Li've

by L. Fergus

  “I was not aware of any such update, Admiral.”

  “Am I expected to tell you everything, Commander? Call me when you have some results on the freighter. In the meantime, return to your duties.”

  “Yes, Admiral.”

  The Diamock head on the holotable vanished.

  “Great job, Zen,” said Kita. “That should buy Sheppard enough time to finish planning and get the fighters launched. Right, Rene?”

  “I’m working out the last details now,” Sheppard replied from the far end of the holotable.

  The sailor saluted, touching his hand to his helmet. In the cockpit of the fighter, the pilot returned the salute. The sailor dropped to a knee and pointed down the launcher. The fighter’s engines roared as the catapult rocketed the craft into space.

  “Wow. That seems like a dangerous job,” said Kita, watching over the Air Boss’ shoulder.

  “Someone has to crawl under and make sure the connection is secure. It’s a tradition that goes back to when they used to launch planes off the decks of ships.”

  Adding the chance of falling into the sea makes the already risky launch procedure seem even more dangerous. “How many fighter groups have we launched?”

  “Twenty-one,” said the Air Boss. “Three left.”

  “Good. Guess I’ll go check in with Sheppard.”

  “Yes, Captain.”

  “It feels wrong just standing around like this,” said Babydoll as the group moved toward the holotable.

  “What can we do without using our god powers?” said Valentine.

  “I know, it just goes against my training. On the ground, you’re part of the fight. In space, you have to let someone else do it. And I want to hit somebody.”

  “I’m sure we can strap you into a fighter,” said Kita playfully.

  “That’s not the same as feeling somebody’s nose break under your fist. You just push a button.”

  “If that’s all it takes I’m sure Kylee and Kara would be aces.”

  “I stand by my statement,” said Babydoll turning up her nose.

  “Oh, I’m with you,” said Kita. “Nothing beats plunging your sword into a person’s still beating chest and watching the life slip away, drop by bloody drop.”

  “Hmmm, that’s something I could go for. I notice the aliens have different colored blood. I didn’t get a chance to taste it.”

  “Tastes like blueberry.” Kita grinned. “At least, as far as the kitties go. I haven’t sampled anyone else, but the Diamocks are orange, the Aurorians are gold, and Zentonians are red.”

  “So we could have orange, pineapple, and strawberry?”

  Kita and Babydoll giggled while Valentine rolled her eyes and whispered, “Bloodlusters, ew.” The comment made the other Angels laugh harder.

  “So, Rene, where do we stand?” said Kita coming up to her.

  “About to start offensive operations as soon as the last squadron gets airborne.”

  Kita looked at the display. Almost 240 fighters swarmed around Enterprise at different orbits. In the distance were their targets, five Tet ships trying to board the freighter Halkix. “Rene, can you single out a single fighter to follow?”

  “Ah, sure. Who did you have in mind?”

  “A pilot that goes by the call sign Rainbow Jack.”

  “She’s a good one to watch. One of the best. RJ will be leading the Angels in the first group.”

  “Angels?”

  “They used to be called the black knights, but changed it after the Princess got wings.”

  Sheppard opened a window that showed the fighter and pilot’s biometrics as well as a view of the cockpit. Rainbow Jack was bobbing her head as she checked her equipment.

  “Audio?” said Kita.

  Sheppard hit a button.

  “Cold as ice, faster, harder,” Rainbow Jack sang as rock music blared in the background.

  Sheppard rolled her eyes. “She’s not supposed to have music playing.”

  “Hey, I like music when I fight.” Kita stroked her chin. She wanted to see what Rainbow Jack could do. Going in first would give her the element of surprise. Any rookie could take advantage of that. Kita wanted to see what Rainbow Jack could do when the enemy was alert.

  “Rene, can you have her lead the fifth group?”

  “Why? I want to get this off on the right foot.”

  “I want to see how she handles a little adversity.”

  Sheppard frowned. “I told you she’s the best wizzo we’ve got, and she’s a damn good pilot, too. Why waste her talents?”

