by REM
Void Strikers
R.E.M
This novel is a work of fiction from the mind of author R.E.M. Characters, names, places, and happenings within this novel are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.
VOID STRIKERS
Copyright © 2018 by R.E.M
All rights reserved.
Table of contents
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
More from R.E.M
Prologue
Josh hooked left in his training jet, then dove at a slant with another training craft hot on his tail. He glanced at his radar and pressed the throttle to near full thrust. “This is our last time out. I’m going to miss going up against you, Tor.”
“Ha. That’s why we’re number one and two of our class,” Tor responded.
“True, but there’s obviously a huge gap between first and second.”
“You’re going down, buddy.”
Josh smirked. “I doubt it.”
Thoom! They shot past a mountain. Tor fired a mock shot at Josh’s training craft that missed. Josh twirled his jet and descended to within fifteen feet of the ground. Thoosh! Thoosh! They weaved through scattered trees.
“Josh, you crazy son of a bitch! You trying to get us killed on our last day?”
The smile on Josh’s lips was bright as the sun. “I wouldn’t have led you down here if I didn’t think you could handle it, Tor.” He yanked back on his control stick and shot up into a twist before maxing the engines and swerving to the side. Tor tried keeping up, but couldn’t react fast enough to the sudden maneuvers.
Josh soared into an angled loop and swung down at his classmate’s rear.
Tor shook his head while tilting his craft from left to right to try and avoid getting target locked. “Jesus, Josh, that was amazing.”
“I know, right?”
Tor meandered through the air—but Josh stayed tight on the chase.
A light flashed green on Josh’s targeting screen ahead of his sliding a finger over the trigger and firing away. An “X” appeared over the module representing Tor’s jet. “Nighty-night, Tor.”
“Yeah, yeah, yeah.”
Josh pulled off his oxygen mask and said, “Let’s bring it in.”
“Copy that,” Tor replied.
Both bent left side by side en route to the training base.
Yep, I’m the best, thought Josh.
Chapter 1
Josh was on a small transport ship traveling through outer space. He’d just graduated from flight training at a Space League facility not even a week prior. Three of his former classmates were with him. They were the only ones from their unit to be stationed on the battle carrier M.N. Rampage, which was posted near the void line, a space border separating Creston territorial space from Mercen domain.
He thought about how he had lived on planet Creston his entire life, how his parents had migrated to the exoplanet one hundred and fifty years after the first settlers arrived from Earth, and how his birth had come only five months before Mercen soldiers discovered life on Creston and attempted to invade the planet. He pondered over the short war that ensued, along with its resulting in the mutual declaration of a void line.
“This is so wild,” said Maya, practically bouncing in her seat. “I can’t believe we’re actually headed out to the far sector. It feels like just yesterday we had all met and started training at Space League. Now we’re certified pilots being shipped out to a hotly contested flight zone.”
Josh smirked and looked to where she was sitting to his right. “This is going to be good. Real good! Bet there’s a lot of hotshots on that ship—but they’ve never seen a pilot like me.”
Maya tilted her head, grinning faintly. “Josh, being the best in our training class doesn’t mean you’re going to be number one out here in deep space. You even lost twice in practice; once to Tor, once to Decker.”
“Meh. Those were early in our training, and were also flukes. I’m a much better pilot now. I just don’t see how anyone out there is going to show me anything I haven’t already studied or encountered. Our instructors have probably been in more action than half the crew on the Rampage, and you’ve seen how well I’ve done against them. I’m pro now, Maya. Face it.”
She moved her lips to one side in disbelief of his arrogance.
Josh peeked to where Shawn and Stewart were sitting in the seats in front of them. The men had glanced at each other upon hearing Josh and Maya’s conversation and sniggered. Shawn looked at the travel indicator on his arm rest and peeped back. “Halfway there. 300,000 more miles to go.” His seat was the only one with such a device.
***
Approximately nine hours later, the transporter carrying Josh and his grad mates arrived to the M.N. Rampage. As they approached, Josh thought the massive spaceship looked more like a space station than a battle carrier.
“That’s friggin’ insane,” said Stewart, marveling at the carrier.
“The pictures they showed us in training do no justice for such a magnificent spacecraft,” said Shawn.
Josh gazed at a section of the ship, where scattered lights reminded him of tall business buildings in his hometown at night. “This is it,” he let out. “This is what we always dreamed about.”
Once their shuttle had docked and everyone stepped down from the transporter, a three-man envoy approached. It was headed by a middle-aged man wearing a tight-fitting blue uniform. The two crew members at his sides were dressed in similar outfits, except gray.
Josh and the recruits formed a line and stood with their hands at salute. Upon making it to within five yards of where they were standing, the lead officer saluted, after which Josh and his grad mates did the same.
“Welcome aboard the M.N. Rampage,” said the lead man. “I’m Officer Rolly. I am in charge of the 3rd squadron, which you four will be joining. Come with me.” He turned and walked. The recruits followed, but the men who had come with Rolly remained at the boarding area.
