“No. I want to talk seriously to you.”
“OK. Shoot,” he said, sipping his wine.
She gazed into his eyes, took a sip of wine and held his hand.
“Am I going to like this?” he asked. Already knowing what was coming.
“I hope so. Take a sip.”
“Now I am worried.”
“I'm pregnant Frank. You’re going to be a father!”
“Wow,” he said excitedly.
“Isn't it a bit too soon to know?” he asked.
“No, Andromeda's adamant,” she replied as they put their drinks down and passionately kissed.
“I love you,” he said. “It’s the best present ever.”
“I hope you realise that you’ll really have to marry me now, or Uncle Jack will kill you.” she said jokingly.
He smiled at her then closed his eyes. Thankful for this moment of bliss, before the coming battle. The outcome of which was unpredictable.
Chapter 21
PlanetSide.
Next day, with the sun just setting behind the far hills, Brendereen and Acarea parked the skimma just below the same ridge they had stopped at the last time they were here.
Disguised in the Crillon uniforms, they tucked their Blasters under their belts, and Acarea picked up the emergency transceiver that Susanna had left them.
“No,” Bren said. “Leave that behind. We wouldn't want to be caught with that on us.”
“You’re right,” she said. Hiding it in the skimma’s compartment, before covering it. Then they set off, heading for the top.
Standing on the ridge, they could see the industrial park in front of them. The compound was huge and some thirty kilometres away from the ruins of their destroyed city, Atreen.
Crouching down, they surveyed the area.
Remembering, as they looked, the past horrors they had endured. The killing of countless members of their race, by these Crillon invaders.
Then, their collection of the Crillon blood and the risks they had taken to get it.
'That was a waste of time,' thought Bren, sighing.
He looked around and saw that the shadows were gradually giving way to an overall brownish ambient light.
Just five buildings in the industrial park now had light flooding from their windows. The rest were dark.
“Well, at least we’ve only five to choose from,” Acarea murmured.
Then cursed under her breath, as the lights came on throughout the area.
Though it was easier to spot the Crillon guards now. It meant they were also being lit by the lights, shining against a muddy coloured background.
They could see that one building had three guards while the other four, only had one guard for each building.
Bren took out the spyglass and looked closer.
“We'll try the building with the most guards first,” he said.
“See, there’s a door, right-hand side.”
He handed her the spy-glass. “Look.”
“I think I see. Do you mean by those crates?” she asked.
“Yes.”
She studied the area a moment. “Agreed,” she whispered and swung the spyglass around and looked at the other buildings briefly.
“The nearest Crillon is at least fifty metres away. We should be able to get over that wall, up onto the roof, and there’s a service ladder going across the roof to that gangway joining the next building.
Then we can drop down near that door.”
“That's what I like about you,” he said.
“You go for it.” Then he whispered, “Let's hope we can open the door.”
“Better put the Blasters in our pockets, don't want them to fall out when we’re on the roof.”
A few moments later, they reached the industrial park's outer wall. Slipped over the top, and keeping in the shade, headed for the nearest building.
“So far, so good,” he whispered.
Reaching the ladder, they climbed silently up to the roof top. After checking that they hadn't attracted any attention, they moved silently and swiftly across the roof to the connecting walkway.
Waited for a Crillon guard to pass below, then hurriedly crossed to their target building.
Just three minutes had passed by the time they dropped down by the door. Their OP’s training was paying dividends.
To their astonishment, the door opened with just a small push.
They stepped tentatively into a poorly lit, but large corridor. Their Blasters, now in their hands.
Then proceeded slowly along it, back to back. Scanning the area each side of them as they headed towards a larger, well-lit area, where they could hear machinery humming softly.
Peering into the lit area, from the corridor's opening, they could see a large wooden crate on one side, with several smaller ones dotted around.
They discussed the situation, whispering softly. Then both agreed that hiding behind the large one would be ideal as it gave them a good view of the area with less chance of them being seen.
They moved slowly and carefully further into the room.
Seconds later, they were in the area and hiding behind the crate.
In the middle of the large, and very well-lit area, sat two massive square machines. They could see that each one was at least six times bigger than their skimma.
The machines consisted of just four solid metal corners, and what appeared to be a separate control console that was facing each machine.
Sitting in front of each console, they could see a Crillon, and astonishingly, one of their own race.
Two other Crillons sat at a table a good fifteen metres away, with their weapons lying on the table. They were absorbed in sniffing the contents of their own little boxes.
Bren and Acarea were mesmerized by the single object at the centre of each machine, which seemed to be suspended, only by beams of purple light.
The objects were electric blue coloured crystals. With each, having a purple centre that constantly pulsed proving impossible to look at. Its radiance seemed to prevent the brain from presenting an exact visual image.
