Starflake (T'aafhal Legacy Book 3) by Hoffman Doug

Author:Hoffman, Doug [Hoffman, Doug]
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: Scienc Fiction
Publisher: The Resiient Earth Press
Published: 2016-04-27T16:00:00+00:00

SEALs, Small Shuttle

Pauline brought the drifting pinnace to a halt relative to the massive crystalline spire. Just over thirty meters away was the location of one of the suspected airlocks. “I'm opening the rear hatch, Chief. You are clear for egress.”

“Roger that Ma'am. Me and the boys will be on our way. You may want to stand off from the drop point once we are out.”

“Once you fellas are gone I'm just going to drift off into the darkness and await your recall signal.”

Bud, Phil and finally Chief Morgan exited the small shuttle's rear hatch. Quickly orienting themselves the SEALs headed toward what they hoped was an airlock on the station. Their suits were more or less standard light combat armor with a number of added pockets and compartments. These were stuffed with extra ammo, demolition ordnance, and assorted gadgets. Unlike the forearm mounted weaponry of the Marines' heavier suits, they each carried a standard assault weapon: a 5mm flechette rifle with top mounted dual row magazine and a 20mm grenade launcher/shot gun in an over under configuration.

In addition to their normal load, they also carried EVA propulsion units strapped to their suit backs. The units contained an additional power source, a gravitonic thruster, and a CMG, a control moment gyroscope array. The CMG kept its wearer stable by spinning up or slowing down one or more of four internal gyroscopes. They provide pitch, roll, and yaw control, which combined with the thruster allowed the SEALs to maneuver independently in zero G.

The three, accompanied by a basketball sized recon drone, headed for the side of the spire. The material of the Starflake's exterior was transparent but was so thick and arranged in such complex, overlapping layers that trying to look inside was like peering through an ice sculpture. One by one the SEAL team alighted on the surface.

“Look, there is a control panel, just like the Jarheads found on the other spire,” Bud reported.

“Well don't keep us floating around holding our peckers, push the blue button,” Rick groused. Bud pushed the button.

The outer cover of the airlock did the magical melting crystal thing and opened. The interior was small, certainly not capable of holding even the small shuttle, but large enough to accommodate the three SEALs and the drone. As with the larger locks previously encountered, once they were inside the hatch grew shut and deck gravity came on.

“Rubber Ducky, the ducklings are inside.” Rick called, signaling Pauline that she could move the pinnace away from the spire. There was no need risking its discovery by the spire's inhabitants.

“Copy the ducklings are inside. Good hunting.” Outside, the barely visible pinnace moved away in ghostly silence.

“OK, boys, let's go see if we can find the missing officers.”

Phil was closest to the inside controls. He pushed the blue button and stood back while the inner cover melted away from the center out. They found themselves standing about four meters from an opening in the silvery inner building.

“Ain't there supposed to be a

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