Ashes of the Realm: Book 04 - The Return of the Realm (27 page)

Colby keyed his com, “Teleport ten yards right after firing your hornets. Do not remain in one location!”

Colby looked at his combat link and saw that he had lost a third of his platoon. The single beams being fired at him could not penetrate his armor, but six of them together would burn through. Thousands of the enemy had been killed but the mass was growing as the last units left the Carnivore’s camp and joined the battle. He saw a huge explosion as one of the tanks exploded, when all of the enemy troops fired on it simultaneously.

Lt. Blackwell watched the remaining enemy troops leave the camp and then saw one of his tanks explode. He hit the emergency channel and said, “Launch the slivers on my command; ready…….launch!” He then hit his general combat frequency and yelled, “Slivers have been launched. I repeat, the slivers have been launched and will arrive in ten seconds.”

The seven hundred and thirty three white warriors received the announcement and continued to fire up to two seconds before impact.”

• • •

The Kryel Army Commander watched his troops being killed by the thousands, but they had discovered how to destroy those huge platforms. He began issuing orders to target the huge platforms starting on the right, when all of them suddenly disappeared and the heavy barrage of beams and missiles suddenly stopped. He still saw the force field over the holding pen and he looked at his Second-in-Command, which was the last thing he did before he died.

• • •

The sliver is a three foot long, half inch wide, highly charged penetrator. The point on it is super hardened and performs the operation of a detonator when pushed into the body of the small projectile. The tanks fired more than two hundred thousand of the devices a mile into the night sky and as they turned over, their small propulsion system briefly fired and accelerated them toward the ground.

The tanks had taken readings of wind velocity, humidity, and air density and adjusted their barrels before firing. The tiny projectiles came in accompanied by their sonic booms as they blanketed the battle ground in front of the prisoner compound. Several hit the force field protecting the prisoners, but burned up on impact. The ones that hit the ground made the entire valley look like hell had erupted out of the earth. Not only were the Kryel Warriors hit multiple times, but the small penetrators also detonated the weapons they were carrying. The ensuing blast turned night into day and could be heard a hundred miles away.

• • •

The White Warriors had teleported two miles up and were gliding as they reorganizing their units around those that had survived. Mike watched as the massive explosion sent a shock wave rushing into the sky that whipped the gliding warriors around. Once it passed he ordered, “Teleport back to your positions.”

The White Warriors arrived a moment after the nine tanks and began moving forward into the devastation. Colby led his platoon and saw that the thousands of huge carnivores they had been fighting were blown into many pieces and most of them were burning. Colby looked up and saw fifty attack craft dropping into the atmosphere to support them, but the Captain waved them off and sent them to other camps that were not as fortunate. Colby sighed and felt huge relief that fleet must have won the fight for control of the skies.

Jink joined Colby and said, “There are only fifty three of them still alive and most of them will be dead momentarily.”

“See what we can do to help them.”

“There is also a shielded bunker at their camp, where we believe the overall command of this camp is located. We’ve been ordered to investigate.”

“Get Fifth Platoon to take responsibility for the injured and download the information from fleet on the bunker.”

“I’m ahead of you; I already have it and the others are receiving it now.”

Colby shrugged and felt his fatigue. “Take your squad ahead and see what you can determine. We’ll join you after you take a look.”

Colby notified the two platoons on each side and they moved to his position in the advancing line as the fifty seven White Warriors moved ahead.”

T
rey and Cassie sat with Tag in Castle Gardner’s Map Room as Jingos and Ron Kune delivered their reports on the liberation of the captured inhabitants. Trey looked over as Tag felt his emotions at the losses the Fleet and Division had suffered.

Tag said, “You lost thirty nine percent of your warriors?”

“Yes, Your Grace, we did. Of the thousand companies we dropped on the prisoner compounds, we lost two hundred and seventy of them. The rest of the losses came from the other camps.”

