“I suppose I see your point. But after we jump, I’d prefer we didn’t use them again.”
“You have my word. Besides, I think we only have two left. We fired the other four covering your escape.”
“Only a complement of six? Huh…”
“Well, it isn’t a warship, after all.”
“True. Well, if it were my way, everything would have cannons or missile pods.”
“That we can agree on. The point defense turrets on this thing are great and all, but they suck against mid-sized ships. I guess the eggheads that designed it never took offense into consideration.”
“Well,” said Andy. “They did make a docking bay big enough for a small fleet. So perhaps that counts for something?”
“Maybe,” I said. I turned to Captain Walters. “Any updates?”
He nodded. “One missile has been removed. The other one is lodged next to a secondary power conduit. It’s taking extra time to remove it.”
As if on cue, a warning alarm went off on Andy’s console. I arched an eyebrow at him.
“Proximity warning,” he said. “Or FTL warning. I’m not entirely sure which.”
“Plan for both.” I opened the comm fleet-wide. “We’re about to have company. Finish up whatever you’re doing and get aboard as soon as you can.”
Two hours and forty-seven minutes later, several Qhonox vessels dropped out of FTL. “We’ve got friends. I count three in front,” I said.
“Three more in back,” said Captain Walters.
“Tell your ships to focus on the rear ships.”
“And the front?” he asked.
“Andy,” I said. “Target the two outer ships, and fire the missiles.” He nodded and executed the attack. The two missiles streaked toward their targets. The colony ship rocked as the quantum shockwaves slammed into the hull. A blazing ball of plasma and quantum energy engulfed the three ships.
“Maintenance crew reports docking complete. Escorts are still fighting,” said Captain Walters. “How long until we can get out of here?”
“Approximately three minutes,” said Sami. “I have added a new destination to the FTL drives. It will take us out of our trajectory and make our destination look more random.”
“Good,” I said. “Hopefully. they can only guess where we’re going based on which direction we went. If they can actually track us, we’re in trouble.”
Captain Walters got on the comm. “All vessels, retreat to main hangar. FTL jump in three minutes.”
“Well,” said Andy, “there’s one way to know if they can track us…”
“What’s that?” I asked.
“Add another jump. As long as they don’t follow us the first time, we should be able to make the second jump and throw them off.”
“That should work,” said Captain Walters. “I’m guessing it’ll take more time to find us without their tracking devices.” He checked his comms panel. “All ships docked. We’re good to go.”
“Sami, keep those turrets cycling, we don’t want them to get through.”
“Understood. FTL possible in thirty seconds.” The ship shuddered violently as Qhonox ships blasted our flank armor. Sensor readings flooded my perception. It was almost too much to process. I struggled to hold on for just a little longer. Thirty seconds under heavy fire felt like an eternity. As soon as the FTL drives were ready, I triggered the jump sequence. Everything swam. My vision blurred as the stars stretched into streaks once again.
“Bishop!” A loud crack and a sharp pain from my left cheek forced my head to the right. My vision came into focus. “Bishop! Can you hear me?” Andy stood over me, hand raised for another slap.
“Whoa! Whoa, hang on!” I swatted at his hand, trying to keep him from hitting me again. “What’s going on? Why’d you slap me?”
“You blacked out,” said Andy. “As soon as we jumped, you went limp. Are you okay?”
“Yeah,” I said. “Just too much sensory input. The ship’s badly hurt. It was complaining. Really loudly. My brain couldn’t handle it, I guess.”
“You gonna live?” asked Andy, sarcastically. “There’s shit to do. No sense layin’ down on the job, kid.”
“Yeah, yeah, whatever. Just make the spinning stop.”
Walters walked up beside Andy. “I’ve dispatched repair crews to patch what they can. You can probably disconnect and rest a while.”
“I’d like to,” I said. “But there’s still work to be done. And besides, none of you can interface with the ship.”
