“The best one I could find.” He pressed a beaten-up TEK into her arms and pointed to a stack of unmarked crates in the corner. “You’ll find a helmet in that crate over there. They’re non-retractable, but at least it’s better than that MSU you’ve been wearing.”
“Thanks.” She tried to inconspicuously nudge the stuffed bear under the bench. Clio suspected that Nakamura was keeping an eye on her. Whether he was worried or suspicious, she wasn’t sure, but Clio caught him looking in her direction more often than she’d have liked. She unfolded the bulky exoframe on the bench for a better look. As Nakamura had pointed out, having something more substantial than a rudimentary shield pack for protection was reassuring.
“Captain Kobol needs a technician for a mission he has in mind,” Nakamura said. “He wants to reestablish communication with Xerocorp Labs and anyone else who might be out there.”
Clio started fitting the armor and Booster sprang onto the floor, snuggling into her old clothes. “And?”
“His last two techs left for a comms relay yesterday and still haven’t reported back. Sounds like the Chits got them.”
“So, he wants to send me?” Clio pointed at herself.
“A team of Marines will join you.”
“I’m not even a technician,” Clio objected.
“But you know how to operate complex systems.”
She eyed him with uncertainty. “What do you mean?”
“I’m an Aegis, Ensign Evans. I read all officer files before boarding the SS Bakura. Your record is rather impressive.”
“If you’ve read my records, then you know what kind of equipment I used to work with. Have you seen the state of the hardware here? No amount of technical skill is going to get that up and running again.”
“I agree it’s a bit crude, but considering the bunker was built as a space for civilians, I’d say the Captain and his people have done well.”
“I suppose it isn’t bad for a hideout, given the state the rest of the city’s in.” Despite only having just met him, Clio didn’t like the Captain. He came across as pretentious, and he talked too much: two traits Clio disliked.
Nakamura folded his arms the way he did when he had something serious to say. “In the short time they’ve been here, they’ve gathered important intelligence and even frustrated the enemy. Hell, they’ve managed to keep the bunker hidden using the Chits’ own signal. There’s enough food and water down here to see several hundred people through a prolonged siege.”
“Something about the Captain just doesn’t seem…right.”
“Kobol comes from an…influential family,” he said, trying to be diplomatic. “But he’s an honorable man. He could have hunkered down and waited out the attack elsewhere if he wanted to, and what about the civilians he and his Marines have rescued from being harvested? We also share the same goal: killing the invaders.”
“I’m not sure if that’s honorable or foolish,” she said, under her breath. “But he seems to know what he’s doing, I’ll give them that much. Get me access to their databases, and I’ll see what I can do.”
“I’ll let Kobol know.”
Nakamura left, and Clio fastened her TEK’s clasps before sifting through the helmet crate. Most of the buckets were too big, but Clio eventually found a good fit with its seal still intact. Moisture dampened the inside and it reeked of stale sweat. Clio tried not to think about what had happened to the previous owner, but in truth, she was too relieved to have additional protection to care. She checked the TEK’s systems. Vox, armor, and shields looked healthy. The batteries had been charged to just over ninety percent. Medication, nutrition, and liquids had already been restocked and would last her weeks if needed.
Clio threw her field pack over her shoulders and lengthened the straps. Booster clamored up the tactical exoframe and into the bag with a chirp.
She checked the wall for a new weapon. She liked the blaster Nakamura had gifted her but needed something with more stopping power if she was going to kill every Chit that came her way. A heavy rifle caught her attention, and she lifted it from its rack with both hands. She checked the inscription: Demon D700 semi-automatic. The gun weighed more than it looked but felt good in her arms. Clio lifted it to her shoulder and imagined the recoil as she put down a squad of unsuspecting elites.
Yes, this one will do just fine.
She packed her TEK utility belt and compartments with an assortment of magazines and explosives.
One of Captain Kobol’s Marines approached in Clio’s periphery. “The Captain requests your presence in the command room.”
