Wing Commander (novelization) Chapter 21: Difference between revisions

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{{infobox Novel Chapter
{{infobox Novel Chapter
|faction = terran
|faction = terran
|title = Chapter Twenty-One
|title = Chapter 21
|image = image:Movienovel.jpg
|image = image:Movienovel.jpg
|book = [[Wing Commander (novelization)|Wing Commander]]
|book = [[Wing Commander (novelization)|Wing Commander]]
|parts = 2
|parts = 4
|previous = [[Wing Commander (novelization) Chapter Twenty|Chapter Twenty]]
|previous = [[Wing Commander (novelization) Chapter 20|Chapter 20]]
|next = [[Wing Commander (novelization) Chapter Twenty-Two|Chapter Twenty-Two]]
|next = [[Wing Commander (novelization) Chapter 22|Chapter 22]]
}}
|pages = 161-168
}}


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


* [[Christopher Blair]]
{| class="wikitable"
* [[Jeanette Devereaux]]
|-
* [[Harrison Falk]]
!
* [[Ashley Galaway]]
! Part 1
* [[Paul Gerald]]
! Part 2
* [[Justin Jones]]
! Part 3
* [[Todd Marshall]]
! Part 4
* [[Corey Obutu]]
|-
* [[Olivia]]
! POV
* [[Peterson]]
|valign=top|
* [[Raznick]]
[[Paul Gerald]]
* [[Miguel Rodriguez]]
|valign=top|
* [[Sasaki]]
[[Justin Jones]]
* Unnamed Terran Confederation Helmsman
|valign=top|
* Unnamed Terran Confederation Techs
[[Miguel Rodriguez]]
|valign=top|
[[Christopher Blair]]
|-
! Speaking
|valign=top|
[[Jeanette Deveraux|Jeanette "Angel" Deveraux]]<BR>
[[Harrison Falk]]<BR>
[[Corey Obutu]]<BR>
[[James Taggart|James "Paladin" Taggart]]
|valign=top|


== Text ==
|valign=top|


<B>UNITED</B>
|valign=top|
[[Todd Marshall|Todd "Maniac" Marshall]]<br>
[[Peterson]]<br>
[[Raznick]]
|-
! Non-Speaking
|valign=top|
[[Sasaki]]<br>
Unnamed Helmsman
|valign=top|
[[David Olivia]]<BR>
[[Raznick]]
|valign=top|
[[Taesha Douglas]]<br>
[[Ashley Galway]]
|valign=top|
[[Adam Polanski|Adam "Bishop" Polanski]]<br>
[[Ian St. John|Ian "Hunter" St. John]]<br>
Unnamed Techs (3)
|-
! Mentioned
|valign=top|
[[Jay Sansky]]
|valign=top|


<B>CONFEDERATION</B>
|valign=top|


<B>CARRIER <I>TIGER CLAW</I></B>
|valign=top|
[[Rosalind Forbes|Rosalind "Sassy" Forbes]]
|-
|}


<B>ULYSSES CORRIDOR</B>
== Text ==


<B>MARCH 17, 2654</B>
{{infobox wcm
 
|line1 = UNITED<BR>CONFEDERATION<BR>CARRIER <I>TIGER CLAW</I>
<B>0800 HOURS</B>
|line2 = ULYSSES CORRIDOR
 
|line3 = MARCH 17, 2654<br>0800 HOURS<br>ZULU TIME
<B>ZULU TIME</B>
|line4 = 5 HOURS FROM<br>CHARYBOIS QUASAR<br>JUMP POINT
 
}}
<B>5 HOURS FROM</B>
 
<B>CHARYBOIS QUASAR</B>
 
<B>JUMP POINT</B>


=== Part One ===


Captain Sansky had sustained a concussion from the blow to his head.
Captain Sansky had sustained a concussion from the blow to his head.
Line 58: Line 91:
onslaught, one that would surely finish her.
onslaught, one that would surely finish her.


During the attack, Sansky had seemed strangely remote and indecisive.
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;During the attack, Sansky had seemed strangely remote and indecisive. The Jay Sansky Gerald knew would have led them headfirst into the fray
 
The Jay Sansky Gerald knew would have led them headfirst into the fray
while barking orders and inspiring his officers to find an inner strength
while barking orders and inspiring his officers to find an inner strength
they never knew they possessed.
they never knew they possessed.


But the old man had shut down, and Gerald refused to believe that fear
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But the old man had shut down, and Gerald refused to believe that fear
had caused that. In combat, fear could turn a man's mind to water that
had caused that. In combat, fear could turn a man's mind to water that
would pour out of his ears. No, something else troubled the captain, and
would pour out of his ears. No, something else troubled the captain, and
the captain's preoccupation left Gerald uneasy.
the captain's preoccupation left Gerald uneasy.


As he focused on the images coming in from the <i>Claw's</i> tactical
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As he focused on the images coming in from the <i>Claw's</i> tactical
scanners that were being displayed on the helmsman's console, he cleared
scanners that were being displayed on the helmsman's console, he cleared
his mind of everything but the task at hand: finding cover from the
his mind of everything but the task at hand: finding cover from the
Kilrathi battle group headed toward them.
Kilrathi battle group headed toward them.


