Ghost Fleet

Dedication

To My Daughter Elizabeth who is still waiting

for me to write a Princess story about her.

Ghost Fleet © Robert Thomas 2017

ebook edition

All rights reserved.

No portion of this book may be reproduced by any means without the written permission of the author or his representatives

This is a work of fiction.

All characters and events portrayed are products

of the author’s imagination

Visit Robert’s website at

robertthomasbooks.com

Ghost Fleet

Prologue

Captain’s personal journal: Thera 27- 16

The universe is an expanse so large and diverse that my mind simply cannot comprehend its dimensions. Each species that tests the waters within our galactic backyard must confront themselves as well as any who may be out there. My nine systems collectively known as the Home Worlds have formed a confederation for the well-being of our galactic neighborhood. Peace has reigned among us for over three hundred years.

Scientific exploration is the common thread that has led to peace and unity until an unarmed survey ship stumbled across a planet at the furthest reaches of our expanse. They believed it to be uninhabited, yet their intrusion elicited a deadly response and an immediate reaction from our military. That first interaction with an unknown race, the Lorilon, has resulted in a ten year war; a war we are losing, and the stakes just got higher.

The Home World planet of LeLairn has been destroyed, reduced to a mass of rubble orbiting its central star. Fleet Main believes the Lorilon have developed a weapon of such immense power that we have nothing with which to counter. The destruction of LeLairn has left the Home World systems open to invasion and all that stands in the way is the Third Fleet, a collection of twenty ships commanded by myself, Captain Stuart Joseph of the starship Parras.

My orders; investigate the LeLairn system and the possible cause of the planet’s destruction and by any means prevent an invasion. But on the way, my investigation became complicated as the Lorilon launched a series of hit and run attacks on the fleet and it cost us the destroyer Sparse.

It has been two years since the Home Worlds have launched an offensive. It has become an encumbering weight that has put us on the defensive. I tire of the war and this passive defense, so much so that as commander of the Third Fleet, I have made a decision. Aided by a new discovery from my science team that will render the fleet invisible, I launched a provocative strike deep into Lorilon territory. We have taken out their prime energy facility at the fortress of Tor Dunlaw. The mission was a success, however it has cost me a quarter of the fleet; five ships lost including the heavy cruiser Vigilant, and one of my best friends.

I only hope this doesn’t cost me my career."

"Close journal."

Chapter One

The Void

The vastness of empty space surrounded them. It was all-encompassing in its breadth, and in its silence. No warmth lay upon their battered hulls from even a rogue star, the givers of life throughout the known universe. Only the blackness of a featureless void touched them in their solitude. They were alone, as alone as fourteen battle-hardened ships of the line could be in the dead of space as the vessels of the Home World Third Fleet came to a halting rest within the confines of the Void.

Stuart Joseph looked out the main viewing portal of his bridge aboard the Home World starship Parras. It had been almost fourteen hours, nearly two duty cycles at light speed to come to this point, this escape from a mission that would possibly decide his fate as captain of the Parras, commander of the Third Fleet and perhaps his entire career. His ships had come to a stop hovering motionless within the wasteland. Out before his bow was the destroyer Cutter, one of the newest additions to the fleet. It was sleek, powerful, an improvement on the older designs, something sorely needed in the Home World fleets. This war had taken a heavy toll on the Confederation of Home Worlds and their resources were stretched to the limit, perhaps the breaking point. New ships coming to the fleets were a rarity. He took note as Cutter’s engines shut down and the afterglow of heat and light trapped within the confines of the black engine housings subsided. It was time to take stock of the fleet, see which ships were still functional and make emergency repairs.

Com, pipe me through to all ships.

Aye sir, came the tired response. He could hear the weariness in her voice. He looked around at his bridge crew. They were tired; exhausted. Seconds later he heard the reply.

Ready Captain.

