Star Strike

by I. G. Roberts

  Tomas nodded saying, “I’ve heard you care, Colin. Even species doesn’t matter.”

  “Yes, well I’ve always tried to treat people the way they deserve, within the bounds of civilized decency. Skin color, race or species doesn’t matter, I’m more interested in a person’s behavior. Few people deserve a premature death. Mind you, I make an exception for anyone who preys on others, like Pirates, or Slavers.”

  “One piece of news that might interest you, Colin, Pirates kidnapped a young girl from St. Clair two days ago. Your Marines found the Pirate encampment and rescued her. They rescued Cindy, in part because they came here to prepare for your visit.”

  “I hope she’s okay.”

  “Well she was gang raped, and beaten up a little, but the doctors say she’ll make a full recovery, with the right help and support. The mental trauma will be the hardest for her to deal with I suspect. Cindy will receive the support she needs, we’ll make sure of it.”

  “Tell me if there’s anything I can do to help with her recovery. That includes financial help.”

  “Thank you, Colin, I’ll tell her family.”

  Colin noticed a Marine heading toward them.

  “Oh oh, it looks as though somebody requires one of us somewhere, Tomas. Which of us do you think it’ll be.”

  Tomas chuckled as the Marine arrived and informed Colin that Captain Gunderson wanted a word with him. Colin stood to follow the Marine back to his Captain while Tomas turned away.

  The Marine said to Tomas, “I’m sorry Sir, the Captain wishes to speak to you too.”

  Tomas smiled and turned, following the other two as they walked toward the Captain’s Headquarters.

  Harmon

  Henry was reviewing the reports from the action around Colin’s house when he received a call from Admiral Dalkasan.

  Dalkasan said, “I’m planning to land this afternoon your time. Is this acceptable to you?”

  “Yes, Sir, it’s acceptable, but you should be aware there was an attack on Commander Gordon today. We haven’t captured all the Pirates yet.”

  “Is the Commander hurt?”

  “No, Sir, he isn’t hurt. One Marine died, three sustained wounds, and one of the Commander’s friends took a flesh wound. The Marines on the scene have found many dead Pirates. They believe several attackers escaped. It appears they were DNI’s Alliance Spec-Ops guys.”

  “How is Commodore Nicholson?”

  “Sonya is awake now. Still groggy with painkillers but lucid.”

  “Good, I need to meet you both, and I want to see Commander Gordon and Commander Siobhan Fraser.”

  “Okay, Admiral, I’ll make the arrangements.”

  After the Admiral broke the connection, Henry called his aide.

  “Sarah, Admiral Dalkasan is on his way this afternoon. Find out how long until Commander Gordon is available, please. Commander Siobhan Fraser should come too, and I need a status for Commodore Nicholson, the Admiral wants to see us after he arrives.”

  “Yes Commodore, I’ll start right away.”

  St. Clair

  Gunderson said, “You had a close call here Commander. None of your people received a serious injury, thank God.”

  “Amen to that Captain although I’m not sure I’d agree with you about none of my folk taking serious wounds. The Marines are mine, at least while they’re watching my back and protecting me. Still, I would’ve struggled if a civilian died. God knows I’m having more than enough trouble dealing with the loss of a Marine and he was doing his job. The civilians are volunteers, here helping me repair my house.”

  “Yes, I know how you feel. The people we can’t keep alive is one of the hardest things for good Officers to handle. Everybody suffers loss, and we must support each other through it.”

  Through this exchange, Tomas stood to one side listening in with a somber look on his face. With a flash of insight, Colin realized, Tomas understood what he was coping with, perhaps the man was struggling to handle the loss himself.

  Gunderson said to Tomas, “How are you going, old friend? Has life been treating you well?”

  “Life is good, Dan. Since I met Joan, I’ve led a relaxed and happy existence. Other than worrying about her, with the invasion and everything, I’ve been doing well thank you. How are my Marines, are you keeping them under control?”

  “You left me a well-oiled machine, the people are as good as you’ll find anywhere. I’ve only maintained what you left me. Tomas, since the invasion, we’ve received an increasing number of applications to join our ranks, and we’re too stretched to handle the influx. Can I entice you back? The Corps could use your help even if only in the training program.”