Pictures from the Jovian-like planet's second moon revealed a string of
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pictures from the Jovian-like planet's second moon revealed a string of
deep craters, one of them large enough to conceal the carrier. "There,"
deep craters, one of them large enough to conceal the carrier. "There,"
Gerald said, pointing at the screen. "Put her down there."
Gerald said, pointing at the screen. "Put her down there."


The helmsman touched a key, locked in the course, and the carrier
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The helmsman touched a key, locked in the course, and the carrier
lurched forward. For a moment, Gerald looked to Falk, Sasaki, and Obutu,
lurched forward. For a moment, Gerald looked to Falk, Sasaki, and Obutu,
seeking approval in their expressions. All were too busy with their jobs,
seeking approval in their expressions. All were too busy with their jobs,
performing them admirably despite their exhaustion.
performing them admirably despite their exhaustion.


Once the carrier had glided over the crater, the helmsman lowered her
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Once the carrier had glided over the crater, the helmsman lowered her
into the shadows of the north wall.
into the shadows of the north wall.


"I think it's time for that power-down, Mr. Obutu," Gerald said.
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I think it's time for that power-down, Mr. Obutu," Gerald said.


"No problem, sir. Most of our systems are down anyway."
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"No problem, sir. Most of our systems are down anyway."


Gerald spared a smile over that irony. "Is the decoy ready?"
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gerald spared a smile over that irony. "Is the decoy ready?"


"Yes, sir."
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Yes, sir."


"Very well. Launch the decoy."
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Very well. Launch the decoy."


"Launch the decoy. Aye-aye, sir."
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Launch the decoy. Aye-aye, sir."


After a thump, the decoy blasted away from the carrier. Gerald tracked
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;After a thump, the decoy blasted away from the carrier. Gerald tracked
its progress on a monitor. Long antennae extended from its circular hull,
its progress on a monitor. Long antennae extended from its circular hull,
while a pair of dishes began rotating. The drone slowed a moment to
while a pair of dishes began rotating. The drone slowed a moment to
Line 104: Line 135:
planet's ring system.
planet's ring system.


Gerald turned his head at the approach of Taggart and Deveraux. He
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gerald turned his head at the approach of Taggart and Deveraux. He
noted a hint of surprise in their expressions as the bridge lights faded,
noted a hint of surprise in their expressions as the bridge lights faded,
then winked out.
then winked out.


"Decoy away, Commander," Obutu reported. "Systems nominal. She
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Decoy away, Commander," Obutu reported. "Systems nominal. She
has a bigger electronic signature than the Concordia. I think she'll fool
has a bigger electronic signature than the Concordia. I think she'll fool
them, sir."
them, sir."


"I hope you're right. Secure all active scanners. Passive systems only."
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I hope you're right. Secure all active scanners. Passive systems only." He dropped into the captain's chair and looked up to a bank of scanners
 
He dropped into the captain's chair and looked up to a bank of scanners
above the forward viewport.
above the forward viewport.


The first moon hung in the right corner of one display, and as Gerald
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The first moon hung in the right corner of one display, and as Gerald
studied it, he noticed tiny fluctuations in its glow. Then part of that glow
studied it, he noticed tiny fluctuations in its glow. Then part of that glow
seemed to burn off and materialize into brilliant dots. One after another
seemed to burn off and materialize into brilliant dots. One after another
the moon shed those dots, and they spread into a triangular formation.
the moon shed those dots, and they spread into a triangular formation.


"There," Obutu said. "The Kilrathi battle group."
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"There," Obutu said. "The Kilrathi battle group."


Rapt by the image, Gerald felt his mouth falling open. Never had he
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Rapt by the image, Gerald felt his mouth falling open. Never had he
been so close to so many Kilrathi ships. They stood at the eye of a sleeping
been so close to so many Kilrathi ships. They stood at the eye of a sleeping
giant.
giant.


"They've missed us," Mr. Falk said anxiously from his radar screen. He
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"They've missed us," Mr. Falk said anxiously from his radar screen. He
smiled broadly. "They're following the decoy."
smiled broadly. "They're following the decoy."


The crew cheered. Even Gerald mouthed a "Yes!"
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The crew cheered. Even Gerald mouthed a "Yes!"


"Quiet!" Taggart shouted, startling everyone back into silence.
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Quiet!" Taggart shouted, startling everyone back into silence.


From that silence rose a steady beeping from one of Falk's passive radar
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;From that silence rose a steady beeping from one of Falk's passive radar
detectors.
detectors.


"I know that signature," Taggart said, charging toward the radar
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I know that signature," Taggart said, charging toward the radar
station. "It's a destroyer… hunting for us."
station. "It's a destroyer ... hunting for us."


As if on cue, the beeping increased in pitch and rhythm. Falk's eyes
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As if on cue, the beeping increased in pitch and rhythm. Falk's eyes
bugged out. "They've spotted us!"
bugged out. "They've spotted us!"


