Trojan War Chapter 35

 

35.

The victory of Achilles was well received by King Menelaus at the hall at Archaeon. He was reported by Agamemnon.

“My king, the Frontier is crumbling and our combined fleet had routed them from their hideouts.” Agamemnon roared out. “Achilles' new ally gave us the needed boost to secure this victory.”

“Now we move onto the inner worlds of Troy. We will hurt them where the Trojans lived.” Agamemnon looked at the gathered.

“We will form three task forces to hit Troy,” Agamemnon called out. “I will lead the First Task; the Archaeon fleet of ten motherships, and twenty-five destroyers, fifty frigates, and a thousand stealth fighters.”

“The Second task force will be under Achilles with the Argos, Babylon, and the Macedonian. That is nine motherships, twenty destroyers, and forty frigates with over four thousand stealth fighters. The destruction of the Macedonian and the Argos frigates are highly regrettable to all of us.”

“The Third Task will be under Odysseus with the Dardanes, Cretan, Phoenicia, Carthaginian, Parthians, and Barbicans. That fleet is twelve motherships, eight destroyers, sixty frigates, and five thousand stealth fighters. They will be assisted by the Telamon fleet.

The fleet of Telamon under the command of the sons of Telamon, Ajax the Great, and Ajax the Lesser. The fleet held twelve frigates; small in number but each of the frigates held an arsenal of weapon that can destroy the destroyer or the mothership. The Ajax frigates were built for speed and stealth.

“We are …” Agamemnon was interrupted by another Macedonian leader.

“Ajax the Great is a Trojan by birth and how could he be trusted?”

“Ajax is by birth but raised by us. He had sworn loyalty to us. He will not renegade on that as his oath is also mine.” Odysseus replied. 

“Why are we left out in the leadership? I thought we were allies and should there not be some of us to lead?” The one that spoke was named Diomedes; a younger leader of the Archaeon. His rebuke was soon supported by the others, not of Archaeon.

“Diomedes… I am impressed that you had that concern, if I may say was a concern.” Achilles steps forth to reply to the younger. “I can see a brother of mine in arm, you still held the weapon once gifted to you by Hephaestus for the bravery you displayed when we last duel.”

“An unworthy gift compared to you golden armor,” Diomedes replied. He held the cuirass and shield made by God with the crest of the boar on the front.

“Nevertheless, an equal in strength.” Achilles looked at Diomedes. “The leadership of the Archaeon on the task force was due to the call by our King. It’s our pride that will be called on if we lose. Will you share it with me on my task force?”

“I will.” It was how Diomedes came to the aid of Achilles.

“I will join you, Odysseus.” It was another leader of Archaeon who called out. Odysseus looked to the one who volunteered and then declined.

“Palamedes, you will stay with Agamemnon. My command is adequate.” It was a blunt refusal by Odysseus who was still upset with Palamedes to place his son then in danger.

“It’s agreed then.” Agamemnon had cut in to avoid any more disputes. He had seen Palamedes walked out of the Hall in anger. He appreciated that Palamedes was his aide but the latter was at times impulsive and brash.

“We take on Troy Three to Five first,” Agamemnon called out. He was later met by Achilles to speak in private.

“Agamemnon, on Troy Five is one named Chryseis, who is from the noble family of Troy. She is also the intern of Apollo.” Achilles said.

“And what is your concern for Chryseis?” Agamemnon asked of the other.

“Chryseis is a friend. Do not harm her.” Achilles asked.

“I will do what I can.” Agamemnon then walked off.

At that moment, Hector was reviewing the Trojan’s defenses. The five inner worlds were swamped by the Outposts survivals and of late, the Frontier. Most of the latter were scattered to the far-flung moons or planets but a sizeable have reached Troy for refuge.

“The core defense is ready at Troy One to Three but Four and Five are not. We do not have enough metals to distribute there. At best, Troy Three has partial strength.” Hector reported to King Priam.

“I am moving half the fleet with two Mothership, five destroyers, and ten frigates to cover those two worlds and a thousand stealth fighters,” Hector added on.

“So we are down to two Mothership, no destroyers, and  four frigates here without the Chariots..” King Priam gave out his thoughts. “And why leave three thousand stealth fighters here? And where are my Chariots?”

“The stealth fighters can be launched from the surface. We have designed gates in the shields to allow them to fly through. The stealth fighters can take down the frigates, and we have some surprises for them too.” Hector replied.

“As for Chariots, I have given them new tasks.” The King Chariots are a six destroyer fleet which was the latest in the design of the Trojan’s army. ”They hold the new metal in their hull. Polydorus will be my hidden ace.”

“I hoped you are right. Any considerations from the Gods or Goddess of the Olympians?” King Priam asked.

“I am still working on it,” Hector replied. He had not made the needed advantage there with his plea to Ares rejected, Hephaestus not replying and he was trying the others.

“Do you need my assistance?” King Priam asked.

“No, I am fine.” Hector did not hide his emotion. “I will get them to assist. Right now, I will battle the war as planned.”

Nothing is ever planned.