Chapter 1 - updated 01/07/03
Chapter 2 - updated 01/07/03
Chapter 3 - updated 02/07/03
Chapter 4 - updated 02/07/03
Chapter 5 - updated 06/07/03
Chapter 6 - updated 06/07/03
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Part 3 under the ++++++++++
Merc
--------------
Breakfast had been in the pilot bar and Tor had spent a few pleasant Mizuras forgetting about everything and just chatting with some reminiscing. He felt a slight twinge when Tris eventually said a cheerful goodbye and departed back to the Crystal Fab with the last few pilots that had come for the wake. He returned to his office and looked it over but felt slightly restless, so went on tour around the station.
He looked in on the Sentinel which was still partially dismantled whilst Sweety ran code simulations with the robot core computer. The damaged armour had been patched and returned.
Tor noticed the maintenance robot that had picked up the reader unit. Wandering across he spied that a connector interface had now been attached and the device itself appeared to glow. Quietly Tor left as there were technicians around. He did not feel that this was the right place to try and talk to Sweety and find out if she had discovered anything.
A significant amount of the damage in the corridors and floors had been repaired with new defensive turret weapons installed. Tor glanced into the rebuilt command centre as the last of the communications and control desks were being installed.
Eventually he ended up back in his office, and sat behind his desk, “Sweety any progress with the data reader?”
Sweety replied, “Yes. I have now established the power requirements for the unit. For the moment I have the last few recorded entries uploaded and will begin translation.”
Tor looked impressed, “Excellent, when do you think you’ll have completed those?”
Sweety responded, “The first pass translation will be completed in thirty five Mizura.”
Tor nodded, and then sighed as he reflected on what he needed to do next. Knowing he had been putting off chatting to the crew about Helass working amongst them. He reflected on what Caran might say if he still had not come to some arrangement before they next talked, or when the new agent arrived. Still he had to acknowledge that if she did work alongside the other programmers, he would not have to use other resources to monitor her continually and provide food plus other necessities. Eventually he commented, “Sweety can you locate Broden and send him up to the office.”
Sweety acknowledged and three Mizura later Broden entered the office, “You wanted to see me Sir.”
“Yeah,” Tor stood up and indicated to one of the settees, “Take a seat.”
Broden dutifully sat down and Tor sat down opposite. The former Captain looked inquisitively at him and Tor took a deep breath, “We have a problem that’s come up.”
Broden remained silent and Tor wondered if Liann had perhaps spoken to him. He plunged on, “Only three of the prisoners are going to be shipped out. The Intelligence Agency wants us to look after the last one. They have suggested that I find her a job as a hacker to test the stations computer security.”
The former Captain took a sharp intake of breath, looked solemnly back at Tor and fixed eye contact, “And how do you feel about it Sir?”
Tor looked perplexed that his next question to Broden had been sent straight back at him. He considered his answer, “The prisoner in question wants the opportunity to show that she made a mistake getting involved with the Bloodheart clan. She was only here to hack into the computers not to fight, and it would give us an opportunity to find out what weaknesses we have in our security.”
Broden weighted Tors words and the way he presented them, “I guess that this, ‘suggestion’ has been made by Mr Belign?”
Tor said nothing for a moment, “This is his suggestion. However even if we decide not to allow her to do some work for us, we will be holding her prisoner for an indefinite period. Caran Belign wants us to keep this particular person hidden, so we don’t lose our ability to see justice done, should anything happen to the other three before they can be brought to give evidence against Feran Bloodheart.”
Broden took a moment to think, and nodded slowly, “Keeping her here is one thing, but allowing her to work with us,” The former captain let the sentence hang and shook his head slowly.
Tor observed and wondered how he was going to successfully persuade Broden to allow Helass to work. The only comfort he took was that the former Captain had not leapt up and started shouting. In fact he appeared to be remarkably calm about the whole subject with no real strong emotions flaring to the surface. Tor took a little longer and said calmly, “I’d like to give her a chance.”
Broden commented firmly, “Sir, I would advise against it.”
