Battle Earth V

Chapter 5

The Journey home was even more tedious and mind numbing than the route they had taken to find the gateway. Chandra and Taylor were sat on the bridge, both knowing they would soon see their home. Up ahead, the Moon shone brightly like a beacon calling them back. As they drew nearer, a transmission came in.

“Deveron, this is Commander Kelly.”

A video display flickered to life. The battle-hardened officer displayed a smile as he could clearly see Taylor and Chandra on the screen.

“Good to see you again, Sir,” replied Chandra.

“Likewise,” followed Taylor.

The Commander was displayed on a small projection beside the larger view of the Moon before them. As they drew nearer at a rapid speed, they could see a mass of ships orbiting the Colony.

“You see them, don’t you?”

“Sir?” asked Chandra curiously.

“The next battle group, and almost ready to join you.”

They could make out fifty ships already. The massive dockyard of the Colony was packed with hulls and partially completed ships. They could see many of the craft were freighters that had previously been used to transport goods and people between Earth and the Moon. Others were exploring vessels. All had been undergoing a refit to prepare themselves for military service. The vast fleet dwarfed what they had led out to the gateway only a month before.

“My God, how did you do it?” asked Taylor.

“Not alone,” he replied. “The powers of Earth have combined to work hand-in-hand around the clock. These are wartime conditions. You would be amazed at what can be achieved when things are desperate.”

“Ain’t that the truth?” Taylor added.

“We have all heard the news of your defeat of the enemy fleet. Congratulations on your victory.”

“Thank you, Sir, but it was not without loss.”

“It never is, Colonel. I have been called to an emergency meeting on Earth, along with our Prime Minister. I assume that has something to do with your arrival?”

“I believe so,” replied Chandra.

“Then I’ll see you both shortly. Good seeing you again.”

The transmission cut out, and Taylor remember just how thankful he was to have made an ally of Kelly.

A few hours later, they were making their descent to Camp Pendleton where they could see dozens of civilian transports lined up in the main landing zone, awaiting their arrival. There was no victory parade organised for their landing, only an officer and few guards to escort them to inside the main conference hall.

“Not much of a warm welcome,” said Taylor.

“What were you expecting, the President to be there to give you a medal? We won an important victory at the gateway, but it is only the first step.”

Upon landing, they were greeting with an abrupt ‘follow us’. The soldiers parted Taylor and Chandra from the others who were clearly not allowed to follow them inside.

“I have been lumped in with these kind of talks before,” Taylor said quietly. “They are long, tedious and rarely take any heed of advice from people like us.”

“Maybe you just didn’t tell them the right things.”

Taylor grinned and laughed just a little.

They were led into the conference hall where world and military leaders from all major powers had assembled. It was an intimidating sight for the two of them. Taylor always hated the formality used in politics and the higher-ranking officials. They were announced and then asked for an immediate report of the events they had taken part in. For two hours, the crowd listened intently with Chandra doing almost all of the talking. General White finally stood up as they drew to a close.

“Thank you, Colonel, and you Major. You may take a seat.”

The General strolled up to their position at the front to address the crowd. He had become one of the key faces in the war against the alien invaders and had naturally risen to the task of administering the conference.

“Shortly before your arrival here, we received a transmission from the Washington that the scientist Doctor Reiter believes it unsafe to attempt to dismantle or destroy the space gateway. He believes that such tampering could have cataclysmic effects for our Solar System. Essentially, we do not know enough about the technology to attempt such a feat. He does, however, believe its operation is very simple.”

Taylor turned in shock, but it was clear that the rest of the audience had already been informed of this information.

“I believed from the very start, as did many of my staff, that all attempts should be made to destroy any route into our Solar System. That option having been taken off the table, we are now at a fork in the road. If we cannot stop them coming here, we must either take a defensive strategy, and prepare for a future attack, or take the fight to the enemy. My opinion, ladies and gentlemen, is that we should not stand back and hope for the best. I believe we should step through into their world and stick it to ‘em whilst they’re on the run.”

“Thank you, General.”

The President of the United States, Adrian Walters, stood up and took the floor.

“We have all suffered a great deal in this war. The world has suffered to the degree that it will never be the same again. But, it has brought a unity that this planet, this Solar System, has never known. The United States’ position is that we cannot, and will not, stand by and go about our normal lives when an apocalyptical threat hangs over us. We will take the fight to the enemy!”

