A Fiery Sunset by Chris Kennedy & Mark Wandrey

Author:Chris Kennedy & Mark Wandrey [Kennedy, Chris & Wandrey, Mark]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Seventh Seal Press
Published: 2018-04-02T22:00:00+00:00

* * *

Jim hadn’t taken his eyes from the Tri-V tactical feed since the Hussars’ boarding team went onto the courier. Bucephalus had cut power after Détente was disabled and drifting. He’d watched and listened to what the James Armistead Lafayette relayed as the ambush was sprung, and the first marine died. My best friend who doesn’t remember me is over there fighting, he thought helplessly.

Then, the entire rear of the courier exploded into a million pieces. It was still moored to the James Armistead Lafayette, and it sent both ships spinning. Captain Crispin got the two mated ships back under control, and everyone waited for the marines to check in.

“Commander Cartwright,” the comms officer said, “I have a patch through to the boarding team.

“Put it on,” he said, temporarily forgetting he wasn’t in charge. Captain Su didn’t say anything.

“This is Commander Cartwright,” he said.

“Jim,” a weak voice said. The sound of hissing was audible in the background. “Jimbo, is that you?”

“Rick?” Jim gasped. “Rick, are you okay?”

“Could be better. But I remember, Jim. I remember it all.” Jim felt his eyes glazing over with tears. In zero gravity, they didn’t fall away, he had to wipe them.

“I was afraid you’d forgotten,” Jim said.

“I had,” Rick said, “but it started coming back a bit ago. I guess the surgery by Nemo helped after all.” Rick gave a wheezing cough. On one of the CIC screens, Jim could see a team of spacesuited personnel pushing off from James Armistead Lafayette to float toward the ruined Détente. The docking collar must’ve been damaged in the explosion.

“Hang on, Rick,” Jim begged, “help’s almost there.”

“It’s okay, Jimbo,” he said, almost too quiet to hear now. “I’m just sorry I never got to be a Cavalier.”

“You still can be,” Jim said. “I’ll buy out your contract after you’re better.” He waited for Rick to reply, but the line remained silent. “Rick, do you hear that? You hang in there, damn you. Don’t give up!” A full five minutes later, Captain Crispin came back on.

“The rescue team reached the bridge,” she said. “I’m sorry, there were no survivors.”

Sometime during the encounter Splunk had made her way to the CIC and was clinging to his uniform shoulder. The gentle sting of her claws was the only reassuring thing that kept him together. That and the knowledge that he was the Cartwright of Cartwright’s Cavaliers, on the CIC of his ship, in an alien star system, at war.

“Commander,” Captain Su said, “I’m truly sorry for your loss. I understand he was your friend?”

“My friend,” he agreed. My only friend. Splunk’s grip reminded him that wasn’t quite true. He somehow summoned enough self-control to speak again. “I’ll be in my cabin.” He pushed out of the CIC. The minute the door closed in his tiny cabin, he fell apart. He slid into the zero-gravity hammock and cried. It was all gone. What did he have left from before? Everyone was dead or gone. He was dimly aware of a delicate hand touching his pinplants, and then he fell into a deep, dreamless sleep.

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