Sector 2300
Planet 2303
October
21, 2052
“Launch
escape pods now.” Wicker flew his frigate beside the unstable
Exodus cruiser.
“Sir,
we're taking heavy...” an officer transmitted halfway before his
Nighthawk exploded by the incoming fire.
“Captain
Wicker, we've lost ship two and five now.” an officer alerted his
commanding officer who was busy looking at the escape pods launching
out of Stein's ship.
“Hurry
man.” Stein transmitted as his escape pod flew aways his fiery
ship.
“Lock
on the pods and get out of here now.” Wicker watch another ship of
his get pelted by projectiles.
Wicker's
Nighthawk flew towards the pods in empty space and began to attach
cables to pull into the ship when an explosion rocked its hull. A
grey-striped Apocrypha had made its way past the small Nighthawk
blockade and began firing scatter missiles.
“Shields
at 50 sir!” an officer shouted from his station.
“Are
the pods locked in place for warp?” Wicker gripped his seat as his
ship shock.
“Yes
Captain.” an officer aboard a nearby Nighthawk reported his
visuals.
“Punch
it!” Wicker ordered as he pushed the engines to warp.
Wicker's
ship jumped out first beside two damaged Nighthawks also joining in
on the warp. As the last frigate was about to jump to safety, the
Apocrypha rammed itself into the Nighthawk splitting the hull in
pieces denying its freedom.
“Where's
ship four?” Wicker watched as one Nighthawk exit out of warp near
the NB outpost.
“They
didn't make it sir.” the officer aboard the other Nighthawk
reported.
Stein
made his way into the bridge and looked at the quiet crew. Three
Revelation cruisers approached Wicker's fleet from the NB outpost and
went into escort formation.
“This
is Commodore Moxness bringing you guys home.” a muscular Caucasian
man of some age appeared on the battle screen.
“Copy
Commodore Moxness, we're heading home.” Wicker acknowledged.
“Debrief
at HQ in twenty.” Moxness ended the transmission.
Wicker
left his command seat and saw Stein standing next to the bridge
entrance behind him.
“Hey.”
Stein walked with a big grin on his face showing gratitude.
“He
lost lots of his men.” Irene walked up behind Stein and whispered.
“Oh...oh...”
Stein's grin faded as Wicker walked towards him.
“Good
to see you Stein.” Wicker patted Stein's shoulder and walked out of
the bridge.
“Uh...you
too bud.” Stein stared blankly not knowing how to respond.
“It's
been a rough day.” Irene sighed.
“Yeah,
no kidding.” Stein took a deep breath of relief.
