Starship Exodus (The Galactic Wars Book 7)

by Tripp Ellis

  Chloe watched as Commander Scott pondered her fate.

  “Do you know what I hate?”

  Chloe shook her head.

  “I hate writing notifications of death. It’s the worst thing in the world to have to tell a family that their child isn’t coming home.”

  Chloe’s face was grim and a tear rolled down her cheek.

  27

  The Revenant

  “This armada outnumbers the fleet 2 to 1,” Secretary of Defense Pollock said.

  The mood in the Situation Room was grim. Chloe’s helmet cam footage of the alien fleet looped on the display.

  “These attacks are just probes,” Emma said. “They are testing our weaknesses and response times.” Emma froze the footage on the orb-like device at the center of the fleet. “We don’t know what this is. Could be a weapon. Could be a supply pod. It’s hard to say.”

  “Right now we know their current location. I say we mobilize our forces and strike immediately. We have the element of surprise,” Westgate said.

  “That’s walking into a slaughter,” Secretary of State Morris said. “The sheer size of that fleet will make short work of our entire Navy.”

  “We either take the fight to them, or they will bring it to us,” Emma said. ”If we bring it to them, at least it’s on our terms, and we have the element of surprise.”

  “That will leave every colony vulnerable,” Morris said.

  “Every colony already is vulnerable,” Glassman interjected.

  Slade’s face was tense with concern. This was, perhaps, one of the toughest decisions she was going to have to face as President. She was silent for a long moment. Then, with grim determination, she uttered the words, "Mobilize the fleet.”

  After the meeting, Glassman pulled President Slade aside in the hallway to discuss something privately. He spoke in a hushed tone. “I want you to consider your options.”

  “I’m listening.”

  “We don’t have the resources to protect the entire Federation. Attempting to do so spreads us too thin. Perhaps if we dug in, concentrated our efforts on the protection of New Earth, we may have a chance.”

  Slade was appalled. “I will not leave the outer colonies to fend for themselves. We are one Federation.”

  “We may be talking about the survival of the human race. Think long term here. You may do the right thing and protect all of the colonies, but the species could end here. Or you could do what seems like the selfish thing, and give mankind a fighting chance.”

  Slade was silent for a moment.

  “All I’m asking is that you take a moment to think about the long-term outcomes of your decisions.”

  “Rest assured, all of my decisions will be measured.”

  “Your legacy will be measured by what you do here.”

  “I don’t care about my legacy. I care about the safety of this Federation.”

  “There’s another thing I want you to consider.”

  Slade arched a curious eyebrow at him. So far she wasn’t liking any of his suggestions.

  “I think we need to move you to a more secure location. Every available ship we have is going to need to be on the front lines. That’s no place for the President. I suggest we take a small convoy and retreat to an undisclosed location. You can still maintain command of the fleet from there.”

  “You’re suggesting I do the same spineless thing that President Amado did.”

  “Perhaps it wasn’t spineless, but prudent.”

  The shiny hypodermic needle was long and thick. This wasn’t going to be a dainty little pinprick. This thing was going to mine Emma’s veins for blood. And it wasn’t going to take any prisoners.

  Doctor Jackson brandished it with glee. He seemed to enjoy striking fear into the heart of his patients. Emma could handle almost anything thrown her way, but needles made her cringe.

  “Squeeze this.” Doctor Jackson gave her a tennis ball and tied off the vein at her bicep.

  Emma glared at him. “Is this absolutely necessary?”

  “I’m old-fashioned. I like to run blood tests when possible.”

  “It’s barbaric.”

  “Suck it up, Buttercup. This will be quick and painless.” He palpated the median cubital vein at the inside of her elbow. Then he jammed the needle in.

  In truth, she didn’t feel much more than a slight stab, but it looked far more gruesome. It started an avalanche of queasy thoughts in her mind, and soon she had to look away. She had done two tours in Razurvan and had seen plenty of casualties and blood. That didn’t seem to bother her in the same way that a thick needle going into her arm did.

  Crimson blood oozed into the vial until it was full.

  “Do you really need that much?”

  “You’ve got plenty to spare.”

  “Easy for you to say.”

  “I’ve treated Girl Scouts that whine less than you.”

  “Sorry. It’s a childhood phobia.”

  Doctor Jackson handed the vial of blood to a corpsman who took it to the lab. Jackson pressed a cotton ball over the puncture wound for a moment, then covered it with a bandage. “See, good as new.”

  Emma frowned at him.

  Jackson took his PDU and did a quick brain and body scan. He waved it over her, and a highly detailed image appeared on the display. “Hmm, that’s interesting,” he muttered.

  Emma hated it when he did that. “What’s interesting?”

  There was an announcement over the 1MC that the screening of Devastator 2 in the rec room had been canceled. Emma deflated a little. She was looking forward to seeing Dylan.

  “Your brain tumor looks like it’s decreasing in size. It’s measuring .5 cm less than last time we scanned you.” Jackson surveyed her. “That’s good news. You’re supposed to look happy.”

  “I am,” she perked up with hopeful eyes.

  “Have you been taking your medicine?”

  Emma nodded.

  “How are the side effects?”

