Countdown

by John Walker

  “I can’t believe that didn’t explode,” Dora said.

  “Oh, it’s not that easy. I mean, the crash needed to rupture the ether chamber. Then the reactor had to be jarred in such a way that would make it go up. The reason ships generally blow up is because people are shooting at them. Beam weapons are specially designed to mess with all those things. I read a paper…”

  “That’s enough,” Dora interrupted. “I appreciate the lesson but we don’t have the time right now.” She smirked nevertheless. “You’re kind of wasted as a general tech. You’ve got a lot going on in that head of yours.”

  “You gotta start somewhere.” Ronnie paused. “I did a scan of that ship. Two life forms aboard.”

  “They survived.” Dora hummed. “Shocking… and impressive. Good for them.”

  “Should we let the others know?”

  “We’re comm silent until they contact us,” Dora reminded her. “That means we stay put until we’re needed.”

  “Is this what it’s always like for you? As a marine pilot?”

  “Most of the time,” Dora said. “Lots of hurry up and wait.”

  “Isn’t that frustrating?”

  “Sometimes… like now. I’d love to be helping but we can’t exactly provide aerial overwatch when they’re in a building.”

  “And the automated…” Ronnie stopped. “Oh snap. Their turrets are down. Someone knocked out the generators in the compound. Like… shut off completely. Or blew up I suppose. Either is possible.” She frowned. “Though I’d say that if they destroyed them, then we probably would’ve seen a big flash…”

  “Settle down.” Dora chuckled. “You’re nervous about this fight, huh?”

  “I am a bit. Yeah. Do you think we’ll find Rita?”

  “I hope so. Or this trip will have been a waste of time.” Zem pulled them together for the outing. The smaller crew allowed them to be nimble, but scans showed they were against an overwhelming number of soldiers. “Did you see what happened to the vehicle approaching the front of the complex?”

  “Yeah,” Ronnie said, “it got blown away. Bunch of the people made it inside. Some didn’t. Really nasty. How’d you miss it? You’ve been staring at that scanner like it’s going to run away.”

  “I’ve been watching the skies,” Dora said. “Specifically to see if anyone is coming our way. I don’t want to be caught unaware while we’re holding position.”

  “Ohhh… I like the way you think.”

  I just bet. The comm buzzed, making Dora stiffen. I don’t think that’s Zem. The message came through a different channel, the general Confed line. He was using a private one… something we secured earlier. For a brief moment, she felt a surge of hope that maybe some aid arrived.

  “This is Lieutenant Collins of The Bounty… who is this?”

  “It’s Rita. Wherever you are, get yourself ready to go. If you see a ship launch from the compound, take it down immediately. Be sure you’re jamming all enemy comm activity. I’ll talk to you soon.” The line went dead.

  “Hello? Hello?” Dora sighed. “Okay then. I guess we’ve got our orders. Go ahead and initiate that jam.” She hit the maneuvering thrusters to lift off, heading back toward the facility. Ronnie held on tight. “What’s wrong with you?”

  “I don’t like being up here when we’re flying near the surface.” Ronnie shrugged. “Freaks me out.”

  “You’d rather be down in Engineering where you can’t see if we’re going to crash?”

  “I did until you said that.” Ronnie scowled. “Come on!”

  “Don’t worry about it. We’ve got…” Dora paused as the scanner started beeping. A ship was about to take off from one of the pads. Might as well prevent it from even going there. She hit the afterburners while bringing the turrets online. “You… might want to direct your attention to the terminal over there.”

  “Yeah…” Ronnie turned away. “I think you’re right.”

  Time to target showed less than a minute. Dora hadn’t anticipated coming in so fast. She figured she’d have a little more time when Zem called. But if she wanted to prevent that fighter from getting off the ground, they had to break the sound barrier. More importantly, they’d likely give away their position to the ship in orbit.

  I hope Rita’s got a plan for that part.

  The compound loomed ahead. The shuttle’s thrusters turned red as they powered up. Rita hit the targeting computer, zeroing in on the engines themselves. They discharged as she flew directly over, strafing the thing. Pulling up, she looped around, tilting sideways so she could get a good look at it.

