Space Brigade

Pierce Force cautiously and silently edged their way towards the clearing Qwerti had indicated. Expertly Raga moved next to Qwerti, from where he could view the prisons entrance. After surveying the area he said in muted voice.

“Have the men circle the area, then get some of them to get rid of those sentries.”

Qwerti answered with a grin and moved silently back.

In the middle of the small cramped clearing, covered in dense earthy vegetation stood the entrance. Large corroded doors were overgrown at either side by masses of vines and weeds. Raga could only see five of the six guards Qwerti had mentioned. He visually scanned the clearing more closely. Two were sitting, slouched against a fallen tree and conversed idly. Two more were stood leaning against the entrance, their laser rifles propped against the matted vines out of their reach. The fifth lay sprawled out on the ground, asleep near the smouldering remains of a small fire.

He still could not see Qwerti’ sixth guard, perhaps he had been mistaken, but Qwerti was never wrong, there must be a sixth.

Raga studied the clearing in more detail, going over it inch by inch then finally he located the elusive sixth guard. He manned a pulse cannon above the entrance and was almost hidden by the overhang of thick vines. From the look of the cannon, no energy lights were evident, it was not charged and if so would be useless; it took at least ten minutes to fully charge such a heavy piece of artillery.

Raga’ wrist-com beeped signalling Qwerti was in place and ready. Raga tapped the wrist-com switch, giving the attack signal.

The guard above the entrance suddenly and without a sound disappeared, the pulse cannon dragged back after him. Everything happened all at once. The two guards stood by the entrance fell as two razor sharp throwing disks of the entrance fell as two razor sharp throwing disks of Lithian origin whistled through the air and embedded in their necks killing them instantly. The two sat on the fallen log were dragged back, the vibro-wires cutting cleanly through their throats, their heads rolled grotesquely across the ground.

Qwerti was already on the sleeping guard. He hovered above him, only inches from his face. A click hiss sounded as Qwerti ignited his laser knife. The guard woke at the sound; a muffled gurgle left his mouth as the hot vibrating blade burnt its way deep into his chest. Qwerti gave it a quick twist, the guard died, his body twitching.

Pierce Force stepped from their cover. Cap Beeta was already at the door, giving the opening mechanism the once over.

“Better look at this Jim,” he called.

Raga joined Cap at the doors and glanced over his shoulder. Major Tantis followed.

“This is what you’re here for Major, can you crack it?” Raga asked.

Tantis studied the device, pulled a few contorted faces then answered.

“Tricky very tricky. A class three secure coded, triple locked anti-chamber system. They sure know how to secure things around here.”

“Can you crack it or not?” Raga again asked, this time impatiently.

Tantis crouched down while taking several small tools from his breast pocket and said.

“No problem, be open in a couple of minutes”

Raga and Beeta moved away giving Tantis enough room to work his skilful talent.

“Cap, see if you can get a reading on the inside. I don’t want to walk into a reception.”

“Will do.” Cap answered and collected the scanner from one of the troopers.

After a short while he activated it and watched the readouts.

“It’ll take a few seconds to penetrate, this bloody door’s about two metres thick. How’s Tantis doing?”

“Another minute” Raga answered.

Lieutenant Adila strolled over and announced.

“We’re ready Colonel. How do you want to approach this?”

Raga eyed the Torokian Lieutenant who was acting in the place of Pala. A sudden thought that Pala had come to harm passed through his mind. He shook the depressing thought off quickly saying.

“That depends on what’s behind this door.”

“It’s ready Colonel!” Tantis called.

“Anything?” Raga asked Cap.

“Just a few more seconds. OK it’s clear, no life forms within the first nine hundred metres.”

Raga gestured for the others to move closer and said.

“Right, remember we’re here to get as many of our people out as possible. Make sure of your targets. When we run into the enemy try to take at least one alive, we can use him to find our way around. Keep close until we know just where we’re going.”

After checking that everyone understood and the scanner had been removed, he nodded to Tantis saying.

“Throw it!”

The doors hissed and slowly parted. Qwerti was the first in, the others followed at a discreet distance. Six troopers were left behind to guard the only way back.

The Wildstar constantly re-energized her guns, letting loose a tirade of lethal energy on the attacking Quat-tar fleet. Most of the waiting space ambulances she had been protecting were now floating garbage. The Clemmence’ torpedo banks emptied their devastating load, shooting through space and exploding on the enemies shielding. No damage was visible. The Quat-tar’s heavy ion lasers pummelled the Clemmence’ shields, forcing them to glow and flicker under the strain. They turned light blue, then deep red in danger of collapse.

