Showdown: Rise Of Mankind Book 10

by John Walker

  “Are they okay?” Alma asked.

  Meagan replied, “so far but the reinforcements coming might not be so easy to repel.”

  “We’ve got some of our own coming too,” Mick added. “Giant Control confirmed there are alliance ships inbound. Whoa! Hold on.”

  Alma risked a glance and saw Mick’s ship narrowly miss a collision with an enemy fighter. He climbed, then flipped around, performing a masterful maneuver to drop a full barrage on his pursuer. As the ship exploded, Mick returned to his old trajectory and continued on at full speed.

  I’m impressed, Alma thought. These human pilots really embraced space combat.

  “What’s the plan?” Mick asked.

  Meagan spoke up, “I recommend we head toward the facility. We can get there quickly enough and help the capital ships. Plus, we’ll have support that way. If for some reason we need to dock, we can.”

  “I agree,” Alma said. “Once we get close enough to the ship, we can take advantage of their automated defenses. Maybe escort some bombers to take care of the capital ships incoming…or even those defensive platforms. Anyone want to race?”

  “No,” Tular said. “But maybe we can catch up with Rahan and make sure he made it back to The Font.”

  “Sounds like a plan.”

  “We have to disengage here though,” Mick said. “There are still enemy pilots all over the place. I recommend we leave a wing behind to keep them busy. We can all link up afterward.”

  “They won’t be chasing us that way,” Tular added. “Make sure whoever stays behind can hold their own though. It’ll be a rough duty.”

  Meagan reached out to Estaban who made her wait a good ten seconds before responding. “What do you need, Panther One? I saw you had a little unauthorized adventure, huh?”

  “You can chew me out about that later.” Meagan smirked. “We have a plan but it kind of involves you and your wing.”

  “Okay…what is it?”

  “We’re talking about disengaging with these guys and heading back to The Behemoth. We’d need a wing left behind to finish off what’s left here…so they don’t chase us down.”

  “Understood.” Estaban chuckled. “I think we can keep your back clear and catch up when we’re done. Should be a service to everyone for us to do it. I hope you have a plan once you get there.”

  “We’re going to help take out those defensive platforms hopefully. Give the caps a chance to drop some ordinance.”

  “The Behemoth took a beating,” Estaban said. “Get their backs. I’ll take care of this stuff here. Talk to you soon.”

  Meagan jammed her throttle forward, pinging the rest of the ships to form up. They all disengaged while Tiger Wing redoubled their efforts, hitting the enemy hard. Estaban was the right man for that job. He might’ve been rusty but he was a daring and experienced pilot, the type of mentor Meagan needed when she first boarded The Behemoth.

  I can’t think of anyone I’d rather have our backs. This fight should be over soon, old friend. Especially if we take out those platforms and hit the planetary targets.

  ***

  Gray paced the bridge, pausing at different screens to check over the progress of damage control for himself. Clea worked closely with the tech crews to restore the shields while the others coordinated with various parts of the ship to prepare for the next major battle. The fight which might be their last.

  Adam spoke with Wing Commander Gretchen Prior, the woman running fighter ops while Estaban flew. He waved for Gray to join him, letting him know that the majority of the fighter wings were on their way back. Tiger wing and three kielan vessels remained in position to hold off the few enemies left.

  Gretchen told them, “the plan is to help us with the defensive platforms and fend off any fighters the reinforcements launch.”

  Gray nodded. “Good. If we don’t have our shields up before they get here, we could use the distraction. Not to mention the firepower. Bombers?”

  “Prepped and ready to go,” Gretchen said. “But we didn’t launch them earlier to fight ship to ship and without escorts, we could’ve lost them trying to go after those platforms.”

  “Understood.” Gray agreed with her but the escorts might not help. The automated turrets out there proved particularly accurate and would likely be able to take out any pulse bombs that head their way. They’d have to hope for proximity damage and make them detonate close to the targets.

