Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Part completedunder the ============
Merc
--------------------
The Defiance cleared the gate and stared straight into the guns of a Khaak warship. Its hull bristled with small fighters that had somehow latched onto the superstructure. The familiarity of the sector led Tor to believe he was in the former X-two sector.
Sweety confirmed his initial suspicions by speaking quickly, “This is X-two and I suggest we get out of here.”
The Defiance swung up and away sharply the boosters fully engaged. However the Khaak capital ship had not been taken momentarily by surprise and then the towers opened fire.
Tor responded to Sweetys’ comment as beam weapons fire lanced past the Defiance, “Just as I can get us some breathing space.”
Sweety had now taken better scanner information, “Tor we should destroy the devices. That ship has one hundred fighters attached and if it gets through the gate they will swamp the defences.”
Tor thought quickly, “How will we get back?”
Sweety replied swiftly, “The long way.”
The Defiance came around the back of the gate and was being pursued by twenty Khaak fighters. Drawing in close Sweety picked out and destroyed three of the boxes. The AI called out, “You need to make a second pass there are still three intact.”
More small fighters joined in the chase and Tor managed to catch three in Beta HEPT plasma fire whilst Sweety claimed another two before destroying the last of the boxes.
The Defiance juddered and jarred as Tor came for his third approach to the gate, the shields dipping from incoming fire and the particle beam dispensed with the nearest attackers.
For a long moment the Defiance held stationary in the activation zone as the capital ship forward weapons systems flared, and cut through the suddenly vacated space. Tor breathed only slightly easier as they emerged into the new sector, but this was quite definitely not X-four. This was Khaak space and appeared to be filled with warships surrounded by a silvery cloud of small fighters glinting in the light of the yellow sun.
The assembled Khaak war fleet appeared to show no interest in the Defiance and nothing made a move to intercept. Sweety reported in an urgent whisper, just in case she attracted some unwanted attention, “I am detecting several types of ship that I have not encountered before.”
As the Defiance banked slowly round Tor saw the Khaak station almost obscured by the fleet that surrounded it, and although he used the word in its loosest sense it appeared to be more akin to a giant nest. He counted ten Battlecruisers closest to him with many more behind.
Tor asked, “How many Sweety?”
Sweety could not get a clear scan and simply responded, “Thousands.”
Tor asked quietly, “We don’t stand a chance do we?”
There was a pause and Sweety replied gently, “No.”
Tor said in a whisper, “Sometimes Sweety, I really wish you’d lie.”
The Defiance surged away from the gate and Tor said, “So which way?”
Sweety responded, “We have the choice of two other gates in this sector and based on the navigational data, I would estimate that our best chance of reaching the others is to jump through the gate that the bulk of the Khaak battle fleet is positioned in front of.”
Giving a brief sigh Tor said, “Sounds like a reasonable idea.” He changed the vector to take a wide berth of the Khaak ships. As he reached the half way point he remained aware that the enemy had still shown no interest in them.
Watching the HUD for any sudden activity Tor asked, “So what ships have we yet to encounter?”
Sweety took a moment to respond and pulled up several images onto the HUD display. The first was a huge cruiser that Tor had difficulty in describing due to the number of protuberances, “Scans indicate that this is probably the command vessel as there is only one in the fleet. The next two are large battle cruises and although they look different appear to have the same capabilities and there are six of these,” Sweety paused and then added, “We destroyed one of those by the way. Next comes the fighter classes of which I can only distinguish two, the small unit that we have already encountered and the one is now on screen.”
Tor commented, “It’s a bit of an ugly beast. Like an Octopus but with more legs.”
Sweety responded firmly, “Ugly it maybe, and although the fleet does not appear to have many, they do appear to have some type of missile technology that I am still attempting to understand.”
Tor glanced reflectively towards the technical datapad, “You’re hacking into their computers aren’t you.”
Sweety replied soothingly, “So?”
Tor commented, “You’ll get us into big trouble one day.”
Sweety almost sounded like she was laughing, “We are already in big trouble! I do not think a little more is going to make a difference.” There was a long pause as Tor watched the distance on the HUD slowly clock down and then Sweety said in less than reassuring tones, “On the other hand.”
Tor asked, “What now?”
