Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Edited
Merc.
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Chapter 21. Survival
The invasion fleet appeared to be unconcerned by the presence of Tor and his two companions even though they had slipped though the initial trap. The focus seemingly locked onto breaking the blockade of the receiving gate. However when they were within five k’s of the fleet several fighter groups broke formation and moved to intercept.
Tor commented urgently, “Sweety, any chance you can break into the Khaak bombers and self destruct some of their missiles?”
Sweety replied, “No. These are dumb fire missiles and do not have the usual targeting and input systems. Missile launches detected.”
The three ships broke formation as they encountered the first wave of fighters. Beam weapons flashed in all directions and several Khaak ships exploded. Tor could hear a plinking sound as shards of the enemy vessel bounced off the hull and energised in the shields. He rolled and strafed to avoid a collision with a second incoming fighter and had a sudden sensation of dread that they enemy fighters would suddenly employ the same suicidal tactics of the ill fated carrier ships. Fortunately there was no explosion, however the Khaak were definitely trying to ram the three ships. They converged on the Nova and closed up.
Tor swept around and gunned down one ship on the Beta HEPT’s whilst Stanad attempted to punch an escape hole though the rapidly closing vessels. Beam weapons fire lanced through the converging group and the Novas shields shone as it tried to strafe and weave its way free. The Prometheus swooped in with six Khaak fighters closing in on its tail and destroyed two ships.
Tor found himself in trouble and missed the sight of the collision between the Nova and one of the Khaak fighters, both ships span out with flames and gases pouring out from breeches in the hull. Next voice he heard was Stanads, “That was close.”
The Nova span away and explosions ripped through the hull, the voice was behind him, “Too close.”
Tor did not look around, “Sweety, tell me you have a jump signal to X-four.”
The Prometheus appeared to cut away from the next wave of fighters in order to prevent itself from becoming entrapped in a sphere of destruction. Stanad sat in the co-pilots seat and immediately started to monitor events outside.
Sweety replied, “Jump navigation beacon established, transmitting frequency and location.”
Tor flipped the Defiance into a tight roll and dispensed with another fighter as Stanad engaged the boost to push the ship through the halo of expanding gasses. Tor commented loudly, “Pol, make the jump!”
Polmanckelest replied, “Jump co-ordinates acknowledged and engaging.”
Four fighters closed in and tightened formation the beam weapons flashed and the Prometheus shields began to drop rapidly until he rolled and strafed free, then with a bright flash the jump tunnel opened and the Paranid fighter was gone.
Stanad commented, “Ready to jump when you are.”
Tor gave it some thought, as the Defiance was now on maximum speed the Khaak fighters were falling behind, but the next wave was closing in. He said, “I want to take out the bombers.”
Stanad replied, “Well I don’t want to spoil your party but the Carrier is almost at the gate, and if those other missiles got through then by the time we kill these guys there may not be a whole hell of a lot of X-four left.”
Tor examined the HUD and as the next wave closed in he commented, “Engage the jumpdrive Sweety.”
Sweety replied, “Ten seconds to jumpdrive activation.”
Aiming the Defiance to an empty section of space he watched the HUD. The jump tunnel opened and Stanad hit the boost as soon as the view cleared, behind him the nose of the Khaak carrier emerged and ahead of him two laser towers flared into life.
Pulling up hard Sweety had the particle beam fully engaged on the Khaak capital ship and the shield levels dropped rapidly, A mix of fighters swept in and plasma filled the intervening space. The comm was jammed with shouts of victory as the carrier began to rupture into flames. However its turrets fired and cut down two ships before it finally broke apart only metres from the gate.
The comm opened and the holo-image of Commander Parrel appeared, “Have a good trip?”
Tor smiled, “Like you wouldn’t believe.”
Parrel smiled back, “Better upload as much information as you can, because we sure as hell need more data on those missiles.”
Sweety acknowledged with the response, “Upload commencing.”
