by REM
Josh counter-curled head on, but couldn’t line up a shot before beams of light flashed past his striker. “Pfft, not a chance that hits,” Josh said to himself.
Their tipped craft shot past each other. Both reversed tilt and came back around for another pass.
Ven arched up into a circle. Josh did the same from a lower vector, which resulted in a helix of odd-angled tangling—till Ven managed to curve into position at Josh’s rear and fire a ray.
Josh cobra-maneuvered up to evade the shot, then slid back down at Ven’s six, sticking his thumb to the trigger.
Ven rolled his striker hard left into the tightest of twirls, which seemed to have slipped completely out of his control. Then, to almost everyone’s surprise—his ship leveled out and his burners brightened while zipping off in a different direction.
“Now that was a nice sequence of maneuvering!” said Hoss, over a private channel with Nate and Reena.
“Insane recovery,” Nate transmitted. “I honestly didn’t think Ven had that in him.”
“C’mon, get him, Josh,” said Reena.
Josh tore off after Ven’s striker.
Ven slanted up at top thrust—inverted—then dropped gracefully into a side dive at deafening speed. It was elegant to all who were watching.
He really is a solid pilot, thought Josh. Too bad he’s such a dick.
Josh jammed his stick to a corner and dove in pursuit.
Ven flew a few bow-shaped maneuvers, but Josh stayed glued to his rear.
“Rrr,” Josh grunted, jockeying his stick to keep position. Stop shaking, come on, baby. He jabbed down on the trigger and fired a shot. There was a beep, followed by an ‘X’ appearing over the dot representing Ven’s striker. Gotcha! “That’s your ass, bro,” Josh transmitted. “You have to watch out for those shitty pilots.” He wasn’t surprised when Ven didn’t respond.
Reena was clapping happily in her cockpit.
“Good fight. Bring it in,” Nate transmitted.
Josh bent left to meet up with the others. After straightening out, he looked into a rear monitor and felt a chill at seeing Ven behind, simultaneous to his crewmate’s safe mode indicator switching off. Josh flicked his eyes toward a different part of the dashboard to make sure his shield was up, which it was. Zero trust in this relationship, he thought, knowing Ven would have to be a complete idiot to shoot anyway, since there would be no possibility of passing it off as an accident the way he had when he’d rammed Maya.
Once the five pilots were together, Nate led the way to the Void Zone. From there they split up into two groups. Rena and Ven went with Nate, and Josh paired up with Hoss.
“Been a while since it’s been just you and me, big guy,” Josh transmitted, as they flew along the western perimeter of the northern Void.
“That’s right, not since you went all gung-ho and challenged that marked fighter. Let’s not have something like that happen again,” said Hoss, smiling.
“It hasn’t been long, but I’ve matured a lot since then, and am getting wiser every day.” Josh responded with a smirk.
“You’re still one cocky son a bitch though.”
Josh cackled over the transmission.
“But you did a good job putting that rookie in his place. Everyone thinks they’re a goddamn natural these days. I like your friend Tor, however. He’s a cool guy, doesn’t do a lot of extra talking.”
“That he is. Don’t buy into his accent though.”
Hoss laughed. “Yeah, a couple of us were wondering about that.”
Thoom! They shot past a space station, streaking through space.
Nearly three hours passed before Mercen craft popped up on radar. Josh and Hoss were idled at the time.
“Two probable shadow fighters, about ninety miles out. Southeast,” Josh transmitted. He looked over to where Hoss was hovering about ten yards away.
The big man put down his magazine and sat up straight. “Let’s go show them we’re here,” Hoss transmitted.
“Roger that,” Josh responded.
Hoss flew off.
Josh zipped to his wing. Both strikers tilted southeast.
They flew within sixty miles of the Mercen fighters and then veered into a neutral direction. They ran routes from about that distance for a good stretch until Josh transmitted, “Don’t think they’re going to break fifty today.”
“Nope, doesn’t seem like it. I was curious how they’d react after Smokey being extracted last night.”
“Me too.”
