Across the Stars by India Masters

Author:India Masters [Masters, India]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Romance/Fantasy
Publisher: Loose Id LLC
Published: 2008-01-24T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine

“We’re going to have to come around behind and take them out,” Solae argued, standing on the bridge with Raav. “You have cloaking capability, I assume.”

Earlier that morning, their sensors picked up the positions of several small ships, clustered behind the protective asteroid belt disguised as a nebula. Just as Solae had predicted.

“Of course.” He nodded, frowning. “But I don’t want to antagonize Du-ket before we have the hostages in hand.”

Solae snorted. “Do you think Du-ket gives a shit about a few small fighters? These guys are second string. We’ll see his top guns when we get through the wormhole. But, if he thinks there’s any possibility he can take out your weapons system and board you, he’ll be more than happy to take possession of your ship, Asirian. It’s what he does.”

Her eyes narrowed as Raav clasped his hands behind his back. Why was he hesitating? At the very least, he needed to take out those damned fighters to prevent them from blocking an escape. If the pirates couldn’t take the large ship, they’d certainly follow the smaller flyer through the wormhole to prevent them from turning back. “And while you’re at it, you might as well use the triphasor to eradicate that asteroid belt. Too many people have lost their lives to just this kind of ambush.”

Hands on her hips, Solae stalked toward Raav. “Have you even been listening to me?”

“Yes, aschema, I’ve heard everything you have to say. How could I not?” He turned to her with a glare. “I’ll thank you to remember I command this ship.”

“And yet you hesitate!” She cut him a contemptuous look. “I should have refitted my own vessel and come alone. I never took you for a coward, Asirian.”

She heard his shocked hiss and turned to walk away in disgust, but Raav’s hand gripped her bicep, yanking her back. His face was a hard mask. “Mr. Tezu,” he snapped, calling to one of his officers. “Place Captain O’bora under arrest.”

Her upper lip curled in disdain. “You dare to lock me up, Asirian?”

“I dare much, Solae,” he growled. “And fear little, least of all you. I suggest you hold your tongue, woman.” He motioned to Tezu. “And if she utters another word, gag her.”

Solae stumbled as he released her with a shove, but Tezu caught her and put her in restraints as Raav issued further orders.

“Engage cloaking and lower shields,” Raav barked.

“Aye, Captain. Cloaking engaged and shields are in place,” the first officer confirmed.

“Come around behind them, Lt. Olma, and lock on targets.”

“Aye, Sir.” The young navigation officer made the specified maneuver. “In position, targets locked in.”

“Fire at will, Mr. Phaeg.”

Solae watched the screen as the phasors found their marks and the small fighter crafts exploded. She raised an eyebrow as Raav glared at her.

“Happy now, aschema?” His voice was taut and angry as he spoke. “Now, destroy that asteroid belt, Mr. Phaeg.”

“Aye, sir, though it’s likely to take some time.”

“Whatever it takes. And when it’s done, send someone to ready the craft for tomorrow.

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