Booster silently slept in Clio’s backpack as she and Aegis Nakamura stood at the command table console with several Marine officers. Someone had pieced together a holocaster and hadn’t done too bad a job of it either. The device emitted a blue phantom-like representation of Targos City. Orange markings highlighted key positions, including the gates, Xerocorp Labs, and the bunker. The command table was the only piece of furniture in the room, which was just as well since it took up most of the space. Metal panels covered the walls, and within minutes of her arrival, the room had grown stuffy and stale.
A Marine handed Clio a compad with briefing details and restricted access to the bunker’s database. She read up on the city’s communication network to see what might be done to bring things back online. One file included a thorough account about how Marine techs had rerouted communications shortly after the attack and included a strategy for counteracting the Chit jammers, but it lacked important details and those who compiled the report had since been killed or gone missing.
Clio stood between Aegis Nakamura and a Marine Corporal she hadn’t seen before. Captain Kobol pointed at Xerocorp Labs on the holomap near the city center. “Latest report from the scouts is the Chits have evacuated most streets. We have yet to confirm, but we believe a vast number left on one of their transport ships outside Sector Seven earlier. However, they maintain a noticeable presence in and around the city center. We don’t know why some have pulled out, but even though their forces had been significantly reduced, approach to Xerocorp Labs is almost impossible. There also seem to be smaller concentrations near the gates, leading us to believe they don’t want anyone to leave.” He swiped his hand across his SIG and Sector Six flashed orange. “We have also received reports of gunfire at Gate Six. It sounds like someone’s still putting up a fight out there. There’s nothing we can do for them from here with communications still down.”
The Corporal next to her voiced Clio’s thoughts. “Could it be other Bakura survivors?”
“We don’t know. It could just as easily be some of ours,” a Lieutenant said. “Before communications went down, a company was sent to secure Gate Six. However, that was five days ago. Projections did show that parts of the Bakura likely came down out west, so it could be survivors.”
“We won’t know for sure without comms,” Kobol said. “If we can get the lines back up, we can find out who they are. See if anyone else is left elsewhere in the city. Sector Four and Sector Five weren’t hit as bad as the others. Those might have more survivors. We might even be able to coordinate attacks. There’s so much we could do, but without comms, we’re throwing punches in the dark.” The Captain looked to Clio. “That’s where Ensign Evans comes in.”
All eyes fell on Clio and Nakamura elbowed her. “Yes, sir. Happy to assist any way I can.”
“There’s an old communication relay two miles west, between this bunker and the city center. Our engineers believed they found a way to counter the Chit scrambling signal. They headed up there with a squad yesterday, and they still haven’t reported back. I hear you’ll be able to help us?”
“I spent several years as a communications tech before joining the Confederation, sir,” Clio lied as she scrolled through the schematics on her compad. “This relay you speak of is an old rig, from well before the Kragak War, but if this spec is up-to-date, it should still be operational. If you can get me a copy of your tech’s data,
I should be able to work something out.”
“That’s all I need to know.” He addressed the Marine to her right. “Corporal Black, you’ll take Evans, Aegis Nakamura, a heavy-gunner, and a sharpshooter to the tower. We’re told the Chits have left the tech-district and we don’t want to risk drawing attention. Do not engage the enemy if you can help it. Sergeant Lynch, you’ll take a full squad and remain on standby outside the tech-district walls.”
Both answered in the affirmative.
“When communications come back online, we can figure out what to do about getting you to Xerocorp Labs.” He looked at Nakamura while gesturing at the large orange complex near the city center.
“You’ll find your assigned teams and other details on your compads. We’ve modified TEKs and weapons to be more effective against the Chits, but they’re still tough bastards, so don’t go getting complacent. And Black, if things get too hot, get Ensign Evans out of there. We need communications, but as far as we know she’s the only person who can get a boat off the ground.”
“Yes, sir,” the Corporal said, looking sideways at Clio.
