Space Brigade

When the Phoenix Pride rendezvoused at Torok, another strike force closed on the Ormacronis shipyards. Their mission, to attack the shipyards and render it useless, to destroy all docked starships no matter their origins.

The Network battleship Aries, heavy cruiser Cortez, and a Tigress freighter dropped from hyperspace one system away from Ormacronis.

Onboard the Aries Admiral Toove is in contact with the Tigress freighter, the image of the freighter’ commander flickers on the Aries view-screen.

“You know what you must accomplish Major, the Ormacrons aren’t expecting a Tigress ship!”

“That shouldn’t be a problem sir, the Ormacrons often have old craft turn up unexpectedly for a re-fit. Once we’ve docked, we’ll take over the central systems building and take the perimeter defence systems off line.” Major Belzec answered.

Major Lomeroo Belzec is one of the few Tigrens who aliened themselves to the Coalition. It is not common knowledge that the Network had Tigrens within their ranks, so the use of Belzec and his men on this mission was perfect.

Major Belzec’ wing shaped ears fluttered as he waited for Toove’ response.

“Very well major we will await your signal. Good luck, Aries out.”

Toove watched the freighter out of the forward view port as it re-jumped into hyperspace. If all went as planned, the shipyards director would not question their authenticity too much.

With a little luck he would be too busy calculating how much profit he would make from an unauthorized re-fit. Ormacrons are known for their greed, and acting quickly at the thought of huge profits.

The shipyards are in permanent orbit above the purple-skied planet of Ormacronis One. On the surface, the Ormacrons manufacture armaments to sell to the highest bidder, who are usually the Quat-tar.

The shipyards can accommodate upwards of seventeen starships at any one time; has a permanent residential technical crew along with several planetary based auxiliary technicians, and is defended by an impressive array of energy weapons.

Ormacronis’ planetary defence grid is not as well equipped; they rely greatly on the help of any capable ship within the shipyards, although Ormacronis defence does have several squadrons of land-based fighters that can be thrown into any confrontation at a moments notice.

The Tigress freighter dropped into Ormacron space. On the bridge, Belzec waited for the inevitable challenge.

“Slow to impulse.” He ordered.

“We’re being hailed!” Lieutenant Copek announced.

“Acknowledge, and send the correct response codes.”

Lieutenant Copek complied and sent the signal. A signal they had paid dearly for, losing three of their comrades in obtaining it from the original occupiers of the freighter.

The ships communication speakers came to life with the familiar gurgle of the Ormacron dialogue.

“Tigress freighter, you will hand over your helm to our control. Why are you here?”

“We are in urgent need of a re-fit on our hyperdrive system. We are prepared to pay extra for any inconvenience.” Belzec stated as he handed over control of their helm.

“You will be held at the outer marker until I can confirm your requirements. Price will not be negotiable!”

The freighter was kept waiting while Ormacron control scanned their ship. The freighters hyperdrive system had been sabotaged immediately after dropping into Ormacron space just to make the situation look completely valid.

The freighter’ internal speakers sparked to life again. An Ormacron announced.

“We will make repairs to your vessel. Our navigation will dock you in mooring three. The payment will be in advance of any repairs being undertaken.

Our scanners show you are carrying far too many life signs for just your crew. Who are your passengers?”

“We are transporting several members of Vailtras to their religious colony on Praga six. I assure you they will not leave the ship. Even I have trouble withstanding their vile odour, but they pay well for passage.” Belzec answered ending in a laugh.

He is well aware the Ormacrons know the value of cargo, and would try to charge an extra exorbitant price for the passengers.

Again the internal speakers crackled.

“You will report to the station paymaster as soon as you are docked. He will inform you of price and penalties. The Vailtras must remain within the confines of your ship.”

The freighter moved slowly at the control of the shipyards helm. The giant gates slid open, and the freighter was pulled slowly through.

Banks of energy weapons tracked and targeted the freighter as it entered; the gates closed behind them sealing them in.

