Wing Commander (novelization) Chapter 17: Difference between revisions

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{{infobox Novel Chapter
{{infobox Novel Chapter
|faction = terran
|faction = terran
|title = Chapter Seventeen
|title = Chapter 17
|image = image:Movienovel.jpg
|image = image:Movienovel.jpg
|book = [[Wing Commander (novelization)|Wing Commander]]
|book = [[Wing Commander (novelization)|Wing Commander]]
|parts = 1
|parts = 2
|previous = [[Wing Commander (novelization) Chapter Sixteen|Chapter Sixteen]]
|previous = [[Wing Commander (novelization) Chapter 16|Chapter 16]]
|next = [[Wing Commander (novelization) Chapter Eighteen|Chapter Eighteen]]
|next = [[Wing Commander (novelization) Chapter 18|Chapter 18]]
}}
|pages = 127-131
}}


== Dramatis Personae ==
== Dramatis Personae ==


* [[Christopher Blair]]
{| class="wikitable"
* [[Jeanette Devereaux]]
|-
* [[Rosalind Forbes]]
!
* [[James Khumalo]]
! Part 1
* [[Todd Marshall]]
! Part 2
* [[Adam Polanski]]
|-
* [[Ian St. John]]
! POV
* [[James Taggart]]
|valign=top|
[[Christopher Blair]]
|valign=top|
[[Christopher Blair]]
|-
! Speaking
|valign=top|
[[Jeanette Deveraux|Jeanette "Angel" Deveraux]]<br>
[[Joseph Khumelo|Joseph "Knight" Khumelo]]<br>
[[Todd Marshall|Todd "Maniac" Marshall]]<br>
[[Ian St. John|Ian "Hunter" St. John]]<br>
[[James Taggart|James "Paladin" Taggart]]
|valign=top|
[[Jeanette Deveraux|Jeanette "Angel" Deveraux]]<br>
[[Rosalind Forbes|Rosalind "Sassy" Forbes]]<br>
[[Todd Marshall|Todd "Maniac" Marshall]]<br>
[[Adam Polanski|Adam "Bishop" Polanski]]<br>
[[Ian St. John|Ian "Hunter" St. John]]<br>
[[James Taggart|James "Paladin" Taggart]]
|-
! Non-Speaking
|valign=top|
[[Rosalind Forbes|Rosalind "Sassy" Forbes]]<br>
[[Adam Polanski|Adam "Bishop" Polanski]]
|valign=top|
[[Joseph Khumelo|Joseph "Knight" Khumelo]]
|-
! Mentioned
|valign=top|
 
|valign=top|
[[Geoffrey Tolwyn]]
|-
|}


== Text ==
== Text ==


<B>UNITED</B>
{{infobox wcm
 
|line1 = UNITED<BR>CONFEDERATION<BR>CARRIER <I>TIGER CLAW</I>
<B>CONFEDERATION</B>
|line2 = ULYSSES CORRIDOR
 
|line3 = MARCH 17, 2654<BR>0530 HOURS<BR>ZULU TIME
<B>CARRIER <I>TIGER CLAW</I></B>
|line4 = 7.5 HOURS FROM<BR>CHARYBDIS QUASAR<BR>JUMP POINT
 
}}
<B>ULYSSES CORRIDOR</B>
 
<B>MARCH 17, 2654</B>
 
<B>0530 HOURS</B>
 
<B>ZULU TIME</B>
 
<B>7.5 HOURS FROM</B>
 
<B>CHARYBOIS QUASAR</B>
 
<B>JUMP POINT</B>


=== Part One ===


Blair finished a walkaround inspection of his Rapier, then joined the
Blair finished a walkaround inspection of his Rapier, then joined the
Line 47: Line 69:
Commander Deveraux.
Commander Deveraux.


The nearby lift doors opened, exposing Maniac and Forbes, both still
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The nearby lift doors opened, exposing Maniac and Forbes, both still
pulling on their uniforms. They hustled out of the lift as the others
pulling on their uniforms. They hustled out of the lift as the others
guffawed—all except Blair.
guffawed--all except Blair.


