CH 1
"All ships increase distance for landing. Begin landing procedures and report when ready."
"Porcupine here, Roger, Stinger," Suzanne replied to the radio. To her mates, she said, "OK guys, we finally get to land someplace! Begin the landing sequence, we are following Stinger in at six thousand meters distance."
"About time," Eddie agreed from his center seat in the line of three. On his consoles, he adjusted their trajectory and speed.
"Yes!" Diane agreed from her far right seat. "Weapons off line and stored, internal hatches closing."
From the left seat, Suzanne said, "Helmets on, pressurize your suits." She then looked back to watch the control area separation wall, and behind it, the wall that separated the computer and electronics room from the crew living area go up. The rear wall closed first, then the one right behind them shut.
"Interior hatches closed," Diane announced, then put her helmet on. Seeing Eddie was busy with navigation, she said,"Eddie, I'm putting your helmet on for you."
"Thanks hon," Eddie said. His helmet drifted down onto his suit and the neck collar locked as he closely monitored their position..
The space ship they had was officially called an LRDSAV, short for Long-range Rescue Defense Search and Attack Vehicle. Theirs was number 41. On the outside, the ship looked kinda like a crab, with the two curved hull pieces meeting at a sharp angle. The hull was a foot thick of composite armor at it's thinnest that was made to withstand, absorb or deflect, energy and projectile weapons. The two long 'pincer' like arms the ship had for research and rescue missions were normally folded under the view screen in front. The armor plates that protected the view screen was currently up, as normal, so instead of looking at what was in front of them through a long window, they looked at the forward camera view.
Besides being thick-skinned, they had high power lasers at the top and bottom rounding of the hull, as well as a fixed rail gun running down the center of the ship that was able to propel a 150MM shell at 1/10th the speed of light in relation to their ship. The shells were solid 'shot', shaped to do damage by punching through their target, and the massive kinetic energy released from that impact. In their living area that they had just one big bed as well as a small kitchen, cleaning closet, and food storage under the bed that could be changed into a space to keep survivors in during a rescue operation. They also had a 'soft' deployable storage unit, that while severely limited the ship's capabilities, could hold as many as a hundred people in an emergency.
When they first saw the ship that would become 'their home' until further notice, They all agreed the long acronym was not what they would call these ships. They were Space Tanks. Suzanne and her mates promptly named theirs 'Porcupine' in honor of the tank they drove during high school Sensha-do, and painted a cartoon porcupine over the entrance hatch. Their friends from high school, Heather Miyuki, who went by 'Nova' and Alexandria Miyuki, who went by 'Alex', named theirs 'Phoenix' after the Firefly Nova commanded.
Following their example, every crew in the newly formed 32nd Recon squadron picked names for their ships. 'Stinger' was the CO, Major Hans Ford who commanded the 32nd. Besides Porcupine and Phoenix, there was Dodger, Badger, Polecat, Scorpion, Leopard, Hornet, and Falcon.
The ten ship squadron had spent the last 45 days training on their way here. Not that they couldn't have just folded to their destination, each ship had Annunaki Fold drives to cross large areas of the galaxy. They had to stop and train at every mission this versatile ship was designed for. The UN Space Command could not afford large, special purpose ships, so smaller multifunction ships were made and filled with highly trained crews that knew every operational part of the ship, as well as how to repair it. They stopped at a system to analyze asteroids, get samples from a gas giant, answer an emergency call they had to spread apart to triangulate and find the source of the call, then fly there and take 'wounded' crew members off. They surrounded the training freighter to defend it, then went on the attack against a flight of drones headed for a planet that again, they had to find first. The hardest part of that was finding the drones. The search patterns and particle analysis to find the trail. Upon finding them, one high speed pass and the drones were obliterated to sprinkle pieces down on the rock the drones were headed for.
Now, they were finally getting to land, stretch their legs and resupply. Good thing too, they were down to 15 days of food and water.
"Incoming flight path," Eddie announced. "Loading into navigation."
Suzanne studied her Captain's panels then keyed her radio. "Porcupine, ready to land."
One by one, their ships landed on the station. Coming in by wing, Porcupine was the third ship to land. Eddie followed the course and speed in, and also double checked the given flight path. "Path verified," he announced. As the station grew closer, he extended the landing gear. Extending out, the six jointed legs emerged from the bottom of the ship, three to a side. Once he got the six green lights, he announced, "Gear down … on track."
