Unless he’s right, Liz thought.
“We need to contact the admiral,” said Trinity. “Only the fleet commander can order the fleet into action.”
“Or the acting fleet commander,” Liz said.
“The communication’s blackout on the planet lasts another 40 minutes,” said Trinity. “Velos will already be overrun if we wait.”
Liz silently cursed the fool who had ordered the blackout. How dare they think a wedding took priority over military readiness.
“All the senior officers are planet side,” said Trinity. “What’re you going to do, Liz?”
“Do?” Liz said. “I’m going to do my duty. Velos is in trouble. I’m a soldier. I’m going to fight.”
Trinity smiled as if she’d known the answer before Liz had said it.
“They’ll either pin a medal on you or court martial you for this, Liz,” said Trinity. “But they can court martial us both. I’m behind you all the way.”
With a determined look, Liz hit the emergency intercom button on the captain’s communication panel.
“All ships,” Liz said in a steady voice belying her nervousness. “Battle stations. This is not a drill. Prepare for emergency override in 5 minutes. Destination, Velos.”
* * *
The Crosioian fleet came out of hyper-drive in perfect formation. The Crosioian admiral expected no less. They’d practiced it too many times to fail now. With a confident nod, the admiral noted the location of the twenty Empire warships orbiting the planet. They were all light cruisers or destroyers. There wasn’t a dreadnought among them.
“Commence attack,” ordered the admiral.
The one hundred and six warships in the fleet began their attack runs on the unsuspecting Empire ships. The red blips denoting the Empire ships immediately began disappearing from the command deck’s overhead display.
“They’re not regular Empire ships,” said the ship’s captain. “Based upon their insignias, they appear to be Deloris Conglomerate security ships.”
The admiral was disappointed. This was turning out to be too easy. She walked the length of the command deck. Her command ship was the largest of the fleet’s dreadnaughts. Unless more Empire ships somehow miraculously appeared, the battle would be won before it was even over.
“General Constance,” said the admiral. “How soon before the shields are down? The Empire fleet around Regalos could be here in 22 minutes.” He doubted the Empire could react that quickly. Even if the fleet somehow started coming as soon as they were notified of the attack, it would take them several minutes to get organized. Only a lunatic fleet commander would launch an attack before receiving orders from their Imperial High Command. But the admiral wasn’t going to tell the general that.
“The special assets successfully got our first wave through Velos’ detection shield,” said General Constance. “Surprisingly, Crendemor’s magic users were able to get all our sappers inside their target’s protective shields undetected. As soon as the static tele-bots activate, the sapper’s missiles will destroy the power plants. Then you can begin your aerial bombardment.”
“Excellent,” said the admiral.
The admiral watched the last of the red blips on the overhead display disappear. “All is going as planned,” she said. “Is Crendemor leading the attack on the DNA Center?”
A sneer appeared on the general’s face. “Yes, admiral. The dark elf returned a short time ago. He just made the last shuttle in the spaceport’s attack force. He assured me he would obtain the vials of DNA gas. Once he does that, your fleet can bombard the spaceport into oblivion.
The admiral gave a rare smile of approval. All was going as planned.
* * *
As soon as Jerad got the news from his battle computer, he hastily pulled on his jumpsuit and boots. He rushed out of his tent onto the dirt street separating one row of tents from the other. Other cadets in his cohort were already in the street milling around after they’d been contacted by their own battle computers. One of the platoon sergeants was trying to get things organized. He wasn’t having much luck.
Stephen, Jerad told his battle computer. Contact Tam’s battle computer. Tell her to get the females moving to the main gate. I’ll get the males to do the same.
Complying, sir, said his battle computer.
“Listen up,” Jerad said in a loud voice. He didn’t shout, but his voice carried nevertheless. When you worked in armor for twenty years, you learned to use a voice that carried.
“Platoon sergeants,” Jerad ordered. “Get your platoons organized and move them to the front gates. The females will meet us there.” When the cadets didn’t move quite fast enough, Jerad added, “Now!”
Everyone started moving at once. Even if Jerad hadn’t been the cohort’s first sergeant, the other cadets would have followed his orders. They needed something to do, and following a strong, experienced leader like Jerad came naturally.
“Wizard Scout Michaels,” Jerad said. “Get them there as quickly as you can. I’m going to the gate and get things organized.”
Wizard Scout Michaels was cadet 803. He was one of the cohort’s platoon sergeants. He seemed surprised Jerad knew his real name. But he needn’t have been. Jerad had made it a point to learn everyone’s name in the cohort years earlier. As far as Jerad was concerned, the current situation was no time to use numbers.
“Yes, sir,” said Wizard Scout Michaels. He almost gave a salute, but he caught himself in time.
Jerad got to the gate just as the cohort’s females were marching up. The two blue-suited gate guards had closed the gate. They were awkwardly holding their plasma rifles as if they weren’t sure whether to point them at the marching cadets or somewhere else. The two roving guards ran up and joined their fellow guards at the gate.
“Open the gate,” Jerad said to the highest-ranking security guard in a calm voice. “Didn’t you get the warning?”
