Void Strikers

by REM

  Josh watched her go out the door.

  Shortly after that, Shawn and Stewart went to their rooms.

  Josh got under his covers and switched off the light. He lay on his back with one hand behind his head, thinking about all that had transpired throughout the day. Maya’s right; maybe I do need to tone it down at times. Man, I really nailed Hoss! He grinned. Those were some good moves I pulled off—but I’ve got much more to show these boys. I doubt he would’ve gotten me on that third run. I would have shaken him off my tail, I know it.

  He coughed lightly and cleared his throat. I showed that Mercen who’s who too. Sheesh, that pilot must’ve felt so stupid to get outmaneuvered like that after taunting Creston’s finest. Josh snickered. Who knows, maybe he truly would’ve fired on us after that!

  A moment later: Yeah, this is exactly what I signed up for.

  It wasn’t long until Josh was sound asleep.

  The following morning, he had breakfast at the cafeteria with the rest of the 3rd squadron. Sometime after arriving back to the unit, Officer Rolly showed up and led everyone to the gymnasium. Josh was surprised to learn there was such a thing on the Rampage, but after a brief ponder he thought it should’ve been obvious, since the crew needed to have some means of keeping in shape.

  He walked into the gym and saw it had a track running all the way around, as well as weight lifting machines and monkey bars off to a far corner.

  “Let’s go! Twenty laps!” barked Rolly.

  ***

  When the workout session had ended, Josh grabbed a white towel off of a table with lots available and wiped at the sweat on his face. He looked at Shawn. “Wonder what’s next.”

  Ace was standing nearby with Kyle and answered immediately. “Today’s an off day. You’re free do as you please—unless there’s an incident of course. Pilots can also volunteer for patrols. You may leave the M.N. Rampage if you choose, and even do some touring in the Void Zone, but keep in mind you’re still on active duty in the event that something were to pop off.”

  “Oh, okay. Thanks,” Josh replied.

  Shawn pumped his fist at hearing the news.

  Everyone headed to the unit to get cleaned up. Josh was almost dressed when Stewart, Shawn, and Maya joined him in his room.

  “So, what’s everyone planning to do?” asked Maya.

  “I dunno,” said Stewart.

  “We should fly down to the northern region of the Void,” said Josh. “I’m dying to see what the social life is like in that sector.”

  Shawn rocked his head as if keen to the idea.

  “There’s supposed to be a neat bar called Trevler’s on one of the space stations out there,” said Maya. “Hoss gave me this card.” She pulled it out so everyone could see. The guys even passed it around.

  Josh liked the idea. “Let’s go find it and check it out,” he said.

  “Heck yeah!” said Shawn.

  It wasn’t long before Josh and his friends were blasting off from the north flight deck. The group flew in a fingertip formation with Josh at the point. Being the lead striker made him feel as if he was a captain at Space League all over again.

  Finding Space Station C turned out to be effortless, and docking on its guest deck was hassle-free. The four grads found Trevler’s in short order. They entered the establishment and were all smiles at the sight of the packed crowd dancing, as well as the variety of species occupying the joint.

  “Look, the bar’s at the far back,” Maya shouted, over the loud music. She thought the song to sound like some sort of weird, alien rock music with wind pipes and light bells. “Let’s see what type of wild n’ crazy drinks they serve!” she said, grinning.

  The guys nodded as if pumped for the occasion.

  They moved through the crowd, where Josh glanced at a creature he thought looked almost entirely human, except with short fur covering its entire body. Then he saw another humanoid with a big, pumpkin-shaped head, and oval, jet black, lid-less eyes.

  The species that caught his attention the most, however, had the figure of a human, but brown snakeskin, along with a purple dot at the top of its forehead. He also saw a fair amount of humans scattered about.

  Coming out from the dance crowd and into a much smaller one, Josh spotted Nate and Reena sitting at the bar. Both were facing each other and laughing with drinks in their hands. They look so happy, he thought, only then realizing they were probably a couple.

  “Reena!” Maya shouted. Once at Reena’s side, she gave her a hug.

