Citizen X - BP01

by DePrima, Thomas

  "Thank you for your efforts here and on the planet. It's been an honor to fight alongside you and lead you through part of this struggle. No one could ever ask for a more loyal, dedicated, or professional group of fighters. Thank you for your service to our nation. I hope that all of us survive the next few minutes, but if we don't, no one will ever be able to say we failed to set the bar high when the time came for us to show what Space Command and the Space Marines were made of. Thank you. Oo-rah."

  "Oo-rah," her three comrades on the bridge shouted.

  * * *

  "Sir, the Abissto stopped firing after being hit by a torpedo from the freighter. Now she's increased her speed tremendously and is cutting across the circling path they were following."

  "Where are they going?" Lidden asked. "Are they pulling out?"

  "It seems that if they were pulling out, they would be headed away from the circle, not through it."

  "Where's the freighter?"

  "She's broken up into pieces that are tumbling around all over the place."

  "Sir, I think the Abissto means to ram the Glassama," the tac officer said excitedly.

  "What?" Lidden said as he looked up at the large monitor. For most of the battle, the monitor had projected sensor images of the Glassama. The only time they couldn't see her was when the rebel ship was in a sensor-dead zone.

  As Lidden and the bridge crew watched, the Abissto appeared directly behind the Glassama, moving many times faster. In just the time it took to blink, the Abissto impacted the Glassama, her bow crumpling against the better-reinforced engine section of the lead ship. Following the impact, each ship appeared to be as much as fifty meters shorter and fused so tightly together that they could never be separated without a complete disassembly of the respective stern and bow sections.

  "Wow," the tac officer said as he stared at the image. I think the Clidepp military can remove those two names from its ships' registry."

  "Ladies and gentlemen," Lidden said in a crew announcement, "I think we can stand down and concentrate on making our repairs. The brave crew aboard the Abissto have saved our lives this day. Let's hope at least some of them survived and we get a chance to thank them one day, whoever they might be.

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  ~ May 6thth, 2285 ~

  The crew of the Perry had barely begun seeing to emergency repairs when the tac officer said, "Sir, we have two more ships on the DeTect monitor. They're headed this way."

  "What now?" Lidden said incredulously. "Okay com, sound GQ."

  Throughout the ship, crewmen looked up from what they were doing, grimaced, and then ran for their GQ stations. Within sixty seconds, gunners and guidance specialists were at their consoles and strapped in, while non-essential personnel were strapping themselves down in Secure rooms.

  The seconds ticked by as bridge personnel watched anxiously for the unknown ships to appear.

  Two SGC Scout-Destroyers suddenly appeared on the large monitor and came to a stop twenty-five thousand kilometers distant. For the Scout-Destroyers, it was an unknown situation so they had to play it safe, but for the crew of the Perry, it was simply a beautiful sight.

  Lidden announced the arrival of the two GSC ships, cancelled GQ, and ordered everyone to return to their emergency repair duties.

  An hour later, a shuttle left each of the Scout-Destroyers and approached the Perry. Knowing that a visit was imminent, Lidden had an ensign standing by in the starboard shuttle bay to let them in. When the shuttles had completed their parking procedures in the bay, the ensign escorted the visiting officers to the bridge.

  Lidden was still on the bridge but gestured to the two visiting officers to follow him into his briefing room. Normally he would have been working at his desk during first watch, but the mountain of reports he would have to file could wait until the Perry's life support problems were resolved. The ship was bleeding atmo from eight torpedo strikes, and it was nothing short of a miracle that it was still holding together. None of the strikes had occurred at key structural points.

  "Captain Lidden, I'm Commander Galeway, Captain of the Missouri, and this is Commander Parney, Captain of the Rhine.

  "Welcome, gentlemen. Your arrival was most unexpected."

  "We've been trying to reach you since we left Mars but haven't received any responses," Galeway said. "We feared the worst."

  "We lost all communication ability when we collided with the Glassama during an attempted envelope merge."

