Read Online The Slaver Wars: Galactic Conflict by Raymond L. Weil - Free Book Online

really hurt the Hocklyns. They weren't prepared
for that. I doubt if we can expect such lopsided fleet victories in the future.”
    “We need to
buy all the time we can,” Ariel spoke from her position next to Jeremy.
“Admiral Streth and Clarissa will be here soon. They said they'd be coming
back. We also have large reserves of Devastator Threes.”
    Jeremy just
nodded. He hoped the light cruiser they were sending could find out what had
happened and return with a relief fleet. Even if that happened, it would take
close to three weeks for the light cruiser to reach New Tellus and come back with
help. The only problem was Jeremy didn’t know if the Human forces in the
Carethian system could survive for three more weeks.
     

Chapter Four
     
    High Leader
Nartel gazed in open contempt at Councilor Ruthan. The councilor had been
demanding that all weapons research be stopped and that more ships be brought
in from the outer regions of the Empire to protect the twelve home systems. The
recent turn of events in the war with the Humans had deeply shaken Ruthan.
    “We will not
stop the weapons research,” responded Nartel, gazing defiantly at the standing
councilor. “I have informed the AIs of our decision to pursue a robust weapons
research program to counter the Humans. I have also requested additional
weapons from them, including their sublight antimatter missiles.”
    “They will
send their ships again,” Ruthan grated out his dark, cold eyes turning red with
anger. “They will wipe more of our habitats from orbit causing the ruins to
rain down upon our worlds. How can you dare risk such a disaster? The AIs will
show us no mercy!”
    “There will be
no risk,” Nartel replied in a confident voice, his eyes sweeping over the other
councilors. “The AIs have agreed to the weapons research and are sending ships
to all four of our major ship production sites, including Kenward Seven, to
help in modernizing our fleet.”
    “If the AIs
have agreed to that then they must greatly fear the Humans and these new allies
of theirs,” Councilor Berken spoke as he stood up and gazed at the other High
Councilors with deep concern on his face. It might be wise for us to consider
what must be done to better fortify our home systems in case they decide to
attack us here.”
    “They will
never be able to attack our home worlds,” spoke Councilor Desmonde, shaking his
head in denial. “We are too far behind the front lines of this war. Our
resources should be devoted to building more modern ships and to holding the
current boundaries of our Empire. Perhaps it would even be wise to expand our existing
ship building capacity.”
    “I agree,”
Councilor Jarles added, his large, cold eyes looking around the council.
“Expansion of the Empire under the current conditions will be impossible. We
must preserve what we have and determine how best to meet this new threat. If
we build more shipyards, when the time comes that we can begin aggressively
expanding our Empire once more we can make up for the time lost in dealing with
the Humans.”
    “What will the
Humans' next move be?” Berken asked as he sat back down. “Will they attempt to
take more of our slave worlds?”
    “Commodore
Krilen is still in the process of attacking the system of Careth,” High Leader
Nartel responded. “He has over five hundred warships and ten AI spheres with
which to annihilate the Humans and the Carethians. Once that's done, he will
hold his position in the Carethian system and notify us when the Humans
return.”
    “How soon
before the Humans show up?” demanded Ruthan, nervously. “They could be on their
way right now!”
    “A few weeks
at least,” replied Nartel, confidently. “They suffered heavily in our attack
upon their system. It will take them time to repair the damage and assemble a
fleet. When they return, Commodore Krilen will attempt to fight a delaying
action. We must finish updating as many ships as possible before engaging the