by Jan Domagala
Sinclair thought for a few seconds then said, “I think if we go in all guns blazing we’ll just turn this into a blood bath. I’m going to contact the Alliance immediately to put them in the picture. In the meantime I want Colonel De Boer to organise a rescue mission for our people down on the planet’s surface.”
At that moment, Captain Biggs voice came through a com channel to all three occupants of the ready room. “Gentlemen, we’ve arrived,” he said.
36
Alexei Janovic piloted the large starship expertly using every evasive tactic he’d learned in his career at the same time using sensors to try and locate Prince Aswan, the man they’d come to rescue.
Mikal Danovic manned the weapons console to counter attack the two smaller, more manoeuvrable attack craft that kept buzzing around them like angry flies, no, more like angry wasps because these craft had surprisingly large stingers.
Jared Saladar watched the action unfold and issued commands where and when he saw fit. His crew knew what to do from years of experience gained in the military of the Elysium Alliance and also the years of freelance action they had faced together as a team. They all knew what to do so he allowed them room to do their jobs never interfering only advising or assisting if he saw something that they missed.
At the moment they were fighting a holding action, where they were on the defensive, not really taking an offensive posture which they all knew they could not sustain.
“Jared, we need to do something,” Danovic said as he targeted one of the attack craft with the pulse cannons once more and fired another salvo. “Why are we holding back, they’re trying to kill us?” he added, his voice rising slightly in frustration.
“I know, strange don’t you think? They should be trying to board us so they can commandeer our ship, something else that doesn’t quite fit. Alexei, have you located the Prince yet?” Saladar replied calmly.
“Not yet boss, wait, there’s another attack craft leaving the planet’s surface in a hurry, the Prince is on board,” Janovic replied.
“Who’s with him, any of his entourage or the other passengers?” Saladar asked.
“No sir, I’m reading just unidentified bio signs, several but none from the data base provided. I think they’re Outlaws, boss it looks like Aswan’s the only survivor.”
Taking a calming breath, Saladar controlled the anger he felt at the loss of so many lives over some pampered jackass’s whim and quickly formulated a plan.
“Right take out those two attack craft, we’re going after the Prince,” he said, then turning to Danovic, his eyes blazing with fury added, “And Mikal, no holding back.”
*****
As Riley led the small group into the city, the first thing they all noticed was the architecture. The corridors were similar in design to structures built by humans. There were no strange angles, no strange configurations, nothing out of the ordinary. In fact, it could have been any station on any of the many planets already colonised.
Where it differed though was in the power source. As soon as they entered the first corridor lights came on to illuminate their way.
“Okay, that’s spooky,” Torres said.
“Stick close to me babe, I won’t let the bogey man get you,” joked Cooper.
“Bite me Coop,” Torres replied, smiling to herself.
“Wow, that’s the best offer I’ve had all day,” Cooper said.
“All year Coop,” Vance said.
“Do your team take anything seriously Jake?” Natasha asked.
“They may joke around but when the shit hits the fan, they’re the people you want having your back, trust me,” Riley replied.
“Do I have a choice?” Natasha asked, a tad petulantly.
“Of course you do, you can find your own way home, look after yourself, you’re good at that,” snapped Riley.
Kurt stepped forward to stand next to the two of them who were staring angrily at each other. “Guys, it’s obvious to me that you two have some unresolved issues going on here. Now personally, I couldn’t give a rat’s ass what they are, but please leave it until this is sorted. When we’re safe on our way home the pair of you can tear each other apart for all I care but until then we have to work as a team. Bottom line, we need each other,” he said.
Riley glanced at Kurt then back at Natasha. He knew Kurt was right, he knew his unresolved issues were that he was still in love with Natasha but he didn’t think her feelings were the same. He had doubts because he would never have done to her what she had done to him. He also realised that those issues could put the entire team in danger if he didn’t get them under control.
“You’re right, of course and I apologise,” Riley said.