Sweety replied, “We have to take out those missile ships.”
With a startled look Tor asked, “Why?”
Sweety replied, “They fire low resonance energy dissipative missiles.”
Whatever it was sounded ominous and Tor asked, “What the hell is that supposed to mean?”
Sweety replied, “Pulsating energy wave in the low frequency range lasting thirty Sezura each.”
A blank expression crossed Tors’ face, “And in layman terms?”
Sweety sighed, “The low frequency range is the destructive range. The best comparison I can think of is an earthquake but this time in space. The wave form will find the natural frequency of the structure of the ship and every sub component. Anything in the field of the missile basically will either shake itself to pieces or experience severe internal structural damage.”
After a moment of trying to wrap his head around the concept Tor commented, “What happens when we destroy one?”
Sweety commented sharply, “Let us hope that nothing happens. The missile does not arm itself until it has crossed a gate activation zone.”
Tors’ jaw dropped, “So they’re fired from here?”
Sweety replied without changing tone, “Yes, and Tor we have incoming ships.”
Tor glanced at the HUD and noticed that two of the incoming ships were a Nova and a Prometheus. Stanad appeared on the holo-projector and commented, “Didn’t think you’d take all the glory did you?” The only thing Tor could do was smile.
The comm closed and Tor said, “Sweety keep both pilots in range and be ready to beam them on board if the need arises.”
The first wave of fifty Khaak fighters closed in on Tor. Stanad called in, “Hang in there Tor we’re on our way.”
Tor destroyed two on the first pass and Sweety took out another three. She threw in the comment, “I really do not advise too many head to head passes like the last one.”
Stanad had kept the voice comm open and he could be heard yelling, “Woohoo,” As he used the particle beam for the first time. The Prometheus had hung back and with precision firing from the two Alpha HEPT’s destroyed another two fighters.
The Defiance rolled and strafed in a sidestep manoeuvre to avoid the beam lasers of the Khaak ships. Explosions rocked the ship and debris shimmered briefly in the shields. He called out, “What’s our status?”
Sweety responded, “Eighty-five percent shields and increasing. We have two incoming destroyers.”
Khaak fighters shot past, Tor managed to tuck in behind the last one and the Beta HEPT’s reduced it to an incandescent ball of expanding flame. The Defiance took several more short duration hits before Sweety could eliminate the attacking craft.
Tor glanced at the shield status bar on the display panel and he approximated the reading to about sixty percent. Although he had the stronger ship the Khaak fighters were going to inevitably wear his shields down if he did not break free from the melee and give them a chance to recover.
The Nova and Prometheus were still battling to get close to the Defiance and faced a similar dilemma, but neither ship had the same turn of speed that the Defiance could attain. Tor broke free from the attacking swarm and headed back towards his two companions.
Polmanckelest was expertly avoiding the bulk of the incoming fire and picking off fighters that strayed into the firing line of the Prometheuss’ cannons. Even so each hit had a marked effect on the shielding level and it was dipping very near to half strength. Stanad on the other hand still showed around seventy five percent but only due to the enhanced capability that the weapon system provided and was taking considerably more incoming fire. The bulk of that cut short by the particle beam being fired in response.
The Defiance swept in, Tor locked onto an unsuspecting target that turned sharply just as he tapped the trigger sending out two plasma rounds vanishing into space.
****************
Tor cleared away three of the fighters, “Sweety what’s our status.”
Sweety gave a swift update, “We need to break away from the fighter pack, the Nova shields are hovering around thirty five percent. The Prometheus has given up with using the ESS as there are too many fighters and its shields are around forty five percent. Which is roughly the same as our own shield strength. The two destroyers will reach us in about one Mizura.”
Tor glanced at the status bar, “Okay. Open a comm to both ships.”
Sweety responded, “Comm open.”
Tor commented urgently, “Need to give our shields time to recover. Pol make a break for it. Stanad, you need to help me in keeping the fighters off his tail.”
Almost at that instance the Prometheus changed colour and Tor strained his eyes to try and make out the profile of the ship that was now the same hue as the starless black of space, the only real indication of its position was the dim glow from the engine pods and the occasional temporary disappearance of stars.
