“Keep it simple,” yelled the crew chief. “She’s already fueled so load her with weapons package 1, that’s weapons 1, people.”
A technician climbed up the pilot’s ladder and leaned in. Pointing to a few displays, he quickly explained what they meant, what to look out for, and how to make necessary adjustments in the event certain things happened.
“I get it. I get it,” said Cap dismissively as he continued his pre-flight check. “Just tell me when she’s armed.”
After two minutes of hectic but efficient activity, and more than a little colorful encouragement from Crew Chief McKinney, the X-1 was ready. McKinney rolled the ladder away from the cockpit. “If you put one scratch on this aircraft, I will cut your balls off and shove them down your throat.”
“Understood chief,” said Cap. “Is she ready?”
“She’s ready. I called the tower. They know you’re taking her out fast.”
“Good. At least they won’t shoot at me.”
“I can’t promise you that,” responded McKinney. “Now get the fuck out of here and shoot those bastards down.”
Cap fired up the engines and quickly taxied to the end of a nearby runway. The ground crew had removed debris in order to clear a path for takeoff.
“You ready?” Cap asked Logan through their helmets’ integrated communications system, or ICS.
“I guess so. What do you want me to do?” he asked as he checked his restraints for the tenth time.
“Nothing. You’re here as ballast. She handles better with a full crew.”
They saw Lena waving to them from the hangar door. She blew them a kiss.
“I’ll be back to collect that,” said Cap more to himself than Logan.
“How do you know she meant it for you?” asked Logan with a chuckle.
“Because you have a face only a monkey could love,” said Cap as he lowered his helmet visor.
Cap sent power flowing to the engines and the X-1 shot forward along the runway. Seconds later, Cap pulled back on the stick and the aircraft lifted nimbly into the air. He banked right and followed the Blackhawk’s trail of smoke.
Logan heard a woman’s voice in his helmet’s ICS. “X-1, this is control. Bogey is heading northeast, bearing fifteen degrees.”
“Looks like they’re heading north to avoid the League’s missile defenses on the river,” said Logan.
“Control,” said Cap a few moments later, “I have a visual. Any chance there are friendly birds nearby?”
“Negative, X-1,” said the voice from Control.
“Logan,” said Cap.
“Ballast reporting, sir,” said Logan.
“Engage the weapons heads-up display and let me know if you see any incoming bogeys. We’re not going to get any League help, so anything you see is going to be PRA aircraft.”
“HUD engaged,” said Logan. “According to this thing, at our current speed we’ll have the Blackhawk in range in two minutes.”
“She’s barely moving,” said Cap. “Lena’s missile must have hit her real bad. We’ll be crossing the Mississippi in about ten minutes, and we should expect the PRA to send help as soon as possible. The anti-aircraft defenses along the river will probably keep them out of League airspace, but they’ll shoot at us from the east side of the river if they can.”
“Understood. Let me know when to shoot,” said Logan.
“I’ve transferred weapons control to myself,” said Cap, “but do you see that stick on your right side?”
“Yes.”
“That’ll fire the wing cannons,” said Cap. “When we’re close enough, you can shoot that. You can adjust fire about fifteen degrees by moving the stick.”
“Got it.”
Logan looked at the weapons HUD. “Just about in range of the Blackhawk. How are you going to bring it down?”
“I’m going to put a missile up its tailpipe,” replied Cap.
“We can’t blow it up,” said Logan. “We need the Apollo Stone.”
“That’s asking for a lot of precision,” said Cap. “These weapons are designed to obliterate a target, not gently bring it down.”
“Do your best,” said Logan. He looked at his HUD. “Almost in range of the Blackhawk.” He paused a moment as he looked at his screen. “And I’m seeing bogeys to the east. A lot of them.”
“Yup,” said Cap. “I see them. Readying wasp missiles.”
Using his thumb, Cap lifted a trigger guard. “Firing.”
