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

“I was off world at the time.” Biggun swallowed hard.

This guy’s lying. Probably because he just realized I was one of the people he talked shit about. Zem wondered if it mattered. Not at the moment but it might eventually. “I don’t trust him in here. We might be waiting a while. Lock him up in a nearby room. Make sure he can’t do anything in there.”

“Whoa, why am I being locked up? I agreed to help you!”

“Relax.” McCully motioned for Nostros to take him down the hall. “Better to be locked up than the alternative.” Once they were gone, she turned back to Zem. “Okay, so now we know what’s going on. You know where he’s coming from. How’d we beat them here? They had a real head start.”

“The Bounty is badass,” Zem replied. “A prototype from your buddy Whitaker’s days of research and development. I’m thinking we’ve got a few hours… tops. That means we’ve got our work cut out for us. This place has to be rigged. I brought plenty of explosives, stuff we can use for traps. Let’s get them in here.”

“Because we don’t know how many people are coming down,” McCully said. “I suggest we funnel them into the main room. He seems to have it set up like a medieval audience chamber. We’ve got plenty of cover, good positions to fire into, and we can trap the locations around us to ensure we don’t have people come up behind us.”

“Bringing you was a good idea after all,” Zem replied. “I’ll join you when I’ve finished looking over their inventory. I’m all for using their own shit against them too. Once I find them all, I’ll get to work. Map out the space and let me know what you want me to do. I’ll trust you can get this done.”

“Gee, thanks. I’ve never planned an operation before.” McCully huffed, turning away.

“Wait.” Zem moved over to her, touching her shoulder. “Listen, I’m sorry I’ve been an asshole. I want you to understand where I’m coming from. Rita… she and Borden are the only people I have left in the world. Well, them and Torrence now. I take it real personally what’s happened so… I’m just intent on getting her back.”

“I understand.” McCully nodded. “We’ll finish this together. And we don’t have to do it by committing atrocities. Believe me. This won’t be a big thing.”

“I’ll hold you to that.” Zem watched her go, turning back to the computer. Okay, Rita. We’ll have this place ready. When you get here… you won’t have to stay for long.

***

Noah stopped by medical when he returned to the Morrigan. Jack Shelley had yet to wake up. He didn’t stay long. Medics stated he remained in a coma. Their recommendation was that he be returned to Confed space as quickly as possible to recover in a proper facility at either a space station or one of the major planets.

He authorized the transfer, but it hurt his heart to have to. He knew there was no reason to keep him around if the prognosis suggested he’d be in recovery for a prolonged period of time. A transport shuttle would take him to the MerCon ship for staging where he’d travel back in their facilities.

This left Noah with a dilemma of needing a first officer. They technically had time to fetch a new one, at least they believed so. But he wanted to take someone already on board. Someone he could trust to have a solid opinion and do the right thing. Particularly a person with experience as a fighter pilot.

He made his way to Nina Larson’s quarters, knocking twice. She called for him to come in, rising from her bunk to attention as he did. “Sir… sorry, I didn’t know it was you.”

“At ease,” Noah said. “I had a couple things I wanted to discuss.”

“Sure.” Nina loosened her stance, clasping her hands behind her back. “What can I do for you?”

“First, now that you know about Whitaker, that Marshal Northam’s in his proper position again, what do you think of our situation? Are you feeling better about the decision we made to defy the order to return home?”

Nina’s cheeks flushed. She nodded. “Yes, sir. I’m… I’m sorry I doubted you.”

“I have absolutely no grudge about that,” Noah replied, “and I’m not here to gloat about it being the right call. It could’ve just as easily bitten me in the ass, and we’d be in serious trouble. In fact, part of the reason I’m here is because you were willing to speak your mind in that case… you had a conviction. It’s important.”

“Sir?”

“Commander Shelley has been seriously injured. He’s going home.” Noah sighed. “He’ll be off the ship within the hour. That leaves a vacancy. One I’m hoping to fill before we head out. We’re on the verge of a major conflict and I need someone I can trust to be on the bridge with me. Coordinating with the other departments and our fighters.”

Nina’s eyes widened. “Are you suggesting—”

“I am offering you the opportunity to take that role. You’ll have a temporary rank increase to Commander. When this is over, we’ll talk again to see about making it permanent if that’s what you’d like.” Noah stepped closer. “What do you say? Will you do it?”

“I…” Nina swallowed hard. “Sir, I’m not entirely sure I know all of what Commander Shelley did.”

“During the fighting, you’ll primarily be guiding the fighters and helping me with tactical. You know the ship, and trust me, I wouldn’t be asking you if I didn’t believe you are the right person for the job.”

“Are you sure I wouldn’t be better leading the squadron? And who would do it if I’m not there?”

“I’m willing to take suggestions,” Noah replied, “but I’d recommend