Stanad commented, “Nice trick Pol, still got you on scanner though and coming around to follow.”
The front Alpha HEPTs of the Prometheus cut down two Khaak ships as it cleared the attackers. The ship hit its boost having temporarily turned off the limiter and reached safe distance in a few moments. Stanad just a short way behind rolled and weaved the Nova, firing occasionally at any ship that came within range and threatened to intercept. Tor banked the Defiance hard over and fought for a short time to give Stanad a chance to reach a safe distance and then he hit the booster and joined up with the two other ships.
The Prometheus had once again changed colours back to the AIC white with motif.
Sweety commented, “Just as an observation. We are heading in the wrong direction.”
Tor glanced at the HUD and shrugged, they were still alive and that is what mattered. Also he was still impressed that the Prometheus appeared to be holding up. He responded, “Sweety I think you need to upgrade the Prometheus, and see if you can work out how that colour shift thing works.”
Sweety replied, “Just bring us in close, but I have to mention that this ship has more modifications on it than anything I have ever scanned. So It may prove harder to upgrade.”
The ships moved in a straight line as the shield units recovered, Tor requested, “Open a comm to Pol.”
The response came back, “Comm open.”
Tor began, “Nice work back there. I have a proposition to upgrade your ship the same way that Stanads’ has been. It’s just a suggestion but it’ll give you some real improvements in your shield strength. Should only take five Mizura but you won’t have weapons or shields for that time.”
The Paranid looked back and blinked all three eyes slowly as he considered the suggestion. Eventually he nodded his consent and Sweety immediately took over. The Defiance glided to short transporter range and matched the speed and direction of the two ships.
As the upgrades were being performed, Sweety noted, “Those two destroyers have increased speed and they are now catching us.”
Tor sighed and commented with concern, “Great. How long before they get here?”
Sweety made her estimate, “Five Mizuras twenty Sezura.”
There was a momentary hesitation before Tor asked, “Tell me you’ll be finished by then.”
There was no immediate reply and then Sweety said, “There are some difficulties with the conversion.”
A perplexed look crossed Tors’ face, “What’s up?”
Sweety replied carefully, “This ship has been so well upgraded it is only a Prometheus by appearance. It has all the best parts and so many extras that I cannot integrate the shields and weapon systems. Also the shield units are not standard twenty five megawatt units. These are thirty five megawatt versions down powered to spare the engines so it can provide power to all the other equipment. The ESS unit is particularly power hungry.”
Tor commented, “So what can you do?”
Sweety commented, “I need to decouple the ESS unit and the shield pulse system so that the shields can be modified and run at optimum power.”
Tor gave a slight sigh, “What about the weapons?”
Sweety responded, “The choice is either to keep the Alpha HEPT’s or have a forward facing particle beam.”
With a sense of disappointment Tor said, “We’d better tell Pol.”
Sweety commented, “I’ve already spoken to him and he’s not keen on losing the ESS but is happy to disconnect the shield pulse unit.”
Tor asked, “Which means?”
Sweety replied, “I can only upgrade one shield unit.”
With a brief contemplative thought Tor responded, “I guess it’s something.”
The three ships continued without changing direction whilst the two destroyers continued to close the gap. Tor watched them on the HUD and looked into the sector, “Sweety any idea what that fleet is waiting for? I mean there’s enough of them that they can’t be waiting for reinforcements.”
Sweety replied, “None, I have extracted sample transmissions and I am running them through the translation matrix.”
Mizuras passed and Tor commented with urgency, “Those destroyers are getting a bit close. Tell me you’ve just about finished with the Prommy.”
A brief pause and Sweety replied, “The systems are coming back on-line now.”
Stanad spoke over the comm, “Tor we need a plan. We can’t out run those destroyers and I wouldn’t mind knowing how you destroyed one, as that info could be really useful about now.”
Tor had to admit he did not really have any type of plan, they could out manoeuvre the two destroyers but they would not be able to outrun them
Polmanckelest also called in, “We fight.”
The hull of the Prometheus changed to stellar black flecked with white points that could easily be mistaken as stars, and the ESS engaged as the ship slowed and turned back. Stanad commented, “The only thing you need to remember is not to collide with him or accidentally catch him in crossfire. He gets upset when that happens.”
