by John Walker
“I’m on it, sir.” Thaina worked the terminal for a moment. “We will be in range to fire in less than a minute.”
“Get The Behemoth on com,” Kale said. “I think we’re ready for them to perform their microjump.”
Wena took a brief moment to establish the connection. “They’re online, sir.”
“This is Captain Atwell,” the voice broke through the speakers. “Are you ready?”
“We are,” Kale replied. “Our ETA is less than forty-five seconds. You’re welcome to perform your microjump. By the time the shockwave dies down, we’ll be firing our weapons. Just hurry back with those others. We’ve discovered a number of ships in this crowd which might prove to be dangerous.”
“Will do. Good luck, Kale. We’ll be back as soon as we can.”
Kale watched the screen as the massive Earth vessel flickered and winked out, breaking out a massive shockwave in their wake. It rattled The Crystal Font as they approached but shields held. Before the Orion’s Light ships could react, Thaina opened fire, laying into the enemy lines.
“Direct hits,” Thaina called out. “Cycling and firing again. Requesting evasive. Incoming fire.”
“On it,” Athan replied. The ship groaned as he started them in motion. There was no way they’d avoid all incoming attacks. They were far too big but providing the enemy with a moving target certainly helped mitigate some damage.
“All bombers are launched,” Deva called out. “They’re forming up for an attack run.”
“Thank you, keep me informed of their progress.” Kale leaned forward and watched the screen. Some of the smaller ships of the line went up quickly, torn apart by turret fire but some of the others weathered the assault as if they were ten times their size. Those must have overcharged reactors somehow. How do the people survive in those? The heat must be intense.
“One of those priority ships are coming closer,” Thaina said. “I’m targeting.”
“They’re performing a massive energy build up,” Deva added. “Looks similar to the scout.”
“Don’t let them finish that cycle,” Kale warned. “If they’re just like the last one we dealt with, we don’t want to drop down to thirty-percent shields right now. Do whatever it takes to wipe him out.”
“I’m on it, sir,” Thaina replied. “Concentrating all fire on that target.”
“Bombers are being attacked by fighters,” Deva reported. “Their escorts are outnumbered.”
“Get them some back up right away. Call in Earth forces if you have to. Keep those ships safe.” Kale clenched his fists. “Keep up the pressure and maintain focus, everyone. This battle might go on for a while.”
***
Alma knocked another enemy down and flipped her fighter, performing a casual maneuver before returning to formation of her wing. They had finished off another six terrorist ships and were hunting for more when the com message came through from The Crystal Font, high priority.
Great. Alma sighed. This can’t be good news. She accepted the transmission. “What’s going on?”
“You are needed to supplement an escort wing around bombers near The Crystal Font,” Wena’s voice sounded warbled through the speaker. They must’ve been using a lot of energy to conduct their own battle. “The current escorts are overwhelmed.”
“Understood, we’re on our way.” Alma checked the com traffic and noticed that several other wings were being called in as well. At least that’s good news. I guess. “Follow my lead. We need to protect some bombers.”
“Escort duty?” Rahan grumbled. “You’ve got to be kidding.”
“Because I’m so funny?” Alma smirked. “Just get back there in a hurry.”
They pressed their engines to full power, rushing back toward The Crystal Font. Scanners indicated they were a pretty serious distance away but at top speed, they’d arrive in less than a minute. Lucky for them I guess. Who did they get to protect the bombers? The trainees? This is ridiculous.
Shield flares lit up space all around the Font and the chaos of battle raged. The silence of space made a mockery of the conflict, giving it a surreal quality. Alma’s scanner picked up the fighters they’d be engaging and she started painting them for ease of attack. She tapped into the com net of the bombers.
“Get these guys off of me!” The first voice to fill her speakers was filled with fear. “They’re all over me!”
“Relax,” Alma replied in an even tone. “We’re seconds from arrival. Perform evasive maneuvers and prepare for your bombing run.”
“Who’s speaking?”
“Vinthari Il’Var. My wing’s here.” Alma dropped down, zeroing in on one of the targets strafing the bomber. She got a quick lock and fired a burst, catching his tail but not quite tearing through his shields before he pulled away. The rest of her wing started driving off the attackers, punishing them with a series of quick shots.
“You should be clear,” Alma said. “We’re going to keep them off of you. Where’s the rest of your escort?”
“They’re done!” The bomber cried. “I haven’t seen them since we were attacked.”
Alma commanded the computer to find them while she got into a dogfight with another fighter. This pilot proved to know what he was doing and really handled himself with some insane maneuvers. His inertial dampeners are military grade. Incredible. She had to veer hard to the left to avoid several pulse blasts then her computer started chiming a warning.
Missiles!? Really? The two projectiles went straight for her tail and she had to go immediately to full speed to avoid them. As her ship lurched forward, she was pressed hard into the seat. The force made her grunt, her entire body aching in an instant. Her suffering didn’t help much as the ordinance stayed on her tight.
Deploying countermeasures, Alma dove to give the missiles a chance to lock onto the drones. One of them took the bait but the other remained on her. She spun to the left and nearly collided with an enemy fighter who was hanging back from the action. A quick juke down allowed her to avoid contact and the other flyer engaged his engine, trying to pull away.