"Targets locked," he muttered, then set his jaw and marched toward
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Targets locked," he muttered, then set his jaw and marched toward
Maniac. "Did you change the lock code?"
Maniac. "Did you change the lock code?"


"What are you talking about?"
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"What are you talking about?"


"The lock code on our hatch? I couldn't get in." He scowled at Forbes.
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"The lock code on our hatch? I couldn't get in." He scowled at Forbes.
"And I heard laughing from inside, but no one would answer."


Maniac slapped a paw on his shoulder. "Someday, Blair, you're gonna
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"And I heard laughing from inside, but no one would answer."
 
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Maniac slapped a paw on his shoulder. "Someday, Blair, you're gonna
look back and say, 'God, I wish I'd been him.'"
look back and say, 'God, I wish I'd been him.'"


"Some day, I'm going to look back and—"
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Some day, I'm going to look back and--"


"Ten-hut!" Knight shouted.
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Ten-hut!" Knight shouted.


Blair abandoned his retort and scrambled to the line with the other
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Blair abandoned his retort and scrambled to the line with the other
jocks. They assumed the pose as Lieutenant Commander Deveraux walked
jocks. They assumed the pose as Lieutenant Commander Deveraux walked
down the row, her face unreadable. "All right, ladies, listen up. We have a
down the row, her face unreadable. "All right, ladies, listen up. We have a
Line 74: Line 97:
'em bleed. Mount up!"
'em bleed. Mount up!"


The group dispersed, and Maniac said, "I'm feeling good today!"
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The group dispersed, and Maniac said, "I'm feeling good today!"


"Try to keep your mind on the Kilrathi there, <I>Maniac</I>."
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Try to keep your mind on the Kilrathi there, <I>Maniac</I>."


"C'mon, Blair," Maniac whined. "Be realistic…"
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"C'mon, Blair," Maniac whined. "Be realistic ..."


Though he hated to admit it, Blair did feel a pang of jealousy over
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Though he hated to admit it, Blair did feel a pang of jealousy over
Maniac's skill with women and fighters. But he felt even more jealous over
Maniac's skill with women and fighters. But he felt even more jealous over
Maniac's ability to turn fear into a source of amusement. Maniac flitted
Maniac's ability to turn fear into a source of amusement. Maniac flitted
Line 86: Line 109:
he did. People loved him. People loathed him. He couldn't care less.
he did. People loved him. People loathed him. He couldn't care less.


Blair started for his fighter, passing Hunter, who, as usual, champed
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Blair started for his fighter, passing Hunter, who, as usual, champed
his cigar and brushed that long hair out of his face. Blair thought of
his cigar and brushed that long hair out of his face. Blair thought of
wishing the man luck, but as he looked up, he saw how Hunter made a
wishing the man luck, but as he looked up, he saw how Hunter made a
point of ignoring him, so he headed straight for his cockpit ladder.
point of ignoring him, so he headed straight for his cockpit ladder.


"Blair," Deveraux called out. "Take Hunter's wing."
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Blair," Deveraux called out. "Take Hunter's wing."


"I got his wing, ma'am."
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I got his wing, ma'am."


Failing to remove his cigar, Hunter said, "Ma'am, I'd just as soon you
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Failing to remove his cigar, Hunter said, "Ma'am, I'd just as soon you
assign me another wingman."
assign me another wingman."


Deveraux came toward Hunter, who had inadvertently stoked the fire
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Deveraux came toward Hunter, who had inadvertently stoked the fire
in her eyes. "You have some problem I should be aware of, Hunter?"
in her eyes. "You have some problem I should be aware of, Hunter?"


The big Australian sneered at Blair. "Yes, ma'am, I do. I don't fly with
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The big Australian sneered at Blair. "Yes, ma'am, I do. I don't fly with
Pilgrims."
Pilgrims."


"Then maybe you don't fly at all."
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Then maybe you don't fly at all."