"No," Taggart said, his gaze shifting from the radar screen to the bank
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"No," Taggart said, his gaze shifting from the radar screen to the bank
of scanners behind it. "We're still close enough to the radiation belt.
of scanners behind it. "We're still close enough to the radiation belt.
Gamma rays are clouding their screens. If they don't see us, they won't
Gamma rays are clouding their screens. If they don't see us, they won't
find us."
find us."


Gerald found cold comfort in Taggart's assurance as the beeping grew
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gerald found cold comfort in Taggart's assurance as the beeping grew
more insistent. Out of habit, he swung his chair toward Mr. Falk, about to
more insistent. Out of habit, he swung his chair toward Mr. Falk, about to
demand the destroyer's position.
demand the destroyer's position.


However, with the scanners down they were blind. He swung the chair
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;However, with the scanners down they were blind. He swung the chair
back, then the deck lifted sharply.
back, then the deck lifted sharply.


"Did you feel that?" Deveraux asked, shifting to his side.
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Did you feel that?" Deveraux asked, shifting to his side.
His chair shook as another vibration passed under the ship. He gritted
 
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;His chair shook as another vibration passed under the ship. He gritted
his teeth and puffed air. "Shit. They're nuking every crater. Methodical
his teeth and puffed air. "Shit. They're nuking every crater. Methodical
bastards."
bastards."


As though they had heard the insult, the Kilrathi released another
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As though they had heard the insult, the Kilrathi released another
bomb, whose shock wave rumbled through the carrier like a thousand
bomb, whose shock wave rumbled through the carrier like a thousand
ancient cavalrymen.
ancient cavalrymen.


"The next one will hit us," Deveraux said.
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"The next one will hit us," Deveraux said.


"Or it won't," he countered. "We're not moving."
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Or it won't," he countered. "We're not moving."


Taggart placed his hand on Deveraux's shoulder and gently eased her
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Taggart placed his hand on Deveraux's shoulder and gently eased her
back. "Mr. Gerald is right, Commander. We're not moving."
back. "Mr. Gerald is right, Commander. We're not moving."


"They've launched again," Falk shouted. "Here it comes."
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"They've launched again," Falk shouted. "Here it comes."


<center><B><nowiki>* * *</nowiki></b></center>
=== Part Two ===


Although Boss Raznick's voice continued to blare over the intercom,
Although Boss Raznick's voice continued to blare over the intercom,
Line 182: Line 212:
needed to be secure. Simple math. Rocket science not required.
needed to be secure. Simple math. Rocket science not required.


Jones knew that Olivia felt the same and would back him up, so long as
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Jones knew that Olivia felt the same and would back him up, so long as
he didn't vanish on one of his treks to the latrine. But Jones could make no
he didn't vanish on one of his treks to the latrine. But Jones could make no
promises.
promises.


He double-checked the moorings on a Rapier with heavily damaged
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He double-checked the moorings on a Rapier with heavily damaged
landing skids, got the signal from Olivia to move on—
landing skids, got the signal from Olivia to move on--
Then felt the deck drop away from his boots. He fell onto his side as a
Then felt the deck drop away from his boots. He fell onto his side as a
deafening screech resounded from the bulkheads. The dozens of bombers
deafening screech resounded from the bulkheads. The dozens of bombers
Line 196: Line 226:
creaking noise drowned him out.
creaking noise drowned him out.


Jones looked over his shoulder and saw the Rapier coming down on
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Jones looked over his shoulder and saw the Rapier coming down on
him. Astonished, he thought, I'm not gonna make it. He raised his hands
him. Astonished, he thought, <i>I'm not gonna make it</i>. He raised his hands
in reflex, in a vain effort to stop the fighter, and in surrender to his fate.
in reflex, in a vain effort to stop the fighter, and in surrender to his fate.


<center><B><nowiki>* * *</nowiki></b></center>
=== Part Three ===


Rodriguez clung to the bulkhead as the temblor paid an unwelcome
Rodriguez clung to the bulkhead as the temblor paid an unwelcome
Line 211: Line 241:
time to scream.
time to scream.


Ashley Galaway rushed toward the hatchway, and Rodriguez pounded
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ashley Galaway rushed toward the hatchway, and Rodriguez pounded
his fist on the emergency hatch control, sealing himself inside the
his fist on the emergency hatch control, sealing himself inside the
ordnance room. He could see Ashley's pleading eyes through the hatch's
ordnance room. He could see Ashley's pleading eyes through the hatch's
Line 217: Line 247:
for him to open the door.
for him to open the door.


But Rodriguez could no longer hear her. The lack of oxygen made him
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But Rodriguez could no longer hear her. The lack of oxygen made him
grow faint, and his fingers slipped free of the conduit he had been
grow faint, and his fingers slipped free of the conduit he had been
gripping. He felt his legs being forced into the tube. His vision grew dark
gripping. He felt his legs being forced into the tube. His vision grew dark
around the edges.
around the edges.


