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Starflake (T'aafhal Legacy Book 3)

Page 29

by Doug Hoffman


  “This plan is not giving me a warm and fuzzy feeling, Captain.”

  Billy Ray sighed. “Our priorities are: save the antimatter cache; minimize our own casualties; take out as much of the enemy fleet as possible, leaving no one to regroup for a counter attack; and try to avoid slaughtering the station's inhabitants. We've been over and over this for two weeks and if you have a better plan let's here it, Commander.”

  The use of her rank was a sign of the Captain's irritation. They had been over this from every angle, but Beth was not one who like to play things by ear. She preferred a detailed plan, even if it did get modified on contact with the enemy.

  Nothing for it. She drew herself up almost to attention. “Aye, aye, Sir.”

  “All right people, let's get ready to kick ET's butt.”

  1st Squad, Starflake Hub

  The two squads of Marines were positioned in the bases of several minor spires, forming a line between the Karf spire and the Shopping Mall spire. They had no firm idea of where the alien landing force would try to board the station, or in what numbers. This put the Gunny and Lt. Taylor in ill humor.

  “This goat hump has all the signs of turning into a full on cluster fuck, Army.”

  “I hear you Gunny. At least our ROEs are simple—whatever shows up, kill it.”

  “Thank goodness for small favors,” Rosey said, sarcastically. “At least you special operator types got our backs, right?”

  “I just heard from the XO, the SEALs and Green Berets are to hold the Shopping Mall, just in case ET decides to assault the food court.”

  The Gunny chuckled. She knew from long experience that when you are about to be slipped the green weenie the best you can do is laugh about it. That didn't mean she had to like it.

  “On a serious note, JT. I have a feeling that this time we are going to have to earn our pay.”

  “Yeah, me too, Rosey. Watch your ass out there.”

  “Roger that, Army.”

  * * * * *

  Nearby, Grits, Brains, and Beau were also contemplating the coming action. Their concerns were a bit more immediate and personal than their leaders'. While those in command might not provide all the information they wished, grunts had sources of their own.

  “I was talking to Chief Hitch, you know, the crazy one?”

  “Yeah, mate?”

  “He says these critters are a lot nastier than the little gray peckers. About man sized, armed with plasma shooters, and probably some kind of armor.”

  “And how does he know this?” asked the skeptical Beau.

  “Him and the other Chief, Jacobs, are old timers and they chat with the officers a lot. They also know when to keep their traps shut and listen.”

  “OK, say these new nasties are tougher than the Karf, what's that to us? We hit them as they try to board the station and Bob's your uncle.”

  “Who?” asked a confused Beau.

  “Ignore him, it's just more limey talk.” Grits paused and grew wistful. “You know guys, my only regret is that I was unable to convince Keti of my affection for her. I almost talked her into visiting the hydroponic section with me.”

  “Bloody fabulous. We're about to face hostile space monsters and you have a case of blue balls.”

  Beau laughed. “That I understood. Come on, mes amis, how bad can these space monsters be?”

  “Oh hell, don't say that! You want to jinx us all?”

  “Get over, mate, and grow a pair. We'll kill these gits and you can go back to the fruitless pursuit of your Georgian amazon.”

  “If I die with my love for Keti unrequited, one of you polecats make sure there's a song written about it. Something tragically romantic, like Free Bird.”

  Both his squadmates rolled their eyes, gestures unseen outside their battle armor.

  Shopping Mall

  “Where do you want us, Lieutenant?” asked Chief Morgan, arriving with his two fellow SEALs in tow. The plaza had a deserted look, with most of the shop fronts already closed. A few aliens headed for the exits glancing furtively at the humans in their armored suits and weapons.

  Turning around, JT greeted the three. “Welcome to my little redoubt among the stars, Chief. Why don't you and the boys join the swabbies in moving the civilians out of here. When the balloon goes up I don't want any non-hostile aliens getting in the way.”