The Wildstar fired two salvos in quick succession, punched through the shielding of the nearest enemy ship. Pressing her advantage she fired more torpedoes accompanied by a barrage of laser fire. The Quat-tar ship shook violently, rumbled inside, her hull finally shattered. Slowly, almost in slow motion, the vacuum of space finished her off, ripping her holed hull apart with ease. Its remains floated out into the vast darkness.

A victory to the Wildstar, she banked to help her sister ship but was too late. She could only watch as numerous neutron torpedoes hit the Clemmence. They ripped into her engineering decks; a huge explosion erupted and ruptured her radiation conversion chambers causing a chain reaction within her hull.

The Clemmence folded in on herself, crushed by the great stress on her weakened hull then exploded in a myriad of kaleidoscopic colour. No life-pods were jettisoned, the entire crew snuffed out.

The Aries busied itself fending off three Quat-tar light cruisers and was taking a considerable pounding. The timely intervention of the Firebird’s anion disruptors punished the enemy’s shields, drawing some of the flak from the scorched Aries.

A fragmented signal crackled from the Aries speakers.

“To all Net—ips, Phoe—x retre—ng. Hold.” The signal broke up into static

Admiral Toove ordered a forward view of the Phoenix. When the view changed, it showed the Phoenix surrounded by several enemy ships, her port wing holed and she was listing badly.

First Admiral Spate sat on the comfortable, plush crimson leather couch in Director Quinn’ office. He had been kept waiting for some time now and was becoming agitated.

“Hello Jerrico.” Quinn’ deep voice sounded from behind him.

Spate swung round to face the voice, and saw the shadowed Director keeping well concealed within his own darkened area, and seated behind a large antique wood desk.

“Arron.” Spate answered flatly.

Quinn move and pressed a button on his desk, showing just a glimpse of his hand. Bright lights shone outward into the office making sure Quinn’ identity would remain unseen.

An aide walked in with a beverage and passed it to the Admiral and quickly retreated without speaking.

“I’m pleased you could find the time for this visit. I don’t get many err, willing guests. Most who come here are considered enemies of the state.”

“Then I presume they don’t leave?”

Spate sensed more than saw the smile on Quinn’ hidden features.

“You have a problem with the deployment of the Fourth Fleet?” Quinn asked from the darkness.

Everything about Quinn’s office shouted wealth and power, not surprising considering Quinn is one of the wealthiest individuals in the Nepis Galaxy. Most of this wealth came from the many illegal dealings with other notorious sections of the underworld; sections that paid dearly for Quinn’s continuing favour.

One word from Quinn and business deals could be finalised or dropped; political delegates would often change their point of view after receiving a communication from Quinn; a most powerful individual indeed.

Spate shifted on the couch, he found it most uncomfortable and said.

“Yes Arron I do have a problem. Firstly we instigated this abduction of the Tanteee Ambassador so we could mount this damn rescue, thus guaranteeing the Tanteee’ entrance into the Coalition. Secondly, the only reason in deploying the Fourth Fleet is to

maintain a garrison on Secunda; that was never our intention, we’re not supposed to keep the planet!”

Spate waited while Quinn remained silent for several minute, eventually Quinn replied.

“Yes, yes. However, Secunda is perfect for the DCO’ needs. Capa Morna is becoming too small for our expanding projects.” Quinn stated, then quickly followed with.

“Secunda is remote enough and defendable. I have already gone to considerable strides to acquire a clear flight path across the Executive at great cost to me personally.”

Quinn’s voice showed a little annoyance, although this did not faze Spate at all. He had known Quinn for some time and had long since become hardened to any verbal threats, besides that was not the Director’s way. He answered quickly saying.

“I can’t just deploy them without justifying the move. The President and Assembly would ask too many questions. Sooner or later they’d find out about our little ruse and if they do, you can wave goodbye to any plans you have for using the Tanteee’ mineral wealth!”

Quinn’s voice hardened, and held an air of finality.

“Forget about the Assembly, they’ll do as they are told. As for the President, well he won’t be too much trouble if he knows what’s good for his health.”

Spate thought, Could Quinn actually control the assembly, would he dare to threaten the President; he was not sure. Perhaps Quinn was bold enough to take over; if that day were near, then Spate would have to work fast to ensure his continuing status.

