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The Spark 2000
short story by Jonathan Hicks Thirty-five years after Episode IV – A New Hope Setnin Warship The Determined - Setnin/Ki-Ki border - 23.25.48 SGT
(Standard Galactic Time) Captain Conno had to admit - he had never seen such
amazing array of warships in all his life. He
remembered his days in the New Republic ranks, being in charge of several
warships at a time on patrol and active duty, but he hadn’t done such a thing
since resigning his commission and taking up a private command in the Setnin
Sector. He had to remind himself why he had done such a thing -
years ago a good friend had sacrificed himself to save lives and he knew that
he may be required to do the same thing as a starship captain. It was a mere
few months later he stared at himself in a mirror and thought - I can’t do
this. He didn’t know whether he had the strength of will to make command
decision, the confidence in his own character to fight well and die hard. So, he gave up his command of a New Republic warship and
started afresh on a Setnin Sector battle frigate. It was a small ship, barely
a crew of a hundred, but he preferred this command to that of one on a larger
ship which would see greater combat. Right, like that was good decision, he thought as he
looked again out of the view port and out at the long line of vessels to his
right and left. One hundred and twenty warships of multiple designs but
all with the emblem of the Setnin Sector on their hulls waited patiently for
the forces of the Ki-Ki Sector fleet to arrive. There were huge
half-kilometre battleships with weapons emplacements bristling from their
long superstructures. Smaller freighters, the type used for transport and
delivery, sat alongside their larger counterparts with retro-fitted weapons,
heavy freighters with small craft around them, bulk freighters filled with
attack fighters and weapons, battle craft of all sizes ready and willing.
Smaller fighters flew around the amassed fleet in twos and threes. In the centre of the mass of ships was the pride of the Setnin
fleet; a re-conditioned Victory class Star Destroyer called the Destiny.
Although most of her weapons were off-line due to the sheer amount of energy
she gobbled up from her enormous power core she was still eighty-one percent
combat effective. A tool from a long-gone Empire, the Galactic Alliance hated
her presence in the Setnin Sector, an old reminder of days gone by. She was
allowed to be utilised for the simple fact that there were virtually no
command ships in the sector. Command. Conno thought back to when he had rescinded
command of his New Republic warship, the Moz’a’ti, to Commander Sall. He
hoped she would take care of the starship as well as he had, as well as Jank
before him. The fleet stretched out in a long line, two starships
deep. Support vessels hung behind with weapons ready and missiles armed.
Starfighters took attack positions and readied themselves. He had forgotten his chronometer. “Second,” he said in a
low voice as the sounds on the bridge were relatively quiet. All the command
staff’s thoughts were on the possible upcoming battle. “What’s the ETA?” The second officer looked up at a readout and sighed. “Three minutes,
Captain.” “Very well.” Three minutes. In three minutes the Ki-Ki fleet would
arrive on their way to the newly captured system of Leogard. The Setnin fleet
had come here, the most probable route of the ships, to intercept. They did
not intend to fight but they made sure they had enough firepower to guarantee
victory if they had to. They would make their position clear - that the Ki-Ki
forces should retreat and relinquish their hold on Leogard or they will go to
war - and then, hopefully, return to their various ports. It had taken only a
month to gather this fleet, an amazing feat in any event. He marvelled at the
numbers and, dare he say it with respect of his vessel, the determination. But was it enough to stop the Ki-Ki onslaught? Chamber of Systems -
Moon of Benesk, Zelon System - 23.25.51 SGT
One thing had always annoyed Ocern Gabe and that was how
loud the Chamber Of Systems could be. He had always been a being of patience
and forethought and, an Ishi Tibb getting on in years, he had no time for it.
Why couldn't the members of the Chambers just state their grievances instead
of shouting about them? There was far too much talk and not enough results. His
eyes were on the great holographic readout shimmering on one half of the huge
amphitheatre, as were the rest of the assembly. There wasn't enough room to
accommodate all the members and senators in the Chamber and many stood in
front of the rising tiers of member seats or in the aisles and the doorways. He hated the noise. Then why, he asked himself, does the silence make me fearful? He thought he knew the
answer but he couldn't be sure. Perhaps there were no more words to say.
