Warrior One - Fleet Action Pt. 03

"Yes, Shaffer?"

"They are ready for you sir."

"Thank you."

Shaffer went back to his station. Milford rose and left the bridge. As he walked down the passageway he heard the call "The Admiral has left the bridge." As he entered the conference room, the five Captains jump to attention.

"As you were," Milford growled. They sat. He sat. "Well, what have you come up with?"

"At first we thought you would have picked 699, it's being the farthest from where we are. Then we thought it would be 642, a middle of the road kind of system. Then it was the biggest system of them all, 352, sixteen planets, ten moons, a prize to be taken," Áinle said.

"Then it was argued that 699 had some potential of the unknown about it. A for sure base plus maybe another for us to destroy," Ólchobar said.

"And then we came to an impasse, not sure which you would pick in this situation. So many unknowns about all of them," Mealla said.

"Then your mission interpretation came to mind and 699 was the one to pick. Far away, big base with an unknown base on another moon," Donal said.

"So it's 669 for us, sir," Dana said.

Milford sat there, looking at the team and scratched his chin.

"I'm sorry to say, I have chosen 642. I feel 699, is a little too far right now and would be more suited for our Warrior class ships, with their extended fuel tanks and large weapons capacity. So my choice is 642. It will only take us seventy-five days to get there. We will vector from two AU's out and make our run fast and furious. No planet busting this time, just destroy the base and be gone. Questions?"

"Were there any other systems in contention?" Dana asked.

"There was a system, but we would need all four command battleships to make the transit. HD36826 is eight thousand one hundred and fifty light years away. There are three planets in orbit. Two of which had huge supply stations on them. The Saxon's keep hitting them and the Gar rebuild. But it's too far for us right now. Maybe at a later date."

"Eight thousand light years!" Dana croaked.

"Yes a long way from home, if something should happen."

"So it's 642, sir?" Mealla asked.

"It is unless you have reason to believe one of the others are better?"

"No sir," everyone said at once.

"Well then, prepare your ships for departure in two days."

"Yes sir," Donal said.

Chapter 73

The ships departed on time and the crews were placed in cold sleep once they had jumped to hyperspace. Sixty days later the ship woke up. Their command androids started the cycle to wake the crews of their ships. Hours later, the crew started to filter to their stations around the ship. Admiral Cook, groggy from cold sleep, made his way to the bridge. Almost staggering to his chair, he looked around the room. Only a few of the stations were manned. Smiling he saw that Captain Kelly was already at his station, just in front of the Admiral's console.

"Have a good sleep Admiral?" Donal asked chuckling.

"I did. And you Captain?" Milford asked also chuckling.

He wasn't sure, but he suspected that the ship's computer always woke the Captain an hour before anyone else, so they could be the first one on the bridge. He would have to have Shaffer look into it one day.

"Sensors are coming online with data about what's going on in the system," Donal said casually.

"I see."

"Only forty ships in-system... "

"That the sensors can see."

"Of course sir."

"Any activity on the second planet?"

"Quite a bit. There are at least twenty more ships on the ground. We aren't close enough to see if they are operational or not."

"How soon?"

"Another day at least."

"Any indication they know we are here?"

"Not so far sir."

"Good, good. I'm off to the mess hall for a bit to eat, want to join me, Donal?"

"Of course sir, I would be glad to join you."

"You haven't eaten already?"

"No, sir."

"Number one, you have the conn," Donal called out.

"Aye, aye sir," a voice from across the room called out.

The two men left the bridge headed for the mess on the command deck.

For the next three days, the ships fell toward the system and the planet which was their target all the while building speed. When they would finally enter the system, their speed would be a high percentage of the speed of light. Activity in the system never changed. The sensors finally gave them the information about the ships on the planet's surface. They were derelicts. Ships which were most likely being used for parts. Although a few of them still had weapons systems on them.

"Twenty minutes until we will be in range."

"Very well," Captain Kelly said.

The minutes ticked slowly by.

"In range, torpedoes only."

"Fire at will," Donal called out.

"Torpedoes out."

"Very good. Admiral?"

"Nothing from me my boy. Keep doing what you're doing."

"Yes, sir."

"In missile range."

"Fire missiles," Donal responded.

"Loadout."

"Sensors, sixteen ships maneuvering to intercept us."

"Will they?"

"Hard to tell yet sir. Computer puts it at fifty-fifty."

"Keep me informed."

"Yes, sir."

"Weapons, ten ships destroyed. Four dark, the rest just disappeared."

