Star Runners 2: Revelation Protocol (27 page)

“This is the Amade Cluster,” Josh said, glancing at Waylon. “We know this system way too well.”

Waylon shifted. “That we do.”

“This confirms this was Cyclops’ ship. He had been to the Amade Cluster.” Josh punched in the next coordinates. “These coordinates I’m punching in now were keyed into the navigational computer when the Trident crashed. It’s safe to say these are the coordinates Cyclops planned to travel to next.”

The holographic star chart pulled back again. The stars swirled around the room. Matta sat in the floor and clapped. Tocol leaned against the wall as if the stars would smack him in the face. The images slowed and settled on a gray moon.

“Okay, then,” Josh said, shifting his head to the side as he studied the planetary body. “This small moon was his next destination. The way station is buried here and … wait.”

“What is it?” Waylon asked, stepping forward.

Josh pulled the star chart back. The image shifted, moving away from the gray moon to show the planet it orbited. The blue and white marble of a planet glimmered over their heads.

“Where is that?” Matta asked from the floor.

Shaking his head, Josh zoomed out a bit more to see the nearest planetary body after the moon. A dull red planet also orbited the yellow star. He sighed, a pressure building in his chest.

Waylon stepped next to him, placing his hand on his shoulder. “You know this place?” he breathed.

“I do.” Josh frowned as he stared at the floor. “It’s Earth.”

“Earth?” Matta asked. “What’s that?”

Waylon held up his hand, silencing her. “What do you mean? That’s your home?”

“Yes.”

“Rodon wouldn’t dare attack a Legion dark world.”

Josh winced. “It appears he would.”

Josh thought of Kadyn, of his parents.

Waylon shook his head. “He doesn’t have the resources to pull off such an attack.”

“Apparently, he does.”

Quiet fell over the room. Even Matta remained silent on the floor. Waylon squeezed Josh’s shoulder.

Turning away from the star charts, Josh rested his elbows on the workstation. If they weren’t prepared, the Legion had to be warned. A surprise attack on a backwater planet like Earth could provide a beachhead to open up the entire Quadrant Eight for invasion. A way station with enough energy could provide the beacon for an entire task force to waltz into the rear of Legion space.

“I need to go back,” Josh said without turning.

“To Earth?” Waylon shook his head. “That would be suicide, brother.”

“I need a ship.” Josh turned to face him, his fatigue forgotten. “I need a ship now.”

Waylon’s jaw dropped. “I—“

The map turned red, washing the room in the hue of blood. An alarm blasted like a bullhorn.

“What is that?” Matta asked.

“It’s not good.” Waylon pointed at Tocol. “Get everyone ready to leave. Now!”

Tocol scooped Matta up with one hand, grabbing her shoulder. “Got it.”

“Let’s see what we have.” Josh shifted the map back to the local star system. A lone vessel entered at the edge of the asteroid field, a curve closing behind it. “Here’s our newcomer.”

“Who is it?” Waylon asked, stepping back to take in the local hologram.

Josh zoomed in on the vessel. “It’s a modified fighter-bomber. Whoever it is, they are alone.”

“Who would come way out here?” Waylon glared at the screen. “Has to be one of Rodon’s men.”

Josh stared at the sensors. “There’s no identification.”

The vessel flew through the asteroids like a professional, heading directly for their position.

“I don’t like this,” Waylon grumbled. “I don’t like this at all.”

A new alarm sounded.

“What now?” Waylon asked, his voice rising.

Josh frowned. “There’s another ship coming in.”

“What? Where?”

Josh zoomed out. “Here—at the edge of the field.”

The holograph shimmered at the edge of the asteroids. A capital ship passed into the space just outside of the asteroid field. With the massive cannon under the bow of the ship and the four torpedo tubes, Josh did not recognize the vessel from his studies.

“What is that?” Josh breathed, turning to Waylon. “Have you ever seen anything like that before?”

Waylon shook his head. “No. It’s not Legion.”

Josh keyed for identification. “It’s squawking a Zahl transponder.”

“Zahl? Here?”

Josh re-verified the identification. The information pinged back. The vessel was large enough to carry hundreds of personnel. A hangar bay opened at the base of the vessel. The transponder popped up on the screen, providing Josh ship information.

“It’s the
Dauntless
,” he said.
“This computer doesn’t have the class in its memory banks.”

“A new ship?” Waylon smacked the back of the chair. “Are you sure?”

“I’ve never seen anything like this before.”

The
Dauntless
slowed to the edge of the asteroid. The fighter-bomber turned around, changing course from heading directly toward the asteroid base. The fighter-bomber slowed and faced the
Dauntless
.