  “Terrible.”

  “Well, stick with it. It appears to be working.”

  “Again, easy for you to say. I can hardly keep a meal down. And look at me… I look like the walking dead.”

  “At least you’re still walking.”

  “I know, I know. Every day above ground is a good day.”

  “I should have your blood results in about 45 minutes. I just want to make sure nothing funky is going on. Sometimes the medication can mess with your liver function.”

  “And just about every other function,” she said, dryly.

  Doctor Jackson’s mobile rang. He looked at the display screen and recognized the caller. “Excuse me, while I take this.” He swiped the device and answered the call. “This is Doctor Jackson.”

  A young woman appeared on the display. “Hello, Doctor Jackson, I’m sorry to disturb you. My name is Lieutenant Olivia Watson with the Medical Supply Corps. It’s come to our attention that there is a slight issue with one of our recent shipments. There’s been a recall on one of the vaccines.”

  Jackson’s eyes narrowed. “Which vaccine?”

  “SD-122312.”

  Jackson tried to place the number in his mind.

  “It’s the Proxima flu vaccine,” she stammered.

  Jackson’s eyes widened. “What exactly is the problem with it?”

  “It’s an attenuated live virus vaccine. But there was a mixup in the processing facility, and the live virus was not attenuated.”

  Jackson was furious. He try to contain himself, but the incompetence was staggering. “Do you realize the damage that could do?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “How widespread is the infection?”

  “We don’t know at this time, sir. We are still trying to ascertain that data. Have you noticed any infections on your end?”

  “I haven’t had to dispense the vaccine. It’s only called for when troops are specifically headed into an area with a known history of the contagion.”

  She looked at
him, confused. “I guess you weren’t updated on the most recent protocol. It’s been mandated as a standard issue inoculation across the fleet.”

  “Since when?”

  “Since the most recent Medical Procedure Directive—issued a few days ago.”

  “Well, it’s a good thing I haven’t gotten around to reading that directive yet.”

  There was an awkward silence.

  “Please dispose of the vaccine in a Bio-safe manner. Do not incinerate. Do not throw it in the trash. Do not—“

  His eyes narrowed at her, and he muttered in a condescending tone, “I know how to dispose of bio-hazardous materials!”

  “Excellent. I’ll mark you down as having been notified and in compliance. Thank you for your time, Doctor Jackson. And, have a great day.” She gave a fake smile and terminated the connection.

  Jackson shook his head. “Idiots.”

  Emma had a concerned look in her eyes. She knew exactly what the Proxima flu was. “Are you sure you haven’t administered any of those vaccines?”

  “I’m positive. I will check my records just to assuage your fears. But I’m absolutely, 100% certain the ship is free from infection.”

  “Sir, there’s a Marine Recon unit stranded on Ceti Reticuli 9,” Lieutenant Thaxton said. “They encountered a hostile enemy and have lost contact with FOB Trammell.”

  “Well, go pick them up,” Walker said.

  “Aye, sir.” Thaxton stood for a moment in Walker’s office, hesitant. It was easy to see there was something else on his mind.

  “What are you waiting for, Lieutenant?”

  “Sir, the recon team seems to be infected with a biologic.”

  “So, use proper containment protocols and make sure they’re quarantined upon their return. Make sure Dr. Jackson clears them before they’re re-integrated into the general population.”

  “It’s the Proxima flu, sir.”

  “I don’t care what it is, you bring those boys home.”

  “Aye, sir.” Thaxton spun around and stammered away.

  28

  Chloe

  “You’re no longer in the Fighter Weapons School,” Commander Scott said.

  Chloe’s eyes went wide. She had been called back into his office. She wanted to scream you can’t kick me out, but she held her tongue.

  “The fleet wants you and your class to return to the Revenant. You’ll resume your training at a later date. The fleet needs every pilot they can get their hands on. You’ll be taking part in Operation Galactic Shield.”

  “Are we attacking the enemy fleet, sir?”

  Scott nodded. “This is going to be the largest assault in the history of the Federation. And perhaps the worst odds.” His expression was grave.

  Chloe tried to maintain her optimism.

  “You’ve also been promoted. It seems somebody was impressed with your recon footage. Congratulations, Lieutenant Junior Grade Johnson.”

  Chloe’s jaw dropped. She couldn’t believe what he had just said. Chloe hesitated a moment, then stammered, “I don’t know if I’m ready for that, sir. I’ve made some pretty big mistakes.”

  “Let me tell you something, Ms. Johnson. We all make poor decisions in the heat of battle. What separates leaders is that they learn from their mistakes and they keep going.” His steely eyes pierced into her. “Have I misjudged you?”

  Chloe took a long pause. “No, sir.”

  “Ensign Sharp isn’t going to be the first friend you lose in combat.”

  “I understand, sir.”

  “Someday you are going to give orders, and people are going to die because of those orders. It’s the way war works. You can’t ever hesitate. What I saw on that helmet cam footage of yours demonstrates all the qualities of a leader and someone who isn’t going to quit.” He handed her a set of gold bars for her collar. He stared her in the eyes. “And don’t you ever try to turn down a promotion again.” A slight smirk curled on his lips.