The Nova also turned around and Tor just shrugged, boosted the power and flipped the ship over. He glanced at the HUD and sure enough he could see both icons of the Prometheus but at a quick glance he strained to see the original ship.
The Defiance with its speed advantage passed the two as they closed in on the Khaak capital ships. A quick volley of plasma cascaded in on the nearest ship as it began to turn sharply up and intercept the fighters. The particle beam stuck one of the laser towers and the shields shimmered until the Defiance was out of firing range. The Nova targeted the same laser turret, but banked away sharply to avoid the incoming beam laser response.
The Prometheus shields glowed betraying its position as he fired at the bridge with a short burst before turning away and melting into the background. Tor came in for a second pass noting the second destroyer had turned to the left and was coming around to assist the first.
The Defiance juddered as it took a hit. Tor disengaged having only fired off several plasma shots and Sweety commented, “Shields at eighty percent.”
This time the Nova had more luck and its particle beam held on the turret for the full duration of the pass. As it banked away the Prometheus beam sliced along the shields and struck the turret. It exploded in a shower of sparks. There were no cheers of celebration as the three ships avoided the beam weapons fire from both the destroyers.
Sweety commented, “Go for the engine pods, if we can damage those we can then out run them.”
Tor asked quickly, “How’s everyone doing?”
Sweety replied, “The Nova has seventy five percent shields and the Prometheus has a very healthy ninety five percent.”
Tor requested, “Open the comm Sweety.”
“Comm open.”
Tor quickly said, “Guys go for the engine pods. If we slow them down we can out run them.”
Polmanckelest responded, “You guys keep the front end busy and slow the ship down, and I’ll take out the tail.”
Stanad called over, “Good plan Pol. Tor lets concentrate on the bridge and the laser turret next to the one that has just been taken out.”
Tor had little choice when the Nova attacked the bridge. Stanad never stopped turning the ship as the beams from the Khaak ship tried to lock on and preempt his position. Tor came across quickly the particle beam also lancing onto the same area of the shields that the Nova had tested. It shimmered as it absorbed the energy and once again weapons fire streamed towards the Defiance as Tor rolled the ship clear.
Stanad was already making another pass when the Prometheus opened fire on the main engine unit in a prolonged burst that had the whole of the rear shield pulsing.
+++++++++++++++++++
Then the Prometheus was away when the Khaak ship surged forward, as the destroyer crew now recognized the threat to its engines. Sweety commented through the general comm, “Stanad and Polmanckelest attack the second carrier! Tor come around the rear of the destroyer and avoid the incoming fire whilst I attack the main engine.”
The HUD showed the Prometheus and its silhouette move away as the Nova made a quick strafing pass across the underside of the second destroyer. The capital ship only fired a brief burst towards the Nova and closed in on Tor. All weapons from the destroyer appeared to be fixed on the Defiance as Tor passed along the hull and Sweety immediately focused the particle beam on the weakened shielding of the engine. Tor dragged the ship around as hard as he dared.
Sweety reported, “Shield down… thruster damage twenty percent… primary engine core shutdown… turn hard right now.” Tor instinctively obeyed as the second destroyer swept past and filled the space that had been his flight path with energy beams. Sweety added, “First destroyer crippled. We need to get some distance and separate them. Also those fighters are closing in again.”
Tor asked, “What about the rest of the fleet?”
Sweety reported quietly, “They appear to have started the bombardment of the joining sector. Wait something has just come through the gate.”
Tor asked in surprise, “What?”
Sweety also sounded surprised when she answered, “Xenon light fighters.”
Tor commented, “Wrong gate for X-four Sweety but if it’s the Xenon on the other side then maybe that’s the way home. Open the comm to the others.”
Stanad replied, “Already open Tor. But let’s deal with one problem at a time.”
Polmanckelest had already deactivated the ESS in favour of speed and was already vectoring away from the damaged capital ship. Tor watched the HUD, if the Khaak missile had an effect it was short lived as more Xenon light fighters appeared through the sector gate and launched streams of missiles at the Khaak defenders.
Polmanckelest was a Paranid of few words but chose this moment to add his own thought to the unfolding battle, “Sometimes the best form of defense is attack.”
