Chapter Seventeen
Mabraant, Mabra System, Fazaal Sector, Gaashox Quadrant
The pilots assigned for the afternoon patrol were assembled in the briefing room by fourteen hundred: Twenty-two pilots, eighteen from the MDF and Kopaz Squadron. Everyone was feeling a little tense and apprehensive about the afternoon’s sortie, even Grogaan. The pilots from the MDF knew how many had been killed in situations like this, and even though they knew of Kopaz Squadron’s success, feared for their lives.
When Wing Commander Maxton entered the room, all went silent. “Alright gentlemen, let’s get started shall we,” he said sitting on the front desk. “We’re expecting the arrival of two transports at approximately fifteen-thirty. Now, there should be an escort, but unfortunately we cannot guarantee it. So under the circumstances, it has been decided we will carry out continuous patrols in an attempt to surprise the raiders. If destiny is on our side we may have a time advantage to engage them before they have an opportunity to attack the transports. There are currently four groups on patrol, which you will be relieving at fifteen-hundred.”
The Captain switched on his datareader. “So far, as you are probably aware, most engagements with the raiders have resulted in heavy or total losses, so now it’s time we changed the statistics. Grogaan, you and your Kopaz Squadron will patrol sector alpha one; Hastoan, you and Squadron one-four-one, coded blue squadron, sector alpha two; Loperan, you and Squadron one-four-two, coded Red Squadron, sector alpha three; and finally Parrin, you and Squadron one-four-three, coded Orange, sector alpha four.
The four squadrons acknowledged, picked up the appropriate data discs containing the sector charts for uploading into their flight computers, but remained silent and subdued.
“If there’s no questions, it’s time to go and show those Krelathans we mean serious business.”
“With only four small squadrons patrolling such a large area, Sir, we won’t stand much of a chance if they send the usual size attack squadron,” said Parrin.
Maxton looked at Parrin with disdain. ‘Always the pessimist, this one,’ he thought. “We have pre-arranged the coordinates for the transports to arrive at, and having analysed the recent attacks, the sectors you will be patrolling have been plotted to give you sufficient time to reinforce each other.”
Parrin was still unconvinced of their chances and was hoping if the raiders did appear, it would be in sector alpha two. Not that he wished for anything bad to happen to Red Squadron, but with Kopaz squadron on one side and Blue Squadron on the other, the raiders would have their hands full. The twenty-two pilots got up and before they made their way out of the room, the Captain stopped them.
“One more thing before you leave gentlemen. Remember, those Krelathans are clever and experienced, so be careful out there. There’s too much at stake this time. Watch each other’s backs and fight harder than ever before. Good luck, and may fate be on our side.”
As soon as Grogaan sat in the cockpit, the excitement of facing a combat situation filled his soul despite the underlying concern he now had about what was going to happen. “Alright Kopaz Squadron, you all ready to go?”
“You bet. It’s payback time again,” said Eldaan, his voice filled with enthusiasm.
“Ease up Eldaan, we don’t know if we’ll get the chance to fight,” said Doraant.
“Of course we will, I know it. The raiders won’t give up the chance of securing a transport laden with equipment.”
“That’s a fact,” said Zaack.
“Cut the chatter you two, and let’s get on with it,” said Grogaan. He knew without doubt the Krelathans would show sooner or later, and hoped they would arrive in the patrol sector Kopaz Squadron were assigned to. Grogaan was keen to hit them hard and hurt them badly, and his one deep desire was to confront the infamous Kregarast. To engage him in combat and kill him would be the ultimate achievement and would hopefully satisfy his hunger for vengeance.
Shortly afterward, the four squadrons were heading for space. After passing through the atmosphere, they split up and vectored toward their patrol sectors. It was a vast area for four squadrons to cover: Black, empty and cold.
Grogaan was anxious and yet excited. He wanted to see action, but was concerned about whether or not he could live up the expectations of those who placed high importance on him and his squadron, namely Admiral Yurgat. He knew the other three squadrons hoped the Krelathan raiders would not appear, and he also knew why his squadron had been assigned the sector closest to the asteroid field.
At fifteen-fifteen, sensors detected a group of signals approaching from sector alpha one-point-one, the farthest perimeter of the sector being patrolled by Kopaz squadron. “Kopaz Squadron, we’ve got inbound ships,” said Grogaan.
“Yeah, I’ve got ‘em. Looks like we’ve got our hands full this time,” said Zaack.
Grogaan opened the comm channel to base. “Mabra Defence control, this is Kopaz Leader, do you copy?”
“Roger Kopaz Leader, this is Mabra Defence Control, go ahead.”
“We have sixteen inbound raiders, I repeat, sixteen raiders coming in from sector alpha one-point-one, bearing one-nine-four: six MCFs, six TS5s and four Kraylons. We’re changing course to intercept.”
“We’ve copy that Kopaz Leader: Alerting Blue and Red Squadrons of the situation.”
