by John Walker
“I’m assuming you’re watching the exchange between the Leviathan and that thing,” Harden replied. “They’re far too busy with a bigger target to be multitasking right now. Harden out.” He killed the connection. His pilot turned a concerned look at him and he smiled. “Don’t worry about it. In the end, he’s going to see that I was right.”
Both missions are important and I’m not letting one stand in the way of the other. Harden turned to his com and started sending a signal out to the Probity, requesting that anyone pick up the line.
“Sir,” Ensign Ruth Cole caught his attention from the scanning station. “The Leviathan took a blast from the enemy … like the one used on the Probity.”
“Oh no.” Harden’s heart hammered his chest and cold sweat broke on his palms. “Are they … is their ship still powered?”
She didn’t answer right away, finally clearing her throat. “I’m afraid not, sir. I’m not picking up any power readings at all. It might just be distance but … I’m changing the view screen so you can see for yourself.”
The Leviathan appeared on the screen, all the lights out on the hull. As the Seeker drew closer to the Probity, Harden knew they would be within range of the enemy attack again. He couldn’t risk it, not with the battlecruiser down. Damn it! He clapped his leg in frustration. We were so close!
“Break off and withdraw,” Harden announced. “Do it quickly before that thing hits us too.”
The ship banked and turned, moving back to their position where they’d be standing by before. What are we going to do now? Harden thought, staring at the dead battleship outside. How are we ever going to defeat this thing if our most powerful warship was taken down so easily? God help us. This may be the end.
***
Victoria sat in silence, staring at the view screen. She tried to guess the next action of their enemy, playing the game several moves ahead. Did they believe the ruse? If so, what would they do about it? Blast the ship to bits or try to leave? Warren played a dangerous game, gambling big but what outcome did he predict?
Avania came close to them, leaning in to whisper. “Your scanners use so little power there’s no way they would be able to detect them. I’ve done a quick sweep and their shields are still down. I’m fairly certain they will not be paying us any attention. If I were you, I’d hit them with everything you’ve got before they fully recharge their defenses.”
“Nicolas,” Warren said, “are all missile batteries loaded?”
“They are, sir,” Nicolas said. “They’re ready go to and I’ve programmed another course for them … this one far more random.”
“Perfect.” Warren turned to Victoria. “Shall we give these guys a quick surprise?”
“Know that when we do,” Victoria said, “that they won’t fall for that again. We’re going to have to finish the fight when we fire.”
“Yep, I’m counting on it.” Warren gestured to Nicolas. “Fire when ready. Once the missiles are deployed, kick the power back on and get us in motion again. Madeline, contact the Seeker and let them know that we’ll need them to be ready to extract those marines soon. They have to be close to completing their mission.”
“I wouldn’t go that far,” Victoria muttered. “Avania, if we break through that shield, do you think we’ll be able to communicate with our people over there?”
“The interference would be diminished,” Avania said. “I can work with Madeline here to see about breaking through it at that point. We may simply have to intensify the signal but it would also be nice if we were closer. Once you deploy your weapons, I recommend we charge them, providing this thing can slow down quickly enough.”
Nicolas clicked his tongue. “This is the first time I’ve flown this thing. I can’t tell you how fast it’ll stop … or even slow down. I’d recommend we be cautious when we talk about things like charge. That could quickly turn into ram and I’m pretty sure the hull wouldn’t take that kind of abuse.”
“Either way, we’re not finding out,” Warren said. “Still, I agree with Avania about getting closer. That’ll increase our chances of getting a communication out. I was thinking we were going to have to let them find a way but this helps even more. Alright, if we’re ready for this, fire away, Nicolas.”
Victoria winced as the gears of the weapons started grinding. We need to have those looked at. I’m not sure they should be making that much noise. The lights popped on along with the screen, catching all the missiles as they sped off toward their destination. Nicolas counted to five out loud then fired the cannons.
The floor rumbled again as the engines came alive, propelling them forward. “Three quarters thrust,” Nicolas announced. “Retro in … twenty seconds to avoid collision.”
Beams from the shield burst in several directions, catching some of the missiles. Three got through, pounding that same tender point on the alien defenses. The cannons battered it a moment later.
They returned fire, beams lashing out. Two missed, the third clipped them by the rear thrusters. “Firing another salvo,” Nicolas called out. “Retro thrusters in ten seconds.”
Cannons lit up the shields again. This time, the throbbing shield changed from red to white then winked out. The section dropped, revealing the bare surface beneath.
“You’re through!” Avania shouted. “Madeline, reach out to them! Quickly, while we still have time!”
The retro thrusters kicked in. Safety harnesses bit into her shoulders as she was shoved forward. Warren huffed beside her. The force of the reverse motion stabilized as inertial dampeners kicked in. She sat back, only just then noticing the lights flickered when Nicolas engaged the thrusters.
That’s probably a bug we’re going to need to look at. Victoria made a mental note. I bet engineering has a novel of issues to go through.
“Leviathan to Lieutenant Pollard,” Madeline said, “please respond. This is Ensign Blanchard calling on all channels. Do you read?”
