by Finn Gray
“Come with us,” Val said.
“No. There’s fighting going on, which means some of the crew remain loyal. I’ll rally them and we’ll regain control of Osprey.
“But,” Val began.
“We can’t let this ship fall into Memnon hands. The damage they could do with her.... I mean, gods, we’re armed with nukes.”
The mental gymnastics required for Lina to suddenly regard Simon as a loyal member of the fleet were daunting, but it seemed she had misjudged him. She reversed her pistol and held it out to him. “You’ll need this if you’re going to make a fight of it. It’s armed so don’t shoot me.”
Simon flicked a tiny smile. “My trigger discipline is solid. But you keep it, just in case.” He turned, retrieved a rifle from one of the fallen guards, then turned to Sabre. “Let’s get you to a shuttle.”
Chapter 29
Sonohari Desert
Hyperion
Rory scanned the parched landscape. A hot wind sent dust eddying across his field of vision. A stray tumbleweed bounded along on its solitary way. Up ahead the plateau stood, a beacon of hope against a skyline filled with signs of civilization’s demise. Not for the first time he wondered what had become of his parents. Had the farmlands been spared the devastation of nuclear strikes?
“We’re almost there,” Jemma said.
Her voice made him flinch. She’d stuck close by him, weathered the unrelenting attacks from the mechs and drones that dogged their steps. Not once had she asked for a weapon. She’d endured in silence, a penitent look on her face. Still, he couldn’t forget that she’d tried to kill him.
“Almost isn’t good enough,” he said. “And I don’t like the looks of this last stretch.”
“It’s wide open,” she said. “We’d be easy targets.”
“On the other hand, we’d get there faster.” For a moment, he considered issuing the order to double-time it across the open stretch of desert, but then he looked at the winding path that led up to the top. The series of switchbacks offered no protection whatsoever. They couldn’t go that way.
“Make a decision, farmer!” Marson called. “Or are you waiting for your Memnon to steer us into whatever trap they’ve laid for us?”
“We’re going to swing northwest, take cover in the arroyo, and make our way up the west side of the plateau.”
“That’s a tough climb.” Monk stared doubtfully at their destination.
“Yeah, but it offers us cover,” Cassidy said. “That’s better than the alternative.”
“That’s the idea,” Rory said. “I’ll take the point. Marson left, Cassidy right, Monk take the rear.” Taking one last glance around in search of threats, he stood and began to run.
The arroyo was a winding dry creek bed, with steep walls and thick stands of juniper sheltering its narrow depths. They slid down its steep side to it soft, sandy bed, and began to work their way in the direction of the plateau.
Rory looked up and was pleased to see only a narrow sliver of blue sky above them. A drone would have to be directly overhead before it could spot them. Unless it was equipped with heat sensors, but he couldn’t think of a way to avoid that. They ran along in near-silence, only the soft thrum of their booted feet on the sand to keep them company. He began to relax. Maybe the worst of it was over. Perhaps Clancy had run out of drones and mechs within his control. No sooner had he thought of their sergeant than the man’s voice filled his ears.
“Cadet Waring, what’s your twenty? Evac can’t find you.”
Rory hesitated. Should he just keep quiet? He decided to lie.
“About half a click south of where we last checked in, Sir. The course went crazy, sent drones and mechs armed with live ammo after us. We couldn’t hold our position.”
“Roger that. Stay put. Evac is close. Over.”
“What was that?” Cassidy asked.
“I decided to send him in the wrong direction. Maybe buy us some time.”
“Good call if he’s really a Memnon. Bad call if he’s on our side.”
“I know.” He looked up at the plateau, tantalizingly close now. If only they could get there. His thoughts were so focused on their destination that he almost didn’t see the automated weapon emplacement that popped up from the middle of a huge yucca plant in front of them. “Down!”
They all hit the deck as the gun flashed red. It was part of the training course, not the real thing. Of course they instructors wouldn’t have left the arroyo unprotected. Rory fired off three shots in quick succession, disabling the gun.