  “Dan, you have to convince Joan. While I’m not avoiding it, she’s the most important thing in my life now. If you can convince my partner, I’ll consider it but be aware, she has veto power on this one. You know my reasons for retiring Dan, I’ve done enough.”

  “Yes, Tomas, I understand. It’s just that we’ve had greater demands on us since the invasion. The authorities often need the available Marine formations in multiple places at once. I only have four Platoons to meet our obligations. We bring our Marines here to Cambridge to train and rest. None of them can do that anymore. The Corps needs to be three times the size. We can’t grow fast enough. Applications to join exploded after word of Second Platoon’s exploits at the Shuttle Station leaked out. Many people credit Second Platoon’s efforts as the reason so many Pirates surrendered when their Fleet left. Tomas, I want you back with us. With your permission, I’ll chat to Joan before we leave.”

  “That’s fine, Dan, chat. Just don’t tell her I put you up to it.”

  Gunderson chuckled as he replied, “Wouldn’t dream of it, Tomas.”

  “Yea right Dan, I believe you… not.”

  “Okay, now to business. Commander, I’ve received word you’re required in Harmon this afternoon. There aren’t any details, I was just ordered to make sure you make it to Headquarters by 1500 hours. So, I’ve strengthened Lieutenant Stark’s Platoon with two more fire teams and replaced the casualties. Stark is integrating the new people now so they should be ready to leave soon.”

  Private Davis approached the group, waiting until the Officers noticed her.

  “Sirs, Lieutenant Stark sent me to inform you, we can leave whenever you’re ready Commander. A Shuttle will return us to Harmon, safer that way.”

  Colin turned to the other two men and said, “Well, if you will excuse me, gentlemen, I’m needed in Harmon. Julia will come with me. Is everyone else okay here?”

  Tomas replied, “We’re fine Commander. Go on, get moving.”

  Harmon Navy Headquarters

  Colin walked into Headquarters with Julia beside him. Sarah waited inside to escort him straight to Commodore Fraser’s Office for the meeting. Colin pointed Julia toward a chair in the waiting area and followed Sarah while she gave him a quick rundown of Dalkasan’s proposed visit. When Henry saw Colin, he stood and asked about the morning’s events, concerned for everybody’s welfare. Colin explained how things worked out.

  With the pleasantries over, Henry said, “Admiral Dalkasan is coming this afternoon. He wants to see you, Sonya, Siobhan and me, I don’t know why. The Admiral expects an extended stay in Cambridge. Colin, you’ve interacted with him more than me, do you have any idea what’s happening?”

  “No Commodore, I don’t. Unless he wants us to hurry the new Patrol-Boats along, or maybe the Destroyers. Otherwise, Sir, I’m at a loss.”

  “I’m just worried that we’re in trouble. We came too close to losing our ships and the battle. Stay close, please. Admiral Dalkasan wasn’t specific about when he plans to arrive, or the facilities he’ll need when he does.”

  “Okay Sir, I’ll stay close. I doubt we’re in trouble. The little I’ve heard from the Admiral’s entourage follows the general line we impressed him by holding out against overwhelming odds for so long. The damage inflicted on a force that should have chewed us up and
spat us out without missing a beat, amazed him. Sir, two other things, first, I must find somewhere for Julia to stay until I repair and secure my house. She’s homeless now and doesn’t have a bed for tonight. The other, I want to arrange an implant for her. Julia has come so far, so fast but needs an implant to continue developing and learning. She deserves the reward after saving those people during the invasion. From what I hear, her calmness under pressure helped everyone in that safe room. Even during today’s episode, there were no hysterics or other nonsense. Commodore, I’m as proud of Julia as if she were my daughter.”

  “Ask Siobhan if Julia could stay with her and Carl for a while. I expect the answer will be yes. That woman has a heart of gold, at least, she does for people needing help. Ask Sarah to investigate implants for you. Sarah knows so much, I often think I’m only a figurehead here. She plays me like a musical instrument and most of the time, she decides what must happen. Stay close so we can contact you when we know how far out the Admiral is. Tell Sarah where you’ll be if you go anywhere.”

