by DJ Morand
The weapon extended from the EXOs wrist as he swung it down at Echo. A plasma bolt caught him in the other shoulder and he spun back for a moment. The quick moment took Echo by surprise and she nearly lost her grip on the naginata. She realized too late that she should have let go. The EXO tripped over the body of one of his fallen comrades. As he stumbled backward, Echo went with him. Keeping a firm hold on her weapon Echo was dragged forward several meters before the naginata dislodged from the creature's shoulder. Suddenly in full control again, Echo stumbled backward and found herself being hugged by one of the EXOs.
The man-machine had a hold of her. Its incredible strength was more than a match for her powered suit. Echo struggled, but could not free herself from its grip. She still held the naginata, but she could not raise it to attack. Another EXO stepped in front of her and punched her hard in the gut. Despite the armor of the WASPS she felt the strike ring through her ribcage.
* * * *
Six watched as Echo struggled with the Quintarran and started forward when he saw that she was being dragged forward. Using the same heel jets that Echo had used in her WASPS, Six launched into the fray. He scanned his trajectory as he flew forward. He aimed himself at a cluster of EXOs converging on the Captain. Six landed directly in front of the bulk of the group and began swinging his sword in his left hand while taking occasional shots with his plasma pistol in the right. The shots mostly went wide, but they were distracting enough that the EXOs failed to see the swing or stab of his blade.
At least two of the EXOs made it past him and he saw them grab Echo. He swung furiously at those still in front of him but he could not fight all of them off and save Echo. Each slash damaged the EXOs but they kept coming. Silently he wished he had thought out his plan.
Six took a step back and nearly tripped over the corpse of the EXO he'd shot in the head. It reminded him. He swung his blade in an arc and cut off one of the creatures' head. It toppled backward and collapsed to the ground. When the next advanced he stuck the barrel of his plasma pistol in its eye socket and pulled the trigger. Heated plasma, electronics, and blood splattered from the back of its head and it too fell backward.
Six swung at the next but overcompensated and swung over its head. He slipped in the blood and toppled backward to the ground. He hit the ground incredibly hard and his vision blurred for a moment. He was sure he hit his head against the back of his helmet. The EXOs advanced and he continued to swing wildly above him from a prone position. He tried to get in a few shots as well, but the EXOs overwhelmed him.
23: BOARDING ACTION
Near Quintar V - EFNF Destroyer: TP-D Justice
2973 ESD - Monday, June 7th 21:22 hours
The image of DINA's holographic display continued to flit in and out. At first Lieutenant Boulson worried she was malfunctioning or worse that she was infected with the EXO virus. However, the ship's power continued to increase and the rail cannons fired periodically preventing more EXO boarders. Andrew Boulson knew there would be trouble if they couldn't get out of this mess soon. The crew of the TP-D was within sight of the EXO planet Quintar V and they no longer had support from First Fleet.
This entire mission seems to be a series of one flak up after another, he thought.
He did not know who to blame for the mission. His instincts told him Captain Shade had drawn them into this foolish pursuit in the first place. However, he felt that the fault lie at the feet of Fleet Admiral Clark. Her bullheadedness drove away the Captain they needed: Abel. Andrew would be the first to admit he had signed on for this commission solely because Abel was rumored to be the commanding officer. When Abel left, Andrew was stuck.
He could not justly blame Abel, though. The man was a legend and the only one with real experience combating the EXOs. Andrew refused to believe the rumors about the URSA class vessel they were hunting. He knew that Abel used to be a pirate, but he also knew, firsthand, that Abel never killed people. The Exeter was the first starship Andrew had ever been on. It was a cargo ship designed to ferry supplies to the outer worlds and to the other systems until EXO threat.
Abel and Zee had accosted the Exeter on her third run. Despite their fearsome reputation neither of the men killed anyone on board and they only took the reserve fuel. Andrew understood that at its core that was piracy, but the rumors now suggested this URSA class ship was destroying entire ships. Abel would never do that.
Echo is a good captain, he decided. Certainly, she is no Abel Cain, but the events forced upon us are out of our control.
Alerts began to blare on his view screens drawing him from his thoughts. Several of the First Fleet fighters were forming up on the URSA class vessel. The rail guns continued to fire vigorously every few minutes, keeping the EXOs from boarding. He turned his attention to the now powered kinetic array. The Kinetic weapons were non-explosive ordinance. Essentially he would be firing giant metal bearings at the enemy ships. He aimed the upper deck cannons at the First Fleet vessels.
Captain Shade had given him orders to attack the URSA ship. He figured the First Fleet was close enough that he might do some collateral damage. Aside from that, he was looking for a little vengeance. First Fleet had not only betrayed his captain, but him as well. If he thought hard enough about it he figured they had betrayed humanity. That was enough to set his teeth on edge.
Andrew Boulson checked the AI's calculations and entered commands to track the First Fleet RAVENs for optimal damage. He carefully picked his targets to align with the URSA ship if they missed the fighters. The resounding thwoomp thwoomp of the kinetic array shook his teeth. The stabilizers were failing again.
“DINA,” Lieutenant Boulson sounded panicked. “The stabilizers are they still functional?”
