HADRON Incursion

by Stephen Arseneault

  Chapter 4

  *

  One hundred eighty Australian volunteers were waiting on the ground. The shuttle from the Rogers landed in front of them. Most of the crew walked down the ramp behind Mace Hardy. The Lousy, with her skeleton crew, set down in a nearby field. A quick tour was given to everyone before the training sessions began. After a month of hand-to-hand fighting and repeated simulations, the volunteers were again assembled in the field by the shuttle.

  Mace raised a hand in the air. “Attention! Everyone! Listen up!”

  When the crowd settled, he began his speech. “You have all come through this training with the goal of being able to crew that warship. For the next several weeks we’ll be taking her out for live drills. She’s a good ship, and believe me when I say you’ll be able to apply all you’ve learned toward making her your own. You’ve each earned a commission in the Earth Alliance and I’m certain that will show with your continued commitment.

  “I believe… if we can show the Mawga we mean business, and that we are not only good, but great at what we do, they will give us another, and then another cruiser, to man and to fight with. Our mission here was to turn each of us from having focus on our individual survival to focus on defending the whole Earth. According to the Mawga, there are many other alien species out there, and they all have the potential to try to take this planet for themselves. It will be up to us to prevent them from doing so.

  “Now, as I’m sure many of you know, King Stark has been given four of these warships. His teams are just now getting their live flight training. In a few weeks’ time, those ships will be fully turned over to Stark and his minions. If for some reason you have in your head that going over to their side is a good thing, I ask only that you keep this in mind: here, duty with us, is voluntary. You can leave or quit at any time. With Stark, you are permanently in his military. Leaving is desertion, which is punishable by death. So you can serve as free citizens with us, or under lifetime contract with the King. I ask that you all give some deep thought to that before we take this ship out. And just so you all know, I’ve tried to warn the Mawga about Stark but they don’t seem to care.”

  The speech continued for several minutes. Individuals were recognized for outstanding achievements. When Mace concluded, he stepped back and Jane walked out before the crowd.

  “Come, follow me over to your new ship! We’ll do a few on-ground reviews and then we’ll take her up!”

  Cheers rang out.

  Coran Daughtry stood beside Mace. “I think they were just as good as us. They’ll make a fine crew.”

  Mace returned an uneasy look. “I just hope we can train and crew enough of those cruisers where Stark isn’t so much of a threat. I’ve got a bad feeling about all these people falling in line behind him. I don’t get the appeal.”

  Coran walked alongside Mace toward the Lousy. “I think what he offers is strength. He might be a bit ruthless, but he does show decisive leadership, which is something most want to see. People see him as the solid rock in a turbulent stream. They’re looking for someone else to shoulder the burden of decision for a while. I have to admit, I’ve thought of joining up with them. I may not like many of his methods, but he seems to have a solid organization supporting him.”

  Mace shook his head. “I think people are too quick to give up their freedoms. I don’t have issue with us taking up arms to defend Earth. What I don’t understand is the willingness of others to join in a fight against other species who are not threatening us. How is that a better form of survival?”

  Coran shrugged. “They won’t be hungry, for one. Meals are provided. For another, they’ll have purpose. You take all those zombies in the community centers, if you take away that drug, they’ll need something to occupy their minds.”

  Johnny joined the conversation. “You know, maybe this was their plan all along. Take the big Humans and turn them into fighters for their cause. We aren’t bound by the Union rules. And if their usual wars are anything like that little skirmish we had, they could use us to dominate this galaxy.”

  Mace stopped. “You saying you think they came here to fill out their military ranks? If that was the case, why let so many of us die of starvation? That’s millions of soldiers they would have lost out on.”

  Johnny replied, “Well, could easily be they wanted to take us down a peg or two. Our population now would be much easier to control than what we had before. People had to be made desperate before they’d be willing to give up their old lives. We can see that now with the droves who are joining Stark.”