Slowing evenly, they came up to the side of the station. One bay was open, highlighted with a green light. Eddie drifted the ship in, stopped then turned the ship around as the bay doors closed. He settled down then engaged the magnetic locks. "Down and locked, powering down engines." Eddie called.
"Finally! Let's go take a walk," Diane said happily.
Suzanne let out a huff. "We will. First to resupply, then we have a squadron briefing," she said. As her mates turned to her, she shrugged and said, "We got a tight schedule."
.
Lt. Hera Agathon walked into the briefing room on the orbital station. Having just arrived on her Raptor II, she and her crew were coming to perform their last training session before heading out on a mission in deep space.
Being the daughter of Raptor legends Karl and Athena Agathon, Hera bore the dark hair of her mother, and a semi-oriental face. Like her father, Karl, Hera was a little taller than her mother. Not quite as tall as her father, but she did tower over her mother. Although she was not extraordinarily strong, she did have outstanding reflexes and she was smart. Due to her heritage and grades, she was held to a higher standard in the Academy that most cadets. Although the courses and training was geared to be tough on all cadets, Hera had been scrutinized on her performance. Although she hated it, it did make her a flawless pilot and ship commander. At times though she wished people would stop comparing her to her parents.
Highly disciplined, the Raptor crews didn't engage in conversation as they took their seats. Hera sat down with her crew and quietly waited for the briefing to begin. It was unprofessional to talking about anything but the mission.
After what seemed to be an hour, Commander Thrace strode into the briefing room. The squadron leader, Captain Thanos, stood up and announced, "Attention on deck!" They all rose.
"Be seated," the blond haired Commander said, and went to the podium. She looked at her watch, then made a hologram appear of an asteroid. "Today you have a mission. This is asteroid 5-27-B. On it is a transmitting device. Your mission is to recover that device and return it to this station." She then cracked a grin and added, "The mission itself is simple enough. However, there is another unknown force that is also after this transmitter. They are being briefed at the same time you are. Your weapons will be ranging lasers. If your ship is targeted, you're dead, and must move out of the area. The mission starts at the end of this briefing." Looking at her watch again, she added, "You have two minutes to ask any questions."
"Sir! What does this force consist of?" Captain Thanos asked.
"Unknown, Captain. You must be prepared to deal with anything," Commander Thrace told him.
"Do we get a Viper escort?" Hera asked.
"Negative. This is a scramble of Raptors to retrieve the transmitter and recover it in working condition."
"Sir? What about our flight path and formation?" The Captain asked.
"That's up to you, Captain. All mission planning and execution is in your hands." Kara Thrace looked at her watch again. "You have one minute ten to mission start."
"I take it we have clearance to launch?" the Captain asked.
"The control center is expecting your request at any time after ... fifty seconds."
Hera stood up. "Captain! I recommend two ships head straight for the asteroid upon launch with a jump to standard safe distance to bracket it and watch for incoming. The rest of the squadron can form up and head in during the secondary launches."
.
Forty seconds later, The Porcupine crew ran out of their briefing room as Major Ford yelled orders from just ahead of them. "Porcupine, get to your ship and find that transmitter as fast as possible, and SIT on it! The rest of A wing, form a perimeter around the asteroid. B wing, get close fast and shut down on the sun side, minimal aspect to the asteroid. When trouble comes, bite it in the ass!"
"Yes, Major!" the crew commanders yelled.
Running back to the hangers, Eddie ran straight in and jumped into the pilot's seat in the middle. Diane scanned the inside of the ship. "Suz, all equipment and supplies stored, hatches shut, ready for takeoff."
Suzanne got on the radio. "Station control, this is Porcupine, request permission to exit."
"Engines on line, holding ten percent thrust," Eddie told her as he watched the bay doors.
"Porcupine, this is station control, permission granted, evacuating atmosphere."
"Come on, come on," Eddie coaxed, one finger above the magnetic lock release, his other hand poised to ram them to full thrust.
Suzanne watched the atmosphere outside the ship drop. When it hit zero, she said, "Bay doors opening in five. Diane, plot the jump, fifteen thousand kilometers from the 5-27-B asteroid."