There was little time to celebrate as the Khaak had sent a swarm of fighters to support the carrier which, they were only just acknowledging, had been destroyed. Tor gave valuable support but to him it was a welcome change not to have to fight against far superior numbers.
Polmanckelest called in, “I’m heading for the Roamer. This ship needs a complete overhaul. Stop by when you have time and I’ll buy you a drink.”
Stanad leaned over from the co-pilot seat and patted Tor on the shoulder, “Thanks for getting me out of there. I owe you one.”
The next wave of fighters emerged as Tor banked around and homed in on one. The attacking craft were quickly dispensed with Tor sighed loudly before commenting, “I really need a rest.”
Stanad commented, “Well you saw the size of the fleet on the other side, once we’ve eradicated that lot then hopefully you’ll get some to rest.”
“Thanks for the reminder.” Tor replied.
Stanad smiled and commented, “Alternatively we alternate. You grab some sleep and I pilot, then we swap over.”
Both gates became quiet and Tor commented, “Missile alert.” Pulling the Defiance up and away the ship surged forwards and away from the gate. Sure enough several small objects came through. Pegasus ships seemingly came out of nowhere and destroyed the X-five gate missiles but two of the X-two gate missiles slip past the Discoverers.
Two of the lasertowers went offline as did seven defending fighters.
Tor ordered, “Jump to the X-two gate.” The corvette moved forward to provide support and transport pilots.
The Defiance jumped and once again the nose of a Khaak capital ship followed it away from the gate. This time it was a destroyer class. The particle beam of the Defiance striking the bridge section as the corvette raked the hull with plasma from the multiple turret weapons. The surviving fighters swooped in and attacked in a major assault as the one undamaged lasertower flared. The destroyer rolled as it began to break apart its turret weapons firing wildly.
Waves of fighters emerged from the gate and the battle intensified. Plasma and beam weapons fire filled the space as both sides fought for control which remained in the balance. Tor saw an Elite being chased down and banked hard to lend support. The Khaak heavy fighter robbed the remains of the shields and explosions tore through the Elite hull before Tor was in range and the particle beam energised. A few brief moments later and all that was left of the Khaak fighter was a rapidly fading, glowing vapour, but not before a familiar voice said, “Am I glad to see you.”
Stanad replied in a cheerful tone, “And once again we meet in inhospitable circumstances. Perhaps it’s fate?”
Tris commented, “Fortunately I wasn’t talking to you?”
Tor said nothing whilst he banked hard round to engage the next wave of fighters as they emerged from the gate. Two were destroyed as Tor brought the Defiance to a gradual stop in front of the activation zone. The others were destroyed by the surviving fighters.
Stanad asked out loud, “Do you think it’s sensible to stop just here?” Tor said nothing a look of grim resolve etched onto his face.
The next wave of incoming fighters were decimated in three successive bursts of energy and a well timed fly past by a mixed group of Eels and Busters. The Roamer had moved away from its relatively safe position near the nebula and tugs, used to assist with the docking of the Corvette, recovered the damaged fighters and lasertowers.
Once again the gates fell silent but this time there were no missiles or capital ships emerging from the gate. The Defiance maintained its position and Tor remained steadfastly quiet in the pilot seat, every remaining ounce of his attention was focused on the gate as he stared into the star strewn blackness beyond.
Tris tapped him on the shoulder for the eighth time and his gaze shifted, she commented softly, “Take a break, I’ll sit in whilst you get some sleep.”
Tor replied, “It’s not over yet.” As the words spilled from his mouth the gate activated and a wave of six harmonic missiles appeared.
Sweety managed to destroy four and the two remaining Discoverers chased down the last pair. Tor braced himself for the sudden emergence of a Khaak capital ship but nothing arrived. At the X-five gate however three waves of fighters poured in and were quickly engaged. Tor noted that Polmanckelests’ Prometheus has joined the fighter screen.
Still nothing emerged through the X-two gate and once the Khaak fighters had been destroyed the sector fell quiet. Tor moved uncomfortably and asked, “Sweety, any idea what they’re upto?”