Perhaps opinion and forced viewpoint, something the Chamber thrived on,
mattered little now. Every being present watched with not a word or a
whisper. They watched as a line of green dots on the holographic star map
were suddenly joined by a long line of red pulsating lights, each one with a
targeting scope appearing about it and circling slowly. "Ki-Ki
Sector fleet has arrived at the Setnin Border," a voice drifted from the
speakers hovering around the Chamber. Ocern stood up and drew in a deep
breath. "Here we
go," he murmured. Ki-Ki Battleship Fedarns Shining Beauty - Ki-Ki/Setnin border -
23.25.53 SGT Brotus watched with a small smile as the fleet dropped
out of hyperspace. They numbered so many that it took several minutes but he
didn't mind the few moments of vulnerability - they were still their side of
the border with the Setnin fleet only a few thousand kilometres ahead and it
would be a psychological victory against their enemies. They would watch and
wonder when the warships they saw heading their way were ever going to stop
appearing. His expression changed as he looked down at the scanner
readouts and saw many more Setnin ships than he had anticipated. He pursed
his lips and sighed through his nose. "It appears
we underestimated the enemy slightly," he said to no-one in particular
although he received a few glances from the bridge crew. He stood like that,
watching the readout as the other vessels of the Ki-Ki fleet dropped from
hyperspace and gathered about the flagship. Dozens of ships of the System
Barons, all here to fight for their Prime Lord. One hundred and twenty two ships. If the scanners were
correct then they outmatched the Setnin group by two vessels. He didn't allow
himself to be comforted by that fact - it wasn't the hardware that decided
the fate of a battle but the beings who used it. "Spread the
fleet," he instructed. "Match them for every position they hold
across the border. Sweep the Setnin forces and see what kind of force we're
up against." Consoles bleeped and holographic images changed and
wavered as the personnel did as ordered. Brotus looked out of the spacious
viewport and watched as the vessels under his partial command moved out to
spread across their side of the border. He didn't like the thinning of his
line but he couldn't allow the Setnin vessels to outflank him. Now that they were far from Fedarn the fleet were here
with no communication to the homeworld. The Prime Lord was still trying to
secure HoloNet generators to re-establish communications between the planets
of the Ki-Ki Sector since the decimation of the Minds, who had controlled the
comms. with their own skills. Now that they were
gone and no-one of lesser ability could use the great communication devices
things had been difficult. Any decision Brotus was forced to make would be on
his shoulders. A courier ship would take the better part of nine hours to
make a round trip to the capital. Out here, he was in charge. But not totally. Brotus sighed again as he thought of
Dagger, the hero of Fedarn, the being who had saved the Prime Lord's life.
The bastard who had been given a position of command just so that a public
figurehead could lead the charge, to give the citizens of the Ki-Ki Sector
hope and assurances of victory. Taking a role. Taking Brotus's full command
away from him. "Bring us
to firing range. I want to see their ships with my own eyes," he
snapped, his thoughts still lingering on Dagger. Setnin Command Ship VSD Destiny
- Setnin/Ki-Ki border - 23.25.74 SGT "They're
within weapons range now, Admiral," came a
voice from the personnel pits. The tall figure above on the command walk
nodded and looked out of the main viewport, watched with concern as Ki-Ki
vessels started to appear in the distance. Admiral. Kryll Travees would never get used to that
title. In his past he had been an active member of the Rebellion and also a
man of lesser reputation, as had most of the leading figures in the Setnin
Sector, but Admiral... it was a thing that didn't suit him. He knew he was a
master at tactics - his continuous ability to outwit Imperial patrols and
even getting mass collections of transports through forbidden zones with
minimal loss was proof of that - but leading the first Setnin fleet against
an enemy? He had made a few enemies in his time. Who had set him up for this? His thoughts went back to several weeks ago when Ocern
Gabe, Governor of Chancai and first speaker of the Chamber of Systems, had
simply asked him for a favour. A favour! If Kryll had known what it would lead
to he would have laughed in Ocern's face and walked out of his office. Gather
as many ships as possible? Get the old Setnin starships operational? It was
as if the protestations of the New Republic hadn't been bad enough, but to
get it done in a standard month? And his reward for this was to stand on the command
bridge of an ex-Imperial Victory class Star Destroyer and tell the fleet what
to do. What a joke. But even though he hated the title and the reasons he was
here he wallowed in the sheer excitement of it. A fleet of armed vessels at
his command. Each and every being on those ships under his control. Each and
every life his to use. I shouldn't think of them as lives, he thought. I should
think of them as statistics. How sobering. "Shields
up. Power to weapons. Tell the rest of the fleet to follow suite but to hold
their fire. What is the status of the Ki-Ki fleet?" he asked as he
watched the long line of enemy warships take up a position almost ship for
ship along the border. "Shields
are up, weapons are hot but there is no lock on," came
the reply. As expected. Mass starship combat is a daunting prospect.
