best friends was so bitterly disappointed.
“That is not a decision for us to make.”
“And yet you tried to.”
Taylor looked into his eyes and could see a smile appear on the Captain’s face.
“Your continuing lack of regard for authority is truly astonishing. It is a miracle you have gotten this far. Any other man would have been kicked out a long time ago.”
Taylor laughed. It was not so much Jones’ thoughts that amused him, but the fact he didn’t pull any punches on making it clear.
“I cannot fight every battle in this war,” replied Taylor.
“No, and you’d do well to remember it.”
It was not long before the rest of his officers had gathered. They were all competent and reliable companions, but Taylor could not help feel saddened by how few had been with him since the start. It was a bitter reminder of how mortal he was. They all sat silently, awaiting his words. He was in charge of the entire Battalion for this battle and the defence of the flagship, and it weighed heavily on his mind.
“An enemy fleet descends upon us. We’ve got just a few hours until all hell breaks loose. We don’t know how many they are, but it is a substantial force. You should know this. The Washington is the most important ship of the fleet. Its loss would have a detrimental effect on our activities in this system. I fully intend to go to the support of Red 1 and our troops there once this is over. Let’s keep this ship in one piece, and ensure we leave no one behind.”
“Detrimental effect, Major?” asked Jackson.
Taylor sighed. He didn’t want to imagine the situation.
“If we lose the Washington, it is my belief that this task force would consider any further presence here to endanger the remainder of the fleet, and would therefore carry out an immediate withdrawal through the gateway.”
“What about the troops on Red 1?” Grey asked.
The room went silent. They all realised what Taylor was saying, but none wanted to believe it could happen.
“The best thing we can do for the Colonel, and those with her, is to give all that we have here. We need a decisive victory.”
The facts of their situation made Taylor feel sick to his stomach. Having to voice his thoughts only made it worse.
“The enemy will be with us within a few hours, maybe less. You all know your jobs. You have all been allocated your areas. Remember, that as soon as we lose our communications, all can go to hell. Keep in contact at all times. Ensure that both I and the Admiral know your status and enemy movements at all times.”
“And if the Washington was to fall?” asked Ota.
Taylor sighed heavily.
“Pray that it doesn’t. Anymore questions?”
“Are the crew armed and ready this time to assist in the defence of the ship?” asked Jones.
“All personnel who are able have been issued weapons and placed at the defence of key strategic points. They are certainly armed, but ready? Remember when you first faced this enemy on the beaches of France. Imagine that fight where there was nowhere left to run, that is where they’re at.”
“Where will you be through this engagement?”
“For now, I’ll be heading to the bridge to monitor the situation with the Admiral. I’ll want one platoon posted to me at all times, and Jafar will be with me also. I’ll be playing it by ear and going where and when I am needed. Anything else?”
They shook their heads.
“All of you, we’ve fought some tough fights through this war and made it through. I don’t want to end it all up here in the blackness of space. If I am going to die, may it be on solid ground and on my own land. Let’s give these bastards a good kicking, and remind them why they don’t mess with the human race.”
Several of the officers smiled at the sentiment, but the stress of the situation had them refrain from being overly excited. They all feared what was coming for them. Not knowing the enemy strength was the worst of all. Taylor sat still as the others left the room, except for Jones. After the door finally shut behind them, he spoke.
“I don’t care what happens in this battle, but promise me you will not let me be taken alive?”
Taylor smiled.
“You aren’t going anywhere. You have a wife and girlfriend to return for.”
Jones stared at him.
“After everything I have seen, I’ll enjoy every free moment I have left in this world.”
“I was being serious. You’re gonna make it through this, same as me. We’ve survived all this time. We can’t die now.”
“We can all die,” replied Jones.
Taylor stood up and placed his hand on the Captain’s shoulder.
“That is not the Jones I have come to know. We’re gonna give these bastards hell and live to celebrate with a few beers.”
“I bloody well hope so, and Colonel Chandra better be there beside us!”
He got up and strolled out of the room. They both knew it would not be that easy, and Taylor was not under any illusion that it could be the last battle for all of them. Taylor left the room to find Jafar patiently waiting for him.
“What are you doing here?”
“The enemy is close now. I will remain by your side until this is over.”
“We’re going to win, you know.”
“I had no doubt of that, but I should like to remain at your side throughout.”
“You will not be allowed on the bridge during this fight. Plenty have come to trust you, but it does not extend that far.”
“Then I shall remain outside the door when you are inside.”
“Well, alright then.”
Taylor made his way back to the bridge. The corridors were quiet now. He passed several gun emplacements with Navy personnel standing at the ready. There was nothing left to do. Positions had been taken, and ammunition had been issued. They waited for those bearing down on them.
The bridge was equally quiet as Taylor entered. He was glad to see the entrance had been strengthened and reinforced with a number of guards. The Admiral sat back in his chair, watching the scanners as if in a daydream.
“Sir, we’re ready for ‘em,” Taylor said.
Huber casually turned his head and nodded, remaining in the dreamy state.
“All the technology in the world, and yet we are still so often in the dark. Intelligence, reconnaissance, communication, these are out weaknesses now.”
“Yes, it is difficult to live once again in a communication dark age,” he replied.
“Not knowing is the worst thing in the world. We could have a fleet large enough to end the war, or we could be awaiting our destruction.”
The Admiral was speculating in a quiet voice that only Taylor could hear, as they were so close to each other. Before he could answer, a siren went off, and they quickly turned to see several objects on the scanners.
“Sir, we’ve got confirmed enemy incoming!” shouted Vega.
The Admiral sprung to life and jumped onto his feet.
“How many?”
Vega went silent as he carefully studied the screens.
“Twelve targets so far, with more incoming. At their present speed, they will be in range within five minutes.”
“Launch the rest of our fighters and prepare to fire!”
The last of the craft on the Washington scrambled. The crews had been waiting for the call, and all were streaming out of the docking bays within two minutes. There was some relief on the bridge that the waiting game