Sweety replied, “Negative, communications and navigation out of the sector are blocked and I cannot find a Khaak satellite to patch into.”
Tris sighed before commenting, “Looks like they’re rethinking their strategy.”
Stanad said bitterly, “Don’t know why, there’s enough of them to grind us down and break through eventually.”
A repaired Discoverer launched from the Roamer and headed towards them. As it turned past and adopted a defensive chase position for incoming missiles the comm opened. The communications officer on the Mammoth said, “Mr Grall, the Commander sends his greetings and requests that you dock with the Roamer as soon as is convenient.”
Tor glanced at each of his companions and responded, “We’ll stand by until any fighters undergoing repair are back in service.”
The officer nodded and replied, “Acknowledged. Three repaired fighters will be launching in the next few Mizura.”
Time slipped by and the defenders waited restlessly, the comms system a faint hum of hushed voices. The Roamer moved closer to the X-two gate and launched repaired ships to rejoin the fighter screen. The lasertowers were repositioned behind the gate to strike out at the unprotected rear of any fighters and also stay clear of any harmonic missiles that did make it to a detonation point. The danger of accidentally striking defending craft was taken to be acceptable.
Tor swung the Defiance around to the rear of the gate and destroyed the remaining five black boxes before heading to the Roamer for much needed repairs and he hoped a chance to rest. For a moment he toyed with the idea of going through the gate to see what the Khaak were up to but refrained particularly as he had passengers. Stanad had taken the opportunity to relinquish the co-pilot seat and crashed out on the bunk. Tris quietly took the co-pilot seat and busied herself monitoring instrumentation.
Docking permission was granted and the Defiance glided gracefully into the maintenance bay of the Roamer. A team of technicians, nearly all of which looked close to exhaustion, and maintenance robots moved in quickly with diagnostic equipment and spare parts.
Tor turned and looked at Tris then said quietly, “Looks like this is your stop.”
Tris replied with a faint smile, “Want to get rid of me so soon?”
Looking very tired and thoughtful, Tor shook his head slowly and replied, “I really don’t know how this is going to end. They know the Defiance and what damage it can inflict, we’re the threat and somehow if the Khaak get through we’re going to be the primary target.” He paused as he considered his words, “It’s going to get nasty and I don’t want the responsibility of having others on board if I make a mistake. You’ll be okay on here and if you do find yourself another ship then I only have one piece of advice, if the Khaak break through, get to Creeds Gate.” His eyes flicked towards the technical datapad, “Sweety, how long till the next window?”
Sweety replied, “Approximately twelve Stazura.”
Tris looked at him and responded, “And if I say I’m staying?”
Tor smiled and with a slight laugh answered, “Actually I’d like that.” Then turned the pilot seat and went into the cabin.
The airlock door opened and Commander Parrel entered as Tor disturbed Stanad, “Tor, we need to talk.”
Stanad stirred and looked across at Parrel, he swung his legs off the edge of the bunk and said, “Sir.”
The Commander looked at him and then at Tris before saying, “Find yourself some food and get some rest. We’re on pilot rotation so I’ll need both of you fighting fit in one Stazura.”
Stanad patted Tor on the shoulder and winked at him, “No rest for the wicked. Catch you around soon for another adventure.”
Tris looked as though she was about to object but the expression on Parrels’ face indicated that this was an order not a request. Tor said nothing and remained standing even though his body felt incredibly tired.
Parrel came straight to the point, “We need the technology locked in your computer. We cannot hope to survive until the jump window and make a run for Creeds Gate without more ships like the Defiance.”
Tor considered his options and knew that he had none, “Sweety, what about it?”
There was a momentary hesitation, “There are only a handful of ships that can be successfully, fully modified because they have suitable internal components. These are Piranhas, Eels, Novas, and Perseus class ships. The Corvette could be modified by down rating two of the shield units and using two of its turret weapons systems but it would be restricted to a forward only particle beam.”
