The Honour of the Knights, Stephen J. Sweeney [reading women .txt] 📗

he worked for the Emperor. But he defected to side with the Imperial Senate, and around five years ago they fought back harder than ever before and started to win the war.”

“How?” Estelle asked. “You said that only a small fraction of the Imperium supported the Senate. How could they be winning? They were outnumbered to begin with, and after what you said about the Senate's supporting systems being almost destroyed, I don't see how that's possible?”

“Well, I don't know either,” the storyteller said. “But that's why the Confederacy want him. Because whatever he's up to is starting to affect the Confederation's own interests. He's apparently already orchestrated the theft of a Python-class battleship, and I don't think anyone really wants to stand around and watch to see what he does next.”

“I don't see the point,” the man whom Estelle had shouted at said. “Why even bother bringing him in? What they should just do is put a bullet in his head the minute they find him. That's what I'd do. Bang! Would solve the problem straight away.”

“He'll probably already be dead by the time they get to him,” a woman chipped in, “since they're planning on flooding Dragon with nerve agent or whatever it is.”

“The whole place'll look like Hentose, back in 2612, after they're done with it,” another commented.

“Hentose?”

“Yeah, that underground station that had the accident with the bio-engineered stuff. Everyone's skin was practically melted off when they found 'em. I think one poor guy was still alive. He was a right mess.”

“Good luck identifying Zackaria if that happens.”

“Whatever they want that guy for, I hope it's worth it.”

The quarter's musings were put on hold as Parks' voice came over Griffin's intercoms.

“All crew, this is your captain speaking. Prepare for jump.”

* * *

Parks strode down the long, central aisle of Griffin's bridge, and up to the front to check on how the departure preparations were progressing. Around him, crew busied themselves, performing last-minute checks to ensure that their route was clear and all essential safety measures had been followed.

Just ahead of him, seen out the frontal viewport, the last few transport craft could be seen departing Ifrit and Leviathan, and making their way either back to Spirit Orbital or returning to the planet surface. Many other supply craft were leaving the carriers with each passing second, their cargo of essential equipment and armaments having been offloaded. Ifrit and Leviathan rested on either side of the lead carrier, Griffin being granted flagship status, if only due to its larger size, armaments, and crew complement.

This is it, Parks thought to himself. This is where I find out whether I'm ready. He held back on thinking the next few hours would be a case of easy in, easy out. He was sure that such assumptions had been made before, and the consequences had been disastrous. You can do this, Elliott, he told himself.

“All safety checks completed and route confirmed clear, Captain,” his ensign said, yanking him from his thoughts and back to the bridge of the carrier.

“Thank you,” Parks said, and watched as the final few preparation craft cleared the way, leaving the Confederation's three most well-known carriers alone. “Open communications with Ifrit and Leviathan.”

Above him two two-dimensional holographic images sprang into existence, each bearing the simple combination of black and white shapes that were the CSN's insignia, against a smooth black and white gradient background. The symbols were soon replaced with images projected from their respective sources: one displaying an image of Hawke, standing on the bridge of Ifrit; the other, with Meyers and Leviathan.

“Hello, gentlemen,” Parks said. “Preparations aboard Griffin are complete.”

“Ifrit has also completed preparations,” Hawke confirmed.

“As has Leviathan, Commodore,” Meyers said. “Ready to jump on your order.”

“Very well,” Parks nodded and looked to the ship's helmsman and navigator. “Mr Liu, open a jump point to Aster.”

“Yes, sir,” the man tapped away at the multicoloured display of the console he sat at.

Parks watched the space in front of the trio of huge carriers, as it began to twist and distort. The distortions subsided quickly, leaving behind a blue-tinged swirling mass, that turned like a lazy whirlpool.

“Jump point opened, sir,” Liu confirmed.

“Ready, gentlemen?” Parks asked one last time.

“With your lead, Commodore,” Meyers confirmed.

“Ready,” Hawke nodded his agreement.

Are you ready, Commodore? a voice within Parks asked.

Yes, he said.

“Take us forward, Mr Liu.”

* * *

Those observing from Spirit Orbital watched as the carrier started forward, Ifrit's and Leviathan's engines engaging and propelling them just behind Griffin. The three ships slipped gracefully into the vicinity of the jump point and then, one after the other, appeared to accelerate at terrific speed.

A few seconds later, the point closed behind them... and they were gone.

XII

— The Sleeping Dragon —

Many hours passed as the three Confederation carriers made the journey from Spirit to Aster, to meet with their appointment. During that time, preparations were made for their arrival and the start of the operation – Boarding parties suited up, checked their equipment, and were once again briefed as to how they were to invade Dragon and what their objectives were once they were inside; teams across flight decks loaded armaments onto fighters and bombers, and performed a variety of safety checks to ensure the craft could be deployed in a timely fashion; others tucked into a piping-hot cooked breakfast, as well as a plentiful supply of caffeine.

After struggling to swallow a few mouthfuls, Dodds pushed much of the rest around, his stomach warning him that he might come to regret consuming any more of the fried food. In the end, he scraped what remained onto the plate of a man sat opposite him, who was more than grateful of the second helping. Much of the conversation at the table was focused on the upcoming operation, mixed in with varied opinions of the fate of Dragon and the political strife within the Empire.

A mug of tea and a visit to the ship's doctor was enough to see Dodds through the lengthy mission profile that proceeded breakfast. A round of questions concluded the brief, and then it was back to the quarters again.

