War of the Exiles by Michael G. Thomas

Author:Michael G. Thomas
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: Genetic Engineering, Galactic Empire, Space Opera, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Alien Invasion, Science Fiction, Space Fleet, Space Marine, Adventure, Military, First Contact
Publisher: Swordworks
Published: 2015-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

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In Orbit over Karnak, Tenth Quadrant

General Makos' victory at Medamud had done much more than just defeat the Anicinàbe Grand Fleet. By crushing the bulk of their forces, he had reopened several shipping lanes between the six inhabited worlds, and even to clear a safe corridor back to the Byotai Spacebridge. This Rift in space-time was a permanent feature and allowed ships to travel from the Empire to the Quadrant, all without moving.

Though it was possible to now travel, the defeat at Medamud did little to quell the attacks by small groups of raiders that still persisted, even for all the efforts of the Byotai to stop them. The Anicinàbe were well known for their small group tactics, and with the Tenth Quadrant filled with moons and the debris from so many previous battles, it was the perfect place to launch surprise attacks. Much of the sector had been heavily mined, and with the Alliance escort long gone, the protection of the Exile Fleet was transferred to the few Byotai warships that General Makos could spare. Their role included much more than protecting the civilians from attack. They also needed to clear routes through space that kept them well away from the myriad of dangers and traps left by the Anicinàbe.

The Byotai flagship Hellstorm, as well as the rest of the major ships of the line, was now off fighting squadrons of Anicinàbe throughout the Quadrant. Though the most significant of all the worlds, Karnak was still only one of the six inhabited planets in the conflict, and with as many settlers as Karnak spread out on the desolate worlds, it left the fleet only lightly protected. Fighting on the remaining five planets had intensified over the last few days, and three transports forced back when trying to take food aid to the beleaguered settlers. The Anicinàbe knew help was coming to Karnak and so had seized the opportunity to initiate dozens of diversionary attacks.

Just four Byotai warships provided fleet protection, the rest coming from a dozen private contracted vessels, each no larger than an Alliance frigate, and much less well armed. All of these had now taken the vanguard position in orbit. None of them were designed for atmospheric flight, and the descent through the atmosphere would surely destroy them even if they attempted any form of landing. A small number of ships could provide some level of protection, but a planet was a vast area to guard, and there were deactivated, ice-cold Anicinàbe raiding vessels hidden throughout the area.

The long column of civilian ships had already been hit twice upon arrival. The largest attack actually came from a captured Byotai transport that tried to ram one of the troop carriers. Four mercenary fighters managed to disable the ship, and Byotai soldiers were still on board fighting the Anicinàbe crew. Apart from other minor losses among the escort, the transports had managed to make it through.

Now above Karnak, the civilian ships had already altered their position to reduce speed and were entering the very tip of the planet's atmosphere.

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