Tor responded slowly, “Your objection is noted, but here me out. She has worked with the Bloodheart clan for a while and as a former employee could, let us say, have an understanding of their operational tactics. The layout of their stations and the security access points, maybe even have the codes to shutdown the station or at least know how to break into their systems.”
Broden simply looked at Tor and his expression gave little away. He asked, “And if she does, what do you plan to do with this information?”
“Shut down the defences and deliver the Sentinel to them,” Tor replied, “But first I need her to become a member of the team. I don’t expect people to like this, and I don’t envisage people rushing forward with open arms to welcome her. The most I can ask for is that people are civil or say nothing.”
Broden sighed, “If this is going to stand any chance of working I and the others need to know more about her. How she came to be a Bloodheart, what her job is and how many people she’s killed?”
Tor replied quickly, “Sweety can you provide the details?”
Sweety responded, “She was a computer programmer for an Argon corporation in transit to a Wheat Farm in Olmankelstat’s Treaty when the ship was captured and boarded by pirates four Mazura ago. Under duress and having demonstrated considerable skill in overcoming the transports security codes the Bloodheart Clan allowed her to join. This is her first combat operation with a primary goal to hack into the station security systems. Number of known kills is zero.”
Broden looked at Tor, “That’ll help,” He paused then said, “It may be an idea if I ask the men for their opinion. No disrespect intended Sir, but you’re younger than many and not much older than the rest. In the eyes of the older pilots you’re still a bit green as a commander and they’ll be less inclined to accept news like this from you,” He paused for a moment, “Don’t get me wrong, they do respect you Sir, and you’ve shown real strength which they admire but something like this, handled badly, can turn the situation right around Sir.”
Tor sat back and considered Brodens’ words. The last thing Tor needed was any bad feeling against him from his crew and responded slowly, “Thanks for the feedback and support. All I ask is, if you can persuade the crew to accept her, albeit grudgingly then she gets the opportunity to show us that she isn’t a potential threat. If the crew strongly oppose it then we’ll just have to keep her locked away and nothing more will be said about it.”
Broden nodded, “Agreed and just so that you know. As you’re willing to give her a chance then so shall I Sir.”
Tor stood up and held out his hand, “Thank you Captain.”
Broden stood up slowly and gave a slight smile. He commented as they shook hands, “I’m not in the military anymore Sir. But maybe you should think of a personnel command structure?”
Tor smiled, “I’ll be sure to give it some thought.”
The former captain turned and left and Tor collapsed down into his seat, the thought of having to discuss this with every member of the crew had now been lifted but Tors’ thoughts drifted to the corporate structure. The bakery in the wall had more or less developed a structure that reflected the other businesses around with workers, supervisors, senior supervisors and two layers of management with a single Station Manager and then him at the top of the tree as Managing Director. The pilots were spurred of to a second management tree under the Station Manager, but this only had two layers in total.
He compared the number of employees in both the bakery and Silicon Mine, on screen he modified several of the titles and organised names but this time the pilots were given a single Commander who in turn reported to the Station Commander and beside this title he placed Brodens’ name.
Sweety interrupted his thoughts, “Sorry to bother you Tor, but we need to talk. I will be with you in fifty Mizura.”
******************************
Tor considered this and as he was about to respond he realized the comm channel was already closed. The only ship capable of crossing the distance in that time would be a Pegasus but the news that Sweety was on her way over was considerably more disturbing. For a moment he wondered if there had been trouble on the bakery and for some reason the computers were being examined. As he considered this he almost felt that it was highly likely Sweety had tried to get access to somewhere she was not allowed and had been traced back.
He felt it would be just his luck for Sweety to have been discovered and was now on the run and heading straight to him. Sitting patiently Tor waited in anticipation for the comm channel to open and Caran to appear looking very annoyed, but nothing happened.
Tor asked quietly, “Sweety, are you still with me?”
Sweetys’ voice replied, “Currently I am in transit and should only be contacted if it is a real emergency.”
Tor hesitated for a moment and commented, “Computer, who’s monitoring the Cahoona Bakery at the moment?”
“Station Manager Korecmancketras,” Sweetys’ voice reported.
For a moment Tor sat in thought, he had heard the name before but just could not place it. The name was very Paranid. Tor asked the question out loud, “Do I know him?”
