Love and Honor

Reposting my Story I didn't complete. Please like only. No comments. Trying to keep the story line clean Thanks.

Table Of Contents

Chapter One (Introduction) CLICK HERE
Chapter Two (The Approval) CLICK HERE
Chapter Three (The Reveal) CLICK HERE
Chapter Four (Love and Honor) CLICK ME
Chapter 5 (The Legacy) CLICK ME
Chapter 6 (The Dream) CLICK ME
Chapter 7 (The Memorial) CLICK ME
Chapter 8 (Teaming Up) CLICK ME
Chapter 9 (Mission Briefing) CLICK ME
Chapter 10 (The First Journey) CLICK ME
Chapter 11 (The Artifact) CLICK ME
Chapter 12 (The Impossible Escape) CLICK ME

Chapter 13. Status Unknown

 

Chapter One (Introduction)

Its just another day.

I wake up. So mental. I turn my head and look outside my room through a small round window into the dark outter universe that has no end. I get up, even though I don't want to.

Why would I want to.

I will never experience more than this huge claustrophobic death trap I know as my home base. I look into the mirror.

I live in a world, ruined by those who bribe and cheat the system. I hate it. Even though I don't live in a real world. I am just another person. In space. I don't fly. I want to. But I can't.

I don't qualify.

19 years. That is how long I've been preparing. I am ready.

When is my chance.

I survive every training exercise. I ace every test.

Am I too young?

No. My brother got his ship when he turned 17. He was remarkable. But his life ended defending my father. It was tragic. I watched everything from outside my window in my room. We were being invaded by the Venus Company.

But I try not to remember it.

I don't want to remember it.

I clean myself up. Slipped into my so called pilot outfit I am required to wear everyday. I look no different than the next guy. It's cruel. Why do I have to wear this. It mocks me.

My room is small. My base is deep in space. If I look out my window. I can only see stars. Even though Earth can be viewed from the other side of the space station. For hundreds of years. My company has competed against others for survival and what most people call, honor.

To most people, honor does not exist. It has been taken away. Not forcefully. But slowly over time. Everyone has their own reason why.

Honor is what most people hope for. It is not physical or won. But it is rewarded. I still believe honor exist. My Brother had it. Even though he is gone, it doesn't mean it died with him.

Most people these days cheat their way through the system. Not many pilots of our company follow the rules anymore. Most who did or do, fly in secret now. Too afraid to come out the shadows. The honorless will do anything to make sure they live in hell.

How do people cheat the system? They hack programs to gain their ways through ranks. They also blackmail and pay millions to get people to do their dirty work. I don't trust my General.

Sure they get caught, but after a simple trials and lack of proof, they are right back to where they were at and then everything is forgotten. They are good at covering up their tracks.

I walk outside to the hall. Empty as usually at this time. I don't doubt I am the only one awake at the moment. Still early. I always wake up early. I love to go to the Sector Room at this time. The Sector Room is the room where I can clear all my thoughts. It is a wide generally empty room that has the best view of Earth's moon when you look above. I usually keep a mat under the only table in the room. The room is peaceful. I usually stare at the sky for an hour before I have to go to work in the control room.

I monitor activity in the Earth home zones. Boring task. As most activity happens outside the home zone ever since the invention of the protection shield 2 years ago. I don't even believe my actions are needed since any invaders that enter the shield are just here for secret trades between our own pilots. Which is another reason why honor has diminished.

I lay on the mat I laid on the floor in the middle of the room. I stare through space pass our moon. I can see moving light. I know they are our own. Patrolling the area. Our only other defense we have in the home zone are 2 Lightning Vengeances, an Venom and a Solance. My Father is among them. I never see him anymore. He flies all night and sleeps all day. Those times I do see him, he just stares at me. This been true since my Brother took that missle for him. I don't even believe he wants me to become a pilot. I don't think he wants to lose another son.

"Josh?"

I look back and see my best friend who calls my name. She and I been friends since I can first remember. We were young. Both dreaming of becoming pilots. She is younger than me by one year and already achieved her dream. She is tall and has straight blonde hair. Beautiful. I do like her. She doesn't know it. I never want to try anything though. I don't want to lose someone I am this close to. She is the only one I actually spend time with. She keeps me going.

"O, hey Yvonni", I answered. "What time is it? I thought you left already with your squadron to clear the waves of Mordons?".

Mordons are part of an alien race that roam around in space a few lightyears away. They are decent in size with a weird spiral cylinder shape with sharp edges. I only seen one before but that was for a training exersise. They are slow.

"It is about 8:47. "She says. "The Mordons left already. Don't think they were actually heading for us."

"That's good." I said. I look back to the sky. She sits beside me and looks up as well. A few moments pass.

"Makes you wonder." She finally says. "We live in a horrible time but we still get to enjoy such a beautiful universe with so many mysteries we yet to discover." She looks at me. "You ok?"

I turn to her then back at the stars and reply. "Yea. I just wish I could enjoy more of those mysteries."

She puts her arm around me for a small side huge and says, "You will. I still have hopes for you."

"Thank you."

We continue to look at the stars in silence for several minutes before we were brought to our attention to get ready for our regular duties by a 3 note alarm. It is 9:00.

"Time to go to work" I say as we get up. I pick up the mat and get place it under the table.

"Yep, I gotta go clean up Jassy." She says. Jassy is the name of her PET. Not many pilots have PETs. She got her's from her mother. PETs are similar to the ships pilots fly but they are computer controlled and follows the pilot's ship. They aid in combat and can be helpful in collecting resources we need.

"Have fun." I said. We go our separate ways.

I arrive at the control room. Large and cubicle. You can see so many monitors and holographic computers. My area is towards the left side of the room. I have probably the smallest section with the oldest technology. One small screen. A rusty chair.

This is my life.

I look to the door enterance and see a familiar face. Short, black hair. Green eyes. John is another pilot. He was with my brother that day.

"Mourning John." I gave a small wave. He glaces and just passes me and continues to walk towards the Colonel that stood behind me.

He never talks to me. I don't know why. I never got him mad before. Maybe he is guilty about my brother. Maybe he could of done something that day. He was only a Basic Sergeant that day. Now he is a Major after 3 years.

"Colonel Ghan, we are ready to go, sir." He said.

Colonel Ghan is a man I respect. He is probably one of the only people I know that actually earned his rank. He been in command of the Home Base for 2 years now. He is turning Grey due to age though. But that is life.

He replies. "Roger. I hope you have enough fuel. It might be a long fight."

"I..I think we will be ok sir," he stutters.

"You think?" the Colonel Questions .

"Well, It will be easier if we have a recon. We are predicting that our enemy will be cloaked before combat. But we do not have any other available Recon fighters."

Colonel Ghan glances at me, then at the main monitoring screen in the front of the room. He turns around and walks to the hanger desk. Picks up something. Turns around. He looks at John and says.

"You do now."

He throw the object towards me. I catch it. It is keys.

"Josh will be your Recon wingmate."

I blink.

 

Chapter 2 (The Approval)


I am finally a pilot.

Excitement blazes through me. I've been waiting for this moment for years. I almost can't believe it.

I cannot believe it!

"I think not!"

What?

I turn around. It is my father? His black hair. Which is similar to mine. Same height. Rushing through the door. Why is he denying this for me?

"What?" I replied.

"You heard me. I am not permitting you to go."

My father is a Basic Colonel. Even though he is one rank below Colonel Ghan. He still has the authority to decline people from becoming a pilot.

"I told you I don't want him to fly." He continues, this time talking to Colonel Ghan.

I am puzzled. Why wouldn't he want me to live my dream?

Colonel Ghan turns around. "Josh can't be stuck here everyday for the rest of his life Wilson." He says. "Let it go. Let him be."

"I will not let him go out there." Of all this time my father has never talked to me. Why is it that he picks this time.

I am confused.