Alma spun around and buzzed him again, this time coming close enough to see his helmet through the cockpit. Just as she cleared him, she dove again and the missile smacked him on the side. His shield flared and the explosion obliterated his craft, ending him in an instant. That was entirely too close!
“You okay, ma’am?” Rahan asked. “Those things really had your name.”
“Yes, I’m fine.” Alma slowed down a bit, allowing her body a chance to relax. “Where is that bastard? I’m not done with him.”
“He’s moved off to engage the Earth ships.”
“I’m heading after him.”
“Ma’am,” Rahan spoke firmly. “May I remind you our current task is to escort the bombers?”
Alma cursed under her breath, slapping the panel to her side. He was right but it didn’t make her happy. Escort duty was the bane of her working career but those bombers needed the help. Grudgingly, she returned to formation and headed back to keep them safe. Other wings were arriving and they’d be able to deploy their payloads shortly.
Then I’ll be able to get back to what we’re really good for. Finishing off these fighters. Alma considered the person who nearly took her down. I hope no one else gets you before I do. Believe me, I’m holding a grudge.
***
The Behemoth initiated their microjump and winked in beside the rest of the Orion’s Light fleet. They gathered on the far side of the base, just sitting there as their comrades engaged the others. Gray contemplated the scene, puzzling through what exactly they might be waiting for. It dawned on him a few moments later.
They want Krilan in the field. Intelligence stated he was there somewhere but it didn’t dawn on Gray until that moment that he might not be in his flagship vessel. I should’ve known he’d be on the base coordinating. We need to find that ship before he gets on board!
“Redding,” Gray began, “open fire. Let these guys have it.
Olly, I want full scans to find the flagship. I trust you’ve got the signature stored?”
Olly bobbed his head. “Yes, sir. I uploaded it to the alliance database so if anyone encountered it they’d know right away. Considering how dangerous this guy is, I didn’t want him surprising anyone.”
The Behemoth moved into position and the enemy ships came to life, finding some semblance of attack positions. Redding let them have a broadside, opening up with everything they had. The first volley took out one ship in an instant, vaporizing it on contact. They didn’t have their defensive shields up. The others proved to be more prepared.
“Good. Find it now.” Gray scowled. “I’m pretty sure Krilan isn’t on board yet.”
Adam smirked. “Is that why these fools were just sitting here? I’d like to launch some bombers, sir. In the event that we find the flagship, it would be good to have them in position.”
“I concur. Make it happen.” Gray stood up, watching as some seventeen ships began to flee toward the rest of their fleet. “Predictable. Without their leader, they follow a pretty standard fear protocol. Get them out there.”
“Good call, sir,” Adam said.
“Pursuing,” Redding said. “And continuing to fire.”
“Bombers will launch in two minutes, sir.”
Gray hummed. “Have the bombers stick around here, low profile. When Krilan’s ship shows up, they can blast him. We need to help The Crystal Font. We’ve given them more than a handful to deal with, I’d like to make sure they have the support they need to put all this to bed. Maintain pursuit, Redding.”
“I haven’t found the flagship,” Olly announced. “It must be on cold running right now, sir.”
“Keep your scans hot. When it arrives, I want to know.” Gray rubbed his chin as he paced closer to the view screen. “Are there any actual warships amongst those we’re chasing?”
“Five, sir,” Olly said. “None as big as even The Crystal Font though. There are a couple destroyers and more scouts.”
“Understood.” Gray patted Redding’s chair. “As before, prioritize the more dangerous targets first when and if you can.”
“Bombers have launched,” Adam said. “They’re moving into position and going dark.”
“Great. Give them an escort who should follow suit. I doubt these scum put fighters out there but if they did, I don’t want them harassing our guys.” Gray finally returned to his seat. “How long before we reach the mainstay of the fleet while pursuing these ships?”
“Less than ten minutes,” Olly said. “That’s a long time for The Crystal Font to hold their own over there. If these ships would reach top speed, we’d be there in less than three minutes.”
“Increase the pressure,” Gray replied. “Redding, really hit them hard and start flying right up their tails. That will light a fire for sure.”
“You think they’re buying time for their leader?” Adam asked. “That they need him in the field to command this rabble?”
“Likely.” Gray shrugged. “Either way, it won’t matter soon. Once we destroy the rest of these ships, we’ll be in a great position. Even if Krilan escapes, which I hope to God we prevent that from happening, they’re done. The Orion’s Light will be finished.”
“They could rebuild,” Adam countered, “find another army.”
“Took them a long time to build this…and people will be wary of trying again.” Gray cleared his throat. “You can be more daring than that, Redding. Pick up the pace. We should be looking in their laundry room at this point. Ram one if you have to. I think we can take it but push them hard. We need to move this along at a faster pace.”
***
Jenks and Walsh popped the seal on their airlock and were inside within a minute. Their own hot drop allowed them to land without trouble and they closed on their entry point with the type of military precision they’d been trained for. Once they entered the facility, they found the people struggling against the rush of oxygen leaving through the breached doorway.
