Lost Systems by John Walker

Author:John Walker [Walker, John]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2018-03-14T22:00:00+00:00

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Chapter 7

Mustang squadron engaged the second wave of fighters when the call came in from the marines. Of the two fleeing ships, one was downed and the other managed to escape, heading back toward their crashed ship. The new five threw themselves into battle but they were evenly matched, with neither side pulling ahead.

“Charger,” Dennis called over the radio. “This is Mustang One, we are divided up down here and need some backup. Do you copy?”

“We are on standby in orbit,” Charger One, Squadron Leader Anna Jager replied. “We can be to your position in one minute.”

“Too long,” Dennis said. “How fast can you get to the marines?”

“About the same.”

Dennis hummed. He hadn’t liked the idea of leaving an entire squadron in orbit when they needed all hands down below but there was some concern about an incoming capital ship. If that happened, the Gnosis would need the screen. Regardless, that hypothetical fight should’ve been trumped by the very real conflict going on in the clouds.

“We need to break from this fight,” Dennis said. He paused to consider his options, dodging an attack and diving under a fighter that nearly collided with him. The action was intense and each of his pilots were having to work every skill they possessed to keep ahead of it. Alicia suddenly came to mind.

The younger pilot had already proven foolhardy enough to get herself out of situations she shouldn’t have been able to. If she could get back to the marines, she could provide the cover they needed. Providing the enemy pilots let her escape. He didn’t like the order he was about to give but he didn’t have a lot of choice.

“Mustang Five, can you get back to the facility?”

Alicia chuckled over the line. “Not without some dangerous flying.”

Dennis knew she’d been a solid pilot and had excellent scores from school, but he didn’t know her background prior to joining the military. Had she learned to fly in a circus? It would explain her devil-may-care attitude and definitely the way she got around out there. Considering what she pulled off, he wouldn’t have been surprised by some kind of stunt gig in her past.

“Okay, you’re authorized to do whatever it takes. They need air support pretty much now. Get back there, ASAP. Got it?”

“I’m on it, sir.”

Dennis once again narrowly avoided an in-air collision and had to pull a barrel roll while diving to squeeze between two of the enemies at the same time. He fired his mass drivers, ripping into a target before he had to bank away. His scanner showed Alicia flipping and juking about as one of the enemies tried to pursue her.

It became quite clear her opponent couldn’t keep up. She’d gotten away and in the next few moments, she’d be able to help those soldiers who needed it. We’re pulling this off … slowly but surely. Now, if we can disengage when we’re ready to leave. That will be the trick. One I’m sure will take something akin to a miracle to pull off.

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