Into the Darkness (2015) by Jay Allan

Into the Darkness (2015) by Jay Allan

Author:Jay Allan [Allan, Jay]
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Tags: Dystopian, Galactic Empire, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Space Opera, Colonization, Science Fiction, Space Marine, Military
Amazon: B00R3N0X2M
Publisher: System 7 Publishing
Published: 2015-06-22T12:00:00+00:00


Chapter Thirteen

Transmission from Admiral Vladimir Udinov

Attention all vessels. This is Admiral Vladimir Udinov, transmitting from the RIC vessel Petersburg. In joint consultation with the commanders of the CAC, Europan, and Caliphate contingents, we have elected to remove our respective forces from the current fleet structure. We all retain the utmost respect for Admiral Compton and his achievements, but we have determined that the best interest of our crews is served by this separation.

We intend no hostile action toward any other vessel, nor do we plan to interfere with the chosen dispositions of the other contingents. However, it is necessary that we are able to refuel those of our vessels still in the queue. It is for that reason only I have ordered Petersburg to take position just above planet five. From that location, we are able to fire upon the refinery complex, destroying it utterly if anyone attempts to interfere with our refueling. When we are done, our ships will peacefully depart, leaving the refinery undamaged and ready to continue refueling the rest of the fleet.

If any vessels attempt to interfere—either with our own refueling operations or with our departure from the fleet, Petersburg will open fire and destroy the facility. I urge a calm and rational response by all parties. If we are allowed to refuel and depart, we will do so without violence.

AS Midway

System X18

The Fleet: 225 ships, 47,841 crew

“I still can’t raise the admiral, Captain Horace. There’s some kind of jamming around the planet.” Jack Cortez stared over at the empty command chair for what felt like the hundredth time. Compton wasn’t onboard…and all hell was breaking loose.

“Keep trying, Commander. We’ve got to do something. Petersburg is holding the refinery at gunpoint, and I hesitate to even think of what the other contingent commanders are saying to each other.”

“Yes, sir. But shouldn’t we be doing something now? Admiral Compton wouldn’t just sit here and allow Udinov to hijack the refinery.”

“I’m sure you’re right, Commander, but I’m not Terrance Compton. I don’t have his ability—and I damned sure don’t have his rank or reputation. I’m more inclined to try to avoid catastrophic mistakes than to risk any bold moves before I know exactly what is going on.”

“Yes, sir.” Cortez didn’t like it, but he knew Horace was right.

“And Commander…if you can’t get through to the admiral on planet four we’re going to need to send someone there. We have to get to Admiral Compton. And every second we lose could be the one that kills us.”

“Yes, sir. I understand.” Cortez turned toward the communications officer. “Lieutenant, please tell Adm…ask Admiral Hurley to come to the line.” He wasn’t speaking for Compton right now, so he wasn’t telling an admiral to do anything.

“She is on your com, sir.”

“Admiral Hurley, this is Commander Cortez. As you know, Admiral Compton went down to the surface of planet four with the Marines and the research teams.”

“Yes, I know. What is it?”

“We’ve got a crisis up here. Half the fleet is trying to break off so they can look for a route home.



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