Consequences of Action
21 Mar 2024Ryuko Ntsikana
Consequences of Action
Colonia Region
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I kept the Python on low power, gliding through the asteroid field, on the dark side of the planet. The distant signal sources searched in vain for where they thought I should be. Tara sat in the right seat, monitoring the passive sensors while Aby sat strapped in the pull-down seat at the back of the bridge. I had anticipated that the aggrieved contact at the pirate starport would send a few of his goons out to test my resolve, and he didn’t disappoint.
Two Viper class ships and a Federal Assault ship roved around in separate patterns, their power settings on full. Without actively scanning them myself I already knew they were low-ranked. An experienced wing wouldn’t broadcast their position or be so overconfident. They would wait patiently for their quarry to position themselves before pouncing.
“Now you see why you don’t schedule me to meet with strangers,” I chided knowing that Aby would process my playful tone but would recognize the seriousness of the statement.
“They are continuing to separate from each other. In a few minutes, they will be out of sensor range of one another.” Tara reported as I glided around a grouping of rocks, singling out the Assault ship.
“Don’t ask any questions right now, Aby, but process all of this well. Once we are away you can ask.”
The Python’s hardpoints were deployed but I would not lock the target for the first volley, waiting instead until I was in position and at point-blank range where I would be able to apply maximum damage. Each of the ships was following a predictable search pattern allowing me to approach the lower back underside of the Assault ship unnoticed.
Tara shook her head without taking her eyes off the passive scanner. “It’s a shame we won’t be able to stick around and see if he was carrying anything, but neither of the two ship classes they sent have any real cargo hold capacity.”
“If we are lucky one of them might eject in their escape pod, then I can take a little spacewalk and pop them out and bring them onboard, as a nice prize.”
Tara giggled at that while Aby, obeying my last command, remained silent. ‘well at least he was learning to pay attention better.’
The Python's dull white, dust-covered paint blended seamlessly with the surrounding asteroids as I maneuvered above their tumbling masses. Looking up, I spotted the underside of the armored Assault ship looming above, its course steady at the edge of its sensor range before diverting ninety degrees from its now-distant wingmates, keeping its pattern predictable as I closed the distance to within a hundred meters of its hull.
"Our reactive armor will protect us from the debris, but the moment we engage, activate all systems and charge the shields," I instructed.
Tara nodded in acknowledgment, readying herself to power up the systems currently in standby mode.
The Federal Assault ship relied on its tough exterior for protection, its shields notoriously weak. Designed to live up to its name, it was a pure 'in your face' brawler. However, even the toughest rock had cracks, and I had my weapons aimed at this one.
My Python was engineered for moments like this, with a hide tougher than the Assault ship and weaponry it could not match. A large overcharged beam laser, equipped with thermal venting, lay centered under the nose, backed up by four grade 5 overcharged fragmentation cannons.
I stayed in its blind spot, waiting for the Assault ship to make its next turn. The moment I saw its belly begin to shift, I squeezed the triggers. The boxy brawler shuddered violently, its shields dropping quickly as the superheated incendiary rounds impacted along with the caustic shot, burning through its tough hide and exposing its internals, right where its hydrogen fusion reactor was located.
The caustic shot ate into the reactor as the overcharged beam sliced through it, causing the Assault ship to vanish in a brilliant explosion. Whether its pilot knew what was happening would never be known, as he never had the chance to evade.
Tara activated all standby systems as I diverted maximum energy for them to come online at once.
“It’s going to take his wing mates a moment to notice what has happened and get over their shock and respond. By the time they close the distance, we should be fully powered up.”
Tara looked over her shoulder at Aby, with a smile on her face. “Now you get to see the consequences of your actions.”
She enjoyed shooting that verbal venomous dart at him, and I almost felt bad for Aby … almost.
Tara tuned the scanners. “Got them on active. The first one will catch up to us in 56 seconds. Shields will be at full within 40 seconds.”
“Get ready for a few G’s. I will let the first one get right on us then boost flip to put the weapons on him.” Saying that was more habit than anything else as both Tara and Aby could withstand far more than my body with my suit’s assistance could take.
“All system’s up except for shields, 10 seconds remaining. Both Vipers are boosting and still closing.”
“Time to second Viper?”
“Second Viper plus 30 seconds … shields are online.”
I diverted power back to my normal management settings as I locked the sensor on the first Viper, counting down the range.
He fired a few bursts from his lasers, which did little to the shields as I toggled a button on my throttle that turned off the flight assistance, while boosting the engines, causing the Python to literally backflip and face head-on towards him. My vision grayed but the targeting system placed the reticle on the Viper, whose pilot I could only guess was shocked by what he or she had seen. Without waiting for them to realize what was happening I squeezed the trigger, disintegrating their ship, as the debris reflected off of my shields, spinning away into the dark abyss.
The second Viper decided to take his chances and risk whatever might be waiting for him, back at the starport. I watched as he turned towards the stars, boosting his engines. I could have closed the range easily, with my modified engines, but knew that letting him go was the best for everyone. Besides, if they sent anyone else, they might have a little more experience which meant the chances were good they could have a decent bounty, and I always liked getting paid.
“Can I ask a question now?”
Tara looked over at me as a smile formed on my face while I retracted the weapons. “What’s on your mind?”
“You did not scan them for bounties or attempt to pursue the survivor, why?”
“This was a simple test, nothing more. He sent the eager amateurs out to bag what they thought would be an easy score. He knew I spoke the same cant jargon as they did, but had no idea as to my experience. Now he will get a full report from a survivor and the next people he sends will be more experienced.”
Aby nodded. “I understand. These being the least would not have a bounty worth taking, and their loss would have no meaning to him, but he would get free intelligence from it, either way.”
One of my eyebrows raised as I looked over my shoulder, with Tara turning in her seat to look back at Aby as well.
“If he sends others they will be more experienced and likely have bounties, and it will be a win for both of you.”
Tara’s mouth opened, whether through programmed mimicry or real shock, I didn’t know, but my own was falling open too.