WCGW Chpt 16

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==Chapter 16 - What Could Go Wrong==
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22 December 3040
Toten (Former Outworlds Alliance System)
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"Sir, the Intruder is heading back this way. I have been keeping a close eye on the ship and whatever they are working on out there with the navigational telescope." Ms. Campbell said
"Have they answered any of our calls for information?" Captain Mitchell asked
"Only that they would soon be heading back to us soon. That was sent yesterday." Ms. Campbell replied
"So, are we all in agreement that they are up to no good?" Captain Mitchell asked
"It sure is fishy, but I am not convinced yet. Not totally." Asst Engineer Zuniga said
"I have to agree with Zuniga, sir. Though it smells rotten, Major Lockton's people are not the friendliest people nor talkative.", Ms. Campbell chimed in.
"Okay, I will accept that. But do either of you have objections to us being ready for trouble?", Captain Mitchell asked
Both shared looks before Ms. Campbell answered for the both of them "No, sir. Being ready for trouble is only the smart thing to do." 
"Okay then. Let's shift the Mule Dropship over to the collar not directly attached to the cargo bay. That will at least force them to come at us from the cargo bay itself. Chief, we might have to pop a hole in your ship, how bad are you going to squeal?" Captain Mitchell said
"Depends on how big a hole you're talking about and what you're trying to accomplish." Asst Engineer Zuniga replied
Captain Mitchell went on to describe what he had in mind to the bridge crew and shortly after that, everyone moved to start making the requested changes.
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26 December 3040
Toten (Former Outworlds Alliance System)
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The Intruder Dropship mated with the docking collar just like a routine docking. When the Jumpship and Dropships computers agreed that it was safe, the airlock cycled open. Major Lockton led his men out of the Intruder and into the cargo bay, pausing to look around before detailing 2 squads towards one exit, another 2 squads towards the other. He then detailed 2 squads to take the Mule Dropship and the last 2 squads to secure engineering. Watching on a monitor, complete with audio, Captain Mitchell shook his head at the poor planning of Major Lockton. He looked at Ms. Campbell and Asst Chief Zuniga.
"Either of you doubt their intentions now?" Captain Mitchell asked
"No, Sir. You say the word and I will pop a hole in the hull and vent that entire space to vacuum." Asst Chief Zuniga replied
"Well then, Chief Zuniga. How about you take your revenge on them sabotaging your ship." Captain Mitchell said
"******." Was all he said as he pushed the small button on the small box he held. Inside the cargo bay, there was a tiny bang, just loud enough to cause the closest of Major Locktons people to look in that direction. It might have been small. However, it did not take much to pop a hole in the side of a Jumpship, but it did its job, and a fist sized hole was punched thru the side of the Invader Jumpship. Immediately alarms started sounding as the cargo bay vented its atmosphere within a minute. Inside the cargo bay, it was a scene of panic as most of major Locktons people scrambled to get turned around and back to the Intruder Dropship, others scrambled to get their emergency hoods on with its limited air supply. No one noticed the squad led by Sergeant Chambers wearing EVA suits move from a stack of crates and enter the Intruder. They had started moving the second the small POP had occurred. Barely making it inside before the Intruders airlock slammed shut on detecting the out rush of atmosphere.
From behind a stack of low crates, a voice said, "Release your weapons."
Startled and scared some of Major Locktons people opened fire randomly. Lieutenant Sanders nodded to his squad, outfitted in EVA suits. They all rose, quickly picked targets and opened fire with their Needler Rifles. Try as they might to target those still holding weapons, in the chaos, even those that had released their weapons got hit. For many, the fight was over in seconds.
Without taking his eyes off the monitor, Captain Mitchell asked "You're sure the Mule crew are not part of this?"
"98% sure sir. They are Interstellar Expeditions not Major Locktons people. The Intruder is all his though. Want me to do an emergency jettison of the Intruder?" Chief Zuniga replied
"No, I have people on there already." Captain Mitchell said while he thumbed the communicator "Sergeant Bailey, you can move your squad up to the cargo bay door. Make sure everyone is in their emergency hoods and air supply is good. When ready contact Lieutenant Sanders for orders."
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27 December 3040
Major Lockton was in pain, his left leg was literally shredded from the Needler fire. His leg was bandaged, but he had been given no pain killers. He glared at Captain Mitchell. "Who the hell are you?"
"Just a simple man trying to earn an honest dollar." Captain David Mitchell replied
"Which military are you in?" Major Lockton asked thru clenched teeth.
"Used to be in the AFFS. Infantry." Captain Mitchell said.
"Not marines? Dirt eating grunts?" Major Lockton hissed.
"Not our normal playground, but we do know how to conduct urban warfare. Not much different out here. There are still choke points. Though having the air sucked out of an entire area is a new one on us. We never had to worry about that." Captain Mitchell replied
"Who the hell would have thought someone would blow a hole in the side of a Jumpship." Major Lockton said before asking "Do you know how badly that could have gone?"
"That was all, Chief Zuniga. He made sure the small charge was placed in a certain spot, one that would not enlarge past a certain point. The hole is already sealed, and the cargo bay has been repressurized. Really should not have sabotaged his ship. He still wants to toss you all out of an airlock." Captain Mitchell replied
"So, your here to gloat." Major Lockton snarled
"Nope. Just curious on what you found out there. What could be so important to take this kind of risk?" Captain Mitchell asked
"A ship. Not like anything I have ever heard of. Kellog was going to leave everyone here. That little ship cannot carry my people out." Major Lockton replied
"So Kellog knew what you were up to? Coming back here for us like you did?" Captain Mitchell asked
"Yes, he was against it. For the record. I got greedy. Dammit can I get a shot of pain killer?" Major Lockton hissed
Captain Mitchell waved to one of his men "Garner, pop him with the good stuff. Knock him out cold, but do not let your guard down." Captain Mitchell ordered as he left the grav deck where they had gathered all the wounded and prisoners. He paused as he reached Lieutenant Sanders "How are our wounded?"
"Just some minor flesh wounds. All from Sergeant Chambers squad on the Intruder. Gonna miss Tanbara though, he was a really good soldier." Lieutenant Sanders replied on their only death during the action.
"Yes, he was. We make sure his mother and father get his share. Make sure I have the details on where to send it." Captain Mitchell said 
Once on the bridge Captain Mitchell took the headset from Ms. Campbell. "Kellog, Lockton failed. We are still here and your next."
The distance caused a delay in an answer until "I told him not to try this. I will send help back for you. I promise on my soul."
"Sir, that ship is moving. Looks to be heading to the Zenith Jump Point. Not sure why, but I am having trouble keeping a lock on it.....I just lost it, Sir. I cannot find it again." Ms. Campbell announced
They got no further communication from Kellog despite repeated calls. They were stranded in an uninhabited system, not on any maps, and no one knew where they were. What else could go wrong?
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