"Why not. I always wanted to be a pilot," My voice is raising slightly after every word. "You always knew that. I've been waiting for this moments for all my life. You kno-"

"Because I don't want to lose another son!" He cuts in yelling. Room falls silent. His voice calms. "I can't lose the only son I have left."

A few short moments pass. We just stare at each other.

I understand now.

"You will not lose me."

"I can't..."

Colonel Ghan cuts in. "Its only a recon mission Wilson. He will be safe. The rest of the squadron will be doing most of the work."

Frustrated. My father turns, walks towards the door. Then pauses.

"Be safe." He says before actually leaving. The room resumes its activity.

First time I heard his voice a long time. Still confused on what just happened. It happened so fast. He came, he left.

Am I a pilot or not?

"So what do I do Colonel Ghan?" I asked.

This is my first mission. Even though I been through countless training excercises. But an actual mission makes me dumbfounded.

"Get ready to leave in 2 hours. Your ship is in hanger 412 a. It is yours now. Respect it. Your squadron will meet up in Dock 2. You can go prepare right now. Your not needed here."

I reply, "Ok sir. Thank you sir." I am still holding in my excitement. I walk out in the hall. A huge smile comes across my face.

The halls are filled with activity now. Alot more than this mourning when I first woke up. Groups of scientists rush pass me. They are always busy. Just yesterday, they finished 2 satellites and placed it in orbit of earth. The radar improved our detection range for the home zone. Keeps us more aware of activity around us. Less work for me.

Even though I am extremely happy about being a pilot. Why did he pick me. Of all people, I am given the job out of thin air. No warning. No expectation. It was all a big surprise.

Wait. My father said he told Colonel Ghan not to let me become a pilot. It makes sense now why I never became one. All this time. But why did Colonel Ghan give me the chance despite my own fathers words.

I continue to walk the halls. I enter a room. My father's quarters. No different than my room.. Just filled with his personal items. Including my brother's old space helmet. Next to a coin I made for him. I made it out of Prometium. An ore found not far from the moon. My mother loves the coin. She works in the hospital on the other side of the base. I see her every other day. More often than my father. She takes care of pilots when they get hurt during combat.

My Father is staring out the window.

"Dad?"

He turns his head slightly. "Hey son. I am sorry.

"For what?"

He looks back outside. "I know it has been your dreams. I just can't lose you too. I know you would be a fine pilot. Make differences." He turns to me. "Time grows slower when things you hold most precious just slip away."

"You're my father. You will always be. I miss Tyler too. But that shouldn't be the reason to prevent me from moving on with my own life."

He looks down. Then back at me. "I know. Your brother will always be in my heart. We will fly in the future. Me and You. Together."

I walk up to him. I give him a hug. I never hugged my own dad before. Well, not since I was young.

This is awkward.

"I believe you will be a great pilot."

I hear foot shuffling. I turn around and a body flies at me and then back offs.

"Congratulations Josh. I knew you would become a pilot!"

I reply, "O, you heard Yvonni. Yea I am excited."

She sounds excited. I am guessing she been wanting to fly with me for a while. She flys a Leonav. It was handed down to her by her mother. Her ship is unique. Not many pilots fly a ship like hers. The design of her ship was discontinued a few years ago. I believe her leonav is the last of its kind even though there are versions of the Leonav. Small but fast.

"Come on. Let's go see your Birdie." She says. She is pulling me out the door. I make sure I give my dad a wave. He gave me an approving nod, then I lost sight of him.

"How did you find out?" I asked her. I am still being dragged.

She smiles and then replies. "Little Birdie told me."

We cut around a couple corners. Nearly ran into a scientist. We finally stop in front of the main hanger deck.

"Which hanger is it in?" She asks.

"Colonel Ghan said 412 a." I still don't know what ship I will be flying. I never heard of a recon fighter.

"That is a few hangers down from me!" She says. She continues to drag me. My arm feels like it is going to be pulled off... And I thought I am excited.

We finally arrive. My hanger looks a little different than the ones around me. The other hangers a little smaller. And completely Grey. My Hanger. It looks more modern and chromed. Looks completely brand new.

Made just for me?

All the hangers are huge. The smallest one is probably about 40 feet tall and 30 feet wide. Each has it's own ship owned by a pilot.

"Well open it up!"

I look for a way to open the hanger doors. I only see a keypad.

"57236."

I turn around to see Colonel Ghan walking up to us.

"Sir?" I said.

"The access code. 57236." He replies. "I forgot to tell you when you were in the control room. You can change it later"

I enter the 5 digit code. Pushed enter. The hanger doors begin to open. This is the moment I get to see my first ever ship.

Then I get distracted by red lights and an alarm.

What is going on?

 

Chapter 3 (The Reveal)


Alarms?

I haven't heard the alarms in years. Since the Venus invasion. Since my Brother died. There can't be another invasion? We have the protective shields. I look to Colonel Ghan who is already running in the direction of the control room.

I am still clueless of what is happening. People around me are preparing for something. Top pilots opening hangers, getting ready for battle. I don't know if I should join them or take cover in my room like I did 3 years ago. Yvonni is still next to me, she looks confused as well.

Is this a drill?

I see John rushing pass me towards his ship and then I feel an arm on my shoulder that turns me around. Its my father.

"Son," he says. "Go to your quarters. We will take care of this. Your mission is canceled for now."

I just stare at him. Still confused.

"Go! Now."

"But I want to go with you." I finally replied.

"Not this time. Next time. Me and you against the universe. I promise." He looks towards my new ship I never even seen yet. I look as well.

It is small. Well not too small. Dark blue. Fairly round in the front with a single engine. I never seen this design before.

"It's a Spearhead." My father says. "It is a new ship that we just finished designing. It will do you good. But for now. Go to your quarters. I will see you when I get back. Take him Yvonni."

Yvonni tugs my arm. I turn to her then back to my father. I nodded. Closed my Hanger. Then ran.

The halls are overcrowded now. More than just scientists. Majors, Sergeants, and plenty of basic space pilots. Something is wrong.

I never seen this many pilots before in a hurry.

We finally reach my room. Flooded with red lights. The annoying sound of the alarm is gone though. Yvonni turns on my TV.

The first thing we see is a bright flash outside my window that fills the room. You cannot see anymore red lights. I am blinded by intense light brighter than the Sun. I close my eyes.

This is the way we all die.

I open my eyes after a few moments. The light has dimmed. I look to the TV. The Alert announcement finally arrives. General York is giving us the situation.

General York is giving us the situation?

This is a first. He never makes public announcements. He is always in his office. No one even knows what he does in there as half the time the room is locked.

He begins. "The Home zone is under attack. The Mars Company launched two long ranged missles that made contact with our Shield Satellites. One satellite is destroyed. The other is severly damaged. Right now, Home Base is on Red alert code five as 9 squadrons are incoming from the Gamma Sector..."

"Mars?" Yvonni bursts out.

I agree. Mars? They never invaded us. Why now? Have they been planning this the entire time?

General York Continues. "We ask everyone to stay in their quarters but Squadrons 15 through 32 prepare for battle."

My father is in Squadron 21. I am not surprised he is called into this situation. He goes to almost all battles that involves events that defends the home base and Earth. We just lost all of our shields. We are vulnerable so he is needed big time.

Why can't I help?

I look over at Yvonni. Her bright green eyes fixed on the TV.

Why can't we help?

Thoughts came back to my head. How did she know so fast that I became a pilot? Why did Colonel Ghan pick me. There were still plenty of other pilots in the station.

"Yvonni. How did you find out I became a pilot?" I asked. "It wasn't even 15 minutes when I was assigned?"

She looks at me. "Colonel Ghan came to me first."

"And you turned it down?"

"Yes, and no." She turns back to the TV. "I asked him to give the assignment to you."

I am surprised and not surprised at the same time. "Why?"

She looks back at me. "You already know the answer to that question."

"Thank you." I said. She hugs me.

