Ghost Fleet (The Pike Chronicles Book 4) (23 page)

“Commanders,” said Admiral Pike over Bast’s command console. Jonas and the other Chaanisar Colonels were displayed. “The comm drone has just jumped back to our position. The corporate fleet has entered the New Byzantium system, and is preparing to engage the New Byzantium fleet. Are you ready?”

“Yes, Admiral,” said Bast, as did the other commanders.

“You should now be seeing the enemy fleet formation that the drone has transmitted.” A circle appeared around the left flank. “They have a battleship and carrier in this strike group. We will punch through their escorts, and open up a path for the bombers to get at that battleship and carrier. Any questions?”

“No,” said Bast, echoed by the others.

Pike nodded. “Begin operations.” The display flickered and the faces were gone, replaced by a view of the surrounding space. They were positioned one light year away from New Byzantium, in empty space, waiting for the corporate fleet to arrive in the New Byzantium system. Now it was time to act. Bast’s tactical display showed the six blue icons that belonged to their fleet, along with ten additional blue icons belonging to the cargo ships Jon had acquired.

“Close in on the first designated cargo ship,” ordered Bast.

“Yes, Sir,” said the Helmsman.

The viewscreen showed a row of cargo ships floating in space directly in front of them. One of the ships steadily grew larger as Bast’s Heavy Cruiser drew closer. A few minutes later the cargo ship was the only thing visible. The Ronin positioned itself directly above the empty vessel, and waited for confirmation that the rest of the ships were in position. Bast adjusted the orientation of the viewscreen through his brain chip, giving them a view of the distant stars dead ahead.

AI, we are just about in position
, said Bast through his brain chip.

All cargo ship engines are online, Colonel. You may jump when ready
, replied AI.

Understood.

“Sir, the other ships are reporting they are in position,” said the Tactician.

“Helm, are we synced with the battleship’s jump system?” said Bast.

“Yes, Sir.”

“Inform Colonel Steeg that we are jump ready.”

“Battleship 3125 has acknowledged receipt. Jumping in five, four, three, two, one.”

Dozens of warships suddenly filled the view screen as they landed along the left flank of the enemy armada.

“Cargo ships are firing engines,” said the Tactician.

On the viewscreen the cargo ship that was directly below them began to accelerate on a heading straight for the enemy ships. AI piloted the empty cargo ships, setting them on a collision course with the enemy fleet. The cargo ships didn’t have any weaponry, but Admiral Pike did have General Calledonius reinforce their hulls so that they could withstand enemy fire until they hit their targets. It was a brilliant strategy against a fleet of this size, because even if some of the ships got out of the way, there would still be targets behind them. AI could easily adjust course to compensate for any changes, ensuring maximum devastation.

Bast watched as the cargo ships picked up speed and came into range of the enemy. The fleet took notice and began firing, but Bast could already tell that they had too much momentum for the enemy to do anything to stop them. With the cargo ships clear, the viewscreen shifted again and they were back to their rallying point, with the Freedom and the five other cargo ships waiting.

“Helm, bring us into position above the second target ship.”

“Setting course,” said the Helmsman.

The Ronin closed in on the next cargo ship, coming up just above it. Once in position, they waited for the rest of the ships to do the same. Then they jumped a second time.

To keep the enemy guessing they landed above the targeted ships, rather than beside them. The enemy would adapt within seconds, but those seconds could turn out to be precious. Bast immediately noticed the wreckage on the viewscreen. The previous cargo ships were gone, and it looked like a few of the escort ships were gone as well.

Engaging engines
, said AI.
Previous attack was a success. I managed to destroy five enemy ships.

Well done, AI,
said Bast.

I anticipate this attack being more difficult
, said AI.
However, I do not believe the enemy will have enough time to stop me. They have engaged with General Calledonius’s fleet, and their attention is focused on their front. They are more concerned with outflanking General Calledonius than they are with committing resources to this section.

“Sir, enemy carrier is launching fighters,” said the Tactician.

Bast looked at his tactical display and saw the new red icons spewing out of the carrier and racing for the cargo ships. Then they disappeared, replaced by the blue icon belonging to the Freedom.

“Commander Konos, you are a go,” came the voice over Konos’s comm. His jump squadron contained twelve bombers, and four fighters.

“Alright, this is it. We have our marching orders. Let’s get to work. Initiate jump Alpha.”

A split second later they had landed in the midst of the corporate fleet. Konos instantly noticed the large debris field full of ship wreckage, no doubt the result of the cargo ship collisions. Up ahead were their targets, a carrier and a battleship. Racing toward them was a swarm of enemy fighters.

“Shit,” said Konos. “Keep those bogeys away from the bombers.”