Ormacron control guided the Tigress through overhead gantries, housing mighty starships that were under construction by droids; they scurried all over the hulls, fixing and securing.

Next the freighter passed directly beneath the skeletal structure of a vast deep-space explorer-class android ship, its huge engines being manoeuvred into place by vast robotic mechanisms.

Finally they docked at mooring three. Shipyards control fired the freighters thrusters automatically to place her up close against the docking port. Docking clamps fired and latched on, holding the freighter securely in a vice-like grip.

The docking port pressurized with a hiss of gas and locked with the freighters airlock.

“All right let’s go.” Belzec said jumping from his seat.

As he and the others left, the ships speakers crackled to life.

“Welcome to Ormacronis shipyards. While we affect repairs, you are permitted to make use of our modest facilities. Your repairs are scheduled to start within the next ten hours standard Ormacronis time!”

By the time the message had ended, Belzec and his crew were already opening the airlock. They expected some kind of armed reception, but were met by no one. They moved slowly through the brightly lit corridor, when a small box droid scurried up to them.

“You are from the Tigress?” Its mechanical voice inquired.

“We are.” Belzec answered, and continued.

“My men wish to partake of your facilities hospitality suites, they have six months salary to dispose of.”

The box droid turned and hurried away while calling.

“This way, this way.”

Admiral Toove paced the Aries Bridge; He is not known for his patience.

“Status on the Tigress?” He snapped.

“No signal as yet sir. However their tracking beacon is within the confines of the shipyards.” The sensors officer advised.

Toove retook his command seat in the centre of the bridge.

“Sir the Cortez is hailing.” Announced communications.

Toove nodded, and the forward view-screen filled with the stocky features of Commodore Jelt. He stood almost seven foot tall, his orange coloured leathery skin shone in the ships bright lighting.

“Admiral we should’ve received the signal by now!” Jelt said gruffly.

“I am well aware of that Commodore, have a little faith, Belzec will come through and this mission will succeed. In the mean time you will hold your position.”

“I advise we move to attack vectors sir!”

Jelt’ suggestion annoyed Toove. The Commodore was well known for his arrogance and misinterpretation of orders.

“Your suggestion is noted Commodore, but we will hold position until we receive the signal. If we move now their long-range scanners will notice us, and they’ll know something’s up. The first thing they’ll do is target the last craft entering the shipyards, the Tigress. Now you have your orders, Toove out.”

Toove gestured to the communications officer to close the channel. For now it was a waiting game, one that hinged on Belzec and his team.

The box droid took Belzec and his men to the central admin office.

“Ah Captain Antiga?” A large Ormacron inquired from behind a steel-glass screen.

Belzec nodded and eyed the surrounding area.

“Your payment if you please, forty-five thousand credits. A down payment I might add!”

The steel-glass screen lifted slightly, just enough for the payment chips to be slipped through.

“FORTY -FIVE THOUSAND! Are you mad? You are trying to swindle me. Get me your supervisor you fleecing scumsucker!” Belzec hollered, feigning rage.

The clerk jumped back in shock then retaliated with a string of indistinguishable Ormacron insults in his own native tongue, and finally calling for his supervisor.

Belzec’ crewmates had huddled round the screen, blocking the actions of one of them picking the electronic lock. The clerk waited patiently, giving Belzec looks of contempt.

On his arrival, the supervisor inquired what was wrong. The clerk advised him of the situation and the supervisor turned to Belzec.

“You, Tigren the price is the price, un-negotiable. If you don’t like it, then take your out of date wreck somewhere else!”

Belzec continued to rage, thumping on the screen. The two Ormacrons stood patiently on the other side. Belzec finally reached into his holdall. The clerk quickly raised the screen again, anticipating payment.

“You pirates!” Belzec said, not looking at them.

“Just hand it over.” The clerk snapped, his tongue flicking.

Quicker than the eye, Belzec shoved a laser pistol through the gap and fired twice. Instantly, the crewmember working on the lock, activated it, and the entrance slid open.

