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A red light started to blink on and off, followed by a beeping noise. Two dull blue eyes opened, and then a large mouth yawned, a long dull blue tongue appeared, and then Captain Eki stretched. She looked around the gloomy Life Pod as several other members of her crew stirred as well. Engineer Zozta opened one purple eye, and then the other as Eki slowly pulled herself out of the Nest they had been sharing.

“That’s a proximity alarm,” Zozta pointed out shortly before Eki turned it off.

“I’ll see if I can see anything outside the pod,” Tactical Officer Ustu said as she half-walked, half-stumbled over to the small window at the far end. Eki watched as she pressed her face against it, turning her head as she looked in all directions.

“See anything?” Comms Officer Hunull inquired as she pulled a blanket around her shoulders.

“Nothing,” Ustu replied.

A few of the other Vipers in the Life Pod stirred, and a number of them shivered. While they had lowered the light levels to help everyone sleep, the temperature drop was due to insufficient power. Despite the increase in power levels after combining all six Life Pods into a pentagon, the transmission had used more power than expected. Emergency blankets and portable heaters were shared amongst the Crew in an attempt to stave off the inevitable cold.

“The pod above us is facing the other direction. Shall I go see if there’s anything visible?” Ustu asked.

Before Eki could reply, the Life Pod shook, the lights inside flickered, went off, and then came on full. A fan near where Eki was sitting began to spin, and warm air circulated within the Life Pod.

“What is going on?” Hunull asked as she stumbled over to where Ustu was sitting.

“We’re rotating, thrusters are firing,” Zozta replied as she looked at her Pad.

“What?” Eki said shortly before the Life Pod shook violently.

A bright blue glow emanated from the far end of the Life Pod as Nanos appeared from the other side and built a door. Seconds later, it unlocked and swung open. Everyone inside the Life Pod shielded their eyes from the bright light before a figure appeared in the doorway.

“I’m Doctor Tula. Is anyone hurt?” she asked.

Once her eyes adjusted to the bright light coming from behind Tula, Eki saw a Viper standing in the newly built doorway. Her collar had formed a protective helmet over her head, which she deactivated shortly after stepping into the Life Pod. The lights reflected off the Doctor’s Cobalt blue scales.

“Apart from the cold, we’re all fine,” Eki replied as she stood up and walked over to Tula. “I’m Captain Eki,” she said.

“I have orders from my Captain to bring you to the Bridge,” Tula replied.

“Once my crew are safe, you can take me to your Captain,” Eki said.

“Well then, let’s get you all aboard,” Tula replied with a smile as she gestured to the door.

Stepping through the newly built door, Eki found herself inside an umbilical corridor, and as she walked along it, Eki heard her Crew follow behind her. Arriving at an Airlock, Eki stepped through the open door and found several Vipers waiting for her. Some wore medical Nanosuit Uniforms, while a few were clearly from the unknown vessel’s Engineering. A tall purple Viper stepped forward and bowed.

“I’m Lieutenant Zhani,” the Viper announced, “Second in Command of the Lachesis-class Destroyer, Agamemnon,” she said.

“Lachesis?” Eki said, and Zhani nodded.

“We left Drydock not too long ago,” Zhani pointed out, “once everyone is aboard, they’ll be taken to the nearest Canteen where basking lamps have been installed,” she said.

“I recommend you rest and bask for at least five minutes,” Tula said as she walked over to where Eki and Zhani were standing.

“I’ll let the Captain know,” Zhani said as she removed her Pad from her right thigh.

*****

*Ten Minutes Later*

Eki walked behind Zhani as they approached the armoured doors leading onto the Bridge of the Agamemnon. The Security Guards stood to attention and slammed their right fist against their chests when they spotted the two Vipers approaching.

“Please place your hand on the scanner,” one of the Vipers said as she gestured to the nearby palm scanner.

Zhani stepped forward and placed her right hand onto the scanner. Moments later, it chimed, and she moved to the right. Eki followed behind her, and again, the scanner chimed once it finished scanning her hand. The two armoured doors unlocked and slowly opened outward, and Eki followed behind Zhani once there was enough room for them to walk through.

“Disconnect from the Life Pods and move us away before resuming course,” an unknown male voice ordered as Eki looked around the Bridge.

“Aye, Captain,” replied the Viper at the helm.

The Bridge was similar to the Matriarch’s Light, just bigger. Oval-shaped, Helm at the front with several Stations for the Crew to perform their various tasks, and a raised dais with steps leading up and a railing, separating the front and rear of the Bridge. Following close behind Zhani, Eki walked up the steps and noticed the light levels drop and the colour shift to purple.

“This is Captain John Lawrence,” Zhani said as she gestured to an Alien Male standing next to the Tactical Display Table. He looked up as she stopped in front of him and smiled at her when he made eye contact.

“Thank you for rescuing us,” Eki said as the Male offered his right hand.

“No problem,” John replied as Eki looked at his hand. “Oh, it’s a custom from where I’m from,” he said. Eki watched as John took hold of her left hand and gently shook it.

“You are the Terran Male who arrived recently?” Eki asked.

“That’s me,” John replied.

“The Matriarchs decided to allow the Captain to Command a ship during the next Combat Drill,” Zhani pointed out as Eki looked confused.

“Ah, yes. I believe I read something about the first Combat Drill as we headed to the edge of the system,” Eki replied.

“So, what happened to your ship?” John asked, standing next to the TDT and looking up at Eki.

“We were investigating a malfunctioning satellite when we were ambushed by Ericius vessels,” Eki replied, and the volume level in the Bridge dropped.

“Who?” John asked, looking at the Vipers standing around the TDT.

“I will show you,” Zhani replied as she turned to face the TDT and accessed a nearby keypad. Seconds later, the projection above changed to display a three-dimensional image of an anthropomorphic porcupine. Caramel skin and wheat coloured hair, digitigrade legs, a muscular body with an impressive pair of breasts, and then hairlike quills sticking out the back of the head.

“Huh,” John said as the image rotated. “Are you at war with them?” he asked.

“We are,” Eki replied, “my Patrol Ship was badly damaged in the initial attack; however, after we escaped the vessel, the Matriarch’s Light destroyed the remaining Ericius when it exploded,” she said.

“Judging by how tense the Bridge has become, I take it this is urgent,” John said as he looked up at Zhani, who nodded.

“You should contact the station as soon as possible,” she replied.

“I’ll contact them now,” John said as he turned around and walked over to his Command Chair. “Agamemnon to Border Station Five,” he called out. No response. “Commander Zesta?” John said.

