Dear All,
Attached is part 1 of chapter 6. Sorry It has taken so long, but I am a busy bee these days.
GG
introduction, Chapter 1,
chapter 2, chapter 3, chapter 4,
__________
Chapter 6 – An Antigone tragedy.
Eli busied himself as his father eased the ship, Reliable out of the station. As the plasma drives slowly built up speed, Mitchell swung the lifter passed ha handful of ships on a docking approach.
“So Dad, why did it take so much less time to sort the deal?” Eli asked.
“I am not sure, it seems they were just happy to make the trade, no haggling or anything. Even the Factotum, their Argon representative was accommodating.”
“Wow I wonder what put them in a good mood?” Eli asked.
“They’re Boron, they are always in a good mood.” Mitchell replied.
The pair broke out into laughter.
“Hey there is a large convoy forming up over there.” Eli said.
Mitchell looked out of the window. There was indeed a mixed group of over a dozen Argon lifters and Boron Dolphins being exscorted by a squadron of Buster medium fighters and a pair of Discoverers.
“I think you are right.” Mitchell agreed. “I think we should tuck in behind them, might as well get some free protection when we go through Atreus' Clouds.”
“I guess so, though I hope we wont come to any danger.” Eli said.
“Hm getting all responsible aren’t we son. I can remember when you would be itching to try your hand against the Xenon.”
“What in this tug?” Eli laughed.
“I see your point.” Mitchell agreed.
The convoy headed off for the jump point. Mitchell pulled in behind the trailing transport. Two of the escorts, both Navy Busters, swept around giving a brief scan before they formed on the lifter’s tail. It seemed they were being accepted into the small fleet. The pace was slow it seemed the convoy was in no hurry to reach Argon space. The journey was therefore leisurely, giving Eli time to enjoy the systems along the way.
+++
The stamp of feet brought Dempsey back from his daydreaming. Startled, he looked about his small office. Through the door stalked a tall man middle aged man. There was an air of menace about him.
“Ah welcome, do take a seat Mr…”
Dempsey was cut off by a growl “No names, lets not be amateurish about this.”
“Well Its obvious why I called you. Are things in place?”
“Yes they are, the moment you gave me the information my people were ready.”
“Can you guarantee I will not be implicated?”
“Of course, please do not insult my competence. It will happen exactly as you wanted.”
“And the fee is acceptable?”
“Yes, fortunately you rich kids can at least pay well.”
“I do not think I like your tone.”
“I couldn’t give a flying frak. And don’t think you can threaten me with your money. I have enough on you to get you shot.”
“Well just do the job then.”
“I will. It would be best however if you make sure you have a firm alibi. You don’t want any suspicion put on you. The timing is going to be pretty coincidental especially after your foolish display in the police station.”
“What how do you know about that?”
“Hull, you are slow, I am a criminal. Do you think the entire community is not talking about your pathetic little tantrum?”
Dempsey bridled.
“Now don’t go into a tiz lad, you get in your ship with your little boyfriend and head off for three worlds for the next few tazuras. Leave me to sort out your laundry.”
“Well make it look perfect, and don’t get captured, I want no trail to lead to me.” Dempsey added.
“Lad, if you were not paying so well I would kill you just to prove how small a trail I do leave.”
Dempsey pushed his chair back, trying to get distance from the menacing look on the criminal’s face.
“Just get going, I would hate for you to miss him.”
+++
The convoy of freighters headed ponderously closer to its destination. After several stazuras the gate to Atreus' Clouds finally loomed ahead. The lead pair of fighter escorts jumped through. Eli looked through the cockpit glass, admiring the colourful swirls of the activating wormhole.
“Our turn soon son.” Mitchell remarked.
Eli did not reply, he was to busy looking at a large Boron Ray destroyer which was patrolling the gate. The sleek lines reminded him of some of the aquatic creatures he had seen within the giant tank on board the trading station. Studded along the side were many menacing weapon turrets. Several of the turrets began to glow as though preparing to fire. He took a deep breath as the hairs on the back of his neck began to rise.
In a blaze of light the weapons opened fire. Millions of joules of energy poured out, stitching across the sky. Eli’s eyes followed the streams of plasma as they struck a transport ship a few kilometres from the convoy. In surprise Eli jumped up, then pushed his face against the glass, trying to get a better view.
In barely a few sezuras, the shields on the freighter collapsed. Engrossed he watched as the hull plating began to melt. Huge gobbets of twisted half solidified metal began to float about the ship. Slowly one after another the ship’s lights began to wink out. Soon all the signs that indicated life onboard were gone. Eli’s breathing became shallow, he had just witnessed the death of untold numbers of sentients.
“Must have been some pirates son. Don’t worry I am sure the deserved it.”
Eli took a ragged breath. “I hope so”.
The destroyer swung about, from the shadows behind a dozen boron interceptors swept over the prow.
“Looks like they are headed for the gate. We had better hold back to let them through.”
The destroyer moved towards the gate. All around it freighters manoeuvred to avoid the bulky vessel. With a blinding flash, the ship and its escorts headed through the jump gate and was gone. The rest of the Graaf’s convoy headed through after it.
