Fire Flare by Chris Ward
Author:Chris Ward [Ward, Chris]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: AMMFA Publishing
19
Harlan5
It had worked far more easily than either he or Paul had expected. The fake mayday he had sent from the second downed fighter to the seek-and-destroy gunship had tricked the pilots long enough to open the doors. Paul, as recklessly fearless and gung-ho as ever, had stormed the ship, taking out the crew. Once on board, Harlan5 had sent a delaying message to the unitâs commanding battleship in orbit somewhere overhead, citing electrical problems as a reason for the lack of communication, hopeful that their takeover wouldnât be discovered until they had decided what to do.
Just like that, Paul and Harlan5 found themselves in command of a fully operational seek-and-destroy gunship.
âSo, what exactly could this thing blow up?â Paul asked, running his hands over the controls with a delicacy that Harlan5 found quaint. âI mean, I imagine it would blow one of those Shadowman needle ships in half, but what about one of those Class 3 Trillian cruisers that Raylanâs recommissioned for his navy? Those mothers are five miles long. Imagine taking one of those out with a runty little thing like this.â Paul slapped his thigh. âBoom!â
âIf the shields were down it would certainly cause some damage,â Harlan5 said. âHowever, a ship like this is not designed for space combat. It has no great maneuverability nor any substantial shields that would protect it from bombardment. For surface combat, however, where magnetic shields are disturbed by the standing atmosphereâ¦.â He paused, considering the kind of phrase Paul would understand. âItâs about as badass as a ship comes.â
Paul glanced at him, giving a thoughtful nod. âThese scumbags who have captured Beth need a fat taste of cannon fire,â he said. âHow about we go on a hunt?â
Harlan5 shook what was left of his head. âMy programming suggests that we find ourselves in an unusual situation. From the transmissions Iâve intercepted, it appears that both Miss Beth and Caladan have been captured by the very people we were attempting to rescue. Itâs something of a mess.â
âItâs a goddamn hell storm, is what it is.â
âTheyâre holed up in that downed Shadowman battleship, according to the transmissions,â Harlan5 said. âIf we open fire on them, we risk harming Miss Beth and Caladan.â
âThen what do we do?â
Harlan5 lifted his remaining shoulder in a shrug. âMy programming suggests we spend more time assessing the situation. From transmissions I have intercepted, it seems there is something of a transfer about to take place.â
âA transfer?â
âThe rebels hiding in the downed ship have offered General Grogood as a prisoner in exchange for a window of time in which they be allowed to leave,â Harlan5 said. âThe Shadowmen commanders have agreed. A light frigate has dropped into the upper atmosphere and is launching a transport to collect the general.â
Something in Paulâs eyes had changed. âThey canât do that,â he said. âThey canât give up the general. Heâs ⦠a talisman.â
âI have intercepted other transmissions,â Harlan5 said. âGeneral Grogood is to be offered along with a vice-admiral. A woman.â
âHis second-in-command was a woman? Impressive.
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