“That could have been worse,” he said.
“Speak for yourself,” Itoi said. “I’m frozen.” The recruit lay on the ground, his suit locking him in place.
“We need to cut him out of there,” Monk said.
“You’ll never cut through this,” Itoi said. “And you’d probably slice me to ribbons in the process. Just come back for me when Trent picks you up.”
Rory glanced up at the narrow ribbon of sky above them. “Won’t work. The arroyo’s too narrow.”
“I’ve got him. Here, take this.” Jones shoved his rocket launcher into Jemma’s hands, slung his rifle over his shoulder, and then scooped Itoi up in his powerful arms.
“Damn, boy,” Monk said. “You think you can hump it all the way up there while you’re hauling his fat ass?”
“Nope. If he gets too heavy, I’ll pitch him over the cliff.” Jones flashed a grin. “Let’s do this.”
They made their way along to the mouth of the arroyo where it began at the foot of the plateau, made their way out, and stood staring up at the climb that lay before them.
“Let me take the lead,” Monk said. “I’m a good climber and I’m light. I’ll scout the way. Keep an eye out for loose rocks and stuff.”
“You and Sid take the lead. Jones, you go next. Marson and Cassidy, stick close to him in case he needs help with Itoi.”
“You really don’t have to do this,” Itoi said.
“Shut up, Itoi.” Cassidy turned to Rory. Who’s going to keep an eye on the Memnon carrying the rocket launcher?” She frowned at Jemma.
“I will.” Rory said. “She’s been fine since...the incident.”
“That’s what you’re calling it? All right, Plowboy, but don’t make me sorry I trusted your judgment.”
The climb was steady, and thankfully uninterrupted by drones or other threats. Monk scrambled up at a rapid clip, picking out the surest path. The others moved along slowly, keeping pace with Jones, whose labored breath spoke of the heavy burden he carried.
“Want us to take over?” Cassidy asked him.
“Not yet,” Jones panted. “If I stop, I might not start again.”
“Good news is, once we make it across there, we’re nearly home free.” Cassidy pointed to a ledge, a meter wide and fifty meters across, spanning a gap between the slope on which they stood and the final ascent.
“Think there’s any beer topside?” Jones asked. “Wait. Don’t answer that. Just let me dream.” He took a deep breath and set his shoulders. “Lead the way, Monk.”
One by one, the squad members moved out onto the ledge.
“Let’s hope no drones show up,” Marson said.
“Don’t jinx us,” Cassidy replied.
Something dark on the horizon caught Rory’s eye. It was large and coming fast.
“That’s not a drone, but I think it’s bad news,” he said. “Everybody move!”
“I’m trying,” Jones said. “But I barely fit on this ledge, and Itoi isn’t helping.”
“If you drop me I’ll kick the shit out of you,” Itoi said.
“That’s a transport,” Cassidy said, shielding her eyes from the sun. “Maybe it’s Trent!”
A burst of flame from beneath the transport’s wing and a missile shot toward them. Rory grabbed Jemma and hauled down as the missile struck the cliff. A massive explosion shook the rocks on which they stood. A shrill scream split the air and Rory saw a figure tumbling through the ai
r.
“No!” Even as he cried out he knew it was too late. “Let’s blow that damned bird out of the sky!” He opened fire at the approaching transport. Marson and Cassidy joined in.
“I’ve got it,” Jemma said. She took aim with the rocket launcher, but even as she fired, another missile flew from the transport.
Still squeezing the trigger for all he was worth, Rory’s eyes were locked on the approaching craft. For a split second, he thought he caught a glimpse of Clancy in the cockpit. And then the world erupted in fire and smoke.
Chapter 30
Battlecruiser Osprey
Thetis
Sabre stopped when they reached the flight deck. The sounds of fighting still rang out all around. Simon Vatcher, the commander of Osprey, moved up alongside her.
“Looks like they’re at a stalemate,” he said. “You can probably gain control of that Mongoose without anyone noticing.”