Hoss led in the opposite direction of the shadow fighters. He and Josh patrolled a few more space stations before idling out again near station-C. It reminded Josh of Trevler’s bar, and how he hadn’t visited it in a while.
More time passed. Josh had closed his eyes and was feeling quite relaxed—when an orange light flickered on his dashboard, and a transmission came through: “This is Handler, squadron two. We’ve got a hostile situation along the western Cosmolis near planet Zint. Requesting any available C.C., over.”
Josh heard Nate transmit: “We copy that, Headquarters. There’s five us patrolling the northern Void. What’s it looking like, Handler?”
“Five of us, seven shadow fighters circling Zint. Two more that have flown into its atmosphere. A couple fired warning shots from miles out. Something’s up. I think we should stand firm.”
“This is Officer Stinnet at headquarters. Remain in the area, Handler, but do not press the issue. No one is to break fifty miles. Nate, you and your squadron are cleared for C.C. Handler is to stay in control. We’ll be sending out reserve fighters to cover the north.”
“Yes, sir,” Nate transmitted. He switched to a 3rd-squadron-only channel. “You boys get that?”
“Roger,” said Josh, at the same time as Hoss responded, “We got it.”
They raced to join Nate and the others.
“What the heck’s on planet Zint that could be so important?” Josh transmitted to Hoss.
“That’s just it—there’s not much on the planet. It’s not even inhabited by intelligent life.”
How strange, thought Josh, increasing his thrust as Hoss did the same. It was a matter of minutes before they’d linked up with the three other 3rd squadron pilots.
“Route formation, max speed,” Nate transmitted.
It wasn’t long before their strikers had zoomed into the Cosmolis’ aurora of colorful lights. Just as they did—a transmission came through with same flickering distress signal: “The Mercens have engaged on us! Five coming from the front, two flanking from the left!”
“Scatter out!” was heard less clearly over the channel by Josh and the 3rd squadron, followed by the rustling of controls before the sounds cut out.
“We’re coming! Almost there!” Nate transmitted.
Damn, thought Josh, checking his speed indicator in conjunction with his mini-map. Seconds felt like minutes while blazing through space.
Nate waited till they were close to sync channels with the 2nd squadron. As soon as he did, there was a boom over the channel.
“Handler’s down, Handler’s down!” one of the 2nd squadron pilots transmitted.
Josh and the others saw the ball of flames.
“3rd squadron’s here! They’re pulling off,” another 2nd squadron pilot transmitted.
Josh watched the chaotic tangling of fighters fizzle out, and then heard a voice from headquarters come in over the channel: “Do not pursue! That is a direct order from Commander Clint. I repeat, do not pursue!”
Officer Stinnet took over the transmission and said, “Nate is to assume command of the fleet. All fighters are to vacate the Cosmolis and return to the Rampage immediately. Is that clear?”
“Clear, sir,” Nate responded.
So we’re just going to sissy out? thought Josh, right ahead of seeing six more shadow fighters appear on radar. Holy hell, these bastards are ready to go to war over this. He glanced at the small planet to his lower left.
“They fuckin’ killed Handler!”
a 2nd squadron pilot transmitted.
“We should just fight those motherfuckers now! I’m ready to die! I’m taking a bunch of those dirty snakes with me!” transmitted another.
“There’s too many,” responded Reena, trying to talk some sense into the rage-driven men.
“I’m so sorry, guys. We’ve got to pull out,” said Nate. “On my wing, route formation.”
All pilots followed Nate’s order.
“We should’ve fought,” Ven transmitted to the entire fleet.
Josh tightened his lips at what he took for an obvious attempt to stir an already tense pot.
“Cool it,” said Hoss. “Their day will come.”
“They’re going to pay!” one of the 2nd squadron pilots transmitted.
“He’s gone… Handler’s fuckin’ gone…” said another, as if mentally unstable.
“We’re fighting this shit! I’m ready to die God damnit! That was my friend. They took my fuckin’ friend!” said a 2nd squadron pilot, who was jerking his ship in preparation to turn it around.