"Ma'am, there might be over a hundred pilots assigned to this bucket,
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Ma'am, there might be over a hundred pilots assigned to this bucket,
but I think you want me for this op. We both know that."
but I think you want me for this op. We both know that."


With disgust all but dripping from her face, Deveraux thought a
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With disgust all but dripping from her face, Deveraux thought a
second, then said, "Blair. You'll fly <I>my</I> wing."
second, then said, "Blair. You'll fly <I>my</I> wing."


"Are you sure about that?" he asked.
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Are you sure about that?" he asked.


Her eyes snapped wide. "Did I just give you a suggestion or an order?"
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Her eyes snapped wide. "Did I just give you a suggestion or an order?"


"I got your wing, ma'am."
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I got your wing, ma'am."


She tossed an ugly look in Hunter's direction, then left. "Hey," Hunter
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She tossed an ugly look in Hunter's direction, then left. "Hey," Hunter
said. Blair hesitated.
said. Blair hesitated.


"You put me or my shipmates in danger, half-breed, I'll kill you."
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"You put me or my shipmates in danger, half-breed, I'll kill you."


"You'll try." He stared unflinchingly at the man, then pounded up his
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"You'll try." He stared unflinchingly at the man, then pounded up his
ladder. "It's all one big lovefest," he said through a sigh.
ladder. "It's all one big lovefest," he said through a sigh.


Once everyone had preflighted, the comm check commenced. When
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Once everyone had preflighted, the comm check commenced. When
Taggart's voice came over the channel, Blair couldn't help but dial up the
Taggart's voice came over the channel, Blair couldn't help but dial up the
captain's private frequency. "Sir, I didn't know you'd be flying this one. In
captain's private frequency. "Sir, I didn't know you'd be flying this one. In
fact, I didn't know you were qualified to pilot a Broadsword."
fact, I didn't know you were qualified to pilot a Broadsword."


"Yeah, well, this mission needs a conscience, and I'm it. You keep your
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Yeah, well, this mission needs a conscience, and I'm it. You keep your
head low and your eyes bugged, Lieutenant."
head low and your eyes bugged, Lieutenant."


"Count on it."
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Count on it."


Wondering if there were any more surprises on the roster, Blair listened
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Wondering if there were any more surprises on the roster, Blair listened
in as Knight, Hunter, Forbes, Polanski, Maniac, and Deveraux exchanged
in as Knight, Hunter, Forbes, Polanski, Maniac, and Deveraux exchanged
status reports. Knight flew the other Broadsword, and Polanski now took
status reports. Knight flew the other Broadsword, and Polanski now took
Hunter's wing. Maniac would, of course, fly with Forbes.
Hunter's wing. Maniac would, of course, fly with Forbes.
=== Part Two ===


The launch went off without a hitch, save for Polanski's report of a
The launch went off without a hitch, save for Polanski's report of a
hydraulic leak too insignificant to ground him.
hydraulic leak too insignificant to ground him.


Blair held a steady course at Deveraux's four o'clock low. They, along
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Blair held a steady course at Deveraux's four o'clock low. They, along
with the other Rapier pilots, escorted the two Broadswords. Originally
with the other Rapier pilots, escorted the two Broadswords. Originally
designed as an attack bomber for Kilrathi capital ships, the Broadsword
designed as an attack bomber for Kilrathi capital ships, the Broadsword
Line 160: Line 185:
just meters away.
just meters away.


"Picking up any comm traffic, Baker Seven?" Deveraux asked Taggart.
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Picking up any comm traffic, Baker Seven?" Deveraux asked Taggart.


"Nothing."
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Nothing."


"Let's get in a little closer."
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Let's get in a little closer."


"My words exactly," Maniac said.
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"My words exactly," Maniac said.


"Shuddup," Polanski groaned. "Pervert."
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Shuddup," Polanski groaned. "Pervert."


"Secure that, ladies," Deveraux ordered.
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Secure that, ladies," Deveraux ordered.


"Com traffic still at zero," Taggart reported.
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Com traffic still at zero," Taggart reported.


