by Jan Domagala
The med patch he’d applied to his shoulder wound had worked well. The bleeding had stopped as the nanobots worked to regenerate new tissue. His shoulder would be as good as new with nothing to show for the wound other than another scar within a few days and, more importantly, the pain had ceased which meant he wouldn’t be hindered by it when he reached Hawk.
When he was half way to where he’d left Hawk he tried to contact the Rover5s guarding him. When he couldn’t get through to them he knew that Hawk had escaped yet again. The man was proving far more resourceful than he thought possible.
Rygar sprinted down the corridor towards the elevator. Frustrated at how slowly the elevator moved, he barely contained his rage. When the doors opened he saw the two dead clones and he released a bellow of pure animal rage.
Where was Hawk? Where was the illusive agent who persisted in frustrating him by surviving? It was a few seconds before he could bring himself back under control, so that his thought processes would function to figure out where the man had gone.
He was the hero, right? So he would attempt to rescue the heroine and in this case that meant Tanya Wilde. Having worked that out he knew what to do.
* * * * *
Hawk was in the elevator on his way to stop Wilde when his ear bug was activated.
“Matt, I’m in command of the reinforcements from Fort Bragg. We’re approaching Docking Bay Three in two C230s,” De Boer said, his voice crystal clear in Hawk’s ear.
“Tread carefully, Colonel, I’m sure Wilde knows you’re coming and he’ll send whatever troops he has left to try and prevent you getting aboard while he makes his escape,” Hawk replied.
“He’s going nowhere, the engines are offline,” De Boer said triumphantly, misunderstanding Hawk’s words.
“No, Colonel, that’s not what I meant. He’s got a shuttle prepped in Docking Bay Four, it’s fitted with a short-range hyperdrive and he’s taking his daughter and the General with him. I’m on my way to stop him as we speak,” Hawk explained.
“Docking Bay Four is on the other side of the ship, we may not get to you in time,” observed the Colonel with some trepidation.
“Don’t worry about me, you just see if you can gain control of the Nemesis and if not, just hold those damn clones off me for as long as you can. I’ll handle Wilde and get the General to safety, somehow,” Hawk said with determination.
“Make it fast then Matt, the captains of the cruisers are under orders to destroy the Nemesis in less than half an hour unless they hear from me, you or the General,” De Boer said. He went on to tell him the rest of his plan, finally finishing by wishing him luck and informing him he would try to get to him as quickly as he could.
“Half an hour doesn’t give any of us much time but I’ll do my best, sir,” Hawk replied, feeling the pressure to succeed as a burden on his shoulders.
“Hey, if this was easy, anyone could do it, right?” quipped De Boer, hoping to ease some of the tension without diluting the importance of the mission.
“Yes, Colonel, this isn’t just a job, it’s an adventure,” Hawk replied.
“True, very true. Listen, if we all get out of this alive then the first round of drinks is on me, okay?”
“That, Colonel, I’ll hold you to.”
“De Boer out.”
As the elevator doors opened in front of him he hoped he would have enough time to complete the task before him. One thing he knew for certain, he would not leave this ship without either the General or Tanya and he would do whatever was needed to ensure they got off safely, even if it meant his own life was forfeit. As his thoughts passed over the General and lingered on Tanya he hoped it would not come to that as he realised that he would very much like to spend some time getting to know her properly.
* * * * *
“There you are,” Rygar said, as he saw the blips on his palm pad signifying the position of Tanya Wilde. He had reasoned that the computer would be able to track the particular NI that had the codes, which had allowed access through the ship’s shields. After asking the question as to the location of said NI the answer was relayed to his palm pad.
“So Jonas, if you have a way off this ship, I just may hitch a ride with you, or better yet, take it from you,” he said as he put away the palm pad. He knew where Wilde was heading, he also knew Hawk would go there too, so if he timed it right he could arrive in time to mop up and then escape. That is, if the ship held together long enough, he thought, as another explosion rocked the massive carrier sending a shudder through it that was felt throughout the entire craft.
* * * * *
As the two troop carriers entered Docking Bay Three, Colonel De Boer instructed each pilot to disengage the automatic docking protocols and remain on manual entry. The tactic served them well for it meant they kept control of the craft and were not secured on a pad, making a stationary target for the defending troops who had appeared on the uppermost balcony.
The clones opened fire with Remm Mk III assault rifles sending down a storm of pulsed plasma at the two craft.
“Take them out,” ordered De Boer, and the pilots brought the two craft up level with the balcony and fired their forward pulse cannons at the clones.
Hovering back-to-back and firing forward as they rotated around in a full three hundred and sixty degree circle, the C230s sent out a hailstorm of pure death.
The clones continued to fire in a valiant yet vain attempt to protect the ship from invasion and, as he watched them being cut to pieces in the wholesale slaughter, De Boer couldn’t help but think what a waste of life it was and that they should give it for such an unworthy cause. On the other hand, was this loyalty, this ability to blindly follow orders, programmed into them at a genetic level? De Boer supposed that was a question that probably would never get answered.
Within five minutes of them entering the Docking Bay all resistance had been quelled and the two C230s were able to land.