The new pilots were led down a long, windowed corridor, where Josh peered out to space as they moved along.
“That back there was the south flight deck,” said Rolly. “It’s used for all miscellaneous spacecraft and for 2nd squadron launching. There’s also a north flight deck, where the 1st and 3rd squadrons launch. This carrier maintains three standard flight teams. Of those, only two are stationed at a time. The other is rotated home to Creston.” He glanced back. The recruits nodded. “Each squadron has a maximum of ten pilots. Our squadron took a sharp loss a few weeks back, so you three will be rounding out the team. Pay close attention to whatever advice your veteran crew members and squad leader have to offer—it might save your life.”
They stopped at what Josh thought for sure to be some sort of tube elevator powered by suction. Officer Rolly pressed a button on the side wall and the doors opened. “This is called a space-duct. I’m going to be giving you a quick tour of the carrier, then show you to section three where the 3rd squadron is housed.”
All got in. The doors closed and the capsule shot up through the tube. When they re-opened, Rolly led the way out into the main bridge, where Josh was quick to catch eye of an older man, who he reckoned was probably in his early sixties. The senior sat on a grand chair elevated at the center of the large space, and was the only one wearing a red uniform, with a white and black captain’s hat. Rolly walked directly toward him. Josh and the other grads followed behind.
As they neared, the senior presse
d a switch on his arm rest and the entire chair rotated in their direction.
Rolly saluted. “Commander, these are the new recruits for squadron three.”
The older man inspected the group, then nodded, running a hand through his thick, gray beard. “I am Commander Clint—the highest-ranking official on this vessel. I’ve been out here as long as this ship.” He gave them a wise eye, which was partially squinted. “Welcome aboard the M.N. Rampage. I’ve seen all of your files, and am expecting a lot from you all. You will find that things take place out here that people will never hear about back on Creston. Out here you will learn that war with Mercen is never really over, only at bay. But the perception of peace is to remain intact anytime you pilots are to return home for visitation. Is that understood?”
“Yes, sir!” the recruits replied in unison.
That would explain why no one has ever heard about the four squadron three casualties Rolly told us about earlier, thought Josh.
Commander Clint popped what Josh believed to be a couple of nuts into his mouth, then grinded on them slowly before speaking again. “You won’t be seeing much of me during your initial deployment, but you can be certain I will be watching you four closely. Every day your goal should be to outperform the person standing next to you—and then the enemy. Is that clear?”
“Yes, sir!” the group sounded again.
“Very good.” Commander Clint turned his attention to Officer Rolly. “Show them the ship, then to their quarters, but I want them out flying by tomorrow.”
“Aye, Commander,” Rolly replied. He saluted, then twisted toward the space-duct. “Move it!” he barked at the recruits. All saluted Commander Clint and fell in behind their unit officer.
Rolly toured them throughout the vessel, with stops including the engine room, west wing, east wing, and main eating hall. Finally, he took them to the north wing, where the 3rd squadron was housed.
The group moved down a quiet corridor until Officer Rolly stopped to enter a code into a panel. After doing so, a black door slid open. They entered what appeared to be a lounge. Josh saw six individuals spread throughout the room. He was quite surprised by how they looked.
First were two clean-cut young men playing a vigorous game of foosball. Both were grinning widely. He reckoned neither could be any more than three years older than himself. Probably twenty-six, he thought.
Next he laid eyes on an older man, perhaps in his fifties, who was sitting on a couch, watching a movie with what looked to be his teenage son. But why would his teenage son be on the M.N. Rampage? thought Josh.
Then he peered at another maybe early thirties guy seated at a table with a probably equal-aged woman. Both were reading from thick books.
“Fall in!” ordered Officer Rolly. Everyone broke off from what they were doing and formed a line about six feet from where Josh’s group was standing. “I’ve got a pleasant surprise for you all,” he said, smiling. “I’d like you to meet the newest members of squadron three.”
The six established pilots exchanged inspecting glances with the recruits.
The tallest and stockiest fellow, who had been playing at the foosball table, grinned widely. “All right! Looks like we’ve got some fresh meat on our hands!” he blurted. The remark netted a majority of entertained expressions from his fellow veterans.
“That’s enough,” said Rolly, fighting back a smile. He used the opportunity to stir the pot up more. “These are some of the top recruits from the graduating class. They are lacking your experience now, but may turn out to be some of the finest pilots we’ve ever seen on this ship.”
Josh and his fellow grads stood with their chests out and their chins high.
There were snickers from the vets, who didn’t seem impressed.
“I’ll beat any one of them ten out of ten times in practice, sir,” the teenager said.
Everyone along the veteran line broke into laughter. Rolly managed to hold his back. It was only then that Josh realized the kid was an actual pilot.
“Okay, okay. Again, that’s enough. You’ll have plenty of time to make friends once I’m gone,” said Rolly. He extended a hand to the mid-twenties man at the front of the line closest to the officer, the smaller of the two guys previously playing foosball. “This is Ace, squad leader for squadron three.”
