Chapter IV. And Things Go Sideways.
On the Tarakan warship RONIN, the VIGILANT's appearance came as a surprise. Sure they knew there was something out there, but they weren't quite ready for what that "something" was.
Chief Jordan gasped as the ship's sensors revealed a jet black behemoth that seemingly materialized behind the Rhinos. "Captain, we've confirmed that anomaly we've been tracking a few minutes ago is some sort of carrier, and it's just began broadcasting some sort of identification code. The computers are working to decipher the code, but the so far have come up with nothing. I've detected some low power scans, but nothing to indicate any sort of fire control....Geez, that thing's huge. It must be over 1000 meters in length."
A VIGOROUS-class heavy cruiser is exactly 1800 meters in length and has a beam of 200 meters. Taking hard-earned lessons learned from the Harvester invasion, the Republic's best naval engineers and designers took everything they knew about ship design and tossed it out of the window. Whereas previous ships of the line emphasized speed and maneuverability, the VIGILANT, and her sisters, were relatively slow, thick skinned, and armed to the teeth.
"Very well, Chief Jordan, keep scanning and see what you can learn about that thing," said Captain Bunya.
As the VIGILANT drew closer, Captain Bunya and the rest of his bridge crew were able to see more of the massive cruiser. The ship's black hull was hard to make out against the darkness of space. The only visible details were illuminated by the ship's running lights and a variety of work lights. The ship had a lay out faintly reminiscent of an ancient warship. Large weapons turrets were visible forward of the ship's superstructure. A number of minor turrets could be seen along the ship's sides. Some sort of landing grid was visible at the rear of the ship just above the ship's drive unit.
"Sir, although they aren't actively broadcasting ECM, sensors aren't picking up very much from the ship. I'd say their systems are heavily shielded. Like those two Dreads out there, the level of technology is a little antiquated, and from visual observation, it looks that ship's weaponry is exclusively projectile-based. Even if they seem somewhat primitive, their weapons systems are still pretty formidable and we should be cautious. Sensors have also determined there are about 600 life signs on the ship; human from the look of it."
Captain Bunya silently brooded as he considered his next course of action. "Have we received any communications from this ship?"
"No, sir."
Back on the VIGILANT, Captain Fujimura was also trying to determine his next course of action. After studying the three ships drifting in the distance, he turned to the petite communications officer observing the Tarakan ships from the comms suite. "Petty Officer Johnson, see if those guys would like to come over for a talk. Who knows, we might learn something about these guys."
"Tarankan warship RONIN, this is the cruiser VIGILANT of the Republic of Space Forces. This ship is on a survey and exploration mission. The Commanding Officer wishes to extend an invitation to come aboard our ship for an exchange of greetings and information. If that is inconvenient, we can to make other arrangements."
Upon hearing a woman's voice, muffled curses and screams could be heard around the RONIN's bridge. Men around Captain Bunya quickly cupped their ears fearful they would go deaf and stupid by merely hearing a woman's voice. The captain had long since learned to ignore the old fairy tales told back on Tarak, but it didn't stop him from scowling at the very thought of a woman addressing his ship. The decent thing those barbarians could have done was at least have a man open communications with his ship.
"It would seem this "Republic" is as weak as that warship out there. The idea that men and women can serve together on a ship of the line is absolutely absurd. Women are weak and are nothing more than a drain on the fighting strength of the men. It's obvious that those "men" and I do use the term "men" loosely over there shouldn't pose much of a threat."
Captain Bunya spent a few minutes studying the VIGILANT before speaking to no one in particular, "Even if it is relatively primitive, it may serve us well in our fight against the women of Mejale and those sniveling traitors back on Tarak...ENS Kursk, assemble your company and prepare for a boarding action. We're going to take that ship."
"Aye, aye, sir! Chief Amaya, I'm going to meet with the Captain and the First Officer to see how they want this operation to go down. Make sure the men are ready to go."
ENS Kursk's burly chief snapped a quick salute to his company officer and began rousing the troops.
"Alright, you heard the boss! Get it in gear and be ready on the hangar deck in twenty minutes. We've got mayhem to create and asses to kick! Whoever's not ready on time is getting boot leather enema. Do I make myself clear!?!"