The clerk was killed instantly; his bleeding corpse slumped over the counter. The supervisor was more fortunate, only being hit in the shoulder. But before he could raise the alarm, Belzec’ men were in and swarmed the room; killing anyone they came across, including the computer operator.

The supervisor had managed to reach his office door when he felt a kick in his back and shot forward onto his face. Belzec reached down and grabbed him by the throat.

He pushed his laser into the shoulder wound making the supervisor squeal.

“Do as I say and you might get out of this intact.” Belzec warned.

“What, what do you want me to do?”

“Deactivate the defence grid.”

“I can’t, I can’t, it can’t be done from here.”

Belzec again thrust the laser into the open wound. Green pus poured from the burning gash, the supervisor writhed and cried out.

“I’ll do it, I’ll do it.”

Suddenly, alarms sounded all around.

“Anything?” Admiral Toove asked.

“Nothing yet sir.“ The communications officer responded again.

“Admiral, the shipyards have gone on alert. All perimeter armaments have just powered up!” Sensor control announced.

“Damn!” Toove mumbled.

“How much longer?” Belzec shouted.

The admin room was beginning to fill with gas, as the Ormacronis security teams tried to regain the room.

“A few minutes.” Someone called back.

Belzec and his men fought a running battle at the entrance. The Ormacron supervisor cowered over at a computer terminal to Belzec’ left.

“Disarm this station NOW!” Belzec shouted pointing his laser at the supervisor’ head.

He worked slowly and awkwardly at the terminal while Belzec constantly watched him.

Two attack mechanoids managed to break through, entering firing. Blue shards of energy dissected the gaseous cloud that had engulfed the interior. They fired at anything and everything that moved, one blue bolt cutting straight through the supervisor’ chest. His tongue flicked wildly as his chest erupted. Specks of light green blood splattered the terminal, the supervisor fell forward, his face smearing the screen with his blood. Belzec dragged him off, the terminal screen flashed.

(Perimeter defence grid deactivated).

The attack mechanoids suddenly came to a halt, their weapons silent the deactivation order ordering them to cease.

Belzec quickly pulled out his personal communicator and said.

“Tigress. Go, go.”

The freighters aft hatch fired, and the supposed Vailtras passengers flooded out. They were in truth a company of Network star-commandoes, fully armed and mobilized by personal jetpacks.

The star-commandoes quickly dispersed and floated between the docked craft, each commando placing space-mines at key locations along the docked ships hulls, shooting down any maintenance crews that were unfortunate to be caught outside.

One team headed for the landing bays of the central core. Once on firm footing, they discarded their jetpacks and rushed through the centre structure, taking over the operations office. When they had accomplished the takeover, their commander informed Belzec.

“Send the advance signal!” Belzec ordered.

“Admiral we have a green light. I have just received Major Belzec’ signal.” Lieutenant Damon confirmed after deciphering the signal.

“Sensor confirmation?” Toove asked.

“All sensors indicate all shipyard perimeter defences are off line.” Captain Nali confirmed from his station.

“Launch all fighters as soon as we enter Ormacron space. Take us in, inform the Cortez to begin the assault on Ormacronis surface; new vectors and targets to follow!”

The Aries re-jumped and dropped into Ormacronis space just short of the shipyards. Her fighters ejected from her bays as she came to a full stop.

“The doors are still sealed!” Nali advised.

“Hold position, divert fighters to attack the outer structure.” Toove ordered while changing the Cortez’s attack vectors and targets.

The Cortez gained orbit as Toove’ new orders came through. Commodore Jelt studied them then said.

“Get me Toove!”

After a short moment the view-screen came on-line showing Toove.

“What is it Jelt?”

Jelt swung round in his seat to face the view-screen.

“Admiral, these new vectors, they’ll have us drop our payloads too close to densely populated areas. I can’t guarantee there will not be substantial civilian casualties.”

“Have I asked for such a guarantee?”

“No sir, but.”

“I don’t question the First Admiral’s orders, don’t dare to question mine!” Toove interrupted angrily.