  "We were fully briefed on the situation out here but were informed that you were in contact with Space Command in February."

  "One of my officers ferried a Marine platoon down to Diabolisto in a MAT since we don't have any Marine pilots onboard. The Glassama showed up while our Marines were still dirt-side. The rebels aboard the stolen ship saw us and immediately left— FTL. In order for us to have even a chance of catching her, we couldn't wait to recover our people. I contacted them and they reported all was well. The pilot remained dirt-side to perform an extraction, if necessary, while we left to pursue the rebel-held ship. We expected to return within a few days, but the situation worsened considerably due to the collision.

  "When we failed to return or contact the people on Diabolisto, my pilot managed to commandeer a tug from the rebels on the planet, then track us here. We briefly had communication ability using the com system in the tug. But the Marine officer in command of the platoon had been killed in action and my pilot had assumed command, so I sent the pilot back to Diabolisto to hold things together there until the Pellew arrived. That ended our ability to communicate with anyone. All of the shuttles, tugs, and MATs we had aboard were crushed in the collision, and the holds where the Marine's portable communication gear was stored were crushed as well. On top of that, we've had enough electronics problems to fill a computer with reports."

  "I see. You say that your SC pilot took command of a platoon of Marines? That must be an interesting arrangement," Galeway said with a chuckle. "In my experience, most Marines have a cavalier attitude towards SC pilots. They usually refer to them as 'pampered flyboys.'"

  "Well, there's an unusual bit of history there. Following a tense incident aboard a diplomatic ship where she gunned down two of the Ambassador's guards, the Marines made her an unofficial member of their team."

  "Two guards? She? Even more interesting. Well, it looks like you've been pretty busy out here, sir. After taking on a destroyer and an armed freighter, I'm amazed you survived."

  "I wish I could take credit for our survival, but that must go to whoever was commanding the Abissto. Our initial wounds were crippling, and we were in no condition to fight a major battle. We were about finished when the Abissto arrived. She attacked the Glassama, destroyed the freighter when it launched torpedoes against her, and then rammed the Glassama to end its attacks on us. We owe the Captain our lives. I hope he and his crew survived."

  "The Abissto contacted us as soon as we arrived. The Captain told us you had no communications capability and that we'd have to shuttle over."

  "You spoke to the Captain? Who is he? Is he Clidepp military? How did he know we had no communications?"

  "The Captain identified herself as Lieutenant(jg) Sydnee Marcola of the GCS Perry. Isn't she one of yours?"

  Lidden's jaw dropped at least an inch before he regained his composure and said, "Marcola? Yes, she's one of mine, but I thought she was still on Diabolisto."

  "You mean she's the one who took command of the Marines and then stole a tug from the rebels?"

  "The very same."

  "I'd very much like to meet her."

  "I'm sure there will be an opportunity for that in the coming days. Right now, there are more important matters to discuss. Will you see to searching the Glassama and whatever pieces of the freighter remain to recover anyone who might have survived?"

  "Of course. We'll make arrangements to take care of that as soon as we return to our ships. What else can we do to assist you?"

  "We could use any engin
eers you can spare to help us with our emergency repairs. The Glassama did a real number on us, and we're losing atmo at every point where we were hit."

  "My chief engineer was organizing his people when I left. All he needed was an invite."

  "Which points to another problem. I could use a portable com system on the bridge with a relay mounted to the exterior of the ship."

  "Done. I brought a system with me. It's in the shuttle."

  "Wonderful. Excuse me a second," Lidden said as he notified his com chief to have someone retrieve the system.

  "What else, Captain Lidden?" Galeway asked.

  "There are so many things we need that I don't know where to begin, but first, I'm curious about your arrival here. I thought all new Light-9790 warships were going to Admiral Carver's command."

  "They were until a few months ago."

  "What happened a few months ago?"

