Hades- the Revolution, page 20
part #2 of Hadesjan Cycle Series
“My name is Mathilda Hari!” she introduced herself to the crowd. “I’ll lead the attack on the administrative section and the Centre of Workers Teams. We do not expect strong resistance, but do not deceive yourselves – it’s not going to be easy. During the attack we don’t take hostages. Anyone who will step up armed against us has to be eliminated. The first impact is the most important one. Listen to your commanders carefully and follow their orders, and maybe you’ll live until tomorrow. Remember, we never step back! Not even one step back!”
In response to her appeal a forest of armed hands shot out into the air, accompanied by a roar of the enthusiastic crowd.
“For the revolution! Special units to the shuttles!” she ordered.
Shouting “Long live the revolution!” a few groups ran through the outside airlock.
“You too!” the hook-nosed commander shouted to our brigade. We were surrounded by his people. There was no way of running away, so we scurried in the direction he showed us. All the places around the exit were taken. We were crowded right behind the cockpit with its door open. Out of curiosity, I moved closer. The layout of the steering panel was very similar to the one I had in virtual reality. The thing very different from the simulation was the body of the co-pilot, which was hanging down the seat with a bullet in its head. Blood had been splashed all over the side window.
“Not everyone believes in victory strongly enough.” Mathilda stood right next to me. The first pilot didn’t turn around. He was watching the timer and another shuttle mooring next to ours.
“He has always been a jerk,” he finally said. “And he fucked my sister. One hell of a brother-in-law, man.”
“The Revolutionary Committee will never forget what you did,” the girl stated pompously. The pilot didn’t say anything and was getting ready for take off.
“So we meet again,” she noticed me. I didn’t feel like talking. I’d much rather step back somewhere, if it weren’t for the swarming crowd behind us. We were squeezed like sardines. “Don’t you fancy talking with me?”
“No,” I said frankly.
“The last time you were more talkative. Are you scared?”
“Sure, only a fool wouldn’t be.”
“I can’t wait for the fighting to begin. Justice must prevail,” she was oozing self-confidence.
It’s hard talking to a fanatic. It’s much better to give them a wide berth, and definitely not to tease them in any way. Unfortunately, I have a big mouth and I couldn’t help myself.
“Once you start losing people, you’ll change your mind,” I remarked.
“What did you say?” I could have seen it coming that she would react aggressively. “You’re lucky that the Committee trusts you.”
I shrugged my shoulders. Stupid, obsessed cunt. She must have been through a personal tragedy and is seething revenge. I was hoping there was more to the girl, because her past could not be enough to keep her in the command position for long. We would soon see. Now it was better to keep my mouth shut and disappear out of her sight. So I focused on admiring the view outside the main window.
Close to the shipyard, ships crowded, suspended in space. Most of them were moored board to board. They were separated by much larger cargo ships. I had never seen such an accumulation in one place. The units couldn’t use their own drives and, from what I’d heard, specialists were racking their brains to get them working.
Shipyards and other stationary orbital objects were powered by much less effective energy sources: fissile element piles. Thanks to that, the mysterious phenomenon that had stormed through our galaxy didn’t do much damage to the primitive atomic piles. After their emergency shutdown, they were quickly restored to their full efficiency. Phase drives were a totally different story. They got their energy from a phase reaction between a fissile atom and its black matter equivalent. This technology was very complex and demanded very expert knowledge of physical phenomena.
A group of engineers came up with an idea to install a new drive in the destroyer that was being built, the same one next to which I had an accident a few days ago. The scheduled work was interrupted and everything was connected according to the procedures described in the producer’s manifesto. In a few hectic hours the job was complete. The whole thing resembled an open-heart surgery. The chief engineer was jumping with joy like a child when the initiating procedures activated and the drive started working. One of his deputies suggested transferring the phase frequency through a superconductor network to every other ship. It was a bit like starting up an old car through another one already working. The repair teams did their utmost to quickly connect the half-meter thick jumper cables, cooled with liquid helium, to yet another ship. The work was almost finished. The connection was to be tested at the beginning of the next shift. If it worked, during the next few days full operational ability could be restored to all the ships within the system.
I figured this was the best moment for the Organization to take action. All the ships of the Fleet had been gathered in one place and didn’t have the ability to maneuver. They were an ideal target. The poor equipment of the revolutionaries I was surrounded with meant that they didn’t expect any resistance. Theodore’s speculations and mine as well that the Organization was behind the mysterious phenomenon were inaccurate. The revolutionaries decided to take the first opportunity they had, that’s all. They had to act with whatever means they had.
“It’s started,” the pilot commented on the take off of the neighboring shuttle.
“Go behind him, but keep a safe distance,” the girl advised him.
“I know the plan,” he growled. The guy didn’t like anyone breathing down his neck. If I were him, I would watch my words if I didn’t want to follow in my brother-in-law’s footsteps. Mathilda had her hand propped against her hip, next to an open gun holster. I thought that I would be able to finish off this maneuver myself. She probably knew that too, although the more likely scenario was that a replacement was already somewhere at hand. Revolution always feeds on the blood of its children. Or maybe I was too harsh in my judgment? If it were me planning the operation, I would probably do the same thing. Nothing works better than double protection, although triple would probably be even better. I wondered if anyone was looking over Mathilda Hari’s shoulder to put a bullet into her pretty head in case she has a breakdown herself.
