Of Enemies and Allies (The Han Wars Book 5) by Chuck Grossart & Chuck Grossart

Author:Chuck Grossart & Chuck Grossart [Grossart, Chuck]
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Publisher: Chuck Grossart
Published: 2022-08-11T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 36

Command Battlespace Fusion Center (CBFC)

RSS Bulwark (CVA-23)

Holding Station, Bakku System

“Admiral, incoming message from Repulse,” the comm officer said. “Status update, ma’am.”

“Read it,” Kumar said.

“Message follows,” the officer began. “‘Bakku III orbital facility completely destroyed. Cause believed to be multiple reactor overload and containment loss. Simultaneous nature of the event suggests intentional detonation.”

“Jesus, they blew it up themselves,” Solomon said. “How many reactors did that place have?”

“Intel states ten,” Kumar said. “Big ones. Old.”

“‘Han Bloc forces in vicinity of station also destroyed, to include all seven previously identified dreadnoughts and six battlecruisers, and several small and medium-sized non-combatants. Attacking forces suffered heavy losses as a result of range to target, four-hundred plus ships remaining of original force, with a small number adrift,’” the comm officer said. “‘Two additional ships, believed to be heavy ground assault landing craft based on size and configuration, have descended to planetary surface. NFI regarding suspected landing force. Attacking force ships holding station above Bakku III at this time. No damage to my forward elements due to orbital facility destruction. All ships remain on station, under stealth, and fully operational. Flynn, Jackson L., Commanding.’ That’s it, Admiral.”

“Thank you, Commander,” Kumar replied. “Send a reply to Repulse, laser comms, acknowledge receipt and understanding, and order them to remain on station and await further orders.”

“Laser comms, aye, ma’am,” the comm officer replied.

“The Kr’ih lost more than half of their strength, in a flash,” Solomon said. “No pun intended.”

“Gutsy move,” Kumar said. “Whoever the commander of the orbital facility was took a lot of Kr’ih with him.”

“And lucky, too,” Solomon said. “Trying to get ten rectors to blow like that at the same time is not an easy task.”

Kumar looked at him and smiled. “I didn’t realize you were such an expert on Han reactor design, Temple.”

“I’m not,” he replied. “I just repeat cool things that I hear at parties and try to look smart.”

She shrugged. “Well, you’ve got me fooled, most of the time. Fighter status?”

“Escort underway,” Temple replied. “We’ve already started recovery operations—we’ll get the rest back aboard once all Chekovski’s birds have recovered. Assume you still want a two-squadron alert-five posture?”

Kumar nodded. “For now, yes. We can handle the IHN ship-to-ship if need be from this point. Katic better pick up the horn and contact me. Soon.”

Solomon nodded. “So, now that the orbital facility is gone, and the ground garrison is under attack, what’s our next move? Looks like the Kr’ih are doing our job for us.”

“Not to mention they lost thirteen large combatants,” Kumar added. “Those had to have come from their Home Guard fleet, deployed out here to meet us, and then ordered right back again. Not soon enough, though.”

“Sucks for them.”

“Yes, it does,” Kumar agreed. “Our next move is to continue doing what we’re doing—sit, and watch. I’m hoping Jackie and his sharks are soaking up all the intel they can about the Kr’ih. We might need it one day.”

“Speaking of intel, isn’t—”

“Calypso still out there, too?” Kumar said, finishing his question. “As far as I know, yes,” Kumar replied.

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