Sweetys’ voice answered, “He was recommended and approved by the War Master Guild.”
Tor commented, “Serand.”
Sweetys’ voice commented, “Request not recognized.”
Tor responded, “Sorry, just me thinking aloud,” He now felt perplexed and confused, but would wait until Sweety arrived. Time dragged and Tor had wandered the same corridors nearly five times over and with three Garrow Root Chas’ inside him he was receiving a few curious looks from the pilots and the Command Centre team.
Liann commented casually, “I have two Pegasus fighters requesting docking permission.”
Tor immediately said, “Permission granted!”
Liann looked up quickly, “But we haven’t verified their security codes.”
Tor looked across and commented, “It’s okay I’ve been expecting them.”
The coordinators looked at each other and Liann commented quickly, “Yes Sir,” She changed the comm channel and said, “Pegasus ships are cleared to dock.”
With a sense of anticipation Tor waited on the dockside. He noted the new static defense turrets positioned in the side walls of the docking bay. Not the smaller defensive units that covered the corridors but much heavier systems designed to destroy unwelcome ships.
The two Pegasus ships followed each other, under station docking control, and came to rest when the docking clamps engaged. The outer airlock door opened on each and for a brief moment he almost expected to see Nyeshta step out. Instead Sholetinmanckesala and an Argon pilot Tor recognised as Myles Borroton walked towards him. Myles gave Tor a brief nod of acknowledgement and continued to the bar. Sholetinmanckesala stopped in front of Tor, “This is for you,” And held out a new technical datapad.
Tor took it, “Thanks,” He looked at it closely, this one was a newer model to the one he still possessed, and it had been given every extra upgrade option that credits could buy,.
Sweety commented quietly, “Hello Tor. Can you find somewhere private that we can talk? I would like to get this over with so you can let me return to the Bakery.”
Tor smiled as he turned and headed back to his office, “Want to leave so soon, but you’ve only just arrived? Anyway I almost came to the conclusion that you’re on the run from someone.”
Sweety replied ominously, “When you know what I know, I think you will want to leave too.”
A short while later Tor entered his office and as instructed linked the new technical pad to the desktop holo-projector. He felt the sound dampening field cut in and Sweety carried out a fine sensor sweep of the office for any listening devices.
Tor asked, “So what’s this about?”
Sweety replied, “There are a few details that I need from the other archives but in essence this place is not where we think it is.”
Looking perplexed Tor asked slowly, “What do you mean?”
Sweety appeared to be flicking through projections, and commented, “The gate from this sector to X-two is not meant to be active. However something is forcing the exit gate from X-two to be open. The same is true for the gate into X-five.”
Tor commented worriedly, “So if whatever is holding the gate open suddenly stops, then we’re going to get stuck in here. But I thought only the ancients have the ability to control the gates?”
The door slid open and the maintenance robot floated in carrying the alien data recorder with linked power unit. Placing the unit carefully on the table it left. Tor retrieved the case with the crystals in it as Sweety replied, “It would appear that a less desirable species has discovered the secret.”
As Tor returned to the desk the holo-image began to move in real time. Tor looked into the face of the alien its skin covered in a silvery fur, the eyes almost feline but brown with a sapphire blue iris. The lips moved and a strong range of flowing growls entered the room, before Sweety could sync the translation.
The alien commented, “I am ThaThwyn of the Mohrabas, and if my fears are correct then I am the last of my kind. That you can see this will mean you are either survivors of my kind or you are not the Khlarakin. Questions you will have and some answers I shall give,” ThaThwyn paused for a moment, “This hidden refuge was meant to be the last safe haven of our kind should the Khlarakin find a new way to reach us, but my people never made it. The Starclass were destroyed before they escaped the city,” ThaThwyn took a moment to contemplate and then started again, “Who am I? I am the Star Keeper, Monitor for this refuge. I was to welcome the new people and bring power to the station upon their arrival,” ThaThwyn blinked, “It is best that I enlighten you as to the nature of the Khlarakin, for if they are still around you will need to know. There are details in the other crystals, which record our first encounter. That we shared this loop with two other species is of little consequence for their fate has been the same as ours. We knew the gate makers and in time when the universe had other advanced species then they would join us. So it was with some joy when the new gates appeared and we went to see who had come. To our surprise we found nothing except primitive new worlds to settle.”