As the troop carriers were preparing to release their cargo of Recon Delta marines, De Boer asked the pilot of his craft to scan for life signs within the Docking Bay.
The other C230 began to unload her cargo when the pilot replied, “Sir, I’m showing a large group approaching the Bay area, almost like they’re waiting for something.”
“Get those marines back inside the C230,” De Boer shouted to the pilot of the other troop carrier. His call was too late as the few marines who had already debarked were cut down where they stood by pulsed plasma fire from the balcony above.
The clones had sacrificed some of their number to make the marines believe the defences had been defeated. It was a trap and they had almost fallen right into it.
De Boer had the pilot take off once more and ascend towards the balcony. This time, both forward and aft, pulse cannons were fired along with a few Hammerhead missiles to reinforce the point.
Under this devastating covering fire, the other C230 let loose her cargo of marines who were able to work their way up to the upper balcony and complete the mopping up exercise.
This time they were positive all the defending troops were accounted for and, if they had time to count up all the body parts and collate the results, they would learn that ninety-eight clones died in the action with an added loss of eight Recon Delta marines with three wounded.
De Boer was satisfied that their foothold was secure and they could proceed with the second phase of their operation.
Total time elapsed, twelve minutes.
25
Wilde smiled as the entrance to Docking Bay Four loomed ahead of them for he knew escape was just a few short steps away.
“Not far now, General, and we’ll soon be safe. Well, I will, you, I’m afraid, well you’ll be safe too, as long as you co- operate,” Wilde said with a smug smile playing across his thin lips.
“We both know that’s not going to happen Jonas, so why fool ourselves?” Sinclair replied defiantly.
“I was so hoping you’d take that position, it will make the knowledge I
take from you that much sweeter than if you just gave it up. In the end you will tell me everything I want to know, it’s inevitable. So please, resist all you want, all you can, I implore you; it will make the entire experience so much more enjoyable, for me at least. I’m sure you won’t enjoy it at all,” Wilde agreed with obvious pleasure.
Tanya looked at Sinclair, put a hand on his arm to make him pause and said, “Don’t bother saying anything, General, he’s not worth the trouble,” then gave her father a look of such contempt it actually stopped him in his tracks.
“Oh Tanya, my dear, I had no idea you felt that way. Well, no matter, this will soon be over and…” Wilde said.
Tanya cut him off by saying, “And what, I’ll be dead so you’ll make yourself a new daughter, one who approves of everything you do and questions nothing, is that it Dad?”
“What an interesting idea.”
“And what would this new Tanya call you, Dad or God?”
Wilde looked at her, studying her almost as if he was seeing her for the first time. Slowly a smile crossed his thin lips and he said, “Very good, I like that, it shows a depth I’ve not seen before. I must make sure I keep that in the new you, it’ll make for some interesting conversations over dinner.”
“You’re quite mad you know Jonas and this can only end badly for you,” Sinclair said.
“Am I, General? That may be one opinion, history may record another,” Wilde countered confidently.
“You know what they say about history Jonas, that it’s written by the victors and this isn’t over yet,” Sinclair said.
“We’ll see, General, we’ll see. Now move, our chariot awaits,” Wilde said ending any further conversation.
As they approached Docking Bay Four Sinclair hoped that Hawk would make his move soon for time was running out for them all.
* * * * *
The corridor leading to Docking Bay Four was curved. As Wilde and his two hostages reached it Tanis Rygar appeared from another direction.
“Hold it right there, Wilde, you’re not going anywhere without me,” Rygar shouted, his voice booming in the confines of the corridor.
“Ah Tanis, you figured out my little plan then. You’re smarter than I gave you credit for,” Wilde replied, surprised to see the ex Black Knight.
“Tanis Rygar, I read your file when you were with the Black Knights, quite impressive. Tell me, what made you leave the Alliance, was it purely the lure of financial gain?” Sinclair said as he recognised the name.
“I really must get those files updated you know. Did you know we didn’t have an image of you on file, anywhere? I must commend you sir on being so illusive,” he added, hoping that Hawk was still listening in.
“Thank you General Sinclair, you on the other hand are in various files with many images available,” Rygar replied.
“The price of fame my boy,” Sinclair said with a mock bow.
Rygar drew his Sig so quickly he startled Wilde.
“Okay Jonas, before you get any ideas, I’m coming along too,” Rygar said as he aimed the pistol at Wilde.
“No need to get aggressive Tanis, your appearance here is fortuitous for both of us. You can help with piloting the transport while I ensure the General here tries nothing foolish to prevent our escape,” Wilde said in agreement.
* * * * *
Matt Hawk had been just a few steps behind Wilde when Rygar confronted him. He had to drop back and hide around the curve in the corridor so he wasn’t seen while he listened in to what was being said.
As the group entered the docking bay Hawk came out of hiding and ran to catch up with them. With his gun drawn he arrived at the door seconds after it closed. Timing was of the essence here and he had to get things just right if he wanted to catch them unawares. He needed to catch them when they least expected it otherwise his plan would not succeed. The odds against him had just doubled so he had to be careful.
