To The Stars

A Galactic Star Force - Battle Fleet series (book 1)

Daring and FarFlung fought a gallant battle, nine enemy ships against two Galactic Star Force ships.  The odds were overwhelming, but never did either crew falter in their defense of Heritage. They were, after all, Galactic Star Force graduates - or at least most were graduates.  Cadets did comprise almost half of each crew.  Galactic Star Force would look back on this day and recognize that heroes can come even from the ranks of students. 

Not by choice, Daring had been drawn away from FarFlung.  Together they could assist each other in small ways, alone they would experience greater risk.  Had they stayed together, any one of the BrakNar ships could have skirted around the battle and make a direct run on Heritage.  As both GSF ships maintained a lose formation if any, they could quickly counter any move to evade them.

“Captain Fraiser, Captain Donaldson here.” Captain Donaldson called FarFlung’s skipper to let him know that Daring was going after the light cruiser that had gotten around them.  “One Light Cruiser is out of the picture, but the second is heading toward Heritage.”

“I see it, Brenda, we’ll hold the destroyers till you get back.”  John, Captain of Farflung lacked confidence in what he said as he still faced five destroyers.  While he commanded the larger ship, enough smaller ships could be a threat. John was a career officer, although he had not come up through Galactic Star Force ranks.  At heart he was a Scientist.  He majored in Astrophysics and spent his first assignment on an exploration and research ship. Advancement came easily for him on his old ship the Columbus.  Most people wanted to do research and willingly let any one interested in doing the ‘administrative’ type work do it.  As such, with his knowledge and drive, he became ship’s Captain in less than four years, but he hadn’t seen a battle until that time.  While on a routine exploration out toward the Pieces System he had his first hostile encounter.  His ship was under-classed, but not by much.  He had used the abilities of the science vessel to his advantage, so that he brought his ship and crew home.  Galactic Star Force recognized his efforts and requested his transfer.  That took place four years earlier and John had distinguished himself to now commanding a Heavy Cruiser. 

“Make it quick,” John told Brenda.  He knew even his Cruiser had its limits against overwhelming numbers of smaller ships.

“We’ll do our best, John. Keep safe.” Brenda knew that leaving John here with five remaining Destroyers that she was probably signing his death warrant.  If it was only a Destroyer heading for Heritage, Heritage might be able to handle it.  Unfortunately it was a Light Cruiser and Heritage wasn’t built to fend off a Light Cruiser.  Add to that that Heritage had sustained some damage from her encounter with the BrakNar Destroyer and Heritage didn’t stand much of a chance.   Daring would need a few moments to catch the light cruiser, but she had time to intercept it before it reached Heritage, and she would make that ship pay for forcing her to leave behind her friend.  Brenda made an effort to get her people hustling.  “Let’s be about our jobs quickly people, we’ve got two ships counting on us.”

FarFlung sensors recorded Daring’s departures, but no fanfares hailed out.  Hope was dashed after a brief second.  As Daring trailed off and toward Heritage, the entire crew knew it signaled their death, but the carrier and the admiral must survive.  So far today the carrier had proved it combat worthiness and it would be needed in the moping up phase of the battle.

“Tactical, we’ve got two groups coming at us, one has two destroyers the other has three.”  Captain Donaldson began to outline a battle plan for his people.  “They’ll probably expect us to turn and face the two ships.  It would make sense and it might seem like a better chance for us, but plot a course for the three.”

“Yes sir,” Tactical officer Lieutenant Jerald replied.  Her normal duty station was not the tactical station, in fact it wasn’t even on the bridge.  She was the relief communication officer.  She would ask why not to question, but to understand.  She had never helped to guide a ship in battle before.  “Sir, won’t that allow the enemy to have the advantage?”

“It might normally, but the two groups are out of position.”  Captain Fraiser spoke to her, knowing she was just learning.  “If we move after those two, then the other three can fire right up our exhaust.  If we go after the three first, the other two BrakNar ships will have to broadside us and they’ll only have a small glimpse of our broadside, a little safety margin for our engines.”

“Understood, Captain. Helm has course laid in sir.” Lieutenant Gerald confirmed the course adjustment to the captain.  She was learning practical tactical applications today, quite differently than what she had at the academy.

“Bring all weapons to bear on destroyers marked one and two on the plot board.”  Fighting three ships would just drain the reserves faster and might not be enough to win.  If FarFlung could focus on two and eliminate them, then the other three might give them a little space.  It might just buy enough time for Daring to return and help.

