Chapter 5

Jessa watched from the bridge as a wing of scimitar fighters targeted an asteroid. With a full load of weapons they easily reduced the large rock to small particles.

"They are truly impressive sir." Jessa commented.

"Let us hope our enemies share your views. Make sure the data is analyzed for any weaknesses." Nullin said staring out the view port in front of him at the stars.

He sensed Jessa's hesitation as she stood behind him.

"You have something on your mind captain?" Nullin asked as he turned to face her.

"I'm not sure I understand sir: your words seem to suggest that you don't want to fight anyone. With weapons such as these surely we could fight off almost anyone when were up to full strength." Jessa mentioned.

"Even the most one sided battle incurs casualties on both sides. I challenge you to find one instance in which this phenomenon has not occurred." The admiral said with a slightly amused look.

It was a look Jessa had seen many times serving with him, and she knew it was his gentle way of scolding her.

"A good officer does not waste his, or her people needlessly. It is far better to avoid battle than to face an enemy, and waste the lives of individuals that you may need when things are at their worst." The admiral had told her.

Jessa and the other officers had benefitted from this belief, as it not only promoted loyalty among all who served under Admiral Terra, but not once had he broken this rule when he faced the possibility of combat, which seemed to be in direct opposition to imperial doctrine.

Smiling Della said, "Thank you sir."

"This hardest thing a military commander must do is order the deaths of the people under their command, and that is the way it should be." Nullin told her.

Jessa nodded, "Every life is precious."

"We will stay long enough to gather the minerals we need to begin producing at least a squadron of scimitars. Then we will jump to the next closest asteroid field and make another squadron. This pattern will continue until we are far from any well used space lane. In the last battle the defenders had more star destroyers." Nullin said.

"They are becoming more organized. The ill prepared must have been wiped out." Jessa said.

"Once we have reached a safe harbor I want to establish a base of operations." Nullin said.

"That might be a problem sir. Our fleet is becoming too big. We will need considerable resources to keep our ships operating at peak efficiency." Jessa said, knowing it was not something he wanted to hear.

"How far is the closest pirate base?" Nullin asked.

"Two short jumps away. Why?" Jessa asked.

"We can risk staying here for two full squadrons. Have our pilots study the specs on our own scimitars. I want them to be experts on them by the time the final fighter comes off the line." Nullin said.

"Yes sir." Jessa said snapping to attention.

"Dismissed." Nullin said.

He heard the door behind him hiss shut moments later.