Benton, noticing the extreme speed calls out to Jackson on the com, "Hey Colonel, you know you’re not supposed to use full power. They may detect us."
Jackson replies, "If I don’t he’ll die."
Jackson then calls out to Cooley, "Lieutenant Cooley, I want all emergency medical teams in the hangar, and I want them there yesterday." Jackson says to himself as he looks down at Carla, "I better be right or this is going to be a waste of time."
Six minutes later, Jackson approaches the hangar at full speed. The hangar door has remained open, having never closed after Caleb left just twenty minutes ago. Jackson quickly lands Templar on the hangar deck. Inside the pod, Dr. Qui Shi is still trying to revive Caleb. She shocks him again with a defibrillator. Then something happens. A blue glow covers Caleb‘s body, at that exact same moment, all the lights come on in the hangar bay, and the hangar bay doors close.
Caleb’s body begins healing almost instantly. His arm grows back. The burns vanish away like dirt being washed from his skin and the bullet wound vanishes.
Doctor Qui Shi, who was sitting on top of Caleb’s body pounding on his chest gets up, with help from Benton. "What the hell?" She says to herself.
Caleb opens his eyes and immediately asks, "Where’s my daughter?"
The three sit there in total amazement at Caleb’s miraculous recovery.
The pod doors open as Caleb exits. The emergency crew is waiting, expecting Caleb to be near death. They stare in total shock as he jumps out of the pod.
Jackson at that moment is exiting the cockpit holding Carla in his arms. She is still sleeping soundly.
Caleb rounds the corner meeting Jackson as he gingerly steps down from Templar so as not to wake Carla. Caleb reaches for her saying to a very surprised Jackson, "Thank you Colonel. I’ll take her." I know I just sent everyone off the deep end doing what I did, but I had no choice.
Jackson is stunned and unable to speak as he just stares at Caleb. Whom just minutes ago was barely clinging to life. I knew there was a connection, but my god. What the hell is he?
Caleb takes his daughter in his arms and carries her back to his quarters, as a very confused crew looks on.
One-minute later, Val charges into the hangar bay. Seeing Jackson, he asks, "What happened? Did you find my niece?"
Jackson looks to Val and says, "She is ok Val. Her father has her. He went back to his quarters with her, but I need to talk to you, like right now. Your Brother-in-law is. . . Hell, I don’t know what he is."
Val looks at Jackson waiting for his questions.
Jackson frustrated asks, "If I’m supposed to run this crew I need to know everything you know about Caleb and this ship, and I need to know it now."
Val hesitates, and then answers, "Caleb hasn’t told me much Colonel, but he is still the same man I have always known. I will tell you Colonel, I doubt even he knows or understands just what’s happening to him."
Paladin interrupts, "Colonel Jackson, Caleb will meet with you, and Val in his quarters in fifteen minutes."
The two men hastily walk towards the Bridge. Most of the crew is on edge, and very confused. Especially since the ship, completely shut down just minutes ago. Now there are less than thirteen hours before they are about to go into combat to defend their planet. Jackson recognizes the importance of calming the crew.
The two men ascend the lift to Caleb’s quarters. The lights are low, as they see Caleb in tears, holding his daughter. He notices the men enter and he says, "Have a seat please. I’m going to lay Carla down in bed, I’ll be right back." Damn, I need to pull it together.
Jackson demands, as Caleb walks back from his room, "Caleb, I need to know everything. Starting with what the hell are you?” Jackson sternly continues, "You have the entire ship here terrified, confused, and in doubt, because of what just happened, and to be honest. I’m not exactly sure if you’re capable of completing this mission."
Caleb sighs. Well, I guess I have to trust them a little. He reluctantly says, "Paladin is connected to me permanently. We can’t live without each other, and I can only stay off the ship for no more than two hours in a day, any longer than that and this ship will start to revert back to its original structure and we will both die."
Jackson confused asks, "Why did the ship power down, and what happened to your healing ability? You healed Shi Reies, and yourself like it was nothing, but when you healed your daughter you almost died?"