  “Why not use this as an opportunity to evaluate an up and comer? I’m sure there is another wizzo ready to take Rainbow Jack’s place.” Sheppard sighed exasperatedly. “I’ll go ask my other girlfriend if that’ll help make up your mind.” Kita waved to Defiance across the bridge.

  “Why would I do this for you?”

  “Because I want to see how good she is. No one wants to see me sneak up on some sleepy guard and slit his throat. Everyone wants to see me fight Snowy or Kerri.”

  “My money’s on you because I’ll know you’ll cheat,” Babydoll said with a chuckle.

  “Only because you won’t have thought of it first.”

  “I can only imagine the temper tantrum you’d throw if I actually beat you to something like that.”

  “It would be epic.”

  Babydoll laughed. “See? She doesn’t even deny it.”

  “Why would I? Only fools play fair…”

  Kita, Babydoll, and Panther all raised eyebrows and looked at Sheppard.

  Sheppard sighed. “Fine. Aircraft control, new attack configuration order. Swap gargoyle zero-zero with angel zero-zero and falcon zero-zero with gargoyle zero-zero.”

  “Aye aye, ma’am.” The controller repeated the order back to Sheppard.

  On the screen, Rainbow Jack received her new marching orders. “Are you kidding me! Who’s dumb idea is this? Don’t they know I’m the best? Command! Who gave this order?”

  The controller sighed. “It came from the top, Rainbow. They didn’t say why. You’re to lead the fifth group in.”

  “Someone is going to get a piece of my mind when I get back.”

  Babydoll and Panther smirked at Kita. With a shrug, Kita muted Rainbow Jack’s feed.

  “If she’s as good as she claims this should be easy for her,” said Kita.

  “Still hard on the ego, to be demoted right before a battle,” said Babydoll.

  “She’ll get over it.”

  “All squadrons in the air,” announced the Air Boss.

  “Thank you,” said Sheppard. “Combat control, it’s a green light.”

  “Aye aye, ma’am,” said a nearby officer. “Aircraft controller, code tiger.”

  “Aye aye, sir,” said the sailor operating the workstation. “All squadrons, code tiger! Tiger! Tiger! Report by number.”

  The squadrons called in with affirmatives they’d received the message. On the holotable, the squadrons broke orbit around Enterprise and streaked toward the Tet ships. Now came the dangerous part. It would take time for the fighters to reach the Tet ships, giving them a chance to prepare, if someone was paying attention. I hope the freighter has them too occupied to care what we’ve been doing.

  Kita zoomed in on the freighter. Six shuttles surrounded it, but there was no way of knowing what they were doing. Kita closed the window. It was out of her hands now. She enlarged the window showing Rainbow Jack. The music was still blaring, but she was concentrating on controlling her aircraft. She was ten seconds ahead of the lead squadron for their sector. Enough time for Rainbow Jack to turn on her instruments to jam enemy sensors and keep the rest of the squadron safe. Good luck, girl. I hope you don’t need it.

  “You look worried,” said Panther.

  “I don’t like not being able to influence the situation. I feel useless.”

  Panther nodded. “It does feel strange not doing anything when a fight is about to go down, but all these people are part of the
fight. We can influence them.”

  “I think our mere presence is a morale boost. We did our part by rescuing them,” said Babydoll.

  “How bad was it for the crew?” said Kita.

  “Discipline held. The areas were clean and the people in good shape. No one was starving. The only complaint I heard was there wasn’t enough rack space.”

  “For weapons?” said Kita, confused.

  Babydoll chuckled. “No, for sailors. The lower enlisted hot bunk, meaning they share beds with someone from another shift.”

  “Oh, how charming. I think I’d rather just sleep on the ground.”

  “That’s why we’re legionnaires and not sailors.”

  “First squadrons have reached target alpha,” announced an officer from Combat Control.

  On the holotable, the image zoomed in on fighters swarming the enemy ship. Several explosions came from the near side.

  “This is Angel leader,” said a voice.

  “Go ahead, Angel leader,” said Combat Control.

  “Spot report. They have anti-fighter guns mounted all over the ship. Fire isn’t accurate, but they're putting up a lot of lead.”

  “Roger, Angel leader. Will advise the other squadrons to be careful and take precautions.”