I look out my window. I can see waves of ship exiting the base. I know one of them is my father. He is a great pilot. People have stories of him. He been to each permitted galaxy. Alpha, Beta, Gamma. He discovered the Delta Galaxy and helped defeat many great invasions. He defeated the leaders of the Epilison galaxy and supported our pilots in Zeta. When people see him in the halls. They call him 'Boss of Bosses' and say 'Good-Bye All Star'.

I am surprised he is not the General.

Our current General got to the top by family. His family is known to have lines of Earth Generals. His father, and his father's father.

General York became General after only 8 years of service. Colonel Ghan been around for 26.

The red lights stop flashing. It should be safe to leave the room. But we stay anyways.

Yvonni and I just talk about the older times for the next couple hours. Times when we used pretend we were pilots and go on secret missions in far away galaxies. We used to get into so much trouble when we ran into scientist and made them drop their test experiments results all over the floor. We were kids. We didn't know any better.

I can see the fight going on from my window. Lasers being shot in every direction. Rockets flying through the stars.

We used to all be one company. Worked together. Three major coorporations discovering the universe. No one completely know how we became enemies. Plenty of rumors. The most popular rumor is said that each leader had their own views on how to lead the companies. No one would agree on a thing. Things got out of hand and important people were accused of theft and treatury. It was not long before war broke out.

Hundreds of years has passed since the beginning of this war and we still can't end it. It seems that each year, we fight for a different reason. We used to fight for leadership. Now, we are all fighting for dominance and the latest technology. Each company constantly steals another's ideas or product and makes their own version.

Universal Peace can't be achieved.

Yvonni and I both got up and began walking back to the hangers. I want to see my ship again.

We arrived at my hanger after a short walk. 412 a. I enter my 5 digit code. The doors begin to open. I can see once again the Dark Blue single engine design, Two thin wings.

"It looks fast." I said. The ship does have only one major engine but it looks completely different than any engine on any other ship.

"I heard it is." Yvonni says. She grabs one of the wings. The ship itself is thin. Probably makes it easier to turn and glide through space.

The ship it self reminds me of a tripod. I don't think it is made for combat. Barely has room for lasers.

"What makes this ship so special?" I asked.

"Its a recon ship!" A familiar voice fills my ears. I turn around. It is Doctor Cope. He is a scientist. Great friend of my father. He is old. Has white hair. Probably around 70. He creates ship designs and defense features and helped create the protected shields of the home zone.

"What does that mean exactly" Yvonni asks. She is on the other side of the ship now.

Doctor Cope looks at the ship and replies. "Well, it's the only ship that is built for reconnaisance while fighting to help identify targets for the outfit."

Okay.

"While you remain cloaked most of the time," he continues. "You can mark target to increase the damage of your wingmates and paralyze your enemies support functions."

"So I will not really be fighting?" I asked. One of the reasons I wanted to become a pilot is so I can fight and defend my company. This doesn't help.

"Not really. You will be cloaked and helping your squadrons find invaders and support your wingmates with the special abilities."

I don't like this job. Yes, I am glad to be a pilot now. Yes, this ability and job is special and very important. But I didn't want to be hidden from the fight.

I open up the cockpit windshield to see the insides. Then I hear a system voice:

"Incoming Ship."

The crackling of a broken engine catches my attention as I turn around to see a ship crash land on the hanger decks not far from us. Visibility cut down to zero when all the dust and smoke from the fire catches in the air.

The hanger clears of smoke a little and I become frozen as I see the dismantled Lightning Vengeance with the words 'Boss of Bosses' written on the side burning in the middle of the deck.

 

Chapter 4 (Love and Honor)


Dad?!

I rush to the scene. Terrified of what just happened. Is he in there? Did he make it out?

Is my father okay?

Flames are burning and melting the metal. I hear the emergency team coming but I have to get him out of there now! It is hard to breath here. Too much smoke. I can see the cockpit. It is smashed in.

The path to the cockpit is a maze. Debree is everywhere. I push rubble to the side and try to avoid the fire. I cut myself on something sharp but I barely noticed. My only focus is getting my father out of there.

God the metal is hot!

What just happened? I am making my way to the cockpit as I break the glass to reach for my dad who looks to be unconsious.

I have to get him out!

I take off the mask. The Belt doesn't want to break loose. I look for something to cut it but I am pulled back. I struggle to get back to him but no use. I am back to the group. Doctor Cope is now holding me back.

"They got it Josh."

The emergency team got equipment to break him out. He is still unconsious.

I am a wreck. I can't lose him too.

I look back at Yvonni who is just staring at me. I think she knows what I am feeling right now. I look back at the wreck, then at the emergency team that carries him off.

I have to follow them.

I break lose of Doctor Cope's Grip and run after them. I can hear Yvonni's voice behind me telling me to slow down.

I can't slow down.

I lost sight of them. But I know they are going to the hospital wing. I take a shortcut through the Cafeteria. Nearly ran into a couple pilots and a scientist. A tray is knocked over. The halls I end up in are empty. I know the hosptial wing is a few corners away.

I turn the first corner. A door is blocking me. I push it but no luck. It is lock. I turn around and go the other way but ran into Yvonni who finally caught up to me.

"Come on Josh," she says. "This way."

She pulls me. We go through a room I never been in before. Room looks empty. We head to the other side of the room and crash through the door.

I see them.

From the distance, I can hear one of the medics say, "He is in Critical condition, take him in."

I take the lead and try to catch up before they enter the Hospital but I am too late. As soon as they entered the room, I am blocked by a body and the doors become shut.

"Dad!" I yell. My voice can probably be heard from across the station.

"Sweetheart," The gentle voice belongs to my mother. She is holding on to me tight. I can't let go.

I don't want to let go.

"I have to make sure he is ok, please." I said with a panicking tone.

I can't lose him too.

"I know, but sweetheart, we need to do what we do." For such a critical situation, she is acting so calm. Which actually calms me alittle.

I am just thinking of all the things we actually went through. The lost of my brother, his son. We used to play space fights in my room. We pretend we were ships and we throw pillows at each other pretending they were bombs and we had to dodge them. I would be Earth, my father would be Venus and my Brother, Mars. My mother would come into the room and give us hot chocolate and we used to believe it was ship fuel.

My mother lets me go.

"Go sit down honey." She directs me to the bench.

I sit and Yvonni follows my action and sits next to me. She leans her head on my shoulder and wraps her arm around me. I need her comfort. We always been this close. My mother goes into the room. And everything goes silent.

"I am here with you Josh."

I am just staring at the wall in front of me.

What do I do? What could I do?

I can hear activity going on in the room behind me. I tune it out. I don't want to hear what they are doing to him.

The hall is empty again. Just me and Yvonni on a bench. It is darker in this hall. I look up to see one of the lights is dimmed out.

Yvonni starts to sing a melody softly. Quietly.
"Love is all,
The laughter and the tears that fall,
The mundane and the magical,
Love is all.

All is love,
The careless word, the healing touch,
The getting and the giving of,
All is love.

All the glory,
All the pain,
All the passion
That turns to ashes
Only to rise again.

Love is all."

A tear rolls down my right cheek. I close my eyes. Her voice is remarkable. I never knew she could sing. Makes me love her even more.

Memories continue to flow through my head. This time it is my brother and I. Back when I was 10 and he was 14.

"I want to fly a Vengeance like dad." He says. Holding a toy model of the old Vengeance.

I take the toy from his hand. "Of course you do." I said. "Its strong."

"Yea. And it can outrun a Goliath."

Goliaths are huge ships. Strongest of all. They look like claws. They are used in almost every squadron now.

"We will fly one." I replied. "Me and you against the universe."

My father enters the room. "Come on little guys, time to go to bed."

My brother reponds. "I am not little..."

"Smaller than me." I said. He pushes me and he rushes out the room. I follow.

My eyes open. I wipe my eye with my sleve.

I hear the doors next to me open and a group of medics walk out. My mother follows them and stops in the middle of the hall.

I get up. And look at her.

Is he ok?