Behind them the second destroyer appeared to make a decision and based on the damage to the first ship held its position only the fighters continued the pursuit. Plotting a flight path in a long sweeping arc around the Khaak fleet they went for the third gate.
The intensity of the battle increased as the Khaak fleet moved en-mass towards the gate. Xenon medium and heavy fighters joined in the battle, the Khaak missile ships were nearly all destroyed, however the light Khaak fighters out numbered the Xenon hundreds of times over and quickly destroyed them, but not before the Xenon ships had launched missiles on all targets. The heavy missiles from the Xenon L’s impacted on the Khaak capital ships and two destroyers flared with brightly searing explosion. The gate flashed but this time it was with Khaak ships exiting the sector.
Sweety interrupted all the pilots’ thoughts, “We have more fighters on an intercept course and this time they are heading towards our exit gate.”
Stanad commented dryly, “Look like we have a fight on our hands.”
Tor responded with a sigh, “I think we may have a few more after this one.”
The Prometheus, still with its hull masking its visual position and the slowest of the three, led them towards the gate. Tor wondered how the Xenon were fairing against the onslaught of the Khaak fleet. One thing he was certain about and that was it would be a fierce and unrelenting battle. He felt that neither fleeing nor surrender was in the Xenon programming. The image of the Crystal Fab being engulfed in explosions crept into his minds eye and although the Xenon were also enemies, he hoped they would somehow kick some Khaak arse.
Tor commented absently as the enemy fighters drew closer, “You’re being a bit quiet Sweety, what are you up to?”
This was met with a brief silence before Sweety answered with a mischievous lilt in her voice, “Using the Khaak communications system to inform the Xenon on enemy numbers and ship types.”
Tor glanced across at the technical pad, “You can do that?”
Sweety responded beguilingly, “When you know how.”
Tor asked quickly, “Any chance you can determine the jump vector home?”
Sweety replied, “One thing at a time. At the moment I have just worked out how to piggyback a signal onto the back of the Khaak transmissions.”
With a wry smile Tor said, “In that case, piggyback a transmission back to X-four that we’re on our way.”
Sweety spoke softly, “Yes Sir, now I think you need to do some fighting.”
Tor opened the thrusters to get ahead of the Prometheus and Stanad followed suit as they engaged the swarm of fighters. The Defiance spiraled into the Khaak pack preventing any prolonged contact with incoming fire, the Beta HEPT’s and particle beam cutting a path through the swarm. The Prometheus did not engage the ESS and instead preferred to use the additional speed and hull masking. Periodically the front of the ship glowed as it chased down and eliminated another fighter. Stanad appeared to utilise the strafe drive to avoid incoming fire until he passed through the swarm and then he doubled back to lend support.
Explosions and beam weapons fire flashed in all directions, Tor banked hard left and rolled the ship over as the particle beam scythed through another ship. The remains of a Khaak fighter sliced apart by the Prometheus spiraled out of control into the Defiance. The whole ship lurched sideways as the remains of the Khaak vessel bounced off the shields and finally exploded.
Sweety reported, “Shields are holding, but I would not recommend that we have too many of those.”
The Khaak fighters broke away and regrouped and Sweety called to the three pilots, “Head for the gate.”
All three instinctively obeyed and Tor asked, “What happened?”
Sweety replied, “Well if the translation I have is correct then I believe I ordered them to withdraw.” There was a pause and then she added, “But perhaps not.”
The Khaak fighters, now determining the origin of the mysterious message, closed in again.
A thin fighter screen blocked the gate and Tor went ahead of the other two. His shields took multiple hits as he gunned down five of the fighters. The Nova joined him and the Prometheus made the jump into the next sector.
After a few Sezura, Stanad followed and Tor risking a few more hits from the remaining fighters jumped before the swarm arrived.
From the moment Tor arrived to the moment he cleared the gate the expression, out of the frying pan and into the fire was at the forefront of his mind. He had the distinct impression that Sweety had momentarily taken control as the Defiance surged forwards and twisted away from the waiting Khaak carrier and its swarm of ships.
Polmanckelest had been fortunate enough to go through first as the visually masked ship had the Khaak hesitate before firing. He had barely managed to give Stanad sufficient protection on his arrival and both ships were fighting against the odds for survival when Tor arrived.
