BETHLEHEM
STARDATE 08.25.25
DRAGON’S TEETH
Captain Abrams entered his Ready Room with a stern look on his face. He immediately acknowledged Commander Rahab, his First Officer, who was waiting for him. Captain Abrams sat down in his chair and Commander Rahab stood directly behind him.
The monitor on the table in front of them began to shimmer. Slowly, an image took shape. An elderly man with face of stone.
“Admiral Iddo,” Captain Abrams said in a deep voice.
“Captain, Commander,” Admiral Iddo replied, staring at the two people in charge of the Bethlehem. He had full confidence in them both. “Let us dispense with the formalities. We need to get right down to business.”
Captain Abrams and Commander Rahab waited with anticipation.
“We lost the Sirach and the Tobit Systems to the Fallen. Our forces are regrouping in the Zechariah System. An Abominus Fleet, a Furyon Fleet, a Harvester Fleet, and a Grimwrought Fleet are closing in on the surviving Chosen Fleets as we speak. I’ll be perfectly candid…I’m not sure we can keep them from advancing even further into Chosen Territory.”
Captain Abrams’ face was full of worry. “The Sirach and the Tobit Systems have a combined population of over eight billion inhabitants. What is their status?”
Admiral Iddo became quiet. He shook his head and said, “Ninety percent of the population has been exterminated, the rest will be used as hosts for breeding, turned into slaves, mutated into abominations, or taken for experimentation. I’m sorry, Captain. You know what we are facing here.”
Captain Abrams clenched his fist. A look of determination formed in his eyes. “So when does the Bethlehem leave to join the remaining Chosen Fleets?”
“You won’t be joining our forces,” Admiral Iddo stated as a fact. Captain Abrams and Commander Rahab were surprised. “In the middle of all the conflict, a small fleet composed of Warmonger and Horrid starships slipped past our forces. They are headed for the Jordan System. The Bethlehem is being sent to intercept them.”
Captain Abrams thought for a moment. “The Library of the Magi is in the Jordan System. To destroy that ancient repository of knowledge would be a devastating and demoralizing blow to all civilizations.”
“We cannot allow that to happen, Captain. You must stop them. The nearby planet, Cyrene, has a population of seven million people. Their lives are all in your hands as well.”
Captain Abrams took in the task before him. While he was contemplating the situation, Commander Rahab asked, “What is the composition of the Warmonger and Horrid Fleet?”
“Four Destroyers and six Frigates,” Admiral Iddo answered.
“Will no other ship be joining us?” Captain Abrams inquired. The Bethlehem would fight them alone if necessary.
“I have only one other ship in that area that I can spare. A Siren Heavy Cruiser, the Lorelei, will be rendezvousing with the Bethlehem before you engage the enemy. The Lorist also have a police sized starship that watches over the Library, but I fear she will be of little use to you in the conflict.”
“Two Heavy Cruisers against four Destroyers and six Frigates?” Captain Abrams said aloud, although he was actually speaking to himself.
“You have to win this battle, Captain Abrams. You MUST win this battle. I know you will do what must be done. Now, other matters require my attention…”
Captain Abrams and Commander Rahab nodded. Before he turned off the monitor, he looked the Admiral in the eyes and said,
“IN LIFE OR…IN DEATH…WE SERVE THE CHOSEN.”
