by John Walker
“Can you pierce shields with those?” Meagan asked. Their own weapons tended toward brute force. They pounded the enemy so hard it didn’t matter that they were defended. Like a broadsword in the medieval times, the armor may remain intact but the bones beneath were shattered and broken.
“We will hit the shields first then switch to hull piercing shots.”
“Okay, Mick and I will take the one on the left…er…marking him now on your scanners.” She extended her wings and her ship leveled off, granting her better control in the new environment. Mick did the same and took up position beside her. “I’ve got the targets locked.” A blue beam flew past her on the port side. “Whoa, they’re shooting back.”
“Kinda thought they would,” Mick replied as he pulled an evasive maneuver, flipping his ship and gunning the engine. Meagan saw him out of the corner of her eye as he pressed forward. “Taking my first shot.”
Meagan saw the weapons light up, brightening her own cockpit even over the sunlight beaming overhead, amplified by the atmosphere. Sparks flew from the drop ship and the shields flickered. A small turret, only visible on scans, picked up the pace on the shooting, firing frantically in an attempt to shake the fighters.
“That thing’s on the bottom.” Meagan pulled up. “Get out of its firing arc and we can finish this thing off.”
“Panther One,” One of the Tai’Li fighters spoke up. “We have incoming fighters. They seem to be trying to rescue their drop ships.”
“Firing missiles.” Meagan locked target and pulled the trigger. Her vessel lurched from the sudden discharge and two projectiles whizzed away. The drop ship lacked maneuverability and when the warheads struck the rear compartment with the shields weakened, it exploded in a fiery ball on impact. “Splash one!”
“Panthers One and Two,” Tai’Li again, “continue to engage the drop ships and we will maintain your back.”
“Not exactly the saying but I’ll take it,” Meagan replied. “Keep em busy back there. Mick, we have to pick up the pace. I’m going to do a fly by on the next shield, you blow their engines.”
“Done.”
Meagan jammed the throttle forward, taking the next enemy at an angle. She spun her craft sideways, making minor course corrections to avoid the turret. A quick reading on her scanner said she had good angle but instead of firing immediately, she took an extra second to draw in a second target.
Firing three good bursts, she veered away just before colliding with the drop ship, letting her burners scorch its side. Her first two hits took down the shields, the third knocked out the turret. “Wide open for you, Mick!”
Mick bombarded the vessel with his pulse blasters, annihilating it’s engines and sending debris flying off into the sky. “Splash two.”
“Jesus, we’ve got eight to go. We need to pick up this pace.” Meagan’s shields flared around her. “Whoa, whoa, whoa, Tai’Li, whatchya doin’ back there? I thought you guys had them.”
“One slipped by.” An odd beam of purple energy sliced an enemy fighter in half. “We’re clear to assist.”
“Let’s make short work of these guys.” They plunged forward, approaching the next set of drop ships. We’ve got approximately ninety seconds before they reach the surface. We’re going to cut it close.
“Crap, that turret hit me,” Mick said. His calm tone made Meagan frown.
“How bad?”
“Shields absorbed it but I’m down to forty percent. That was a solid hit.”
“Fall back and let them recharge. The three of us have this one.”
One of the Tai’Li fighters raced ahead, saturating the drop ship with more purple energy. Electrical bolts danced off the enemy hull and the engines suddenly shut down. He fried the entire system! It plunged, powerless toward the ground. When it hit, it would be like a missile and cause just as much damage.
Meagan pulled a quick scan to see where it would land. Their luck didn’t hold out. The trajectory of the falling vessel took it right into the heart of the alliance troops. Well, shit. She throttled up and fired her pulse blasters, intent to pulverize it into tiny pieces. The first five shots ripped open the hull. Enemy soldiers spilled out, their bodies rag dolling all around her.
One of the bodies bounced off her shield and caught on fire. That’s just horrifying. Wow.
