by Sarah Noffke
“Oh, well… Rookie luck, I guess,” said Knox, his face flushing red.
“I’ve never met a rookie who could put together a turbo pump correctly on his first try without blueprints,” said Hatch.
Knox shrugged. “I dunno, I see connections in my head when it comes to mechanics. That’s how I was able to fix Catfish.”
“Yeah, I had a chance to look at that Black Eagle you fixed up,” said Hatch. “The control drum needs to be repaired.”
Knox nodded. “Yeah, I know. I checked my girl this morning. I haven’t gotten around to the control drum, and the internal shield is mostly shot, but none of that is worth fixing if I can’t get the propellant line clear. The engine took serious damage on my trip here.”
It was astonishing that this kid knew all that. He covered his surprise with a scowl, though. Hatch turned his head to the side, regarding Knox with one eye and the crew with the other. “What are you doing here anyway?” he asked. “You can pilot. Why didn’t you go on the mission?”
Knox reached to the ground and retrieved two crutches, then positioned them under his armpits and hobbled around the table. Once he was in clear view, Hatch noticed a cast on one of his feet. “I broke my foot when I was at Onyx Station, and I’ve been decommissioned for the moment. Not even sure what purpose Ghost Squadron will have for me now. I’m pretty useless.”
“Feet mend, especially with the Federation technology we can get,” said Hatch.
“Yeah, that was what the Captain said. He’s working on getting a regeneration pill for me. It’s just that this mission today is really important. This Commander Lytes, he’s one of the people responsible for what happened to my old crew.” He lowered his eyes. “I wanted to go with everyone, be a part of the efforts to bring him down, but I’m stuck here doing nothing.”
“Pilots are definitely at the heart of attacks that stop people like Commander Lytes,” began Hatch, holding up one tentacle for silence. “However, a pilot is worthless without a ship, and we currently have more pilots than we do ships to fly.”
Knox leaned on one of his crutches, putting most of his weight on his good foot. “Yeah, you’re right. Even if I could fly, I probably wasn’t going to be able to join today. I’m not even formally trained.”
“That wasn’t what I was saying,” corrected Hatch.
Knox blinked at him, confusion evident in his gaze. “You weren’t? What’d you mean?”
“I meant that having pilots is important, but they are useless without mechanics to construct the ships and keep them maintained,” started Hatch. “What Ghost Squadron needs more than newbie pilots is a mechanic who shows promise, one who can see the inner workings of an engine using an intuitive perspective. One who can assemble a turbo pump from instinct.”
Knox’s mouth dropped open and his eyes widened. He nearly toppled over on the crutch he was leaning on. “You mean me? You think I… Even after…”
Hatch cleared his throat. “I think you show more promise than any of the hundreds of applicants I’ve interviewed. I’ve hired the best, but none of them display a natural talent for mechanics like you do, because it’s rare. Most are taught how things work. Few naturally understand it.”
If Hatch was honest with himself, there was only one other who he knew who had a natural instinct for mechanics. And he knew that Londil well—better than anyone.
“Are you offering me a spot on your crew?” asked Knox.
Hatch looked over his shoulder at the crew, who were tirelessly trying to please his impossible expectations. “No. My crew is full.”
“Oh, I misunderstood,” said Knox.
“And besides, if you were to work with those dimwits you’d learn bad practices, ones that I can’t unteach them because they’ve been drilled in by formal schooling,” said Hatch.
“What exactly are you offering me?” asked Knox.
“A position as my apprentice, if you’re interested. You would only work with me. The things you would learn would come from only me. No bad practices would be forced on you,” said Hatch.
“Are you serious? You’re the very best, though, and I’m a nobody—”
“I’m a mechanic who needs an apprentice. The job will be demanding, and you’ll constantly be tested. I’m not going to try and convince you. All I’ll say is, you’re a good fit. If you want the position, just say it,” said Hatch, twining his tentacles across his chest.
Knox shook his head as if to rid it of cobwebs. The kid was completely dazed by this changing of events. For a human, his newness was kind of endearing.
After a long moment Hatch sighed impatiently. “Well, I guess you’re not ready. Maybe you aren’t—”
“I’ll do it!” yelled Knox, gaining the attention of many of the crew in the distance. “I’ll do it,” he said a bit more quietly.
Hatch nodded. “Good choice, Gunner. Your first job is to go to Sick Bay and get a regeneration pill.”
“What? No, the Captain said they didn’t have any...”
“Of course they do. This is the ArchAngel,” explained Hatch, puffing his cheeks out. “They’re just holding them in case of emergency. You go down there and tell them I sent you. They’ll get you taken care of, because if they don’t they’ll have to deal with me. And trust me, kid, no one wants that.”
Chapter Nineteen
Omega-line Q-Ship, Nexus, Tangki System
Julianna landed the Q-Ship in the area Chester had identified as friendly Nexus territory. He’d also been able to send correspondence to the people, explaining who they were and their intention. These were primitive people, mostly living in huts and tents, but there was something sophisticated about how they used the resources and didn’t deplete them. That was one reason that Nexus was so rich in minerals and other useful resources.