"Thank you Weps."

"Aye, aye sir."

"Poll, any estimates on target assessment?"

"Just coming in... ninety-five percent of our missile will hit the base."

"Thank you."

"Weapons, five more ships have been hit."

"Thank you."

The ships of the Fleet Cook flashed past the planet as the missiles struck. The devastation was complete.

"Weapons, all ships have been destroyed or have just vanished."

"Thank you Weps. Well," Donal started turning to the Admiral, "it looks as if this will be an easy mission."

"Don't count your chickens just yet. We still have to take the destroyers on board."

"Another hour outbound and we'll be clear."

"Of the system... "

"Sensors, forty ships off our port bow."

"Who?" Donal asked.

"Gar, sir. They just appeared as... "

"Belay that. Weapons, fire at will, torpedoes and plasma cannon only."

"Weapons, firing."

The Gar ships just sat there, waiting.

"Helm, make course corrections. Signal the other ships to do the same. I don't like the looks of this."

"Good thinking my boy," Admiral Cook said softly.

"Torpedoes out. Plasma cannon in range, in ten minutes."

"Helm, course corrections laid in."

"Execute," Donal yelled.

The ship started to turn, then the sub-light engines increased in thrust. The Gar ships suddenly came alive. Their engines fired and every ship turned to intercept Fleet Cook.

"All ships, fire at will and keep firing until those Gar ships are cleared from my screens," Admiral Cook growled into his all-comm mic. "Stay in formation as we turn."

The Gar ships started to disappear from the screens. Donal couldn't tell if it was from the fleets fire or they were jumping into hyperspace. Mauthe Doog was shaking from the hits the Gar were making. Both plasma cannon and missiles were striking her shields.

"Sensors, two of our ships are dead in space, drifting."

"Life signs?" both the Admiral and Captain shouted at the same time.

"Yes, sir. Sensors reporting the sub-light engines are down. The Gar are now concentrating on those ships."

"All ships, hard to port. Two of ours are under attack," Admiral Cook shouted into the all-comm mic.

Mauthe Doog slowed drastically and turned hard to port.

"Do we have the fuel for this, Donal?" the Admiral asked.

"A little late now sir. We'll make do... or call the Fleet to send help. The Sé and the Crón departed when we did and it looked as if they were going our way."

"Well, as you say, too late now." The Admiral slumped back in his chair.

The ships had finished making the turn. The two ships and the Gar were now fast approaching.

"All ships secure from acceleration," the Admiral commanded.

"All ships reporting secured from acceleration," Comms said.

"Now we let them come to us. All ships fire when in range."

The Mauthe Doog shook as the torpedoes were fired. The whump from the plasma cannon vibrated the ceiling of the bridge. All the ships fought. Then two destroyers suddenly accelerated forward.

"Cashlea and Becc, back in formation," the admiral ordered.

Both ships ignored his order and continued toward the Gar ships and their comrades.

"All destroyers push forward toward the Rónán and the Draigen."

The rest of the destroyers accelerated after their comrades. The Gar were suddenly being pummeled by every gun and torpedo the eight destroyers could throw at them. Gar ships were going dark left and right. Most just disappeared. But some were blasted to bits and left floating in the void that was space.

"Sensors, the Gar are dropping into hyperspace, what's left of them anyway. The Becc has docked with Draigen. And the Cashlea has docked with the Rónán."

"Comms, reports are coming in... Rónán, fifteen dead, one hundred wounded. Draigen, fifty dead, ninety-five wounded."

"Damn. All crew from the two ships will be transferred to the Tór. She has the capacity to place them in cold sleep. And she has many more doctors... how many of the droids made it?"

"Comms, reports don't include androids sir."

"Fifty of my brethren did not make it through the battle," Shaffer said softly from behind the Admiral.

"Sorry to hear that Shaffer. Have the medical androids report to the Tór, have the command androids stay with their Captains, the rest are welcome to bunk here."

"Thank you, sir. I have issued the orders."

"Very well. Comms, get the ships turned back on course. They are to await my orders. Have the captains of the Becc and Cashlea report to my ready room as soon as they have transferred the crews to the Tór and they are still alive."

"Aye, aye sir."

"Donal, will you join me please."

"Of course Admiral. First, you have the conn. I want sensor sweeps as far out as you can. You know what to look for. I don't want the Gar coming back to surprise us."

"Aye, aye, sir."