“So, these are the warp crystals,” Acarea whispered.
“Seems so. Grown about half way, do you reckon?”
“Maybe, but how can we check that?”
“You cover me,” he said. “I think that's a count-down display, on that control unit.”
“But you can't read it from here, and we daren't use the spyglass.”
“I know, but Susanna needs to know how long. So, I’ve got to try. Cover me from here.”
He moved slowly forward, to the nearest machine, taking advantage of smaller crates to give him cover. From about seven metres away he could read the number on the display. It read 193H. Then, as he watched, it changed to 192H. The display was definitely counting-down.
Bren had seen enough and gradually worked his way back to Acarea.
“Got it. There's nothing more we can do here,” he whispered. “Let’s go.”
They were suddenly startled, as a man came out of the corridor, and their hearts missed a beat.
He looked at them curiously. Then an expression of understanding flashed across his face. He winked and continued on.
Both looked at each other with relief and made their way back to, and along the corridor they had come through.
Once outside, they headed to the rear of the building, hoping no thermal cameras were present.
It was almost ten minutes before they had climbed over the industrial park's outer wall again and went back to their skimma.
“Do you sense a ‘presence’ again, Bren?”
“Yes, it feels like Susanna's drone,” he said.
Then called, “Are you here Susanna?”
'Yes,’ she said, with her voice sounding in their transceiver implants.
'I have been from the moment you climbed over the wall.'
“How did you find us?” Bren asked, “I deliberately left your communicator in the Skimma and switched it off.”
; 'It has a homing beacon that operates continuously. You'd better move from here before anyone spots you.'
“You're right, I wasn't thinking,” he replied, looking nervously around.
Then, preparing the skimma to head back, tapped their home location on the skimma's screen, touched ‘Go’ and the skimma surged forward.
As they travelled, Susanna asked, 'What did you find out about the crystals?'
Acarea answered as Bren watched the skimma's progress.
“We think the crystals are about halfway through their growth. There were only two machines, with one crystal per machine. So, it looks like they may only be able to grow two crystals per plant.”
“There was a display number on the control panel,” Bren said, butting in.
“It read 193H, and then, while I watched, it changed to 192H. So, it was definitely counting down.”
'Well, I think we can assume there are only a hundred and ninety-two hours to completion. Or eight of our days.'
“Yes. But remember Susanna that we have twenty-five segments for one revolution of our planet,” Acarea added.
'I understand. So just under eight days. But anyhow, we now know the Crillons can't replace their warp core crystals before we attack them.
Excellent work both of you,' Susanna said, congratulating them.
“Err, Susanna,” Bren said.
“Sorry to interrupt you, but you might like to fly a little bit higher.
I think I can see a faint dust track from your stealth drone.”
'Oh yes, I can see it, as well,’ she replied.
‘One moment. Stop here, please?' The dust trail disappeared as they came to a halt.
Then Susanna said. 'That's better.’
“We want to help, wherever we can,” Bren said.
“So, what do you want us to do now?”
'Well, the attack has been set for eleven hundred hours precisely, the day after tomorrow.’
“Wow, that soon?” gasped Acarea.
'Yes. The information you just gave me was the last bit of info that we needed.’
“Okay, so what do you want us to do?” Bren asked again.
'We want you to send a message to your cities.
You must tell them to take cover immediately, and as deep below ground as possible.
Send the message tomorrow. But make sure you can trust the people before you inform them.’
“OK. That will be easy,” Acarea said.
'When we start the attack, we’ll send you a five-minute warning bleep on our communicator.
Don’t worry, the Crillons won’t pick-up the signal.
But, remember. Your cities must act as soon as you tell them about this.’
“They will. Believe me,” Bren assured her.
'Excellent,’ she replied.
Then added. “But, even so I’m afraid we’ll have our work cut-out. Trying to protect all of you. While, not losing too many of our own ships.’
“We understand Susanna, it's all very unpredictable,” Acarea sighed.
'Yes,’ Susanna replied, slightly amused at Acarea’s expression.
‘I must go now. It would be unwise for me to contact you again until after the battle. If we succeed, well, we'll take it from there.’
“Good luck to you all,” Bren and Acarea said, as one.
'Thank you,’ Susanna replied.
‘Remember! Keep our communicator with you at all times, and listen carefully for our warning beep. Good luck to you both as well.’
A slight hiss sounded, the sound fading as the drone rose higher. Then the drone’s presence was gone.
After a moment’s reflection, Bren said. “Let’s go home, we've got a lot to do.”
Susanna sat back. Even though she had only been doing the talking, it was still draining.
Jonathan passed her a glass of greenish coloured liquid. “Andromeda's orders Susanna,” he said, looking concerned.
“I'll be okay Jonathan,” she replied. Passing the now empty glass back.