"They're observing radio silence," Deveraux said. "Except for
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"They're observing radio silence," Deveraux said. "Except for
short-range frequencies."
short-range frequencies."


"Or they aren't here anymore," Taggart warned.
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Or they aren't here anymore," Taggart warned.


"Baker Two, Three, and Four," Deveraux called. "Anything?"
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Baker Two, Three, and Four," Deveraux called. "Anything?"


Blair scanned his radar display. "<I>Nada</I>, Chief."
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Blair scanned his radar display. "<I>Nada</I>, Chief."


"Nothing happening, Boss," Forbes said.
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Nothing happening, Boss," Forbes said.


Maniac released an exaggerated hem. "My scope's clean, Commander."
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Maniac released an exaggerated hem. "My scope's clean, Commander."


"Dammit!" Hunter cried.
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Dammit!" Hunter cried.


"What is it?" Deveraux demanded.
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"What is it?" Deveraux demanded.


"Big piece of something just glanced off my canopy. Computer didn't
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Big piece of something just glanced off my canopy. Computer didn't
course-correct in time."
course-correct in time."


"He's probably going nuts without his cigar," Polanski said. "He's
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"He's probably going nuts without his cigar," Polanski said. "He's
having hallucinations of little dancing cigars."
having hallucinations of little dancing cigars."


Several pilots chuckled into the comm, but Blair knew better than to
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Several pilots chuckled into the comm, but Blair knew better than to
join them.
join them.


Then Maniac's masked face and big, round eyes lit up Blair's VDU. "All
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Then Maniac's masked face and big, round eyes lit up Blair's VDU. "All
right, losers, listen up. I got three confirmed targets at five o'clock, near
right, losers, listen up. I got three confirmed targets at five o'clock, near
the brown dwarf."
the brown dwarf."


"Confirm that," Forbes said. "Middle one has a massive
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Confirm that," Forbes said. "Middle one has a massive
electromagnetic signature."
electromagnetic signature."


Blair switched the radar report to his HUD. A grid formed at his twelve
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Blair switched the radar report to his HUD. A grid formed at his twelve
o'clock, with coordinates scrolling at its corners. The three blips advanced
o'clock, with coordinates scrolling at its corners. The three blips advanced
slowly through the lines. "Target number one, bearing one-two-five by
slowly through the lines. "Target number one, bearing one-two-five by
Line 214: Line 239:
Intercept course locked and disseminating, roger."
Intercept course locked and disseminating, roger."


"It's the ConCom," Deveraux said. "All right, ladies, deploy for attack.
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"It's the ConCom," Deveraux said. "All right, ladies, deploy for attack.
The clock is ticking."
The clock is ticking."


"You all can hold back if you like," Maniac said as he leapt past the
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"You all can hold back if you like," Maniac said as he leapt past the
other Rapiers. "Maniac'll put these cats out for the night."
other Rapiers. "Maniac'll put these cats out for the night."


"Do not abandon your wingman," Deveraux said.
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Do not abandon your wingman," Deveraux said.


"Don't worry, Commander," Forbes said. "He's just having trouble
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Don't worry, Commander," Forbes said. "He's just having trouble
keeping up with me." Then her Rapier shot off and razored past Maniac's,
keeping up with me." Then her Rapier shot off and razored past Maniac's,
narrowly missing a long pipe that rolled end over end.
narrowly missing a long pipe that rolled end over end.


"Blair. Stay close. Here we go," Deveraux said.
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Blair. Stay close. Here we go," Deveraux said.


"That's no ConCom," Taggart muttered, his voice barely perceptible.
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"That's no ConCom," Taggart muttered, his voice barely perceptible.


"Abort!"
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Abort!"


"You're kidding," Maniac said.
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"You're kidding," Maniac said.


"Baker Seven, you have no authority over this mission or its personnel,"
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Baker Seven, you have no authority over this mission or its personnel,"


Deveraux barked. "You will obey my orders."
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Deveraux barked. "You will obey my orders."