Eddie saw the light above the doors turn red. As they opened he increased thrust to fifteen percent. They started skidding towards the doors. The instant the doors were open, Eddie released the magnetic lock. They shot out of the bay. Eddie gave it 100 percent thrust and turned onto a rough course towards their target. He punched up the asteroid's coordinates, and did a scan of the system.
"Diane, I have the target's location and the transmitter signal," Eddie told her.
Diane nodded, "I'm passing you the range and Fold vector."
Eddie saw it come up on his hologram. "Got it. We can get within a thousand safely. Suz?"
"Do it!"
Eddie nodded. "Folding in three … two …. one."
Porcupine winked out of space and reappeared with the asteroid right in front of them.
"Got it pinpointed!" Diane announced. "It's sitting atop a ridge upper left quarter."
Suzanne also looked at the position of the transmitter. "I think we need to make it harder to find," she said. "Guys, we grab it and head down to that small crater just beyond that ridge. We can defend from there better."
.
Hera and her crew walked back to the hanger with the rest of their squadron. They performed the normal pre-flights the got permission to take off. The two lead ships launched, then two by two, the rest of the squadron headed out.
Captain Thanos had a solid plan. The two lead ships bracket the asteroid to find the incoming 'hostiles'. Hera and two other ships would go in and find the transmitter and jump back to base with it while he coordinated engaging the hostiles. Even if the other side managed to break through, they would still get the transmitter back to the orbital station.
Forming up, they jumped to the standard thirty thousand mile distance from their target. Flying in, they picked up 4 ships orbiting the asteroid. Their two lead ships got taken out, but gave good coordinates for three of the four orbiting ships.
"Ignore the battle," Hera said, "Sensors, where's that transmitter?"
"I have a weak signal, zero five two by two six eight."
Hera keyed her radio. "Raptor four and six, full thrust and follow me in, keep the hostiles off me. We're headed for the target." She firewalled her throttle and dove for the asteroid. She also heard the communications.
"Raptor ten down... raptor six down … raptor nine down. They're coming in from one nine seven, behind us!" a frantic voice called.
"Guard the pickup team! Raptor five and seven, reverse and engage!"
More battle comms filled Hera's ears as they sped towards the asteroid. "Sensors, do you have a fix yet?" she asked in a snap.
"We're headed right for it, the crater just beyond the ridge. See it?"
"I do. Raptor four, we're going in, guard us from above. "
"Hurry!" came a frantic reply.
Hera braked with reverse thrust as the asteroid filled the view screen. Counting, they had three raptors left. All she had to do was grab the transmitter and jump away. The last defense raptor was taken out just before she touched down. It was then she noticed a glint of light from a shadowed wall of the crater.
"We just got taken out," her co pilot said.
"Raptor two, down," Hera said into the radio. She settled down on the surface and watched the shadowed cliff. Raptor four came down, and there was another flash of light. Raptor four was down.
They had lost every ship. A moment later, a double saucer shaped ship not much larger that their raptors drifted out of the shadows under the cliff. A pair of jointed mechanical arms on the front reached out. One grabbed the transmitter. The other moved up in a salute. This ship then turned so she could see the painted on cartoon creature above the hatch, and the ship rose out of sight.
"Damn," Hera grumbled.
"What was that?" her co-pilot asked.
Thinking about the cartoon creature, Hera said, "I've seen that caricature before, at home. It wasn't on a space vehicle, but on an armored ground attack vehicle. I don't think we stood a fracking chance in hades at completing this mission."
"But what was that ship?" her co pilot asked.
"First time seeing it," Hera said, "But I know who was in it. Dad and Mom talked about them. Have you ever seen the Sensha-do videos from Earth?"
"The what? Wait, I've heard of them, yes. War games Earth kids play in high school. You think it was high school kids in that ship?"
"I'm sure they are graduated by now," Hera told her. "That emblem was a porcupine. We just got fracked by the Terror Twins."
The radio announced, "All units of the 116th Raptor squadron, return to base and assemble for the debriefing."
.
The 32nd Recon returned to their station. This time, after the briefing they were 'on leave' for 48 standard hours. Although there was nothing great on the station to do, it did have a couple recreation areas. Like others, Suzanne, Diane and Eddie made use of the running track.
