“You have any idea what’s going to happen down on the planet?” Ash asked Master Sergeant Brooks.
“Right now, a lot of people are cursing their bad luck down on that ice cube,” Brooks replied. “There won’t be a lot for our people to do while the workers set up the base camp and start drilling for core samples.”
“What about the ship coming in?” Newt said. He and Sly were standing in front of Alex, Ash, and Master Sergeant Brooks.
“Has to be a ship registered to another company,” Brooks explained. “Most supplies are brought in on freighters, but specialized equipment for the colony being built could come in on a company-specific ship.”
“Or a strike team,” Ash said.
“That too,” Brooks said. “But it’s a bit early if you ask me. Most of the corporate types don’t like to spend money if there’s no guarantee of a return. I suspect they’ll wait until they know we’re onto something.”
“You think it’s possible they have people coming into the system on that ship though?” Newt asked.
“My guess is there are several teams from various companies already on the planet,” Brooks said. “It’s not unusual to go in acting as construction workers or roughnecks, until we get the word to go into action.”
“You’ve done that?” Sly asked.
“Sure, I’ve been in the CDF for almost two decades. I was finishing up my final enlistment period when we got called to the Republic.”
“You’re quitting?” Ash asked.
“Retiring after twenty years isn’t quitting,” Brooks said. “Most operators transfer or take a training job after twenty. The company is pretty generous to those of us who make it that long.”
“What were you going to do?” Alex asked.
“Take the pension. I’ve got family on Berring Four. They run a commercial fishing business, and I thought I’d give that a try—after spending a while laying a sandy beach in the tropics.”
“Now you’re talking,” Sly said.
“Won’t you go crazy from boredom?” Ash asked.
“Look around, corporal. A ready room is the most boring place in the galaxy,” Brooks replied. “I’ve had twenty years of learning patience. When the drop ship crapped out on us, I figured it was just my luck. My controller kept saying help was on the way, but I didn’t believe it. I figured they were just trying to keep us calm before we were incinerated upon entry. A few months from retirement, and I go down in a faulty ship without even a fighting chance. But then you hotshots showed up and gave me a second chance. So when my term is up, I’m making the most of it.”
“Can’t say I blame you for that,” Sly replied.
“I don’t think I could give it up,” Ash said.
“The military life?” Alex asked.
“The action,” Ash said. “I’d rather be a shooting star than a dull ember just biding my time and squeezing out as many boring years of this life as I can.”
“Different strokes for different folks,” Master Sergeant Brooks said. “For me, the best part of the CDF was always my squad mates.”
Alex agreed. He wasn’t opposed to action, but the real pull was belonging to something where he could work with good people for a common goal. He had nothing against making money or adventure, but when it came down to it, what he loved about the CDF were the three people on his team.
Before anyone else could speak, a voice sounded from a set of speakers built into the ceiling of the ready room.
Titan Team, please gather in the briefing area for instructions.
“Sounds like you’re up,” Brooks said. “Maybe you’ll get your chance to see some action, Corporal Timmons.”
Alex shook hands with the master sergeant. “Thanks for the help.”
“Always,” Brooks said. “Good luck. If you need anything, just let me know.”
Alex and the rest of his team sat in the front row of seats. Alex was happy to find that the seats were comfortable and rocked back a little. There was even a cup holder and a small, retractable table for taking notes or setting gear on. Alex had nothing but his PIL, but the others all had drinks and sandwiches. They settled in, and suddenly Chief Landry’s face appeared on the large screen.
“Sorry to cut your day short,” Landry said. “But Captain Chastain has an assignment for you. As you’re aware, a Zen Tech ship entered the system less than an hour ago. They are approaching the planet and should be in orbit in less than eight hours. Their current trajectory would have them entering orbit on the far side of the planet.”
“Where we can’t see what they’re doing,” Ash pointed out.
“Exactly,” Landry said. “So, we are going to begin a rotational watch of six-hour shifts. This is a surveillance op. I don’t want any heroics going on. Odds are good that this is nothing more than a delivery ship bringing in equipment for the colony being set up in Tunis. But we can’t be certain, so you’ll take turns going out, holding an orbit with a clear view of the dark side of Carthage Prime. Any questions?”
“When do we go?” Alex asked.
“Travel time to the coordinates assigned by Captain Chastain shouldn’t be more than an hour. So, you’ll need to leave an hour before your duty watch begins. Alex, you’ll go first, at 0200. I’ve sent the rotation to your PILs. Satellites have not been approved, so you’ll drop a coms buoy on your way to the assigned position to ensure that there’s no interference in communications.”
“Roger that,” Alex said, mentally calculating how much sleep he could squeeze in before he had to leave for his shift.
“Anything else?” Chief Landry asked, but there were no more questions. “All right, check your PILs for orders, and be careful out there.”
The picture disappeared on the display screen. Alex felt his PIL vibrate on his arm and knew it was the message from Chief Landry. He stood up.
“I’m going to get some sleep,” Alex said.
“Surveillance? Really?” Ash said.
“Beats simulators,” Sly said.
“Barely,” she grumbled.