All ships, Joseph began, we have entered the Void where we will make emergency repairs. All ships are to report progress to Parras every half cycle. Joseph paused as he looked out at Cutter. At least she looked intact. He had no idea the status of the other ships. They’d just come through a vicious battle. We have three cycles to complete repairs. That is all. All ships acknowledge.

Joseph began to step away from the command console before stopping, a new thought coming to mind.

"Ensign Duggan, send word to the destroyer Cutter. Ask Commander Finney to contact me. I’ll be in my ready room.

Aye Captain, came the reply from the communications officer. She spun on the seat turning back to her station as the array of messages from the fleet began to trickle in to her station. She blinked, rubbed her eyes and adjusted her ear-piece.

Commander Dunne, you have the bridge.

Thank you Captain, he answered. Josh stepped to the console and placed his hand in the sensor. The light blinked red, then green. The computer’s animatronic voice was immediately heard around the bridge.

Lieutenant commander Joshua Dunne has assumed command of the Parras.

* * *

The chief engineer of the Parras squeezed back down the cramped electrical tunnel, his hands firmly attached to the bars along the side. He took a deep breath and let go of the last bar, his backside slipping just a few feet before coming to a stop as his feet hit the deck. He leaned forward, panting heavily and wiped the sweat from his forehead.

You not up to this, Smithe? Jason asked.

I’m not quite as young as I used to be, and I’m a little round to be climbing in and out of service tunnels, Smithe replied with a smile. You just wait till you get to my age Commander and we’ll see how you’re doing. Smithe took a deep breath and ran his fingers through the sweat that drenched his scalp.

Then send one of your crew up to do it. The second in command of the Parras sat back on his heels, pulling his legs up on the deck.

Sometimes you just have to see things for yourself. I’ve got a good crew on this ship but sometimes, experience trumps all. He sat straight up on the edge of the tunnel and inhaled deeply, thankful to have the air circulating around him. He hated cramped spaces.

How much is there to repair?

This part of the superstructure isn’t too bad from what I can tell. The upper half of the deck is crumpled but it is mostly bulkheads and exterior hull damage. The internal spaces haven’t been compromised. I’m sure there are a multitude of circuits that are going to be out for a while but I won’t know which until I run a full analysis back in engineering. Not much I can see in this service tunnel that needs looked at.

So I can tell the captain we’re in good shape?

Nothing I can fix outside of a space dock. We’ll need hull repair when we port. The long-range sensor array and everything above the upper two service decks of the port superstructure is either gone or inoperable.

I’ll let him know. I thought the damage would be even more substantial. That was a significant hit we took at Tor Dunlaw.

But this old girl was built to last Commander. You can tell the old man that. We’ll make it back safely. Not sure about the other ships, but we’ll hold up.

The second in command of the Parras nodded as he extended his hand to help the chief engineer off the deck. He had his report.

Make sure you get everything entered into the system, Colin. I’ll let the captain know.

* * *

Come. Joseph looked up as the door to his anteroom opened and his second walked in, a broad smile evident.

We’re good to go Captain, Josh said. Well, at least that’s what Smithe says.

Fill me in Commander.

Damage to the port side superstructure won’t keep us from operating in any way. He did say that there aren’t any critical systems or sub-systems that will be compromised, at least as far as he can tell right now. He’s heading down to engineering to run some system analysis but he thinks the damage is mostly structural and there’s nothing we can do about it until we port.

Captain, Commander Finney is on channel. The lights on the com panel in the center of the desk blinked as Joseph nodded toward Tully. He leaned in and stabbed at the panel.

What can I do for you Captain? came the voice crackling across the speaker.

Donald, I have a task for you. Damn this Void, Joseph said as he looked up to his second. How does a region of such empty space seem to have so much interference? I’ve never understood it.

There were several seconds of silence before Finney’s voice pulsed through the speaker again. Joseph winced at the noise.

I’ve turned up the gain on my end Captain. Is that better?

Some Donald. I’m glad we don’t use this system for long-range communications. It would never work. Look, I need you to take Cutter back toward Lorilon space. We need a trip-wire, so to speak.

What do I do sir?