Spate strained his eyes slightly hoping to catch a glimpse into Quinn’ eyes but the area was too dark.

“I could send in a DCO fleet, however I much prefer the Network secure Secunda first. Now, the Fourth Fleet must make headway for Secunda within the next twelve hours. Will you give the command, or shall I?” Quinn stated calmly but authoritatively.

“The Fourth Fleet will not be enough to sustain a hold on Secunda. It’s far to isolated from the Coalition, and there’s still the danger of the Quat-tar; they won’t take it lightly to us keeping one of their sovereign planets!” Spate parried just as authoritatively.

“That’s my problem. You secure the planet, I’ll see to its continuing protection. Now will you give the command?”

Pierce Force moved along the darkened passage; only tiny wall embedded glow-rods giving off a watery yellowish hue lit their way. Their eyes were becoming more accustomed to the darkness the further they went. Their backs were pressed firmly against the cold walls; they slowly edged their way along cautiously.

After the first kilometre they began to move more swiftly as they gained confidence, but always remained alert for anything. Eventually and without incident they neared a juncture. Qwerti silently signalled them to halt as he heard talking in the distance, voices only his acute Lithian hearing could detect.

He moved forward alone and chanced a quick glance round the corner. Pulling his head back sharply, he returned to the others and reported in a whisper.

“Three, two standing, one sitting. There’s also a transport in another tunnel to the left. I could not tell if it’s occupied.”

“Any auto-surveillance or defences?” Raga inquired.

“None that I could see.” Qwerti responded shaking his head.

Raga turned to Cap and whispered.

“Take four men and get rid of them. Check the transport.”

Cap, Qwerti and two others moved forward. When they reached the corner they readied their weapons. The guards were taken completely by surprise. The two standing dropped to the floor, laser burns smouldering in their backs.

The seated Quat-tar guard crouched behind his desk and made a grab for his weapon. Four shots burrowed simultaneously deep into his chest. He was quickly thrown backwards, his chest ripped open from neck to gullet. Qwerti was already on the transport and found it empty, while the others checked for any video surveillance drones; they found none.

“All clear.” Cap called.

Smoke from the brief fight began to dissipate as the others came round the corner.

“The transport is empty.” Qwerti reported to Raga.

“See if you can find some kind of schematic that’ll give us the lay out.” Raga said as he glanced at the intersection of three tunnels.

Trooper Loote rifled through the desk as two others searched the dead. They found nothing of any use. After some thought Raga said.

“Alright we’ll have to do this blind. Cap you take the left tunnel. Qwerti take half of Red Group and take the right. I’ll take the rest and take this one.” Raga gestured to the tunnel directly behind him.

“That won’t be necessary Colonel!” A voice announced from the darkness.

Everyone shot round to face the unfamiliar voice, targeting its direction.

A shadowed figure stood close to the wall of the tunnel Raga had indicated. He stepped into the dim light with his arms held high. Qwerti was on him in a flash, his vibro-knife held tightly at the stranger’s throat.

“Who the hell are you?” Raga asked pointing his laser at the now restrained intruder.

The stranger, an Ormacron dressed in Quat-tar military uniform answered with difficulty; Qwerti’ vibro-knife was nearly scorching his neck.

“Major Sorya, DCO Blue Section. I’ve been waiting for you!”

Before Raga could reply he was abruptly interrupted, a hand gripped his arm.

“Kill him Colonel!”

Raga had forgotten about Tanteee Colonel Lal, he had blended in so well with the others and up until now had not spoke. Raga removed Lal’ fingers saying.

“Your input is appreciated Lal, but I’m in command here.”

He stepped closer to the Ormacron.

“I assure you I am who I say I am Colonel. You can contact Capa Morna if you wish to confirm my credentials with the Director or Commissioner before we proceed?” Sorya said dryly.

The Ormacron knew there was not time for Raga to confirm who he was. Raga’s eyes narrowed studying the major as if deciding his fate.

“If you are Blue Section and assigned to this operation then you’ll know the briefing for this mission.”

Sorya forced a nod, forgetting Qwerti’ well-placed blade, then stated.

“Not only yours, but the Tanteee’ as well.”

Colonel Lal glanced at Raga; as far as he knew, only he, Raga, Admiral Torre, and his own people knew why he was here.

“Alright major, let’s hear it!” Raga said.

Qwerti eased the pressure of his blade, allowing the Ormacron to speak more freely.

“The Tanteee’ mission is confidential; classified priority Alpha.”

