background of the viewing platform.
Every spare man was busy on the Liberty; desperately trying to have it ready for the approaching deadline which was just two weeks away.
A few more days passed, and finally they began the first manned test of the vessel. Michael and Vargev both watched on a nearby monitor, as the wreckage of a previously decommissioned, and very old Solarian merchant vessel was towed out into space a safe distance away from the station.
All was quiet; the wreckage of the aged ship simply floated there silently.
Then like a bullet, the Liberty swooped down upon the drifting vessel. Its fusion cannon shot out an incandescent bright blue beam of death, which slammed into the wreckage with tremendous force; the wreckage was smashed to pieces with a huge explosion, the pieces of debris scattered in all directions. The flames slowly dispersed as the Liberty shot past where the wreck once floated.
It was at that moment when Michaels’ will wavered, as he watched the sheer speed and lethal efficiency that it dispatched the abandoned vessel.
Nikolai also watched, smiling, his head nodding in appreciation.
“I’m not sure I want to do this Nikolai.”
The major was beginning to tire of Michael’s despondent mood, “listen to me, you little prick!” The Russian roared. “I have not travelled half way across the galaxy, watched thousands of innocent people be slaughtered and be damned near strangled to death, just for you to quit now.” Fuming, he took a short breath. “Those fucking Krenarans have killed thousands of people; ripped apart my entire unit, many of which were my friends. And you want to go easy on them!”
He paused slightly as he collected his thoughts. “We’re going to take the Liberty, and, with the help of the Solarians we are going to tear apart every goddamn Krenaran we see, no warnings, no prisoners; nothing, period. So you better toughen up real quick.” The Russian said as he stormed out of the room in disgust.
Michael was left alone, his thoughts went to the video of the Agemman attack; of the mutilated bodies lying upon broken streets, just left there to rot, attracting flies and maggots and smelling of charred meat.
What of the attack on Bravo Gamma base at the Aurelias colony, and the destruction of unarmed civilian transports simply trying to find a place to land and a new home, since the one they had; had been reduced to rubble.
His thoughts turned to Jana and Theo, what of them? Would they be ripped apart from the Krenaran weaponry or led away in chains to god knows where.
An angry fire was beginning to rise in him now; he could not, would not, let that happen. The Krenarans were doing terrible atrocities to humanity and they had not deserved it. They had not even known the Krenarans, or the Solarians for that matter even existed two months ago. Humanity was quite happily going along completely oblivious to the races that surrounded them. Settling new worlds and developing new technologies, and just generally getting on with things.
And then this war had to happen, didn’t it; and now because of the Krenarans the whole galaxy is going to hell and a hand basket. Michael wanted to take the Liberty right now and ram its Fusion cannon down the throat of every last Krenaran that dared to stand in his way, and press the trigger. He strode out the viewing platform and said to Nikolai, “let’s show these Krenaran bastards who they’re really messing with.”
An evil smile rose across Nikolai’s mouth, curling his moustache slightly, “that’s better.”
Over the next week and a half they were involved in every major test the Solarians performed on the Liberty; until with just 24 hours to go until the deadline. The work was finally finished.
And there it was; the E.D.F. S Liberty, a mix of Krenaran and Solarian technology. Owned and controlled by the E.D.F. And with it, they would strike the hammer blow that would end this Krenaran war once and for all.
Vargev, Michael and over a hundred Solarian workers stood in the canteen area and had a celebratory drink. Commander Ralavas had come down and led the celebrations personally.
“In 24 hours we will receive the signal to get underway; sixty eight Solarian Battle cruisers have already arrived, and are lined up in formation outside the station.”
He paused for a moment as he regarded the arrayed Solarians, as well as Micheal and Vargev. “Shortly the Liberty will join the formation at its head since the Terrans know their territory much better than we do. Then with a single command the entire formation; together with fleets stationed at other facilities from across the Solarian border, shall fall upon the Krenaran enemies like a great hurricane; blasting everything in its path.”
He paused for a breath as the arrayed crowd nodded in approval. “The Liberty will be at its head, like the dagger that will pierce the heart of the Krenaran battle lines, and we will go on to victory; and to the defeat of the Krenarans!”
The whole galley rose as one, “to the defeat of the Krenarans!”
Michael thought to himself; yes the ship is small, it only had a standing crew of 41 people and it is only 140 meters long, but like a 140 meter long rapier it shall be, slicing through the Krenarans with a speed and ferocity that is unmatched.
That night when the celebrations were all over they slept for the final time before setting off once again; to war.
Commander Ralavas met them the next morning and asked, “how are you feeling.”
“Excited, nervous, and even a tiny bit hopeful, it’s a feeling we have not felt in a long time. At last our people may have a chance,” Michael said solemnly.
“I took the liberty of revamping the stealth abilities on board; you will be detectable to all ships except the Krenarans. We don’t want to shoot you by mistake,” a wry smile fell across the Solarian Commanders features.
Michael smiled, the irony of what Ralavas had said was not lost on him, the very ability that had plagued the E.D. F was now being used against the Krenarans.
“Will you be coming with us?” Vargev asked.
“Unfortunately, I will be staying here; I think this place is going to get very busy in the months to come. You had best go, the signal to get underway will be coming soon, and the Liberty should be with the fleet.”
“Goodbye Commander; and thank you for all that you have done. You’re people have given a ray of hope to humanity,” Michael said with sincerity.
“No, thank you,” Ralavas replied nodding graciously. “And I hope one day we will meet again.”
And with that Michael and Vargev made the long journey through the Omicron repair facility; passing repair bays where other ships were birthed and docking ports where the endless stream of transports picked up and offloaded supplies to the station.
Finally they made it to the lower repair bay and strode onboard the Liberty. As soon as they stepped onboard they immediately noticed the difference. Clunky Krenaran control panels blackened with ruptures caused by the Krenarans’ onslaught were instead replaced by sleek new customisable touch screen systems.
Making their way to the elevator; the Automatic doors slowly opened, and as they stepped inside a welcoming sounding female voice greeted them, “destination please.”
“It’s in English!” They both shouted with relief, laughing.
“Unknown command, please repeat your request.”
“Command centre,” Michael replied with a smile.
The elevator silently whisked them to their destination; presently they arrived and stepped out onto the new command centre; both gasped in shock, oh how it had changed.
The pilot’s seat remained largely as it had been before, except there were not so many exposed wires; instead they were hidden. New comfortable chairs were arrayed along the perimeter of the oval shaped command centre. And new touch screen displays lined the walls, each with sophisticated lit up keypads. And in the centre of the command area there was a lone chair, the famous command chair.
A Solarian got up out of the chair and addressed them. “I hereby relinquish command of the Liberty to you; Michael Alexander.”
Michael nodded, “Thank you, err…”
“Televis sir,” The Solarian nodded.
Michael stifled a chuckle, “Televis, I gratefully receive command.”
Vargev took up a position at the weapons console; now that they were in plain English he was confident he could use them; while Michael took up the command chair, “Okay; let’s get this show on the road.” He said clicking