“I’m with you, Cody!”
“Please don’t,” Reena transmitted.
“You’ll all die—probably for nothing. There’s a better way. We’ll get there asses. Just hang in there!” said Nate.
“Aye,” said Josh. He shook his head, feeling frustrated by the loss.
Chapter 6
Josh walked across the north flight deck with Nate, Reena, Hoss, and Ven. He glanced at a monitor on a security desk and saw one of the pilots from the 2nd squadron walking up the south flight deck with his fists tight and his teeth gritted. A pilot right behind that one had just tossed his helmet across the floor. Josh could feel their pain. It reminded him all too well of losing Stewart and Shawn.
When he arrived at the third unit with the others, Kyle, Ace, and Tor were watching TV on the couch.
“You won’t believe what just went down,” said Hoss, striding over to where they were seated. Ven followed him, but Nate and Reena went straight to Nate’s room. Josh marched to the kitchen to get a drink.
After opening the fridge, he pulled out a canister and took a long chug. When finished wiping his mouth, he sat it down on the counter and reached for the remaining half of a sandwich he’d started eating earlier. With that in hand, Josh headed for his room.
He stopped at his door and glanced over at Maya’s. Wonder what she’s up to, he thought.
It only took one light knock for her to answer, “Who is it?”
“Josh.”
“Come in.”
“You won’t believe the day I had.”
Josh told her about his altercation with Ven, including their duel. Then he informed Maya of what had happened in the Cosmolis. They chatted for a bit before Josh headed back out to the lounge to finish his drink. The guys were still engulfed in their conversation, but Josh still exchanged a nod with Tor while passing by.
He grabbed his canister off the counter and chugged what was left. When sitting it back down, Josh felt a jolt of pain shoot from his liver through his chest. He moved a hand to it, then felt his lungs tighten with an uncontrollable urge to cough, but instead he wheezed.
Clunk! Ching! Josh knocked over a cup, then a plate, and stumbled to the floor.
Tor was the first to notice. His eyes lit up—he hopped over the couch and rushed to Josh’s side. The others turned to follow.
Josh peered up, grasping his chest. The pain intensified and had branched out through his upper body—making it a struggle for him to take in air. He saw Tor’s head appear over him, and heard his friend say, “Josh! What’s wrong, man? What’s going on?!”
Josh tried replying but couldn’t manage an intelligible word. He could feel pressure building in his head. “Reena, call for an emergency medical team!” he heard Ace say. Ace and Hoss’ faces appeared over him.
Right after that, Josh saw Ven join the crowd, looking down with a faint but twisted grin—and a sharp, almost vengeful glare in his eyes. At that moment, everything faded to black.
***
Josh came to in an infirmary bed. He glanced around the room groggily, thinking, Where the hell am I? It only took a second or two longer for him to realize where he was, and remember what had happened. Josh rested his head back down on his pillow and closed his eyes. There was no more pain, but he felt somewhat weak. I can’t believe Ven would go so far as to try and kill me. He lay pondering the situation for some time before the door opened.
“Josh, you’re awake!” said Maya. “Tor waited with me outside. Reena’s there too. The doctors found a large amount of toxins in your body. You could’ve died! What did you eat?”
“More like what did I drink,” Josh replied. “That son of a bitch poisoned me, Maya. Ven. I know it. But it’s just another incident I won’t be able to prove.”
“You might not have to. Investigators stopped by the unit and took samples from all throughout the kitchen.”
“Even that won’t prove he spiked my drink. And who’s to say he won’t try it again?”
Maya’s eyes widened, then she frowned. “Then we’ll have to report him.”
Josh nodded and said, “With Rolly gone, who do we inform?”
“I’ll talk with Ace and the other vets. I’m thinking we should maybe tell Officer Stinnet.”
Josh tried sitting up, but Maya pushed him back down. “The doctor’s going to have you stay here for the night, to monitor your condition.”
Josh exhaled before looking up. “You watch out for him, Maya. He’s sly… Dangerous.”
A nurse walked into the room.