Chester had encoded a video message from Julianna in a small capsule that they’d dropped on Nexus-occupied territory. It carried a blinking yellow light, which according to the research Marilla had done on these humans was synonymous with “friendly.”
In addition to the video message, a light projector had been included. It was small, but when pressed it sent up a beam of light that could penetrate orbit—a cleverly-designed invention of Hatch’s. The end of Julianna’s video message had been simple: “If you want our help overthrowing the Brotherhood, click the light projector twice. If you do not want our help, click it once. But be warned: the Brotherhood is under the influence of a dangerous man who will use your planet and your people and dispose of them once he’s taken everything you hold dear.”
An hour after the capsule landed, the ArchAngel recorded two light beams projected from the western continent of Nexus. They were on-planet now, ready to partner with strangers to fight a larger evil. It continued to amaze Julianna how those so separate and different could bond together to fight a common enemy. No one was really isolated when they had a mutual goal.
The small planet of Nexus was diverse, with lush lands full of mineral-rich caves and an underground stocked with oil and other natural resources. The waters that bordered the land were a pristine blue, the coral reefs full of vegetation and exotic animal life. Julianna hadn’t seen a planet like this…well, for too long. Most of the planets she’d visited were dominated by a single type of terrain, or boasted only one climate. Not Nexus…it had the right balance of land and water, mountains and plains. Its vegetation and population suggested the climate had a proper spectrum and that the year would be marked by four distinct seasons.
Julianna squinted against the bright sun overhead. She held her hand up to cover her eyes and looked at the area before her, which was full of huts and tall trees. Stepping forward, she lowered her hand so the group in the distance could see her face clearly.
A human woman with long blonde hair braided into four sections stepped toward her. She was incredibly beautiful, as were all the people behind her, who all had light hair and tanned skin. Most, like the leader, wore long and flowing white robes. As she approached, Julia
nna noted the feathers the men had braided into their hair, and the beautifully detailed beaded necklaces and bracelets the women wore.
“I am Alleira, the leader of this continent, which is called ‘Sunex,’” the woman said, spreading her arms wide to indicate the land where they stood. “You’re the one who sent the message?”
“Yes. I’m Julianna, the Commander of Ghost Squadron. We’re here to assist you and protect you, and help you protect yourself,” said Julianna.
A pained look crossed the woman’s face, suddenly making her appear much older than she was. “These savages have taken over the eastern half of Sunex, causing our people to retreat.” She pointed to the horizon, which arched oddly due to the planet’s small size.
“Our surveillance shows they are moving in this direction,” said Julianna.
The woman nodded solemnly. “Yes. They have a foothold on our eastern shores now, and we’ve been told to surrender or fight. They’ve promised that by nightfall there will be no other option for my people.”
“There’s always another option.” Julianna regarded the beautiful landscape around her before returning her gaze to Alleira. “War creates destruction, which takes a long time to recover from. Although I can’t promise there will be no damage, my team has a strategy that we think will preserve your planet.”
“We’ve asked the gods for a solution that suited our long-term growth rather than just saving us.” Alleira smiled, the expression transforming her face into something breathtaking. “I see that the gods answered our prayers with you.”
Julianna offered her own smile, hers much subtler. “I have devices in my ship, and I need every able body to place them. I’ll explain exactly how it works once we get started. Is that all right?”
Alleira looked at her council, each of whom nodded curtly, and turned back. “Commander, we will follow your lead. Our future is in your hands.”
Stingray, Nexus, Tangki System
The controls of the Stingray were just different enough that Lars had to check himself often as he flew the ship through the atmosphere of Nexus. It felt strange to wear his old Brotherhood uniform, but it was for a good purpose, so he didn’t mind. It didn’t give the Kezzin the same constricted feeling as it used to.
“What’s your status, Carnivore?” asked Eddie over the comm.
Lars leveled the controls as he fell in with a squad of Stingrays. His chest tightened as enemy ships flew around him, each occupied by a Brotherhood soldier.
“I’m in formation, headed to the main base,” said Lars.
“Very good.” Eddie sighed loudly. “I’m in position, and await your intel.”
Lars let out his own heavy breath. It was hard for him to fathom that the Captain was sitting inconspicuously in the airspace over the Brotherhood’s base, Q-Ship cloaked as he waited to find out Commander Lytes’ location. As long as the Brotherhood didn’t suspect anything they wouldn’t turn on the sensor which would detect the Q-Ship, which was why Lars had to stay undercover.
“Landing now on the eastern side of the base,” said Lars, looking out at the blue ocean in the distance. It was a beautiful location, just not for an enemy base.
“Copy that, Carnivore,” said Eddie. “Be careful and stay in contact.”
Lars directed the ship to the ground, taking commands from the crew who stood on the tarmac and waved each ship into a line. The dozens and dozens of Stingrays sat in rows. The Brotherhood definitely had the numbers, which meant the strategy had to be perfect if they were going to stop them. If Julianna didn’t pull off her end they’d be overwhelmed easily, and just as importantly, Eddie had to cut off the head of the Brotherhood beast.
