As the Exec relayed these orders and the gunnery shields were rolled
back, along with the steel plates that covered the huge battle room
'window,' those in the large, arcing chamber were given their first
direct view of the battle among the stars. The massive Bel-Swiss
carrier, of German States construction, loomed long and gray at its
distance, fighters and missile ships hovering below it, but made no
attempt to come closer, within the range of their guns. It had been
brought forward without adequate support. Far to the right their own
battle cruiser could be seen moving into place, along with the
stationary first destroyer group and robot-repulse ships, all perfectly
positioned. And they knew also that their own carrier, every measure
the equal of the enemy's, was not far off, ready to be brought into
play at a moment's notice.
The twenty-odd officers and staff within the battle room, to that point
largely somber and dutiful, trying to suppress anxiety and inner doubt,
seemed to come suddenly to life. They attended their posts with
greater enthusiasm, and unconsciously began to speak louder and faster,
through the headsets and to each other. For the real fighting had
begun; it was no longer left to dark imagining. They were doing it,
with the clear and early advantage going to their own forces. Their
commanding officer, a staid veteran who had been here before, grew in
their eyes to something almost more than human, while the enemy's
commanders had begun to show signs of impatience and inexperience. The
oncoming fleet, which before had loomed so ominous, became mere ships
once more, made of the same metal, and no greater than their own.
Dubcek seemed to sense this, and though he did not want to lower their
confidence in him---this confidence, and the increased efficiency it
brought, were a major reason for all that he did---he knew it was far
too soon to be jubilant. Before giving his next order, he spoke to
them directly.
"Communications. Give me an open channel to all vessels." In a louder
voice. "I want the rest of you to listen to this also." The channel
was opened, and his voice subtly amplified within the chamber.
"This is your commander speaking. Do not be premature in your
enthusiasm. Our enemy has overextended himself and diminished his
force without apparent gain, but that is all. While his actions may
seem foolish, we do not know all the reasons they were taken. I have
learned in my many years that things are not always as they first
appear. If you believe everything you see, or must see confirmation of
all you believe is happening, you will be misled. I have faith in your
courage and your judgment. We still have a long way to go." Without
further speech he moved away and stood by Brunner's tactical projection
globe. The room became quieter, the faces more serious.
"Your observations, lieutenant."
"May I ask a question first?"
"Ask it."
"Do you suspect he has reinforcements coming? If not, I see no logical
pattern to his later development. Why did he not move straight ahead
with his robot batteries, try to weaken our forward wall?"
"War is seldom logical, Brunner, but it is a valid point. As for
reinforcements, I wish I knew. I don't see how; but I must remember it
is possible."