Lost Systems: Legacy War Book 2

by John Walker

  Three ships were out of action for one reason or another and he wouldn’t be of any help out there if he went back in. Furthermore, they had people requiring search and rescue. Considering the power build-up from the planet, they didn’t have a lot of time for it. He wondered if the shuttles could survive a few shots while trying to grab their people for extraction.

  “Shane, my ship can’t handle any more. I’m even reading a power drain now.”

  “Get back to the ship,” Shane said. “I’ll take Mustang the rest of the way.”

  “We’ve got people down out here though … Maybe I can come back to help them.”

  “Do something,” Shane replied. “I’ll be out here and help as I can.”

  Dennis cursed and directed himself toward the hangar. He got Vincent on the line and let him know that he had to come back aboard but made the suggestion that he take out the search and rescue team personally to bring their people back. He was put on standby and he had a good minute before he’d board anyway.

  Still, if they didn’t hurry, they wouldn’t be able to save anyone who had to punch out. Dennis couldn’t think of a worse way or place to die. Lost and alone in a dead system, obliterated by an ancient booby trap. I have to do something. Hurry up, Vincent. We don’t have time to deliberate.

  ***

  Vincent got off the line and checked their battle status. They were still slugging it out with the enemy capital ship, exchanging blows. The match was so even, neither side really experienced any appreciable damage. A couple shorts to minor systems didn’t count. If either side wanted to win, something dramatic had to happen.

  I don’t even know if we can enter hyperspace straight out of combat. Vincent had studied FTL theory but none of his classes talked about what happened with full defenses engaged. Besides, they had people outside as Dennis pointed out and they needed to get them aboard somehow. Why are these people still fighting when they know we’re all about to die?

  Vincent addressed Desmond, “One of our pilots is coming aboard with a damaged fighter. He’s asking permission to take search and rescue out to get our people back who are downed.”

  “Seems risky,” Desmond replied. “Zach, turn thirty degrees to port and open fire again. I Focus all firepower on their shields at point … three-seven. Maybe precise shooting will take out their defenses sufficiently for the bombers to get them.”

  “On it, sir.” Zach continued tapping away like he was playing the piano.

  “I get it,” Vincent said, “but I don’t think we have a lot of choice. If we wait until the fight’s over, it might be too late to bring them back on board. We’ll have to just get out of here.”

  “If we win the fight.” Desmond shook his head. “These Kalrawv idiots must know they’re in as much danger as we are. Why are they pressing this? If we all die, no one gets the data.”

  “They’re sore losers,” Cassie said. “At least that’s what Gil told me.”

  “Great …” Desmond rolled his eyes. “We’re dealing with children. Did that work, Zach? Did you get through?”

  “Negative, sir.” Zach continued working through his report. “Dropped them down to sixty percent. I can’t believe how tough their defenses are!”

  “Ours seem to be in the same boat.” Desmond sighed. “We need to take drastic action. Are the marines in position? Have they picked up the data yet?”

  “They’re almost to the control room now,” Cassie reported. “I’m on with them but they’re having to get through the defenses on their own. That power build-up is interfering with our network connection.”

  “How long have you known that?” Desmond asked. “We’re holding position here so you can access those probes. If we can move again, then we need to take some more extreme action.”

  “Sorry, sir.” Cassie cleared her throat. “I didn’t realize.”

  “Never mind. Zach … get ready to bring us around. I want a shot at their tail.”

  “I’ve received a request from the bombers,” Vincent added. “Rhino One thinks they can attract some of the mines with their ordnance and lure it to the enemy. They’d remote control them and drag the things close enough to cause damage.”

  “Their first attack didn’t help,” Desmond said. “You know, even if they get it close enough that those maniacs take a shot at the thing it would work out. Permission granted. Zach, belay my last order. Keep our distance and let the bombers try their plan. If this looks like it’s going to work, let me know right away, Vincent. This might be the nudge we need to win.”