ThaThwyn paused as Tor watched with a sinking feeling as to what was about to come next. The alien image continued, “Then we had the signs that all was not well. First each sectors communications would be cut from all the other sectors, only briefly and with no obvious interference to our communications units. Then the new gates vanished, as though they had been turned off. We spoke with an ancient to know the meaning of this and he told us of the Khlarakin. A war like race, that had mastered how to retarget the destination of gates with devices of their own, and prevented others from reaching the Khlarakin core systems whilst they offered empty systems in which to ensnare the others. Yet he could not understand how they were here as his kind had closed them into a loop of their own.”
Tor sat solemnly watching as ThaThwyn continued, “But they have broken out of their loop. Now we know why the communications faltered as the gates in each sector was momentarily redirected by the Khlarakin in preparation for invasion. My people took apart the gates that connected us to the other sectors, but we could not dismantle the gate that we could not see and that they knew was there.” The alien appeared to sigh and then the image switched off.
Tor requested calmly, “Sweety, get me Caran on a secure comm channel.”
======================
Sweety replied, “I think that would be unwise. The only reason I had myself detached from the Bakery computers was because of potential communications interruption and the possibility that the Khaak may be listening in.”
Tor paused a moment, “There must be a way to get a message across?”
Sweety suggested, “The only other way is to pre-record and send it condensed and fully encrypted.”
Tor immediately responded, “Let’s set it up then.”
There was a momentary hesitation before Sweety reminded Tor, “Do you think Mr. Belign will be pleased to know you had the crystals and never mentioned them to him?”
Tors’ mouth opened to say something but he faltered, having not considered how Caran would react to the news. Eventually he said quietly, “That was before you told me what the crystals contained. Anyway do you think he would have told us what was on them when he found out?”
Sweety quietly commented, “With Caran it would be difficult to judge. He has enough respect for you that he might give a warning to prepare yourself.”
Tor felt perplexed, “And what about the rest?”
Sweety replied, “The Argon Navy will be put on alert and any other friendly station owners notified.”
Tor sighed, “Small comfort.”
Sweety made a suggestion as she considered a condensed encrypted prerecorded message about the securest method for transmitting the message and even if the Khaak did break the coding and respond, it could take them several Tazura, “If you mention that this information was contained on the Sentinel databanks this may help avoid mentioning the crystals, and as Caran already knows about the robot it will be more palatable.”
With a brief nod Tor agreed, “Okay let’s do the recording.”
Sweety had Tor sit at his desk and place the datapad on the surface standing up. A few Mizura later and the message with data had been compiled and transmitted.
Caran Belign was seated at his desk on Argon Prime reading a report from the Cloudbase South West sector regarding a brief increase in pirate activity in Ore Belt. His attention drawn to the mention of the resurgence of the Yaki, however the details in the report were inconclusive.
He tapped his fingers on the desk when the computer reported, “I have received a top priority encrypted message from Tor Grall in sector X-four.”
Caran put down the report pad and looked curious, “Play the message.”
The holo-projector ionized the air and an image formed. Tors’ introduction was brief and immediately cut into the message from ThaThwyn. He watched and remained silent for a moment after it had finished. Eventually he said, “Computer, open a comm to Mr. Grall on the Silicon Mine in sector X-four.”
Tor answered almost immediately, “Yes Caran?”
Caran studied Tors worried face for a moment, “Thanks for your message. A very interesting discovery and I would encourage you to take whatever precautions you feel are necessary. I will consult with higher authorities and let you know the outcome.”
Tor nodded and just as he started to give an acknowledgement the comm went blank. Caran spoke slowly and quietly, “Computer what just happened.”
The computer responded, “We have lost all communications beyond Black Hole Sun.”
Caran ordered, “Call the President and Chiefs of staff.”
Tor had sat quietly for a moment before daring to ask, “What happened?”