Andy placed his hand gently on my shoulder. “Walters is right, Bishop. We’ll handle repairs for the time being. Sami can direct the crews. When we need you, we’ll wake you up. Deal?”
I frowned. “Fine. If I don’t listen, Anne will find out and punch me again anyhow…”
I removed the helmet and leaned back in the chair. It reclined automatically, conforming to my movements. I smiled and closed my eyes. Nice. This is nice...
“Bishop. Bishop, can you hear me?” I slowly opened my eyes. Anne’s form came into focus. She smiled. “Hey, sleepyhead, how are you feeling?”
I groaned. “My everything hurts. But I’m awake.” I sat up, the chair mimicking my movement to support my back. “What are you doing here?”
“Andy is helping Captain Walters direct the repair crews. He figured you could use some food.” She handed me a double ration meal. It was still warm. My stomach growled, and she giggled.
“You’re an angel, sis.”
“And don’t you forget it.”
I tore into the food with reckless abandon. “Sami, how are the repairs coming along?” I asked between mouthfuls of food.
“Quite well,” he said. “We should be ready to depart within the hour.”
“How long have we been sitting here?”
“Two hours, thirty-one minutes, seventeen seconds. No sign of enemy FTL contacts. However, there is still reason for concern. We should depart as soon as possible.”
“Agreed,” I said. “There’s no point in tempting fate and pushing our luck.”
“I don’t believe in luck. But you are correct. We should, as you say, get a move on.”
Anne arched an eyebrow.
I shrugged. “He’s been picking up a lot lately.”
“So it seems…” She chuckled. “You two seem good for each other. You’ve both grown quite a bit.”
“You think so?”
“Yeah. You’re more responsible. A lot more resourceful. And way more independent than you used to be.”
“And what about Sami?”
“He’s not as much of a condescending jerk as he used to be.”
“Am too,” retorted Sami. “I just happen to like you lot. You’re...growing…on me, as it were.” We both laughed.
I pulled on the neural interface helmet and linked with the ship. “That’s a lot better. Not as noisy as it was before.”
“Indeed,” said Sami. “Much of the damage has been repaired.”
“Were any critical systems damaged?” asked Anne.
“Some navigational components,” replied Sami. “Thrusters, vector nozzles, the like. Nothing overtly critical to normal operations.”
I mentally reached for the comm system. “Walters, you there?”
“This is Walters, go ahead, Bishop.”
“How’s it looking out there? We need to get out of here sooner than later.”
“Just about finished up. I’ve already begun sending crews inside. Are the FTL drives ready?”
I checked the FTL cores and reactors. “About ten minutes.”
“We’ll be ready. Go ahead and begin jump prep as soon as the drives are charged.”
“Make sure you are. I don’t want to leave anyone behind.”
“Will do. Walters out.”
Anne looked at me with a questioning expression.
“The Qhonox might still be following us. We added an extra jump to hopefully throw them off of our trail.”
“I see. So that’s
why you’re in such a hurry.” She stood, taking my plate. “Sounds like you still have work to do then. I’ll catch up with you in a bit.”
I nodded. “Thanks, sis.” She placed her hand lightly on my shoulder and smiled as she passed.
“Sami, what’s our overall combat readiness?”
“Less than optimal. We have depleted the supply of quantum missiles. The point defense system is replenishing its ammunition reserves; however, supplies are diminishing rapidly.”
“And the military?”
“They sustained casualties. Four ships. Several of the surviving ships are badly damaged. A few are irreparable. The outlook on prolonged combat is quite poor.”
“All right. Let’s try to avoid a fight then.”
The rest of the ten minutes passed uneventfully. The ships returned to the hangar and reported FTL readiness. Captain Walters returned to the bridge.
“How are we looking for time?” he asked.
“FTL recharge complete,” said Sami. “We are ready to depart when ready.”
I turned to Captain Walters. “Anything else we need to do before we jump?”
“Nothing I can think of. I’d say we’re ready now.”
