Battle of the Ring

Battle of the Ring Read Online Free PDF

Book: Battle of the Ring Read Online Free PDF
Author: Thorarinn Gunnarsson
And like the Starwolf ships,
they had armored plates that closed like doors to protect them. Each engine
also had a protective flaring that made shooting out a running drive very
difficult.
    “Each engine is a self-contained unit,” Trace explained.
“Each is a module that contains its own generator, drive system, and
controls. The same is true for each major cannon, which consists of generator,
gun, and retractable focusing turret. These modules simply slip into sockets in
the hull, where they merge with the central computer system. It is possible to
change out every engine and cannon on this ship in only five hours’ time.
    “The hull is composed of heavy armored plates, sloped to shed heavy
bolts by deflection. Each plate is covered by a thin sheet of quartzite which,
when infused with a defensive shield, becomes impenetrable to any bolt or
missile the Starwolves can throw against it. In that way the body of the ship
serves as an indestructible platform for its engines and cannons, which are the
only vulnerable points.”
    “And, as such, you have designed those areas for rapid damage control
and repair,” Maeken observed.
    Trace nodded approvingly. “Exactly. A convoy of tenders will follow
the Fortress – at a discreet distance. Engines and cannon modules are
transported end to end in special racks that have their own drive units.
    “This ship has the firepower and shielding of a major planetary
defense system. Its cannons have nearly the power and range of those of a
Starwolf carrier. But we have more guns; we can inflict more damage, and endure
more damage, in the same amount of time. And, if a battle breaks out for a
short time, we can repair our damage, while they cannot.”
    “I like it so far,” Maeken said. “But I see one flaw. What
about their conversion cannon? They might hesitate to use it on a planetary
target, but it would be the ideal weapon against this machine.”
    “It would seem so, yes,” Trace agreed. “They can convert
enough mass to destroy a world in a single shot. But the Fortress can divert
the energy of all its generators into a single defensive shell of tremendous
power. Even damaged guns and engines can supply power, as long as their
generators are operative. Simulations have shown that it can turn even
that.”
    “And this beast can move?” Maeken asked, staring out the window
as they rounded the nose of the Fortress. The main forward battery was located
here, as well as two more engine clusters to provide reverse thrust.
    “Yes, it accelerates and handles as well as a Class A bulk freighter.
Not all that fast for a warship, but that can get it where it needs to
be.”
    “But it cannot actively chase down a Starwolf carrier.” Maeken
stated the obvious. “Then what is to keep them from simply ignoring it?
If it was in my way, I would simply go around it.”
    “I suppose they will, when they simply want to get past. But it cannot
simply be ignored if it is guarding an inner world we want protected, or in
orbit over a colony they want us to leave alone. Then they will have to deal
with it first.”
    Maeken considered that for a moment, and shrugged. “You seem to have
thought of everything.”
    “So, what do you think?” Trace asked. “Do you believe that
you could fight Starwolves with this?”
    Maeken looked at him sharply. “Are you giving me any choice?”
    “Of course,” he insisted. “If you think that this is not
right for you, that you cannot use it to best advantage, then you are
completely free to return to your former command and tell your Sector Commander
that Donalt Trace is as mad as rumor makes him out to be.”
    Maeken leaned back in her seat and sighed heavily. “You are mad. And
so am I, for that matter. Crazy as Treyvestrian Knock Beetles, so I guess that
we were meant for each other. Who wants to grow old, anyway?”
     
    “Well, they are safely gone,” Velmeran observed. The Velka,
flying again under her own power, was cruising into the
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