“No need, we’re all human, just put whatever’s going on between you two on the back burner until this is over and let’s be professional,” Kurt said adding, “This is your team, lead them.”
“Okay, let’s see what’s in here we can use,” Riley said then turned away from a red-faced Natasha to lead his team as Kurt had suggested.
*****
Sinclair, Matt Hawk and Admiral Garvey joined the crew on the bridge.
“What’s our status Captain?” Sinclair asked.
Captain Tyrell Biggs was standing, his legs apart, hands clasped behind his back as he stared at the forward viewport. When he spoke his bass voice seemed to fill the room.
“All pulse cannons are fully charged, missiles are armed and loaded into tubes, our shields are up and our stealth shield is active. I’m assured that Colonel De Boer and his men are ready to go at your command sir. What are your orders?” he said.
“First we need to locate Captain Riley’s starship, the Pulsar and then his team along with Captain Stryder, Prince Aswan, Natasha Garvey and whoever else they have with them,” Sinclair said. As those instructions were relayed to the ops station Sinclair contacted Kurt through an encrypted com channel.
“Kurt, General Sinclair here, what’s your status down there?” he said.
Kurt stopped in his tracks when the call came through.
“General, you’re here?” he said in total surprise.
“Yes Kurt, we’re in orbit around Tartaran, I’ve got Colonel De Boer with me and a full platoon of Recon Delta marines ready to deploy to your position for your extraction. Is Captain Riley and his team with you?”
“That’s good to hear sir, yes they are.”
“And is Prince Aswan and Miss Garvey also with you?”
“Miss Garvey is here sir but the Prince was snatched a short while ago by the Outlaws.”
“Hold on son, help is on its way,” Sinclair said then called Riley. “Captain Riley I’ve just informed Captain Stryder that Colonel De Boer and ‘C’ Platoon are ready to deploy on your word,” he said.
Riley had been listening to Kurt’s one sided conversation and when he heard the Generals voice, a smile briefly crossed his lips.
“If they’re coming down here sir, better tell ‘em to be prepared for an aerial assault. There’s a flock of huge flying buggers that are really pissed off. They forced us to land and we took refuge in the city sir,” he said.
“You found it then, good. Now be careful though we have it on good authority that the life forms down there are extremely aggressive to humanoids.”
“We found that out already sir but thanks for the heads up anyway. Sir look out for the Outlaws, they’re not who they appear to be,” Riley said.
“Yes son, we’re working on that, now hold on, help is on it’s way, be prepared to move and move fast,” Sinclair said then broke the connection. He turned to Matt and said, “Sorry Matt, but this time I want you out of the firing line. I want you with me should I have to meet with someone from the Alliance.”
“Aye sir,” Matt replied, not liking the decision. He much preferred to be in the thick of the action but intellectually he understood it because if Sinclair chose, or was forced to leave the Odyssey to meet with someone from the Alliance it would be a low key situation but
never the less he would need someone with him as back up.
Sinclair called Colonel De Boer, “Colonel you have a green light. You have been studying sensor logs to learn the lay of the land I trust?”
“Aye sir, I’ve instructed my men on what we’ve learned of the indigenous life forms and we’re prepared the best we can be considering our time limit. Don’t worry General, we’ll bring ‘em out alive,” De Boer replied confidently.
“Make sure you do Colonel, make sure you do. Good luck, keep me appraised,” Sinclair said then cut the link. “Captain Biggs, I want air support for my men for their trip down, during and on their return trip. I do not want to lose one single person down there, is that absolutely crystal clear Captain?”
“Aye sir, my men are the best and they’ll give their best, always sir. We’ve located the main body of a craft in orbit around the planet and a section of it down on the surface near a construction of unknown origin,” replied Biggs.
“That must be the city,” Sinclair said thoughtfully.
“My men are good to go sir at your command,” Biggs said.