We saw the blazing nozzles of the leading shuttle. From my training I knew that the minimal distance was five hundred yards. The radar showed six hundred and twenty. Our pilot was ideally following the track of our forerunner. It wasn’t far to the administrative section. The engines had been used to create the necessary thrust and later three times to correct the course. We could now see our destination from afar. We accelerated to dock right after the leading unit. Simultaneous docking was frowned upon given the local regulations, although we violated them a bit anyway starting to brake too late. The minimum distance of five hundred yards was shrinking fast.
“Attention! Get ready!” the girl turned to her people. She couldn’t see their faces as they were turned towards the exit. A grinding noise confirmed that the grips jammed and the ramp fell extended. The roaring crowd ran out of the shuttle shouting battle cries. We followed them.
“Support groups, stop!” the hook-nosed commander halted us on the spot.
We slaves always stick together. We stood crowded in the middle of the hall. The other troops ran ahead to occupy their positions. A circle of security soldiers formed around our group. The young revolutionaries crouched, aiming their rifles to the outside. Nobody paid any attention to two still lying bodies in navy blue Uroboros security uniforms. Those were the first casualties. Next to them a young girl was dressing the wounds of one of our boys. His eyes were shiny and shocked. He didn’t believe it yet that he had gotten shot. Judging by the clean wound and little blood, you could assume that he got shot by one of his own people. Somebody lost their nerve and pulled the trigger too soon. It happens. Too bad for the boy, as the laser had burnt a fist sized hole in his chest.
We didn’t hear any gunfire. The surprise element must have worked. It took them only three minutes to take over the station. After this time couriers arrived with good news of the successes of particular squads.
Protected by one of the storm groups, we set off down elegant corridors. The revolutionaries were leading the stupefied staff to places of detention. All the men had been handcuffed, but there were no signs of maltreatment of the detained. The bodies of those who refused to follow orders were lying scattered here and there, which looked quite discouraging to those who considered resistance as an option. Those shot couldn’t have reacted quickly enough to the commands ordering them to lie down on the floor or put up their hands. They were mainly civilians, although there were a few personal bodyguards of influential people. Fortunately, we quickly moved on to the outside servicing section, which surrounded the station. Along the long narrow oval corridor there were hermetic doors painted around with red paint. There were four of them, situated at fifty yard intervals.
“It’s an anti-asteroid artillery battery,” the hook nose introduced us to the situation.
The revolutionaries split into threes and ran to their respective positions. The commander of the squad stayed with us, together with two young girls.
“Next to each door there’s a hatch for a cache storage. It’s your job to make sure it’s always full. Follow me.” He led us until the end of the corridor where stood carts with bullet handles. A chute adjacent to them stored ready-to-use huge silver spearheads.
“Take those!” He lifted the heavy object and placed it onto the cart. There was enough room for only three items. “Two people to each cart. Faster! In a few minutes an intervention group is flying in. We don’t want them to land here.” The threat hung in the air.
We didn’t need more encouragement. I was hoping to be paired with Theodore, but of course he chose Sunshine instead. Having to choose between Cockroach and a young girl, I chose the revolutionary.
“One more thing,” the commander said. “These bullets do not contain any dangerous materials inside, it’s just the metal they’re built from. This is an electromagnetic artillery battery, which gives the bullets incredible speed. The damage is caused by the energy of the crash, not explosives. I’m telling you that so that you’re not afraid to carry them around.”
Rushed by the man, we distributed the spearheads. We quickly filled all cache storages. There was no time for rest. The reel mechanisms activated and the bombardment started. It wasn’t accompanied by any noise, just by elevated pressure in the ears and the raising of electrified hair. Being shaved bald, I didn’t have any problems with the latter. The situation was much more difficult for my cart partner. Her long hair shot out into all directions, blinding her. I was just about to comment on the phenomenon when the walls shook. We both sat down on our asses.
“Get us!” the hook nose screamed. “The connecting corridor is the safest place in the whole station. It is protected by a special, anti-shock layer.”
Contrary to his assurances, a chip broke out from the wall, flew through the guy’s neck and got stuck in the opposite wall. He couldn’t say anything more. He grabbed his throat, trying in vain to stop the bleeding. He turned onto his back. The revolutionary who was accompanying me jumped to his side and leaned over him to stop the blood flow. I watched her feverish attempts from a distance of around twenty yards. I must admit that only then did I realize how shapely she was.
Suddenly, like a ghost, Ingrid appeared in front of me.
“You pig! Don’t even think about it,” she slapped me with an open hand. I felt stinging pain in my cheek. “You only just fucked me and you’re already thinking about another!”
I glanced around. The others were staring at the convulsing body. Nobody noticed the artificial intelligence. What was going on with me? It crossed my mind that I must have gone mad. Too much stress and there you go! I’m nuts!
