Zero Friction by Toby Neighbors

Author:Toby Neighbors [Neighbors, Toby]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Science Fiction
ISBN: 9781952260032
Publisher: Mythic Adventure Publishing
Published: 2020-02-24T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 19

The trip through hyperspace was uneventful, but as they neared the Celeste system, the tension increased significantly.

“Last checks,” Pershing reminded her ragtag crew of mercenaries.

“Two minutes until we emerge from hyperspace,” Nance said.

“Flux shield is in the green,” Ben said.

“Missiles are armed,” Magnum said.

“Just remember, we can’t fire them while the shield is up,” Ben added.

“I won’t forget,” General Pershing said. “This isn’t my first time commanding a starship in battle.”

She couldn’t believe the crew of the Echo, which had been the most wanted felons in the galaxy until she graciously granted them all immunity, would presume to tell her how to run the ship. But until she had more resources, she would tolerate their presumptions and coddle their precious egos. Her destiny was bigger than her need for respect.

“I wish there was more I could do,” the duke said.

“We’re a big crew on a small ship,” Pershing reminded him. “And our job is to observe and direct the battle, not fight it. But trust me, Your Highness, the galaxy will know who was here this day. Your name will be at the top of the list. Putting yourself between the enemies of humanity and the people you rule will not be forgotten.”

It was an unnecessary reminder, at least in her mind. Of course, the duke would take credit for the victory—there was never any doubt about that in her mind, but she stroked his ego just the same. She needed him on her side if she were to have any chance of winning over the commanders across the galaxy who still had ships and troops at their disposal. Being commander in chief of a military without ships and very few soldiers wouldn’t do her any good.

“Approaching the exit vector,” Nance announced.

“It’s about time,” Kim said. “I’m dying of boredom here.”

“No one is dying,” Ben said.

“Let’s stay focused,” Pershing reminded them.

“Three, two, one,” Nance counted down.

Suddenly, the glow of hyperspace was replaced with the deep black of the Celeste system. They had come in right above the system star, which was below and behind them. In the distance, the fourth planet, the royal home world of Gershwin, seemed to glitter against a starry backdrop.

“Maximum zoom on all forward cameras,” Pershing said.

The view on the big displays changed. They were too far out to see everything clearly, but there were still a lot of ships around the planet.

“Alright, let’s pick up visual scanning. Report anything that moves,” Pershing said.

The crew, all except for Kim, who was piloting the ship as it slowly crept toward Gershwin, searched the ship’s exterior camera feeds. They couldn’t risk giving their position away by using traditional radar, and they would have to get closer if they were going to direct the probe ships into position.

“All clear,” Ben said.

“Me too,” Nance added.

“I’ve got nothing,” Duke Simeon said.

“Clear,” Magnum said.

General Pershing had seen nothing on the cameras she had assigned herself to search. And that was the biggest relief. She had been afraid they would come out of hyperspace and fall under immediate attack.

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