The Forgotten Empire: War for the Empire by Raymond Weil (children's ebooks online TXT) 📗

hyperdrives need work. We can put them in some of the repair bays, if needed.” Derrick knew that Rear Admiral Collison had been pushing his ships to get them here in time.

As Collison’s fleet moved toward Fifth Fleet, Derrick had to smile. That gave him over four thousand warships to defend the Golan Four System. When he added in all the attack interceptors based on Golan Four as well as Meta, he felt certain he could repel any size attack by the Confederation. The only thing he was worried about was this mysterious weapon the Morag supposedly had. This weapon had not been used at the Tantula System, so it was still an unknown.

As soon as Collison had his fleet in formation, Derrick planned on having a video call with both Rear Admiral Collison and Rear Admiral Banora. At least Collison was a very experienced admiral. He had to be to be entrusted with the defense of Earth.

-

Fleet Admiral Marloo was in the underground Command Center beneath the House of Worlds. Chancellor Stein and Governor Bemire from Ambary Two were also with him.

“I’m glad to see the Earth fleet arrive,” said Chancellor Stein.

“As am I,” added Governor Bemire. “It greatly strengthens all the core worlds.” Bemire turned toward Admiral Marloo. “Are you certain the Golan Four System will be the primary target of the Morag and not another core world?”

Marloo nodded. “It’s the only target that makes sense. If they can conquer the Golan System, it would seriously affect the morale in the entire Human Empire. The war could still continue if the Hagen Star Cluster survives, but I’m certain the Confederation’s goals are to conquer both.”

“I agree,” said Chancellor Stein. “How soon do you expect an attack?”

“There have been no new attacks on the periphery and no sign of the Morag fleets active out there. I’m convinced those fleets have been called inward to reinforce the fleets aimed at us and the ones recently driven out of the Hagen Star Cluster.”

Chancellor Stein nodded. “So, a few days at least.” He wished the attacks were over but knew they weren’t.

“Probably closer to four to six. It will take some time for those fleets to travel from the periphery to where their other fleets are waiting.”

“I’ll return to Ambary Two late tomorrow,” said Governor Bemire. “Seeing the ships now in orbit above Golan Four has increased my belief we will win this war.”

“It’s a long way from over,” replied Fleet Admiral Marloo. His gaze traveled to the tactical display, full of friendly green icons. “But this is certainly a good start.”

-

Derrick had just finished talking to Rear Admiral Banora and Rear Admiral Barnes. The consensus was that the Confederation would attack Golan Four first, in an attempt to either conquer or destroy the planet.

“I think they’ll try to destroy the planet,” said Barnes. “It would destroy the morale in the Empire, and many worlds would probably refuse to even fight if Golan Four was gone.”

“I agree,” said Banora. “The only worlds that might still fight are some of the more major worlds, but they would have to be led by someone. As long as the Hagen Star Cluster survives, I believe they could still lead the war, particularly with Admiral Cleemorl there with a major fleet.”

Derrick remained silent for a long moment. “What would it mean if the entire Royal Family was killed in the attack?” This was a question that needed to be asked and one he feared asking.

Rear Admiral Banora shook her head. “It would be devastating. At least one of them needs to survive. We can’t afford to lose the entire Royal Family. They’re what’s holding the Empire together. Have you taken a walk in the capital? Nearly every store, office building, and restaurant has hung up a picture of one of the two Princesses. The same in residential areas, where signs in yards show their support for the Princesses. The Princesses are the Empire.”

Derrick had not been aware of this. It made him realize just how popular Layla and Krista were with the people. He would talk to Layla again. Tantula Five was nearly as powerfully held as Golan Four. He knew there was no way Layla would consider leaving, the same for Andrew. However, Krista might agree, since Mathew was currently in the Hagen Star Cluster. Krista and Mathew should be safe in one of the deep underground bunkers. Before he spoke to Layla, he wanted to contact Admiral Cleemorl, as well as Governor Dyson, to ensure proper arrangements could be made and made quickly. He also knew that Admiral Cleemorl would do whatever was necessary to keep Krista safe.

-

Krista was once more in Layla’s quarters, along with Emira, Brenda, Cheryl, Andrew, and Chancellor Stein.

“We’re expecting a major attack by the Morag on Golan Four within the next four to six days,” began Stein. “Derrick contacted me earlier, and he’s really concerned about what would happen to the Empire if the entire Royal Family is killed in the upcoming battle.”

“But we should be safe here!” protested Krista.

“Maybe,” replied Layla. She had spoken to Derrick for nearly an hour, as he expressed his concerns. “But Derrick’s right. We can’t risk all of us being killed. We can’t all be in the same place.”

Tears formed in Krista’s eyes as she knew what Layla would say. “Then what do you want to do?” She suspected where this conversation was going.

Layla took a deep breath. “I want you and Cheryl to go to the Hagen Star Cluster. Tantula Five is just as heavily defended as Golan Four is. Admiral Cleemorl has seen to that. In addition, Derrick has made arrangements for Mathew to be responsible for your protection. He will be taken off the Orion and transferred to Tantula Five and placed in charge of your guard detail.”

“It’s best for the Empire,”