Sol Strike (Battlegroup Z Book 3) by Daniel Gibbs (red novels .txt) 📗

He pointed at a couple of distinct but dark shapes near the previously mentioned stations.

“Yes.”

MacIntosh zoomed the view in. It revealed the shapes to be large mirrors. “At first, we thought they were legacy solar power farms, but that didn’t make sense because of how widespread fusion reactor technology is within the League. No, those mirrors direct sunlight onto the food-growing stations. I’d wager they’re a relic of previous generations of technology, because by now, as large as it is, the League undoubtedly has breadbasket worlds, just like we do.”

“Okay, you sold me, Captain. Apparently, this guy is a wizard with intel analysis.” Nishimura raised his eyebrows and shook his head.

Fielding joked, “I could’ve told you that before you stepped in it.”

Again, laughter swept through the conference room.

Tehrani felt happy for a moment to hear her crew set fear and anxiety about the upcoming fight aside. “What about Saturn and Uranus?”

“Mostly industrial outposts, ma’am. Some law-enforcement-type installations and more than a few trade inspection cutters. All of them are half the size of a frigate, with light armaments.”

Tehrani nodded. “It makes sense that for an empire of the League’s size, their home system doesn’t require a massive military presence.”

“So,” Whatley interjected, “which of these will make a lot of booms and hurt the Leaguers most?” He pointed at the enormous mirrors still shown on the holoprojector. “Those seem like a good first target.”

“Civilian targets are off-limits,” Tehrani replied immediately, her mouth moving even before her brain.

“What?” Whatley thundered. “Installations for growing food are economic not—”

Tehrani held up her hand. “Some civilian targets are considered legitimate under the Canaan Conventions, Major. Agriculture installations aren’t.”

“I wasn’t aware the League had signed the Canaan Conventions, ma’am.” Whatley’s voice dripped acid. “Because when they rolled through our home system, anything the CDF couldn’t actively protect was destroyed. Perhaps we could ask some of the civilians killed about it.”

His anger surprised Tehrani. Taken aback, she stared at the CAG for a few moments before responding. “We will not compromise our ethics or our beliefs to get revenge. Installations such as fuel depots, refineries, shipyards, or industrial complexes are fair game under the rules of war. Agricultural stations, hospital centers, civilian transports, and the like are not.” She stared Whatley down. ”Or would you suggest shooting down a passenger liner is acceptable?”

“It would depend on who the passengers were,” Whatley replied darkly. “The League’s government? Hell yes. Normal people…” He shook his head, and some of the anger seemed to drain from his voice. “No. Of course not.”

“We’re better than the League.” Tehrani pursed her lips. “And we only deserve victory if it stays that way. The Terran Coalition can’t go into battle asking for God’s intercession, only to commit atrocities in His name. Are we clear, Major?”

“Yes, ma’am.” Whatley’s voice was crisp, but his face remained bloodred.

“Moving on, then. If we understand our possible targets, what is the strategy for attacking them successfully?”

Whatley again interjected. “You can’t expect my pilots to jump in blind. Who knows what’s waiting for them, and I see masses of convoys, freighters, and you name it on these sensor displays.”

Well, he’s gotten moody all of a sudden. Tehrani glanced at MacIntosh and Fielding, expecting them to have an answer to the CAG’s concern.

“Of course not, sir,” MacIntosh replied. “Our tactical plan calls for each stealth raider to take up position near a primary target and scan the area. The Ghosts will jump in from there in three separate groups, divided by squadron. Our primary targets are, as the colonel indicated, fuel refineries and shipyards. Possible targets of opportunity are some of these trade convoys as well as the corvette-sized craft engaging in cargo inspections.” He smiled thinly. “It wouldn’t do not to take out some League military assets while we’re at it.”

Tehrani sat back. The plan was still a bit raw, but she was convinced it was the best they would probably get. MacIntosh is a smart young man. She hoped he would go far within the CDF command hierarchy, because their training and technology advantages would be meaningless without superior strategic planning.

“I’m still not comfortable having my people execute a full jump into a war zone.” Whatley crossed his arms. “Instead, I’d propose microjumps in from a staging area. That would allow us to bug out if faced with overwhelming force or some League trap the Golden Nebula crew doesn’t see.”

“Any objections to the CAG’s proposal, gentlemen?” Tehrani asked.

MacIntosh and Fielding shook their heads.

“Makes perfect sense to me, ma’am,” MacIntosh said. “I suppose all that remains is the timing of our attacks.”

Tehrani had put considerable thought into the subject. It had vexed her so much that she’d eventually written a pros-and-cons list. “After examining the possibilities, I believe the only option for success is to execute the assault on Sol and capture of the fuel tanker simultaneously.”

“Because doing it any other way will alert our Leaguer friends that we’re here,” MacIntosh added. “I had planned to suggest that to you, ma’am.”

“Great minds think alike,” Wright interjected. “So, we’re going to steal a fuel tanker, blow up orbital stations all over the Sol system, and escape before the League knows what hit it. Who else likes our chances?”

“Engineering has a betting pool going,” Hodges offered. “I’m down for five credits on the reactor blowing up when we refuel it.”

Tehrani hoped her engineer was engaging in some gallows humor. “Don’t discuss betting pools in front of me,” she said with a thin smile. “Especially not about combat.”

“All in good fun, ma’am,” Hodges replied. “There’s bugger else to do around here.”

“What else needs to be done?” Tehrani asked the room at large.

Resolute expressions met her stare.

“Aside from setting H hour, I believe we’re all clear on our assignments, ma’am,” Wright said. “Agreed, folks?”

“Yes, sir,” MacIntosh replied.

“The Astute and all other stealth raiders are ready to engage.” Fielding set his jaw. “I can’t wait to put a few Starbolt missiles on target.” His grin hardened into a grim expression. “And repay the Leaguers