Incoming
Copyright© 2009 by Remo Jackson
Chapter 11
"Captain Winslow. Admiral Greerson's dropship has been engaged and shot down." Powell said quietly as Winslow read from the data screen on his command chair.
"Thank you Mr. Powell. I just received confirmation that the crash site has been located. No survivors." He looked up at Powell. "How did this happen?"
Powell looked into Winslow's eyes, saw the fleeting look of pain and hurt before a cold, professional gaze replaced it.
"I don't know sir, but we're running a full system scan as well as a sensor diagnostic. We'll know soon enough." Powell responded as he put his hand up to the lightweight headset he wore.
"Flash traffic sir. Long-range patrol has encountered a Newson battle group approaching. Sensor sweep confirms it. It's huge. They count over twenty capital ships and numerous smaller vessels." Winslow nodded.
"Mr. Powell, bring the fleet to battle stations, sound general quarters, launch all craft. Send a burst to Ops Control, we are about to be engaged." Winslow turned his chair, "Weps, stand by for launch commit." Winslow turned back to Powell, "The time for mourning will come, but right now we have an appointment with destiny."
Captain Davidson walked through the crash area. All around him, technicians, medics and soldiers were gathering information and sorting through the wreckage. Overhead, Talon fighters were providing ground support for the searchers. A dropship was settling down on the now rutted landing zone as Davidson walked up the small hill to his command vehicle. He stopped as The 7th Division Commander; Lieutenant General Smith disembarked and walked towards him.
"Sir." Davidson said as he snapped out a salute. Smith snapped a sharp salute in response.
"Captain, what have you got here?" Smith asked. Davidson turned and surveyed the ground below before answering.
"Sir, it appears that the dropship came down in an east to west direction after initial impact.
Preliminary inspection shows a proximity detonation on the pilot side of the craft, which apparently, severed the crossover systems." Davidson paused before adding. "It would have been like trying to fly a brick sir. They never had a chance."
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