Star Crusader: Hero of the Alliance

by Michael G. Thomas

  "Billy, the engineers have done their best. Not bad when you consider there's only twenty-seven crew left on the ship. I suspect some of the civilians might have lent a hand on this job."

  Billy shrugged and moved past his friend and towards what remained of the shattered gunnery pod. Normally, it would have been the place for the co-pilot, but previous modifications had turned it over to gunnery tasks only. After their escape, it was in a much worse state and far from pretty.

  "I'm supposed to sit here?"

  Nate nodded quickly.

  "Yes, its functional. Try it."

  Billy did his best and groaned as he twisted and turned to fit inside the odd arrangement. To his surprise, the main seat and gun controls were intact, or at the very least had been replaced. He tugged at the straps and made sure he was in securely.

  "According to the deck chief, all four of the forward turrets are operational. They're slaved directly to your control unit."

  "I'm sensing there's a ‘but’ coming," said Billy.

  Nate might have been able to hide it from anybody else, but not Billy. The two had spent a lot of time on the Star Crusader simulation since their victory in the original trials. After all those weeks, it was as though they'd been best friends for years.

  "The tracking system is no longer connected to the targeting computer. You'll have to track and fire on manual."

  Of all the things that could have been a problem, right now that seemed to be the least significant. Billy grunted and turned his attention to the panel near his belly. There was a myriad of switches, most now non-functioning. It took a moment until he found the replacement-arming switch and checked it was still disabled before finally relaxing.

  "Okay, I'm ready."

  Damage in the firefight during their original escape had left the Mauler riddled with holes. Patches covered up the worst of the trouble, but the gunnery pod was a mess. Parts of the strapping were gone, and in their place one of the turret seats from a stripped down Thunderbolt heavy-fighter.

  "You're kidding, right?" Billy asked, "Where are the windows?"

  Nate looked to his left and laughed.

  "You never looked at the schematics, did you? There are not supposed to be windows on this ship. She's armoured for assault landings."

  He pointed to the many controls throughout the cockpit. It was radically different to the advanced avionics system install throughout the Avenger drones. The Mauler was a much older machine and with a completely different brief. Simplicity, and the ability to absorb punishment were far more important than being controllable from another ship, or by remote.

  "Everything is functional. Look."

  With the flick of a single toggle, the displays came on. As with the drones, the forward view was facing outwards and at the final outer hangar doors. Red lights flashed continually, serving as a reminder that this part of the ship was about to vent the outer compartments into space.

  "Everything okay in here? We good to go?"

  Both turned around and looked at the face of Sergeant Perkins. Though young for his rank, he always looked stern and incredibly serious. His jet-black tattoo seemed to positively gleam under the bright lights still active in the cockpit.

  "Yes, Sergeant," said Nate, "Mongoose is fully functional, and I have the destination locked in. We're fuelled and armed for combat. We're ready to go when you are."

  The marine struck the inside wall of the cockpit and that activated his visor.

  "Good work, Cadets. Get my people there and back again safely. I'm counting on you."

  With those brief words he was gone, and the hatch shut behind him, leaving the two alone. An image of Lieutenant Higgins appeared on the secondary display, and he looked just as stern as the Sergeant.

  "You have a clear approach to your target. Crusaders Five and Six will watch you in. Your target is three hundred kilometres away. Use the third landing platform, designated Zone Alpha. Don't forget, there is a gravity well generator inside the facility. Get the computer to compensate on your approach, or you'll crash and burn."

  Billy's eyes widened as he listened, though he said nothing. Nate knew his friend hadn't even thought of the potential problem. They'd spent most of their gaming time working on fighter manoeuvres, formation flying, and paired tactics. Mauler scenarios were rare, and countering gravity wells during landings were even rarer.

  "Get Mongoose down fast, and wait until the marines are ready to leave. Good luck."

  His image crackled and then faded away, leaving them in silence. Nate leaned forward and began running through the complex sequence prior to launch.

  "This is Mongoose, locks secure. We're ready for launch."

  The designation was an odd one to Nate, and as he ran through the screens of data, it still felt as though he was in a simulator. Only when the alarms sounded, and the sound of the massive inner doors sliding shut, did reality kick in. After a few more seconds, the doors crashed together to protect the remainder of the hangar deck from the harsh void outside.

  Here is comes.

  Nate had dreamed of this, and flying the drones had been the closest so far. But as the outer doors opened just a fraction, he was granted a view of space from inside an actual spacecraft. Without windows, the view was actually provided by the display units, each positioned as if they were windows. Technically, he was seeing a view that was no more real than the one seen inside the Avengers, but this time there was one big difference. This time Nate was actually inside the craft, and he was about to take it into deep space.

  "Okay. Fire up the engines."

  He was speaking to himself as he activated the main power core. One by one the indicators flicked on, confirming everything was set as normal. It took another ten seconds before he was satisfied they were ready to leave.

  "Disconnect clamps."

  The physical clamps disconnected from the Mauler so that it was now connected to the launching rails by electromagnetic clamps only. Billy ran through the limited number of settings for his weapons and then checked the safety was still off.

