by John Walker
“I’m sure that’ll go over well.”
Gabriel sighed. “You’d be surprised how many times I’ve had to go with that for a briefing.”
“Probably not.” Vincent stood. “Alright, I’ll catch you as soon as we get something else. I’m reporting back to the captain and I’ll pass on your concerns about those mines. Hopefully, we can bust through those quickly. Lord knows we don’t want to mess around any longer than we have to.”
“Talk to you soon, Vincent and good luck.”
Vincent returned to the bridge and sat beside Desmond. They discussed the brief meeting and quickly focused on the mine situation. The Gnosis was nearly close enough for their first shot, which would help them determine how powerful the explosives would be. Vincent privately hoped several of them were duds, deteriorating over time.
Something tells me that’s wishful thinking.
“Zach,” Desmond said. “Stand by to fire beam weapons at the nearest mine. Keep us at extreme range.”
“Aye, sir.” Zach tapped his controls. “I’m ready.”
“Fire.”
Vincent watched the screen through narrow eyes as two blasts burst from their cannons. It took almost three seconds before impact. He held his breath, wondering if they’d have to hear the results from Salina as a report. When the massive explosion whited out the screen, he looked away quickly, covering his face.
“Whoa!” Zach called. “That was not what I expected.”
Salina said, “Those are far more powerful than I first related, sir, but they are somehow concentrated. In other words, they will do catastrophic damage at close range but the further away you are, the less harm they will cause. In fact, our shields would hold at the outer edge of their explosions.”
“Interesting.” Desmond rubbed his chin. “That to me says they intended them to cling to a target and tear them apart.”
“I agree,” Vincent said. “What’s scarier about that is that they’re close enough to where we’d end up with five or six of them on us at a time. So many of them would easily destroy the entire ship … probably obliterate it.”
“We can avoid that then.” Desmond stood up and paced closer to the screen. “How many can you shoot at a time, Zach?”
“Five maybe … They’re spread out pretty well.”
“What about the probe idea?” Vincent said. “We could send a couple in to see if they’re big enough to attract some.”
“Sure.” Desmond nodded. “Cassie, launch a couple of probes. Zach, start clearing them out. Get the marines to the shuttles and we’ll deploy as soon as we can. Keep a close eye on the scans. The more of these we trash, the better chance I think we have of waking something up … Whether that’s an automated defense or something worse, I don’t know.”
Vincent joined Cassie as she prepared to launch the probes. “Do you think it’ll work?” He asked.
Cassie shrugged. “It’s definitely worth a try. They’re pretty small though and I think these mines are meant to stop Gnosis sized ships. I’m almost willing to bet the fighters are too small for them to care but we’ll see in a moment. Depending on our luck though, this might take hours. Imagine when this culture was still alive.”
“Yeah, you wouldn’t be given the option to sit around taking shots at their mines.” Vincent hummed. “I wonder why this in particular is so well defended.”
“Hopefully, because it’s the jackpot we need.” Cassie grinned at him. “We’ve been pretty lucky so far, you know?”
“Feels like a strained form of luck to be sure.” Vincent turned back to the screen, squinting in anticipation of another mine explosion. “Launch away.”
***
Anna Jager launched first of all the fighters. Her unit was tasked with checking out the mine web to see if they might be able to pot shot a few while the ship took out theirs. Luckily, extreme range was enough to remain safe from the explosion so during their briefing, the pilots were told not to get too close.
When Anna saw the first explosion from her cockpit prior to departure, she understood what they meant. The rest of Charger Squadron joined her and they flew in a vanguard formation until they were parallel with the Gnosis on the starboard side. They were spread out and signaled when ready.
“Okay, sync on my computer,” Anna said. “I’ll distribute lines of targets so we don’t shoot at the same ones. Providing our weapons are tough enough to detonate them, we should be good.” She tapped the screen until she assigned each ship several mines. “And … there we go. Fire at will.”
Before they even started shooting, the Gnosis took out another four. The resulting flashes made Anna jump. She hadn’t anticipated them going up in such a spectacular fashion, even after seeing it on the computer screen. Witnessing the destructive force of those things in person made a huge difference.
Her people began to shoot, laying into the mines. The first few volleys didn’t seem to be enough to damage them but then Charger Six, Simon Gell, proved they could do it. Two of his targets popped in the same chaotic fashion as the others, giving the fighters hope. They continued their slow, but mostly effective work.
The Gnosis launched a set of probes into the mine field. Someone thinks those mines will be attracted to the metal, Anna thought. I bet it’s too small. Sure enough, the probe made it all the way to the station and halted there. Maybe they’ll get some good data from it now at least. At this rate, we’ll be at this for more than an hour.
Flight Lieutenant Frank Maze, Charger Two, spoke over the com. “It seems like there must be an easier way to clear this field. Why don’t we just have someone fly through there really fast and try to get the mines to connect with each other? I’m sure we could get a whole row if we were particularly fast.”
“Insane,” Anna replied, “but creative. No one’s flying into that mine field. We have no idea how fast they are. Half a mistake and you’d be dead. And besides, we’re all alone out here. Why not do it risk free? Sure, it’s taking a while but no one’s going to die because we’re shooting these mines.”