Cheers of support rang out around the room. But President Moreau stood up in opposition. The hall slowly fell quiet enough that he could be heard.

“My country of France was ravished in the last war, worse than most. We cannot ask more of our people. We cannot support such warmongering, nor are we willing to lose more people in another pointless war.”

“Fucking idiot,” Taylor murmured.

General White heard him but was glad no one else did. He did, however, share Taylor’s belief. He shot up from his chair to address the Frenchman.

“I was not aware, Mr President, that any human faction could be considered warmongers. I also seem to remember that when your country was threatened many nations, whose leaders stand before you today, went to your aid. You are here today because the world supported you. Will you not give anything back to protect all our futures?”

The French President’s face went red with anger and rage.

“Millions of French citizens and soldiers died in the last war! What more can you ask of us? We have won! Let us return to peace and our normal lives, and forget the troubles which are now over!”

Taylor shook his head as Chandra leaned in to his side.

“Naive bastard, how can he turn a blind eye?” she whispered.

They watched in amazement as several world leaders cheered in support for the Frenchman.

“It’s easier to pretend the problem doesn’t exist rather than deal with it,” he replied.

“Then you are in favour of going through the gate?”

“If it cannot be destroyed, yes, it is our only option.”

She smiled to herself. Taylor is back on side.

The American President stood up once again, and General White called the room to silence. Walters was a tall but thin and wiry man and in his early seventies. His hair was a shiny white, but he still had a full head of it. He was a staunch republican, and a man who had clearly lived a hard but successful life; his face heavily wrinkled and rough. He stood tall and proud; a man who was strong in the head even if his body no longer was. His suit was of a cut not seen in fifty years. This man was as a relic of a bygone era.

“You have all heard the facts. The United States is committed to the safety of this planet and that of the Lunar Colony. And to that end, we will do whatever is necessary to protect them. In four weeks, we will send a fleet through the space gateway, with the intention of taking the fight to the enemy. We need all the support we can get. I ask you all to dig deep into your conscience and appreciate how vital this mission is to us all. Now I ask you, a show of hands. Who will join us in this enterprise?”

The British Prime Minister and German President were first to raise their hands and voice their support. A number followed until the final divide was set. A third of the leaders in attendance remained silent, still including Moreau.

“Then it is decided,” stated White. “We have a majority support for action. I thank you all for your support in this undertaking and would ask you to have your Generals liaise with myself immediately. I hereby call this conference to an end!”

Taylor could see the disappointment in Walters’ face. They had enough support, but he had clearly hoped to rally world leaders as one. Those who had not voiced their support quickly stood and left the room. Most of the others broke out into conversation with the people around them.

“This divide will not end here,” said Chandra. “Many have shown their true colours. If they falter at such a time, then we would do well to keep a keen eye on them.”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean, Mitch, that we should not assume that all mankind is on our side. I do not say they would ally with the enemy, but they would certainly act in hindrance of us.”

Taylor nodded in agreement. He had seen such during the war. After they had given everything, it amazed and disgusted him that politicians walked away as if they had the moral high ground.

“Ignorant bastard!”

He said it loud enough that several around them heard, but he didn’t care. General White paced up to the two of them with a sigh.

“It is done then.”

“Nothing is done, Sir. This is the beginning of a long road,” replied Taylor.

“Has any progress been made on improving Earth’s orbital defences?” asked Chandra.

White nodded hesitantly.

“Yes, but I am not sure anything we can do would withstand the overwhelming power of their first assault. That is the nature of static defence. The best thing we can do is to develop our fleets. With another few months of all-out construction, as we are doing, I believe we could have enough Navy power to fight them out there and away from our colonies.”

“Then the Marines’ role will be more important than ever. This enemy pursues ruthless and fearless boarding actions that are devastating. Maybe just a hundred or two got aboard the Washington, and we came close to losing her, and perhaps the rest of the fleet.”

White looked at them in shock.

“Taylor is right. It was no plain sailing.”

“And yet you still support the decision to go through the gate?”

“I don’t see that we have an option anymore,” replied Taylor.

It was clear to them both the General was genuinely surprised to hear that they were not convinced by their chances of success, yet they wanted to go anyway.

“We’ve got three weeks. Soldiers are not a problem, veterans and recruits alike. Since the war ended, a continuous recruitment campaign has boosted the Marine Corps to numbers none of us have ever known. But what we now need so urgently is ships. The dockyards of the world are working around the clock, but ultimately, those on the Moon and L2 and L3 are the key players.”

