by L Bowers
Data streamed into my mind from Titan with a solution. Something I thought impossible since our thrusters were cold as a corpse.
Our right arm raised relative to the position of our body. We fired Foe Hammer for a short burst. Dropping our arm we fired twice more. Each blast pushed against us and after the third our mad spin slowed to a gentle rotation.
“Are you okay, Francine?” I asked.
She looked up at me through a mess of dark hair. “I'll live, Tom. Did we win?”
I flashed her my best smile. “You damn right we won. The first of many victories over these so called Champions.”
“That's really great, but how are we getting out of here with your big friend all busted up?” Francine asked.
“That is the question. Give me a sec to figure something out.”
“Just a sec? I am loving your confidence.”
I chuckled as we pressed out with our sensors the explosion cleared a wide sphere of space pushing away the debris from all the destroyed ships. The Liberator was gone, fled the system at some point which was good, and bad. The ships we rescued were also gone.
Many enemy ships took damage as a result of the explosion. Those still capable of moving either engaged in rescue operations or had their engines at full burn to get away. As long as they didn't mess with us we were happy to let them be.
An idea came to me as I witnessed the rescue operations performed by my enemies. I called up the specs on Foe Hammer through my link with Titan. My hope was confirmed.
“Francine,” I said as we let go of her ship. The need was passed so Foe Hammer began its transformation back to a space vessel. “It looks like you are going to save the day again. Titan says you have a tow cable and it is capable of pulling us along. We can even do an FTL jump while tethered,” I said
The window with the image of Francine remained open even though we separated. Her brow scrunched up as her hands went to work on her control panel.
“I see it. Give me a minute to move in to position. Titan sent me an acceptable plan for the tow. This ship really is amazing,” she said.
“No,” I replied. “Foe Hammer is a tool. Its you that is amazing. We couldn't have pulled this off without you, Francine. Thank you,” I said.
Her cheeks flushed red under the dark veins that still marked her skin. “I didn't do anything,” she replied.
“Yes you did. And you are doing more now.” A dull thud echoed through titan as the tow cable attached to his chest adding weight to my words. “Like I said, with you by my side we can't loose.. I’m grateful to be able to call you a friend.”
The corners of her lips curled up into a small smile. “We are good to go, Tom. Ready?”
“Engage thrusters and let's put this patch of space in out rear view mirror where it belongs,” I said.
The communications window closed when Francine fired her thrusters causing Titan to jerk as we fell in behind Foe Hammer. We moved slower than I had become accustomed too, but I wasn’t complaining. Things could be a lot worse, we could be dead or not have Foe Hammer at all.
For the first time in what felt like a lifetime I had some down time. Every Marine worth their salt knows what to do when waiting is all there is to do. We sleep. Which is exactly what I did for a bit.
***
The HMMWV jumped as we hit a pothole. The radio sitting between the driver and passenger fell over and the battery compartment cover broke off. Six D cell batteries scatter rolling into every nook and cranny.
“Shit,” Alvarez shouted from the passenger seat in front of me. “My fuckin radio!”
“Let it be,” Thompson said in his thick southern accent from the driver’s seat.. “We got movement ahead.”
I checked my rifle to make sure there was a round chambered then leaned toward the middle and looked out the front window. Two men sprinted away from the road and dove behind a large rock sticking out of the ground.
“IED,” I said. “I bet Alvarez’s left tit they just put one in.”
“I don’t have tits, asshole,” Alvarez says. “I bench two sixty. This is what a man looks like.”
“Keep telling yourself that,” I replied.
Heads up,” Thompson shouted. “It’s time to rock and roll.”
The truck came to a stop fifty feet away from where the men had worked in the road. We piled out with our weapons ready. The two trucks behind us came to a stop and seven more Marines join us.
“What we got?” Sergeant Johnson asked in a low voice as he made his way toward us. His eyes moved back and forth from us to the rock we were facing.
“Two men ran from the road when they saw us and are camped out behind that rock,” Thompson said as he gestured to the rock with the business end of his weapon.
“Alvarez, point your gun that way and make sure no one comes up behind us,” Johnson says. Penchant and Thompson on me. Bird, grab two men and circle around the rock for the flank,” Johnson says.
I took up position behind Thompson who followed Sergeant Johnson. Unease spread through me. The Tom that lived this didn’t know what’s coming, but the Tom dreaming and remembering does. I screamed at myself to turn around and run, but I kept moving like a good Marine.
***
“Tom? Are you okay?” Francine said.
“What?” I saw black with colorful lines and a window with a beautiful woman who’s face is marked by black lines that look like veins under her skin. “Francine?”
“Yes, are you okay, Tom?” Concern was thick in her voice.
“Yeah, sorry. I just had a bad dream,” I replied. “What’s up?” I smiled at her even though I didn’t feel like smiling at all.
“We are in position to jump. Are you ready?”
“ I am.”
Francine counts down to our FTL jump and as I hear her voice I realize what the dream means. Even though I am hole in body once more I have a long way to go.
“... One.”
We jump.
Chapter 38
We fell out of FTL after a long and boring journey.
