Project Prometheus Ch. 44 - Teaser (Patreon)

The Confederate battlefleet dropped out of hyperspace, arriving in the Prodosian system. The battlecruiser, Lee’s Vengeance, initiated a ping for all ships, to be doubly sure that each ship made the jump correctly. The ping came back, and all ships were accounted for, which made Captain Walczak smile. That he had brought the fleet this far without losing any ships and going undetected was a minor miracle.

“All ships falling into formation, Captain Walczak, staying high and tight, as per your orders,” the helmsman told him.

“Very good! Take our ships to one quarter speed and bring us into orbit around Prodosia!” Walczak ordered. “What is the status of the other ships? Are they all battle ready?”

“Reports are coming in now, sir! So far, everything is looking good, and the only issues being reported are minor,” the communications tech reported.

“How minor?” Walczak questioned, as he wanted to be sure his fleet was in tiptop shape for the battle ahead.

“Some small glitches with the displays, along with a few corridor’s lights not powering up properly, but their techs are on said problems and should resolve them before the day is over,” the tech replied.

“Hmm. Not pleased at the speed, but so far, I am liking what I’m hearing. Tell them to be sure those… hiccups are dealt with. We don’t want to give our enemies anything they can exploit,” the captain told them.

“Understood, sir,” the tech told him before he checked his beeping console again. “Captain, sir! We are being hailed!”

“On screen!”

“Captain Walczak, greetings!” said the massive image of Major Robert Sawyer, his voice almost booming across the bridge.

“Good day to you, Major Sawyer! How goes the campaign to subvert the people of Tanith’s Gully?” Daruisz questioned.

Robert gave his basic report about how the denizens of the town had been mostly oblivious. There had been a few hiccups here and there, but how they were quickly ironed out. The captain paid close attention to the more recent events, which saw the town start fighting back against their efforts. Dariusz was both angered and intrigued about the new element in town, which was the crew of the Darkstrider.

“Hmm. This new group, they only showed up less than a week ago?”

“Indeed, they have! They have also done a fair bit in arraying the town against us! They caught on to Sargol being one of ours, along with busting up the gangs and such,” Sawyer huffed, angered that much of the work they had done was quickly being demolished.

“Regardless of the progress they have made, the fleet has arrived and this time, we are no longer facing battle hardened fleets! All we are up against is a ragtag bunch of misfits that the galaxy won’t mourn!” Walczak chuckled, sneering at the efforts that the natives had given in resisting their subversion.

“Still, I would get your fleet into position as soon as possible! With them calling down all those ships planetside, this new group must be up to something! I would rather you be ready to pummel them before they spring whatever trap they are planning!” Sawyer advised.

“We are already en route to high orbit above the planet and will be in position above Tanith’s Gully within thirty-five minutes. I’m certain you can cook up a little something to keep them occupied and focused on you and yours and not us,” Walczak stated confidently.

“Oh, worry not! I have just the thing!” Sawyer smiled as he killed the line.

Walczak smiled at this, happy to see that these worlds would finally be theirs! Fighting someone who couldn’t tangibly fight back wasn’t an honorable fight, but it was a scenario he preferred. He detested when people fought back, as it meant there were fewer people to be put to work in running the Confederate war machine. While he did enjoy the occasional challenge, fighting a battle such as this was a welcome relief for the man.

“How long before we are in position above Tanith’s Gully?” Walczak queried.

“Thirty-one minutes, sir!” a gunnery tech replied.

“Very good!” the captain cackled, eager to have an easy victory for the Confederacy today! Once these worlds were theirs, then there would be little that could be done to stop them from here!!