The Slaver Wars: First Strike (The Slaver Wars Book Four) by Raymond L. Weil Page A

Resmunt’s office. Both were
curious about what the Fleet Commodore wanted and were hoping it meant action
would be forthcoming. Hocklyns were meant for combat, not routine shipboard
duties. It was time to go and find honor.
    Resmunt
watched impassively as the two entered. Letting out a deep breath, he gazed
down at the six digits on his right hand. His hand was a light green in color,
and his fingers ended in very sharp and thick nails, almost like talons.
    “Two of our
exploration cruisers are missing,” he began in a cold and detached voice.
    “This mysterious
race you believe is out there; do you think they are responsible?” Sangeth
asked in his rasping voice.
    “Over the past
month the amount of ghost sensor readings has increased dramatically,” he spoke
in a calm calculating voice. “If I didn’t know better, I would think our
defenses are being probed all along this sector.”
    “Then we could
indeed be facing a well prepared enemy,” commented Bisth already relishing the
thought of combat. Honor could be coming in the very near future. Very seldom
did the Hocklyns ever encounter an enemy that was worthy of combat.
    Resmunt walked
back over to the large map on the wall. “Based on when the increased sensor
ghosts began to be reported and the two cruisers planned exploration path, I
believe they were destroyed in one of these two star systems.” Resmunt pointed
to the two indicated systems on the map.
    “That’s less
than seven hundred light years from our outer borders,” commented Sangeth, realizing
that the enemy could be much closer than he had thought possible. “What are our
orders?”
    Resmunt turned
toward the two and spoke with authority in his voice. “You will take your two
fleets to this sector of space and investigate both systems. If an enemy is there
and you can destroy him, you are authorized to do so. If his forces are too
great, you are to withdraw and report back here.”
    “Withdraw!”
Sangeth uttered, his large eyes almost turning yellow with rage. “Hocklyns do
not retreat in the face of an enemy!”
    “In this case,
you will,” Resmunt spoke in a cold and deadly voice. He stepped over to stand
directly in front of the War Leader. “If you do not, I will see to it that your
entire family is stripped of their honor.”
    “We will
withdraw,” responded Bisth, knowing it was the wisest choice. “Honor will be
served by bringing word of this potential threat back to the empire.”
    “War Leader
Bisth, you will be in command of the two fleets,” Resmunt added, stepping back.
“Find out what’s out there. Go and bring honor to the empire.”
    With that,
Resmunt dismissed the two War Leaders. There was no doubt they would follow his
commands. He knew that Sangeth was the more rash and excitable of the two,
while Bisth was more calculating and might someday rise to the rank of Fleet Commodore.
Walking back to the window, Resmunt gazed out, wondering whether Sangeth and
Bisth would find a dangerous threat to the empire, or nothing at all?
     

Chapter Five
     
    Admiral Tolsen
gazed with deep concern at the main viewscreen. His fleet was stationed 2.7
light years from Gliese 667C, which contained Caden’s World. In addition to his
flagship, WarHawk, the battle carriers Liberty and Independence were slightly
behind and above the powerful battle cruiser, as well as four Monarch heavy
cruisers. A strong light cruiser contingent consisting of eight ships were
intermingled amongst the seven powerful warships. On the periphery of the
fleet, six fleet destroyers hovered in screening positions.
    “I hate this
waiting,” complained Colonel Beck, letting out a long sigh. “It’s been nearly
fourteen weeks since the two Hocklyn cruisers were destroyed. I would have
thought the Hocklyns would have responded by now.”
    “Be patient,
Peter,” replied Admiral Tolsen, looking over at his second in command standing
next to him. “The Hocklyns will be here soon enough. Have you read