Neither of them answered as they awaited more convincing words from the General.

“I know we are sending you into the unknown, but not without every ounce of support than can be given. I have already volunteered to join the Washington as leader of the Marine forces within the fleet, a request I have do doubt will be accepted.”

Chandra turned and peered into the man’s face in surprise. It was clear he had every intention of doing so.

“Then I suggest you get some combat training in, Sir. You’ll almost certainly need it.”

White nodded in surprise.

“Major, yes, yes, of course. Now, Colonel, there is work to be done. This new fleet will embark in three weeks. I want you both to return to the Washington. I have already gathered together personnel of Inter-Allied who have recovered and are ready to re-join your ranks, as well as a few dozen experienced marines to redress your numbers. They’ll be at the Deveron within the hour.”

‘Thank you, Sir.”

They left the building with their escort to find Jafar and the two platoons they had brought. They were still waiting for them beside the ship. It wasn’t long before the promised reinforcements turned up.

“Fucking great,” muttered Taylor so that only Chandra could hear.

She looked up to see that Suarez was among those approaching. They both knew he was trouble. Neither wanted to promote him or even accept him as a platoon leader, but he had been with them from the very start.

He led the thirty plus marines who approached as if he owned them and was coming to the rescue. He had a broad sleazy smile across his face.

“Good to be back!” he shouted, making a rather casual salute on approaching.

Chandra didn’t make contact with him, choosing to address the incoming troops as a whole.

“No time for niceties. Load up, we are moving out!”

Taylor smiled at the Colonel’s dismissal of Suarez’s arrogant greeting which shot him down in flames.

Within fifteen minutes, the Deveron was lifting off once more. Chandra and Taylor both attended the bridge, partly to see Earth one last time as they departed and partly to escape Suarez. They knew he was going to be a problem they would have to deal with, but neither could face it there and then.

Five weeks passed before they finally got word of the fleet’s approach to the gateway. There had been little training to do for the troops of Inter-Allied. They passed the time with guard duties and familiarisation of the ship they were stationed aboard. Chandra and Taylor were called to the bridge for the announcement of the arrival of the mass of new vessels. A cheer rang out across the ship as Huber announced it over the comms.

“Just look at it,” called Huber. “The grandest fleet ever amassed.”

They looked out to space with the Washington’s projected display. They could see more than fifty sizeable ships, including a carrier not so different to the Washington.

“How on Earth did they manage it?” asked Huber.

“I hear that construction on some of these began just weeks after the war on Earth ended. They weren’t built in three weeks,” replied Chandra.

“No, but impressive nonetheless, Colonel. Before the war, it would have taken the dockyards three years to build such a fleet, and they’d have been unarmed. All this is in less than a year.”

“Amazing what the human race can achieve when it’s against the wall,” Taylor commented.

“Sir, we have a shuttle coming aboard.”

Huber turned to the two Inter-Allied officers.

“Please join me.”

They arrived at the docking bay in time to see the ramp lowering on a brand spanking new shuttle. General White stepped aboard with several other Navy officers they didn’t recognise.

“Welcome aboard, Sir!”

“Thank you, Admiral Huber, let me introduce you to Admiral Uxbridge of His Majesties Royal Navy, Commander of the fine new carrier you see out there, the Trafalgar.”

“My compliments.”

“Tell me, Admiral, is expert opinion unchanged regarding this space gateway?”

“Reiter and his team of experts still believe they can operate the device, but are a long way from understanding how it works or how, or if, it can safely be dismantled.”

“Then the only way is forward. It’s been a long journey out here, and I suspect your crews are as anxious for a change of pace as well. Are we confident about the stability and operation of this device?”

“We have already carried out tests with drones and safely been able to send them through the gate and recover them. The fleet is ready for immediate departure.”

“Excellent. Admiral Huber, you will remain as Commander of this fleet. Admiral Uxbridge being second. I will maintain command of infantry forces from here on board the Washington. I now pass over command to all forces to yourself and wish you every luck on this new undertaking.”

“Thank you, General.”

Huber lifted his comms unit and tapped it.

“Prepare the fleet for departure. Begin a thirty minute countdown and have Reiter synchronise.”

