Countdown, John Walker [online e book reader txt] 📗

“No, I think I’ll be fine… oh! Do you think I can reach Captain Markel from here or can you patch me through to him?”

“You’ll want to bounce that through our comms,” Erris said. “He’s still a bit out of range for personals. If you give me a moment, I’ll take care of it personally.”

“That would be great. Thank you.”

Oliver didn’t look forward to a conversation with Noah. He knew he’d have to report on everything that happened, including Rita and a lot of lives lost. Part of him wondered if he shouldn’t wait for a face-to-face briefing, but in all seriousness, he wanted to hear the man’s voice… to know he was okay.

At this point, he’s the only family I’ve got. Oliver stopped… closed his eyes. Rita’s not dead. I can’t think that way.

“Ships are loaded,” Zem’s voice startled Oliver. The man moved like a cat through the rubble, hardly making any noise. “Final sweep has been complete with sensors. There aren’t any other people around here, and if there are, they don’t want to be found. Which means I say we stop looking.”

Oliver nodded. “Understood.”

“When do we go after her?” Zem asked. “I’m thinking the next half hour works for me.”

“Do you know where they went?”

“Only a few places a piece of filth like Loch could go,” Zem replied. “He’s probably still in hyperspace right now. First stop should be his big lair. We went there to get the money for our last job. I’m sure he’s got all his holdings there, every building, every space station and hole he might hide in.”

“You think that’s the best plan?” Oliver asked. “And how many men do you want to bring on this adventure? Want a whole battleship for it?”

“Give me Torrence, Nostros, and Dora with her ship. We’ll get it done. No need for anyone else to get involved.” Zem took his arm. “I’d have Borden do it but you guys sent him away. Kind of pisses me off.”

“He had the fastest ship…” Oliver didn’t feel like arguing about it. “Look, that was a decision to save some lives and the data. You know it was important. Imperative even. That’s why it happened. Anyway, there are resources in place…” He stopped again. “I’m about to talk to Captain Markel. When I finish that, I’ll tell you what’s possible.”

“I’ll be real honest.” Zem took a step closer, lowering his voice. “If you don’t come back with a plan that involves saving Rita, then I’ll need to stay here. There are ships at the other settlements. I’ll get the help I need. I’d rather get it from you people and, if your captain ain’t feeling charitable? Remind him that you people owe me.”

Zem stormed off before Oliver could reply. Oliver’s comm buzzed to distract him from the moment. Noah was on the line. Well, this is the best time to have a conversation with him. He sympathized on one hand. The freedom to run off on his own would’ve been nice considering who was at stake.

I have to think about the big picture. That training didn’t go away even with his sister in jeopardy.

Oliver engaged the communicator. “Captain. Welcome back to Gallik. Sorry you found it in such a state.”

“Never mind all that. Are you okay? Are you… are you injured?”

“Negative,” Oliver replied. “We came out… better than one could expect given the nature of our opponents. We were facing a lot of people down here. Unfortunately, we lost some dedicated individuals. Felix… for one.” He struggled with the pain in his chest over the loss of that man. “I’m going to miss him.”

“Me too,” Noah said. “I know about Rita. I’m sorry. We’ll figure something out ASAP.”

“You should know that Zem is beyond dedicated to that cause. He’ll take off if we don’t commit to finding her. He has a request that I’ll bump up to you… but he’d like to go sooner than later. As you can imagine, the longer we wait, the better chance she’s going to be dead.” If she isn’t already.

That last bit he couldn’t bring himself to say aloud. Both of them knew it was true without putting it to words. He wondered just how far Noah might go for Rita. Considering what he’d done for the Confederacy, he might well be willing to do anything for someone he thought of as a daughter.

I guess I can only hope.

“What’s he want?” Noah asked.

“Some people, Dora and her ship… says he’ll get the rest done from there. He knows that life better than any of us. It’s possible he can genuinely find her and bring her out. He’s dedicated and dangerous. Enough so for me to believe in his ability to get the job done. What’re your thoughts?”

Noah didn’t answer for some time. He also paused long enough for Oliver to wonder if he’d dropped off the line. This time he didn’t check. He simply continued toward his shuttle. A glance around the area showed that at least the dust was settling. Much of the smoke calmed as well.

“I’m inclined to give him what he wants,” Noah said. “I’m going to offer the people he’s interested in a choice though. This is a strictly volunteer mission. If he asks and they agree, then I’m good with it.” He sighed. “I want Rita home. I’d like to go after her myself, to take that son of a bitch on, but… we’re on the verge of a major fight.”

“Have you heard something?”

“Before I contacted you, I spoke briefly with Alden. When the Morrigan arrives in orbit, we’re getting a proper briefing. I want you to attend as well but the short of it is the outer territory of the Gold Empire has already been attacked. The ervas are on the move…which