If they can avoid a fight then they will. As will I. He marvelled at the enemy fleet, their huge warships,
long and flat with rear raised command decks, flanked by gunboats and
fighters in tight formations. He smiled as he looked down his own battle
line, a mismatch of re-conditioned vessels and out-of-date starships. Whilst
the Ki-Ki fleet appeared ready and able, they appeared lacklustre and
unprepared. "Tell the
fleet to stand by and open a channel to the Ki-Ki flagship." Kryll walked up to the plastiglass viewport and looked
out at the Ki-Ki starships. For freck's sake, don't fire, he thought. Chamber of Systems -
Moon of Benesk, Zelon System - 23.25.76 SGT
"It’s
Admiral Travees on the comm.," Yullm whispered to Ocern and he flicked a
switch to activate the console. Ocern, still watching the holographic image
as the vessels of each side came impossibly close, licked his dry lips. The
Chamber had set to murmuring but fell silent as the speaker of the comm.
crackled. "This is
Admiral Travees of the Destiny calling Benesk. Governor Gabe?" "I'm here,
Kryll," Ocern replied. "What's the situation?" "I'm
looking at one hundred and twenty two vessels, Vodon class warships with
heavy support. They are ready for conflict but not locking weapons." "Very well.
Begin the dialogue. Keep this channel open and allow me access to your
frequency so I can speak to the Ki-Ki fleet commander directly."
"Affirmative." The speaker crackled again. The Chamber of Systems echoed
with the sound of the ensuing conversation. "This is
Admiral Kryll Travees of the Setnin Sector Defence Fleet. You are about to
enter Setnin space..." Setnin Command Ship VSD Destiny
- Setnin/Ki-Ki border - 23.25.76 SGT "... and
your presence in force is a direct act of hostility. State your
intentions." There was no reply. The speakers hissed but no other
sounds issued from them. Kryll frowned. "This is
Admiral Kryll Travees of the Setnin Sector Defence Fleet. You are about to
enter Setnin space. Please state your intentions." "This is
fleet commander Brotus of the Prime Lord's First Squadron. We are on route to
Leogard to bolster the newly secured member of the Ki-Ki Sector against
possible threat. Stand aside." "Commander
Brotus, your claim to the system of Leogard is not recognised by the Setnin
Sector or the Galactic Alliance. Your invasion of the world is an act of
severe aggression. You are instructed to remain on your side of the border
and recall whatever forces are still occupying Leogard. You have one day to
comply." "Admiral,
we will not. Leogard is unmanned by Setnin citizens and has therefore been
acquired by the Ki-Ki Sector. You will move your fleet aside and allow us to
pass..." "Let's
forget this polite intership chit-chat, shall we?" Kryll suddenly said.
"Your invasion of Leogard was unjustified and brutal. You have invaded
Setnin space and are about to do so again with a fleet that far outweighs
what you would call 'bolstering'. We cannot allow that to happen." "The Setnin
Sector has already threatened our stability and has also allowed one of its
own worlds, Janos, to invade Chinngard, a planet of the Ki-Ki Sector. We
cannot allow such a thing to go unpunished." Kryll frowned at the speaker. "The Janos
invasion five years ago was not sanctioned by the Setnin Council and your
response is unrealistic. The Setnin Sector has no aim to harm or threaten the
Ki-Ki Sector." "You lie.