Sleep didn’t come after having the dream. So when we arrived my eyelids felt like they were coated in sandpaper and my tongue was thick and dry. I was looking forward to getting back to my room aboard the Liberator and taking a hot shower.
“Tom!” Bridget shouted over our comms.
“Hey, Bridge,” I replied. “How are things going here?”
“Crazy. The leaders of the rebellion are going stir crazy waiting for you. Most think it was foolish to leave you alone in system with Gigalance. Up until a minute ago they swore you were dead. Am I correct in assuming Gigalance is dead?”
“That you are. With Francine’s help we were able to beat the Champion. The rest of the fleet took off after he died,” I said.
“Okay, well save it for the meeting with the leadership. They want to meet with you ASAP.”
“No time to clean up and eat?” I asked.
“You could, but that would go down bad for us. I know you don’t want to deal with the political bull, but it has to be done. If not, it will just be The Liberator and Titan against the galaxy. We need them, Tom,” Bridget said in a pleading tone.
“I know we do, Bridge. I’ll be there as soon as we dock. Where is the meeting taking place?” I asked.
“Here on the Liberator. Since we don’t have a full crew compliment there was plenty of space to house the leadership while we waited for you. If this goes well we might leave here with a full crew. That all depends on you though, Tom.”
“No pressure,” I said with a chuckle. “I’ll be on my best behavior, Bridget. I understand the need for backing and support. If we don’t leave here with that support system in place it won’t be because I didn’t try.”
“I know you will, Tom. We’re counting on you.” She mumbled something I couldn’t make out before speaking loud and clear again. “Foe Hammer, do you copy?”
“Foe Hammer reads loud and clear, Liberator,” Francine replied after having bee
n added to our communications channel.
“Good. Tow Titan to the underside of the Liberator and the docking arms will take it from there,” Bridget said.
“Hi, Tom! This is Ariella, I’m going to kick your ass for messing up my robot,” Ariella said in a cheerful voice.
I laughed feeling glad to be back and excited to see my friends. “We‘ll have to see about that,” I said.
“Looks like your about to doc,” Bridget said. “We'll meet you in Titan's bay.”
“Copy that, see you soon,” I said just before the comms channel closed.
We jerked to a stop as the docking arms caught us. The sudden cease in motion was jarring enough that I could feel it in my own body while still mentally linked to Titan. The arms gently raised us up into the ship and darkness enveloped us as the belly doors closed.
Titan broke our connection and ejected me. A minute of traveling through tubes and I was set on the deck in Titan's hanger behind the clear screen.
“That is one way to make an entrance,” a woman with a silky voice said.
I took in the gathered crowd. Among the group of people I didn't know stood Bridget and Ariella. Between my friends stood the speaker, a tall golden skinned woman with long Black hair. She would have been stunning if not for the cold expression she wore.
“Senchan, this is Tom, the pilot of Titan,” Bridget said gesturing to me.
I stepped forward and held out my hand to shake. “It is a pleasure to meet you,” I said.
The golden woman looked from my face down to my hand and back again. “That remains to be seen,” She said without grabbing my hand.
“If you say so,” I replied. I knew Bridget was counting on me to be cordial, but that didn't mean I would put up with disrespect. Not after pulling all their asses out of the space-fire.
“Um, Tom,” Bridget said. “I think we should continue this in the briefing room. We have it set up as a conference room for now.”
“That’s a great idea. Please lead the way,” I said. Things had happened to fast so I didn't yet know the layout of the ship.
Bridget and the delegates turned and walked away. Ariella ran to me and embraced me. She planted a kiss on my cheek then pulled free and took my hand.
“Hey, sweetheart,” I said.
“I am so glad to see you,” Ariella whispered. “I am still going to kick your ass, but later.”
I chuckled and allowed her to lead me away. I looked over my shoulder at the machine that was so much more than ones and zeroes. All manner of smaller robots moved around my giant robot initiating repairs.
Ariella and I followed the crowd through the small door which acted more like a choke point then an entry. Eventually we managed to get into the room where Bridget directed us to a couple chairs. Ariella sat to my left while Bridget took the seat to my right.
“What makes you think you are worthy of piloting Titan?” Senchan asked as soon as Bridget was seated.
“I suppose the fact that Titan and I just saved your life for one.” I placed my hand on Bridget’s stopping her from commenting. “But I know my friend here would want me to give you a better answer. Something to put you at ease and your fears to bed. I am also well aware that we need you as much as you need us.” I looked from face to face taking in the menagerie of aliens seated around the table.
I stood up, because I was a god damn Marine and every swinging dick in the room was going to focus on me. “I could stand up here and tell you some honey coated shit about being a team player and working hard to bring about your goals. I could say that together we can make a difference and with me in Titan nothing can stand in our way. I will be the bulwark that our enemies crash against and crumble. With your help we will cleanse this galaxy of the blight that is the Champions and free all the unfortunates stuck under their boot heels. I could tell you that and much more like it until you are ready to stand up and sing whatever passes for an anthem in space.”
