The Alpha Protocol: Alpha Protocol Book 1 by Duncan Hamilton (read more books .txt) 📕

trousers down in public. Anyway,’ he said through the intercom to the SBB, ‘Bert, move that ship into position. We’ve got company and not much time.’

‘Aye, Cap.’

The viewscreen was split in two, one side showing the best sensor resolution imaging they could get of the approaching alien ship, while the other was fixed on the SBB, its chipped and worn red paintwork illuminated by the regular bursts from its attitude thrusters, as Bert manoeuvred the scout ship into position for the Maggie to grab hold with her tractor magnets. As interesting as it was to watch, Samson’s eyes were locked onto the side depicting the alien ship.

It was a familiar spectre at this point, but what was more alarming was how good the image was.

‘How far off is she?’ Samson said.

Smith looked over from the side with the SBB, which he had been concentrating on, and gave a chuckle that didn’t sound like it contained much humour.

‘Don’t worry,’ Smith said. ‘We’ve sensors that would put a dreadnought to shame. She’s farther than you think, but still too close for comfort. We need to get that scout hitched and get out of here pronto.’

Samson watched the screen with a tight feeling in his chest. Usually sensor imagery of that quality meant whatever you were looking at wasn’t that far off. He had no doubt Smith was telling the truth when he said his sensors were better than usual, but it was unsettling all the same. This ship was responsible for the deaths of too many sailors for him not to look at it and feel fear. He had no desire to add his name to the list of the fallen.

He flicked his eyes over to the other screen with the SBB and thought he felt a judder as he saw the alien scout ship lurch and lock into position, held in place by the invisible bond of the Maggie’s tractor magnet. He knew he had only imagined the judder—the ship’s dampeners were far too good—and he mused on how the mind could play tricks on you. He hoped that was also the case with how every instinct he had was screaming that the alien warship was too close for them to get away from it.

‘Get back on board as fast as you can, Bert,’ Smith said. ‘Don’t think I won’t leave you behind.’ He cut off the intercom, and settled into the command chair. His face showed more strain than it had, but only for a moment.

‘You’d leave one of your men behind?’ Samson said.

‘Of course not,’ Smith said. ‘But he’ll move faster if he thinks I will. And he needs to move fast.’

‘Will you give me an honest answer?’

Smith looked at him and cocked an eyebrow.

‘How far is that thing? Really?’

‘It’ll be on us in fifteen minutes. Without the scout, we can do more than she’s doing with legs to spare, and I’m assuming she’s at her top speed. With it in tow?’ He shrugged. ‘I reckon we’ll be able to stay ahead.’

Samson wasn’t filled with confidence, but Smith had played his cards pretty close to his chest so far in terms of the Maggie’s capabilities. There was always hope.

As soon as Smith had confirmation that the SBB was back in the docking bay, Smith spun the ship on its axis and accelerated until the tractor magnet’s status panel was flashing yellow.

‘That’s as much acceleration as I can give her,’ Smith said. ‘We’ll have to hope it’s enough to get us to the Nexus portal ahead of that big bastard.’

‘Why can’t we use your fancy agitator?’

‘Because it isn’t charged, and it won’t be in time. We’ll have reached the portal before it is.’

Samson frowned. ‘Why didn’t you save it for a fast getaway?’

Smith leaned forward in his chair. ‘Because sometimes you have to get there first,’ he said in a snarl. He took a deep breath and relaxed back to his charismatic self. ‘I wanted to make sure we got there before anyone else. Early bird, and all that. Plus I’m a show-off. Terrible trait, I know, but I can’t help myself and I’m too old to change now. Wanted to wow the Navy boys with my fancy gadgets.’

Samson reckoned silence was the best option. Smith was very much in control on the Maggie. That was the real reason he’d insisted they take her. The extra comfort it offered was a nice distraction, but that was all it was. They were along for the ride, and Smith’s momentary lapses of civility were a clear reminder of that.

The entire bridge remained in silence as the Maggie made her best effort to accelerate away, while still clinging onto the alien scout ship. Samson watched the alien ship, which now occupied the entire viewscreen.

‘Magnificent bastard, ain’t it,’ Smith said.

‘Not the words I’d use,’ Samson said. ‘Is it gaining on us?’

Smith frowned. ‘Right now it is. We’re still accelerating though. Give it time.’

‘How much of that do we have?’

Smith chuckled. ‘I’ve been in tighter spots and squeezed my way out.’

Samson realised the words were supposed to be comforting, but they didn’t have that effect.

‘If you want to go and get some rack time, feel free,’ Smith said. ‘There’s nothing to be gained by standing here staring at it. We’ve another six hours of acceleration. I’m sure we’ll be in the clear by then.’

Samson decided to do as Smith suggested. He was nothing but a spectator on the Maggie’s bridge, and he couldn’t quite remember the last time he’d had decent, uninterrupted sleep. As it was, it seemed he was going to have to wait a little longer. Despite the comfort of Maggie’s guest quarters, he tossed and turned for a few hours, the adrenaline that had been coursing through his system for so long keeping him from getting any worthwhile rest.

When he got back to the bridge, it was just Smith and Ali. They had the lights dimmed, and both of them stared at the dark horseshoe form of the alien ship.