Trey said, “But I understand that not a single inhabitant was killed during the attacks.”

“No, the companies that were overwhelmed managed to delay the attack on the compounds. Fleet arrived and bombarded the Carnivores that managed to survive.”

Tag looked at the display in front of him and said, “I understand the prisoners are able to take care of themselves.”

Jingos nodded, “The cities are where most of the damage was done on the planet. The farmlands and food production facilities were located in their rural areas and survived the invasion. Even the cities weren’t heavily damaged. The Carnivores didn’t want to lose their food.”

“What about the, I believe they call themselves Kryel, Camp Commander you captured?”

“We put him and his staff in one of their shuttles we were able to retrieve from one of their damaged ships and sent him home with a message.”

“Was that wise?”

“It was sending him or allow the locals to burn him and his staff alive. I’m sure they will start planning some kind of response but our next encounter will not be as difficult.”

Trey leaned back in his chair and said, “What makes you say that?”

“Our armor is not designed properly. We’ve made some mistakes.” Jingos looked at Ron and nodded.

Ron reached over and sent a picture of the White Armor to their display. He put another design next to the original and said, “I must confess that I was not at all happy that we were sending just a single division out to take on ten million enemy troops. We didn’t know their full capabilities and we were fighting in the dark. Now I understand that it was probably the most fortunate thing we could have done.”

“Why is that?”

“Because it allowed us to see the error in our design before we produced millions of them.” Trey nodded and Ron continued, “Our armor was designed to fight for years on a single power supply. In order for that to happen, the intensity of the warrior’s beams was necessarily limited. There was no way for us to increase the power above the established maximum setting.”

Tag said, “The White Warriors must be able to fight independently of the Realm.”

“I know; you’re worried about the Realm being defeated by the Demons and our supply lines being destroyed. However, we can set up a system where the armor can be teleported to a maintenance ship located at a star to recharge them and make any necessary repairs. The warrior will just store his armor in a cylinder and it will automatically make a diagnostic and teleport it out to be brought back to set standards. If my warriors could have increased the power of their beams, we wouldn’t have been forced to rely only on our hornets. According to my investigation, they would have used just half of their stored power if they had the ability to manipulate the settings. They would have also been able to increase the strength of their force fields and none of them would have died. Their deaths pay for this new system and their brothers will not have to endure the losses suffered by the First Division. Now, their new armor will fire a beam and keep raising the intensity until the target is destroyed. It will be done automatically and once that threshold is established, it will transmit the information to all of the Warriors involved in the combat operations.”

“How long will it take to make these modifications?”

Ron looked at Tag and said, “We’ve already done it with the First Division. It’s primarily a software change in the armor’s settings. Getting the system to teleport the armor was done by the Algeans within five days after the war ended. Armor maintenance ships are currently being built and we’ve taken delivery of the first two. Our armor is being rotated in and the modifications should be completed within another week.”

“What about your ships, Admiral?”

“We had the same problem. We ran up against a strong force four screen around their ships and most of our missiles would not penetrate them. When we used multiple beams, they were stopped. When we went to using just one beam it penetrated. It appears the Black Ships are not the only ones with a powerful force field. We’re overriding the max settings on the multiple beams and will tap into the entire power stored in the ship’s hulls. We’ll also recharge the ship after a major fleet battle.”

“Is this change being done to the rest of the Bristone Fleet?”

“That’s why we’re meeting. You will have to make that decision. We aren’t waiting, because we’re going to pay a visit to the kryel’s home world.”

“I’ll have your lost ships replaced and I’ll issue the necessary orders to make the modifications to the rest of the fleet.” Trey paused, “Are you planning to include the Second Division in the next attack?”

“Are they ready?”

“They will be shortly. I think if you will send some of your seasoned Warriors to command their green units they will be able to assist.”

“I need to replace those warriors we lost.”