Ace pulled his lips in a way that Josh thought conceited.
“Since my duties no longer include flying, anytime you are out in space and not receiving direct orders from me, he is in charge. Understood?” said Rolly. He peered down the line of newbies. All were bobbing their heads. “Very good. Next we have big Hoss.” He motioned toward the tall stocky fellow. Hoss had a wide, taunting smile on his face. Josh had already stereotyped him as the pure jock type when Rolly continued. “This is Smokey,” he said, pointing at the older man with the shaggy beard. “He’s been flying spacecraft longer than some of you have been alive.” His attention shifted. “This is Nate. This is Reena,” he directed at the two who had been sitting at the table with their books.
Officer Rolly stopped for a moment to examine the recruits before introducing the final unit member of squadron three. “This last young man is the rare exception here in deep space. He lost his family when only eight, and has been studying piloting between Space League and the Rampage for seven years. Kyle just turned fifteen not even a week ago. You new folks will soon learn he’s an amazing pilot for someone his age. And as y’all already know, there are many aspiring pilots with twice his years who never manage to graduate from training.”
Josh was flabbergasted. He peeked at a couple of his peers’ faces and could see they were just as impressed.
“All right, now that you new folks have met your fellow squad members, I’ll leave you in their capable hands until I return in a few hours. Then you four will be attending a brief night class,” said Rolly, before turning to leave.
As soon as he was gone, Stewart and Shawn offered a hand to the veterans. Each said, “Hello.”
Josh and Maya followed suit.
“Don’t believe any of that bullcrap Rolly was saying about possibly becoming one of the best pilots. Any one of us vets will kick your asses all throughout space any day of the week. Got it?” said Hoss.
Josh smirked. So did the rest of the recruits. No one really wanted to take it there with the big man.
“Just don’t go out there and get all blown up like the last four arrivals. In case you haven’t already heard, this part of space is hotly contested. Something could pop off at any time, young bucks,” said old Smokey.
“Just stay near me,” said Kyle. The comment drew grins from his fellow vets.
Maya made eye contact with Reena. “Please tell me we have our own space for ladies.”
She smiled. “Nope, this it. But you’ll have your own private room.”
“Rooms are that way,” said Nate, pointing to two separate hallways connected to the lounge. “Five down that hall, five down the other. All rooms on the right are taken, so you four will be on the left, with Reena.”
“It’s unusual for us to all be here at this time of day,” Ace said. “There’s plenty of other places to hang out on this ship.”
Josh was relieved to hear that. “So, how’d you make squad lead?” he asked.
Ace tightened his lips in a manner that had “hotshot” written all over them. “I earned it. I’m the best pilot of the 3rd squadron.”
Hoss placed a hand on Ace’s shoulder and said, “Ace is a stone cold killer out there! Nerves of steel, technique of a master.”
The smile on the big jock’s face was so wide that Josh was certain Hoss looked up to Ace. He was surprised young Kyle didn’t try to dispute the claim. I guess he really is the best, thought Josh. Bet I could take him. He’s never seen a pilot of my caliber! Give me six months and I’ll be the new squad leader around here. He arched his lips some, and could tell Ace didn’t know what to make of the odd expression.
Think you got what it takes to make it out her
e, rookie?” said Ace.
Josh sensed the bravado, and loved it. “Yeah, I do,” he replied. “I was the best graduate from Space League last term. So, I guess you could say I was the squad leader back on Creston.”
Stewart and Shawn were chatting with Nate, Smokey, and Kyle, but still cracked grins at hearing Josh speak. Maya was talking with Reena, but overheard them too.
Ace twisted his lips in the most amused fashion. “What you learned at Space League is good for piloting transport ships and tourist craft. None of that means a thing out here.”
Hoss was grinning proudly and bouncing his shoulders. He enjoyed seeing his squad leader talking the talk.
“We’ve got to get back to our game,” said Ace. “If you have questions about the Rampage or need any help with your flying, just give me a holler.” He gave Josh a final smirk before turning with Hoss and walking back over to the foosball table.
Josh was beaming. He loved the conversation. It was everything he’d ever dreamed of when graduating. Ha, finally some real pilots. He turned and saw Reena leading Maya down the left hall to pick out her room. His attention then switched to the group conversation about what it was like being on a massive carrier.
About an hour went by, during which time Josh, Stewart, and Shawn picked their rooms. Josh chose the one in the middle. Shawn and Stewart were up front, since the girls were already situated at the far end.
After settling in, everyone went back out to the lounge. Ace and Kyle had departed.
Old Smokey motioned Josh over to the couch as soon as he saw him. Once Josh was headed in that direction, Reena pulled Maya by the arm. “Come on, let’s go chat with Nate and Hoss. They’re both really nice,” she said.
“Sure,” Maya replied. She took a quick glance at Josh and then went with Reena.
Smokey patted on the sofa cushion.
Josh nodded and sat down.
The old pilot looked at Josh with one eye squinted. He was moving his head from side to side as if feeling him out. “How ya feeling, young buck?”
