Warfare: Rise Of Mankind Book 2 (10 page)

              Humans can only tolerate so much change before they react violently. Luckily for her, they had a focus for their rage. History showed what they did when they grew tired of paradigm shifts. When the alliance ships left and she became a lone Kielan among so many humans, she harbored plenty of fear. It proved to be unfounded for the most part but there were still some who did not like her solely because she was different.

              “Jenks!” Walsh’s voice tore Clea from her reverie and she looked sharply ahead. The other marines spread out, aiming their weapons. She joined Hoffner as he rushed forward. Her scanner read clear.

              They reached the edge of a gaping hole. Jenks was at the bottom, light from the top right of his armor beaming up at them. “What the hell happened?” Hoffner demanded.

              “I was in lead,” Jenks replied. “And the ground just gave way right beneath me.”

              “Are you hurt?”

              “I should be…but I’m not.” He directed their attention to pointed sticks roughly half a meter long sticking up all around him. “Miracle I didn’t get impaled.”

              “They don’t look too fresh,” Walsh said. “These are kind of old, sir.”

              “You might’ve been saved by the fact this is a really old trap.” Hoffner looked around. “Get him out of there and let’s keep moving but this will definitely slow us down. If we have to worry about that kind of thing on top of the predators, carnivorous plants and potential enemy contact…”

              Clea nodded. “I know, sir.”

              Hoffner pulled her aside and switched their coms to private. Still, he whispered, “what could’ve dug that? Do you know of any other indigenous life here?”

              “No, sir.” Clea shook her head. “I scanned the entire planet with their satellites. If there’s anything here, it knows how to go unnoticed from advanced technology. However, I believe they must have died out or been gone for a while. You saw the state of that.”

              “I’m kind of surprised it wasn’t filled in.” Hoffner hummed.

              “Sir, it was.” Clea patched her scan over to his helmet. “As you can see, those sticks extended four meters into the ground but we only saw half a meter. Plus, he only fell two meters. I believe that ditch was quite a bit larger and far more frightening when it was made.”

              “Jesus…” Hoffner sighed. “At least it wasn’t as dangerous as it could’ve been. I wonder how clever these natives were. Let’s hope they stuck to shovels and sticks.” He turned to the marines who had just helped Jenks out of the hole. “Alright, people we have another threat to worry about and the next one might not be mostly ruined. Stay frosty.”

              “Hard to do in this climate, Captain,” Walsh replied. The long stare he received made him lift a hand. “Not the best time for a joke, sir. Sorry about that.”

              “Just get going.”

              Clea fell in behind them, adjusting her scans for the new variable. She had no idea if she’d be able to detect dangers before they happened but it would be nice. How long ago had the creatures who did this disappeared? Perhaps they had more information at the facility. Her sister harbored a keen interest in xenobiology.

              The thought of her sibling made her deflate and her stomach do a flip. She wanted the older woman to be okay, to ensure she was safe but her irrational nerves at seeing her again wouldn’t die down. Both of them had a job to do and Clea knew that took priority over any emotional attachment or reunion.

             
I just hope you’re okay, sister. I’m coming. Just hang on a little longer
.

              “Another direct hit on our starboard bow,” Redding said. “Olly?”

              “Shields holding,” Olly replied. “I’m manually regulating the shields. It’s a trick I picked up from Protocol Seven. By fluctuating the frequency, I can enhance the integrity of our defenses…well, considerably.”

              “Keep giving it to them,” Gray said. “Don’t let up.”

              “Search and Rescue ships have arrived at the alliance vessels,” Agatha said. “They’re reporting little enemy activity in the area.”

              “Cause we’re keeping them all busy,” Adam muttered.

              “Enemy shields down!” Olly shouted. “Hit them hard, Redding! Go!”

              Redding unleashed the pulse cannons, turning the ship sharply to give them a second barrage from the other side. The enemy ship began to list, drifting away from them before cracking at several points. Bodies were torn through the hull breaches and as the ship divided completely in half, something exploded cascading an orange ball before going dark.

              “One down, two to go,” Gray said. “Not doing too bad, huh?”

              “At least we’ve evened the odds,” Adam said. “Again.”

              “The Crystal Font has started harassing the ship that was landing troops. Reinforcements to the surface have been totally stopped.” Olly tapped away at the console. “They’ve engaged and the final ship is moving toward us.”

              “Good, we can wrap this up.” Gray sat down.

              “Captain,” Agatha called, “I’m picking up a signal riding a frequency I didn’t even know existed.”

              “What?” Gray turned. “What do you mean?”