The Mongoose was a primarily a reconnaissance vessel. It was lightly armed and not as maneuverable as a Cobra, but lightning fast and capable of covering longer distances before refueling. What was more, it could carry up to six passengers. More than enough for her purposes.
“I hate to pass up a chance at a good fight, but I guess I don’t have much choice,” she said. “Not if you want me to get these two out of here.” She glanced at the imperial princesses, who appeared to hang on every word.
“That’s exactly what I want,” he said. “Promise me you’ll take them somewhere safe until the rebellion is quashed.”
“I will.” She couldn’t give him a guarantee and the look in his eyes said he knew that, but it was good enough for him.
He turned to Valeria. “I love you,” he whispered.
“Let me stay with you. I can fight.”
“No. Go with the lieutenant. You can rejoin me when it’s safe...if that’s what you want.”
“Enough of the romantic crap. Let’s get out of here before,” Sabre snapped. She couldn’t stand the way the two looked at one another. It reminded her too much of Hunter and all that remained unresolved between them. “Cover us if the need arises,” she said to the commander. “But don’t fire unless we’re seen. No sense drawing unnecessary attention.”
“I understand. I did pass basic training, you know.” He winked at her.
“Good for you.” Sabre resisted the urge to pat him on the cheek like an approving mother. “Ready, ladies? Now!”
She took off at a jog for the waiting Mongoose, the princesses’ footsteps pounding the deck behind her. She didn’t want to go too fast and leave the injured Catalina behind. To her left, at the far end of the flight deck, some of the combatants had obtained weapons. The fistfights were over, and now a few men exchanged fire from behind cover. Their aim was for shit, so they weren’t managing to do much except damage the interior of the deck. These low-level deckplates had no business with weapons in their hands. If they damaged something critical and caused the landing bay to close, that would spell an end to her hopes of escape. She’d be forced to hang tight and hope the commander managed to wrest control of his ship from the Memnons.
The Mongoose stood only about thirty meters away, but it seemed impossibly far. As she ran, she mentally went over her checklist, reminding herself of the craft’s unique controls. There’d be no preflight check or time to reacquaint herself with the cockpit, of course. Just strap in, fire up, and go.
They reached the Mongoose unnoticed and she hauled open the hatch.
“Inside, fast!”
Adalina was the first to clamber in, grunting in pain. As she did, Valeria snatched the pistol out of her sister’s grasp.
“Val! What are you doing?” Adalina shouted.
“I’m going to help Simon!” She turned and ran back across the deck.
“No!” Adalina made to go after her but Sabre shoved her back inside.
“There’s no time for that. She made her choice. As slow as you are, if you go after her, you’ll get yourself killed, and probably her, too.”
Adalina tried to force her way out of the hatch but Sabre pushed her backward, harder this time.
“You dare touch me?” the princess said.
“You’re gods damned right I do. I’m going to get one of you out of here alive. Now strap yourself in.”
Adalina’s eyes burned with anger. “I don’t think I like you.”
“I don’t think I care.” She turned in time to see someone take a shot at Valeria. “Bloody hells.” Sabre raised her pistol but Commander Vatcher was already firing back. Good, let him draw their attention away from Sabre’s escape.
She sprang into the Mongoose, slammed the hatch, and leaped into the pilot’s seat. Heart racing, she fired up the craft and strapped herself in, listening as the dull whine of the engine grew to a high pitch.
“How long is this going to take?” Valeria asked.
“That depends.”
“On what?”
“On how much you distract me with stupid questions.” That shut her royal ass up. Sabre grinned as the bird slowly came to life. The roar of the engine now drowned out the sounds of fighting outside, but as she guided the craft toward the launch tube, she heard the spatter of gunfire against its hull. Small arms fire wouldn’t do much damage, but if they had something heavier at their disposal and were crazy enough to fire it off inside the launch bay, that could spell trouble.
“They’re shooting at us,” Adalina said.