"Forget it. I've already analyzed those targets. They're Dorkir-class
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Forget it. I've already analyzed those targets. They're Dorkir-class
supply ships. They were deliberately left behind and out of harm's way."
supply ships. They were deliberately left behind and out of harm's way."


"You're saying they want us to attack those freighters, then they'll
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"You're saying they want us to attack those freighters, then they'll
ambush us?"
ambush us?"


"Not us, Commander. The <I>Tiger Claw</I>. She's at risk. We have to get
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Not us, Commander. The <I>Tiger Claw</I>. She's at risk. We have to get
back."
back."


"You're a civilian scout. Why should I—"
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"You're a civilian scout. Why should I--"


"Commander, I'm not a civilian."
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Commander, I'm not a civilian."


"Mr. Taggart. I don't have time for—"
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Mr. Taggart. I don't have time for--"


"I hold the rank of commodore in Confederation Naval Intelligence,
"I hold the rank of commodore in Confederation Naval Intelligence,
reporting directly to Admiral Tolwyn. My call sign is Paladin."
reporting directly to Admiral Tolwyn. My call sign is Paladin."


"Yeah, right," Forbes said. "And I'm Admiral Nelson."
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Yeah, right," Forbes said. "And I'm Admiral Nelson."


"Shuddup!" Blair said, intent on Taggart's revelation.
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Shuddup!" Blair said, intent on Taggart's revelation.


"My security verification code is Charlie Six Alpha Zebra Niner. Try it,
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"My security verification code is Charlie Six Alpha Zebra Niner. Try it,
Commander. Now."
Commander. Now."


Blair couldn't wait for Deveraux. He plugged the numbers into his own
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Blair couldn't wait for Deveraux. He plugged the numbers into his own
computer's touchpad, attempting to tap into the Confederation Navy's
computer's touchpad, attempting to tap into the Confederation Navy's
Datanet. The left VDU blinked for a moment, then a message rolled across
Datanet. The left VDU blinked for a moment, then a message rolled across
the screen:
the screen:


<blockquote>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;COMMODORE JAMES TAGGART<BR>
COMMODORE JAMES TAGGART
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;CALL SIGN PALADIN<BR>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;FOURTEENT FLEET<BR>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;SECURITY ACCESS GRANTED


CALL SIGN PALADIN
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Holy ..." Blair lapsed into astonishment.


FOURTEENT FLEET
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Lucky guess," Deveraux told Taggart. "For all I know, you could've
 
SECURITY ACCESS GRANTED
</blockquote>
 
"Holy…" Blair lapsed into astonishment.
 
"Lucky guess," Deveraux told Taggart. "For all I know, you could've
killed the real commodore and assumed his identity."
killed the real commodore and assumed his identity."


"Listen to me, Angel. That's all I ask. If I'm wrong, you'll have missed
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Listen to me, Angel. That's all I ask. If I'm wrong, you'll have missed
out on destroying a couple of freighters. If I'm right, the <I>Tiger Claw</I> could
out on destroying a couple of freighters. If I'm right, the <I>Tiger Claw</I> could
already be under attack."
already be under attack."


"The <I>Claw</I> is already in the radiation belt, boss. They couldn't contact
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"The <I>Claw</I> is already in the radiation belt, boss. They couldn't contact
us if they wanted to," Forbes pointed out.
us if they wanted to," Forbes pointed out.


"Well, I ain't for turning tail," Hunter said. "I say we take out the
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Well, I ain't for turning tail," Hunter said. "I say we take out the
freighters, then go back for the <I>Claw</I>."
freighters, then go back for the <I>Claw</I>."


"So we can pick through her rubble for survivors, Mr. Hunter?" Taggart
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"So we can pick through her rubble for survivors, Mr. Hunter?" Taggart
asked.
asked.


"We're not taking a vote here," Blair said. "It's up to the commander.
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"We're not taking a vote here," Blair said. "It's up to the commander.
What do you say, ma'am?"
What do you say, ma'am?"


As Blair waited for her reply, he pictured the others doing the same.
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As Blair waited for her reply, he pictured the others doing the same.