Parrel looked disappointed that the list was not longer, “Okay, we’ll call in any of those ships first. And see if you can’t come up with a way to improve the other classes.” As he left he called back, “Get some food and rest, you look like shit.”
Sweety commented, “I think he may have a point.”
Tor said quietly and slowly, “Yeah.” Throwing himself down on the bunk, technicians and maintenance robots worked around him whilst he slipped into a restless and uncomfortable sleep. How long he slept for he was not certain, but he woke up suddenly with alarms ringing through the cabin. Tor swung his legs off the bunk and hastened to the pilots seat. The Defiance was already back in space and closing in on the X-five gate. Chaos appeared to reign and whatever plan the Khaak had put in place appeared to have given them the upper hand.
The comm buzzed, with shouts of, “They’re all over me, I can’t…”, “Need some help over her…” followed by brief bursts of static.
The HUD showed eight defence ships showing structural and systems damage, these were being ignored by the Khaak, even though six were drifting slowly back towards the Nebula in some desperate hope they may reach the Roamer and relative safety.
The arrival of the first Khaak Destroyer entering almost unchallenged spoke volumes. The laser towers energised in a desperate attempt to prevent the capital ship from completely entering the sector and Tor saw the distinctive flare of the Prometheus particle beam raking down across the bridge. The destroyer cleared the gate and reached safe distance from the lasertowers when three Perseus ships opened fire in punishing volleys of plasma and particle beams that streamed in on the intruder. Another run by the Prometheus, despite the responding beam weapon fire from the various lasertowers, had the shields yield and small explosions flare out of the hull. However the destroyer remained intact driving further into the sector. The Perseus ships fought as a team when they were intercepted by more Khaak fighters. One took heavy damage from a concentration of beam weapons fire before the attacking ships were eliminated.
Three silkworm missiles from Busters brought about the demise of the Khaak destroyer much to Tors’ relief. Ahead of him, two heavy Khaak fighters closed in on an Elite that was trying every evasive manoeuvre that he cold think of when the Defiance closed in and the particle beam did its work.
As the halo of superheated gases faded the nose of a Khaak carrier ship forced its way into the sector. The lasertowers once again flared but this time they were silenced by the capital ships rear gunners. Polmanckelests’ Prometheus had been forced to disengage in order to replenish it shields, whilst only two Perseus ships remained in fighting condition. The third was limping towards the Roamer
Tor could only guess that the Boron class ships would be located at the X-two gate. Khaak fighters jostled for position as they began to enter the sector. With a very real sense of defeat taking hold of the defenders the battle intensified. The Defiance particle beam attempting to help stem the flood of new ships whilst the Carrier started to disgorge its own fighter compliments. The Defiance rolled and heaved as beam weapons fire cascaded in from all sides. The Beta HEPT’s blasting everything that strayed across their path and then the Corvette arrived.
Khaak ships erupted into flame and as it passed the forward particle beam lashed out against the belly of the carrier and in towards the launching bay. The carrier shield flashed and shimmered until the Corvette came around but it took heavy punishing hits from the laser turrets of the carrier, with sections of hull appearing to be ripped off. The two Perseus ships led by Polmanckelests’ Prometheus swept towards the gate. Tor cut in front of the carrier the particle beam pulsed.
Sweety said, “Taking control.”
Tor let go and blanked his mind with what was about to come next. The Defiance looped over the top of the carrier avoiding the laser fire and as it came around the front of the ship glowed.
The shields of the carrier flashed and flared under the bombardment and Tor suddenly had his doubts that they would break through. Silkworm missiles impacted on the shields and the Defiance was suddenly met by vaporising sections of hull, gas and flame which washed over the Defiance as it drove down into the capital ship. Somewhere inside the Defiance stopped and an automated warning blared out as the cockpit flashed red, “Shields critical, shields critical.”
Something landed on the cockpit screen and Tor could see a nightmare apparition of several legs as a pair of mandibles slammed hard into the screen. They drew back and struck again. Tor yelled, “Sweety.”
