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Author's infos Gender: Male Age: 53 Location: Las Vegas, Nv |
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| Introduction: Our Flight to Asteria and back | ||
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As we broke orbit and I put us in the grove I sighed, “Keep the shields at full power.” Silvia chuckled, “Not taking chances?” I glanced at Michelle, “No, go get some sleep Cadet.” I looked back at Tinker, “One of you can crash and as soon as George and Brit give us the word you are both off.” I checked my readout and brought up the ships long range scan display. Michelle hesitated behind my seat, “You aren’t just a pilot are you?” I grinned to myself as Tinker chuckled. I glanced back, “One day I may tell you about it but not now. Go eat and get some sleep.” She was in the back of the command deck with Silvia when Peaches cleared her throat. I shivered, “Peaches, how many times do I have to tell you to just talk.” “It is polite to let someone know before you begin speaking.” Tinker laughed and I smiled, “Okay you want to talk to me. What’s up?” “Albert sent a reply.” I glanced back to see Tinker with a raised eyebrow. I shrugged, “Go ahead and play it.” “Glad you finally remember us Jason. Molly said next time you take this long she is going to kick your ass around the salle…” “That’s the Emperor’s voice!” I glanced back at the shocked face of Michelle and smiled, “Keep going Peaches.” “I believe Samuel has been impressed with the need to remain with his bodyguard and not race in one of his modified hover cars. Molly did a good job of soothing the bruises after Sister Shadow was done going over those points with him…” I laughed and heard Tinker chuckle, “As for Constance, she was really proud you noticed and wanted to send you a private message so Peaches should have it for later. As for the Nelson… Dragon Intel is going crazy trying to find out how they missed it in the archives. If you have to use it, let us know how it works.” Albert chuckled and I heard Molly from what sounded like across the room, “Ask him if his Cadet is pretty?” Molly wants to know if your Cadet is pretty…” I turned to look at Michelle, “What do you think Tinker?” He looked back at a blushing Michelle and Silvia shook her head, “Be nice Jason.” I grinned checked my readout, “Keep going Peaches.” “I heard about your fun with the general by the way. It sounds like you took him to the cleaners and if half the things you got work as well as I think they will I wouldn’t mind a ride some day. On a more serious note, Dragon Intel have been hearing whispers from Saras. They think someone is going to try breaking away from the Empire. If you hear or see anything let us know.” “As for your bag… I had Top Sergeant Henry check and repack it for you. I sent it on a dispatch courier so you should get it in two or three weeks at the latest. Molly said to tell you Cousin George is at Alpha Central. I believe she was the one that got the field commission and took over a recon platoon, it’s hard to keep track of your family.” “Oh, we had dinner with your mother last week. She was insystem for a short rest break. She said your brother made first officer and the Marines have your sister on some covert mission…” “I’m sending you a platoon of Silver Dragons. Their from Griffin Company so that should shake things up. I also sent a private note to Duke Grey but I’ll leave the military command up to you. You probably remember Wayne much clearer than I do so you know what to look for…” “Jason, be carefully. Molly and I expect to stand for your wedding if a woman ever manages to catch you.” “End of message Jason. Do you want to hear the massage from Constance.” I smiled to myself, “Sure.” “Cousin Jason thanks for remembering me. Mom said you wouldn’t forget. I… This is private only for you, top secret Dragon Scales and everything…” I looked at Peaches, “Pause message Peaches.” I looked at everybody, “Disappear.” Tinker grinned as he slid out of his seat. Silvia took his hand, “Do I need to leave out a do not disturb sign?” I waved, “Take him to bed Silvia.” I looked at Michelle and she kept looking at me. She glanced at the door as Silvia and Tinker closed it and then she looked back, “Constance is the Emperor’s daughter.” I nodded and she frowned, “She called you her cousin but he… the Emperor didn’t sound… well, not completely…” She took a breath, “Who are you?” I smiled, “Peaches?” “Yes Jason.” I looked at Michelle, “Give Ms Grey my full Identity.” “Ms Grey, Jason is Colonel Jason Drake. Imperial Dragon, code name Crimson Dragon and Emperor’s champion.” Michelle was looking at me with