Chapter 27. Demonic flame attacks, self-destruction program starts
"Captain, we have arrived at the target galaxy and entered the speed of light voyage," Ingmarhui reported. "But it seems that the asteroid was not detected."
"No?" Noah asked briefly.
"Indeed," Jeffrey replied. "The sensors are unable to detect any craft."
"It's really empty out there," Ingmar said loudly. "Space, infinite space. I can't find that asteroid."
"What?" Noah jumped up from the command chair.
"There is no asteroid with a mine at that coordinate point," Ingmar repeated. "Not only are there no asteroids with mines. There are no significantly large rocks at all."
"I agree with Mr. Ingmar," Jeffrey said quietly. "The sensor was unable to detect any asteroids at the specified coordinates."
Noah felt a chill rush down his spine as he walked to the nearby science station and stood next to the Vulcan. His strange feeling returned. There seems to be a problem somewhere. "What happened? What happened?"
"I don't know," Jeffrey admitted. "I don't have enough data."
"Did Demon Flame blow up the asteroid to destroy evidence because one of the captives escaped?" the captain tried to find an explanation.
"There is no remnant of any explosive weapons," Jeffrey said, dismissing the theory immediately. "And, in this case, there should be debris on the asteroid. So that possibility can be ruled out."
"Maybe Charles lied," Ingmar shouted, standing at his workstation.
"You have nothing to do, Commander?" Noah responded coldly. He did not tolerate such behavior on his bridge. Especially in this case. But if Ingmar is right, this could be a trap. But who set it up? Charles certainly does not have the ability to plan such a trap. Moreover, he must come from Demon Flame. His body is clear evidence. Noah added, "It is impossible for Mr. Charles to lie. To do this, he must falsify the detector data. But I doubt that in his state, he would not be able to do it. Besides, he has no motive." He looked towards Jeffrey, hoping for confirmation, but the Vulcan just raised his right eyebrow, no one understanding what that meant.
Noah decided to be fully prepared. "Activate shields and prepare weapons," he ordered through gritted teeth, then walked back to the command chair. "Mr. Jeffrey, scan the entire system for anomalies. I want to know what's going on. Ms. Vader, call those ships and call Mr. Charles to the bridge. I think he should explain it to us."
"Yes, Captain." Everyone responded.
The captain's eyes wandered across the bridge. He saw everyone's determination and everyone was curious about it. It made him proud and made him feel like he could handle anything. With such a motivated crew, everything will work out.
He slowly sat back on the command chair, and suddenly a powerful energy attacked the hull. The hull vibrated back and forth, almost throwing him out.
Noah stood up slowly. "Calm down," the captain shouted from the bridge.
"Three ships surrounded us," Jeffrey said calmly in this situation, although no one knew whether he was panicking inside. He has returned to his post.
"Shields down to sixty percent," Ted said. There was surprise and fear in his voice.
"Evacuation maneuver," Noah called. "Mr. Ted, perform evasive maneuvers and fire at your own discretion. Ms. Vader, contact those ships."
Another attack shook the ship violently. Noah then heard the Republic fire several photon cannons. However, he had doubts about their effectiveness. If all three of the Demon Flame's ships had the same firepower, the Republic's prospects would be dire. Then they had no chance. He suddenly felt that he had made a huge mistake, but what was the meaning of this realization now?
"Shields down to thirty percent and falling," Tedder shouted. There was surprise and fear in his voice.
"Their ship sustained no major damage," Ingmar reported coolly. Despite the dire situation, he was surprisingly calm and very organized.
"Captain, based on the structural characteristics of the ships, these ships are very similar to the crashed wreckage we found. Therefore, these should be Demon Yan's ships." Jeffrey also reported this to the captain.
Noah had little interest in this. Now they knew who was attacking them. But what difference does it make? The outcome of the battle was decided before it officially began. Noah realizes this and has no illusions about the outcome of the battle. He just thought it was so unfair. But sooner or later his luck will leave him. So far, no matter how many battles he's been in, he's always come back victorious, even if it's not many. He also caused only a few casualties. He may not be able to do it this time.