“Good man, let’s get to it then. Keep me informed, I’ll be in your ready room, you’re with me Matt,” Sinclair said then turned on his heel and left the bridge with Matt Hawk in tow leaving Admiral Garvey behind looking worried.
37
Riley turned to Kurt and said, “General Sinclair holds you in high regard. When he learned you were involved he was of the opinion our chances of success had greatly increased because of your involvement. I’ve no idea why.”
“I have a certain skill set,” Kurt replied noncommittally.
“Well I just hope his faith in you is warranted because I’ve a horrible feeling that things are about to turn ugly and we’ll need all the help we can get.”
“I’ll do my part, you have no worries there, trust me,” Kurt said which brought a worried frown to Riley’s expression.
“You see, now that makes me worried a little. When someone is that confident it’s because they’re either a complete nut job or they really are that good. Which one are you Kurt?”
“You can decide for yourself. I’m sure before this thing is done you’ll have plenty of chances to make up your mind.”
“And that’s something else that worries me,” Riley said. Turning away from Kurt, he went back to the front of the small group to lead them through the city. “Artie can you pick up any other life forms in here other than us?” he said after connecting to their AI.
“There are no life signs in your immediate proximity sir. The nearest to you is three hundred yards north of your position.”
“And what is what, is it humanoid or like those creatures we’ve already encountered and how many are there?” Riley hurriedly asked.
“They are not humanoid and it is a group, closely packed together so it is difficult for me to pin point an accurate number sir,” Artie replied.
“Ball park figure Artie,” Vance said, all conversations from Artie went automatically to all members of the team.
“Excuse me?” Artie asked confused by the idiom.
“Your best guess Artie, lowest number to highest,” Riley explained.
“Oh I see sir, in that case they number between, twenty to thirty, possibly a few more,” Artie said then added, “and they are on the move heading in your direction sir.”
“That’s just great,” Cooper said.
“We need somewhere we can barricade ourselves inside to defend against whatever they are,” Riley said then a thought struck him and he said, “Artie we need to know what we’re up against here. Can you get a visual and transmit it to our NI’s? Include Miss Garvey and Captain Stryder in that transmission please.”
“I’ll do my best sir,” replied the AI
“Get ready for..... Shit! that was fast,” exclaimed Riley as the image hit his NI and was overwhelmed by the speed of the input. Until it was absorbed then stored and sorted by his NI he remained breathless until his cognitive functions enabled him to recognise it but not giving him enough time to warn Natasha or Kurt to what was about to happen.
“Oh my God!” Cooper said.
“That is one mean lookin’ mutha fucker,” Torres spat.
“Ditto!” Vance agreed.
“Is that in here with us?” Natasha asked with trepidation.
“How many of them are there?” Kurt enquired calmly.
“Yes and possibly thirty odd in number,” replied Riley.
The image that all of them had received had been of a creature that resemble a domesticated cat crossed with some sort of arachnid. Like the larger versions of the octo-felines, these smaller versions still had eight legs, four forelegs and four hind legs but these smaller felines had their eyes arrayed in rows down each side of their heads so that their field of vision was possibly as enhanced as their larger cousins. Their jaws opened out sideways with mandibles on each corner and inside a row of razor sharp teeth that extended outwards from the mouth to expand its bite radius.
“I really hate this planet,” Cooper admitted after absorbing every detail of this new threat.
Riley said, “Everyone, listen up, when the time comes make sure your weapons have a full load and are set on full power. There’s no telling how strong these creatures will be so I don’t want anyone taking any chances, shoot to kill.”
“Hoo rah!” his team replied in one voice.
“Is this what you meant when you told me there would be plenty of chances to make up my mind?” Riley asked facing Kurt.
“This is just the beginning,” Kurt replied.
“That really fills me with confidence,” Riley remarked. “Artie how soon before those creatures reach us?” he asked.
“They are moving quite rapidly now sir and will be within visual range in less than five minutes,” Artie replied.
