonson, commanding Star Force 1, 2nd Advance Fleet, knew of the 12 additional bases 5.5 LS out and 3 small bases 8 LS out from the warp point. Some of the bases were capital missile platforms while four of them, type 6s, were likely fighter bases. As for mines the scanners showed at least 900 patterns immediately around the warp point along with 501 out of an original 600 weapon buoys. Eager for battle, Bonson made his plan and attacked 18 hours later. The defenders had settled back into their routine when 300 Machete armed pinnaces emerged from the warp point. 48 interpenetrated and exploded. Having arrived in three different approach vectors it was clear they were going to swamp the inner bases, moving through the solitary minefield shell and taking attritional losses. Despite the strong urge to come about and pursue, the 20 CAP squadrons closed on the warp point and were rewarded by the sight of the rest of the Axis first wave. 42 Critical Mass explorers came next with 12 destroyed just like the Machetes, followed by 6 Blockhouse BBs (losing two) and 4 Ablative BCs (all lost). The 3 type-5s, 3 type-4s and 3 type-2s were destroyed, overwhelmed by FRAMs fired from the transit-addled Machetes. In turn only 12 explorers remained despite the efforts of those CAP squadrons that did go active as well as those bases that did the same. 52 Machetes were splashed by a combination of both the minefield and point-blank point defense fire from those active inner bases. Even the expenditure of 90 laser buoys did nothing but further reduce the defenders’ strength when it faced the following wave. In perfectly metered entry so as to keep the warp point stabilized the Axis sent in twelve Falcon Crest carriers (losing two), eighteen Grenadier 3 frigates (minus six), eight modified Grenadier 2 corvettes (less four) and four Interception escort cruisers. The first four Critical Mass explorers transited back to Dotz in a normal manner, leaving the last eight to leave as a group with only two lost via interpenetration on the far side. Meanwhile nine Shark squadrons, having expended their ordnance, sped back to their bases while the remaining four active ones, firing partial loads, stayed on the warp point with the last seven still working on bringing their weapons into the fight. It was a slaughter for the small Axis ships were destroyed along with two carriers and one escort cruiser. For the allies all twelve Ice cruisers and Thunderbird destroyers were wiped out by those Machetes still carrying FRAMs. Those Machetes that had expended their FRAMs fired internal guns and point defense upon the buoy parks and the CAP fighters, leaving none that still carried ordnance. Just 133 laser buoys remained, not enough for what came in the third wave. The eight remaining Falcon Crests transited back to Dotz, but not before launching 144 Hatchet fighters. Three of the carriers had to transit out together with two of them interpenetrating on the far side. Arriving to replace them in measured transit were six Soar assault carriers, two Battering Ram DNs, two Grim Reaper minesweepers, ten Grenadier 4 escorts and 4 Critical Mass 2 explorers. Both Cannonade BBs and six Grenadier 4s interpenetrated, ratcheting up the self-inflicted losses for the Axis. After what the missile bases could do the commander of the defenses had the last of buoys fire on the enemy, destroying the other three CAEs, six Grenadiers and one Critical Mass. The Soars launched their fighters, 180 in all, with three of the carriers achieving their exit vectors and transiting back to Dotz. What replaced them came in the form of a conventional entry by a Sapper, Hand of Providence, Talon Pride, and three Wave Riders. Showing great persistence the 270 Sharks crashed-launched two minutes earlier went after the remaining Soars, taking out two of them along with a Grim Reaper. The six capital missile bases obliterated the third Soar while five of the 31 still armed Machetes were knocked out by the point defense of two of the standard missile bases. In turn those two bases were destroyed by the fire of ten Machetes and all 270 Sharks were splashed by the Hatchets from the Soar and Falcon Crest carriers. Going back to Dotz the second Grim Reaper, three Critical Mass explorers and a pair of Grenadier 4s were spared from certain destruction. That was the potential fate for the three Nation Reach and Firebow capital missile ships, but, tenacious to the end, the defenders continued to inflict damage on the fourth wave ships. Aided by the missile bases the 90 fresh Sharks attacked, and despite the datalink jamming destroyed one Wave Rider and crippled a second one. Defending Hatchets and Machetes took care of them, leaving no armed Sharks at the moment. During all this 66 Hatchets of the second wave, 180 Hatchets from the third wave (60 of which still had two nuclear-tipped close attack missiles each) and 48 from the fourth wave moved on northern missile and fighter bases. It remained to be seen how many Hatchets would fall to the bases’ defensive fire. The crippled Wave Rider and the untouched Talon Pride transited out and were replaced by six escorts of a design not seen by the allies before. With no fighters to kill 66 Hatchets still armed with close attack missiles from the second wave headed for the southern missile bases. Missile fire destroyed the third Wave Rider while the missile DNs and BCs fired mine clearance rounds. At his point the targeted mine patch was reduced to 59 patterns. Very soon the mine patch will reach a critical level and be breached and there was nothing the base crews could do to slow it down. Six more new escorts arrived just as the northern bases came under Hatchet attack. 