Incursion Page 6

  “What the fuck?” Davies asked.

  There was no answer. Playback accelerated, and in a few seconds, Colossus had moved until it was almost on top of the fissure.

  “They took two hours to approach,” explained Vernon, “and then this happened.”

  Playback resumed at normal speed. Colossus began to enter the illuminated ring of colour, moving so slowly that she hardly seemed to be in motion at all.

  Then there was a massive explosion, the vessel ruptured along its spine, and debris was sent hurtling into space. The crew groaned. It was a difficult thing to watch.

  “The fissure – or portal – remained open for another five hours,” said Vernon as he closed the render. “Then it shrank back to nothing and closed.”

  “That’s what we’re up against,” said Stansfield. “It’s nothing we’ve ever seen before. Not officially, at least.”

  Vernon picked up the briefing. “What you’re seeing is some sort of portal, we think, a more advanced version of our communication wormhole. Where we can only transmit data, this wormhole – or whatever it is – seems capable of dealing with entire ships. Colossus was to penetrate the portal and find out what was on the other side, but you saw what happened. That was our best shot, to send one of our finest battleships in to see what was beyond the wormhole and pre-empt any aggression that might be heading our way. You can see how well that worked.”

  “If that’s a wormhole that can move whole ships on demand, with an opening from only one end, it’s a game-changer,” said Stansfield. “If we can get our hands on this technology, it would give us a huge advantage in the war.”

  “So what’s on the other side?” said Mason, asking the question they all wanted answered.

  “That’s what you’re here to find out. You saw what happened to Colossus, we can’t risk sending in any more ships like that. What’s more, the debris from Colossus was thrown directly at Kingdom 10, and we don’t think that was a coincidence. Whoever triggered the portal, they used the destruction of our warship to try and take out Kingdom 10.”

  “So why not Vengeance?” Kearney asked. “You’re the most immediate threat. Why not take you out after Colossus?”

  “That’s what we’d like to find out. The portal hasn’t reopened since we arrived, but we have to assume they know we’re here, and know that their attack on Kingdom 10 failed.”

  Vernon looked at Stansfield. It appeared as if they were agreeing between themselves on what they would reveal and what would remain hidden for now.

  “We’re under pressure from the Admiralty to get results,” Stansfield continued. “The portal has been opening and closing like this for the past month. We think it’s a test for something, a kind of trial run. We need to assess the level of threat and see what can be done to repel it. Needless to say, this far out in space, we could do without this headache in the middle of a war with the Deathless.”

  “Could it be anything to do with the war, sir?” asked Conway. “An opportunist move, perhaps?”

  Vernon and Stansfield exchanged a glance.

  “Very possibly,” Stansfield replied. “Watch this, Charlie Team.”

  Vernon took his cue and reactivated the 3D render. This was now a simulation, with a projected time stamp displayed and six new objects added to the scenario.

  “This is your first objective,” Vernon began. “We’re sending you in SEVs to investigate the outer perimeters of the portal, next time it opens.”

  “SEVs?” said Ten.

  “Space Exploration Vehicles,” Vernon replied. “You’re familiar with Exploration Pods, but these SEVs are from an older generation entirely. They're what we used before the Navy developed our current Raleigh Class Exploration Pods. The controls aren't much different, so you shouldn't have any problem with them.”

  “Yeah, I know what SEVs are, sir. My thing is, they’re bloody antiques. What possible reason could we have for pulling them out of stores? Where did we even find some in working order?” Ten asked.

  Stansfield frowned at his vulgarity, but stopped short of reprimanding him further. “Ah, I see. There are specific engineering reasons we want to use the SEVs, plus there's a time constraint. Vengeance has plenty of them in working order, and the few more recent alternatives available in Kingdom 10 aren't likely to work for us.”

  “But why not use pods, sir?” Conway asked. “Why go in there with old technology? Do they have extra functionality we don't normally have now? I've never been in one.”

  “Lieutenant Fernandez and his team have been modifying our SEVs, and we have good reason to think that they will out-perform the more recent alternatives for this mission.”