  Even then, fighters and bombers would be in a pretty dicey situation out there. Large ship cover might help but as they discovered, even The Behemoth couldn’t take them on directly. The devarans ensured that they would be protected at all costs. And they seemed to know it by how they deployed their fleet.

  Yes, they were concerned enough about the large formation of ships that tried to barrel through their front door but the rogue ships were repelled. However, as Gray turned to Olly’s scanners, something struck him. They were sending additional reinforcements. A jump signature different from the expected one flashed on the screen.

  Perhaps I’m overestimating their confidence. The thought didn’t comfort him. The devarans were sending enough ships to obliterate both The Behemoth and The Crystal Font, regardless of how many fighters or bombers they had to retaliate. Of course, the alliance ships would tip the scales somewhat.

  We might not have the numbers advantage but we’ll have a fighting chance.

  “Alliance ships have arrived,” Olly announced.

  “They’re sending a message,” Agatha added.

  “Put it on,” Gray said.

  “Captain Atwell and Anthar Ru’Xin, this is Anthar Ji’Edel of The Reciprocity. We have arrived as your back up and seemingly just in time. Enemy ships are coming out of jump. Our ships will immediately engage them. If you need some more time for repairs, please take them. We can hold our own for a time.”

  “Thank you,” Gray said. “We’ll take you up on that offer but we’re close. Once our emitter is in place, we’ll jump in. Meanwhile, our fighters and bombers will provide support as they can. They’ll coordinate with you.”

  “Perfect,” Ji’Edel replied. “Time for battle.”

  Olly brought the other ships up on screen, showing six alliance destroyers spread out for the fight. Enemy vessels winked in, five at first followed by another four. The nine of them immediately waylaid the newly arrived alliance and the resulting action was fierce. Pulse blasts danced between them, shields flaring brightly against the black of space.

  “How long before we can jump in?” Gray asked. “What’s our shield capacity at?”

  “The emitter’s in place,” Clea said. “And they’ve tested it. Power’s pumped through it. That section of the ship is at ten percent and recharging slow. The rest of the ship is at a steady fifty percent. I’m helping to normalize power allotment to boost them up but we’ve got a lot of random damage to contend with.”

  “What about the Font?” Adam asked.

  “They’ve already engaged,” Olly said. “Take a look.”

  On the screen, they saw The Font blast into the enemies, joining the other six ships. They didn’t take as heavy a beating as The Behemoth had and they were quick to engage. I need to get in there with them! Gray clenched his fists. “Redding, I want you to start harassing the enemy. Keep our good side to them in case they decide to take a shot at us.”

  “What’s our good side?” Redding muttered. “Sorry, I know…keep the damaged emitter away from them.”

  “Precisely.” Gray turned to Clea. “Weapons are operational, correct?”

  Clea nodded. “Yes, sir. They’re up and ready to go.”

  “Perfect. You have your orders, Redding.” Gray put his hand on Leonard’s shoulder. “Plot us a microjump course. In case this gets too crazy, I have an idea. Put us out of range at the enemy’s flank. We can charge in and take some shots that way if necessary. Adam, work with Gretchen and get those bombers out there.

  “We’ve got plenty of fight left in us and I intend to use ever
y ounce of it.”

  One of the alliance ships went up, exploding from a perfectly coordinated attack by the enemy. Gray scowled, wondering how much longer the soldiers would take to get their job done. He thought their task would be to merely distract the devarans during the final conflict but watching them in action, he realized their work was far more essential.

  If they didn’t take down the transmission station, then the alliance may well not be able to win the fight. And if they had to withdraw, it might take years to attack again. What would the defenses be like upon their return? How much more deadly could a culture become? Gray needed his people to come through so no one had to find out.

  The Behemoth engaged, firing into the nearest ship. Gray shook his head. “No, let’s not go after him. Olly, scan the enemies. Target the one with the lowest shields. We have to play the game their way.”

  “That would mean they’re going to attack us shortly,” Adam said. “If they figure out how hurt we are.”