  Nate turned to the group, still grinning from his conversation. “Ah, you boys made it out here.” He raised a hand toward the bartender and said, “Four Num-tums,” before twisting back around. “First drink’s on me, newbies.”

  “Thanks,” said Stewart, then Shawn.

  “Just don’t have too many. We’re still on call,” Nate said.

  Josh nodded and smirked. Just as he did, the bartender slid four double shots across the counter.

  Nate and Reena handed the grads their drinks. “Cheers!” said Reena, holding up her glass. “To new friends and a bright future!”

  “Right on!” said Josh.

  Everyone toasted merrily.

  The recruits mingled with the vets for a bit, but then moved to another part of the room to let Nate and Reena enjoy their time together. Josh asked Maya to dance, which she accepted. Shawn and Stewart found a vacant pool table. They were pleased to see aliens enjoyed the old Earth game just as much as them. They were also happy to discover most species spoke English, due to highly advanced learning devices.

  It had only been a little over an hour when Nate and Reena made their way over to where all four of the grads were sitting at a booth.

  “We’re heading back to the Rampage,” said Nate.

  “We’ll see you guys later. Have fun,” said Reena. She placed a hand on Maya’s shoulder and smiled.

  Nate dug into a pocket. “Oh, here.” He put a handful of coins onto the table. It was a currency none of the rookies were familiar with. “Try the space nachos. They’re great.”

  Each recruit picked up a coin to inspect.

  “You guys are on the payroll, so you’ll have your own money to spend soon enough,” said Reena, who was somewhat amused at seeing the newbies going through their discovery phase.

  After that the two vets left.

  Josh and company ordered up some nachos, along with another round of drinks. They laughed and joked for some time, until eventually deciding to depart.

  Once they had left Trevler’s and were walking to their ship, Maya questioned the group: “What now?”

  Stewart shrugged. He glanced back and forth between Josh and Shawn. “We heading back to the ship?”

  “Bah, we’ve got plenty of hours left in the day,” said Josh. “Let’s fly around some and check out the more of the Void Zone.”

  “That could be dangerous, Josh,” said Maya. “There could be shadow fighters out and about.”

  “Umm, are you forgetting it’s our job to deal with Mercens? We can’t be scared of encountering them. We were patrolling areas in smaller groups than this yesterday. And from what I’ve heard, solo patrols are not at all uncommon,” Josh responded.

  “He’s right about that,” said Shawn.

  Maya had to agree. “It’s just that we’re still new, and unfamiliar with how everything happens out here. If something did go left, we wouldn’t be getting any C.C.”

  “Sure we would,” said Stewart. “We just have to call it in. Available craft from any squadron would come to assist. If there were no ships on patrol, strikers would be launched from the Rampage. But I’m pretty sure the 2nd squadron is flying the Void today.”

  Josh nodded. “And this is a good chance to gain familiarity with the territory.”

  Maya swayed her head, pondering their words. “Yeah, makes sense. All right, I’m in.”

  Josh gave her an all too familiar smirk, which she had come to know often led to trouble.

  They bo
arded their ships and flew from Space Station C in a box formation. After that they switched to a route alignment with Josh leading the way. He felt so powerful with the squad at his rear, as if he were the law out in space.

  They flew along some of the same courses Nate had shown Josh when out on patrol the day prior. Josh made sure to fly close to each of the three planets in the Verant sector. He thought about landing on one, but decided against it with other plans in mind.

  Their group shot past the largest space station and blazed on south. They did so for a fair time before Maya’s voice came through on the transmission. “Josh, we’ve been flying in this direction for quite a while. Where are we headed?”

  Shawn and Stewart listened curiously.

  “We’re heading to the Cosmolis,” said Josh. “We’re almost there.”

  “What!?” transmitted Maya.

  Stewart and Shawn were surprised too.

  “Josh! Did you not hear what the vets were telling us about that region yesterday?” said Maya.

  “Uh, yeah, Josh,” said Stewart.

  “Of course,” Josh replied. “They said groups of five or more generally aren’t attacked.”

  “Umm, we’re four, Josh,” said Stewart.

  “Close enough,” said Josh. “We should be fine.”