“Thank you, Panther One,” Tai’Li command said. “I think you just saved a lot of lives.”
“We’re not done yet. Keep up the pressure. We have to wrap this up.”
Three down, seven to go. Push it guys, push it.
***
“Panther Wing reports they are taking down the drop ships, sir,” Adam said. “They should be wrapped up shortly and are going to deploy some ordinance on the troops already on the ground.”
“Okay, but get them back into the air as soon as possible. Much as I want to give those guys on the ground some help, it’s thick up here too.” Gray paced over to Olly. “Come on, Olly. What’ve you got for me?”
“Redesigning code is one thing but doing so in a fire fight makes it a lot more complicated.” Olly sighed. “I’ve got some of it going but it’s going to take time to compile and test. If we screw up and try too soon, they might find a way to counter it again.”
“Time’s not a luxury we have but do it right.” Gray turned to Redding. “How’re we doing on that evasive?”
The ship shook from a direct hit.
“Not great, sir,” Redding grunted. “That bastard’s got us at a disadvantage. We’re flying backward and he can plunge straight ahead. We need something to turn the tide of this, give him another broadside or something.”
“Tim, how’d you do on cataloging the system?” Gray patted the navigator’s chair.
“They keep it really clean, sir.” Tim shrugged. “I never thought I’d say this, but I miss the inefficiency of our recycle and reclamation teams.”
“You and me both.” Gray scowled at the screen. “Okay, this is what I need you to do. We have to coordinate with the alliance better. Multiple ships blasting at these guys should make short work of them. Crystal Font, you still on the line?”
“Yes, Captain,” Kale replied. “And we heard your comment. I agree. Let us gather our strength at the following coordinates, away from the planet.”
“Sounds good to me.” Gray turned to Redding. “Get us to those coordinates ASAP and let’s put some points on the board. The longer we carry on like this, the worse it’ll get.” And the better chance more enemies will show up. Come on, guys. Let’s get some urgency here.
Chapter 6
Clea entered the command center for ground control. Lieutenant Colonel Marshall Dupont stood amongst his aides, observing the battle raging on the planet below. She cleared her throat and approached, offering him the customary Earth salute as he acknowledged her. Now to convey Gray’s orders.
“Lieutenant Colonel,” she started, “Captain Atwell sent me.”
“Yes, I know. He sent the order.” Marshall rubbed his brow. “One of the alliance ships sent over a coded message with detailed information on where the research facility is. Even if those bastards out there knew exactly where it was, the defensive matrix would’ve made short work of any drop ships trying to gain easy access.”
“What’s that mean for us?”
“That you won’t be able to go straight in.” Marshall brought up a holographic, three dimension map of the area. “I’m afraid you’ll have to drop in over here both to avoid detection and fall outside the defense grid. Once on the surface, you’ll make your way overland, through some pretty tough terrain, until you reach the defensive wall. The drop ship will remain in place, hidden from the enemy until you radio for it and bring it in for extract.
“The next part’s on you. We don’t have any idea how to overcome your technology.”
Clea nodded. “I can handle that. Do we need to brief the strike team?”
“Already done.” Marshall replied. “You’ll be heading down with Captain Hoffner and s
even other marines. Any larger contingency could be picked up on scans. We don’t anticipate any conflict other than small scale skirmishes and that’s all you’ll be equipped for.”
“What do you know about the terrain?”
“Only what your people sent. I’ve uploaded it to your personal scanner and those of the men. It looks like some pretty nasty foliage, potentially even dangerous and I’m not talking about poison ivy. You’ll need to take care or you won’t even make it to the facility.”
“Understood, sir.” Clea motioned for the door. “I’m going to gear up and meet the soldiers in the hangar. Can we depart soon?”
“We have clearance so mission’s go ASAP.” Marshall stepped closer. “You and Hoffner make sure our guys come back, one way or another, you hear me?”
“Yes, sir.” Clea nodded again. “Thank you for your help.”
