by K M Dean
“Roger that boss. Just don’t get me killed or nothing, Raisa would kill me if I came home dead.”
“Just hang in there Morg, just a little closer.”
“Boss, I can see the whites of his eyes.”
“Morgan trust me, we are going to take this guy out with one torpedo, hang on, just a little closer…NOW let him have it.”
“Torpedo gone boss.” The explosion took down the shields on the Halberd fighter bomber and it tumbled out of control for a few seconds before Lt Commander Voorhis was able to coax the wounded Fighter/Bomber back in to some semblance of flight. slowly the shields began to come back but were intermittent.
“Damn that was close.” Said Lieutenant Mendez. “We almost had that turd in our punch bowl boss.”
“We had to get in close Morg, they have really tight shields on their tail, we had to put that torp right up his butt to make it count. And that one counted, that sucker blew completely up. We must have hit a weak spot.”
“Next time Boss, we can give them a little more room. I know where I put that Torp and I can do it again from a little longer distance. This old bird won’t take to many blasts like that one and I am not so sure I can either.”
With the first Myoxx cruiser neutralized, the ships of the Fast Attack group began to move in to attack positions. The Odyssey was taking on the Heavy Legaliri class Battle cruiser. Richy Kingston and his fighter group had done some damage to the big Jian Legaliri Cruiser, but it was still no pushover. Even without their forward laser turrets the Legaliri Cruiser packed a punch.
“All right everyone we are approaching our target from the bow. Those nose laser turrets were the heaviest lasers they had. The fighters did a heck of a job taking them out.”
“We need to get in close and start deconstructing her from the bow back. Before we do that, I want to slow them down. Tactical, put two jump missiles on her stern. I want to take out her engines if possible. Also target her bow with half a dozen fast attack missiles and follow up with the rail launchers. Let’s see if we can soften up those shields and let the rail slugs tear her up a bit.
Aboard the Jian Legaliri class Battle cruiser Kzii, sensor operator Chobub said, “First Commander Tausir, the Federation Command ship is moving to intercept us. They are firing missiles directly at our bow.”
First Commander Tausir said. “Tactical, I want a status on those nose turrets. We must have the nose turrets up and running as soon as possible.”
“First commander, Engineering reports that they should have the turrets operational in the next twenty joulene.”
“This battle will be over in the next five joulene if I don’t have those laser turrets.” Replied First Commander Tausir. “Advise them to intensify their efforts immediately. Navigation keep the ship turning, do not allow those Federation bastards to target our bow.”
Aboard the Odyssey, Tactical Officer Lieutenant Chandler Lazare said, “Admiral McCreary, the Jian Cruiser is attempting to turn away from us sir.” “Thank you, Mr. Lazare, Navigation, initiate a combat jump. Put us on her nose again.” “Tactical the second we are in position I want those railguns to open up. Their shields will not have had time to fully recover. We need to take this ship out NOW.”
Aboard the Jian cruiser Kzii. “First Commander, the Federation ship has jumped back in front of us sir, they are firing railguns, one joulene to impact sir.”
“Transfer all power to the front shields now.” replied First Commander Tausir. “Tactical target the Federation ship with our swift missiles. Tell engineering we need those turret lasers at once.”
“Sir” replied the Jian tactical officer, “missiles away, engineering reports they are attempting a work around, but it will take at least ten joulene to accomplish and then we will only have the ability to fire the lasers, we cannot aim the turrets, they are too badly damaged.”
Sensor officer Chobub said, “Heavy impact from their railguns sir, we have damage to decks two through five. The forward heavy laser turrets have been destroyed and we are venting atmosphere in three locations. Front shields are at twenty percent and failing.”
First Commander Tausir said, “Navigation make the preplanned emergency jump. We cannot withstand this attack without recovering our shields and weapons.”
“Sir”, replied navigation officer Weef Scoyfol. “We cannot make an emergency jump at this time, when we diverted all power to the forward shields, the jump drives were still recharging. The jump inverters require a minimum of sixty eight percent charge and we have only forty nine percent power available currently. If we attempt to jump the drives may fail and drain all our power. We would be without anything but emergency power. We would be defenseless.”
