Chapter 21

“We suffered major damage when we engaged the destroyer,” Captain Anders said as he leaned over the command desk, a render of the frigate in a wireframe mode lighting up his features. “Decks ten through twelve have numerous hull breaches, and one of our reactors has been disconnected from the rest of the power grid. The quick reaction from our Balokarid engineers resulted in minimal crew casualties, at the least.”

He brushed the surface of the image, the view changing to a systematic list of every ship they initially started out with, the rest of the officers looking on dejectedly as some of the green ships were recoloured to red, visualising their casualties. Lambert and Carl were there too, along with some of the other squadron leaders, a mix of both human and aliens crowding the bridge.

“We lost fourteen corvettes, and twenty-two Raptor interceptors. We have people looking for survivors, but so far only sixty percent of those who ejected were found in time. The gas clouds,” Anders explained, looking towards the Kith. “What are the Balokarid casualties?”

“Forty-eight Sala’ci fighters have been destroyed,” Shaliyya replied grimly. “A disheartening amount, but lower than I predicted.”

“And the carriers?”

“No further damage, thanks to the brave actions of your

Lieutenant.” The Kith flashed Lambert a small smile. “This is the

second time, mind you.”

“We’ve lost over half of our forces,” Anders replied. “A lot of brave men and women of the Hub and the Kaalesh clan gave their lives today. We achieved victory, but our losses leave little for celebration. We’re in no position to continue with our previous mission, and we have chewed through too much fuel and ammo to sustain any prolonged presence here. We have no choice but to do what repairs we can, and head for Hub territory.”

“Your ships can dry-dock in our carriers if you need the space,”

Shaliyya suggested. “We owe you that much.”

“You don’t owe us anything,” the Captain replied. “You lost more than we did today, we were just here to help, but I will take you up on your offer nonetheless.” Anders glanced at one of the officers. “What about the prisoners?”

“Five hundred accounted for thus far,” the human replied, his gloved hands clasped together. “It’s a little cramped in the brig, but it’ll all be worth it once we start interrogations. At least we won’t be known as merciless.”

Lambert could feel Mezul’s eyes on him, the tall alien giving him an infectious smile from across the room.

“Even Balokar will know of our exploits this day,” Shaliyya said. “As soon as I am able, I will send word to the homeworld of the Hub- clan’s exploits, you won’t have trouble from any of my people from now on.”

“We’ll get to that, for now we’ll focus on limping back to the Hub. I’ll have a lot of explaining to do to the Senator...” Anders grumbled. “We’ll keep searching for survivors for now, I’ll send word when we’re ready to get-”

A clunk as something heavy fell to the floor. Everyone looked toward the source of the noise in confusion, but Lambert was already moving, even pushing aside one of the officers against his better judgement, but respect be dammed.

Mezul had slumped over, keeling over on her left shoulder. Her eyelids were flittering, like she was in the middle of feinting.

“Mez?” he asked, supporting her back with one hand and turning her head with the other. When his hand left her neck, it came back dark with her blood. “Mezul!”

Her eyes flung open, the golden sclera narrowing as she focused on him. The other aliens were crowding all around him, one of them kneeling to help Lambert support Mezul’s tremendous weight.

“Don’t just stand there get a medic!” someone said.

Another sound of someone hitting the deck, Lambert turning to see Shaliyya fall on her butt, just saved from collapsing by the quick reflexes of her guard. Close by, yet another alien lost their balance, Ruvaara’s beak welcoming the deck as she slumped over like she’d bled out. What was going on?

“Call Doctor Cairns,” Anders said, a guard racing off. “Get them to the medbay, now!”