  “What are we going to do there anyway?” Stewart asked.

  “I was thinking we’d checkout Nomo, the pink and colorful planet. Remember?”

  “Yeah, I remember.”

  “What do you think, Shawn?” asked Josh.

  “It did seem interesting. It’s not that far into the Cosmolis either.”

  “See, guys, Shawn gets the idea.”

  “I don’t like it, Josh. It’s not worth the risk,” said Maya.

  “Heck. We’re almost there, but if you guys really don’t want to do it we can head for home,” said Josh. There was a moment of silence over the transmission. “Quick vote. Who’s in, who’s out? Shawn?”

  There was another moment of dead air before Shawn responded, “Okay, I’m in. Should be a fun adventure. I think we’ll be good.”

  “Stewart?”

  There was quiet yet again.

  “Screw it. I’ll go,” Stewart replied. “Damnit, Josh, you’re always talking us into something.”

  “Jesus, you guys,” said Maya.

  “Maya, if you really don’t want to come, we can escort you back to the ship. It’s not a big deal,” said Josh.

  She shook her head. “No, I’m staying. But I really think this is a risky idea.”

  “Relax. You’re with some of Space League’s finest,” said Josh. “You are one of Space League’s finest. We got this.”

  A faint smile appeared on Maya’s lips while thinking about the cocky smirk that was actually on Josh’s.

  They flew into the Cosmolis’ aurora and were left in wonder yet again by the colorful lights.

  “So beautiful,” Maya uttered.

  Not long after, Stewart said, “There it is.”

  Josh tilted his striker and dove gradually in the direction of the planet. The others were right behind him. They entered Nomo’s atmosphere and were awed by its beauty. The sky was as pink and vibrant as it appeared from outer space. The surface consisted almost entirely of colorful jungles and veiny rivers branching throughout.

  “This is incredible,” Maya transmitted.

  “Right?” Josh replied.

  Stewart and Shawn were gazing at the lush environment.

  “Hey, I see something. Over there, at our two,” said Shawn.

  Josh veered to the right and said, “Let’s get a closer look.” He led the descent until buzzing the tops of the jungle’s extraordinarily tall plants, and trees that looked more like giant sprouts.

  “There! There!” said Maya, looking down at human-figured, neon-green inhabitants darting through the tropics below. They reminded her of little Gumby-type creatures.

  “Those things look cool as hell. You think they’re friendly?” said Stewart.

  “Don’t know,” said Shawn. “But let’s not find out.”

  “Oh, damn. Out a ways—northeast,” transmitted Stewart.

  “Wow,” said Josh, laying his eyes upon a giant, neon dinosaur-like creature.

  “It’s huge,” Maya transmitted.

  “Yeah, I think we might wanna pull up,” said Josh. “No telling if that thing can jump.”

  “Look at that one,” said Shawn, referencing a much smaller but similar creature grazing in a field.

  “This is nuts,” said Josh, with a pleased grin. “Told ya it would be worth the trip. Wouldn’t it be cool if we landed somewhere and took back some odd fruits or strange rocks?”

  “No, Josh,” said Maya.

  Josh smirked at her reaction. “All right, crew, let’s check out the rest of this little paradise.”

  They flew across the entire planet. Everywhere they traveled was more or less the same; vibrant dinosaurs and agile neon-green inhabitants. Maya had brought a camera along in her cockpit and snapped a multitude of colorful pictures.

  “Getting to be about that time, Josh,” Stewart transmitted.

  “Yep. Let’s take her home,” said Josh, pulling up on the controls with his thrusters roaring.

  Just upon flying out from Nomo’s atmosphere—loud beeps went off in Josh’s cockpit. His eyes widened at the radar screen.

  “Josh, we’ve got company!” said Stewart.

  “Four Mercen shadow fighters coming at us from the right!” said Shawn.

  “For heaven’s sake! They’re less than a hundred miles south,” Maya transmitted. “What do we do?”

  “Let’s jam out of here!” said Stewart.

  “We’re in a contested area—we can’t just flee like that; it would set a horrible example,” said Josh.