 “Commander, the enemy has moved to intercept the other group.” The sensor array technician told his new Captain.  Their ship had taken heavy losses; the battle was not to have gone this way.  They had started with more ships and still they were losing.   “We can’t get into a good firing position for two minutes.”

“Come about quickly, our forward missiles and torpedoes are gone, but we can ram that ship.”  The commander had his first command and would not let history show his first command as a losing ship.  He would become a hero by destroying this ship.  “Full speed, target the ship’s center and prepare to ram them.  Ignore the smaller craft.”

 Fighters and bombers had re-grouped into fighting pairs.  Bombers moved against the BrakNar destroyers as the fighters defended the bombers against missiles.  It was a pairing that worked quite well.  Less aircraft were being destroyed and they were doing damage to the BrakNar ships. 

“OK people, we have one heavy cruiser and two destroyers damaged.”  Captain Willard, alias Hornblower, was speaking to his squads.  We didn’t destroy them, but we made Daring and Farflung’s job a lot easier.  Keep pouring it on.”

“Roger that Captain. Sir, off your six.”  Lieutenant Helonard alias DeathTrap responded to his squad leader.  “Sir, one of the destroyers is making a suicide run on FarFlung.” 

“Heads up, DragNit squad, intercept that destroyer and give FarFlung any assistance you can.”  Captain HornBlower had turned to see the same frightening site.  “Move it ladies or some friends aren’t coming home.”

“Captain Fraiser, one of the other destroyers has set an intercept course for us,” FarFlung’s Tactical told the captain.  “It looks like they plan to ram us.”

“Evasive action, aft torpedoes fire on the ship.” He could see on the plot board that it was too late.  His move had surprised the BrakNar, now they had surprised him.  “Brace yourself people, shut all bulkhead doors.”  FarFlung was rammed just forward of the engine room, but not before she finished the third of the seven initial destroyers.  That would leave only four destroyers left for Daring to handle.  Her last signal to Daring was a wish of good luck, then silence.  It was a deafening silence the crew of Daring heard or rather didn’t hear.   

The crew of Daring had finished off the BrakNar Light Cruiser, but one shot from the enemy ship had disabled Daring’s own engines.  Now Captain Donaldson watched helplessly as four Destroyers moved on Heritage and Daring could not get her engines up.”  People, if we don’t have engines in a few seconds Heritage is in trouble.  The destroyers will have a firing solution within 60 seconds, we need the engines at full power.” 

Heritage also took more damage just prior to Daring destroying the Light Cruiser.  The fourth enemy ship had lingered just long enough to fire three torpedoes at the flight bridge of Daring. Captain Donaldson watched in horror as her bridge on Daring was engulfed in fire and explosions.  That was the last sight she or her bridge staff saw, everyone on Daring’s bridge was killed. 

The remaining five fighter/bombers from Heritage watched helplessly as FarFlung exploded, filling the black night with a massive energy burst.  It looked like a small sun exploded because of their close proximity to FarFlung when she burst.  On their scopes they could see Daring in trouble from its battle with the BrakNar light cruiser and some torpedoes from at least one of the Destroyers.  She was out of the action for now, but if one of those destroyers turned on Daring, even the light cruiser wouldn’t stand a chance in its crippled condition. 

“OK Nightcover squad, FarFlung and Daring are down, we’ve got to help Heritage,” Captain Whistleman alias JackKnife, called to the remaining members of Heritage’s screen.  “Heritage needs our help.”

Heritage had taken six torpedoes; two to the Flag bridge area, two to the Captain’s bridge and two into one of the launch platforms.  She was hurt but still mobile.  Even with a carrier fully intact, four destroyers had the advantage.  No matter what Nightcover squad did, it simply wouldn’t be able to cover the distance in time to aid Heritage.  Heritage was now on its own, live or die depended totally on the crew of Heritage. 

“Captain Hildredth, please respond, anyone from the bridge, is anyone there?”  A young woman’s voice was reaching out to the command structure  “Battle bridge to the Admiral’s bridge, is anyone there?”  Hope left her as no responses came back, she had tried to locate any senior officer.  The external damage may not look too severe for Heritage, but internally Heritage suffered grave injuries.

“Battle bridge, this is sensor array main station.” Someone was finally returning her hails.  “Internal sensors indicate the Captain’s bridge is gone, The Admiral’s bridge shows some signs of life, but extensive damage.  Don’t expect any help from them too soon.”

“Who is this?” The young woman requested his name from the battle bridge requested.

“Cadet Daryl Brown,” he replied. He was alone in the main sensor arrays room.