Eddie jogged along beside his wives. He was enjoying the sight of them in their close fitting tank tops and running shorts. Both had grown up very nice. Suzanne with her silver hair in a ponytail had a slim, tight body and enough curves to make him want to drool. Diane, her purple hair also in a bouncing pony tail was more voluptuous. She bore a more hourglass figure and like her mother Mariko, and Nana before her, Diane bore large breasts that bounced as they ran. Eddie swore he was the luckiest man in the universe.
Also like the other teams, they found they ran out of steam fairly quickly. After a single lap, they found an excuse to stop and sit. Their high school friends and teammates, Nova and Alex were on a bench, resting.
"This is harder after months of just sitting in a chair," Diane said and plopped down beside Alex.
"Yeah. Even a quick dash from bed to the controls is what? A whole twenty feet?" Nova asked.
"Think we better walk before we try to run again," Eddie said in a pant.
"I'm all for that," Alex agreed.
Suzanne noticed the 'Phoenix' crew was missing someone. "Where's Karen?"
"She had a relative, cousin I think, stationed here," Nova told her. "She went to go look him up."
"Why didn't we land on the planet farther into this system. At least then we'd have something to do," Diane complained.
"You can always come over to our place. Grab some food, play a game, and curse the higher-ups for sticking us out here," Alex said with a false grin.
"It doesn't seem fair," Suzanne agreed. "In a couple days, we get our first real mission. They should have given us a little time with real sunshine."
"There's a sun globe overhead," Nova said, pointing up.
"Not the same," Eddie stated.
"Let's walk around the track. At least then we can get some exercise."
.
The two crews spent most of their time off together. They played games, caught up on some new movies (well, new to them), and slept in their ships. When their 'off' time was up, they joined the squadron in a briefing room.
.
Their mission was to support the UNS Endeavor on a deep space research mission. The science ship was in system, and scheduled for a five year mission to explore a quadrant of space the egg-heads believed might contain intelligent life. In addition to the 32nd, the 116th Colonial raptor squadron was to join them also. The Colonials were to scan and monitor, the 32nd's job was to retrieve samples, do close-in recon and act as guards for the raptors and the Endeavor.
Briefed and resupplied, the 32nd took off to rendezvous with the Endeavor. It was a short hop from the station to the science ship.
Getting in line for landing, Eddie brought up a magnified view of the Endeavor. It was a standard looking deep space vessel. Long cigar shape with the engines in the rear, the ship was 900 meters long and 120 meters around. It had plenty of antennas and exterior sensors poking out everywhere.
"No guns, only ranging lasers," Diane noted as she looked at the scans on her console.
"I guess that's why they need us," Suzanne said.
"Incoming, vector 173, 052," Diane announced. "It's the raptors. Looks like they are going to land right behind us."
"Landing beacon active," Eddie said. "Soon we'll see out new home for the next five years."
.
The landing bays were in the middle of the ship. One deck high, a corridor ran midships, with individual bays along the corridor walls. As Eddie drifted in, one set of bay doors were open and ringed in a green light.
"These are storage bays," Eddie said, not sounding pleased. "No way for a quick exit."
"Which means the ship will be defenseless until we can get out of here. Which will take a few minutes," Suzanne agreed.
"A few minutes is a long time if it comes down to a fight," Diane noted dryly.
Eddie used thrusters to go into the bay that wasn't much larger than the Porcupine, turn around and settle down. Once he was in place, the bay doors shut and the bay was pressurized.
Diane let out a snort and said, "Remember guys, we're in storage bay number ten. Don't get lost."
.
Captain Ellen Keaton, Major Ford's navigator, met them as they exited their bay. The short haired brunette didn't look pleased as she said, "The briefing room is in number twelve lounge, one deck up the stairs to your left, turn right, fourth door on your right."
"Yes, Ma'am," Suzanne said, and led her crew up to the room to find a White Robe talking to Major Ford.
Upon seeing Suzanne and Diane, the blue haired woman cast them an even gaze and told Major Ford, "And I expect proper behavior from all your crews. No mischief will be allowed."
"Gee, think that was for us?" Diane asked as they passed by and looked for a seat in the large room with plush seats and couches.
"Excuse me, and which one are you?" the White robe asked.