  ***

  Nolan received permission to try his plan. He’d already briefed his people on the idea and explained what they would have to do. The precision control wouldn’t be too difficult but if they messed up and crashed their bombs together, they’d have to start again. All six bombers would try it, which meant they had two chances to pull mines toward the enemy.

  “One, Two and Three, we’ll be controlling ours on the preplanned vector I uploaded to your computers. Four, Five and Six, yours is practically opposite. This should give us all plenty of room to make this happen. Let’s fire on my mark and hope to God we’ve got enough fuel in these things to pull it off. Three … two … one … fire.”

  They deployed their guided bombs, sending them sailing off toward the mine field. Nolan focused on the computer to maneuver his bomb. The path was predetermined but using the touch screen, he could make adjustments as it went, in the event manual control became necessary.

  Hopefully, it wouldn’t be necessary. Waiting for Commander Bowman gave Nolan plenty of time to plot a complex course and he uploaded it to the rest of his Squadron. Without the preplanning, his idea wouldn’t have worked at all. The guidance systems on the bombs were sophisticated enough to make mild corrections but what he proposed went beyond their design.

  Maybe if this works, we can add it to our repertoire.

  Nolan held his breath as the bombs approached the mine field, staying close together. If they weren’t a large enough target, nothing would happen. They would’ve wasted some ordnance but if they were, then the defenses would start pursuing them. Depending on how fast the magnetics compelled them, they might be able to race the devices to their intended target.

  “Approaching the field now,” Rhino Two, Micah Zane, reported in. “Scans indicate motion on the nearest device.”

  Nolan’s heart pounded in his chest. Deep down, he doubted this plan would work but considering what else they were doing, it seemed like a better use of time than sitting. When scanners picked up motion in the field, that the two bombs managed to attract one of them, he dared to believe it was possible.

  Rhino Four, Ronald Atherton, reported that their side also saw some motion. That was two mines nudged. Nolan’s scans showed the mine began moving, following the bombs as they made their arc and started toward the enemy. Their momentum would have to carry them the last bit of distance as they’d be out of fuel long before they arrived.

  As the mines began to move, they gave chase as if led along by a massive tether. They had a massive distance to travel but they were swift enough to cover the territory in a reasonable amount of time. Once they arrived, if they detonated as expected, the battle might end in a few minutes.

  “Gnosis,” Nolan reported in, “it appears our plan might be working. The mines are rapidly approaching the enemy and are tailing our weapons. I estimate less than five minutes before—”

  A tremendous explosion interrupted his comment as one of the mines detonated. It took the bombs with it creating a bright flash that dazzled him, even though it happened off to his left and slightly behind him. It couldn’t have caught up to the bombs that quickly but there was no way to know after the four devices were obliterated.

  “What was that?” Vincent asked. “You broke up.”

  “We’ve got one mine left,” Nolan said. “It’s following the bombs … The first one went off. I don’t know why.”

  “We see it on scans,” Vincent replied. “That
’s … Well, I’m glad it’s working. Surprised, but glad.”

  “Me too, sir.” Nolan chewed his lip as sweat broke on his brow. His computer screen flickered as the interference from the planet increased. If this didn’t work, he began to wonder if they might need to bug out of the system without the data they needed. He couldn’t imagine leaving the marines behind but the whole ship couldn’t be lost waiting.

  Lord, this is going to be a tough call. I don’t envy the captain.

  He watched the screen intently, counting down the moments to see how far the mine would make it and if they had succeeded in their crazy plan. Fighter chatter filled his cockpit but everyone in Rhino Squadron sat quietly, holding their breath. Their plot may have been a long shot, but it was still in play and that counted for something.

  ***

  The marines mounted the stairs and paused at the opening to another room, this one with far more smooth terminals sticking out of the walls. Gorman advanced, waving his computer about the room and speaking to Cassie. “I think we’re in the control room for this section … I’m guessing each module has one, right?”