The reverse thrusters flared as the creature hit the screen again and again before sliding off and burning up in a jet of flame whilst the Defiance jetted backwards out of the hole it had made.
Tor said as calmly as he could, “What was that?”
Sweety replied in a soothing voice, “I believe that was a Khaak.”
Tor caught his breath and commented quietly, “Remind me never to ask one to dinner.” The Defiance cleared the carrier, pirouetted in space and sped away from the unmoving vessel.
The order was given to leave the carrier alone and tugs were launched from the Roamer. Tor chased down Khaak fighters that were heading into and regrouping within the sector, whilst the Perseus and Prometheus helped to regain control of the gate.
Tor observed, as he chased down the last pair of Khaak light fighters, that the tugs were dragging the Khaak capital ship across the front of the gate. The defending fighters kept the incoming fighters back until there was a noticeable lull when a fresh wave of Khaak missiles arrived and slammed into the superstructure before reaching their detonation point.
The comm buzzed with excited voices sensing that they had somehow won an important victory. Tor simply sighed and ignored the calls. They had lost ten fighters from the X-five gate defences and all the remaining lasertowers, another seven fighters were crippled and being recovered for repairs. Tor wondered why the Khaak had completely ignored trying to invade through the X-two gate.
Mizuras passed and there was no sign of further Khaak attacks, Tor fidgeted in his seat. Suddenly the gate flashed three times as missiles entered the sector and slammed into the remains of the carrier. Tor could feel a vibration run through the cabin.
In a sudden pulse both the X-two and X-five gates vanished. The Khaak carrier disintegrated before them as it tore itself apart and there was a chilling, total silence over the comm.
Tor whispered, “What happened?”
Sweety replied gently, “They have unplugged the gates and restored them to their proper phase condition.”
Tor realised the full implication of the act, “We’re stuck here?”
Sweety commented, “There are no life supporting planets in this sector and only a small amount of natural resources to sustain any size of population. We have no deep space method of travel, particularly with respect to travelling from one solar system to the next. The Khaak may have reached the conclusion that, however much of a threat we may present to them now, if they return in one hundred of their years we would either have died out or be in no condition to resist their warships.”
After the brief summary that Sweety gave Tor asked, “So you don’t think this is a trick? That they’ll just wait a few Stazura, and when we’re completely off guard, reopen the gates and attack?”
Sweety appeared to pause in consideration of the option given, even though she had already assessed the idea, “There will always be the risk. Without the gates however the Khaak can receive no information on the sector and I do not believe they will reopen the gates to look for some time. They are in control and can wait indefinitely.”
Commander Parrel interrupted the conversation with a sector wide broadcast, his own reservations similar to those of Tor, “Attention all pilots, maintain positions and patrols. This may be a Khaak trick to put us off our guard. We know they can control the gates and these are no exception. The disappearance may only be temporary. In the meantime we will take this opportunity to repair all damaged fighters.”
Tor reflected on the words and Sweetys’ comments, he said bitterly, “It’s remarkable. Since this conflict started I’ve always believed that somehow we’d pull through and get home, but we actually lost didn’t we?”
Sweety replied carefully, “You are alive and that is a lot better than ninety nine percent of the population that were in the new sectors.”
Tor sighed as he reflected on the current situation and a thought came to him. He asked “Have you found out anything from the crystals about the dismantled gates?”
Sweety replied, “Only that an Ancient deactivated them and told the Mohrabas how to break them apart.”
Tor asked hopefully, “So we can put them together again?”
Sweety replied, “Yes but it will take a while before we can work out how to reactivate one.”
Tor sat back and relaxed as the hope of returning home began to grow. His mind wandered back to a few of least pleasant memories of the previous battle and he asked, “Sweety was it really necessary to dive into the Khaak ship?”
Sweety replied, “From my initial estimate, if we had not taken advantage of the weakness in the shields and the depletion of the laser turrets at that time, it would have taken another four Mizura before destroying the enemy vessel. In which time the Corvette would undoubtedly have been destroyed with a number of small fighters including the Busters which fired the missiles.”
