A Hero

by Stephen Arseneault

  "I don't think we have a choice, Captain. Until you get a comm from a ship looking to make a pickup, I suggest you focus your energies on surviving. Also, if we get the sustenance we need sorted out, we should then look at what we can do to make the lives of the Togmal in that fort—miserable."

  "What?"

  "They'll be sending out patrols who will be ripe for ambush... sir."

  "This war is over, Gunny. We lost."

  "Just the battle, Captain. So long as we live, we haven't lost the war."

  I counted our supplies and gave the captain his share. We marched for another two days, coming to the ruins of the Togmal structure built atop the town of Bigguns. Several nearby streams provided water and game was plentiful. We trained squads to recognize the edible plants that were available. I was almost shocked at how easily we were able to achieve a sustained survivability after only a few short weeks.

  As I had suggested, we put together ambush parties and made raids on Fort Horvil. The captain, at first reluctant, and incessantly angry, had cooled and accepted my leadership. He was alive and his Marines were alive. Any arguments over who was in command could wait until our rescue.

  That rescue came four months later when a new fleet attacked. They smashed the fort and found our teams. I allowed the captain to take credit for our survival and in return his report omitted my insubordination. I had no interest in laying claim to the term of hero, so I put the entire affair behind me. My people, however, weren't happy with my choice, but respected my request to maintain silence.

  Three months later, an even larger Togmal force attacked the colony of Richland, this time fatally. Togmal ships streamed into our section of the galaxy from who knew where. After Richland's loss, those of Mycene and Dunedin came next. The colonies of Baxter, where I had completed college, the agricultural colony of Reynic, and the transfer station in the Pyrese system, fell one after another.

  Our regiment fought in each battle with high losses. When we fell back, command shoved hundreds of new recruits into our ranks. Each new fight brought chaos, bad decisions, failed equipment, and all ended with a retreat.

  Art and I had kept each other alive, always making a move at the exact right moment that would slip the noose of death from around our necks. It was much the same for all the members of my platoons. They fought with ferocity, and they knew how to stay alive.

  Our fleets were out-gunned and outnumbered. The Togmal were crushing our colonies, and it was looking like there was no way to stop them. The only bright points of the war had been at Merchain, Echelon, and the other corporate-owned and defended colonies. Their private fleets and armies were strong, capable, and well equipped. Our own supplies continued to be lacking and faulty.

  The defense of the Union was teetering on collapse.

  — Chapter 32 —

  * * *

  Demos IV was a densely populated planet with over two billion citizens. I was born and bred there. Denise's parents still lived in the same house. Art's wife and sons called it home too.

  His sons were now in high school and both were eager to join the Marines. With the losses we had suffered, recruitment had fallen to the point where talk of conscription was being pushed around in the political halls of the Union. But just as with the entire war, no one wanted to make the hard decisions.

  We had only pulled back to Demos the week before, coming from Pyrese Station, which the Togmal had overrun. The fleet at Demos was large at ninety warships, but the prior Haven raid had seen Togmal numbers closer to one hundred thirty. That same fleet entered the Demos system before ships could be brought from other, more distant colonies... or from the mega-fleet of over two hundred fifty warships that safeguarded Earth. Again, poor military decisions were being made daily.

  The raid on Demos came on the day of the thirteenth anniversary of the Togmal arrival. Our orphaned regiment had yet to be fully processed. Most of us sat idle in a warehouse, playing cards to pass the time of day. The warehouse lit up red as flashing alerts showed on everyone's comm bracelets at the same time. The Togmal were on their way.

  Art spent ten minutes on a comm to his wife as we assembled. The government had instructed her to shelter in place. Art added—if the Togmal made it to their town, they would have to fight to the death. There would be no surrender. His sons vowed to defeat the enemy all on their own.

  I made a quick comm to Denise's parents. I apologized for not having taken the time to talk to them as I should have. It had been at least three years since I sent a note letting them know I was alive and okay. It was their lives I now worried about. My word to them was like that of Art's—shelter where you were and fight. The Togmal would not be taking any prisoners. But those were words I didn't have to say. As a Marine, Don was ready.

  When the comm closed, I had a sense of foreboding that almost had me in tears. Denise's parents were my last connection to her and Pea. I wasn't prepared to lose them, not to the same beasts who had taken the rest of my family.

  Art placed his hand on my shoulder as the captain of our company spoke. "We all know what we are defending here. Our enemy has now reached our most critical colonies. The coming days may be harder than any you have ever faced. Many of you have families here. For most others... your families are only days away.

  "Here, on Demos, is where we make our stand. We have to hold this planet, Marines. We will hold this planet. I expect us to be receiving our orders within the hour. Until that time, check your packs and equipment. There can be no failures, no mistakes. This is a fight we have to win."

  It was a better speech than most I had heard. It was not as forceful and determined as I would have liked, but I now expected less from the Corps. We had seen over a decade of fighting and the same problems that plagued us in the beginning, continued to plague us on that day.

  A comm came in on my bracelet. It was TC. "Ray. We just got word. I'm so sorry."

  "They haven't actually attacked yet. But I get your meaning. Seems like when this is over and done your corporate colonies may have the only surviving humans."