“Quiet,” Josh said as he slipped on the headset, searching the gamma waves for any transmissions. “I think I’ve got it.”

He patched the signal through to the interior speakers. Beyond outside the window, the Barracuda crews rushed around the hangar. Some carried crates while others detached fuel hoses from their ships.

“
We are growing impatient with your lack of progress,”
a signal hissed over the speakers.

“I wasn’t supplied well enough.”

“Rodon, please. You have been given more supplies over the years to dominate the competition. You promised to wreak havoc on the Legion backwater planets. You chose Earth. You failed.”

“I need more time. Tell Warlord Tulin I need more time.”

“Your time has run out.”

“I underestimated the defenses on Earth. I just need more time.”

“Unfortunately for you, I cannot grant it. And I’m afraid Tulin has decided there are to be no witnesses. You and your base of operations will be destroyed.”

“But I—“

“Goodbye, Rodon.”

Static screeched throughout the control room. Josh killed the transmission and stared at the holographic map. Waylon crossed his arms over his chest and stood in silence. A flurry of missiles launched from the
Dauntless
toward Rodon’s ship. Rodon looped around, heading quickly into the asteroid field. The missiles exploded into the rocks, sending fragments twirling into the asteroids. High-powered laser cannons erupted destruction, shattering larger rocks into tiny particles. Rodon’s ship spun around, rolling through the rocks before disappearing into a collection of sharp asteroids. His signal disappeared from the sensors.

For a moment, Josh thought the
Dauntless
would turn around and leave the system now that it appeared the pirate leader had been destroyed. As if to prove him wrong, interceptors launched from the
Dauntless,
twelve horseshoe shaped fighters soaring in perfect formation into the path cleared by the capital ship’s heavy weaponry. The
Dauntless
followed, the massive cannon under its bow obliterating any asteroids floating close to the ship. Josh traced their trajectory back toward the asteroid base.

He yanked his attention from the chaos playing out on the holographic map over their heads. “Waylon?”

Waylon clenched his jaw. “I’ll start the evacuation.”

“I’m below bingo fuel.” Austin blinked hard, tightening his eyelids and opening them again. Fatigue threatening to take over. He took a deep breath and tightened his hand around the stick.

Austin descended into the Earth’s atmosphere, his Trident rocking as he pulled back on the throttle. A cloud hovered over his heart. Dax Rodon, the man who had killed Josh and countless other Legion pilots, had escaped once again. Worse yet, Nubern had crashed into the Pacific Ocean.

“You take the lead,” Braddock called back, the gamma wave crackling. “Once you hit the water, activate your shields and use the maneuvering thrusters to land. You’ll conserve fuel.”

“Copy,” Austin said.

After pursuing the pirates halfway to the moon, the other Tridents incapacitated by the Tyral suicide attack had rebooted their systems and they returned to Earth in formation. Austin shook his head, trying to stay awake on the descent.

Debris littered the ocean’s surface. Burning pieces of metal peppered the blue waters of the Pacific. Long streaks of fire trails stretched across the water. Many pilots lost their lives today, and for what?

He scanned this sector of the ocean and found no surface contacts.

“Atlantis, Rock.”

The gamma wave hissed. “Copy, Rock.”

“Eight Tridents coming in for a landing. Can you direct?”

“Copy, Rock. Follow the landing beacons to the civilian hangar.”

Austin frowned. “Repeat? You are directing us to the civie hangar?”

“It’s the only operational hangar.”

Austin leaned back into his seat, closing his eyes for a moment. The Tyral Pirates had destroyed three hangars in one afternoon. He clenched his teeth and eased the Trident into the ocean, following the green brackets on his HUD toward what was left of Atlantis.

*****

Water fell from the hangar’s ceiling as if it rained, streaks of ocean water falling off the fighter craft. He landed the Trident, the landing gear submerging into three feet of water. Switching off his systems, he opened his canopy as the Trident powered down. The engines whined, slowed, and stopped. The sound of water falling into the hangar surrounded him. Austin slipped off his helmet, his sweaty hair sticking against his head. As the canopy opened, the salty water dripped on Austin’s head and into his mouth. He rubbed his gloves over his face and sat up to dodge the water. His muscles ached. 

Crewman Tyce, dried blood covering the right side of his face, brought the ladder to the side of the Trident and smiled. Austin lifted his feet over the side of the canopy and stepped down the ladder. His muscles tightened and ached. He plunged his feet into the frigid water.

“You alright, Lieutenant?” Tyce asked, clearing his throat.

Austin wanted to fall into the water, his head hanging low. “I’m okay, Tyce,” he said in a raspy voice. “Thank you.”