Personally, he thinks his life has been pretty good. He was prepared for the coming end. But he had to think about the younger crew members, especially his daughter. She is not yet twenty. Her life has just begun. Is it going to end now?
"Ms. Vader?" He turned to the communications officer. In the background, he heard the photon cannon continuing to fire.
"No answer, Captain," came the desperate reply.
Damn it, Noah thought to himself, punching the back of the chair. They were being brutally slaughtered without even asking for surrender.
Another attack shook the hull, this time taking longer until inertial dampers counteracted the turbulence. A plasma transmission line on the bridge broke, causing the technical station to explode. The engineer who was sitting there was ejected and died instantly. His upper body was torn apart and his body fell to the floor. Flames rose from the console where he had been sitting. Smoke filled the bridge and the air purification system had failed. Through the dim lights and smoke of the bridge, the flashing red warning lights appeared almost ghostly.
Noah knew how serious the situation was, even before Ingmar's report. "Shields failed. Fire on decks 10, 14, 22 and 23. Fire extinguishing system failed. Hull damage on deck 18. Communication loss throughout the ship. Warp drive, pulse drive and maneuvering nozzles failed. Unable to navigate. Electrical overload of transmission system .The weapon system failed." Ingmar swallowed, then turned around. "No further reports. Internal sensor failed."
So, this is the end. The next attack would tear them into countless pieces. It can no longer be avoided. They couldn't tell the enemy they were surrendering, although he wasn't sure they would listen. He also has no way to contact his daughter again. He wanted to see her again, or at least hear her voice.
"Ms. Vader, send an emergency signal to Starfleet Headquarters, including our coordinates," he ordered. Despite the dire external situation, the captain was unusually calm.
"This isn't going to work, Captain." She sounded desperate. "The demonic flames have blocked all communications."
In this way, it is doubtful whether anyone would know about the destruction of the Republic. According to all signs, they may be in the territory of Demon Flame. There, it would be nearly impossible for Federation ships to search for them. Most likely, the Republic will become another missing ship whose files will end up in an archive somewhere under the heading "Unclosed Case." Perhaps historians two or three hundred years from now will be able to solve this mystery.
Noah's eyes fell on the flickering screen again. The image is still there, albeit full of noise and distractions. Three demonic flame ships have surrounded the Republic. They are much smaller than Starfleet ships, but also more agile and faster. Their size and arrow-shaped design must have given them exceptional maneuverability, as the Republic almost seemed bulky and sluggish below the atmosphere, although Noah never felt that way. Although these three strange ships are small in size, they are extremely armed. In fact, they are like flying weapons, existing only to destroy.
On Mo Yan's spaceship, "Control your emotions, Jiao Rui" the commander warned. "This ship is easily defeated." He pointed with his clawed finger at the display showing the floating, out-of-control Republic ship. Several flames burned on the shell, fueled by escaping oxygen. "It's nowhere near as dangerous as previously stated. One boat would be enough to catch it."
King Xiqu looked at the scene of his two escort ships angrily. This battle was won too easily. And he had to share this victory with two other commanders. This made him very dissatisfied. Although he was the supreme commander in this mission, if he alone (Magic Flame) defeated this ship that was considered very dangerous by the gods, the honor would be even greater. Maybe he'll get some ships and be appointed fleet commander.
"King Xiqu," a voice interrupted his thoughts.
"What's the matter, Zhulong?" He immediately turned to this person. If Candle Dragon were to speak, it would be on something very important, as the science officer preferred to remain silent. He is too shy and loyal to speak proactively. This is something Xiqu appreciates very much. That leaves one less potential rival for his position.
"Sensors indicate there are over four hundred aliens on that ship. Far more than we previously knew," Candle Dragon reported worriedly. He didn't like surprises like this, it wasn't planned.
Xiqu knew what this meant. In total, they could only accommodate less than two hundred people on board. In this case, it's good that they brought three ships. Otherwise they will gain less. "We may have to leave some creatures on board," he decided. "We will only pick the best and strongest. This will be a unique selection of slaves that we take home." He was excited. This choice would make him rich and famous. The gods will be pleased with him.
