Only this time, Andrews had the advantage from the back. He came after them, swooping in to take another series of shots with the turrets. A piece sparked in the back near their loading ramp. One of the thrusters flickered then went out. Smoke poured from the damaged hole along with bouts of flame.
The ship turned, limping in an effort to get away. Their shields showed as down in the rear section. Turrets can finish them off at this point. Andrews focused on remaining close enough to finish the work even as their weapons chewed away at his defenses. I’ve still got shields, however low. You’re done, pal.
Their ramp dropped. Two men leaned out, firing rifles at him. They scored a couple solid hits mere moments before taking a direct hit to the open compartment. That’s desperation. One of the two soldiers fell, plunging to the forest below. The other retreated inside. Metallic balls burst from the sides, tiny thrusters leading them toward the surface.
Did they just bail? Andrews didn’t know if he should continue firing or back off. That’s when the enemy ship pulled up, moving within his path before slowing down. I’m not ramming you. He turned hard left, taking another full barrage on the belly. Someone must’ve stayed aboard, and they aren’t about to give up!
Spinning around, he came at them from the side, strafing the ship. The enemy turrets didn’t slow down; didn’t give up even as seams formed along the hull. Red fire burst from the ship moments before it exploded. Debris slammed into Andrews even a hundred feet off. He steadied himself, noting his shields were down on the side.
Overall defenses, fifteen percent. Sweat covered his face, making his flight suit cling. He hadn’t paid enough attention to how bad off he was but then, he couldn’t have done much. That was a fight to the death up close and personal. I think I got lucky with these cannons. Thank God for them.
“Where the hell are you?” Gunny’s voice burst through the speakers. “In about two minutes, we’ll all be dead down here!”
“I’m on my way,” Andrews replied, “you knew I’d have to deal with the enemy ship. Be happy I pulled it off.” I’m lucky it was only one. Two would’ve been the end of him. It wouldn’t have been a fight in fact. A beacon led him to the others, a steady signal for a clearing less than thirty seconds away at top speed. “I’m coming in hot, so be ready to get out of there.”
The Triton made it clear they wanted them back ASAP. At least I can oblige now. They’d better have the capital ship under control or this will be a pathetically fast trip.
***
Renz could not believe how powerful the enemy ship proved to be. They were on par with some of the best Prytin vessels and they employed that strength with daring. Inda made it clear they were facing some serious damage throughout the ship. He looked at Kivda, noting that even his friend looked worried.
I’ve never faced this before.
“Sir,” Inda spoke, “the enemy is contacting us about surrender.”
Kivda huffed. “They are not talking about giving up to us.”
“No.” Renz shook his head. “What’s your assessment?”
“While they’re doing well, I get the impression they don’t realize we’re actually in trouble.” Kivda tapped the arm of his chair. “My advice is to go at them again, straight on. Hit them with everything we’ve got. See how they react to a full on exchange. I know we can take at least one more.”
Renz nodded. “Can they?” He turned to Inda. “Scan their defenses. Give me an idea of what I’m facing.”
“They are recharging quickly, as are we,” Inda said. “But we have more torpedoes.”
I can’t believe I had to employ those in our first encounter with these scum. Renz glared at the screen. Still, they are a challenge. Winning this battle will bring considerable glory. “Close on the target, open fire with everything we’ve got. Do not stop until I give the order to move. This is where we win the fight.”
***
“They’re closing,” Violet announced. “And I think they ignored our hail.”
“Open fire,” Titus ordered. “Start now. Direct all shield power to the front. Divert auxiliary power from the engines to defenses.”
They’ll throw the torpedoes at us. We have to be ready to take those in the nose.
Their cannons opened fire even as the Kahl vessel closed in, weathering a good amount of punishment before shooting back. The two ships exchanged damage, hitting each other with a constant stream of beam attacks. Impacts made the ship tremble constantly as neither side seemed to flinch.
“Power build up!” Violet shouted.
“Bottom maneuvering thrusters,” Titus called, “engage them now!”
Torpedo’s burst from the enemy ship. The Triton lurched upward, avoiding a full spread. Only two hit them as they pivoted to maintain a frontal assault on their target. The lights went out from the blow. Terminals remained operational, even as the viewscreen faded. Fortunately, weapons remained online.
“Report!” Rhys took that one. “What’s going on?”
“The torpedo hit the bottom,” Violet said, “shields weren’t as strong there. We’ve got a hull breach in cargo bay five. Force fields are up there too. Power to the lights seemed to have been cut as well. The viewscreen shorted out. Maneuvering thrusters are offline on the bottom and the starboard side.”
“So a lot,” Rhys said.
“We’re giving them a real pounding!” Jane rolled the vessel, keeping them in motion with the remaining thrusters. “They’re still taking it!”
“Another power surge coming…” Violet turned to them. “We take a full barrage of those and we’re done.”
“Withdraw,” Titus said. “Get us back so you have some room to maneuver.”
“Too late!” Violet shouted.
Titus gripped his seat as Jane engaged the engines. Her next move meant life