  Ronnie groaned, holding her seat tightly with her eyes closed. The enemy ship had been disabled. Smoke poured from the thrusters. The hull had been perforated, cut down but the reactor remained stable. Another couple hits would destroy the thing but there was no point in shooting again.

  They weren’t going anywhere.

  A second shuttle burst from the pad. This one must’ve been operated by a real pilot. They engaged their shields right away, popping off a couple shots in Dora’s direction. She leveled out, slowing down to let them close in. As they did, she targeted them with both the top and bottom turrets, opening fire.

  Her target evaded the first volley, pulling up. The top turret followed them, chewing into their bottom. Their shields couldn’t withstand the onslaught and they dropped in seconds. Flipping over, the top shields bought them a few more moments but they had to fly inverted. Dora pulled up sharply, giving both turrets a clean line of fire.

  As both weapons ripped through the bow, the enemy ship began a rapid descent. It slammed into the ground a moment later just a hundred yards from the outer wall of the compound. Dora spun around, providing a patrolling overwatch of the area. Okay, my parts done. What’s next, Rita?

  Hopefully, the woman had a plan. That starship in orbit will take notice of all these shots fired soon enough.

  ***

  Torrence laid into the forces that tried to breach the room. Between her, McCully, and Zem, they tore into the bastards, filling the passage with bodies. The charge nearly worked though. Eight of them tried to pile in at the same time. Her rifle got hot in her hands, uncomfortably so.

  “Guys!” Nostros called. “I’m pinned down! Can you spare someone, over?”

  “Shit!” Torrence bit her lip. “I’ve got to go for him.”

  “You break this position,” Zem said, “and you probably won’t make it twenty feet.”

  “I’m not leaving him out there! We ordered him to flank the enemy and now he’s screwed! No. I’ve got to make this happen.”

  “You keep your position,” McCully replied. “That’s an order. You will not sacrifice yourself. Lieutenant Nostros? If you can hear me, we are not in a position to break away. Evade and retreat as you can. Get back to the command center immediately. We’re trying to clear the space…” She paused to shoot. “Right now. Confirm!”

  Nostros didn’t respond. Torrence gritted her teeth, maintaining her suppressive fire. Her weapon clicked. The core overheated. She let it fall to her side to cool while drawing her sidearm. Taking aim, she kept up the fire. How many can there possibly be?

  When the enemy vehicle arrived at the gate, they managed to get the door open. Before they could drive in, the turret took the thing out. Several of the people disembarked, charging through the gates. They were the ones that managed to knock out the generators, ending the defensive turrets.

  Then filled the damn hallway. Torrence risked a look at her computer. There were a number of dots in the hall, probably a dozen more. They’d already killed at least twenty newcomers. Those who were outside didn’t come their way though. They were moving back toward the entrance.

  “They’re not retreating,” McCully said, “but we might risk moving ourselves. You ready, guys?”

  Zem slapped something on the main terminal. “Let’s move out! Quick!” He rushed out of the room. Torrence cursed as she hustled to keep up. They barely made it into the hallway w
hen the explosion went off, annihilating the consoles inside while scorching the space directly in front of the open door.

  The bodies were instantly blackened, cooked by the flames. Torrence risked a quick look back at the bonfire of corpses before rounding the corner.

  Three pirates turned to look at them. Zem and McCully blasted them without slowing down, hopping the bodies. Torrence took up the rear, keeping an eye on their flanks. Shouts on the other side of the complex indicated the men wanted to get to the control room. They really freaked out when they found the carnage there.

  I guess they weren’t expecting that level of horror.

  “Nostros?” Torrence asked. “Do you copy?”

  He didn’t respond.

  God dammit! They hurried along to his last known position, the enemy flank as they tried to take the initial hallway. Zem slowed to a halt. McCully nearly ran into him. Torrence approached, taking his side. She turned, following his gaze… looking at the body of the lieutenant, sprawled in the doorway.