The Defiance lurched sideways as it was caught by a blast from the carrier weapons systems. Sweety reported, “Shields at sixty percent.” The adrenaline surge through Tor had him clench his teeth and his grip tightened on the control stick, everything that flashed past was fired upon and the particle beam lashed out every Sezura with no discernable pause.
Somehow and Tor was not exactly certain how, he managed to regroup with the Prometheus and Nova, however the Nova appeared to have taken significant damage. Both the Prometheus and the Defiance attempted to shield the ship as they broke free from the Khaak fighters, but with every pass the Nova took a little more damage, even though the shield units remained intact.
Tor ordered, “Stanad, don’t use your weapons. Give the shields a chance to recover.”
Sweety reported, “Defiance shields at thirty percent.”
Three more Khaak fighters fell in quick succession, and the Prometheus swept past and blocked another assault on the Nova destroying the Khaak fighter in a head to head exchange of weapons fire.
The Nova made safe distance from the fighters and dumped internal air pressure whilst vapour poured out and formed frozen crystals from the multiple hull fractures.
The Prometheus cleared the fighters and the Defiance destroyed the closest of the pursuers.
================================
Tor brought the Defiance in close to the Nova and commented to Sweety, “How does it look?”
Sweety performed a complete scanner sweep of the Nova, “Shields and weapon systems intact, damage to several sub systems and about seven hull fractures.”
With a slight shake of the head and a note of despondency at potentially losing one of the ships he asked, “Any chance we can patch it?”
Almost immediately Sweety responded with, “I have the replicator adjusted to patching the hull breaches and repairs are in progress.”
With a wave of relief and a hint of surprise Tor said, “Well that’s something. Now where are we and have you worked out which gate will get us back?” He looked closely at the sector map, there were eight stations shown, the purpose of each one unknown and Tor did not feel inclined to take a look.
There was no large fleet in the area and the two possible exit gates appeared to be alive with ships transitioning between sectors. The stations launched several fighter groups each one numbering twenty individual vessels.
The Khaak Carrier behind them was manoeuvring away from the gate and preparing to pursue.
After a brief period of silence Sweety reported, “I believe I have found the gate to X-five.”
Knowing they would be nearly home, Tor responded, “Plot a course and let’s get going.”
Sweety then added carefully, “I must mention that the sector is currently under attack.”
Tor grimaced and nodded a brief acknowledgement to the news. He said slowly, “We can’t do much from here. What’s the status of the ships?”
With a brief hesitation Sweety answered, “The Prometheus has recovered full shield strength. The Nova is now patched with eighty percent shield strength and increasing, and we have full shields.”
Stanad called in, “Looks like the hull patches are holding. Course heading acknowledged. Now lets’ get out of here.”
Polmanckelest responded, “I’m with you on that one.” The Prometheus led the way and just to make it interesting aimed directly towards the gate and through the heart of the Khaak sector. The Nova and the Defiance kept a tight formation alongside.
Sweety remained quiet as the translation program continued to work on the Khaak coding and speech. Also she was attempting to determine what the shifting colours on the hull of the Khaak fighters may indicate, including the possibility that it may be another form of communication between ships.
Polmanckelest called out, “That carrier is beginning to catch us.”
Tor muttered, “Just what we need. Time till interception?”
Polmanckelest replied, “About three Mizura.”
Stanad interjected, “Not long enough. Don’t know if you guys noticed that cruiser packs more punch than those destroyers.”
Sweety confirmed Stanads observation and said, “About fifty percent more. Two positive locks on the Prometheus and it will be destroyed.”
Tor sighed and commented, “Well at least I’m not the only one that needs a course in diplomacy.”
Silence fell between the three pilots as each spent some time watching the HUD with the gaining Khaak carrier. The distance to the gate drawing ever closer but not swiftly enough and as Khaak fighters attempted to block the three ship formation punched a decisive hole through the attacking group without changing heading and only minor evasive manoeuvres.
The carrier loomed behind them. Polmanckelest called in, “We need to split up. Being the slowest ship I’m going to keep going for the gate. You two try and draw that ship on a different heading, then catch me up for the next jump.”
