by REM
Josh noticed a pair pliers in Smokey’s hand, as the old vet turned his attention onto Nemchek. It was clear that Smokey was not in a talkative mood. Josh dropped the club and walked out of the interrogation room, closing the door behind him. He heard Smokey spit out a few shells in the process.
Commander Clint was looking in Josh’s direction. “You did good. But I know you can do better. Don’t you ever forget what these Mercens did to your friends, Shawn and Stewart. What they’ve done to countless innocents. These creatures have shown no mercy, deserve no mercy, and will get—no mercy.” Clint waited a moment to let the words truly set in. Then he said, “You’re dismissed. Piper will let you out.”
“Yes, sir,” Josh responded. When making it to the door, he glanced back and saw Smokey swinging the pliers wildly across Nemchek’s head, the old vet’s hair flopping wildly like a crazed lunatic—and then again bringing the weapon back across from the other side. Smokey dropped the pliers and reached frantically for the jagged knife—but Josh closed the door, not wanting to see what happened next.
After exiting the space duct on the north wing, Josh traveled down a few halls, thinking to himself, Nemchek has to be the reason those shadow fighters were acting feisty earlier.
Maya turned the corner to his right. “Hey, Josh,” she said, smiling. “Where’re you coming from?”
“Uh… the simulation room. How about you?”
“Dinner, with Jill. She’s not that shy at all once you get to know her.”
“Yeah, I learned that on Nystavia. You find out anything else about her?”
“Lots of things. But I don’t want to go around telling her business. You probably already know anyway.”
“Aye.”
Sometime later, Josh was playing a handheld video game in his room and getting ready to retire for the night, when a rotating, green light flashed from the corner of his ceiling. A widescreen alert, he thought, looking up and feeling shocked by the timing of the distress. At least it’s not red. Wonder what it could be.
Josh got up and went out to the lounge. Ace and Nate arrived at about the same time, followed by Hoss and Kyle, Maya and Jill. Even Tor staggered out from the hall. All gathered around the couches by the big monitor. A green light was flashing from atop the screen. It took only a short moment before Officer Rolly’s upper body appeared on the display.
“Someone get Tanner,” said Rolly, seated at a thick desk in a dark quarter.
“I’ll get him,” said Kyle, already in motion.
Once all available 3rd squadron pilots were in the room, Officer Rolly spoke: “The information I’m going to disclose is unit classified, and should not be spoken about with anyone outside of the 3rd squadron. Squadron 1 is receiving a similar briefing, as well as any other need-to-know servicemen.”
The green lights stopped flashing throughout unit.
“We’ve just received valuable intel indicating the Mercens do indeed have another secret base inside of the Cosmolis. This hasn’t been one hundred percent confirmed as of yet, but the source is a credible one. We’re putting the chance of this information being true at about ninety-five percent, and are acting accordingly. I won’t be disclosing the exact location at this time, but I will say we cannot strike this base under the current circumstances.”
Josh heard a couple of faint gasps from his crewmates. They must’ve broken Nemchek, he thought.
“Sir, why is it we cannot strike?” asked Ace.
“We’ve been told that if the Mercen base is discovered, nuclear detonations will occur on two planets that are loyal to Creston. One of those is Skurier, and the other is Torp. A few of my fellow officers in the next room believe this portion of intel to be an outright lie, reasoning the chances are slim Mercens would’ve been able to set up such deterrents without being detected. Others of us caution to never underestimate the enemy’s capabilities—especially after the facility we found on planet Zint.”
Nate and Ace were nodding.
“Because of the Hard Line buildup and Creston forces being spread thin, we have to be very careful about how this matter is handled. Commander Clint wants Rampage forces to probe all leads. That being said, standard search team A will be investigating Skurier—Josh will be going with them, since he is familiar with the planet.”
Most of Josh’s fellow squad members looked in his direction.
Here we go again, thought Josh. Ought to be interesting seeing Pax and Skirm.
“Search team B will be traveling to Torp. Maya and Hoss will be accompanying them,” said Rolly.