wide eyes, “but… but you’re…” I nodded, “Disappointing.” She grinned and then shook her head, “No.” I nodded towards her quarters, “I need to listen to Constance’s message.” She grinned and headed into her quarters. I waited and then checked my readouts, “Okay Peaches, play the messages.” “Jason I met a boy… he’s Duke Thomas’s second son. He’s like, really cute and I really like him. I… do you think it would be okay if we… you know, had sex?” “I did some checking… you remember Uncle Felix? He did some checking for me and he said Joey looks like a keeper. Let me know as soon as you can please.” “End message Jason.” I sat there thinking and finally looked at Peaches, “When was the message sent.” “Twelve hours ago.” I nodded, “Fire up the star comm. Peaches. Crimson Dragon priority, Emperor’s ears only.” A minute later, “Go ahead Jason.” I took a breath, “Albert, I need to speak to Molly alone without anyone’s ears, even yours.” There was a pause and then Albert’s voice came through, “Give me a moment Jason.” I waited thinking about what I needed to say. “Go ahead Jason, I’m alone.” I sighed, “Just listen Molly. Constance is thinking about a boy.” I waited for the reply and heard Molly laugh, “We know that. She’s been trying to be sneaky but you know how hard that is.” I nodded, “We talked about this when she was younger. It’s time you had the talk with her and changed her primary guard to Mother Steel.” There was a longer then normal pause and then, “Are you sure Jason?” I nodded to myself, “She asked Molly. You need to be her friend and confidant now and help her prepare.” After the pause I heard Molly sigh, “Now I know how my mother felt. Okay Jason.” I glanced back, “Discomm and prepare another message to Constance. Crimson Dragon channel, top priority.” “Go ahead Jason.” I took a breath, “Constance my little angel, I have waited a long time for you to ask me something like that. To ask that question means you have asked it of yourself. This time I can’t stay silent. I have talked to your mother in private because we have prepared for this. You are a beautiful young woman and your mother is going to help you.” “Think of her as your special confidant. She is going to help you prepare to have sex and she will have your primary guard changed to a woman called Mother Steel. Don’t even think of sneaking off to be with your young man. Talk to your mother and Mother Steel, they will arrange it so the two of you can be together and if you… You angel. If you decide to do it, they will protect your secret.” “This is a Drake family secret Constance, trust me and trust your mom. I can’t begin to tell you how much I wish I were there for you, but you have made me very proud. I love you Constance.” I sighed, “End message Peaches.” “Message ended and… sent.” I sat back and just scanned the readout. It was eight hours before George poked his head onto the command deck. He came in and sat in the jump seat behind me, “How’s it look skipper?” I glanced back and grinned, “Everything is still in the green.” He smiled, “About Brit.” I grinned, “She seemed competent.” He laughed, “She is that. It’s personal with us though.” I looked at his red face and smiled, “It’s about time Top.” He relaxed with a sigh, “I think she is the one Skipper.” I glanced at him, “How much does she know?” He grinned, “She was recon, what she doesn’t know, she guesses.” I nodded, “Than sit her down and tell her.” He sighed, “Sometimes that either scares them or makes them change the way they…” I laughed, “George, if she was recon long enough that it sticks. She isn’t going to be scared or get a case of hero worship.” He was quiet and then stood, “I think I will go wake her up and have a talk.” I cleared my throat and he looked at me. I grinned, “Be carefully waking her. Recon have nasty habits if you wake them up the wrong way.” He grinned and a moment later it was quiet again. Not surprisingly Michelle was the first one up. She came out yawning and stretching. I grinned and sipped the fresh cup of tea I had made. She sat in the seat behind me with a cup of coffee. It was a quiet half hour before Silvia and Tinker appeared. Silvia looked wide awake and Tinker… well, he looked rested but had a pleased expression that he seldom wore. I had to smile at Silvia and shake my head as she slipped into her seat. I looked at Michelle, “Time for a test Cadet. Climb into your seat. You will be flying a sim of a shuttle flight gone wrong.” I glanced at Silvia, “Would you mind being her engineer?” She smiled and turned to flip a couple of switches, “Okay Michelle it’s you and me against Jason’s sim.” Michelle had slipped into her seat and was waiting, she