“Gray thinks this’ll work so I’m with him but if it were up to me, I’d bomb that place from orbit just to be sure.”
“I’m seeing that as a common way of thinking for humans,” Clea replied. “I’m glad cooler heads prevailed.”
Clea left the room and ran down the hallway, dodging people as she went. When she arrived at the armory, she changed her clothes, exchanging the white pants and jacket for tactical black. Body armor went on next and she collected a rifle, fifteen extra magazines and a belt full of grenades. A helmet followed, one with a face screen that linked with her computer.
Captain Hoffner led the contingency of marines to the Tam’Dral when it first arrived. Clea respected him but didn’t know him well. He seemed like a hard man but he looked out for his soldiers, putting their lives above his on many occasions, or so his record stated. When she arrived, the scowl he gave her said their relationship may not be starting off on the best foot.
“Miss An’Tufal,” Hoffner said. “We received our briefing and we’re ready to depart if you are.”
“I am, sir.” Clea nodded. The others didn’t seem nearly as put out as he did. Most of them probably relished the chance to get off the ship and do something rather than wait for potential boarding actions. Whether or not that was true, she couldn’t say but they walked with a spring in their step.
Hoffner grabbed her arm before she mounted the ship’s ramp.
“I sure hope this isn’t a fool’s errand.” He kept his voice low. “Those men don’t need to be throwing their lives away for nothing.”
“My people risked their lives for your entire race,” Clea said. “I’ve never brought that up before but considering how little regard you and others feel about my people down there, I think it applies. Help me bring them out, Captain. That’s what you and I swore to do as soldiers, isn’t it?”
“Yes, protect civilians, I get it.” Hoffner let her go. “Don’t get me wrong, we’ll perform one hundred and twenty percent but this is going to be dangerous.”
“Few missions in the military are not.” Clea stepped up the ramp. “I believe we have an appointment to keep.”
Those already on board strapped in and stowed their gear. They carried a lot more than she anticipated but they kept their body armor as light as hers. This mission required mobility, not outright combat. She had a vague idea of what to expect when it came to the foliage. As a child, she studied carnivorous plants which managed to find their way onto several alliance worlds.
They kept them from overrunning their facilities and cities but left them in place as a natural defense against invaders. Such security worked both ways, unfortunately. Luckily, she’d been through enough survival courses to know which to avoid and if she took lead, she should be able to get them through the situation without too much trouble.
“Tower control, this is Drop Ship Zeta. We are go for launch and need fighter escort, over.”
“Drop Ship Zeta, we have an escort waiting for you outside. Be sure to avoid the big pulse cannons on your starboard side. Otherwise, Godspeed and fast journey.”
Clea swallowed hard, feeling a tickle of fear cling to the back of her neck. One blast from the enemy vessel would eliminate their ship. They’d die instantly, which she supposed was better than suffering but still…one shot. I hope you’re keeping them busy up there, Gray. She closed her eyes as they lifted off, pulling out of the hangar and into space.
Four fighters closed around them as they picked up speed, she saw them through the windows in front and behind her. Their escort should be able to get them through the mainstay of the fighting but then again, massive starships weren’t the only threat out there. Enemy fighters flew around and if they weren’t engaged already, they’d be looking for targets.
One more risk that could take them down easily. Just as she was psyching herself completely out of the ability to remain calm, the ship rattled. Clea grabbed her seat and looked around, craning her neck to see where the attack came from.
“Just a rogue shot,” one of the marines said. “Don’t worry about it. That shit happens all the time when we go on these missions. Some jack ass misses and then we almost catch it. Usually friendly fire too.”
“Friendly fire?” Clea leaned her head back. “Wouldn’t that be ironic?”
“It always is,” Hoffner added. “How many drop missions have you been on?”
“Alliance drop ships are quite different than these,” Clea said. “But in my own military, I’ve been through more than thirty.”
“Newbie,” one of the marines scoffed. “This’ll make one hundred and seventeen for me.”