“Daryl, it’s me, Sam.” She was happy to hear a familiar voice.  “I am in command of the Battle Bridge.  Damage control, get someone up to the Admiral’s bridge, see if someone is still alive up there.  Daryl, what do external sensors show?’

“Not good, Sam, we have four destroyers heading our way and no cover screen,” he replied.  The vidcom was only providing voice, and his voice sounded worried.  “Our remaining fighters are trying to reach the destroyers, but they aren’t going to be enough.  Sam, a fifth Destroyer is heading our way now.”

“Thanks Daryl, keep me informed.”  She could see from her plot board the danger she was in.  She knew she needed to get clear for a few minutes to plan. “Helm come to course, 112.9 give me best possible speed.”  Light speed was out as they the FTL drive had taken a direct hit.

“Yes ma’am.” The response came from her helmsman.  The maneuver moved her out past Daring and would force the destroyers to retrace their path, just enough time to plan her next action. 

“Attention all hands, we have five destroyers converging on us and no screen ships or fighters to cover us.  Our light speed engines are damaged, our only option is to fight.  Load up every missile and torpedo.  We are done running, now we fight back.”  This young student - nowhere near a ship’s Captain - spoke brave words.  Immediately all over the ship preparations commenced for a no-win battle.  It didn’t matter whose voice it was, the order originated from the Battle Bridge and that was enough. 

Admiral Randal began to regain consciousness from the assault on her bridge.  She heard the message, but was pinned and could not respond to whoever was issuing orders now; she could only watch her flag ship move to attack five destroyers.  Heritage moved forward at best possible speed, missiles protruded, torpedo doors opened.  She gave the appearance of a growling wildcat.  A wildcat outmatched, outgunned, but ready for a fight. 

 On board Daring another young Cadet also found himself in command.  Cadet Jack L. Allan listened to his friend’s plan on a secured channel.  He knew she wouldn’t back down and she was cornered.  “Sam, you can’t take them on.  They outgun you three to one.”  His concern was for crew of Heritage and most importantly his best friend.

“Jack L., How is Daring?”  It was the only thing she could say, she wouldn’t debate her action with Jack L.  He might make change her mind.

“Daring has full weapons functionality, but no main engines yet,” he replied to his best friend.  He could still wage a battle even if his shouldn’t couldn’t move.   “Sam, back away and come toward us, maybe we can help.”

“No, Jack L.,” she replied back.  “You wouldn’t stand a chance without engines.” Admiral Randal listened to the communication between the two young Cadets.  She filled with pride at the bravery they each had.  Admiral Randal’s plot board was still active and reflected the looming danger.  If she had command she would do the same thing as this young woman.  “I’ll buy you some time to fix your engines, keep me in your thoughts.”

Five destroyers closed on a single carrier; out classed and outgunned, the carrier proudly bore down on them.  It was too difficult to say who should be more scared.  The five destroyers fired two torpedoes each from a long distance at Heritage, any one of which could finish Heritage.  The torpedoes had less than two hundred thousand Kilometers left to reach Heritage.   

The Admiral watched sure death approaching and in the distance a spark lit the sky.  It was Daring’s engines coming back into action.  Daring’s current position placed the ship midway between Heritage and the BrakNar destroyers.   Admiral Randal watched as another Cadet made a brave attempt to assist Heritage.  Admiral Randal knew that Daring couldn’t stop the destruction of Heritage, but she suspected Daring would avenge the loss of Heritage.  She watched for seconds and then realized his course was not meant to intercept the destroyers, but rather to position his ship between the torpedoes and Heritage.  All she could do was watch his bravery and Daring’s selfless sacrifice as she was still isolated from her crew. 

Admiral Harper watched intensely as his ships reentered the battle. He had seen the battle around Heritage and had detached all of Fortress’ Destroyers to aid Heritage.  Admiral Randal had been a friend of his for years and those two kids leading the fight needed aid.  Fortress still had teeth and he would do whatever he could to save his friend, his forces had plenty of fight left in them. All of his heavy ships had re-grouped and were assisting Calvary in eliminating the last of the BrakNar fleet.  His destroyers would find a different dance to wield their weapons at, a BrakNar obituary dance. 

“Daring, this is Heritage.  I am ordering you to break off.  You wouldn’t survive those torpedoes.”  Sam was almost in tears at the sight she was witnessing.  Her best friend was going to die for her and she couldn’t bare that memory for life.  “Jack L., please.”