              “I was monitoring communications and saw an anomaly so I cleaned it up and tapped in. It’s an enemy com link.” She worked the controls for several moments. “I’ve recorded it and putting it through the translator. If it’s our opponents, the alliance database has quite a bit of their language documented. I might be able to get the rudimentary message.”

              “It’s probably a mayday,” Adam said. “From one of the enemy ships.”

              Agatha shook her head. “No, sir. It’s coming from outside the system.”

              “That’s why you’ve never seen the frequency,” Olly said. “Because they’re using FTL communications. You know what this means?”

              Tim spoke up, “that they have a buoy of some kind out here…probably dropped by one of their own ships.”

              “Right!” Olly nodded. “They brought a booster to speak to someone outside the system.”

              “Essentially giving their entire fleet the coordinates for this place.” Gray ran his hands through his hair. “Okay then, that makes this more exciting than it needs to be. White, have you translated?”

              “Only the beginning, sir. They’re talking about…being here…yes, they’ll be here soon.” Agatha really scrutinized her screen. “They mention a time frame…I’m translating the alliance part now too…oh my…six hours.”

              “What’s in six hours?” Adam stood. “They’ll be here in six hours?”

              “Their fleet.” Agatha nodded. “Apparently, a vessel left the sector with the coordinates and the info they needed to lock on to the buoy.”

              Gray leaned back in his seat. “We have that much time to pick up the researchers and their data then get the hell out of here. Not to mention the rescue op.” He nodded to Agatha. “Tell that to the Crystal Font right now. We’ll need to pick up the pace and finish these two jokers off fast. It seems our hand has officially been forced. Let’s make it not matter, people.”

***

              Kale paced the bridge of the Crystal Font, watching the battle unfold through the view screen. They seemed to be making good headway and though it would be absurd to call it a
decisive victory
, between his ship and the Behemoth, they certainly proved to be quite successful. Two enemies remained and with such even odds, he felt confident.

              “Anthar,” Wena, his communication’s Zanthari spoke up. “The Behemoth just sent us a message from a known enemy frequency. Hostile reinforcements are coming and will be here in four point five casons. It seems to be an entire fleet.”

              “I see.” Kale frowned. This left them precious little time to finish their multiple missions.
I hope Clea and her marines are up to the task down there. We won’t be any help
. “We need to buy time for rescue ops and the soldiers on the ground. Order all pilots to resupply now and get back to our damaged vessels.”

              Kale returned to his seat and read the reports of current activities. Search and rescue only
just
began operations and ground forces stated they were in danger of being overrun. If not for the timely strafing by four fighters, and the destroyed drop ships, they’d already be dead. He pinched the bridge of his nose and tried to settle his nerves.

             
This wasn’t supposed to be a combat zone
. The thought came unbidden. After the battle where his mentor died, alliance high command summoned him immediately. He figured they were going to demote him or at the very least offer a reprimand. Some part of him thought he might even be to blame for the loss of all those alliance personnel.

              When they promoted him and gave him command of the Crystal Font, he thought he must be dreaming. The blood of his friend was barely cold and he took his place. He made it sound cold in his head but he knew the old Anthar would’ve approved. Kale worked toward this goal his entire life…he just wished he’d achieved it differently.

              Many captains would’ve been offended by the assignment to visit Earth but Kale welcomed a little peace. Stretching into the role of Anthar without having to fire a weapon appealed to him. As they entered Sol, he longed for the days his father talked about, those of exploration and discovery.
That
was his calling…he just
happened
to be good at conflict.

              Arriving in the combat zone above the research facility shocked him but he didn’t let it slow his resolve. He continued to struggle with a hint of anxiety, worry that he might not be up to the task. Employing every ounce of discipline he possessed allowed him to press on. Those around him probably had no idea he felt genuine fear at being in another major battle.

              Even if it seemed like they were doing well.

              He’d seen the enemy perform a sacrifice before and made his report on it. The fact his own military didn’t react quickly to it surprised him. The next time he sent information to command, he’d emphasize it dramatically in bold with underlines and excessive punctuation if necessary. Even if they saved sixty percent of the people, many died who did not have to.

              “Captain,” Vinthari Du’Zha spoke up, his pilot and gunner. “The enemy is attempting to fall back toward the natural satellite of the planet. Shall I give chase?”

              Kale squinted at the screen, rubbing his chin.
Where do you think you’re going?
They rarely fled but occasionally, the enemy liked to regroup or draw impatient opponents into a trap. “What’s the other one doing?”

              “They appear to be on the same trajectory.”

              Kale nodded. “Is the Behemoth giving pursuit?”

