...*...*...*...*...
In the Agnosta system they crossed the system over three days and set up fast. The factory ship dispatched satellites on disposable Payload Assist Boosters to the other jump points. When they were underway the factory ship sent out an automated tug to set up the gas giant refinery and to survey the gas giant. Firefly spat out recon probes to the thick asteroid belt in the inner system. The inner system was charged with a great deal of radiation and energy from the local star though, so they knew they would lose quite a few of the probes.
A signal went out to the colony, announcing their arrival. It would be at least two days before they received a return signal.
Hecate stayed on station at the Pyrax jump point with the dispatch boat. When the other ship's made planetary orbit the small corvette transferred across the system to the B452c jump point. Hopefully anything coming into the system would be friendly... but if it wasn't Hecate would tear them apart while they were vulnerable from jump shock. The little warship would remain on station for a month before she returned to the planet to refuel and re-provision.
When the convoy reached orbit they made a call to the planetary authorities. George Custard answered the call. “Welcome! Been expecting you folks!” he said, smiling warmly.
“Sorry we're late, we had to pack and all that,” Captain Mayweather replied, smiling politely in return. “My name is Captain Rene Mayweather, I'm Captain of the light cruiser Firefly.” She indicated Major Forth standing next to her, and Captain Pendeckle behind him. “I believe you have met Captain Pendeckle, his superior is Major Jersey Forth.”
“Pleased to meet you gents,” George replied, nodding to each. “Or I will be when you land,” he said.
“Well, one of the things we wanted to talk to you about was the landing,” Major Forth replied, looking at the Captain. “We're going to send our people down direct to Parris Island. There are quite a few people and quite a few shuttles you see. And well, I want my people to train.”
“I see.”
“It's nothing personnel, it's training.”
“Understood,” George replied. “I'll let the folks here know not to put on any barbeques.
“Thank you sir. We'd appreciate it, but to be honest, there are quite a few of us. We don't want to put you out or anything,” Major Forth replied.
“Oh?”
“Twenty thousand sir. Well, thereabouts at any rate.”
They watched with some amusement as surprise, and alarm registered in the bearded farmer. He finally sat back, stroking his chin before he pulled out a pipe. “I dare say that is a bit of a long guest list,” he said.
“We thought as much,” Captain Pendeckle said. He nodded. “Nice to see you again Mr. Custard.”
“You too young man,” George replied.
“I've missed your apple pie,” the Captain said. George snorted.
“We don't have enough food and other things to support so many people,” George said, looking thoughtful. He shook his head.
“We brought along processed food and will be buying food and other materials during harvests of course,” the Major said.
“Ah. Well, then, that's good to know. I'll let Jim and Chumly know you are coming down. When did you say again?”
“Within twenty four hours sir, weather permitting. We want to land on a clear day.”
“Understood.”
“There are going to be a lot of shuttles sir, we don't want your people to be alarmed,” the Major cautioned. “I wasn't kidding about training.
“Understood.”
“We'll do a burn with the weapons to make digging easier, then a hot drop.”
There was puzzlement over that. George's brows knit as he packed his pipe and lit it.
“A hot drop is a full combat drop under combat conditions,” Mayweather explained. “The Marines and our crews need the practice for when we go on to planets that are held by the Horathian Pirates,” she said.
“Ah. I see,” George nodded wisely.
“We can set it up so your media broadcast folks can pick up our media feed. We'll be recording from every angle to not only spot errors for future discussion, but also to show people.”
“I see.”
“It is quite a show. We'd appreciate it though if your media people let people know it's an exercise and we're not pirates.”
“Will do. But mind you, not everyone has a box. Nor do they have a radio either. It'll take time for word of mouth to get to them.”
“We understand. Just as long as we try our best. We'll give you some time to get the word out.”
“Understood. Thank you.”
“No, thank you sir. We have the payment by the way. We can send it down once our people are on the ground.”
“Understood. We'll be waiting,” George said. He reached forward and cut the link.
...*...*...*...*...
Even though the Recon team had brought back detailed maps of the islands, and those maps had been gone over on almost a daily basis since the base had been planned, Captain Mayweather and the Major both agreed a more thorough study was needed. Firefly used her lidar and other sensors to map the island chain to the best of its ability, then merged the new file with the old one. New details emerged.
Carefully, the architects and officers studied the new map of Parris Island. The island was actually a chain of islands, with varied terrain. Valleys, wooded areas, mountains, swamps, beaches, and plains. The main island was over one hundred kilometers in diameter. The chain was on the east coast of the mainland near the equator, away from the much colder poles. It had a temperate climate, but in winter would be covered by the occasional dusting of snow. The mountains and hills sheltered it slightly from the tropical storms that swept up from the equator, but it would still have trouble with them from time to time.
Those that had access to a view port or camera feed, admired the view of the planet and the island from space. Eventually it made its way to the Marines who shared the feed of the island from space. Some picked out details. Major Forth set up a website and overlaid a map of what they would build.
