the planet.”
“Tag, do you agree with this plan?”
Tag looked at her, “You have a problem with it? What are you thinking? I think they deserve it after all of their attacks on us.”
“I think our history is replete with examples of what happens when we are the aggressor. I know, they attacked us but they did it at the Alliance’s request. I’m sure that no one had to twist their arms, all four of them, to make them do it but if their ship numbers are low enough for us to be sure we can defeat their fleet, then I say let them make the first move and see if we can open a dialogue.”
“Admiral, how many ships would they have to have to endanger the fleet?” Tag asked.
Kosiev looked at both of them and was finding it hard to believe what he was hearing. “Have you forgotten the civilians killed at Ross’s planet or the ships and marines we’ve lost in battle? We should attack immediately and not give them the chance to get organized.”
Tag looked at Kosiev and said, “No Admiral, I haven’t forgotten. How many marines did the Cainth lose? Wasn’t it six for every one of ours? We’ve lost two hundred ships and their crews. They have lost 2000 ships with most of them having 4 times the number of crewmen on board. At what point does a lesson finally sink in, Admiral? Is there a possibility that even the Cainth have learned something? If they attack first, then all bets are off and we will destroy them, make no mistake about that, but if they want to open a dialogue, I want to see what they have to say.”
Kosiev felt his ire go up then thought about what he was feeling and felt shame. He could feel the need for vengeance rushing thru him for what happened to the Moscow and the Ross colonists but he knew that if he followed that path then this war would never end. He looked at the Gardners and nodded, “I’m sorry. Both of you are right and once again I’m glad you’re here to prevent me from making an unnecessary mistake. They would have to have more than 1,200 ships to pose a problem.”
“Perhaps that’s why you’re here, Danielle,” Tag said. “I wouldn’t have given a second thought to going in and kicking some Cainth grump. Move the countdown up, Admiral, and let’s see what awaits us. Oh yeah, are the backup ships ready just in case?”
“Yes they are and their star drives are already lit and ready to go. We also have the prisoners from the Ross conflict loaded up on transports ready to jump in on our signal.” Kosiev pushed a button on his console and said on the fleet’s general frequency, “In a moment we will be jumping into the Cainth home system. The fleet will hold its position relative to the Washington and only move in formation as the Washington moves forward. You do not have permission to fire until we give the order. All ships report in on receipt of this order.”
Tag and Danielle looked out the view port and saw the two rows of white warships glowing inside their screens lined up on each side of the Washington with one small ship above and one below the larger empire ships. The fleet was hanging in space with the giant planet Jupiter as a backdrop and they looked beautiful. Tag knew the capabilities of those ships but he still worried about losing more sailors. He was also worried about Danielle’s safety. Danielle sensed his unease and reached out and took his hand. He looked at her and she smiled, “Little steps in big places. We’ll be fine.”
The console showed 199 red lights. Lt. Kelly reported, “All ships acknowledge order, Sir.”
Kosiev said, “In ten seconds initiate jump.”
The jump officer counted it down, “5, 4, 3, 2, 1, execute.”
Tag looked at Danielle and held her hand tighter as the universe turned around them.
Admiral Dorg and Terl were aboard his flag ship War Weapon as they watched the Human fleet move in from the outer system. The bright white Human ships were moving in formation and their screens were glowing brightly white. Both of them were seeing those nightmare battleships approach and knew there were more of those Battleships here than in the last battle. Terl shook his head, “They do build a beautiful ship, these Humans. What is your plan?”
Dorg stared at his display and said, “I’m not going to attack them; I’m going to make them come to me.”
“Then what are you going to do, Admiral?”
Dorg looked up from his display with a look of determination on his face, “I’ll try to kill as many of their ships as I can. When it’s hopeless I’ll order the survivors to jump to the colonies. I am not running this time and leave our people undefended, Clan leader.”
Terl looked at him and said, “I never thought you would. We’ll face them together.”
The Human fleet continued to move forward until it loomed larger and larger still. Then the fleet reached five segs in front of their positions slowed and then stopped. “What are they doing, Admiral?” Terl asked.
“I don’t know. Would you like to ask them, Clan Leader?”
Suddenly they heard a human voice over a standard Alliance Frequency speaking in standard Alliance. “Well, what do we do now?”
Dorg and Terl looked at each other then hurriedly Terl hit a button on his chair and said, “Would you consider possibly talking about what happens next?”
Danielle and Tag looked at each other and Kosiev couldn’t believe his ears. Tag pressed his com button again, “We will talk with the person that has the authority to speak for your entire race. I would also request whoever is leader of your armed services also be present. We will move one of our ships between our lines with a blue and green strobe, and we will meet you there in fifteen dregs.” Tag cut the channel.
Terl and Dorg looked at each other again and Dorg said, “Do you trust them? They could kill us both and our fleet would have no leadership.”
Terl raised his shoulders to show his irony, “Admiral, do you think you or I being here or not will make any difference in the outcome if they attack?” Dorg shrugged and shook his head. “Ready a shuttle just big enough for the two of us: I want to go on board one of those remarkable ships and see what it looks like inside.”
“Here they come,” Lt. Kelly announced. “They’re in a small shuttle.”
“Mikado, have the landing port opened and bring them aboard,” Tag ordered.
“Is that a good idea?” Kosiev asked, “what if their ship is wired to explode?”
Tag closed his eyes and did not feel his senses giving any alarm. He looked at Kosiev and said, “Then their race dies today and I think they realize that. It won’t be wired. However issue orders to begin the attack if anything happens.” He looked at Danielle and she nodded.
Dorg and Terl docked their shuttle in the landing bay of the Washington and were amazed at how much room there was. The landing area was larger than a dreadnaught’s and had more empty space. The Bay pressurized and Terl and Dorg exited their shuttle to find two naval marines in full battle armor waiting for them. One marine said in standard Alliance, “Follow me, please.” Dorg noticed that the human’s armor was bright and that the marines were moving smoothly as if they had on nothing but normal clothes. That armor had to weigh more than half a nect.
The marines led them to a lift that took them up five levels then they walked a hundred yards thru wide and roomy corridors until they reached a door that opened to reveal a large conference table where two men in military uniform and a young human male and female dressed in civilian clothes were sitting.
The young man stood up and said in standard Alliance, “Welcome aboard the Directorate Ship Washington. My name is Thomas Gardner and this is my wife, Danielle. This is Admiral Kosiev who commands our military and Captain Lin Mikado who is the Captain of this ship.”
Both of the Cainth bowed slightly, then Terl said, “I am Head Clansman Terl elected leader of the Clans Assembly and this is Admiral Dorg the leader of all our military and naval forces.”
“Please sit down,” Tag said and everyone sat down at the conference table. Tag then looked at the two Cainth Leaders and said, “Could you please tell me why I shouldn’t kill every living thing in this system and then go after your colony worlds?”
Terl noticed that the human female was staring intently at Admiral Dorg. Terl then looked at Tag, “You do get right to the point. Based on all that has happened before, I’m surprised you’re asking that question instead of just doing it. I think we both realize now that we could only slow you down and not stop you. The only thing I can offer is a promise to never be aggressive toward you again and avoid any further loss of life.”
“Could you agree to that promise Admiral?” Danielle said to Dorg.
Dorg said, “Yes I could.”
Danielle looked at Tag and said, “Then the promise is worthless. They are not being honest with us.” Everyone in the room was surprised at her response.
