VC Chapter 18-Drop Troopers

Sector 1400

Planet 1411

January 22, 2052

“We're nearing the drop zone Charlie.” Wicker looked at the targeting computer on the battle screen.

“Ready to do this Commander Jaimes?” Charlie looked at a young Caucasian man with a moustache dressed in full space combat gear.

“Always.” Jaimes cocked his pulse ray rifle and slung it over his back.

“Approaching drop in two minutes.” Wicker looked out the window and saw the Talon next to him beginning to smoke as an explosive round splashed at its shields.

“Let's get going Chase. Your men ready?” Charlie looked at the pirate Captain with uncertainty.

“I guess so. We don't do drops in particular. We specialize in piracy.” Chase waved at his group of five pirates which included Badyr and Matthew.

“You know Wicker, we're not even yet.” Chase flashed a grin as he led his men out of the bridge.

“Stop fighting each other. We both have common enemies and we need to use your combined skills and force to beat them.” Charlie reminded as he patted Chase's back.

The group of soldiers went to the loading bay hatch and grabbed onto a railing to secure themselves into position as the ship shook from the incoming fire.

“Opening bay doors for drop.” Wicker announced on the speakers as the hatch slowly slid open while keeping the shielding active.

Charlie looked at Chase's team and then looked at Jaimes' team of four wielding pulse laser assault rifles. He smiled in satisfaction as he saw the facility slowly beginning to appear underneath the ship.

“ETA in 30 seconds.” Wicker announced as the Talon slowly levelled its way into its final drop approach path.

“Stay frosty. Calculated boots down in 20 seconds after drop.” Charlie grabbed his combat helmet and put it over his head.

“Copy that sir.” Jaimes nodded as he looked at his men to prepare for the drop.

“Why is the shield still on?” Matthew pointed at the red glow covering the open hatch.

“When the green light lights up, the shields on the Talon will drop allowing us to make the jump.” Jaimes pointed at the red light beside a dimmed green light.

“That's great.” Matthew looked at the steep drop.

“Don't worry, you'll be fine. I'll jump last.” Jaimes chuckled as he tapped Matthew's shoulders.

“Ten seconds.” Wicker broadcasted.

“Load and load gentlemen.” Charlie slid his laser pistol into his holster and turned his head to look at the lights.

“Four...three...two...one. Go go go!” Wicker announced.

The red light flickered off and the green light lit up. The shields turned off and Charlie was the first one to run and jump off the ship towards the open hangar bay below. Jaimes' men quickly followed in Charlie's steps and jumped out of the ship.

 “Let's go get them.” Chase waved at his men as he jumped out of the Talon gracefully.