Around the troop quarters, the men formerly of the Tarak's elite Special Forces group sprang into action. Still stinging from an embarrassing defeat at the hands of those women pirates from Mejer, ENS Sergi Kursk and his men were eager to take their frustrations out on whatever target was unfortunate enough to present itself. It looks like this might be a bad day for the VIGILANT.
Aboard the VIGILANT...
"VIGILANT, this is Captain Arato Bunya of the Tarakan Liberation Front. We welcome the opportunity to make new friends. We will be dispatching a shuttle within the hour. We would appreciate landing instructions and we will be seeing you soon. Bunya, out."
"Commander Shultz reports the hangar deck is ready to accommodate our guests. Rattler Flight is standing by for escort duty, and Col. Rathbun has a platoon cooling their jets in the staging area."
"Very well, Commander Oswald. Have LCDR Sanders meet me on the hangar deck. Commander Renfro, please mind the store." Turning to his XO, "Hey, Steve, I hear that Senior Chief D'Amico is bringing up a cup of that Central Highland brew that you love so much."
"Oh, thank God! Where's she been keeping it stashed, and why hasn't she broken it out sooner?" CDR Renfro grimaced looking down to the brew he had been drinking. "The deck department could use this sludge to strip paint."
"She didn't want our guests to think we were trying to poison them, but I don't think she'd admit to it," said CAPT Fujimura, "Be talking to you in a bit."
Forty-five minutes later, RONIN's shuttle launched escorted by two Bangatas. The two Rhinos of Rattler Flight fell into flanking positions on the Tarakan formation as it approached the VIGILANT.
"Rattler Flight, maintain station 5 klicks off the stern while we get the Tarakan delegation situated. We should be able to get you guys back on board in an hour or so. Hang loose. Flight, out."
"Rattler Lead acknowledges. One hour until recovery. Break, break. Rattler Seven, looks like we're gonna have to wait for a bit before we can get back to the 'Farm. Take position 50 meters off my port wing."
"Rattler Seven acknowledges. Can't wait to get back, I forgot to grab dinner earlier and I heard that Senior Chief D'Amico is having her crew whip up waffles for mid-rats. Mmmm....waffles with spiderberry preserves."
LT Jon Clark frowned. He was looking forward to getting a closer look at the two Tarakan escorts "fighters." He had never seen anything like them and was eager to see the two machines up close. In the mean time, he'd have to settle for staring at the VIGLANT's ass end. It didn't help that Rattler Seven was reminding him that his stomach was growling too.
"Shiiiit....."
"Say Again, Rattler Lead? I didn't copy your last."
"Nothing, I was just talking to myself. Rattler Lead, out," LT Clark said absentmindedly as he watched the hangar doors glide shut behind the Tarakan ships.
CAPT Fujimura watched as Tarakan shuttle and two Bangatas settle on the landing grid before the maglocks engaged holding them firm to the deck. He decided on the way to the hangar deck to de-energize the grav plating to prevent potentially embarrassing his guests. It wouldn't do to have someone break something if they fell. The captain was lost in thought when he heard his security chief softly clear his throat behind him.
"Good morning, Sir. The main conference room is ready. LT Steinberg and her platoon are hanging loose in the troop staging area," LCDR Sanders said as he stifled a yawn.
"Pretty impressive machines, huh?" Captain Fujimura said nodding towards the Bangatas.
"Yes, sir. I'm pretty sure the throttle jockeys are going to eager to talk to those guys. Don't see any obvious weaponry besides those swords, though."
On the Tarakan shuttle, ENS Kursk and his troops were making final preparations for their boarding action. He knew they couldn't possibly take and hold such a large ship with just one company of special ops commandos. His job was to secure a foot hold on the ship to provide a secure location to bring the TAURUS and TECUMSEH's troops aboard.
"All right, gentlemen, you know what to do. Radcliff and Guile will provide security with the Bangatas, and we will secure this hangar deck. The TAURUS and TECUMSEH's shuttles are ready to launch to bring over "D" and "M" companies. You are the elite of Tarak. You will not fail! FOR THE TRUE SONS OF TARAK!!"
"FOR THE TRUE SONS OF TARAK," came the shouted response.
