by Jay Toney
"She just needed a babysitter for Natty, so she could spend some time with Amber and I. I wasn't a very good host last night. I was so tired, all I could do was sleep. I think she was worried, and wanted to make sure I was well again. She was feeling much better this morning, after breakfast."
"Did you do something to upset her?"
"Of course not. I fell asleep right after she came over. She was trying to tell me something, but I couldn't keep awake for even that."
"Is it because you are spending so much time with Jewel now?"
"Not at all, she spent last night with Amber, Jewel, and I. In fact she was snuggled up next to Jewel most of the night."
"I wonder what could have been so urgent that she needed Jane's immediate assistance?"
"We have been separated since Natty was reverted to a baby. My episode last night probably scared her. I think she just felt she needed to spend some quality time with us."
"Humph. I know you better than that. You are a lot like I was when I was your age. I bet you had something to do with it."
Tanya entered the bridge toting Natty along side of her. She gave me a hug and kiss.
"I enjoyed all of your company last night. Thank you. I'm sorry I'm late this morning."
"See Doc, no problems."
We came out of hyperspace in the Coria system, slowing our speed to allow the Valley Forge to catch up and enter formation.
"Natasha set our course for the third planet."
"Aye, aye Cappy."
"Amber report on long range scans."
"The systems star is a yellow dwarf, with 7 planets orbiting it. The first planet is uninhabitable. It has a atmosphere consisting of chlorine gas. The next three planets are in the habitable zone and have breathable atmospheres. Planets five and six are gas giants and the last planet is essentially a ball of frozen methane. I'm not reading any ships with our sensor sweeps."
"Jewel, is there any communications traffic?"
"All comm channels are silent."
It looked like we might be able to pull this heist off, easily. But Karma and my luck, usually meant otherwise.
"Jewel, contact Captain Jenkins, we need to know where the treasure is being stored."
"Captain Jenkins is on the main viewscreen."
"Captain, we have made it this far. I need to known what defenses I can expect, and where they are keeping the gold."
"The gold is in a warehouse adjacent to the landing field. I'll transmit the coordinates. I'm not sure of the defenses. At the very least, you can expect trained ground forces. They will have established a perimeter around the warehouses, with towers and energy weapons. It will take an army to breach their defenses."
"It sounds like their defenses are geared to a ground attack?"
"Yes, they are there primarily to defend against the locals. The Alliance is pretty arrogant, when it comes to superiority in air and space, thinking no one would attack them."
"I'll have to see about making them rethink their superiority."
I had a rough plan forming in my mind, but would finalize it after we were in orbit. We neared the planet, and our scans still showed that the area was still clear of spacecraft. It bugged me, there should be more of a defense, not allowing me to get this close. I gladly accepted my good fortune, but still... .
"Captain, I have two destroyers approaching from the moons shadow. They are on an intercept course," Amber said, switching to short range scans (SRS)."
"Captain, they are Alliance destroyers according to their IFF. Their transponders identify them as the Jackal and the Raven. We are being hailed by the Jackal," Jewel reported.
"Natasha who was the last known commander of the Ajax?"
"According to my files it was Colonel Thornton."
"Jewel answer their call, audio only."
"The signal is open Captain."
"This is Colonel Thornton of the Alliance vessel Ajax. What is the meaning of this intrusion?"
"Positive identification is mandatory, please switch to visual communications."
"My visual communications are out. Surely you recognize my ships markings, and transponder signal?"
"The Ajax is not scheduled to make the pick up and you are a few days early. This is highly irregular."
"Problems with the rebel scum have made it necessary to expedite this mission. My ship was one of few ships available for the task."
I signaled to Jewel to cut communications. "They are not going to buy this deception for long. Doc I need you to standby on weapons. Kim, build our shield reserves, be ready to bring them up on my signal. Amber, get the electronic countermeasures (ECM) and point defense cannon (PDC) ready. Natasha, start calculating missile solutions. Jewel sound condition yellow, all hands to battle stations."
"All bulkhead hatches are sealed and all departments report ready," Kim reported.
"Jewel, signal the Valley Forge to drop back."
Our ship continued its course. I hoped that the we are one happy family hoax would continue, for a while longer. Karma wasn't going to let me have this one easily. "You are not the Ajax. Power down and prepare to be boarded," a voice demanded, from our communications system."
"Natasha, change our transponder data to the Queen Anne's Revenge. Everybody engage."
Our shields were raised in what must be record time. Doc targeted one of the two destroyers, and began firing. Amber brought up our ECM and began firing our 40 mm cannon at the destroyers. Our PDC were normally reserved as part of our anti missile defense, but at close range they proved to be devastating. Natasha fired four missiles at the destroyer.
The destroyers crew scrambled to battle stations, caught unprepared for our attack. One of the destroyers veered off, while its partner sustained heavy damage. Return fire splashed our forward screens, Kim expertly rebalanced the shields keeping them at full strength. Two of our missiles were destroyed by the destroyers PDC, the other two struck amidships, opening the hull to space.