Alex didn’t feel like trying to get to the bottom of Ash’s complaint. She was unhappy, and while he cared, he didn’t have time for a long talk. He would be in hard vacuum for at least eight hours, and he’d already been awake a long time. If he was going to get any rest before his shift, he knew he had to do so quickly.
“Your team is going out?” Master Sergeant Brooks asked as Alex walked across the room.
“Yeah, surveillance duty,” Alex said. “I need to get in a nap before I head out.”
“There’s a sleep kit in your locker,” Brooks said. “Grab an empty spot on the bench and get what you need.”
Alex had wondered where he might try to rest. He had considered the chairs in the briefing area, but they didn’t recline. There was plenty of empty space on the padded benches. It wouldn’t be great for a full night’s sleep, but for a quick nap it would work. His only other alternative was to walk back to his quarters, and Alex feared that something might make him late for his shift.
At his locker he held up his ID, let the lock scan his face, then opened the door. On the upper shelf was a small packet. Inside were sanitary wipes, caffeinated mouth refresher strips, a sleep mask, and ear plugs. He took the mask and ear plugs and put them on. The ear plugs were small but blocked the sounds around him almost completely. He sat on the padded bench, then pulled the mask from his forehead down over his eyes. It was like being in a dark room, except that he knew he wasn’t. He curled up on the bench, which was surprisingly comfortable, and fell asleep.
Chapter 19
He woke up five hours later when his Flex PIL vibrated on his arm. His body was stiff after hardly moving while he slept. The bench was comfortable but barely wide enough to lay on. He had been worried about rolling off the bench, and that concern had made him tense. He pulled off the sleep mask and found the room to be quiet and dim. Most everyone on the locker side of the room were sleeping. Those that weren’t sat in the briefing area, us
ing their PILs for entertainment.
Alex pulled out the earplugs and was assaulted by the rumbling snores of several sleeping operators. He stood up and stretched. He felt more tired than he had when he had gone to sleep, but he knew he just needed to shake out the kinks. He opened his locker, put away the sleep mask and earplugs, picked up one of the caffeinated mouth refreshers, and headed for the bathroom.
After splashing water on his face and drying off, he popped the little green strip into his mouth. A burning, minty flavor filled his mouth instantly, followed by a surge of energy. The strip dissolved almost instantly, but it had done its job. His mouth watered, as did his eyes, and yet he felt invigorated.
When he left the bathroom, he found Ash waiting for him. His PIL revealed the path to the hangar where his Titan waited for him. He had a few minutes before he had to report at the hangar.
“Got a second?” Ash whispered.
“Sure, why don’t you walk with me?” Alex said.
They left the ready room and started down the short corridor to the hangar.
“I just want to say I’m sorry,” she said.
He stopped and turned to her. He didn’t have to ask what had gotten into her—the look on his face did that for him.
“I just sometimes get all twisted up,” Ash said. “I’m not like the rest of you. I joined the CDF to be the best.”
“You think we didn’t?”
“No,” she said. “Admit it. You joined to get off that horrible colony world.”
“That doesn’t mean I don’t want to be the best.”
“I know, but you don’t need it the way I do. I’m driven, Alex. You know that about me. I only have one speed.”
“And you think we’re holding you back?” Alex asked.
“No, it’s not that.”
“Then what?”
“I’m jealous, okay,” she admitted. “You’re not better than me, but you’re catching all the breaks, and I’m not used to being second place.”
“It’s not a competition,” Alex said.
“I know that,” Ash said. “That’s why I’m apologizing. I’m just a little mixed up.”
“You want to be team leader? Go ahead, I don’t care.”
“No, I don’t want your pity.”
“It’s not pity, Ash. I want to contribute, and I want to be part of a team where I’m valued. I don’t need to be in charge.”
“Which is exactly why you should be,” Ash said. “This is my problem, okay? I’ll deal with it. You be careful out there.”
She reached out and put a hand on his shoulder. There was no one else in the corridor, no one to see them or interrupt. Alex felt a sudden surge of affection for Ash—perhaps it was because she was opening up to him, or maybe it was just a combination of the circumstances. The thought of going out into space alone was frightening and made him want to connect with someone on a deep, meaningful level.
But there was Nyx, and Alex wanted to see if things could develop between them. Not to mention the fact that he was their team leader, and getting involved with Ash romantically was not a good idea. There had been some minor discouraging paragraphs in the operator’s handbook about fraternizing with other members of the same squad, but there was no official rule about it. Still, he knew enough to know that they were both vulnerable at that moment, and doing something rash that they would both regret later wasn’t wise.
“I will be,” he said as casually as he could. “Thanks, Ash.”
Her hand fell away, and he thought there was a slight hint of disappointment on her face. He turned away and headed for the hangar, resisting the urge to turn back and look at Ash again. He wanted to see her giving him a friendly smile, but he feared a look of rage, or worse still, tears. And whether he admitted it or not, if he looked back, he might accidentally give her false hope that there was a chance for the two of them to be together.
The hangar door opened as he approached, and he stepped through, relaxing just a little as it slid closed behind him. A technician approached. She was a little older, but not much, and was the same rank as Alex.
“You Evans?”