  "Turrets active and operational. Guns in safe mode, I'm ready."

  Nate gave him a quick nod and leaned towards the release switch. As his fingers touched the smooth finish, he activated the internal speakers.

  "Five seconds to launch."

  The wait seemed an age, and by the time the five seconds had elapsed, Nate almost rushed to press the button. The capacitors fitted near the rails released a surge of power and pushed the launch sled out to the side of the ship. ANS Mongoose shunted into space, using nothing more than the sled to propel them. He felt his torso push back against the powerful push from the ship, and then it vanished, leaving him in the weightless environment of the drifting spacecraft.

  "Here goes nothing."

  Nate activated the main engines and tensed his body. There was always a chance that something could go wrong when activating engines. He had heard stories of fuel line leaks and faulty fuel rods, all of which could leave a spacecraft dead in space, or worse. The light came on, and a gentle force pushed him back into the seat. It wasn't much movement, and the abilities of the Naval PDS pressure suit absorbed most of it.

  We're clear!

  The Mauler left its position near Relentless and moved off towards the first virtual waypoint. The screens position around the cockpit gave a perfect view of the area near the assault ship. Nate spotted a minor glint to his right and then found the Avenger. Behind the craft was a thin pulse as it activated its main engine to stay in a wide formation with the landing craft.

  "This is Mongoose. On approach vector, looking good."

  As the spacecraft continued forward, Nate found a short moment to check on his friend. He suspected Billy would still be there, looking nervous, but he was wrong. Billy was moving his hands in front of the panels and checking the operation of the turrets. He spotted Nate looking at him.

  "All good here, too. Four turrets moving at full rotation. Guns are functional, with one showin
g targeting imbalance."

  "Excellent. Keep on it and watch for the Byotai. I don't like this."

  The Mauler followed its pre-set course towards the target. The starbase was little different to any other, the bulk of its structure hidden deep inside the rock and ice. What did push out was a scruffy collection of gantries, docking towers, and loading arms. When he was within the one kilometre cordon, he felt the pull from the base. It was light, and according to the readout on the engineering display, it would be no more than a sixth of normal gravity at the landing point. That was still more than enough to throw him off and to crash the ship.

  "Marines. One minute out. Target looks clear. Moving in now."

  It was Nate's first time piloting a ship from the inside, and it felt as though it was already over. They traversed the relatively short journey in just a few minutes and moved in closer to the third landing platform, designated Zone Alpha. He followed standard procedure and performed a single orbit before moving in to land. The platform extended out from the single largest structure. At the far end was a sheer wall of what seemed to be gleaming obsidian. There were a number of deep lines cut into it, giving the impression of multiple doors and seals.

  "Hold on."

  Nate deactivated the flight assistance model and took full manual control. Four monstrous engines fitted in the corners of the landing craft powered the Mauler. Usually, a landing would be performed using just the manoeuvring thrusters. This time he needed the primary engines, due to the gravity assistance provided by the starbase’s well.

  "Proximity alert...Proximity alert," warned the navigation computer.

  It was a sound Nate had expected, but for some reason known only to him, he'd forgotten to switch it off. The Mauler was fitted with a variety of auto-assistance modes, but none would ever be able to fully offer the same flexibility and control as the human pilot. He deactivated the unit and focussed his attention on the displays. As well as the forward view, he was also checking on the Doppler radar unit to estimate the distance to the landing platform. Metre by metre they dropped until it looked as though they should already be down. The number said fifteen metres, but the external feed made it look so much closer.

  Landing gear!

  Nate was convinced he'd actually deployed the landing gear, but the underside camera feed showed it was most definitely still safely locked inside the fuselage of the ship. Unlike civilian craft of a similar size and capacity, the landing gear on this craft was hidden deep inside armoured cupola. As an assault lander, it was critical the Mauler was as well protected as possible, and that even included the landing gear.

  How could I miss that?

  He still couldn't believe he'd completely forgotten after having spent so much time in the simulators. As he looked at the controls, he was sure he'd activated them during the initial landing pattern. The Mauler was a big vessel, and her landing skids would have to deploy unless he wanted his very first landing to be directly on his belly. More a crash than the soft, gentle landing that would have been expected.

  It was the kind of mistake a rank amateur might make but not him, and not right now. There were not just the two of them commanding the Mauler; there was also the precious cargo of heavily equipped marines waiting inside the cavernous hold.

  "Nate!" Billy yelled.

  "I know."

  Nate hit the release button for the third time, and still nothing happened. He then flipped open the backup panel and released the emergency hydraulics option. Secondary pumps attempted to move the heavy metal arms, but still nothing happened.

  "The landing gear...it's not coming down!"

  He pushed more power to the engines and halted the descent. The digital display showed they were just over three metres from the platform. Nate brought up the diagnostic screen and shuddered upon seeing the warning lights. There were six red lights and all related to the landing gear.

  "Relentless, this is Mongoose. We have a problem."

  Billy swung the gun control mounts out of the way and brought up his own display. Much of the data was duplicated straight from the pilot's position, as well as an additional and more complex engineering unit.