Forbes rubbed her eyes and wished she had spent more time sleeping.
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Forbes rubbed her eyes and wished she had spent more time sleeping.


Polanski threw his head back and swore. Hunter damned regulations to
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Polanski threw his head back and swore. Hunter damned regulations to
hell, unclipped his O2 mask, and stuffed an unlit cigar between his lips.
hell, unclipped his O2 mask, and stuffed an unlit cigar between his lips.


Knight imagined with a shudder that a hundred fighters now buzzed over
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Knight imagined with a shudder that a hundred fighters now buzzed over
the <I>Claw</I>. Maniac itched with the desire to race forward and kick some
the <I>Claw</I>. Maniac itched with the desire to race forward and kick some
Kilrathi butt. Taggart muttered a half-dozen "come on's" as precious
Kilrathi butt. Taggart muttered a half-dozen "come on's" as precious
seconds ticked by.
seconds ticked by.


And Lieutenant Commander Jeanette Deveraux heaved a sigh and felt
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And Lieutenant Commander Jeanette Deveraux heaved a sigh and felt
the absolute loneliness of her rank.
the absolute loneliness of her rank.
{{novelindex/wingcommander}}
[[Category:Wing Commander (novelization)]]

Revision as of 23:30, 2 April 2024

Chapter 17
Movienovel.jpg
Book Wing Commander
Parts 2
Previous Chapter 16
Next Chapter 18
Pages 127-131


Dramatis Personae

Part 1 Part 2
POV

Christopher Blair

Christopher Blair

Speaking

Jeanette "Angel" Deveraux
Joseph "Knight" Khumelo
Todd "Maniac" Marshall
Ian "Hunter" St. John
James "Paladin" Taggart

Jeanette "Angel" Deveraux
Rosalind "Sassy" Forbes
Todd "Maniac" Marshall
Adam "Bishop" Polanski
Ian "Hunter" St. John
James "Paladin" Taggart

Non-Speaking

Rosalind "Sassy" Forbes
Adam "Bishop" Polanski

Joseph "Knight" Khumelo

Mentioned

Geoffrey Tolwyn

Text

UNITED
CONFEDERATION
CARRIER TIGER CLAW
ULYSSES CORRIDOR
MARCH 17, 2654
0530 HOURS
ZULU TIME
7.5 HOURS FROM
CHARYBDIS QUASAR
JUMP POINT


Part One

Blair finished a walkaround inspection of his Rapier, then joined the other pilots milling about the flight line, waiting for Lieutenant Commander Deveraux.

     The nearby lift doors opened, exposing Maniac and Forbes, both still pulling on their uniforms. They hustled out of the lift as the others guffawed--all except Blair.

     "Targets locked," he muttered, then set his jaw and marched toward Maniac. "Did you change the lock code?"

     "What are you talking about?"

     "The lock code on our hatch? I couldn't get in." He scowled at Forbes.

     "And I heard laughing from inside, but no one would answer."

     Maniac slapped a paw on his shoulder. "Someday, Blair, you're gonna look back and say, 'God, I wish I'd been him.'"

     "Some day, I'm going to look back and--"

     "Ten-hut!" Knight shouted.

     Blair abandoned his retort and scrambled to the line with the other jocks. They assumed the pose as Lieutenant Commander Deveraux walked down the row, her face unreadable. "All right, ladies, listen up. We have a ConCom with escorts. That means two, possibly three Ralari-class destroyers with their fighters and support ships. Primary target is the ConCom. Everything else is gravy." She paused before Blair. "Let's make 'em bleed. Mount up!"

     The group dispersed, and Maniac said, "I'm feeling good today!"

     "Try to keep your mind on the Kilrathi there, Maniac."

     "C'mon, Blair," Maniac whined. "Be realistic ..."

     Though he hated to admit it, Blair did feel a pang of jealousy over Maniac's skill with women and fighters. But he felt even more jealous over Maniac's ability to turn fear into a source of amusement. Maniac flitted blithely through his life, neither suffering it nor apologizing for anything he did. People loved him. People loathed him. He couldn't care less.

