Page 55 of Possessed By the Dragon Alien
“Direct hit on the lead dreadnought,” Rien reported. “Heavy damage to their port side.”
Through the viewports, Madrian could see the massive Axis vessel listing as atmosphere vented from ruptured compartments. Its weapons fell silent as secondary explosions rippled along its hull.
One down.
“Second target acquiring our position,” called the weapons officer.
“Evasive maneuvers,” Madrian ordered. “Focus fire on their engines.”
The fortress ship shuddered as it changed course. It was soverylarge, and for its size, it was maneuverable, but certainly not as agile as something smaller. The combined fire from adozen rebel vessels found its mark. The second dreadnought’s drive section erupted in brilliant flame before the ship went dark and began drifting.
Two down.
A cheer went up from the bridge crew, but Madrian narrowed his eyes. A growing unease made his hands tighten on his crossed arms. Around them, the rebel fleet pressed their advantage. The Axis forces seemed stunned by the ferocity of the assault. Their response was sluggish, uncoordinated.
Toouncoordinated.
Madrian studied the enemy formations on his display. Something was wrong. The Axis had trained him in tactical doctrine. He knew how they should be responding to this kind of attack. Concentrated fire. Overlapping defensive patterns. Immediate calls for reinforcement.
Instead, their ships were scattered. Their fire was unfocused. It was almost as if—
“They’re letting us win,” he said quietly.
“What?” Ellion’s head snapped toward his. “You’re sure?”
“Look at their positioning.” Madrian gestured to the 3-D display before them. “The destroyer screen should have closed ranks after we broke through. The remaining dreadnoughts should be coordinating their fire. They’re fighting like cadets, not veterans.”
“He’s right,” Stavian said. “This is not Axis protocol.”
“We’re destroying their ships,” Takkian said, glancing up from his weapons console. “Why would they sacrifice entire crews and ships?”
“The Axis have never had difficulty slaughtering their own if it increased the odds of victory,” Madrian said. Memories of Axis ploys rolled through his mind. “It’s not a common tactic, but they know I’m here. They know thatIknow all their procedures.”
Ellion’s hand tightened on the armrests of his chair. “What do you suggest?”
“Wait,” Madrian said, but he was talking to himself. He watched as more Axis ships took damage and fell back. The retreat looked genuine, but something about the timing felt rehearsed. Like actors following a script rather than soldiers fighting for their lives.
“Rien,” he called. “Long-range scans. Are there any other Axis fleets in the system?”
She bent over her instruments. Her pale features creased with concentration. “Checking now. I’m reading… Wait.” Her expression shifted. “There are massive energy signatures beyond the gas giant. Multiple ships, but they’re running silent.”
Ice formed in Madrian’s veins. “How many?”
“Dozens. Maybe more. They’re using the planet’s magnetic field to mask their presence.”
The trap was elegant. Let the rebels think they were winning. Draw them in close to the planet. Then spring the real fleet when it was too late to retreat.
“They know,” he said.
“Knowwhat,exactly?” Razion asked. “Part of the plan, or thewholeplan?”
“I suspect they have guessed the whole plan.” Madrian turned from the viewport. “They’re herding us exactly where they want us.”
As if summoned by his words, new contacts began appearing on the sensor displays. Not the scattered defensive force they’d been dealing with up to now, but a coordinated battle fleet that had been waiting in ambush.
“All ships,” Ellion broadcast on the command channel. “This is a trap. Repeat, this is a trap. The Axis has been—”
The communication array exploded in sparks as an energy blast found its mark. Emergency lighting bathed the bridge in red as damage reports flooded in from across the ship.