Captain Fujimura, LCDR Sanders, and the flight deck technicians watched as the Tarakan shuttle's ramp lowered and were mildly surprised when a company of heavily armed special ops commandos came streaming out. At the same time, the Bangatas stood and lumbered into flanking positions on either side of the hangar deck.
CAPT Fujimura arched an eyebrow and frowned, "Well, this is an unpleasant surprise."
Tarakan troops glided into a semicircle around the VIGILANT's commander and operations officer while others covered the flight deck crew.
"Hands up! Don't move! Everyone freeze!" came a chorus of shouted commands from the Tarakans.
ENS Kursk was surprised at how easily the operation was going. Capt. Bunya was right; the women on the ship had sapped the fighting strength of the men present. However, the microgravity was a real pain in the ass. Fortunately, he and his men were well trained in the art of combat in zero gees.
"Captain Fujimura, I presume. I am ENS Kursk of the Tarakan Special Forces. Your ship is being commandeered in the name of the Tarakan Liberation Front. Your crew will surrender at once. If your crew resists, there will be consequences."
There was something about the CAPT. Fujimura's expression that bothered ENS Kursk. Sure he looked surprised, but there was something in his eyes. Was it...amusement?
"Uh...huh...yeah...okaaaayyy...ENS Kursk, would you like the grav plating energized to standard gravity?"
Now it was ENS Kursk's turn to be surprised. Not only were these primitives totally taken by surprise, this fool was actually making it easier for his men to take control of the ship. How odd.
"Sir, you do understand we are taking your ship, no?"
ENS Kursk watched the Captain speak into a headset that he was wearing. And then his world suddenly turned upside down. Then he found himself being drawn to deck with an overwhelming force. All around him he heard men dropping to their knees and weapons that were suddenly too heavy to hold were clattering to the deck. Bangata pilots suddenly found themselves off balance and unable to compensate for the sudden increase in gravity.
"What the hell is happening!?! What have you done to us?"
"You asked us to return the hangar deck to standard gravity. From what I'm seeing, I assume you and I have different definitions of "standard gravity."
As if things weren't bad enough, ENS Kursk's eyes goggled when he saw a quintet of large mechanical demons lumber onto the hangar deck. They had a faint resemblance to scaled down Bangatas, but were bulkier and, from the looks of the gun barrels protruding from pods slung beneath right "arms" and the massive swords dangling from their left "hips," they were probably just as well armed. For several seconds, the hangar deck was silent with the exception of the mechanical whine of servo motors, the clunk-thump of armored feet on the hangar's deck plating, and occasional grunt and curse from his soldiers. There was no way those things could be human and the thought suddenly had ENS Kursk very concerned.
"You're working for the Harvesters!"
Captain Fujimura ignored ENS Kursk's accusation, and issued an order to the officer that had been standing behind the captain.
"Commander Sanders, please secure their weapons and their craft."
ENS Kursk watched as the tall, stocky black man silently gesture to the mechanical beasts and the human troops that appeared behind them. A squad proceeded to board the shuttle and secure the pilots. How is it possible for these people to move? One of the Bangata pilots was struggling valiantly to compensate for the heavy gravity. Suddenly two of those monsters were on the Bangata. He watched in horror as one of them drew its sword, which took on a bluish glow, and proceeded to cut through the armored hatch like the proverbial knife through soft butter. He could see the terror on Radcliff's face as he was snatched from the cockpit and unceremoniously dropped on the deck with a thud. The other Bangata immediately ceased struggling when the pilot noticed another one of those things pointed its weapon directly at the cockpit.
"Captain, two of those ships are moving into flanking positions about four klicks off to port and starboard. The RONIN is maintaining position about five clicks off the bow."
"Understood. Energize the phased arrays and bring Rattler Flight up to speed. I'll be up there in about three minutes. Commander Sanders, please see to our guests."
"Yes, sir."
About two minutes later, Captain Fujimura stepped off the lift. He surveyed the scene on the bridge. His chest unconsciously swelled with pride with the way his crew was handling this little situation. Not a motion wasted and there wasn't any unnecessary chatter. The Captain knew he had Commander Renfro to thank for this.
He asked, "What's the situation?"
"Those ships are holding position. I think they're waiting for a signal from our guests on the hangar deck."
