Chapter 216 (1/2)

Nimitz

Nimitz and Perth, having exited hyperspace, were joined by Aeneas. In formation, the three Tauri vessels descended into the atmosphere. Raised shields protected each vessel from the intense build up of both heat and friction, resulting in the luminous and streaking balls of fire those on the ground far below were staring at in horror and fascination. Like the previous vessel to bare the Nimitz name, she was speeding into harms way.

Throughout the massive vessel, crewmembers sat ready at their battle stations. Aircrew alerted while orbiting the gas giant sat in their aircraft. These 302's, along with their unmanned counterparts awaited the go order to launch. All told, eighty manned and unmanned fighter interceptors sat ready for launch. As Nimitz passed through sixty thousand feet, that order would come, as the aircrew had been briefed.

Over the shipboard communications channel, the order to commence launch operations came from the Air Boss. Protective doors over the eight designated aircraft launch lanes opened. Moving through a highly orchestrated series of events, eighty F-302's of the four hundred aboard catapulted into the atmosphere. This first wave of aircraft engaged their cloaks the moment they passed through Nimitz's shield, and raced away towards their interception point. A second wave of launches would take place at lower altitude, with those aircraft forming a barrier combat air patrol around the battle group.

Elsewhere on the carrier, a platoon of Marines exited the armory. Weapons in hand, the men assembled into formation. Seconds later, the Asgard transporter enveloped the warfighters in ethereal light, and they vanished.

Outside and well away from the carrier, F-302's sliced through the atmosphere. Moving at five times the speed of sound, these lethal hunter killers would cross the distance to the Bedrosian attack craft in less than a quarter of an hour.

Conference Area

Fifteen meters from the highly polished conference table, an eruption of silver light appeared. Seconds later, the silver flash faded; leaving in its place thirty-nine armed and highly motivated Marine's standing in formation. Needing no prompting, the men spread out to assume defensible positions around the garden complex. Those at the conference table saw this, and were somewhat shocked at the men's sudden appearance. Where had they come from?

Seeing this, Rigar instantly felt an icy ball take shape in the pit of his stomach. This was not how things were supposed to be unfolding! All of this must be an Optrican fabrication, some type of ruse. How could this be?

”What is the meaning of this?” Rigar demanded excitedly.

”By this do you mean the vessels above, or the Marine's in the garden?” Barnes asked lightly.

”Answer me!” Rigar shouted.

”Please clarify the question if you don't mind.” Barnes asked while maintaining his cool.

”This is an act of war!” Rigar bellowed.

”On Earth, diplomatic personnel and envoy's physical safety is assured by international law. Harming one is an act of war. The team you captured many years ago was on a diplomatic mission, and you proceeded to put them to torture. That being what it is, you're in no position to scream what and what isn't an act of war.” Barnes explained.

”You're insane!” Rigar accused.

”Insanity is waging a war of aggression against nations that don't share your beliefs of just where humanity was created. Minister Rigar, your nation is not equipped to fight a war as Earth's equal. To think you can is the height of insanity, I assure you. Now, I suggest you contact your inbound attack craft, and order them to return to their respective bases.” Barnes suggested.

”If I don't?” Rigar demanded.

”That is something I doubt you wish to contemplate.” Barnes hinted.

Looking at his surroundings nervously, Rigar was unsure what was coming, and what he should do. The end of the war was within his grasp, but it was suddenly slipping away and evaporating like mist. Closing his eyes for a brief moment, he decided what must be done.

”I will contact Bedrosian military command.” Rigar stated.

”Very well Minister. You're doing the right thing.” Barnes said.

Taking a deep breath, and then straightening his collar, Rigar reached for the communications device held in his aide's outstretched hand. Closing his eyes for a moment, Rigar steeled himself for what he was about to do. Bringing the device to his mouth, he pushed the transmit button activating the device.

”Bedrosian military command, this is Minister Rigar.” The Minister began.

”We hear you Minister.”

”I require that you relay a message to our craft.” Rigar stated.

”I am prepared to do as you wish Minister.”

”Tell them to press the attack! Destroy the Optrican capital! Leave nothing standing!” Rigar yelled with urgency.

Before a reply came, Rigar dropped the device to the ground at his feet. Bringing his heel down on it with force, he ensured that the device could not be used to relay a conflicting message to the oncoming attack shuttles.

”That was a mistake Minister. You have done nothing more than doom those aviators coming this way. I promise you that.” Barnes stated with a trace of sadness in his voice.

Razor Two Zero