Ep.#6 - "Head of the Dragon" (The Frontiers Saga) (56 page)

Nathan entered the port fighter alley from the hatch just aft of the launch tubes. Two Takaran fighters sat fully armed and ready for action in the pair of launch tubes at the alley’s forward end. The alley itself was lined on either side with twenty-four more identical fighters, all in perfect, combat-ready condition. Maintenance trucks were neatly parked between the fighters, and all the spacecraft were secured to the deck to prevent movement during maneuvers. Five weeks ago, this entire compartment had been opened to space when a Takaran fighter rammed into the Aurora’s port side. Now, it was a picture perfect scene, one that was mirrored in the starboard fighter alley as well.

Nathan passed through the port fighter alley and the open transfer airlock that led into the main hangar deck. Lined up along either side of the main hangar were ten additional tactical shuttles and two cargo shuttles, also provided by Tug in appreciation for allowing Takara to join the Alliance.

“Attention on deck!” the chief of the boat ordered as Nathan walked out into the middle of the hangar deck. There in front of him stood nearly two hundred Corinari technicians, pilots, and specialists, each of them highly trained and combat seasoned. These were the men that had left their homes expecting never to return. These were the men that had fought for him, for their people, for the Alliance. Here they stood, at perfect attention, waiting for words from their captain.

“As you were,” Nathan ordered as he stood facing them. “The Corinari were formed more than thirty years ago to protect their homeworld against invasion. Your motto has always been strength through superior training and dedication. In the battle of Ancot and the invasion of Takara, you and your alliance brethren have done more than protect Corinair. You have liberated the entire Pentaurus cluster from subjugation under the boot of Caius. We have changed the course of history and restored to your people the very freedoms that were born to us all. For this, you should be proud. For this, you will all be remembered, as will those who did not survive. Now, the Aurora and her crew must return to Earth to defend her world, the world from which all humanity once came, against her own aggressors. The journey will take weeks, possibly even months, and there is no guarantee that we will arrive safely. In addition, we know not what we will find when we return. We know little about the Earth’s enemies, but they are believed to be far more powerful than the Ta’Akar ever were. Yet despite these unknowns, as it was for you, it is our duty to protect the Earth and the billions of people that inhabit her. I cannot order you to make this journey with us, nor can I promise that any of you will be able to return to your homeworld should you continue to serve this ship. I only ask for volunteers.”

Nathan looked to the members of his command staff standing to his right. Cameron, Vladimir, and Jessica had become his closest friends, his family, as had several others he had met in the Pentaurus cluster. He turned back to his men. “We are currently in orbit over Corinair. Anyone wishing to return to their families and remain on their homeworld may do so without shame, for you have all fought bravely and with honor. Those who wish to depart may board the shuttles at the aft end of the hangar deck now. I thank you all for your service and wish each and every one of you a happy and prosperous life.” Nathan cleared his throat and swallowed hard. “That is all.”

Nathan and his command staff stood silently, waiting for those that wanted to return to leave the ranks and board the shuttles as instructed. For more than a minute, they stared straight ahead, but not one Corinari broke rank. Finally, Master Chief Montrose, chief of the boat and leader of the Corinari contingent, stepped forward and yelled at the top of his lungs “Alliance!” In unison the men responded “We fight as one!”

Thank you for reading this story.

(
A review would be greatly appreciated!
)

COMING SOON

“The Expanse”

Episode 7

of

The Frontiers Saga

Want to be notified when

new episodes are published?

Join our mailing list!

Simply send an email to:

[email protected]

(Put “Join Mailing List” in subject.)

You will continue to receive notifications

Until you ask to be removed from the list.