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

“I just talked to him,” replied Colonel Berks. “They’ve successfully shut it down. However, he says it will take over a week to repair the damage.”

Flynn nodded. “I think he will have that week. Now let’s see what we can do about repairing parts of this base, just in case those Confederation fleets return.” He knew from earlier reports that many of the weapons just needed some minor repairs. However, some of the larger weapons, like the big energy cannons, their tubes were either warped or the frame holding the cannons was partially collapsed.

-

In the underground Command Center on Tantula Five, there was considerable cheering. The Confederation fleets had been driven off, and, so far, no one else reported any signs of them across the cluster.

Governor Dyson stood and walked over to General Clarkson. “I want Operation Salvage implemented immediately. Send the message out to the other primary worlds of the cluster.”

Dyson returned and sat back down next to Krista.

“What’s Operation Salvage?”

Dyson smiled and gestured toward the tactical display, where a large number of friendly green icons appeared. “Those large cargo ships contain everything Gideon might need to rebuild. Every primary world in the cluster will send a fleet like that in the next few hours. The first thing we’ll do is clean the moon’s atmosphere, putting out fires, helping to rescue survivors. Two years from now you won’t be able to tell Gideon was even attacked.”

Krista nodded. “I think I can assure you that the Empire will send whatever is needed as well. This battle wasn’t just for the Tantula System. It was for the Empire.”

“Thank you, Princess,” replied Governor Dyson. “The help will be much appreciated.”

Looking at the main tactical display, Krista was relieved to see the Themis still there. Now the main part of the battle would shift to the Golan Four System, where Layla was. One worry was over, with an even larger one about to begin.

-

On Golan Four in the underground Command Center beneath the House of Worlds, Fleet Admiral Dom Marloo just received the final report from the battle over Gideon. Both Admiral Cleemorl and Fleet Admiral Marloo were in agreement. The defeated Morag forces would join up with the forces aimed at Golan Four and then attack the Golan Four System in a massive attack.

“Can you spare Rear Admiral Carrie and Rear Admiral Krest?” asked Admiral Marloo. “I could sure use her battlecarriers and Krest’s warships.”

“I believe so,” replied Dylan. “However, many of her pilot crews and interceptors are from this cluster. I would like to keep them, so we have a reasonable number of interceptors here to help protect Gideon and Tantula Five, in case the Druins or the Zynth return.”

“No problem,” replied Marloo. “I can get the necessary interceptors and crews from the other core worlds. I’ll have them here waiting, when Rear Admiral Carrie arrives. I also doubt if we’ll be seeing any more of the Druins or the Zynth. I believe the Morag might have shattered their alliance when their admiral took over the minds of those thirty Druin ships that attacked the base. They can’t be happy about that. The next meeting of their Great Council might see the Confederation shattered.”

“Let’s hope so,” said Dylan. “We already know the Lormallians and the Zang are close to rebelling. Perhaps we should find a way to add some encouragement.”

Marloo nodded thoughtfully. “I know the Visth are in contact with the Lormallian councilor. Perhaps I could set up a clandestine meeting, and we could discuss some options.”

“I’ll leave that part up to you. In the meantime, I better get busy and start rebuilding this system’s defenses. Fortunately I can get everything I need from the other six primary systems as well as from a few of the larger mining colonies.”

“You fought a great battle,” praised Marloo. “Now let’s just hope we can do the same thing here.”

-

Layla was in the Imperial Palace in her office. She had just been contacted by Governor Dyson of Tantula Five as to the damage suffered on Gideon. From the latest reports, they were estimating the Human losses at over forty million, maybe more. Already rescue personnel and supplies were pouring in from all the other worlds in the star cluster. Layla had also talked briefly with Krista and promised that the Empire would also help rebuild Gideon.

“We’ll be next,” said Andrew, who sat in front of her desk. “Based on the fleet size that hit Gideon, we can expect an attack by up to ten thousand Morag warships.”

“Can we stop that many?”

“Maybe,” replied Andrew. “We’ll take some damage. There will just be way too many missiles flying around.”

“How’s Kala doing?” Layla knew Kala was concerned about the coming attack. Everyone was.

“Same as everyone else. Dreading the coming attack but wishing it were over.”

Layla leaned back, putting her right hand on her desk. “At least Krista, Cheryl, and Dylan are safe. I’m glad Krista finally relented and agreed to go to Tantula Five.”

“Right into the war,” pointed out Andrew.

Layla nodded. “The combined defenses of Tantula Five and Gideon were more than what we have here. Not only that but I trusted Dylan to keep her safe, and we had contingencies in case, if it looked as if the Confederation fleets would win.” Layla had only talked briefly to Krista, though Layla hoped to have a much longer conversation later in the day. She really hated being separated from her cousin and Derrick, who was stuck on board the Destiny. He was so close but still so far away.

-

In the Tantula Five System, Admiral Cleemorl watched as Rear Admiral Carrie and Rear Admiral Krest took their ships into hyperspace. He had replaced all of Rear Admiral Krest’s ships that had been destroyed from his own fleet, to bring her force up to where it was when