It was obvious to them both that her promise of no fooling around wasn’t going to fly. Mike had difficulty taking his eyes off of her and she delighted in his attention. All through dinner, they spoke of their work and family histories. Much of it was exchanged rapidly, thanks to their ability to comm the info at amazing speeds.

  After dinner, they moved to a sofa, where he embraced her and asked, “May I kiss you?”

  She nearly laughed at him, as she told him, “I don’t believe anyone has ever asked me that before. It’s rather unusual, but I like it. When you want to be a gentleman, you always seem to get it right. Yes, please kiss me.”

  Mike felt relief at her easy acceptance, as he passionately kissed her. Bet reminded him that he no longer had to be cautious, because she had been upgraded, too. That night, both of them revealed a surprising degree of primitive lust, as they shared an ardent passion that neither had known for many years.

  Chapter 13

  The following morning, Bambi let them sleep in. When they were fully awake, she sent them breakfast with coffee, without saying a word to either Mike or Bet. They had a lovely chat, as they complimented each other on their respective skills beneath the sheets.

  Bet broke the mood, when she stood up and announced, “I really need to get to work. I need to see Charu and Horace about blocking that damn alert. If we can’t pull that off, we’re screwed.”

  Mike bit his tongue, before saying something crude about getting screwed. It occurred to him that he had gone so many years without a woman around that he had developed some very bad habits; and casual vulgarity was one of the worst. He quietly commed Bambi and asked her to help him improve in that area.

  OK, boss. Just don’t chop my head for making those little reminders.

  Bet gave him a loving kiss before departing.

  As soon as Bet was gone, Mike was just about to check in with Jim Atteberry, when Bambi commed nervously.

  Ah, boss? We just got the ping from the other ship. They want to talk with the Senior Pilot. I responded with a short exchange to the other computer, but I did not give out the normal amount of information that usually accompanies that handshake, and it did not give me any info either. That’s a little unusual.

  He immediately commed his staff. The damaged ship has called and it awaits Bambi’s response. I want each of you to listen to the exchange. We’ve kicked around the various scenarios and we know how we’re going to play it. If something comes up and one of you has an idea, hit me on another comm channel. For God’s sake, don’t jump in with Bambi. Let her handle it.

  They each responded to his command, and then Mike told Bambi, Go with it, sweetheart. You’ve got the ball. If it gets dropped, we’ll just pick it up and carry it for you.

  Privately, she commed, Thanks, Mike. I needed that.

  To the oncoming ship, she used a mechanical tone to communicate. My Senior Pilot would not speak with a strange ship that does not exchange the proper greeting between computers. State your identification and your reason for being in this restricted solar system.

  There was a long silence, much longer than would be required. Something was definitely wrong here.

  Mike commed Al, Get the men into the shuttles and be ready to launch for Earth.

  Then to Wayne and Doolin, I know you gentlemen haven’t had any experience flying in those Sauran fighters, but I want you in them and ready to go, ASAP.

  After two full minutes a response came through. It was the Senior Pilot of that ship. Mike could understand his words, because they were automatically translated. What he could not tell was the guy’s demeanor. Was he angry, frustrated, afraid, or just confused?

  Why do you insult me by speaking for your Senior Pilot? Put him on and be silent, as we converse.

  Bambi shot back, I am unable to comply. I will be forth coming with an explanation once you have provided your identification and reason for being here.

  The response was so fast and loud that Mike couldn’t fail to recognize the anger, even in a strange language.

  I will have your database reformatted if you don’t notify your Senior Pilot of my presence immediately.

  Bambi gave no response at all. Mike and the rest of his staff grew nervous as the minutes rolled by. Thirty two minutes later, the response came from the other computer.

  This is Military repair and rebuild transport vessel 522. We are here because we were attacked and damaged by a Zhanukiabanolis raider. We need to make repairs. My Senior Pilot demands that you have your Senior Pilot talk with him.

  Bambi wouldn’t give in that easily. How do I know you are not an enemy raider? We have reason to believe that the Zhanukiabanolis have been traveling through this area. I am wary of you. Why will you not give me the details of your journey? If we exchange recent experiences, then perhaps I can explain the unexpected situation, in which we find ourselves.

  Another shorter pause followed, and again, Bambi remained silent. Four minutes later, the other ship broadcast the video of the attack on their ship. However, the extent of the damage and precisely where it had been hit had been cleverly avoided in the video. Bambi sent them the report of her Senior Pilot, as he announced that his shuttle had been struck by a meteor and that he and his warriors were about to die.

  Bambi then sent the video that showed the result of Jo’s assault on the last Sauran. The dead creatures burned out skull and body were all that she showed.

  The other computer sent a message. My Senior Pilot will need your ship to provide repair robots and fabricators to enable this ship to continue to a combat zone, where it has been ordered to deliver these supplies. We have lost a number of warriors and our back up Control Center has been destroyed.

  We have barely enough warriors to run this ship. There will be a super transport and two escorts coming through here in nine more months. You can wait until they arrive to be given another Senior Pilot.