  “That’s probably correct,” Cassie said. “But this should have the access we need. I hope. In any event, you’ve got to get the download going ASAP. We’re running out of time in a major way.”

  “What do I do?”

  “Get to the nearest terminal and crank on the network connection that Gil set up.” Cassie waited while he moved over to one of the silvery blocks coming out of the wall. Initiating the computer connection, a bright white dot flickered in the wall and a screen of sorts appeared, displaying foreign characters.

  “I think it’s working,” Gorman said. “Or at least, something’s happening. I hope it’s good.”

  “I’m looking through the camera,” Cassie replied. “You’re in. The universal translator is preparing to copy it to a database. Jesus, there’s a lot there! I doubt we’re going to get everything … but at least we’ll have something. Five minutes.”

  “Will we have enough time to get back?” Gorman asked.

  “You should.” Cassie sighed. “Though we’ll be cutting it kind of close I think. The planet’s building up to critical fast. I’d say we have less than twenty-five minutes to get out of here. In fact, I need to report that to the captain. Give me a moment.”

  Great, Gorman thought. Not at all terrifying. Less than half an hour to get out of here and we still aren’t done with the copying. “Heat, you’d better get Jeb on the line and find out how long it’ll take for him to get here. We’re on a real time crunch now.”

  “How long?” Heat asked.

  “Cassie just said less than twenty-five minutes.”

  “Good God.” Heat cursed a few more times before bringing the pilot up on the open com. “You nearly here, man? Seriously, we’re out of time for you to be playing around.”

  “We’ve finished clearing the path,” Jeb said. “We can be at the station in about eight minutes.”

  “Should be okay,” Heat said. “But from right now, we have to get back to the Gnosis in less than twenty-five minutes. Probably be better to be on board in twenty. Can you get us back there in that time?”

  “If they come to meet us half way, we’ll be fine.” Jeb still sounded insanely calm. It made Gorman scowl. “Don’t worry. We’ve got this.”

  “Your confidence is overwhelming,” Gorman grumbled.

  “Contact!” Kelly shouted. “More of those things coming down the hall … Two this time.”

  “Open fire,” Heat said. “Suppress them if you have to. We need to buy some more time to get this data then we can get the hell out of here. Gorman, if those are going to be a problem down there, we’ll need another route to the hatch.”

  “I say we go out the nearest one,” Gorman replied. “The shuttle can come to us and we can jump in.”

  “Ballsy, but okay.” Heat fired his weapon.

  Gorman wished he could join them. He didn’t have a good angle for a shot but he kept the computer doing its work, watching the progress bar, desperately willing it to move quicker. I hate copying files so damn much!

  Chapter 12

  Desmond clenched his fist, frustrated by their opponent. The idiots planned to fight to the bitter end, dying without their prize. Why? It didn’t make any sense. How did they lack all self-preservation? The Gnosis had attempted to talk about it, but they had declined. Maybe they’d be willing to fight in the next system over … At least then there wouldn’t be a deadline.

  As he considered their options for talking, Vincent reported that the mine gambit the bombers came up with might actually be working. Three of the bombs, seemed to be enough to drag the device around. Getting it back to the enemy seemed like a long shot but it was getting closer.

  Meanwhile, Squadron Leader Arden had departed the ship in a search and rescue shuttle to recover the life pods of his fellow pilots. The man deserved a commendation for his bravery and Desmond would certainly make the suggestion. Everyone involved in the operation stepped up to peak efficiency.

  We don’t have a choice, all things considered.

  Zach cursed and the ship shook. Salina called out the shields took a big hit, dropping them down to twenty percent near the crew quarters area. Life support in several of the rooms had been damaged. The hull had not been compromised but there was a weak spot they’d need to tend to before anyone could stay in that section.

  “I hope you intend to give back as good as we got,” Desmond said.