She turns around. Our eyes met.

Its been a couple seconds before a tear forms and rolls down her cheek.

 

Chapter 5 (The Legacy)
She smiles.

I walk into the room. The room is dim. Barely any light. Filled with desks and has 2 beds. I see him. In one of the beds. Motionless. Almost. He still breathes. Ever so slightly. I am relieved though.

I still have a father.

I kneel next to his bed. He sleeps. I wonder what he dreams. I don't know what I would of done if I lost him too. All I would have left is my mother and Yvonni.

My mother walks up behind me and rubs my back. I know now that everything is going to be okay. For 30 minutes. I stayed by him.

"How long is he going to be like this." I finally asked her. She is sitting in a chair behind me. She gets up and walks up to the bed.

She moves his hand across his stomach and replies, "A while."

"He won't be able to fly again."

I turn around to see a Surgeon. He carries a Clipboard. Never seen him before. Looks young.

He continues. "He is and will be paralyzed. Fortunate that he is still alive. He should regain some moment over time. If you guys need anything, I will be in the next room." He places the clipboard on the wall and leaves the room.

My mother brushes her hair to the side. "At least he will be with us."

Yvonni enters the room with a dozen flowers. They are Green. Chrysanthemums. I reconigze them. My mother's favorite. She sets them next to my father's bed on a desk. Flowers are hard to find on a space ship. Only one place to get them. We have a greenhouse garden. Filled with plant life. Our little peice of Earth.

"I can't stay." She says. She walks towards the door and turns to me again. "I am needed at the hangers. Ghan's orders." She gave me a hug and then she left.

I stayed in the same spot for the next few hours. Thinking. I don't know what about. It varies. My eyes open and close every so often. Not because of fatigue. I am still trying to figure out if everything that is happening to me is real. I find my head falling on my father. I feel a warm hand brush against my hair. A weak voice breaks the silence of the room.

"Hello son."

I look up and smile. "Hello dad."

"Such a beautiful day." His weak eyes glances around the room. I doubt he doesn't know where he is.

"So much for you and me versus the universe dad." My smile fades. We started saying that after Tyler died.

"I will always be in your heart son. Even though I won't be with you physically. Spiritually. I am not gone yet. It is still me and you against the universe." He looks up. "I have a ship I've been holding on for you for a while. Until you were ready."

Really?

"It is yours. If you can fix it." He continues.

"Boss of Bosses?" I asked. His ship. Lightning Vengeance. He been flying that for years. It was what he crashed landed in the hanger.

I always wanted to be like my father. But this is different. This is his actual ship. But he is now giving it to me? It is now mine? Even if he does give me his ship. Is it able to even fly now? I saw it burn. It can't be mobile now?

He justs nods. He falls silent. Back to sleep. That scares me. Makes me wonder if he will ever wake up again.

My mother re-enters the room. I never knew she left. She holds my shoulders.

"Sweetheart, I believe it is best to let your father rest now. You can come back tomorrow."

I nod. I looked back at him and got up. Before I walked outside. I took a look at the clipboard.

Condition: Stable

I smile and walked out in the hall. While I walked the halls, I look out the windows. No real activity. Must of finished or been moved elsewhere. It's been 8 hours. I can see Small ships flying out there though. Most likely they are just cleaning up. Every battle has to be cleaned up of debree. Especially near Earth and home base. The debree leftover can cause serious damage.

On the way back to my room. I find Colonel Ghan talking to a lieutenant and a major. I reconigze the Lieutenant. He is in the same squadron as my father. Or was. I notice the numbers on his shirt. 728. Probably his hanger number. Some pilots wear their numbers so that people can report to them faster if they are needed.

Colonel Ghan turns around and spots me.

"O, hey Josh." He says. "I heard what happened. I am sorry."

"He is doing fine," I said. I look back at my father's wingmate. "What is going on?"

Colonel Ghan breaths in then back out. "Well, we won the fight. Most came back. Except one. Missing in Action. We have a rescue team looking for the pilot. Have you met Lieutenant Colons and Major Wrightman?"

Colons. That is his name.

"No I haven't." I shake their hands. Common courtesy. Learned from my father.

"They helped fly your father home. Your father was shot down by General Hanabel. Well severly damaged in combat.."

General Hanabel. The only General that actually flies. Known for his insane accuracy in combat. Some say he has a modded ship that helps him target. I find it dishonest. Having computers and programs do all the work for you while you sit in the cockpit.

I reply. "Thank you." I look at Major Wrightman who gives me a nod and Lieutenant Colons who says, "No problem."

I hear footsteps coming. I look back and see John. Looks like he made it back.

"Hello sir. We are back to Green Alert. No more Invaders in the zones according to the Control room." He glances at me but is quick to look back at the Colonel.

What is his problem with me.

"Thank you Major John." Colonel Ghan says. "And don't worry. I will find you a new recon pilot."

He nods and walks the other way.

New recon pilot?

"New recon pilot?" I ask. Confused.

Colonel Ghan looks back at me. "Yes, I am reassigning your mission."

Okay?

"That Spearhead is yours to keep," He continues. "but I am putting you in Squadron 21."

 

Chapter 6 (The Dream)
“Sir?”

Colonel Ghan turns to Lieutenant Colons and then back at me. “Josh, you are taking your father's place in the 21st Squadron.”

Lieutenant Colons smiles at me. “I'll be looking forward to flying with you.” He turns to Colonel Ghan. He nods. “Colonel. I have to go.”

“You're dismissed.”

Lt. Colons walks off. He has a professional style. Must have been raised like that.

We stand for a few minutes in the middle of the hall. Talking. Not about any important. Just another boring conversation about the latest technology. I don't care for it much.

“My father left me his ship.”

“Did he now?” Major Wrightman replies. Not really surprised. “Well, we will have to do some serious repairs.”

“Is it repairable? I mean. It was destroyed?”

“Yes. But with enough uridium. It can be good as new.”

Uridium. Our form of currency. Can't do anything without it. I barely make enough to eat. Evolved from the American style of coin currency. Paper was abandoned long ago. We find that paper currency creates disasters in the economy. It only represents money but it is never money the government has. Uridium is created by combining ore found in the systems. Very Valuable. Can be rare at times.

“I barely have a penny to my name.”

“I'll care of it,” Colonel Ghan offers. He always been generous.

“Thank you sir.”

“I believe its time for us to eat dinner guys. Getting late.” Colonel Ghan says.

“Ok sir.” I nod. We shake hands. We separate.

I forgot all about food today. I didn't eat breakfast and didn't even get a chance to go to lunch.

I am starving.

I enter the Cafeteria I ran through earlier. Filled with pilots. All in their Blue and Green uniform. I find my favorite meal being served today. Roasted chicken, cream corn and a side of banana pudding for desert. All imported from Earth. I take a can of Cream Soda. I find a comfortable spot in the middle of the room to sit. I enjoy the silence. Even though there isn't any.

“Hey Grasshopper.”

Mary. Yvonni's older sister. Probably by 12 years. She is the only one who has a nickname for me. She does pilot training. Even though many younger pilots make fun of her for being a female. She puts them straight fast. The most assertive female I ever met. She has the same blonde hair as Yvonni but she has brown eyes.

She used to train me when I was younger. She would put us in a simulator room in a cockpit of a Goliath. The ship wasn't in the room. Only the cockpit. We had a headset that covered our eyes and put us in a situation that is similar to real combat. When we mess with the controls, throttle and thrusts, the cockpit would move like the real thing.

Yvonni is following her. Both already have their food. Must have been here for a while. Not a shock. I did come in late.

“Hello Mary, hi Yvonni.”

Yvonni sits next to me and Mary sits on the other side of the table. Both seem to have similar meals to each other. Mashed Potatoes with gravy and sliced turkey. No dessert.

I am not really good at starting conversations. Never was. I don't want to risk saying something stupid, so I just continue to eat.

“I was with Doctor Cope. He is fixing your father's ship right now.” Yvonni says.