I moved to stand behind Bridget and placed my hands on her shoulders. I let my words hang in the air for a minute. “I’m going to tell you the truth instead. This woman gave me back my mobility and my freedom. For that I will fight and die. I will never let anything on this or any galaxy take those away from me again.” I leaned over Bridget and slammed my newly acquired fist onto the table cracking it down the center. “I will crush the Champions and make this galaxy a safe place to live. I’ll do it because my friend, the woman who saved my life, has asked me to do it.”
“I appreciate your candor,” Senchan said. “And the display of strength you have shown,” She looked down at the table. “It was most impressive. Had you decided to give us the benefit of the doubt you might have learned that we had given you the benefit of the doubt.” Senchan steepled her fingers and looked up at me meeting my eyes. “Saving our lives did in fact go a long way to proving that you are indeed worthy. All of us here are capable of simple math and saw the great force arrayed before you when you jumped into the system. Mr. Penchant, you have our support. We will be leaving a few crew members from each ship to round out your compliment of sailors. What's more, we have provided your captain with the location of a base capable of housing and hiding the Liberator. There you will find supplies, repair facilities, and refueling. We have all placed our hopes in you, Mr. Penchant. Please don’t let us down.”
“Thank you for that, for all of it,” I said as I took my seat. “There is something I need to bring to your attention,” I said. While Senchan and the rest of the leadership listened as I told them about Tevor and the rebellion I started there. “I hope you can add them to the fold,” I said at the end of my tale.
Senchan laughed. “Of course you recruited more rebel troops while causing all manner of mayhem. We will send representatives to make contact and offer support. Understand that our resources are limited, however. We will not be able to march in and arm ad army.”
“I understand that. I made sure to give them some funds before leaving to help with that,” I said.
“Ah yes, your destruction of the local crime boss’ organization. That part of the story I found fascinating and will look into acquiring more assets from the less savory organizations. Most are sanctioned by the Champions and will serve as another thorn in their paws.”
Senchan turned her attention to Bridget. “Senator Lorn, it would appear you made a good decision in recruiting this man. I look forward to following your exploits in the future.”
“Thank you, Senchan. I don’t think we will disappoint,” Bridget replied.
Senchan rose to her feet and the rest of the table followed suit so I did as well. “It was a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Penchant,” Senchan said as she offered me her hand.
I took the proffered hand and shook. “The pleasure was mine. Please call me Tom.”
“Of course, Tom. If you will excuse me, I have a conference call in thirty minutes. I have to get back to my ship,” Senchan said.
“Of course, Senchan, Thank you,” I said.
“No, Tom, thank you. I expect big things from you, Tom. Don’t disappoint.”
“I’ll do my best,” I said with a chuckle.
The delegation followed Senchan out of the room. Bridget, Ariella and I stayed quiet while they left. Once we were alone I turned to my friends and smiled. “It’s good to be back.”
Bridget threw herself into my arms. “I missed you so much, she said as she kissed me.
“I missed you too, Bridge,” I lifted her off her feet and held her tight.
“Now that you have experienced what it means to pilot Titan you can back out before it’s too late,” She whispered to me.
Setting Bridget back down I looked into her eyes. “Are you saying you want me to leave?” I asked.
“Oh god no. I just want to make sure you are all in. I, no, we need you to be all in,” Bridget replied.
“Titan won’t reach his full potential if you aren’t striving for your best,” Ariella said. “Maybe you should think about this before you make
a final decision, yeah?”
“I appreciate your concern, ladies. I really do, but there is no need to think about it. This is the best thing to ever happen to me and you are going to have to pry my cold corpse out of Titan to get me to stop,” I said. “Besides, how would I live without the two of you in my life?”
Both women laughed and Ariella gave me a quick hug.
“We should get going. I’m needed on the bridge and Ariella has to see to getting Titan back up to fighting shape,” Bridget said.
“Yeah, I guess I do,” Ariella agreed. “I’ll see you later, Tom.” She kissed me on the cheek then left.
“I’ll come by and see you soon,” Bridget said. “You should go to your quarters and get some rest.”
“I’m going to do just that. Titan did all the work, but I feel tired as hell,” I said.
Chapter 39
The first thing I did when I got to my quarters was take a shower. Jets pelted me with hot water easing the tension in my muscles. Being an experienced combat vet I knew that the post fight crash was no joke. What caught me by surprise was how hard it hit me now.
Standing was difficult as my legs felt like jelly. How do artificial legs get wobbly? To help take some of the pressure off my legs I leaned forward and placed my palms against the shower wall. A slight tremor ran down my arms. I felt my strength drain away as the water ran down my body.
Staying in that position would just lead to me sinking to the floor. I sucked it up and grabbed the soap. A few minutes later I was clean and drying off. The feeling of being clean helped to refresh me some, but I was far from one hundred percent.
I threw on a pair of coyote brown boxers and dropped onto my bed. Soon as my head hit the pillow I was out. While I slept my mind went straight to what I imagined the cockpit of the enemy fighters and gunboats looked like. I saw a woman die horribly as Titan and I ended her.