  "Sheila has done a remarkable job with our protection. Which is why I've commed you. We want you aboard, Ray. There is much fighting yet to come."

  "I couldn't leave now if I wanted to. The Togmal are here. Wait... how is it you are on the comm with me? You're here on Demos?"

  "Preparing to leave for Earth. Big change is coming, Ray. We will soon fight this war in a proper goal-oriented manner. The Union has failed us, and the people of Demos will now pay for that failure."

  "Maybe if your corporations weren't supplying such crappy hardware, TC, things might be different."

  "Don't kid yourself, Ray. The politicians have blown this war. And they know it. We are in negotiations to take things over as we speak. That is confidential, of course. I'm telling you this because I want to bring you aboard now, before they sacrifice you on Demos."

  "Wait... are you trying to tell me the corporations are about to go under contract to take over this war?"

  TC hesitated. "It goes much further. This won't be a contract. The binding agreement turns over full prosecution of this war and gives us the authority to govern the people. We would otherwise not bother as the political meddling would keep us from certain victory."

  "I'm not sure I understand what you are saying."

  "I am saying complete control of the government, Ray. They will hand over the military. All laws, contracts, everything... will be the responsibility of our consortium to manage, until we win this war."

  "That's insane. Why would any politician give you such power?"

  "Look around, Ray. We are losing this war, and in a bad way. That will not change with the current system. We, the corporations, can turn this fight around. We can win this war. But we have to do it our way, Ray, without interference."

  "What if you win?"

  "The agreement says things will revert back to the way they were. We are corporations, Ray, not dictators. Now I can't guarantee that outcome, bu
t I can guarantee I will try to make that happen. We make our living off the people, Ray, not from the people."

  "I'm not sure what that even means."

  "It means we will win this. I can offer you an up-front bonus if you join us now. But only if you choose now."

  "What kind of bonus? A million credits?" I chuckled at the uselessness of the thought.

  TC nodded. "I could arrange that if it sealed the deal. However, I was referring to Denise's parents. I could fly them and everyone else you want out of here today. Before the fighting begins. But you have to decide... here... now."

  It was a twist I wasn't expecting. "What about my people?"

  "You can bring whoever you want. Keep in mind, when we sign this deal, all forces will report to us. If you join me now, you can have whatever position within the organization you want. If you wait until the conversion... I won't have much say. Hold for a moment."

  The display screen split. The image of a smiling Sheila Getz showed on the other side. "Hey, Ray. You joining us?"

  "I just received the offer. This will take some thought."

  "They have it together here, Ray. You will like it. Smart people making smart decisions. We've yet to lose a single fight to the Togmal, and believe me, their attacks have been equal to what you have seen so far. Our people are capable, the equipment is top-notch, and the planning is far more adaptive than reactive. The pay isn't so bad either. I'll be able to retire with a smile when this war is over."

  "I'm happy for you, Sheila. But like I said, I need a little time."

  "The switch is coming fast, Ray. Possibly in the next few days. When that Togmal fleet attacks and the Union fleet gets slaughtered, the politicians will have no choice but to take our offer. To not do so would be the death of billions. As it is, it looks like they will sacrifice Demos as their one final bad mistake. We have a fleet waiting at the ready, but we won't be committing those to use by that government. It would be a waste of lives."

  TC nodded. "What she said, Ray. It is happening now. Come in while I can still put you on my team. If you want to fight, I'll make certain... or Sheila will make certain we accommodate your wishes."

  Sheila added, "Just so you know this is all on the up and up, I'm sending a shuttle to pick up Denise's parents. Whether you come with us or not, you'll know they are safe. Give us an answer soon, Ray. Time is short."

  The split screen reverted to only TC. "Have you decided?"

  "How much time do I have?"

  An annoyed Thomas Goodall glanced at the clock on his comm. "One hour. No more."

  The comm closed.

  Art said, "Sorry to eavesdrop, but I heard most of that. Are they serious about the government?"

  "I have to believe they are. This essentially calls for martial law, but with that consortium of corporations taking control. It's a scary prospect on one hand, but so is the way we've been reacting to the attacks. I think they're right, we have no choice. We're losing this war."

  "I'll support whatever decision you make. Just let me say I don't trust them any more than I do our own slimy politicians. Both sides are about power and control."

  Thirty minutes passed, and then fifty. My deadline to decide was fast approaching. But that deadline was soon meaningless. Our comms went silent at the same instant an alert came down stating a deployment decision had been made. The Togmal had a new weapon. We were suddenly without communications.

  The captain stood in front of our regiment, asking for quiet. "This has to be an anomaly. Command will be back up any minute. Just be calm and... recheck your gear."

  Grumbles rolled through the room.

  I turned to Art. "We need to get out of this warehouse. Bunched up like this we're one fat target."

  Art smirked. "You suggesting a little more insubordination? If so, I'm with you."

  "Have the platoon move over by that exit."

  "Captain's not gonna like that."

  "Captain won't notice. He's occupied. Do it now."

  I made my way over to the company supply officer. "Lieutenant. The warehouse across the way holds our regimental supplies. Am I right?"

  "You are."