Thank god she started.

“That's good. How is it.”

“Completely ruined. He says he has surprises for you when you go to your hanger tomorrow though.”

Surprises?

“Really? Can't wait.”

It was a boring dinner. Not much to say. After dinner. I said goodbye to them. We went to our own rooms. I want to go to bed. I took my shower. I look at my clock. 10 at night.

Long day.

I slip into bed. I look outside my window to see the stars again. Everything went silent. I drift to sleep.

“Sweetheart, go to your room.”

The red lights fill the base and alarms frightens everyone. I see my brother and father both get up from the table the entire family was sitting at for lunch. I look back at my mother.

“Ok mom.”

I rush to my room. Only to hear the announcements on the TV call in the squadrons for battle. Squadrons 15 through 32. My father and brother are in Squadron 21.

Outside, I see green designed ships heading towards the base from all directions. Venus invasion. I am horrified. War is horrible. We got no protection other than the protection of our pilots.

I see our ships exiting the base. Out to intercept the invaders. I roam my eyes to find my brother and father. The only two Lightning Vengeances at the time. Dozens of ships fly out. Hard to find them but I did. Last to exit the base.

I can see both yellow slick designed ships that they fly. Completely unique to what anyone else has. I recognize my father's ship first. “Boss of Bosses” written on the side. My brother has “Full Throttle” under his cockpit window. Fits the ship. Fastest of all ships.

I can see ship after ship being destroyed. Both Venus and Earth ships vanishing. White explosions filled my eyes. Rainbows fly through the skies. Red, Green, Blue. Rockets trails. Missile flying through air in every directions. It's like a swarm of hornets. So fast you can't even see what is going on.

I watch for hours. The battle never seems to have an end. I hate being on the side lines. I wish I was out there helping them. But I am not a pilot. Not for now.

I am all alone here. On my bed, scared to death. My heart is pounding. What do we do if we lose this fight? Will I become a Venus citizen?

I don't want to be a Venus Citizen.

It is hard to breath. I look back outside to find my father. He still out there. His maneuvers are outstanding. Not far from him, I see my brother. Chasing a Venus ship.

“Get him!” I yell. I know he can't hear me but a shot later, the green Goliath vanishes in a ball of fire.

I look behind myself. To see where my mother is. I don't see her. She must be at the hospital wing for preparation of incoming patients from the invasion.

I look back out the window to see my brother and father at quite a good distance from each other. I scatter my eyes around the scene to see if I see any Venus left. None.

I am relieved.

But all of a sudden a large green ship flashes by my window. Extremely close to me and I see it moving towards my father away from my window. 5 Red rockets shoot out from the green ship's launcher. Such a far distance but the rockets are closing in fast to my father.

“Dad! Behind you!” I scream.

I jump up and down on my bed on my knees with my hands on the window begging for him to get out the way. The rockets are only a hundred feet away but my father doesn't look to be getting out the way.

Please!

Seconds later, my father's duplicate cuts across the rockets' path, making contact with it. My eyes are filled with white light and I wake up yelling.

“Tyler!”

 

Chapter 7.


My forehead drips with sweat. My heart is slowing down.

I hate having nightmares.

I can't go back to sleep. The more I try to, the less I can. The memories of that day 3 years ago and what happened yesterday makes it impossible.

I look at the clock. 4 am.

Early.

I don't dare look out my window. I get out of bed. I go out into the halls. Empty. Dark. The station is not lit at night. I can see a couple emergency lights. Barely gives me enough light to see where I am going.

Where am I going?

The walk is long. I find myself in ending up in the Sector Room. I don't even think about getting the mat. I just sit on the floor. I can't believe I am looking at the stars again.

Something about doing this relaxes me.

The collection of stars are so amazing. I wonder if people on Earth can see this. Billions of shining jewels fill the skies. Space clouds. Constellations. Three hours. I sit staring at the sky.

Here I am on floating in space on metal. Been here all my life and I never think twice about it.

I close my eyes. Trying to rewind all that has been done to me. Prevent my brother from going on that mission. Ignoring my orders not to fly yesterday and just helped my father. I open my eyes to a green eyed blonde.

I wish I can always open my eyes to this.

“You look terrible.” She says. She holds out her hand. I take it and she pulls me up. “Come. We got a surprise for you.”

That's right. She said that I had a surprise while we were at diner yesterday. It could be that they fixed the ship but that would be way too fast. I mean, they can't be finished already?

We are in no rush. We actually walk that halls this time. She is not dragging me. We do peruse for a while. Seems like she is buying a little time.

“How long were you in there?” She asks.

“Few hours. I couldn't sleep.”

“Bad dreams?”

“Bad dream.” I corrected her.

We continue to walk. We stop. We reach a dead end that has a sign that says:

◄ Hangers 400 – 499
Hangers 500 – 599 ►

My Hanger is to the left but yet, Yvonni goes right? I look to the left but then I continue to follow her. I don't question her. I just follow.

I actually never been to these hangers even though my father's hanger is here.

We continue to walk the deck. I do notice a weird set of hangers covered in the distance with a few people in front of it that look to be scientists. I recognize one of the scientists to be Doctor Cope.

We slowly arrive to them.

“Aww. There you are.” Doctor Cope says.

“Hello Doctor.” I replied. “What is this?”

“Well, it's not finished yet. Umm, can someone take off the cover.”

A couple scientist release the covers from what looked to be 2 hangers hidden. But when the veil drops to the floor. I can see it is all one huge hanger. I look around the surroundings inside to see it looks almost like my hanger, but bigger, but also different. I look at the back to see a huge picture of my brother. Under it I see the words:
'In Honor of Tyler Kruise.'

I stare at it. A memorial. I look down to see a yellow ship in the middle with the words “Full Throttle” on the side under the cockpit.

His ship.

“We combined your father's hanger and his hanger to make the foundation of the Memorial.” Doctor Cope begins. “We been planning this for a couple years now. We had to get it pre-approved by General York. But we been needing more room.”

“It was your father's idea.”

I look back to see John walking up to me. First time he ever talked to me.

“I came up with the design.” He continues. Now he is looking at the memorial. “I found the ship crash landed on the moon. We repaired it and had it placed here in his vacant hanger for a couple years now until recently.”

I look back at the memorial. Trying not to cry. Its wonderful. All this time I thought John hated me and possibly my family.

“Why haven't you ever talked to me?”

“You been through too much. I didn't want to get involved and possibly make things worst for you.”

Worst? How.

Yvonni tugs me away from him. “Come,” She says. “There is more. Doctor Cope has something else to show you. He already left.”

I look back towards John who is now looking at the memorial again. I turn around to see where Yvonni is going.

We tear through rooms after leaving the hanger decks. I have no idea where we are going. So many unfamiliar areas I never been to. All I know is a few rooms of this ungracious base. Even though I lived here all my life...

We end up slowing down in a fairly large dim room. We walk around. I see in the middle my father's ship. Looks almost like new?

That was fast.

“How they fix it so fast?”

I see Doctor Cope come from behind the ship. “It is not completed yet. We replaced quite a few things on it. Most ships these days don't get completely repaired, they get remade. This is your father's ship but we replaced the Engines and body frame and replaced the cockpit.”
“So basically it's not my father's ship?”

“Yes it is. Just upgraded.”

I look for my father's mark. “Boss of Bosses.”

This is his ship.

“Is it ready for flight.”

“No.”

“What is wrong with it?

“Nothing. We are still, adding upgrades to it.”

“What kind of upgrades?

“Well. We are adding an afterburner to the ship's main engines. The new afterburner will not use any additional fuel and will only last for a few seconds. I believe you will find it quite useful.”

Afterburner. I don't know what to say. I place my hand on the side of the ship.

“When can I fly it?”

A new voice enters the room. “Tonight. You will be flying to a Mars Outpost to avenge your father.”

 

Chapter 8 (Teaming Up)


I turn to see General York. I never seen him in person. Tall. Pale. Black hair.

