Nick Thomas - Battle Earth V

“We’ve got three weeks. Soldiers are not a problem, veterans and recruits alike. Since the war ended, a continuous recruitment campaign has boosted the Marine Corps to numbers none of us have ever known. But what we now need so urgently is ships. The dockyards of the world are working around the clock, but ultimately, those on the Moon and L2 and L3 are the key players.”

Neither of them answered as they awaited more convincing words from the General.

“I know we are sending you into the unknown, but not without every ounce of support than can be given. I have already volunteered to join the Washington as leader of the Marine forces within the fleet, a request I have do doubt will be accepted.”

Chandra turned and peered into the man’s face in surprise. It was clear he had every intention of doing so.

“Then I suggest you get some combat training in, Sir. You’ll almost certainly need it.”

White nodded in surprise.

“Major, yes, yes, of course. Now, Colonel, there is work to be done. This new fleet will embark in three weeks. I want you both to return to the Washington. I have already gathered together personnel of Inter-Allied who have recovered and are ready to re-join your ranks, as well as a few dozen experienced marines to redress your numbers. They’ll be at the Deveron within the hour.”

‘Thank you, Sir.”

They left the building with their escort to find Jafar and the two platoons they had brought. They were still waiting for them beside the ship. It wasn’t long before the promised reinforcements turned up.

“Fucking great,” muttered Taylor so that only Chandra could hear.

She looked up to see that Suarez was among those approaching. They both knew he was trouble. Neither wanted to promote him or even accept him as a platoon leader, but he had been with them from the very start.

He led the thirty plus marines who approached as if he owned them and was coming to the rescue. He had a broad sleazy smile across his face.

“Good to be back!” he shouted, making a rather casual salute on approaching.

Chandra didn’t make contact with him, choosing to address the incoming troops as a whole.

“No time for niceties. Load up, we are moving out!”

Taylor smiled at the Colonel’s dismissal of Suarez’s arrogant greeting which shot him down in flames.

Within fifteen minutes, the Deveron was lifting off once more. Chandra and Taylor both attended the bridge, partly to see Earth one last time as they departed and partly to escape Suarez. They knew he was going to be a problem they would have to deal with, but neither could face it there and then.

Five weeks passed before they finally got word of the fleet’s approach to the gateway. There had been little training to do for the troops of Inter-Allied. They passed the time with guard duties and familiarisation of the ship they were stationed aboard. Chandra and Taylor were called to the bridge for the announcement of the arrival of the mass of new vessels. A cheer rang out across the ship as Huber announced it over the comms.

“Just look at it,” called Huber. “The grandest fleet ever amassed.”

They looked out to space with the Washington’s projected display. They could see more than fifty sizeable ships, including a carrier not so different to the Washington.

“How on Earth did they manage it?” asked Huber.

“I hear that construction on some of these began just weeks after the war on Earth ended. They weren’t built in three weeks,” replied Chandra.

“No, but impressive nonetheless, Colonel. Before the war, it would have taken the dockyards three years to build such a fleet, and they’d have been unarmed. All this is in less than a year.”

“Amazing what the human race can achieve when it’s against the wall,” Taylor commented.

“Sir, we have a shuttle coming aboard.”

Huber turned to the two Inter-Allied officers.

“Please join me.”

They arrived at the docking bay in time to see the ramp lowering on a brand spanking new shuttle. General White stepped aboard with several other Navy officers they didn’t recognise.

“Welcome aboard, Sir!”

“Thank you, Admiral Huber, let me introduce you to Admiral Uxbridge of His Majesties Royal Navy, Commander of the fine new carrier you see out there, the Trafalgar.”

“My compliments.”

“Tell me, Admiral, is expert opinion unchanged regarding this space gateway?”

“Reiter and his team of experts still believe they can operate the device, but are a long way from understanding how it works or how, or if, it can safely be dismantled.”

“Then the only way is forward. It’s been a long journey out here, and I suspect your crews are as anxious for a change of pace as well. Are we confident about the stability and operation of this device?”

“We have already carried out tests with drones and safely been able to send them through the gate and recover them. The fleet is ready for immediate departure.”

“Excellent. Admiral Huber, you will remain as Commander of this fleet. Admiral Uxbridge being second. I will maintain command of infantry forces from here on board the Washington. I now pass over command to all forces to yourself and wish you every luck on this new undertaking.”

“Thank you, General.”

Huber lifted his comms unit and tapped it.

“Prepare the fleet for departure. Begin a thirty minute countdown and have Reiter synchronise.”

The command staff returned to the bridge with General White. It was an anxious waiting game as lights flickered and flashed around the gateway. Taylor and Chandra had missed the previous tests of the gateway, but they could see the bridge crew were still as mesmerised by it as they had been the first time. Taylor leant in over General White’s shoulder.

“Assuming this leads us into enemy territory, what then?” he asked.

“We strike at the enemy in any way we can. Hit the first targets hard and keep moving forward.”

“And what then? Do we try and take them to extinction, like they did us?”

Chandra could hear the conversation and leaned in to give her two pennies.

“Probably a damn good idea.”

White shrugged his shoulders.

“We need to remove the threat they pose. If we can do that by winning a few victories and showing them we are all powerful, great. If not, we keep pushing, and we do so until they can no longer endanger our lands. If in the meantime, if we can find a way to dismantle that gateway, we’ll take that option.”

The gateway suddenly pulsed with a violent burst of light and spun into life. The entire gateway began to rotate at a slow and steady pace. Beams of light darted across the core of the huge ring until they filled it in a giant swirling ball of blue light. It was beautiful and almost magical, but they could not help feel fear for what might be on the other side.

“One giant leap for humanity and all that,” whispered White.

The light faded to the centre until it was almost white, and the structure began to spin faster as the swirling core increased in velocity.

“The gateway is ready for entry, Sir!”

Huber hesitated for a moment. It was a frightening step into the unknown. He took a deep breath and breathed out slowly. He gave the order.

“Take us through.”

The engines of the Washington fired up, and they slowly ambled towards the swirling wall of light. Three frigates of the fleet were ahead of them, and they watched as the bows of the vessels pierced the light and continued on through as if vanishing into fog. Many on the bridge held their breath and felt fear overcome them, but they knew they had passed beyond the point of no return. The Washington pushed on through. Taylor’s right hand slipped over the grip of his rifle that rested on his flank. He didn’t like passing through into the unknown without being prepared for anything.