“We’ve got orders to keep you here until the higher ups figure out what’s going on,” said the guard. With a glance at the cohort’s females and the male formation double timing up the street, the guard added, “Sir.”
Jerad chose to ignore the guards for the moment. They were just following orders. He addressed the cohort instead.
“If what our battle computers tell us is true,” Jerad said in a loud voice, “all hell is going to break loose in less than 10 minutes.”
“What can we do?” said Wizard Scout Michaels. “We don’t even have weapons. They’re locked up in the armory with our battle suits.”
“Listen up,” Jerad said in a loud voice so everyone could hear. “You’re wizard scouts now. You are the most dangerous weapons in the galaxy. Here’s what’s going to happen. First platoon, you go with Wizard Scout Stella to the armory. Hold it until Sergeant Hendricks gets there. Sappers are going to try and destroy it with missiles. You are not going to let them. You are wizard scouts. Destroy the missiles before they hit.”
Jerad turned to Stella. “You’re a diviner, Stella. Seek out any static tele-bots when they activate and put them out of action.”
“Understood,” said Stella.
“We’re still going to need some long-range weapons,” said one of the males in the cohort.
“Get them as you go,” Jerad said. He pointed at the four blue-suited guards. “You can start with theirs.”
In a flash, the four guards were unarmed and their weapons and equipment were in the hands of wizard scouts.
“Wizard Scout Telsa,” Jerad said. “Take second platoon and head for the backup teleporter. Hold it until first platoon arrives with your battle suits and weapons. Acquire any gear you can along the way if you meet conglomerate guards.”
“Yes, sir,” said Telsa as she blew open the gate with Power. The second platoon followed her without question.
“Third platoon,” Jerad said. “You’re with me. Sergeant Ron has twelve cats armed with live plasma and phase weapons. We’re going to get as many as we can.”
&nbs
p; Stella started to speak but Jerad cut her off. The military wasn’t a democracy, and only one person could be in charge. If someone else had been better qualified, he would have been following their orders. But as an ex-commander of an armored battalion and the acting cohort first sergeant, he had taken command.
“Wizard Scout Stella,” Jerad said. “Once you get in the armory, send one squad with second platoon’s equipment to the backup teleporter. Send another squad with third platoon’s gear to hanger 1.”
“Yes, sir,” said Stella. “What about the rest of the platoon?”
“Rick’s holding the west-side power plant,” Jerad said. “Once you’re done at the armory, take the rest of your wizard scouts and support him there.”
“Yes, sir,” said Stella as she got the second platoon moving.
Within seconds, Jerad was leading the third platoon in the direction of hangar 1. Along the way, they gathered a half dozen plasma rifles from a patrol of conglomerate guards who happened across their path.
When they arrived at hangar 1, Sergeant Ron wasted no time asking questions. Jerad hadn’t expected him too. Within two minutes, Jerad was able to dispatch the two medium cats in hangar 1 that had live weapons with instructions to hold the west-side power plant.
“What about the two east-side power plants?” said Sergeant Ron as he led the remaining wizard scouts towards hangar 2.
“No time to save them,” Jerad said. “The attack’s coming from the east. The hangars on the east side of the airfield are probably a lost cause as well.”
As if confirming his prediction, a bright flash of light followed by a loud explosion came from the east side of the airfield.
“Hmm,” observed Sergeant Ron. “I guess someone tried to enter hangar 32 without permission.”
Before Jerad could respond to the maintenance chief, a series of bright streaks flew by in the direction of the west-side power plant and the backup teleporter. Shortly thereafter a series of explosions reverberated throughout the night.
“This is it, wizard scouts,” Jerad shouted. “Think of it as your final graduation test.”
“Ha!” laughed Sergeant Ron. “This is nothing. Back when I was in the military, things were really tough.”
In spite of the situation, Jerad smiled. The old sergeant was as crazy as ever.
Turning his head as he ran, Jerad watched another salvo of rockets coming from the east. As they passed by a few hundred meters away, he was tempted to try telekinesis to take them down. But he discarded the idea. He wasn’t a diviner. Without his battle helmet to guide him to his target, he’d never be able to track them accurately enough.
The second wave of missiles was headed in the direction of the west-side power plant. Jerad hoped Rick could protect the power plant on his own until help arrived.
Chapter 54 – Defending the Power Plant
_____________________________________
Richard sent out a series of strong emotions in a call for help.
I don’t think it does any good to keep calling, Rick, said Nickelo. Based upon previous missions, I’d say the dolgars heard you the first time. If they’re going to come, they’ll come. If they aren’t, they won’t.
Richard sent out another call just to spite his battle computer. Besides, he needed to do something. Just standing by the power plant’s fence waiting for something to happen went against his nature.
A bright flash from the east side of the airfield was quickly followed by another. The night air reverberated with the sound of loud explosions.
It’s started, said Nickelo. Those explosions were from the east-side power plants. Both plants are offline now.
Then I guess we’re next, Richard said.
Missiles are inbound, Rick, said Nickelo.