“That shouldn’t be a problem. The training camps have a waiting list more than two years long. We’ll have those that recently completed training report to your division.”

Jingos said, “Thank you, Your Majesty.”

“Get with your sister and make this happen as quickly as possible.”

Jingos and Ron bowed and left the room.

Tag looked at Trey and said, “I’m impressed.”

“They come from good parents. If we’re given enough time, I hope to have twenty divisions ready and fighting within eight months. The Algeans are staying ahead of the ships needed to move and support the fleets. I just hope we can get as many as possible out before we have to face the Demons.”

Tag smiled and said, “That’s something we’re all hoping. By the way, are you and Cassie ready for the Coronation?”

“It’s getting out of hand. We’ve had far too many requests for attendance and the city won’t be able to support the numbers coming.”

“Then you should limit those who can attend.”

Trey looked at Tag with a sarcastic expression, “And just how will we be able to do that?”

“Most of the numbers are from the Realm, aren’t they?”

“Well…yes.”

“This is a ceremony to crown the Bristone Emperor. I would think that attendance would be limited to those that suffered the trials and tribulations of the Empire and those that lost their loved ones in the destruction of their universe. It would also add value to those warriors that are now fighting for the Empire to be able to attend. Their enlistment in the Empire’s War for Life and their new citizenship in the Empire will give added meaning to their sacrifice. I firmly believe that those citizens from the Realm that joined the White Warriors should be the only ones from the Realm that can attend.”

“Cassie, are you hearing this?”

Cassie was at New Hope working on the Coronation planning and she said, “I am and it makes sense. This decision will send a message to everyone where the Empire places its priorities.”

Tag smiled, “Have you determined who will be officiating the ceremony?”

“Not yet.”

“Well, it would be inappropriate for anyone from the Realm to handle that piece of the Coronation. The Realm must understand that we are your subjects. Someone else will have to handle that part.”

Trey sighed heavily and said, “I was planning on having Danielle do it, but you’re probably right. I don’t know; that’s something we’ll have to work on.”

“You better hurry; the event takes place in eight days.”

“What to do, what to do. Cassie, do you have any ideas?”

“Not really. Since the Empire abolished the Royal Family when we rejoined the Realm, no one comes to mind.”

“Perhaps if we limit it to only those from the Empire may attend, it won’t be such a big affair.”

Tag laughed out loud, “What’s so funny?”

“The Realm has played a recording of your family’s sacrifice to prevent the Realm being attacked. Why do you think so many of the Realm’s citizens have joined the Empire’s Military? Make no mistake; this ceremony will be huge in the Empire. Stars Realm Citizenship was the most valued thing a person could have in the past. Now being a citizen of Bristone is what everyone truly desires. Your Coronation needs to be all it can be to solidify that notion.”

“Oh that’s just great. More pressure added.”

“Comes with being in charge; get used to it.”

“Easy for you to say; you’ve been practicing for thousands of years.”

Tag faked a yawn and said, “It gets so boring after that much time.”

Trey poked him on the arm and said, “Be careful or I’ll assign you the duty of carrying the crown.”

“Can’t do it; we won’t be attending.”

Trey stammered, “Why not!”

“Because we will join the trillions in the Realm who will also not be allowed there out of respect for the price the Empire paid for our survival. We will set the example, so that everyone respects the solemnity of the moment.”

“You’re serious?”

“Absolutely, I firmly believe what I’m telling you. The Realm owes you and your family more than we can ever repay for what’s been done. We will join our subjects on Ross and share the moment viewing the monitors with our subjects. We’ve already had millions of requests to join us.”

“So you’re telling me that the decision to limit the ceremony to only the Empire has already been made?”

“Danielle saw it first.”

Trey chuckled, “Then it will be done that way. Now that I think about it, it is the only way we should do it.”

“She knew you’d see it as well.”

Trey stuck out his hand and said, “Thanks, Tag. We are so thankful we have you and Danielle helping us.”