“Captain, sir,” Comms Officer Nossi said, “looking at these sensor readings, there is a powerful jamming signal surrounding the fleet and station,” she announced.

John paced around the dais for the next few minutes while the Officers around the TDT watched. While she had zero experience with Terrans, Eki assumed he was busy forming a plan. Returning to the TDT, John cleared his throat before speaking.

“How easy are we to detect this far out in the system?” John asked.

“If there are any enemy vessels nearby, we will be detected if they scan the system,” Nossi replied.

“What if we powered everything down? Will that help?” John inquired.

“It should,” Zhani replied, “active sensor scans, as well as engine and reactor levels are easily detectable by a ship scanning the system,” she said.

“Hmm,” John said as he walked over to his Command Chair. “Bridge to Ziku,” he called out after pressing the internal comms button.

“Go ahead, Captain,” Agamemnon's Chief Engineer replied.

“We need to go dark from all sensors,” John said, “also, power down the Gravitic Drive. I’m going to have us drift through space,” he ordered.

“Drift?” Zhani queried.

“Before everything powers down, I’ll have the Helm fire the Port thrusters,” John replied, “with the Gravitic Drive offline, we’ll drift until we hit something,” he said. A few of the looks from the Vipers around him made John laugh. “Obviously, that won’t happen,” he assured.

“I will start the process, Captain,” Ziku replied.

“Let me know when you’re ready,” John replied.

*****

*One Hour Earlier*

Captain Thazha stepped onto the Bridge of the Destroyer Matriarch’s Blessing and headed for the TDT. Waiting for her were her Lieutenant, Tektla; Tactical Officer, Altsiah; and Comms Officer, Oatshul. Thazha smiled when she noticed that all three of her Officers had lovely buffed scales and their bioluminescence glowed vibrantly.

“How long until we reach Border Station Five?” Thazha asked.

“We should arrive within the hour,” Tektla replied.

“What’s the status of the ship?” Thazha inquired.

“Engineering reports that only the superficial damage sustained during the ambush is left to repair,” Altsiah replied.

“Have you tried to contact the Station or the Ruination of Minerva?” Thazha asked.

“Yes, Captain,” Oatshul replied, “however, we can’t get through. We were just discussing the cause before you arrived,” she pointed out.

“Have you checked our communications array?” Thazha inquired.

“Yes, we have, Captain,” Oatshul replied, “it’s working properly,” she said.

“Are we able to scan the area around the Station, see what we might be facing?” Thazha inquired.

“We should be able to,” Oatshul replied, “I’ve done a systems check, and the TDT seems to be working fine, Captain,” she said.

“Very well, start the scan,” Thazha ordered.

“Scanning now, Captain,” Oatshul replied. She used the keypad in front of her to commence the scan of the Arroganza System. Minutes later, the hologram above the TDT changed to display the area around Border Station Five and the Matriarchy Fleet.

“Has it found anything?” Thazha asked.

“Looking at the scan’s report,” Oatshul replied as she opened a window in front of her, data scrolling past her eyes as the others waited, “there’s nothing obvious to explain why we can’t contact either the fleet or Station,” she said.

“Hmm. Could someone be jamming?” Thazha asked.

“No, Captain,” Tektla replied, “whatever is preventing us from contacting the Station is preventing the TDT from displaying any scans we may be able to do,” she said.

“Damn. Bring up the most recent scan of the area around Border Station Five,” Thazha ordered.

“At once, Captain,” Tektla replied. She used the controls in front of her to adjust the hologram displayed above the TDT, and seconds later, it changed to display a static image of Border Station Five, the planet it orbited, and the Matriarchy fleet stationed near the Station.

“If I wanted to disrupt communications and potentially even jam sensor scans,” Thazha began as she walked around the TDT, “then where would the optimal location be?” she asked.

Everyone looked at the hologram floating above the TDT and thought about the question. Oatshul and Altsiah appeared to team up and use a keypad in front of them, opening up a couple of windows and accessing available data. Tektla was distracted by a Viper approaching her, and Thazha moved over to one of the longer sides of the TDT. She placed her hands on its edge and looked up at the hologram.

“There!” she said and gestured to a section of space near the Station.

“Where?” Tektla asked and watched as Thazha used a nearby keypad to adjust the hologram.

The image moved to a region of space away from the planet Border Station Five orbited, but maintained a direct line of sight during the majority of the planet’s orbit around the Arroganza star. Thazha adjusted the projection’s resolution, and then a structure appeared.

“That’s old,” Oatshul pointed out.

“If I’m not mistaken,” Altsiah said as she switched the image from static to simulated, “we’re looking at an original Sentry Satellite.” She then used a nearby keypad to open a window and display info on the satellite.

“You’re both correct,” Thazha pointed out. “Once the Station was built, we stopped using the Sentry Satellite, and due to its design, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Ericius are taking advantage of its stealth properties,” she said.

“Would we be able to get close to it?” Tektla inquired.

“We can, and if we change course now,” Thazha replied as she adjusted the hologram floating above the TDT. A purple line appeared from the front of Matriarch’s Blessing and headed off toward the Sentry Satellite. “We’ll arrive roughly the same time as we would if we stayed on course to Border Station Five,” she said.

“Helm, change course,” Tektla called out, “sending co-ordinates now,” she said.

*****

*One Hour Later*

“I must admit,” Eki chimed in, “I would not have thought about firing the thrusters, or even switching off the Gravitic Drive,” she admitted.

“I think I saw it once in a film,” John replied as he cleared his throat.

John was leaning against the railing with Eki standing nearby. Zhani and the other Bridge Officers were standing around the TDT. A Viper walked past the dais and winked at John as she passed.

“Film? What is a film?” Eszeell asked, looking over at where John stood.

“Sorry, I forgot where I am sometimes,” John apologised. “A fictional story, filmed and shown to others,” he said as he walked over to the TDT.

“Similar to the footage of you?” Nossi asked, and John laughed.

“Er, no,” John replied, “those would be considered Porn films back home,” he pointed out. John felt blood rush to his face.

“Porn?” Eszeell said with a confused look on her face.

“I think we’re going off topic,” Zhani interjected before the conversation continued. She glared at Eszeell and Nossi. The two Officers shrugged and resumed reading the data scrolling on the window projected in front of them.

“Quite right,” John said and then coughed to clear his throat.

“Engineering reports they are ready to power Agamemnon down,” a nearby crew member called out.

“Thank you,” John replied, “Helm, activate port thrusters until we reach one hundred and forty metres a second, and then deactivate them,” he ordered.

