Space Brigade

General Bel-tel wandered the Phoenix’ drop bay four, checking his Rats dropships. His men waited impatiently in ranks at attention, and were eager for the off.

There was aloud crash as one of the terrain hoppers assigned to the Rats toppled over. The tec-driver crawled from the upturned cabin as Bel-tel stormed over and bellowed.

“Get that heap of junk back in holding. I will not have substandard equipment on my dropships!”

Several maintenance technicians ran over as the mobile gantry was positioned over the

fallen hopper. Bel-tel watched, his face stern. The deck master hurried to his side.

“Deck-major, make sure that incompetent tec-driver isn’t assigned to my units.”

Bel-tel snapped arrogantly.

“Yes sir.” The Deck-major barked off.

Once the hopper was lifted away, Bel-tel inspected the dropships hatch

“This seal is damaged,” he shouted.

Three technicians immediately rushed over and started repairs.

“It’ll be a damn miracle if we even reach the surface at this rate!” Bel-tel said sarcastically as he stomped away.

He had been in a foul mood since the Tanteee general had returned to the Firebird.

Further along in drop bay six, the men of Pierce Force lounged around, many of them merging with the shadows in their jet-black night camo-uniforms.

Unlike the Rats these men were not so eager, they were quite at ease with waiting. Some tried to get a little extra shuteye, others amused themselves by playing Tepola, all had their weapons strapped across their chests.

Colonel Raga sat speaking to his team leaders off to one side.

“Once we’ve transferred to the Tanteee ship, we’ll be confined to their holding bay. It’ll be a little cramped, so try to keep the men under reasonable control. I don’t want any in-fighting.”

Captain Cap Beeta spat out the Chaka shoot he was busily chewing on, and remarked.

“As long as we don’t have to mix with Bel-tel’ lot!”

Raga smiled and stated.

“They’re not going with us, we’ll be with Telson’ mob.”

“I think the men would prefer to go in on their own dropships!” Captain Pala Toms remarked.

He was stretched across several drums relaxing.

“Not possible. We’d be detected long before we reached the atmosphere.” Raga replied.

“And what makes you think the Tanteee ship won’t be?” Cap asked.

“Yeah, we don’t know anything about it. We may be space dust before we get the chance to land!” Pala backed Cap up.

Raga shrugged.

“It doesn’t matter either way. We are going in on the Tanteee ship, and no more objections from you two.”

The ships speakers came to life, and Captain Mittvn’ voice announced.

“Attention all attack groups, we are preparing to break orbit from Torok, and will be heading for the Executive frontier; last chance to check your equipment. Out.”

“Cap get your gear stowed, Pala round up the men. Major Tantis you stick with me.” Raga said as he stood.

Three decks down, Chief Medical Officer Ferl Collona was arranging final supplies to be stowed on the new space-ambulances. She wanted to make sure they could cope with any type of casualty.

It had been decided Doctor Zear would head the surface medical teams, while Ferl remained on the Phoenix, and organized the shuttling schedule.

Nurses constantly reported in, confirming readiness. Ferl slapped her wrist-com and said.

“Engineering, Chief Malic?”

“Malic here. What can I do for you Doc?” Malic’ voice asked.

“Chief you’re sure these ambulances will cope sufficiently, they’re equipped with full life support?”

“Yes Doc; everything’s been checked and rechecked. Doctor Zear signed the equipment manifest personally, and he’s quite satisfied.” Malic’ reply held a note of annoyance.”

“OK Chief, I just wanted to make sure. You’re certain Zear was completely satisfied?”

“Quite sure Doctor. Now if you don’t mind, I have several fighters to go over before we reach the battle zone.”

“I’m sorry chief, this is obviously a hectic time for you. I’ll leave you in peace.” Ferl answered and slumped back in her seat.

If Zear had certified the ambulances, then everything must be in order. Having Zear’ approval of readiness lifted some of the worry from her aching shoulders.

She could now concentrate on checking the Phoenix’ medical stations. Even though they had already checked in, she still wanted to make sure herself.

The Phoenix, Wildstar, Clemmence, and Firebird simultaneously broke from Torokian orbit and took formation with the Wildstar at the point. Within ten seconds they all jumped to hyperspace.