“Very well. Set the self-destruct sequence and order abandon ship.” Said First Commander Tausir. “I will not allow this ship to fall into the hands of the Federation.”
“Yes Sir,” replied Sub Commander Vruwar.
“Sir, the abandon ship signal has been transmitted, but the computer refuses to accept our input. We are being blocked by engineering from activating the Self-destruct sequence.”
“Sub Commander Vruwar, attend me for a moment.” Said First Commander Tausir
“Yes sir,” replied Sub Commander Vruwar. First Commander Tausir lowered his voice and said, “Sub Commander, we have no choice. We must force the reactor to a critical condition and destroy the ship, hopefully destroying the Federation vessel as well. Our esteemed Chief engineer has apparently acted to deny the commander control of this ship. That is mutiny. Take two Marines, go to engineering, take those measures necessary to regain command. You are authorized to execute anyone who stands in your way.”
“Yes Sir,” replied Sub Commander Vruwar. “At once.”
A few minutes later Sub Commander Vruwar, accompanied by two Jian marines, strode purposefully into the engineering section of the Battle cruiser Kzii. “Chief Engineer Azoln Xhivogh, I have orders from First Commander Tausir. You are to set the self-destruct sequence at once. Failure to follow my orders will result in your execution.”
Without warning, Chief Engineer Azoln Xhivogh moved the laser pistol he had hidden behind his back and shot Sub Commander Vruwar. Before the Jian Marines could react, they were set upon by eight of the engineering crew and were restrained. As he lay dying, Sub Commander Vruwar heard Chief Engineer Xhivogh say. “Idiot, if you had bothered to check you would have found that I, and most of my engineering crew are from Garissa 3. A planet the Jian took by force. We have been required to work, under duress, for years for the Jian under the threat to our families. Fortunately for us, there will be no one to report our rebellion because you will all be captured or killed by the Federation.”
Xhivogh turned to his assistant and said, “Close and lock all access to engineering. Disable the remainder of the escape pods and restrict all computer functions to the Engineering console. Our day has finally come. This is the first step in freeing our planet from the Jian.”
Aboard the Odyssey, Sensor Operator Ensign Wells said, “Admiral, the crew of the Jian cruiser is abandoning ship.”
“Thank you, Mr. wells. Navigation make a short combat jump and get us away from the cruiser. They have almost certainly set a self-destruct.
Sensor operator Wells said, “Admiral, they have not set a self-destruct sequence. My sensors would show it if they had, and I am receiving a strange radio message I believe is coming from the Jian Cruiser.”
“All right Mr. Wells send that message to my console and attempt to confirm the source. Meanwhile we will back off to see what they have in mind. Nav, jump us to a safe distance just in case. They are not going anywhere for the time being.”
As Mac turned to his console, the message was printing out on his screen.
“To the commander of the federation ship attacking the Jian Battle cruiser Kzii. I am Chief Engineer Azoln Xhivogh. My crew and I have taken control of the Kzii. The crew has abandoned ship and there are only a few bridge officers and a handful of marines
still aboard. We surrender this ship to the Federation and hope that the Federation will help us to re-claim our home, Garissa 3 and free us from the Jian yoke of tyranny. The primary landing bay doors on the bottom of the ship are open to make it possible for your personnel to take control. There may be pockets of resistance, but if your people will contact me when they come aboard we will advise them of potential ambushes.
“Sensors, have you confirmed that the message is actually coming from the Jian Battle Cruiser?” Asked Admiral McCreary?
“Yes sir,” replied Sensor Operator Wells. “The signal is coming from the engineering section of the Jian Battle Cruiser and I have a drone on its way to confirm that the landing bay doors are actually opened.”
Mac turned to Commander Aranari Savar, His exec. “What do you think Aranari, have you ever heard of the planet Garissa 3?”