“Aye, Captain,” came the reply.

*****

Ziku closed the channel with the Bridge and pushed her chair along the floor of the Control Room with her feet. She sped along the fixed railing for her Engineering Chair, control stations in front of her whizzing by and then Ziku stopped shortly after putting her left foot out. The Engineering Control Station in front of her was for Agamemnon’s Gravitic Drive. A quick glance at the readout informed Ziku that it was running at one hundred per cent power and ninety-eight point five per cent efficiency.

“Okay, everyone,” Ziku called out, “we’re about to shut the Gravitic Drive down. Get ready,” she warned.

Several Engineers scurried about Engineering, a large yet cramped room. Pipes went up and down the walls, across the ceiling and a few dripped. Steam rose from vents, and the air smelled of grease and oil. A Viper Engineer used an oily rag to clean a section of pipes and then turned a nearby wheel. Located in the centre of Engineering was Agamemnon’s Core. Delivered to Border Station Five to coincide with the refit of the Destroyer, the Core’s output was the same as a Matriarchy Cruiser, except its size matched that of the previous Core.

Agamemnon’s Gravitic Drive was located to the right of the ship’s Core and near the back of Engineering. A large, round brass-looking sphere spun while arcs of blue electricity sparked between the sphere and four sets of rotating magnets. Above and below the Drive were two magnetic clamps that appeared to hold the sphere and spinning magnets in place. Controls for the Gravitic Drive were to its left, where a Viper Engineer stood, waiting for Ziku to give the command to turn it off.

“Start the shutdown,” Ziku called out, and the Engineer gave a thumbs up.

Turning to face the controls in front of her, the Viper started the process of shutting the Gravitic Drive off. She attached her Pad to the left of the screen, displaying information about the Drive, and following the intricate instructions on her Pad, the Engineer used the controls in front of her to lower the power fed into the Drive.

“Make sure you keep an eye out for any power spikes,” Ziku warned.

Sitting in her Engineering Chair, Ziku watched as the Engineer slowly brought the Gravitic Drive down to its lowest output before switching it off. A warning light and siren inside Engineering alerted everyone present that the Agamemnon was switching from Gravitic Drive spatial movement to standard sublight engines.

Outside, if anyone was watching the hull of the Agamemnon, they might notice a slight shimmer appear as the Gravitic Drive was switched off. Along the left-hand side of the Destroyer, thrusters activated and slowly pushed the ship through space. When the desired speed was reached, the thrusters turned off, and the Agamemnon continued to drift through space.

*****

Outside and near Minerva’s Bridge, a section of hull lowered and then retracted. Rising from within were three hexagonal spheres in a line. The centre sphere was the largest, and as it powered up, it detached from the hull, floated up, and slowly began to spin. The two smaller spheres on either side began to glow green, and arcs of electricity flashed between them and the central sphere.

“Engineering reports our Electronic Counter Countermeasures are coming online now,” Aszu reported. She looked up and over to where Sshuizshallius was sitting.

“Finally,” Sshuizshallius said as she stood up from her Command Chair.

“I wonder how the rest of the fleet is faring,” Ossih said as she walked over to the TDT.

“Oki, what’s the status of the ships we’ve managed to contact using the Tight Beam Transmitter?” Sshuizshallius inquired as she stood next to Ossih.

“I’ve managed to contact nine ships,” Oki replied, “two haven’t been attacked, four suffered minor damage before they were able to raise their shields, one replied to say they lost three turrets, and the last two were preparing to abandon ship,” she said.

“Damn,” Sshuizshallius said as she looked up at the TDT. “Oki, send out a Recovery Ship to collect the Life Pods for those two ships,” she ordered.

“At once, Admiral,” Oki replied with a nod of her head.

Viper Medics rushed through corridors and into the Minerva’s Hangar as sirens blared. The crew for one of the Battleship’s Recovery Ships were busy prepping the vessel for launch as the Medics ran up its open ramp. Minutes later, and once everyone was seated, the Pilot activated the Recovery Ship’s engines and the vessel lifted off the deck of the hangar. Nearby Engineers watched as the vessel turned around and headed for the exit.

“Have we had any luck in contacting our fighters?” Ossih asked as she watched the footage of the Recovery Ship exiting the hangar. The TDT projected its course toward one of the two Matriarchy ships, with Life Pods leaving it.

“No, Matriarch,” Oki replied, “the Tight Beam Transmitter requires the target to either be stationary or moving at a similar speed to us for it to work,” she pointed out.

“Admiral, receiving transmission from Border Station Five,” one of the Bridge Crew called out.

“Put it up on the main screen,” Sshuizshallius ordered.

“At once, Admiral,” they replied.

Sshuizshallius turned to face the front of the Bridge and watched as the main screen changed from static to that of the interior of the Station’s Command Centre. A visibly stressed Commander Zesta appeared in the centre of the screen, cast in harsh light.

“Commander,” Sshuizshallius called out, “how does the Station fare?” she asked.

“We lost an entire Engineering Crew when one of our Hangar Bays was hit,” Zesta replied, “once the Station’s shields went up, the remaining torpedoes failed to do any damage,” she said.

“Why haven’t you activated your ECCM?” Sshuizshallius asked.

“When the jamming started, the Station’s ECCM array was undergoing routine maintenance,” Zesta replied, “we won’t be able to bring it back online for another thirty minutes,” she said.

“This battle might be over in thirty minutes,” Ossih pointed out.

*****

Nuki flew through space, in and around the ships of the Matriarchy Fleet and tried her best to spot any incoming torpedoes. The other members of her Wing kept in formation with her while she tried in vain to spot amongst the darkness of space any approaching ships or torpedoes. Since the first explosion, none of the Pilots was able to communicate with each other. However, their training and onboard computers enabled them to remain together during the attack.

“Urgh, if only I could talk to them,” Nuki complained as she flew past a Cruiser that looked like it had taken two direct hits.

As she flew toward the Ruination of Minvera, Nuki’s Mamba detected the Battleship’s EECM coming online. Seconds later, the voices of the Pilots in her Wing came through the speakers inside her helmet. Shortly afterwards, the sensor screen in front of Nuki came online and revealed the carnage of the torpedo attack.

“Zsosu to all Wings,” she said with a hint of static, “trigger your IFFs and report readiness,” she ordered.

A series of confirmations came through on the open Comms channel, as well as each Mamba’s IFF blinking on and off. Nuki triggered hers before she spoke.

