Gnosis by John Walker

Author:John Walker [Walker, John]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2018-02-24T07:00:00+00:00

***

Lieutenant Kate Zeller began flying when she was old enough to see over the controls of her father’s antique crop duster. They’d long been out of use but she learned to operate the thing and never looked back. Joining the military gave her an opportunity to do what she loved the most, only faster.

Sitting behind the controls of a fighter provided her with the most intense outlet for her need to push the envelope, to pit herself not only against an opponent but her own skills as well. As the other pilots in Mustang Squadron launched, she tapped her foot in anticipation. When finally she got the green light, she gunned the throttle, jetting out into open space.

The challenge of a strange enemy so far from home further appealed to her competitive nature. No one else from Earth could boast what they were about to do and she fully intended to make the most of the experience. If these aliens decided to truly start a war, they did not understand what door they opened.

A last minute briefing let them know about the kink in the chain. The automated defenses protecting the planet sounded pretty nasty. They were already engaged with the aliens and would have to be dealt with before the Gnosis could safely take orbit. Bombers were en route and were being escorted by Charger squadron.

Kate checked out her scanner, bringing up the data on the drones. They were smaller than the Earth ships but not by much. Their hulls were dedicated to thrusters, allowing them precise maneuverability, and weapons. Each unit boasted energy weapons, tough enough that the computer suggested caution when engaging.

It’s never good when the computer issues an actual warning, Kate thought. Luckily, their own defenses are subpar at best.

Indeed, they only seemed to be surrounded by environmental shields which wouldn’t stop a solid hit from any weapon really. They relied on maneuverability and numbers to take down threats and considering the briefing said additional drones were constantly being replicated, it made sense.

If the people on this planet had a ship like the Gnosis as well, they could defend their home indefinitely.

And yet they don’t even seem to be here. What happened on this planet? Lord, I bet the marines are going to find out.

“Listen up folks,” Denis’s voice filled her helmet.“We are within range. Break off with your wingmen and engage. Prioritize the aliens. They represent the greater threat. Any questions?” No one spoke up.“Then get to it.”

Kate’s wingman was Lieutenant Hal Brown. He’d been shot down in the last engagement and she felt somewhat responsible. Once they met up in the medical bay, he exonerated her immediately. He claimed he had been too aggressive and maybe he was right. They didn’t know what they were dealing with and he went straight for the throat.

“You ready?” Kate asked.“I’ll take lead.”

“Go for it,” Hal replied.“And I’m one hundred percent ready. Believe me, I had a lot of time to think about these guys while I waited for search and rescue.

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