“Stabilizers are at thirty-five percent efficiency. Any more power diverted to the stabilizers will compromise the secondary power coupling,” DINA understood the line of inquiry.
“So we're just going to get some shakes from the kinetic array? Nothing is going to break apart?”
“I cannot foresee the eventual outcome of the extended use of the kinetic array. However, thirty-five percent should be sufficient to stabilize the vessel from … breaking apart.” DINA said.
“God. Alright, make sure it holds at thirty-five percent then. How is propulsion?” Andrew asked.
“The primary power coupling is now at eighty-five percent. We should have propulsion available in two point three five minutes.” DINA relayed.
“Flak,” Andrew said. “Two and a half minutes is a long flakking time.”
“It is a short amount of time considered the relative measurements of time within the universal view,” DINA said.
“Forget it. Can you patch me into the captain, I cannot get her to respond.” Andrew asked.
“Just a moment Lieutenant,” DINA said.
The holographic image of the woman disappeared. Andrew liked the DINA model found in most of the AI led program studies. The military application of AI was rare, especially after working with the Quintarrans for so long. There was a prevailing fear among all Quintarrans that humans would follow the same path and eventually allow themselves to be enslaved by another AI. He assumed this was why the Captain had sent Ensign Kay to assist in engineering.
DINA reappeared and looked concerned, “I am unable to reach Captain Shade via her Writcom. She is either not answering or it has been de-activated.”
“FLAKKING HELL!” Andrew cursed. “What about the Master Chief?”
“I anticipated your request. I was unable to hail the Master Chief in the same manner,” DINA replied. “I suggest following orders. We are ordered to flee.”” DINA said.
“Flakking machine!” Andrew cursed at DINA. “I'm not risking the Captain’s life in some uncalculated jump!”
“Captain's override Alpha Tango Zulu Niner Seven. Shade, Echo,” DINA said in a perfect imitation of Echo Shade. “System control authorization pass to navigation and propulsion AI. Zulu Echo Bravo Delta Five Five Seven,” DINA finishe
d in a perfect imitation of Echo.
“Flakking machine!” Andrew said again.
“Considering our different anatomical structures I am certain that is not possible. Lieutenant please refrain from your present course of action,” DINA said as Andrew Boulson began trying to override the console. “It is imperative our orders are followed. Failure to follow the captain's directives will result in a court martial.”
“Flak Court Martials! I am trying to save the flakking captain!” Andrew said.
“My apologies for this Lieutenant,” DINA said.
The console sparked and shocked Andrew severely. His body flung back from the Transteel viewer and fell unconscious a few meters away. DINA resumed control and angled the TP-D for the nearest suitable landing. Several astronomical units away was the first moon of Quintar V.
“Records indicate an EFNF outpost on the first moon of Quintar V. Lunar station Alpha Foxtrot,” DINA said to no one in particular. “Propulsion increase to zero point zero one seconds before fuel reserves are depleted. Shields at ninety-seven percent. Probability of survival fifty-nine percent. Engaging propulsion in ten … nine … eight … seven……” DINA counted down.
* * * *
Echo struggled against the EXO holding her as the other continued to punch her over and over again. The armor of the WASPS was beginning to give and she feared what would happen if the EXO managed to punch through it. The pain in her abdomen was mostly from bruising she guessed. But if the armor gave she would suffer massive damage. In her struggle she caught a glimpse of the others battling against Six. He would not be coming to her rescue.
Why do you need anyone to rescue you? She thought. I don't!
Echo gritted her teeth and clicked her heels together again. The jets propelled her backward and the grappling EXO with her. She didn't aim herself or try to break free of the EXO. She simply let the rockets propel her into the hangar ceiling. Echo hit the ceiling with so much force it knocked the wind from her. She heard the audible snap of the EXOs spine and felt her head connect with its face. The arms let go of her and she began to fall. She tried clicking her heels again, but the suit was out of fuel. She plummeted the five meters back to the hangar floor.
Echo hit the ground hard and she was sure she cracked at least one rib and her left wrist felt suspect. Shakily she rose to her feet and saw the other EXO had joined the fight against Six.
So much for him saving me. He needs me to save him, she thought.
Echo grabbed at her waist and found her plasma pistol still holstered. She drew and began to fire with abandon. She feared she might hit Six, but he was dead if she didn't do something. The risk of hitting him versus the risk of him dying at the hands of the EXOs drove her to action. The plasma bolts seared into the beings and drove two of them off the Master Chief. Those two turned on Echo.
“Surrender,” the EXOs said in unison.
Holy flak, they talk!? Echo thought.
No one had heard an EXO talk save for Alek Vale, the EXO Prime.
And maybe Abel, she hesitated. If they can talk, can they feel?
Echo began to lower her weapon when she heard more plasma fire. She looked to Six and saw that several of the EXOs were dead. The two advancing on her were also dead. Echo turned around and saw the marines. Eight of the armored soldiers from the squad of twenty fanned out around her. Two of them broke off to help Six. The Master Chief was beaten and bloodied. The marines dragged him over and circled around the duo.