  "Can I talk you into following me over there?"

  He raised an eyebrow. "Do I want to know what you're planning? Orders could come in at any moment."

  "Orders aren't coming. The Togmal have jammed our comms. This regiment sitting in one spot, with all our supplies in one spot, makes us prime targets."

  "How would the Togmal even know we are here?"

  "Are you willing to take that chance? Just keep this in mind. If we go and the orders come and the Captain makes a big deal out of this, just say I held a rifle to your back and threatened you. I'll take full responsibility for this action."

  I glanced over at the captain and his other lieutenants. "He won't even notice you're missing, Lieutenant. If I'm right, we have at least a small chance of defending the regiment should an attack come. I believe the attack is coming right now."

  The lieutenant stared at the captain for several seconds before deciding. "I'll follow you out."

  I gave Art a nod to move our platoons out of the building. Once outside, we hurried across the road to the supply warehouse. Our biggest threat would come from the sky, so I commandeered enough skink missiles for each member of our platoons to carry two. I split the platoons into teams of two and had them surround both warehouses. We next looked to the heavens. The lieutenant remained with me.

  "You ever fire one of these?" I asked.

  The lieutenant shook his head. "Only in the simulators."

  I held one up on my shoulder. "It's simple. Press this button for power. Aim. And then press this button to launch. The missile should seek out the target closest to your aim."

  "I think I can handle that."

  "Good. Then take this and set it on your shoulder. Get a feel for it. When any ships show, we will only have seconds to aim and fire."

  A nervous lieutenant did as asked.

  The captain came out of the warehouse with an angered look. "What is going on out here?"

  I replied, "Defense, sir. The Togmal are coming."

  The captain twisted in his spot, ducking and looking up. "What? Where?" Once he realized the threat was not immediate, he turned in my direction. "This is it for you, Gunny!"

  The soft, blue Demos sky showed growing dots of black over his head.

  — Chapter 33 —

  * * *

  The battle for Demos IV was on. The Togmal fleet had broken through. Several dozen Togmal gunships dove toward our location. The lieutenant standing next to me squeezed the trigger on his skink repeatedly. Nothing happened.

  I reached over and pressed the button for his power switch. "Take aim, then squeeze the trigger. But wait for my command."

  The lieutenant was shaking. The Captain remained in the street, looking up.

  I yelled, "Captain! Empty that warehouse and get as many of these missiles ready as you can! The Togmal won't wait for you to decide!"

  The captain yelled at two of his lieutenants who were now standing next to him.

  "Let it fly, sir. It's time."

  The lieutenant’s skink zipped up through the air. With that event, two dozen more climbed after it. The gunships attempted to scatter as they fired relentlessly at the skinks, but their efforts only stopped half of the initial salvo. Fifteen Togmal gunships exploded, their remains falling toward the ground in smoke and flame.

  A quick count showed that eleven were still coming. Our second volley knocked all but one from above us. The other Marines of our regiment came streaming out of the warehouse at the same instant the Togmal gunship delivered its first blows.

  I stood and scrambled back into the supply building, emerging seconds later with a skink on my right shoulder and another in my left hand. The gunship continued unleashing its wrath on the scattering Marines as I powered up the missile and squeezed the trigger. The skink shot from my shoulder, fizzled, and fell into the street.
/>   I growled as I raised the second missile. I took aim and squeezed the trigger, sending the missile away. Seconds later, the flaming hull of the gunship was crashing into the warehouse. The captain emerged from the supply house with two missiles in his hand.

  He turned his look of anger toward the sky. "How did you know, Gunny?"

  "It's the Togmal, sir. They never do what you expect or what you want. If it were me, I'd empty that warehouse, make certain everyone's pack is full, and deploy everyone in a configuration that will give us about a half-kilometer-diameter perimeter."

  The captain went to speak into his dead comm before snarling at it. He waved his lieutenants over and gave verbal orders. I gathered my people, restocked, and hustled out to our position on the perimeter. We spent the next two hours staring at the sky. On the horizon, we saw smoke billowing from the nearest city.

  Art said, "That's Casper. We should be there protecting it."

  I slowly shook my head. "Would take us a day to get there. And by the looks of it, we're already too late. Your family is in Teklan, aren't they?"

  "They are. About a thousand kilometers from here. Maybe we should have taken Goodall's offer?"

  "I was thinking the same thing."

  "Well, on a good note, we haven't seen any more gunships. Maybe our defenses are holding?"

  The captain and a lieutenant pedaled a bicycle up to our location. I wanted to laugh but instead congratulated him on taking the initiative.

  "Gunny, what were the losses in your platoons?"

  "Two, sir."

  "That makes one hundred forty-eight dead. Eighty-nine injured. We lost a sixth of our people."

  "Best we could have done, Captain."

  "You saved our asses back there, Gunny. I won't forget it."

  One of my corporals yelled. "Incoming!"

  We turned our attention south. Six craft were charging in our direction, riding just above the ground. Ten skinks shot into the air at the same instant. Ten missiles detonated before closing on their targets. Seconds later the six craft, unlike any I had seen before, flashed over our heads before turning skyward. All were maneuvering in perfect unison.