54 were swept away by point-blank defensive fire but the rest was more than enough to destroy the three type-5 missile platforms and a type-6 fighter base. Those Hatchets with laser packs continued with their attack, taking whatever the other fighter and defense base had to offer in stride. Success was achieved in taking the second fighter base with the further loss of 30 Hatchets and a Nation Reach DN, smothered in antimatter fireballs courtesy of the southern capital missile bases. Coming in after the eighteenth new escort was a collection of four superdreadnaughts (one of which was Bonson’s flagship) and two minesweeping battlecruisers, turning to the face the targeted minefield patch and southern bases. These new arrivals, like the rest of the ships before them, fired mine-clearance rounds from their external racks and internal launchers, bringing the selected mine patch down to a critical level. Antimatter-filled capital missiles pummeled the second National Reach but only its shields were collapsed for a pair of EDMs spooked more than their share of incoming fire. Six Stout class battlecruisers formed the tenth wave, ready to make use of the impending clear route in the mines. All 18 escorts and the fresh Sapper of the ninth wave entered the pummeled mine patch at minimum speed and at maximum engine modulation. Each ship was attacked by a solitary pattern of mines. The little ships lost shields and half their armor while the Sapper lost 26% of its shields. A second volley of missiles all but killed the second National Reach, but it had enough motive power to leave. Before it left the little Lightning Rod escorts, equipped with tactical scanners and tractor beams, swept the mines and cleared the way for the Stouts, permitting them and the SDs and assault DNs to close within 4.5 LS of the southern bases. One capital missile base was half-wrecked in the exchange, having sustained damaged earlier due to missile fire and spinal force beams, but one Battering Ram took the last full salvo of capital missiles, losing all passives and three engine rooms. Now with a clear route the surviving Machetes began their slow return to Dotz, include three that still had their FRAMs. Only a pair of destroyers arrived, moving out and away from the still active bases. Those SDs and DNs that could were now 3.5 LS from the southern bases, intent on destroying the missile platforms and capturing the fighter bases, dousing them with energy beam fire. One allied base and one Battering Ram were lost in the exchange of fire, and closer in at 2.5 LS range another missile base was wiped out. Slowing and engine modulation engaged, the ships were at 2 LS range when the last four allied Shark squadrons launched and swarmed them. Engaging them were the 144 Hatchets from the second wave, still armed with gun packs and assisted by the datalink jamming from the SDs. A Sapper, which had become the focus of attention, had its passive defenses destroyed by sprint-mode missiles and FRAMs from those fighters that fired before they died. The defense base, having sustained hits from missiles, force beams and primaries alike, began taking internal damage. Slated to be boarded it took energy beam hits, forcing the base to use its overload dampeners to ruinous effect to stave off death for that much longer. In any event the Sapper and the Battering Ram would require extensive repairs after the battle. The northern and southern defense bases self-destructed as well as two of the three standard missile bases. Even the trio of BS-1s with the automated weapon controls self-destructed without so much as a life pod or shuttle fleeing the scene. Of the remainder, one standard missile and two fighter bases, their records were erased prior to boarding actions that lasted over a day. Having limited repair assets on hand, Bonson sent those ships that required extensive repairs back to the Output system while his fleet moved on to invest the Evershem/Hamthen warp point. Two days after the battle he was mulling over the after-action reports when he had the head of his staff, System Admiral Vangen, join him in his day cabin adjoining the CIC on his flagship. “It must be a fascinating read,” Vangen said while taking a chair offered by Bonson’s hand gesture. “That’s your favorite datapad. The one you had when you commanded a destroyer back in A.I. War. You only keep files on it that help you evaluate and devise plans and tactics.” “You should know, Vangen. You were my XO on that destroyer all those years ago.” Bonson placed the pad on his small desk. “Overall the losses we incurred for recapturing Evershem were within the acceptable parameters, especially for the Machetes. Also an above average number of lifepods were picked up, giving our reserve pool of personnel a boost.” “I doubt that the crews of the four escort cruisers would see that as a benefit,” Vangen said wryly. “It was a fine balancing act. I had to select ships for that particular wave that would attract the abom defenders. Regular cruisers wouldn’t have guaranteed the sufficient draw of firepower away from the larger, more important ships.” “Speaking of ships, we’re going to be short of Critical Mass and Grenadiers if we’re going to stick to our schedule. Admiral, you still plan on assaulting Hamthen in 31 days?” Bonson leaned back in his chair. It creaked from age, for it was the same one he had in his cabin aboard the destroyer Vangen mentioned. He kept it over the years for it was a reminder of the victories he earned while commanding that destroyer, wiping out Nu’Chut AI ships and fighters. “Yes. We must keep the momentum of our advance. By retaking Hamthen, and turning that wretched planet into a radioactive husk, we will deny the enemy a marshalling area for supply convoys and task forces. Whatever ships they have in the systems behind us will run out of supplies and fall into disrepair. If they attempt to force the issue in Metalstorm they’ll find us ready thanks to