The Chance Encounter: The Linda Eccles Series - Book One by Robert Woodard

Author:Robert Woodard [Woodard, Robert]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2019-12-20T07:00:00+00:00

Bill had already seen the target appear and had anticipated Linda’s order. With tactical showing the rate of overtake of the target at two minutes and twenty-four seconds, that provided plenty of time for him to select, target and fire at it.

Lightly tapping the blinking box still showing the system in passive mode, Bill selected active from the options. More options suddenly appeared on the console, and he hit the charge icon. Below his feet, a steady hum filtered up as the plasma generator came to life. While he waited for the weapon to charge, Bill locked the targeting computer onto the incoming target. Overhead, the turret swung into position to line up with the target, creating a heavy vibration that infiltrated the compartment. A rattling sound behind him signaled the vibration of the plasma conduits as they loaded the charge pots within the turret.

Having received a firing solution, Bill set the firing option to one bolt per barrel. The rapid-fire of the two bolts would place both shots on target almost simultaneously. As Bill waited for the plasma to finish racing up the conduits, he said, “Don, prepare to fire.”

On his left, he could see Don flip up the clear protective cover from the fire icon. It was a simple precaution against an accidental firing of the weapon. Don had his index finger over the icon ready to tap it.

After a final check of the target lock and firing solution to make sure nothing had changed, Bill said, “Fire.”

Overhead, Bill could hear the whoosh of energy releasing from the first barrel, follow just as quickly by the second shot. The sequence had proven so fast that he did not hear the turret align the second barrel before firing it.

Shifting his eyes to the monitor on his left, Bill caught a glimpse of the two balls of pure energy rocketing away from the ship. They reminded him of white balls shooting out of a roman candle. The plasma balls quickly grew smaller and smaller as they headed toward their target, their bright light remaining clearly visible against the background of darkened space.

Switching his eyes to the monitor in front of him, Bill could see the target line of both projectiles tracking true to target. Unless the target moved, it was going to receive both bolts dead center.

The bolts covered the distance between ship and target in a matter of seconds, creating a bright flash on the monitor to his left. On tactical, the target track simply disappeared. A direct hit had eliminated the threat, and Bill felt a sense of relief.

Activating the comm unit, Bill said, “Bridge, the target has been destroyed.”

“Commander, this is the Captain. I want you to drive that ship off. Give it a good reason to leave my ship alone.”

Bill could hear the anger in Linda’s tone. There was no doubt in his mind that she took the firing on her ship as a personal assault. He couldn’t blame her, either, as he felt similar anger toward the alien that felt the need to fire on a ship clearly intent on leaving the area.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.