The Marudas fired on the Scythe, punching through her outer hull, striking the Main Reactor. The beams were low enough not do a lot of damage to the surrounding structure. The reactor took enough damage to eject the core from the damaged ship. Emergency bulkheads slammed shut sealing off Main Engineering from the rest of the ship. Secondary reactors hummed to life, bringing life support back on line.
Bill watched expecting the Scythe to blow apart. He felt like he was caught in time as the beams lanced out and hit the Scythe, everything happened in slow motion. The planning table came back online and identified the incoming ships as tugs. The com station suddenly came to life.
'Earth's Revenge this is Invaru Heavy Mover Alpha. We're on an intercept course and will be rendering assistance in 20 seconds. Let us know how we can help.' A female voice said.
"Invaru Heavy this Earth's Revenge Actual. We will use any assistance you can offer. Please have the Marudas contact us on channel Bravo." Bill said.
'Sorry Earth's Revenge, the Marudas' comms are down. But could you do us a favor and stop those inbound fighters?'
"Roger that Invaru heavy."
'This is Commander Vaes of Ghost Station we have been monitoring the situation. All fighters are now ordered to lend support. The Station is clear for you when you need it. We have dispatched tugs to help in recovery operations and SAR teams for the Scythe.' Vaes replied.
"Thanks Ghost Station, please ready repair bays 3 through 6." Bill replied.
'Earth's Revenge this is Ghost Station Tactical we have 3 jump events happening at your location.' A voice reported.
Bill looked down at the table zooming in on the places marked as event horizons. Read outs from the emerging ships filled the screens as they were identified. The Hammer was the first to fully exit hyperspace, her hull was scarred by recent battle damage. Several places along her hull vented her atmosphere. She turned towards the Earth's Revenge, her engine flared as she sped up. The next ship through was the Wrath's Revenge commanded by Admiral Breq. Fighters poured from her launch bays, setting up a defensive screen in behind of her. A large gash ran down her side, cutting a swath of destruction deep into her hull. Two of her engines were offline and she listed to her port side, showing her maneuvering thrusters were all but offline too. She made a large turn, larger than she should have and started for the Scythe's position. The last ship to appear was a coal black ship that immediately took up pursuit of the Hammer.
Bill paled at seeing the last ship, the first two were bad enough, the last was a walking nightmare. The Hammer spat six torpedoes back at the pursing ship. Bill watched as they exploded just as they passed the black ship. The ship brightened as the energy of the torpedoes washed over her hull. Although, the ship rocked violently from the explosions she kept her course. The sensors couldn't detect the new ship, the only way they knew it was there was because the viewer kept it in sight.
"Sir communication coming in from the Hammer and Wrath's Revenge." Com reported.
"Put them through." Bill said. "Pipe this through to Ghost Station. Condition red, give me a status report."
"Main engines back online, weapon controls still offline. Shields steady at 50% strength. Fold drive online and charging, maneuvering thrusters at 30%." Tactical reported.
The viewer in front of Bill split in two as Admiral Breq's face was displayed on one half and Captain Jodeas on the other half. Breq spoke first, "ADF Carrier Earth's Revenge we seek your assistance and asylum at your base."
"We can talk about this later. Continue past the outer markers, you're cleared for entry. We'll try to cover your retreat." Bill replied.
'Ghost Station acknowledges entry of the Hammer and Wrath's Revenge. Please dock at repair bays 8 and 9 once past the inner markers. We're launching all remaining fighters and support ships.' Vaes said.
The Hammer stumbled as beams from the black ship slammed into it from behind. A debris trail formed in her wake with a mixture of atmosphere leaking from the damage. Jodeas stumbled on the screen then looked over at someone off screen.
"I don't care if you have to get out and push, you keep this vessel moving!" He screamed.
Bill turned to the Con officer, "Bring us about and place us between the Hammer and its pursuer."
The Earth's Revenge's engines flared to life as she started moving to intercept the Hammer. Bill watched the planning table as the Wrath's Revenge slowed and locked tractors on the Scythe dragging her with them.
"Comm have one of the fighters return to the Marudas. Have them relay a message for them to set course for Ghost Station at best possible speed." Bill said.
On the table the Wrath's Revenge's fighter screen split off and formed up with the fighters from Ghost Station. They made a beeline for the black ship.
"Patch the fighter's comms through." Bill ordered.
"The fighter's battle comms are patched through." Comm reported.
'Welcome to the party boys. Switch to visual, our scanners can't pick up that ship. We need to harass her long enough for the ships to escape." A thickly accented Invaru voice ordered.
'You heard the man Ghost Squadrons. Form up and prepare to split off into attack formation.' A human voice replied.