Half an hour of blasting away, Anna began to feel the impatience Frank expressed. They had taken down dozens of their targets but there were still far too many to risk flying through. At the rate they were going, even with the Gnosis, they might be at it for the better part of a shift. Mustang was on the opposite side of the ship doing their part too.
These aliens really didn’t want anyone bothering their station … or the nearby planet. How the hell did they get through without dying themselves?
“Charger One, this is the Gnosis,” Lieutenant Salina Gold contacted her. “Do you copy?”
“I’m here,” Anna replied. “Go ahead, over.”
“I’ve picked up a hyperspace signature on the edge of the system … essentially where we came in. Be advised we believe these might be hostile forces. We are repurposing your squadron for intercept.”
Better than sitting here, I guess. “Understood,” Anna replied. “What’s the ETA for their arrival?”
“Less than thirty minutes …” Salina paused. “Far faster than they should. We’ll be moving to meet the larger ship but we’re well aware they have fighters. Screen us as we move. Over and out.”
Anna directed her squadron to form up and they redirected to face the enemy. It looked a lot like the ship that went down at the last planet they visited, and she already picked up a number of fighter blips on her radar. The odds involved the twelve Earth ships versus twenty enemy vessels.
According to Dennis, these guys were pretty good. Time to find out if he was using hyperbole.
***
Desmond turned to Vincent. “So those probes made it all the way to the station, huh? Are we able to connect to them? Can we access their network now?”
Vincent nodded. “Cassie’s on it.”
“Can she grab the data we need? Or will it be necessary to send the marines?”
“I’m afraid we’ll need some people over there,” Vincent said. “Some of the system
s are hardened and require physical interaction at the terminals. It’s pretty obvious the fundamental systems were managed remotely but they protected their data.”
“Okay. And we’ve plowed a decent hole through the mines so far.” Desmond considered his next words carefully. His plan had some potentially dangerous repercussions. “The shuttle might be able to make it through. And their turrets should be able to blast a few that might be too close. I think we need to try it if we want the data. What do you think?”
“I’m not happy about it but I agree.” Vincent rubbed his eyes before continuing. “We have the perfect pilot for the run too. I’ll get them moving right away as we turn to face this new threat down.”
“Okay, we’ll be underway shortly.” Desmond stood. “Zach, turn the ship about and sound battle stations. I’d hoped we could do all this the easy way but apparently, nothing out here comes without a struggle. Cassie, figure out how far away you can be from those probes before you won’t be effective. That’s our anchor and we won’t maneuver beyond it.”
“Thanks,” Cassie replied. “I’m accessing their network now. The tech Gil and Thayne provided has made it a lot easier. I’ll definitely be able to impact the life support system then I’ll work on the defenses. By the time the marines arrive, the place should have some breathable air.”
“See if you can’t help them with the mines too,” Vincent called as he waited for the elevator. “That’ll make the op a whole lot easier.”
“The enemy is deploying fighters,” Salina said. “Surprisingly, they’ll be on us in under five minutes.”
Zach sounded the alarm as the shields raised. Weapons charged for the battle ahead. Desmond returned to his seat and prepared himself for the conflict ahead. They were only facing down one ship this time, rather than the horde the Tol’An had during their previous mission. Still, he had a worse feeling about this one.
They were too quick to dive into battle, too fast to throw away their offer for assistance when their comrades were down. How the Kalrawv Group tracked them to this system didn’t matter much at the moment, but it would be a point of investigation later. Just then, Desmond intended to win the fight and accomplish their primary mission.
Anything else would be a bonus.
Chapter 10
Gorman boarded the shuttle but for the first time in his career, he genuinely didn’t feel good about it. The station didn’t bother him. Cassie had proved herself enough times to be trusted with her part of the bargain. His concern was getting there in one piece. Flying through the mine field sounded flat out insane, even if the Gnosis blasted several of them.
In typical Jeb fashion, the pilot looked bored when he took his position. Gorman began to worry about the man’s senses. He might need some therapy or at least a conversation with a pretty doctor. The preflight check only took a few minutes and they were ready to go. Five marines took their seats and the ramp closed.
Heat led the mission again. He’d found a piece of armor to replace his damaged shoulder. The force of the blow left a nasty bruise, but he still had full range of motion. The others were Anderson, Vine and Kelly. Everyone volunteered to go and Gorman suggested they draw straws. No one could agree on what the shortest straw would mean so Heat just picked the team.
The shuttle launched, and Jeb addressed them all. “So this might be a crazy trip or it might be boring. I’ve got Opie on the turret. He’ll address any of these mines we’re too close to. Tech boys gave me a good scan distance, so we’ll know long before we’re in danger. Of course, if they screwed up … Well, we won’t know about it for long.”
Very inspirational, Gorman thought. Thanks, Jeb.
“Just get underway,” Heat said. “We don’t need the particulars. Nothing we can do about your flying anyway.”
“Well, about that. I did have an idea,” Jeb replied. “They launched a probe and these mines didn’t bother with them. Chances are good you can use your jump packs to get to the station if you have to. So if it looks like we can’t make it, I’m recommending you bail out and make a go for the station on your own.”