After an extremely tiring day, First Admiral Spate worked his way through his evening meal. President Lurth had continually plagued him all day about the Networks un-sanctioned attack on Ormacronis. The success of the Aries and Cortez had already filtered through the system, and had become a matter of public debate.

The reinforcement taskforce headed by the Ventura had reached Tanteee, and had reported no Quat-tar activity so far.

Ambassador Saroon and his aides had been informed of their planets virtual destruction, and at the request of Lurth, had been released. They were naturally outraged at what they considered gross atrocities perpetrated against their home world.

Saroon immediately petitioned the Assembly for the impeachment of the First Admiral and his command staff. Saroon gained some support from the lesser delegated, but so far Lurth had successfully stalled the impeachment.

Spate finished the meal and reclined on his bunk, he had not slept in hours. After lightly dozing for approximately twenty minutes, his bedside com-unit disturbed him he tutted and reached out.

“Yes what is it?” He snapped gruffly as he hit the communicator.

Commander Caroline Bradly’ soft tones came from the unit.

“I’m sorry to disturb you at such a late hour Sir, but I have just received a communiqué from the Presidential office.”

Spate sat up, sighed and said.

“Read it out please Caroline.”

He suddenly realized she was still at her station. She always seemed to be on duty. Bradly’ soft voice began.

“President Lurth requires your presence at his office immediately.”

Spate shook his head in despair, then stood and walked slowly towards his bathroom, saying.

“You’d better have a transport made ready, say fifteen minutes.”

As he reached the bathroom he mumbled to himself.

“What the hell now?”

The Phoenix taskforce dropped back to normal space just on the Torok side of the Executive frontier. Here they would have to wait until contacted.

“All ships full stop.” Torre ordered.

“Scanners to maximum.” Mittvn announced, then added.

“Pierce Force and Colonel Telson’ commandoes to departure shuttles.”

A short while later six shuttles left the Phoenix and headed for the Firebird. Slowly they manoeuvred into the Firebirds hold. Five more trips and the away groups were in place, and the Firebirds bulbous doors hatch doors closed.

“Admiral, Firebird confirms all away groups arrival.” Lieutenant Norret announced.

Admiral Torre did not respond he studied the vast emptiness of unexplored Executive space before them.

Commander Bradly was back on the com-unit, saying.

“Your transport’s ready and waiting on the roof Sir.”

“Thank you Caroline. When does your duty end?” Spate inquired as he walked towards the door.

“In approximately fifteen minutes Sir.”

“Would you mind staying on, I might have need of you when I return.”

“Yes Sir. Is there anything wrong?”

There was a distinct hint of worry in her voice.

“No nothing. I might have to send some urgent dispatches when I return, that’s all.”

Spate held Bradly high on his list of trusted officers, after all she had served as his aide for some time now.

Admiral Trask, former commander of the Clemmence had recommended her for the post. Bradly had served under him as communications officer since graduating from the academy.

After Trask’ untimely assassination while on a supposed secure vacation, Bradly took his death badly. She had tendered her resignation, which Spate refused adamantly. Since then, she had thrown herself wholeheartedly into achieving success, and had been rostered on the promotions rota several times.

Each time, Spate had rejected her promotion, he was reluctant to promote her as it would mean her transfer to Network Internal Admin, and that he did not want.

When Spate reached the rooftop transporter pad, he found a class-one security shuttle waiting for him. This type of shuttle was usually only assigned to protect those most likely to be a target for assassination. Did Bradly know something he did not, he thought as he stepped into the shuttle.

The ten-minute journey from Network HQ to the Presidential building passed without incident, and the shuttle landed with a slight bump on the landing pad. Spate immediately disembarked and hurried to the entrance where he was passed through unchallenged. Perhaps Bradly was just being over-cautious, he thought.

After waiting a short while in the President’ outer office, the President’ secretary came out and said.

“The President will see you now First Admiral.”

When Spate entered, he found he was not the only one to be summoned at such an un-godly hour. Already present were, General Lavar, Ambassador Xxan of Kodo, and Ambassador Feltis of Waii.

“Come in Jerrico, sit down.” Lurth said, gesturing to the vacant seat next to Lavar.

“What’s this all about Kas?” Spate inquired as he sat.

“That will be all Asrela.” Lurth said, dismissing his secretary.

Once she had left he said.

“Ambassadors Xxan and Feltis came to me this evening with their proposal for halting your actions against the Quat-tar.”

