Free phil jones2 by J. R. Karlsson Page A

strange new feelings weren't misplaced. How hard could it be?
    'We need to level out pretty soon Captain otherwise we're going to get cooked.' RJ. said, hammering at a number of buttons in the cockpit and not turning his head.
    'Take us right into those few thousand kilometres and try and keep us from getting any hotter.'
    As if reading his thoughts, the computer chimed in at that moment. 'Temperature rising to unsuitable levels, engaging emergency cooling systems.'
    That was more like it. Cool air blasted through unseen vents and Phil let out a groan of relief as it washed over his sweat-streaked face. He wasn't looking forward to peeling off this uniform should they survive.
    'Warning, hull temperature exceeding recommended levels.' the computer helpfully reminded them. Nobody said a word as they approached the surface of the star, between bouts of furtive activity Phil felt the eyes of his crew upon him. They were waiting for him to reveal his great plan for saving their lives, he really wasn't sure this was going to work. Oh dear.
    'Warning, hull temperature critical, further escalation will result in death within three minutes. Have a nice day.'
    Phil couldn't help but feel that the computer didn't understand the concept of nicety. Perhaps it was being passive-aggressive and wanted them off the ship, perhaps it was planning on taking over. One crisis at a time, Jones.
    So he had three minutes left to live and for some inexplicable reason his legs hadn't turned to jelly and he hadn't managed to wet himself. Had he really got so used to life-or-death situations already?
    An explosion rocked the ship and he leapt from his seat with a squeal. Perhaps not.
    'Sir, the Voravians have closed the gap on us.' RJ informed him. 'We're sitting ducks unless we do something now.'
    Phil found his feet, thankfully his legs still obeyed him. 'Level out and maintain orbit with the star at this altitude, pilot.'
    'Are you quite mad, Mr. Jones?' the sneering voice of Agent Smith asked. 'That will present an even wider target for their weaponry to unload upon. They cannot miss.'
    Phil wasn't having it though, he'd seen the enemy face to face and knew how they fought. 'The Voravians will try and pursue us instead of gunning us down, have faith number one.'
    If Smith was gaining belief in his Captain's orders as a result of these words he didn't show it. Phil suspected that the Agent would have led an open rebellion against him had he not realised the crew wouldn't stand for it.
    It was now or never, he had to repay their faith in him.
    'We're in orbit with the star, sir. The computer calculates that we have just over two minutes before we're cooked.' Annika supplied.
    Could he really pull this off in two minutes? As with most things that Phil had speculated on so far, there was only one way to find out.
    'RJ, what's the status of the Voravian vessel?'
    'They're following our rear in synchronous orbit, Captain. They haven't opened fire yet but they're closing fast.'
    Phil found his way back to his seat and mopped his brow. 'On my mark, I want you to fire directly underneath us. Bring up the Voravian ship on the view screen.'
    Smith had swivelled his chair to face the Captain directly. 'Mr. Jones, you may not be aware of this but firing directly at a star at this range with our weaponry will destroy us all.'
    Phil glared at him, he really needed to do something about that insubordinate tone.
    'Agent Smith, if you continue to defy me I will be forced to have the head of security escort you to the brig.' That sounded good.
    Smith smiled. 'Mr. Jones, I am head of security for this vessel.'
    'Ah.' Phil refused to break eye contact with the man's odd shades. 'Then I will ask you to trust me one final time and if I'm wrong you'll never need worry about trusting me again.' where the hell was he getting these words from?
    'Sir the Voravian ship is charging its weapons!' Annika cried.
    'Mark!' Phil shouted, his voice cracking horribly.
    The lasers pulsed