Miguel Rodriguez knew he was going to die, and that was okay. He had
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Miguel Rodriguez knew he was going to die, and that was okay. He had
saved the ship from a major breech. But he wished he could bargain for
saved the ship from a major breech. But he wished he could bargain for
one more hour to spend with Ashley. He could already hear the melodies
one more hour to spend with Ashley. He could already hear the melodies
of salsa, carried on the wind.
of salsa, carried on the wind.


<center><B><nowiki>* * *</nowiki></b></center>
=== Part Four ===


After Maniac had fled the hangar, Blair had tried to smooth things over
After Maniac had fled the hangar, Blair had tried to smooth things over
Line 239: Line 269:
<i>Tiger Claw</i>.
<i>Tiger Claw</i>.


Now, as Blair picked himself off the deck, a whistling sound had him
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Now, as Blair picked himself off the deck, a whistling sound had him
eyeing the bulkhead, the overhead, and the fighters that had collapsed or
eyeing the bulkhead, the overhead, and the fighters that had collapsed or
collided with each other. He shot a look to Maniac, who had left his fighter
collided with each other. He shot a look to Maniac, who had left his fighter
Line 245: Line 275:
of two men being crushed by a Rapier had not drawn a reaction from him.
of two men being crushed by a Rapier had not drawn a reaction from him.


Blair turned his attention to Deckmaster Peterson, who came sprinting by.
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Blair turned his attention to Deckmaster Peterson, who came sprinting by.


"What's that sound?"
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"What's that sound?"


Peterson froze, and his head slowly tilted back as he took in the massive
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Peterson froze, and his head slowly tilted back as he took in the massive
hangar bay doors. "Oh my God," he mumbled. Then the electricity of the
hangar bay doors. "Oh my God," he mumbled. Then the electricity of the
moment struck him. He whirled around and shouted to his crew. "The
moment struck him. He whirled around and shouted to his crew. "The
door seal is failing! Boss? Activate the energy curtain!"
door seal is failing! Boss? Activate the energy curtain!"


"Can't do that," Raznick said over the intercom. "The cats are just
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Can't do that," Raznick said over the intercom. "The cats are just
outside. They'll pick up the surge."
outside. They'll pick up the surge."


"Damn it." Peterson looked very much alone, despite the three techs
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Damn it." Peterson looked very much alone, despite the three techs
who now surrounded him. "All right, all right! Grab anything that will seal
who now surrounded him. "All right, all right! Grab anything that will seal
it. Now!"
it. Now!"


As the techs scattered, Blair quickly scanned the deck and spotted a
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As the techs scattered, Blair quickly scanned the deck and spotted a
Rapier's detached wing laying amid several toppled tool carts. He bolted
Rapier's detached wing laying amid several toppled tool carts. He bolted
across the deck, rounded one of the hangar's columns, then kicked power
across the deck, rounded one of the hangar's columns, then kicked power
Line 267: Line 297:
Someone help me."
Someone help me."


Peterson answered the call and grabbed the wing's opposite end as the
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Peterson answered the call and grabbed the wing's opposite end as the
whistling grew louder and lower in pitch. Styrofoam cups, paper, pens,
whistling grew louder and lower in pitch. Styrofoam cups, paper, pens,
and anything else lighter than a kilo or so flew toward the widening breech
and anything else lighter than a kilo or so flew toward the widening breech
Line 273: Line 303:
He began shaking his head, ready to give up.
He began shaking his head, ready to give up.


"Come on!" Blair urged him. "We can do it!"
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Come on!" Blair urged him. "We can do it!"


With a guttural hiss, Peterson took up the wing once more. They hauled
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With a guttural hiss, Peterson took up the wing once more. They hauled
it closer to the doors, and Blair realized that the only thing keeping them
it closer to the doors, and Blair realized that the only thing keeping them
anchored to the floor now was the wing's weight.
anchored to the floor now was the wing's weight.


Out of nowhere, something struck his skull, knocking him off the wing.
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Out of nowhere, something struck his skull, knocking him off the wing.
He fell onto his back and got caught in the gale of escaping atmosphere,
He fell onto his back and got caught in the gale of escaping atmosphere,
dragged feet-first toward the buckling, yawning doors. He spread his arms
dragged feet-first toward the buckling, yawning doors. He spread his arms
and palmed the deck in a futile effort to slow himself.
and palmed the deck in a futile effort to slow himself.


Techs shouted, their voices whisked away by the tornado-like roar.
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Techs shouted, their voices whisked away by the tornado-like roar.
More debris struck the doors with the rat-tat-tat of an automatic
More debris struck the doors with the <i>rat-tat-tat</I> of an automatic
weapon.
weapon.


Blair's hands stung from the building heat, and rubber burned off his
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Blair's hands stung from the building heat, and rubber burned off his
heels as he dug them in for support.
heels as he dug them in for support.


He came up on a mooring rung that jutted from the deck. He reached
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He came up on a mooring rung that jutted from the deck. He reached
for it. Missed. Another passed before he had time to react. A third rushed
for it. Missed. Another passed before he had time to react. A third rushed
up and he reached for it, extending his arm until the pain brought tears
up and he reached for it, extending his arm until the pain brought tears
Line 300: Line 330:
flag in a hurricane.
flag in a hurricane.