Copying the Brotherhood soldier who had parked next to him, Lars exited his Stingray and marched into line, following the long stretch of soldiers as they formed up. His breath caught at the sea of Brotherhood males, both Trid and Kezzin, but mostly the latter. The army’s numbers had exploded since he’d been a part of it.
The only good thing about the size of the army was that no one would recognize Lars and know he was the traitor who had helped Julianna and Eddie escape in the past. Once at the back of the formation, Lars released a breath he hadn’t even realized he had been holding.
Now the real challenges began. The first was to find the Commander’s location, which would be inside the main base in a protected room. Protected but still penetrable, he thought. After that, Lars had to get out of there before he was sent into combat. Above all, he couldn’t be caught. The Brotherhood would not allow him to survive if they found out who he was and who he worked for.
Eddie drummed his fingers on the controls as he watched the Brotherhood base from the air.
“Are you nervous?” asked Pip from the overhead speaker.
“No, just restless,” answered Eddie.
“You’re nervous, based on the twitch on the left side of your face, dilated pupils, and fidgeting.”
“Do you do this sort of thing to Julianna?” asked Eddie.
“She likes it,” joked Pip.
“How is Jules doing?” asked Eddie.
“Jules is making progress with the natives,” said Pip, emphasis on Eddie’s nickname for Julianna. “They are setting the mock mines as we speak.”
Eddie drummed his fingers absently. “I really hope this works.”
“Is that what the Captain depends on when all preparations have been made and execution is all that’s left? Hope?”
“Hope is always a part of the equation, no matter what stage we’re in,” said Eddie.
He peered down at the base the Brotherhood had constructed seemingly overnight, which was comprised largely of temporary buildings and tents. It was hard to tell where the Command Center was located, and that was what Lars had to figure out. There would no doubt be traps, since Commander Lytes would know that Ghost Squadron had been on a hunt for information when he was discovered at Pistris Station. However, he was wrong if he thought they’d attack the Brotherhood base. That wasn’t going to happen with Lars on the ground. Only two people should pay for what the Brotherhood were doing.
After a long speech had been delivered by Commander Lytes over speakers around the base, the soldiers were dismissed. Lars started forward with his line, and the males marched back to their ships, their orders having been given. He wanted to find it hard to believe that they had been instructed to shoot at the people of Sunex on this continent to force them back, but Lars knew better. The Brotherhood were often ordered to do despicable things, all for a stronger power which every one of them believed owned him.
When the people of Sunex retreated they’d be surrounded and taken prisoner, and then the whole scenario would take place again and again until the planet had been subjugated by the Brotherhood. Or at least that was the plan Commander Lytes communicated to the soldiers, telling them this was a part of their destiny, and that their loyalty would be rewarded and their insolence punished.
Lars sped past the Stingray he’d flown in on. He had no plans to fly off in formation and follow Commander Lytes’ orders.
He hurried by a set of barracks, which was what he realized they were after peeking into the first building. The structures all looked alike, which he was certain had been done on purpose.
“Soldier, what are you doing?” a Brotherhood lieutenant asked, causing Lars to halt.
He straightened and saluted. “I was given orders to relay a message to the Commander, sir.”
“By whom?” asked the lieutenant. His forehead had wrinkled in skepticism.
Lars didn’t hesitate. “By the technical sergeant, sir.”
The male narrowed his eyes. “By who?” he repeated.
“By the tech—”
“What is his name, Private?” the lieutenant boomed.
Lars’ hand rose above his gun, but only slightly. “I was told to alert the Commander to a problem with the Stingray fleet.”
“Why wouldn’t this have been sent over the radio to the Command Center?” asked
the lieutenant.
Lars hesitated now, choking on his next words.
The lieutenant’s face turned a shade darker, and with less stealth than Lars he reached for his weapon, at which Lars yanked his pistol out of his holster and shot the male in the head. The lieutenant landed hard on his back with a shocked expression on his newly modified face.
“Are you all right?” asked Eddie on the comm.
Lars stared down at the body. “Yes. I…had to defend myself.”
There was a sigh in his ear from the other end of the channel. “Okay, be careful. Good work covering for us.”
Lars allowed himself a brief moment to press his eyes shut and ask for silent forgiveness for what he’d been forced to do, but his eyes sprang open a second later. He grabbed the male’s shoulder and dragged him between two buildings. The gunfire shouldn’t have been heard over the noise from the Stingrays taking flight, but might still have attracted attention.
Once the male’s body had been hidden from view, Lars slipped back out from between the buildings and sprinted forward, ducking into each building he came to. At this point time was the most crucial factor. The siege would start soon, and the Commander would know that Ghost Squadron had intervened.
Three males filed out of a building ahead, so Lars ducked into a shadow of a vehicle and crouched close to the ground. He tried his best to read the rank insignia on each of their uniforms from between the tires, which would tell him enough to make a useful assumption.
“Do you believe what the Commander just said?” asked one of the males as they charged by. Soon they’d be out of earshot, and also too far away for Lars to read their ranks.
“That after this we’ll be ready to attack the Federation? Yeah, it’s hard to believe,” said one of the other males. They continued to talk as they moved and their voices grew indistinct. Lars’ gaze fell on the building they’d just come out of.