  “Yes, Sir. I have plenty I can do without straying far.”

  Colin left Commodore Fraser, stopping by Sarah’s desk as he passed to ask about an implant for Julia. He explained to Sarah that he wanted to suggest to Julia that she should have one. Colin wanted an idea of cost and the steps to follow before telling her. After his discussion with Sarah, Colin went back outside to find Julia sitting alone, waiting for his return.

  “We’re looking for somewhere you can sleep tonight Julia. Pirates looted or destroyed many of your belongings, but they’re only things, and we can replace those. For now, I have concerns about your personal welfare. I’ll know more in the next few hours.”

  “Thank you, Colin. Can I ask why do you take such good care of me? I don’t belong to you, and you’ve never tried to do anything objectionable. I have sought to understand but I can’t.”

  “Well Julia, you remind me of my daughter although you’re a few years younger. I’ve always protected her. More than that, when we first brought you to Cambridge, you knew nothing about your rights or responsibilities as a free person. Julia, you’ve come so far and done so much, today I realized how proud I am of you. You’re a wonderful young woman, and Dave is fortunate to have you. Besides, you have no one, other than Dave, the Fraser clan or me.”

  “Thank you, Colin, I want to visit Dave today. Is this possible?”

  “I’ll make the arrangements. You should buy more clothing, so you have something to wear over the next few days. Do you have enough money? I can move more cash into your account if you need it.”

  “I have enough Colin, thank you.”

  The two of them walked outside to find a dirty, disheveled group of Marines waiting. A few Headquarters staff passed by, steering well clear, a few even looking at them with distaste. Colin grew annoyed at those people who didn’t understand how dirty war was.

  Colin approached Lieutenant Stark and said, “Lieutenant, you should send your troops away in groups for a shower and fresh clothes. I’m sure they will appreciate the chance. We have an Admiral coming by this afternoon.”

  “I concluded I should rotate half of my people off for that purpose Sir. I’ll do that now. Will an hour be okay?”

  “An hour should be okay Lieutenant. Julia needs to go to Sonsberg hospital as well?”

  “She will visit Dave Bach?”

  “That’s the plan.”

  “Dave is lucky, and I hear, a hero too. I’ll take her Sir. It’s only a half hour round trip from here. I can make sure she isn’t left stranded.”

  “Okay Kevin, you do that, thank you.”

  The Lieutenant arranged for half the Marines, those who needed it most, to head off for a shower and refresh their equipment. He ordered them to return in one hour so the rest could follow suit. While Colin waited, he contacted Sam Harland on Theseus to check how they were fairing. Even Theseus sustained damage during the recent battles. She was not the worst, but they suffered three casualties when an unlucky shot breached the hull near their Duty Station during the final attack run. Many ships had much worse damage, so Colin considered himself lucky.

  Colin wondered who was arranging funerals for those who died defending Cambridge. Anything they did needed gravitas. In Colin’s opinion, the public wanted to farewell those who made the ultimate sacrifice as much as their relatives. The ceremony should wait until rescuers searched the ships, and the scoured the System. Colin discussed the matter with Henry.

  Sarah found Colin to inform him Admiral Dalkasan was on the way when the Marines were returning from their showers. While she spoke to him, Sarah pinged data to Colin’s implant. She hadn’t wasted time researching implants and sent the relevant information to him for later study. Colin thanked her and turned to see Henry leaving the building.

  The two men climbed into one of the waiting ground cars. Colin noted it was identical to the one he’d ridden in on Sankarah. The Marine security detail loaded into six others and the convoy left for the Shuttle Station. Stark placed Sergeant Dawson in command for this job before departing for the Hospital with Julia. The second batch of Marines would catch up after showering and donning clean clothes.

  Harmon Shuttle Station

  The trip to the Shuttle Station was uneventful, and they arrived twenty minutes before the Admiral. Henry had pre-positioned more ground cars at the Shuttle Station, so enough transport was available for the Admiral’s entourage. After the motorcade stopped, Marines exited the vehicles, filtering through the facility to check security. They would’ve preferred more time, but other Troopers worked security there. The Marines moved in pairs checking each Trooper and any other people, making sure only authorized staff was there. Each pair of Marines carried a stunner and a more lethal weapon. They hoped the person with the stunner would knock out anybody suspicious while the other Marine provided cover if things went sour or the stunner didn’t work.