  He’d been shot at least eight times, his body smoldered from the wounds. Torrence ran a life scan out of habit. She knew better. All the battles she fought, all the conflicts she’d been in, she knew he was gone. Lost on a stupid flanking maneuver! He shouldn’t have even tried it! God dammit!

  She turned to Zem. “This is your fault!”

  “Stand down, Sergeant,” McCully said. “We are pulling small squad tactics and there are risks associated. Our objective is to get out of this structure and meet our VIP. Let’s go.”

  “We’ll talk about this later,” Torrence pointed at Zem, “when we’re not in the shit.”

  Zem just nodded, following McCully through the audience chamber. The front door yawned ahead. Enemy soldiers started toward them, the dots moving swiftly along the hall. The next fight would likely take place outside. I can’t believe I’m leaving him behind! She struggled with it, felt compelled to find a way to finish their opponents so they could get the body.

  McCully burst outside, lifting her weapon.

  “Whoa! It’s me!” Rita shouted. “Settle down!”

  “Well, isn’t it good to see you?” McCully said. “We’ve got a lot of pissed off pirates behind us, Rita. Any thought of what to do?”

  “Get away from there.” Rita gestured at them to follow her. “Come on!” She pressed her left hand to her ear. “Dora, take position at the front door. Anyone that comes out, annihilate them.”

  Holy shit! Torrence watched The Bounty come around, hovering before the doors of the compound. She followed the others outside then turned to watch the action.

  The pirates came to the door. Dora let the turret go, chipping at the walls around the door until the metal melted, the frame burst. Bodies caught fire as they danced. Those who tried to flee inside died from the heat. And she hadn’t finished yet.

  Dora tilted the vessel, discharging the main cannons. That leveled the audience chamber, bringing the ceiling down on the area in a second. Even with her helmet on, Torrence winced from the sound of destruction. A moment later, the generators exploded, obliterating Loch’s home for good.

  “That… was incredible,” McCully said. “Nice shooting.”

  “This everyone?” Rita asked.

  “Nostros…” Torrence pointed at the building. “He… he died in there.”

  “Oh shit.” Rita rested her hand on Torrence’s shoulder. “I’m sorry. We’ll honor him soon. Dora, get down here right away!” She gestured at the others. “Prepare to board. I’ve got a plan that should work.”

  “I can’t wait to hear it,” Zem said.

  “When we’re on the ship.”

  “You!” A man’s voice shouted from the left. All guns lifted, aimed directly at him. He was blackened, blood covering his face. One of his legs looked burned and he limped toward them. “I should have killed you on the deck when you got off that shuttle! I showed you mercy, you bitch! I offered you the Goddamn world! And this is what you do?”

  “If you would’ve been reasonable,” Rita said, “none of this would’ve happened.”

  “But we would’ve had something… something special.” Loch looked at the others. “Who are you?”

  “I’m Zem.” He stepped forward. “I’m part of Rita’s crew and you screwed with the wrong people.” He glanced at Rita. “Do we need him?”

  “Just his arm,” Rita replied. “Go ahead.”

  “What?” Loch’s eyes widened. “No! Wait! What’re you…”

  Zem blasted him in the head, melting his face so he couldn’t even gurgle. The body landed on its back, stiff for half a second before slumping in the dirt. Dora brought The Bounty around, landing it some twenty yards off. Torrence watched Rita collect Loch’s computer before running back toward the ship.

  “Come on,” Rita ordered, “I need to bluff our way onto that ship.”

  “How the hell are you going to do that?” Zem asked.

  “He gave me a job.” Rita grinned at them. “They don’t know who caused all this. I might be able to leverage it. If not, we get out of here. Otherwise…”

  “We’ve got a weapon for the war,” McCully finished. “Crazy, but I approve.”

  “So glad, Ellie.” Rita clapped her on the back. “Okay, Dora! We’re aboard! Take us up and stop the jam. I’ve got a call to make.”

  ***

  Rita stepped away from the others before she reached out to Loch’s orbiting vessel. A moment passed before it connected. No one spoke right away. They were dead silent for a good fifteen seconds. The microphone switched hands a few times, making a bunch of noise before a nervous female voice spoke.