“You got it, Sir,” said Lieutenant Hansen, as she and her wingman broke away to intercept the incoming fighters.

“I’m with you, boss,” said Lieutenant Mani, Konos’s wingman. The two fighters streaked ahead to engage the incoming enemy.

The bombers started firing their defensive guns, creating a light show of their own, as blue energy bolts lanced out in all directions.

Konos flew straight for an incoming fighter, guns blazing. He scored several direct hits. The enemy fighter lost control and spun away completely out of control.

“Nice shot, boss,” said Mani, who chased another fighter. “If you’re not too busy, do you mind getting this bogey off my rear?”

Konos looked on his tactical display and spotted the red chasing Mani’s blue. He swung his ship around to get a visual. The enemy bogey tried to line Mani up. Blue lightning streaked out of the bogey guns, barely missing the veteran fighter pilot. Mani broke off pursuit of the other fighter, and took evasive maneuvers to avoid getting hit.

“Hang tight. On my way,” said Konos as he whipped his fighter around and raced to Mani’s rescue. Konos came at the enemy fighter from the side, lining him up and letting loose a barrage of blue lightning, burning into the enemy fighter. “Two down!” said Konos.

“Thanks, boss,” said Mani, the relief noticeable in his voice.

“There’s too many of them,” said Hansen anxiously. “The bombers will never make it. Neither will we.”

Konos looked at his tactical display. Hansen was right. The red fighter icons were everywhere. “Activate jump grid,” ordered Konos. “A numbered overlay appeared on his HUD, dividing up the space around them into numbered squares. “Short jump to H7 now.”

A split second later and the battleship filled his range of vision.
Shit,
he thought as its guns opened fire. “Assault group Beta, release torpedoes.”

“Torpedoes away,” said one of the bomber pilots.

“Short jump to D5 now,” said Konos.

The battleship disappeared, now replaced by the hulking form of the corporate carrier.

“Assault group Alpha, release torpedoes.”

“Torpedoes away,” said another pilot.

“All birds jump to nest, now.” Said Konos, as his fighter began taking fire.

Quiet. The enemy armada disappeared leaving Konos and his bomber squadron floating in space alongside the waiting Freedom.

“Commander Konos to Freedom, mission accomplished.”

“Well done, Commander,” said Admiral Pike over Konos’s comm. “Are all your birds accounted for?”

“Yes, Sir.”

“Good work. Return to the hangar bay so we can commence with stage two.”

Jon waited for Colonel Steeg to get his battleship into position, so that they could all jump back into the battle. Everything had gone according to plan up until this point. Now came the big push. The bombers had been able to launch their torpedoes, and with any luck both the enemy carrier and battleship had been destroyed. Even if they hadn’t, they would certainly be crippled, but that still left another eight capitol ships to deal with, along with their escorts. They were still outnumbered.

Reports indicated that the corporate fleet had already engaged the New Byzantium military, and would now do what they could to press their advantage.

“AI, you said the fleet had begun moving to encircle General Calledonius?”

“Yes, Admiral, the corporate fleet is maneuvering to take advantage of its greater numbers. General Calledonius does not have sufficient resources to prevent this.”

They would try to use their greater numbers to flank General Calledonius. This would eventually cause Calledonius’s line to fall apart. When it did, wholesale slaughter would ensue. If, however, Jon’s ships went after the ships attempting to flank General Calledonius, they would be the ones doing the encircling. With ships attacking from their front and their rear, the enemy would have nowhere to run, and they would be the ones to fall into disarray.

“Sir, Colonel Steeg’s battleship is in position,” said Ensign Petrovic.

“Advise him to hold position. We are not jump ready,” said Jon. He tapped his screen and brought up the commanders.

“Is there a problem, Admiral?” said Colonel Steeg.

“We need to wait,” said Jon, firmly.

“I don’t understand. The battle has begun. We are needed.”

“We need to give the corporate fleet time to outflank General Calledonius.”

“But that will cause his line to fall apart. They will be annihilated.”

“I’m not suggesting we wait that long. Just long enough for the corporate fleet to flank Calledonius. Then we jump in directly behind the flanking ships, and turn the tables on them. They will be the ones who end up surrounded, rather than Calledonius. We can focus on that section without worrying about the rest of the corporate fleet.”

“We will have them in a vice,” said Steeg, showing he understood.

“And all we’ll have to do is squeeze,” said Jon.

“The battle will be difficult for General Calledonius until we jump in.”

“He’ll manage. He needs a good bloody nose to understand our value.”

“I hope his bloody nose does not turn into broken bones,” said Steeg.

“It won’t. I’ll have a comm drone monitor the situation. Keep your jump system on a hair trigger.”