  Kita wrinkled her nose. That confirmed what she suspected. The Tet was working on anti-fighter technology. But, it sounded like their technology wasn’t that good yet. Still, if they put enough rounds in the air, they’ll eventually hit something.

  The other fighter groups reached their targets. Kita unmuted the sound on Rainbow Jack’s window.

  “Alright boys, here we go,” said Rainbow Jack. Her hands flipped a series of switches. “And you’ve been thunderstruck!” she yelled as music blared in the cockpit.

  “Not a bad song selection,” said Babydoll. “It’s appropriate.”

  Kita nodded. She’d never heard this version of the song—she preferred the original.

  “Nah-nah, can’t hit me,” Rainbow Jack taunted as she flew toward the enemy ship. “By the emperor! Control, this ship just lit up like the emperor’s birthday fireworks display. I’ve got over two dozen new sensor contacts besides the main.”

  “Rodger, do what you can to defeat them then enter wild weasel mode.”

  “Wilco, Control.”

  “What is wild weasel mode?” said Kita to the other Angels.

  Everyone shrugged.

  “Rene,” Kita called over the Angel’s internal comm.

  “Busy, Kita.”

  “I know, but what is wild weasel mode?”

  “It’s when a wizzo increases their signature to draw enemy fire.”

  “So everything is shooting at them and not the other pilots?”

  “Correct.”

  “Interesting. Thanks. I’ll leave you alone.”

  “We’re going to see if Rainbow Jack can dance on the head of a pin,” said Kita to the others.

  “Oh?” said Panther.

  “Apparently, it’s her job to attract as much attention as possible.”

  “She seems to be the type that would like it.” Babydoll chuckled.

  “The first squadron of bombers is hitting target alpha,” announced Combat Control.

  “Can you highlight them?” called Kita.

  Six icons streaking toward the enemy ship designated alpha became yellow on the holotable display. They charged the ship and then turned ninety degrees. A moment later, alpha blinked as the computer registered the impact of the bombers attacks.

  “Spot report, Admiral,” said a Combat Control officer. “Damage to target alpha substantial. The bombs penetrated the main hull.”

  Target beta blinked.

  “Looks like the bombers got to the second ship, too,” said Kita.

  “They’re going to make fast work of them,” said Panther.

  The elevator door opened and eight Diamock and Verisom troops emerged firing.

  “Keep to your stations,” yelled Sheppard. She drew her pistol and returned fire.

  “Come on,” said Kita. “Let’s get them.”

  Blitz streaked across the room building a charge. She smashed into the enemy group and detonated, sending bodies flying. Firing her maser canons, she blew a Diamock soldier apart.

  Babydoll threw herself into a ball and struck a Verisom male. A shockwave rippled across him. She uncoiled into a flip kick that sent the Verisom toward the ceiling. Launching herself after it, she struck it several times with her fist, grabbed it by the shoulders, somersaulted, and kicked him into the deck.

  Defiance froze a female Verisom and a Diamock solid. Valentine drew her pistols and fired six times hitting a male Verisom in both eyes and a Diamock four times in the chest.

  Panther roared, snapped her claws out, and leaped at a male Verisom. She plunged her claws into his chest, flipped over the top of him, and threw him into the elevator door. Bouncing off the deck, she landed on top of the Verisom and slashed his throat open.

  Kita phased behind a Diamock female, and kicked her in the back, sending her to the deck. Drawing her swords, Kita stabbed them through the Diamock’s shoulders. She slammed her boot into the back of the Diamock’s head, breaking her muzzle with a loud crack. Snapping off a point of the Diamock’s crown, Kita whispered, “That’ll give you something else to think about.”

  “Get their weapons secured,” ordered Sheppard.

  The handful of Marines guarding the bridge hurried to comply.

  “Where the void did they come from?” said Blitz.

  “No idea,” said Kita. “I thought the ship was clear.”

  “Obviously it’s not,” said Sheppard. “Security, sweep the ship, look for any alien survivors. Thanks for acting so fast, girls.”

  “No problem,” said Babydoll. “The Legion is always here to save the Marines’ asses any day.”