The squadron’s focused shifted onto the last pilots named.
“Both groups will be leaving early morning, so try to pack a few things tonight. You’ll be traveling light. Everyone else will help maintain normal patrols with the 1st squadron and southern cruiser. Are we clear?”
“Yes, sir,” said Josh, along with the rest of his squadron.
“That’s all I have for you at this time,” said Rolly.
The display monitor went black, and then turned off.
Chapter 8
Josh was woken early with Hoss and Maya and taken to the armory by Officer Rolly. The three pilots received the same boots Jill and Josh had been afforded previously. After that they were allowed to eat with the rest of their squadron before gathering their luggage and heading down to the north flight deck.
Two transporters were waiting at the end of the hangar. “Josh will be flying in the transporter on the right with search team A. Hoss and Maya, you two will be riding in the ship on the left with search team B. Hoss, you will be co-leading your mission with Walter on Torp. Josh, you will be second to Simon on Skurier. He’s been given instruction to heed your opinions in regards to the planet’s landscape and habitat,” said Officer Rolly.
Josh nodded and said, “Yes, sir.”
“We’re expecting the primary on Skurier to be some sort of Mercen missile delivery system. Commander Clint has ordered Creston missile defenses to the planet in the event your search comes up empty-handed. One will be deployed at Pax’s facility, the other stationed at the human town many miles northwest of it. Pax has already been contacted and will be expecting you at his establishment,” said Rolly.
Josh was happy at hearing his boarding arrangements.
Officer Rolly turned toward Hoss and Maya. “The situation on Torp is going to be far trickier. As you already know, Hoss, the planet was inhabited as almost entirely a solid mass of rock. The first settlers had to mine huge tunnels to develop the world’s current infrastructure, which has formed some of the most beautiful underground cities in all of the galaxy.”
Hoss dipped his head momentarily.
“A mini-nuke could be anywhere. There could be multiples! We don’t know exactly. They could be on the ground below you or embedded in the rock above you. For this reason there will be six searchers joining the Torp mission, instead of three sent to Skurier.” Rolly’s voice lowered empathetically. “This is a highly dangerous assignment. Exercise extreme care.”
Hoss looked as if he was about to swallow, but said, “Yes, sir.”
Josh could see a trace of fear in Maya’s eyes, though she tried to remain stoic. I pray that nothing happens to them, he thought, feeling a trickle of worry sink in.
Officer Rolly raised an opened hand to the corner of his forehead. Josh and his fellow crewmates brought their hands up too. “Good luck,” said Rolly, giving a salute.
“Thank you, sir,” the pilots replied, returning the gesture.
Josh turned with his squadmates and headed toward the end of the flight deck. About a third of the way down, “You two be careful,” he said, looking at Hoss and Maya.
“We will,” said Hoss. “I’ve been to this planet before. Hopefully my knowledge will do us some good.”
“You be careful yourself. Skurier has some dangerous regions, I’ve heard,” said Maya.
“It does,” said Josh. “Hopefully we’ll all be back here unharmed in a few days.”
/> “I hope so,” said Hoss.
When they neared the transporters, Maya stopped and gave Josh a hug. “Goodbye, Josh. We’ll see ya,” she said.
Hoss extended his arm for a handshake. Josh accepted it. Both leaned in, touching shoulders, and exchanged a pat on the back.
After that, Josh turned for his ship. Three men were standing by the open cargo bay. He inspected them from left to right, the first being the tallest, the second a half foot shorter, and the third the shortest. All had cream skin and crewcuts.
“Hi, I’m Josh.”
“Simon,” said the tallest one, while the other two acknowledged by nodding up with their chins. “On duty I’m referred to as Searcher One. This is Searcher Two. And this is Searcher Three,” he said, motioning at the middle man, then to the shorter fellow. “I’ll be in charge on this mission, but I’ve been told you know a few things about Skurier.”
“Yes. I’ve spent some time there—even in its jungles.”