“It was a general that shot down my father General York. How will I do it?”

How can I do it?

“With your friends. With your team. Anything is possible with the proper guidance.”

Am I wrong about this guy?

“Squadron 21 will have reassigned pilots.” He Continues. “Your choices.”

My choices?

“Why me?”
“In honor and request of your father.”

Request?

My father was the leader of his squadron. When he got defeated, I guess his squadron is defeated entirely. But still why me?

“Am I really qualified to lead a squadron sir?”

“Qualified? Answer that yourself.” He looks towards my father's ship. “I know what you think of me. Don't let all your instant distrusts blind you.” He turns back at me. “Not all people who easily gain their power are the ones you can distrust.”

I watch him walk off. His position is the highest honor of any company. Many other generals fought for their company. I yet to see him in combat. But his words can be powerful. To me.

Yet, I am promoted to Squadron leader. No combat experience. No leadership experience.

No Experience.

All I have is years of training. But that is nothing compared to real life situations. I faced holograms, computers, toys. But to take on the General of Mars?

Did he say reassign wingmates? Who would I possibly pick. All I really know is Yvonni.

Yvonni.

Instantly she is my first choice. But do I really want to risk the one I love? I already lost one and almost another. Can't lose her as well.

But who else?

I look over at her. She is admiring the ship. It is a extraordinary ship.

My options are scant. There are only a few others I would consider. Lt. Colons. Major Wrightman? I don't even know Major Wrightman well enough.

“Who am I suppose to pick?” I ask to Yvonni.

Yvonni looks at me and shrugs. “Your choice.”

That helps.

I wander my eyes around. Thinking.

“Of course I would do it.” She says.

“Do what?”

She laughs. “Join the Squadron. You and me both know you are thinking of it. Your just afraid to ask.”

Its funny how this is the thing that I am afraid to ask.

“I will take this as you volunteering.” She smiles. We leave the room. My mind is still wandering with ideas. A complete basic Squadron is at least 3 pilots. I need at least one more.

We walk to the Cafeteria for lunch. I get my normal plate. She does the same. The room is filled. More than I saw yesterday at dinner. Well, we are preparing for a counterattack. Might as well fill up.

“Hey look, there is Lt. Colons.” I pointed out to Yvonni. He is sitting on the other side of the Cafeteria. He looks to be having a conversation with 2 other pilots and Major Wrightman. They are laughing and seem to be having a good time.

“You thinking of asking him to join?”

I would like to ask him. He is a top pilot and a great friend of my father.

“Yea, he was already in the squadron. Big chance he will.” I get up. Hopes high. Walk over to the table that he sits. Lt. Colons is quick to say hi when he sees me.

“Hey Josh.” I am quite sure he already knows of my position.

How to start this.

“Hello Lt. Colons.” He gestures me to sit. I sit.

He introduces me to the two other guys at the table. The shorter one is Chief Sergeant Chris. He been a pilot for almost as long as Yvonni. I notice his outfit says 17. The other pilot is a Chief Major. They all refer to him as “ThunderStar”.

I just cut to the chase.

“Lt. Colons, I came here to ask a question.”
“Go on.”

“I need a third. Pilot. Are you interested?”

Was that too direct?
He just continues to look at me and sigh. “I am sorry. You see, we all here are part of a new squadron. I can't.”

My hopes are momentarily crushed.

I have no other names in my head. What will I do. I was given the responsibility of leading a squadron that doesn't exist anymore.

I start to get up.

“I am sorry to interrupt.” I said.

“O, you not going to stay?” Sergeant Chris begins. “We were just going to go over plans for tonight.”

I would love to stay and hear this.

“I have to get back to my team. I would like to hear it later though,” I said disappointingly. I walk away. I didn't look back.

“Well?” Yvonni says as I arrive back at the table. I shake my head. She responds. “I am sorry.”
“Alot of people are.” I continue to eat what I have on my plate.

I never wanted to fly in my father's place. I wanted to fly with my father. I wanted to fly with my brother and my father.

That is never going to happen.

We conclude our lunch. And reenter the halls. We walk. Not knowing where. Just a walk. I can tell she is trying to cheer me up. She accidentally bumps into me. I play along. I bump into her. She smiles which makes me smile. My eyes locks on to hers.

“Hey watch it.” I accidentally ran into someone.

“I am very sorry.” I look to see who I ran into. “O, hello John.”

“O, Afternoon Josh. Try to be careful.”

We continue to walk. But we get interrupted again.

“Hold on Josh.” John begins. “I heard you were appointed Squadron leader.”
“Yes I have.”

“Have room for another pilot?”

 

Chapter 9 (Mission Briefing)

“You want to join me?” I ask, completely surprised.

“Yes. Is there a problem?”

John is the last person I would expect to volunteer in my squadron. I mean really, he never spoke to me before today. He was in my Father's squadron when my brother was alive.

“No, umm... Great you want to join.”
Did I just accept him in?

“Was that a yes?” He replies.

“Yes. But why”

He gives me a straight look. “I promised your brother I would protect you.”

Protect me?

I don't get it. All this time, he is protecting me? He never even talked to me. Never took interest in me. How is this protection?

I want more answers but he rushes. “Great.” He continues. “We will meet up at your hanger after deployment. I nod and he leaves.

The horror that flies through my head is how am I, I mean we, suppose to defeat the general of mars?
“What is the plan, um, sir?” Yvonni says. She giggles alittle.

I laugh as well. “Please don't call me sir.”

We continue to walk the halls. Seems like our normal task these days. We talk. We laugh. We get serious.

“Are we the only squadron going to the Mars outpost?” I ask hoping she knows.

“No, Squadron 28 and 174 are coming as well.”
Squadron 28. Large Squadron. Leader flies a venom Goliath with “Bobmyself” painted on the side with red letter.. Large Yellow ship. Reminds me of a banana... Known for it's power to steadily do damage to a target no matter how far it is. One of a kind ship. Squadron 28 has 8 pilots. All very skilled. They are known for defeating the Century Falcon. A ruthless enemy in a uncharted sector that we no longer have much access to.

“I never heard of squadron 174?” I reply.

“They are new I believe.”

“I hope they know what they are doing. I mean, compared to me. The 24 other squadrons are going to distract the main fleets right? Give us time?”

“Yes. Lucky us.”

It is not easy. I am still new at this but I now have responsibilities of a leader. I didn't ask for it but I didn't decline it either. I can't complain now.

We arrive at the hangers. Activity is booming. One hour till deployment.

“See ya soon.” Yvonni hugs me and departs to her hanger.

Sick to my stomach.

I find being here as a pilot preternatural. I been here before prior of a mission but as a son and brother only. Watching my father go off for patrols and raid missions. Waved goodbye to my brother when he went to backup territory defenders.

I look to my hanger. 412 a. Still looking new. Entered my pin. Watched as the doors open to reveal my recon ship and to my surprise, my father's ship.

It's ready?

For 20 minutes. I observe my ship. Looking at every detail.

“Fascinating ship.”

I turn to see Chief Colonel Uilan. A pilot of the 28th squadron. Ace pilot. Pilots a classic goliath. Golden. The same as the model I have in my room I used to play with when I was a kid. I always wanted to me him. Besides my father, he is my idol. He declined the leadership role of the squadron to let a Chief Lieutenant have the spotlight.

I am nervous. “Yes, it was my father's.”

“Very nice. I am looking forward to flying with you. Hope you know how to fly it.”
“I have an idea.”

He laughs. Very hearty laugh.

“Well, I am here to pass on the plans. I already discussed with your team.”

Great.

“We will be together with the other 24 Squadrons.” He continues. “When we pass the wormhole to the mars outpost. Our three squadrons will break off from the rest before the combat starts and we will enter the wormhole. Our goal is to claim the outpost for ourselves. The outpost will have a shield. We will have to deactivate it.”
I love how he says “we”.

“How?”