Spate quickly got to his feet.

“You can’t be serious?”

“Sit down Jerrico, let me finish. Apparently, Kodo and Waii have been in long negotiations with the Quat-tar Elders for some time, with a view to ending all hostilities. One of the main terms of a cessation is that all captives being held will be immediately repatriated.”

Once again Spate interrupted, this time his voice deadly serious.

“Don’t trust them, you know they’re only playing for time. They do not intend to form any kind of treaty, not with us, not with anyone. It’s not in their nature!”

Ambassador Xxan leant forward and spoke, her musical tones vibrating.

“I can assure you First Admiral, the idea of a cessation of all hostilities is fact. Ambassador Feltis and I have spent many arduous hours in negotiations with the Quat-tar hierarchy, and the result is that the Elders are prepared to release all captives and hand over Chief Mautur to us for trial!”

Spate paced the room as he answered.

“I don’t give a damn how many hours you’ve spent with useless talk. It doesn’t change the fact that the Quat-tar aren’t going to stand by your terms.

Once Mautur hears of this he’ll have all the Elders killed. I only hope you haven’t jeopardized in any way, our current mission!”

Spate was not postulating, he was well aware how trustworthy the Quat-tar word was.

Lurth held up his hand, and gestured for Spate to calm down.

“Your operation is quite secure at the moment. What I need to know is, can you halt the Phoenix and abort?”

General Lavar glanced at the floor, while Spate glared at Lurth. He could not believe what he was hearing. Finally he spoke, his tone and words betraying his annoyance.

“Are you all out of your tiny minds, have you all lost the plot? We have the opportunity here to end Quat-tar aggression once and for all, and you want to abort!

Show a little sense people; listen, don’t throw away this chance on a futile hope of negotiated treaty!”

Lurth’ face turned red at Spate’ outburst; He was about to rebut Spate’ accusation of being weak minded, when Feltis spoke out.

“Gentlemen, and lady please, we are all here for the same reason. Let us not argue amongst ourselves, accusations at this time will solve nothing.

Surely we can come to some kind of compromise. Perhaps we could halt the Phoenix and hold the operation until we can gain a more solid agreement from the Quat-tar Elders?”

“And what about Tanteee? Are we to leave them at the mercy of the Quat-tar invasion fleet?” Spate snapped.

General Lavar decided to add his views to try to add weight to his superior’s argument.

“Mister President, the Network’ raid on Ormacronis was an irrevocable success; to stop the Phoenix now would be at the least foolhardy,” pausing for a cough he continued.

“With all respect to the Ambassadors, their peace initiative will probably fail, and the outcome would mean the invasion of Tanteee. This must be avoided if possible.

The Phoenix is poised to secure the release of the captives, something the Assembly have wanted for a long time. I feel we should be backing the First Admiral in this bold venture, not asking for its premature termination!”

Lurth blatantly brushed aside Lavar’ words with a wave of his hand, and responded.

“Thank you for your input General, however, I will decide the best course of action for the Coalition, not the military.”

“And I’ll remind you that the military lay outside diplomatic jurisdiction!” Spate remarked as Lavar shrugged at Lurth’ reply.

“Damn it Jerrico. We have been friends for a damn long time. I did as you requested with Saroon’ aides, I even persuaded Director Quinn to negotiate safe passage through the Executive. Don’t give me any jurisdiction crap over this. I ask you now, is it possible to turn-about the Phoenix?”

Spate did not reply at first. Then after several minutes thought, said.

“Unfortunately no. The question is irrelevant. As of twenty minutes ago, at two thirty hours standard Coalition time the Phoenix crossed into Quat-tar space. If everything is going to schedule, they should reach Secunda within an hour.”

Lurth slipped back in his high backed seat. Xxan and Feltis sighed.

“The Phoenix will be running silent, so there is no way of contacting her. She’s under strict orders to ignore any signals. I’m sorry, but it’s for the best. This action will bring our people home, and hopefully secure the safety of Tanteee.

Now if you don’t mind, I would like to return to my quarters.” Spate said, and without waiting for Lurth’ approval headed for the door, with General Lavar in tow.

Once outside, and away from the prying eyes and ears of the Presidential office, Lavar said.

“I was under the impression zero hour was three thirty hours because of getting the Aries and Cortez into position?”

