Valkyrie- Rebellion by Lucas Marcum

Author:Lucas Marcum [Marcum, Lucas]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Cannon Publishing
Published: 2019-11-30T22:00:00+00:00

-29-

“Semper Paratus”

Aboard the UEAN fleet carrier Jade Emperor

Approaching Point Green, Trans Martian Space

Captain Lin Yi checked her watch and said to the slender, shaven-headed woman next to her, “Thirty minutes, Commander. How are the squadron commanders making out?”

The Martian native and commander of the Jade Emperor’s space wing grimaced and responded, “They’re angry. I must admit, I didn’t see that coming.” She indicated the massive display that dominated the front of the compartment and added, “They don’t like the plan, but not because it puts them at risk. They’re mad that the System Guard is leading the charge. They think they’re going to their deaths, and that it’s not fair to the sailors on those cans to put them out there.”

Captain Yi nodded and said, “I’m not sure they’re wrong, but we have few options left.”

Commander Degasi shook her head. “I agree. They’re going to get hurt.” She sighed and absently stuck her hands in her pockets. She stood silently for a moment, watching the status on the big display update, indicating the fighter squadrons reporting readiness data from the massive flight deck of the battered carrier.

One of the watchstanders in front of the two women said, “Captain. The chief engineer is calling.”

Moving to her command chair, Yi tapped the key and said, “Huntington. Updates?” The chief engineer’s face was worn, his freckles standing out plainly on his drawn cheeks under sunken eyes.

In his distinctive Southern accent, more pronounced than usual due to his exhaustion, the chief engineer replied, “Ma’am, you got all the catapults online, and can do full power combat launches. The secondary weapons are all up and functional, and that big ole hole in decks three ‘n four is patched and reinforced with as many girders as ah could beg, borrow or steal. I had ta’ do a lotta bracin’ and patchin, probably added another twenty thousand tons ‘a mass in plassteel ‘n layered hull armor, but you’d best believe she’ll hold.”

With a stiff smile, Yi nodded and replied, “So. We can launch, we can move, and we can take a hit or two. All I needed, Commander Huntington. Excellent work.”

The man nodded, and added, “It’s such a mess ’a repairs that damage control is gonna be a got-damn nightmare, so please try not to get any more holes poked in the old girl, ma’am.”

With a solemn nod, the captain replied, “I will do my best.” She paused and then said softly, “This is going to be a tough fight, Keith. If I don’t get the chance to speak to you again, it’s been a privilege working with you.”

The man grinned broadly. “Shucks, ma’am. You can keep that Chinese fatalism. I plan on livin’ through this, and ah’ll be doin’ my damn best to make sure you do, too.”

“American optimism?” She smiled fondly at the man.

With a wink, the worn-out engineer replied, “You betcha. You be careful up there, Lin. I’ll be in touch.” His image vanished.

Behind her she could hear Captain Degasi giving orders. “Set flight deck condition red.

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