I nodded and triggered the FTL jump. “Ten hours until we arrive. Everyone, get some food and sleep. We’ll want to be ready for whatever’s there to greet us.”
“There’s still too much work to do,” said Walters. “We’ll have to sleep in shifts. Two hours, then rotate.”
“You’re the military guy.” I shrugged. “Anything you want me doing?”
“Just direct repairs as needed. You should be fine to rest for the time being.”
“You got it.”
Walters nodded and strolled out of the bridge.
“I’m gonna grab a couple hours of bunk time myself. I’ll help Steve and Walters get things in order afterward.”
“Sounds good.” Andy left as well. “Sami?”
“Yes, Bishop?”
“What do you suppose we’ll find?”
“There is only one logical way to find out.”
“And that is?” I asked, slightly annoyed.
“I will let you know when we arrive.”
“Funny. I was being serious though.”
“I know. No data was transmitted back after the original FTL failure for fear the enemy may acquire their coordinates. There could be a sprawling civilization or a barren galaxy unable to sustain life.”
“I see. I suppose that makes sense.” I stretched and yawned. “You have the bridge. I’m gonna close my eyes for a bit. Wake me up if anyone needs me.”
“Understood. Sleep well.”
I closed my eyes, and I was out in an instant. I’m not sure how long I slept. My dreams were of green landscapes, covered in lush vegetation, blue skies, and not a Sentinel in sight. I walked through the hills, felt the ferns, and enjoyed the rivers.
“Is this a dream?” asked Sami.
I turned to him. He stood beside me in his digital corporeal form. “I think so. How are you even here?”
“The neural interface helmet. You are still connected to the ship. You fell asleep without removing it.”
“So, you can experience my dreams?”
“So it would seem…” He walked aimlessly through the forest.
An icon began to flash in my peripheral vision. “What the hell?” I focused on it, and it expanded. FTL arrival in 30 seconds. “Shit. Sami, we gotta go.” My eyelids fluttered open; the light stabbed at my eyes
I mentally reached for the comm system. “FTL dropout in twenty seconds.”
“Understood,” said Captain Walters. “Standing by for priority launch.”
I brought the point defense system online. It was still only at half capacity. It would have to do. “FTL dropout. Now.” The streaks outside the main window shrank to pinpricks of light as the ship dropped from light speed.
“Deploying fleet,” reported Walters. I watched on the sensors as the ships left the hangar and formed a perimeter line around the colony ship. “We’re not detecting anything nearby. A few energy signatures a few light-minutes away. Possible signs of civilization. No hostiles. Beginning patrol.”
We’d been drifting for only a few minutes when the hairs on my arms stood up. “Uh, guys?” I think we’re about to have company…”
“Confirmed,” said Captain Walters. “My ship is reporting inbound FTL signatures.”
“Qhonox?” asked Andy, worried.
What was left of the fleet floated between us and the arrival coordinates. Within minutes, ships began to drop out of FTL. The lead ship, a gargantuan thing, pulled away from its escorts and took up a defensive stance.
“We are being hailed,” said Sami.”
“Put it on the main screen.”
A burly man, perhaps in his late fifties, appeared on the monitor. His hands held casually behind his back, he let off an aura of authority. Respect. This was a man who was very accustomed to being obeyed.
“I am Fleet Admiral Grayson of the Manticore. I represent the Artemis Alliance.” He paused for half a breath. “Please identify yourselves, and state your business.” He sounded like he was being polite. But he wasn’t. It was a demand. How I knew that, I have no idea. Maybe something Sami had done to my mind.
“This is Captain Walters of Colony Two-Seven. We actually have no idea where we are. We just know this is where we were supposed to have ended up.”
Admiral Grayson’s body language tensed, just for a moment. He regained his composure just as quickly. “Colony Ship Two-Seven? How…preposterous. That ship was destroyed over a century ago. I am done with these games. Stand down and prepare for inspection.”