“And you’d be quite right in your assumption, but Lurth doesn’t know that.” Spate replied, a small smile appearing on his lips.

Lavar nodded in realization, then remarked.

“This un-foreseen intrusion by Xxan and Feltis, it could cause us problems in the Assembly. It worries me that they have a diplomatic link with the Quat-tar.”

“Yes I agree. Perhaps I should have a word with Director Quinn. I’m sure he would find it most interesting.” Spate retorted casually.

“Could the Director reason with them? After all the DCO has no authority over the Assembly.” Lavar stated as they walked.

“Arron has a way of suggestion. I think he’ll be able to confine any problems that might arise before they get too far out of hand.”

The Coalition, Network, and DCO known very little is about the vast sector of Executive Space that sat before the Phoenix.

The Executive are very protective of their system, more so than any other species. Even the DCO had not managed to infiltrate. Minor diplomatic relations did exist, via Director Quinn’ wide network agents, but these channels were seldom exploited.

The Quat-tar gave the Executive a wide birth, not daring to cross their territory. Rumours were rampant across the Galaxy that the Executive was more powerful than any other species, rumours that had yet to be substantiated.

The Executive guarded their frontiers zealously. This would be only the second time since the inauguration of the Coalition; an alien craft would be allowed to traverse their system.

“Admiral, we are being hailed. Executive craft coming into range.” Lieutenant Norret announced.

A massive octagonal shaped, silver coloured craft, bearing the Executive insignia, filled the view-screen. It was three, maybe four times the size of the Phoenix. Its over-lapping insignia alone was the size of the Firebird.

All on the Phoenix’ bridge remained silent as they took stock of the awesome craft. It loomed ominously in front of them, blocking their way.

Lieutenant Norret quickly deciphered and translated the Executive communication, and the Executive Commander’ voice boomed from the speakers.

“Network force, you have been granted permission by our Exalted Potentate to cross our system. You will remain on this vector; any deviation will be considered an act of aggression, and we will respond with deadly force. We will be watching.”

Without waiting for any reply, the Executive ship gracefully banked left, and streaked back from whence she came, finally blinking out of sight.

Admiral Torre cleared his throat with a cough, and remarked.

“That was straight to the point; no room for error there. Captain, signal the others. Maximum speed ahead, no variation from this course.”

The small Phoenix taskforce crossed into Executive space. Each ship had received the same message from the Executive ship simultaneously. Everyone was apprehensive; any mistake at this point could mean their sudden demise.

The Qtunga-class Quat-tar warship flew casually past the wrecked shipyards. Her shields were down as she scanned the buckled framework. She slowly edged her way towards the entrance, its great gates damaged and hanging loosely.

Using thrusters only, she manoeuvred through. All around floated the destroyed craft. Cautiously, she cruised past the demolished remains of the deep-space explorer, its structure burnt and blackened. Suddenly the Qtunga was rocked from side to side as three torpedoes struck her hull, a fourth hitting her primary shielding array.

From within the cluster of twisted gantries, another salvo streaked their way towards the Qtunga, followed by several long bursts of laser fire. The torpedoes impacted on her primary engines immobilizing her. The laser lances cut across her unprotected hull gouging deep jagged cracks in her port side.

She tried to manoeuvre her powerful guns to face the unseen attacker using only her thrusters, but she could not turn fast enough. Her position was tight, unable to swing round to face the enemy, so she fired her lesser aft cannons, firing blindly into the framework.

Torpedo after torpedo erupted on her hull, forcing the vacuum of space inside. Eventually, the ailing Qtunga burst into a fireball of molten metal.

When the smoke dissipated, from within the twisted gantries, the running lights of the Aries came back on-line. Her engines powered up, and she manoeuvred free from her hiding place.

Fortunately, Admiral Toove’ decision to reverse course had paid off, resulting in getting them back to the shipyards before the arrival of the Qtunga. They had barely time to conceal themselves before the Qtunga slipped through the broken gates.

The enemy had acted just as Toove had expected, thinking the small amount of fluctuating power showing on their sensors would be considered residue of the shipyards power centre. Toove had shut down all power except minimal life support and weapons.

On the Aries Bridge, Toove was pleased with the outcome. Captain Nali had voiced disapproval at the rash action of positioning the Aries amongst the wreckage, but Toove’ flair for pulling off the unusual had again paid off, and the Qtunga was no longer a threat.