The damaged destroyer continued firing, while escape pods were jettisoned, fleeing the stricken vessel. The other destroyer turned firing a full spread of missiles and its energy weapons at us. One of the missiles was spoofed by our ECM and changed course, flying off into space harmlessly.
"I've got control of two," Amber announced, redirecting the missiles course back to its source. PDC fired briefly, destroying the last missile. Natasha fired another volley of missiles, two at each target. Doc switched targets concentrating his fire at the bridge of the undamaged destroyer.
The destroyer at first tried to regain control of its missiles, then tried shooting them down with their PDC. Their PDC would not engage the missiles, stopped by their friendly IFF signal. The missiles struck the destroyers bow, damaging its launch tubes, sensors, and armor plating. Wisps of atmosphere could be seen venting into space.
Two of Natasha's missiles struck the severely damaged destroyer finishing it off. The explosions from our missiles, followed by secondary explosions from its ammunition, reduced the destroyer to scrap. The remaining destroyer turned to flee, but it was to late. Natasha's remaining missiles detonated astern destroying its engines, leaving the ship to drift helplessly.
"Natasha, override the destroyers command functions, power it down to minimum life support."
"Aye, aye Cappy."
"Jewel, open a hailing frequency to the Valley Forge."
"Captain Jenkins is on the main viewscreen standing by.
"Captain Jenkins, secure the destroyer for towing."
"What about the prisoners?"
"Leave them on board. I have a friend, b
ack home, who will be delighted to take care of them."
I opened the ships comm system, addressing the whole ship. "Everyone this is the captain, great job. We are nearly done with this mission. I need you to continue working hard for just a little bit more. We are about to attack an Alliance warehouse, full of stolen treasure. I plan on taking this treasure for myself. In a few short hours we will all be very rich." I ended my transmission.
"Natasha, change our transponder data back to the Persephone's."
"Gladly sweetheart. The Ajax's identity made me feel dirty and the Revenge's was just to morbid."
"You can always shower with me later on."
"Sorry, but my avatar isn't ready for that yet. I don't suppose I can get a new one?"
"No. That just wouldn't be right. I've come to love Natty, even with her faults."
"I suppose you are right."
"Set course for the planet, go into stationary orbit above the landing field."
"Yes Cappy."
"Amber, start scanning the warehouse area, lets see what their defenses are like."
"Yes Captain."
She began adjusting her sensors and scanning the planets surface. The Persephone entered orbit, maintaining its position over the space port. I used the ship's comms to contact Jane in engineering and asked her to come to the bridge.
"Nathaniel, Natty has seen far too much violence today. I'm going to take her back to our cabin."
"Daddy, are you going to shoot more bad men?"
"Yes, but only in their knees. Its not nice to kill anyone, unless I have to."
"Are you going to make me and my mommy happy tonight?"
"There will be a lot to celebrate tonight, so I suppose I will."
"Can I celebrate with you?"
"I'm afraid not, it will be an adult celebration. I will make sure you get plenty of cake and ice cream."
"I love you daddy," she cried, tears flowing down her face. Tanya took Natty's hand leading her back to their cabin.
I started the meeting outlining my plans. "We will use our two assault shuttles to take out their weapons towers and heavy weapons." I brought up a holographic map showing the weapons emplacements and towers, outlined in red. "Next the Persephone will open up the fortification, blowing a hole in the wall here," I said indicating another spot on the Map. "After the Persephone lands our people will go in using trucks, gravsleds, and cargo loaders to liberate the treasure. When we get back to San Paulos, we will all have reason to celebrate."
"There is just one problem with your plan Nathaniel. There are only three of us that can fly Marauder assault shuttles effectively. Natty is unavailable for obvious reasons and you are needed aboard the Persephone. Ideally we would need three attack craft, but could get by with just two. One Marauder just isn't enough."
"That's why I will be flying with you Doc. Amber will be in charge if anything happens."
"Are you sure you are ready to fly?"
"I feel fine Doc, Thanks."
"What about ground forces?"
"We will each be taking 20 people in powered armor. As soon as the defenses are down, we will land, drop off the troops and take off."
"That won't leave many people on board the Persephone."
"The Persephone wont need many for that short time."
"You should really consider hiring an assault force."
"Why, so they can sit down doing nothing and getting fat?"
"We don't need them often, but at times like this they would come in handy."
"If there are no other questions, this meeting is adjourned."
Chapter 9
"Everybody make sure you're strapped in tight. This is going to be a wild ride. Doc, power dive or controlled decent?"
"Perhaps a little of both Nathaniel."
"So be it."
I rolled the Marauder and pitched the nose down, locking onto the spaceports coordinates. Doc and I accelerated towards the planets surface, building speed as we dove. Plasma glowed on our heat shields, and our wingtips left fiery contrails. The ship was buffeted, as we flew through denser atmosphere, continuing our dive.