  “Not that hurt,” Redding replied. “I just knocked the hell out of the ship I shot at. Shields dropped to sixty percent in one pass.”

  Olly brought a ship up on screen. “Target their starboard side. The alliance destroyers have done a real number on that guy. He’s pretty hurt.”

  “Thank you,” Redding adjusted course, moving so they were above their allies and targets. It exposed their belly temporarily but she adjusted and fired again. The fact they were damaged caused the ship to shake as the weapons discharged and the lights dimmed but it proved worth it.

  The targeted vessel’s shields winked out and the next three shots penetrated the hull. Destroyers took up the attack and blasted the ship as well, tearing through their defenses and causing them to drift. As the enemy fell out of the line, micro explosions dotted the hull. Some parts seemed to bulge and all the lights went out.

  While it may not have blown up, it certainly died.

  “Excellent work,” Gray said. “Now, coordinate the rest of our efforts with the other ships. We might have a chance if we take them one at a time. Are the bombers out there?”

  “Yes, sir,” Adam replied. “And our fighters are in range to escort them. The enemy has launched their own so we’ll need them to keep things at bay.”

  “What about other ally crafts?” Clea asked. “Have they brought any to the fight?”

  “Yes,” Olly piped in. “They’re out there. It’s pretty wild. Take a look.”

  On the screen, they witnessed an intense melee between devaran and alliance fighters. Their own wings joined the fray, blasting into the crowds with maneuvers that made Gray’s head spin. Those pilots have really acclimated to the rigors of space combat. I can’t even imagine what they’re putting their bodies through.

  The different parts of the fight seemed under control for the moment. They had fighters keeping the riffraff from harassing them. Bombers would follow up on any of the capitals ships they damaged and the larger vessels could hold their own for quite a while. If the enemy didn’t send any reinforcements, Gray’s party likely would win this round.

  And buy our soldiers just a little more time. You guys must come through though. We can’t keep doing this.

  Gray wondered just how much it would matter when the transmission station was down. How much did the enemy rely on that coordinated advantage? He guessed quite a lot. Their tactics involved ganging up two and three at a time, even with the orbital defenses. That synchronicity made it like fighting one massive cruiser.

  From different angles and ranges as well. They can fill a gap easier than we can. That’s how they’re doing so well.

  Even as he watched the fight outside, he witnessed a solid attack on The Crystal Font. While their ally reported no appreciable damage, the fact it happened at all proved just how ridiculous that coordination could be. They tried on their side but the sentient element, the count downs and targeting, couldn’t compare.

  And our ships aren’t set up to naturally take advantage of this.

  “Bombers are deploying on ship number three,” Olly said. “Oh wow.”

  The ordinance struck the side of the target and it went up in an impressive display of blue-green flame. As that winked out, the debris scattered in all directions, making enemy and ally shields flicker like dust particles in sunlight. Any other situation might’ve made that look beautiful but considering the circumstances, Gray quickly redirected his attention.

  We’ve got six more to go and they’re about to get desperate. The Behemoth shook from an attack and Olly cried out. “Those gunships! They’re back!”

  “Did they just nudge us?” Gray asked. “How bad?”

  “Shields down in that section! I’m working to get them back up but we need someone to take them out! Our automated defenses are totally worthless against them. They just…dodge.”

  Gray nodded. “Adam, I want those ships out of here no matter what it takes. Put everyone on it if you have to. I don’t care. They cannot be allowed to continue harassing us or any of our allies. Understood?”

  “Understood. I’m on it.”

  ***

  Jenks took the lead with Walsh in the center guiding them with the map and Sander taking up the rear. They were moving at a brisk pace, hurrying toward their destination. Devarans showed up on their scans but they were always on the other side of walls, working in various capacities.

  Though they’d come through with multiple shuttles and shot the place up, the average devaran didn’t seem to even be on high alert. They continued their labors, working through the carnage. The discipline surprised Jenks, especially considering what was going on outside. With the alliance’s full fleet there to attack them, he anticipated more civilian participation in the defense.