  Bambi didn’t hesitate to reply. I understand. I must tell you that we have some human slaves who would add to the number of beings available to help with your repairs. If you provide me with details, I will see to their mental programming, regarding those areas of need. Thus, they will ready to do the necessary work in a timely way, allowing you to complete your mission.

  A shorter wait this time, and then, My Senior Pilot agrees. Send us these humans, when we are in range. We will keep them with us, when we leave, to aid us in our mission.

  A series of videos and pictures of the damage and a schematic of the ship was included. Also, a long list of repair equipment was sent, and a request for food supplies, as their larder was also destroyed.

  It would be at least a month before the ship arrived and by that time the crew would be awfully hungry. Perhaps a meal of human flesh wouldn’t seem so bad to starving aliens.

  Bambi told the staff, OK guys, that’s it. Unless something else comes up, I doubt there will be much, if any, further communication with them. That Sauran must be mad as hell that he was unable to speak with my Senior Pilot. They hate to speak with the computer of another ship. It’s beneath their dignity.

  One more thing, the schematic they sent shows it is an older ship than this one and it has a slightly different layout. Our assault force will need to study it closely. I’ll work up a few exercises that use that design, so they can practice on it.

  Max suggested, “Let’s have the staff meet in the conference room and hash this out. I have a few ideas, based on what we now know.”

  Mike announced to the men and women that the recording of the exchange would be available to all upgrades for review. They were to compile their ideas and submit them by morning for an initial review.

  Then he told Bambi, I want to do a preliminary assault exercise performed by Max, Wayne and me. You create the scenario and we will game plan it, and then the three of us will take a shot at it. I don’t expect victory, just a means to expose the possibilities, good and bad.

  She pointed out, What about the seals that Mike Hardesty has offered. They’re more current in their experience and have worked together, where as these men have not.

  That’s true. But, suppose his offer is withdrawn. We’ll tell our guys that seals will conduct the initial assault, but the entire operation may have to be done by our guys alone. So, we practice assault techniques and hope that the seals are ready and able to handle it without us, when the time comes.

  Either way, I need to see how the various scenarios you provide are being handled, and that goes for both groups of men.

  Sir, please tell me you’re not thinking of going on this assault yourself.

  I don’t know; I might. When we show this video to the men, we will demonstrate that their leaders are serious about this deadly problem.

  In a quiet subdued way, Bambi commed. You are going in with the men, aren’t you? It’s a very bad idea, Mike.

  Bambi, I have to go on this mission for several reasons. The men must be shown that I’m willing to risk my ass, right along side of theirs. In order for me to have a solid understanding of what the men will be subject to, I need to see for myself what it’s like to do an assault in outer space. And just between you and me, the other members of the staff need to get a sense of how committed I am to defending our home world. I’m going be asking them to take chances, later in this war, and my example will set the precedent for that.

  Mike, if you get blowed up, who’s going to do what only you can do?

  You’d be surprised. Max can handle it; and eventually, Wayne, or Cdr. Denniston, or possibly Dr. Fulwiler, or someone we haven’t even found yet. But, it’s important that I be with the men on the first mission. If I’m killed, then I become a martyr. You can put up a plaque with my name on it and have it say something like “He died being stupid.”

  Then Bambi became angry. God damn it, Michael Hurst, this is a very stupid idea. This rebellion is in its infancy and you’re about to remove the one leader who can get it going properly. We don’t need another Horatio Nelson or Stonewall Jackson. Those men died by being up front in the action. When they died, their leadership was never replaced.

  He grimaced and told her, That’s only partially true. Because they were constantly at the front, their men were better led and those battles were won, although it was after they died. Also, when those leaders fell, other men stepped forward and continued the battle. They performed differently and learned for themselves how to be a strong leader.

  I have no intention of being a martyr, but I do intend to see the action up close and personal. A leader must know what his men are facing and how they’re dealing with it.

  Bambi gave in. All right, Mike. But when you go in, I’m going to watch your back like no else can and I ain’t going to pull any punches.

  He chuckled, Sweetie, if you have to start throwing punches, then the shit has definitely hit the fan. Under those circumstances I don’t want you to hold anything back.

  Later, when Max asked why he bothered with ideas from the men, Mike told him, “Max, we aren’t in a position to have a closed mind. We will listen to all ideas. These men are all combat vets, albeit old ones, and they just might surprise us with something we hadn’t thought of.”

  “I suppose you’re right about that.”

  ***

  The large shuttle slowly made it’s way toward the damaged transport. They moved with deliberate caution, not wanting to alarm the crew of the ship by rushing straight at them at attack speed. When Mike looked at the transport on the viewing screen, he saw the huge hole in its side.

  Bambi commed, That hole goes all the way through it, General. I calculate that the damage is severe. The engineering equipment has been nearly completely destroyed and there is a possibility that some damage was done to the computer housing. That might explain why the responses from the ship were not within the normal ranges of accepted computer behavior.