The Hammer passed within 20 yards of the Earth's Revenge's keel as the Earth's Revenge turned broad side to the black ship. The Earth's Revenge shifted down as the Hammer passed her. This took the Hammer out of the black ships view and out of danger. The Earth's Revenge turned slowly to follow the Hammer past the outer marker.
Beams lanced out hitting the Earth's Revenge cutting into her hull. One of her engines flared briefly and died. Right as the black ship shot the Earth's Revenge the fighters swarmed over the enemy ship. Smaller beams lanced out turning 15 fighters into space dust. None of the tactics they employed seemed to touch the strange ship.
Bill watched as the space between his ship and the enemy closed. "Bring the engines up to 120%, we need to compensate for the loss of an engine. I want to put some distance between us."
Another beam lanced out hitting the Earth's Revenge mid-ship.
'Hull Breech deck 15, emergency bulkheads closing. Emergency teams on route. Containment fields in place. Warning! Engines reaching critical heat radiation levels, Automatic shutdown in 30 seconds.' A mechanical voice blared through the ship.
"Shut that damn thing up, by-pass that safety protocol. Reinforce rear structural integrity." Bill shouted.
"Structural integrity at 60% and holding, engineering is working on the safety protocols. We have lost a little over a quarter of the fighter support." Tactical reported.
"Sir, the Hammer is requesting our status." Comm reported.
Bill looked down at the planning table, "Tell Captain Jodeas he had better move his ass. We're on his tail and in a few minutes we will be pushing him into his repair berth. Have the other ships gotten to safety?"
"Wrath's Revenge reports that she is taking up position between the station and the attacker. They have got the Scythe close enough to the station for the tugs to take over. Ghost Station reports Marudas is entering her berth right now." Comm reported.
"Ok, have the fighters break and run for the station. Have Ghost Station prepare to bring outer defensive batteries online the moment we cross into the clear."
Bill watched the fighters break for the station in the view screen since the planning table was useless against this ship. Beams lanced into the Earth's Revenge once more cutting another swath of devastation across her bow.
"Light damage to Main Engineering, heavy damage to Main Landing Bay Alpha. Casualties report on decks 10, 13, and 21. Emergency teams responding. Hull integrity down to 45%, engine three faltering." Tactical reported.
"Just a bit further, we're almost there." Bill said watching the outer markers on the planning table.
The black ship started dropping behind as the Earth's Revenge started picking up speed. Bill felt the surge on the bridge as they accelerated. "What the hell?" Bill said.
"Engine 2 is back online and Engineering reported 170% power to engines. But they can only maintain that speed for another 10 seconds before they have to cut back to 90%." Com reported.
"Give them my personal thanks for the miracle they just pulled off." Bill said.
"Ghost Station reports they are bringing outer defense stations back online." Comm reported.
"Zoom out on main viewer." Bill said as he watched the enemy ship.
The enemy ship on the main view grew smaller but now Bill could see one of the defensive platforms in the picture. The gun emplacement hesitated for a second as though trying to locate something. For a moment Bill didn't think it was going to fire, but then it locked on to the strange ship and fired. Both beams lanced out striking the black ship. Bill had to turn away from the viewer because of how intense the light was.
When Bill finally looked back at the screen what he saw made him afraid. In the place of the black ship was a ship of white brilliance. What happened next scared every person who saw it. The white ship turned towards the defensive station and released a blinding beam that struck the station and disintegrated it to nothing. The white light coming from the ship faded until it resumed its black color. Bill's jaw had dropped so far open that an ensign four decks down from the bridge reported finding it.
"We can't fight that." Bill whispered.
"Sir, engineering reports that's as long as they can hold the engines at that power."
Bill watched the viewer as the black ship started slowly growing in size. "Have Ghost Station disable the defensive platforms. I don't want that ship hitting us with one of those beams."
Beams lanced out, hitting the Earth's Revenge and punching holes in her hull. Bill was thrown off his feet as the ship shook violently from the impacts. Gravity was lost briefly as power systems through the ship fluctuated. Bill felt the air forced from his lungs as he slammed into the floor when gravity was restored. Bill picked himself up off the floor gasping for air. The tactical officer was trying to regain his seat and the Comm officer was lying on her side, not moving, a pool of blood around her head. The con officer was trying to steady the listing ship.
"We have lost power to the engines, Main Engineering has taken severe damage. We're tumbling, emergency thrusters offline. Gravity generators working at quarter power, shields are down. Casualties coming in from all decks, medical crews are responding. Inertial dampeners offline, Communications offline. Sensors and targeting systems are offline. Secondary Main Reactor spinning up, four minutes until main power is back online." Tactical reported as he gained his seat once more.
Unseen to Bill and his crew the Wrath's Revenge started moving into position to render aid to the disabled ship. Admiral Breq had been watching the battle play out on his main view screen. Most of the critical repairs had been temporarily patched.