  "There's a new rupture on the control pistons. I think I can get two of the four skids down...maybe."

  Nate shook his head.

  "No, we have four skids. Two will just bring us down at an angle. If we're going to land safely, it’s three or more legs..."

  Nate glanced ever so briefly at Billy.

  "Or none at all."

  As before, the image of Lieutenant Higgins popped up on the forward display and alongside the main view. He looked almost as concerned as Billy was.

  "I see it. I've run the data against my diagnostics, and it looks like the gear motors are locked. The backup pistons have released too much pressure and locked two of the outer doors."

  Nate swallowed as he listened to those words.

  "So, what do we do, Sir?"

  "You're going to have to go belly first. Take it slow."

  The underside of the Mauler was completely flat, and unlike most spacecraft, heavily reinforced due to its combat role. There were occasions in the past where Maulers had crashed inside enemy capital ships and space stations to deposit their warriors. Right now, none of that gave Nate the confidence he needed.

  Stay cool. You can do this.

  Lieutenant Higgins continued speaking, but now his voice had softened.

  "Just settle her down. The hull is easily tough enough. Remember, quick reactions but gentle movements."

  Nate dropped the power back for just a moment. The Mauler started to descend and using microbursts, and he slowed the descent as low as possible. The distance shortened until finally the counter read zero. Nothing happened, and then the Mauler lurched violently. For that one moment, Nate nearly pushed more power into the main engines. His gut told him to react calmly, and he provided just a tiny blip of power. The vibration stopped, and everything became quiet.

  "Billy, we made it!"

  There was still work to do. With the gear locked up, there was nothing to keep the Mauler on the platform other than the severely reduced gravitational pull. Nate swung the main thrusters about and activated them on their lowest possible setting. It was very little thrust, but more than enough to ensure they remained connected to the pad. He then activated the speakers and spoke to his passengers. There was no way to contain his relief as he blurted out the words.

  "We're down."

  The reply was short and abrupt, "Good work, wait for us."

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  Alliance Mauler 'ANS Mongoose'

  Fleet Rendezvous, Arnos Cluster

  Sergeant Perkins led the squad of six marines out of the Mauler and onto the landing platform. Private Valentine dropped down beside him and waited for her boots to connect to the surface. The magboots did not always provide a firm bond, and she had no interest in vanishing off into space. To an untrained civilian it would have been a terrifying experience, but to her it was little different to the scenarios they'd practised many times before. The landing platform was part of a long arm extending out from the main structure. The sides were completely clear, and there was nothing more than a low barrier, perhaps a metre from the ground to hold onto.

  "Move on," said Sergeant Perkins.

  The three pairs of marines continued forwards, each making small leaps before connecting safely to the metal platform. In less than a minute they cleared the length and were outside the jet-black wall.

  "Cover formation, Cortez, get this thing open."

  "Yes, Sergeant!"

  Private Cortez moved to the front and positioned himself right next to the smooth structure. There were clearly multiple doors, and when he moved his arm in front of it, a panel flipped open and projected a small holographic model of an encoder unit. He might have been the shortest man in the squad, but his voice was by far the loudest, even when compared to the booming voice of the Sergeant. It took just over a minute, and every waiti
ng second was agonising. Finally, the marine looked back and gave the thumbs up.

  "Opening now."

  Without a sound, the massive external blast door slid open to reveal a barren looking, layered loading bay. There were a pair of lifter suits clamped to the walls, and bright blue lamps floodlit the whole area. An odd haze hung around the open space, and Private Cortez extended his hand into the haze. He retracted it and shook his head.

  "It's atmospherically sealed. There must be functional environment inside."

  Sergeant Perkins checked the levels inside his visor and nodded.

  "Keep moving. Fan out and check for traps. Our scanners are still being blocked."

  The small group of marines spread out and approached the secondary doors. Private Cortez remained at the exterior blast doors and activated them. With a low rumble the large sections slid back into position. As soon as the seal was complete, a dull blue line appeared around the inner door.

  "Looks like an all clear to me," said Sergeant Perkins.

  He pointed to the middle of the door where a gently pulsing light seemed to show an activation panel. The marines waited while he reached out and tapped it with the butt of his carbine. The wall split apart, and two segments pulled away to create a large opening. It took a moment for the light levels to stabilise inside their helmets, and then they were inside.

  "Two by two, and watch your corners."

  This was just the kind of job the marines had trained for. Their internal sensors provided a detailed picture of the surrounding area, as well as heat blooms and radiation emissions. The interior was smaller than expected, merely a wide passage in a slightly oval shape. The space was broken up by cylindrical columns on the flanks and seating areas placed in clumps on both sides. Signage above them glowed faintly, with some of the units inoperative. Far off into the distance a single blue light flickered and flashed.

  "Sergeant, I've got readings ahead. Multiple life signs," said Private Valentine.

  "Very good, move on."

  They split up into two groups, one on each side of the passage area. By staying close to the walls, they avoided being spotted along the length of the section. It took time, but after what seemed like an age, they reached the end and another massive doorway that led into a grand plaza. It was surrounded by closed and boarded up trade posts.