Salvage Fleet by Steverson Kevin

Author:Steverson, Kevin
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Theogony Books
Published: 2018-12-24T16:00:00+00:00

* * * * *

Chapter Twenty-One

“Here’s the plan,” Harmon started. He outlined it for them, asked for thoughts, changed a few minor details using their input, and they finalized it. It was risky. There was really only one way to get to the installation with mechs. A drop. The only way to get troops on the ground was to take out the railguns and large lasers, and then land them. Not everyone going on this mission would be coming back.

After the meeting, Harmon sat with Clip, Zerith, and Marteen. Clip and Zerith both wanted to plead their case to go on the mission. Harmon wouldn’t have it.

“No, I need you two here on the ship,” Harmon explained. “What if those railguns start firing on Salvage Title?”

“It can stay out of orbit,” Clip said.

“Yess,” Zerith agreed. “Out of range.”

“Look,” Harmon finally said. “You guys are doing great. Frost, we’re all learning on the fly here. But this is a real military mission, and inserting into a hostile environment? It’s not something you can learn on the fly. I don’t know what I’d do if either of you got hurt…or worse. Please don’t force this. I’ll have enough to worry about without having part of my attention on you two at all times. If it was about computers and equipment, or building and repairing, you two would be the first names on the manifest. This is about combat. Combat alone.”

Clip looked at Zerith. Zerith looked at Clip. They knew he was right.

“I hate not knowing things,” Clip said, “and I hate not going. But you’re right, again. I should have joined the militia.”

“Yess,” Zerith agreed. “It iss true. I just learned the very basics in the Joth Militia. Not insertion tacticss. I was technician there, too.”

“Good,” Harmon said, relieved. “Thank you.”

“Harmon, let me apologize again for the way I was at the Academy,” Marteen said, leaning back in his chair. “You’re a great leader. I don’t know how you do it. I’m still learning how to be a good lieutenant, and you have the whole captain thing down pat.”

“It’s time to make the call,” Jayneen reminded Harmon.

“Patch it through, Jayneen,” Harmon said. “Thanks.”

“Gentlemen…and ma’am,” Harmon said when the connection was made. “Thank you for taking this call on such short notice.”

Admiral Timerton was in the conference room on Tretra’s Pride with his command staff. Lieutenant General Wilton, Captain Arton, Captain Loid, Captain Cailiph, a Pikith with battle experience Harmon had suggested, and the newly-promoted Captain Opawn. The three presidents, System President Benter, Joth President Chazzig, and Tretra President Bentalt, were each in their respective offices. All were connected in the video call.

“It’s good to see you again, Captain Tomeral,” the system president said. “Once again, you bring more ships to defend our system. I honestly don’t know if I…if we could ever pay the debt we are building to you. Thank you.”

“Sir,” Harmon said. “I’m just doing what I can to save my home. I do what I can do. I’m sure there are many, many beings who would do everything in their power to defend our system as well.

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