"Let's not give them the opportunity. Begin jamming all freqs, and direct a wide beam, short duration radar pulse at all three ships. Maximum intensity. Have Rattler Flight stand by. CIC, energize shields and all batteries are to stand by."
Meanwhile on the RONIN, Captain Bunya began to grow impatient.
"First Officer Franks, have you heard from ENS Kursk or any of his men?"
"No, sir. The TAURUS and TECUMSEH are standing by....Sir, we are beginning to detect unusual energy signatures from the VIGILANT. All communications are being jammed."
"Shit! Launch the Bangatas! Batteries relea...."
It was at the instant, the VIGILANT's radar pulse hit the three Tarakan ships.
Captain Bunya suddenly found himself in the dark. Consoles and panels all around the bridge were arcing and sparking. Emegency lighting snapped on and reports began streaming in about systems all over the ship being disabled.
"What the HELL HAPPENED?!?"
Based on ancient designs used on naval ships, the phased array radar could electronically steer radar energy in a 360 degree arc. However, the VIGILANT's phased array could pump out far more energy than its ancestors. At maximum intensity, the array was putting out close to two terawatts of energy. The phased array system could detect targets out to 1,500,000 kilometers, and was used for monitoring local space around the ship. Terran engineers discovered early on that the phased radar arrays had a neat capability other than detecting and tracking targets. At ranges under fifteen kilometers, the electromagnetic energy being put out by the arrays was enough to temporarily disable electrical systems. It also could disable biological matter. Had Captain Fujimura chosen to focus the beam and leave it directed at the RONIN, he could have very well fried every man onboard, much like turning the ship into a giant microwave oven.
The radar pulse didn't arrive in time to prevent the launch of two Bangatas. Although some of their systems were disrupted, they were far enough off the pulse's main axis to avoid the brunt of its effects. They pressed on towards the VIGILANT.
"Rattler Flight, move to intercept. EMP warheads only, low yield."
"Roger, Flight Control, Rattler Flight moving to engage. Rattler Seven, take the trailing fighter and I'll take the lead."
The two Rhinos of Rattler Flight quickly moved to intercept the Bangatas bearing down on the VIGILANT. Taking queues from a data-link to cruiser's radars the Rhinos slipped unnoticed behind the Bangatas. LT Clark could hear the blood pounding in his ears as he selected and launched a missile at his target. He watched it as its rocket motor guide it straight and true towards it target.
About 50 meters from its target, the missile activated its warhead. Rather than explode like one of its conventional brethren, the missile carried a pulse generator capable of creating an electromagnetic pulse much like the one created by the VIGILANT. The Bangata immediately went dead in space, propelled by nothing more than inertia. His wingman suddenly became aware of his plight and turned his attention on Rattler Seven. Jinking hard to the right, he managed to spoof Rattler Seven's radar lock and came back at her. Before she could react, the Bangata spun on its axis and closed the distance between the two fighters.
"Damn, this guy's maneuverable," LT Clark thought to himself, "Rattler Seven, watch out!"
The Tarakan fighter had drawn its sword and was taking wild swings at the Rhino. Rattler Seven was doing everything she could to avoid being struck. However, the Bangata's pilot managed to connect with one of his swings on Rattler Seven port wing cleaving it from the fighter about 2 meters from the root. LT Clark accelerated his Rhino to a position a hundred meters above and behind the Bangata.
"Rattler Seven, break left...now!"
Rattler Seven slammed her Rhino to the left as LT Clark touched off a short burst from the 30MM rotary cannon beneath the Rhino's nose. Ten depleted uranium slugs connected with the Bangata's sword arm separating from the Tarakan fighter in a cloud of sparks and debris. LT Clark quickly swung his fighter directly above the Bangata with his nose pointing down. He touched off another short burst into the Bangata's maneuvering pack.
Onboard the VIGILANT, the drama outside unfolded on tactical displays on the bridge and in CIC. Captain Fujimura breathed a sigh of relief when the Tarakan fighter finally went dead in space.
"Signal the Rhinos and have them RTB. What's the status of those two Tarakan fighters?"
"The two fighters are DIS, life support is down, but we're showing strong lifesigns on both of them."
"Very well. Launch the rest of Rattler squadron and have them take position around those Tarakan ships. Get Shamu's Five and Eight out there to recover those fighters with all due speed. Open a channel to the lead ship, audio only."