Although Jelt was a little surprised at Toove’ offhandedness, he remained composed, and replied.

“I do not question your orders sir, just authenticating their validity.”

“You have the vectors and your orders Commodore. I suggest you carry them out and let me worry about their validity. Aries out.”

After sorting out the orders, Jelt issued the launch order. The Cortez’s bombers left their bays and headed for the atmosphere. Before they reached the first layer, nine squadrons of Ormacron mark-one split fighters shot up from the surface and engaged them.

The split fighters weaved their way in and out, firing as they passed the slower bombers. Their antiquated pulse lasers inflicting little damage on the bombers heavy military shielding.

Suddenly the fighters began exploding; from a distance, long thin green lances of energy impacted on the fighters, destroying them instantly. The more advanced weaponry of the Cortez’s star-fighters picked off the splits while still out of their range of fire. The few surviving Ormacron splits tried in vain to damage the unwavering bomber flight as they entered the atmosphere.

“GET THOSE BLOODY GATES OPEN!” Belzec shouted.

By now, the shipyards security forces had managed to regroup and had finally mounted a counterattack. The star-commandoes had control of most of the admin centre, but as yet had not broke into the main computer control room.

Belzec’ group were pinned down and was unable to leave the admin payment office. The Ormacrons had one advantage, they knew their shipyard well, and had managed to hold the star-commandos at the central core, keeping them from accessing the main computer and opening the shipyards gates.

“We can’t break through. You’ll have to find another way!” Star-Captain Parrie said in answer to Belzec’ urgent request.

Belzec threw the communicator across the room in anger; they had come too far to fail now he thought.

“Major, I think I can access the mainframe from here. I might be able to override their security systems and order the gates to open.” Trooper A-llet announced.

“Well do it. Don’t wait for me to give the damn order !” Belzec snapped back as he fired at an Ormacron who had dropped through the ceiling.

Trooper A-llet huddled into on corner and connected his comtec terminal into the Ormacron machinery. Within minutes he was into the system, and hurriedly accessed the relevant pathways.

The Aries fighters broke through the outer structure and set about disabling the starships that might pose a threat to the Aries and Cortez. Several tried to cut open the gates but failed.

Inside the shipyards, the space-mines placed by the star-commandoes exploded on time, creating huge breaches in the docked ships hulls.

The fighters engaged the huge deep-space explorer that had powered up her incomplete engines, ready to make a bid for freedom. They systematically cut up its hull, igniting small fires along its superstructure. It finally burst into flame and dived headlong into a stationary starship.

One small craft broke free from its moorings and tried to sneak under one of the many low gantries. Her captain misjudged and she scraped the topside of her hull, knocking off all her upgraded sensory equipment, and leaving a gaping hole. Her structural integrity failed, her crew was sucked out to float amongst the debris.

Commodore Jelt turned to Commander Brace and asked.

“Time to payload?”

“Two minutes sir.” Brace confirmed while checking his readout.

Jelt tapped his armrest impatiently. He had been force to re-think his strategy thanks to Toove’ new orders. He had planned to target away from densely populated areas and concentrate on the military manufacturing plants on the outskirts of the cities.

Not that he cared for the Ormacron, but the saturation bombing of an area so close to the civilian populace would undoubtedly mean high civilian casualties, something Jelt did not want on his record. He would have to make sure his objections to these latest orders were put on his permanent record, in case an investigation should arise.

“The flight has reached critical altitude Commodore.” Brace advised.

Jelt flipped the ship-to-ship com-unit in his armrest and ordered.

“Cortez to all flights, discharge all payloads!

The Network bombers opened their bay doors, ejecting their deadly load of desolator air mines and plasma bombs. Once they had emptied their overflowing banks, they headed back towards space.

The mines fell in their hundreds, hitting many of their designated targets. Huge plumes of dust, smoke, and debris rushed skyward. Orange-white tongues of fire rolled across the surface engulfing the manufacturing plants, then swept onwards towards the civilian quarter.

