The Legacy of the Lioness by Robert D Armstrong

Author:Robert D Armstrong [Armstrong, Robert D]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: space war, androids, space battle, Sci-fi, cyberpunk, Science Fiction
Publisher: Robert Armstrong
Published: 2019-04-24T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 7

EIGHTY MINUTES LATER...

Xena climbed out of the AA tank and stood atop it, tugging on the dual cannons. “That’s it. Engineer, we finished earlier than expected, the anti-aircraft tank’s weapons are now operational,” she said, looking at him as the small snow flurries drifted down on her body.

Luther nodded. “You know it works for certain?” he asked.

Xena turned toward the tank. “Absolutely. I was able to pinpoint and correct the issue. When the raider Tigus fired its laser cannons at us, he expended enough battery power to cause the system to automatically restrict his access.”

“Why?” he asked.

“To save power for mobility. I would wager these men didn’t have a good understanding of the software. I’ve since corrected this issue to favor firepower so that when we engage the Moderator, we can deplete the battery completely using the cannons, if need be,” she answered.

“Does it have enough power to return home?” Luther asked.

“Yes,” she replied.

Luther paused. “Good. I want you to drive it back. Follow the Mauler at a distance of thirty meters and watch our rear flank,” he ordered.

“Understood,” she replied.

“Neona,” Luther spoke up as she made her way back to the Mauler.

“Sire?” she asked.

“You’re back on Mauler minigun duty, if I need to hop up on the weapon, be ready,” he said, lowering himself back into the cabin.

“Roger that,” she replied. Luther came around and got in the front seat beside me. He glanced at Leo before locking eyes with me. “You okay?” he asked me, lowering his voice.

“Tired, but I’m fine,” I said, grinning at him. He nodded slowly. I could feel his warmth as he sat right beside me.

“I can drive if you need me to, just let me know,” he said softly.

“Thanks. But I’m good,” I replied. I eased the Mauler forward and looked out of my rearview mirror to make sure Xena was behind us.

“Remember our escapades... on the jeep trails? I hardly ever let you drive,” I recalled.

“Not much has changed,” he said, staring at me.

I raised an eyebrow. “The things that matter haven’t,” I said.

He took in a long, deep breath as he held his stare at me, gently placing his thick hand on my knee.

Leo did a double take. I gathered our considerate interaction wasn’t something he was used to. I would imagine it was still odd for him to see his Engineer with the woman he loved after all these years.

Neona seemed to ignore our conversation, staring out into the winter wilderness in deep thought.

I cleared my throat. “Xena, do you copy?” I asked.

“Loud and clear, Captain,” she replied.

“I’m going to take the same route back that we came here on, unless anyone objects,” I said.

“Not a problem,” Luther replied.

“Captain, if you choose to repeat the same course for our journey, I can construct a directional indictor and apply it to the HUD in your visor to make navigation easier. I made sure to map our previous route. Would you prefer that?” she asked.

“Do it,” I replied. The navigation marker appeared on my helmet.

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