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

for well over two years. She’d recruited him directly out of flight school, giving him an apprenticeship position under her former pilot. That man had retired after a year, allowing Richard to step into the role as chief pilot. He’d proven himself quite capable from that point on.

Technician Missy Lyman acted as the chief tech officer aboard. She tended to take the station to the right, one that allowed her access to all sensor and communications equipment. The others were meant to be filled in times of incredibly tense work, combat or big deployments. When they went against the ervas, they’d all be on board.

Missy spent her time coordinating with the other vessels in the area. The MerCon presence became the center of their recovery operations, even over the dreadnaught. Alden pressed his people to finish repairs as quickly as possible, but they would be a while yet. Fortunately, with all the advanced tech, they could get a lot done.

Including communicating with different parties at the various factions.

Marshal Alexander Northam happened to be aboard the ship. He prepared a briefing for everyone involved, one that he promised painted a path forward. With Eliza’s help, he communicated with the prime minister back home. Whitaker may have escaped, but he wouldn’t find any friends if he returned to Confed space.

She would learn more when they all got together.

Traitors had boarded the Morrigan before they went off to their battle. After an investigation, they’d determined that the group was a small band of pirates working for Commodore Parse. They’d infiltrated Commodore Alden’s crew then slipped aboard the Morrigan to take the ship out. Their goal was to remove the Confed threat and then turn Commander Wilmarth to their side.

They thought he wouldn’t have a choice. Erris couldn’t argue the thinking behind the assault. It explained the report from the Morrigan about how the dreadnaught had not opened fire immediately. They’d wanted all three ships added to their armada. Such additions would afford them better defenses against the ervas, after all.

Rita’s absence hit her hard. Erris felt sickened by the fact that she’d taken off. There was nothing Erris could’ve done, but she wanted the opportunity to push her friend… to talk her out of following Loch’s orders. If Erris hadn’t taken on such a complicated role within MerCon, she’d already be out there looking for Rita.

The comm buzzed on Erris’s console; a direct connection that made her frown. Who could even do that? “Hello?” Erris peered at the screen attached to the arm of the chair but no name appeared. “Who is this?”

“Zem. I’m about to come aboard. I thought you’d like a quick chat before I take off again.”

“Whoa… why are you leaving? What’s going on?”

“I’m going after Rita,” Zem replied. “Gathering some forces and we’re out of here. Well, quick clean up and resupply, then I’m gone. I hoped you might be able to help me with something though.”

“Anything. What can I do?”

“MerCon has some of the best gear available,” Zem explained. “Give me a minute in your armory before I take off. I need some sensor equipment, computer upgrades, and some weapons.”

“Of course. Are you… are you sure you can do this? Do you have enough people?”

“Too many won’t help. I need a nimble crew this time out. That’s why I’m bringing Dora, Torrence, and Nostros. Well… they haven’t all agreed yet, but I’m pretty sure they will. I’d invite you along, but…”

“No, I appreciate that, and I understand. How long are you going to stay aboard?”

“Just long enough to get a shower, grab that gear, and get out of there. I can sleep during the first hyperspace jump.”

Erris hummed. “Well… good hunting, Zem. I’ll try to meet you before you go.”

“No need. I know you’re busy. Thanks, Erris. Good luck with whatever you have to do.” The line went dead.

If anyone can do it…  Erris hoped for the best. She wished they’d take a war vessel, a destroyer or something at the very least. Heading out there with a gunboat, even one as advanced as The Bounty, seemed almost irresponsible. I’ll have to trust him. The briefing popped up on her calendar. Well… time to find out how screwed we are.

And whether or not we have a chance to win the upcoming fight.

Chapter 2

Rita Peck landed the shuttle in Loch’s hangar. She resigned herself on the trip up, somehow coming to peace with the idea that she’d likely die the moment she set foot down the ramp. The rebellious part of her spirit fought with her all the way until she received clearance and found herself inside the lion’s den.

And now it’s over. I didn’t even run from this piece of shit. This is the epitome of unfair.

Had she genuinely planned on running out on the bastard, it would’ve been different. After the job went south, she’d thought about what might happen but hoped to have a few days, even a week to consider what to do about her arrangement. Noah had other plans… and the universe conspired against her.

Maybe this moron will listen to reason.

Rita had plenty of information about the ervas; enough to sway most rational individuals. She clung to some tiny shred of hope that Loch would give her a chance to talk. A conversation might lead to buying some time, perhaps even convincing him to help with the cause against the ervas.

They’re threatening his holdings. I figure he’d want to protect them at all costs.

The ship settled in, shaking as the magnetics secured it to the deck. Rita drew her pistol, tossing it on the copilot’s seat. She didn’t have any other weapons. Taking a deep breath, she shoved herself to her feet before heading toward the back of the vessel and whatever fate might await her.

Rita’s stomach tingled, getting worse with