  “Everything I’ve got,” Zach muttered, hitting the panel harder than necessary. The ship shook as he deployed another volley, this time connecting with every shot. The enemy shields turned bright blue, settling in as a dash of orange blotted their hull for a moment. “Direct freakin’ hit.”

  “Damage?” Desmond asked.

  Salina replied, “Can’t say what systems were impacted but the concussion of the shot did scuff the hull. I’m reading some power surges but they’re getting under control.”

  “The mine’s approaching,” Vincent said. “Those bombs are going to hit too.”

  “Captain.” Cassie cleared her throat before continuing. “Hate to be the bearer of bad news but … Well…”

  “What is it?” Desmond snapped. “We don’t have time.”

  “The planet’s going to reach critical mass in less than twenty-three minutes … At that point, I’m afraid it’ll explode in a spectacular fashion.” Cassie paused a moment. “In fact, I’m not sure what’s going to survive if that happens. We really need to get out of here before then.”

  “How long to get the marines back here?” Desmond asked. “They need to pull out now.”

  “Roughly ten minutes,” Vincent said. “If we can meet them, that would help.”

  “Can our pilots disengage and get back here?” Desmond stood. “We need to abort this operation and get the hell out of here before it’s too late.”

  “I’ll see what we can do,” Vincent replied. “They’ll have to do it cautiously.”

  Desmond moved over to Zach’s console and checked the navigation. They plotted a hyperspace route to the next system away, preparing them to leave. Unfortunately, they’d have to make the trip under duress with the Kalrawv Group not showing any signs of giving up their attack.

  “When the marines report that they’re on their way back, disengage and move to meet them.” Desmond drew a deep breath. “I want them on board ASAP. Begin the countdown for hyperspace, Zach. Salina, inform the crew we’re about to get out of here and to strap down if they can. Those who can’t … Hold on. We’re in for a bumpy ride for a while.”

  ***

  Dennis caught two of the drifting life pods before he received the abort order. Squadron Leader Anna Jager and Flying Officer Simon Gell were attached to his shuttle. The last person to find was on his own Charger Squadron, Flying Officer Corey Parks. Finding them proved easy enough but the enemy harassed him twice.

  A combination of turrets and other pilots
helped drive them off. Shane escorted his vessel as he looked but the last person, Corey, might remain at large out there if he couldn’t find him fast. “Do you have any location on that pod?” Dennis asked the open com net. “Corey Parks … he’s out here somewhere.”

  He received a lot of negatives but one of the bombers, Rhino Four, called out a visual. “He’s drifted this way. I’ve got visual. Scanning …”

  Dennis diverted his course in that direction, his heart hammering in his chest. He needed to make it fast, but he couldn’t accelerate too much with the extra weight of two pods. More enemy ships moved toward him but were driven back by a formation of Charger Squadron, hitting one of their targets with concentrated beam fire.

  It took the vessel down, blowing it into a red ball. A missile flew by overhead less than thirty feet from his cockpit, a friendly attack that clipped one of the Kalrawv fighters and sent it spinning into the capital ship’s shields. The ship itself exploded but that’s where the damage ended. This is getting insane.

  “Bad news,” Rhino Four said. “I’m not getting any life readings on that pod.”

  No! Dennis screamed the word in his mind and increased the pace as much as he dared. As he closed in, he saw the pod and noted black scorch marks on the hull. His own scan confirmed the report about Corey’s state. If I can get him back to the Gnosis, they might be able to help. He may not be gone.

  The search and rescue crew did their part and got the pod attached magnetically to the hull and they started back for the Gnosis. The abort order came a second time, mostly aimed at the fighters. They were still tangling with the enemy so breaking away would be a stressful prospect.

  Hurrying back, the Gnosis was already falling back toward the mine field. Dennis heard chatter over the radio about a gambit from the bomber squadron, that they were trying to use a mine to turn the tide of the battle. He didn’t know how it was going but knew whatever they were up to would have to be over shortly, especially if they were all going.