He could see the others now, far ahead, watching in stunned
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He could see the others now, far ahead, watching in stunned
fascination. Maniac stood. Hunter lingered behind. Peterson kept his grip
fascination. Maniac stood. Hunter lingered behind. Peterson kept his grip
on the wing as two techs joined him.
on the wing as two techs joined him.


Then Maniac did something surprising. He turned to the others and
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Then Maniac did something surprising. He turned to the others and
shouted, "You sons of bitches just going to watch him die?" He raced to
shouted, "You sons of bitches just going to watch him die?" He raced to
the bomber behind him, retrieved a broken piece of mooring cable, then
the bomber behind him, retrieved a broken piece of mooring cable, then
Line 310: Line 340:
saying, "Secure this."
saying, "Secure this."


And if Maniac were afraid, no evidence reached his face. He seemed
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And if Maniac were afraid, no evidence reached his face. He seemed
angry, enraged even, as he started forward. The doors abruptly parted a
angry, enraged even, as he started forward. The doors abruptly parted a
quarter-meter, and the increased suction yanked him off his feet. He flew
quarter-meter, and the increased suction yanked him off his feet. He flew
headlong at Blair, his crimson flight suit ruffling like fanned flames.
headlong at Blair, his crimson flight suit ruffling like fanned flames.


Then he jerked to a halt, dangling just a meter away, the cable cinching
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Then he jerked to a halt, dangling just a meter away, the cable cinching
so tightly around his waist that Blair swore it would cut him in two. He
so tightly around his waist that Blair swore it would cut him in two. He
swallowed a scream, turned back and seized the cable with one hand, then
swallowed a scream, turned back and seized the cable with one hand, then
Line 323: Line 353:
his waist, thrust out his hands. "Grab on!"
his waist, thrust out his hands. "Grab on!"


Blair took one hand off the rung and screamed as he tried to reach his
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Blair took one hand off the rung and screamed as he tried to reach his
friend. Maniac jerked himself a little closer, crying out as the cable dug
friend. Maniac jerked himself a little closer, crying out as the cable dug
deeper into his waist. He seized Blair's wrist with both hands, then looked
deeper into his waist. He seized Blair's wrist with both hands, then looked
back to Hunter and the others bracing the line. "Come on!"
back to Hunter and the others bracing the line. "Come on!"


Something wet spattered in Blair's eye as the cable jerked and he felt
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Something wet spattered in Blair's eye as the cable jerked and he felt
himself moving away from the doors. Another droplet struck his cheek.
himself moving away from the doors. Another droplet struck his cheek.
Then another. He spotted a dark stain forming around Maniac's waist. He
Then another. He spotted a dark stain forming around Maniac's waist. He
called his friend's name to no response. He called again. And again.
called his friend's name to no response. He called again. And again.


Meanwhile, Peterson and the other techs hoisted the wing upright, and,
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Meanwhile, Peterson and the other techs hoisted the wing upright, and,
anchoring themselves to the deck, eased it toward the doors. Blair caught
anchoring themselves to the deck, eased it toward the doors. Blair caught
sight of the wing suddenly flying through the air to slap across the gap
sight of the wing suddenly flying through the air to slap across the gap
Line 339: Line 369:
simmer of a tea kettle.
simmer of a tea kettle.


And while that comforted him, he and Maniac suddenly found
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And while that comforted him, he and Maniac suddenly found
themselves gunned down and dropping to the deck. Blair belly-flopped and
themselves gunned down and dropping to the deck. Blair belly-flopped and
lost his breath. Maniac struck his shoulder and gave a half-strangled cry.
lost his breath. Maniac struck his shoulder and gave a half-strangled cry.


As Blair sat up, a service vehicle trundled by, a tech standing in its turret
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As Blair sat up, a service vehicle trundled by, a tech standing in its turret
behind a sealant gun with a barrel nearly two meters long. The truck
behind a sealant gun with a barrel nearly two meters long. The truck
stopped short at the doors, and the tech sprayed his viscous containment
stopped short at the doors, and the tech sprayed his viscous containment
Line 349: Line 379:
hardened into a solid mass, sealing off the leak.
hardened into a solid mass, sealing off the leak.


Blair gazed over at Maniac, who lay inert on his back. He crawled over
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Blair gazed over at Maniac, who lay inert on his back. He crawled over
and untied the cable from Maniac's waist, exposing torn fabric and bloody
and untied the cable from Maniac's waist, exposing torn fabric and bloody
flesh.
flesh.


Grabbing Blair's arm, Maniac lifted himself up, then rose shakily to his
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Grabbing Blair's arm, Maniac lifted himself up, then rose shakily to his
feet. "What are you going to do when I'm not around to watch your ass?"
feet. "What are you going to do when I'm not around to watch your ass?"


"Save your energy."
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Save your energy."


Maniac's eyes rolled back for a second, and he dropped to his knees.
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Maniac's eyes rolled back for a second, and he dropped to his knees.