  Before he’d completed his answer, there was a bright flash from beyond the windows that illuminated the room.

  “Permission to look, troopers,” Stansfield said, giving them the nod to move. “That’s better than any simulation we can show you.”

  Charlie Team gathered around the windows to view the phenomenon. They watched as the blinding white light expanded in size, circular in shape, and then became a shimmering mass of beautiful colours, taking in a vast area of space.

  “It’s magnificent,” Davies said, shaking his head in wonder. “To be able to generate and contain enough energy to tear open a wormhole of that size, that’s quite incredible. Whoever is on the other end, they have scientific and engineering knowledge that blows away our progress in the field.”

  “What you have to remember, Davies, is that their science was once ours. We use our wormholes for data only, but since the Koschei left Sol space, this group have pushed the boundaries of the technology. Nevertheless, it began as a British research project, if you don't recall your history. There will be a straight line between our current technology and this portal, and if we can get the data to understand how they're doing it, we’ll be able to replicate it.” Stansfield said.

  “Or steal it,” said Ten, as much to himself as everybody else in the room, “or have it stolen from us by the Deathless.”

  “The portal is opening more regularly now,” said Stansfield, ignoring the interruption. “It opens at three-hour intervals, and remains open much longer, with increased activity. Whatever the portal openers plan, it will happen soon.”

  “But what makes you think anything hostile is coming over from the other side, sir?”

  “Er, Colossus, Davies,” said Kearney.

  “Yeah, but they might have seen Colossus as a threat. Who says they’re coming to annihilate Earth? They might take a right turn or a left turn when they come out the wormhole. They might just be on a day trip to the Eagle Nebula, it is pretty impressive. Who says they’re the bad guys?”

  “Enough!” Stansfield interjected. “At this moment in time, we’re not at liberty to divulge all details of this operation. You don’t need to know the details. Take it as read, a hostile enemy is coming out of that portal, and they’ll be heading straight for Earth. “

  Stansfield touched his lapel, and the voice of Fernandez came through his communicator.

  “SEVs are ready to go, Admiral. We have seven prepped, and I’d like to request permission to go with the teams, sir.”

  “Denied, Fernandez. The Admiralty has asked that we deploy Lieutenant Woodhall on any fact-finding missions.”

  “Woodhall?”

  It was the first time they’d heard Hunter speak. He tensed his body and pushed against the cuffs that restrained him.

  “I’m well aware of your past with Lieutenant Woodhall,” Stansfield answered, a flash of contempt on his face. He could barely look at Hunter. “But this is a military operation. You know how this works, Hunter, and I want to be very clear about one thing. If I get even an inkling that you have anything other than this mission on your mind, your colleagues have my permission to take you out before they fire on the enemy. Is that understood? One suggestion that you’re not fully engaged in this operation and they put a bullet through your head. Am I clear?”

  Hunter subsided with a
curt nod, but he clearly wasn’t happy. Ten wondered if he was equally disposable to Stansfield. What was it that Stansfield had against Penal Marines? Was it something in particular, or just a general dislike for the idea? It wasn't as if all the reprobates in the forces got duty like this, just a handful of unusual cases. Never waste good people was an excellent rule to live by, Ten thought. Apparently Stansfield had other ideas.

  “Lieutenant Woodhall is here at the request of the Admiralty. He’s a Royal Navy science officer, so make use of him. But always be aware, he’s reporting back to the Admiralty, and he mustn’t get in the way of your mission.”

  “Is our mission not the same as the Admiralty’s?” asked Ten, but it was as if he spoke only to himself. He glanced at Kearney, who gave a tiny shake of her head.

  Stansfield had turned his attention to Hunter. “Take off the cuffs. Remember what I said, Hunter; from this point onward you’re working for the Commonwealth. You cut the crap, do your job, you have every chance of avoiding the death penalty. You screw this up, I’ll blow up that thing in your head myself!”

  Conway, Mason and Davies looked at him.