"Con bring us into a protective posture next to the Earth's Revenge. Once we're in position launch all SAR and tugs. Have the tugs steady her and move her from combat. Send Ghost Station our intentions so she knows what we're doing. Get Captain Jodeas on the comm, I want to speak to him. I'll not let that ship's crew go unaided after the bravery they have shown in battle."
Wrath's Revenge started moving towards the disabled Earth's Revenge. Vaes watched the dance of death, knowing there was nothing he could do to help. He had marines standing-by to repel boarders if it came to that.
"Transmission from the Wrath's Revenge, they're moving to render aid to the Earth's Revenge. Admiral Breq is leaving the Hammer behind as a last ditch defense for us sir. He says we should prepare to evacuate the Station to the Hammer and any space worthy ship in case it comes to that." Comm reported.
"I'll be damned if I give this station up that easy. These new aggressors will have to pry it out of my cold dead hands. However, have some marines prepare all non-essential personnel for evacuation. I don't want to sacrifice non-combat personnel if I don't have too." Vaes responded.
Brad was watching the battle happen from his office in Main Engineering. He was analyzing the energy spikes from the new ship. He couldn't quite get a lock on its signature, but he had enough of one to get some readings on it. He had three of his technicians working on refining the sensors. Bill was hanging in there even though he was taking a hell of a pounding. Brad had a new respect for the young man, he didn't think he had it in him. Brad was still slightly pissed at Vaes and Carla for the stupid and careless institution of the command code structure that caused most of this problem. He was sure Jon would handle the situation when he got back, if he got back.
Wrath's Revenge closed the distance between them and the Earth's Revenge. Turning broadside to the black ship, she slipped over the Earth's Revenge and lowered herself to block her from damage. Tugs flew out of the launch bays and started working to stop the Earth's Revenge's tumble. SAR teams boarded the disabled ship and started operations to restore power and rescue trapped personnel.
"Bring all torpedoes online, rig for manual detonation. Increase port shield strength and port hull integrity. Launch all torpedoes on my mark." Breq ordered.
"Torpedoes prepped sir." Weapons reported.
"Port shields to 105%, hull integrity on portside increased to 150%." Tactical reported.
"Tugs report stabilization of Earth's Revenge started, they will need 10 mins to complete the procedure. SAR teams report successfully boarding the Earth's Revenge, they are starting operations." Comm reported.
"Tell the SAR to have two teams make their way to the bridge and engineering. 10 minutes my ass they have 4. This battle will be over in 5." Breq replied.
Beams reached out and punched holes in the Wrath's Revenge's hull. Breq felt the ship shudder under him as the beams struck. An explosion blew the outer doors off Landing Bay Two, six Invaru quickly learned about the physics of space. Containment fields snapped into place, but the explosive out gassing caused the Wrath's Revenge to slam into the Earth's Revenge, tearing a quarter mile long gash in the latter's hull. Several people onboard the Earth's Revenge also suffered the same fate as the six Invaru before containment fields snapped into place.
Bill stumbled from the impact of the two ships as creaking sounds filled the ship. He gripped the planning table as he watched his people work at restoring the ship to power.
"Sir the fold drive is powered up." Con reported.
"Can we engage it without sensors?" Bill asked.
"It would be very dangerous; we could end up in the middle of a planet."
Bill stared at the black planning table, "Some choice, stay here and die or fold and take our chances. We would leave the station unprotected if we fold out."
Everyone on the bridge got silent as they looked at Bill waiting for orders. Bill looked at each person on the bridge. "Don't just stand here, get the sensors back online. I'm not folding unless there's absolutely no other choice."
People scrambled to resume their work as several-armored Invaru pried the lift doors open to the bridge. Bill spun around reaching for his side arm expecting the worse. The first Invaru through the door stood at attention and saluted an Invaru salute.
"Lieutenant Lloe SAR team 5 here to render assistance Captain Hawkins." Lloe said.
"Welcome aboard Lieutenant, sorry about the mess, it's the maid's day off. We will take any assistance you can render."
Bill moved to his command chair and sat down heavily as the SAR team began helping wounded crew and repairing systems on the bridge.
Lloe laughed at Bill's antics, "It must be the day for the maids to be off on my ship too."
Bill grinned, "Care to give me a SitRep as we're blind and deaf."
The Lt. started scanning Bill for wounds as he gave his report. "The Wrath's Revenge has moved into a protective posture and our tugs are stopping your tumble. Other SAR teams are in engineering trying to get ship systems back online, while others are working on helping the crew. Here put this in your ear it will allow you to communicate with the Wrath's Revenge."
Lloe handed Bill a small earpiece that didn't look like it would fit. Bill held it up to his ear and the small unit reformed to fit his ear snugly. Suddenly he could hear the various SAR units speaking to the Wrath's Revenge.