Two wasp missiles ignited and flew out from their perch under each wing, leaving a stream of white smoke behind them. After they had closed about half of the distance between the two aircraft, Blackhawk fired her pulse guns at the oncoming missiles. One missile began to turn and twist, then it shot off to the right and downward. The other stayed on course. The Blackhawk fired a series of small countermeasure missiles. They quickly closed on the remaining wasp and exploded when they were within twenty meters, sending thousands of metal balls in in every direction. The wasp was hit multiple times and could not maintain its flight path. It flew to the left and then exploded far from its target.
Cap fired two more wasps and two hammerheads, but they also succumbed to Blackhawk’s countermeasures. He was preparing to fire his final two missiles, but he had to suddenly roll the X-1 to the left as two enemy missiles shot past him. Then Blackhawk fired six more air-to-air missiles.
“Do you see what’s coming our way?” asked Logan, staring at his HUD.
“I do,” replied Cap. He quickly scrolled through his countermeasure screens and made several adjustments. “Let me know when you see two concentric circles with a blinking red line through them.”
After three heartbeats, which felt like an eternity, Logan said, “I see it!”
Cap immediately engaged the X-1’s afterburner, sending them hurtling toward the oncoming missiles. The g-forces threatened to cause Logan to black out, but his flight suit filled automatically with air pressure to force blood into his brain and keep him conscious.
“What are you doing, Cap?” asked Logan, trying his best to hide his rising panic.
“I’m either a genius or suicidal. We’ll know in about three seconds.”
Logan watched on the HUD as the oncoming missiles closed the gap. He shut his eyes, but nothing happened. He opened them and saw that the missiles had all raced past the X-1.
“Hey, they missed us,” Logan said, smiling.
“Yeah. Those are K-150s. They have an on-board targeting radar. I recorded their signals and repeated them back. It momentarily confuses them.”
“It’s a good thing you know about PRA air-to-air missile vulnerabilities,” said Logan.
“Yeah. They built a fancy new gunship but kept the same old ordnance. But check your HUD.”
Logan looked at the screen and saw that two of the missiles were turning toward them.
“They must have locked onto us just before they passed,” said Cap.
“I thought this thing was stealthy,” said Logan.
“It is,” said Cap as he readied his final two hammerheads. “Only two out of six locked on.”
“That’s two too many.”
“There’s just no pleasing some people,” said Cap. “Get ready with your wing cannons. You’re on deck.”
“Control, this is X-1” said Cap. “How much time before the bogeys across the river get involved?”
“X-1, Control. You’ve got about twenty seconds before you’re within their range. Don’t forget those bluebirds are on their way up your tailpipe.”
“Roger that,” said Cap. He checked the progress of the two missiles rapidly approaching from behind.
“We’re gaining fast on the Blackhawk, but still too far for your cannons,” said Cap.
“Those missiles are about ten seconds away from vaporizing us,” said Logan. Cap remained silent.
“Five seconds.”
Logan cleared his throat. “Now’s a good time to do something, Cap.”
“Fire your guns,”
said Cap.
Logan pressed the button on the stick and a few hundred rounds of bullets spat out from both wings toward the Blackhawk. Then Cap took a breath and gently pressed the thumb trigger, sending his final two missiles after the gunship. He immediately fired the X-1’s missile countermeasures and pulled hard left. The stress on the wings was well beyond tolerances, and Cap struggled to maintain velocity in the high G turn. The G forces caused Logan to pass out, despite the flight suit’s added air pressure and extra oxygen from his mask.
One of the missiles lost contact with the X-1, but the other reached its proximity boundary and detonated, sending shrapnel in all directions. A few pieces connected with the X-1’s right tail wing, causing the plane to shake violently in its high G turn. After a few moments, Cap regained control and turned away from the river and the prowling PRA fighters on the eastern side. He checked his radar to see the hammerheads closing the gap with the Blackhawk. He grinned when the gunship’s countermeasures failed to destroy or distract the missiles. Suddenly, one of them exploded and then the other.
