The Cimalian Princess: Invasion
by AJ Marks
Introduction
“Begin jamming the target’s communications,” Admiral Jezic ordered.
Crewmembers of the Kitakim quickly worked to carry out his order. He watched knowing that in a few seconds his enemy would have no way to communicate with the outside universe.
“Jamming successful admiral,” Captain Diern replied.
“First squadron launch,” Jezic ordered barely acknowledging the reply from the captain. He knew the upcoming battle would be critical to the Cimalian Empire and its future.
“By your will admiral,” the operator replied.
Seconds later the twenty-five fighters of the first squadron left the Kitakim speeding towards their target, two old defense ships. Jezic knew the two ships should prove no match for his pilots, and as that would be the case he wouldn’t tolerate loses in this battle. The land battle would be a bit different, but then again any failure there would be General Ularat’s problem.
“Admiral, you wished to see me,” Ularat’s voice said.
“Yes, neutralization of the planet’s defenses is underway. I expect the planetary assault to begin soon,” Jezic said.
“And the space elevator,” Ularat asked.
“Intact by my order.”
The two men looked at each other before the general turned to head off the bridge.
“You’ll be notified when it’s clear to begin,” Jezic said.
Ularat turned at the door to the bridge. “By your will admiral,” Ularat replied to his superior.
Jezic hunched down to read the scanner for whatever else might come up. His experience taught him never to take any situation for granted. One enemy defense ship had been destroyed and his fighters were now concentrating on the remaining ship. The space elevator seemed to be intact but he needed to make sure.
“Launch the commandos, their target the elevator,” Jezic said. He heard the captain acknowledge the order but didn’t look. They both understood the price for failure.
“Admiral, we’re within range of the enemy ship, should we fire,” Captain Diern asked.
“No, let the first squad handle this, a test if you will,” Jezic replied. He had to make sure that the leader of the fighters could carry out his orders, not that he had any doubts.
“Severe damage to second ship, reactor going critical,” Diern said. Seconds later the last ship exploded leaving the planet exposed to their attack.
“Tell the general he may begin,” Jezic said. “Have the first squadron recalled, the Oi’s second fighter group begin combat patrol, the Oi’s first squad should be available for any bombing runs the ground forces require.”
“By your will,” the reply came as the order was relayed to the Oi.
Jezic stretched his back from being hunched over watching the scanner. The ship was not made for a man six-foot six. Running a hand over his bald head he then readjusted the eye patch on his left eye that had once again become too tight. He then turned to the captain for a report on any loses.
“Meia reports no losses, however two pilots received damage to their fighters during the attack,” the captain replied.
“Have the pilots report to me when they land as well as a report of equipment that was needed to repair their fighters,” Jezic said without emotion. “We cannot allow scarce resources to be used up needlessly.”
“By your will.”
Jezic turned looking out the window of the bridge. He could make out the soft engine glow of the landing shuttles. A slight smile came to his lips. They had accomplished the first part of the plan even better than he’d hoped. High Command expected him to have at least five fighter losses. He’d be able to report none.
“Continue jamming, I’ll make a report back to Cimalius,” he told the captain. He walked off the bridge towards his office. At least there he wouldn’t feel cramped.
The Cimalian Empire had returned to claim their home once more. He smiled with the knowledge that years from now people would be reading about the fact he, Admiral Jezic, had led the first assault on the liberation of the people against the Alliance. He would be a hero, and his life, a legend.
*****
“Admiral White, there’s a few things that need your attention,” a young aid said. Dressed in the white fleet uniform the admiral walked up to the aid trying to read the pad. But the aid seemed intent on waving it around.
“Chad, slow down and let me have a look,” the admiral said. He glanced though the items noticing that nothing seemed to be out of place. “Probably a solar flare, nothing important. Happens often, wait a few hours then we’ll see. Go on ahead and let the senator in though.”
“But admiral, we haven’t been able to reach Corrius in a few hours now,” Chad replied relaying the order to the guard at the gate about the senator.
“Okay! They probably have some damaged equipment, send the Akagi, it will be good experience for its captain,” he told Chad.
“At once sir,” Chad said. He turned leaving the room headed to the command room to talk with the captain of the Akagi.
“Jack,” a voice said causing the admiral to turn.
“Greg, what’re you doing here,” Jack said seeing his friend, now a senator, standing there.
“In the neighborhood, thought I’d drop by, see how you and Mary were doing now,” Greg replied as they shook hands.
“Mary’s doing fine. Asked about you yesterday,” Jack said.
“The news, Hades, the press seems to take everything out of context these days,” Greg said.
“So what did happen,” Jack asked.
“Nothing, I gave her a hug and now the press thinks we’re engaged,” Greg said. “So what’s going on here, how’s Randy?”
“Good, promoted to captain,” Jack replied.
“Captain, that’s quick,” Greg said.
“Yeah, well with so many leaving the military because of cuts it’s to be expected. But he would’ve made it there anyways. He’s got the makings of an admiral for sure,” Jack said looking out the window. Way out in the distance he could see the makings of a storm. “How about some dinner?”
“Only if you let me pay, remember I know your pay,” Greg said.
“All right, let me just see if the Akagi is off yet,” Jack said.
“Where?”
“Corrius, solar flare, actually its Randy’s new command, his first mission,” Jack said.
“Corrius, haven’t heard anything,” Greg said.
“If we’re to eat before the storm we should get going,” Jack said walking into the command room. “Chad?”
“Admiral, the Akagi just left. They should be there within the hour,” he replied.
“Good. I’m off to dinner, I’ll have my communicator on,” Jack said. Chad noted it as Greg and Jack walked out of the room.
“So, why are you really here,” Jack asked after they left the base.
“Well, I was in the area, but well, we’re getting hammer by the Constricts and the press over military expenditures again Jack,” Greg said.
Jack sighed a bit. “I thought so.” Shaking his head he wondered what the Constricts were thinking. “We’re operating at a bare minimum already Greg.”
“I know, I’m fighting but they want to slash salaries again,” Greg said.
“Hades, again, if the government wants to reduce their spending then cut the subsidy program,” Jack said.
“It’s too popular Jack.”
“And unfair. I’m on call all the time and pull in thirty-five, my neighbor is on the program, works twenty hours a week and pulls in fifty, where’s the justice,” Jack said. He could hear his own bitterness creep into his voice. “We have nothing left to cut Greg.”
“I know, we’ll work on that tomorrow,” Greg replied. “For now let’s get something to eat. Those clouds look nasty.”
End intro
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