“Leviathan!” Dex’s voice burst over the speakers. “You have no idea how good it is to hear your voice! This is Pollard! Are you the ones making this place shake so much?”
“I’ve got this, Madeline,” Warren said. “We’ve taken down a section of the shields!”
Another series of blasts came from the enemy ship, hammering the hull of the Leviathan. Avania returned to her station. Victoria didn’t need her to run the damage report this time. Delgado sent it in almost immediately. Hull breach on deck seven and eight, crew quarters and the mess hall, based on the exact section.
“It was bad,” Victoria muttered to Warren. “Bulk heads have closed over the areas. We still have compression in the rest of the level.”
“How close are you to leaving that place?” Warren asked. “We’re keeping their attention but I can tell you right now, we can’t keep it up. Their weapons are punching through our environmental shields and the hull can’t take a lot more. If they get lucky and find the right place to shoot, we’re done for.”
“We’ve cleared several of the shuttles but the last one we checked was empty. We’re heading to the collectors now.” Dex paused and they heard gunfire over the com. “Contact left! Get that guy! Leviathan, we’re under fire but several of the bombs are in place! Withdraw. We can take it from here and get back to you. Don’t risk the ship anymore.”
“We can’t just leave you to deal with them on your own!” Warren shouted. “How much longer, man? We have to distract this thing so your ride can pick you up!”
“We’ve got a bit more to go, sir.” Dex stopped abruptly as more gunfire went off. “Maybe we can take their weapons off line or … something. It seems like it might be the only way to make this work!”
“I can try to guide them,” Avania said. “Patch them through to this … head piece thing you have. I’ll talk them through some activities which might help us out.”
Warren nodded. “Do it, Madeline. Get him over there and let’s see what we can do from the inside. Nicolas, bank left ninety degrees. Full thrust.
We’ll loop around and keep hitting them. Dex, we’re getting you some navigation help and we’ll still keep them busy out here. Good luck!”
Victoria held on to her seat as the ship shifted to the left. Nicolas fired again as he made the navigation. She had to give him credit for his ability to multitask. It was stunning. Tapping a message to Delgado, she let him know the plan then turned her attention back to the screen. The next ten minutes would tell whether they won the fight or lost everything.
***
Dex spun to the side, slamming into a wall. Avania’s voice filled his helmet but the buzzing of enemy weapons drowned her out. Jumie fired several bursts before taking cover beside him, shouting that he needed to reload. The converter was just down the way. He could see the familiar yellow glow.
“Avania, come again? I didn’t copy.”
“I asked where you are, Dexter. I can’t help you anywhere without your present location.”
“We’re at one of the converters now,” he replied. “There’s no way they could’ve plugged anyone in them yet. We’ve been pressing hard on these bastards.”
“That’s … lovely. Truly. When you’ve finished your conflict, I’ll direct you on how to use the control panel to disrupt some of the systems.”
“Okay … I’ll help with that while the others check the other converters, I guess. This will be interesting.”
“That’s not the word I would technically use but I suppose it applies,” Avania said. “Just let me know when you’re done firing weapons.”
Easy for you to say. Dex crouched and leaned around the corner. The world swam, adrenaline gripping his chest. A blue beam whizzed by, blacking the right side of his helmet. He fired two shots. His target dove to the side, a bullet tearing through his foot. Another alien shouted, taking aim.
Dex redirected. Falling back wasn’t an option. He was unlikely to get his shot off in time. Shell casing bounced off his helmet from above as Jumie unloaded half his magazine. The alien began dancing backwards and his weapon went off. A marine behind him cried out.
“Get back!” Jumie grabbed his arm, dragging him around the corner. Two blue beams flashed past where he’d been a moment before.
“Thanks,” Dex said. “Was that the one I got on the foot?”
“I think so.” Jumie looked across the way at the others. “He’s on the ground to the left, lying on his side!” Another buzz sounded as beams cut through the air, forcing the marines back down the hall. “I don’t think anyone’s got line of sight on that prick and I’d hate to waste a grenade on one guy.”
“I’ve got it,” Dex replied. He took several deep breaths. “If this doesn’t work, be ready to put him down, okay?”
“What’re you going to do?” Jumie asked.
“I’m curious about that myself,” Avania added. “I’m not even there and this sounds like it might be a bad idea.”
“I’m going to solve the problem.” Dex set his rifle down and drew his sidearm. Holding it up, he spun and threw himself out of his cover, firing the pistol the second he had a clear shot. The alien returned fire but missed as Dex landed on his side.
He rapid fired, planting five rounds in his target’s chest. The alien’s body jerked a couple times and fell still, blood pooling on the floor beneath him.
“Solved.” Dex muttered. He crawled to his feet. They’d brought several people down to the area and put them on the conveyer belts. Jesus Christ, these guys are industrious and fast! This is ridiculous! “Lock this area down and rouse those people. I’m going to need a team to clear the next converter which is that way.” He gestured.
“What about you?” Jumie asked.
“I’m going to … do something with this control panel thing.” Dex shrugged. “Watch my back.” He cleared his throat. “Avania, I’m near the control panel. What do you want me to do?”
“The first step you have to take involves bringing up the menu. Tap the upper left corner of the screen.”