  Instead, they only encountered soldiers and so far, not many of them. Considering how badly the marine units were decimated, he didn’t think they needed to waste many troops on the station. Devaran response to their invasion seemed light from a numbers perspective but it definitely did the trick.

  They rounded a corner and found an over-wide ladder which they had to take down. Even through the environmental suits, Jenks felt increased heat which was a good sign. The devarans didn’t bother with many of the safety protocols required by the alliance so the marines would practically be able to follow their noses to the objective.

  Jenks paused, holding up his fist for the others to stop. Someone was moving around up ahead, inside the corridor. His scans didn’t immediately pick them up, impacted by the interference of the station’s power core. The target was less than fifty yards ahead of them and would’ve been visible if the lights weren’t so dim.

  Jenks switched to thermal in his helmet, seeing the glowing blob of the enemy. Whispering, despite the sound reduction of his helmet, he let the other two know what he was looking at. They moved up next to him, Walsh lifting his weapon and taking aim. Sander hissed for them to hold tight.

  They watched the creature go about some task, fiddling with a panel. It didn’t even look in their direction, remaining single focused.

  “Trellan told me even the civilians are nasty,” Sander whispered. “We have to be careful. Taking a shot from this far away might not put it down and believe me, none of us wants that thing making a ruckus before we can kill it.”

  “Engage suppressors,” Walsh added. “These things will wake the dead if we don’t.”

  Jenks tapped the button on his computer which interfaced with the weapon. The suppressor slid into place. Sander tapped his shoulder and took the lead, creeping forward. His feet barely made any sound as he touched the deck and they followed suit. Nearly twenty yards away, the thing turned its back to them and started to walk away.

  Did it see us? Jenks wondered. Probably not. It’s moving at a leisurely pace. Maybe we won’t even have to deal with it.

  Sander didn’t slow down, continuing forward. The devaran stopped suddenly and turned back toward them, heading for the panel it had been working on. It clearly spotted them a hal
f moment later and stepped backward, gasping in apparent surprise. The three marines didn’t even have to speak to know the next act.

  They opened up, their weapons wheezing out several rounds which pelted the devaran in the chest and stomach. He danced backward for a moment before roaring and diving at them. They stepped aside, Jenks’s back pressing against the wall. It landed between them and they fired into its prone body, only stopping when something wet splattered their legs.

  Walsh reloaded while Sander crouched beside it. He touched the thing on the side of the head, possibly running a scan. He looked up at Jenks. “It’s dead.”

  “You think?” Walsh asked. “Jesus, we put enough ammo in that thing to constitute an armory.”

  “I told you they’re tough.”

  “And it made a lot of noise,” Jenks added. “We need to get moving. Fast.”

  “The core’s just up ahead,” Sander gestured. “This thing might’ve even been working out of the area.”

  “Let’s hope.” Walsh took the lead this time, moving swiftly. “I hope we’ve got enough ordinance for this place.”

  “If we don’t,” Jenks said, “it won’t matter much to us.”

  “That’s what I like about you, man,” Walsh said. “You’re so freakin’ optimistic all the time.”

  “I was until this mission.”

  “Shut up,” Sander hissed. “Both of you. We’re still in this place up to our ears and the last thing we need is a bunch of prattle. Come on.”

  Jenks scowled but agreed with the sentiment. He felt like a rookie as he fell in with the others, once again keeping quiet. He glanced back at the body as they went, wondering how many more they might face when they arrived at their destinations. Of course, they had some grenades for that situation and considering what they planned to do to the power station…

  A little extra damage might help the situation.

  They arrived at the ladder leading down into the control area and paused. Sander crouched, scanning the area. He shook his head after a moment and cursed, standing back up. “We’ve got four guys down there. Once we go down the ladder, we’ll have to go through a maintenance hatch. That’s where we’ll find the enemy.”