  During the two weeks that followed, the new Australian crew was taken out into space and evaluated. As Coran Daughtry had suggested, their skill and adaptability matched that of the first Human crew. After a short ceremony, the Lousy was turned over to Coran to command. In a surprise move, he declined, instead choosing to remain as first officer of the Rogers. General Banbridge was quick to assume command.

  Mace, Johnny, and Jane sat around a conference table with Admiral Geerok. “Sir, we’ve shown that we can train a crew for those cruisers,” said Mace “We now have a large pool of personnel to choose from. I’d like to take possession of two more ships if possible.”

  Fatso Geerok grinned. “Mr. Hardy, I would love nothing more than to give you more ships. I just don’t have any to spare at the moment. The Military Council only sent two ships for King Stark. I had to give up two of my own to fill out our commitment to him. Frankly, I would like to have a hundred ships with Human crews. With them I could push the Kaachi out of this entire sector, bringing their expansion attempts to an end.”

  “Can you at least tell me what your plans are for Stark’s cruisers? Will they be used in defense of Earth? Or to subdue the rest of the people here?”

  The admiral held up a hand. “I’m sorry, Mr. Hardy. I cannot discuss the arrangements we might have with the King. I offer you the same courtesy. The king’s men have questioned our alliance with you. They have also been denied a response.”

  Johnny asked, “So who’s in charge of Earth’s defense?”

  Geerok smiled. “We all are, of course. Mr. Tretcher, we do not control the king, just as we don’t control you. We are each allies. If your group wishes to communicate with the king, to make arrangements or alliances of your own, you are welcome to do so. Our agreements with each of you will be honored and kept on an equal basis.”

  When the meeting had adjourned, the three returned to the Rogers.

  Johnny sat back in a conference room chair with his arms crossed. “I don’t think we’ll be getting any cruisers. Stark will be first in line.”

  Mace nodded. “I agree.”

  Jane said, “We talked before about making updates to this ship. The admiral indicated the Mawga repair dock was almost operational. He didn’t seem interested in committing to us getting one of our own.”

  Jeff Moskowitz came through the door. “Excuse me for imposing, but I overheard your conversation from the hall. I believe we should move forward with our attempts to modify this ship on our own. David and I studied the bulkheads. We believe the doorways can safely be expanded to better accommodate us. Unlike the Mawga ship, the structure here will allow it.”

  Jane asked, “What about the reactors? Any thoughts on whether or not we can add more?”

  Jeff smiled. “Actually, I believe we can. The main charge conduits run just under the quarters for the soldiers who are usually on this vessel. Bunks could be cleared and reactors connected directly to those conduits. Where we have concerns are with the logistics of getting new reactors aboard. And I suppose there’s also the issue of acquiring reactors for that purpose.”

  Jasper tapped his hand on the table. “Excuse me, but didn’t we discuss looking at the Kaachi ships we destroyed? Could be salvageable reactors just floating out there waiting on us.”

  Johnny nodded his head. “We did talk about that briefly. Shouldn’t we at least go check? We don’t have crews to train without having ships to put them o
n. We have the time.”

  Mace stood. “Mr. Daughtry? You want to take us out?”

  Coran pushed back his chair as he rose. “I would. We could use more adventures like this. The crew has been getting restless.”

  Mace turned and stopped. “Wait. Let me give Bontu a call. He promised us enough of those exosuits to outfit our whole crew. If we decide there’s a need to do salvage work, we’ll be needing those.”

  Half an hour later, the E.A. Collins docked with Bontu’s diplomatic vessel. Two large containers, holding two hundred exosuits that had been sized to fit Humans, were transferred to the shuttle’s cargo area. The Collins returned to the Rogers and a course to the remains of the Kaachi ships was laid in. The short journey took four hours.

  Liam sat at his nav station. “We should see the first of the ships on the big screen any moment. From that point, it will be another eight minutes.”

  Johnny sat at the sensor station. “I’m picking up several large chunks of debris between here and there. I’d advise a cautious approach.”

  Liam replied, “Adjusting course.”

  Mace turned toward Johnny. “How big of chunks are we talking?”