“Yeah!” he shouted. “Logan, we got it! We got it!”
Logan was just regaining consciousness. “We got it?” he asked, groggily.
“Control. X-1,” said Cap. “We got it!”
There was a long pause. “X-1, this is control. We’re not sure how to say this, but you didn’t get it. The hammerheads did their job, but the bogey is gone.”
“You mean it blew up?” asked Cap.
“No, it’s just not there.”
Logan cursed. “The Apollo Stone. Blackhawk shifted space just before the missiles detonated.”
“Shit!” cursed Cap. He shook his head a few times, then asked, “What do we do now? Where did it go?”
“I don’t know,” answered Logan. “Anywhere, I guess.”
“No. Not anywhere,” said Cap. “Not with the hole Lena and her friends put in it. It might have taken a hit from the hammerheads, too. It must be nearby.”
“Control. X-1. Any sign of the target yet?”
“No, X-1,” said the voice. “Return to base.”
Chapter 53
Commodore Lansu looked up from his report to see Dominion was approaching P4, a small red planet. The Sahiradin scrolled through the report. It stated that, although P4 was devoid of life, there was evidence that liquid water had once flowed on its surface and still existed in frozen form at the poles. The report also indicated there was no evidence of any Alamani occupation.
He accessed the report from the Sahiradin on P3. According to the crash survivor, a Captain Kurak, P3’s population was split into numerous tribes, but there were also large areas where there was no recognized central political authority. The report was dismissive of P3 military strength, although the inhabitants could be aggressive and did wage war against each other from time to time.
“Incoming signal from P3, sir,” said a communications officer.
Lansu stood and walked to the communications station. His pale blue eyes lit up when he read the decoded information.
“High command is hailing us, sir,” said another officer.
“Put it through to the secure room,” said Lansu.
“Yes sir.”
The commodore walked across the bridge toward a nearby door. Bridge officers of varying ranks stood at attention when he passed by and then resumed their duties. He walked through an open door and into a rectangular room equipped with a tactical command and control station and a secure communications portal. The door slid shut behind him. Six high-backed chairs occupied each side of the room’s longer walls, with a very grand one occupying the space between the two rows. Lansu touched a few keys on the communications array and holographic images of five Sahiradin flickered into sight, each occupying one of the chairs.
“What is your status, Commodore Lansu?” asked a holographic Sahiradin dressed in red robes over a black tunic.
“Master Tel, we will soon be within striking distance of P3,” replied Lansu. “We have reviewed the reports from the Sahiradin, who has been living among the Alamani there. We do not anticipate significant resistance.”
“How do we know these reports are accurate and not some trick?” asked the Sahiradin to Tel’s left.
“Master Travant, our advance probes are already in orbit around P3 and have confirmed much of what is in the survivor’s reports. However, we won’t have a complete understanding of the situation until Dominion arrives and we can assess for ourselves.”
“What information do you have about the Kaiytáva?” asked Master Tel.
“I’m happy to report that the survivor on P3 has just informed us that he has secured the Kaiytáva, but his ship was damaged. He was able to land the craft in a remote area, and he and a few loyal Alamani soldiers are now taking up a defensive position on some nearby high ground. He anticipates opposing Alamani tribes will be racing to either capture or rescue him, depending on who arrives first.”
“Warring tribes of Alamani?” asked Master Tel. “Your descriptions of this savage litter of Alamani continue to amaze me.”
“How will you assist our Sahiradin survivor?” asked Master Travant. “We must secure the Kaiytáva.”
“As you know, we have a greatly diminished crew on board,” replied Lansu, “but a small expedition force is already underway to rescue him. Dominion will arrive shortly after they do. We are moving with all haste to find him and retrieve the Kaiytáva.”
“Very good,” said Master Tel. “Do whatever is needed to accomplish your mission. You have absolute authority. Report back as soon as you have the Kaiytáva.”
