Alpha One - Chris Burton [45]
This was meant as a deliberate challenge to the Grand Sol. He knew all Partacians felt they had the authority to negotiate. It was part of their make-up, and this was a challenge to the Partacian leader to enter into a dialogue rather than take action.
The Grand Sol didn’t take the bait. He closed the comm link. Moments later, his fleet opened fire. The Partacian vessels commenced an attack on the Alpha Fleet, which packed together in a tight formation to ensure the maximum protection from the fleet shielding system. The Partacians formed a circle surrounding the Alpha Fleet and fired at will, like a Native American assault on a US cavalry wagon.
The offensive went without reprise, but Shenke knew the shields would weaken. It was only a matter of time before Alpha must defend themselves.
“Grand Sol” said Shenke. “You must cease this futile attack on us. You have no prospect of defeating us. Don’t force me to defend the fleet.”
Once again there was no response.
Shenke’s team of advisors and fleet controllers stood staring as the Partacians continued the assault. His lead Advisor, Commander Chris Willis, was old school and paid no attention to any diplomatic sensitivity which prevailed. “Admiral, we should launch one hundred jump ships and let them take the Partacian ships out. There is a risk that if we allow this assault to continue; our ships will take some damage.”
“No, our response must be appropriate. The Partacians are not the enemy. They are merely protecting their airspace. We don’t want them to feel threatened by us, but they have every reason to feel sensitive about ‘alien’ ships entering their territory.”
“Control, organize twenty Rapiers to be launched from the outermost Battle Cruisers. “
Hoskins expected the order, and asked his CAG to place two Rapier groups on standby. In the event only five Rapiers were required from the Halo 7, but curiously no Sabres were requested as back up. Forty-five seconds later, five Rapiers launched and headed out to join the others under fleet control.
Jonathan Hoskins didn’t lose his temper often. As he watched his Rapiers launch he noticed two trailed the leaders. “CAG. Why have we launched two Rapier 6’s? Are they being piloted by rookies?”
Lieutenant Eileen Collins responded immediately. “I had the rookies on standby as we were not in enemy territory.
She knew she had broken the CAG cardinal rule: Don’t send Rookies out unless you have to. “I am sure they will be fine Sir, they are both competent pilots.”
“Then why are they flying behind and out of formation? Get them back in and send Rapier 7’s to replace them.”
“I can’t, Admiral. It’s too late. They are under fleet control and have engaged the enemy.”
Hoskins cut his CAG off and opened a hot link to the Fleet Control Team. He would deal with Lieutenant Collins later.
“Admiral Shenke, Commander Hoskins requested we launch Sabres as there are rookies out there.”
“What? Launch five Sabres and get them to screen the rookies. How many are there?”
“I am checking…two, possibly more. We will coordinate them directly and make sure they stay in formation.”
It was an unofficial policy not to launch rookie pilots into an offensive assault unless absolutely necessary. Rookies’ piloting skills were raw, and with no combat experience they were still learning their trade. They were usually kept back for defensive and non-combat operations and as a force of last resort until they built up sufficient operational flight time to be classed as combat ready.
Lieutenant Joanna Black was not combat-ready. She managed to keep up with the faster Rapier 7’s and fired several rounds at the Partacian ships. One of her plasma bursts pierced the shielding of a smaller Partacian vessel. She witnessed her first ‘kill’ as the Partacian vessel ripped apart. She was out here for nearly forty minutes and she was getting tired from the immense concentration required.
Joanna took her Rapier in for yet another attack. She fired her plasma cannons and pulled back quickly to avoid being tangled up in the Partacian fleet