Lightning War
by Duncan Long
Lightning War: Strategic attack loosely based on the concept of the Blitzkrieg of the
20th Century (previous era), employing massive, automated initial bombardment of a
planet's defenses followed by the deployment of mobile combat forces. The speed
and surprise of the attack generally prevents enemies of the United Federation from
implementing a coherent defense.

Encyclopedia Militaria, 18th Edition, 2.016.826.



C    ommander Teresa Werek sat at the helm in the shadowy bridge, studying the subspace
surveillance photos that had been relayed to her. "Zoom in on 35/150," she ordered the
computer. The photo expanded, floating in front of her. She studied it with detachment, and
then slowly slide-showed the pictures in the collection, letting each horrific scene etch itself
into her mind. "Relay copies to AI Command, noting that we intercepted the pictures from an
alien data stream."

The computer whispered in her mind: Tell Artificial Intelligence Command we intercepted
them?

"Do as I order. And confirm receipt of data."

A moment later: Photos received by command.

"Good. Prepare for our assault."

Preparing.

While technically the planned military action was an "assault," for all intents and purposes it
was more akin to the proverbial shooting of fish in a barrel. Or even fish in a bucket - with
grenades instead of guns. Presently Commander Werek comprised the only breathing
component in the operation that included fifty automated battleships. As her instructor at
the academy had put it, "The AIs need a human in charge so they'll have someone to blame if
the machines screw up." She and the other cadets hadn't laughed - they'd known there was
truth to his statement.

Now Werek was determined there'd be no screw-ups on her command. And with the photos
of the half-eaten colonists still haunting her memory, she knew she could justify any actions
she took to the citizens of the United Federation.

Three minutes until sub-light deceleration, the computer announced. We await your orders.

"Lightning war, full scorch. Fire on my command."

Please confirm order: Lightning, full scorch, fire on command.

"Confirmed."

The deck of the battleship rumbled as it maneuvered for the sub-light transfer; the
high-pitched mosquito hum of weapons bays added their martial counterpoint.

"Full monitor."

The display screens flickered to life, bathing the commander in the glare of a reddish sun. At
the same instant the fleet fell from hyper speed, dissipating energy that generated a rainbow
of light that washed over the planet. For a moment Werek studied the blue and green globe
lush with life.

"Fire at will."

For only six seconds, the cannons flashed, their barrels glowing cherry red. Precise power
beams slashed like azure lightning through the atmosphere below.