grinned back at Silvia. I had already downloaded the flight data to do the sim and paused, “Your call sign is Green Two. You have a logged flight path to Beta Seven from an insystem personal transport.” She nodded as she slipped the sim helmet on. I started the sim and slid my seat back and stood to stretch. “Ship’s your Tinker.” He grinned, “How many times do you think she’ll do it?” I grinned, “Until she gets to tired to think clearly. When she stops, have her eat and then run her through some sims with the 20MM.” He nodded and I headed to my tiny quarters and bed. My eyes snapped open at the light tap on my door, “come in.” The door slid aside as my feet hit the deck. Tinker smiled from the doorway, “You’re getting old, you’ve slept for eight hours.” I glanced at my wall clock and sighed as I stood and reached out to open the tiny shower, “How did she do?” While I showered Tinker laughed and told me about each run Michelle and Silvia made trying to repeat our landing in the shuttle. When I came out Silvia looked thoughtful and Michelle looked a little worn around the edges. I ate and she kept looking at me. She finally shifted and cleared her throat. I glanced at her and she looked back, “Tinker said it could be done but I don’t see how.” I grinned, “The proof is that you are here and Tinker and I are here and our old shuttle is probably still sitting on the pad I left her on.” She blinked and looked at Silvia, “So this was a real flight and not a sim you made up.” I headed for my seat, “It was real. You won’t like the ones I make up either.” I glanced back, “think about the five directions available in space and everything the ship is capable of doing. Don’t think in terms of a ship or flying but what they can do and what systems they use to do it with.” It was a week before Michelle final landed the shuttle. She and Silvia were both ecstatic and Tinker pulled Silvia into her quarters to… celebrate. Michelle was sitting in the second seat happily checking the readout. For the last four days I had watched a shadow on the very edge on our scan. I thought it was a low powered recon drone that was trying to keep us marked. We were a day out from Asteria, the long range scan display flashed as an update was added. One look was enough for me to start adjusting my controls, “Cadet sound GQ!” She looked at me for a second and then quickly slapped the red button on her console. I glanced at Peaches as Tinker scrambled out the door and into his seat, “Run the scan ID Peaches.” I looked at Tinker as Silvia slid into her seat reaching for her panels, “We have a destroyer closing from the stern. It’s running without a transponder and…” I glanced at my readout, “And it just started jamming us.” “It isn’t registered with the fleet Jason.” I looked at Tinker as his hands adjusted the shields. I took a breath, “It looks like the weapons were a good idea.” I did a quick check as Silvia gasped, “I have active targeting scans.” I flipped the ship and opened the rail gun bay. The twin turret lock as it was extended into place. I had been adjusting the passive targeting and went active. It took a few long seconds for the system to lock and I fired, “Time to impact?” Tinker grunted, “twenty seconds. I’m still running the scan jammer and the counter measures seem to be working.” Michelle was white faced and I was ready to fire again when suddenly the whole area where the destroyer had been because a chaotic mass of tiny debris from an expanding ball of a double anti matter explosion. I checked my scan display and flipped the ship, “Clear from GQ.” I checked the shadow on my display and it still ghosted along. I looked at Michelle, “Do you see the ghost on the scan display?” She nodded jerkily, “Yes.” I smiled thinly, “The ship is yours. Destroy the ghost using the 20MM.” She looked at me wide eyed, “But…” I looked at her, “It’s an unmanned recon drone.” She swallowed and took a second and then she was confident as her hand flicked over the controls. She glanced at Tinker, “Keep the counter measures going.” He only nodded but she had already turned back and spun the ship sideways. I watched her adjust the targeting system before going active and then she fired. She looked like she was going to fire again but her hand stilled before she did, “Time to impact Tinker?” Tinker grunted, “ten seconds.” Right on time the ghost seemed to flicker and then disappeared. I nodded as Michelle spun the ship and retracted the large rail guns back into their bay. She readjusted the controls back to what they should be and sat back. I nodded and leaned back, “Peaches?” “Yes Jason?” I glanced at Tinker, “time to send some messages. Use the