The Setnin Sector has always been a threat. Now we will remove that
threat." "Commander
Brotus?" "Ah... what
is it Commander Dagger?" Kryll frowned even more as a deeper voice joined the
conversation as if the new arrival had just walked into the range of the comm.
pickup. Ki-Ki Battleship Fedarn's Shining Beauty - Ki-Ki/Setnin border -
23.25.78 SGT "What is
the situation?" Dagger asked, his huge frame in its dark body armour
moving silently as he approached. "I am in
communication with the Setnin fleet Admiral," Brotus replied, a little
embarrassed at the interruption. Didn't this reptile know anything about
bridge protocol? "Who is
this?" came the voice over the speaker.
"Identify yourself." "Admiral,
this is Commander Dagger, also of the Prime Lord's First Squadron. We are
about to complete a journey to Leogard. Why have we been blocked?" There was a pause. "We cannot allow you to enter
Setnin space, Commander Dagger. To allow such a thing would invite war." "We are
already at war, Admiral. What can you do to change this?" There was no reply. Dagger looked at Brotus who returned
the gaze with a dark scowl. "Why do we
still talk?" Dagger asked the silent speaker. "You know as well as
I do that we have come here to fight. Beings will die today, for many days.
You can save lives by retreating. It has built to this moment for five years.
If you will not move aside you will be destroyed." Perhaps I have misjudged this reptile, Brotus thought
with a smile. "Commanders
of the Prime Lords First Squadron, this is Governor Ocern Gabe of the Setnin
Council." The sudden inclusion of a fourth member of the
conversation made Brotus scowl even further. Was the Setnin Sector simply
going to talk? Where was this passion, this fire he had heard so much of?
Obviously the Setnin Way was to converse, not to fight. This would be an easy
enemy to overwhelm. "Governor
Gabe," Dagger said, seeing that Brotus was simply ready to fume and not
talk. "It is an honour to speak with you, sir." "I wish we
could be talking under different circumstances, Commander. As you must
realise we do not want a war, but we cannot allow you to pass into our
territory in such large numbers." "I
understand, Governor, but you must understand that we have been left little
choice. A Setnin world took away a Ki-Ki system and has threatened our
stability for the last five years. What is more, the Prime Lord's father and
sister have died as a result of this. You must realise that the need for
justice is strong within the Ki-Ki borders." "I
understand justice, Commander, and it is with a sense of justice that the
fleet you see before you has been mustered. We have had nothing to do with
any invasions or threats to Ki-Ki stability. What messengers we have sent to
you to begin overtures of peace have been rejected. It is not we who have
begun this terrible path to conflict, it is yourselves." "If you
wish to dissuade us from our mission then I am afraid that you are sorely
mistaken in your efforts, Governor." There was a slight pause. "Commander
Dagger, Commander Brotus. Please listen. I know of the lack of resources
within the Ki-Ki Sector, of the need for your borders to expand and draw in
new, rich worlds. It is true that the Setnin Sector has many such systems,
especially along the Ki-Ki border, but this is not the answer. There are
trade agreements, route deals, supply transactions that will help your
sector. We would gladly help and even call in other neighbouring sectors to
help also. But first you must believe that we have no hostile
intentions." Dagger mused over the Governor's words. "What do
you have in mind?" he asked, ignoring Brotus's startled face. Setnin Warship The Determined - Setnin/Ki-Ki border - 23.25.80 SGT "What the hell are we waiting for?" echoed a
voice from a command console. "Let's waste these freckers." Conno whirled on the speaker. "You're
relieved." "But, sir, I was just..." The chastised officer stood and walked away with downcast
eyes. What the hell is going on? He thought furiously. "What I
have in mind, Commander, is a period of calm whilst we sort out this business
like civilised beings," came Governor Gabe's
voice from the comm. speaker. "Are you
saying we're not civilised?" That was commander Brotus. "Please,
Commander, don't misunderstand me. Please. Let us talk of this. I wish to
invite you to the moon of Benesk where you can address both the Setnin
Council and the Galactic Alliance. I plead that you consider what any actions
you do today will do to both sectors." "Very well,
Governor. Allow us to talk to our section leaders. If we can avoid deaths we
will, but be warned - we are on a mission of justice
and we will not be fooled by you or your people." The deep voice of the
one called Dagger left many bridge members frowning for he sounded as though
he meant every word he said. There was silence. Were the commanders considering the
Governor's words, or were they just biding their time while their fleet
amassed?