Caleb, uncomfortable answers, "Yeah, hmm, well imagine Paladin is like a car, if you take the keys out of that car only a few things will work. I am the key for Paladin and as for my healing ability. It has something to do with the changes made to me. While I’m on Paladin, I can heal myself instantly. Paladin then absorbs those injuries and transfers them directly to the hull, which immediately repairs itself. I can use this ability to heal others, even off the ship, but I have limits when I’m off the ship and saving my daughter was far beyond those limits."
Jackson concerned asks, "I can understand why you did what you did. I would have probably done the same, but if you knew the risk, why did you do that? If you died, everyone including your daughter would have died." Emotional connections are a weak point. Should Caleb become unstable we may have a way to control him through his daughter.
Caleb pauses answering, "You're right Jackson, and I’m sure I may do things that you will disagree with in the future. I will try to work with you better than I have." He’s right and I know it. Even Paladin warned me, but I didn’t listen. I have to start working with these people.
Val then offers, "Cale, let me bring Carla to my home. Maricel will take care of her."
Caleb answers, "Sorry Val I can’t. She’s at risk with anyone that has her. She could be kidnapped and then use her to get to me. I appreciate the offer Val, but she can never be allowed away from me, if I did let Maricel watch over her, your entire family would be in danger as well."
Jackson walks over to the gigantic dome in Caleb’s private quarters. He looks out at the stars and says, "You're right Caleb. If anyone got to her they could make you do anything, and that’s something we can’t let happen." Moreover, here I was thinking the same thing just a minute ago. Should I trust him, and is he Caleb or this Paladin thing inside him? I have to decide to work with him here and now or resign my commission. Oh, what the hell.
Jackson turns, and says, "Paladin I need the holocom for the entire ship."
Paladin responds, "Holocom open Colonel."
Jackson begins, "Attention! This is Colonel Jackson. I need everyone’s attention now!" Jackson pauses for thirty seconds, and then continues, "Over the past few days, and especially the past few hours everyone’s life has been turned on its ear. I know your fears, your doubts, and concerns. Let me tell you that I have full confidence in everyone on this crew and in this ship. I know most everyone has questions and doubts about what is going on, but let me tell you here and now. There is no need to worry. Caleb and Paladin have explained everything to me and I know we are safe on board Paladin. In less than nine hours, we are going to give back the hell that the T-Challa brought to us. I know we can do it, and we will win!"
The com closes as Jackson hears the applause of the Bridge staff below.
Then a small sleepy child holding a blanket, walks out of the room behind Caleb, it's Carla, she is awake. She sees her father and runs to him.
Caleb grabs her up and says, "Hey my Little Flower. What are you doing up?” She looks so much like her mother.
She looks at her father and says nothing. Caleb keeps trying to get her to talk and smile. She just stares at him and turns away. What’s wrong, why won’t she say anything?
Val approaches her and says, "Hello Little Flower. Your Tito missed you very much."
Carla sees her Uncle and turns away. She holds her father very tightly.
Moments later, Dr. Qui Shi and Commander Shi Reies arrive.
Shi Reies is a giant of a man. His massive presence is frightening to most full-grown men. Ca
rla, however, looks at him unfazed. She is simply amazed at his sheer size.
Dr. Qui Shi approaches Carla, saying, “Caleb, I need to check her out to make sure she is fine and to be sure whatever it is you did to her is complete."
Caleb looks to Carla and tells her, "Carla, I need you to go with the nice Doctor ok."
Carla grabs her father tightly and cries.
Val asks, "Maybe you can check her here Doctor. At least until after she gets more comfortable?"
Doctor Chan smiles and shakes her head agreeing. She begins looking over Carla, as she clings to her father tightly. Val puts his finger out for Carla to grab. She grabs hold of it for a moment, and quickly pulls back. She is frightened and will not let go of her father. However, she keeps staring at Shi Reies in total amazement.
Shi Reies smiles at the Little Flower, as his dark black face shows the brightest white teeth. He whispers to Val, "She reminds me of my youngest, so shy and frail, precious like a Flower."