  "Oh, that's right. You've been pretty much in the dark out here. Sir, I'm pleased to announce that the war in Region Two is over. Admiral Carver soundly defeated the Uthlaro armada almost two months ago. That ended the Tsgardi, Hudeerac, Gondusan, and Uthlaro pact to take over our territory. In fact, we have an even larger territory now because Admiral Carver annexed the Uthlaro Dominion, in addition to the former Tsgardi Empire, and parts of Gondusan and Hudeerac space for their active participation in the attempted usurpation."

  "My God, that woman is amazing."

  "That she is. There's never been anyone like her. Anyway, no ships coming out of Mars after February 1st could possibly reach Quesann before the Uthlaro arrived, so the order to send all DS ships to Region Two was suspended pending the outcome of the battle. Knowing the dangerous situation you were facing, SHQ ordered us here to assist. There's another DS ship on its way here and should arrive in a day or two."

  "What kind of ship?"

  "A Quartermaster ship."

  "Why are they sending a DS Quartermaster ship here?"

  "It's the second design of a planned series they've been working on for a while. It's fresh out of the yard and had just begun its space trials, but I understand they're sending it here to retrieve the Perry."

  "How is a Quartermaster ship going to retrieve the Perry? We need a reclamation ship, or several tugs."

  "The new Quartermaster vessel is a ship transport for older ships with limited speed. The entire front of the ship opens to reveal a vast cavern of a hold capable of holding up to five destroyers. It can even hold a battleship. Once the Perry is secured inside, the front will be sealed and the ship is then capable of Light-9790 speed. It'll have you back to Mars in less than sixty days, barring any other course diversions."

  "Two months instead of two years. Amazing."

  "Yes. These new DS ships have revolutionized space travel."

  "The Perry looks older every day," Lidden said.

  "Judging from the outside appearance, I would have to guess that the Mars yard won't repair him. When we first saw you, we figured this was a dead hulk. I think he'll finally be retired and scraped."

  "Like me," Lidden murmured.

  "What's that, sir. I didn't catch it."

  "It's not important."

  "Lieutenant(jg) Marcola reporting to the Captain as ordered," Sydnee said as she braced to attention in front of Lidden's desk on the morning following her return to the Perry. The MAT was safely parked in the Perry's starboard shuttle bay, and the three bodies had been taken to the ship's morgue.

  "At ease, Marcola," Lidden said. Gesturing to a chair facing his desk near the corner, he said, "Have a seat."

  This was the second time she had been invited to sit in the Captain's briefing room and she sat down without the stiffness of her first time.

  "How's your arm?"

  "Um, it's feeling a bit better, sir. I was lucky to be wearing my armor when the belt in the command chair broke. The doctor said that I probably would have lost the arm otherwise when it got caught between the two monitors mounted on the chair's left side. The armor prevented any broken bones and I only dislocated it at the shoulder. I should be fine in a few weeks."

  "That's good. Now— what have you got to say for yourself?"

  "What do you mean, sir?"

  "I told you once that when you're invited to sit, you're not in trouble. Do you remember that?"

  "Yes, sir."

  "Well, forget it. You're in trouble up to your ears."

  "Yes, sir," Sydnee said as she sat up straighter and her back stiffened.

  "Didn't I order you to stay on Diabolisto?"

  "Not exactly, sir. You really only asked me if I would volunteer to go back to Diabolisto. You did— suggest— that I remain there until the Pellew arrived, but after we recovered the MAT, I came up with an idea for helping the Perry."

  "You came up with this idea on your own? No one else put it in your head."

  "It was my idea alone, sir. The others were under my command and I ordered them to assist me. They bear no responsibility for my actions."

  "I've already spoken to the others involved. They agree that it was your idea, but all state that they supported your idea a hundred percent and returned willingly."

  "Sir, no one else received any instructions from you related to remaining on the planet, so I alone should be punished."

  "Do you feel that you should be punished?"