When they were ready, Firefly used its energy weapons to dig trenches and foundation holes on the islands. Terawatt energy weapons tore through the air and then tore up the ground, glassing it from the intense heat, but then making the water super vaporize into steam and explode, shattering the rock in a roiling torrent. Each beam was less than a meter wide, powerful enough to dig about thirty meters into the dirt if the beam held still long enough.
The beams played out, cutting through dirt, sand, and rock alike along the blueprint they had planned on. Purple Thorn oversaw the weapons firing and made certain all her crews were given a chance to fire.
There was some panic with the Vesuvian settlement in the swamp near the spaceport before they were informed about the nature of the visitors. Many people who had no access to a radio or television had to be informed through the word of mouth grapevine or by posters set up at trade posts. Agnosta had begun to heal and return to their normal way of life. The newcomers however, might change that.
...*...*...*...*...
Cheetara turned the knob on her radio, shutting off the news broadcast. She reached down and touched her swollen belly and then went out of her cabin to look up at the stars. She could just make out the winking running lights of the ships entering orbit. “Well,” she said softly, smiling. “Things will be different,” she murmured, stroking her belly. “Things will definitely be different,” she said again.
Life in the savannah had been tough at first, she'd been thankful to the admiral and Bryan for giving her such a helping hand, without it she and her little medical clinic would have been barely scraping by. As it was she was finally doing much better, having weathered her first year on the planet. Still, it had been quite an adjustment, with no friends around. Perhaps some of her cousins would be in the Marines? She knew a few were. She was curious who would show up. She made a note to call them sometime, or drop a l
etter. She turned, smiling indulgently to the children and their parents around her. She liked children, they were so full of life. All were human though, she was the only Neocat in the area. As far as she knew, she was the only Neocheetah on the planet. Or at least, until the Marines landed, and her own brood came into the world. She churred again, stroking her belly once more. Mary, the mother of the brat pack smiled at her softly.
“There goes the neighborhood huh?” she joked with a chur and flick of her ears. She adjusted her red sarong. “I've got family in the Marines, good people. I know a few, they will do all right here,” she said. Some of the parents looked a little concerned, but they nodded.
“Are you going to go see them?” Jake asked.
She looked at the young boy and then shook her head. He was filthy, covered in dirt. His arm was in a crude sling, bandaged from where the stick had gouged him. “No, I'll send a letter though. Let them know I'm here in case someone wants to come by for a visit. I've got too much to do here, and besides,” she stroked her belly again. “Once your new playmates arrive I'll be far too busy to go anywhere anytime soon,” she said wryly. Mary caught her look and rolled her eyes and nodded emphatically.
“But...”
“I'm sure they have a lot on their minds right now, getting set to land. A lot to be done, setting things up, getting all the stuff down,” Cheetara said. “If you think I had a bunch of stuff, you should see what they've got!” she said, flicking her ears in humor.
Mary cocked her head eagerly. She loved to read, she frequently borrowed one of Cheetara's tablets and memory chips loaded with reading material. She had taught each of her brood to read, and one of their favorite pastimes was to sit and read by the fire while their pa was out with the ranch hands tending to the herd. Sometimes Cheetara would go out to the farm for a visit. It was incredibly lonely for Mary sometimes, with Bill off on one end of the spread or the other, sometimes gone for a week or more. He'd come back for a meal, quick change of clothes, more supplies then he'd be off again.
Cheetara's little clinic was a hot spot, a place where the far flung sodbusters came to congregate to receive news, get medicine, exchange books and goods, or just to socialize. It, the tavern, and the tiny general store across the dirt road were turning into the center of a small town.
“Well, I believe we were finishing up here. Jake, you keep that cut clean and don't roll in the dirt tussling. I think your ma can teach you how to patch the hole in your shirt. Just watch where you boys tussle, hitting sharp sticks can be rough on things.”
The boys nodded. She turned to the girl. “And you, young lady, no more sweet crest! I told you before it's bad for your tummy, too much and you get a bellyache.”
The little girl in pigtails nodded dutifully. She knew it was about as helpful as talking to a rock, the kids were hard headed like their folks. They'd learn eventually, but it took time.
“Mary, don't go yet, Rob sent over that package for you. I think it's the clothing material you wanted for the kids.” The mother smiled. Normally she would pick such things up at the general store except the proprietor Rob had closed up shop and gone to Timber lake to pick up more supplies.
“Now...”
...*...*...*...*...
Marines swung into action, doing their final prep, studying plans and maps they had in their implants or memorized. Some murmured the plan in their sleep, those that could sleep, tension and excitement permeated the air, turning it into a fine wine.
Any last minute hiccups or requests were hammered by no-nonsense logistics people or officers. They should have thought of it, asked for it, or gotten the paperwork done for it ages ago. There would be no last minute delays, if you didn't have what you wanted you went anyway. Everyone wanted out of the tight quarters and down to the ground. Excitement filled the air, frustration for those who were fed up with waiting.
...*...*...*...*...
Valenko's squad prepped for the landing. Everything had to be checked, each of their rucks had to be inventoried, carefully packed, then checked to make sure nothing made a sound. A few jumps and moves in each either worked something loose or showed them they were good. As Recon they were tasked to secure the beachhead first, they were in the spot light and didn't want to screw up. Jethro was very aware that everything and everyone was riding on his shoulders now.