"Captain," said another officer. "I have multiple
signals entering this section of space." Conno looked at the readout projected onto the viewport. "Who the
hell is this?" he whispered. Chamber of Systems -
Moon of Benesk, Zelon System - 23.25.82 SGT
"I don't
know," Yullm gulped, grabbing a comlink and activating it. His sharp
answer to Governor Gabe's question set the Chamber to mumbling. "Well, find
out who they are!" Ocern said loudly. Yullm jabbed at the buttons on the
comm. fiercely. Ki-Ki Battleship Fedarn's Shining Beauty - Ki-Ki/Setnin border -
23.25.82 SGT Dagger stepped forward, his eyes narrowed and his breath
caught short as dozens of starships started to spill from hyperspace almost
directly onto the border. They split into two factions, one group filed with
strangely painted vessels with blue symbols on their hulls which headed for
the Ki-Ki fleet, the other group painted with a symbol he recognised heading
for the Setnin fleet, a symbol that brought forth Brotus's surprised shout. "They're
Mind ships!" "And the
other craft are Janite attack vessels," Dagger rumbled. He whirled on
his bridge crew as conflict warnings lit up the boards. "Shields
up! Lock batteries!" "Those
Setnin scum!" Brotus exploded. "All the time they said that they
were not affiliated with Janos and here they are, springing a surprise attack
on us!" But Dagger wasn't convinced. "No doubt
the Setnin fleet are thinking the same thing with Mind ships approaching.
Tell all ships to hold their fire until ordered. Something is not
right." Brotus looked at his compatriot with disdain. So much for
the hero of Fedarn. Setnin Command Ship VSD Destiny
- Setnin/Ki-Ki border - 23.25.83 SGT Admiral Travees made a slashing motion with his hand. "I said
hold your fire! I know they're Mind ships - our intelligence knows that
symbol - but why are Janos craft approaching the Ki-Ki fleet? Why would they
do this?" "It could
be a trick," said a Rodian officer but Travees shook his head. "No.
Something isn't right." "Admiral,
the Mind ships have raised shields and locked weapons." "Raise
shields. Lock weapons but inform every ship on the line to hold their
fire." "Shields
up. Weapons locked. Mind ships are in range." "Status of
Janite ships?" "They've
gone into an attack formation and are hot for combat. The Ki-Ki fleet are
standing by." "Get me the
commander of the First Squadron." At first Travees thought it was a screen flashing or a
reflection of light but when he looked out of the viewport he saw the cause. The Mind ships had opened fire. Ki-Ki Battleship Fedarn's Shining Beauty - Ki-Ki/Setnin border -
23.25.84 SGT "The lead
Janite ships are firing!" Brotus exclaimed as lances of red and green
light flashed across their vessel and into their shields with bright
explosions. "Hold the
line and your fire," Dagger said calmly, standing defiantly at the huge
floor-to-ceiling window. The flashes of light cast his huge figure's shadow
at differing angles and his face glowed, his slitted eyes glittering.