“Good. Your experience with the planet should come in handy,” Searcher One replied. “All aboard. We’ve got to get going.”
Josh smiled at seeing a familiar magazine in Searcher Two’s hand. “Thunder Squad, episode thirty-seven. The one with Kill Team and the hot chick,” he said, expecting a grin or a laugh.
“Yes. You’re right,” said Searcher Two, keeping a straight face as if all business, before turning to walk up the cargo ramp.
Josh felt a similar vibe from the two other searchers. Seem like a bunch of stiffs, he thought, following them into the craft. He eyed some of the equipment that had been loaded into the bay. “Detection devices?” he asked, peering at one that looked sort of like a weed whacker.
“That’s correct,” said Searcher One, glancing in Josh’s direction. “Much stronger than the boots you’re wearing.” His brows were creased, adding to his already serious demeanor.
Makes sense, thought Josh. No need to be subtle on Skurier.
A moment later they were flying out from the hangar.
It didn’t take long for Josh to notice the 1st squadron was handling the escort. Their envoy kept on the Creston side of the Void line. Once they were halfway to the southern Void, the 1st squadron pulled off and the Creston cruiser’s strikers took over the protection detail. Before long, Josh and the envoy were flying into the Cosmolis’ aurora of colorful lights.
When they had entered Skurier’s atmosphere, the cruiser strikers pulled off and flew back into space. Josh could tell the entry point wasn’t far from their final destination, watching the landscape start to take shape. Dry and rocky as I remember, he thought, gazing at the terrain through a small window.
The transporter descended to within one hundred feet of the ground. Soon after, Josh could see Pax’s facility in the distance. They dove in for a landing at a circular courtyard, which was also a garden. A honing beacon had guided them to the large facility, boasting three such courtyards, a huge transport factory, and a dormitory attached to the one-story office section.
Upon touching down Josh could already see Pax and Skirm standing at an entrance. He smirked. They look exactly the same. Old Pax with his beard and glasses. Skirm, the short middle-aged man.
The transport’s cargo bay opened. Josh got up from his seat and went down the ramp with the rest of his team. They walked straight over to where Pax and Skirm were standing. Searcher One made sure to take the lead. He offered a hand and said, “You must be Pax.”
“I am,” said Pax.
“I’m Simon. But please, call me Searcher One.” The greeting was polite, but without a smile.
“Welcome to my facility, Searcher One.”
“I’m Skirm. You can leave all your belongings and we’ll have them taken up for you. Your equipment will be placed in a shed at our northern gate. We ask that your blasters remain there as well, unless you’re going out.”
Searcher One moved his lips with a slight teetering of his head and said, “That will be fine.”
“Here is the code to the shed and gate,” said Skirm. He handed Searcher One a stack of four cards.
Searcher One distributed them to the other Creston crewmen.
Pax turned his attention to Josh, grinning brightly, even though his mouth was closed. “It’s nice seeing you again, young fellow.”
Josh was smirking and said, “It’s nice to see you too, Pax.” He stepped forward to shake Pax’s hand and gave him a light pat on the shoulder. “And you too, Skirm,” he said, shaking the younger man’s hand firmly.
“We wondered if the Mercens had done shot you down,” said Skirm.
“Not me,” said Josh. “I told you, I’m too good. I ended up dusting two shadows fighters right when I left, and then that marked fighter I told you about not long after.”
Pax was nodding as if impressed.
“I used the danger flip. I’ve perfected it, Pax,” said Josh, smiling.
“I knew you’d get it down good,” said Pax.
“Too bad your fleet couldn’t stop that massacre on Talee. We heard about that,” said Skirm.
“Yeah, we had no way of knowing that would happen. Terra-fume was unheard of at the time.”
“There were still a lot of lapses on Creston’s part,” said Searcher One.
Josh couldn’t disagree. He looked at Skirm and said, “I saw Nalee not long ago. On Nystavia.”
“She told us she’d be heading there,” said Pax.
“She all right?” asked Skirm.