The holographic images flickered and disappeared. The commodore returned to the bridge and called for his first officer to join him. “Captain Vilna, prepare Dominion for surface bombardment and order the Codex fighters to destroy all P3 communications satellites. They are then to reconnoiter the area around the extraction area and provide support to the ground forces when they arrive.”
“Yes sir!”
“Get me General Urkona!” he said to his communications officer.
“Urkona, here,” said a voice.
“General,” said Lansu. “The Sahiradin survivor on P3 reports he has the Kaiytáva. Your lead elements must land and retrieve him immediately. Do you understand? Immediately!”
“We’ll do our duty,” said Urkona. “Send me the coordinates.”
“Transmitting them now,” said the commodore as he nodded to one of his officers.
Lansu turned to his navigation officer. “When we reach P3, bring us into orbit above the extraction point.”
Chapter 54
Kane was inside an old training helicopter adjusting the straps around Ravenwood’s stretcher when the others caught up with him. Logan looked at the old man’s pale face, now devoid of the intelligence and passion which had once animated it. He placed his hand on Ravenwood’s forehead. It was cold. He looked at Kane, who was busily making final preparations before taking off.
“Where are you taking his body?” asked Lena.
“To Raven’s Rock, where my great grandfather found him.”
“That sounds like a good place to bury him,” said Cap.
“I’m not going to bury him,” said Kane as he loaded a pack and his weapons into the helicopter. “He’s not dead. But he will be soon if I don’t get him to the lake.”
Logan looked at Lena and Cap. Each face wore a concerned look. He knew what they were thinking. Ravenwood’s body was cold, and the doctor had declared him dead an hour earlier.
“Kane,” said Logan, gently pulling Kane’s shoulder in an attempt to interrupt his preparations. “He’s gone.”
Kane turned to face the three of them, ignoring what Logan had said. “I’ve talked to Consul Sawyer. She’s pulled some strings and got you three into the League army. You’re troopers now. Do your best to help them. They don’t understand what’s about to happen and will need guidance.”
Kane turned and looked at Ravenwood’s limp bod
y inside the old helicopter. “I have to go now.”
He shook Logan and Cap’s hands. He tried to take Lena’s hand, but she shook her head and hugged him.
“Take care of Ravenwood,” she said. “Come back when you’re ready.”
“We will,” said Kane with a rare smile. He boarded the helicopter and instructed the pilot to start the engine. The three friends stepped back and watched as the helicopter took off and flew north toward the hundreds of lakes and rivers of the Boundary Waters.
Chapter 55
“Lieutenant Styles. I think you should have a look at this.”
Styles walked past the command and control center’s destroyed main computer stations to a terminal against the wall. The bodies of General Espinoza and Captains Grey and Omar had been removed just a few hours earlier. She was in charge of operations while Colonel Anderson briefed Joint Army Chief McIntyre and his staff and Colonel Longmire toured the base to assess the damage the PRA raiders had done.
“What have you got, corporal?” she asked.
“I was able to check the Texas Satcom feed before it went down and searched the area north of us.”
“Why north of us?” asked Styles.
The corporal looked up at Styles. “The Blackhawk pilot knew the missiles were about to hit, so I assumed they would program the simplest coordinates possible when they pulled their disappearing trick. I looked in a straight line along their last recorded trajectory, which was north.”
“Okay. What did you find?”
“The resolution is poor, but that looks like the wounded gunship,” he said as he pointed at a black dot.
Styles leaned close to the monitor. The corporal increased the magnification for her. She grinned. “That’s some damn fine work, corporal.”
She picked up a phone and dialed a three-digit number. “Sorry to interrupt the briefing, Colonel Anderson. I think we found the PRA gunship. It crashed near the river, north of us.” She listened for a moment and said, “Right away, sir.”
She hung up and dialed another number. “Tell Crew Chief McKinney he has ten minutes to get any serviceable Talon copters prepped for flight. And get me those three PRA defectors, double quick time.”
The Navigator (The Apollo Stone Trilogy Book 1) Page 31