“Well Captain, now that we aren’t leaving an enemy craft undamaged in our wake, set course for the rendezvous.” Toove ordered.

“Aye sir.” Nali responded smartly.

The Cortez’s flight through hyperspace was extremely turbulent, lurching continuously because of the extensive damage she had sustained.

“Sir we must return to normal space to effect repairs. We can’t take much more of this, we’ll break up!” Captain Brace shouted over the loud rumbling noise the engines were making.

“Are we free of Ormacron space yet?” Jelt inquired calmly.

“Yes Sir.” Replied the navigation officer.

“Helm, drop to subspace, full stop.”

As the Cortez dropped to normal space she rocked. The helmsman fought to keep control, and finally brought her to a lurching halt. She hung still in space, listing to port.

“Damage report?” Jelt demanded urgently.

Smoke was beginning to filter through onto the bridge through the ventilators. Captain Brace grimly relayed the reports now appearing on his screen.

“Main engine manifolds have buckled. Radiation leaks throughout engineering, all personal evacuated, and venting is underway. Decks five through to seven have lost gravity. Hull fissure along our starboard side, containment fields holding!”

“How long to effect repairs to the engines?”

Brace tapped his terminal and brought up some calculations, then answered efficiently.

“Venting will take approximately thirty minutes. Once we can re-enter engineering we’ll be able to assess damage levels more closely. However, auxiliary engineering can give us quarter power from the secondary engines.”

Jelt nodded in acceptance and said.

“ Have Chief Loc effect repairs as soon as he can. Helm, course three four nine sub-space, one quarter speed.”

The Cortez would be late for the rendezvous. At quarter speed it would put them at least two hours behind. Jelt hoped the Phoenix would have enough firepower without her, presuming the Aries had gotten away safely.

As soon as First Admiral Spate got back to his quarters, he had Bradly put a priority communication through to Capa Morna space station. Capa Morna is situated three days from Jurass Prime, in the Practol sector.

Jurass is the main link between Capa Morna and Agar. It boasts great buildings dedicated to the pursuits of espionage, and is home to the impenetrable vaults of the Directorate of Covert Operations.

Capa Morna space station is the nerve centre of Jurass. From here Director Quinn runs his sordid empire. Very few, if any, knew what Quinn looked like, his visual identity is kept a state secret to protect him from assassination. Many had tried in the past; all had failed to get near him, or the station.

Quinn is beholden to no one, though several well-healed dignitaries owe him favours, favours that would eventually be repaid in full.

The mere mention of Quinn’ name could invoke fear in certain quarters. Many tales had emanated from the daunting space station depicting Quinn’ features, each one more perverse than its predecessor.

First Admiral Spate is among the many who have never seen Quinn in his true appearance; it is rumoured Quinn sometimes uses others to masquerade as him when needed.

Spate sat in front of his black vid-comm; the screen depicting the DCO emblem. From the screen came the voice of Quinn, he was not in the habit of taking chances, not even with the supreme commander of the Network.

“I understand your concerns Jerrico, and I am aware of the negotiations between Kodo, Waii, and the Quat-tar.”

Nothing goes on in Coalition space without Quinn’ knowledge. He could control all communications through Jurass, and often monitored system-to-system traffic.

“Our informants say they have achieved steps in bringing about a treaty. They say it’s only a matter of time before the Elders oust the Quat-tar military. In fact it was the Elders that propositioned the Waii.” Spate replied.

“I know that as well. I have until now allowed these negotiations to proceed unhindered. However, I see do your problem. If they are successful, you think it will compromise our long term plans?”

Spate chanced his luck and interrupted at his point, something Quinn despised greatly.

“ If this were to happen at any other time it would probably be acceptable. But we can’t risk losing Tanteee. We must reap the rewards in this furtive venture.”

“Of course, of course. These peace talks will have to be discontinued for now. Once the Tanteee situation is solved, then they can resume negotiations. Leave it with me Jerrico!”

Quinn’s word was all that Spate required. He knew from the moment Quinn investigated the matter, the Kodo, Waii initiative would no longer pose a threat to their covert plans. Plans that the Assembly knew nothing about, plans that even most of the Network knew nothing about; plans that would secure the future of the Coalition.