“Find us somewhere for us to fend off those creatures Artie and make it fast,” Riley said urgently.
Kurt’s keen senses picked up the approach of these new creatures and he knew exactly where they were. All his senses were now operating on hyper drive due to the influx of super charged adrenalin into his blood stream. His fight or flight reflex was now at the forefront and him being the warrior he was all his instincts told him to fight. The only way to protect these people was for him to fight.
“Sir all the rooms nearby are similar in structure and layout. None of them holds anything useful to act as a barricade. There is a larger room approximately eighty-five yards ahead and to the right that might give you cover due to the benches and equipment there, but sir, you have to reach it quickly as the creatures are heading that way too. You have to get there first,” Artie said.
Without preamble Riley said, “Right people move, double time it.”
They raced ahead as fast as they could, directed by their ship’s AI so that they knew exactly where to go.
A corner approached in the corridor ahead, doors on either side but they knew that none of them would help.
“We have to hurry, they’re closing in on us,” urged Kurt.
“Yes, we know Kurt,” Riley responded.
“You don’t understand, they’re closer than you think. They’ll reach our destination about the same time as us,” Kurt explained.
“How can you possible know that?” Riley wanted to know.
“Trust me, I just know okay,” pleaded Kurt.
“Artie is he correct?” asked Riley.
“I’m afraid he is sir,” replied the AI.
“Then we’d better pick up the pace as Kurt suggested,” Riley said.
They all turned the corner to see the corridor stretch out before them. The room they needed was there, mid way to the other end.
A roar of pure primal fury rent the air as the pack of strange cat like creatures tore around the corner headed straight for them.
“Don’t stop, keep running,” Kurt shouted and everyone picked up their pace urged on by the sight of the creatures bearing down on them.
It would be close. They were closer to the room than the creatures but they covered the ground faster than the humans did. Having eight legs did have an advantage.
The cat creatures were closing the gap at an alarming rate. Kurt thought that they might not make it in time. Taking aim on the run, he fired at the lead creature with his Sig P996. The pulsed plasma bolt struck the cat’s head in its gaping maw of a mouth and blew it apart dropping it in its tracks in a cloud of blood and gore. The dead creature caused the nearest to it to stumble and fall over it blocking the corridor momentarily. By the time the rest of the pack had extricated themselves from the jumble of bodies, Kurt and the rest of the group had time to reach the door, open it and get inside.
“Made it,” Natasha said breathing a sigh of relief as she passed through the door.
Just as Cooper was about to close the door, one of the cat creatures appeared in the doorway. The huge head seemed massive as its jaws opened wide to roar. The interior jaw extended outwards towards Cooper whose reflexes, enhanced by the serum enabled him to move out of the way in time whereas a normal person would have been killed.
Cooper was lying on his back staring up at the huge beast, its head and shoulders in the doorway it’s huge jaws opened wide ready to bite, the strange rows of yellow eyes staring at Cooper who was about to be its prey.
Kurt stepped forward, placed the muzzle of his Sig in the creatures’ mouth and fired. The back of the cats head exploded out spraying the wall behind with its blood and brain tissue then dropped, dead in the doorway.
Before anyone could react to that action, another cat appeared in the doorway just behind the fallen one, which was now blocking said doorway preventing the door from closing.
“Oh crap!” Cooper said as he scrambled to his feet.
“We’re screwed,” Torres said as the large angry feline stepped over its dead pack member to enter the room.
38
Danovic targeted the two attack craft with their pulse cannons and fired. He was satisfied when the full power pulsed plasma bolts struck their targets. The first attack craft was hit on her port side, which blew off a wing sending her into a spiralling tailspin seconds before exploding in a huge fireball. The second attack craft was struck; first, on the pilots section killing all the occupants then the pulsed plasma bolts strafed down the length of the small craft until the engines at the rear exploded blowing up the rest of her.
