Chapter 21 In Orbit around the planet Anemone
Subcom Sanas saw the squadron first— 12 sleek P-1 Starfighters in two V formations.
"Invisi-shields?" asked Subcom Sanas.
Egon's hand touched a control. "We're blending with the background."
"It may be too late," said CPO Modine.
Egon looked into the vastness of space. He saw a glint. Then something started to shimmer. A shape took on an outline and then started to evanesce.
"I see the Eridanus," said Modine.
"You are probably hallucinating," said Sanas.
"I see it, too," said Egon.
"They're asking for the password," said Modine. His hand moved quickly and sent the signal.
"It is the Eridanus," said Egon. "The P-1s are moving off."
"No," said Sanas. "They're forming an attack peloton to concentrate their firepower and smeg us."
An opening formed in the side of the Eridanus, and the Jax Six shuttle under Modine's command quickly entered and set down on the deck with a thud. The door closed and as it did, it was hit by an energy weapon and started to glow.
Red warning lights flashed. Zero Jero countdown had commenced.
"Three, two, one, zero Jero . . ."
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.The cockpit took on a now familiar bluish hue as did the bay of the Eridanus.
"Where are we going?" asked Egon.
"I'd ask the pilot, but I'm sure I wouldn't get any response," said Modiine.
"Subcom Sanas, report. Urgent. Subcom Sanas, report. Urgent."
"Sanas, here."
"Are CPO Modine and Specialist Bisher with you?"
"Affirmative."
"Are they armed."
"No, they are not."
"Please escort them to the bay."
"Understood. Sanas, out."
"Say," said Egon. "Perhaps some special recognition?"
Modine held up his palm. Egon tapped it with his palm. "Perhaps we'll each get a promotion out of this."
Sanas opened the door and the two followed her down. There were several duty officers on the deck, each dressed in combat suits so their faces were hidden.
"CPO Modine and Specialist Bisher?" asked one of the faceless officers.
"They are present," said Subcom Sanas.
CPO Modine and Specialist Bisher for your extraordinary flying on Anemone, the Captain would like to see you immediately,"
"It's not that urgent," said Modine. Egon gave him a big grin."
"Please follow me. Subcom Sanas, please debark the rest of your crew to quarters."
The officer took off at a quick pace. They went through the bluish bay into an express cargo elevator. The other officers followed, in step. The door shut and the elevator started to move.
"I've never ridden one of these, " said Egon.
"That's odd," said Modine. "Neither have I. Odder yet, I've never gone down."
The door glided open and they stepped into a fairway and continued down the hall. A double door opened, reveling several tables.
"Please have a seat," said Captain Sorin Simme.
Egon grinned a broad grin again at Modine. Modine showed no expression.
"Do we have a full quorum?" asked the Captain. The others nodded.
"Then let us begin the court-martial of CPO Modine and Specialist Bisher."
To be continued . . .637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlNxPbrhZyb
