Neptune's Massif (36 page)

"
Star Dancer
will be finished in about a week. There are four light cruisers due off the lines the following week, and their crews should be ready about the same time, but even if they aren't, training command already has them scheduled for hands on training in the ships. That'll give us a battle cruiser, a heavy cruiser, and four light cruisers as primary defense, not counting all the condors and fighters we still have. I am also told that several of the smaller warships will be finished very soon as well. So, we'll have destroyers, missile boats, and mine layers in addition to the defense network. Honestly, Luke, as we are right now, we're better defended than most of the Alliance core worlds." Ian paused. "But, I do intend to take most of our unassigned Raptor teams with us and turn them loose in Alliance space."

Luke cocked his head to one side. "On what mission?"

"Emergency response and intelligence gathering. We need to know how the Empire is getting those ships to their destinations without anyone else seeing them. During the last two attacks, the fleet simply appeared in the target system and began the attack. No trace of them was detected before they appeared, and there should have been," Ian explained. "They were tracked when they departed, so we have to assume whatever got them there is a one-way deal. It can't be a new function of the ships, since they only recently left the front and haven't had enough time for an upgrade of this size. So it has to be a device of some kind that we simply haven't seen yet. I want the Raptors to find it, gather as much information about it as they can, then destroy it if possible."

Luke nodded. "When would you like us to be ready to leave?"

"In order for us to be there on time, Serena will have to leave today, we will have to leave no later than four days from now. The
Tiamat
's a bit faster than the cruisers, so we'll beat her and the Talosian delegation there, but I'd like to talk to Admiral H’joles about the Raptor missions before the summit anyway. It will also give you guys time to get to know the other delegates and leaders. So, let's say we head out at oh-nine-hundred hours the day after tomorrow."

"That sounds like a good plan, Ian," Luke replied. "I'll make sure we're ready. Only half the Council will be going. Who will you be leaving in Command here?"

"Probably Commodore Hawkins. Commander Egran has asked that if such a situation were to arise, he would prefer a Terran to be in command here. He and the Commodore are also pretty good friends, so they should get along pretty well," Ian replied.

Luke chuckled. "Isaak is good friends with everyone! Okay, Ian, I'll make sure everyone is ready and on board by six hours prior to departure."

Ian nodded to him. "Good Luck, High Councilor."

"You too, Admiral!" Luke replied grinning.

The comm had no more than closed when Ian was already asking Mel to connect him with Admiral Goya at Talosian High Command and Commander Serena on the
Prometheus
.

"Serena! How have you been?" Goya asked as his image came up on the screen beside his commander.

"I am well Admiral. The
Prometheus
is even better," the woman replied. "She was released from the yard yesterday. All upgrades have been completed."

"That's excellent! I look forward to reading your report on the new systems. Ian, I assume you’re calling about the emergency meeting?" Goya asked.

Ian nodded. "Yes sir, I am. I am sending the
Prometheus
to carry you and your Council representatives to the meeting. She's faster and far better armed than your existing ships. Besides, I don't think it would be a good thing to send one of your remaining ships away from the system given that the Empire is playing dirty."

Goya nodded. "We had actually planned on taking the
Zephyr
for those very reasons, but it would leave the Council representatives somewhat more vulnerable than I would be comfortable with. If you can spare her, the
Prometheus
would be the better choice."

"I think we'll be alright without her for this mission.
Star Dancer
will be coming out of the upgrade bay within the week, as well as a few other ships we have going. We'll be covered," Ian assured him.

"Ah, so you're planning on taking the
Tiamat
then?" Goya asked.

Ian nodded. "I plan on taking a squadron of Raptors along for a deep recon in Imperial space. We need information, and this type of thing is what they were designed for. Provided ARC Command approves, that is."

"I'm pretty sure that's a forgone conclusion, Ian. This whole series of attacks has them rattled. I don't think they know how to respond to this," Goya replied.

"The tactics the Empire is using are not those of a Military. They are using terroristic assaults on civilian populations. There is no method or reason for this," Serena said. "It’s insane."

