Read Online The Terminal War: A Space Opera Novel (A Carson Mach Adventure) by A. C. Hadfield - Free Book Online

ships were about to change course.  
    “There’s a small window where the horans crucially split their forces but aren’t in a position to jointly engage,” Babcock continued. “We turn their strategy against them by all thrusting away from their circling ships and attacking the ones designed to hold our center in position.”
    “And by the time the flanking ships have got within range, we can turn our attention on them?”
    “Exactly.”
    At least Steros now seemed engaged. Fighting used to be relatively straightforward against the horans. The main Axis powers were driven by their superiority complex and firm belief that they were the kings of space battle. Humans were considered a new and inferior species.  
    During the Century War, they deployed aggressive tactics, often bordering on suicidal. Through strategy and guile the CW won, but the Axis powers were learning.  
    “You need to report this to Fleet Command,” Steros said in a softer tone. “And any other maneuvers you know about.”
    Babcock smiled. “You can have this one on me. Keep the simulation and tell your bosses. Who knows, it might get you a promotion.”
    Playing on Steros’ ego was an obvious way to go. Besides that, Babcock had no desire to please the head honchos on Fides Prime. His main focus was to survive, and the slippery Commonwealth career ladder meant nothing to him.  
    His interests were in the pursuit of science.  
    Steros cracked a half smile. “Very generous, Captain Babcock. I’ll be sure to pass on your information. Now, back to my original point—”
    “You were going to tell me to maintain position in case we encountered horans, and they tried a whiptail move? I agree that proactively patrolling outside your formation would avoid them launching this type of offensive.”
    “Err…yes. I’ll inform the commander of my decision. That’ll be all.”
    Lassea held her hand over her mouth to stifle a laugh.  
    Sanchez relaxed back in his chair and smiled.  
    “Thank you, Captain Steros,” Babcock replied. “We’ll maintain course and keep you updated.”
    The main bridge screen flashed back to a view of the Palios system. Babcock sighed and dabbed beads of sweat off his forehead with a white handkerchief. Conflict had never been his forte.  
    “What a tool,” Sanchez said, shaking his head. “I’d love to go five rounds with him in a fidian fighting pit.”
    “Only an idiot refuses to change their mind,” Babcock replied. “He’s no idiot. Hopefully, my information will keep him off our case.”
    The comms system pinged. Tulula read the message and said, “The commander wants you and Steros to join a virtual conference immediately. What do humans say about lucky days?”

    *

    Babcock knew why Tralis wanted a virtual conference to convey orders. They served together during the Century War, and the commander had always believed in using the correct chain of command. Any person who served in the Fleet understood it, but to people like Sanchez, it was official bullshit. That was another reason why Mach had made Babcock temporary captain. He needed a person who understood the nuances.
    Laser arrays in the small, white-walled technology suite scanned Babcock’s body, creating a virtual image of him sitting at a table to transmit. The holographic shape of Tralis appeared first, inches to his left, dressed in his crisp dark blue uniform. Steros appeared seconds after to his right, looking a lot more attentive than their first meeting. In a real environment, all of them would be conscious about the lack of space.  
    “Thank you for joining,” Tralis said. “I’ll be brief. We’ve received reports of another attack on a border planet. I want the Chester and Intrepid to head for Erebus and intercept any enemy in the area.”
    “Any information about—“ Babcock said.  
    “Do you have any information?” Steros interrupted. “What might we be facing, sir?”
    Tralis glanced between them, maintaining a