Alpha One - Chris Burton [62]
“So, your first kill?”
“I didn’t kill anyone. I simply took out their weapons and their drive systems.”
“It’s still a kill and you did it on your own.”
“I was told off by Wong for not waiting for a wing-man. I am grateful I didn’t kill anyone.”
“They’re pirates, for God’s sake! Vermin, and they deserve to die for what they inflict on their prey. I felt a sense of satisfaction when our target ‘Wasp’ was destroyed.”
“They are probably humans, you know that don’t you. Maybe with a family and children?”
“Jake. This is what I joined up for. No worries. Look, you’re okay because you disabled a ship single-handed and I am okay too. Anyway, I understand Siobhan helped.”
“Yes, the repair job she did on the thrusters was amazing.”
“Cute girl. What say we link up with them this weekend? Lydia is a stunner.”
“Oh come on, Steve. You are with Carla; on a break, yes, but you are still with her and you will work your way through this. Don’t throw it away on a one night stand. I am still with Maria.”
“Cut the crap, Jake…you and Maria are history. Let’s be honest, you’re bored. As for me, I am a free agent, until Carla sorts herself out. I can do what I want.”
Jake paused before replying. “I’m going to pass on this one.”
Steve smiled. “Okay, but if you change your mind, I have arranged to meet up with Lydia tomorrow night.”
Chapter Twenty-Nine
The Ionian Front
Admiral Koenig was pleased. In a little over six weeks, Alpha mobilized sixty percent of its capability across light years of space to confront the enemy en masse. This was the first time in Alpha’s history that a large battle force was deployed in deep space. It was an achievement to comprehend.
The Fleet amassed in open space along the Ionian corridor. The main fleet numbered some five hundred forty ships of the line with over eighteen hundred support craft. The total crew complement, including infantry, troopers, marines, jump ship crew and support was nearly five hundred thousand. This truly was a formidable force. Coupled with the capable support of over the Sabres, Rapiers and Hunters, they were a force to be reckoned with.
The Sentinel fleet was vast. It consisted of over eight thousand ships, most with fighting capability. There was no question Alpha would be considerably outnumbered. However, like for like, his ships had superior speed, maneuverability and weaponry, coupled with significantly better tactical awareness and support capability.
Losses, he reasoned, would be considerable. The bottom line was, his ships of the line must destroy, on average, fifteen ships each just to win the battle. Fifty percent losses were the least Alpha could expect.
This was a political minefield. Opinions on Earth varied as to the necessity of the war. Those against, reasoned the Sentinels simply protected their interests in their own backyard, and there was relatively little confrontation between the two parties in the last few months. Those for, pointed to the deliberate build up of Sentinel forces on the edge of Earth’s territory, which was confrontational and the potential for invasion.
There was also the issue of the Tri-Star region itself.
The APF tried to play mediator, as had ECG diplomats. There was some success in terms of diplomatic channels and that the Sentinel power lords held back launching an attack, when intelligence reported them in a state of readiness. There was an inevitability to this. General Yoshi flexed his muscles and, ultimately, he was his own man. Eventually, his patience would wear thin and he would launch his offensive, irrespective of the power lords’ approval.
This suited Koenig. He wanted the battle to commence for purely personal reasons. He wanted to cement his position as the power horse of Alpha, by presiding over a successful campaign. The defeat of the Sentinels would galvanize his support on the Admiralty bench and strengthen his position with Earth.
Ambassador