The surface trembled forcefully, tons of soil was thrown up creating great clouds of grey mist. The buildings crumbled as the fireball hit. Most of the surface was blanketed; the people had nowhere to run.

Other bombers hit the coastal areas, targeting the recycling factories. The starship coolant refineries were embedded deep into the bisque cliff face.

High above stood the tall liquid coolant towers. Rather than target the refineries, the bombers let loose their destructive payload on the towers. They split easily, setting fire to millions of gallons of coolant, which cascaded over the cliffs edge.

The fiery coolant clung to the cliff face, creating a burning waterfall of yellow, red, and orange, finally flowing into the now gurgling sea below. Fifty-foot tongues of flame shot from the cliff face as it shattered.

Ground based ion cannons fired at the retreating bombers, only to be engulfed by the burning tidal wave, the molten coolant succeeding where the bombers would have failed.

Ormacronis would never recover fully from the terrible attack. Eventually they would petition the Coalition for aid in rebuilding their devastated planet, and finally join the Coalition ranks.

“That’s it, I’ve done it!” A-llet shouted excitedly.

Belzec watched through the blackened view-screen as the shipyards giant gates began to part

“Make sure they can’t override.” He called.

“Already accomplished!” A-llet replied cheerfully.

On the Phoenix, Admiral Torre, General Hancy, and General Bel-tel, along with Colonel Chase stood above shuttle bay four in the observation area. The warning siren sounded the imminent arrival of the Tanteee shuttle.

They watched with interest as the shuttle bays magnetic shield fell silent and the sleek black shuttle slowly pushed its pointed nose through the portal. The smaller version of the Firebird glided gracefully into the hanger and came to a quiet rest in the centre. The low drone of the magnetic shield snapped back on, sealing out the vacuum of space.

Torre and the others descended on an anti-grav platform as the Tanteee shuttles pointed nose began to raise; a section of steps extended to the deck and a formidable looking Tanteee stepped out. He was larger and older than Lal, but wore the same uniform, although his insignia differed slightly. Lal greeted him then introduced him.

“General Xel, may I introduce Admiral Torre and his senior staff.”

Xel bowed his head slightly in response as Torre and the rest snapped to attention. Torre stepped forward and offered his hand in welcome.

“Welcome aboard the Phoenix, General.”

Xel stared at the outstretched hand, then at Lal, who responded in their native dialect, after which Xel grabbed Torre’ hand and shook it vigorously.

“An honour Admiral Torre.” Xel bellowed, his voice deep and commanding, and continued.

“Shall we discuss strategy here or elsewhere? I am eager to complete this operation and return to Tanteee. The Firebird is needed there urgently!”

Torre nodded and replied.

“We had hoped to have shown you a taste of Network hospitality. However we shall dispense with the pleasantries; if you will follow me.”

Lal nodded in approval of Torre’ response. Tanteee’ held open-ness and truth high above all else. High-ranking officers should assert their authority at all times and be proud of their achievements, and not equivocate.

The Aries edged her way through the now open shipyard gates, firing her main batteries. Her first wave of torpedoes struck the deep-space explorer, erupting deep inside her structure. Explosion after explosion rumbled through the mooring bays.

A newly refurbished Zixta light cruiser broke away and tried to evade the spread of torpedoes heading for her. She miraculously managed to dodge them, but in doing so sealed their fate by colliding with a docked plasma tanker. She virtually disintegrated in the flash of ignited plasma.

Another craft tried to scale the thousand-meter shipyard wall in an attempt to go above the Aries. Green lances whipped from the Aries top guns and sliced neatly into the fleeing ships engines. She fell from her precarious position, and plummeted to a blazing grave amongst the discarded obsolete ship parts at the bottom of the shipyards.

Inside, the star-commandos had finally overthrown all resistance, and had managed to link up with Belzec and his group of Tigrens. They had set their charges that would detonate once they were all safely away.

“Admiral, Major Belzec requests pick-up; their freighter has been destroyed.” Captain Nali stated.