“We will have to deactivate the 3 artifacts outside the outpost. Each artifact has a guard. Once the guard is destroyed, we will have to go on board of the artifact and hack the main defense system.”
Okay

“After the shields drop. The General will have to come out to defend the outpost. It will not easy and he will not be alone. After we defeat the General, we will have to go onboard of the outpost, connect the security system to home base and reprogram the outpost.”
“Is that all?”

“Yep. Just be careful. We all know you are the newest pilot on this mission. We will have your back the entire time. Just don't take any stupid risks.” My brother face flashes in my head.

“Understood.”

“Well, I will meet you out there. Look for my ship. It will have “VintageAion” on it. I have to go back to my squadron.

“Will do sir.”

He nods, and leaves.

I finally met him. I never thought I would.

I look back at my father's ship.

My ship.

I walk up to it. Placed my hand on the nose. I open up my cockpit of my ship. Excitement and fear runs through me. I am a pilot now. My first mission.

I hear the announcements.

“All pilots get ready for deployment. 120 seconds.”

Chills. Goosebumps. Every physical reaction you can think of.

I place the helmet that was laying on my seat on my head. Perfect fit. Tubes are attached to my helmet and connected to the ship's oxygen provider.

“All pilots get ready for deployment. 60 seconds.”

I close my eyes. Reopen them. This is not a dream.

This is happening.
“All pilots get ready for deployment. 30 seconds.”

My cockpit cover closes. I place my hand on the throttle and on the controls. Looks exactly like the simulators but feels nothing like the real thing.

It is the real thing.

“Deployment 15 seconds.”

I close my eyes.

“Systematis in.” The Ship engines activate. Voice activated.

“10 Seconds.”

Heart beat steadily rising.

“5 Seconds.”
This is it.

My eyes open and life begins.

 

Gravity reverses. My environment seems to disappear around me as I begin to hover.

This feels nothing like the simulations.

I push forward the throttle. The hum of the engine gradually turned into a roar. My head hits the back of the seat as I exit the station at high speed.

Too fast.

I pull back on the throttle a little. Engine dies down a bit.

Much better.

Such a different experience. This is the real deal. The view is spectacular. Hundreds of ships passing me. Sun glaring across the windshield.

I look around to find Yvonni and John. Can't find them. I look down at my controls. Seeing what I have. Never had a chance to learn them. I do know the basics here. Flight. Combat Features.

Hmm. This is new.

I find a button label “Squadron”. I press it. I look at my windshield, labels and targets obstruct my view. I recognize the targets though. The labels say “Sergeant Yvonni” and “Major John”. Very useful. Saves me time tracking down my team.

I steer my ship towards Yvonni. John is already flying near her. Obviously he knows what he is doing...

Yvonni is flying her Leonav. Still slick and fast. Looks like it was just cleaned. John is flying his Solance. Spectacular ship. The only type that actually repairs itself and others around it instantly. Today's science can do anything. I wish that ability was on every ship. Could save lives.

When I arrive. I watch them slow down. I fly pass them. I look at my mirrors to see them behind me. Yvonni to my left, John to the right.

“We are in formation.” John says over the voice radio.

“Gotcha.”

“We got 15 minutes before the first jump.” He continues. “This will be both of your first jump so you may feel dizzy or faint afterward. Look only at your system and don't close your eyes.”
He knows. I don't. And yet I am the leader. I don't mind. Any tips from experience would be great. I would be doing the same if the shoes were switched.

“Josh,” I hear Yvonni calling me.”I see two siamons and a mordon in our path. Do we engage?”
“No. We fly around. We want to save as much ammo as possible. They will just get in the way.”

Our ships tip to the left as we avoid the small threat. They don't follow. We don't engage. We pass them and regroup with the rest of the squadrons. Huge fleet. Barely can see stars.

“Get ready for the jump.”
I look ahead. I see ship after ship stretch and disappear.

Looks like it hurts.

I get ready for the hyperjump. My hands tense up. My eyes begin to close but I catch myself.

I have to keep them open.

I look down. Viewing only the throttle and gauges. Full fuel, empty cargo.

I can feel myself being pulled back hard but also being pushed forward. It is the most intense feeling I ever felt. My vision begins to blackout. Eyes feel like it is being pulled out. Pain. Then there is relief.

My vision begins to go back to normal. But I am so dizzy. I hold my head, trying to bring back reality.

We are deep in space now. No site of any planet. Probably near sector 3.

“25 minutes till next and final jump.”

I watch the radar. Looking for any activity other than our own fleets.

Nothing.

I look around the see that everyone successfully jumped. Yvonni and John still in the same formation. I look around, trying to find any familiar ships. I do find the ship “ThunderStar”. Chief Major. Flying his Enforcer Goliath. That ship is a little further modified than a regular Goliath. It is designed to pierce more damage to an enemy. I do find the design fitting. Flame paint job.

All the other ships around me don't look familiar at all. Probably the common pilots.

“You alright Yvonni?” I ask.

“I am all good over here.”
Silence fills the moments. It makes this journey even longer. First real flight ever and it is boring. I feel like going to sleep and waking up when we get their. Thoughts of Yvonni begins to float my head.

I known her for 16 years. I never even had the courage of trying to bring our relationship up. I mean why should I. Why should I risk something special like us. I mean. I tell her how I feel. Things get awkward. And she never talks to me again?

That doesn't seem like her though.

Will the thoughts of her and me change what we have negatively without ending the friendship we have? It might cause issues we never had. Arguments may start. I want to tell her my feelings so bad. But I am afraid of the possible negative outcome. She might reject the same feelings and my heart breaks. Will I be able to handle it? Will I be the real problem after that? Maybe she will continue to be who she is but my emotions may be corrupted enough for me to be the problem of our relationship.

“Grrr.”
“What?” Yvonni says to me.

“Nothing. Just random thoughts.” I lie.
“What you thinking about.”

“Just about how to take out the outpost. You did get brief at the hanger right?” I asked.

“Yes, Chief Colonel Uilan came to my hanger before I got ready for deployment.”

John butts in. “We will have to break off the main fleet as soon as we finish the next jump.”
“Ok. What are the coordinates?” I ask.

“Sector 6. 167/55.” Yvonni answers. A screen pops up of a map and a location is pinged. Yvonni just gave us a visual.

That's awesome.

We get ready for our jump. My hands are already in position. My eyes wide open as the next wave of ships disappear from my sights. This time I look forward. Everything outside my ship just turns into blurs of color. Abstract. No forms, no picture. Just colors. Just like splatting paint against a canvas. My eyes began to blackout again before everything goes back to normal and I can see stars again.

“Looks clear.” I said.

“Lets go.” John says.

I bank the ship to the left. Head towards the coordinates Yvonni placed in front of my windshield.

“Full throttle ahead.” Says John.

I push my throttle forward. My head gets forced back due to the high acceleration of this ship.

All of a sudden, the map begins to flicker. The map flickers off. My gauges begin to go crazy.

“What the hell is going on.” I said tapping on my gauges.

I look at everything in my view. Everything is going crazy. My cockpit lights flash. Then everything goes dark.

Is this death?

 

Chapter 11 (The Artifact)


“We've been EMPed” I can hear John's voice over the radio. Which is the only thing that is working. “Reset your systems now and get back in formation.”

I am just floating off into space. I turn off the systems and rebooted them. Takes 3 seconds for everything to start working again.

“Moving back to formation.” I said. Yvonni is already there. I got to be faster than that.

“Seems to be no one around.” Yvonni says.

“He is cloaked. May be only one.” John says.

My map is revealed to me again. A new location is pinged.

“We will go around, come from the back.” He continues. “Hopefully, he will reveal himself before we arrive. Activate your shields. Just incase.”

I look for my shields. Find a light blue flashing light on. I click it and it turns to a solid light indicating it is on.

“Shields up.” I respond.

“Shields up.” Yvonni echos.