“Captain,” the Marine corporal nodded. “We've neutralized the First Fleet defectors. The bridge managed to get weapons online and held off any additional boarding parties. The bridge is locked down. Half of Charlie Company is there now, but they cannot get in. No one is responding.”
“Flak,” Echo said flatly. “Get us back there. I think DINA is acting on secondary protocol.”
“Yes. Ma'am,” the corporal said. “You heard the captain! Move out men.”
Echo and the Marines made their way to the bridge while a couple of the others carried Six to the infirmary. Echo watched as they hauled Six from the lift on the medical deck. She wanted to go with him to make sure he was okay. How the man had survived a fight against seven EXOs astonished her. However, she had other concerns. Echo guessed that DINA had reverted to secondary protocol when the bridge was unable to contact them.
Shortly after the Marines arrived she noticed that her Writcom had been damaged when she flew against the ceiling. Six's Writcom had similarly been destroyed in his struggle with the machines. The Charlie Company Marines were still trying to force their way onto the bridge when Echo and Alpha Company arrived.
“Sit Rep Marine!” The Alpha Company Corporal said.
“Sir, we can't get in.” one of the Marines reported.
“Don't call me sir, I work for a living,” The Corporal snapped then turned to the Captain. “Seems the situation is unchanged ma'am.””
Echo gave him a cold stare when he said ma'am. After his own snap at the marine she had half a mind to tell him a thing or two about leadership and responsibility. She let it go instead and moved to the door.
“Captain override, Alpha Tango Zulu Niner Seven. Shade, Echo,” she said.
The door did not open, but the holographic display outside the door lit up. The image of DINA in her military uniform appeared. She looked at Echo, then the marines.
“Hello Captain. Secondary protocols are in effect.”
“Secondary protocols can only be in effect if I am dead or unable to continue the mission,” Echo said.
“You are dead or unable to continue the mission. There is no response from your Writcom,” DINA replied. “Secondary protocols remain in effect. Propulsion burst initiated in …… two … one.”
The TP-D Justice jerked forward as the full force of the propulsion engines ignited. The inertial dampeners failed momentarily and the marines were flung backward down the corridor. Echo's mag-boots were still enabled so she remained still, but the force was painful. If she had not fully broken any ribs they were surely broken now.
The destroyer peeled away from the URSA Class ship and its fighter squadron formerly known as First Fleet. They did not pursue the vessel as it headed further in system and towards Quintar V. The destroyer blasted through space on a direct collision course with the first moon of Quintar V. DINA allowed a holographic image of herself to display on the command deck and watch out the Transteel viewer.
As the moon grew larger she held up her hand and the ship began to steadily slow. The milliseconds it took to burn all the fuel for primary propulsion came and went. The momentum gained was enough to bring them into orbit with the moon. DINA intended the crew to use the escape shuttles to land on the moon itself.
“Flakking machine!”
DINA heard the words too late. Lieutenant Andrew Boulson touched an exposed wire to the holographic display where DINA was projected from. The circuit burst and sparked. Andrew was thrown back again. He landed in a heap smoke rising from his fingertips. He was not breathing. DINA screamed as she broke apart. Pixels began to burn away from her image. Slowly the AI disintegrated.
The door leading out to the corridor opened and Echo was able to enter the bridge. She saw Andrew and promised she would weep for him. She rushed to the command console.
Totally fried, she thought.
The displays still read that shields were at full and their trajectory would take them on an intercept course for the first moon's orbit. Another explosion came from engineering. Echo did what she could with the few manual displays to bring up the status of the ship.
“God no,” Echo’s face was a mask of horror as she saw what had happened. She switched to the general comms.
“All hands, all hands. Abandon ship. There has been a breach in the main engines, we're vending atmosphere.”
Echo checked their trajectory and cursed silently. The ship was on a direct course for Quintar V. Echo switched to emergency channels and began a recorded message.
&nb
sp; “This is Captain Echo Shade of the TP-D Justice, we're on a collision course with Quintar V. There is no navigation, propulsion is out. Do not send help.“
Then she recorded another message on an encrypted channel she knew only the Kodiak had ever used.
“Abel, this is Echo. Do not come and get me. I repeat, DO NOT come and get me. Stay away from-” the equipment sparked and shocked Echo. She fell backward. Echo Shade lay on the ground eyes rolled into the back of her head as the TP-D entered Quintar V's atmosphere.
24: ADM
Quintar IV - EFNF Alpha Base: Spaceport
2973 ESD - Thursday, June 10th 06:00 hours
“Salutation: Hello Abel Cain. I am ADM, the Automated Defense Matrix. How may I assist you?” The holographic display of a young Quintarran said. He was not too dissimilar from what Zee had once looked like, with a long jaw and hairless features. The holographic display glowed bright blue, giving the impression that the persona was Zee, or at least a relative of him.
“Good morning Adam,” Abel said. He used the colloquial name he'd chosen for the AI.
“Query: You have called me Adam, is this my new designation?” ADM said.
“No, you are still ADM, Adam is a nick name,” Abel said.
“Statement: Understood. How may I be of assistance?”
“For starters you can stop with the precursor definition of what you're about to say,” Abel said irritated.
“Confusion: I do not understand,” ADM said.