Val smiles replying, "That is how she got her nickname. Little Flower."
Carla smiles for just a moment and then tucks her head into father chest yet again. Doctor Qui Shi checks out Carla as best she can.
Qui Shi types into her medical log. Physically she is fine, but she is unquestionably traumatized.
Paladin tells Caleb, "Doctor Qui Shi has put in her notes that she believes that Carla is traumatized. You have healed her body completely Caleb, but the damage to her mind, the psychological damage is beyond our ability."
Caleb replies to Paladin, "Only time and love can cure that my friend."
Paladin states telepathically, "Fragile people you are, but capable of great things indeed."
As the day continues, the crew runs drill after drill trying to prepare for the assault on the T-Challa fleet. Some crewmembers try to rest while they wait, nonetheless, most cannot sleep.
The hours pass by slowly, until there is only one hour left. Paladin starts calling out battle stations. Jackson and White prepare in their fighters, as both carry a single two hundred megaton nuclear warhead attached to a torpedo.
After a brief checklist they take off heading for the Beta fleet and the T-Challa gateway.
Klaus take’s a direct heading, bringing Paladin in as close as he dares, well within the described safe zone set by Paladin. Anders has all twenty torpedoes armed and loaded. He, however, adjusts the yield to sixty percent, five percent higher than Paladin recommended. Although Paladin protested, Caleb backs Anders call. Klaus closes the massive ship into optimum firing range.
Paladin begins to countdown until the attack begins "T minus fifteen."
Elsewhere, Colonel Jackson and Commander White take up positions near Beta fleet, covering the distance from Paladin in mere minutes.
White curious, asks, "Colonel, sir, what do you think our chances are?"
Jackson comically replies, "I’ll be just fine Reggie, you however, well my friend, you’re screwed." Boy takes things way too seriously. You have to be loose and relaxed to handle everything.
White, laughing, replies, "Thank you sir, your words are truly inspirational."
Jackson answers, "Anytime Reggie, anytime."
White says to himself, "Damn, doesn’t he ever sweat. We’re about to save our planet from the domination of an alien race and he cracks jokes."
Cavalier, hearing Commander White’s comment asks, "Sir, do you want me to transmit that or make a diagnosis of Colonel Jackson’s mental state?"
White’s eyes go wide, saying, "Uhmm no. I was just talking to myself."
Cavalier replies, "Yes sir, if you say so." Then Cavalier goes into the countdown, "T minus twelve minutes."
Back on Paladin, Caleb finally emerges from his quarters. His daughter latched onto his leg. She is very frightened by all the activities, but bravely she does not cry. She just holds onto her father.
Then she sees Shi Reies and is once again transfixed by his incredible size. Shi Reies notices her stare, smiles, and waves to her. Benton looks at him and laughs slapping him on the back, he says, "Big bad tough Chief of security." Benton laughs.
Caleb then speaks, "Attention please! I’m afraid my speeches aren’t as inspirational as Colonel Jackson’s speeches, so I’ll be brief. If we fail everyone we know and care about is dead. So don’t fail." Ok, not one of my better speeches, but to the point.
Benton says to Shi Reies, "Yup he’s right, his speeches aren’t as good as Jackson’s."
Paladin continues the countdown, "T minus ten minutes"
Jackson comes over the ship's holocom system, "Paladin, we’re in position and ready. We’ll be arming the nukes in eight minutes and counting. Let’s all hope this works because in eleven minutes were either heroes or were dead."
Shi Reies turns to Benton and says, "They're both very inspirational speakers."
Benton smiles, saying, "I’m starting to like you kid."
Shi Reies smiles back, saying, "Well, I’m only two years younger than you my friend. It’s easy to see you must have lived a hard life to look so much older. However, if you insist on calling me kid, I will be more than willing to help you cross the street in your wheelchair."
Benton laughs, "Ok kid."
Paladin continues the countdown, "Four minutes and counting. Two minutes until Jackson begins to power up the nuclear warheads."
