Valentine looked to the other marines before a spark in her eye confirmed he meant the drones, not the marines. A murmur of conversation rose in the space as the group checked those that had put themselves forward.
"Yes, Sir. I can handle them just fine."
Cassandra whispered into Nate's ear.
"What's she doing? She's never handled one before."
"So?"
Billy heard the two whispering over the sound of the other voices and waded in.
"Like it made any difference with us. How many X1 drones have you flown?"
Cassandra nostrils flared, but she said no more.
"Now," said the Lieutenant, "You're here to decide who will lead 1st Platoon's 3rd Squad. You'll be in command of a twelve-man unit of Grunts, plus reserves. In combat terms it’s the same responsibility as commanding a platoon. You can expect heavy losses, possibly a total wipe-out in the first, perhaps second wave."
Some of the marines seemed positively excited to hear that part.
"We don't have an infinite number of Grunts, though, and each of you can expect one replacement in the fighting, two at the most. Each one is worth more than the entire salary of your fighting career. So don't waste them!"
With his short speech over, he signalled for the five marines to stand in a circle. They eyed each other cautiously, expecting a fight to break out with little or no warning.
"You’ve all got the experience and the skills to lead the Squad. So, how shall we settle this?"
The tallest of the group, Private Blake was a muscle-bound man with a thick Hispanic accent. He clenched his fists as he answered.
"Wrestling, Sir."
The Lieutenant looked at the man and then sighed.
"Well, I can't blame you for choosing what suits you best. Nonetheless, a good marine must be able to improvise, adapt, and overcome. We've got a mission in a matter of hours, and I need all of you fit for action. So here's how it's going to work."
He lifted a hand and signalled to a Sergeant at the far end of training space. He moved close with something wrapped in a cloth.
"What is it?" Billy whispered.
Nate shrugged. "No idea."
Lieutenant Armstrong peeled back the top layer to reveal six gleaming knives. He inspected them and then looked to the volunteers.
"Okay, then, I expected a few more. Guess I'll take this one."
He reached in and took the fighting knife. From where Nate stood, it looked like a normal metal weapon.
"Is he serious, they're going to knife fight?"
Without checking, he lifted the knife and ran the cutting edge along his throat. It didn't leave a mark, much to Nate and his friend's relief.
"Last man standing gets the job..."
With little more than a nod, the Sergeant presented the blades to the marines, who then turned to the Lieutenant.
"Fight!"
Blake, the biggest of the group turned on Wong as the group scattered. Valentine avoided two jabs and then threw her weight behind Knight, the smallest of the group. He stumbled and landed between two of the fighters. He was quickly struck in the cheek and stomach with the blades.
"Out!" called the Sergeant, and Knight stepped away muttering.
Billy moved back as the fighters circled closer, and now the marines started shouting encouragement. There was one more member of the marine group from Relentless, and he kept calling out Valentine's name as she did her best to avoid the barrage of blows coming her way. Smith and Blake moved in towards Wong, but though of smaller build, the agile Wong ducked past a blade and kicked Smith in the ribs. He grunted and dropped to his knees, winded by the sudden impact. Wong rolled past him and slashed at the back of his comrade’s neck, even as he continued groaning in discomfort.
"Out!"
There were now just two more for Valentine to face, and this time they turned from each other and moved in towards her. Wong stayed at a safe distance, always careful to avoid the great bulk of Blake.
"Ganging up on me, huh?" said Valentine, in a mock, coy voice.
Blake snorted something derisory, but Valentine ignored that. She moved out her hands in front, both low, with the blade up and ready to stab.
"Okay, boys, who's first?"
It was a smart move and instantly separated them. Blake lurched ahead, easily goaded to attack, while Wong followed up. Nate grinned as he watched the lithe oriental warrior slip behind Blake, his knife raised ready for the attack.
Blake stabbed high and redirected at the last moment. Valentine managed to spot the change, but the blade still came close, and even with all her strength found it continued towards her chest. He groaned with exertion and began to laugh. He was firm footed and strong, a real problem for a lightweight like Valentine.
"She needs to do something," said Nate.
Cassandra merely laughed, clearly enjoying what was happening. Nate knew she was not the greatest fan of Valentine, but he could never really understand why. They were experts in separate fields; the only difference Valentine was a regular, and a true warrior.
"Like what? Fall on the blade?"
Billy laughed at her.
"What's up, Cass, getting jealous?"
Nate looked at both of his friends and to his surprise Cassandra's face turned a little flushed.
Weird.
Blake powered in towards Valentine, and for a second, it looked like she would try to tackle him head-on. Wong was there, moments from striking Blake in the back.
"Come on, Val, hit him!" Billy yelled.
Two marines laughed at his tinny voice, but at that moment, Valentine dropped to her knees, narrowly avoiding the massive bulk of Blake. He thundered past, and she tried to stab, but she deflected from his leg and hit the ground. As she looked up, Wong moved over her and grinned. Valentine kept on going and leapt up, much to Wong's amazement. He lifted his hands to block her attack, but in the confusion, she'd changed the weapon to her left hand and managed to strike his neck before shifting past him. Even though he'd been hit, he struck out with his open hand and hit her across the face, smashing her nose in a spray of blood.