“Alpha Wing reporting in, no casualties,” Nuki said.

“Minerva to all Wings,” Aszu’s voice broke through the comms chatter loudly, “Patrol around the surviving Matriarchy ships and Border Station Five. Report any enemy contacts,” she ordered.

“Sending routes to each Wing,” Zsosu said as she started to plot several patrols. Seconds later, a new Objective Marker appeared on Nuki’s HUD with an outline of the Patrol Route assigned to Alpha Wing.

“Nuki to Alpha Wing,” she called out. “Looks like we’re patrolling the rear of the Fleet,” Nuki said.

“My Mamba’s not picking anything up,” a nearby Pilot said, “same here,” another replied.

“I suspect the torpedoes were a distraction,” Nuki said as she increased the speed of her Mamba.

Alpha Wing headed toward the rear of the Matriarchy Fleet toward the Objective Marker displayed on their HUD. Shortly after arriving, a patrol route appeared, and Nuki piloted her Mamba along it as the other pilots in Alpha Wing followed behind her. Rapidly blinking her left eye, Nuki told the computer installed in her Mamba to start actively scanning the area of space beyond the rear of the Matriarchy Fleet.

“Do you think there’ll be any more torpedoes?” a nearby Pilot asked.

“I doubt the initial attack will be the last,” Nuki replied as she watched the sensor pulses radiate out from her fighter.

*****

*Fifteen Minutes Earlier*

“Are we close enough to get a clear scan of the Sentry Satellite?” Thazha asked.

“Not yet,” Oatshul replied.

“When we are, I want…what’s going on?” Thazha asked as the TDT started to glitch.

“My guess is we’ve entered an ECM field,” Altsiah replied.

“I think we can guess what was preventing us from contacting the Station and Fleet,” Tektla said.

“If I remember correctly,” Thazha said as she used her Pad, “Ericius ECM also jams their ships. Helm, increase speed to maximum and prepare for combat,” she ordered.

“Aye, Captain,” came the reply.

“I recommend we use the Tight Beam Transmitter to once again communicate with the ships in our Patrol,” Tektla suggested.

“I agree,” Thazha replied, “Oatshul, contact the other ships, and have them prepare for combat,” she ordered.

“Powering it up now, Captain,” Oatshul replied.

*****

*Fifteen Minutes Later*

“The TDT is back up and running, Admiral,” Oki announced.

“Finally,” Sshuizshallius said as she walked over to the Tactical Display Table. “Scan the system and contact our ships,” she ordered.

“At once, Admiral,” Oki and Aszu replied.

“I hope the rest of the fleet isn’t too damaged,” Ossih said as she stood up from her Command Chair, walked over to the TDT and stopped next to Sshuizshallius.

Both Ossih and Sshuizshallius watched as Oki and Aszu scanned the Arroganza System and contacted the surviving Matriarchy ships. Within seconds of contacting each ship, its icon turned blue and blinked. The hologram projected above the TDT updated to show that eighty-seven per cent of the Matriarchy Fleet had survived the surprise attack. Rescue ships were already flying around the space surrounding Border Station Five, collecting Life Pods and rescuing any Vipers floating in space. Small yet powerful towing vehicles were launched from several Hangars, each one headed for the wreckage of destroyed ships.

“To think, so much damage from so few torpedoes,” Ossih said as she watched the projection.

“If it wasn’t for the sacrifice of Matriarch's Virtue, we’d have lost several more ships,” Sshuizshallius pointed out.

“I’ll make sure their families are well compensated,” Ossih replied.

“We’ve finished contacting all surviving ships,” Oki said, “and the Minerva’s scan of the Arroganza System is complete,” Aszu announced.

“Adjust the TDT to show the whole System,” Sshuizshallius ordered.

“Yes, Admiral,” Oki replied.

She stepped forward and, using the controls in front of her, Oki zoomed the projection out to display the whole Arroganza System. Blue icons represented Matriarchy ships, most of which were near Border Station Five. A few Patrol Ships were detected at the edges of the Arroganza System. The icons for each planet appeared orange, and the Monitoring Satellites were white.

“Where’s the Agamemnon?” Ossih asked as she studied the hologram.

“It should be over here,” Oki replied as she pointed toward the blinking white icon of the Monitoring Satellite near the system’s Oort Cloud.

“Have they been attacked?” Ossih inquired.

“I don’t think so,” Aszu replied, “if there were Ericius ships nearby, then they’d show up as red icons,” she said.

“Unless they are powered down,” Sshuizshallius pointed out.

“Why would the Agamemnon be powered down?” Ossih asked.

“Perhaps they’re hiding from Ericius ships?” Aszu suggested, and Oki shook her head.

“Doubtful,” she replied, “we scanned the system shortly before the jamming started. There was no indication of enemy vessels,” Oki said.

“Speaking of Ericius, where did those torpedoes come from?” Ossih asked.

A dull brown icon near Border Station Five lit up, and then the TDT started to glitch again. Several of the Bridge Crew cursed, and Sshuizshallius looked annoyed.

“I thought we were countering their jamming?” Sshuizshallius called out.

“We are,” replied a Viper.

“They must have increased the power of their ECM,” Oki replied.

“Had we managed to communicate with each ship in the fleet?” Sshuizshallius asked.

“Yes, Admiral,” Aszu replied, “all ships are ready for combat, and they were actively scanning for any approaching Ericius vessels,” she said.

“Is the Tight Beam Transmitter still set to the station?” Sshuizshallius asked, and Oki nodded. “Contact Commander Zesta,” Sshuizshallius ordered. Seconds later, Zesta appeared above the TDT.

“How can I be of service, Admiral?” Zesta asked.

“How long until you add your ECCM to ours?” Sshuizshallius asked.

“My Chief Engineer reports that we should have our ECCM up and running in fifteen minutes,” Zesta replied.

“I thought you said it would take thirty minutes?” Ossih chimed in.

“Normally it would be,” Zesta replied, “however, my Chief Engineer said that we could halve it by bypassing some of the safety checks,” she said.

“Hmm, very well, Commander, you have my permission to continue,” Sshuizshallius replied.

“Thank you, Admiral,” Zesta said before closing the Comms Channel.

“Sshuizshallius, what’s that brown icon?” Ossih asked, pointing to a region of space near Border Station Five. The hologram glitching above the TDT briefly came into focus, clearly showing the lit-up brown icon, shortly before it resumed malfunctioning.

“That is the old Sentry Satellite,” Sshuizshallius replied.

“Sentry Satellite, I thought it was powered down when it was no longer needed?” Aszu queried.

