Countdown by John Walker (most life changing books TXT) 📕

manage to target us at the same time, that side would be done. Providing they all hit it of course. There’s a better chance they’ll hit us on both sides considering their positioning.”

“I’ve got evasive,” Marston said. “Just gotta bring us around and we can hit them again, sir.”

The tone in his voice suggested he felt like they could win a victory there. Sasha had to weigh that level of confidence against practicality. Technically, they had done what they set out to do. Once the buoy was gone, they’d be done.

“The fighters are harassing the destroyers,” Daisy announced, “and six of them are on their way to the buoy.”

“Probably to get them access,” Sasha replied. “Okay, I think we’ve done enough. I’m not getting greedy here. Marston, get us out of here. Blast that buoy then engage hyperspace.” He hit the comm, reaching out to the destroyers. “We are on our way out, gentlemen. Disengage and perform your jumps as soon as possible.”

The engines kicked up, making the ship vibrate. They picked up speed while passing over the enemies, buying themselves a little more time before they could be targeted again. Sasha held tightly to his chair, practically holding his breath. The weapons blasted the buoy, blowing it to pieces in seconds even as the enemy fighters arrived at the location.

“We’re done,” Sasha called. “Get us out of here.”

“Uh…” Daisy cleared her throat. “Word from the destroyers, sir.”

“What is it?”

“They’re saying they can’t disengage.” Daisy put the situation on the viewscreen. The enemy battleships turned on them. Rather than chasing the Broken Light or even attempting to engage it, the ervas went for the weaker targets. The fighters swarmed them. Information on the screen showed shields were on the verge of failing.

“Get me Commander Piven on the line!” Sasha leaned forward as the connection established. “What the hell are you doing? Engage the engines; haul ass. Full retreat!”

“Sorry, sir,” Piven replied. “We’ll buy you some more time… maybe bloody their nose a little more. Besides, I don’t think they’re anticipating what we’re about to do.”

“What are you about to do?” Sasha demanded. “Tell me!”

“Just keep moving, sir. And good luck.” The line went dead.

“Son of a bitch!” Sasha pointed at Daisy. “Get him back on the line or even Commander Kriver.” He tapped the arm of his chair in anticipation, watching intently as the destroyers spun around. They engaged their engines, seemingly in unison, before charging the enemy battleships. “No! Come on, guys! You don’t have to do that! Daisy!”

“Comm’s not responding, sir.” Daisy turned to the screen. “They’ve doubled their frontal shields.”

The fighters ripped into the shields that had collapsed on the sides, popping tiny holes throughout the hull. The battleships took their shots next, heavy beams cutting through their targets like they were no more substantial than air. But it was too late to destroy them to prevent the collision. Everything happened in close proximity.

Piven’s ship went first. It collided with the outside battleship on the left. Both vessels were consumed in an orange-red ball followed by a green globe that expanded out from the reactor of the ervas.

Kriver hit next, though its target had moved. He collided directly in the center of his target, splitting it down the middle. At first neither ship exploded. Massive chunks of metal drifted apart then scattered as the reactors went up. The fighters were obliterated in an instant while the other battleships hustled away from the carnage.

Shit!

Sasha shook his head. “Put status of those enemy ships on the screen.” He had a hard time raising his voice. The loss of those resources, the men and women serving, Piven and Kriver… it slammed him in the gut like being shot. He leaned forward as the data appeared, displaying how bad off the sacrifice left the ervas.

One of the three took a heavy blow from debris. It was possible the Broken Light could take it out… but with the others, it was too dangerous to risk. None of them were disabled. They were merely busted up. However, two were down, and that provided a much more convincing kick to the face than Sasha had anticipated.

Now they’ll worry about whether or not we’re suicidal. Sasha didn’t know if that was good or bad. I guess we’ve given them something to think about. He let out a deep breath. “Get us out of here, Marston.” He hated the words, hating leaving after what he’d just seen. It made him sick. “Make it fast.”

“Aye, sir.” Marston tapped the console, leaning back in his seat. “Entering hyperspace… now.”

Another heavy vibration rattled the deck. Sasha closed his eyes for a moment just before they hurtled themselves far from the location. The message was sent to Alden. We gave a good nudge to these assholes. That’s all we can do. Next we get to see how big of a response they’ve got for us… and what we can field in return.

***

Captain Markel boarded the Intervention, departing his shuttle far more stiffly than he would’ve preferred. The short trip from the Morrigan to the MerCon vessel gave him just enough time to settle in, leaving his muscles cramped up and exhausted. He stretched on his way out, moving slowly to avoid looking like an old man.

The last week has caught up to me. Noah rarely struggled with age. He stayed in shape, took care of himself but after all they’d been through, he finally felt old. Deep in his bones, in his soul, he felt compelled to leave the military life behind. I don’t exactly have much to show for all these years of service.

Accolades felt shallow when compared to the lives lost. Rita… out there somewhere with a pirate scum. Jack Shelley… nearly killed in their last mission, fighting for his life in the infirmary. Countless others that became names in