Toove turned from overseeing the battle and responded.

“Have them make their way to bay seven in the supplies area, it’s the only one left serviceable, and there’ll be a shuttle waiting.”

The shipyards were now completely dead, no power, no Ormacrons left alive. All craft under repair were either destroyed or crippled beyond any reasonable salvage.

The once brightly lit central core was now darkened; an eerie silence now took the place of the loud engines that powered this giant facility.

Belzec’ shuttle departed the supplies area and docked safely with the Aries.

“Take us in for a slow pass, I want to make sure nothing is working.” Toove said quietly.

The Cortez’s bombers had returned to their flight decks. The fighters were still strafing the surface when Brace Suddenly announced.

“Unidentified craft on long range scanners!”

“Range?” Jelt asked sharply.

“Nine hundred thousand kilometres and closing fast.”

“Raise shields. Red alert! Divert any away fighters to the Aries, and inform Admiral Toove of the situation. Standby for battle stations!”

The Cortez’ alert sirens echoed throughout the ship. Gunners powered up their weapons, launch tubes were loaded with torpedoes.

“Enhance and identify.” Jelt ordered calmly.

Commander Brace operated the scanner station with expertise, and announced.

“It’s a Qtunga-class Quat-tar warship. Her shields are raised and her weapons are powered and on-line.”

“All batteries fire as she comes into range.” Jelt commanded.

The long sleek Qtunga-class ship let loose her ion beams on the Cortez as soon as she came into range. The Cortez responded; her green lances of energy flashed through the darkness, backed up by two salvos of plasma torpedoes. The lasers bounced off the stronger Qtunga’ shielding, while the torpedoes impact only made them glow light blue.

The Qtunga quickly retaliated with her own torpedo strike, in conjunction with full lasers and ion cannons, concentrating their fire on the Cortez’ port shielding. The shields glowed pink, turning to deep crimson at the intensity of the barrage.

The Cortez alone was no match for the Qtunga. Jelt retaliated in kind, but the Qtunga’ shielding just shimmered then returned too normal.

“Port shields failing!” Brace announced urgently, as he quickly re-routed power.

“Secondary power to the port shields. Turn us about.” Jelt commanded while keeping watch on the enemy ship.

The Qtunga fired another three salvos of torpedoes as the Cortez banked. Her shields flashed and flickered. She bucked as two torpedoes struck her hull.

“Hull breaches to decks six through to nine; force fields in place and holding. Minor damage to flight deck three.” Brace confirmed as he quickly moved to another station.

“Fire two consecutive salvo spreads and all aft batteries. Helm, take us out of orbit, prepare for hyperspace jump!” Jelt commanded, then added.

“Lieutenant sent coded massage to the Aries. Cortez forced to retreat. Under attack by Qtunga-class Quat-tar warship; will make best possible speed to phase two rendezvous.”

On receiving Jelt’ dispatch, the Aries abandoned its final pass around the shipyards and raced to the Cortez’s last known position on the far side of the Ormacronis. There were no signs of the Cortez or the Qtunga-class warship.

“Scanning for residual emissions.” Captain Nali announced. Then after a few seconds, said.

“Only one craft made the jump to hyperspace. Emissions signature verifies it was the Cortez.”

“Long range sensor sweep, see if you can locate that Qtunga-class vessel.” Toove ordered.

Nali moved to the admiral’ side and quietly mentioned.

“Sir our mission here is complete, and it would seem the Cortez has gotten away safely. May I suggest we make all speed to the phase two rendezvous.”

Toove shook his head slowly, and responded.

“ Normally Captain I would agree with your recommendation. However, we can’t leave without knowing what has happened to that Qtunga. We must locate it and disable it if at all possible!”

“ It may have already left the system sir. It could even be on its way back to Quat-tar.” Nali suggested.

“Possible, but I am gambling it will want to reconnoitre the shipyards before returning home. Helm, take us back to the shipyards, reverse course, maximum speed.”