"Dagger...!" Brotus started. "I said
hold you fire!" Dagger roared. "This is not a Setnin trick. Minds,
our enemy, are attacking the Setnin fleet. Janos and Minds seem to be working
together." Brotus looked at the readouts. "What the...?" "Contact
the Setnin Admiral," Dagger instructed. "It appears we have a
common enemy." Setnin Warship The Determined - Setnin/Ki-Ki border - 23.25.85 SGT This isn't good, Conno thought as another barrage of
laser fire swept across the bow of the ship. The Mind ships were light and
fast and would require continuous firing to damage one of the heavily
armoured Setnin vessels and Conno couldn't understand why they were attacking
an obviously superior foe. Not only that, they were in between both fleets. The tension on his bridge grew but he had received the
order from the command ship - hold your fire - and he was going to do just
that. Until a Mind vessel locked on with high-yield proton
torpedoes. It came screaming at the bridge of The Determined, blazing blaster
fire impacting the shields with bright flashes and ripples of energy. Conno saw the movement out of the corner of his eye as a
gunnery officer leaned forward with a cry of, "Look out!" Even as Conno shouted, "Hold your fire!" he
knew it was too late. The gunnery officer slammed his hand on the firing stud
and the forward batteries sent out a stream of turbo laser fire. The Mind
vessel banked, the lock-on of the torpedoes suddenly winking out as if he
never actually meant to fire. The shots missed. To Conno it was slow motion as the bright beams of
blaster energy bridged the gap between the Setnin fleet and the Ki-Ki fleet. Chamber of Systems -
Moon of Benesk, Zelon System - 23.25.85 SGT
"Governor,
a Setnin fleet ship has fired on a Ki-Ki vessel!" Ocern dropped into his seat and started to shake. He felt
a hand on his shoulder and he looked up into Yullms glazed eyes. "One shot.
One spark to start the fire. That's all it
needed," Yullm said softly. Ocern gazed at the huge holographic
projector. "It's
started," he croaked. Ki-Ki Battleship Fedarn's Shining Beauty - Ki-Ki/Setnin border -
23.25.85 SGT "The
conniving Setnin bastards!" Brotus raged. "It was a trick! The
Warchild has been hit!" Dagger started to speak, his obvious shock overwhelming
the order he knew he had to give. But Brotus did that for him. "All
vessels!" he shouted, his hand balling into a fist that punched the air.
"Open
fire!" Setnin Command Ship VSD Destiny
- Setnin/Ki-Ki border - 23.25.86 SGT The Rodian officer couldn't believe what the monitor was
telling him and he had to look out at the Ki-Ki fleet to confirm his fears. "Admiral,
they've locked weapons on us and are firing!" he gasped. Admiral Kryll Travees sucked in his breath. He watched as
bright red beams of destructive energy leaped from the Ki-Ki ships and
towards them. He saw it all, the hits, the explosions and when something
bright appeared in his left field of vision he
turned to watch a Setnin ship explode in a brilliant display of pyrotechnics.
He clenched his jaw. "All
ships," he roared with anger, his voice carrying over the command
channel to all the vessels under his command. "Fire at will! Launch
fighters!" Setnin Fighter Wing
Groups A to H - Setnin/Ki-Ki border - 23.25.87 SGT
"Swing
tight, keep it steady. We'll take the group on the right. E group, close up
and take the lead ships - we'll take care of the command carrier." "Twenty
contacts bearing three-oh. Coming in hot." "Cover the
rear, Joke, we'll make a path." "Open fire,
all ships! Heavy fighters lock torpedoes." "Okay boys,
give 'em a burst!" "Watch it,
you've picked one up!" "Damn it,
this frecker's all over me!" "Hold on,
Joke, I'm coming!" "Watch it,
three from the tail guard!" "Break
right! Break right!" "Thanks,
leader." "Stay
close, Joke, this is gonna get hot!" "I'm hit!
I'm hit! Damn it, I'm cookin'!" "Stay
close! No one quits!" "Yeeha! Look at that sucker blow!" "Good
shooting, G group. Get into formation and start on the next ship!" "Heavy kill
zone, boss, the fleets are converging!" "Then split
up! It’s every guy for himself and watch your
fire!" "Aaaargh!" "We lost B
group! We lost 'em!" "Keep it going! Make 'em pay for every inch of space they
take!" "Pull up,
you thickhead! That was me!" "Watch the
cross.... Joke, you're shooting up your own ships!" "Noooo!" "Lead
cruiser is targeting!" "Not so
fast, you son of a bitch!" "Help me!