“It was,” Sshuizshallius replied, “however,” she started to say as the Minerva’s ECCM managed to break through the enemy jamming.

“We’ve broken through their jamming, Admiral,” a nearby Viper said as the TDT stopped glitching.

“I can see,” Sshuizshallius replied, “contact the Sentry Satellite, I want it powered up and scanning the space around it,” she ordered.

“Sending the signal now, Admiral,” Oki replied.

*****

Drifting slowly through the Arroganza System, an old Matriarchy Sentry Satellite watched and waited silently as planets and moons orbited slowly around their parent star. Ships of various sizes came and went over the years. One silent day, a station slowly assembled in orbit of the planet nearest to the Sentry Satellite’s position. As the years turned into decades, the satellite’s communications array received a final command to power down and sleep.

Decades, then centuries, passed before a group of unknown ships tripped the satellite’s proximity sensors. Waking up, it scanned the vessels without their knowledge and listened to their communications. The Sentry Satellite watched and waited for a command that may never come. The Comms traffic from the unknown ships increased, then a powerful ECM array powered up and activated.

A light flickered to life at the top of the Sentry Satellite as its Comms Array received a wakeup signal. The large reactor at its centre turned on, sending power to all sections. Positioning thrusters, shields, communications, weapons, scanners, and an old yet powerful stealth array. The satellite scanned its immediate surroundings and locked onto ten unknown ships. Relaying the data back to Border Station Five, the Sentry Satellite waited for further instructions.

*****

“When you suggested we power down Agamemnon,” Eki said as she hugged her arms, “I did not think the heaters would be off as well,” she then breathed into her hands before remembering they were covered by her Nanosuit Uniform.

“It’s not that cold,” John replied as he looked around the Bridge.

The Crew were huddled around portable heaters dotted around the Bridge, with one sitting next to the TDT. Zhani stood next to Nossi and Eszeell while Eki had her back to them as she spoke to John.

“You are a mammal,” Eki pointed out, “this might not be cold to you, but…” she started to say as a red light on the TDT distracted her.

“What’s the red light?” John asked as he walked over to the TDT.

Nossi looked at the heater, then sighed, walked over to John, and used the nearest keypad to him. As she tapped away, her tail started to wind itself around John’s left leg. He looked down at it as it moved, then looked up at Nossi. She smiled at him sheepishly before Zhani grumbled. Nossi coughed as she removed her tail from John’s leg and then side-stepped to her left.

“We have picked up an activation signal,” Nossi replied as she adjusted the TDT.

“I thought we were powered down,” John said, “or did someone spot us?” he asked.

“The Agamemnon is sending out a periodic passive scan,” Nossi replied. “While its range is limited, we are still capable of picking up approaching ships, and…” she continued to say as the hologram changed, “signals and some communications if they pass by the Destroyer,” Nossi said.

“Where was it directed?” John asked.

“Here,” Nossi replied as she pointed to a point on the projection above the TDT.

“That is a Sentry Satellite,” Eki said as she reluctantly left the heater. The look on John’s face prompted her to explain. “We use them to claim solar systems we have not settled,” Eki said as Nossi adjusted the TDT.

“Why would we be activating it?” John inquired.

“Unsure,” Eki replied as she looked at the information in front of her.

“I have a feeling we’ll have to bring the power back on to learn more,” John said as he looked around the Bridge. A few of the Crew seemed eager for him to give the order.

“Captain,” Zhani said as she walked over and stopped in front of him, “the Agamemnon is one of the most advanced ships in this system. I understand your reason to remain hidden; however, I believe we will be able to defend ourselves against most threats,” she pointed out. John looked up at Zhani and smiled when he made eye contact.

“Bridge to Engineering,” John said as he placed his hand on a nearby control, “bring the ship back online, activate the Gravitic Drive, and I want shields and all weapons online,” he ordered.

“At once, Captain,” Ziku replied.

“Finally, my tail feels like it is about to fall off,” said an Engineer shortly before the channel closed.

“I feel like I’ve just prevented a mutiny,” John said as the temperature of the Bridge slowly increased.

“If it got too cold, then the crew would have retired to their nests to warm up,” Zhani pointed out.

“True, I guess,” John replied.

Minutes later, Agamemnon was back to full power and ready for battle. Its sensors scanned the Arroganza System for enemy targets, and the Gunnery Crews for each turret prepped their guns for combat. The Vipers working at the front of the Destroyer readied six torpedoes for launch. Standing around the TDT inside Agamemnon’s Bridge, John, his Officers, and Captain Eki, who was now joined by Zozta, waited for the computer to finish analysing the scan.

*****

Captain Usnath of the Ericius ECM Cruiser Unseen Hand paced back and forth on the dais of the Bridge. Her crew busied themselves as the Cruiser’s Electronic Countermeasures array continued to jam the Matriarchy Fleet stationed outside the Viper station. The crews of the five other Ericius vessels were getting bored and wanted to attack the Matriarchy ships.

“Captain,” a female crew member called out, "receiving light signals from one of the Destroyers,” she said.

“What are they saying?” Zelan asked.

“They want to know how long until the Warmaster’s fleet arrives,” the crew member replied.

“Should be soon,” Elna replied, “we started scrambling those Snakes within the last hour before the fleet arrives,” she said.

“Sending light signals back,” replied the crew member.

“It’s a shame the ECM affects our ships as well,” Engineer Orbog said as she entered the Unseen Hand’s Bridge.

“We have yet to capture a Matriarchy ECM array to reverse engineer,” Usnath replied.

“I imagine they’ll start countering our jamming soon,” Orbog said as she walked over to a nearby screen.

“Once we detect the counter jamming, I’ll order the other ship to turn their array online,” Usnath replied.

An alarm sounded within the Bridge, and Usnath watched as Orbog hurried over to a section of the bridge to the left of the dais. Orbog pushed the Ericius crew out of the way as she used the controls in front of her. Seconds later, the alarm ceased.

“What happened?” Usnath asked.

“The Matriarchy have started to counter our ECM,” Orbog reported, “we’ll have to use the other ship,” she said.

“Signal Blackout,” Usnath ordered.

The screen at the front of the Bridge flickered to life, and the Captain of the Ericius ECM Destroyer Blackout appeared. She nodded to Usnath before the static came out of the speakers. Orbog kicked a nearby piece of machinery, and the image cleared.

“Captain, how can I be of service?” the female Ericius asked.

“The Snakes are countering our ECM,” Usnath replied, “activate your array so we can counter their efforts,” she ordered.