“Yes,” Alex said, extending a hand.
“I’m Everyss,” she said. “I take care of your Titan.”
“It’s nice to meet you,” Alex said.
“Likewise,” she replied. “Let’s get you suited up and on your way.”
“Sound’s good,” Alex said.
Everyss wore a dark blue jumpsuit. There were stains on it. Her handshake was firm, and everything about her indicated that she took her job seriously. She led the way across the hangar. They walked between large, dangerous-looking mechanized battle suits. Despite the trepidation of going into outer space alone, Alex couldn’t help but feel fortunate. He was just a kid from a no-name planet, and somehow he’d made his way into the pilot’s seat of the most incredible fighting machines in the galaxy.
They came to a row of tall, human-shaped battle suits. The closest one had his initials printed on the chest piece in a dark gray color: ACE. Everyss walked around the MBS, giving it one final visual inspection as Alex climbed the portable steps that had been rolled up beside the battle suit. He had flown Titan training suits, but this was the first time he was going out in an actual FA Titan MBS.
“You can get in,” Everyss said. “Everything looks good. You’ve got a full battery charge. I understand this is a surveillance op, but I’ve loaded you up with heat-seeking, hard-vac warheads. Just in case.”
“Thanks,” Alex said.
“I believe in being prepared,” she said. “Better to have them and not need them than to need them and not have them.”
“Copy that,” Alex said.
He felt like he had scored a good technician to keep his Titan in good working order. It made him wonder if someone really was giving him special treatment. His mind went immediately to Loman Haley, Executive VP of Security. Haley certainly had the pull, but Alex wasn’t sure why he would go out of his way to help Alex. In fact, Haley had brought him in for questioning. It was a mystery he would have to wait to uncover. He had a mission to do, and as he climbed into the Titan his mind shifted to the task at hand.
The FA Titan seemed brand-new. Every battle suit Alex had been in so far had had a smell. Usually it was sweat or body odor, although sometimes it was more mechanical in nature—hot wiring, oil, or the musty smell of enclosed spaces surrounded by metal. Yet this Titan just smelled new. His feet slipped easily down into the leg pieces and found the flexible pedals with their inverted stirrups.
“We ready?” Alex called out to Everyss.
She gave him a thumbs-up, then pushed the portable stairs away. Alex couldn’t help but grin as he pressed the activation button, and the suit closed in around him.
Chapter 20
Nyx was at her station, waiting patiently for Alex to come online. When he did, she felt a thrill of excitement.
“Hello, stranger,” she said.
“Hi, Nyx. How are we looking?”
“Green across the board. I’m sending word to the bridge that you’re ready for launch.”
“Chief Landry said something about a communication buoy.”
“It’s loaded into the special ordinance compartment on your suit,” Nyx explained. “We’ll launch it at the halfway curve.”
“Roger that. I’m all set on my end.”
Nyx hit a button that opened the command channel. Her tiny headset picked up her voice perfectly and transmitted it to the officers on the bridge.
“Republic command, this is controller NX18. Titan One is ready for launch. Standing by.”
“Copy, controller NX18. Moving Titan One to the launch platform now.”
Nyx switched back to her direct link with Alex.
“You should be moving to the launch hangar,” she said.
“I am. Anything I should know?”
“No, it’s just a simple launch like before. Once the doors open, you’ll be propelled out and free to operate
the Titan as you see fit.”
The launch procedure took less than five minutes. The Republic was the only ship in orbit, and there was no need for excessive caution. The outer bay doors opened, the magnetic shield was lowered, and Alex was gently cast out of the ship’s artificial gravity into open space.
“You’re clear, Alex.”
“Roger that. Firing thrusters now.”
Nyx kept close tabs on the Titan’s systems. An eight-hour op was well within the safe range of the mechanized battle suit’s power. Being in a weightless environment actually prolonged the Titan’s power capacity. Alex could operate for well over fifty hours, especially in a non-combat mode. Still, if a single system malfunctioned, he could be killed or stranded in space. The very thought of it made her shiver.
“You’re on course,” Nyx said. “Speed is good.”
“Just a walk in the park…not that I would know. We didn’t have parks on NP8261.”
“We didn’t have a park on the space station I grew up in, either,” Nyx said. “But I did take walks through the hydroponics module.”
“My mother was a botanist’s helper when I was growing up. We didn’t have much, but we always had fresh vegetables to supplement the processed protein rations the company sold.”
They kept up a steady banter as the time passed. It took Alex half an hour to reach the drop point for the communication buoy.
“It’s automated,” Nyx explained. “Just a simple amplifier. Whatever signals you send will be picked up, boosted, and sent on toward the Republic.”
“I thought satellites weren’t approved here yet,” Alex said.
“They’re not—which is why your team is being used instead of a surveillance satellite.”
“But isn’t the buoy a satellite?”
“Technically no,” Nyx said. “It’s too small, with only one real function. It doesn’t even have propulsion capabilities.”
“Won’t it just get pulled down and burned up in atmo?”
“Yes, it will. But that will take weeks, maybe longer. And eventually it will disintegrate and leave no evidence behind.”
“That’s a little shady.”
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