Chapter 74

In the ready room, Admiral Cook turned to his Command Ship Captain a sad look all but overtaking his grizzled features. Captain Kelly looked back, his features also sad.

"Donal, what am I to do?"

"Your duty is clear sir, I'm sorry to say."

"That it is my boy. That it is. We lost a lot of ours today."

"We did. But did any of us think that the killing would be one-sided?"

"Of course not! But would we have lost as many if they hadn't disobeyed orders?"

"Hard to say, but I believe not. When all ships fight together, we tend not to lose so many. It's only when... "

"I know, Donal. I know the stats."

"Of course sir."

There was a knock at the door. Then a commotion, shouting, yelling, cursing. Milford got up and opened the door. There were the Captains of the Becc and Cashlea wrestling with Shaffer and two Marines.

"You're at attention!" Milford shouted.

The two Marines scrambled to their feet and snapped to attention. Shaffer took a step back and stood stiffly facing the Admiral. The two Captains slowly got to their feet and stood at anything but attention. Milford growled, stepping forward to stand in front of Lieutenant Abbán.

"You are at attention Lieutenant!"

"That's Captain... "

"You are at attention Lieutenant JG!"

"I... "

"You are at attention Midshipman!"

Abbán finally snapped to attention.

"You are relieved of duty, Midshipman Abbán. Report to the brig until I decide what to do with you. Corporal, take him away."

The Marine grabbed Abbán's arm, Abbán turned on him and punched him in the chest. The Marine grabbed Abbán by the throat and slammed him to the deck. Flipped him over onto his stomach and producing a pair of handcuffs, cuffed the Midshipman's hands behind his back. He then dragged Abbán to his feet and pushed him down the passageway. When Admiral Cook turned back to look at Lieutenant JG Ó Ciaráin, he was standing ramrod straight, stomach in, chest out, chin up. He snapped a perfect salute as the Admiral looked at him.

"There may be hope for you yet, Ó Ciaráin. You are relieved of duty, of course," Milford said.

"Yes sir," Ó Ciaráin said.

"What I do with you now, god only knows. Marine, take him to the brig until I decide what to do with him."

"Aye, aye sir," the Marine said grabbing Ó Ciaráin by the arm. Ó Ciaráin didn't pull away, he just followed the Marine's instruction as they walked away down the passageway.

"What happened here, Shaffer?" Admiral Cook asked his command android.

"They seem to have an aversion to androids, sir."

"Continue."

"As we approached the door, I went to open it and Abbán pushed me aside. The Marine escort grabbed him and pulled him away. That's when Ó Ciaráin turned and struck the Marine trying to control Abbán. I stepped forward grabbing Ó Ciaráin's collar, pulling him away. I guess I didn't realize my own strength... "

"Enough."

Shaffer stopped talking and stood, looking at the Admiral.

"Inside, both of you." Donal had joined them in the passageway. "Sit."

"Thank you, sir," Shaffer said sitting. Donal took a seat too.

"Now, what do we do with those two?"

"Neither of them belong in the Fleet, sir."

"I know, especially Abbán. He will be serving time after this is all finished."

"Yes sir, but there just might be hope for Ó Ciaráin."

"Maybe. In the Marines."

"Sir, you have to be kidding. He would get men killed unless someone can knock that superiority complex out of him."

"That he would. Maybe just a dishonorable discharge is in order."

"Sir, if I might?"

"Of course Shaffer, that's why you are here."

"Yes, sir. I would suggest a demotion to Midshipman and making him go through the Academy once more."

"Ho... that would knock him down a notch, without causing him to become disgruntled."

"How so Donal?" Milford asked. "I know if I had just graduated and been given command as a JG that being sent back to school would make me madder than a wet hen."

"It might if it just happened. But if someone was to explain to him why it was happening and what you expected of him... "

"I see. We will convene a courts-martial for them both, but first I will talk with Ó Ciaráin. Questions?"

"No sir," Shaffer said.

"I have none Admiral," Donal said.

"Okay then, back to your stations and let's get this show on the road."

Chapter 75

Back on the bridge, Donal sat in his chair awaiting the Admiral's orders. Milford was in his chair looking at several of his screens. Then he looked up at the main screen.

"Captain, two torpedoes each, destroy those ships, disable hyperspace jumps," Milford said as two targeting pips appeared, one on the Cashlea and the other on the Becc.

"Yes, sir. Weapons, you heard the admiral."

"Aye, aye sir, torpedoes away.

