This collection of original stories explores characters and settings from the science fiction webcomic Cosmic Dash.
This collection features a novella, short stories, and flash fiction. Unless otherwise noted, all stories are appropriate for a gene...
Captain Razaal Kameku and his small team, consisting of Third Office Morlin, and Caltu, the Alliance Researcher, had cleared the last of the forward outposts about twenty minutes ago. Each had confirmed Bradley had gone ahead, and the pair of guards expressed bewilderment and confusion that there was such a small operation. However, they were content enough to leave the situation alone, only confirming that they would keep an eye out for any flares.
Razaal thanked them and gave them a salute.
Now they were good and properly isolated from the Alliance territory, and Razaal kept a wary eye on any motion that popped up on the horizon.
This region was, in many respects, a large bowl. The Alliance had parked their camp and drew their line at the opening, but everything within was bordered by hilly terrain, with the Imperial Rebellion having parked their asses near a rather tall mountain.
The worst part was the artillery they had mounted on the hill about a month ago. It wasn't quite powerful enough to hit the Alliance's base camp, but it effectively made crossing into the bowl, largely flat, a suicide option. The artillery could pepper any spot within, and the combination of flat terrain and rings of trenches made traversal nearly impossible for the Alliance. Hence the stalemate.
Razaal had skewed close to the hills that ringed the area; it was the safest option, but it was known for patrols and scouts. Hence Bradley scouting ahead. They would reconvene soon.
The fight over this territory angered Razaal. Cor 3 didn't offer much. It would make a good planet for colonies, but the fight here was over a defensible forward outpost for further operations in the system. The shelter of the hills could be a major asset. But was it worth three months of a fight? Razaal wasn't so sure.
A short sequence of three whistles rang out against the side of the hills. Morlin raised his rifle instantly, but Razaal gestured for him to lower it. The repton did so as Caltu looked on, concern on his face.
Razaal responded with a pair of whistles. Within moments Second Officer Carlos Bradley stepped out from the brush in the treeline at the foot of the hills. His rifle was pointed toward the dirt but still ready to be used at a moment's notice.
"Captain Kameku."
Razaal nodded. "Bradley, what do you have for me?"
Bradley stepped up toward Razaal and leaned in to whisper; the height discrepancy between the two warranted it.
"Sir, I'm afraid we have a patrol on the way. I caught signs of a scout. They're keeping an eye on the treeline."
Razaal slapped the top of his rifle. "Damn. What about the hills?"
Caltu approached, listening intently.
"Well, I think I can carve us a route through the hillside, sir, but it might be slow going. It will give us a height advantage if we come under fire."
Caltu chimed in, "are we sure the hills are out best option?"
Razaal glanced back at the grey. He shrugged.
"Based on what Bradley is telling me, we would likely face something similar if we backtracked and went along the other side. Unless you have some way of cloaking us and walking us up the middle of the battlefield, this is our only choice."
Caltu grimaced.
Razaal continued, "alright, Morlin, I want to get comms open, I want to report the pattern here. Bradley, you set us up a space in the trees so we can have a briefing on what is ahead. Caltu, you help Bradley. Understood?"
Bradley saluted. "Yes, Sir."
Morlin saluted. "Yes, Sir."
Unsure if he should salute, Caltu gave a half-hearted gesture, his free hand wiggling at chest height for a moment.
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