“Then what?” Gorman asked. “Ain’t exactly going to be fast getting back to the Gnosis and the whole reason we’re sitting in this trap is to make it quick.”
“Yeah, but at least you only have to come back to me,” Jeb said. “Maybe you can shut down the mines in there too. Who knows? Anyway, I’m just sayin’. We needed a backup plan and that’s mine.”
Gorman shook his head. “Well, it sucks.”
Heat shrugged. “He’s got a point.” The shuttle picked up speed. “We might even be able to transmit whatever we’re after.”
“Speaking of which.” Gorman got on the com with Cassie. Once it was established, he launched right into his question. “If you’ve got a couple probes over there allowing you to play with life support and defenses, why the hell can’t you grab the data we’re after? Why do we need boots on the deck?”
“Two reasons,” Cassie replied. “One, we need a visual of inside the station to get a better feel of the people who lived there. Second, the security varies. They remotely managed most systems but of course, the data warehouse is locked down and requires physical interaction. That’s where you come in. But don’t worry, I’ll be able to walk you through it.”
“Lovely.” Gorman sighed. “Thanks, Cassie.”
“Feel better now?” Heat chuckled.
“Yeah, loads.” Gorman looked out the window and they were already passing into the minefield. “Oh God …”
“Don’t look,” Heat advised. “No good will come of watching one of those hurl towards us and blow up. Believe me. I saw the first one go on my view screen in the barracks. Thing went up like a reactor core. Without the filters, it would easily blind a man. And just imagine, they were taking out dozens of them to let us get this far.”
“And we’ve got those Kalrawv freaks in system again. They’re pretty tenacious.”
“I’m guessing they’ll think twice when the Gnosis bloodies them again.” Heat checked his scanner. “They’ll be in battle range when we’re at the midway point. Based on how big of push overs their troops were in that tunnel, I’m giving the whole skirmish twenty minutes. Half hour tops.”
“You wagering?” Anderson asked.
Heat shook his head. “No, but I’ll take your estimate and give you kudos if you beat me.”
“I’m thinking an hour,” Anderson replied. “I heard their pilots were scrappy.”
“Got it.” Heat turned to Gorman. “Cheer up, man. We’re almost there.”
The turrets went off overhead and lights flashed in their windows. Gorman resisted an urge to look, using his computer to see how they did instead. Two more mines were taken down by turret fire. Sure enough, they would’ve flown too close to them. I guess the Gnosis didn’t get this far in … nor the pilots. But they do have a range.
“End of the line, folks,” Jeb called out. “I got you as close as I could.”
“What?” Gorman looked outside then checked his scanner. They were two kilometers away from the station still, but a massive net of mines stood in their way. Far too many to start shooting if they wanted to arrive with any time soon. “Lord, that’s a long ways, Jeb!”
“Better get going then.” Jeb opened the ramp. “We’ll eliminate the mines from here and make ourselves a hole. I doubt you’re going to walk in and find what you’re after anyway, so I’ve got plenty of time to get to you. Just focus and you’ve got this.”
“This isn’t the most insane thing we’ve done this year,” Heat said. “I’d argue visiting that weird space station takes the cake.”
“Getting shot at by aliens is nothing compared to using jump packs to navigate a mine field,” Gorman said. “But I guess I get you. Come on. I did the most bitching, I’ll lead the way.” He moved into position, peering out at the nothingness of space all around him. A flash of red off to his left represented one of the mines though it was easily a good three thousand yards awa
y.
Beam weapons lit up the sky as the battle silently raged around the Gnosis. Two capital ships engaged and the pilots did their dance. The scene might’ve been beautiful if he didn’t know precisely what it represented. If the Gnosis did not win that fight, the marines would very likely be marooned on the station.
At least until the Kalrawv Group figured out how to get to the station. Then … who knows what would happen?
“Dude, get out!” Heat called. “You’re blocking up the door.”
Gorman stepped out, using the ship to pull himself up and gain some momentum toward the target. The station looked huge but it was so far away still; he knew they’d be floating for a while. Even with jump jets, he anticipated more than five minutes in open space with only high explosives as their nearby companions.
And when we’re out of range, Jeb will start shooting these. I hope to hell he waits until we’re at the station at least.
Weightlessness hit him as he hurled himself away from the shuttle, using his scanner to find the best path. He needed to move his body to engage the jump jets properly as they weren’t exactly designed for open space. This meant bending at the waist to move down and turning to his sides to move left and right.
Luckily, he wasn’t going too fast or he wouldn’t be able to alter his course. His computer said the other marines were right behind him. They spread out quite a bit, a natural inclination from their normal missions but in this case, it made sense about the mines. If one of them were taken out, providing the others stayed far enough away, they wouldn’t die too.
I have so many cheery thoughts when I’m on an op.
“Whoa!” Anderson shouted. “That was close … Nearly connected with one of those things.”
“If it didn’t go after you,” Heat said, “then Jeb was right and we’re okay. Thanks for testing the theory.”
“Yeah, my pleasure,” Anderson grumbled.