The Last Strike: Book 5 of The Last War Series by Peter Bostrom

Author:Peter Bostrom [Bostrom, Peter]
Language: eng
Format: epub, azw3
Published: 2018-09-08T06:00:00+00:00

Chapter Thirty-One

Bridge

HMS Caernarvon

Z-space

Mattis broke for food, rest, and another visit to the sickbay. It was a simple affair; bandages and painkillers, nothing too serious. He sat through a shift change, then returned to duty. By the time he got back to the bridge, Blackwood—her arms swathed in bandages, but otherwise looking none the worse for wear—was waiting for him, seated in the CO’s chair.

“The Captain is having a kip,” said Blackwood, smiling professionally in response to his unasked question. “Even she needs rest sometimes. How are our guests?”

“Oh, they’re fine,” said Mattis. “Loud-mouthed and bored, only interested in how much coin and hardware they can drag out of the government. But that’s what we have taxpayers for, isn’t it?”

“They’re troopers, surely.”

“Mmm. And how are you?”

Blackwood managed a brave smile. “About as good as you are, I bet. Sore, and I’m going to need a few weeks sick leave when this is all done. But modern technology is wonderful. Biofoam is great.”

It definitely was. “They say it gives you cancer,” said Mattis.

“So does beer and steak and everything else good in the world.”

Fair enough. Mattis moved to stand beside her. “Any word on what the hell happened to us?”

“The Devil knows, but I don’t think he’s ready to give up his secrets just yet. It’s looking like, at this stage, it’s less likely to be a bomb or trap or something, and more likely that I…” she grimaced sheepishly. “Probably broke whatever futuristic cooling device was keeping those bodies cold.”

“Oops,” said Mattis.

Blackwood rubbed her shoulder ruefully. “Hopefully we’ll find out what’s going on when we get to Chrysalis. It seems like the secrets of the galaxy can be found on that tiny little rock.”

“Mmm. It’s amazing the kinds of things that can happen when you take away government interference and regulations.”

Blackwood raised an eyebrow. “Surely you don’t believe that.”

“I have mixed opinions about it,” said Mattis. “Look. There is a lot to be said for liberty and doing what you want. But a key component of that is the need for structure, order, and fairness. You can buy anything on Chrysalis—anything. But this is the critical thing… just because you can do something, doesn’t mean you should.” He hesitated. “It’s great in theory. Not so great in practice.”

“Right.” Blackwood smiled. “You should know, your pilot—Corrick—is out of surgery and it looks like it was a rousing success.”

Anger.

Some part of him hoped that Corrick hadn’t made it. It was a terrible thought to think, but he couldn’t help himself. “I’ll see her as soon as I can,” he said, forcing the dark thoughts out of his head. “Chrysalis was the first place we saw the mutants, and she was abducted there, yet managed to escape. She might be able to help us.”

Blackwood didn’t seem convinced. “It might have to wait until after we dock,” she said. “Corrick is in good hands… and she’s strong… but she just underwent brain surgery. She can’t be briefed right now.”

Begrudgingly, Mattis conceded. “Hmmph. No need for me to go poking my nose around, getting involved in things I can’t fix or change.

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