“Sorry Sam, I received my commission at the Academy before you, so I outrank you.”  Jack L. wasn’t trying to be funny, and Sam knew he was serious with his intent.  “You know me, I always support the underdog.  See you on the other side and give my love to my family.”  He discontinued communication with Heritage.  Just ten seconds in front of Heritage’s path, Daring was hit by eight of the ten torpedoes.  Daring, in one last act of defiance was able to fire off an amazing wall of torpedoes and missiles, Daring might not get all of the destroyers, but some would die with her.  Sam didn’t take the time to watch as her friend bought her time with his life, she wouldn’t move to safety, she would get revenge. 

“Helm, come to 193.4, I want to skirt over Daring and hit the remaining destroyers hard.”  Sam was mad, but still in control of herself.  Jack L. had taken out 2 of the five destroyers in his last ditch effort to save Heritage.  Her friend would live on in her heart and she would repay him for saving her life.  “Bring all guns to bear, you’ll have only seconds to get a lock.  Make them count.  Daring saved us, let’s pay them back in spades.”

Admiral Randal was stunned by such heroics from such young kids.  If they lived through this battle, promotions would be made.  Heritage came over Daring, the remaining BrakNar destroyers had focused on finishing off Daring and neglected their sensors.  Sam too had neglected her sensors, but help had arrived, just a little late.  Three GSF destroyers and two Frigates began an assault on the remaining BrakNar destroyers.

 “Compliments of Admiral Harper, Cadet Stone.”  The lead Destroyer’s Captain hailed Heritage and fired a volley of torpedoes at one of the BrakNar destroyers.  “The Admiral requests you withdraw, Bristle and Bristle will provide screen cover for you.  The Admiral says ‘fine job’ to the crew of Heritage and Daring.  Is the Admiral available?"

In an instant, thirty fighters arrived on station to support Heritage, one badly damaged carrier captained by a student was on top of the BrakNar ships, along with three destroyers and two frigates from B.G. Fortress.  A new song would be sung about this battle and it wasn't a BrakNar glory song, but instead a BrakNar funeral march.

“Sir, Heritage will not withdraw at this time,” she replied to the Captain.  Her feelings for Jack L. now clouded her judgment, but it didn’t matter to her and probably not to her crew as well.  “My crew wishes to stay and assist Daring. We are trying to reach the Admiral’s bridge now sir, her status is unknown.”

 “Understood ma’am. We will dispatch Bristle, Wedge and Bristle to assist you.”  The Captain knew he would have done the same had he been in her place.  “Young lady we’d be proud to have you in our fleet anytime.”

Sam hadn’t thought about heroics, she just wanted to stay alive and do her job.  The cadets on board Heritage and Daring had come through.  Although many had died, many had also lived.  The commencements for the next 2 years would be smaller than expected back at the academy. 

Damage control finally broke through to the Admiral’s bridge and found her alive and a bit exacerbated with too many people hovering over her.   The medical team wanted her restricted for observation, but she had a battle to direct and a fine crew to work with.   

Admiral Randal had always believed that carriers would change the face of warfare, but she was knew that any ship was only as good as its crew.  Heritage had a talented and brave crew an certainly excellent.  She resumed command of Heritage and transferred Sam to flag bridge, which would now serve as the battle bridge as well as the flag bridge.  Admiral Randal simply neglected to place any other officers on the bridge higher than Sam.  She saw ability in this young Cadet and was confident that Sam could deliver even more results. 

A spark had ignited in Galactic Star Force and it wouldn’t burn out until the BrakNar ships died.  The spark came from two young Cadets with no chance of survival, rising to Galactic Star Force expectations and fighting back.  Between the fighters, frigates and destroyers, the BrakNar ships vanished from existence.  The threat to the Pegasus System had been neutralized for now. 

Admiral Randal sent a boarding party to Daring and more dead were found on her than on Heritage.  She had taken a beating, but amazingly she could still move.  Medical teams from several ships moved about Daring for an hour or two.  Occasionally they did come upon someone who was still alive.  When they did they immediately brought them to Heritage, because Heritage had the largest medical facility in the immediate area.   

Cadet Jack L. Allan had been found, buried under lots of debris, but alive.  His post of command had been deep inside the center of Daring and afforded him some safety.  He would require a stay in Heritage’s medical facility for some light surgery, but he had survived.  Cadet Sam Stone heard of his survival, and met his evacuation shuttle on Heritage’s flight deck.  Now Jack L. would have to survive something that could prove to be worse than the battle he just fought:  Sam and her reaction to the risk he took.  She could be worse than the enemy when her temper was up.