Waiting for ten seconds he opened the door and entered.
This bay was the same as the other three with one exception, there was a craft on the pad ready for take off.
Wilde, the man he now knew as Tanis Rygar, General Sinclair and Tanya were half way to the sleek transport as Hawk entered, the sound of the doors alerting them.
Rygar was the first to turn around, he spotted Hawk and his mouth formed a satisfied grin.
“I was beginning to wonder when you would show up,” he said as he brought his Sig around to aim at Hawk.
Before he could fire Sinclair rammed into him in a shoulder charge that bundled him over, his shot going wild and impacting several feet above the door.
Hawk returned fire but not at Rygar, instead he fired at Wilde. Caught off guard, the supreme commander of OMEGA shifted his aim from Sinclair for just a second and that movement saved his life, for Hawk’s shot missed his head by a mere fraction. Wilde flinched as he felt the searing heat from the pulsed plasma bolt scorch his forehead as it passed him.
Quickly regaining his composure Wilde got off a shot that went wide of the target then, as panic took hold, he turned and ran for the sleek transport, his one thought that of escape.
Rygar got to his feet, looked at Sinclair who gave him a wink, then, as Wilde fired at Hawk, he turned to look at him. When Wilde moved, Sinclair went after him.
“I’ll get Jonas, you take care of him,” Sinclair said as he pointed at Rygar.
The ex Black Knight smiled as he watched the General leave and he turned to look at Hawk who stared back at him with those ice cold eyes.
“It’ll be my pleasure,” Hawk said.
“Just you and me then, hero. Exactly as it should be,” Rygar said as he squared his shoulders in preparation for the meeting he knew must come.
Tanya Wilde stood to the side not knowing what to do or where to go, except that she must watch and hope that Hawk could win the fight.
Rygar came forward with his Sig still in his hand staring hard at Hawk with a sadistic smile on his face. Whatever happened after this, whether he escaped, was left behind by Wilde or captured by the Recon Delta marines, one thing was certain, he would enjoy the next few minutes.
Hawk tried to size his opponent up. He looked strong with good musculature and his gait was evenly balanced which usually signified good coordination. With him coming from a military background, specifically the Black Knights, the Alliance’s version of Recon Delta, it meant his training would have been comparable to Hawk’s own, so his close quarter combat skills should not be taken lightly, and he still held his Sig.
He had a feeling though that Rygar would want to test himself. He’d called Hawk the hero and considered himself therefore to be the bad guy, so he would want this to end in a classic confrontation between them, man to man.
Holding the Sig loosely out to his side Rygar said, “We don’t need these, you and I, not for this,” then he tossed the pistol to the floor and came at Hawk.
“Thought you’d never ask,” Hawk replied and he braced himself for the onslaught.
* * * * *
“Still trying to get away, Jonas?” Sinclair shouted after Wilde as he chased him on board the transport.
Wilde turned around and saw Sinclair come running onto the vehicle. They were in a corridor that ran almost the length of the craft with doors leading off to various compartments. It led forward to the flight deck where the pilot would fly the craft.
“Well, again General, so glad you could make it,” Wilde said as he brought his pistol up. In that split second Sinclair realised he had forgotten to arm himself, which meant there was only one thing left for him to do.
Hoping he was close enough, and that the surprise would be enough for Wilde not to shoot him in mid-air, he dived full length at him.
* * * * *
Rygar threw several punches in rapid succession at Hawk, which he managed to either block on his forearms or dodge out of the way of.
A left hook caught Hawk squarely on his bruised ribs forcing him to drop his guard as he winced from th
e pain. Rygar saw the opportunity and delivered a thunderous right cross straight onto Hawk’s jaw snapping his head viciously sideways which he followed up with a left roundhouse kick again to his injured ribs. Hawk almost doubled over from the pain as he took a step backwards and Rygar went into a spinning back kick, which crashed against the side of Hawk’s head sending him sprawling to the floor.
Rygar looked at him with contempt and with a sneer said, “Thought you Recon Deltas were supposed to be tough!”
* * * * *
Sinclair landed on Wilde and they both went crashing to the deck. The breath was knocked out of the General and as the two of them lay on the floor momentarily dazed from the impact he forced himself to his knees.
A quick glance at Wilde told him that he too was suffering from the impact and was trying to gather his senses but, more importantly, he still had hold of the Sig.
Hurling himself across the floor he landed on top of Wilde, frantically trying to grasp the hand holding the pistol.
Grabbing the wrist with his left hand he chopped at it with his right sending the Sig spinning across the deck.
Wilde punched Sinclair in the face splitting his lip and was then able to pull himself from under him and scramble to his feet.
Shaking the cobwebs free from his mind Sinclair got to his feet a second later. As they stood facing each other, Wilde asked, “Don’t you think we’re a bit too old for all of this?”
“Speak for yourself, Jonas, there’s still plenty of fight left in me yet,” Sinclair replied and he spat out a wad of blood-soaked spittle at Wilde’s right shoe. As he looked down at it, Sinclair punched him squarely on the face with a straight right that rocked him back on his heels to such an extent that he landed on his back.
