Chapter Twenty-Two
Mabra System, Fazaal Sector, Gaashox Quadrant
Mabraant’s elliptical orbit around its star usually resulted in the outer edge of the asteroid field being outside, or at the maximum range of Mabraant’s defence sensor systems. However, the solar influence of the star often affected the magnetic properties of the area, and for unknown reasons increased the sensor range. It was this interference that allowed the detection of two transports leaving the asteroid field, but not the arrival of more ships several days later.
Two medium sized transport ships and a small shuttle arrived at the Krelathan’s secret base. Major Klostack, the base commander, walked into the cold hangar and stood a few metres from the shuttle. He waited impatiently and anxiously for the senior officer to appear, wondering what news he brought from the Senate, and concerned about who the bearer would be.
Major Klostack took a sharp intake of breath and his spirit sank when he saw who appeared on the boarding ramp. “Welcome to Outpost Raider Base Eighteen, General Kregarast. It is a pleasure to have you here, Sir,” he lied, but his voice could not conceal his concern at the presence of the infamous General.
“You may dispense with the formalities, Major. The Supreme Governor is displeased with the losses you have experienced, and I have been assigned to this outpost to restore our success rate against the Mabraantan forces.”
The Major did not appreciate the way in which the General spoke. “Of course, General,” he said, trying to hide his contempt for him. “I will show you to your quarters first and then operations control, if that is satisfactory.”
The General nodded keeping his expression stern.
‘I don’t need this interference,’ thought Klostack. Even though the General had brought twenty-four new MCFs with him, he always brought trouble along as well, and usually an abundance of it.
Knowing the General’s reputation for an overly strict command and the severe discipline he inflicted on his troops, Major Klostack was now deeply concerned for his future. He had made a formal request for replacement starfighters and more experienced pilots, not an egotistical power hungry officer who was not satisfied with anything but complete success. He was also sorely displeased with the Senate for having sent the General despite the cache of equipment and valuables despatched in the last three shipments, which he believed was adequate proof of his success and ability to command.
Major Klostack smiled as he thought of Kregarast’s boast that he could restore the success of the base. The Major knew of the General’s reputation on the battlefield and as a fighter pilot, being the most honoured and skilled pilot in the Krelathan military. Klostack was, however, unaware that he was also the last. All of the other top fighter pilots had been killed in their continuing campaign of piracy and the recent battle with the Hebradon Empire.
The next day, General Kregarast called the Major into his office for a full briefing on base operations, mission data, losses, successes and performance reviews of all personnel who had been stationed on the base. Klostack called up the necessary data on the computer terminal, handed numerous files to the General and explained everything in as much detail as was required.
Two hours later, Kregarast leant back in his chair and scrutinised his subordinate officer with keen interest. His opinion of this officer had changed considerably for the better, and he understood why his request had stipulated a higher number of replacement fighters than usual.
“You have done well considering the losses to our fighter group, Major Klostack. From reading your reports, it appears that everything was progressing perfectly until Kopaz Squadron appeared. Am I correct in assuming that all of our losses are attributed to this one squadron?”
“Most, yes, General. Their ships possess greater firepower and shielding than our own, but it is their Squadron Leader who inflicts the most damage. He killed Colonel Pradeen in a spectacular dogfight.”
“Colonel Pradeen? I was unaware of his posting to this outpost.”
“He volunteered in place of Major Kodarrin, General. He wanted the honour of killing the commander of Kopaz Squadron, but he met the same fate as every other experienced fighter pilot posted here.”
“Well, the deaths will end here. I will personally end this squadron’s dominance.”
Major Klostack did not believe the odds were in the General’s favour, unless he overwhelmed them, but they did not possess enough ships to do that.
“Including the twenty-four MCF’s I delivered, you should now have a total compliment of sixty ships; twelve Kraylons, twelve TS5’s and thirty-six MCF’s. This should be more than adequate to achieve what is required.”
Major Klostack swallowed hard. “There are only four Kraylons, four TS5’s and twenty-eight MCF’s, General. We were down to our last twelve before your arrival, hence why I requested forty eight replacement fighters.”
Kregarast glared angrily at the Major. “That is contrary to what I was told. I will have to investigate this when I return to Krelath, and I do hope for your sake you are telling me the truth, Major.”
“Of course I am, General. It was clearly stated in the reports, which detailed all ships assigned, and when and how they were lost. The latest reports were sent after you had left Krelath,” said Klostack, who was experiencing considerable discomfort, and waited anxiously for the General’s response.
The General scrutinised the two reports he had not previously opened, and nodded. “It seems all is in order, Major. Now, I believe you have work to do.”
Klostack saluted and left, feeling relieved and shocked. It did not, however, ease his concerns about his future.
By mid morning the following day, Kregarast was becoming impatient to engage in combat with the Mabraantan forces. He went to the comms room hoping for some news. “Any contact from our agents yet?” he demanded.
The comm operator turned to face the General, a feeling of dread rising within and the hairs on the back of his neck tingled. Everyone had been feeling the same since his arrival at the base, and no one dared put a foot wrong or say anything untoward, especially with his tendency to appear without warning. “No General, Sir, not yet. There’s nothing on the sensors either.”
Turning sharply without utterance, the General walked out, his hands clasped tightly behind his back. The operator felt as though a heavy weight had been removed from his shoulders the moment Kregarast left, and let out a deep sigh of relief. “I sure hope he isn’t around here too long,” he muttered quietly. Tension was high and the operator wondered who would crack first under the pressure, making the one mistake that would give the General cause to lash out in his usual manner.
Two hours later, one of the Krelathan agents contacted the base with news that would delight Kregarast. Several transports and shuttles were heading toward Mabraant with an escort of only six MCF’s. The comm operator immediately headed for the General’s office to inform him of the news.
“Excellent,” said Kregarast with reasonable satisfaction. “That will be all, Lieutenant, unless there is any other important news.”
“No Sir.” Odrian left the General’s office and returned to his post. “That was easier than expected,” he said to himself.
“Klostack!” roared the General, his voice reverberating through the passageways.
Major Klostack rushed to the General’s office, not wanting to make him wait and give him any reason to become angry. “Yes General?”
“I want all starfighters prepared immediately.”
“Yes General, right away,” he said. As he left to carry out his order, he wondered if the infamous General would be successful against Kopaz Squadron, who only flew alone on escort missions. Mabraant had been sending squadrons of up to twenty four ships recently, another reason why they had remained dominant, and if there were several ships arriving, he believed they would do so this time as well. It was going to be a battle worth monitoring.