standard Dragon information channel. First one goes to Dragon command intel unit. Let them know we encounter and were targeted by an unregistered destroyer and we destroyed it. Second one to Fleet Command, same message. Third to System fleet command, Admiral’s attention needed. An unregistered destroyer has targeted an insystem cargo transport and has been destroyed. Fourth to Gamma station, an unregistered destroyer has been destroyed insystem. It is unknown if there are any others. Last one is to Albert’s desk, I was forced to destroy an unregistered destroyer targeting us a day out from Asteria. Have Dragon inspectors check the fleet yards. Send them Peaches.” “Sending them now.” I relaxed and looked at Michelle, “I have her, you can take a break.” I began our deceleration and even though it was over, everyone was still tense. I checked our supply list and opened the ships comm. to the Cargo office, “George?” Brit laughed as she opened the comm. “He’s busy.” I laughed and glanced at Tinker and Silvia. They were grinning and looking at each other. “You’ll do Brit. Make a note to fill our water tanks when we finish unloading on Asteria.” She laughed, “Will do.” I closed the comm. and looked at Michelle who was a little red faced. I grinned, “Not much else to do on long hauls like these.” She blushed even more and started running more checks. The Asteria control dispatcher seemed abrupt and even rude as he directed us into our docking area. After shutting everything down while George and Brit sealed the cargo transport tubes I nodded to Tinker, “I’ll go speak with Admiral Jones.” He nodded and glanced at Michelle. I shook my head, “She’s coming with me.” I looked at Michelle and used the nick name Silvia had given her, “Come along Kitten.” She looked up and then grinned as she stood to follow me. When I walked into the large cargo bay the cargo handlers scowled at us. It was almost like they were angry at us for something. I led Michelle across the huge bay and through an airlock. The hallway beyond was packed with workers that shut up as soon as they saw us. When I asked for directions to an express elevator it was ignored and the guy just walked away. I watched him and finally nodded and turned to head down the hallway. When I stepped into the station control room a large man wearing a low slung pistol stepped in front of me, “This is a restricted area and you are not authorized to wear a weapon on the station.” He was holding his hand out as if he expected me to just hand my pistol over. My left hand came across and grabbed. I pulled, twisted and jerked as I pulled my Mark V and put it again his forehead, “My Name is Jason Drake. You can call me Colonel Drake.” I looked around the room as everyone looked back, even Admiral Jones. “Not only am I authorized to wear this weapon anywhere I want, but I am authorized to go wherever I want. Now, Fleet regulations prohibit civilians from wearing weapons in any control room. So tell me, who let you wear your weapon in here?” Admiral Jones was walking towards me looking angry, “I did!” I released his hand and reached down to pull his pistol and dropped it on the floor. I stepped back and faced the Admiral, “In that case Admiral you are relieved of all duties as of right now.” His face went white, “You don’t…” A young looking Lieutenant stood up, “He out ranks you!” I smiled but kept looking at the Admiral, “Asteria AI, this is Crimson Dragon do you recognize me?” The room was quiet as the AI spoke, “I recognize you Colonel.” I stepped closer to the Admiral, “On my authority you are to execute Dragon override, Imperial code Dragon Claws.” “I understand Colonel.” I looked around, “Just so you all understand what that means, I will explain. Every record, every recording, every detail of this station is now frozen. A platoon of Silver Dragons are on their way to this system. You are Imperial citizens and the Emperor has no intention of allowing a revolt…” The Lieutenant snorted, “We have something for the emperor!” I pointed my Mark V straight at his head, “Did you just threaten the Emperor in my presence?” He went pale but didn’t answer. I nodded, “Asteria AI you are to strip this Lieutenant of all rank and privileges.” “Cause?” I smiled, “Violating his oath to the empire and emperor and threatening the emperor.” “Confirmed.” I gestured to the door, “Get out.” I looked at the Admiral, “I should just shoot you now. You will report to the dispatch ship and proceed to system command. When you arrive you will present yourself to the Emperor’s Fleet counsel to face charges of violating control room security and possibly treason.” He hesitated and I gestured to the