Fury to the Stars (Universe in Flames Book 2) by Christian Kallias Page A

sent no less than two squadrons on an approaching vector towards
Chase’s Beta Wing.
    “Lieutenant, concentrate fire to cover Beta Wing;
all batteries, fire.”
    “New targets acquired. Firing now, Captain.”
    The barrage of laser fire being unleashed towards
the incoming wings vectoring towards Beta Wing was very effective and dealt
with most of them in a matter of seconds. More than two thirds of their craft
exploded before they could reach firing range.
    “Thanks for the assist, Captain,” Chase called over
the comm.
    “Anytime, Chase. But some fighters are still
entering firing range.”
    “That’s alright; my wing will take care of it.
What’s our status?”
    “We seem to have tipped the balance of this fight.
We should be able to win this, but it’s too early to tell at what cost. It’s a
rather balanced fight; both sides are incurring substantial damage.”
    “Roger that, Cap.”
    Captain Saroudis’ chin was pressed against a
clenched fist, clearly worried by this unexpected battle. Yet he knew this
might actually win over the Droxians as new members of the Alliance, something
that was both unexpected and a great first step towards uniting more worlds
against the Obsidian Empire. He had to admit, though, that he didn’t know if
that would be enough. Even if the Droxians joined them, they would most likely
still be outnumbered. They simply had no way of knowing how many Zarlack ships
were out there. So while every new allied world mattered, especially after the
catastrophic losses the Alliance suffered from the coordinated attack, Captain
Saroudis wondered how long they could resist an all-out attack if one was to
come.
    “Captain!” shouted one of the officers.
    “What is it?”
    “Multiple jump points forming.”
    “Damn, just when we thought we had this battle under
control.”
    “Sir, the ships show a friendly signature!”
    “What?”
    “Seven Alliance battleships with escorts, including
the SAD Cronos .”
    “Thank the gods…”
    *   *   *
     
    Onboard the SAD Cronos’ bridge, Admiral
Thassos was sitting in her chair.
    “Ensign, target all enemy ships. Fire at will.”
    “Yes, ma’am, firing at will.”
    The admiral was a tall woman well into her eighties,
though the years had been kind to her. By human standards, the admiral barely
looked fifty years old. Her face bore few wrinkles and held one blue and one
green eye, along with long blond hair that flowed like golden velvet down her
back.
    “Open a channel to the Destiny .”
    “Channel opened.”
    Captain Saroudis appeared on the holo-display of the Cronos battle destroyer.
    “Long time no see, Adonis.”
    “Indeed, Admiral.” He looked delighted. “I thought
the Fifth Fleet was destroyed when the Empire attacked the home world?”
    “Rumors of our demise were greatly exaggerated.”
    “I can see that. Your timing couldn’t be better.”
    “You seemed to have things under control from what
our scans told to us, but I thought you’d appreciate the help anyway.”
    The captain chuckled and gestured to the battle. “We
do.”
    “I’m looking forward to seeing you soon, old friend.
In the meantime, let’s turn these Obsidian scum and their new friends into
pretty fireworks.”
    He smiled. “Roger that, Admiral. Saroudis out.”
    The holo-screen turned off.
    Admiral Thassos then picked the biggest three
battleships currently engaged against the Alliance and the Droxians, targeting
them on her personal battle holo-display.
    “Bring main weapons to bear.”
    “Main weapons active.”
    “Fire in sequence on my target list, maximum
firepower.”
    “Firing now, Admiral.”
    *   *   *
     
    Chase had just dispatched the last of the incoming
enemy fighters when he was blinded by several jump points forming. Obsidian
Empire reinforcements, no doubt. It took a few seconds for the white veil from
the jumps to restore his vision. At first he thought he was dreaming, then
quickly checked his HUD for confirmation. There was