"I won't argue that at all. But we better figure out what they're up to before we lose too many more people. As it is, the Alliance core worlds are beginning to panic. All of them have demanded that ARC position fleets to defend them. But if ARC does that, then they won't have anyone left to fight if the enemy does return to their old tactics," Goya said.

"It's worse than that, Sir. If ARC spreads out their fleets, the Empire will destroy them piece by piece with overwhelming and concentrated force. They have some method of transporting large numbers of ships almost instantly, anywhere they want them. How long would your own forces last if the entire Imperial fleet appeared in your system right now?" Ian asked.

Goya looked thoughtful. "Not very long at all. You don't think that's what they're up to, do you? Trying to get us to fracture our main fleets so they can destroy them in smaller pieces?"

"That could very well be exactly what they are up to," Ian said. "It would also have the added benefit of demoralizing the civilian populations, which in turn would affect how our warriors will fight. This change in tactics could very well decide the outcome of this war very quickly. We need to find out how they are pulling this off, learn all we can about it, then destroy it utterly before any more worlds are razed by them. You know how I feel about the use of gravimetrics, Sir; this is one instance that I would consider their use. Hundreds of billions of lives may very well depend on it."

Goya and Serena had both paled at his mentioning of that fearsome weapon. They both remembered the recent sacrifice of two of Ian's pilots to protect their own system from total destruction.

"Let us hope that such extreme measures will not be needed, Ian," Goya said softly. "I asked the High Council to approve the construction of a memorial for the two pilots who saved our system; it was unanimously approved by the entire Grand Council. It is being built outside of Elysium. Every day, there are over a thousand visitors to the site."

"Please let me know when it's finished, Sir. I would like to visit as well," Ian replied.

Goya nodded. "Commander Serena, since Ian is sending you to convey us to the meeting, we will depart in the
Zephyr
and make rendezvous with the
Prometheus
. I'll send you the exact coordinates in a couple of hours. You will need to depart as soon as you can if we are to make it to the meeting on time. Ian, I know you just said you were protected, but I’d feel better if you let me order the
Zephyr
to continue on to Sol Sector to provide additional protection. There is much we need to get done before we leave and little time. I'll see you both very soon."

"Be safe, Sir," Ian replied.

"We will be ready to depart in an hour, Admirals," Serena replied.

"That's good, Serena. Please don't think you’re getting off the hook here though, I'll want you back once this mission is over!" Ian said.

Goya chuckled. "I'll make sure she gets to come home, Ian. In fact, I'll even send a few more officers and crews with her when she does!" Goya said.

––––––––

After getting off the comm with Serena and Admiral Goya, Ian next called Colonel Anders. He actually thought either Mel had become psychic, or she had been listening in on his conversations because of the speed in which Ty appeared on his monitor.

Ty saluted as soon as he saw Ian. "Good afternoon, Sir. What can we do for you today?"

"Ty, how can you always be so damn cheerful when you know that every time I call, I end up ruining your day?" Ian asked.

"With respect, Sir, it isn't you that ruins my day, it's some asshole somewhere that needs a lesson in manners," Ty replied reasonably.

"If you say so, Colonel. How many Raptor teams do you have sitting around?" Ian asked even though he already knew the answer.

"Seven, Sir. Currently, I have one of them babysitting the new guys, three are on leave, and the other three are assisting the instructors with training."

"Put them all on alert, one team will be reporting to Commodore Hawkins for duty as he sees fit. The rest are to load up for a long term mission in the dragon's den. They are to report to the
Tiamat
for transportation to the insertion point.

"I'll need you to come along in an advisory capacity. When you're packed, please come to my office for the full mission brief," Ian ordered.

"It sounds like a balloon went up," Ty replied.

Ian shook his head. "It's far worse than that I'm afraid. I'll tell you about it when you get here."

"Yes Sir, I'll be there in an hour," Ty replied.

Ian nodded and ended the transmission. "Mel, tell me, who am I going to ask you to call next?"