The command staff returned to the bridge with General White. It was an anxious waiting game as lights flickered and flashed around the gateway. Taylor and Chandra had missed the previous tests of the gateway, but they could see the bridge crew were still as mesmerised by it as they had been the first time. Taylor leant in over General White’s shoulder.

“Assuming this leads us into enemy territory, what then?” he asked.

“We strike at the enemy in any way we can. Hit the first targets hard and keep moving forward.”

“And what then? Do we try and take them to extinction, like they did us?”

Chandra could hear the conversation and leaned in to give her two pennies.

“Probably a damn good idea.”

White shrugged his shoulders.

“We need to remove the threat they pose. If we can do that by winning a few victories and showing them we are all powerful, great. If not, we keep pushing, and we do so until they can no longer endanger our lands. If in the meantime, if we can find a way to dismantle that gateway, we’ll take that option.”

The gateway suddenly pulsed with a violent burst of light and spun into life. The entire gateway began to rotate at a slow and steady pace. Beams of light darted across the core of the huge ring until they filled it in a giant swirling ball of blue light. It was beautiful and almost magical, but they could not help feel fear for what might be on the other side.

“One giant leap for humanity and all that,” whispered White.

The light faded to the centre until it was almost white, and the structure began to spin faster as the swirling core increased in velocity.

“The gateway is ready for entry, Sir!”

Huber hesitated for a moment. It was a frightening step into the unknown. He took a deep breath and breathed out slowly. He gave the order.

“Take us through.”

The engines of the Washington fired up, and they slowly ambled towards the swirling wall of light. Three frigates of the fleet were ahead of them, and they watched as the bows of the vessels pierced the light and continued on through as if vanishing into fog. Many on the bridge held their breath and felt fear overcome them, but they knew they had passed beyond the point of no return. The Washington pushed on through. Taylor’s right hand slipped over the grip of his rifle that rested on his flank. He didn’t like passing through into the unknown without being prepared for anything.

Eventually, they were through the swirling light. For a few moments, they were bombarded with strobes of bright white light that the ship’s display quickly dimmed to accommodate. In just ten seconds, they rushed out into the black of space once more. Many sighed in relief and looked around to see the fleet coming out behind them.

“That wasn’t so bad,” Chandra said.

Huber spoke up.

“Scan the area. I want a full status update on our location.”

The only light in the area was provided by the gate itself and the lights of the ships of the fleet. Like the other end of the gateway, it had been built far from any sign of life.

The comms officer spoke, but there was shock and disbelief in his voice.

“Sir, we are in the Tau Ceti system. The computer is still gathering data, but our maps are mostly accurate for this system already.”

“How far are we from the nearest inhabitable planet?” asked Huber.

“All planets in this system are hostile to life, but they may yet support it. I believe we could reach the first in twenty-eight hours, Sir.”

“Then plot a course, and open a channel to the fleet.”

“Yes, Sir.”

The room was silent as they awaited the Admiral’s announcement.”

“This is Admiral Huber speaking. We have now entered the system we refer to as Tau Ceti, named after its sun. We are almost twelve light years from home, and a distance the human race could barely comprehend just a year or two ago. Now we have travelled that distance, which is no small thing. Under any other circumstances, this would be a feat worth celebrating, but we didn’t come here to explore, or to mine, or to colonise. We came here to fight, and I fully intend on doing so.”

He took a deep breath before continuing. Several of the bridge crew nodded and murmured quietly in support.

“Admiral Uxbridge and half of the fleet will remain here to guard the entrance to gateway. Orders and status updates are being updated as I speak. Remember, that if the enemy cannot get through this gate, they cannot reach our homes. The Washington will lead the rest of the fleet to the nearest planet that we believe to be an enemy colony. Today we bridged the gap between our civilisations. Tomorrow, we make them pay for what they did to humanity, Washington out.”

Taylor still stared out into the depths of space. Up ahead, they could see the glimmer of stars and planets. The nearest appearing as a similar size as the Moon viewed from Earth. He had expected to step into a whole new and different world when they passed through the gateway. It was an anti-climax he was actually glad to have experienced. Huber turned around to address them.

“We’re heading for that planet to cause merry hell. There may also be much to learn on the enemy’s own soil. You can bet that we’ll need troops on the ground. Have your people ready.”

“Always, Sir,” replied Chandra.

The days and weeks of travelling were making them all feel utterly exhausted. Space travel had been limited before to the extent that few ever passed beyond the Earth’s Moon and the LaGrange stations. Taylor sighed as he yawned.