Help..." "Where the hell
do you think you're going, you Ki-Ki freaker!" Ki-Ki Fighter Wings Brilliance and Extreme - Ki-Ki/Setnin border -
23.25.87 SGT "Formation
holding. Break on command." "Roger,
flight leader." "Break.
Lock targets and remove hostiles." "Firing.
Hit. Hit. Pulling out. Six-three, wingman." "Yes,
sir." "Track on a
three-twenty and split. Confirm." "Confirmed,
leader." "Execute.
Lock torpedoes and fire." "Firing.
Hit. Marked at 23.25.87. Left shields down."
"Concentrate fire." "Flight
leader, enemy fighters have broken formation." "Extreme
group, lock onto enemy ships and remove them. Break into trio formations and
split the smaller vessels from their cover." "Confirmed.
Six-three, six-two, you're both with me." "Roger."
"Roger." "Barrage on
target X-seven and break. Execute." "Confirmed.
Hit. Hit. Hit. Hit. Targets removed." "Hits
received." "Break
away, six-three."
"Ejecting." "Six-two,
split and engage rearguard of enemy formation. Fire at will."
"Confirmed." Setnin Warship The Determined - Setnin/Ki-Ki border - 23.25.87 SGT "Fighters
have engaged!" Conno hurriedly put his command headset on and curled the
microphone to his lips. "All batteries, lock on
and fire. Watch your shooting and check your targets. Once the fleets have
mixed it'll be friendlies in the line." "Ki-Ki ship
launching torpedoes!" "Brace for
impact! Shields at maximum!" "Aaaargh!" "Damage to
forward hull and shield generators." "Lock on
the tri-head missile and launch before the fleets get too close." "Tri-head
away! Missiles dividing! Target removed." "Good
shooting, master gunner! Bring us about. Yaw at three-point-three and lock
upper batteries! Full power to weapons!" "The
carrier is blocking the way, sir!" "Just do
it! She'll move out of the way fast enough when she sees us bearing down on
her! And give her a blast to make sure she takes notice!" Setnin Command Ship VSD Destiny - Setnin/Ki-Ki border - 23.25.87 SGT "Is the
power nominal?" Admiral Travees demanded. "Yes,
Admiral." "Then fill
the forward arc with fire before the fleets get too close. All weapons. Lock
concussion launchers on the flagship." "Locked.
Weapons ready. Launch command?" "Wait for
it." "We're within
backlash range, Admiral. Launch command?" "Just a few
more seconds."
"Admiral!" "Fire all
weapons! Launch concussion missiles! Up pitch twelve degrees and give them a
blast from the under guns!" "A Ki-Ki
warship interceded herself, Admiral. The flagship is undamaged!" "And we're
too close to try again! Okay, men. Let's get
ourselves dirty!" Ki-Ki Battleship Fedarn's Shining Beauty - Ki-Ki/Setnin border -
23.25.87 SGT Brotus watched as the Warchild, already badly damaged,
swung up her huge form to put herself between the hail
of concussion missiles from the Setnin flagship. He clenched his teeth as the
vessel erupted in grandiose ball of fire and wreckage, chunks of which spun
past the viewport window and bounced from the heavy shielding.. "You will
be honoured," he snarled. Dagger grabbed an officer's shoulder. "Target the
flagship. Instruct all vessels in our firing pattern to do so. Concentrate
fire on the Victory class destroyer!" Brotus was aghast. "Commander, what about the other attack
ships?" "Do it!
Take away the heart of the enemy and the body will wither. You heard my
order! Execute!" Chamber of Systems -
Moon of Benesk, Zelon System - 23.25.88 SGT
"Governor," Yullm whispered. The chamber was almost silent
and a few muttered prayers could be heard.
