The Ascendant Wars 2: Brimstone: A Military Sci-Fi Series by Rhett C. Bruno & M.B. Vance

Author:Rhett C. Bruno & M.B. Vance [Bruno, Rhett C. & Vance, M.B.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Aethon Books
Published: 2023-04-03T16:00:00+00:00

28 RYLAN

Liberty Base, Lakshmi Colony.

Rylan returned to the CIC in time to watch the Audacity drop from the docking bay. For what he feared would be the last time, the spearhead-shaped vessel lit her fusion drive and soared into the void. As she receded from view, he tried not to think about how many more names would be added to the mass memorial that the personnel office already had scheduled.

Hours later, as the battle loomed near, a familiar voice asked, “Ya need more coffee to marinate in?”

Rylan roused to see Apple placing a steaming cup of liquid black goodness on the console.

“Thanks.” Catching the whiff of a floral scent, Rylan turned to find Aila standing behind the doctor. “Oh, hey Lieutenant. Coming to pitch in with Med Ops?”

Aila gave Rylan a wan smile. “Aye sir. Doc wants me to learn how the flight surgeon fits into the CIC.”

Apple harrumphed. “It fits like a redheaded stepchild. You’re lucky to get a desk let alone have anyone listen to you. Present company excepted.”

Before Rylan could respond, a Master Chief at the room’s front called out, “Five-minute drill! Anyone who doesn’t belong in here, get the fop out of my CIC.”

Rylan noticed the chief eying Aila. Apple put a hand on her arm. “Sit here and look like you have a job. When this is done, come to my station over there.”

Taking a chair, Aila asked, “What’s going on sir?”

Rylan leaned over and whispered, “Sit rep for the CIC to sync everyone up. Make sure your gear is linked in.”

As Aila fumbled to activate her headpiece, the chief said, “Let’s go around the horn. Ops.”

A female lieutenant commander rose. “Audacity’s battlegroup is T-minus one hour to initial contact. Enemy is inbound on the convoy in a general wedge pattern.” A graphic appeared in Rylan’s holo-gear. “The admiral has moved the remaining passenger liners Vrinda and Padma to the front of the column with our defenders.

“Since most of the Imps are coming in at high velocity on oblique angles, their missiles can reach only one or two ships thanks to how we’ve spaced them. So far, the enemy has committed three ships to the freighters. We’re sacrificing those to ensure the liners are supported. Crews have already evacuated by shuttle.

“The Audacity, Osgood and Porteau intend to engage the two ships best positioned to hit the liners. Endeavor, Adept and Nimble are positioned to take on two others nearby. That leaves two additional enemy ships that will have to finalize their targets within the next ten minutes. Harbringer and Devastator are each safeguarding a liner since they’re out of missiles. No new losses since shift change. I’ll be followed by intel.”

Rylan felt his vertebrae crack as he stood and activated his slide deck. “Solar activity remains favorable for the coming engagement. There are no natural terrain elements in the battle space. Enemy’s most likely course of action is to focus on the three largest haulers at the convoy’s tail. First most dangerous course of action is to mass available ships on the passenger liners.

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