“We should both get some sleep,” Chandra said. “We aren’t needed here for a good few hours, and we’ll certainly need our strength when we arrive at our destination.”

Taylor agreed with her. He wasn’t going to fight about it. They strolled off the bridge together.

“I know you didn’t want to tread this path, Mitch. But you should know I would never have chosen it if I thought there was a better way.”

“I appreciate that. It just seems that whatever happens, we are always thrown in the shit. Isn’t it about time we were laid up to rest, and others took on the work?”

“We aren’t the only unit on this mission. The fleet is packed with soldiers and marines.”

“Mmm,” Taylor muttered, thinking about the most recent troops to join them. They had both been ducking Suarez since he had returned. “You know this Grey-Suarez situation needs to be resolved?”

Chandra sighed at the very thought of it.

“Follow me. Let’s get this over and done with.”

She carried on to the elevator, lifting her Mappad to check the unit schedules. She quickly learnt that Grey and his Company were carrying out hull breach drills. She hit the button in the elevator and stood silently. They rapidly descended to the Lieutenant’s level. When the doors opened, she stormed out at a quick pace with Taylor in tow. As they took a bend, they could see Grey up ahead. He stopped his unit and called them to attention.

“Lieutenant Grey! In recognition of your fine services during the assault on the space gateway, for your continued fine service, and under several recommendations, I am hereby giving you a field promotion to Captain. Your papers will be put in order on our return home, and your pips will be delivered to your quarters with the hour.”

The British former Staff Sergeant was flabbergasted.

“Well, what have you to say for yourself?” prompted Taylor.

“Thank you, Ma’am.”

“Carry on, Captain.”

She turned and strode quickly back to the elevator, leaving Grey still motionless and shocked by his abrupt promotion. When the doors of the elevator closed, Taylor finally spoke up.

“That wasn’t exactly…by the book.”

“What in this war is?” she replied.

“Oh, I hear you. It’s a band-aid fix to the Suarez issue. The fact you promoted one of your NCOs over him will probably just piss him off further.”

“Probably, but I’d rather have him pissed off than hounding me. I can promote whom I bloody well choose, and I just as rather Suarez had stayed at home. How you ever tolerated him, I will never know.”

“You can’t choose every officer in your command.”

“More’s the pity. I am sick of dealing with morons, cowards and idiots.”

Taylor was taken aback by her sudden outburst, but he didn’t want to pursue it any further. He had gotten himself into enough trouble in the past as it was.

“How about getting that rest?” he asked.

He could see the weary look in her eyes. They both knew a battle was coming, and neither of them wanted to go into it already fatigued. Taylor barely remembered much from this point on. He stumbled into his quarters and had just enough time to strip off his exoskeleton suit before dropping into bed with his uniform still on.

Fourteen hours later, he awakened and looked in shock at his watch. It was more sleep than he’d gotten in years, and it was an odd sensation to arise naturally. But within just a few minutes of sitting up, a warning alert blared out from the speaker in the corner of the room. A voice was calling him to the bridge.

“This is finally it.”

The Major hauled on his equipment and rushed to Admiral Huber’s side. He entered the bridge to find Chandra already there, and she didn’t have the recently awoken look he sported.

“Did we wake you, Major?” she asked with a smile.

He looked out to the display screen to see a zoomed in picture of the planet they approached. It was a reddish-orange and appeared dry and rocky. The surface looked jagged and bombarded with space debris, but amongst it all, he could make out the uniformed structures of buildings created by intelligent beings.

“Have your alien friends join us. They may be of help,” ordered Huber.

They all stood and marvelled at the display, trying to imagine how it would look and feel to stand on an alien world. They didn’t have the technology to scan for much in the way of useful information at such a distance, but they could still peer at it through their ship’s telescopes.

Jafar and Tsengal stepped in, and it was clear they had been standing guard outside. They stood and stared for a moment, the same as the rest present.

“What can you tell us about this planet?” asked Huber.

“It is Krycenaean, but not a world we have ever seen.”

Huber turned in surprise. The prospect of not recognising a planet inhabited by your people was truly an unknown concept to the humans, but he could see in their faces, they did not lie. He stayed silent and let them continue to investigate what they could see. Finally Tsengal spoke.

“Neither of us have ever travelled to this world, but it certainly is not an important colony.”

“Not important in terms of life or resources, or what?” asked Chandra.