  “Hunter has an explosive implant embedded in his skull. If he goes on the run or disobeys an order, he dies immediately, no paperwork. He already has a death sentence. This mission is his only chance to avoid it being carried out.”

  The voice of Fernandez came from Stansfield’s communicator. “All clear for launch, sir. The portal will reach full expansion within the next twenty minutes. The team needs to leave now.”

  8

  “Now this is what I call retro,” declared Davies, eager to take the SEV out for a spin. The team were wearing lightweight power armour suits that would protect them in the event of a hull breach or power failure.

  “Not that we expect that, of course,” said Fernandez. “This is a straightforward flight, and these are the same basic layout as a standard Exploration Pod, even if they handle a little differently.”

  “A little differently,” snorted Ten. “You could say that.” Davies looked at him quizzically, but he didn’t elaborate.

  The pods were small, only seven metres long, and purely short-range. One pilot, no additional crew or cargo, and a huge wraparound diamond-glass window at the front. Most of the hull was taken up with sensor equipment, engines and life support.

  “Any armaments on these things, sir? Can we defend ourselves?” Ten was always eager to get his hands on the weapons.

  Fernandez gave him a cold stare. “Survey only. We’re not expecting to be engaged on this mission; you’re simply required to get as close as you can to the portal, gather as much data as possible, and support Woodhall in making his assessment for the Admiralty. No shooting required, okay?”

  “Yeah, of course,” said Ten, wondering how many times he’d heard similar statements from backroom officers.

  “Vengeance is moving closer to the portal,” Fernandez went on, “so you’ll be only a few kilometres away when you launch.”

  He flicked at a slate and sent them all the flight plan.

  “Here’s Lieutenant Woodhall,” said Fernandez without emotion. “The man’s a prick and Stansfield hates him, but has to kiss arse. Woodhall is all that’s keeping the admiral from permanent retirement.”

  Ten frowned at Fernandez’s sudden and unexpected revelation, sharing a suspicious glance with Davies before they watched Lieutenant Woodhall approach.

  “We all answer to somebody, eh?” said Conway.

  Woodhall made his presence felt immediately. His hair was slicked back, his facial grooming impeccable, his build slight and his attitude one of entitlement. This man’s natural habitat was an office, his greatest foe a data slate with a flat battery. He’d done his military training, then taken refuge behind a desk. It was clear from the get-go that he wasn’t going to be one of the team.

  “Is there a reason my power armour has a red circle on the derriere, Fernandez? I seem to be the only person here who has one.”

  Fernandez let slip the tiniest of smirks, but managed to keep his face straight. “Nothing to worry about, Lieutenant Woodhall,” he replied. “We had to make last-minute repairs to the suit when we learnt that you were joining the team on this mission. It’s nothing personal.”

  Ten knew otherwise. Woodhall looked like he had a big red target on his arse., and Ten sensed that he was going to end up wanting to kick it at some point. Woodhall wasn’t the kind of man a fighting team needed, and Ten could see him ending up as a dead weight, an annoyance, a thorn in their sides.

  Still, at least he didn’t have a skull implant like Hunter. That was exceptionally unusual, even given Hunter’s conviction. There must be a good story behind a security precaution like that. It wasn't just a matter of failing to show contrition during the court-martial. Things could have been worse.

  “Okay, let’s clear the bay, people, we need to get this team out of here before the portal begins to contract. Are you sure you’re okay with the SEV? There’s no shame in delaying this trip until you’ve accumulated more hours on the simulator.”

  Woodhall bristled at Fernandez’s comments.

  “I’m perfectly capable of handling one of these museum pieces. Just make sure they work; I don’t want to end up calling a rescue tug,” said Woodhall with a derision he didn't attempt to hide.

  Hunter made a fist, then loosened it. Ten saw him do it and nodded to Mason, who’d also seen it.

  “You reckon Hunter’s safe out here?” said Ten quietly.