  “One weak showing is not going to ruin Creston opposition, Josh. Let’s just do it; we’re too new to be taking a hard stance just yet,” Maya responded.

  “There’s four of them and four of us. We’ve got to hold our ground! This is what we signed up for,” said Josh.

  “They’re approaching sixty miles—we’re running out of time. What’s the call?” prodded Stewart.

  “Switch to battle spread formation. Idle out!” Josh ordered.

  He heard Maya cry out, “I knew this would happen,” faintly over the transmission.

  Everyone did as told and fanned into a straight line while cutting their thrusters. All eyes were focused on their radars.

  “They’re almost at fifty and not slowing down,” said Shawn.

  “Hold position. Give it some time,” said Josh. “Make sure your patrol lights are on.” He switched on his own, then kept concentrated on the radar.

  It wasn’t long before Stewart said, “They’re at just about forty miles, Josh, and haven’t changed their speed.”

  “They’re not going to stop. They see we’re four and are going to use this opportunity to attack!” said Maya

  Damnit, thought Josh, watching the dots on his screen move even faster. She’s right. These bastards are looking for a fight. He waited some more.

  “They’re blitzing, at top speed,” said Stewart.

  “Josh…” uttered Shawn.

  “Get ready to fight! On my call!” Josh shouted. “Stay sharp, don’t choke up. We can beat these scumbags. The one I fought yesterday wasn’t even that good. I’ve seen all of you fly better.” He continued watching his radar. Then, just as the Mercen crafts had passed ten miles—“Break!” he shouted.

  Maya and Shawn cut left and right. Josh streaked up into an inverted twist, and Steward dove. It was a scattered attack they had learned in training.

  The shadow fighters flashed into sight and split in counter to the grads. Things went chaotic, with ships flying in every direction.

  Josh zoomed in to intercept the nearest fighter, but had to roll hard left to avoid shots from it. “Son of a bitch!” he spat, yanking his striker around and crossing fire with the Mercen again. Bot
h pulled off into tight spirals. Josh was the first to cut back and forced the enemy fighter onto the run. “You like that, huh!? This is what I’m known for!” he muttered, keeping hot on the trail. You don’t want none of this! He swooshed right in pursuit—then hooked left on the chase.

  “Holy hell! These ships are so dark,” transmitted Stewart.

  Josh came out of a wide loop on the same shadow fighter’s tail, and caught a glimpse of the dogfighting madness; ships whizzing around, curling everywhere. He saw Maya riding tight at an enemy fighter’s rear and watched as she fired her shots. Both missed—but Josh was relieved to see her holding her own. Attagirl, Maya, he thought.

  His attention shifted back onto the Mercen in front. The shadow fighter was racing toward the fray and appeared to have Stewart in its sights. “Stewart! My bogey’s coming in at your north flank. Coil and switch!”

  “Roger,” Stewart replied. He whorled upward and swung down at Josh’s Mercen from an odd angle. The fighter was keen to the maneuver and made a sharp left with Stewart in pursuit. Stewart fired a shot that broke the fighter’s shield, but didn’t damage the actual craft.

  Josh buzzed straight and locked onto the shadow fighter Stewart had been fighting originally. In doing so, he saw Shawn in a serious tango, then felt his heart drop from his chest at sight of the red stripes on the fighter Shawn was paired up with. It’s the marked wing! he thought. “Shawn, be careful with that fighter!” he shouted, banking away from the main fight to keep on the Mercen he was chasing.

  “You’re not getting away,” Josh muttered. He mashed his throttle, but had to be careful of sudden cuts from the enemy craft while moving at such a high speed.

  Instead, the shadow fighter zigzagged desperately to avoid being targeted, waiting for the right moment to make its move.

  Josh gave his thrusters everything they had. He was taking a huge risk. Not gonna happen! he thought, already predicting the Mercen fighter was readying to make its big move. Josh squeezed the trigger and fired his shot. Blue lasers flashed out from his striker and struck the shadow fighter dead center. The ship’s shielding dropped and it shook, taking additional damage from the blast. It tried making a shaky right, but two more shots from Josh sent it booming into a fiery ball. “That’s one down!” he transmitted.