Free Worth Fighting For (Little Blue Book 1) by Tigertalez

destinations. Explosions could be heard thundering outside of the ship, the vibrations causing sparks from various places on the walls and ceiling. As soon as the doors to the bridge opened, he shouted at the crew as he made his way to his chair.
    “Horo, report!”
    The crewmember on duty hastily leaped up out of the captain’s chair. “Oblivion ships detected. They’re attacking the planet. I’ve already sent orders for the flyers to prep the talons for launch.”
    Tasid glanced over the floating holo-screens as he took his seat. Horo stood on one side as Errim took his own seat on the other.
    “Sharrow, target the main ship. Don’t hold anything back, and launch the talons.”
    Sharrow didn’t hesitate following his orders. Tasid continued to bark out orders, and even though he knew some of them were a shock to his crew, he was proud not one hesitated. More explosions battled against their force-shield causing power-surges, shaking them in their seats. At one point, Tasid’s holo-screens flickered. He held his breath for a moment, ready to make the call to go manual, but the screens stabilized.
    On the main screen, Tasid watched the enemy’s leading ship explode. The concussion and debris took out two of its own smaller ships, and streaks of fire and smoke rained down onto the planet.
    The Sunderic Stardust ’s fighter ships flew through the floating wreckage, chasing and firing at the remaining Oblivion fighters.
    “I don’t want any Oblivion survivors,” Tasid ordered to his flyers. The final enemy fighters exploded as the talons targeted them. The space above the planet was quiet once again, but Tasid knew the fallout from this was going to make for a very long day.
    Tasid’s fingers flew over the holo-screen, sending orders and bringing up reports from around the ship. He called out to his communications officer. “Burren, contact my father.” Tasid saw Burren’s feathered brows rise, but he remained silent, not questioning Tasid on his use of words. He realized he had been calling his father, well, “Father”, more and more instead of by his title, but since the discovery of Little Blue, he and his father had become more civil to each other. It had been quite refreshing. “After we connect, contact someone on the planet and explain to them about the attack, and inform them we have neutralized it.”
    Tasid turned to face Horo. “What happened?”
    “I’ve been scanning all atmosphere anomalies. All of us can see how vulnerable Little Blue is to attack, even from themselves. Most things detected are the planet’s aircraft and weather disturbances, but I picked up a slight anomaly in the atmosphere, so I didn’t hesitate to scan it like I have the dozens of others, but the information indicated a veiled ship. I sent a warning shot just in case it was something the humans had but were keeping secret. The veil dropped, and once I saw it was an Oblivion ship, I took action.”
    Burren slightly turned. “Sir, Ambassador Jurresh is answering.”
    “Thank you, Burren. Excellent job, Horo,” Tasid said as he brought up a holo-screen, “I’ll note your exceptional diligence in your file.” He quickly dismissed the male and hit the button to connect the call. His father’s grim face filled the screen.
    “Tasid, what news do you have?”
    “We have just battled with Oblivion ships.”
    Jurresh let out a string of curses. “Did any escape?”
    “As far as we can tell, all of the Oblivion ships, and their fighters, have been destroyed.” Tasid paused briefly, not proud of his next admission. “I also had the main destroyed.”
    Jurresh solemnly acknowledged the admission. “I know we don’t usually destroy their main ships on account they may have innocent slaves on board, but the protection of the humans has to be our priority. You did the right thing. I am not entirely surprised by this attack. Word has leaked out about their compatibility. This will send a warning to all of our enemies