“At once, Captain,” came the reply shortly before the screen switched off.

Orbog walked over to a group of screens and watched the data scroll. She pressed a few buttons and pulled some levers, and then alarms sounded, alerting everyone to the ECM array powering up once more.

“We’ve started jamming them again, Captain,” Orbog called out.

“Good,” Usnath replied.

*****

Warmaster Ulthek stalked around the bridge of the Erircius Battleship Mellivora, her crew focused on their work, hoping not to attract her attention. The dried, skinned corpse of their Captain hangs nearby. The lights reflected off the congealing gore slowly dripping off her body. The pool of blood and viscera sitting beneath the Captain’s body still had a slight sheen to it. Hanging nearby was the former Captain’s skin, stretched out onto a tanning rack.

“Egrem, how long until we reach their Station?” Ulthek asked.

“We will be in weapons range in fifteen minutes, Warmaster,” Egrem replied.

“Ertath, signal all ships to launch another salvo,” Ulthek ordered.

“At once, Warmaster,” Ertath replied.

She pressed a few of the controls in front of her, and shortly afterwards, torpedo-equipped ships within the fleet received orders via light signals. Each Captain ordered a new salvo for launch, and then minutes later, great plumes of smoke erupted from each ship. The primitive computers inside each Ericius torpedo adjusted their course as they flew toward Border Station Five and the Matriarchy Fleet.

“Any contact from our jamming ships?” Ulthek inquired.

“No, Warmaster,” Egrem replied, “you will remember that when active, our ECM arrays jam Ericius communications as well,” she pointed out.

“Yes, of course,” Ulthek replied.

*****

“We’re receiving a signal from the Sentry Satellite, Admiral,” Oki said.

“Good,” Sshuizshallius replied, “order it to scan the space around it and update our TDT with the results,” she ordered.

“No need, Admiral,” Oki replied, “we’ve just received a full scan of the Ericius ships near the satellite,” she said.

“Show us the results,” Ossih ordered.

“At once, Matriarch,” Oki replied as she started to upload the data to the TDT.

The hologram floating above the Tactical Display Table flickered, then shifted to a green wireframe representation of the Sentry Satellite and the immediate surrounding space. Positioned a short distance from the satellite were ten Ericius ships. Two of them had a similar design and overall shape, while the other eight were smaller ships.

“I think it’s safe to assume that both of those larger vessels are their ECM ships,” Aszu said, “if I’m reading the scan properly, they’re both producing a lot of EM radiation as well as a strong jamming signal,” she pointed out.

“I can confirm Aszu is correct,” Oki chimed in, "Minerva's Computer has just identified both of the larger ships as Ericius ECM Cruisers, the other eight are a mixture of Destroyers and Frigates, and two Support ships,” she said.

“What are our options?” Ossih asked, looking up at the hologram.

“Well, we can either send a small detachment of ships to attack them,” Aszu replied as she tapped away at a nearby control panel, “or we can order the Sentry Satellite to attack them for us. However…” she started to say.

“If we do that, we’ll most likely lose the satellite,” Sshuizshallius interrupted.

“How so?” Ossih inquired.

“I suspect we are being attacked by an Ericius reprisal fleet,” Sshuizshallius replied, “while we don’t know which direction they are approaching from, their ECM ships are jamming us to prevent their detection,” she said.

“If we order the Satellite to attack,” Aszu started to say as she used the controls in front of her, “it should be able to destroy or disable both Cruisers. We’d then be able to target the surviving ships with the Mass Driver,” she said.

“You want to destroy a small group of ships with the Minerva’s Mass Driver?” Sshuizshallius asked.

“It’ll only work if they stay grouped together,” Aszu replied.

“If they scatter, we’ll have to attack them another way,” Oki pointed out.

“True,” Aszu replied.

“Order the Sentry Satellite to attack the two ECM Cruisers,” Sshuizshallius ordered, “once they’re dealt with, the Satellite can deal with the four remaining ships,” she said.

“Sending command now, Admiral,” Oki replied.

*****

“Out of curiosity,” John said as he looked around the Bridge, “how do we stop ourselves from falling about when we get hit?” he asked. He had walked over to his Bridge Officers and Eki, who were gathered around the TDT.

“What do you mean?” Zhani asked in return. The others watched as the two talked.

“Well,” John replied as he looked up at her and then at the others nearby, “do we stand here and hold on tight or…” he said while miming flailing about.

“Normally, everyone sits down at their assigned stations,” Zhani replied, “however, the Agamemnon has a new feature,” she said.

“Which is?” John asked.

“Have you forgotten it already?” Zhani inquired.

“You’re assuming I knew what it was before I forgot,” John replied, and he grinned at her.

“The information you read about the Agamemnon,” Zhani started to say as she gestured for John to hand her his Pad, “the last section included what we are talking about now,” she said and then handed the Pad back to John.

“Oh, I didn’t read this bit,” John admitted, “I had already decided on what we were going to do for the last hour, so I skipped it,” he said.

“But that was the most important part,” Zhani pointed out as she placed her hands on her wide hips.

“I don’t recall you complaining,” John replied as everyone around the TDT watched their conversation. “If it was so important, you should have stopped me. Although…” he said as John noticed the Bridge’s volume had lowered.

“Although what?” Zhani asked.

“You seemed so eager,” John replied as Zhani noticed their conversation wasn’t as private as she thought it was.

“It has been a long time since I was last with a Male,” she admitted.

“Uh-huh,” John replied.

“So, are you going to read it?” Zhani inquired.

“Let’s see,” John replied as he looked at the information displayed on his Pad. He walked around the dais as Zhani looked around the Bridge. Each Viper she made eye contact with quickly resumed their work. “Oh, cool,” John said as he stopped, turned around and looked up at Zhani. “We’ve got to try this,” he then smiled as he made eye contact with her.

“I thought you might say that,” Zhani replied, returning the smile.

“Can everyone get to their assigned stations?” John said loudly. Those who weren’t already at their stations hurried over to them, Nossi and Eszeell too. Eki and Zozta both looked at Zhani.

“Captain,” she called out, “please activate the Matriarch Command Chairs. Our two guests do not have anywhere to sit,” Zhani pointed out.

“I thought ships below Cruiser size didn’t get assigned a Matriarch,” John said as he looked at the controls on his chair.

“It is the round purple button,” Zhani said as she walked over and sat down on her Command chair.

“Ah, found it,” John replied as he pushed the button.