     Blair started for his fighter, passing Hunter, who, as usual, champed his cigar and brushed that long hair out of his face. Blair thought of wishing the man luck, but as he looked up, he saw how Hunter made a point of ignoring him, so he headed straight for his cockpit ladder.

     "Blair," Deveraux called out. "Take Hunter's wing."

     "I got his wing, ma'am."

     Failing to remove his cigar, Hunter said, "Ma'am, I'd just as soon you assign me another wingman."

     Deveraux came toward Hunter, who had inadvertently stoked the fire in her eyes. "You have some problem I should be aware of, Hunter?"

     The big Australian sneered at Blair. "Yes, ma'am, I do. I don't fly with Pilgrims."

     "Then maybe you don't fly at all."

     "Ma'am, there might be over a hundred pilots assigned to this bucket, but I think you want me for this op. We both know that."

     With disgust all but dripping from her face, Deveraux thought a second, then said, "Blair. You'll fly my wing."

     "Are you sure about that?" he asked.

     Her eyes snapped wide. "Did I just give you a suggestion or an order?"

     "I got your wing, ma'am."

     She tossed an ugly look in Hunter's direction, then left. "Hey," Hunter said. Blair hesitated.

     "You put me or my shipmates in danger, half-breed, I'll kill you."

     "You'll try." He stared unflinchingly at the man, then pounded up his ladder. "It's all one big lovefest," he said through a sigh.

     Once everyone had preflighted, the comm check commenced. When Taggart's voice came over the channel, Blair couldn't help but dial up the captain's private frequency. "Sir, I didn't know you'd be flying this one. In fact, I didn't know you were qualified to pilot a Broadsword."

     "Yeah, well, this mission needs a conscience, and I'm it. You keep your head low and your eyes bugged, Lieutenant."

     "Count on it."

     Wondering if there were any more surprises on the roster, Blair listened in as Knight, Hunter, Forbes, Polanski, Maniac, and Deveraux exchanged status reports. Knight flew the other Broadsword, and Polanski now took Hunter's wing. Maniac would, of course, fly with Forbes.

Part Two

The launch went off without a hitch, save for Polanski's report of a hydraulic leak too insignificant to ground him.

     Blair held a steady course at Deveraux's four o'clock low. They, along with the other Rapier pilots, escorted the two Broadswords. Originally designed as an attack bomber for Kilrathi capital ships, the Broadsword held its own as an all-purpose fighter, equipped with port, starboard, and aft turrets as well as four missile and four torpedo hardpoints. If a Broadsword got close enough to a capital ship (or in their present situation, a Kilrathi ConCom ship), its torpedoes would successfully penetrate phase shields. Thus, getting Taggart and Knight in close enough to the ConCom ship remained the foremost objective. Accomplishing that meant punching a hole through the Dralthi fighters surely awaiting them. They came up fast on the ring of asteroids and debris orbiting the brown dwarf. Blair slid his HUD viewer into place and surveyed the zone with thermal scanners, finding it cool and clear. The strike force wove into the field, huge rocks and splintered durasteel tumbling by, some pieces just meters away.

     "Picking up any comm traffic, Baker Seven?" Deveraux asked Taggart.

     "Nothing."

     "Let's get in a little closer."

     "My words exactly," Maniac said.

     "Shuddup," Polanski groaned. "Pervert."

     "Secure that, ladies," Deveraux ordered.

     "Com traffic still at zero," Taggart reported.

     "They're observing radio silence," Deveraux said. "Except for short-range frequencies."

     "Or they aren't here anymore," Taggart warned.

     "Baker Two, Three, and Four," Deveraux called. "Anything?"

     Blair scanned his radar display. "Nada, Chief."

     "Nothing happening, Boss," Forbes said.

     Maniac released an exaggerated hem. "My scope's clean, Commander."

     "Dammit!" Hunter cried.

     "What is it?" Deveraux demanded.

     "Big piece of something just glanced off my canopy. Computer didn't course-correct in time."