Tor replied, “Okay, but did we have to go inside the ship?”
Sweety replied in a matter of fact tone, “Yes, once below the outer hull of the ship we can no longer be hit by laser turret fire or be affected by shield regeneration.”
Tor shrugged and decided against asking any more questions. Mizura became Stazura with no sign of gate reactivation. Fighters drifted in to dock with the Roamer and with a new pilot returned to monitor the former gate locations.
After three Stazura sitting waiting for something to happen and having learnt the basics of chess from Sweety. Tor landed on the Mammoth and went to find food. The maintenance bay held five ships which had suffered significant damage and whose sole use was as spares for others. A number of the crew were sleeping in makeshift beds along the sidewalls
As he made his way through to the mess, the people he passed gave a brief smile and upbeat greeting, however the mood throughout the ship was apprehensive. No one, and Tor had to admit he included himself, knew what was going to happen next.
For many the loss of the gates was a decisive factor that robbed them of the belief that they would ever see their former homes again, and some were already quietly questioning why they had not attempted to make a run through Khaak space and freedom rather than end up trapped.
The speculation about Creeds Gate was rife and several times Tor was stopped and asked if the rumour of another gate was true. He nodded and replied, “Yes.” But he gave no other details.
Entering the Roamers main crew mess he noticed a small group of Paranid deep in conversation. It was not difficult for him to notice Polmanckelest, as he was almost head and shoulders taller than the rest. Also Tor noted the way those around the big Paranid appeared to lower their heads slightly when addressing him in some form of respect, whilst he stood tall and only gave a cursory nod that he had understood the question or comment before replying. Even so the conversation was no more than a low whisper.
Polmanckelest glanced over at Tor and gave him only a slight tilt of the head in recognition before responding to one of the others comments.
Tor picked up a tray of recon food and a fork before looking around to see if there was anywhere to sit and hoping to see if there was anyone he recognised. Stanad waved him across and Tor nodded. Moving through the crowd he found his seat, sat down and relaxed with a sigh as he surveyed the meal in front of him.
Stanad commented cheerfully, “It’s not that bad once you get used to it.”
Tor replied, “But do I want to get used to it?”
Stanad gave a slight laugh, “No not really. I’m surprised you’ve not been in earlier. Three Stazura is a long shift. Most are out for two.”
Tor sampled the food and if he was totally honest it was terrible, looking up he commented, “Are these all the same?”
Stanad sighed and nodded, “Pretty much, maximum nutritional value in the least space possible.”
Tor concentrated on eating whilst his body now ached for some sleep. The inactivity on the Defiance was in stark contrast to the adrenaline rush of battle.
Stanad re-sparked the conversation, “That was quite some move on the cap ship. When you mentioned the attack on the destroyer blocking the gate, I sort of only half believed you, but with that last move,” He paused and gave a thumbs up sign, “That was really something.”
Tor smiled as he finished the mouthful of food and replied, “Thanks, but having a Khaak knocking on the screen asking me to leave just spoilt the moment for me.”
Stanad laughed, and commented, “I tell you one thing my friend, it’s not been dull.” Then in a quieter more serious tone, “But tell me how do we get out of this one?”
Tor leant forward, “In the sector beyond Creeds Gate there are two more gates, both dismantled but we know how to put them back together again.”
Stanad looked serious when he asked, “Where do they go?”
Tor shrugged, “We won’t know until they’re back on-line.”
Stanad smiled and replied, “And then the adventure begins again.”
Tor nodded and finished his meal before excusing himself and finding a place to sleep. Having wandered the corridors he eventually ended up back at the Defiance and dropped onto the bunk before dropping into a deep dreamless sleep.
The Khaak will be quite disgruntled loosing so many fighters and cap ships to a handful of defenders. The multi-targetting capabilities of the Defiance should be able to destroy those missiles before they get anywhere near to damaging anything.
An opportunity to get some character interaction...