“Water?” Tyce asked, holding out a bottle.

Austin snorted. “Sure.” He took a long drink. “How are things here?”

Tyce’s smile disappeared. “Bombs fell from above. They wouldn’t stop. I thought we were going to die, destroyed most of Atlantis. The attackers boarded on the third corridor when our defense fighters were destroyed. I heard the cannons are gone, too. They used some kind of transport to penetrate the hull.” He looked at the standing water mixing with blood and oil. “Lost a lot of buddies.”

Austin squeezed his shoulder.

“Austin!”

He looked up. Skylar ran through the water, her legs kicking through as quickly as she could move, the helmet in her left hand. Her blonde hair clinging to her face. A small cut on her cheek spilt blood onto her otherwise perfect skin.

Austin moved toward her, and fell into her arms. She nearly collapsed under his weight.

“Oh, my God,” she breathed. She quickly kissed him. “Are you okay?”

He gasped for air into her ear. He tried to answer, but only mumbled. The words wouldn’t come, so he remained in her arms. He weakly hugged her.

Skylar turned to Tyce. “How long was he up there?”

“Hours, ma’am.”

She pulled Austin around so she could look him in the eye. “Can you stand?”

Austin nodded. “I feel weak, but I’m okay.”

“Infirmary?” she asked, looking at Tyce.

“Destroyed, but we’ve commandeered a disabled freighter for the wounded.” He pointed. “It’s over there. We’re using the storage bays.”

“Got it.”

Skylar supported Austin through the filthy waters. Debris fell from the ceiling and splashed. Small fires burned across the hangar. They passed Braddock, Gan Patro and Bear who stood near their ships. The Star Runners sipped on water bottles, their eyes gazing across the standing water. Austin nodded to each of them, trying to manage a smile.

When they reached the freighter Tyce had indicated, dozens of beds lined the storage bay inside the vessel. It felt good to climb the ramp and leave the frigid water behind. The wounded bled onto the white sheets as staff tried to provide water and care the best they could. Skylar pointed toward an empty bed.

Austin squeezed her shoulder. “I’m not wounded. These people are truly hurt. I’m just tired.”

“Then rest.” She pushed him to the cot and knelt in front of him. “My God, Austin. Are you alright? You look terrible.”

She grabbed a wet rag and pressed it to his forehead. The soothing water fell over his face. He leaned back against the wall and closed his eyes.

“What happened to you?” she asked, washing the rag in a bowl. “We were doing training on the junction and suddenly got called to action by Braddock. He explained the mission in route to Earth. Next thing I know we are dogfighting Tyrals over the Pacific Ocean.”

Austin swallowed, his throat dry. “It’s good to see you.”

Her expression softened for a moment before she frowned. “I’m serious, Austin. You were supposed to be on leave. What happened?”

“Earth had been attacked.”

She blinked. “I know that much. What do you mean attacked? What happened?”

“Not attacked directly,” he said, shaking his head. “Phantoms.”

She frowned. “Phantoms? What does that mean?”

“Some kind of mercenaries. They targeted my Mom, my friend Kadyn.”

She placed her hand on his knee. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

He nodded slowly. “Just tired, Sky. Exhausted, really.”

Skylar squeezed his knee and handed him a fresh rag. Moans and screams of the wounded surrounded him. He looked into her familiar face, watching her cheek crinkle when she smiled at him.

“Come a long way, you and me,” he said, touching her shoulder, looking at her worn Tizona blue flight suit. “I’ve missed you.”

“You always say that. You always look at me and say … these sweet things. But, well, never mind.” She eyed him. “It has been weird on the station since you left, Austin. Nothing’s been the same. I’ve been trying to get through my classes and the training. I’m just sick of Tarton’s Junction. I’m ready to get moving.”

Austin winced when she pressed the fresh rag on his forehead. “What was it like flying for Braddock?”

She chuckled. “When we heard our destination was Earth, I think we would have flown for anyone. I was so glad to get off that station, but I never would have imagined all this was happening.” She looked him in the eye as she pressed the cool rag on his head. “Maybe even Pavlosky.”

“Oh, man,” he laughed, thinking of the cocky Lobera pilot he nearly destroyed in the mess hall of Tarton’s Junction and the punishment he received afterward. “Just thinking of that guy makes me think of latrines. You must have really wanted to come here if you’d fly for that guy.”

She gazed at the floor and stood. “I did.”

Austin studied her, wishing he had something to say. The image of Scorpion in her bed, recovering from her shattered leg, flashed in his mind. The incident on Flin Six had broken her. And she probably waited for him to come to her side. Her voice echoed in his mind. He pressed his fingers together, no words coming to mind.