Two bright neon blue lights appeared behind John and Zhani’s Command Chairs as Nanos were released from hidden reservoirs. John turned to watch, shielding his eyes from the light, as the Nanos built two chairs identical to his and Zhani’s. When they were complete, Eki and Zozta hurried over and sat down.

“While you are correct that Matriarchs are not assigned to Matriarchy Ships below Cruiser Class,” Zhani started to say as she glanced at her Pad, “all vessels have the ability to create Command Chairs for any Matriarchs on board,” she said.

“Ah. So,” John replied as he cleared his throat, “if I’m reading this correctly, I just have to press this button?” he asked, and Zhani nodded.

“Yes. However, I suggest you contact Engineering: they will want to monitor the process,” she pointed out.

“Good idea,” John said as he pressed the Internal Comms button. “Bridge to Engineering,” he called out.

“Yes, Captain?” Ziku’s voice said after a few seconds.

“We’re activating Agamemnon’s Bridge Reconfiguration Unit,” John said.

“We will monitor its progress and override it if anything goes wrong,” Ziku replied.

“Is everyone ready?” Zhani called out and waited for the replies.

“Here goes,” John said shortly after Zhani looked at him.

Pressing the button to activate the Reconfiguration Unit, John closed his eyes as he expected to be blinded. Noticing the light levels remained the same, John opened one eye, then the other, and watched in awe. Released from hidden reservoirs throughout the Agamemnon’s Bridge, Nanos rushed along the walls, ceiling and floor. Whereas before the Bridge was an oval with curved walls and an almost open-air appearance, the new design, as John watched it take shape, was enclosed and seemed to offer more protection to the bridge’s crew.

“In recent years,” Zhani started to say as her Command Chair moved out from behind John’s, “we began to realise that our more open Bridges during combat were a liability,” she said.

John watched as consoles and screens formed in front of Zhani’s chair and on both sides of her. He almost yelped as his chair started to move as well. It stopped to the left of Zhani, and then consoles and screens appeared around John. He tried to look back, but a wall had appeared, blocking his view of Eki and Zozta. The TDT appeared about five metres in front of where he and Zhani were sitting, and he noticed Nossi and Eszeell’s chairs move to either side of the TDT. Nossi waved at John when her chair briefly faced his direction.

“This feels like a weird theme park ride,” John said as he looked up and watched as the ceiling lowered. He noticed that the material it was made out of had changed to a metallic substance and stopped about two feet above the tallest Viper on the Bridge.

“What is a theme park ride?” Zhani asked.

“I’ll tell you when we’re not about to go into battle,” John replied as he looked around and guessed the Reconfiguration Unit had finished.

Unfastening the harness holding him in place, John stood and looked around the Bridge. He found Eki and Zozta sitting behind his Command Chair, however, unlike the previous Bridge configuration, the new one encased them in what appeared to be reinforced armour. The walls surrounding them looked as though they could easily block an armour-piercing tank round.

“Are you two okay?” John asked.

“Yes,” replied Eki, “I had heard of the Reconfiguration Unit, however,” she started to say as she looked around, “I did not realise the extent to which it changes a ship’s bridge,” Eki then looked at Zozta.

“I read the technical blueprints for the Unit,” Zozta said as she struggled to undo her harness, “and I thought it quite impressive. It changes a ship’s bridge from the standard open plan design to a heavily armoured tactical bridge,” she said. Eki bent down and unfastened Zozta’s harness.

“I see I’m not the only one who has trouble with that,” John said.

“I feel like I am being mothered,” Zozta replied as she stood up.

“I’m going to explore the new bridge,” John said as she turned around and walked away.

*****

Receiving the signal to attack the group of Ericius vessels nearby, the Sentry Satellite’s computer instructed its reactor to increase power to one hundred per cent, and then it activated its hidden weapon bays. Concealed armoured doors unlocked and retracted, revealing an assortment of anti-fighter and anti-ship weapons. Point Defence Turrets spun their multibarreled guns while nearby Nano Reservoirs created fresh ammunition. Laser Turrets ascended from within the main body of the satellite and locked onto the nearest Ericius ship. Missile Launchers locked into place, and their targeting computers calculated the optimum course in order to destroy each target. Lastly, a Cutting Beam, usually used to clear asteroids, powered up.

“Captain, something is targeting us!” one of the nearby Crew shouted as warning alarms went off inside the Unseen Hand’s Bridge.

The Sentry Satellite’s Laser Turrets and Missile Launchers targeted the Ericius ECM Cruiser Blackout and fired. Laser barrels rocked back as they dumped the heat of each shot into the heat sinks at the rear of each Laser Turret. Great plumes of fire and smoke were ejected from the rear of each launcher as the missiles were launched. Along Blackout’s right flank, laser bolts impacted against its shields and then hull as the concentrated fire overloaded the Cruiser’s Shield Generators.

“Scan the area,” Usnath ordered, “those damn Snakes must have detected us,” she complained.

“We’ll have to switch off the ECM, Captain,” a nearby Crew member pointed out. “Light signals will need to be sent to Blackout as well,” she said.

“Damn. Switch off the ECM Array and contact Blackout, we need to find out who’s targeting us,” Usnath ordered.

“At once, Captain,” the crew member replied.

Shortly after their ECM Array was switched off, the Crew of the Unseen Hand watched in horror as their viewscreen came to life, showing them the destruction of Blackout. The recently launched Missiles from the Sentry Satellite impacted against the right flank of the Ericius ECM Cruiser. Explosions rippled along the hull shortly before one of the Missiles found an opening and exploded inside the ship. Time seemed to slow as sections of Blackout’s hull bulged, then a massive explosion ripped the Cruiser in half.

“What the hell!” Usnath cried.

“It’s the satellite!” Orbog called out from the other side of the Bridge.

“I thought you told me it was dead?” Usnath replied as the alarm was turned off, and the Crew continued to watch the death of their sister ship.

“I think it’s safe to assume it’s very much alive," Orbog replied.

Recovering from the shock of the initial attack, the remaining Ericius ships returned fire. Laser turrets rocked back and forth while Missiles were launched. Bright flashes of green light erupted across the shields of the Sentry Satellite, as well as explosions near where the satellite was. Its Point Defence Turrets opened fire and destroyed the incoming Ericius Missiles. Lines of tracer fire zigged and zagged back and forth across the space between the satellite and enemy vessels.

“Our ships are returning fire,” Orbog said as she read the data scrolling on a nearby screen.

“Order them to form up behind us,” Usnath ordered. “We’re going to head for the Warmaster’s fleet,” she said.

