Book 4: Chapter 164: Engagements and Clutches

Book 4: Chapter 164: Engagements and Clutches

USD: One day after returning to MIL-1A

Location: Meltisar, Mil-1A, Naval Academy, Simulator Classroom 36C

The cadets returned to the classroom; their excitement palpable as they chattered about the simulated battle. It was the classs first time using the simulator, and the experience had left them buzzing with energy.

Lieutenant Bridges called for their attention. Alright, settle down. Rachel, why dont you start by telling us what you think you did right during the engagement?

Rachel hesitated for a moment before responding, Well, sir, I believe allowing my squadron leaders enough room to control their own forces allowed us to win in the end.

And how about you? Lieutenant Bridges asked the other cadet commander.

The other cadet spoke up. I think keeping the entire fleet together allowed us a slight advantage in the opening engagement.

Alex watched intently as her fellow cadets offered their thoughts on the battle.

Now, Lieutenant Bridges continued, Lets discuss what went wrong. Rachel?

She sighed, admitting, I should have anticipated that our enemies would adapt to our formation and change their tactics accordingly.

The other cadet commander added, In hindsight, I think I focused too much on taking out the enemy flagship. It allowed some other elements to escape damage during the engagement.

You both accomplished your mission to eliminate the enemy fleet. While blue team came out ahead, it only had three corvettes left still operational. Lieutenant Bridges said.

Alex could see the smile appear on Rachel and the other commanders faces. It didnt last long.

But if this were a real battle, youd also be dead; along with over six thousand other Meltisar crewmen and a large portion of the fleet. You both ran in like bulls and smashed each other without a second thought.

Rachel and the other cadets enthusiasm faded, replaced by introspection as they considered the weight of their choices. The memory of the battle over Dedia struck Alex like a hammer, the desperate defense that had left the enemy fleet ruined, but her ship burning in the atmosphere and her drone friends destroyed.

Shed led them into that battle without considering just how much could be lost. Everyone on the planet had been at risk, but she could have taken Elis and their group to safety. What had she owed the Dedians, anyway? They were intangible compared to her connections to her family.

Tension filled her as she maintained her composure. It was a real-life similarity to Rachels battle simulation, and Alex swallowed the innate pain from the memory. Theyd won, saved the planetmaybebut shed nearly lost everything and everyone she cared about.

Lieutenant Bridges moved to the center of the class and addressed them solemnly. As command officers, it is up to you to lead your crews to successful mission outcomes. While a conclusive battle that leaves the enemy defeated at the cost of your own lives and those of your crew may one day be necessary, he paused for effect, you must also think heavily about such a choice.

He took a deep breath before continuing. It is your duty and responsibility to search for a way that defeats the enemy while minimizing casualties on your brothers and sisters in service. You owe that to everyone under your command, from your junior officers to your freshest crewman first class.

The lieutenant then explained that there was an old Earth quote that had stood the test of time and still held relevance today. It goes something like this, he said, his voice steady and clear. It isnt about dying for your country but making the other sorry bastard die for his.Read latest chapters at nov(e)lbin.com Only

The room fell silent as his words resonated in the room. After allowing them a moment to absorb the message, Lieutenant Bridges glanced at his watch and announced that the next simulation was ready.

They dove back into the simulation. This time, Nameless swiftly transitioned Alex through the process. Her time spent in the strange limbo virtual realm only amounted to a few disorienting seconds.

Over the course of the day, they went through dozens of other scenarios. Alex observed and learned from everyones different strategies and tactics, while Lieutenant Bridges painstakingly deconstructed their successes and failures.

As the day neared its end, Alex found herself on the MNS Aegis flag bridgeher rank set to Rear Admiral, giving her command of the entire fleet.

She took a deep breath and surveyed her surroundings, acutely aware of the weight of responsibility now resting on her shoulders. The anticipation in the room was palpable as the main screen showed the faces of her team looking to her for guidance and leadership.

As Alex glanced at each member of her team, their expectant faces looking to her for guidance and leadership, a question gnawed at her heart: If she were required to make the decision to spend all their lives, would she be able to even consider it? Amidst her past successes and failures, doubts lingered.

Alex took a deep breath. This is what we are going to do...

Cadet Myers, what did you do right?

Umm I think we managed to defeat an equal enemy force while preserving as many of our own ships as possible.

He nodded. And your biggest mistake?

This question was harder for Alex, and she had to think for a moment. I think when my battle group was closing with the enemy, we should have avoided railgun range and continued the long-range energy exchange. Rachels force had mostly taken out their light elements, and I think we could have won the attrition duel without losing all our heavy units.

Bridges nodded. Then he turned toward Cadet Fields. Alex felt her eyes widen as she realized that he had been the enemy commander.

Cadet Fields, what did you do right?

Sir, I believe I managed to keep my group from falling into any of the enemy fleets traps and managed to maintain our movement in force without breaking it up.

Bridges nodded to him. And your mistake?

Fields sighed and looked at Alex without malice. She led me straight into her clutches.

Bridges raised an eyebrow. Fields quickly added an explanation.

I didnt think you could hide a fleet inside the atmosphere like that, and I thought we had finally peeled her main force off from her escorts.

The lieutenant nodded. Alright, since we went over time so much, we wont be having a full review. But Ill be sending an assignment for all of you to complete before we meet He paused and checked his calendar, next week. Youre all dismissed.

As the class left, Alex followed them out, with Rachel by her side. Rachel informed her that it was already 10 pm. Look what you did; our day is ruined, she said mockingly. We were going shopping for clothes; didnt you say you were looking for some accessories?

Alex mumbled an agreement, feeling down as she realized the day was over and shopping would be closed by now.

Then we were going to eat dinner in the concourse. I recall you absolutely begging me to try that kebab place.

Alexs expression drooped even more. I did want you to try them

All because you wanted to show me up one, right? Rachel teased.

Surprised, Alex searched her friends face for any sense of hurt, but found only teasing. I just took what we learned from the earlier matches and tried my best.

Rachel slipped her arm into the crook of Alexs elbow. That worked well, although I was pretty sure we were going to mess up evading them for too long when he wouldnt take the bait.

Alex felt her cheeks heat at the other girls proximity. It had been a while since theyd been together, and now they found themselves outside Rachels dorm room. Alex frowned, almost feeling like shed messed up their plans by trying too hard in the simulation but she quickly pushed that thought away.

Im sorry for causing the simulation to run so long and mess up our plans, she said in the most monotone voice she could muster.

Rachel paused in the doorway and turned to look at her with a raised eyebrow. I was kidding.

Alex broke out into a grin. Me too.

Rachels brown eyes sparkled before grabbing Alexs collar and pulling her inside. Time to set up some more life-ending explosions.

Alex giggled, I promise not to avoid engagement this time.

Rachel kissed her and pressed into her as the door slid shut. What if I want some teasing?

It better not take another five hours, Alex mumbled. Both of them giggled before someone turned off a light.