Blair rushed behind him, and Maniac fell into his lap. Blair's gaze swept
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Blair rushed behind him, and Maniac fell into his lap. Blair's gaze swept
over the hangar. "Medic!"
over the hangar. "Medic!"


Then Maniac stirred. "It's my fault. She would've come back in, Blair."
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Then Maniac stirred. "It's my fault. She would've come back in, Blair."


"She knew what she was doing."
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"She knew what she was doing."


"I should have protected her."
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I should have protected her."


"Forbes was a fighter pilot in a war zone," he said in a tone so cold that
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Forbes was a fighter pilot in a war zone," he said in a tone so cold that
it shocked him. "She didn't need any protection from anybody. She's dead.
it shocked him. "She didn't need any protection from anybody. She's dead.
And that's that."
And that's that."


"How can you be so—" Maniac's eyelids fluttered, and his head fell
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"How can you be so--" Maniac's eyelids fluttered, and his head fell
slack.
slack.


"Medic! Medic!"
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Medic! Medic!"
 
== Scans ==
 
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[[Category:Wing Commander (novelization)]]

Latest revision as of 03:29, 9 April 2024

Chapter 21
Movienovel.jpg
Book Wing Commander
Parts 4
Previous Chapter 20
Next Chapter 22
Pages 161-168


Dramatis Personae

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4
POV

Paul Gerald

Justin Jones

Miguel Rodriguez

Christopher Blair

Speaking

Jeanette "Angel" Deveraux
Harrison Falk
Corey Obutu
James "Paladin" Taggart

Todd "Maniac" Marshall
Peterson
Raznick

Non-Speaking

Sasaki
Unnamed Helmsman

David Olivia
Raznick

Taesha Douglas
Ashley Galway

Adam "Bishop" Polanski
Ian "Hunter" St. John
Unnamed Techs (3)

Mentioned

Jay Sansky

Rosalind "Sassy" Forbes

Text

UNITED
CONFEDERATION
CARRIER TIGER CLAW
ULYSSES CORRIDOR
MARCH 17, 2654
0800 HOURS
ZULU TIME
5 HOURS FROM
CHARYBOIS QUASAR
JUMP POINT


Part One

Captain Sansky had sustained a concussion from the blow to his head. And worse, on his way to sickbay, he had suffered an acute myocardial infarction that had rendered him unconscious. Commander Gerald now assumed command of the Tiger Claw. No stranger to the job, Gerald threw himself wholeheartedly into the challenge. Without Sansky's interference, he felt certain he could save the carrier from another onslaught, one that would surely finish her.

     During the attack, Sansky had seemed strangely remote and indecisive. The Jay Sansky Gerald knew would have led them headfirst into the fray while barking orders and inspiring his officers to find an inner strength they never knew they possessed.

     But the old man had shut down, and Gerald refused to believe that fear had caused that. In combat, fear could turn a man's mind to water that would pour out of his ears. No, something else troubled the captain, and the captain's preoccupation left Gerald uneasy.

     As he focused on the images coming in from the Claw's tactical scanners that were being displayed on the helmsman's console, he cleared his mind of everything but the task at hand: finding cover from the Kilrathi battle group headed toward them.

     Pictures from the Jovian-like planet's second moon revealed a string of deep craters, one of them large enough to conceal the carrier. "There," Gerald said, pointing at the screen. "Put her down there."

     The helmsman touched a key, locked in the course, and the carrier lurched forward. For a moment, Gerald looked to Falk, Sasaki, and Obutu, seeking approval in their expressions. All were too busy with their jobs, performing them admirably despite their exhaustion.

     Once the carrier had glided over the crater, the helmsman lowered her into the shadows of the north wall.

     "I think it's time for that power-down, Mr. Obutu," Gerald said.

     "No problem, sir. Most of our systems are down anyway."

     Gerald spared a smile over that irony. "Is the decoy ready?"

     "Yes, sir."

     "Very well. Launch the decoy."

     "Launch the decoy. Aye-aye, sir."

     After a thump, the decoy blasted away from the carrier. Gerald tracked its progress on a monitor. Long antennae extended from its circular hull, while a pair of dishes began rotating. The drone slowed a moment to compute its bearings, then fired thrusters and aimed for the Jovian-like planet's ring system.

     Gerald turned his head at the approach of Taggart and Deveraux. He noted a hint of surprise in their expressions as the bridge lights faded, then winked out.

     "Decoy away, Commander," Obutu reported. "Systems nominal. She has a bigger electronic signature than the Concordia. I think she'll fool them, sir."

     "I hope you're right. Secure all active scanners. Passive systems only." He dropped into the captain's chair and looked up to a bank of scanners above the forward viewport.

     The first moon hung in the right corner of one display, and as Gerald studied it, he noticed tiny fluctuations in its glow. Then part of that glow seemed to burn off and materialize into brilliant dots. One after another the moon shed those dots, and they spread into a triangular formation.

     "There," Obutu said. "The Kilrathi battle group."

     Rapt by the image, Gerald felt his mouth falling open. Never had he been so close to so many Kilrathi ships. They stood at the eye of a sleeping giant.

     "They've missed us," Mr. Falk said anxiously from his radar screen. He smiled broadly. "They're following the decoy."