door, “Don’t stop along the way, no comm. will except your signal.” He turned on his heel and marched out without saying anything. I looked around the room, “Asteria AI you will assume control of all traffic to and from the station. Send all reports from, to or about Admiral Jones to the Fleet Adjutant along with my charge sheet.” I turned and walked out, “So much for being discreet.” Michelle snorted, “You should just wear your uniform.” I glanced at her, “Now that was mean.” She grinned and followed close behind me. At the airlock were a couple of dozen arguing miners. When they saw us they went silent. I shook my head, “Let me get this straight, you miners want to break away from the empire.” There was a growl of consent. I looked into their faces, “You know it means everything you get from the empire stops. The food, the liquor, the spare parts and even the specialty items. Even the broadcast shows. It all stops and the only thing you get is what is in the system already.” They were looking at each other and one cleared his throat, “What about all the taxes we pay!” I grinned, “You mean the same ones I have to pay?” They looked at each other and I gestured to the airlock, “How long before the cargo ships stop running because they don’t have parts to fix something? Who are you going to blame then?” They looked at each other and then at the floor. I sighed, “Men, the emperor listens to every grip you make. I know because I stood at his shoulder for sixteen years watching him do it. Go home or go back to work and stay out of this mess. Right here, right now, I am giving you a chance to go back to being just a working man.” They looked at each other and slowly started breaking up. When I got back onboard the ship, George and Brit were pissed. Brit glanced at George before looking at me, “They said they don’t have any water to spare or rations!” I nodded, “We should have enough of both to get us back. Just keep an eye on the water level. Let me know when they finish unloading.” George laughed, “As much bitching as they did, they were more than willing to unload their supplies.” I nodded, “Let Tinker or Silvia know when each cargo bay is emptied and open it to vacuum.” George and Brit both grinned. It was two days before they were finished unloading and we had been informed coldly that they didn’t have anything for us to take back. I drifted away from the docks on jets after Tinker and Silvia had scanned the hull for mines or anything else someone might have attached, “Asreia AI this is Cowboy’s Dream leaving dock.” “Copy Cowboy’s Dream.” I glanced at Michelle, “The ship is yours Kitten.” She looked at me suddenly as I just sat back and crossed my arms. She looked at her readout and started a slow spin before opening the engines up. A small correction a minute later and she was on course, “Asteria AI this is Cowboy’s Dream, passing your guide markers on a course for Saras.” “Copy Cowboy’s Dream.” It was a full day before we reached cruising speed and Tinker and Silvia disappeared into her quarters. Michelle looked at me and bit her lip, “Can I ask you something Jason?” I smiled as I checked everything, “You can ask Kitten.” She grinned, “That doesn’t mean you’ll answer, I know.” She took a breath and turned in her seat, “Do you like me?” I looked at her, “In what way Kitten?” She blushed, “As a woman.” I laughed, “Kitten, I would have to be blind and dead not to like looking at you.” She blushed even more, “I meant…” She took a breath, “Would you have sex with me?” I smiled as I absently checked the scan display, “Well, now that is a question that deserves thought.” I looked at her, “I made a promise Kitten, a long time ago. Basically it means I would have to be intimate with a woman for a little while before we ever had sex. It is a way to keep from being hurt by women that only want the hero or legend.” She looked back at me and frowned before nodding, “That makes sense but what do you mean by intimate?” I smiled and relaxed, “Sleeping together. Showering, eating, things like that. I think Tinker called it country courting.” Michelle grinned, “Tinker has never been in the country.” I grinned back and glanced back at Silvia’s closed door, “Tinker was born and raised on a mining platform.” George stuck his head in the door, “Any chance I can get some left seat time in?” I smiled, “What about Brit?” He opened the door wider to show her standing beside him. I slid the seat back, “In that case the ship is yours.” I looked at Michelle, “Come with me Kitten.” I led her into my tiny room and closed the door. I took the weapon belt off and hung it up before pulling her onto the bed and against my side, “Now Kitten, tell