"We can tow the ship away," Kakurei suggested.
"Go back to your post, First Weapon Officer Jiao Rui," Xiqu yelled at him. How could this young man advise all the other officials on the bridge? On Demon Yan's ship, this is an absolute taboo. His youth and the fact that the current battle was not yet over allowed him to avoid immediate execution. Because Xiqu still has big plans to realize.
No demon would dare to propose advice to his king. Questioning Wang's decisions will make Wang look incompetent. This amounts to a challenge that can only end with the death of one of the parties. For the king was infallible, otherwise he would not have been appointed captain.
"The ship is not as powerful as we thought, so this technology is not important to us. And towing it away would be a waste of resources. Also, two hundred additional slaves would be the same," he explained said, to prove to the crew that of course he had thought of everything. This way, he can instantly convince anyone who doubts his leadership ability again.
Jiao Rui nodded eagerly, then quickly and silently returned to his post. He realized his mistake. He only survived because his boss was in a good mood, and he wasn't willing to risk it again.
"Convey the news to the other two ships that we have begun boarding," Xiqu ordered proudly.
His orders were carried out. The three ships slowly approached the Republic. A long bridge was stretched out, the front end passed through the Republic's hull, and then sealed together to create a risk-free passage between the two ships. Boarding can begin.
"They broke the shell in three places," Ingmar shouted in panic and fear. "I guess they'll send in landing parties now."
Noah was still standing in front of the command chair. Anger was written all over his face. He would never allow the demonic flames to seize his ship. Never allowed. He would make them pay for this arrogance.
"There are still a few minutes until their troops board the ship," Noah said to himself. He stared angrily at the monitor display showing images of his enemies. They don't know yet what awaits them. And by the time they realized it, it was too late. He couldn't even send some security personnel to stop the intruders because of the communications outage. Therefore, there is only one way to stop the attacker.
Time doesn't seem to want to pass. The minutes became long. At least that's how Noah felt. Then he decided now was the perfect time. "Computer," he said, his voice rising. "Identification. Captain Noah."
"Identification confirmed," the computer replied coldly.
"Self-destruct sequence one, code one, one A." There was no panic on Noah's face.
"confirm."
Noah once again turned his attention to his current lieutenant, Ingmar. Now, he also has to enter the self-destruct command. Although he sometimes rebels against protocols and regulations, he is mature enough as an officer to realize that there is no way out for them. Now, the most important thing is to avoid giving the enemy access to the ship's data and technology.
He swallowed. "Computer, confirmed identity, Lieutenant Commander Ingmar."
"Identification confirmed."
"Self-destruct sequence two, code one, one A, two B." Ingmar's voice was firm, and he was fully aware that this decision was inevitable.
"confirm."
Now, all it takes is another officer's order. Noah looked around the bridge. Hogan and Vader were unsuitable, they didn't have the authority to initiate the self-destruct sequence.
"Mr. Jeffrey," he requested, addressing the Vulcan.
"Computer, confirmed, Lieutenant Jeffrey." It was impossible to tell what Jeffrey was thinking or feeling. The remaining crew members face their impending death with mixed emotions, and it shows in their expressions. However, Jeffrey remained as calm as ever. You could assume he was performing a completely harmless task, like ordering food in a restaurant.
"Identification confirmed."
"Self-destruct sequence three, code one, one A, two B, three C."
"confirm."
The self-destruct sequence is now activated. Now it's Noah's turn to activate the self-destruct program with one final command. Final orders. This would be the last order he would ever give. Noah looked at the screen again. He wanted to know where the demonic flames had arrived on the Republic. Because he hopes to die together with the demonic flames. These three ships will also be affected by the explosion. Noah wanted them not just damaged, but completely destroyed. But that's just hope.
He sighed and took a deep breath. "Code zero, zero, zero. Destruction."
Something happened. Their fate is sealed. But it's not just their ending, it's also the ending of Demon Flame. Although this is only a small consolation, it is at least a small consolation. The question of why he had fallen into this trap came to his mind again, along with the memory of his daughter, whom they had not known for long. Too bad he would never get to know her better.