     The crew cheered. Even Gerald mouthed a "Yes!"

     "Quiet!" Taggart shouted, startling everyone back into silence.

     From that silence rose a steady beeping from one of Falk's passive radar detectors.

     "I know that signature," Taggart said, charging toward the radar station. "It's a destroyer ... hunting for us."

     As if on cue, the beeping increased in pitch and rhythm. Falk's eyes bugged out. "They've spotted us!"

     "No," Taggart said, his gaze shifting from the radar screen to the bank of scanners behind it. "We're still close enough to the radiation belt. Gamma rays are clouding their screens. If they don't see us, they won't find us."

     Gerald found cold comfort in Taggart's assurance as the beeping grew more insistent. Out of habit, he swung his chair toward Mr. Falk, about to demand the destroyer's position.

     However, with the scanners down they were blind. He swung the chair back, then the deck lifted sharply.

     "Did you feel that?" Deveraux asked, shifting to his side.

     His chair shook as another vibration passed under the ship. He gritted his teeth and puffed air. "Shit. They're nuking every crater. Methodical bastards."

     As though they had heard the insult, the Kilrathi released another bomb, whose shock wave rumbled through the carrier like a thousand ancient cavalrymen.

     "The next one will hit us," Deveraux said.

     "Or it won't," he countered. "We're not moving."

     Taggart placed his hand on Deveraux's shoulder and gently eased her back. "Mr. Gerald is right, Commander. We're not moving."

     "They've launched again," Falk shouted. "Here it comes."

Part Two

Although Boss Raznick's voice continued to blare over the intercom, Specialist Justin Jones ignored him. He knew his job, had assessed the situation, and didn't need the old man breathing down his neck. The Kilrathi were launching nukes nearby and everything in the flight hangar needed to be secure. Simple math. Rocket science not required.

     Jones knew that Olivia felt the same and would back him up, so long as he didn't vanish on one of his treks to the latrine. But Jones could make no promises.

     He double-checked the moorings on a Rapier with heavily damaged landing skids, got the signal from Olivia to move on-- Then felt the deck drop away from his boots. He fell onto his side as a deafening screech resounded from the bulkheads. The dozens of bombers and fighters surrounding him convulsed as the tremor worked its way farther into the ship. A few taut cables securing fighters to the deck popped free and whipped over fuselages. The wire Jones had just checked snapped, as did the one near Olivia, who shouted something, but a creaking noise drowned him out.

     Jones looked over his shoulder and saw the Rapier coming down on him. Astonished, he thought, I'm not gonna make it. He raised his hands in reflex, in a vain effort to stop the fighter, and in surrender to his fate.

Part Three

Rodriguez clung to the bulkhead as the temblor paid an unwelcome visit to his Secondary Ordnance room. It seemed odd that alarms did not accompany the quake, but nearly all of his systems had been shut down. Were they online, he would have noticed that tube integrity had been compromised in station number four. The only notice he received came in the form of a sudden rush of air that dragged Spaceman Taesha Douglas across the room, up the bulkhead, and into the tube. She died without time to scream.

     Ashley Galaway rushed toward the hatchway, and Rodriguez pounded his fist on the emergency hatch control, sealing himself inside the ordnance room. He could see Ashley's pleading eyes through the hatch's window. She pounded on the durasteel, pointed at the control, screamed for him to open the door.

     But Rodriguez could no longer hear her. The lack of oxygen made him grow faint, and his fingers slipped free of the conduit he had been gripping. He felt his legs being forced into the tube. His vision grew dark around the edges.

     Miguel Rodriguez knew he was going to die, and that was okay. He had saved the ship from a major breech. But he wished he could bargain for one more hour to spend with Ashley. He could already hear the melodies of salsa, carried on the wind.

Part Four

After Maniac had fled the hangar, Blair had tried to smooth things over with Hunter and Polanski. But after being cursed at by a jock who called himself "Maniac," a jock who had disobeyed orders, and a jock who they deemed responsible for the death of their unofficial leader, the two had simply walked away. And Blair had known better than to press the issue. He had left them to go after Maniac and had returned to the hangar, where he had, ironically, found Maniac seated in his Rapier. Then the Kilrathi had begun nuking the moon, and more death had fallen upon the Tiger Claw.

     Now, as Blair picked himself off the deck, a whistling sound had him eyeing the bulkhead, the overhead, and the fighters that had collapsed or collided with each other. He shot a look to Maniac, who had left his fighter to squat near the lift doors and stare blankly at the chaos. Even the sight of two men being crushed by a Rapier had not drawn a reaction from him.

     Blair turned his attention to Deckmaster Peterson, who came sprinting by.

     "What's that sound?"

     Peterson froze, and his head slowly tilted back as he took in the massive hangar bay doors. "Oh my God," he mumbled. Then the electricity of the moment struck him. He whirled around and shouted to his crew. "The door seal is failing! Boss? Activate the energy curtain!"

     "Can't do that," Raznick said over the intercom. "The cats are just outside. They'll pick up the surge."