“Signalling them now, Captain,” Orbog replied.

Just as Orbog was about to send the order to leave, Unseen Hand’s shields were hit by multiple laser bolts. Several Crew stations inside the Bridge exploded, injuring the Ericius manning them. Before anyone could react, though, the Bridge suddenly went red as a beam of light passed over the Cruiser. Realising what was about to happen, Usnath tried to warn everyone, but it was too late. The Cutting Beam focused into a line and cut through the middle of Unseen Hand.

The Sentry Satellite’s computer watched as its Cutting Beam swept over the Ericius Cruiser before splitting the ship into multiple pieces. Flashes of green travelled along the satellite’s length as the eight surviving enemy ships attempted to focus their fire and destroy it.

*****

Captain Thazha watched from her Command Chair as the Ericius ECM Cruiser exploded. She nodded to Altsiah, and the Tactical Officer gave the command to open fire on the remaining Ericius vessels. Oatshul sent a signal to the remaining Matriarchy ships in their Patrol, and they, too, opened fire.

Gunnery Vipers targeted key points on their assigned ships and pulled their triggers. The barrels for their Laser Turrets glowed red as they rocked back and forth, dumping accumulated heat into the large Heat Sinks at the rear of each turret. Missiles launched from their tubes and flew toward the eight Ericius ships.

“Make sure our gunners don’t waste their shots,” Thaza called out.

“I’ll contact our other ships and focus our fire,” Altsiah replied.

A flash of white light lit up the Bridge as something impacted the Sentry Satellite’s shields. Static darted across the main screen, and the TDT flickered. Once the interference had dissipated sufficiently, Thazha noticed that a section of the satellite was missing.

“What was that?” she asked as Thazha stood up and walked over to the TDT.

“Not sure,” Tektla replied, “I’m having the computer check the sensors,” she said.

“My guess is it was from the main Ericius fleet,” Thazha suggested as she looked up at the hologram floating above the TDT.

“I concur,” Altsiah said as she helped Tektla.

Moments later, a red box appeared around a small object displayed above the TDT. The hologram adjusted itself and then zoomed in. A long cylinder with an engine at one end and a blunt point at the other.

“Torpedoes,” Thazha said when the image came into focus.

“Receiving a signal from the Minerva,” a nearby Crew member called out.

“Patching it through, Captain,” Oatshul said as she guessed Thazha’s next order. Everyone turned to look at the main screen as Sshuizshallius’s face appeared.

“Admiral,” Thazha said as she bowed.

“Captain, I want you and your Patrol to head back to Border Station Five as quickly as possible,” Sshuizshallius ordered. “We’ve detected an approaching Ericius fleet and are preparing to attack,” she said.

“At once, Admiral,” Thazha replied, “what about the Sentry Satellite?” she inquired.

“We’ve ordered it to destroy the remaining Ericius ships currently attacking it, and as long as no more torpedoes hit it, it’ll serve as a vanguard,” Sshuizshallius replied.

“We’ll break off our attack and head to you now, Admiral,” Thazha said. Sshuizshallius nodded, and then the screen went blank.

“Helm, turn us about and head for Border Station Five, best speed,” Tektla ordered.

“Aye, Lieutenant,” came the reply.

“Order the Patrol to follow us,” Thazha ordered.

“Sending the signal now, Captain,” Oatshul replied.

Thrusters along the left flank of Matriarch’s Blessing flared into life as the Viper piloting the Destroyer steered it away from the Sentry Satellite and towards Border Station Five and the Matiarchy Fleet. The remaining ships in the Patrol followed suit, and as the battle around the satellite continued, the crews of the Matriarchy ships sighed in relief as they headed for safety.

*****

The Ruination of Minerva’s Bridge Crew watched as the Sentry Satellite destroyed the last of the Ericius ships. Ten minutes had passed since it had received the order to attack, and everyone watching was impressed with the amount of firepower contained within the satellite, despite the damage it had sustained from the torpedo. With the ECM Cruisers gone, the Battleship’s sensors were fully up and running and actively scanning the Arroganza system. Orders were given, and The Matriarchy fleet was slowly moving away from Border Station Five so that they were no longer caught within the gravity well of the nearby planet.

“Have we detected any more torpedoes?” Sshuizshallius asked, looking at the TDT.

“No, Admiral,” Oki replied, “I’ve tasked Minerva's computer with calculating the trajectory of the torpedo that hit the Sentry Satellite,” she said.

“You want to see where it was heading before it struck the satellite?” Ossih inquired.

“Yes, Matriarch,” Oki replied, “the computer will also be calculating where the torpedo came from,” she said.

“We might be able to find the Ericius fleet before they attack,” Aszu pointed out.

Oki used the controls in front of her to adjust the TDT. As the data from the Computer came in, she used it to trace the torpedo’s route. Then she projected the route back to its point of origin.

“Once we find their fleet,” Sshuizshallius said as she watched the hologram floating above the TDT, “I want the Minerva’s Mass Driver charged and ready to fire,” she ordered.

“At once, Admiral,” Aszu said.

Oki continued to use the controls in front of her to adjust the TDT. After a few more minutes, a clear trajectory for the torpedo appeared, indicating that its intended target was Border Station Five. Seconds later, and its point of origin appeared as well. A nearby icon began blinking, and upon pressing a button, the TDT updated to include the latest scan of the Arroganza system. A large red icon appeared near the Sentry Satellite, and when zoomed in, everyone around the TDT saw the individual icons of the enemy ships.

“Enemy fleet detected and identified, Admiral,” Aszu said as she used Minerva's computer to identify each of the Ericius ships.

“Target the largest ship and charge the Mass Driver,” Sshuizshallius ordered.

“Charging now,” Aszu replied.

“Helm, raise the Minvera, we’ll need to give the Mass Driver a clear shot,” Sshuizshallius ordered.

“Aye, Admiral,” came the reply. Thrusters along the underside of the Battleship at its front activated, and the ship slowly started to tilt upwards.

“Oki, signal the fleet. We’ll need them to keep clear of our line of fire,” Sshuizshallius ordered.

“Sending the signal now, Admiral,” Oki replied.

The lights inside the Bridge flickered and dimmed as power was fed into the Mass Driver on the underside of the Battleship. Huge coils along both sides of the massive gun glowed blue as power surged down the heavily reinforced cables. Viper Engineers carefully loaded a tungsten round into the Mass Driver’s breach. The round was cylindrical, ninety feet long and thirty feet in diameter.

“Ready to fire, Admiral,” Aszu said.