Richard didn’t need to look at his heads-up display to confirm his battle computer’s words. He sensed his battle computer’s data in their shared space. The data tracked five missiles heading in his direction. Richard visualized them as surely as if he was seeing them with his own eyes. One of the missiles veered off to the north. Another streaked off to the south.
They’re targeting the armory and the backup teleporter, said Nickelo.
Richard said a silent prayer for his friends. He hadn’t even gotten to say goodbye to them.
Your friends can take care of themselves, said Nickelo. You need to worry about those three missiles headed your way.
Richard realized he’d inadvertently been thinking in his shared space. He resolved to pay more attention the next time.
I’ll do my job, Nick, Richard said. You just find those Crosioian tele-bots and get them out of action.
I’m working on it, said Nickelo. It’s not that easy.
Richard saw the lead missile when it popped over the top of a nearby warehouse. He reached out with his mind. Richard felt the energy flow from the missile’s engine as well as the missile itself. Wrapping the missile with Power, Richard forced it downward. The missile hit the ground and erupted in a violent explosion.
Two more, Rick, said Nickelo.
I can count, Richard said as he tried to wrap a second missile with Power. He missed on his first attempt. His second try was better. As he wrapped the second missile with Power, Richard sensed his battle computer’s calculations in their shared space. He wasn’t going to have time to stop the final missile using the same technique.
Richard brought his M12 to bear on the third missile and pulled the trigger. A solid stream of red plasma rounds streaked towards the third missile. At the same time, he pushed downward with telekinesis on the second missile. It veered downward into a dilapidated warehouse. The building exploded sending pieces of thin-metal sheets in all directions. The time was 0431 hours. Richard hoped no early risers had been in the building.
Two hundred meters, said Nickelo.
I know, Richard said as he tried to adjust the stream of plasma rounds onto the last of the missiles. I could use some help, buddy.
Your wish is my command oh greatest of wizard scouts, said Nickelo.
Richard felt the arms of his battle suit moved ever so slightly.
Boom!
The last missile exploded twenty meters in front of Richard. For a small missile, it packed a very large punch. The force of the explosion threw Richard through the security fence surrounding the power plant. He slammed into the side of the building.
Richard let out an ‘Umph!’ as the force of the blow knocked his breath out. He immediately felt fresh air forced into his lungs from the tubes running down his throat. Richard staggered to his feet.
Five more missiles inbound, Rick, said Nickelo. From their trajectories, I calculate the entire second salvo is headed here.
Great, Richard thought. I barely handled the three.
You know you could have put a defensive shield up to absorb the force of that last explosion, said Nickelo.
I didn’t want to waste the Power, Richard said. I’m already down to fifty-eight percent Power in my reserve. Taking out those two missiles cost me five percent each.
I’m proud of you, Rick, said Nickelo. You’re using your brains instead of just reacting.
You can give me a pat on the back if I’m still alive in thirty seconds, Richard said. In the meantime, find that tele-bot.
I’m trying, Rick, said Nickelo. Here come the missiles.
Trying a different tactic this time, Richard began firing his M12 at the lead missile when it was still five hundred meters out. The stream of plasma rounds got close, but he couldn’t quite target the missile.
Nick? Richard said.
Got it, said Nickelo as the arm of the battle suit moved slightly.
Boom!
Richard sensed the most violent part of the explosion with his passive scan. He wrapped three sides of the explosion with Power and forced a hot jet of energy out the remaining side into the path of two of the other missiles. One of them exploded in midair. The other wobbled momentarily before slamming into the ground.
; Rick, said Nickelo. I’ve located the static tele-bot. Take it out.
Again, Richard didn’t need his heads-up display. He sensed the location of the tele-bot from his battle computer’s thoughts in their shared space.
It’s too small for me, Nick, Richard said. Not enough time. Take control of my Power.
Complying, said Nickelo.
A microscopic-thin line of Power reached out from Richard back towards the power plant. Richard sensed a series of small bursts of energy as the tele-bots exploded.
The two remaining missiles wavered momentarily, but then they steadied and continued on their course towards the power plant.
They’ve already locked on, said Nickelo. You’ve got to take them out.
Richard tracked the missiles in his shared space. The lead missile was only a hundred yards away. The second missile was twenty-five meters behind.
No time, Richard thought.
Richard knew he had to stop both missiles. This was the last remaining power plant. If the missiles succeeded in knocking it out, the airfield’s protective field would fail. Then the Crosioian fleet overhead would be free to blow everything on the airfield to smithereens.
Desperate, Richard gathered all but one percent of his remaining Power and threw it out as a wall in the path of the missiles.
Boom! Boom!
The double force of the explosions slammed Richard into the wall of the power plant again. This time he hit hard enough he was momentarily dazed. Richard sensed Power from his third Power reserve permeate his body and attempt to return it to baseline. The worst of the effects of the hit faded within three seconds.
Richard shook his head in an attempt to clear the cobwebs. I’m still a little dizzy, Nick.
The first ninety-percent of your injuries selfheal fairly quickly, said Nickelo. The last ten percent can take a little longer.
Wizard Scout (Intergalactic Wizard Scout Chronicles Book 3) Page 52