"Out!"
Wong looked to Lieutenant Armstrong, optimistically hoping he'd be granted the kill. It was not to be, and he skulked off, leaving just the panting Valentine with her bleeding nose and the great bulk of Blake. He clenched his fists and grabbed at his tunic, tearing it from his body in a bizarre show of strength and bravado. Some of his fellow marines whooped in excitement.
"Okay, little girl. Let's finish this...now."
He moved slowly towards her, his muscles flexing and bulging. He was a real titan of a man, and everybody there, Valentine included, knew he'd have no problem in taking out the young marine if he got any closer. She danced around him, trying to move her feet quickly to use footwork and timing over power.
Bang! The strike was fast, perfectly timed, and she moved in towards Blake. He barely shifted his body and struck her shoulder with an open hand, sending her spinning off to his left.
"Is that it, child?"
Nate took a step forward, but a marine held him back. Nate turned to argue and saw a friendly, but firm face looking right back at him.
"Easy. Let her be. Win or lose, she's done her job."
Nate was a little confused, but when he turned back, he found any worry gone. Valentine was back in the fight, and to his surprise was punishing Blake hard. The cuts and stabs were rapid, and he was hard pressed to deflect them from his limbs and knife. After what must have been the tenth time, he roared in frustration and cut at her head. Valentine leaned to the right and jumped up. She plunged the dagger down towards his collar in a fast and powerful movement.
Beautiful.
The blade made it to within a few centimetres before Blake twisted at the hip and struck her knife aside. This time it sprung from her hand and dropped to the ground near his feet. The two stopped, and he nodded down to the weapon, before kicking it toward her.
"Pick it up. And fig
ht me."
Nate could see the expression on her face, as she rose to her feet once more and then spat blood on the floor. She looked a mess, but Nate was positive a smile was forming across her bloodied face. Neither was tired yet, but both still panted as they pushed themselves to the edge of what they were capable of.
“I’m here, big guy.”
That drew a cheer of laughter from the marines and instantly made the bigger man uneasy. He stepped in close again, and the two exchanged stabs and cuts, but neither was able to get the upper hand. Blake reached out to grab her, but Valentine knew the danger of getting too close to such a big man. More stabs followed until finally he forced her into a corner where the other marines blocked her path. They moved aside, but Blake pushed on, giving her no chance to escape.
“It’s over now.”
The two waited, both with their hands up, and their blades ready for the final attacks. Nate could barely watch anymore, but morbid curiosity kept his attention locked on the pair. It was crazy that Valentine had made it to the last man, but now even he believed she’d make it out of this one. The atmosphere inside the hall faded to silence as every single one of them watched. And then I happened.
What?
Instead of attacking, or even trying to defend, Valentine did something none of them expected. She lowered her hands and moved smartly to attention.
“Sir!”
Every marine present snapped to attention, even Blake, and as soon as he changed posture, she attacked in a rapid movement. She was inside his guard before he knew what was happening. The attacks were fast, three stabs to the chest and another to the stomach before she moved past and then stopped, holding the blunt point against his neck.
“Out!” said the Lieutenant, struggling to contain his laughter.
Blake twisted around and looked at the panting shape of Valentine, who then moved her blade back and wiped her still dripping nose. Next to each other it looked like the classic David and Goliath story. Smears of blood ran down Valentine’s top, and the shirt pulled up from where she’d been struggling. Part of her midriff lay exposed, and Nate noticed Cassandra watching him carefully.
“What?” he asked defensively.
Cassandra shrugged.
“Is there anybody on this ship you’re not chasing right now?”
Billy coughed and nearly choked at hearing that. Before any of them could say more, Lieutenant Armstrong spoke, “Impressive, very impressive.”
He moved into the centre of the room and lifted Valentine’s right arm up high, the classic indication that she was the victor. A cheer rose in the space, and one by one the others from the small group of fighters joined them in congratulating the diminutive figure of Valentine.
“Thanks,” she said, perhaps a little embarrassed at the unexpected attention.
“Now that was exactly what I was talking about,” said Lieutenant Armstrong, “Improvise and adapt, those must always be our watchwords. We like to think brute strength and aggression are all we need, but never forget that strength can be overcome by weakness at the right time.”
He beckoned towards Valentine.
“Private. You’ve proven that quick thinking can match brawn when it comes to the fight. If you want it, the Squad is yours. And a provisional rank while you’re on board this ship as an IAB Corporal. You in?”
Valentine positively beamed at the news.
“Hell, yeah, Sir!”
The level of noise increased, and Nate found he was pushed to the side with Cassandra and Billy.
"Can you believe that?" asked Billy.
Cassandra simply shook her head, but Nate could barely contain his pleasure. The fight had been a tough one, and now his friend had achieved something exceptional.
"I...that was one hell of a fight. And that last move..."
"I know," said Billy, his voice bursting with excitement, "That was some next level skills."