Mitchell gunned the engines and they were soon passing between the nacelles heading for the activation point.
“He we go” Mitchell said.
The wormhole encompassed them. For a few moments, time stood still and then they were out on the other side. The tranquillity of most of the Boron sectors was not evident here. The entire Atreus' Clouds region was swarming with Xeon and more were pouring out of the south gate, headed towards the clusters of space stations and factories. It was little wonder that the destroyer had moved to the sector.
Squadrons of elegant Boron fighters launched from the stations. A large wing of heavy Eel fighters accelerated from the spinning trading station ready to meet the Xenon fleet head on.
=========
Eli grabbed the pair of pilot goggles, both fascinated and horrified as the events unfolded. Near the Xenon gate hung two isolated factories. A sizable portion of the attacking fleet split off and began to boost towards them. As the main Xenon force spread into an enveloping cloud to engulf the sector fleet it seemed the defenders of the two factories were cut off from aid.
The Boron destroyer made its way slowly towards the Xenon gate. It stopped just south of the main station cluster and manoeuvred to bring the full force of its broadside in line with the Xenon fleet. Several squadrons of the small Xenon Scout fighters were in the vanguard of the main Xenon strike force. As they neared weapons range the destroyer opened fire. From weapon ports studded along the armoured flank a barrage of plasma fire began to light up the inky blackness. For a moment it seemed like a necklace of gems connected the two fleets and then the first explosions of ships shattered the vision.
“Well son I hate to say this but I think we had better try and use the confusion to get home. I am going to move away from the convoy and try and make best speed for the gate.” Mitchell said.
“I think you are right Dad, there is nothing we can do here.” Eli replied.
Mitchell could detect a hint of disappointment in his son’s voice. He would learn eventually.
With little to do Eli returned to watching the developing battle. The withering fire of the destroyer had repulsed the first wave of Xenon fighters. A second wave was being pulled together. In amidst the smaller Xenon fighters were a score of larger, yet nimble fighters dubbed “M” by the Argon fleet. With renewed vigour the Xenon fighters assaulted the beleaguered defenders. Dozens of Xenon ships were destroyed by the Ray’s barrage or by the darting strikes of the sector defence ships.
For every ship killed another seemed to take its place. Worse the M’s seemed to be avoiding much of the incoming fire. The first headed directly for the destroyer, the turrets could not track fast enough as the M weaved between the streams of plasma. Eli gasped as he realised the fighter did not intend to break off the attack. The M slammed into the armoured bulk of the destroyer. A huge gout of flame shot from the side of the ship.
There must have been a temporary power failure in the ship as the lights winked out for a sezura and it began to swing uncontrolled away from its position. The impact of the M seemed to cause a sudden change in the peaceful nature of the Boron defenders. Every ship in the Boron fleet began to blast away at the spread out Xenon. Within less than a mizura several enemy fighters were destroyed. The squadron of Eels had held back until this moment. Suddenly they slammed on their afterburners and smashed their way past the main Xenon screen. They were headed for the heavy command fighters within the core of the fleet. Missile contrails crisscrossed the sky. As the Graafs’ Lifter headed towards the gate Eli could no longer tell which side the countless explosions were from.
“Nearly out now Eli. Hang on what’s going on there?” Mitchell asked, pointing at a trio of signals on the radar.
Eli looked out towards the Xenon splinter fleet surrounding the two southern stations. Through his goggles he could see that a small cluster of ships, a large yet strangely fast freighter and two buster fighters were breaking through the Xenon blockade. Several explosions dotted the space between the stations and the gate. Those pilots were good Eli recognised. Very good.
Somehow the trio of ships managed to accelerate beyond the velocity of most of the Xenon ships. By the time they approached the gate there were only a handful of pursuers left. Eli could see that the freighter had taken numerous laser blasts and its shields were heavily depleted. Scars dotted the hull, Eli noted that many were not recent.
“Dad I don’t think the freighter will make it.”
“Hold on Eli, I’ll see what I can do.”
Mitchell span the lifter around and headed for the nearest Xenon fighter. It seemed all the Xenon were intent on taking down the unknown freighter and ignored the Graafs’ ship. At the last moment the Xenon ship tried to evade. Too late Mitchell rammed his ship into the engine core of the fighter. A heavy explosion rippled across the lifter’s shields but they held. The distraction gave the escorts time to turn about and drive off the remaining pursuers.
The comm. Unit crackled with static as a voice burst through. “That was some foolish flying. Whoever you are thank you.”
Mitchell picked up the microphone. “Unknown freighter you are welcome. Why did you not wait for help to keep?”
“We are in a hurry. Thanks again for the save. Allow me and my fighters to escort you back home.”
“I can’t say I will complain over that.” Replied Mitchell.
The four ships headed for the Jump gate. As they approached the telltale flicker of an incoming wormhole, in moments a large Argon taskforce spilled out. In the lead were a squadron of discoverers. They quickly fanned out and formed a perimeter around the gate. Behind them came ship after ship, a huge force of busters and elites. Finally the massive bulk of a carrier forced its way through. Eli held his breath, it was the Argon One, flagship of the Argon fleet.