me why you want sex with an old man like me…” It was almost eight hours before Tinker tapped on the door and peeked in. He looked at me with one of his silly grins, “Silvia is making dinner if you and Kitten are finished.” I looked at Michelle’s sleepy eyes as she blinked and looked back at him, “We’ll be out in a couple of minutes.” I smiled and caressed Michelle’s cheek, “Feel better now that you got all that out?” She grinned, “Yeah, but now I’m frustrated in another way.” I looked into her eyes and kissed her softly before moving over her and getting out of bed. It was a long week filled with tempting thoughts. A half day out I settled down in the command seat with Michelle already running a sim. Silvia cleared her throat and I noticed the power to the sim shut down. I glanced at Silvia and she just ignored me as Michelle lifted the helmet off her head. She glanced at Silvia as she got up and headed into Tinker’s quarters. I smiled, “Conspiring Kitten?” She grinned as she reached for my hand, “I think it is time we move to the taking shower stage.” I grinned, “George and Brit say we have enough water but the showers are kind of small.” She shook her head, “We can take a shuttle down and get a proper one.” She looked at me and then laughed kind of throatily, “I intend to marry you Jason Drake.” I looked at her and then laughed, “I knew that Kitten.” I glanced back, “Peaches?” “Yes Jason?” I looked at Michelle, “I need a star comm. link to Albert and Molly full audio and visual. Priority is Crimson Dragon personal.” “One second Jason” A few moments later, “Link is up now Jason” Between Michelle and me a holograph appeared. I smiled at the image of Albert and another of Molly from what looked like another room. I gestured to Michelle, “I want you to met Michelle Elizabeth Grey or Kitten as we have taken to calling her. She has just informed me in no uncertain terms that she intends to marry me.” Molly’s eyes widened as Albert grinned. Molly leaned forward, “We’ll contact your mom and the others. We should be able to be there in three weeks…” I leaned forward, “No!” Molly blinked and looked at me, “But…” I shook my head, “This system is not safe. If Gold Dragon hasn’t labeled it a Dragon Hazard tell her I said to do it now.” Albert glanced aside as a slim platinum haired woman that I recognized as Sister Shadow leaned into the holo pickup, “She had it on the tenetive side. What are your recommendations?” I looked at Albert, “Reassign all senior Fleet and Marine officers and give them a truth scan. Send in the Fleet SAS and a fresh Brigade of Battle Marines. Albert, pick out a few of the complaint letters and send them a personal note in reply. Use the Dragon starship and bring in the entire Silver regiment with a Dragon carrier and battleship. Then you send Samuel… or Constance, for a public meet and greet.” Albert was looking at Molly who was looking thoughtful. She glanced aside, “What do you think Tony?” I couldn’t see him but had to smile. Tony was the shortest marine to ever make Dragon and he was fiercely loyal to Molly, “Not Samuel, even with everything he wants in the system that would be tempting fate…” Molly nodded and looked at Albert, “That means Constance.” Albert frowned, “She’s never been out on her own…” Molly laughed, “She travels with a whole company of trained killers that she has twisted around her little finger and the whole regiment of silver demons is going to be there not to mention Jason and the Tinker.” Molly looked at me, “You aren’t going to distract me Jason. You made me wear that damn white virginal gown for our wedding…” I grinned and held up my hand, “Okay Molly, but wait until the dust settles.” She nodded and then looked at Michelle, “Kitten, I am impressed. You have no idea how many women have tried to…” The flash of our scan display made me glance away. “GQ Now Kitten!” I glanced back as my fingers danced over my display, “Peaches, I need an ID check on the three ships that lit us up.” I turned back as Tinker and Silvia scramble out their door and slid into their seats. I was opening the weapon bays and bringing them on line as Michelle brought all the plants online, “I need counter measures Tinker. Silvia, prep the Nelson.” I looked at Michelle, “Target the cruiser. Use the hyper missiles.” I checked my readout ignoring Albert and Molly’s tense bodies. “Going active on the scans.” “All three ships are unregistered Jason.” Michelle absently fired and I grinned as I fired several times at one of the destroyers, “They have their combat shields up Kitten, fire a second missile.” I fired again and switched to the last Destroyer and fired three times rapidly, “We need