Sweety replied calmly, “We have lost communications with all sectors from X-one.”
Tor maintained the calm tone to hide his rising panic, “Place the station on general alert. All fighters are to launch immediately and divide them into two groups to protect the two gates.”
Sweety commented, “What about Creeds gate?”
“Ancients preserve us if they come in that way,” Tor muttered aloud and then added, “Tell me you’ve been smuggling in lasertowers?”
Sweety confirmed, “There are twelve in the maintenance docks awaiting deployment.”
Tor thought for a moment, “Okay deploy four per gate. Call up the Crystal Fab and tell them to prepare to leave the station in automatic, security personnel only. All command and technical staff are to join us here.”
Sweety questioned Tors’ impulsive request, “Do you think you should tell your staff first?”
He frowned and gave a brief sigh, “Call them together in the Security Dock. I’ll go give them the news.”
Sweety added softly, “And don’t forget to take me along.”
Tor gave the faintest of smiles and picked up the technical datapad from the desk as he headed towards the door. It felt like a long walk down to the dock and as he approached he saw many curious faces. Broden met him before he stepped out into the open.
Broden spoke quietly, “I’ve heard we lost communications with Getsu Fune.”
Tor replied, “And every other sector, except the new ones. We’ll need to talk after this briefing.” He hurried forward, “Sweety can you make sure this announcement goes station wide and to all pilots not on station.” He was not certain how exactly he was going to present the news, so started loudly, “Welcome everyone, glad you could attend at short notice,” He paused and ploughed straight into the current situation, “Some of you will have noticed, if not heard, that we have lost communications with the controlled sectors outside X-one. Certain information has come to light that we are about to come under attack by the race we have come to know as the Khaak.”
There was complete silence on the dockside, no rustle of uniform or shuffling of feet.
Tor decided to give them all the bad news at once, “It also appears that the Khaak have managed to discover how to alter the destination of gates. In short we are in a trap! The destination of the gate out of X-one may not take you back to Getsu Fune. So far there are no reports of any invasion fleet so we need to fortify our position. There are twelve lasertowers ready for deployment in the maintenance dock. I want four at each of the two gates and the last four to be held in reserve.”
This time there was some murmuring. Sweety signaled to Tor, and he glanced down at the screen, sectors X-eighteen and X-twenty were no longer accessible.
Tor announced loudly, “We have just lost contact with two more sectors. So all pilots to launch and get those LT’s deployed.”
This announcement appeared to conclude the meeting and already the pilots were making a run towards the fighters, several of the Paranid crews stepped forward and Broden was already standing to one side.
Tor remembered Tolotomancke as the pilot of the Perseus that returned him to the Bakery from Argon Prime Trading Station. The Paranid spoke up, “We will inform our people of this news.”
This was a statement rather than a request and Tor acknowledged with a nod, “I’m sure we’ll need their help when the time comes.”
The Paranids turned and quickly followed the other pilots. Ships were beginning to launch, the LT’s now residing in the holds of the Pegasus ships for rapid deployment.
Broden spoke up and asked, “So what now?”
Turning to face the former Captain and yet to be named Station Commander, he said thoughtfully, “I’d thought of getting everyone from the Crystal Fab here first and then I’d be looking to you for suggestions.”
Broden nodded, “Good start, strength in numbers and the LT’s will help. Ideally we should encourage all station owners to place the stations into automatic and try gathering in this location. But I’m guessing the Khaak can monitor our sectors and they’ll notice any migration.”
Tor felt concerned, before now his primary concern was for the people in his direct employ, but Brodens’ suggestion to involve the other station owners made him realize just how many people might be out in the other sectors.
Sweety interrupted them, “The Crystal Fab is now aware of the danger. It will take them approximately half a Stazura to place the station into standby and evacuate all personnel.”
Broden looked at Tor and commented, “Now all we have to do is find a way out of here.”
Tor paused for a moment on the verge of indecision as to how much he really wanted to reveal, “There is another gate out of here, but timing is everything.”
Broden looked at him with a degree of caution, “You mean Creeds Gate?”