the prefabricated bases already built and those soon to be completed as well as the mobile defense force. As for the abom Hamthen defenses I believe we’ll find them formidable but not insurmountable. Vangen, did you know that the investigations of the abom fighter bases found something interesting? They were eight squadrons short. That tells me that they spared whatever forces they could here in Evershem so as to insure maximum strength for Hamthen.” Vangen swiped a finger over his boney brow, a gesture of agreement. “Then it’s a good thing that we’ll have 600 Machetes in time for our assault. Even in the moments after transit their degraded fire did wonders on the abom bases here.” “I would prefer 900, but that will have to be for another battle. The Machetes have more than proved their worth to me, Vangen. Also, we will be better off if the small assault ships are rationalized.” Bonson handed a different datapad to Vangen. “In my opinion there’s no further need for the Grenadier 1, 2 and 4 classes. We’d be better off with the 3 and 5s with one of their sprint launchers replaced with a capital missile defense system. I estimate that ships so equipped will be able to stay on the warp point for an additional minute before being destroyed or transiting out. The smaller Critical Mass ships are still useful in soaking up buoy fire, and the Lightning Rods did their intended role perfectly. Have our staff go through what I’ve written and bring any suggestions to me before I send the final report to Fleet Command.” “Very good, Admiral. I’m sure Fleet Command will agree to any idea that will increase combat effectiveness coupled with greater resource efficiency. Also the investigation of the captured bases will hopefully produce some results, especially in regards to that apparently new point defense system they used.” “Yes, but that will have to wait until the mobile shipyards in our fleet train complete repairs on the least damaged ships. Hopefully something can be puzzled out from the shorted-out ruins created by our energy beams.” Bonson picked up his datapad, bringing up a file that brought a frown to his face. “If it wasn’t for those damned abom Elotoshani wrecking our R&D databases we could have new systems and weapons in development now.” “Nothing that we can’t overcome,” Vangen assured. “Just like the Eloto and Nu’Chut AIs we’ll counter whatever technological surprises may come.” On Hamthen Prime Flag Admiral Tulcus Jki was burning the midnight oil as she went through the initial post-battle report for Evershem. She was kept company by a familiar friend in the form of a pain in her gut. The casualty list was bad enough for there were no survivors aside from the two scout squadrons assigned to keep tabs on the Axis fleet’s advance across the Evershem system. Not even the news of the link up of Hokum and Valhallan forces at Battlement did anything to ease the pain for the link was a long and tenuous one, ruling out any measure of coordination. Morale increased nonetheless in spite of what happened in Evershem. The crews may have the same conviction of breaking the Axis upon the defenses of Hamthen but Jki knew that they didn’t had to make and live with the decisions required for such an outcome. Seeking a break Jki went to a terrace that was part of the hotel being used as the Unified Command Center. The railing was set of Hamthen height, so she stood further away as a precaution. The night sky had scattered high clouds, marring the view of the stars. Nevertheless it was pleasing sight as was the night lights of the capitol city. The ravaging effects of the Axis occupation were becoming less and less noticeable as new buildings continue to rise to replace those damaged or outright destroyed by random and deliberate action. Street noises were in abundance as civilians went about their evening affairs. It was a city of light and life. “A fine example of our resiliency, wouldn’t you say?” Jki’s left eye turned slightly back and down to see the source of the voice. It was Hamthen President Skuu, looking particularly pleased as he went to the railing and looked about. “Even those towns and cities blighted by the Axis’ use of black smoke are being restored. More than living it’s living well that’s the best revenge.” “Revenge is no good if they enemy doesn’t know about it,” Jki commented. “Ah, but they do know.” Skuu pointed to a patch of sky. “There, at the warp point leading to the Stratus system. Of the Axis bases that were there during the occupation just four remain. As you know each Allied task group that passed through this system used the Hagelkorn warp point, but before going on to Evershem they fire three volleys of laser-tipped SBMs at the Axis bases. Well, after the Hatchet fighters were taken care of in the first battle the subsequent bombardments were little more that live fire exercises for the Axis missile bases used up their own laser SBMs beforehand. I had civilian broadcast feeds beam directly to each Axis base. They know, Admiral, and they will know that the impending assault will be crushed in an undeniable vice of righteous fury. Afterwards, to spare them prolonged anguish from seeing the results of the battle, the four bases, having exhausted their supplies and sustaining compounding failure of internal systems and breached armor for over a year, will be destroyed. It’s long pass that a more direct route for allied forces to use through Hamthem space be open. Plus I want to deny them the cop-out of self-destruction. Then our revenge will be complete.” Jki made a hard blink as her guts made her feel an especially potent stab of pain. “You will get your wish, President Skuu. The rapid advancement of the Axis forces convinces me that they won’t hesitate to attack. In 27 days we’ll have an answer.” End Chapter 9 06/22/13 updated 03/14/15 |