Kopaz One switched to inter ship comm. “Kopaz Squadron this is it. Let’s go get ‘em. Last one there buys the drinks when we land.” The odds were not looking favourable, with four to one against, but Grogaan relished the challenge.
The squadron raced toward the incoming targets at full throttle, taking only a couple of minutes to reach firing range. Lasers and shields were fully charged long before they were ready to open fire.
“Kopaz Three and Four pair off and take care of those Kraylons, Kopaz Two with me, but maintain formation until we’ve cut ‘em down to size. Break when I give the command, three and four to port; Two, you break with me to starboard. Be careful and try not to let those Kraylons get any good shots at you. Those ion lasers are pretty effective at disabling small ships.”
“Roger, Kopaz one,” they replied.
“Zaack, we’ll take the MCFs first.”
Kopaz Squadron headed directly for the MCFs at the front of the enemy formation and opened fire. The thirty two laser cannons firing continuously at the raiders, matched the enemy’s capability, but with sixteen ships in formation, the enemy were unable to utilise their full firepower. As a result, the sheer volume of shots emanating from Kopaz Squadron, especially those from the high powered wingtip cannons, tore through the Krelathan formation.
The Krelathans, who were not expecting such a powerful barrage from four fighters, waited too long before breaking formation, and lost four ships as a result. The resulting explosions caused damage to several others, giving Kopaz Squadron an even greater advantage. The raiders broke off in singles. The remaining TS5s and MCFs immediately attempted to engage the Mabraantans, while the Kraylons broke wide and attempted to circle around, hoping to pick off one ship at a time as they flew too close.
Grogaan waited a few moments before giving the order to break formation. His ship took a few hits as he turned to engage an enemy MCF, which was quickly destroyed after being hit by two salvos from his wingtip laser cannons.
Zaack was remaining tight on Grogaan’s port side until he had the enemy MCF he wanted in view. He veered to starboard, flew underneath Grogaan’s ship, and pulled up directly on the Krelathan’s tail. He fired off one torpedo as soon as the lock tone sounded, and was already reforming on Grogaan’s wing when his target exploded in a massive fireball.
“This is too easy Kay-One,” said Zaack, filled with excitement.
“Good work Kay-Two, but don’t speak too soon. There’s still ten of ‘em out there. You okay Kay-Three and Four?”
“Roger that Kay-One,” they responded collectively. “One Kraylon is space dust,” added Eldaan.
“Make that nine. The odds are improving, but be careful
boys.”
The Krelathan leader stood out clearly above the rest. His ship was the only one with an emblem emblazoned on its nose cone and rear fin, that of a Pagraxan Wolf’s head. The wolf was a native species of Krelath, and one of the most vicious four legged creatures in the quadrant. It measured three metres in length and had three-inch canines, which could tear its prey apart in minutes, had excellent night vision and was regarded as the ultimate predator.
Few had won the right to display the emblem. The pre-requisite for doing do was for the individual to have killed a fully grown beast armed only with the Krelathan sabre, the blade of which measured fifty centimetres from the hilt to tip. Those Krelathans who earned the right were usually highly disciplined, trained and experienced warriors with a worthy track record, and were given the rank of General or Colonel.
Grogaan saw the Krelathan leader heading for Eldaan who was in trouble after being separated from Doraant, and changed his course to intercept. As thoughts of when his brother and father were killed came to mind, he could feel the anger and resentment rising within, and his determination to prevent anything happening to his friend increased twofold.
“Kay-Two go and support Kay-Three,” said Grogaan.
“Roger that.”
Grogaan attempted to quell his anger, but it continued to rise unabated. When told, Eldaan pulled hard to starboard, bringing his two pursuers around with him. As he did so, an enemy TS5 flew directly into his sights. He opened fire without hesitation and scored a direct hit on the shields, causing major damage to the rear section of the fuselage.
As the Krelathan veered away from the attack, he flew into Zaack’s flight path, who was attempting to form up on Doraant’s port side. Zaack smiled and fired a full volley. The Krelathan ship broke apart and exploded.
Grogaan veered to port giving him a line on one of the enemy MCF’s. He realised the more angry he became, the more he was able to sense the intent of each pilot. Pausing for a split second, he allowed his senses to determine what his target was intending, and then acted moments before the Krelathan veered to starboard, passing straight into his targeting matrix.
Grogaan squeezed the trigger twice, sending two streams of four green laser blasts at his target. The first shots burned through the MCFs shielding and the second set burned into the engines and power generator. The power generator exploded causing a chain reaction and then the whole ship disappeared in a ball of flame. The second ship broke off the chase.
“Thanks Kay-One. I thought I’d never shake ‘em off.”
“My pleasure,” answered Grogaan. “This is as easy as swatting flies.”
As Grogaan’s target exploded, Doraant pulled up while veering to port, and began tailing the ship breaking away from his pursuit of Eldaan. The lock tone sounded, he fired a single proton torpedo, and scored a direct hit to the engines of the last TS5. The ship erupted in another fireball.