A short while later, the call came in – they were approaching Aster; all participants of the Initial Run were to prep for deployment. The flyers jumped up from seats and off bunks, filling corridors and lifts as they made towards the flight decks, to answer the request.

Dodds watched them go, feeling Estelle's anguish at having to stay put until they were required; if at all. Though he regretted the previous night's activities, he hoped that his services would not be called upon. In his groggy state, he was certain that to do so would only invite yet more disaster, and he'd had enough of that for one lifetime. He was determined to see the morning's wakeup call as the last he needed.

* * *

Parks watched from the bridge as the blue haze of jump space peeled away and the nearby stars came rushing forward. The Aster system lay in close proximity to a number of nebula: red, blue and green hues hanging like fine silk curtains amongst the distant stars. There were few who failed to be impressed by such a sight, many of the inhabited star systems throughout the known galaxy lacking any such splendour. The magnificence of the scene was not wasted on Parks either, despite the reasons for their being in the system. He remained motionless for a moment, to gaze upon it and felt some of his stress slip away. Griffin decelerated quickly, the stars around the carrier slowing.

“Jump completed, sir,” he heard Liu say, as Ifrit and Leviathan came alongside. Though it was rare for accidents to occur during jumps, it was good to see the other carriers were still with them. So far, so good.

“Excellent. Open communications,” Parks said. The holographic screens sprang up once again, and Hawke and Meyers appeared. “Commodore, Captain. Any issues to report?”

“None here,” said Meyers. “Fighters and transports are prepped and ready to be deployed on your command.”

“No reported issues,” Hawke added. “Also ready for deployment.”

There was a flash by Griffin's starboard side. A jump point was forming. From it emerged two carriers of similar design to that of Griffin and her two companions.

“Sir, Grendel and Grendel's Mother have just arrived in the system,” a man by the name of O'Donnell, Griffin's head of communications, said.

“Perfect timing,” Parks said. He turned back to Meyers and Hawke. “Commodore, Captain, deploy your teams. I want to ensure that we are able to execute our strike not only the very second enemy forces appear, but also if Dragon arrives earlier than was originally anticipated. The element of surprise should give them little chance to plot an escape and could well be key to our success here today.”

“Yes, sir. I will begin fighter defence deployment immediately,” Meyers said, before closing the communication link.

“And I will begin preparation for rearguard, Commodore,” Hawke said.

Parks opened his mouth to speak, then hesitated. Hawke had volunteered to operate Ifrit and its full complement alone as rearguard to the mission, defending Griffin, Leviathan, Grendel, and Grendel's Mother. Should enemy forces manage to attack the main strike force from behind, Hawke would move Ifrit in to offer support. Parks had raised doubts about the validity about such a tactic, suggesting it would be better for Hawke to concentrate Ifrit's strength up front, rather than reduce their offensive power. Even so, Hawke had argued that whilst this would indeed allow them to take down the enemy faster, they should not assume that enemy support would not be forthcoming. To do so could risk the allied forces being flanked or otherwise surrounded by hostile forces, meaning that retreating from the system could prove difficult.

After much deliberation Parks had begrudgingly agreed to Hawke's tactical proposals. But having now arrived at Aster, he was once again considering ordering Hawke to remain up front. He pushed aside the urge to enter into another debate with the man, not wanting to stall the operation for even a second.

“Very well,” Parks said to Hawke. “I will be in contact as soon as we are ready to begin manoeuvres.”

He ended the communication as another request came in. He acknowledged that it should be received, and was greeted by the holographic projection of a deceptively young-looking woman. She was graced with near flawless olive skin, bright hazel eyes, and black hair, tied into a neat bob on the top of her head.

Parks had met Commodore Sima Mandeep on a number of occasions before and each time had forgotten just how beautiful he found her. He had always been disappointed that he had never found the time to get to know her better. Today was very unlikely to offer any such opportunity, either.

Mandeep presented a warm smile. “Hello, Elliott. Good to see you again. I hope we didn't keep you waiting long.”

“Your timing was perfect, Sima. We just arrived ourselves,” Parks said, finding it difficult not to return the woman's smile, something about it feeling a whole lot more personal than professional. Even her teeth looked perfect.

“Nice setting for it,” she said, her eyes shifting to gaze upon the generous backdrop they had been granted.

“I will be sure to send you a copy of our footage, after everything is wrapped up.”

“Much appreciated, Commodore,” she smiled again.

Parks shifted the conversation back to the operation. Now was not the time to be drawn in. “We are beginning fighter defence preparations and will shortly be executing tactical formation manoeuvres. As agreed, Grendel and Leviathan will lead the assault run. If you could have Captain Silverthorne liaise with Captain Meyers to ensure that everything is in place, then I will give the go-ahead for us to begin. Griffin and Grendel's Mother will cover the midfield, with Ifrit acting as rearguard.”

He knew that Mandeep had already been fully briefed on every aspect of the operation, but reiterated it once more to ensure that all bases had been covered.

“Understood. I will be in touch. Grendel's Mother out,” Mandeep said, before her face disappeared from the holographic screen.

Parks watched from the bridge as a variety of craft streamed from each of the assembled carriers and took up positions ahead of the group. A number of fighters turned about and came to rest next to the capital ships.

“All of Griffin's Initial Run fighters and transports deployed and ready, sir,” Parks was told.

“Excellent, send word that we are ready to move into position,” Parks ordered.

The word was sent and Leviathan and Grendel started forward, their starfighters following them like