     "Damn it." Peterson looked very much alone, despite the three techs who now surrounded him. "All right, all right! Grab anything that will seal it. Now!"

     As the techs scattered, Blair quickly scanned the deck and spotted a Rapier's detached wing laying amid several toppled tool carts. He bolted across the deck, rounded one of the hangar's columns, then kicked power tools off of the wing. Seizing one end, he tried to lift it. "Hey! Over here! Someone help me."

     Peterson answered the call and grabbed the wing's opposite end as the whistling grew louder and lower in pitch. Styrofoam cups, paper, pens, and anything else lighter than a kilo or so flew toward the widening breech in the doors. Peterson lost his grip on the wing, and it dropped to his hip. He began shaking his head, ready to give up.

     "Come on!" Blair urged him. "We can do it!"

     With a guttural hiss, Peterson took up the wing once more. They hauled it closer to the doors, and Blair realized that the only thing keeping them anchored to the floor now was the wing's weight.

     Out of nowhere, something struck his skull, knocking him off the wing. He fell onto his back and got caught in the gale of escaping atmosphere, dragged feet-first toward the buckling, yawning doors. He spread his arms and palmed the deck in a futile effort to slow himself.

     Techs shouted, their voices whisked away by the tornado-like roar. More debris struck the doors with the rat-tat-tat of an automatic weapon.

     Blair's hands stung from the building heat, and rubber burned off his heels as he dug them in for support.

     He came up on a mooring rung that jutted from the deck. He reached for it. Missed. Another passed before he had time to react. A third rushed up and he reached for it, extending his arm until the pain brought tears and fingers touched, slid over, and clutched the metal. Jerked hard by the sudden stop and feeling as though his arm would rip from the socket, Blair rolled onto his stomach and gripped the rung with both hands. His cheeks rippled as the wind lifted him from the deck, and he began flapping like a flag in a hurricane.

     He could see the others now, far ahead, watching in stunned fascination. Maniac stood. Hunter lingered behind. Peterson kept his grip on the wing as two techs joined him.

     Then Maniac did something surprising. He turned to the others and shouted, "You sons of bitches just going to watch him die?" He raced to the bomber behind him, retrieved a broken piece of mooring cable, then fastened it around his waist. He jabbed the other end in Hunter's hand, saying, "Secure this."

     And if Maniac were afraid, no evidence reached his face. He seemed angry, enraged even, as he started forward. The doors abruptly parted a quarter-meter, and the increased suction yanked him off his feet. He flew headlong at Blair, his crimson flight suit ruffling like fanned flames.

     Then he jerked to a halt, dangling just a meter away, the cable cinching so tightly around his waist that Blair swore it would cut him in two. He swallowed a scream, turned back and seized the cable with one hand, then waved to the others for more slack. He rappelled down the deck like a rock climber until the cable stopped coming. He waved for more. Hunter shook his head. Maniac turned back, released the cable, then, hanging only by his waist, thrust out his hands. "Grab on!"

     Blair took one hand off the rung and screamed as he tried to reach his friend. Maniac jerked himself a little closer, crying out as the cable dug deeper into his waist. He seized Blair's wrist with both hands, then looked back to Hunter and the others bracing the line. "Come on!"

     Something wet spattered in Blair's eye as the cable jerked and he felt himself moving away from the doors. Another droplet struck his cheek. Then another. He spotted a dark stain forming around Maniac's waist. He called his friend's name to no response. He called again. And again.

     Meanwhile, Peterson and the other techs hoisted the wing upright, and, anchoring themselves to the deck, eased it toward the doors. Blair caught sight of the wing suddenly flying through the air to slap across the gap with a terrific thud. The timpani roll of rushing air fell off into the soft simmer of a tea kettle.

     And while that comforted him, he and Maniac suddenly found themselves gunned down and dropping to the deck. Blair belly-flopped and lost his breath. Maniac struck his shoulder and gave a half-strangled cry.

     As Blair sat up, a service vehicle trundled by, a tech standing in its turret behind a sealant gun with a barrel nearly two meters long. The truck stopped short at the doors, and the tech sprayed his viscous containment foam over the wing and the gaps above and below it. The foam quickly hardened into a solid mass, sealing off the leak.

     Blair gazed over at Maniac, who lay inert on his back. He crawled over and untied the cable from Maniac's waist, exposing torn fabric and bloody flesh.

     Grabbing Blair's arm, Maniac lifted himself up, then rose shakily to his feet. "What are you going to do when I'm not around to watch your ass?"

     "Save your energy."

     Maniac's eyes rolled back for a second, and he dropped to his knees.

     Blair rushed behind him, and Maniac fell into his lap. Blair's gaze swept over the hangar. "Medic!"

     Then Maniac stirred. "It's my fault. She would've come back in, Blair."

     "She knew what she was doing."

     "I should have protected her."

     "Forbes was a fighter pilot in a war zone," he said in a tone so cold that it shocked him. "She didn't need any protection from anybody. She's dead. And that's that."

     "How can you be so--" Maniac's eyelids fluttered, and his head fell slack.

     "Medic! Medic!"

Scans