But he exhaled when he looked at Skylar, a tension leaving his chest.

Across the room, he watched someone enter the storage bay. He squinted as a woman marched across the room toward his position. Her uniform was torn and ragged, a freshly bandaged cut on her neck. She stepped up to Austin’s cot and snapped to attention.

Austin smiled. “Security Officer Brannen.”

Despite her hair matted with sweat and oil, Brannen managed to return the grin. “I had to come down when I heard you landed.”

“Thank you, Brannen.”

She smiled again. “I don’t know how you did it, but you kept the missile attack off us long enough so we could provide adequate defense from the attack down here.” She shook her head. “You might not know it, but you nearly didn’t have a port to return to.”

Austin pointed back at the standing water outside the ship. “I gathered that.”

“We fought off the intruders, managed to battle off the submersibles with our defense cannons before they were destroyed. Fighting on the ocean floor isn’t easy, required us to rely only on our sensors. They fought like crazed lunatics, those who boarded. I called everyone into action; cooks, mechanics … we fought them back, saved Atlantis.” She gazed at the floor, the expression vanishing from her face.

“Anyway,” she offered a salute, bringing her attention back to the present, “well done, Lieutenant. I’ll make sure command doesn’t forget this.”

Still on his back, Austin returned the salute. Brannen spun on her heel and marched out of the storage bay.

His helmet tucked under his arm, Braddock passed Brannen and strolled into the makeshift infirmary. He stepped next to Austin’s bed and nodded.

“Well done, Lieutenant,” Braddock said, his voice low as he glanced around the infirmary.

“A full-on captain leading Tizona recruits,” Austin said, gesturing to Braddock’s rank. “You must have been scraping the bottom of the barrel at the Junction.”

“You have no idea,” Braddock snorted. “Had to leave my squadron to guard the station in case this was all some elaborate ruse.”

Austin sat forward and started to stand.

“Please,” Braddock held up his free hand, “stay seated. You’ve had a day, Stone.”

“Another day in the service,” he said with a weak smile.

Braddock allowed a crooked grin. “I know you’re exhausted but we need to talk.”

Austin blinked. “Nubern?”

“Search and rescue teams have found seven wounded pilots in the waters above.” Braddock nodded. “Nubern was one of them. He’s banged up, but he’s tough. I know he’ll be fine. Two of the U.S. pilots were also rescued. I am told we are making the arrangements for their return at this very moment.”

Austin sighed, leaning back against the wall. “That’s good news, sir.”

“There’s more news that’s … not so good.”

Austin sighed. “Yes, sir?”

“Our teams have been surveying the wreckage from the downed submersibles our enemy used to try and take over Atlantis. The sensors here are shot to hell. It’ll be weeks before Atlantis is up and running. It appears they tried to destroy all the outer structures and take the main base. During the attack, Atlantis thought they had destroyed all of the subs.”

“So I’m told.” Austin looked at him. “And?”

Braddock stared at him, his face still as a statue. “There’s one missing.”

Austin glanced at Skylar. “So? What does that mean?”

“I’ve kept this quiet.” Braddock pursed his lips together, glancing over his shoulder. “We don’t need to cause a panic. Most of the soldiers are dead or wounded, and we don’t need these people under any more stress than they are already experiencing. One submersible got away, which means they could be heading anywhere on this planet. Our sensors won’t be able to pick them up if they skim across the ocean floor.”

“Wait a minute,” Austin said, “what would they want to do? What’s their endgame?”

“We intercepted a transmission from Rodon to his forces on Earth. It said, ‘Mission abort. Destroy all other Legion facilities possible.’ We’ve already seen firsthand his supporters are fanatical and willing to die for their leader. With this order, they’ve given up on Atlantis.”

Austin looked at his hands, the scenarios running through his mind. A submersible with otherworldly technology unleashed on the forces of Earth could be devastating, apocalyptic even. A sour feeling formed in the base of his stomach.

“What does command want us to do?” Austin asked and then made a wide sweeping gesture with his hand. “It’s not like we can mount a hunt in the state we’re in.”

Braddock nodded. “Command knows the situation. They know I brought a bunch of students down here to help defend Atlantis. The reinforcements we expected from the rest of Quadrant Eight should be arriving over the next twelve hours. We have eight operational Tridents at our disposal. They want us to head off and conduct a systematic search of the surrounding waters.”

Austin briefly closed his eyes. “When, sir?”

“As soon as our fighters are fueled and rearmed.”

Skylar shook her head. “He needs to rest, captain. Look at him.”