“Be careful, Sarran, you’re starting to sound like First Sergeant Cole, and that’s not a good thing.”
Onaedo chuckled and held out her hand. “Goodbye and good luck, Michael.”
“Thanks,” replied Sheridan shaking her hand. “If I get the people and equipment I asked for, I’m hoping I won’t need all that luck.”
27
“I guess it’s time to tell everyone where we’re going,” said Sheridan as he looked out at the faces of the two hundred soldiers still strapped into their seats onboard the transport ship. They had just begun their jump and would be in transit for the next seventy-three hours.
Cole handed Sheridan a microphone. “Here, use this.”
Sheridan turned it on. “Good morning. Can everyone hear me?”
“Yes, sir!” shouted back his company.
“Okay then. First things first. This is not another training exercise; we have jumped away from Illum Prime and are headed deep into Kurgan territory.”
An excited murmur ran through the crowd.
“Everyone, be quiet,” said Cole.
Sheridan continued. “Our objective is a maintenance facility on Ke-12, which is a large moon in orbit around a gas giant in the Kelkaden system. It’s winter there so get used to the idea that you’re going to be cold and miserable for a few hours. The opposition there is assessed as being weak, so we shouldn’t have any trouble destroying the base. Our secondary task is to see if we can convince any Chosen citizens at the facility to surrender and join our forces. I will brief the officers in greater detail in one hour’s time. Until then you are free to stow away your equipment and stretch your legs.”
Sheridan switched off the mic and put it away. He looked at Cole and lowered his voice. “Is the jamming field in place?”
Cole nodded. “If someone tries to send a message, it won’t leave the confines of the ship.”
“Thanks.” Sheridan still didn’t fully trust the people under his command. On Cole’s suggestion, an electronic jammer had been installed to prevent messages from being transmitted by a possible operative.
Ensign Jones approached Sheridan. “Sir, could I possibly look at the intelligence you have on the Kurgan facility before your briefing? I’d really like to go over the data.”
Sheridan smiled. “I thought you would. There’s a computer set up in the first room on the right before the cockpit. The password to open the file is prosperity.”
“Perhaps it was an error not to bring her in on the planning,” said Cole.
“I don’t think so. There’s not a lot on the computer about the facility. It’s her training and natural curiosity that’s driving her to want to study the information.”
“Since we have an hour, how about a cup of coffee and a sticky bun?”
“Sounds good. We’ll grab a couple more and deliver them to the cockpit. I didn’t see Tarina or Wendy at breakfast this morning. They must have been prepping the ship. I bet they’re starving.”
An hour later, in the briefing room, all of the platoon leaders along with Komada and Tarina sat around an oval table looking up at a projected image of the facility on the wall. The base consisted of one large hangar surrounded by a couple of dozen smaller buildings.
Sheridan took a sip of water before he began. “Ladies and gentlemen, this is our objective: the maintenance facility on Ke-12. Fleet has assessed that there are upwards of one hundred people who live and work in and around the hangar. The only real opposition comes from a platoon of Chosen reservists who are responsible for guarding the base. As this station is infrequently visited, it is felt that the soldiers there will be unprepared for our sudden and unexpected assault. From the time we land until the time we re-embark on our ship, it should not take us more than six hours.”
“Why so long, sir?” asked Morgan. “If we were to land at the base’s landing pad, we could secure the entire station in a matter of minutes.”
“Mister Morgan, I considered that and quickly discarded that option. If we went in with guns blazing, we’d undoubtedly fail to meet our secondary task. Which is?”
Morgan hesitated. He thought he was smart. Instead, he looked like a deer caught in the headlights. “To secure prisoners, sir?”
Sheridan shook his head. “Not prisoners—willing volunteers. Words are important. Learn to pay attention to what is being said to you.”
“Yes, sir,” replied Morgan, sheepishly.
