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

them as a primary target,” ordered Derrick. “If we can take them out in the early part of the battle, then our interceptors will be more effective.”

-

In the underground Command Center beneath the House of Worlds, Fleet Admiral Marloo stared at the tactical display in shock. He had not expected that many Morag warships to appear. They must really want to destroy Golan Four.

“All commands are at Condition One,” reported Colonel Hillstrum. “Energy shields have been activated over all major cities and military bases.”

“I want one thousand interceptors ready to launch. Their only job is to stay in the atmosphere and to shoot down any missiles that get past the defensive grid.”

Marloo was afraid that, no matter what they did, a few would get through and strike the planet.

-

All across the planet, the alarms and sirens went off, designating the Condition One setting. Energy beam turrets pointed upward, and interceptor missiles were prepared to launch. At all military bases weapons were readied, and targeting systems started searching the sky.

At the interceptor bases, one thousand attack interceptors rolled out of their armored bunkers, ready to take flight. They had no missiles, as they would be shooting down inbound missiles with their energy beam cannons. The missiles would only add extra weight, and the interceptors might need to do a lot of quick maneuvering to target the descending warheads.

-

In the Royal Bunker beneath the Imperial Palace, Layla, Andrew, Kala, and Chancellor Stein were in the small Command Center, where they could watch developments.

“I thought you would be in the big Command Center with Fleet Admiral Marloo,” said Layla, focusing on Stein.

Chancellor Stein shook his head. “No, I would just be in the way. At least here I can still keep track of everything going on.”

-

In the small Command Center’s command chair, Colonel Katelyn Mace watched the developments on the main viewscreens and tactical displays. Ten other officers were in the Command Center, operating consoles. All they could do from here was observe. Colonel Mace was a little nervous about having the High Princess and the others sitting behind her. She hoped she didn’t screw anything up.

-

The two Human fleets dropped back toward Golan Four, with the Morag fleets now closing the distance. They were still too far away for any weapons fire.

“We’ll close to five hundred kilometers from the defense grid and then come to a stop,” said Derrick. “That should allow the grid to add its firepower to ours against the Morag.” That would help even up the battle some but still not enough. “Once we’re fully engaged, we’ll launch all the attack interceptors from the battlecarriers and send them against the Morag. Medium-range missile launches to start with. At the same time we’ll also prepare to launch the attack interceptors from the ground bases. They can rearm and refuel by landing on the battlecarriers. We’ll try to hold the Morag here as long as we can.”

“Engagement range in seven minutes,” announced Major Nower.

Derrick activated his ship-to-ship comm. “All commands, prepare to fire. I want the Morag light cruisers taken out first. They offer the biggest threat to our interceptors, and we’ll need those interceptors if we want to win this battle. I also want to hit those big ships of the Morag with as many particle beams and accelerator cannon rounds as possible. We can’t allow those big ships near Golan Four.” Those big ships were deep in the Morag formation, and Derrick wasn’t even sure they could reach them.

-

In the underground Command Center, Fleet Admiral Marloo looked over at General Gantts; she was in charge of the orbital defenses as well as the ground defenses.

“All orbital defenses stand by to fire,” she ordered. “Don’t let those Morag vessels get close to Golan Four. Inbound missiles are primary targets.”

“Three minutes to combat range,” reported Colonel Marks.

Marloo nodded. “Launch the one thousand attack interceptors. They are on missile watch.”

-

Across the planet, the chosen squadrons took off, heading high up in the atmosphere. Each pilot was determined not to let any missiles strike the planet, as Golan Four was their home, and they were protecting their families. As soon as the first squadrons of fighters were gone, technicians and mechanics got the next squadrons ready. It wouldn’t be long before they were launched as well.

-

Derrick brought his fleets to a stop, facing the Morag. They were nearly in combat range.

“One thousand interceptors have launched,” confirmed Major Nower.

“Their primary job will be missile interdiction,” said Colonel Bryant.

“Fleets are in stationary position,” reported Lieutenant Viktor. “Standing by for orders.”

“Morag fleets have entered extreme combat range.”

“All ships stand by to fire,” said Derrick over the comm, leaning forward, as he watched the tactical display. “Launch attack interceptors.”

-

On Rear Admiral Carrie’s battlecarriers, attack interceptors shot out of the flight bays. The interceptors rapidly formed into squadrons and waited for further orders. Rear Admiral Collison’s fifteen battlecarriers were doing the same thing. Shortly nearly 5,600 interceptors waited to attack.

-

Derrick knew of only one way to win this battle. He had to drastically weaken the Morag fleet to the point where the defense grid could finish them off, and to do that would require fighting from nearly point-blank range. Derrick planned on getting so close to the Morag fleets that they wouldn’t be able to use their numerical advantage. He had already spoken to his admirals, and they were in full agreement with his plan.

“Optimum combat range!” called out Major Nower.

“Fire!” ordered Derrick, just as the Morag opened up.

-

Space erupted with explosions of energy, as the Human and the Morag fleets opened fire. The defense grid around Golan Four opened up as well. In moments, space was full of exploding missiles and bright energy beams. The front sections of both fleets were full of exploding ships. Tens