  “Aye, aye, LT. Should we start with that thing coming up behind you?”

  JT turned and saw a coffee table sized mollusk advancing on him. It might be the one from the Captain's earlier town hall meeting or not—who could tell with a mollusk? The SEALs subtly moved to either side, clearing their fields of fire. JT looked at the rock-like shell of the approaching alien and thought, now what?

  “Can I help you?” he asked the creature as it eased to a stop a few feet away from him. He could clearly see a multitude of jewel like crystals that pierced the rough, stone hard shell of the alien. Dr. Krenshaw, the staff xenobiologist, said they were most likely lenses for an array of light sensors. On the surface of the shell there was a small box that was obviously not an organic part of the creature. From the box a mechanical voice replied.

  “You should know that the Uxoreeza, the Others as my fellow residents call them, will probably use the docking facilities between the minor spires.”

  “The what? What docking facilities?”

  “There are places to dock large ships between some of the minor spires. That is where they landed the last time.”

  “Right. And you know this how? Not that I doubt you.”

  “I was here when it happened.”

  “Your saying that you were a first hand witness of the invasion over ten thousand years ago?”

  “Mine is a long lived species. I was much younger then but I remember the coming of the Uxoreeza. They slaughtered many of the residents, including many of my kind. If you would kill them, I would consider the act most favorably, a kindness to the residents.”

  “And where are these docking facilities located?”

  “They are located near the spire that houses the Karf. Between the first and second rows of minor spires, equally spaced around the major spire. The last time there were several hundred warriors in the landing force. They are much more formidable than the Karf.”

  “Thank you for the information, this could help us repel the landing force. Why did you decide to come forward and not the others?”

  “Most were not alive then, and those that were are pusillanimous cowards. They would rather stay silent and hope the slaughter passes them by.”

  “Tell the others: 'In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.'”

  Having said its piece the strange creature turned to leave. Then it paused.

  “May the God of all creation be with you, warrior.”

  With that the mollusk glided away toward the elevators.

  “What was that all about, Lieutenant?” asked Phil, as the SEALs relaxed the grip on their weapons.

  “It would seem that at least one of the station residents has got some courage.”

  “Interesting. A religious oyster with a grudge against the—what did it call them—the Uxoreeza.”

  “Sometimes, help comes from the strangest places, Chief. I'd best call the ship and let the Captain know. We may need to reposition the Marines.”

  Chapter 35

  Bridge, Uxoreeza Flagship

  “...where I come from well mannered folk mind their own business. So you see, if you critters insist on sticking your noses into my business you just might find 'em chopped off, if you catch my drift. It's not too late to turn around and go back where you came from. Just a friendly warning. Vincent out.”

  “Who is this insufferable blatherskite!” the Admiral screeched, her curved talons digging deeply into the arms of the commander's couch. The creature calling itself Captain Vincent had been sending taunting messages to the fleet every few hours, and with each new message the Admiral's rage grew. “I want
it taken alive so I can eat its liver in front of its dying eyes.”

  “Yes, Admiral,” replied the flagship's captain, safely outside of talon range. “We are within one thousand kilometers of the station, what are your orders?”

  “Send the frigates to surround the station. They are to locate this missing alien vessel and prevent it from escaping. It can't be a very powerful ship or we would have picked up an energy signature by now. Send the fighters and scout carriers out to infiltrate the structure from multiple locations, followed by the assault ships. They are to use the large docking facilities and offload their warriors quickly. We will overrun these annoying aliens before they know what has hit them.”

  “As you order, Admiral. And the rest of the fleet?”

  “The cruisers are to hold four hundred kilometers out, along with the cargo ship. We will stand by in case the assault flushes the insufferable Captain Vincent.”

  “By your command, Admiral Leezzark.” The subordinate officer bowed and turned to pass her orders to the rest of the fleet. The assault on the Starflake was underway.