“Good luck out there, everyone, and Godspeed. Dismissed.”
The Marines filtered out of the command room and Corporal Black waved to Clio. “Meet us at the armory when you’re ready, Evans.”
She nodded then joined Nakamura who was speaking with Captain Kobol. “Are you sure this will work?” That Nakamura asked the question didn’t inspire confidence.
“We don’t have a choice. If what you say is true, the only ship capable of using S-Gate Horizon is in those labs, and the only way into those labs is by bringing communications online. Moving too many bodies into the city center without eyes and ears would be suicidal. We need that ship if we’re going to warn the Confederation about the Chit threat. For all we know, they’re already halfway to the next colony.”
“I understand. I’m just concerned about Ensign Evans here. As you say, she’s indispensable when it comes to the overall plan.”
“Don’t worry, Aegis. With Black and Lynch looking out for you guys, Evans will be fine.”
Nakamura relented. “They’re good Marines, Captain.”
“They’re the best Marines, Aegis. We’ve been in numerous skirmishes with these pests, and before that we’ve had our share of pirates and Krags. Except for supply drops, and cadet runs, the Confederation has left us to fend for ourselves out here. Xerocorp has a decent security force, but they've not been any help. Won’t leave the labs. So, it’s left to us to take care of things out here.”
“Hopefully Xerocorp security will agree to help when we get them on the vox,” Nakamura said. “That’s if they’re still alive.”
Kobol turned to Clio. “How’s the TEK, Ensign?”
“It’s a bit heavy, but it’ll do.”
“It’s an old rhino-class model with heavy armor plating. No messing around here on the Fringes. Just keep an eye on your batteries. The servos on those things can be a tad thirsty.” He eyed the weapon over her shoulder. “That rifle’s something else, though.”
“It’s a few steps up from fleet standard issue. I can handle it.”
“I like your spirit, Ensign.” He produced a data crystal from his pocket. “You’ll find the anti-scrambling code on there.”
“Thank you, sir.” She plugged the crystal into her SIG.
“Good luck, Evans.”
She saluted and left the command room, joining Corporal Black and her two Marines at the armory.
“Sergeant Lynch and his team have already moved out,” Corporal Black said. “They’ll clear any Chits between here and the tech-district walls. He and his team will then wait for our return. We leave in ten.”
“Nice eyes.” The sharpshooter whistled. “Speed?”
“H300s,” Clio said. “Fleet standard. Nothing special.” She noticed his implants were slightly different. “Got a nice set there yourself. Distance?”
He smiled, a piece of chewing-gum showing between his teeth. “Yup. And multi-targeting.”
“You have two implants?” Clio had always believed the human brain could only handle one implant at a time.
“Two in one actually. The Confederation Science Division wanted guinea pigs for a new procedure, and I jumped at it.”
“This crazy bastard likes to think he lives life on the edge,” the heavy-gunner said.
“It’s the only way, bro.” The sharpshooter chewed loudly. “Better than shitting my pants every time I see a Chit.”
Clio laughed for the first time since boarding the Bakura.
The heavy-gunner gave her a mock salute. “I’m Boggart. This smart-ass is Hughes, but everyone calls him Swigger.”
The sniper winked.
“Evans.” She was about to ask about the nickname when Nakamura arrived.
“Okay, lovebirds.” Corporal Black read her SIG. “There’ll be plenty of time for fuckin’ later. Buckets on. Time to move out.”
Their helmets extended from their TEK collars, enveloping their heads. Clio fitted her less advanced system manually and secured the clasps around her neck. As they made their way up a steep tunnel that led to the surface, she checked on Booster and found him snoring in the field pack. Clio would have preferred to leave him behind, but she decided it was safer to keep him close, like Nakamura had suggested.
Black signaled to the two Marine heavies guarding the exit, and they opened the hatch.
Clio was last to climb the short ladder, and as she pulled herself into the street, the guards closed the hatch behind her. The sky was gloomy with dust and smoke, as daylight began to fade.