the Nelson Silvia.” Tinker cussed, “They burned through. The cruiser just launched.” I shook my head as Michelle glanced at me after firing again, “Switch to the 20MM Kitten.” I started flipping the ship as the Nelson came online, “Decoys Tinker.” It was a moment before the warships began exploding and Michelle fired one long burst from the caltrop. I blinked and looked at a surprised Michelle and Tinker laughed, “Damn Kitten.” I glanced in the display to see no ships. “Status?” Silvia cleared her throat, “The Nelson sucks power like a bitch in heat, but its plants are holding. The power grid is down forty percent but still green and already recharging slowly.” Tinker snorted, “Shields at full power. We lost the two decoys of course, but I have the backups coming online.” Michelle was flipping through her displays quickly, “Launchers are coming back to full charge and have been reloaded. The secondary magazine for the caltrop just locked into place.” I flipped the ship, “The main rails are still reloading their magazines and the scans are clear. Shut down the GQ Kitten.” I glanced back at Silvia, “You can shut the Nelson down.” I looked into the holograph with a white faced Albert and Molly now holding each other. “Albert, I can see one destroyer slipping through the cracks. Three Tiger class destroyers and an Anderson class Light Cruiser are not acceptable. I would recommend Alex take a look with a company of Force Recon to back him.” He nodded, “If four managed to make it there, it means at least one starship is involved.” I nodded and took a breath as the deck hatch opened and George stepped in, “What the hell was that about?” I looked at Albert, “They aren’t aiming at Kitten anymore, their hunting Dragons.” Everyone was quiet as I continued to look at Albert, “You know how I feel about someone hunting Dragons.” He nodded and looked aside, “Blade, tell Nightshade to start planning an Imperial Family trip to Saras. Tell her I said every Dragon goes. I want Silver there in two weeks to prep our arrival and I want Fleet Security and the Adjutant investigators with them. I want the Imperial Force Recon Battalion and Third Battle Brigade and Fleet SAS there within three weeks. First and Fifth Battle Brigade will travel with Gold. I want the entire Dragon Fleet there by the time we arrive. Have her tell Admiral Tiao to have the shipyards frozen, no one in, no one out. Send him Alex and that young woman he has been grooming to find out who has been making warship to kill my people.” Albert looked at me, “We will be arriving in one month.” I nodded and glanced at Kitten, “It looks like you get that shower after all Kitten.” Molly grinned and Albert snorted, “Just don’t drown him Kitten.” Everyone laughed especially Tinker. Albert glanced around at all of us, “You watch yourselves.” The holograph shut down and there was almost a sigh that went around the room. I glanced around, “George, you and Brit make a list of supplies including replacement decoys, missiles, 100MM anti matter rail rounds and 20MM caltrop ammo. Silvia, I need a complete report on the Nelson and the two plants that fed it. Tinker, run a diagnostic check on the four fusion plants and check the ship power plants and the shield generators. Kitten, do a diagnostic check on the launcher and both the rail guns.” I turned and checked the scan and then began my own diagnostics. When I finished, I flipped the ship and began the deceleration for orbit. I relaxed and finally turned my seat to listen to everyone’s report. We were approaching the outer orbital marker when I opened the comm. “Saras orbital control, this is Cowboy’s dream.” There was a slight pause, “Cowboy’s Dream, this is Saras orbital control. Beta Seven Command has issued a Fleet Command for your ship to land at Beta Seven.” I sat back thinking and Tinker cleared his throat, “If we are on the surface it will make things a lot easier.” I glanced at him, “No, it makes us a lot easier to kill.” I shook my head, “I guess it is time General White and I had a talk.” I opened the comm. as I started plotting a decel course, “Saras orbital control, this is Cowboy’s Dream. I am sending an updated decel plot for entry.” Tinker laughed and I looked back to see him grinning, “At least we have Kitten on board this time.” I shook my head, “And Dragon hunters in the grass.” He growled, “How many times do I have to tell you not to curse us.” I changed course and settled firmly in the seat, “Silvia, start running checks on the anti grav. Tinker, keep the shield at full power. Kitten, man the caltrop and watch our back trail.” I opened the ship intercom, “George, you and Brit come to the command deck