Without a single transmission, the massed Argon taskforce headed towards the Xenon fleet. The forward elements were soon heavily engaged with the forward elements of the enemy. With the space around the gate suddenly empty, Mitchell followed the trio of ships through.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
The Argon system “The Hole” seemed quiet as they exited the gate. A large portion of the ready fleet must have been assigned to the relief taskforce in Atreus Clouds. Mitchell plotted a course towards the North gate and home.
“Ah I see you are also headed for Antigone.” The pilot of the transport called over the comm.
“Yes, we operate out from there.” Mitchell replied.
“Great then we can escort you the rest of the way.”
“Acknowledged and thanks.” Mitchell signed off.
The small convoy moved to form up with the Graaf’s Lifter. The transport moved in behind and the two fighters took escort positions on the wings. The journey towards the gate was uneventful and mercifully short.
“Let our fighters through first.” The transport pilot suggested. “You never know there may be Xenon raiders about.”
“Yes, I guess that is possible.” Mitchell acknowledged. “The fleet must be slightly stretched today.”
After the two Busters had passed through the gate, Mitchell followed. As they exited alarms began to sound. They were being targeted. As the sensors recalibrated, it was soon apparent that the unknown foes were the two fighter pilots.
“Graaf, stand down your ship.”
“What the frack? Are you insane?”
The lead fighter fired a couple of volleys into the Lifter. Eli could see the shields begin to fall. Behind them the transport moved into a menacing position. The tell tale glow under the cockpit suggested that it too was armed.
“Graaf, shut down your shields and prepare to be boarded.” An oddly familiar voice crackled over the comm.
“Dad, what are we going to do?” Eli asked.
“I am not sure what do you suggest comply or make a run for the stations?”
“Run!” Eli exclaimed. “Hopefully the defence fighters will get here soon.”
“Ok son.” Mitchell replied, then transmitted to the transport. “Look are you crazy? This is an Argon sector you will be torn apart if you continue.”
“Let us worry about that you worry about your own hides.” The same familiar voice continued.
Mitchell slammed on his accelerator and the Lifter pushed forwards slowly gaining speed. The two Busters were far too fast for the cargo ship and were soon pummelling the shields. Eli watched the indicator fall rapidly. Soon the lasers were chewing into the hull. In a large explosion, the engines blew out leaving them drifting. A loud clanging noise sounded on the hull. The two Graaf’s shared a glance, their faces were full of dread.
A loud bang indicated the outer airlock being blown open. Mitchell searched for a weapon. The only choices were some large spanners.
“These will have to do.” He said to Eli.
Eli hefted the heavy metal spanner and followed his father into the rear compartment. The inner door burst open and a small squad of pressure suited men stormed into the room. The suits were all black with no insignia. The helmets had darkened visors so the occupants could not be seen. Worse they were all armed with an assortment of guns.
“Drop them.” The leader said. Again there was the familiar voice. Eli was at a loss.
“Get the hull of my ship.” Mitchell replied.
The leader of the apparent pirates looked at him for a moment through his shielded visor. His arm came up and he fired one shot from the low velocity slugger into Mitchell’s chest.
“NO!” Eli cried, then jumped at the attackers, swinging the spanner like a club. The nearest of the pirates crumpled to the floor. A second grabbed Eli and hurled him across the room. Before the leader could do anything another had fired a shot into Eli’s shoulder. A gaping hole appeared and blood began to flood out. He collapsed onto the floor next to his father.
The pirate leader struck the shooter. “That was not part of the plan. Next time I will shoot you myself.”
The pirate grumbled a reply.
“Right men take what you like, but be quick, we only have three mizuras till the defence fighters decide to take a peak.” The leader said.
Eli tried to get up and fight but he could not stay conscious he dragged himself towards his father in amongst the fainting. The leader stood and watched as the pirates hurriedly removed many of the items that Mitchell had bought in Boron space. When the last pirate had left. The leader made his way to the airlock.
Turning to get one last glimpse he whispered. “I am sorry kid.”
Eli was left alone. He finally managed to crawl to his father. He felt for a pulse. It was weak. He propped himself up against a bulkhead and them dragged his father onto his lap.
“Dad I am sorry.” He said grabbing his father’s hand.
Mitchell took one last gasping breath, “Eli, take care of your mother.”
A time for heroes - Chapter 6 (completed - 28.07.05)
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A time for heroes - Chapter 6 (completed - 28.07.05)
Last edited by Graf_Grau on Thu, 28. Jul 05, 14:09, edited 4 times in total.
I am glad for once it was not quite so predictableWow. I did NOT expect that!! great ending.
Sorry it was supposed to be a dying in his arms moment. I will look at that again. As for familiar voice, you'll have to wait and see.KiwiNZ wrote:Ouch!! That is a sad end indeed! Let's hope Mitch makes it. Eli certainly learnt the hard way that running isn't always the best choice. Curious to see who that 'familiar voice' turns out to be. Could easily be the bounty hunter he had met before.
Looking forward to the next chapter!