  Bridge, Peggy Sue

  Roughly tangent to the Starflake's orbital plane and one hundred kilometers from the station the Peggy Sue was quietly advancing on the alien fleet. Using only its fusion reactors and minimal acceleration, the ship was wrapped in a cloak of invisibility. The advanced T'aafhal shields bent electromagnetic radiation around the vessel, making it all but impossible to pick out from the starry background. Radar and Lidar saw nothing but empty space.

  Monitoring sensor readings from recon drones near the station, the Captain and crew watched as a flight of small craft approached the station—scouts and fighters. Behind them were three larger auxiliary craft that had broken away from the large freighter, in-system craft meant to transport troops. As the fighters wove between the station's spires the half dozen larger scout craft disappeared from sight—evidently landing on the station itself.

  Aside from the fighters, scouts, and troop carriers, four frigate sized warships spread out around the station. At a distance of thirty kilometers they formed a tetrahedron surrounding their target. The tetrahedron's forward most edge was canted at a forty five degree angle to the Karf's spire.

  “Not to be negative or anything,” Bobby began. “But these creatures seem to have done this sort of thing before.”

  “They do seem to know what they are doing, don't they Commander?” the First Officer replied.

  Billy Ray sat silently for a few seconds. “Remember when you said we might need to support the Marines with the Kestrels, Number One?”

  “Yes, Captain.”

  “I'm thinkin' you were right.”

  “Thank you for saying so, Sir.”

  He beckoned her near so they could whisper. She leaned close and placed one hand on the arm of the commander's chair.

  “Who do you want for a wingman?”

  “I'll take Lt. Hoenig, if I may.”

  “You sure he's the best one for the job?”

  “The best pilot for the job is Bobby, but you need him on the helm or none of us are going home. Hoenig will do.”

  He covered her hand with his own and said: “The curves of your lips rewrite history.”

  “Lovely dear, Oscar Wilde?” Beth smiled at the Captain her husband. “I will be fine. Just take care of those warships for me.”

  Billy Ray nodded and then called out. “Mr. Hoenig, you will accompany the First Officer and prep the Kestrels. We are going to send the Marines some air support.”

  “Aye, aye, Sir,” Frank said, leaving his chair on the helm console. He and Beth headed aft to board the fighter craft, Beth already issuing instructions.

  “Lt. Palmer, report to the bridge.” She would take Hoenig place next to Bobby at the ship's helm.

  Shopping Mall

  “Squads One and Two, we have small craft landing troops in multiple locations. They look like pathfinders for the bigger troop carriers. I'm sending locations. Squad Two, intercept and neutralize.”

  “Roger that, Ice Castle.”

  “Squad One, you need to find the major docking areas. That should be where the main push will come. We need to stop them at the docks, if they get loose on the station it'll take forever to hunt them down.”

  “I copy, Ice Castle. I think we've found what your pet oyster was talking about. I'll report back with confirmation. Squad One out.”

  The SEALs had returned from sweeping the area for noncombatants. Watching his tactical display, Chief Morgan spoke to JT on suit-to-suit. “These hostiles do not act like a bunch of bush league primitives, my friend.”

  “You got that right, Rick. I'm thinking we don't have nearly enough Marines to go around.”

  “You want us to stay here in the plaza?”

  “Stick close, you're my rapid response force if someone gets in trouble out there.”

  Sheltering next to the humans, Shanakta-fek looked around nervously with his bulbous red-orange eyes. He could not hear the Earthlings' conversation but he could tell things were not going well.

  * * * * *

  Meanwhile, two levels up and on the other side of the spire, Chief Hitch and Kashi Ademola were patrolling the halls of the shopping mall. They paused outside the room that had contained the Tcist when they were first liberated. Though the intelligent moss and the giant flatworms they grew on had been repatriated to the station core, their crystal pond remained.

  “Looks like nothing is stirring, Chief,” the tall Nigerian sailor said. As he looked out the floor to ceiling window, something dark obstructed the view, eclipsing stars and crystal spires alike. The darkness collided with the station wall. “What the hell!”