  “He’s a great Marine, according to his record. I’m surprised you don’t know him. He made a bad choice, that’s all. That thing on his arm, that was his mistake. That and leaving the battlefield before he should have. But he’s a good soldier, or at least he was at one time.”

  “I take it he doesn’t use that arm of his to blend smoothies?”

  Mason laughed. “Shit, no! Let’s put it this way; if that’s what I think it is, Hunter’s going to be a very useful man on this mission. That thing’s like a Swiss Army knife of weaponry. You wait and see.”

  Ten nodded doubtfully. “Good luck,” he said as he climbed into his SEV.

  There was an electronic hum as Conway’s SEV powered up and raised off the ground. The burners fired and she was off, expertly taking the unit out of the vast opening to the bay. Davies followed, then Kearney and Hunter.

  “It’s a long time since I’ve flown solo, so this should be fun,” said Ten on the team’s comms channel.

  “You’re Marine X?” said Woodhall.

  “Yes, sir. People mostly call me Ten,” Ten replied, wary. Sometimes he grew tired of proving himself to sceptical or suspicious officers.

  “I’ve read all about you, Marine X,” said Woodhall, which marked him down as a damned liar, “and while you’re working alongside me, I expect ultra-focus and no attitude, is that clear?”

  Ten was thinking about that target on Woodhall’s arse again. “Understood, Lieutenant,” he replied. “By the way, sir, you need to release that catch to open the door.”

  “Don’t patronise me, Penal Marine!” Woodhall snarled. “I know what I’m doing.” He fumbled with the catch some more and finally managed to climb into his SEV.

  Ten shrugged. Woodhall was a pompous prick, but Ten had seen plenty of officers just like him who’d hit the invisible ceiling once their superiors had grown to know them. He wouldn't last.

  Ten switched his focus back to the controls of his own SEV and expertly activated the control panel. “Just like the man said, standard configuration. Thrusters, navigation, manoeuvring and monitoring. Yup, it’s all there. Let’s take this thing out for a spin.”

  Ten powered up the SEV, raised it three metres above the cold floor of the hangar, and triggered a gentle forward thrust. As he was belched out into the limitless expanse of space, he felt the same rush of adrenaline that he’d experienced the first time he’d done this. There was nothing quite like it, and the basic design of the SEVs made it feel like he could rea
ch out his hand and touch the stars.

  “We have it too good these days,” said Davies. “This is what I called extreme space travel!”

  “I love it,” Ten replied. “How old are these things? It’s a bit shaky, but it puts me in touch with my softer interstellar side.”

  Conway had come up on his rear, and pulled level with Ten and Kearney. “Steady, Ten. I’m guessing it’s some time since you’ve been out in space like this. Take your time, get used to the handling. These feel a bit sensitive to me. If we're not careful, they'll wrench about the place.”

  Hunter spotted something in the distance.

  “Did Vengeance just take a dump, or is that Woodhall finally on his way?” Hunter asked over a channel that didn't include the self-important lieutenant. It was the first time he’d addressed them all, and as far as Ten was concerned, it was a pretty solid start.

  “Steady, boys,” Conway cautioned them. “He runs the show out here. Remember who pays your wages.”

  “Wages?” scoffed Davies. “Who gets wages? I’ve been away from home so long I could retire on the amount of leave I’ve accumulated.”

  Woodhall’s SEV approached the cluster of craft. He moved jerkily, with exaggerated movements as he overcompensated for every error, but he was at least managing to keep up.

  “That’s one hell of a sight, even if Stansfield is right about it being able to destroy the Earth and end civilisation,” said Mason with amusement.

  About half the team's communication was being sent to a channel that included everyone but Woodhall. He must have thought they were being really good boys and girls by sticking only to vital comms.

  Stansfield’s voice came over the team’s private comms channel. “Lieutenant Woodhall may be listening to only one channel, but the bridge team is monitoring all comms. Keep the chatter to a minimum, like the professionals I know we all are.”

  Ten looked across at Mason in his SEV and wagged his finger at him. Mason gave him the finger.