Raga and Lal spoke in muted voices for a while then Raga said.

“You have my authority to reveal the mission. If you really know it!”

“As you wish Colonel, but first call off your dog. I can’t speak with his blade almost searing my voice box!”

Raga gestured to Qwerti who removed the blade, but he kept a firm grip on his charge.

Sorya rubbed his burning neck and began.

“Colonel Lal’ mission is to locate and retrieve, or liquidate the captured Tanteee Ambassador Morka. Your mission is to assist Lal and as a by-line retrieve as many captives as you can. I was placed here to assist you when you arrived by Director Quinn. My orders, to carry out the Ambassador’s liquidation should you both fail.”

Raga and Lal were again in muted conversation. Lal pursed his lips, placed a finger to his chin and said quietly.

“I do not like the unexpected. This agent was not part of our briefing parameters. I strongly suggest you consider him hostile and take appropriate action.”

Raga ran Lal’ suggestion over in his mind. It was not unusual for the DCO to run their own covert operation along side the Network, and without their knowledge. He did not want to kill this person if he was just following orders, but he also did not trust him fully. Without contacting the Phoenix and waiting for confirmation from Capa Morna, he would have to take Sorya’ story as true, or until he was otherwise sure.

“OK Major you’re in for now. I suppose you can take us to the Ambassador; without getting us killed in the process?”

“I can take you and Lal, no one else!” Sorya stated firmly.

Lal shook his head disappointedly but did not voice his objections. Qwerti released his grip and powered down his blade. Sorya threw him a look, taking note for future reference, then said.

“Your troops can use these tunnels to reach the cell levels.”

Lal, though dubious of Sorya’ origins grew impatient saying.

“Which way to the interrogation rooms?”

Sorya gestured to the tunnel immediately behind him, saying.

“You’ll never make it alone; you’d be dead within a kilometre. Colonel Raga, your men must always veer to the left; further along there are more intersections, these will be guarded. Security here is not high as the Quat-tar do not expect intruders, and the captives have no where to run if they attempted escape.”

“And what’s down the right-hand tunnels?” Raga inquired.

“Some are blind, some lead to Tormac-sol and Burrena military base. I suggest your men rig them to collapse before continuing on to the cells.”

Raga turned to Cap.

“Cap you take one tunnel. Major Tantis can you command the other?”

Tantis looked stunned at Raga’s order and hurriedly replied.

“Sir I’m not a line officer. I’ve had no experience of this kind of hands on operation.”

“You’re a Network officer; you’ve been through basic just like everyone else. In the absence of Captain Toms, you’re the next best thing. Qwerti will keep an eye out for you.”

Tantis licked his dry lips and answered awkwardly; he was very uneasy with his new assignment.

“Yes Sir, I’ll do my best.”

Four stocky storm troopers stood on sentry duty outside Tormac-sol’s governmental buildings. They snapped to attention as General Hancy and Colonel Daws approached.

“They must’ve put up one hell of a resistance; we lost practically two thirds of Telson’ force before they capitulated. They found the bodies of the Governor and the Council Elders in one of the anti-chambers.” Daws reported as they walked their way through the building.

Mi stooped down and retrieved a wad of documents. He flipped through them, trying to understand the strange graphics.

“What about Bel-tel?” he asked without turning from the documents.

“Burrena is ours, but a large enemy group have apparently retreated underground along a maze of tunnels. Bel-tel has sent a detachment after them. The Rats did manage to destroy all land based airborne and space-borne fighter craft, so there is no chance of an aerial counter assault.”

Mi nodded as they continued walking at a slow pace. When they entered the main hall, Mi looked at the blackened walls and the piles of rubble scattered over the floor. Several Quat-tar bodies were laid out in a neat line; the Quat-tar and Network dead segregated. The bright Secunda sun shone through the shattered ceiling.

“They didn’t destroy everything!” Mi remarked pointing to the only remaining piece of furniture.

Continuing their stroll they came across several more bodies strewn across the debris. They glanced at them dispassionately as they passed. Too many battle situations had hardened them to the sight of so many dead. They did however stop when they came across the corpse of Colonel Guy Telson; his charred torso had been ripped apart by laser blasts; obviously the medi-lift had not made it. Neither spoke as they looked on in silence. Hancy came to attention, Daws followed suit, and after a short while they moved on.

“He was an excellent officer, and will be damn hard to replace. He’ll be missed!” Daws remarked.

Hancy did not answer.