  If the computer has been damaged, I suspect that the responses we received were actually generated by a live Sauran and not the computer. Sir, there is a distinct possibility that they are without the aid of their internal comm. If that’s the case, it is an extraordinary opportunity for us to achieve success.

  Jo wasn’t there, but he was watching the assault. He warned, I agree, Bambi. But, we are still going to face Sauran warriors and they will fight with their usual ferocity. I suggest we stick with the existing plan.

  Mike added, “That’s exactly what we’re going to do. I can see where the Saurans losing comm would be an advantage for us, but not enough to drastically change the guidelines for this op. We’ll go in as we planned.”

  Bambi told them, I’m being told to bring the shuttle in using our computer, which would be me, of course. This is highly unusual. In nearly every case, the ship’s computer takes control of all vehicles entering the ship for safeties sake. It must mean the computer on this transport has been damaged. Here we go.

  The shuttle slowly entered the hanger and revealed the large hole, where something had blown through the ship and the hanger. Two shuttles had been mangled by the shot and there were no robots in sight. That worried Mike.

  Bambi, why don’t we see robots working on the damage?

  General, it can only mean that that the Saurans have lost their comm with them.

  The shuttle set down and an enormous set of doors began to move across the width of the deck, closing off the damaged portion of the hanger.

  General, they’re pressurizing this part of the hanger and I’m being ordered to have you exit the shuttle and greet the Sauran who awaits you. Be sure to show the proper respect, sir.

  Mike, Wayne and Max slowly walked down the open ramp and entered the damaged transport. When a single Sauran approached them, they bowed deeply, showing him the maximum respect. The huge alien slapped Max and kicked Wayne, before shoving Mike to his knees.

  “You are here to repair our environmental system. Has the appropriate information been downloaded to you?”

  Mike commed, Yes, master.

  “You must speak to me, using your stupid human voices. Once our computer has been repaired, we will use the comm. Do you understand, slave?”

  Mike responded, “Yes, master.”

  “Then don’t keep me waiting. Go and rebuild it.”

  He slapped Mike and asked, “Where are the food supplies you were told to bring?”

  Mike’s short temper caused him to alter the original plans. He’d had enough and decided to make his move early. He angrily said, “I have some right here, master.”

  He reached behind his back and brought out a plasma pistol. The Sauran moved with lightening speed and kicked it out of his hand, sending it flying across the floor of the hanger.

  Wayne jumped at the hulking warrior and Max was right behind him, driving the creature to the deck. Mike’s hand hurt like hell, as he went to retrieve the gun. He heard Wayne scream and turned back to see his son’s head being twisted until his neck snapped. Mike’s mind went into combat mode, ignoring the emotional agony of his son’s death. He didn’t have the luxury of grieving just then. As Max struggled with the Sauran, Mike grasped the plasma weapon and put two shots into the alien’s head, nearly decapitating it.

  He looked at Max and the man’s head exploded, as a powerful plasma round ended the life of his friend. He spun to his left, ducking immediately, as a shot went above his head. But, before he could aim his plasma pistol. A round caught him in the chest, driving him down to the deck, as he descended into darkness.

  ***

  The three men were a bit shaken up by the realistic combat that Bambi had created for them. She announced, Damn; that was the easy one I made for you old guys. You started off doing well, until someone let his anger get the best of him.

  Mike admitted, “It was going so well and so easy. Then you had that creature smack me. It hurt like hell and I don’t respond well to that sort of treatment.”

  Max said, “We all fell prey to a rookie’s way of thinking. We assumed the game plan was working and we expected everything to function exactly the way we had prepared.”

  Wayne added, “Yeah. We were stupid. Bambi, how could we have known about the other Sauran.”

  She suggested, “Next time you might want to try using your infrared vision to look around. Also, if one of you had remained hidden on the shuttle, you could have provided covering fire for the others.”

  Then she asked, “Should I erase this exercise and prepare for another one?”

  “No,” Max said. “The men will see how foolish we were and learn from it, although we’ll take some serious kidding about it. I think we can live with that.”

  “As usual, you’re right, Max. Now we each have a lot to do, so let’s get to it.”

  Mike wasted no time in coming Bet. I would appreciate it if you would invite Dr Nara and Dr. Frankenberger to one of our meetings. I hope they’ll have something to tell us about blocking the alert signal. We need to know if they’re going to be able to do or not. If not, we might decide to destroy the other ship, with a surprise blast of some sort. We simply can’t allow it to get off a warning.

  Bet asked, Mike, why don’t you invite them?

  Because I’m using the chain of command and you’re their immediate superior. They need to see that and accept it. Also, you need to begin thinking as a combat leader, in situations like this. And don’t think I’m doing this as some sort of favor for you. It’s a real pain in the ass, but you’ve shown a natural talent for it and I want to hone that ability in you. We need everyone to realize that they are all warriors now, even if they don’t carry a weapon.

  What if I would like to carry a weapon, you never know what could happen.

  You right. Have Bambi design something that’s deadly but small for you and any other scientists who have an interest in being armed.