“They had 20,000 or so until the former Alliance State Leader broadcast his fears of a civil war and made the Vgrig Subleader the commander of the ships in their system. The Alliance commander then ordered 9,000 more ships from his home fleet to join him?”
“They’re going to Attack the Central World.”
Tag didn’t want to doubt her but the decision was too critical to make a mistake. “You answered that pretty quickly; are you sure?”
“Yes, he wouldn’t take the bulk of his home fleet to Earth because they would be too far away to jump back and protect his world. Even if he doubts civil war will happen, he won’t risk his planet if he can avoid it. He thinks that he can handle the rebel fleet and then use intimidation to force the worlds that haven’t supported him to send him all the ships he’ll need. He can then send his home fleet back home. Besides, let say I’m wrong. What is he going to do if he goes to Earth? He won’t crack our Asteroids and if he goes that far in system, he’ll be trapped when you return.”
“Once again, your reasoning is impeccable. Thanks, I love you. Will you ask Tgon-Gee to com me?”
“Certainly.”
Tgon-Gee appeared on Tags wall display thirty minutes later and said, “Do you need to communicate with me Mister Tag?”
“Yes but I need to get Terl on the channel, too.”
A moment later Terl appeared on the split display screen. “Hello Prince Tgon-Gee.” He then looked at Tag and said, “I see you’re planning something to help our Alliance brothers.”
“Terl, you never cease to amaze me. Am I that transparent?”
“It doesn’t take a Glod psychic to see that if what the State Leader broadcast is halfway true, you won’t sit idly by and let it happen.’
“You’re right. I am going to need your entire ships inventories for what I’m planning. Your worlds are protected by your Asteroids so you don’t need your ships to ensure your safety. What I’m planning should be over quickly. Will your people help me?”
“Tag, why don’t you just get Danielle to order it?” Tgon-Gee asked.
“Because the benefit of choosing to participate is that you begin to become what you choose.”
Tgon-Gee and Terl looked at each other and Terl broke the moment by saying, “I’m going to have a headache trying to fully understand what you just said. I do understand it on one level but now my brain has locked on it and won’t let go until I really understand. My world is at your disposal.”
“As is mine,” Tgon-Gee said.
“Then will you have your Fleet Commanders contact Admiral Kosiev and he will give them their assignments.” Both nodded and Tags display went dark.
Harauik impatiently waited for the fleet report. He felt that his enemies would only use more time to better prepare themselves against his forces. “What is the matter? What’s taking so long to get the ships formed up?”
“Council Member, the extra ships from your fleet have arrived piecemeal and we have had to assign them to formations as they arrived. There are still 800 that have reported that they will arrive within the hour. Do you choose to go without them?”
“How many of the 800 are dreadnaughts?”
“Our registry indicates that more than 650 are dreadnaughts. It took them longer to recall their crews because, obviously, they have larger crews to recall. We could have left two days ago but for the extra ships.”
“Make those ships their own unit. Assign other ships to join them from our current formations. That should speed things up,” Harauik ordered.
“Who will command that unit, Excellency? We divided all our Fleet Leaders to the current formations.”
“Order one from our home system to jump in immediately even if we have to ferry him out in a shuttle. Make it happen!”
The Adjutant swallowed and said, “I’ll order it now.”
Tag commed Kosiev and said, “Are we ready?”
“Yes, we’re as ready as we’re going to be. Are you sure where this Alliance fleet is going?”
“Danielle is sure.”
“Kosiev smiled and said, “Then that’s where they’re going. Has she ever guessed wrong on anything?”
“Honestly Admiral, I can’t remember if she has. She usually won’t guess if she’s not sure. Are you comfortable with the tactics we’re planning; we’re back in the outnumbered and backs to the wall situation again.”
“Fortunately I have been able to practice the new tactics with the ships we’re going to use because there are so few of them. I think you are going to be pleasantly surprised by their efficiency. You know you could have used all our ships in this action?”
“No I couldn’t; there are too many chances that many are waiting for the fleet action to start before they make their move.”
Kosiev thought a moment and said, “You make a good point. If it gets dicey we can always call for help.”
“Not if you’re well inside the jump limit?”
“Well, what is life but a gamble,” Kosiev said. “It’s not like we haven’t done it before.”
“One of my favorite songs from our ancient history was done by the Matt McCagg Experience; Don’t play with the Spaceship. I usually listen to it prior to a fleet action and somehow it brightens my mood enough let go of the worry and nervousness. Perhaps the Alliance will finally learn that Humans don’t make good playmates in battle. Someone should tell them, “Don’t play with the Spaceship.”
“I want a copy of it,” Kosiev said. “I think I can use it.”
Tag reached down to his console and pushed several buttons. “You have it now.”
Kosiev put an ear bud in his ear and started head nodding to the music. “There’s only one thing missing.”
Tag looked at him and they both said together, “POPCORN.”
Harauik looked at his control board and thought, “Finally, we can go now.” They he commed his fleet and said, “Group commanders we will jump to the Central Alliance system in 50 sems and begin moving is system. Target the rebel ships first then the ships assigned to bombard the planet will start as soon as the fleets are engaged. You have your orders; make sure you follow them. I will punish anyone that fails.” The countdown continued and the 29,000 ships all disappeared at once.”
Chapter 17
The Hargon fleet appeared just outside the jump limit opposite the Central World, formed up and began moving in system. It would take the fleet two days to reach the planet because the size of the star in this system being larger than normal pushed the jump point further out. Harauik asked his sensor officer, “How many ships do they have to face us?”
“Our sensors show about 6,700. They are formed around the planet but are now moving to intercept us before we reach the planet.”
“A lot of good it will do them,” Harauik sneered. “We outnumber them in dreadnaughts 10 to 1. This won’t take long. Assign the targets to our groups. I want them destroyed quickly and then we’ll make an example of that planet. Call me in 12 drags; I’m going to my quarters.”
The Hargon fleet sailed toward the planet. Sten looked at his display and thought, “There’s too many and they have much heavier ships. We stand no chance.” Then he commed the Vgrig Subleader and said, “It is my opinion that you have no chance of survival if you take on that fleet. You should order your ships home and save them against the coming war.”
The Subleader looked at him and said, “State leader, we all knew we would be outnumbered but at some point in a military person’s life, the cause they’re fighting for becomes more important than the person. Make your announcement to the fleet but I choose to stay.”