“It could be a trick Mac, but it seems like a pretty elaborate plan to pick off a few Marines and a drop shuttle. I have heard of a planet by the name of Garissa 3, but know little about it. I queried the databanks and found out that Garissa 3 is in the Harada System. It was conquered by the Jian several years ago. It has been a hotbed of resistance and has been a challenge for the Jian.”
“There are many sailors and soldiers from Garissa 3 that have been forced to work for the Jian by using their families as hostages to keep them in line. It is unusual for a Garissan to climb to a position of responsibility, but not unheard of. The Jian have a real recruiting problem and intimidation is one of the ways they are trying to solve it.”
“Thank you, Aranari.” “Sensors keep an eye on the Jian Cruiser. Call me immediately if there is any change.”
“Aye Sir,” replied Ensign Wells.
On his temporal communicator he asked Marine Captain Irikav K'Dhajinar to join him on the bridge. Captain K'Dhajinar arrived shortly.
“Irikav, we have a Jian Cruiser that may have been taken over by some of the crew. They claim to have secured the self-destruct system and are offering to surrender the ship to the Federation. They have opened the primary landing bay doors so a drop shuttle with Marines can board. We believe the source is legitimate. Most of the crew has already abandoned ship. There are supposed to be a few command officers and a few Jian Marines still on board. The Chief engineer appears to have complete control of the ship. How do you feel about sending some Marines to secure that ship? We could use the intel on these new Battle Cruisers.”
“Admiral, it seems to me that if it’s a trick they are going to a lot of trouble for very little gain. I can send a platoon and secure the ship. It shouldn’t be a problem.”
“All right Irikav, let’s get them on the way ASAP. They will have a fighter escort on the way over. We will mark the ship as captured so none of the Federation ships will attack. Your people might as well stay right there until this battle is over. If they sense any kind of double cross, have them get the hell out of there. We need our Marines much more than we need an enemy ship.”
On the flight deck of the Odyssey, Captain K'Dhajinar spoke to Lieutenant Eor Kocrux. Lieutenant Kocrux was the commander of Alpha platoon and one of the first Rheagane officers to graduate from the new Federation Marine academy on Apisis Prime.
“Lieutenant take your platoon and secure the Jian Cruiser. You will have a fighter escort on the way over. After you have acquired the ship, you and your people wait there for further instructions. Supposedly part of the crew has mutinied. They are alleged to have taken over the engineering section and have taken control of the entire ship. You should be speaking to a Chief Engineer Azoln Xhivogh. He is apparently a Garissan, they were conquered by the Jian a few years ago. If You have any doubts or if you run in to more opposition than expected, get out of there and call for exfil. We don’t need a Jian cruiser badly enough to waste good people. Eor, I realize this is your first action, and many of your people are green, but pay attention to your platoon Sgt. Ehmon, he is an Terran with a lot of experience, but never forget, you are in command.”
“Aye Sir,” said Lieutenant Kocrux. “We know what to do.”
The Marines boarded the drop shuttle. As the clamshell doors cycled shut, Top Sergeant Bob Ehmon said, “Alright listen up. This is supposed to be a milk run, but Marines understand that shit happens and that there are NEVER any milk runs. Stay frosty. Remember your training. If you do what your squad leaders tell you, you may just get back to the Odyssey with all your major body parts right where they belong.”
“Oorah” was the reply.
As the Drop shuttle formed up with its fighter escort, private Zack Taylor turned to Sergeant Bob Ehmon. “Top, do you suppose we’ll have to kill anybody over there?”
“Hell Zack, I don’t know. We did train for it. It is what we are supposed to do.”
“Shit,” said Taylor. “What if I freeze? What if I fuck up and let you guys down? What if I get somebody killed?”
“Come on Zack,” said Top Sergeant Ehmon. “You’re not going to let anybody down. You’re going to be just fine. Just remember your training.”
“I hope you’re right Top, but I’ve got a bad feeling. Right now, I am about to crap my pants.”
“Please don’t do that Zack.” Said Sergeant Ehmon with a grimace. “I’ve gone to the latrine after you’ve been in there. You cut loose, and you could put down the entire platoon.”