The conversation continued for some time until finally the Lieutenant gave them permission to leave, and the place quickly emptied. There were just a handful left, and most were moving to the mats to work on their fitness regime, or to do some light contact sparring. Nate watched them as they went through their moves and kept shaking his head. In a simulator, he knew he was a tough opponent, but these marines were something different.
"Well?"
He looked to his right, and there was Valentine, her long brown hair matted and a mess around her shoulders. Most of the blood was gone, though the dark patches still showed on her tunic. He'd never seen her happier or more radiant.
"Private...I mean..."
She shook her head, and her hair moved about in an even bigger mess, causing her to brush it aside to keep it from her eyes.
"Don't worry about it."
She licked her lips, and her eyebrows rose upon tasting something odd.
"Blood. I hate the taste of blood."
"It's the iron," said Cassandra, unable to think of anything more interesting to say. Nate looked at her.
"Really?"
Cassandra shrugged, but Valentine didn't notice. She was hung up on the moment, clearly riding high on the recent events. Blake, the big marine that she fought so hard in the fight moved towards them, shaking hands with each of young pilots. All wore their training tunics rather than smart uniforms, and none wore hats, giving them an unusually relaxed demeanour.
"Corporal, you were badass out there. You're from Relentless, right?"
Valentine nodded.
"Yeah, part of the detachment on the carrier."
"So...you were on that ship, the one that escaped the ambush and then made it back home?"
She shrugged.
"Well, it wasn't just me. These guys did most of the work."
The huge man looked to the three pilots. Nate felt as though he was a little out of his league around the marine, but while he'd looked like an avenging monster before, he was now as friendly as any of his friends.
"I heard something about that back on Taxxu. Is it true, that you're not even Navy?"
Nate grinned.
"We're not Navy, and we weren't pilots."
The man shook his head.
"And you helped on the ship?"
"Are you kidding?" said Valentine, "When we blasted out from Star Base Mognathus 7, these kids, they were incredible.”
Billy beamed, but both Nate and Cassandra struggled to hide their embarrassment. Blake folded his arms in front of his chest, and for a second Nate thought he was going to try and call them out.
“What happened?”
“Well, they were in some simulator tournament with the Byotai cadets. Now, don’t forget, they’re civilians, from the Alliance Academy, not military. The revolt broke out, and we had to bug out.”
She then looked to Nate.
“I took a thermal bolt to the chest, and this idiot yanked it out in front of my face.”
Blake’s eyes widened as he listened to the tale.
“After that, we made it to the ship and got out of the system, but not before losing all but one pilot, and he was badly hurt.”
“The Commander?”
Valentine nodded.
“Yeah, he put up a hell of a fight. Anyway, we spent weeks getting away and saw a lot of action. Fighters, warships, stations, the works. We were even boarded by traitor Byotai assault troops.”
“And you fought them, on the ship?”
Valentine grinned, clearly enjoying sharing the story.
“It was hard fighting, but yeah, we finished them off. Even Nate got stuck in at the end.”
“And the drones, you flew them, right?”
Valentine looked to the three pilots and moved out her hands as though asking for something. Billy was confused, but Cassandra took the bait right away.
“We didn’t have much of a choice. The ship was damaged and missing most of the crew. But we did have the fighter drones on board. You know, the new MQ-5 Avengers.”
The man listened, but Nate could see h
e had no idea what she was talking about.
“We used them in a lot of battles, and they did the job.”
Valentine wasn’t letting them get away that easily, though. She grabbed Nate’s arm, much to his embarrassment.
“After that, we took on heavy fighters, and again they rose to the challenge. Nate and his friends piloted fighters, and even heavy gunships from Relentless. Then we all transferred to Furiosa and did the same on the battleship.”
She raised one eyebrow and winked at Nate, while the big marine kept on shaking his head.
“Well…wow. Just wow! I joined the Corps four years ago, and I’ve still only managed three combat drops, with no action. You guys have had more than an entire career, and you’re not even military.”
He moved out his hand in front of him and shook their hands once more.
“Well, I can tell you now, we’re damned pleased to have you on board. We’re marines, not fighter pilots.”
He began to move away while still shaking his head. Valentine looked to Nate in particular.
“I need to go and meet my squad. Don’t forget, we…”
The familiar sound of internal speakers activated, and they stopped talking to listen. It was loud and surprisingly clear.
“Now here this, ETA to target fourteen hours, fifteen minutes. Report to your stations for your updated briefing.”
They all shared a look, but Blake spoke first as he popped his head back in through the doorway.
“Corporal, that’s us.”
She nodded to Nate and then moved away to join the marine. Nate then looked to his friends, but all three of their Secpad bracelets activated the exact same time. Cassandra checked first and then sighed.
“It’s the Commander. He wants all of us in the briefing room in ten minutes.”
Billy rubbed his forehead as he listened and began moving to the door.
“All of us?”
“Yeah. Us and the pilots.”
Nate’s heart pounded as he checked the information on the device.
“It’s the mission.”
“About time,” said Cassandra, trying her best to sound nonchalant, “We’d better get there, and fast.”
They moved out into the hall when Nate stopped them.
“Wait, we should change.”
Star Crusader: Battle Fleet Victorious Page 16