"Any time now Nathaniel."
I eased off the throttle, and extended the speed brakes slowing our decent, as we got near the ground I pulled back hard on the controls, leveling the ship. Communications from the surface demanded our attention. I ignored them.
"Amber, we are starting our attack run, bring the Persephone in."
"I'm on the way Captain."
I brought up the tactical display and selected two targets. The defense forces, realizing this was an attack, started firing energy weapons and 20 mm cannons at us. Their weapons were designed for a ground attack, so were of little threat to Doc and I. When I came in range, I fired two missiles at the first tower and banked hard to line up the second. My missiles struck their target destroying the tower. I opened up with my twin 40 mm cannon. The High explosive rounds reduced the tower to rubble in seconds.
I pulled out of the attack and locked in the next two targets. My tactical display showed that Doc had destroyed his targets too. The Alliance forces scored a lucky hit on my shuttle. Warning lights came on, and the shuttle shook with the impact, but the shields absorbed the energy from the blast and held.
"Are you alright Nathaniel?"
"Just a little shook up, but I'm okay."
I lined up the next target, and fired two missiles at it. I had to pull up as weapons fire targeted me. I let the shuttle stall, and nose over. I accelerated in a steep dive lining up my fourth target and fired my last two missiles. All of my missiles hit their targets. I pulled out of my dive and circled around selecting another target. Only a few to go, then Doc and I would land dispersing our troops.
I came in low and fast, lining up on my target and fired my cannon. The high explosive rounds obliterated the target, but not before the weapons in the tower got off a few shots. One of the rounds shattered the cockpit windscreen. Most of the damage to the instruments was on the copilot side. The marauder was still capable of flight, but I wasn't. Shrapnel from the either the ballistic round or the shattered windscreen pierced my right shoulder and arm.
My shoulder burned like a red hot knife was being twisted in my shoulder. I pulled up into a steep climb, pulling away from the battle.
"Doc, I've taken a hit. You will have to take out the last two towers."
"Nathaniel are you alright?"
"I'll be alright. I can barely fly. As soon as you take out the last two towers, I'll have to land. Make it quick."
"Amber make an entrance, and land the ship as planned."
"Nathaniel, Natasha is coming in all weapons hot. She is mad and out for revenge. I can't control her. I suggest you and Doc get clear."
The Persephone arrived at the battle, Natasha was mad with Nathaniel being injured. She wasn't in the mood to accept surrender. She fired on the remaining two towers with the ships particle beam cannons, then she made an orbit around the perimeter of the compound, firing the PDC at every Alliance force she could find. Then she leveled the compound wall, making an opening large enough for her to land in.
"Natasha good work, I'm going to need you to bring my Marauder in by remote. I don't think I can land it myself."
"Don't worry sweetheart, I've got you."
I addressed my troops, "We have a slight change of plans. As soon as we land, take any gravsled, cargo loader, or truck, and get to that warehouse to help Doc."
Natasha took control of the shuttle. She slowed its speed, and flew it in a wide circle, lining it up for landing. The landing gea
r lowered as the shuttle passed over the ships surface. The braking thrusters fired and the Marauder made a slow gentle made landing in the shuttle bay. The rear hatch opened and the troops exited, hurrying to their tasks.
I remained sitting in the pilots seat. The pain and blood loss made me to weak to want to up. Amber and Jane entered the shuttle through the open hatch. Amber retrieved an emergency first aid kit from the shuttle's storage compartment and they made their way to the damaged cockpit.
"Nathaniel, you're a mess," Amber started crying.
Jane took a knife from her belt and gently cut away my shirt revealing the wounds. She selected three hypo's. She gave me the first. "This will ease the pain." The next one she gave me was to help with the blood loss. The final injection was an adrenaline boost. Next she sprayed the area with an antiseptic, then she sprayed on a dermal patch to help control the bleeding and keep the wounds sanitary.
"Nathaniel can you get up?"
"Get up nothing, I feel great. I'm ready to get back with my troops."
"Nathaniel, the medications I gave you are for keeping wounded soldiers in combat. You need to take it easy, while we get you to sick bay. Tanya and Natty are waiting for you there."
"Okay, but I don't see why. My shoulder and arm feel great, in fact I feel better than ever."
Nathaniel unfastened his harness and got out of the pilots seat, staggered, and nearly fell.
"Nathaniel, take it slow and easy. You may feel good, but you are far from it," Jane chided me.
Amber slipped my good arm over her shoulders to help support me. The three of us made our way to sickbay. Tanya and Natty were in the reception area when the we arrived.
"Is Nathaniel going to be alright?"
"He will be fine. I'll get him patched up like new."
"What about Doc?"
"He's busy. Even if I called him back, he wouldn't get here in time. Nathaniel has lost a lot of blood, he will continue to bleed internally until he bleeds himself out if I don't remove the shrapnel."
"But your not a medic."
"I've assisted Doc many times, patching up folks. It ain't much different than fixing spacecraft."