By now the destruction of Tor Dunlaw is certain to have caused some serious ripples within the Lorilon command structure. Who knows how they’ll react. We have to guard against a quick retaliation in this direction. Position Cutter ten hours behind the fleet. You’re the fastest ship we have Donald. You’re going to be my alarm bell.

Aye sir. When do we shove off?

Make it soon Commander. The fleet will remain parked at these coordinates for the next four cycles. That gives us three to do repairs and it looks like Cutter is relatively undamaged. Rejoin the fleet before the end of the fourth cycle, unless you signal us first.

That doesn’t give us much time to linger about back there.

I don’t want you there that long. I’m more concerned about an immediate response from them.

We’ll be on our way within the hour, Finney replied.

And Finney, listen for a signal from Repulse.

Roger that, Parras. Cutter out.

Joseph leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms letting his head fall toward his chest. He was tired and his second in command could see it in his face.

Sir, when was the last time you slept?

None of your business, Mr. Tully.

It is if it affects this ship, Captain. He stepped up to the edge of the chrome-colored desk and stared into Joseph’s face. You more than anyone should know that. You wrote the book on that topic.

Don’t remind me Josh, Joseph replied. That was a long time ago.

But it still applies. You have an entire section of military articles with everything but your name on it. Section seventeen, article …

Please don’t.

I could make it a medical order.

You wouldn’t dare. Joseph’s face hardened, his eyes narrowing as he stared at his desk.

Probably not sir, but it’s worth a threat.

Joseph peered back up with a raised brow. He knew Tully was right. He needed sleep. He hadn’t been to his quarters since the battle and he had taken tactical command of the fleet hours before that. He’d refused his own order to the fleet to stand down. It had been almost four duty cycles since he’d slept; thirty-six hours.

Aye aye mother, Joseph replied.

* * *

Andren? He stood outside her cabin door, his hand against the wall as he looked toward the hard floor. Andren? She hadn’t reported to the lab for her duty shift and he was determined to find out why. It’s Danson. Answer the door.

The door opened with a quiet swish and he stepped inside, his eyes wide as he struggled to focus as he peered into the dark cabin that now engulfed him. He could hear her breathing, but it wasn’t breathing, it was something else; it was sobbing. He hesitated at the soft sound of her voice, the flutter of her vocal chords. He could tell she was trembling.

What do you want Danson?

I came to check on you. Are you alright? He stepped forward cautiously. The darkness unnerved him, something he struggled with his entire life, so much so he rarely turned off the lights in his own quarters.

I’m fine Danson, she replied.

I need to see that for myself. You’ve missed one duty cycle. This would be your second. You know what that means.

I know Danson.

Then you know that means you will be on report. He cleared his throat as he shoved his hands into the pockets of his white lab coat. It’s not something I’m fond of doing. The captain will see it.

He sees everything.

Andren, do you think we could turn the lights up? Danson swayed on his feet as he stood in the darkness.

She did not answer as the light slowly began to rise but still holding the room in a subdued embrace. As the darkness began to soften he saw her lying on the bed curled up on her side. She raised her head, her auburn hair falling off her face.

Satisfied? I’m not dead.

Andren, I want to help. I don’t like seeing you like this. He stepped toward her bed and stopped before sitting on the corner. I only want what’s best for you.

What’s best for me is to be left alone right now. Don’t you understand that?

I do. It was like that for me when my wife died. I didn’t want to be around anyone. But you know what? I found out I was wrong. He paused letting his words hang in the air. What helped me through it was being around others; being around you.

She rolled onto her back and stared at him, her blue eyes now red, clouded from the tears.

I appreciate that Danson, but I’m not you. I don’t work that way.

But this is still a war and you have a job to do. His words elicited a heavy sigh and she reached up and brushed her hair back. It doesn’t stop for anyone, he said in his best command voice.

I’ll be there in a half hour. She rolled back onto her side and tucked her pillow under her head. She could feel the wet stain from her tears against her cheek.