and take the jump seats.” I fed more power to the main engines and began the braking to slow us before we hit atmosphere. It was an hour before I changed course and opened the comm. “Beta Seven control, this is Cowboy’s Dream. We are making atmosphere entry on an eastern approach.” “Copy Cowboy’s Dream, recontact after breakthrough.” I did another check of my readouts as we began entry and the shield flared. Silvia shifted and adjusted some controls while Tinker adjusted power feeds to the shield. A couple of minutes later the flare on the shield disappeared, “Breakthrough.” I opened the comm. “Beta Seven control, this is Cowboy’s Dream. We have breakthrough. Descending to thirty thousand, changing course to zero nine zero and slowing to one thousand.” “Cowboy’s Dream, this is Beta Seven control. Copy the descent and speed, change course to zero four five.” I glanced back at Tinker and then looked at Michelle, “Bring the caltrop online.” I continued down and changed course. I brought the anti grav up to help slow us and leveled out, “Tinker, this is not good. Keep the shield at full power.” I kept watching the Beta Seven’s coordinates and nodded to myself, “It looks like someone wants us coming in from the north.” Tinker snorted, “If you have to, just put us down in the trees.” I glanced back and then looked at Michelle, “Kitten will protect you Tinker.” Everyone laughed and seemed to relax before the comm. came to life, “Cowboy’s Dream, this is Beta Seven control. Change course to one eight zero and descend to five thousand.” I started turning the big ship and began a slow descent. I leveled out as the forward display picked up the outer marker, “Beta Seven control this is Cowboy’s Dream, approaching the outer marker.” Michelle jerked and slammed her hand down on the GQ, “Three sting ships behind us just went to active targeting.” I opened the comm. “Cowboy’s Dream under attack by three unknown sting ships!” “Cowboy’s Dream we don’t have the sting ships on scan.” Tinker was working on his panels, “Tie the two Nelson plants into the power grid.” I ignored the comm. and watched the display as Michelle fired and switched target. The first sting ship exploded but the other two fired missiles. Michelle was calm as she fired a tiny burst and one of the missiles disappeared in a huge anti matter explosion. The second exploded on our shield. The ship shuddered and shook violently and I watched the shield drop to forty percent, “Tinker…” Tinker growled, “Shut up and fly.” Michelle fired at another sting ship and it exploded in a huge ball of flame, but the third ship fired another missile. A glance showed the shields already back to seventy percent. Michelle fired and the missile exploded ten kilometers short of our shield. We were still rocked and tossed around by the explosion but Michelle had already turned to the last ship and fired almost absently. It exploded and the command deck was silent until Brit leaned forward, “I think you gave Kitten the wrong nick name.” Everyone chuckled and I glanced at Michelle, “She does seem to have the knack.” Michelle grinned but kept working on her readout. I looked back at Tinker and Silvia, “Status?” Silvia grinned, “Those extra plants worked really well. We’re only down thirty five percent but the system should be back to full power in a minute.” Tinker shook his head, “Stealing all those newer parts paid off. The shields are back to full power and holding. Initial diagnostics show no damage.” I glanced at Michelle as we approached the inner marker and opened the comm. “Beta Seven, this is Cowboy’s Dream at the inner marker. The three sting ships are down.” “You son of a bitch! Those were marines on a training flight!” I shook my head and started to answer when the scan flared red and Michelle jerked. Her hands flicked and then she fire and then fired again. I stared into the scan display as the ship was rocked and tossed around by the explosion of two anti matter missiles. Everything was silent and I adjusted course, “Tinker I think you owe Kitten an apology.” George laughed and Silvia chuckled. Tinker grumbled and then laughed, “This time she was our good luck piece skipper.” I slowed for our final approach, putting more on the ships anti grav. I picked out an insystem pad before bringing the anti grav to full power and lowering the ship. I extended the ship legs and glanced at Tinker, “Drop the shield.” The ship settled slowly and then I shut down everything and turned to nod to Tinker, “Keep everything warm, we aren’t staying.” I slid the seat back, “Come on Kitten, we have an appointment with General White…” |
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