“Okay, let’s get back to business. This will be a three-phase operation. Phase One will be the insertion onto Ke-12. Phase Two will be action on the objective, and Phase Three will be our withdrawal. In order to mask our arrival and our approach to the base, we will land behind this ridgeline three kilometers from the facility,” explained Sheridan, pointing to their landing site on the map. “We will march due west toward the camp and reconnoiter it using our UAVs before putting in our assault. Our order of march will be First Platoon followed by the command team from company headquarters. Behind them will be Second and Third Platoons along with the remainder of the headquarters. Fourth Platoon will remain with the ship and provide perimeter defense and act as a mobile reserve, if they are needed. Once the base is secure, Captain Pheto will fly our ship to the landing site where we will re-embark and jump back to the rest of the fleet.”
Komada raised his hand. “Sir, where do you want me to be?”
“With company headquarters,” replied Sheridan. “Before I forget, I’ll be Ghost Six, Mister Lowassa will be Ghost One and so on.”
“Sir, what if this turns ugly and we can’t meet those timings?” asked Robinson.
“Then we will conduct a fighting withdrawal all the way back to our ship.”
“You haven’t mentioned a chain of command,” said Lowassa. “Who will take over the company should you fall?”
Sheridan smiled. “I don’t intend to die. However, if such a horrid thing were to happen, then First Sergeant Cole would take charge until Captain Pheto could assume command of the company.”
The crushed look in the young man’s eyes said it all. He thought he was the natural choice to take over the mission.
“Folks, you must learn to park your egos at the door. You may all outrank First Sergeant Cole, but you have platoons to lead, he does not. Besides, he has more combat experience than anyone else in this room. As for a pilot taking charge, the same applies to her. Trust me, Captain Pheto knows how to fight.”
Sheridan looked at Jones. “Ensign, did I miss anything regarding the enemy’s disposition?”
She shook her head. “No, sir.”
“So ends the brief. There will be another more detailed one in the hours before we come out of our jump, three days from now. Until then, you’ve got enough to go on. Brief up your platoons using this room and don’t forget to take the time to review your weapons-handling drills. Have your platoon sergeants report to First Sergeant Cole in the storage room where he’ll issue them the cold weather uniforms and equipment you’ll need for this mission.”
“Yes, sir,” replied the young officers.
“Time to get to work. You’re dismissed.”
Sheridan looked into the faces of his platoon leaders as they left. Anticipation and excitement filled their eyes. He hadn’t expected anything else.
Komada stood. “Sir, I can record a message that could be transmitted by your UAVs while they fly over the base. Some people may hear it and decide to lay down their arms.”
“That’s a good idea. I think these drones have the capability to project images as well. Perhaps you should record your message in your old Kurgan uniform. It may make the message seem more genuine and less threatening.”
“That might actually work,” observed Tarina.
“The Kurgs have been doing psy-ops messaging on us ever since this war began,” said Cole. “It’s about time we repaid them in kind.”
“It’ll only work on those who already harbor doubts in their minds,” said Sheridan. “The fanatics will more than likely try to
shoot our drone out of the sky.”
Cole patted his friend on the shoulder. “I seem to remember a certain green lieutenant standing out in the open on a bridge, who shot one down with his assault rifle because it was doing exactly the same thing.”
Sheridan chuckled. “That was a lifetime ago.”
“Yeah, whatever, Major,” said Cole as he stood up to leave. “Unlike you two, I’ve got to get to work. I’ve got a crapload of kit to hand out. I’ll bring your stuff up when I’m done.”
Komada nodded. He stood to leave the room but hesitated.
“Is there something more?” asked Sheridan.
“Yes,” said Komada. “You have rightly leaned on me to act as an intermediary between the men and women who have gone over to your side. As of now I renounce my Kurgan rank and wish to be known as a Kurdofan.”
“What’s that?” asked Tarina
“It’s an old term. He wants to be referred to as a holy man,” explained Sheridan. “So be it, as you have all but fulfilled that role with your people right now.”
Komada reached up, removed the rank insignia from his tunic, and placed it on the table in front of Sheridan. He bowed, turned, and left the room.