              “Negative, sir.”

              “Wena, put the humans on speaker again.” Kale stood.

              “They are live, sir.”

              “Behemoth,” Kale began, “it appears our enemies are off to regroup. Do you have anything on your scanners at this time?”

              “One moment,” Captain Atwell replied. “We’re checking.”

              Kale turned to his own tech officer, Deva Thi’Noch. “Do you detect anything?”

              “They are moving toward a large energy reading,” Deva replied. “Certainly large enough to be another ship.”

              “So their reserve did
not
leave the system after all…they must not have had to in order to send their message for help.” Kale nodded. “That puts us back to three to one.”

              “With one injured,” Deva replied. “I do not recommend getting too close to the Behemoth. The enemy may take us as a target of opportunity for another sacrifice.”

              “We won’t be letting them do that again today.” Kale spoke again to the Behemoth. “Did you get the readings?”

              “Affirmative,” Captain Atwell replied. “Looks like we’re back up to an unfair fight.”

              “More than you know. The new vessel has not been damaged at all and should be at full resources.” Kale tapped his leg. “This works to our advantage for now. Our pilots can operate without worry about capital ship involvement. They will need to destroy the enemy fighters before trying to transport people back to our vessels.”

              “Agreed.” Captain Atwell paused a moment. “Our bombers didn’t have a chance to do much against the ship we threw down with earlier. They’re currently redeployed to assist with the debris. Have your pilots coordinate with them to gain access to parts they wouldn’t otherwise be able to reach.”

              “Thank you, Captain.” Kale motioned to Wena. “Broadcast that message.”

              “I trust we’re going to be heading into another fight with these guys,” Captain Atwell said. “This time away from the planet.”

              “Yes,” Kale agreed. “Keep your distance from us so they don’t blow up…wait a moment…” Kale grinned. “I think I may have an idea but it’s not risk free. Captain, I’m going to put you onto a private channel with me to discuss it. Should only take a moment but I recommend you step off your bridge.”

              “Alright…” Captain Atwell agreed. “Give me just a moment.”

              Kale turned to Du’Zha. “You have the con. I’ll be right back.” He headed into the antechamber of his ready room, closing the door to initiate the com.
This may well be your most insane idea yet…but they won’t expect it. Here’s to hoping we can pull it off
.

***

              Gray turned to Adam. “Hold the bridge, do not engage until I get back. I’ll be in the hall for just a moment.”

              “Captain…”

              Gray held up his finger and gave the other man a stern look. “I’ll be back.”

              In the hallway, he patched through to Kale’s private com. “What’s going on?”

              “Captain, I apologize for the secrecy. As you know, there’s a traitor somewhere in our midst. I don’t believe they are with your crew but mine…well, where there’s one, there may be more.”

              “Understood.” Gray frowned. “So what did you want to discuss?”
              “A gamble, one which may win us a keen advantage but it’s going to be quite dangerous.” Kale paused a moment. “As you know, the enemy has proven themselves quite willing to sacrifice their people and their ships. They do so when the opportunity presents itself to cause massive amounts of damage.”

              “Yes, they definitely take a lack of self preservation to new and horrible places.”

              “Precisely. The Behemoth and Crystal Font are all that stand in the way of them taking over this system. They have three vessels…one would be more than enough to mop up here and get them home. Therefore, if they see a chance to take us out…”

              “They’ll happily throw a ship away,” Gray completed the sentence. “Okay, so what do you propose? We lure them in?”

              “Exactly. It’s my understanding that in your last engagement, you performed a hyper jump to save your ship from a self destruct.”

              “Yes, it was a narrow escape though. I’m not sure I want to tempt fate again.”

              “My technical crew can show you how to perform a micro jump, one which is designed for quick evasive maneuvers providing you have good coordinates. Our brethren who were destroyed clearly did not anticipate needing a contingency plan or they could’ve escaped. We’ll set our ships for jump in opposite directions, different sides of the planet to keep us apart…and let them commit suicide all alone.”

              Gray contemplated the situation for a long moment. The plan seemed sound but only if his people pulled off the jump as described. If they made a mistake, they wouldn’t get a second chance. Olly was good but could he do it? He’d have to ask him. “I assume you’ve done this before then.”

              “In practice,” Kale said. “War games but this is no different.”

              “How do you know our engine is capable of pulling it off? I mean, we had to warm up before.”

              “The beauty of a micro jump is that it doesn’t require full power,” Kale replied. “The countdown is soft, meaning you can just hit the button when you’re ready. Essentially, we wait until the enemy has already overloaded their power core then we’re out of there.”