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

least defending against special weapons. Tactics had also come to light. When pushed in a corner, the ervas were willing to take big risks. Even with ships that suffered severe damage. Not only did they go into hyperspace with engine problems, they performed a microjump on top of it.

Which also means they really want our asses. Sasha tried to ignore that part. The determination of his enemies made it obvious how much trouble they were in. At least there are only two ships left chasing us… so far as we know. He winced as rocks battered the shields, ervas blasts accompanying them. Two sides hit at the same time.

Part of the risk versus reward of going in here, Sasha reminded himself. We’ll be out shortly, and it’ll have been totally worth it. The ervas ship is still stuck in the middle. They were struggling to clear their immediate surroundings of the rocks, to break free of the trap but they’d be there for quite a while. Thirty more turrets wouldn’t help them right now.

“Which one of them hit us?” Sasha asked.

“The one we’re approaching,” Daisy said, “the other is on full defensive. They’re struggling to clear the larger rocks, but they’ve already burned up a good fifty that struck their shields. Damage is pretty extensive. They won’t be chasing us any time soon.”

Thank God part of this worked. Sasha turned all his attention to the ship they were approaching. “Marston, when we clear the field, turn to the starboard side. As we come around and they enter our sights, open fire on them. Give them everything we’ve got before engaging the engines, full thrust.”

“Aye, sir. I’m on it.” Marston continued maneuvering them through the rocks. He did a fantastic job but there was no escaping unscathed. Every bang of a rock made the ship shake and the deck vibrate. They smacked hard though the shields prevented any major damage. Each blow knocked their energy reserves down a notch, sometimes by eight percent.

Come on, baby. You’ve got this! Hold on for another thirty seconds! You can do it!

They cleared the rocks. The ervas left behind in the field advanced, pushing forward despite taking a serious beating from the rocks. It opened fire, hitting the Broken Light from two angles. Their original pursuer was taking a huge gamble and scans showed they received serious punishment from their impatience.

Hull damage on their port bow didn’t slow them down though. Even as holes appeared here and there, they continued firing, laying down an impressive array of fire. Their partner did the same. Marston tilted the vessel, protecting their thrusters at the cost of the back and side taking more of the punishment.

Shields held though they were dropping fast. These came from their normal attacks, causing the shields to go down even after the hits. Fortunately, Engineering knew how to contend with that side effect, which meant they could keep them up as the thrusters pulled them away.

Neither of the enemies had it in them to keep up. Once the Broken Light got out of range, the fight was over.

For how long? Sasha wanted to stay behind, to finish them off. I can’t afford to take any more damage. Even if they defeated the two ervas ships, a delay in departing that sector might mean the difference between life and death for some of the fleet. They need to know about that device.

“Engineering report,” Daisy said. “They think they can jam the device but cutting it… that’s not going to be possible.”

“As long as it won’t rip us out of hyperspace,” Sasha replied. “Actually… it may be better if we can preserve it. I’m pretty sure someone will want a look at the thing… to check out that technology. Maybe it’ll help us in the fight to come.”

Another two sets of volleys splashed against their shields. These brought about a real reaction, a dramatic tremor that made parts rattle behind metal panels. Even when it settled down, Sasha swore he heard things clattering around him. He gritted his teeth, offering a silent prayer that the ship would hold together.

“They might get one more off,” Marston said. “But we’re nearly out of range. Should be another few moments at most.”

Sasha noted they were at full throttle, but the HUD showed they were only getting ninety percent efficiency from the thrusters. Damage from that earlier hit.

“I hate to keep after this,” Sasha said, “but what’s our ETA to hyperspace recharge?”

“It’s ready,” Daisy didn’t sound certain, “and we’ll be able to jump shortly.”

“Why do I sense a but in that statement?” Marston asked the question.

“Because of that device. Engineering has sealed around the breach in the anchors that it’s used to clamp onto the hull. They’re putting a jammer in place, basically a massive sensor they can pump power through to overwhelm its ability to receive signals. I’m skeptical that it’ll work. I have no data to support my concern but…there it is.”

“Doesn’t matter,” Sasha said, “even getting a system away will be better than waiting here.” Of course, getting yanked out of hyperspace probably isn’t good for the systems. We might not survive a second time. He kept those thoughts to himself even though he figured the others felt the same way.

“Incoming!” Marston shouted. They took evasive action, moving swiftly downward but it didn’t matter. The hit caused the lights to go out on the bridge. Fortunately, all panels remained on, offering a blue-green glow. Red emergency LEDs kicked on in the corners, giving them enough light to see.

“Blast went through shields in the starboard side rear,” Daisy reported. “A generator is offline. It handles basics for the most part so we’re okay. All major systems are still online. That will not prevent us from getting out of here. But we need to go now. Before they pull another attack like that.”

“Is