     "He's probably going nuts without his cigar," Polanski said. "He's having hallucinations of little dancing cigars."

     Several pilots chuckled into the comm, but Blair knew better than to join them.

     Then Maniac's masked face and big, round eyes lit up Blair's VDU. "All right, losers, listen up. I got three confirmed targets at five o'clock, near the brown dwarf."

     "Confirm that," Forbes said. "Middle one has a massive electromagnetic signature."

     Blair switched the radar report to his HUD. A grid formed at his twelve o'clock, with coordinates scrolling at its corners. The three blips advanced slowly through the lines. "Target number one, bearing one-two-five by three-four-five. Target number two, bearing one-two-six by three-six-six. Target number three, bearing one-three-zero by three-seven-seven. Intercept course locked and disseminating, roger."

     "It's the ConCom," Deveraux said. "All right, ladies, deploy for attack. The clock is ticking."

     "You all can hold back if you like," Maniac said as he leapt past the other Rapiers. "Maniac'll put these cats out for the night."

     "Do not abandon your wingman," Deveraux said.

     "Don't worry, Commander," Forbes said. "He's just having trouble keeping up with me." Then her Rapier shot off and razored past Maniac's, narrowly missing a long pipe that rolled end over end.

     "Blair. Stay close. Here we go," Deveraux said.

     "That's no ConCom," Taggart muttered, his voice barely perceptible.

     "Abort!"

     "You're kidding," Maniac said.

     "Baker Seven, you have no authority over this mission or its personnel,"

     Deveraux barked. "You will obey my orders."

     "Forget it. I've already analyzed those targets. They're Dorkir-class supply ships. They were deliberately left behind and out of harm's way."

     "You're saying they want us to attack those freighters, then they'll ambush us?"

     "Not us, Commander. The Tiger Claw. She's at risk. We have to get back."

     "You're a civilian scout. Why should I--"

     "Commander, I'm not a civilian."

     "Mr. Taggart. I don't have time for--"

"I hold the rank of commodore in Confederation Naval Intelligence, reporting directly to Admiral Tolwyn. My call sign is Paladin."

     "Yeah, right," Forbes said. "And I'm Admiral Nelson."

     "Shuddup!" Blair said, intent on Taggart's revelation.

     "My security verification code is Charlie Six Alpha Zebra Niner. Try it, Commander. Now."

     Blair couldn't wait for Deveraux. He plugged the numbers into his own computer's touchpad, attempting to tap into the Confederation Navy's Datanet. The left VDU blinked for a moment, then a message rolled across the screen:

          COMMODORE JAMES TAGGART
          CALL SIGN PALADIN
          FOURTEENT FLEET
          SECURITY ACCESS GRANTED

     "Holy ..." Blair lapsed into astonishment.

     "Lucky guess," Deveraux told Taggart. "For all I know, you could've killed the real commodore and assumed his identity."

     "Listen to me, Angel. That's all I ask. If I'm wrong, you'll have missed out on destroying a couple of freighters. If I'm right, the Tiger Claw could already be under attack."

     "The Claw is already in the radiation belt, boss. They couldn't contact us if they wanted to," Forbes pointed out.

     "Well, I ain't for turning tail," Hunter said. "I say we take out the freighters, then go back for the Claw."

     "So we can pick through her rubble for survivors, Mr. Hunter?" Taggart asked.

     "We're not taking a vote here," Blair said. "It's up to the commander. What do you say, ma'am?"

     As Blair waited for her reply, he pictured the others doing the same.

     Forbes rubbed her eyes and wished she had spent more time sleeping.

     Polanski threw his head back and swore. Hunter damned regulations to hell, unclipped his O2 mask, and stuffed an unlit cigar between his lips.

     Knight imagined with a shudder that a hundred fighters now buzzed over the Claw. Maniac itched with the desire to race forward and kick some Kilrathi butt. Taggart muttered a half-dozen "come on's" as precious seconds ticked by.

     And Lieutenant Commander Jeanette Deveraux heaved a sigh and felt the absolute loneliness of her rank.