“There was a civil war in Mascarpa, but she and the westerners came out on top.”
“That’s good to hear,” said Pax. He waited a moment and said, “So Clint really believes the Mercens have somehow snuck nuclear warheads into Skurier, huh?”
“There’s about a ninety percent chance,” said Searcher One.
The other searchers nodded, but seemed to let Searcher One do all of the talking.
Pax’s face turned grim as he exchanged a glance with Skirm, then looked at Searcher One. “Well, if you and your crew need any additional assistance from us, don’t hesitate to ask.”
“We won’t,” Searcher One replied.
“Skirm here will show you all to your rooms,” said Pax.
“Follow me,” said Skirm, turning to lead the group inside.
Josh smirked at Pax. “Maybe we can run a few sims later. My squadmates have picked up on the danger flip. I could use a new trick, if you’ve got any more up your sleeve.”
“Perhaps. We’ll have to see,” said a grinning Pax. “I’ve got a lot of work to do, and I imagine you have a full day ahead of you as well.”
They entered the building behind Skirm and the searchers. “Wish you could sim with this one guy on our ship, Dazzler. Nasty pilot. You’d be surprised by what he can do.”
“Is that right,” said Pax, who chatted with Josh before breaking off and going into his office.
Skirm took Josh and the others through the long corridor connecting the office building to the dormitory. Once in the latter, he led everyone upstairs and showed them to their quarters.
Josh was surprised at seeing he was given the same room as before. He opened the door to it and gazed around, reminiscing about his previous stay, how Comm and Skirm would come to his door for breakfast calls.
Josh walked over to the window and peered out at the rocky terrain, the dry slope where the ground elevated about twenty feet, some thirty yards from the northern perimeter of the facility. He scanned the seemingly endless flatlands atop the small canyon. There’re nukes out there… And we’ve got to find them.
Day one, Josh and search team A traveled west and northwest, past the Hemlin city, and then the human town that was home to the descendants of planet Jinks, a planet overrun by Mercens many years ago. They used a hovercraft with their scanning devices attached to the vessel. Pax had provided the craft and suggested the idea, as opposed to Searcher One’s initial plan of using jeeps.
They spent the entire day scouring the planet and eating on the go, but when
they’d returned to Pax’s facility late evening, not a trace of Mercen activity had been found. Josh and the searchers ate dinner with the facility’s staff, then went straight to sleep so they could wake up early to search some more. Thank goodness almost all of the Cosmolis planets are tiny, thought Josh, before falling asleep that night.
Day two, Josh and his team were up at the crack of dawn to search out the north. In addition to the hovercraft, Pax lent one of his personal hoverbikes so the searchers could cover more ground. Searcher Three was appointed the vehicle by Searcher One. Skirm and a couple of his Boden buddies took out a small transporter and did some investigating of their own to the south. There wasn’t nearly as much ground to cover in that direction, since Pax’s facility was located in the southernmost region of the planet.
Just as the day prior, there were no signs of Mercen activity or any detection of nuclear material. The Creston devices didn’t pick up any laser properties or changes in solid ground either.
After dinner, instead of going straight to bed like the night before, Josh stayed up to play cards with Pax, Skirm, and Skirm’s two Boden friends Tich and Tach. He found it a nice reprieve to the dull searching.
Come day three, Josh knew it was time to search the eastern and far eastern jungles. He knew that by far they would be the most dangerous parts of the mission. Never thought I’d be going back into those death swamps, he thought, suiting up in his room.
Once fully dressed, Josh made his way down to Skirm’s transporter outside of the main factory. Due to the extreme dangers of the jungles, Skirm had decided to join the team, and brought Tich and Tach along for the voyage. Josh admired Skirm’s courage and willingness to assist, especially since Skirm had almost died the last time they were there. Short but brave, he thought, approaching the ship where Skirm was loading a few small bags into its rear.
Search team A was already at the transport. When Josh arrived at their side, Searcher One handed him a blaster and said, “This one’s yours.”
“Thanks,” said Josh.
