Escalation of Hostility Part 2

The Phaelen Imperial Senate had deliberated over what was to be done.  They knew their agent was captured by the humans and they knew the humans were hostile.  On the one hand they didn't want an interplanetary issue to escalate, but it was also deemed absolutely necessary to make it clear to the humans that such actions against the Phaelen people was an affront that could not be ignored.  A heavy hand needed to be dealt to them.

It was thus with a heavy sense of duty to their own kind and to the interests of future generations of Phaelen that they do not appear weak.  The Second Imperial Fleet was dispatched.  The mission was to secure the release of their agent at all cost.  Backing down for any reason was not an option.

Intended as a show of force, and the measures the Phaelen were ready to take to ensure that their interests were deemed of high importance, the fleet consisted of two Capital ships with fifteen midsized vessels.  Scans were made of the entire system to determine unit strengths, weaknesses in defenses and the population of Landau itself.  Vessels and units, military or otherwise were logged into the targeting computer.  No detail was left to chance.  If a fight was what they would have then they intended to exact bloody retribution for the attempt.  After all, it was the Phaelen way.

As before the communications computer came to life with the initial, and expected, warning from the commander of the human defense fleet - a mere hand full of midsized vessels.  "This is Captain Nogutu of the of the Arn Consortium.  I don't recall ordering pizza, let alone the entire Phaelen Second Fleet.  I do suggest turning your ugly faces around and head back the way you came.  Otherwise, I'll have to punch a few holes in your hull to make my point crystal clear."

The reply was just as demanding.  "Because designations have special meanings to your kind you may refer to me as Praetor Gaerius.  We will leave once you have returned the one of our kind you hold hostage and not before."

"You seem to be under the mistaken impression that we have a Phaelen in our custody.  We don't.  This is your last warning, leave immediately."

No return message was sent to the captain.  The last thing on his mind was a piece of bulkhead as the Phaelen flagship Vaentor and it's sister vessel Torvaek opened fire and tore through the weak shields of the human flagship and ripped the bridge open.  The rest of the Second Fleet went into action, however brief it was.

 The human vessels were cut apart in short order.  They were no match.

The last human defense frigate turned and tried to run but was peppered with high velocity missiles, crippled and then destroyed.

Destroying Landau's defense fleet was not enough.  In true Phaelen fashion the main trade depot was also brought under attack.

Praetor Gaerius opened a channel to Landau.  "This is our first warning.  Turn over the hostage."

As if to punctuate the seriousness of their demands the trade station erupted, with pieces flying in all directions.

A shaky human voice came over the communications computer seconds after.  "What are you doing!?  There were innocent civilians on board that station!"

"Yes.  I believe there would have been."  The fleet had moved within the orbit of Landau and waited.

"Damn you! You spy on us, invade our space and kill our people!  I will see to it personally that your agent be executed for crimes of espionage!"

"Is that so?  I will make you a deal, as you humans are so fond of saying.  Every time my demand to return our agent to us, unharmed, is answered in a manner I don't like I destroy one of your major cities.  Now, in case your kind is too stupid to understand just how serious I am..."

A city with a population just over three million was obliterated when a pair of massive beams slammed into it.  There was a long pause.

"You're insane... there were... millions... your agent was spying.  Surely you understand that you are clearly in the wrong here!?"

"He was a cultural observer!  And I didn't like that answer..."

Another city was replaced with a huge scorch mark, a testament to the Phaelen's sincerity and lack of mercy.

"Okay!  Okay... he will be returned right away.  Please... just do not kill any more innocents."

"You have five of your minutes."

The agent had been returned with a minute to spare.  There were no delusions about the entire situation.  The Phaelen knew the humans would retaliate.  Where, when and how were yet to be determined.  The important aspect was that they made the humans aware that the Phaelen Empire was far from weak willed.

[to be continued in part 3]