On the RONIN, crews were frantically working to get systems back online. Captain Bunya was fuming at being taken by surprise by those primitives. They'd pay for this.
"Captain Bunya, we're receiving a signal from the VIGILANT."
"Warship RONIN, this is CAPT. Fujimura of the Republic cruiser VIGILANT. That wasn't very neighborly of you. We just came here to talk and render assistance if you needed it. Yet, you send an armed boarding party, try to shoot up MY SHIP, and take it over. Your systems will come back on-line within the next few minutes, and if we so much as get a stray pulse from anything resembling a fire control radar, we'll make sure your systems stay off-line permanently. I don't have time for your SHIT! Do we understand each other?!?"
As if to emphasize his point, the VIGILANT's upper gun turrets slewed to port at the TAURUS while a turret on the cruiser's chin targeted the TECUMSEH. Armored doors all along the cruiser's spine and belly sprung open to reveal row upon row of vertical launcher tubes. Egad, that ship was a missile barge!
Captain Bunya was in for one more surprise when two Rhinos moved into position directly off the bridge portal. He found himself staring directly down the two sets of 30MM barrels. He could also see one of the pilots glaring back at him. Was she smiling?
Commander Renfro watched the entire one-sided exchange in amusement. Barely suppressing a snicker, "Captain, didn't you lay it on a little thick?"
Grinning despite the seriousness of the situation, Captain Fujimura responded, "Maybe a little. As soon as the Shamu's drag those fighters back here, load our guests on the shuttles and get them off this ship. Have COL. Rathbun put a platoon of armored suits on each of those ships to keep them out of mischief."
On the VIGILANT's hangar deck, ENS Kursk watched the damaged Dread being positioned into its space. As soon as the engines spun down, deck personnel began swarming over the machine inventorying its damage and helping the pilot out. As soon as the pilot was out of the cockpit, she took off her helmet and savagely threw it against the damaged Dread. It hit the fighter with enough force to crack in half. The pilot from the other Dread, a dark haired man, quickly walked to the female pilot and placed an arm around the taller woman. Damn, how'd they wedge her into that cockpit?
"Oh, hell, Tiny, it wasn't your fault. At least you learned an important lesson. And any landing you can walk away from is a good landing. C'mon, let's get out of here and let the grease monkeys fix what you broke? There're waffles to be eaten. We'll debrief the boss on the way to the wardroom."
Her anger subsiding, LT(jg) Samatha French laughed at Jon Clark's attempt at humor, "Mmmmm...snakeberry preserves....alright, lets go."
ENS Kursk saw the two pilots laugh and walk towards one of the hatches. After the pilots walked through hatch, he returned to contemplating his company's predicament. He was trapped on a ship of humans working with the Harvesters. At least they returned gravity to Tarakan standard. He eyed the mechanical monsters as they stood impassively around the perimeter of his company's holding area. Despite his fright, anger got the best of him.
He began shouting at the Terran crew as they went about their business, "How the hell can you call yourselves human? You're working with the Harvesters!"
One of the beasts menacingly lumbered toward ENS Kursk. His fear returned full force when he found himself standing face to...chest with the monster. Then it addressed him.
"Shut up, little man," it said mechanically.
He broke out in a cold sweat when the monster raised an armored gauntlet to its head. He gasped in surprise when the front of its head split and slid up slightly. So there was a human in there. In fact, there was a woman with short cropped blond hair inside the monster and she was grinning at him.
"You're starting to get on my nerves. Now sit down and shut up or I'll squash you like a bug," she said as she winked at him. With that, her visor slide back into place, and her power suit lumbered back into position.
Unheard by ENS Kursk or any of his men, "Damn, LT Steinberg, I think he just wet his pants."
LT Alexis Steinberg laughed into her helmet when her platoon sergeant, Gunnery Sergeant Rickover, subtly pointed out the stain rapidly spreading in crotch of the young Tarakan officer's trousers.
"Stop pointing, Gunny, you're gonna make ME pee in my pants if you don't stop making me laugh."
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I had to make some changes and edit the format a little. Having a little writers block on the next chapter, but hopefully will have it done in the next coupla days.
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