  Johnny transferred the data to the display wall. “We have four items of about a meter in diameter each. According to our training, the shields and plating on the front surfaces of this ship should handle it, but there’s no guarantee of that. The target section we are looking for should be about a quarter size of this ship. This was the first ship we hit and it came apart pretty good. And… I now have it on the sensors. Should be visible any time now.”

  Jasper pointed. “Got it. Lower left corner.”

  Johnny shook his head. “How is it the old man can see better than me?”

  Jasper replied, “Because the old man is better than you.”

  Jeff said, “I’ve read up on the data about those suits. It seems just about the only thing they don’t help with is regrowing hair.”

  Jasper scowled. “Looks like I’m stuck with the chrome dome. The ladies will be disappointed.”

  Johnny couldn’t resist. “When it comes to you, the ladies will always be disappointed.”

  Jasper slowly turned. “Does it make you feel better to pick on an old man, Johnny Tretcher?”

  Johnny nodded as he laughed. “Yes, yes it does.”

  Liam pushed nav data to the wall. “We’ll be alongside that chunk in about sixty seconds.”

  Johnny replied, “Preparing a deep scan. Heat signatures should tell us if anything is still active on there.”

  As the Rogers slowed, the sensor data came in. “OK, I have absolutely nothing. No activity. No power. Section doesn’t appear to have held anything other than crew quarters and maintenance facilities.”

  Mace nodded. “Do a second scan when we’re at a full stop. If it shows the same, we’ll move on to the next piece.”

  Twenty minutes and two sizable ship parts later, the Rogers slowed to a dead halt.

  Johnny pushed data to the screen. “I’ve got a heat signature. That section has to have a reactor running. This is remarkable. What’s it been? Six weeks or so?”

  Mace nodded as he opened a comm. “Tres, this is your gig. Prepare to pull that section close with the grappling. Dr. Jeff, I want you and David to offer an analysis of what we’re looking at. If it’s a reactor, can we get to it?”

  Johnny said, “Uh, before we do that, you might want to look at the bioscan result. It’s showing movement. We might have someone still on there.”

  Coran agreed. “I would have to say he’s right. The signature says that’s a living being on there. Looks like at least one of the Kaachi crew got left behind.”

  Mace opened a comm to Humphrey Mallot. “Mr. Mallot? Are you looking at the data?”

  “I am. My team is readying now for a jump. This will be our first time out there since training. The single airlock on that section of the ship appears to be half missing. Might be why they were abandoned. We’re looking over the schematics to see if there’s another way in. That ship is identical to this one. So we should be in good shape as far as that goes.”

  Mace nodded. “Keep us informed. And let us know when you’re ready to go over.”

  Jasper stood. “I’m going with them.”

  Mace shook his head. “Not necessary. Humphrey’s team can handle this. We need you right where you are.”

  Jasper returned his usual scowl. “Need me? I’m not doing anything but sitting on my hindquarters. I’ll be joining Mr. Mallot for his jump across to that ship.”

  Johnny said, “You do realize you’ll be free floating out there, right?”

  Jasper shrugged as he walked across the bridge deck. “So? Not like I’m gonna get sucked into a void or something. If I somehow miss catching onto that ship, you can just swing around and pick me up.”

  Johnny raised his hand. “OK. Just be careful out there and ask Mr. Mallot to do the same.”

  Jasper hurried out of the room and was soon in an airlock with Humphrey’s team, looking out a portal at the ruined ship. “Looks like crap.”

  Humphrey replied, “We’ll be angling for the yellow flashing beacon. There’s a thin section of hull behind that plate that has an access panel we can go through. From there, we’ll have to cut through the inner hull. Should place us in a storage room with a sealed bulkhead door.”

  Jasper winced. “You know those doors won’t open if an air leak is detected. It won’t unlock.”

  Humphrey smiled. “We’ll be welding the plate back in place once we’re in. Other than a repressurization of that room, the door should open freely. My biggest concern is with getting to that access panel.”

  Jasper waved his hand. “Not a problem. Here, put your fist about an inch away from the wall. Now, with your other hand, fully activate the magnetics for that fist.”