“Not that, jerk!” Ingrid said, just like she always did. “Since my orgasm I’ve been sitting in your fucking head. I’ve followed your every thought and I realize I’ve known you since the day you were born.”
“Really?” I asked quietly, not to draw attention to myself.
“Who else knows that at age twelve you were already making out with the neighbors’ daughter, who was one year younger than you?”
True enough – this was an undeniable argument.
“We played doctor,” I tried to defend myself meekly.
“You were lucky that her mother was fast asleep tired after work, and you both managed to get dressed. Otherwise you would have a probation officer breathing down your neck.”
“Ok, you got me. What next?”
“I don’t know how I got into your subconscious. I can only connect with you when you’re reaching down to your lowest instincts.”
What she said made me think. If it was true, then she should disappear when I was thinking about something ordinary, right? I’d rather not go down memory lanes. I imagined myself going to get another bullet and putting it on the cart. Ingrid’s image flickered.
“I’m not going to let you get rid of me so easily,” she said standing there in a very sensual pose in her lace lingerie. “Wouldn’t you like to take me from the back?”
“Bitch!” I said that a bit too loud because Four Eyes, who was sitting nearby, turned around. I can’t help it that she has such shapely legs and waist.
My ponderings were broken by a major crashing sound. Two other fragments came off the wall, but this time nobody was injured. Two red lights turned on over the two central positions. The pressure on the ears lessened.
“As long as you are afraid to lose your life we won’t lose touch. But if we somehow manage to get through this, you’ll have to work on some meditation techniques.” Ingrid exchanged her underwear for marine fatigues. “Let’s see what’s going on.”
She walked up to the nearest stand.
“Come over here!” she called me. “I can’t do anything myself. Press this blue button.”
I did what she told me to do. The gate opened. Inside, on both firing positions around the body of the cannon torn bodies were lying. Disconnected fragments were stuck in between the high voltage wires. I stood there speechless. Somebody behind my back was puking.
“Don’t just stand there!” the AI yelled at me. “Check out the rangefinder’s position.” She pointed to a side wall with steps and a round hole in the ceiling.
I climbed up and looked through the armored window. The observation post was no longer there. All I saw were ripped fragments of walls and open space above me. The lights of the stars were covered by the bodies of fleet ships standing nearby.
“The rangefinder does not exist anymore!” I shouted back.
“I know. I can see through your eyes. Come back here!” Ingrid was looking at the console, assessing its state.
Theodore walked inside. The dead bodies didn’t make an impression on him. The rest didn’t feel brave enough. They stood outside, holding their noses. It’s a fact that the insides of a man don’t smell very well. In instant death the sphincters loosen up. My buddy also checked the state of the equipment. For a moment he stood exactly where Ingrid was and his image overlapped with hers.
“This position is ok,” Ingrid said. “Send Theodore to take over the next one that is shot down. We need these guns.”
“Theodore, take Four Eyes and go see what’s with the others.” He knew who I was talking about.
“Are you going to manage on your own?” he asked. I couldn’t tell him about the ghost that was accompanying us. He would think I was nuts.
“Yes, go ahead. Don’t waste time.”
“Good luck.” He marched off quickly. Soon I heard his shouting in the corridor. “Load up the bullets! Move, dumbos, if you care for your lives!”
“Power assistance is gone. We have to make do with the mechanical systems,” I didn’t understand what Ingrid was talking about. I couldn’t read the indicators on the machines that were still working.
“What do you want me to do?” I asked.
“Take the operator’s seat,” she showed me the position on the other side of the cannon.
I walked around the massive corpus. I got my leg entangled in a bunch of wires lying on the ceramite floor and propped myself against the cover of a power socket with my hand. I felt something wet. It was blood. I wiped it off on my trousers and sat down in the metal seat. In front of me I now had different cranks and pedals, whose purpose I didn’t know.
“What next?”
In front of my eyes appeared a cursor, just like in a computer game.
“This is vertical control, and this one is horizontal,” Ingrid was explaining the details of artillery equipment. “When you press this with your foot, it triggers a shot.”
“I can’t see anything. All the projectors are broken. What am I supposed to shoot at?”
“Wait a moment. I have to convert the data.” I didn’t know what she was on to but in a moment I felt transported outside the station.
Awesome! I couldn’t see the position I was sitting in, only the space around us. From the military station hidden behind the disc of Hades two small units were flying zigzagging towards us. They were coming very fast, shooting hot sparks of cumulative bullets our way. Right behind them the scraps of a slightly bigger unit were dropping down towards the surface of the planet. It must have once been an intervention group shuttle of Uroboros. The hull was already burning up in the atmosphere. Terrible death. Another shuttle was maneuvering within the range of its weapons. It was backing up the attack of the faster moving units. Two guns of the revolutionary battery tried to shoot them down but failed miserably.
A red dotted line appeared in space in front of me.
“This is the trajectory of our bullet,” Ingrid explained.
Both small targets were far away from it. I turned the knob of vertical control.
“You’re turning it the wrong way!” I heard her correct me.
