The Forgotten Empire: War for the Empire by Raymond Weil (ereader ebook .txt) 📕

have who could handle these two projects?” Dozens of mining families controlled most of the major mining operations in the system.

“I’ve already spoken to the Muton Corporation and the Hathan Cooperative. Both are willing to take on the mining projects.”

Adrian, as mayor, had to approve all mining contracts.

Nodding, Adrian decided to approve the two companies. Both were well run. “Set up standard contracts, and let’s get this started.” She knew how important resources were to the main worlds in the cluster, and they also paid very well for these types of metals. It would bring in a tidy sum for Clovian and would help finance a few projects she had in mind.

-

Around the system were dozens of mining operations. Some were very large, and others were quite small. Some were family run, while the larger ones were controlled by huge companies. However, all had one thing in common. Their primary base of operations resided in the two domed cities on Clovian.

Currently four Imperial battlecruisers were in the system. The small squadron was tasked with protecting Clovian Three, as well as several other mining operations in nearby systems.

“Sensors are clear,” reported Ensign Leeks, who was on board the Drendal, the acting flagship for the small squadron.

“Let’s hope it stays that way,” commented First Officer Nash. “With four ships, we wouldn’t stand much of a chance at stopping a major attack.”

“We’re supposed to get more ships, as soon as they’re available,” replied Captain Frederick. Eventually his squadron was due to have ten battlecruisers and one dreadnought.

Frederick had no sooner leaned back in his command chair when the sensor alarms sounded. His gaze instantly moved in that direction, expecting to see a single red threat icon. Instead, he saw what looked like over one hundred. He felt his pulse increase, as he glanced at Ensign Leeks.

“Contacts!” called out Ensign Leeks. “We have Confederation ships dropping out of hyperspace near Clovian. Initial identification indicates Zynth warships.”

Captain Frederick frowned, concerned. “How many?”

“Over one hundred so far and the count is still rising.”

“Communications, send a message to Admiral Cleemorl, informing him of the presence of the Zynth fleet and requesting immediate reinforcements.”

Taking a deep breath, Captain Frederick gave his next order. “I want all four ships of our squadron directly over Clovian. We’ll do the best we can, until help arrives.” He knew, against a fleet of this size, his small squadron would not last long.

-

Zynth Admiral Donlur gazed at his tactical display. Four Imperial battlecruisers were in the system. Even as he watched, all four jumped into orbit of the moon he planned on attacking.

“We’ll make short work of them,” proclaimed First Officer Zakor. “They cannot prevent us from destroying this moon.”

“Take the fleet in. I want the primary targets on this moon destroyed as quickly as possible.” Donlur knew that reinforcements for the Humans were not far away. He needed to destroy his targets before any arrived.

First Officer Zakor quickly gave the order. Time to kill some Humans.

-

Captain Manson on the Taggert was asleep in his quarters when the Condition One alarms sounded. Over the ship’s comm system, First Officer Jansen’s voice could be heard, requesting that the captain report to the Command Center immediately.

It only took a few minutes for him to dress and to reach the Command Center. He wished he had had time to take a shower and to eat breakfast, but the flashing red lights of Condition One stated plainly that he had no time. “What’s going on?” he asked, as he sat down in his command chair.

“Zynth fleet is attacking Clovian Three. Captain Frederick has requested aid. He only has four battlecruisers in his patrol squadron, and he’s facing in excess of one hundred Zynth warships.”

“Has he contacted Admiral Cleemorl?”

“Yes, the admiral is gathering a relief fleet. We’re to jump into the Clovian Three System and help defend Clovian, until the relief fleet can get there.”

“Thank the Human Empire we’re in a star cluster, and it won’t take long for that fleet to arrive. Prepare to jump to Clovian Three. Make sure all ships understand that we will be jumping into a combat situation. Ships should be prepared to fire their weapons upon emergence from hyperspace. They are to target the nearest Zynth ship.”

-

Captain Frederick winced as the Zynth fleet jumped into orbit.

“Put two battlecruisers each above the domed cities,” he ordered. “I want them to knock down as many incoming missiles as possible. The cities’ defenses will have to handle the rest.” Looking at the tactical display, Captain Frederick knew his ships would not last long against the Zynth fleet. However, he just needed to buy a few minutes until help could arrive.

-

Mayor Styles was in a deep underground bunker beneath the city. Already thousands of the cities’ inhabitants filed in, hoping the deep bunker would give them safety from the Zynth. The bunker had a small Command Center, and she was currently with Major Stone, who was in charge of the small complement of military personnel assigned to Clovian.

“Defenses are powered up, and energy shields are now protecting both of our cities,” reported Stone. “Missile batteries are ready to fire, as soon as the Zynth ships come into range. Captain Frederick has positioned his four battlecruisers above our cities to help with protective fire. Fleet reinforcements are on the way.”

“What about all the mining operations?”

“They’ve gone dark. Power has been shut down, and they are in their emergency bunkers.”

“Mining ships and cargo vessels?”

“Powered down until we sound the all clear.”

Adrian nodded. She turned her gaze toward the single large tactical display, which showed the now orbiting Zynth warships. Suddenly an alarm sounded, indicating a missile launch. On the tactical screen, dozens of missiles headed toward the two domed cities. Adrian felt frightened, as she realized, in a few minutes,