Hunter Legacy 5 Hail the Hero Read Online Free PDF Page A

be
scrapped. The Bridge was destroyed, the Admiral and Captain killed. I was also
in the CIC. We have major casualties. After Commander Greer left, we started
receiving damage control teams, and medical help from other ships, so we’re
holding our own for now. But Lexington will need to be towed back to Dallas
sir.”
    “Thank you.” I looked towards the
first of the Captains. “Pocket Battleships and Missile Cruiser sitrep.”
    The senior of the three Captains said,
“Captain Johansson, sir, of Harrison Ford. This is Captain Dunning of the
Mark Hamill, and Captain Channing of the Missile Cruiser Backblast. All three
ships are in good shape sir, thanks to the Mosquito systems, and Point Defense.
We took a few missiles each, but didn’t lose shields. We expect to have coms
back up by the time we return to our ships.”
    “Good. As soon as you’re back aboard,
jump your ships through to Midgard, and report to Commodore O’Neil. You’ll join
his fleet.”
    “Daniel O’Neil sir? Last I heard he
had the Mercenary Frigate General Custer.”
    “That’s him. He works for me now. He
has command of the John Wayne.”
    There were smiles from quite a few down the
table.
    “About time that son of a gun lived up
to his potential,” grinned a white haired Captain, sitting next to Captain
Channing. Sounded like there was a story there, but now wasn’t the time.
    “Anyone else damaged enough to need a
shipyard?” I asked.
    A dozen hands were raised at the table, and
just as many among the standing officers. The former presumably had Cruisers,
and the latter most likely Destroyers, Frigates or Corvettes. With their lack
of Point Defense, the Talons had big juicy targets to aim their missiles at.
Each individual missile wouldn’t have done much, but a squadron launch at a
single ship, if they all hit, would have done a lot of damage.
    “Who is senior Captain among those
ships not damaged?”
    The white haired Captain raised his hand.
    “Captain Pleasance of the Nicolas
Cage”.
    “Form an escort for the Carriers out
of those ships also needing a shipyard. Have Lexington towed by the most
appropriate ship for the task. Include a tow vessel for Yorktown in case she
needs one as well. Leave behind all salvage droids to continue with the
cleanup. When you arrive at Dallas Shipyard, contact General Patton for further
orders.”
    “Aye sir.”
    “Who’s next in seniority, who won’t be
going back to Dallas?”
    “Me sir.” A hand was raised next to
Captain Pleasance. “Captain Holloway of the Tom Cruise.”
    “The remaining undamaged ships will
stay to blockade this jump point. Please supervise the cleanup. All debris is
to be cleared into a mountain well away from the jump point. No one is allowed
through except for the following. I have a freighter doing supply runs at the
moment. And the diplomatic ship Command is sending, with its escort. They should
jump into Midgard, and request instructions before proceeding any further.
Anyone else with what sounds like a good reason, should be referred to me for a
decision. Until we sweep the entire system, fingers will stay on the triggers,
so I don’t want any accidents with unexpected guests.”
    “Yes sir.”
    “Anyone not able to fix their own
coms?”
    Greer and Miriam looked at me, and I gave
them a small head shake to mean not them.
    No one moved.
    “Good. No-one leaves this ship without
first sending a full report of the battle off to General Patton’s aide,
including a complete status report of their ship or command. The Joint Chiefs
want to know what happened, and how many pieces need picking up. If you need an
office, there are some you can use on this level, otherwise there’s a Rec Room
on the next level down. Let’s get on with it. Dismissed.”
    I stood, and everyone stood as well. I
walked out, and returned to my Ready Room.

Five

    I’d barely sunk into a lounge chair, when
three Commanders turned up at my door.
    “Can we have a minute sir?”