  “Get back, take cover beside the doorway!” Hitch ordered. As he did likewise he rolled a small observation camera into the room. On it he saw that the dark object was some kind of ship, which clung to the side of the spire with splayed landing pads.

  The ship pulled its belly up to the transparent wall and a two by three meter rectangular seal pressed against the crystal. The rounded rectangle glued itself to the station and seconds later there was an explosion. The two sailors jerked back as shards of crystal flew through the doorway between them.

  Hitch risked a peek inside, his camera having been taken out by the explosion. There were large, bipedal creatures in space suits, with weapons, exiting the craft.

  “Ice Castle, Hitch. We're at the Tcist room. We're being boarded.”

  “What do we do, Chief?” asked the frightened Kashi.

  “Shoot the fuckers!”

  Hitch stepped into the doorway and unloaded on the invaders. Kashi followed suit a split second later. More of the bipeds emerged from the landing craft, firing as they ran to either side. Angry orange bolts of plasma splattered off the door frame and the wall behind the sailors as they tried to contain the threat. In growing desperation, Hitch called to his friend Chief Jacobs.

  “Matt, Stevie! we're getting our asses kicked out here. Some backup would be real nice about now.”

  “On our way, Stevie, just hold on!”

  As Jacobs replied the wall beyond Kashi erupted in an orange ball of flame and globs of molten metal. Aliens burst from the hole hopping nimbly into the hallway. The first turned to face the defenders as several more ran down the hall away from the battle. The first alien fired, its plasma bolt striking Kashi in the side.

  Hitch dove sideways as Kashi fell to the floor. Firing as he fell, he hit the alien in the chest with a 20mm round—the alien exploded but the damage was done. Kashi was down with a smoking hole in his side and Hitch couldn't even reach his body for the fire coming from inside the room. He hugged his railgun and pressed his back against the wall, waiting for the charge that was inevitably coming.

  2nd Squad

  “The LT said there was a landing near this minor spire, so keep your eyes open.” Sgt Aurora and her squad had been tasked with plugging the leaks in the station's perimeter. As they rounded the corner into the zone beneath t
he spire, Cpl. Kwan, who was on point, held up a fist and backed away from the opening.

  There was the normal open area beneath the small spire with the expected glowing elevator shaft in the center. What was unexpected, or at least undesirable, were the dozen or so armed bipeds that were standing around the shaft as more of their kind descended.

  “Sarge, we got better than a squad's worth of hostiles on the ground in there.”

  “Seal shit! Call it in, Kato, and the rest of you spread out. See if we can find covered positions we can fire on them from. We need to try and contain them here.”

  “What do they look like?” asked one of the squad members.

  “Two legs, long neck and tail. Short arms holding plasma weapons. Now quit yapping and spread out.”

  After telling Ice Castle they had eyes on the hostiles, Kato led his fireteam to the left. The others flanked right. Followed by Haddad, He worked his way down a side tunnel that curved back and forth like a grease trap in a sink. At the other end was a large room, and in that room was a large gray mountain of flesh.

  “Wallah! isn't that like the creature that knocked out Inuksuk?”

  “It is indeed, Assad, a splagg” Kato replied sticking a fiber optic probe around the corner. After a half minute's examination he pulled the probe back and called his sergeant. “Aurora, I think I have an idea.”

  1st Squad

  The Gunny and her squad moved off the familiar pathways of the station's transportation network and walked down side passages, looking for the docking facilities reported by JT. They found a curving hallway that seemed to describe a sizable perimeter around something as yet unknown.

  “Bosco, your team left. Inuksuk, your team right.”

  Both team leaders keyed their comm in acknowledgment. The Gunny motioned Grits and Brains to her left, as Beau followed on her six. In front of them, separated by a bit over ten meters were a pair of tunnels leading inward. The two pairs of Marines stacked at the tunnels. The Gunny motioned them forward and they entered their respective tunnels together.

 

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