Of course jokers like Harley and Fonz had to have some fun. They posed for pictures outside the shuttle, making hand signs and arguing over which picture was best and then trying something different. They tried to get Clive involved but he just kept checking and rechecking his gear. Sergei took a moment to pose, even picking Harley up for an image. The horseplay got on Jethro's nerves. He let them have their fun, knowing to bide his time until the boss said to move. There was no sense picking a fight, this was their way of burning off excess energy and nervousness. Keeping their minds occupied kept them from worrying about what could go wrong. When the bear came on the deck he called a halt. “Officer on deck!” he snarled, looking around pointedly.
The squad jumped to attention. Hastily Fonz dropped the camera, then used his foot to kick it behind him.
“You aren't even on the bird yet?” Valenko rumbled, not breaking his stride as he headed to the open hatch. “Guess I get to do this on my own and the rest of you get KP up here?” he asked, ducking his head as he climbed on board.
Jethro looked at the bird, he could hear and feel the engines starting up. “What are you waiting for? An engraved invitation? Get your asses onboard!” Jethro snarled, waving the squad in.
Once the cargo master secured the hatch he gave a quick recital on safety and then took his seat and strapped in. When all was secure he sent a signal through his helmet and implants to the flight compartment.
Jethro watched the shuttle drift off the deck when the boat bay opened. Harley ooed and ahed as they drifted out of the boat bay and into the outer dark. All the Marines were watching the feed. Harley squealed at the dark. “It's wow.”
“You're kidding me, you've been in a suit before, you've been outside,” Sergei said.
“Yeah, I'm not talking about that. It's the planet. It's... pretty.”
Jethro picked up the camera feed she was looking at and looked. She was right, the bright blue, green, and white marble was quite a sight. He hit record, then sent the link to the others in the squad.
“We're first!” Fonz said and then reached over Clive to high five Harley. “Yeah!” he grunted. “Hooyah! Recon rocks!”
They rode in, buffeted by reentry turbulence. Clive kept playing with his ammo pack, taking it out, checking it, then slamming it back in. It was the only sign of nervousness in the human.
Fonz took images with a portable camera. Jethro wasn't sure about the logic, after all, the Marine could record everything through his implants if he had wanted to do so. He kept saying it was for posterity.
Asazi sat back, rested her head and pretended to sleep. Sergei tried to do so as well but couldn't get comfortable, the small seats in the Prejudice class drop shuttle just weren't made for someone his size to sit comfortably. He tried to prop his feet up on Harley but she pushed his boots off. When he tried a second time she started to mess with his velcro laces, making him hastily think twice about leaving them there.
Kovu and Panache watched the bow camera feed, enjoying the view. From the nervous expression on the lion's face he wasn't at all happy about the height but liked the rush of adrenaline that the fear evoked. Jethro made a mental note to be careful introducing both of them to a full on hell jump.
Panache had done well, after the Gunny had left he'd found out the Veraxin was still in weekly therapy, but she did her job well so he didn't mention it.
Ox was checking the shuttle's engineering feed, keeping an eye on things with the flight engineer and computer.
Gusterson was surprisingly unphased by the drop. It was his second after all, and they had experienced plenty of drop sims. He seemed to be in a text conversation with Harley. Sh
e seemed to smile a few times, something was amusing her.
Their commanding officer seemed bored, lounging back, eyes half closed, his arms crossed over the rifle in his lap. One brown black eye turned lazily to the Sergeant. “Something on your mind?” Valenko rumbled.
“Just taking it all in sir,” Jethro replied.
“Checked over the to do list?”
“Yes sir. It's a doozy. I'm sure we'll get our end covered. Everyone else's part though...” Jethro shrugged. They had simmed this drop once a week for a month now, they had it down cold.
“I think someone's going to screw up somewhere. They either got to ambitious with the timetable, didn't take weather into account, or something. There's always something,” Valenko rumbled.
“Going all Russian melancholy on us sir?”
“Bite me,” Valenko rumbled with a laugh.
...*...*...*...*...
Jethro watched the light, the cargo master looked up at it. It was yellow. “Ten seconds to drop. We're going to touch and go so get your fat lazy asses off my bird as soon as the ramp goes down. And don't let the door hit your ass on the way out Marines!” the pilot said over the radio.
Harley looked up, smirked and flipped the bird to the speaker. Valenko growled. She shrugged it off and checked her gear. The Marines got up, holding onto the overhead safety rail as the bird rocked slightly.
The ramp dropped, they could see the grasses and sand being kicked up by the shuttle's exhaust outside. The light went to green and the cargo master waved them out.
Each took a run at the ramp and jumped, then moved out to their assigned zone silently. They fanned out, secured LZ, then moved to the perimeter and dropped to their stomachs, weapons pointed outward in a circle. Valenko waited for the drop shuttle to lift off before he waved for his people to get busy securing the area.
Jethro: First to Fight Page 42