Faint pops rang out from the west, and she looked toward the center of town. Somewhere beyond those towering white and gray buildings, someone still fought. Clio wondered if Commander Grimshaw was among them. Only a few days before, she wouldn’t have blinked at the possibility of him dying, but something had changed since then. She even felt guilty for how indifferently she’d treated the Bakura crew.
She turned to find Corporal Black and her team waiting. Their goal was to get her to the communication relay alive, and her job was to get it operational.
Clio pushed the fanciful thoughts and guilt aside and rubbed the prosthetic fingertip concealing her secret data crystal. Aegis Nakamura had his mission, but Clio had a task of her own to complete, and the communications relay was precisely what she needed for that to happen.
22
Hold The Gate
The elites disappeared in a spray of chitinous armor and entrails. Gunfire blasted from behind, and the Chits rushing the tunnel crumbled into a pile. Grimshaw wiped Chit juice from his visor and turned to find the maintenance gate had opened. The entrance framed five heavily armed Confederation Marines.
“Hurry, before more show up,” the nearest Marine instructed, waving them through. “We can’t keep up that kind of firepower for long.”
Grimshaw and his team clambered through the opening, and the maintenance gate shut with a bang. Seconds later, Chits hammered into the gate from the other side, but it held firm.
“Dale, you made it!” The squad leader sounded surprised. “It’s good to see you. What about Jake?”
Dale shook his head. “They got him in the mountains, Lopez.”
The Chits banged on the maintenance gate relentlessly.
“Bastards don’t know when to give up,” O’Donovan spat.
“We need to get a move on.” Lopez listened on his vox. “Sounds like they’re still having trouble at the main gate.”
“Your timing couldn’t have been better, Lopez,” Grimshaw said. “Thank you.”
“I apologize for the delay, Commander. A group of Chits took us by surprise on our way here. Lost two of my men.”
“Sorry for your loss,” Grimshaw said, wondering how many he’d lost himself.
They exited onto a street littered with debris, and Grimshaw looked back at the towering white wall. “Those brown and black ones can fly, can’t they?”
&nbs
p; “Don’t worry, Commander. Buzzers can only fly a couple of feet. Elites are too heavy to fly, but they’re good jumpers. They can scale small buildings, but they can’t jump nowhere near forty feet. They can come at you super-fast on the ground, though, if you’re not expecting it.” Lopez held his hand waist high as they hurried past what little remained of a row of buildings. “Short-range update just came through. That tank is ramming the main gate. That’s what we call the really big ones,” he added, noticing Grimshaw’s confusion. “We’ve seen them outside before but never so close. They seem to prefer staying underground.”
“I thought Krags were big,” Grimshaw said. “These Chits are full of surprises.”
“Let’s send them a surprise of our own.” Lopez pointed forward and picked up the pace. “We should hurry back.”
Grimshaw’s legs objected as the group broke into a sprint. He adjusted his SIG controls and assigned more power to his TEK’s joint servos, easing the effort a fraction. “We watched thousands leave on that black ship,” he called to Lopez. “We thought that was most of them.”
“It would seem they left a few nasties behind, sir. It’s almost like they want to keep us grounded.”
“Have you heard from other Bakura survivors or anyone at Xerocorp Labs?”
“Afraid not, sir. Lost communication with everyone early on. Outside of a hundred feet or so, the vox is useless. The Chits remaining inside the walls are concentrated in the city center. Made it easier to retake Gate Six, but we haven’t been able to send anyone to the labs yet.”
“Any idea what the people over at the labs have been up to?”
“It’s been kept classified, sir. All we know is the Confederation brought in a specialized CSD team with third-party security. We’ve had nothing to do with whatever’s going on in there. We suspect that the labs have the last orbital ships. Our spaceports and base were taken out early on.”
The Galactic Sentinel: Ultimate Edition: 4 Books with 2000+ Pages of Highly Entertaining Sci-Fi Space Adventure Page 16