  Chloe returned a grim smile. “Yes, sir.”

  “Good luck, Lieutenant. You’re going to need it out there.”

  Chloe left the commander’s office and marched down the hallway back to her quarters. She gathered up her belongings and stuffed them in her duffel bag.

  Ensign Kilmer hung in the doorway. “I can’t believe you got promoted.” His voice was full of disgust. “I wonder if they’ll give me a promotion if I get my wingman killed?”

  Chloe was furious. “Careful, Ensign Kilmer. I might have you assigned as my wingman next.”

  He sneered at her and pushed away from the door frame.

  The entire outpost was buzzing with activity. Chloe and her squadron weren’t the only ones leaving. The order had come through to evacuate the outpost. The base was vulnerable, and practically indefensible. The resources could be put to better use back at the fleet. The base held no strategic value, and there was no sense trying to hold the position.

  The mechanized infantry was loading up and preparing to move out as well. Marines were prepping dropships and heavy transports. They loaded weapons and ordnance, and mechanized exoskeletons. Within a few hours, this place would be a ghost town.

  Chloe and her squadron took the remaining Stingrays and departed for the Revenant.

  Chloe took a last look at the compound as she lifted off the tarmac. She didn’t graduate from Advanced Fighter Weapons School. She hadn’t gotten the training and tactics she had hoped to learn. She knew the fight was coming. The sense of dread hung in her belly like a bad meal. Her body was in a state of constant tension. But she had learned a little about combat maneuvering in her short time here. She hoped it was enough to make a difference.

  29

  The Marines

  A Vantage descended through the clouds like an angel from heaven. Carson almost couldn’t believe his eyes. He wasn’t sure if they were ever going to get off this rock. The air rippled and distorted beneath its thrusters as it touched down on the surface of Ceti Reticuli 9.

  The back ramp lowered, and two Navy Reapers emerged wearing T-6000 battle armor. It was fully self-contained, and its atmosphere processing unit protected the wearer from nuclear, biological, chemical, and other contaminants.

  The Reapers handed yellow bio-hazard containment suits to the Marines, who suited up. They loaded into the Vantage and returned to the Revenant. They landed in a specially designed bio-safe landing bay. It was a small area, capable of accommodating one transport at a time. The flight deck was attached to a positive pressure airlock with a wash station. Rubber bladders sealed the edges of the hatch. Banks of vertical nozzles sprayed the Marines in their bio-suits with various chemicals and anti-microbials. A sensor monitored for airborne pathogens.

  After the shower was complete, the light above the hatch turned green. The airlock was clear. They left the airlock and were escorted to a bio-containment area. It was another positive pressure unit that kept the air from circulating throughout the rest of the ship. There were special UV lights that were designed to kill surface pathogens.

  Every ship in the fleet had NBC quarantine capabilities, even though the use of biological or chemical weapons were outlawed by the Galactic Convention. You never knew what type of pathogens you might run into out there.

  The Marines stripped out of their bio suits and placed them into a quarantine container. They would be disposed of later, jettisoned into space. The containment area contained bunks, couches, games, and a TV.

  Carson plopped on the couch and tried to relax. His fever was still high, and he was bathed in sweat. Corpsmen were supposed to arrive shortly and provide the antidote. Carson hope he would make it that long.

  30

  The Revenant

  Chloe landed on the flight deck of the Revenant. She opened the canopy of the Stingray and powered down the craft. It was good to be back home. She climbed out of the vehicle and strolled across the flight deck. Flight crews were prepping Stingrays and gunships for battle, loading them with weapons, making sure every last detail was
in order. The bustling chaos echoed through the cavernous bay. The sound of thrusters and machinery filled the air. It had the distinct smell of metal, grease, and ion exhaust. There was nothing quite like the smell of a flight deck.

  Chloe was greeted by the CAG, Commander Eddie Clark—callsign 8-ball. “Welcome back, Lieutenant Johnson,” he said, shouting over the noise.

  “It’s good to be back, sir.”

  “You and your class are officially part of the 703 Jolly Rogers.”

  “It’s an honor. We won’t disappoint.”

  “Make sure your birds are prepped and ready, then meet in the Ready Room for a mission briefing at 1600 hours.”

  “Aye, sir.”

  “I’m not going to sugarcoat things. This is going to be the toughest battle we’ve ever fought. We expect a high casualty rate. Honestly, I don’t know if any of us are coming back from this one. I hate that your first time out might be your last.”

  “Tomorrow doesn’t come with a guarantee,” Chloe said, trying to hang on to her optimism.

  Commander Clark smiled.

  Chloe found Levi in the hangar deck, working on a Vantage. She crept silently into the cockpit and watched him work for a moment. “Miss me?”

  Her voice startled him, and he bumped his head on the console he was working under. He rubbed his head as he climbed to his feet. “Who are you again?”

  Chloe scowled at him. “Shut up.”

  The two embraced.

  “I guess, maybe,” he exaggerated dramatically, “I missed you a little. But don’t let that go to your head.”

  She planted a fat kiss on his lips.

  “Okay, maybe a lot.” The words sneaked out of the corner of his mouth as she kissed him passionately.