Dex looked at it, frowning at the squiggly lines under several boxes. They didn’t have pictures, just glowing blue shapes. He didn’t have any idea what he was looking at and the language certainly wasn’t anything he’d seen before. He complied with the order though, tapping the box on the upper left.
“Just so you know, I have no idea what any of this means.” Dex sighed. The screen changed, showing a dozen boxes with three columns. More of the strange language appeared on the right of each. He described what he saw, drawing a look from Jumie. “Oh, you just keep an eye out for me. I don’t need you giving me a hard time right now.”
“Sorry, sir.”
“We’ve roused these people!” One of the marines shouted. “I’m going to escort them back to the rally point while the others get to the next converter.”
“Sounds good,” Dex said. “Avania? What the hell do I do now?”
“Count three rows down and tap the second box from your left.”
Dex did as he was told and the terminal began to flash. He took a step back. “Is it supposed to be blinking? Flashing? Flickering? Whatever the hell it’s doing.”
“Yes, that means it’s looking for the data you requested. Remain calm. It will only take a few moments.”
“Easy for you to say,” Dex muttered. “You’re not standing in the middle of a conflict zone with enemies just itching to turn you into blue goo.”
The captured people were escorted away from the converter. A couple of the men rushed off to the next converter. Dex wished he could go with them. He would’ve thought alien computers didn’t have to spend so much time loading. Anyone who mastered interstellar travel should’ve done away with loading screens.
“Contact!” Jumie fired his rifle and Dex leaned over to see what he took a shot at. Another alien body hit the ground, sprawled out with a hole in its chest.
“Nice shot,” Dex said. “What the hell was he doing down here alone?”
“Probably thought you all moved on,” Avania said. “Has the screen stopped flashing?”
Dex sighed. “Not yet.” The floor trembled and he had to grip the console to remain standing. “What the hell was that?”
“We’re keeping those shields down so you and I can continue to talk,” Avania replied. “The Leviathan cannons are sufficiently taxing their shields, which means they can’t recharge the section that collapsed. It also means they have to decide whether they want to shoot at us or defend themselves.”
Dex considered what they were up against. The alien weapons were only pistols. He hadn’t seen military grade equipment from these people yet. Add to that the ship they arrived in. It counted as a civilian ship. Yes, it was a match for humanity because their technology hadn’t advanced far enough.
What would a destroyer be like? Or a battleship? Their military vessels may well be far more than Earth could handle, especially when the collector ship was able to cause significant damage to the Leviathan. Their EMP shut down a ship in their fleet with a single shot. He imagined the damaging attacks would be far more devastating.
And that didn’t even begin to touch on their ground forces. What type of armor did they employ? How nasty were their weapons? Hopefully, Avania could give them this information. She’d be busy for quite a while after the operation ended. He hoped she planned to cooperate.
Gunfire echoed off the walls, coming from far down the hall. Dex hoped that meant the marines had arrived at the other converter. They might have their work cut out for them, depending on how many aliens were down there. He couldn’t understand how they were so zealous. What compelled them on past any self-preservation?
The screen stopped flashing and Dex practically cheered. “Hey, the screen’s done.” He frowned at the new display. A series of strange symbols dominated the four quadrants. Squiggly characters sprawled across the top, like a title of some kind. There were no more boxes this time, just a circle, three lines close to each other, a hexagon and a plus.
“Great. Look for the palanta.”
“The
what?” Dex shook his head. “Please tell me you didn’t just use some weird ass word in your own language.”
“Sorry, it um … looks like a circle?”
“Really? Why not just say a circle?”
“Because it’s a palanta.” Avania cleared her throat. “Anyway, do you see anything like that?”
“Yeah, it’s right here. Do I tap it?”
“No, you trace your finger around it starting in the lower right. There should be a small dot. It may be difficult to see.”
Dex leaned close, squinting until he saw what she was talking about. Pressing his finger into it, he paused. “Which direction do I drag?”
“Right to left.”
“Clockwise?”
“No, Right to left.”
“That’s clockwise!” Dex started moving his finger. “Never mind, I’m doing it now.”
“Hey,” Jumie said, “we’ve got trouble. I just received a report that the aliens were shooting the unconscious hostages. We lost dozens of people.”
“Are you kidding? What the hell!” Dex finished the circle. “Hurry up, Avania! They’re killing the hostages now!”
“We’re almost there,” Avania said. “We are breaking into a system that you have no business even getting into from where you’re at. It’s not exactly easy.”
The screen changed color, glowing purple. Dex turned to Jumie. “Get down there and help them. I’ll be fine.”
“Are you sure?” Jumie asked. “You’re kind of busy to be watching your own back right now.”
“We don’t have the luxury of you hanging out here when they need the firepower. Make sure they’re arming the able-bodied hostages we saved. Part of this plan relied on the fact that we’d be able to boost our numbers by saving people.”
“I’m on it.” Jumie jogged off down the hall, leaving Dex alone.
“Okay, the screen is purple,” Dex said. “Also, I’m alone so I need to make this quick. I don’t want to be hanging out here longer than I have to. What’s next?”