Suzanne turned to her and said, "I am Captain Suzanne Warren, this is my sister, Lt. Diane Warren, and our pilot, Lt. Edward Warren. May I ask you name, Ma'am?"
The woman cast a cold look at Suzanne and said, "I am Anna Snit, your White Robe for the journey. Keep in mind this is a science vessel and NOT a platform for war games."
Suzanne was shocked at her attitude. She wasn't even trying to be friendly. "Whatever happens, this is real, Ma'am. We will treat it as such," she replied firmly.
"Captain, take your seat," Major Ford said, glancing into the room.
"Yes, sir," Suzanne said and followed her mates. Diane found a couch that fit three people, they settled down there, Eddie in the middle, and waited as others came in. As they waited, they listened to Lady Snit lecture the Major.
"The reason you are here is to fulfill UNS requirements. Captain Styles is not happy about it, but understands the regulations. Your bays, this lounge and the common facilities are open to your crews, Major. They will not be allowed in operational spaces. This ship has it's own police force, and while on board, they alone hold jurisdiction. Commander Chaplain will be taking care of your supply needs. Do you have any questions?"
"I do, actually," Major Ford said. "Why am I not being briefed by Captain Styles? When do I get a flight plan, and what are the required scout duties, to begin with."
"Captain Styles is busy, you have no need to view the flight plan, and unless a scout is asked for, all your ships are to remain in their bays," Lady Snit stated.
Major Ford nodded slightly and said, "Then I wish to speak to the Admiralty. Not only are you telling me we're just along for the ride, but you are also saying my crews cannot even keep up on their flight quals. That is deliberate negligence. I will speak to Captain Styles or the local Admiral in charge. Your choice."
Lady Snit drew a long breath and said, "I will see if he is busy." She turned and walked out.
Major Ford didn't look happy, but he stayed quiet and waited for the crews to trickle in.
"Wow, this trip is starting off well," Diane said with a snort.
"I take it they hate the military," Eddie said.
Suzanne let out a huff, but kept quiet.
After their squadron mates came in, the Raptor pilots trickled in. One man stayed by Major Ford. They shook hands and talked quietly. Suzanne couldn't quite hear, but it seemed neither of them were happy.
Once all the Raptor crews were seated, Major Ford announced. "Welcome to the Endeavor, everyone. I am Major Ford, beside me is Captain Thanos. I know that we are each from different squadrons and planets, but on this mission, we will act as one unit. I will be the Commanding Officer, Captain Thanos is my second. I'm sure none of you are pleased with the bays we have been given for our ships. What is, is. We have to deal with it. The quarters we have been given are right down the passageway, our meals will come from those units on the back wall, behind you."
He paused a moment and said, "Our mission is to assist the Endeavor crews as needed, and protect this ship. So far, I have gotten no specifics from the Captain. Until we do, find your quarters and get some chow while myself and Captain Thanos ..."
over the ships' intercom, an announcement came over. "Folding to first inspection point. Sensor suite, stand ready to take readings."
"... go find out what the hell is going on," Major Ford said in a grumble. He left with Captain Thanos.
"Well, that was interesting," Suzanne noted.
Captain Keaton stood up and said, "You heard the Major, finds your quarters, stow your gear, and then we'll figure out how those food machines work."
.
"You've GOT to be kidding me!" Nova announced as she walked into the 'barracks' corridors. That's what this area was. Long hallways with rows of four tiered bunks on each side and a bathroom on the end.
"Screw this, I'm sleeping on Porcupine," Diane stated.
"Yeah, really," Eddie agreed.
"Everyone, pick a bunk!" Captain Keaton announced.
Suzanne turned and frowned at her. "Captain, we'll be bunking on Porcupine. We had better accommodations in basic training!"
"Phoenix is where we will be," Nova announced. "This is utter bullshit!"
In the Raptor pack that were gazing forlornly at the meager facilities, Hera turned to glare at the Earth squadron as they raised their protests. "At least YOU have that option!" she snapped.
"So do you," Alex said, waving a hand at her. "Even if you don't have beds on your ship, grab some mattresses and make some. ANYTHING is better than being packed in here like sardines."
"Care to show us how to do that?" Another Raptor pilot asked.
"No problem," Suzanne stated. "Show us to your raptors, I'm sure we'll think of something."