Stand Into Danger: Empire Rising Book 0 Read Online Free PDF Page A

avenue of invasion if the Russians were determined to expand their federation. Whatever else they were about to find in Cartier, Somerville was sure there would be Russian warships. Achilles and Clara were preparing a welcome for them.
     
    “Has the work been completed?” Somerville asked the officer of the watch.
     
    “Lieutenant Jensen contacted me ten minutes ago with a situation update. The Chief Engineer is still over with her but they expect to be ready in another half hour at the most,” came the reply.
     
    “Very good, send a general signal to the crew, inform them we will be going to battle stations in an hour. Let them get something to eat now while they have the chance,” Somerville ordered. He loved to read about naval history, for centuries before man had set foot on the moon it had been a custom in the British navy to send the crew for a warm meal before battle. As far as he could he liked to keep those traditions alive. Plus, it just made sense. His plan called for a lot of waiting around and if his ship had to cross swords with another Russian warship it was likely to be a lengthy affair, for Somerville was determined he would only fight on his terms.
     
    The Russians still hadn’t found their own source of valstronium. The discovery of the metal in rare asteroids at the very edge of the Sol system and, later, in other systems had revolutionized ship design. Without the metal the Russians were forced to armor their ships in nano-carbon titanium composite. Their ships were thus bulkier, meaning they weren’t as maneuverable. Compounding this problem, the lack of valstronium meant lower top speeds as the metal provided much greater protection against the cosmic particles that a ship encountered in space. The faster a ship traveled through space the more damage would be caused to the ship or the crew by a cosmic particle strike. As valstronium provided greater protection it meant ships armored in the metal could reach higher top speeds. Achilles could max out at 0.28 the speed of light. The Russians would be lucky to get to 0.20.
     
    Of course, when it came to a missile duel the difference in maneuverability and top speed counted for little. What mattered was who could force the most missiles through their opponent’s point defenses first. Yet the advantage Achilles had over whatever Russians warships were in system meant she could choose when and where the missile duel took place. Unless they got very lucky, or Somerville made a mistake, he knew he could avoid action until his time and place of choice. Though that meant the crew could end up spending hours at their battle stations waiting for the right time to strike.
     
    As Somerville was reviewing his plans one more time he didn’t notice the time passing. When someone entered the bridge and he looked up he was surprised to see it was the Chief Engineer.
     
    “Captain,” he began, “I’ve finished up over on Clara , she is ready to go.”
     
    “Excellent,” Somerville responded. “I guess it’s time to get this show on the road.”
     
    “Communications, open a channel to Jensen for me, then ask the First Lieutenant to report to the bridge,” Jonathan ordered.
     
    Hamilton had come to him and requested command of the freighter when Somerville had detailed his plan to the senior officers. Jonathan had denied his request. If Achilles was involved in a pitched battle in Cartier, or more likely in New France, Hamilton would be vital. He was too important to risk on Clara. Jensen had proven herself commanding the freighter in Ouvea and overseeing the alterations Jonathan had requested, she deserved her chance to stay in command. Besides, Somerville had to admit to himself, he had a growing soft spot for the young officer. She had a fine future ahead of her.
     
    When her face appeared on the holo display Somerville smiled. “Excellent work Lieutenant, I hear you are ready to go?”
     
    “Yes sir,” she answered. “We are all set on