“Yes, Admiral.”

“Jonas, when we go in I want you to seize any opportunity to take corporate ships out of the fight. Wherever you can, get in close and jump them away. A couple of light years should do the trick.”

“We’ll take those numbers down for you, don’t you worry,” said Jonas.

“I know you will,” said Jon. “Commander Konos, is your squadron ready to get back into the fight?”

“Yes, Sir,” said Konos. “The bombers have been rearmed with Scorpion torpedoes and are ready to launch.”

“Good. This time we will deploy all our fighters, so your bombers will have plenty of support.”

“Thank you, Sir. That will make the job a bit easier.”

“Everyone stand by. I’ll send the signal to jump as soon as conditions are optimal.” Jon tapped the screen and the other Commanders’ faces were gone. “Ensign Petrovic, dispatch a comm drone to the New Byzantium system. I want frequent updates, so program it to jump back and forth on a regular basis.”

“Yes, Sir. Deploying comm drone.”

Jon hoped that he was right about Calledonius, and that his ships could hold the line. If he couldn’t, Jon’s gambit would blow up in his face. The reality, however, was that they had softened up the corporate fleet substantially. They had taken out eighteen ships before Vogel’s betrayal, and at least another ten so far today. With any luck, the battleship and carrier the bombers attacked would be out of the fight, either destroyed, or so crippled that they couldn’t continue. That would mean thirty ships removed from battle. Calledonius might still be outnumbered, but he had the advantage of defending. On top of that, his people fought for their homes, as opposed to the corporate fleet, that fought for profit. No, the old bastard would hold on, despite the odds.

“Contact,” said Petrovic. “It’s the comm drone. Receiving data feed.”

“Send to my tactical display,” said Jon. His tactical screen came to life, with dozens of red and blue icons appearing. From the looks of it Calledonius had suffered some preliminary casualties, but had not fallen apart yet. That was about to change, however, as the corporate fleet’s right section had almost swung around to envelop Calledonius’s fleet. They weren’t quite there yet, however. They needed more time.

“Send the drone back,” said Jon. “Same return frequency.”

“Yes, Sir. Drone is jumping back,” said Petrovic.

“You really think the General can hold the line?” said Kevin.

“He better,” said Jon. “Either way, we’re going to find out what his men are made of.”

“Sink or swim, huh?”

“Yeah, something like that.”

“Calledonius is going to be pissed.”

“Hopefully he survives long enough to tell me about it.”

Kevin looked back at him with a concerned look. Jon wondered if he was doing the right thing.
Is this me, or the creature?

We are one
, said the symbiont.

Who asked you?
replied Jon.

“Contact,” said Petrovic after some time had passed. “It’s the comm drone.”

“Send feed to my tactical display,” said Jon.

His screen shifted to show the current status of the battle, and it was starting to look ugly. Calledonius had lost more ships, but surprisingly his line hadn’t crumbled.
The old bastard has a set of balls on him, I’ll give him that
. The corporate fleet had already swung around and began enveloping Calledonius’s flank. His ships tried to buttress that part of the line, but they just didn’t have the numbers. They couldn’t simultaneously hold the line, and fend off the flanking attack. They were making a heroic stand, but their prospects looked grim.

Jon tapped his comm display and Steeg’s face appeared. “Colonel, I’ve sent you the tactical display from the comm drone. We need to jump behind those corporate ships now.”

“I see them,” said Steeg. “Setting coordinates. Prepare to jump.” Steeg delivered the jump order to the fleet.

Jon turned to Kevin. “Launch all birds the second we land.”

“Yes, Sir.”

“Ensign Petrovic, prepare to fire weapons.”

“Weapons ready, Sir.”

As the fleet jumped, the Freedom’s viewscreen switched from displaying peaceful distant stars, to the hellish chaos of battle.

“Launching fighters and bombers,” said Kevin.

“Set rail guns to offensive mode. Fire weapons at will,” said Jon. “Target their engines.”

They had landed directly behind the flanking ships. The enemy engines were exposed, as they were focused on the fight against Calledonius in front of them. While they had already deployed their point defense systems, their engines remained vulnerable to energy weapons and projectiles. Jon’s ships took full advantage. They wasted no time, unleashing a torrent of energy bolts and depleted uranium at the enemy.

Jon’s tactical display showed the Reiver’s icon disappear and reappear directly above an enemy destroyer. Both ships disappeared as the Reiver jumped the corporate ship away. Seconds later the Reiver’s blue icon reappeared above a second corporate destroyer. Both blue and red icons again disappeared, as Jonas took a second ship out of the action. If the Reiver could repeat this tactic over and over, it could single handedly diminish the corporate fleet’s fighting ability substantially, and go a long way toward defeating the enemy. Jon knew, however, that they couldn’t simply rely on the Reiver. They had to crush the corporate fleet, or they would return.

