HMRV-Oxford

[Husher]

Chapter 1.2
HMS-Farrington.
“Gallians detected sir” Yells one of the young officers. “At least one cruiser…..no make that two and several gunboats. I also detect fighters sir…. Bloody hell, they have launched at least a dozen snubs heading our way.” The young officer screams a bit too excited for commander Brown. “Calm down, keep a eye on your screen.” Commander brown says with a authorial voice as he swings his chair around and starts issuing orders.
“Mr Taylor sound quarters and open fleetcom.”
The XO nods with a grim face and starts to talk in his headset while in the meantime alarm bells go off
"Battlestations…. battlestation…. all crew to their stations, this is not a drill" .... "

Brown continues with his orders over the fleetcom. “Cruiser Brimstone stay on our port flank we will catch them head on” Capt Crowley a grey bearded officer salutes before he turns away from the screen. “Cruiser Alexia and gunboats Wasp and Stingray attack their starboard flank… Hammer down those gunboats.…” The captains nod as they all understand there orders. He looks for a second on his tactical screen to rethink his strategy….. “Order our fighter squadrons to intercept bombers first, fighters second, and tell them to stay at least 1500 m from the gunboats to give them a free zone of fire.” Taylor looked at the screen “Sir i suggest we keep our bomber squadron behind us until they have a window of opportunity to strike.” Brown nods “Agreed mr Taylor”

Fighters fought in vicious dogfights around both fleets. The Gallian pilots were experienced but outnumbered and soon most fighters were shot down. At the same time the capital ships engaged in long range combat, torpedo's and mortars flew across between the fleets. Soon the fight continued at close distance, both sides did not give any quarter. The HMS-Brimstone, suffering heavy damage from an torpedo attack, exploded,

There was no time for her crew to launch escapepods. Both Gallian gunboats came in crossfire from both remaining Bretonian cruisers and were destroyed.

Brown ordered his bomber squadron to make a run for the leading cruiser “Understood... Tally Ho chaps let send em to hell” The squadron leader responded as they roared in to launch their torpedoes, she exploded damaging her sistership. Seizing the opportunity Brown ordered all his ships to concentrate fire on the damaged Gallian cruiser. The gunboat Stingray had taken a beating, large gaps were visible in her hull as her captain stated over the fleet com he would retreat to save his vessel and crew.

The asteroid field….
Buckley watches the main view screen, the left side shows the battle, the right side shows the ships 25000 meter radius scan. He is relieved that the Armed forces managed to get the upperhand and winning. **You want a analysis of the battle sir?** Athena asks with a clinical voice.
“No thanks Athena” Buckley replies. The crew cheers when another Gallian ship blows up. Suddenly.... A bright flash appears where one of the Armed forces ships is positioned Buckley curses. “Bloody bastards.” A silence comes over the bridge as the crew realizes the crew had no change to reach the escapepods. **My scans indicate that was the HMS-Brimstone** a two second pause **Further analysis of data says the crew had a 5% probability to escape.** “Great!!” Buckley faces his XO with a grim look on his face.

“Mr Leigh set course for the battle and warn doc Stanton she gets wounded incoming, make sure we stay atleast 6000 meters from the battle.” Leigh nods “Very well sir. Helm... Make your course one three zero, ahead full. Tactics...Prepare for decloak and to defend the ship.” **Captain you are aware we break our prime directive not to reveal this ship sir? Our rules of engagement clearly states that we may not reveal ourself when we have 1. Several ongoing experiments aboard. 2. No escort. Also…...** “I know Athena” Buckley cuts her off mid sentence with a grim voice. “Sometimes we have to follow our heart instead of logic, i cannot let them die in good conscious while we have the perfect facilities to aid the wounded" Athena thinks for a few seconds before reacting **I....... understand captain.**