  “This is the Lockdown.” The name made Rita groan. The person speaking appeared to be trembling. “Um… what’s happening down there? We’ve read a lot of activity.”

  “This is Rita Peck. I believe you remember that Loch gave me a job with you folks, correct?”

  “Yes, ma’am. Bodyguard and trainer.”

  “I’m coming aboard right now. We had an attempted coup down here.” Rita made her way to the bridge. “We need landing clearance right away.”

  “Um… what about Mister Loch? Is he with you?”

  “Only in spirit,” Rita said. “We’ll catch up with him later. Right now, I need to, er… lockdown… the Lockdown.” Saying it made her shoulders slump. “Anyway, we’ll be there shortly.”

  “Yes, ma’am. You’ve got clearance.”

  “Thank you.” Rita smirked as she flopped in a seat. She muted the line. “Take us in, Dora. I think we just got ourselves a starship.”

  “If you can keep them in line,” McCully said. “And I’m not convinced you’ll be able to. These people… these pirates aren’t exactly made for discipline.”

  “Won’t matter. We just have to sell it long enough to get to a place where we can replace the crew. Gold Empire, Confeds… I don’t care which. Once we’ve got people in place, we can get into the fight. And that’s the point of all this, right? Help out as much as possible.”

  “You’re quick to jump back in,” Zem said, “after the fighting on Gallik and now this.”

  “Meh. What else do we have going on?”

  “We could leave,” Zem replied. “Take off on all this shit. You don’t owe these people anything.”

  “Whoa.” McCully turned on him. “I was under the impression we were allies. What happened?”

  “Nothing.” Zem shrugged. “But I’m a civilian and so is she.”

  “Technically,” McCully countered, “she’s a major. Whitaker reinstated her. And unless Northam took it back, she’s a part of the Confed military again. So she can’t just go AWOL with you on some criminal adventure.”

  “Stop,” Rita interrupted. “That’s enough. This isn’t an argument. We’re helping fend off the ervas. If they succeed, we’re all done. Doesn’t matter if we’re running around alone or part of the armed forces. Either way, those bastards will eventually wipe us out or subjugate the galaxy. So I’m in the fight to the end.” Sh
e looked at Zem. “Are you?”

  “I’ll follow you anywhere,” Zem replied. “What about Borden?”

  “He should be safe enough.” Rita shrugged. “We’ll try to reach him when we get where we’re going. Right now, let’s focus on keeping everyone calm on… the Lockdown. What a terrible name. Christ, that guy was an idiot!”

  “It’s pretty bad.” Zem took a seat.

  Rita looked around. “Where’s Torrence?”

  “She’s in the back.” Zem jabbed his thumb over his shoulder. “She’s pretty upset about Nostros.”

  Rita sighed. “He was a good guy. I’ll talk to her when we’re settled.” They closed on the hangar, passing through easily enough. Okay, not being shot was great. That gives me hope. As they set down, she turned to the others. “Alright, I’m going first. Stay aboard until I’ve established that we won’t have a problem.”

  She headed down the hall. Zem stayed close behind. “You really don’t like orders, huh?”

  “I just went through a lot of shit to find you,” Zem said. “I’m not about to let you get killed now.”

  “Fair enough. Let me do the talking.”

  “When haven’t I?”

  They hit the panel, making the ramp drop. A young woman wearing a gaudy green jacket with gold epaulets waited for them. She was flanked by two guys with guns. They all stood at attention when she disembarked… which surprised her. Why are they suddenly disciplined? That seems… weird.

  “I’m Commander Gabby Philton,” the woman announced, “and I’m at your service.”

  “Excellent.” Rita stepped close, lowering her voice. “Orders from Loch. He’s gone underground for the time being. There’s a threat we have to help take care of before he can come out of hiding. My military background should make this possible. Can I count on you to help me deal with this?”

  “Yes, ma’am.” Gabby nodded. She turned to Zem. “Who’s this?”

  “New guy who started at the compound. He and his crew are aboard. They’re allies. Paid well, I might add. Once we’re out of here, they’ll need quarters.”