As time dwindles down, Jackson closes into range of the gateway. Then he contacts Commander White, "Reggie you ready? We go live in …. Forty seconds."
White responds, "Yeah, I think so Colonel, uhmm, which one is the launch button again?"
Jackson chuckles, "Ok Commander, I’ll handle the jokes. Let’s get serious now."
Jackson pauses for a few seconds, and says, "Nukes go live in three, two, and one." Jackson and White activate their nukes.
Back on Paladin, "Colonel Jackson and Commander White’s nuclear torpedoes are live," Kitanna announces to the crew.
Anders then locks all torpedoes onto the Rail Gun ship and the surrounding ships. Tactical details rush across his screen as he constantly tries to understand the data. Klaus holds Paladin as still as he can, so tight his hands bleed as he is gripping the controls so tight.
Kitanna calls out ranges and the T-Challa ship statuses, which are all in passive mode, no shields and no weapon’s ready.
Paladin announces, "Fifty seconds until the T-Challa will detect the nuclear buildup."
Caleb looks down at his daughter who is clutching his leg ever so tightly. He stares at her and images of his wife appear in his mind as he looks upon her. The more I look at her, the more I see Emily. God, I miss her so. He reaches down, pulling Carla up, he looks out at the crew, saying, "Mister Anders, are you ready?"
Anders impatiently replies, "Yes sir, we’re ready."
Back at Beta fleet, Jackson calls out to White, "Ok Commander, let’s start our attack run now."
The two ships start maneuvering through the asteroid field, building up speed as they fly towards the T-Challa gateway.
The onboard computer on Cavalier calls out, “We are being scanned."
White calls out, "Forty seconds Colonel, you think they know what’s about to happen to them."
Jackson replies, "Let’s hope not."
The two fighters lock onto their target as they dance around the asteroids. Finally, both cross into direct sight of the enemy fleet and the gateway. White notices the Heavy cruiser taking a heading towards them while the three Medium cruisers close in on the gateway, which then starts to activate.
"You see that Reggie!” Jackson yells over the com.
White replies, asking, "Yeah, they are powering up the gateway, should we fire now?"
"No! Get in closer!” Jackson snaps, "I don’t want to give them any opportunity to shoot these nukes down."
Then the Heavy cruiser starts to power up its forward plasma cannons. The onboard computer Templar announces, "Enemy weapons powering up, evasive maneuvers required."
Jackson yells back at the
computer, "Tell me something I don’t already know."
The two close into firing range, and Jackson gets a good lock onto the gateway. His computer calls out, "Lock confirmed range is at optimum firing."
The Heavy cruiser then fires at the two-cloaked ships. Jackson and White maneuver wide, easily avoiding the blast, but lose their lock albeit just temporarily. They both quickly regain their target lock, maneuvering back on their original track. Now with less than five hundred yards, both Medium cruisers start spooling up their weapons.
Jackson yells out on the com, "Fire, and hit the hyperdrive!"
Jackson and White both fire at almost point-blank range. The gateway is now fully active. They drop their cloaks as they hit hyperspace and within the blink of an eye, they disappear across the solar system.
A moment later, both torpedoes hit the gateway. The detonation compounded with the energy of the gateway is so massive it is easily seen by Paladin and even as far away as the Earth.
Back on Paladin, at the exact moment of Jackson and White’s attack, Paladin calls out "Four, three, two, one."
Caleb yells out, "Fire!"
Twenty torpedoes fire full spread at close range. The cloak drops, finally revealing Paladin to everyone for the first time.
Paladin calls out, "Torpedoes on target, shields powering up. Thirty-two seconds until shields, and nineteen seconds until Heavy plasma cannons are charged. Twelve seconds until Medium plasma cannons are charged. Five seconds until Light plasma cannons are charged. Three seconds until torpedoes impact their targets. The enemy has been taken by complete surprise."
Benton, ignorant to Paladin rambling looks out the view port seeing the ship for the first time saying aloud, "My god this ship is massive."
The Ocoda Chronicles Book 1 Paladin Page 10