Marines opened fire, taking men out who were clinging to bulkheads or cowering behind tables. Bodies were sucked out into space and a moment later, they were alone and able to operate. Jenks gestured to the two doors on either side. “I want two guards on each of those. Walsh, would you do the honors of engaging the emergency bulkhead?”
“I’m on it.” Walsh moved to the console and started tapping away. The rush of oxygen pressed on them but their magnetic boots made it easy to resist. A massive slab of metal crashed down and sealed in front of the busted door and the room began to normalize. After a few moments, the computer spoke up, letting them know that it was safe to remove their helmets.
“Do not comply with that,” Jenks said. “We have no idea how bad this is going to get out there so be sure to stay sharp and ready for vacuum. I have a feeling our Alliance friends might be willing to take walls out for their attacks. They seemed do whatever it takes, you know?”
The marines acknowledged, prepping themselves to plunge deeper into the base. Jenks checked the schematics and looked for the most direct route to the power center. It would require them to get to an elevator and plunge down into the asteroid. There, they would plant their detonators and get the hell out.
Captain Hoffner made it sound pretty easy but Jenks was experienced enough to know better. Considering the zeal of the soldiers they were facing, they’d be dealing with some insane men who wanted nothing more than to kill invaders. They knew if they didn’t, they’d be executed for failure or worse, marooned somewhere terrible.
Fear of a terrible death drove them to horrible acts of violence, the kind that made the name terrorist a fitting title for each of them. They might not believe the rhetoric deep down but they sure weren’t doing much to stop it. And for that reason alone, Jenks didn’t feel one bit bad about what the marines had to do to succeed.
Jenks and Walsh were able to hand pick their men, people they’d been with on several other missions. Private Rodriguez provided tech support. Corporal Michaels and Private Balinger acted as their demolition men and they each carried a nasty payload capable of taking down the entire station.
Privates Verez, Pios, Gort and Enzler rounded out the team as straight fire support, riflemen.
Each man stacked up, ensuring they were out of direct line of fire for when they opened the door they needed. Scans indicated no one was on the other side but technology was not always something to rely on fully. Walsh patted his shoulder and nodded before tapping the panel, opening their way to the next part of the base.
The moment it finished, the scans lit up. Men converged on the area, running to meet them. Marines began firing the moment the enemy revealed themselves and blood splattered on the walls as bodies hit the ground. A couple of the terrorists shot back, moving into doorways for some semblance of cover.
Jenks checked his scan and saw they were facing twenty-five people and that was after several went down in the first volley of gunfire. “Damn it! Walsh, are you seeing this?”
“Yep.” Walsh took a couple shots and drew a grenade. “I think it’s time to scatter them, don’t you? Fire in the hole!”
Walsh sent the grenade soaring through the air to bounce off a wall before dancing on the floor. Men screamed in panic just before the explosive went off. The scanner indicated at least three people died but Jenks assumed more must’ve been hurt by the way the cries continued.
Jenks pressed himself against the wall, out of harm’s way. He checked the schematic, looking for another path to their destination. A slightly longer route led around a storage unit and would get them to an alternate elevator, one large enough for heavy equipment for repairs. He plotted the course and turned to the others.
“Shut the door and lock it!” Jenks called out. “I found another way out of here.”
“You sure?” Walsh asked. “I’m pretty sure we can take the rest of these guys in short order.”
“We don’t have the time or manpower to play games with them and if
anyone gets hit on accident, we’re going to be in trouble.” Jenks shook his head. “No, let’s get moving. Let them figure out how to keep up with us. Besides, if you want some combat, I’m sure we’ll find more targets along the way.”
“Not particularly interested in fighting,” Walsh said, “but I’m sure not afraid of it. Alright, get that door shut! We’re moving out! Lead the way, Jenks!”
The door slammed shut and Jenks approached the opposite side, tapping the panel to reveal an empty hallway. Scans indicated they were clear for at least a hundred yards. He gestured for their point man to lead the way and followed close behind. As they filed out, he heard the enemy trying to get into the room.
Sorry about that, jack asses. We’ll probably see you again soon enough. Though honestly, you’d better pray you don’t. Our guys have had enough screwing around with you rabble.
Walsh patted his arm and they headed out together, plunging deeper into the base.
***
Chapter 8
Meagan took a high position over the combat zone, surveying various situations. The Behemoth was pressing the remaining fleet back toward the rest of their companions where The Crystal Font carried on a chaotic battle. Bombers moved into position, preparing to unleash hell into the midst of the terrorist’s and other, smaller vessels tried to sneak away, pressing for the edge of the system.
Where do they think they’re going? Even if they escape, they won’t have anything to show for it. And no one’s going to help them. Criminals are going to hear about what happened here and won’t be touching Orion’s Light personnel with a ten foot pole. They’ll know the authorities are driving hard to catch the rest of them.
“Wait…” Meagan said aloud. “Reinforcements.”
“What was that?” Mick asked. “I didn’t copy.”
“Those smaller ships moving off from the middle of the battle,” Meagan said. “Do you see them?”
“Yeah, tiny freighters…the kind that usually move food.” Mick hummed. “You don’t think they’re just trying to escape?”