“Yes! That’s one for me,” shouted Doraant evading the debris.
The enemy squadron leader, who had veered away sharply when Zaack appeared on his tail, was coming back round to join another MCF vectoring in on Doraant and Zaack. Taking a few shots whenever he could, the Krelathan leader was trying to wear his target down, hoping to break his concentration sufficiently enough for him to make a mistake, but Zaack was not so easily panicked.
Eldaan’s evasive manoeuvres brought him around onto the tail of another enemy ship, and he let off a stream of laser blasts knocking out the shields. ‘One more volley and that should see him vaporised,’ he thought, but before he was able to get the ship back in his sights, he had to break off the pursuit to evade another Krelathan who had managed to hop onto his tail.
“Anyone seen those last three Kraylons?” asked Zaack.
“Not for a while, been too busy,” replied Eldaan.
“Blue squadron has arrived and are in the process of taking them out,” said Grogaan, who was now tailing the Krelathan leader. “The leader’s mine Kopaz Squadron. You take out that last MCF and help Blue squadron.”
Zaack and Doraant continued chasing the last MCF, and Eldaan headed to help Blue Squadron once Grogaan managed to force his pursuer to break away.
“It’s you and me now, one on one,” said Grogaan as he pushed the Krelathan harder.
“A worthy opponent at last,” came the reply.
“Maybe so. You may have won the honour of displaying the Wolf’s head on your ship, but you have yet to prove to me you’re a worthy adversary.”
“I have survived when twelve of my squadron have been killed. Does that not speak enough?”
“That depends on why you have survived. Letting others die in your place is dishonourable, which might explain why you have survived so many encounters. This however will be your last.”
The Krelathan laughed. “Your words are filled with iron and contempt, Mabraantan, but I applaud you. I am Colonel Pradeen, from the house of Protaal.”
“Squadron Leader Learman of Mabraant.”
The Krelathan had been attempting to shake off his pursuer, and was surprised not only at how calm he appeared to be, but how tenaciously he matched every manoeuvre he made. After several minutes of agonising pursuit, Pradeen was becoming concerned. Never had any other pilot remained so close or tight in pursuit, except of course for the most distinguished pilot in the Krelathan military: Kregarast.
Grogaan took a few opportunist shots and scored several hits to the rear of the MCF. The shielding was close to failing, and another volley would be sufficient to finish it off. Grogaan, however, was enjoying the pursuit, testing his opponent’s skills and lulling him into the supposition that he was unable to take the ultimate shot. It was only a matter of time, which was running out quickly for the Krelathan.
“We’re finished here, Kopaz One,” said Zaack. “All enemy ships destroyed. So when are you going to finish that one off?”
“I’m not that easy to kill,” said the Krelathan.
With that said, Grogaan decided enough was enough. “Easier than you think, Colonel Pradeen.” Two volleys later, the Krelathan’s ship exploded and Grogaan sighed heavily. “You were not worthy enough, Krelathan. A colonel and a Pagraxan wolf slayer you may have been, but you did not have what it took to be an ace fighter pilot, unlike my father.”
“Damn it Grogaan, you made that look so easy,” said Eldaan.
“Not really, Eldaan. He was over confident, and that was his greatest weakness.”
“Well you’ve proved it again Grogaan; we’ve got what it takes,” said Doraant.
“Don’t make the mistake of becoming arrogant or over confident because our success appeared to be easy, Doraant. It only takes one mistake.”
Doraant accepted the rebuke. “I won’t, and thanks Grogaan.”
“Alright Kopaz Squadron, form up. We still have to keep watch for those transports.”
“Roger Kay-One,” the others responded.
“Hey Grogaan, thanks for leaving a few for us,” said Blue Leader.
“Don’t mention it Hastoan, but you were a little slow getting here,” he replied laughing.
Hastoan laughed in response. “Well, we got here in the end. We’re heading back to our patrol sector. See you guys later.”
“Yeah, see you later.”
Five minutes later, the transports arrived in the sector being patrolled by Blue Squadron. After the required formal recognition had been processed, the two transports were escorted to the landing port. Once through the atmosphere, the four fighter squadrons dropped behind the two transports, with Kopaz Squadron taking up rear guard.
The fighters slowed allowing the transports to land and as Grogaan began levelling off, something broke free, he heard a small explosion, and the ship began oscillating.
“What’s going on Grogaan?” asked Zaack when he saw sparks and smoke coming from his ship.
“Looks like I’ve got a problem. I’ll have to return to Mabraant engineering pronto.” Without hesitating, he raised the nose, accelerated
and flew over the hangars, leaving his three concerned friends behind and a trail of smoke pouring from the rear fuselage.
When he saw the crowd gathered outside the main hanger office complex, he was pleased the captain of the transport had warned him what to expect when they landed. He almost felt sorry for his friends, but knew they would enjoy receiving the attention; they deserved it.