I got on the comms. “Admiral Grayson, my name is Bishop Jones. I’ve assumed control over the colony ship. I am the one who piloted us here. I activated the FTL drives and the preset coordinates led us here. This is exactly where we were intended to end up. If you do not believe the validity of the captain’s claims, feel free to come aboard and see for yourself.”
“Yes, I think I just might…” He nodded to someone off screen. “We will be boarding momentarily. Understand that any threatening action will be deemed as hostile, and we will react accordingly. Grayson out.”
“Cheery fellow, that,” said Andy
“Yeah,” I said. “But we’re the new kids here. We need to make friends, and this guy seems like he’s got some pull.”
“He’s right,” said Captain Walters. “His fleet’s well organized. The ships are state of the art. That flagship has more guns on one side than our entire fleet combined. I hate to admit it, but we need them…”
“And,” said Sami, “might I point out that they seem to be militaristic in nature. If they are the descendants of one of the two other colony ships, then the military chain would technically be in effect.”
“If that’s the case, the ranking fleet captain should be present,” said Walters.
“I’m heading in.”
Captain Walters, Andy, Steve, Ann, and I stood in the docking bay as the fleet admiral’s transport shuttle settled down on the deck. Two other ships, strike fighters, hovered nearby. The tips of their energy barrels glowed a menacing red, ready to fire. The transport opened, and the admiral stepped out, standing up to his full six-foot-four height.
“Admiral on deck!” shouted Captain Walters as he saluted.
Grayson returned his salute but remained silent. He took in the scenery, his face a mixture of emotions. “What happened?” he asked. “Where have you people been?” Everyone who had gathered turned to me with expectant gazes. Shit.
32
“Huh?” I asked. “I’d thought that Walters would take the lead since it was a military issue.”
“You assumed command,” said Walters. “That makes you the leader.”
“Oh, right.” I sighed. “Well, long story short, Steve here is the descendant of the first president. The current administration had overthrown the previous and hunted down all of
the Genmods in an effort to wipe them out. We just recently overthrew the corrupt government. The fight got the attention of the Qhonox ,and we had to leave the moon.”
“So, Two-Seven survived. Remarkable…” Admiral Grayson took a few steps forward and extended his hand toward me. “You’ve done your people a great service.” We shook hands. His grip was firm. Solid. Confident. This man’s sense of will was overwhelming.
“Sir,” said Captain Walters. “Permission to speak freely?”
“Granted, Captain,” said Admiral Grayson.
“Sir, with all due respect to the admiral, you don’t seem at all surprised as to what Bishop said. Not that he’s wrong, I’ve seen the confession and evidence, but—”
Grayson smiled. “But I’m taking it at face value, without argument?”
“Y—Yes, sir.”
“There were similar coups on the other two colony ships as well. We were fortunate to have overthrown our would-be tyrants at the first sign of corruption. And a failed assassination attempt on our then-president. The other colony ship, however… They were not so fortunate.”
“What happened to the other colony?” I asked.
Grayson frowned. “Arcturus,” he spat. “The corruption spread throughout the entire colonial leadership. It festered. The colony has occupied several planets in a nearby galaxy. They’ve killed off every genetically modified—Genmod, I think you called them?” He paused for a moment before continuing. “We have a truce with them for the time being; however, relations are tense.” Looks of shock marked the faces of all gathered. Even some of the workers nearby had stopped to listen.
“Well then,” I said. “I’m glad we ended up here and not in Arcturus space. I don’t think I have enough energy to fight another war today…”
Admiral Grayson looked at me as if seeing me for the first time. “So, you’re the one who piloted the colony ship?” I nodded, squaring my shoulders. “How old are you? Nineteen? Twenty?”
I smiled. “Seventeen, sir.”
The admiral’s jaw dropped. He quickly composed himself, but his surprise was still quite evident. “Seventeen… Only a military-grade neural interface could connect and operate the colony ship. How long did it take you to master it?”
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