Pearl of the Stars
To The Death

Twelve days after Imperium and her unit left the unknown system, they were still travelling through Jump Space. It was unheard of, certainly within Council space, for a jump to take so long. The previous record for time spent in Jump Space was eight days, and those on board the vessel were beginning to feel adverse effects.

Whilst in Jump Space many systems on board a vessel were unable to function, ship-to ship communications, shields, and weapons amongst them.

***

“Yeah, come in,” said Captain Holding, his breaths short and sharp. He turned with some difficulty as the door to his quarters slid open and a Lieutenant entered, likewise struggling to breathe.

“The techs say there is nothing they can do Sir.” He paused to catch his breath, inhaling as deeply as he could several times before he continued. “If we do not exit Jump Space soon, we will run out of breathable air.”

“Under the circumstances, drop the airs and graces.” Frank glanced longingly at the packet of cigarettes sat next to his reading glasses, and silently cursed whoever designed the Council vessels for not having the foresight to think there might be occasions where jumps longer than eight days were necessary. “Any predictions as to when we’re likely to exit?”

“Not as yet, no.”

“Right. Thank you Lieutenant.”

***

A further three days later and after fifteen days spent in Jump Space, Imperium finally arrived in another unknown star system. All on board breathed an enormous sigh of relief as the vessel’s oxygen generators sputtered into life, their fan’s and motor’s whirring as after seven days spent offline, they once again created a breathable atmosphere aboard the vessel.

Frank Holding lit a cigarette and inhaled deeply of it, savouring both the taste and sensation of the smoke as it curled it’s way to his lungs. He watched the display as Imperium’s computers updated, relaying their findings to the radar.

“Holy fick!” Captain Holding could not tear his eyes away from the display. “Lieutenant, is this information correct?”

“Aye Sir,” the Lieutenant replied. “Reports are coming in from all ships in the unit. They’re seeing the same thing we are.”

“But that’s fickling impossible!”

“All the same Sir. The codes match those of the enemy fleet.”

The star system was as small if not more so as the one the unit had previously traversed. Two large class three planets orbited a Brown Dwarf in close proximity but it was the space stations orbiting between the worlds that really caught Frank’s eye. There were twelve in total, rings that circled the star entirely, linked to each other by vast walkways. At the outermost station, warships numbering in the thousands were docked and even though the unit had only just arrived in the star system, those warships were already beginning to mobilise.

“If those warships reach us Lieutenant, we’re ficked!” Frank shouted, his eyes still fixated upon the screen. “Give me unit wide.” He waited a few seconds whilst the Lieutenant busied himself.

“This is Captain Holding. I’m sure by now you have all seen the potential shit storm we have wandered into. If we engage the enemy we will be annihilated, of that I have no doubt. We have to run. We cannot go back the way we came, I’m pretty sure another jump of that length would kill us all. I count seven other jump points in this system, but the closest to us is a few clicks starboard. Captains, take everything your ships have to offer and then some. Jump as soon as you are able, do not wait for my order.” He cut the transmission and turned back to the Lieutenant. “Put me through to the Panzer directly.”

“Aye Sir.”

“Captain Holding,” Captain Dihou answered the call.

“Captain. As you are undoubtedly aware, it is imperative that news of what lies before us reaches Captain Ifhans. As we speak I am forwarding the Fleet’s projected route to you. Whatever happens, you must jump away from this system. If it is necessary, the rest of the unit will cover your escape and hold the enemy back for as long as the last man standing draws breath.”

“I understand Captain. I will not fail.”

“Thank you Captain Dihou, I know you will not.” Frank cut the call, and inhaled deeply on the cigarette resting between his lips. When he spoke, it was to no one in particular.

“Always figured I’d go out fighting to the death.”

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