Everyone watched the torpedo tracks on the big screen. All made a straight on course for their target. There was no implosion this time. Just four horrendous explosions that tore the ships apart. When the flash cleared all that was left was floating debris.

"Plasma cannon, clear the debris," the Admiral ordered.

"Weapons, make it so," Donal said.

"Firing," Weapons said.

Plasma bolts flashed on the screen as they swept over the spreading cloud of debris. The touch of the plasma caused the small pieces of the ship to disappear.

"All ships prepare for acceleration, we're going home. Make course for Aldebaran V."

"Making course to Aldebaran V, sir," Donal replied.

"Comms all ships reporting course."

"Thank you, Comms. All ships, prepare to jump." Milford waited a few seconds. "All ships, jump in three, two, one, jump."

Mauthe Doog jumped exactly on "jump." The rest lagged behind a few milliseconds.

"Captain, convene the courts-marshal, please. And have those two brought to the command conference room."

Both men rose. "First, you're with us, Mister Shanley you have the conn, notify those on the list and signal the brig to bring the prisoners to the conference room," Donal said as he fell in step with the Admiral. Three other bridge officers rose and followed them. At the conference room door, they were met by other officers. Milford indicated that all of them should enter.

"Donal, when the prisoners get here I will be taking Ó Ciaráin aside to explain what is going to happen and why. Seat the other one at the foot of the table. Order him to hold his tongue if he dares speaks. If he won't gag him."

"Aye, aye, sir."

"Ó Ciaráin," the Admiral said, "you're with me."

The Admiral turned and walked down to his ready room. One of the Marines followed, pushing Ó Ciaráin in front of him. He didn't utter a peep. Milford entered his ready room, going to his desk, where he stood facing the once captain Ó Ciaráin.

"Private, please wait out in the passageway."

"Aye, aye, sir." The Marine stepped out into the passageway and closed the door.

"Now Ó Ciaráin, the reason I brought you in here... my officers and I believe there is hope for you. For Abbán, not so much. We will reduce you a grade to Midshipman."

Ó Ciaráin looked dejected.

"You will be returned to the Academy for another go round. If I were you, I would keep my ears open and my mouth shut. Clear?"

"Yes, sir. What does the Admiral expect me to learn?"

"Humility."

"Ah... yes sir."

"Now, if you make it through the Academy again, you will be returned to your rank of Lieutenant JG. But don't expect a command right off the bat, like this time. You will be watched by everyone. Get your P's and Q's in a line and you might someday have another command.

"Now, just tell me one thing. How did that asshole Abbán talk you into what you did?"

"Sir... "

"Be careful how you answer Midshipman."

"Yes, sir. He ordered me to follow him."

"And you went?"

"Yes, sir. I realized I was doing something wrong but... "

"The lure of glory was too great?"

"Not quite how I was going to say it, but yes sir."

"And look what the pursuit of glory got you. You killed a lot of fine crewmen. Destroyed a lot of expensive and sentient androids. I could try you for murder, but I will cut you a break and those murders will be placed on Abbán."

"Yes sir, thank you, sir."

"Okay, we're done here. Marine."

The door opened and the Private stepped inside. "Sir?" he said saluting.

"Take him to the conference room."

"Aye, aye, sir."

The Marine escorted Ó Ciaráin, while the Admiral followed behind.

Chapter 76

Back in the conference room, the Admiral stood at the head of the table looking down its length at the two young men who for a want of a better term, fucked up. One was arrogant enough to think he hadn't done anything wrong. The other was, even though a very intelligent officer, naive enough to follow the other.

"This courts-marshal shall come to order. Commander Bardon, you shall defend the two prisoners."

"Aye, aye sir," Cian said stiffly.

"Problem?" Milford asked.

"No sir, none."

"Very well. We are convened today to determine the fate of two officers who willfully disobeyed orders in the face of the enemy when a state of war existed."

"You can't do this," Abbán shouted.

"The accused will be quiet," Donal said.

"No, let him speak. Why can't I do this?"

"There has to be an investigation first... "

"That has occurred."

"When?"

"I looked at the digital recordings of the action and found you had violated orders."

"Well, then there has to be a formal posting of the charges."

"They were done just this morning at mess."

"Well, well... "

"The accused will now be silent," Donal said.

"Any objections Cian?" the Admiral asked.

"None sir."

"We will continue. Caughey Abbán at the time holding a rank of Lieutenant and in command of a Federation ship of the line did willfully and knowingly disobey a direct order from higher authority while a state of war existed. The evidence will now be presented."