“How many of you guys have been through a drop ship crash?” Another asked. All hands went up but Clea’s. “Ah, shit. She’s due.”
“Damn it, lady!” A random voice complained.
“No, I’m not due,” Clea shook her head emphatically. “Seriously, I don’t think I need to experience a crash.”
“You’d better hope fate agrees.”
Hoffner waved them quiet. “Stop the superstitious BS. We’re almost into the combat zone.”
Clea looked outside again and saw the chaos of space battle raging just ahead. Their ship pushed on, plunging right through a massive skirmish between too many fighters to count. Blasts whizzed by, cooking their shields and even splashing off their hull a few times. Luckily, the drop ships were particularly tough and ready to take some serious punishment.
One of their escort had to break off to engage an enemy looking for an easy kill. Clea held her breath as she watched them dance about before the Earth fighter got the better angle and lit up his opponent. The blue-purple globe barely died down before they had their escort back, taking his position again to the right.
These people are incredible at their jobs, Clea thought. I’m lucky to have them so close by…good thing they took my request seriously.
Speed increased and the gravitational force pushed everyone into their seats. All action outside the window became a blur, even the distant stars streaked by. Clea felt her stomach rebel, dancing about in retaliation against the physical trauma the flight put on her. Though she’d been in thirty drops before, it had been years since the last one.
I don’t think it would be a good idea to tell these people that now.
“We’ll be out of this rough stuff in less than a minute.” The pilot spoke as another blast rocked their ship. “Then the real ride begins.”
The Behemoth drop ships were large enough to carry thirty soldiers into battle. With only eight, it felt terribly empty. This meant they had plenty of room for those they needed to evacuate, providing everything went according to plan. As they rapidly approached the world, something dawned on Clea, a thought she wished she could easily shove away.
This may well be a one way trip, a suicide mission resulting in all their deaths. If they failed, so much more would be lost than just their lives too. The people, their research and many military advantages of the alliance would be gone. However the enemy planned to use the data, it wouldn’t bode well for anyone.
There’s no failing here. We have to make this work. One way or
another…
“Entering atmosphere now. Escort, we have picked up three fighters. Please engage.”
Clea clenched her fists as the ship began bucking, shaking as if it had been thrown into an Earth washing machine. She lost her perspective of up or down. Vertigo closed on her senses. She shut her eyes and tried desperately to find a Zen place, any sort of quiet thought to quell her fear.
Unfortunately, the distraction around her was too great. Sound returned as they broke through to gravity and she heard blasts going off around them then explosions. Our escort? The enemy? Damn it, I can’t even look at my scanner to tell!
A battle raged around them and those sitting aboard were helpless throughout. A turret on board began firing, warming the air around her. She hadn’t realized how cold it became until the heat poured on. She went from goosebumps to sweat in seconds, a state which left her more miserable.
I can’t believe it’s possible to feel worse!
“Thank you, escort,” The pilot announced. “We have shaken our tails and are approaching the landing zone. Prep yourselves for a hard landing. To avoid ground scans, we’re going in fast and hot. Engines won’t engage until the last second.”
Oh heaven above, Clea closed her eyes again. I know this is necessary but I feel like a real idiot coming on this mission. Clearly, I needed to train more. How would I have known I needed to prepare myself for these kinds of missions? Bridge staff don’t tend to leave the ship. I guess I get to be the exception to the rule.
“Five seconds to thruster burn.” The pilot sounded so calm, Clea wanted to smack him. How could he maintain such a reserve considering the turbulence and thought of crashing into the ground at mach…whatever? She planned to ask him someday. “Two…One…Initiating burn.”
Clea cried out as the ship lurched against the massive thrust the pilot employed. The G forces were incredible, making every muscle in her body ache and her teeth seem to come alive. Another few moments passed as the pressure became even greater then, they hit the ground with an ear shattering crash then…stillness.