The viewscreen lit up with the white light of an exploding reactor, as the combination of weapons fire, and a well-placed Scorpion torpedo destroyed an enemy cruiser. The bombers were all in range now, and their Scorpions were flying. The bridge crew was forced to shield their eyes from the blinding light on the viewscreen. The torpedoes hit their targets. Multiple warships exploded. When the flash of light dissipated the viewscreen revealed the smoking debris of several warships. Jon noted the damage to nearby ships caused by the explosions.
Every little bit helps
, he thought.

Jon’s tactical screen showed several warships turning to confront the attack by Jon’s ships on their rear. He’d been waiting for this. Jon tapped his comm screen and General Calledonius appeared in short order.

“What the hell are you playing at Pike? Where were you? Why did you take so long to join us?” said Calledonius, his trademark scowl permanently etched on his face.

“I needed the enemy to flank you, General,” said Jon.

“What? Have you lost your mind? Do you know how many people I’ve lost because of your stunt?”

“It had to be done, General. It allowed us to get behind the flanking units and isolate them.”

Calledonius looked down, presumably at a tactical display. “I see what you’ve done, Pike. Damn you, you should’ve told me. It wasn’t part of the original plan.”

“My apologies, General, but the flanking ships are about to fall apart. I need you to hit hard on your flank now.”

“That will weaken the front line.”

“Only temporarily. When we destroy the enemy on your flank, we can focus all our forces on the enemy’s main line.”

Calledonius looked down again, studying his display, then nodded. “Very well. Let’s finish them off.” The General’s face disappeared from the viewscreen, and Jon noticed on his tactical display that several of the Calledonius ships were moving to join the fight on their flank. It seemed, however, that the corporate fleet had changed tactics, and several corporate cruisers and destroyers would soon be on top of Jon’s ships.

Jon tapped his comm screen and Jonas appeared.

“What is it now?” said the grizzled Reiver.

“Jonas, do you see those corporate ships converging on us?”

“Yeah, I see them.”

“Focus on those destroyers, and take them out of the fight. We can handle the ships in front of us.”

Jonas nodded. “Leave them to me,” he said, and his face was gone from the screen.

Jon watched his blue icon disappear from his tactical screen and reappear above one of the advancing destroyers, then both were gone.

“Bombers are being reloaded,” said Kevin.

“Good,” said Jon. He tapped his screen and brought up Commander Konos.

“Yes, Sir.”

“Good work, Commander. I want you to change focus now. Bring up your tactical display. Do you see those ships bearing down on us?”

“I see them, Sir.”

“They’re your new targets.”

“Understood. We’ll give them hell, Sir.”

“I know you will, Commander. Good hunting.” Jon looked over at Kevin. “Order fighter squadrons to engage the ships advancing on our rear flank. With any luck they’ll keep their attention away from our bombers.”

On the viewscreen another white flash as an enemy ship succumbed to the battleship’s firepower. The rest of the enemy ships were in complete disarray now, and some were openly trying to retreat. Unfortunately for them, they had no avenue of escape, and retreating only made matters worse. Calledonius’s ships didn’t hesitate. They closed in and cut the fleeing enemy down without mercy. More white flashes followed, as several ships were destroyed in rapid succession. A handful of the original flanking ships remained, struggling to defend against the ships surrounding them. Jon felt a pang of pity for them. Their cause was hopeless, and they would be destroyed. Calledonius would not give them quarter, and neither would Jon. An example would be set here today, one that would be remembered for some time, lest any of the corporations got any ideas about conquest again.

Jon checked the developments on their rear flank. Jonas had already removed some of the destroyers from the enemy ranks, but the enemy seemed to be adapting to the maneuver, and the larger heavy cruisers moved closer to the destroyers, attempting to block the Reiver from getting within range of a jump. When Jonas tried to remove another ship, he was met with heavy fire from both and had to retreat, jumping back to the relative safety of the fleet. Jon tapped his screen to bring up Jonas’s face.

“We’re taking too much fire to jump in,” said Jonas. “I’ve already had a hull breach.”

“You’ve done well, Jonas. Stay with the fleet. You’re no good to me if you get yourself blown up.”

“Your sympathy is touching, Jon Pike.”

Jon grinned. “It’s not sympathy. If I let anything happen to you, Breeah will never let me hear the end of it.”

“You’re right. My daughter would avenge me. You would be wise to sleep with one eye open if something happened to me,” said Jonas, breaking out in riotous laughter.