Danson knew his stay was over and he pushed himself off the bed. He looked at her one last time, dropping his eyes to the floor and was out the door seconds later.

* * *

She paused, leaning against the corridor wall in front of the main door to the science lab. The sensor sat idle, waiting for a touch, an input. That’s what it was there for. It was a tripwire to work and discovery. It was a light that signaled both the utter disappointment of exhaustion and that of ubiquitous exhilaration. Andren Cork took one step back and stared at the sensor. Placing her hand against it meant accepting the situation and moving on. But what other choice was there? She was locked in a world of her own choosing, a world she now wished she had never entered. Where was she to go? Nowhere.

She sighed as her hand landed on the sensor and the door to the main science lab opened in silence. But she just stood there, staring into her personal abyss. It was the first time since the assault on Tor Dunlaw that she’d looked into this room. She’d avoided her work now for two duty cycles. She inwardly cursed at herself. It wasn’t like her. Wasn’t like her at all. She looked down at the deck as her hand found the door jamb. All she could think of was Frank. Damn him! He’d turned her world inside out and within a few hours he was gone.

She raised her head and took a deep breath as she pushed her fingers through her hair. It felt greasy. Damn you Frank, she muttered under her breath. Her next step pushed her across the threshold and into the science lab. It was the only reality she had left. It was time to get back to work.

A few more feet, a few hesitant strides and she was again in front of her work station. She leaned in pressing the controls on the terminal which sprung to life, the flat dark screen filling with all the work she had left behind. She let the terminal roll through its contents as she absentmindedly pulled out her seat and slid into its embrace. She looked down and slowed the scroll, backing it up. She’d let her mind wander again, her eyes glaze as her thoughts drifted toward … damn him! A single stab halted the rolling threads. She pulled her coat tight and reached for her cup. Her hand froze as she stared at the ring stained into the worn silver metal. A deep breath caused her to slump and she looked to the floor where her cup had shattered. She could still see a remnant of the tea that stained the deck at the seam in the dull tiles that ran beneath her station. Her hands fell to her lap as she just stared. It seemed every comfort she once relied on had crumbled to dust.

Andren?

Yes? She turned in her seat coming face to face with what seemed half the scientists and staff of the lab. Uh, what’s going on?

Well, Scott Larson mumbled as he stood in front of the others.

Go on Scott, Jeff Sinclair said with a big grin on his face.

Andren, we know this has been hard on you. Hell, it’s been hard on us all. Scott pulled a small box from behind his back and extended his arm. It’s not much, but we just wanted you to know we’re all here for you.

What’s this? Andren hesitated but reached out as Scott handed the small box to her. Thank you, she replied. I don’t know what to say. She placed in on her lap looking up with a shy smile.

Open it, Jeff said. Go on.

Andren ran her hand around the lid before sliding her finger beneath the flap, pulling it back gently. She reached in, exploring what was hidden beneath the thin white paper. It was hard. She lifted it straight up letting the tissue paper fall to the floor. She raised the small porcelain cup to eye level, her hand wrapping around its cool surface.

It’s a tea cup, Jeff announced.

She can see that Jeff, Scott replied. "You can be such an idiot sometimes.

It’s beautiful! Andren said as she turned, placing it in its new home. I can’t thank you enough.

It’s the least we could do Andren, Scott said. We all wanted to, well…

You don’t know what this means to me. Her fingers found the corner of her right eye as she wiped away the tear that was beginning to build. Her gaze fell again to the deck as she felt her chest begin to tighten. She looked up offering a shy smile as her comrades stared back.

Time to get back to work everyone. The voice from behind scattered the back row, those with the least seniority in the lab. Danson’s word was law in the science wing of the Parras and no one seemed to be in the mood to challenge his authority; not lately. His gentle fatherly tones had become abrupt, lecturing, and people wanted to keep their distance.

The captain has spoken, Scott mumbled under his breath.

Let’s go people. Science waits for no man. Danson stepped forward as the group dispersed and stood alone before Andren. "Glad you could make