  "Well— although you didn't specifically order me to stay on Diabolisto, I knew that was what you wished. I would have stayed, but once the idea of using the Abissto occurred to me, I felt that we could make a real difference. At the very least, you would have radio communications again. And I thought that if the Glassama was facing two destroyers when her repairs were complete, she'd never attack. We just arrived a little too late because we had to learn how to operate a ship from a foreign service and train the Marines in the use of the laser array weapons and torpedo systems."

  Lidden took a deep breath and released it slowly, then said, "I would look exceedingly foolish if I charged you with disobeying an order I never specifically stated. I'm in enough trouble as it is for getting my ship wrecked and then shot to pieces. Captain Galeway of the Missouri believes the Perry won't be repaired. He thinks the weapons will be removed and the ship will finally be sent to the scrap dealers."

  "Scrapped? What about the crew, sir?"

  "I don't know yet. All I know for sure is that a vessel transporter is coming to get the Perry. I imagine we'll transfer to either one of the Scout-Destroyers for the trip back to Mars or perhaps the transport ship has quarters available for the crews of ships being transported.

  "Marcola, I've never learned why you're on my boat, and I don't know if anyone will listen to me after the things that have happened, but I'm going to do my damndest to get you transferred to another ship."

  Sydnee was shocked. "You don't want me on the Perry, sir?"

  "I read your report regarding the death of Lieutenant Kennedy and how you took command and defeated the rebels who attacked the platoon. I also read of your actions when you commandeered the tug and when you worked to recover the MAT. Everything you wrote has been corroborated by the reports filed by others. Sergeant Booth has uploaded images of the head of the Lampaxa that attacked you while you were in the submerged sinkhole and images of the other one before it was butchered. I can say that I wouldn't want one of those things chewing on me, yet you immediately volunteered to go back to Diabolisto. And finally, there's your incredible accomplishment in bringing the Abissto to our rescue."

  Lidden softened his voice as he continued. "Sydnee, before I knew who was captaining the Abissto, I told Galeway that we owed that person our lives. When I learned who was in command, I began to think about your time on the Perry. You haven't been here long, but your continued contributions to this ship have been extraordinary. There is no doubt in my mind that everyone aboard this ship owes their life to you and the people who supported you.

  "Your being here has to be a mistake. You don't belong here. You belong on a first-rate ship
of the line where your initiative, intelligence, and bravery can better serve the people of the Galactic Alliance. If you can be posted to a ship that doesn't carry a stigma of ineptitude, I have no doubt you'll be able to advance as you should and make a better contribution to the service.

  "It's not that I don't want you on the Perry, if there is to be a Perry in the months ahead; it's that being here is a disservice to you, Space Command, and the people of the Galactic Alliance."

  "Thank you, sir. And I would tell you if I had even a hint of knowledge as to why I was sent here."

  "I believe you, Sydnee. I've recommended that you and the others who assisted you receive commendations for everything you've done. I've also forwarded a report to the Promotions Selection Board strongly suggesting that you be considered for early advancement to the rank of Lieutenant. It's still too soon in your career for such advancement, but it'll be in your file when you are eligible."

  "Thank you, sir."

  "Oh, and one other thing. The Glassama apparently had better success in stopping the Darrapralis than the Abissto had. Perhaps they had gotten the new codes or something. Anyway, the crew of the Missouri found eighteen female human slaves in the Glassama while looking for survivors. They're a bit banged up from the battle, but all will recover."

  "That's wonderful news, sir. And the Ambassador?"

  "He wasn't on the Glassama. I'm sure that information regarding his fate will come out at some point."

  "Yes, sir.

  "Sydnee, thank you for your service to the Perry and her crew. Dismissed."

  Sydnee stood, braced to attention, and said, "It's been my honor to serve under you, sir."

  Lidden smiled as she turned and left his office. He believed she had a bright future ahead of her. Then he thought about his own future and wondered if he'd be booted from the service or assigned to a post on a small base that no one ever heard of. He knew that if he was offered the choice, he'd take the base posting. The service was his life.