Blood of Patriots by Tongue Richard

Author:Tongue, Richard
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 0
Publisher: Publisher
Published: 2017-07-09T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 11

 “Confirmed, Major,” Montgomery reported, looking up at the sensor display. “Two ships, inbound course, and they've opened their launch bays. Scramble almost certainly imminent.”

 Rojek nodded, adding, “Our shuttle won't be docking for five minutes. Unless we head in to cut that down a little, there's no chance that they'll arrive before the fighters.” He frowned, then said, “Make that four minutes. I don't know who they've got flying that shuttle, but I'd recommend him for psych evaluation.”

 “We can't go in closer,” Norton replied from the helm. “The fighters would tear us to pieces.”

 “If I might make a suggestion,” Saxon said, two pistols still trained on her, “Heading in closer is exactly what we need to do. Down into the defense perimeter to pick up the shuttle. If I remember my astrogation, then you should be able to build up enough speed to pass the gravitational threshold through a close flyby of Coronado.”

 “With two Starcruisers and a fighter wing ripping us to pieces along the way.”

 “Not if I remotely assume control of the satellites and arrange them to provide defensive fire to cover our withdrawal. If I could borrow one of the bridge workstations for a couple of minutes, I'm relatively sure that I get all the access I need from right here.”

 Turning to her, Cordova asked, “Why should you do that?”

 Cracking a smile, Saxon replied, “Consider that there is no chance that the Political Directorate will believe that I am innocent of collaboration with one party or another, and that most of my little projects back on Sinaloa will not remain concealed for long in the event of my absence. Your successful attempt to press gang me did an excellent job of burning my bridges back to the Federation, Major, and Hanoi looks like the safest place in the galaxy to me right now.”

 “They'll catch us anyway, Major,” Norton said. “I can't crank up the acceleration high enough to beat both of them, and a few good rounds from their mass drivers will rip us to pieces. I don't think we have anything to lose.”

 “If this is an attempt at treachery, Saxon, I'll warn you know that you won't live to enjoy any bounty you might be thinking of collecting.”

 “The thought had...well, it had crossed my mind. Nevertheless, I assure you that I will do as I have said, and that it represents the only chance you have of escaping this system.”

 Shaking her head, Cordova turned back to the helm, and said, “Norton, intercept course on the shuttle, and take us into the defensive perimeter. We're going to try the slingshot maneuver. Rojek, Saxon can use your console, but I want you to watch every move she makes, and if she tries anything you are not completely comfortable with, don't wait for the order. Just put her down on the spot.”

 “Got it,” Rojek said, rising from his chair. “After you.”

 “I must say,” Saxon replied, taking his place, “I've never felt quite so much at home anywhere before. Feed me all the processing power you can spare.

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