I look around. Trying to see if I can get a glimpse of the cloak. They may be hidden but they surely not completely invisible.

Very quiet out here. All I can hear is the sound of my engines. Space contains no sound really. Only the small gravitational atmosphere in my ship allows me to hear things around me.

This is where the depth perception tests come in. I look closely at the stars. Testing my eyes ability. Then I see it. Small movement of stars pass across the sky like waves in the water in a line.

“There!” I give a visual target lock to the others and we break off full speed.

“Yvonni, take the left flank. I will follow.”
Yvonni's ship, even though it is still pretty fast, is slower than both of our ships. Her flank will intercept the target while we chase this ship.

“Are you close enough to shoot Major?” I ask.

“No.”

“Yvonni, I hope you have some DCR Rockets aboard that ship.” I ask.

“I do, but only one.”

“Make it count.” John says.

We continue to chase the ship. I am thinking of using the afterburner.

There will be more important times.

I watch as Yvonni closes in to the target. Probably about 500 meters away.

“Firing missile one.” She says. A blue rocket is released from under her ship. Closes into the target and explodes.

“Good shot. Now we move in for the kill.”

DCR missles shuts down the target's engines momentary if it hits. Gives us a chance to catch up. Which we already did.

“Make this your first kill Josh.” John says.

I place my thumb over laser cannon button that is right over my throttle. Press it and glows of green light fly through my peripheral vision to in front of my eyes. The target cloaked ship flashes and tears to millions of pieces. It was a goliath.

My first kill was a goliath!

“Wow, nice kill Josh.” Yvonni says.

I didn't get to see the name on the ship. Would have been nice to know who it was.


I can see the outpost in sight. Covered with a glowing shield. Large, but not close to as big as our home base. I can barely see the artifacts in the distance. That's our goal. Take the artifacts for ourselves.

“Which one is ours.” I ask.

“The one straight ahead.” John replies.

We bank right to come up behind.

“Scanners not picking up any activity yet.”

I keep my eyes pealed on the station. There is suppose to be a skilled guard.

“You think that ship you blew up was one of the guards?” Yvonni asks me.

“I doubt it Yvonni. That was too easy.” John says.

“What ship usually guards these artifacts?” I ask.

“Not sure,” he says. “Usually something different everytime. Could be a designed Goliath, or vengeance.”
We search around.

“All clear.” Yvonni says. “What do we do now?”

“I guess we move in to take the artifact.” I said.

We get closed in. Still no life.

“We got to board it and link the systems to home base,” Says John.

There is a small hanger in the front. We enter and land. The environment here is completely different than on Home base. Older technology. Older style. I get out of my cockpit. I leave my engine on.

“This way and take that bag Josh that is under your seat.”

Bag?

I take up a bag of supplies that was hiding under my seat. Hmm, everyone gets this?

We follow John. He done this before. We enter room after room. I was lost after we entered the first.

We finally enter a room that looks like a control room.

“Give me that bag.”

I throw the bag to John. He catches it and opens it up. Inside, it looks to be quite a few tools and wires. He starts playing around with the controls and broke open a control desk. More wires fly out.

I look around. So many lights and buttons. There is a map screen. Shows everyone who is around within a 5000 mile radius. I see our fleet. Moving slowly towards the outpost.

“Umm... Josh.” Yvonni says. “What is this?”
I look over at her. She is staring at a screen flashing red numbers. It is counting down. 57 seconds. My eyes open wide.

My god.

The station vibrates.

“Lets get hell out of here.” John yells.
The Artifact is set to self destruct!

 

CHAPTER 12 THE IMPOSSIBLE ESCAPE

I remember back when I was 9. My father took me and Tyler to a special room in the ship. It suppose to simulate Earth's gravity. When I went in. It felt like my skin was tighter and my head was heavier and couldn't support it no more. I was told to run around, but I couldn't. This is how I felt.

My heart rate rises. I know we don't have much time. I look at the screens. Looking back at the red numbers counting down. There has to be a way to stop it. Why would there even be a self distruct button.

"5 minutes."

I am starting to panic, looking for any possible way to stop the clock. I push random buttons. Tap the screens. They are not touchscreen like the screens in my ship. This station is old. At least 300 years. Rigged to blow. It's as if someone knew we were coming here and planned to get rid of anyone who tried to plan an attack.

I smashed the keyboard. Fustrated. We have to go. Now.

Looking over at her, she nods. She knows exactly whats going on. She grabs my arm. We start to move and stop realizing Major was not following. Still playing with the equipment. Splicing and twisting wires together. He looks back at us.

"Go ahead, I'll catch up."

He just continues. What is he doing. If he don't get out now, he might not make it out in time. What ever he is doing shouldn't be that important.

"Go!," He screams at us. He is serious. He wants us to leave him. What ever he is doing has to be important. He knows the station is going to blow.

Yvonni pulls me and we start running. Part of me wants to go back and force him to come. But not leaving is disobeying a order of an officer. But We cut around a corner and instantly were halted by a quake.

"Were running out of time."

Major is running out of time! We have to go back. Yvonni tugs on me and we just continue running. Retracing our steps to the hanger. We see our ships but the outpost is now violently shaking. I look back but Major is not behind us. He is not going to make it.

Something makes me look back at Yvonni again. She was always calm. Even in the worst situations. Even though I never seen her in a situation as bad as this before. She amazes me. I am almost ato a state of panic but am able to control myself.

The outpost shakes again. I lose balance. But quickly regain footing.

"Watch out!"

I end up against a wall as Yvonni pushes me when a piece of the ceiling decides to collapse where I once stood. I look at her. She is in some different mode. A mode I never seen before. I seen it in my father. All the times where he is at the dinner table when he is called from his command to get ready for operations. His voice is agressive and demanding.

"Lets go!"

Scares me. Not the fact that I probably almost died there. I never seen her commanding side before. Its new to me. We continue running towards our ships.

Another quake. But this time I find myself on my face. I tripped over a piece of a wall that collapsed right as the station shook.

"Lets go." Major caught up with us. Well me. Yvonni is already in her ship. Getting ready to leave. John lift me up.

"I don't have time to get to my ship Josh, I have to get in yours." He says and I nod to agree. I know any second now, this station is going to explode.

We both run to my ship. He climb in. I follow. Tapped the screen inside my cockpit and flipped a switch. The cockpit cover closes and I activate 2 safeties and am working on another.
"Josh, we have time for that."

"Right." It always been my normal checklist. The ship begins to hover. And I push the throttle foward. Then push it even more after the main engines fully activated. My head hit the seat as the ship accelerates towards the exit of the hanger.

The station is falling apart. The end of the hanger is about 600 meters. Its not far. But its also too far. Especially with the state we are in.

Explosions start to fill my eyes. Left and right, the ceiling and walls are starting to collapse.

"Were not going to make it," John yells.

Yvonni is already outside. She made it out.

I am weaving left and right around falling debree. "WARNING WARNING". The ship's warning systems are going crazy as the ship gets extremely close to the debree, activating the sensors. I can feel the ship vibrate as a couple pieces hit the ship, making the damage detector goes crazy. I hit the HUB switch to turn off the warning systems. I already know we are in trouble.

Five minutes have already passed. The station is starting its final process to explode. I can see the background scene of the station starting to brighten. Starting to become a pheonix of fire. Destroying everything. And if we are caught in the middle of it. We are gone.

I find myself ending up flipping the cover of a green switched, I hit the switch to activate, tapped one of the screen in two places and slide my hand across the screen and then turned my throttle handle 45 degrees. This is that important time. I push the whole throttle foward even further than where it was; Activating the afterburners.

The ship Jumps. I can't even see where I am going. Holding on to the seat, heart rate rising. I can't even see where I am going. So much pull on my skin. I never felt anything like this. Not even in the Room with earth's gravity. It's intense. I start to black out but force myself to stay away.

All light seems to blur as the ship accelerates with the station finally exploding behind me, activating the final alarm I forgot to turn off.