The sky outside Earth Destiny’s viewport turned burnt orange as plasma exploded out toward Humanities Hope. Squadron commander Lt. Ul Lamh’s mouth dropped open as the plasma from the first blast punctured a huge hole through the cruiser’s hull. The second strike was just above the first, widening the already gaping hole in the ship. Almost immediately, debris began pouring out into the vacuum of space. Lt. Lamh watched in horror as human bodies flew past him. There was a small explosion from within the attack cruiser, then another, until finally the entire ship exploded into a million pieces that were cast out into the darkness.
Earth’s Destiny rocked and shook from the nearby explosion. The crew could hear the debris slamming against the hull of the ship. Finally, the impacts ceased and the viewport showed only the blackness of space once again. Colonel Belmoht stood up.
“SQ1. How does it look out there?”
“Less crowded, sir. Humanities Hope is no more, and Videl’s Revenge is on the run.”
“Good,” Colonel Belmoht said, feeling much relief. “Open the launch platforms. SQ1. Your squadron is cleared to land.”
“Yes, sir.”
“I guess it was a good thing you built those plasma cannons,” Tam said, smiling at Rossi Sincini.
Rossi nodded. “I thought they might come in handy.”
“Now I wonder if we are in any shape to travel? We still might be able to beat the Fleet to Earth if we’re lucky,” Tam said.
“The FTL drive is okay,” Rossi said. “I checked on it when I was restoring power.”
Colonel Belmoht fingered his com link. “Engineering: damage report.”
“Engineering. Structural integrity intact,” Paalo said. “Considerable internal breaches.”
“Can they be fixed in flight?”
“Yes, sir. No problem.”
“Thank you. Navigation: report.”
“Yes, sir,” Grugger said. “We are in Earth’s solar system near the sixth planet, Saturn. All sensors and computers on line. All systems go for resumption of flight to Earth.”
“Medical: report.”
“Medical here. Two deaths and nineteen wounded on board, eighty missing and presumed dead from 1st and 2nd Squadrons.”
Colonel Belmoht turned to Tam. “Commander General,” he said. “I believe we are flight worthy.”
Tam nodded. “Good, then take us to Earth!”
The ship’s FTL drive roared to life, and Earth’s Destiny began to shimmy and shake violently. Then the attack cruiser began to accelerate rapidly, pushing the crew hard back into their seats for several uncomfortably long loons. When they reached cruising speed the FTL drive suddenly let up and the attack cruiser drifted into a smooth, steady, seemingly effortless, rhythm of flight.
“Grugger. How’s our link to Tarizon?” Colonel Belmoht asked.
“No sign of it, sir.”
“How about ES 26?”
“No contact yet, but I expect in the next few days we should be close enough.”
“Very good. Let me know the loon either comes on line.”
“Yes, sir. Will do.”
Colonel Belmoht flipped between different views on the big screen over the bridge until Saturn came into view. He stared in wonder at the ringed planet, mesmerized by its magnificence and beauty. His body tingled and his arms broke out in gooseflesh. He thanked God and Sandee he’d lived to see this breathtaking view.
Tarizon, Conquest Earth, Tarizon Trilogy Vol 3 Page 32