It only took a few minutes for the drop shuttle with its fighter escort to reach the wounded Jian Cruiser. As the drop shuttle began its approach to the landing bay on the bottom of the Jian cruiser, one of the lower turrets began to pepper the shuttle with laser fire. The shields were holding, but it was getting dicey.
Richy “the Reaper” with Lieutenant Chita “Gabby” Gabrielli glued to his wing said, “Oh hell no, that is not going to happen. Come on Gabby let’s take out that turret.” Rich kicked in his turbo boost and made an almost impossible maneuver to put the offending laser directly in his gun sights. As he came in to range the Jian gunner noted his attack run and began to fire at him and his wingmate. Heavy laser fire was bouncing off their shields Their shields were holding but were down to eighty percent. Richy said, “Keep it in close Gabby, I am going to put these missiles right down his throat. These ass hats will learn not to take liberties with the Federation.
As they got closer and closer Gabby said, “Reaper, you’re close, enough aren’t you? I think you got this.”
“Just a little closer Gabby. Wait for it…wait for it. There, fox one and fox two.” Richy and his wingmate pulled up hard and just missed the bulk of the huge cruiser.
“Okay,” said Richy, “that might have been a little too close.”
“I wouldn’t know,” replied Gabby, wryly. “I had my eyes closed.”
After the two Curtana fighters had taken care of the laser turret, the drop shuttle continued its approach to the lower bay doors of the Jian cruiser. As the drop shuttle settled down on the bay floor, sporadic rifle shots caromed off the armor of the shuttle. Lieutenant Kocrux said, “Top, send a couple of fire teams to clean those snipers out.”
Sergeant Ehmon said, “Corporal Tintissi take first and second squads. Take out those shooters”
“Aye Sir” said Corporal Tintissi. “Everyone keep it close as you exit the shuttle doors. Take it around the port side and use the fuselage for protection. Second squad follow me to the top of the shuttle. First squad move up toward the nose and wait there.
Second squad climbed to the top of the Shuttle. Keeping low and using the ventral spine as a shield, Lance corporal Andop Tintissi and his three team mates were able to spot the Jian marines firing on the shuttle. Tintissi said, “Zack, you have that asshole on the upper level just outside what looks like an office. Line him up and wait for my signal. See him?”
“I’ve got him Tin.”
“Beauwishee, you have that guy just above the blinking red light above the double doors. Got him?”
“I’ve got him Tin. He looks like he is the door keeper to a whore house.”
“You would know about that wouldn’t you Shee.” Replied Tintissi.
“Nukke Dasav.” Said corporal Tintissi. “There is another gunner up on that scaffolding to our left. You need to take him out with the first shot, otherwise he has a clear field to First squad.”
“Got it Tin,” said Nukke Dasav.”
“I’ve got that genius standing behind the tow truck.” Said Tintissi, “He has a gun, so we can assume he is with the enemy. Besides, anyone stupid enough to stand out in the open, with a weapon, during a fire fight deserves to be shot. On my mark, three..two..one..fire.”
All four targets went down hard. Corporal Tintissi and first Squad were able to secure the hanger bay and allowed the rest of the Marines to form up. Lieutenant Kocrux said “OK everyone, listen up. We may have friendlies waiting in engineering. Some of the Jian crew has already left the ship in rescue pods. What we don’t know is how many are still aboard and where they are. Sergeant Ehmon, take first and second squads and go to engineering. Third and fourth squads you are on me. We will be taking the bridge.”
As Lieutenant Kocrux and his men moved toward the bridge, Sergeant Ehmon and his troops split off for engineering. Ehmon and his Marines met up with sporadic sniper fire, but had no real problem getting to Engineering.
Lieutenant Kocrux and his Marines moved down what the Jian called the Prime conduit toward the Bridge. Just as they had progressed about thirty meters down the corridor they encountered a cross corridor that was fortified and manned by Jian Marines. The enemy marines were reinforced with heavy lasers and several mini rail guns.
Private First-Class Talan Rahae, one of the Rheaganes, was on point when she took a direct hit from one of the mini railguns. Although her armor took most of the damage, she was still severely injured.