“I could not say. Only that we have never encountered it.”

Taylor looked to Chandra with the same curious expression Huber displayed. They all wondered if the planet was of little importance to the alien race, or of great importance and kept a secret.

“Whatever it is, we’re heading right for it. If we are going make any progress in this star system, we need to gain some ground.”

“I’m just not sure what is worth fighting for down there,” replied Taylor, looking at the barren landscape.

Huge caverns divided rocky outcrops on a dry scarred surface. As much as they were all curious to set foot on it, the planet looked far from hospitable.

“Would a planet such as that have any kind of defences? What about troops?” asked Huber.

Jafar shrugged his shoulders.

“Never having been there, I do not know.”

“Then I guess we’re going in blind.”

They caught glimpses of movement from the planet and watched as entrances opened on the surface. Small craft poured out towards them.

“I guess we have our answer. Launch fighters! Alert Admiral Uxbridge that we have made contact with the enemy!”

He turned back to Chandra.

“Have your unit ready to go. I don’t think we’ll have too much trouble with this lot, and I don’t want any delay in reaching the surface. Be ready to embark at a moment’s notice.”

Taylor’s eyebrows raised at the dismissive nature of the forces opposing them, and he only hoped Huber’s confidence was founded in fact. Chandra grabbed his arm and led him from the bridge.

“Stay near a comms unit in case we have need of you!” Huber shouted as they left.

The two of them rushed to the armouries. Jafar and Tsengal were close behind.

“Make sure to load re-supply crates aboard all ships and copters. I’ll be damned if we’re going to an alien planet without enough ammunition,” Chandra shouted.

“Still think it’s such a good idea? I mean we won on our own soil, but fighting over the enemy’s own territory is a completely different story.”

“Yes, it is a different story. We’ll give them a taste of the pain and suffering they brought to our world. These creatures are not as all powerful as they believe themselves to be. Their technological advances are quickly being matched, and they cannot withstand the adaptability and will to survive of the human race.”

They arrived at the Deveron’s docking area to find Jones had already assembled the Battalion. It half filled the vast facility. Ryan and his crew were formed up behind them and wearing much of the same equipment.

“Thank you, Captain. At ease!”

She strolled quickly to the centre of the formed up troops.

“Up ahead is an enemy planet. We don’t know what it’s called, and we don’t know what is there. It appears to be a small colony on the fringe of the star system we know as Tau Ceti. It may or may not have strategic value. We are all going into this blind. What I can say for sure is that it’s high time we pushed them back, and it’s time they were made to suffer. Inter-Allied are to be feared by all our enemies. This is our time!”

Cheers rang out, but they quickly went silent as all were unsettled by the uncertainty they faced. The Colonel paced along the line, and she could feel her pulse increase. It was the only thing that would calm her. Just a few minutes later, they heard the ship’s guns open fire.

“Listen to it. That is the sound of payback. Remember when we first faced them two years ago. Remember how scared you were when they rolled into our lands, all guns blazing. That is how they’ll be feeling today, and when they run, we’ll chase them!”

Taylor didn’t much care for Chandra’s bloodlust, but he could understand how it was useful to settle the troops and get them in the right mindset. He looked to Chandra, and she smiled back in response. So close to combat, their own squabbles seemed to melt away, and they both wished they had not wasted such time on them. Eli would never be happy with aliens within their ranks, but she knew she had no say in it. An enemy pulse crashed into the Washington on a floor above them, causing a breach. Blast doors shut down near the entrance to the docking facility as emergency beacons flashed.

“We must be close now!” Chandra shouted out.

She hoped Huber’s confidence was founded, and that they were still on track, but the honest truth was she wasn’t convinced. Taylor leaned in over her shoulder as she paced past him.

“Think we can make it to that planet?” he asked.

She shrugged her shoulders.

“I bloody well hope so.”

They listened for fifteen minutes and stood patiently as the combat raged around them. They could all tell the engines were still roaring and driving them forward to the enemy planet. They took it to be a good sign, but none were sure.

Damn waiting game, Taylor thought.

Finally, a light repeater flashed on a wired comms line on the wall beside where the Colonel stood. She hit the accept button.

“Colonel Chandra?” It was Huber.

“Yes, Sir.”

“We’ve all but cleared ‘em out. Load up and begin a countdown. You lift off in five minutes.”

“Affirmative, Sir.”

She turned around and quickly barked the orders.

“Go, go, go!”