"Governor," he said again, louder this time as Ocern Gabe
hadn't lifted his head from his hands. When finally looked up Yullm couldn't
tell whether he was angry or sad. "Yes,
Yullm?" "Governor,
we just lost the Destiny. The Setnin fleet is breaking up." Ocern shook his head. "Get hold
of the Zelon Wave Exchange and make preparations for a sector wide
transmission. Tell them to prepare the citizens for bad news." Setnin Warship The Determined - Setnin/Ki-Ki border - 23.25.96 SGT Captain's personal record - We have survived probably one of the largest and most
horrendous battles in the history of the Setnin Sector. As soon as the Destiny was lost, so were we. I cannot
express the sight of the warship erupting. I wondered if the other vessel
captains felt the same way I did - dazed, shocked, weak.
The most powerful symbol on the line, exploding section by section as masses
of laser fire impacted her hull. Admiral Travees' last command - 'Don't let
them pass!' How guilty I feel. How numb. The Admiral roared at us to
keep them back, his last words, and within minutes we had broken and fled.
How could have the ragged Setnin fleet matched the organised Ki-Ki ships? How
could we ever have kept them back? Some of us have regrouped, but it is simply to tally our
numbers. As far as I can tell we have lost sixty percent of our fleet. The
Ki-Ki Sector lost merely twenty. And the Mind ships? The Janite ships? As soon as we
started firing at each other they withdrew. It appeared as if they had
completed their task and ran away. I can see them laughing in their ships as
the two great sector powers tore into each other. Why did they do it? Whatever they have planned, they have succeeded. Now the
Ki-Ki fleet, bolstered by re-enforcement's from
their sector, is progressing into the Setnin Sector. They have solidified
defences around Leogard and are ready to begin their sector-wide attack. I wish I could spout words of encouragement. I wish I
could see a way to stop them. At this time, with the battered ship I command
and the other wounded comrades about me, all I can think is one thing. This frecking sucks. Transmission to the Citizens of the Setnin Sector by Governor Ocern
Gabe - Live from the Moon of Benesk, Zelon System - 23.26.06 SGT Citizens of the Setnin Sector. I cannot express in words what the whole of this glorious
sector of space must be feeling at this time. No doubt many of you have
already heard of the great conflict at the border with Ki-Ki forces. As I
speak to you now the repercussions of that battle have already started. But I am here to squash speculation and supposition. Here
are the facts. At 23.25.90 standard galactic time, the Setnin Sector
Defence Fleet was forced into total retreat by Ki-Ki Sector forces. As of
this time, Ki-Ki warships are now patrolling invaded space at the border - I
urge both traders and families of the beings aboard the Setnin Fleet ships
not to approach this space as they run the risk of destruction. As of now the
route off the Bordon Space Lane is officially closed and Setnin ships will
turn back anyone trying to travel it. I urge traders and families - don't try
for the run or search out loved ones. After a brief conversation with the Prime Lord of the
Ki-Ki Sector, during which the surrender of the Setnin Sector was demanded, a
document was drawn up which will decide the future of this sector. I urge
every man, woman and being to steel themselves for the coming weeks, or
months, or years. As of this time, after five years of threats and posturing,
talks and negotiation finally broke down. Consequently, we are at war with
the Ki-Ki Sector. I ask you all to bolster yourselves. We cannot allow this
unjust act of violence shake the foundations of the Setnin Sector. We will
not bow to their demands. We shall never cower, or flee, or collapse under
their onslaught. We will fight them in space, in our systems, on our worlds,
in our cities and in our homes. We will make them pay a high price for every
system they take. We will never surrender. We will fight to the last being. We are the Setnin Sector. And this is our way. Transcript ends. >>>>
Ejecting...... The Spark 2000
short story by Jonathan Hicks Thirty-five years after Episode IV – A New Hope Histories
– The culmination of five years enmity between Setnin and Ki-Ki erupts in this onslaught from Ki-Ki forces into the Setnin
Sector. Showing the hand of fate at
its most fickle, this story ends one chapter of the New Underworld Age stories and begins another –
all out war.
Cast
of Characters
Captain Conno Ocern Gabe Commander Brotus Admiral Kryll Travees Yullm Commander Dagger Joke
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