“That was odd,” said Tarina as she picked up the insignia.
“Not really. I’m surprised he never asked me earlier to be called a Kurdofan.”
Now that Sheridan and Tarina were alone in the room, he switched chairs and took one beside her. He took her hand in his. “I was told by Major Onaedo that this could be our last assignment together. I’d rather you stayed with me but my selfish needs don’t come before that of the fleet.”
Tarina smiled and placed a hand on his face. “Michael, all of my old friends have been sent to new duty stations throughout the fleet. For now, this is my home. If I stay here, then I’m at the pointy end of the fight. I’m not beating down the doors asking for a reassignment.”
“I’m glad to hear that.”
Tarina leaned forward and delicately placed her lips on his. For an all too brief moment, they forgot their troubles and saw only each other.
A loud knock on the door ended their reverie.
“Yes,” called out Sheridan, trying to mask his displeasure.
“Sir, it’s Ensign Jones. I was wondering if I could use the room to brief up company headquarters.”
Tarina pulled her head back. “You did tell them to use the room.”
“Yeah, I should have said in thirty minutes’ time,” said Sheridan.
“Not sure what you were thinking, Michael, but a kiss is as good as it gets until we can arrange a few days leave together.” With that, Tarina stood, blew her lover a kiss, and opened the door.
“Please come in, Ensign,” said Sheridan as he got out of his chair and made his way out into the corridor. He checked his watch. In a few hours’ time, they would be crossing over into Kurgan space. His felt the butterflies stir in his stomach. Sheridan took it as a good sign. The day he stopped being nervous and scared was the day he would resign his commission. A man with no fear was a fool and a hazard to himself and the men he commanded, thought Sheridan.
28
“Okay, we’re an hour out, so if you want to lead your people in prayer, now’s the time to do it,” Sheridan said to Komada.
“Thank you,” replied Komada.
Sheridan grabbed the holy man’s right arm. “Just so there’s no misunderstanding between us, there won’t be time for prayers once we step foot on Ke-12.”
“I understand.”
“Also, you may want to tell your followers to put their winter clothing on. In a few seconds, I’m going to drop the temperature in the crew compartment to match the current weather conditions on the moon.”
Komada nodded, dug out his Holy Book from a pocket, and walked away.
With a million things on his mind, Sheridan made his way to the cockpit and took a seat behind Tarina. “So what’s your plan when we come out of our jump?”
Tarina turned in her seat. “The intelligence brief indicated that there was only one working satellite in orbit above the moon. As we’re going to end our jump on the other side of the moon, we shouldn’t be detected. Before entering the atmosphere, I’m going to detach a parasite satellite from our hold.”
“What the hell is a parasite satellite? I’ve never heard of such a thing.”
“It’s something really new. In fact, it’s never been used on operations,” explained Wendy.
“What does it do?” he asked.
“Since our mission is of such short duration, it was deemed pointless to give us a real satellite to deploy in orbit so we could communicate with our fleet. The beauty of a parasite is that it seeks out other satellites and attaches itself to them. It then leeches power from that satellite until it is discovered or switches off one week after it goes active.”
“Ingenious.”
“Let’s hope it works,” said Tarina. “If not, we won’t have comms with anyone until we jump away from the moon.”
“Brrrr,” said Wendy, rubbing her hands on her arms. “Did the temperature just drop throughout the ship?”
“Yeah,” replied Sheridan. “I want the company to acclimate to the cold, so I asked Cole to lower the temperature in the crew compartment to minus twenty-two degrees Celsius.”
Tarina reached for her jacket. “Thanks for the warning.”
“Sorry.”
“Yeah, well, enjoy the cold. I’m closing the door behind you and cranking up the heat.”
Sheridan smiled, bent down, and kissed Tarina on the cheek. “See you in a few hours.”
Tarina smiled back. “You had better, sir. Or you’ll have to answer to me.”
