The Marine did as ordered. "Transponder is on." He checked the radar, and found it empty. "I think my escape was clean. If I'm being followed, wait to engage any Falkonian ships until you are engaged."
"That's the plan."
Some 17 minutes later, the Marine soared through the middle of the donut-shaped Defense Platform. He pulled the fighter around to the bridge and executed a short flyby, before swinging into the hangar bay designated to him.
He carefully set down, but his flying skills were a bit rusty and the resulting bump caused him to accidentally re-open the radio channel,just in time to hear a beleaguered-sounding voice: "...have engaged in full force, repeat, they have engaged in full force. There are two destroyers currently over the city, carpet bombing it, the defenders will not survive."
"Roger that. We're sending reinforcements ASAP, but for now we only have one fighter squadron we can allocate to you. Tac-com out."
He switched off the radio. Only ever bad news these days.
The Marine popped open the cockpit of the fighter, and swung his armored legs over the edge. He landed on the floor of the hangar, and walked with purpose to the lift, where he was met by none other than Admiral Cooper himself, with two soldiers.
"Good to see you, marine. We've got a briefing prepared for you. Three days of R&R, then you're being deployed again." The four of them stepped into the lift, and Cooper said aloud, "Bridge." The lift rumbled to life and they began the long trip from Hangar Bay 5 to the primary bridge.
One of the soldiers looked over at the Marine, who noticed the stare. A fully geared Star Marine was indeed a sight to behold. He stood just over seven feet tall, his arms were like tree trunks, his chest the size of a small wardrobe. His armor, advanced Tyrian plating, covered every inch of his finely tuned body.
The soldier cleared his throat. "So, uh... Marine. It's good to see you - no! I mean, it's nice to know that you're, y'know, not dead. Only ever heard about the Star Marines in stories."
"Glad to know I get some credit." The Marine shifted slightly. "What's your name, soldier?"
"Woodson. Lieutenant Woodson." He winced. "Ah, and yours?"
"Just call me Marine."
"I meant your rank." Woodson coughed, and the Marine could practically smell his anxiety.
"First Sergeant."
"Right." The doors to the lift opened, and out they strode into the hustle and bustle of the primary bridge. An aide hurried to Cooper's side, and whispered something in his ear. Cooper sighed, and nodded.
"Ladies and Gentlemen," He addressed the whole bridge, raising his voice over the chatter. "It is my immense pleasure to introduce a survivor. One of the last surviving Star Marines has joined us to fight back against the Usurpation."
The entire bridge broke out in applause, with the odd whistle or cheer joining the clapping hands. When it died down, officers turning back to their stations and resuming their conversations, Cooper turned to Woodson. "Escort him to his quarters. Briefing in five, marine."
The walk through the steel corridors was quick and uneventful, and Woodson left the Marine in a rather plush suite. The furniture was made of wood instead of polymer, and in the corner was a mini-fridge which he assumed was well-stocked with food and drinks.
He didn't stay long. After he was sure Woodson was gone, he opened the door and left, heading for first the armory, then the hangar bay.
The armory was first, and the Marine's access card unlocked the door. He entered, and immediately began picking up what he wanted. He discarded the sniper rifle - it wasn't his style - and the rocket launcher. In their place he selected a plasma cannon and a second pistol, followed by a new set of power cells for his weapons. A quick scan of the armory revealed a light railgun next to several shotguns. He took the railgun, and grabbed enough grenades to blow up a small building. The last thing to be added to his arsenal was a MagnaNade, the C4 explosive of modern space combat.
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Across the Stars
Ciencia FicciónYears after an alien invasion devastated Earth, a lone Marine makes a desperate final effort to go back in time and change history, saving the lives of eleven billion people. A young woman, caught up in the crossfire between Civil Security and Usurp...