"Based on your calls so far and the information I've seen, you will be wanting to speak to Commodore Belirus next," the young woman replied.

"So that's how you've been able to anticipate me, huh?" Ian asked.

"Yes Sir, may I ask how long we'll be gone?" Mel asked.

"Plan for a month, but hope for a couple of weeks," Ian replied. "Although, I can pretty much guarantee three weeks minimum."

"Understood, Sir, do I alert your family?" Mel asked.

"No, I'll handle that. None of them will be going along this time; they all have duties they need to attend to here. I'll explain it to them tonight. Please put me through to Commodore Belirus now," Ian asked.

"Right away, Sir,"

The gruff visage of Belirus appeared on the monitor, he was in his ready room. "Admiral, may I assume we'll be leaving soon?"

Ian smiled. "You know, this could have been a social call."

Belirus grunted. "I'm too much of a bastard to associate with socially! So what's happening?"

"The ARC Council has called an emergency meeting of all member’s leadership to discuss the current situation with the Empire. I'll need the
Tiamat
to transport myself, Ty Anders, my intelligence and operations officers, as well as several members of the ruling council to the meeting. You will also be hosting an additional six Raptor teams that will be going on separate missions after we get there. Make sure you have all your fighters and Marines on board, as this will be a solo job," Ian explained.

"Hmm, a meeting like this could be a perfect time for the Empire to wipe out the leaders of ARC. Are you sure we can't take anyone else?" Belirus asked.

"Currently, four of the main Alliance battle fleets are stationed there for the meeting. I'll give you a full briefing on the situation after we depart, but they're pretty rattled there. I imagine security is going to reflect that," Ian replied. "Maybe I should check to see if there is another Def-Net Assembler ready to go with us?"

"Four? I'm surprised they could spare that many from the front lines. Anyway, we'll be ready, Sir. I'll contact Phoenix Base about that Assembler for you. Would you like me to ask for any extra fighters or Marines just in case?" Belirus asked.

"No, I'd rather they remained here in the case that they are needed here. I'm sure we can make do with just your single small ship," Ian said fighting a grin.

"Hah!" Belirus barked. "As you say, Sir, we'll be ready when you are. When will the Raptor teams be arriving?"

"Actually, they could start arriving just about any time. But I only just got off the comm with Colonel Anders so it might be a few minutes yet."

"Understood, Sir. We'll be ready. I'll make sure the VIP quarters are ready as well. Oh, I had the twins set aside four of the VIP Cabins and converted one of the bedrooms into offices. In that way, important passengers will still be able to conduct business," Belirus replied. "I'm sure you will be comfortable, Sir."

Ian grinned back at him. "Uh huh, you just want to keep me off your Bridge!"

"Well, we can't have our honored passengers simply wandering around, underfoot, and getting in everyone's way," Belirus said in his normal, almost pompous way. Everyone else thought it made him an ass, Ian thought it made his jokes even funnier.

Ian burst out laughing. "You got me there, Commodore! Unless you have any questions, I'll see you sometime tomorrow."

Belirus gave him a small smile. "I look forward to it, Admiral."

The channel closed and Ian couldn't help but chuckle. At least he understood the gruff old Commodore's sense of humor.

––––––––

T
DF
Tiamat

Hyperspace Transit vector

Almaas Quadrant

Commodore Belirus, Commanding.

––––––––

I
an relaxed into the padded seat in the hot tub. He was taking a break after his martial arts practice session with the members of Raptor
Apache
. He was nowhere near their level of proficiency with the art, but they were patient with him and still gave him a good work out. After getting a shower, Ian saw the hot tub and decided to take a soak. Across from him in the tub Major Jana Cromwell of the
Apache
was also enjoying a good soak.

"There was something I wanted to speak to you about concerning our mission; I think I might have an idea as to where to begin our search," the woman said.

Ian raised an eyebrow. By their very nature, all Raptor mission were considered classified, but this one was so general in its scope that it really wasn't an issue. "Oh, did we miss something?"