Tor said with a hint of defiant determination, “How about we try for the engines?”
Stanad replied, “Feeling brave are we?”
Sweety decided to add a new perspective with a quick reality check, “I calculate the probability of one or more of us being destroyed as ninety percent. The Carrier has a complement of one hundred smaller fighters on board appearing in multiples of twenty from launch tubes along either side.”
Polmanckelest could not wait until the discussion ended and dove down, engaged the ESS, slowed as the ships engines experienced the energy drain and two images of the Prometheus appeared on the HUD. Each one flew in a parallel direction vectoring back in on the gate with maximum separation to steer clear of the carrier weapons systems. Tor pulled up and to the left whilst Stanad banked off to the right.
The carrier glided between them but maintained its heading.
Stanad commented, “It’s not going for it, I’m thinking it’s going to block the gate.”
Tor responded, “Change of plan. Stanad see if you can get some strafing shots on the engine pods and I’ll do the same. Sweety, tell me you can find a weakness in the shields.”
Stanad made the first pass and managed to successfully avoid the incoming fire whilst the particle beam shimmered in the carriers’ shields. Tor followed quickly on the principle that the turrets on the Khaak ship would take a time to recharge. To his pleasant surprise the incoming fire was greatly reduced.
Sweety responded, “You both need to make another six passes to penetrate the shields by which time the carrier will have already reached the gate.”
Tor was concentrating on coming round for the next pass and said through clenched teeth, “Optimism Sweety, that’s all we need right now.”
Sweety commented in a cheerful voice, “Well on the plus side the carriers’ weapons are taking longer to recharge which means that if you attack in quick succession you can get longer shots in.”
Stanads’ voice said, “Register that coming in for the second run.”
Tor brought the Defiance around and followed in the continually changing course of the Nova. Several times the Khaak turret weapons fire scythed almost painfully close to the hull of the ship some only avoided within a moment by an impulsive vector change. Both the Nova and the Defiance particle beams shimmering in the shields and Tor had the impression that the longer the beam held that the colour resisting the impact began to change.
Then the Nova was veering away in preparation for the next pass, Tor broke high and in a corkscrew twist then began the next run this time leading the way. Tor kept the same twisting turning action but just as he pulled away from the Carrier he saw the beam flash up past the nose of the Defiance, it was too late to avoid. The shield glowed as Tor rapidly flipped the ship in several sharp turns to avoid any more incoming hits.
Sweety reported calmly, “Shields at sixty five percent.”
Stand called in, “You okay kid?”
Tor said slightly shaken but still too full of adrenaline for it to last, “Yeah, but avoid those if you can.”
Stanad replied cheerfully, “Fourth pass just commencing, get your ass in motion and follow my lead.”
As they pulled away from the attack run Sweety commented, “Carrier has reached the gate and is reducing speed.”
Both Stanad and Tor knew this meant they would soon be joined by a hundred Khaak fighters and neither of them had taken note of how far behind Polmanckelest was. Tor said, “Lets take out that engine, maybe we’ll get lucky and blow this thing.”
Stanad took a glancing hit on his shields as they commenced the fifth run, the Carrier had dropped to one quarter of its original speed and already the small fighters were emerging. The Nova continued its attack and Tor followed hot on the engine glow.
Sweety commented, “One more pass and we should see some damage starting. Now registering forty fighters lave launched.”
They came around again and for the second time Tor led the attack run. Carrier beam weapons somehow seemed more focused now the ship was stationary, and once again the Defiance was struck by a beam but this time on the inward run. Khaak fighters began to flash past there weaker, but still potent, weapons lancing out towards the two ship. The Defiance took a second hit from the Carrier and the warning lights in the cockpit flashed red.
The Nova also took a shield battering and managed to get in a good hit. Stanad called out hurriedly, “We’ll never make it though another run.”
As the words came over the com there was an intense flash behind them, Tor brought the Defiance away on a long sweeping arc gaining safe distance and buy precious time for the shields to recover. Stanad called out, “May his god bless his Paranid hide.”
Tor chanced a quick look at the carrier as explosions were beginning to rip through the hull.
...but I'm thinking that everyone in the X-sectors is "lost" as there's no obvious way home anymore.. 
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