Free The Colony by John Davis

into their direction – three glowing spheres of red traveling fast.
    As Chandra fired systems back up, even she knew it was too late for them.
    “ Brace!” Wesley shouted, bracing himself for the impact of such weaponry.
    The shot glanced over them, however, clipping a ship which now approached the theater of combat.
    “High Freedom, this is E.D.F. Silver Charity. You're instructed to fall back to grid position four-seven-fourteen-one-nine and await further instructions.” a man's voice announced through the speakers to the surprise of both Wesley and Chandra.
    Just a few dozen of feet in front of their own small ship, the two soldiers witnessed zipping white shots with a glow of yellow. Pure and unadulterated man-made ass-kicking lead firing from deck guns.
    “Do it!” Wesley shouted, his adrenaline in full supply. “Get us the hell out of here.”
    The massive carrier had followed the distress call and responded much quicker than expected – and they had shown up with guns blazing. Still, it was a matter of numbers. The large ship of steel was tough, no doubt, but faced two enemy carriers. Each of them now pounding return shots.
    “Copy that,” Wesley replied proudly, speaking firm into a console mounted com. “Be advised, we still have a few on the surface, including our XO and a former general.”
    “ Acknowledged, now pull back.” the voice replied.
    The scene had become one of furious fighting, thick stream of shots firing back and forth between the ships, with the Silver Charity taking the blunt of punishment.
    On their way to safety, both Chandra and Wesley watched several choppers fall from the carrier. Screaming their way to the surface with a single purpose.
    To even the odds.
     
    -
     
    Jack had first thought it to be thunder. Then, as the lieutenant realized the rainstorms were somber, he knew help had arrived. Several loud popping sounds followed by whistling reinforced the fact. Choppers had been sent in.
    “What is that?” Julia asked, joining Jack at the cavern entrance, as did the general.
    “ That would be the sound of marine payback. Am I right lieutenant?” the general asked.
    “ Well, we're not out of the woods just yet,” Jack replied with caution. “But those were definitely marine choppers breaking atmosphere, and from the sound of it, one hell of a firefight above us.”
    “ Do you think our marines stand a chance?” Julia asked with hope.
    “ I know this much,” Jack said, turning to the young woman. “You don't fuck with the marines and walk away from it. Our people will win out eventually.”
    Julia seemed relieved, branching out and hugging Jack tightly.
    Several moments later, however, she quickly broke away from him.
    “ I'm sorry, I didn't mean anything.”
    “ I know. It's alright.” Jack replied.
    Without a response, Julia walked away. Heading away from the cavern entrance and the shame of her feelings for Lieutenant Jack Strong.
    “Forgive me for saying so lieutenant, as it's not my place, but your wife must be an incredible woman.” the general said.
    “ How so?” Jack questioned.
    “ I've come to know Julia well these past few months. I guess you can say our time spent under duress has seen us become good friends. She's beautiful, very caring and obviously into you.” the general added.
    “ You're right,” Jack replied. “It's not your place.”
    “ I'm sorry, I just thought that...” the general began to respond, very apologetically.
    “ It's,” Jack said, his eyes speaking of sadness. “It's alright. The truth is, I'm not sure that's she's even alive,” he added, turning to the older man. “My wife.”
    “ How so?” the general asked.
    “ She's a soldier as well,” Jack admitted. “She went out on a two week hop and vanished. Her entire group.”
    “ I'm sorry,” the general replied, placing his hand across Jack's shoulder in comforting fashion. “I had no idea.”
    The lieutenant acknowledged the general's words with a slow nod of