Tor was momentarily surprised and then mentally kicked himself, realizing that Moda would have spoken about the gate when questioned about the origin of the Sentinel, “Yes! The advantage is we only have to protect one gate, and then learn how to put the others back together again.”
Broden asked, “And when’s the next gate window?”
Sweety answered, “Four Stazura.”
The former captain looked grim, “Let’s hope we can survive that long.”
Tor could only agree and commented, “You have the most experience with military command, I can’t order you to do anything, but I’m asking if you can take command of the tactical side of things. It was mentioned sometime ago that this station is equipped with gravitational stabilizing thrusters and that we should use those to move the station into the Nebula.”
Broden took a moment to think, “That’s true but it’ll take Stazura to move any distance of significance.”
Sweety announced that X-one and X-two had now lost communications.
++++++++++++++++++++
Tor glanced around. His only other concern was the state of the station as the visitors dock had barely begun to be repaired. He asked Sweety, “How are the repairs coming along?”
Sweety responded, “I have moved forward the repairs to the main docking bay. Main security systems are in place.”
Tor looked at Broden, “I’m going to take the Defiance out and maybe go over to the Crystal Fab if the situation allows.”
Broden gave a slight nod and a small sigh, “Can’t say I blame you, I’d much rather be out there ready to face whatever enemy presents itself than sit in here waiting.” With that the former Captain turned and headed towards the Command Centre.
Tor took a moment and then went to pack a few personal items.
The AIC Roamer was half way across the sector X-two having made a jump to investigate the sudden loss of communications with Getsu Fune. The initial probe simply vanished after crossing the activation zone and jumped out of the sector. They had waited patiently for the probes return when X-two became isolated.
“Someone give me an update,” Parrel ordered.
The communications officer glanced up, he was Cherath Nuaro, one of the newest bridge officers in his late twenties, “Gates are still active but we have no communications and no navigational data outside of this sector.”
Parrel considered this, “So we can’t jump?”
Cherath confirmed his fears when he responded, “No sir.”
Parrel called out to his first officer, “We have two choices, Getsu Fune gate or X-four. And where’s that damn probe?”
First officer, Sheero Bhard replied, “It should have returned two Mizura ago.”
Parrel shifted uneasily, “Send a double ended probe through the X-four gate, rear section for immediate return on completion of jump.”
Sheero tapped in the request on the control panel and announced, “Probe launched.”
Parrel then commented, “Launch all fighters.”
Sheero asked, “And the Corvette?”
Parrel paused for a moment, “Not yet.”
The instructions were issued and Parrel sat watching the viewer with a growing sense of nervousness, “Status on the probe?”
Cherath replied, “Probe will reach gate in fifteen Sezura.”
A moments silence as the fighters now began to circle around the Mammoth, the probe crossed the activation point a moment passed and then the gate reactivated. Parrel looked across expectantly at the communications officer.
“X-four sector confirmed, brief scan of the gate area indicates the deployment of lasertowers,” The communications officer confirmed.
Parrel commented aloud, “It looks like someone knows something we don’t. Head for the X-four gate maximum speed.”
The AIC Roamer began to make its turn when both the X-four gate and the previous Getsu Fune gate began to activate.
Cherath called out, “We have incoming fighters entering the sector, designation unknown. I’m counting three waves of ten fighters at each gate. More are coming through.”
Parrel commanded, “Get us into sector X-four. All fighters to assist.”
The Roamer still continued to turn, as communications traffic jammed all frequencies. Stations were launching fighters having scanned the Roamers' deployment. The first wave of small enemy fighters began to attack the nearest station, a Cattle Ranch, and others swarmed in behind.
Sheero called out, “Sir, they have beam weapon technology.”
The stations limited supply of fighters engaged the attacking craft, which now numbered sixty, as the station shields buckled under the heavy and relentless bombardment. The Khaak fighters at the X-four gate also engaged the nearest station, this time a Wheat Farm, and more poured in through the gate in a relentless wave.
The stations defensive fighters were swept aside having barely made an impact on the smaller craft. The Cattle Ranch shields failed, its protective domes shattered and explosions rippled through the superstructure whilst the attackers pressed on to the next target. The Roamer now moving at full speed towards the X-four gate met the Khaak fighters head on scattering them. Its shield robbed little by little by the beam weapons.