The ship came out of its jump precisely where Wendy had calculated. A quick scan indicated that there wasn’t another ship in the system.
Tarina’s voice came over the ships intercom. “We have deployed our satellite. Make sure you’re buckled up back there as we’re about to descend through the moon’s atmosphere.”
Sheridan had changed into his all-white winter camouflage clothing. He reached down, cinched up his seat harness, and popped his mouthguard between his teeth. A couple of seconds later, the ship began to shake as it dropped toward the moon’s surface. He looked over at Cole and saw his friend grinning. Sheridan turned his head to see what was so amusing. Second Lieutenant Morgan had in his hands a drop sickness bag. Unlike Cole, he felt sorry for the man. It was his first combat drop and his nerves were probably making his stomach flip and flop like a fish out of water.
“Sir, I’m not getting any feed from the base,” reported Wendy in Sheridan’s headset.
He reached up and keyed his mic. “I don’t understand. There must be some kind of electronic signature coming from the base.”
“I agree, but there’s nothing. It’s as if they all decided to pack it in and go home.”
Sheridan wished he could get out of his seat and take a look at Wendy’s scanners. “Pipe the picture to the nearest console.”
An image appeared on the screen across from him. Sheridan studied the picture. Wendy was right, there wasn’t a single light on. Nor were there any thermal signatures. In the cold, the houses should have been glowing white from the heat. It was as if the base was completely deserted.
“I hope we didn’t come all this way to have missed the party,” said Cole, looking at the picture.
Sheridan shrugged. “I guess we’ll find out when we get there.”
The instant they were through the atmosphere, Tarina dove the ship toward the surface and flew at treetop level until they came to the landing site. As smoothly as she could, Tarina landed the transport vessel in a clearing.
Sheridan and Cole were the first two men out of their seats. They ran for the side door and opened it. A bitterly cold wind rushed into the compartment. Snow kicked up by the ship’s landing engines swirled through the air.
It was still dark outside. Sheridan had planned for them to arrive three hours before dawn
to give them enough time to approach the facility under the cover of darkness. He stepped outside and felt the cold on his face. Behind him, Kadina’s platoon dashed out of the door to set up a defensive perimeter all around the ship.
“Let’s not dawdle,” said Cole to the UAV team. “Let’s get a couple of drones in the air.”
Within a minute, the entire company was out of the ship. No one said a word while they waited for the order to begin the advance.
Sheridan looked over the shoulder of one of the UAV operators as he brought his drone over the Kurgan camp. It looked cold and uninviting. A Kurgan shuttlecraft sat on the landing strip with its ramp down. None of its lights were on. Like everything else, it looked abandoned.
“This is most peculiar,” said Sheridan as he ran his hand over his chin.
“Doesn’t make a lot of sense, does it,” said Cole. “But our friends in the intelligence branch have been known from time to time to get it spectacularly wrong. Perhaps we’ve arrived too late and they’ve already shut down operations.”
“We’ve come this far; we might as well check this place out. We can still demolish the warehouse so it can’t be used in the future.”
“Yeah, there’s still that.”
Sheridan keyed his mic. “Ghost One, this is Ghost Six, shake yourselves out and lead on. Keep the pace slow and measured.”
“Yes, sir,” replied Lowassa.
“Keep one drone over the Kurgan base and one two hundred meters in front of us at all times,” said Cole to the UAV operators. “The last thing we need is to have a nasty surprise while en route to the objective. Got it?”
“Yes, First Sergeant,” replied a young, redheaded soldier with freckles all over her cheeks.
As expected, the going was slow in the snow. All of the heavy weapons were tied down on toboggans pulled behind teams of four to six soldiers.
Sheridan checked the time on his watch and shook his head. They were beginning to fall behind schedule. He had expected to be through the woods and up on top of the ridgeline overlooking the camp within two hours. It was now nearing three. He undid his parka to let the hot air trapped underneath out. The last thing Sheridan wanted was to overheat.
Ghost Company Page 17