  Cam Davis and her partner Nils Higgins could see the Admiral’s Shuttle on final approach. They approached a group of three Troopers who idled away time behind a parked Shuttle.

  Cam pinged her partner with the message, “Stay focused Nils, these guys, I, I’m not sure, something just isn’t right.”

  As she drew closer, Nils hung back, moving to one side, so the three Troopers were always in his line of fire. If things got exciting, he didn’t want to shoot Cam. When she was close enough, Cameron’s implant queried the first Troopers ID but didn’t receive the right response. The target moved at the same time as Cameron, who dove to one side as he fought to bring his weapon to bear. Nils was much faster and fired three rounds into the offender. The bullets passed through the target and wounded a second Trooper who stood behind him. Both suspects dropped to the ground, the first one dead, the second wounded. The entire incident only took seconds to transpire. The injured man and the third Trooper dropped their weapons and surrendered. Cameron and Nils both called for backup as soon as the episode began, and several Marines sprinted to their location. Back near Colin and Henry, Sergeant Dawson received the news and swore.

  His attention drawn by the expletive, Colin looked at Dawson aware something had happened. He pointed out Dawson’s reaction to Henry. They walked toward the Sergeant, curious about his behavior. Dawson decided it better to volunteer the information rather than making the Officers ask.

  “Two of our Marines were checking people around the Shuttle Station, making sure they’re kosha. They found three suspicious individuals. When Cam Davis queried their implants for ID, one raised his weapon toward her. She dove to the side, and her partner shot the suspect. Neither Marine received injuries, but they killed one suspect and wounded a second. A third suspect surrendered, uninjured. The live ones are in custody now Sir.”

  Colin replied, “Okay, Sergeant. Thank God, your Marines weren’t hurt. Do you have recommendations? It’s too late to turn the Admiral away now.”

  “Have the cars meet his Shuttle. Admiral Dalkasan is only in danger for a few se
conds while traversing between the two. The Shuttle Station is a prominent place for an ambush. I don’t even know what your plans are for this visit, so I doubt the hostiles will. We’ve notified DNI. They’ll be here soon to take the prisoners into custody. These guys wore Trooper uniforms, Sir, so we may need to investigate the source of their equipment.”

  “We’ll take your advice, Sergeant. Convey our thanks and appreciation to Cam and her partner, please. They did good work there.”

  “I’ll do that Sir. She’s a good Marine, I’ve nominated her for promotion, and Lieutenant Stark endorsed the nomination.”

  Colin nodded then returned to the ground cars with Henry. The motorcade drove out to meet Admiral Dalkasan as the Shuttle came to a halt on the hardstand. When Dalkasan exited his Shuttle, Henry hustled him into one of the ground cars before they completed any formalities. Meanwhile, Colin moved Dalkasan’s entourage into the other vehicles. When everyone was ready, the Marine contingent boarded their transport, and the motorcade raced away from the Shuttle Station toward Sonsberg hospital.

  Dalkasan said, “I take it there’s a reason for this Commodore.”

  “Yes, Sir. Just as your Shuttle began final approach, two of our Marines identified three suspicious individuals. There was a brief fight resulting in one death and one wounded, neither of the casualties is a Marine. We haven’t finished checking the Station for others so consider it best if we move you somewhere safe as fast as possible. With your permission Admiral, we’ll go to Sonsberg Hospital first, then to Headquarters. Those locations are as secure as we can make them.”

  “You still have security problems here then Commodore.”

  “Yes, Sir, we have problems, but so far we’ve solved them. It’s been less than a week since we booted the invaders out of the System, with your help. It’ll take a little longer before we can stabilize the situation. Hell, Colin’s Marine security killed or captured thirty-five Alliance Spec-Ops people this morning, and we estimate twenty escaped into the bush. Only thirty hours ago, our troops killed around seventy Pirate soldiers in the wilderness near St. Clair.”