“I know. Once again, that strange compulsion seized Sabre’s mind. Caught unaware, she let it take control. As if from a great distance, she watched herself bring the Mongoose about and direct it at the men who were shooting at them.
“What are you doing?” Adalina’s voice was suddenly fearful.
Grinning, Sabre opened up with the Mongoose’s guns. She watched, mesmerized, as the rounds tore through the interior walls of the launch bay. Men were torn apart where they stood. Sparks flew, canisters of fuel erupted. It was carnage!
Something struck her sharply on the cheek and she returned to herself in an instant.
“What the shit?”
Adalina stood over her. “I don’t know what you think you are doing, but if you blow this place up, we definitely won’t get out of here.”
Sabre stared at the smoking ruin where crew members had been fighting moments before. She couldn’t believe what she’d done. She’d killed everyone, mutineers and loyal crew members alike. How could she have let it happen?
“I had to do it,” she said, bringing the craft around again. “One of them might have had...” What? What weapon would have been stored on the flight deck that could take out a Mongoose. “I told you I was going to get you out of here alive,” she said lamely. “Now strap yourself back in. I don’t want you flung against the bulkhead when we launch. You could crack your skull.”
Jaws clenched tightly, eyes locked on the launch tube, she focused her mind fully on getting them out of there. Not that flying a Mongoose demanded that much concentration from a pilot of her experience, but because if she allowed herself to think about what had just happened, she might cry.
She felt her body pressed back against the seat as the craft gained speed, and then they were free.
“You all right?” she asked the princess.
“I’m alive. Where are we going?”
Sabre didn’t hesitate. “I’m taking you to Dragonfly.”
Chapter 31
Sonohari Desert
Hyperion
Rory opened his eyes to find himself lying flat on his face, choking on dust. He spat a mouthful of blood and opened his eyes. The ledge on which they stood was falling apart.
“Rory! Help me.” To his right, Jemma dangled by her fingertips. Her face was a mask of blood and dirt. Terror shone in her big green eyes.
He tried to push himself up to his feet but he couldn’t move.
“Plowboy! I’m falling!” A few meters to his left, Cassidy was desperately trying to find a handhold as the rock cru
mbled away beneath her.
A strange buzzing sound filled his ears. His vision clouded. What was wrong with him? Had he been seriously injured? Struck on the head? No, he was wearing his helmet. He was vaguely aware of distant cries. Monk’s voice, screaming for Jones and Itoi. Had they fallen too?
“Gods, Rory! I can’t hold on much longer!” Jemma shrieked.
He managed to get up to his knees.
“Somebody help me!” Cassidy shouted. She was slipping.
With supreme force of will he managed to regain his feet. He stood on wobbly legs. It seemed as if the slightest breeze would blow him over the edge. He thought he might welcome it. Everything hurt.
Far below, the remains of Clancy’s transport lay in a fiery heap. Jemma had scored a critical hit.
Jemma!
“Please,” she cried. Tears rolled down her face.
“Let the Memnon fall!” Cassidy yelled.
Rory looked from one to the other. Neither had much time left and he couldn’t reach them both. They were too far apart.
And then his vision went cloudy again, and their cries seemed far away.
He was back at Spruce Canyon, lying on his stomach, reaching over the cliff edge to try and get to Caren. He felt the cold rocks through the fabric of his shirt. Saw the blood oozing down her fingers as she tried to hang on. There, so far below lay the river. The fear in Caren’s eyes was so real. He stretched out as far as he could, and for a brief moment their fingertips brushed against one another.
“It’s no good,” he heard her say.
And then surrender filled her eyes, and she let go.
“No!” he cried inside his head.
“I’ve got you!” Marson’s voice roused Rory from his stupor. Marson caught Cassidy by the wrist and pulled her up to safety.
Rory turned and hurried over to Jemma. “I’ll get you,” he said.
Jemma couldn’t speak. Her breath was coming in gasps as she clung precariously to a juniper growing from the side of the cliff.
Rory lay flat and scooted forward, reaching out for her. It was no good. She was too far away.