“A little ‘sprog’ isn’t going to stop me doing my job.”
He grinned at her, “I believe you.”
She stood up and headed for the door.
“Let me know when SD 23 is back.”
“Will do.”
Susanna stepped into the corridor, outside the drone operations room.
Thought for a moment then said ‘Andromeda.’
‘Yes, Susanna.’
‘Is Frank in his cabin, or in the control room?’
'He's in his cabin Susanna. I'm glad you're not letting pregnancy get the better of you.’
'Andromeda, Am I detecting a touch of jealousy?’ Susanna asked.
'No, of course not!' Andromeda replied, sounding as if she was struggling for words.
'I'm really sorry Andromeda,' Susanna sadly replied.
'I felt your pain when Frank had to cut his mind-link with you for a while at the Mars Dock.’
'Yes. I find it difficult sometimes, to separate us. So, yes, I do still feel some pain, he is like my twin.
I enjoy your intellect, Susanna. But, unlike you, I can’t be both parts in his life. I know I am not flesh, and never could be.’
'I understand, and I find your presence welcome to me also,’ Susanna replied.
Finding herself feeling guilty, knowing that, because of Andromeda’s deep link with Frank, Andromeda was also looking out for her, maybe more than she should.
She arrived at Frank's door and finding it already open, stepped in.
He greeted her with a big hug and kiss.
“How are you coping Sues?”
“Fine, Andromeda's given me a concoction, which though a horrible shade of green, does appear to work.”
“Good.”
She looked past him and saw, a table finely laid out.
“Are you expecting someone famous?” she asked, pretending to push him away from her.
“Yes, of course. You!”
“What a pleasant surprise. How did you know I was coming?”
“Andromeda, naturally,” he replied, chuckling.
Two service droids drifted into the cabin through the still open door, then nudged two seats away from the table.
“Your seat awaits, milady.”
“Well. Tis food we partake of I believe,” she giggled, getting into the spirit of it.
Then, suddenly looked solemn. “The last supper I assume?”
“No, this is special just for us,” he said.
“For you, me and the baby.”
They both sat down, and one droid poured their drinks while the other droid placed the starter smoothly in front of them.
They toasted each other and the baby then devoured the starter in no time at all. With soft music playing in the background.
The next course was a gently roasted fillet of beef, with greens and new potatoes. Only the beef was synthesised for a change.
“I see you've been plundering Peter's hydroponic section.”
“Yep! The vegetables are delicious, aren’t they?”
“You already know that I think they are,” she replied.
After finishing their dessert, the service droids cleared everything away and left.
Leaving them alone again, as they retired to the sofa.
“That was a lovely surprise darling, thank you.”
“Yes, I enjoyed it as well. I could get used to this ‘real’ cooking lark,” he jokingly replied.
“But not too often.”
“I wish this could go on longer,” she said.
“But we both know tomorrow will be the last day of relative calm before we go into action.”
“I'm afraid so. Tomorrow won’t be any fun.”
“Yes. But at least we're prepared for whatever comes. As are Bren and Acarea and their people.”
“We'll be fine; you'll see,” he smiled as he said it. But in his heart, he had no idea.
Chapter 22
Not a Good Day to Die.
Te
n thirty and the last-minute captain’s Inter-ship meeting started. With all the captain's images showing on Frank’s screen.
“Andromeda, allow Susanna full access to this meeting. But set the rest of the crew to standard receive only. And allow essential access only as and when needed,” Frank ordered.
“Done, Frank.”
“Morning everyone. Ok Gents, we've got less than thirty minutes. So, I need to know the overall status of each of your ships. You first Derrick.”
“We've lined up three of our drones as best we can. We need to keep the fourth one as a backup.”
“Makes sense.”
“However, we don't think any of them will do well against the high orbit ships as the ships are too close together for the drones to be effective.”
“So, it could be a slugging match then,” agreed Frank.
“It might be wise, not to sacrifice too many drones anyway,” Andromeda interjected.
“Bear that in mind everyone. Are your ship's systems ready Derrick?”
“Yes, Frank. Andromeda knows, so you know.”
“That’s true, but I like to hear other people’s view of the situation as well.”
“Very well. We're all set, and fit to fight.”
“Good. Now, Harry?”
“Yes, Frank.”
“Well. Give me your latest simulation results and your ship's status.”
Harry thought a moment before speaking. “It's all the same as the last time we spoke. Timing and angle are the same. The rear of the ship is still our best bet, it has fewer sensors and no particle beam projectors. The coverage angle, of six degrees, is set, and as Andromeda already knows, everything is correct.”
The Definitive SpaceFed Trilogy (SpaceFed StarShips Trilogy).: A thrilling, action-packed Sci-fi space adventure. (SpaceFed StarShips Series Book 8) Page 31