"Just speak, they will hear you." Lloe said offhanded as he tended Bill's wounds.
"Wrath's Revenge this is Earth's Revenge." Bill said.
Silence prevailed on the headpiece, "Captain Hunter, I am glad you're ok." Adm. Breq said.
"Thanks Admiral Please don't let me stop your people from talking."
Breq laughed, "You haven't, I have us on another frequency so we won't interfere with the SAR operations on your ship."
Lights suddenly brightened and several panels booted up as the main viewer filled with a garbled picture. Bill stood up and walked over to the planning table as it lit back up. "Looks like your people have some of the systems back online."
"Good, let me get back to you, I have a rather big problem here. The tugs are attempting to move you back towards the station. I'm going to plug you into my main battle channel, please, if you don't mind, stay silent and try not to interfere unless you have something important to say."
"Yes Sir, thanks again." Suddenly Bill's ear was flooded with the chattering of the Wrath's Revenge bridge crew.
"No problem Captain, now please if you'll excuse me."
Bill stayed quiet as he stood at the planning table, staring at the main viewer.
Breq had the Earth's Revenge on his secondary viewer and smiled as her running light flared to life. The tugs were moving the disabled ship towards the station. The Wrath's Revenge rocked from more impacts, lights flickered on the bridge.
"You tell engineering they had better keep this ship running unless they want me to use them as torpedoes." Breq said.
"Engineering acknowledges. The chief said only if you think it will stop that other vessel from shooting at his beautiful ship. If that's the case he gladly volunteers to be the first out the tube." Con reported.
Breq chuckled, he liked his chief engineer a lot, they had served together since their academy days.
"Fire a spread of torpedoes, detonate when they look like they're in range, maximum yield." Breq ordered.
Torpedo bays opened and 10 torpedoes streaked towards the black ship. Unable to lock on to their target they followed a straight line towards where they had been programmed to go. Three of the torpedoes detonated too early, the other seven detonated almost on target. The black ship bucked from the force of the explosions and started to tumble as it absorbed the energy from the blast.
"Sir I think we got them." Tactical said.
Breq watched the viewer as the ship tumbled out of control. "Hold this position con." He ordered.
Breq watched the ship for a few minutes as he contemplated what to do. Breq was known for his caution, he would be damned if he rushed headlong into a situation he was unsure of.
"Engineering reports Main Reactor back online, all shield generators back online. Structural integrity increased to 125% using secondary reactors." Con reported.
"Ok, con plot an intercept course one eighth power. Bring forward torpedoes to stand-by. Full power to main shields, all main weapon batteries to stand-by." Breq ordered. "Wait! belay that order. Launch recon squadron 12. Have them do a fly-by and a visual inspection of that ship."
Breq didn't like the look of this situation, it smelled too much like a trap. Nothing they ever hit this ship with has had an effect. Why would it suddenly disable them? No, he wasn't going to take any chances. Breq looked back at the Earth's Revenge and watched the small bots crawling over the hull trying to repair the breeches. This told him they had Main Power back online and the computer rebooted, good he thought.
"Recon 12 launched and on an intercept course." Launch reported.
Breq turned his attention back to the main viewer as he watched the two ship squad approach the tumbling ship.
'No activity detected, but I'm still not getting any reading on my scanners.' Reported one of the fighters.
"Roger that recon 12, Command wants you to do a close fly-by and visual inspection of target ship." Launch responded.
'Copy that Launch, fly-by and visual inspection in 5 seconds.'
Breq watched as the fighter approached the black ship. As the two fighters got close, the tumbling ship righted itself as two beams lanced out striking both fighters, turning them into small fireballs. Suddenly the ship turned right at the Wrath's Revenge and began to glow brightly.
"All hands brace for impact. Emergency speed. Bring us about, give them a smaller target, full reverse." Breq shouted.
Wrath's Revenge began to slide backwards as her nose turned towards the glowing ship. Onboard the Earth's Revenge Bill listened to everything going on and paled. His main viewer sputtered and suddenly the Wrath's Revenge was on the screen. She was moving back as she turned towards the glowing vessel. A beam lanced out from the glowing vessel and struck the Wrath's Revenge square in the nose. For a second nothing seemed to happen then the beam punched through the rear of the ship before it died out. Lights died all over the Wrath's Revenge as she started to spin. One of her engines bounced off the Earth's Revenge's hull. Several small explosions littered her hull in various places as debris spread out from the badly damaged ship. Bill's headset filled with screams before it died completely.
"Son of a bitch." Bill said.
Silence filled every ship and Ghost Station as they watched the Wrath's Revenge get hit. No one remembered seeing devastation on this scale from a ship's main cannons. Some of them had never seen a space battle before and this showing of power frightened them to the core.