  A clang could be heard as the fist plate of the exosuit energized, pulling it hard into the wall of the airlock chamber.

  Humphrey nodded. “Excellent. When we arrive, we’ll be able to take hold.”

  Jasper replied, “Yep. And if you do the same thing with that suit and your feet, although at a lower level of activation, you’ll be able to walk around on that hull. Dr. Jeff spelled all that out to me when he studied up on the suit.”

  Liam came over the comm. “Mr. Mallot, we are in position. I’ve matched our speed to the rotation of the remnant. We should stay directly over the beacon as you directed. You’ll be crossing approximately one hundred twenty meters. If you miss or bounce off, don’t worry your poor little Canadian mind, we’ll pick you up.”

  Humphrey nodded. “Thank you, Mr. Hobbs. No worries at all.”

  The air pressure dropped to nothing. The airlock door slowly opened. Jasper was the first out, springing from the back wall of the airlock out into the void of space. Humphrey Mallot and his two teammates followed.

  Over his comm, Jasper said, “Can’t say this is as exciting as I thought it’d be. Floating in space is kind of boring.”

  Johnny replied, “No one there to laugh at your jokes?”

  Jasper cleared his throat. “Your concern is touching.”

  Less than a minute later, Jasper could feel the heavy clang as his fist plates attached to the cruiser’s hull. With the flip of a holo-switch from his arm pad, he stood, walking effortlessly toward the access panel Humphrey had designated. Seconds later he was joined by the others.

  Humphrey said, “Step aside if you please. Man needs to cut a hole.”

  Jasper replied, “You going through right here?”

  Humphrey nodded. “Between those beams.”

  Jasper frowned. “Don’t think we’ll fit through with the exosuits on.”

  Humphrey held up. “What are you suggesting?”

  Jasper chuckled. “Not suggesting anything. Just don’t think we’ll fit. Mace, can you send someone to room 6-4B? Tell us how thick that beam is to either side of where we’ll be cutting.”

  “Give us a minute.”

&nbs
p; Jasper looked around at the others. “Smoke ‘em if you got ‘em.”

  Several minutes passed before an image of the room came up above Humphrey’s arm pad. “Got it. Looks like Jasper’s right.”

  Jeff Moskowitz joined the comm. “The wall to your left, it’s at least an inch thicker, but it leads into a closet with ample room for a cutout the size you need.”

  Humphrey looked over the image. “Looks like a better option. Thanks, Mr. Moskowitz. We’ll cut through there.”

  As the plasma cutter began to rip through the hull plating of the Kaachi cruiser, a fireball shot outward as the pressurized air inside began to escape. A startled Humphrey took a deep breath before continuing. Fifteen minutes later, the plasma cutter was turned off.

  Humphrey pushed on the cutout plating. “I don’t understand. It should fall free.”

  Jasper raised a boot, kicking hard at the plate. The Kaachi steel fell inward and Jasper Collins moved the other way, coming free from the hull, spinning head over heels as he slowly drifted away.

  “Aw, crap. Can somebody toss me something to grab?”

  Johnny took the opportunity to pounce. “I can send you an energy bolt from the weapons console if that will help.”

  Jasper scowled as he spun. “Shut your hole, Tretcher! Don’t need your kind of help.”

  Johnny laughed. “Hey, you’re the one flipping out, not me.”

  Johnny turned toward Mace. “We got any rope or something else we can use as a tether?”

  Mace half frowned. “That’s a hundred twenty meters. I doubt it.”

  Liam joked. “Not so well prepared for space, are we?”

  Johnny stood. “He’s only fifteen feet away from them. The more we wait the longer a rope we’ll need.”

  Humphrey said, “Hold on. I think we have some materials in this room we can use.”

  A bail of wire was unfurled and stretched out. Jasper took hold and was slowly pulled back toward the hull. After banging his helmet and then his boots, he was successfully brought through the opening. The artificial gravity within the room took him to the floor, where he was soon on his feet.