“I will,” Maya replied. “They’re closing the infirmary to visitors now. I’ll see you tomorrow. Get some rest.”
Josh watched her leave the room as the nurse checked the IV in his arm. Anger poured through his veins at thought of squeezing Ven by the neck.
Josh slept for a lot longer than normal, and didn’t wake until about ten in the morning, when a tray of food was brought into his room. “Shit,” he let out, rustling to get up. “I’ve got patrols with my unit,” he said to the nurse.
“Stop! Remain where you are,” said a familiar voice, from the opposite side of the room.
Josh turned and saw Commander Clint standing with his hands cusped behind his back, and looking out to space.
“Leave us, please.”
“Yes, sir,” the nurse replied.
Josh re-settled in his bed and said, “Sir… may I ask why you are here?”
Without turning, Clint responded, “I’m checking in on my investment… I have invested a lot in you, you know?”
Josh stared at the commander, wondering what was truly on his mind.
“I know about Ven. You don’t have to worry about whether he’ll try poisoning you again—I’m sure he will not.”
Josh was surprised at Clint knowing about the incident, but only for a second. “Will he be discharged from the ship?”
There was silence before Commander Clint answered, “No. There’s no proof that he did such a thing. And quite frankly, even a bad apple can be valuable. Ven’s worst attributes can become his greatest tools.”
Josh was no stranger to Clint’s line of thought, but still almost couldn’t believe what he was hearing.
The commander finally turned toward Josh. “Well, I was just passing by. Enjoy your food.” He stopped in front of the door and said, “As usual—this conversation never happened.”
“Yes, sir,” Josh replied.
Commander Clint left the room.
Later that afternoon, Josh was discharged from the medical unit. He’d made it just about halfway to the third unit when Officer Stinnet came striding down a long corridor, with a crewman by his side. His face was stern, bordering angry.
“Come with me. You’re going to sit in on this!” Stinnet ordered.
Josh felt and inherited the officer’s aura of seriousness as if it were contagious. Wonder what’s going on now, he thought. Someone must’ve really pissed him off.
>
Josh followed Officer Stinnet and the other gentleman into a hall where most of the seats were already filled with crewmen and pilots. He was surprised at seeing Ace, Kyle, Jill, and Hoss. The others must be on patrol.
“Sit,” said Stinnet, striding for the podium at the head of the room.
Josh found a seat by Jill.
The light dimmed over the audience. All attentions went to where Officer Stinnet stood.
“An extreme situation has developed over the last hour. Commander Clint and the captains are deliberating over the matter as we speak, so I will be informing you all of what’s gone down,” said Stinnet. “Mercen fighters penetrated planet Talee and fired a sole blast of a new chemical agent that has ravaged thousands of its civilian and tourist population, many of whom are descendants from Earth, those whose ancestors chose planets other than Creston to settle into more than a hundred years ago.”
Many in the crowd gasped.
Talee… think that’s one of the smaller ones over near the southern Void, thought Josh.
“This new weapon of theirs is like nothing we’ve ever seen. We’re calling it terra-fume, since it seems to be derived from a cross between terra-mites and a toxic agent. The agent infects the mites, which then mass breed into fast-moving clouds of infectious parasites. The result is staggering. This type of science was considered unachievable—until now, mostly due to the extreme rarity of male terra-mites, which would be needed to trigger reproduction of this scale. From what we’ve been led to believe, the Mercens have found some remote location to harvest the males.”
Heads were now shaking throughout the room.
“And it gets much worse,” said Stinnet. “Our rival scientists have been painstakingly busy in working on new technology to take us down. The terra-fume isn’t delivered by something simple to counter, like a missile warhead. It’s delivered by a force propulsion beam, one that shields the agent in energy and travels nearly as fast as a laser.”
“Heavens…” Josh heard Ace say under his breath.
There was random chatter throughout the room until Officer Stinnet silenced the crowd. “Quiet down,” he said, motioning a hand. “You’re all going to see right now what this new agent is capable of.” Stinnet pressed a remote and turned toward the screen behind him.