“Target dragonfly missiles and fire at anything that’s hostile!” Parrel shouted and prayed quietly that nothing bigger than the small fighters was going to emerge through the gate.
The fighters behind led by Polmanckelest in a heavily modified Prometheus, followed and immediately engaged the attacking ships. Three of the AIC fighters had been equipped with the Enhanced Silhouette System and as the Khaak ships turned to engage these were activated.
The ESS fighters became support ships to the rest of the group as the Khaak began to swarm and chose for the moment to ignore the three in favour of less confusing targets. The HUD filled with thirty then forty Khaak fighters attacking in what appeared to be an expanding and contracting cloud of weapons fire. Two of the AIC Eels disintegrated under the continual bombardment. The Roamer ploughed on its shields weakening with every passing Sezura.
The second Cattle Ranch and the Wheat Farm now vented atmosphere and flames into space, the vestiges of fighters and transports fleeing after the Roamer. Giving up all pretence to defend their respective stations, having witnessed the unfolding events and the ever increasing number of hostile fighters, the stations were being abandoned. The trading station appeared to be a muster point for some. Communications channels were being jammed by pleas for assistance.
Commander Parrel had been stalwartly unmoved by the calls for assistance as far as he was concerned it was every man for himself. The Roamer was now five k’s from the gate and closing, its shields had dropped to sixty percent. Even so fires and minor breaches were being reported through the ship. With two k’s to the gate the flow of incoming fighters ceased.
Stanad Block flew one of the latest Argon Nova on loan to the AIC, the rear turret weapon was close to overheating and the front HEPT cannons scythed through the shields of the smaller Khaak ships, but he was in trouble. Standard and even a few non standard evasive manoeuvres had his shields hovering below thirty percent, but everywhere he turned he found another Khaak ship coming at him.
Pulling hard round he fired another double burst, the alien ship exploded as Polmanckelest Prometheus shot past destroying two more Khaak ships. Stanad reflected that they were in a shooting gallery only this time they were the targets.
As the Khaak continued to sweep the sector the first of three Solar Power Plants exploded sending a shockwave out through the sector. A number of Khaak ships were destroyed in the explosion by the effect on the ships attacking the Roamer and its diminishing number of escort fighters was marginal.
Commander Parrel ordered the Roamer to halt on the verge of the activation zone of the X-four gate. It was a deliberate blocking tactic against incoming ships. The mishmash of fleeing transports with light fighters was making a desperate run to the gate. The lighter faster fighters now lending some support to the Roamers own compliment. However the Khaak would not let them leave so easily and already the bulk of their ships were heading towards them on intercept vectors.
Parrel would hang on as long as he dared, at the moment he still had all shield units but how long they would last concerned him.
First Officer Sheero called out, “Sir, we have no missiles remaining. Shall I launch the drones?”
Parrel looked around quickly, “How many do we have?”
Sheero replied, “Fifty Sir.”
For a moment Parrel considered his options, “Release half.”
The screen filled with pulse weapons fire from the newly released drones. The Khaak fighters suddenly faced with a new problem and were momentarily distracted by the sudden increase in enemy fighter units. The sudden change in Khaak fighter behaviour to the drones turned what had looked to be an inevitable victory to the Khaak, to a near rout by the AIC fighters.
Then the tide turned back in favour of the Khaak as the fighters from the Getsu Fune gate began to arrive in numbers. Ahead of them were the fleeing sector ships, some of the escort fighters turning back to engage in a bitter battle. Even so most of the Khaak ships ignored them, intent on removing the Roamer and freeing the gate to incoming ships.
The first Khaak capital ship entered the sector via the Getsu Fune gate.
I hope that plan works out ok, I doubt either Ferran or Caran will like it much, a successfull visit might depend on how many devastators Feran has in stock tho.
...I'll see if I can get it completed tomorrow, but there maybe a... umm... delay... I'm sorta going away for a week as of Fri/Sat...
I cant wait a week 
I need pt3 now! 
Ahh well, something to look forward to on the way to 
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