  Sheppard rolled her eyes. “Sergeant, make sure the prisoner gets medical treatment and get the rest of them cleared off my bridge.”

  “Good job, girls,” Kita said to the other Angels as they gathered around her. Kita led them back to the holotable. She touched Rainbow Jack’s status to catch up with the pilot.

  “Hey, look out. This bad boy’s got flak cannons,” yelled Rainbow Jack.

  “That doesn’t sound good,” said Kita. She hadn’t heard of anyone else reporting such weapons, just the auto-targeting cannons.

  “Damn it!” yelled Rainbow Jack. “They got me. They got me. I’ve got a wing full of flak.”

  In Rainbow Jack’s box on the holotable, the part of the outline of the fighter turned red. Several system statuses turned yellow or red.

  “Is she dead?” said Panther.

  “I don’t think so,” said Kita.

  The video feed showed Rainbow Jack piloting her fighter. She was busy flipping switches. “Control, I’ve got it under control. I’m going to start blinding them. Fox-two, RSM away. I’ve got twelve active sensors, preparing MSMB.”

  “What is that?” said Kita.

  “No idea. We’ll have to ask later,” said Babydoll.

  “Control, a direct hit with RSM. Echo target is blind, I repeat, echo target is blind,” Rainbow Jack announced. Her icon circled the enemy ship as the first wave of fighters arrived. “Get those hazard shields up, people,” she instructed. “There are pockets of flak everywhere. MSMB ready, getting into position.” She made a tight turn that brought her perpendicular to the enemy ship. “MSMB away.”

  “Down she goes!” a sailor watching the holotable called. Target alpha was breaking apart.

  “Shift resources to bravo,” called Sheppard in a flat voice.

  “We’ve got impacts!” whooped Rainbow Jack. “Twelve enemy sensors down. Starboard side clear. Moving to the port side.” Rainbow Jack’s icon rolled over the top of the enemy ship. “I’ll keep them busy over here.”

  “She knows her stuff,” said Babydoll. “These fighters probably never had it so easy.”

  “I’m impressed,” said Kita. “I wo
uldn’t want to do it.”

  The holotable flashed. “Charlie exploded,” announced a Combat Control officer.

  “How many fighters have we lost?” said Panther.

  Kita looked over the Air Boss’ shoulder. She counted three fighters listed as black, ten red, and eighteen yellow. “Not many. We totally surprised them.” She knew one of those fighters listed red was Rainbow Jack. She glanced back at the video feed, but the woman was concentrating on her instruments while flying her fighter. Talk about multitasking.

  “Gold, Blue, and Red leads, Rainbow Jack, I’ve got them blind on the port side, but they’re firing blindly so be careful. The flak is heavy.” She received affirmatives from the squadron leaders.

  Defiance drifted over and kissed Kita on the cheek. “Enjoying the show?”

  Kita raised an eyebrow. “It’s impressive. It beats being on the receiving end.”

  “True that. Enterprise has some of the best pilots in the Shadow Fleet.”

  “We’ve been watching Rainbow Jack. She knows her stuff.”

  Defiance glanced at the window displaying Rainbow Jack’s status. “Her bird is injured. I don’t know if that speaks to how good she is, but she is a wizzo. She’s got to be able to fly.”

  “Do I hear a hint of jealousy, freighter pilot?” said Kita.

  Defiance scoffed. “She’ll never know what it takes to make an FTL jump or pilot through a wormhole. That takes real skill.”

  Kita raised a hand. “There’s no better pilot than you.”

  “Damn straight,” growled Defiance.

  Blitz and the communications officer approached.

  “Your Highness?” said the communications officer.

  “Yes?” Defiance snapped harshly.

  “There is a Captain Regot calling. He’s demanding to know what’s going on.”

  “What does he think is going on? He’s being attacked. Funny time to worry about it.” Defiance looked at Blitz, her tone became friendly when she spoke. “Any idea why now, Zen?”

  “We caught them by surprise and have taken out two of their ships in rapid succession. I think they’re catching up to events, as your people are fond of saying.”

  “Well, let’s see what he wants while he still has a ship left. Put him on the holotable.”