Read Major (The United Federation Marine Corps Book 5) for Free Online

Exploratores launched, followed by the Army cohort.  Ryck was hoping that there would be a feed from one of the Exploratores, but if there was, it was not being released to the CT-83 .  The reports started coming in, however, as the Exploratores entered the auxiliary port.  They were met almost immediately by opposition, but without the rendering of the battle space that Federation AIs created, it was difficult to know just what was happening.
    The bridge of the CT-83 got quiet as everyone stopped to listen.  Ryck stole a glance at the CO, who sat in her command chair, chewing on one of her fingernails.  She looked like a tiger, though, coiled and ready to jump.
    The cohort followed the Exploratores, entering through the main docking bay as well as the auxiliary port.  More resistance was reported as the Hanson Lake moved in closer—too close, Bill muttered from beside him.  If the Sisyphus blew, it could take out the destroyer as well.  The Confeds didn’t think that was a possibility, given their control over the power system and the dampening field they had over the station.  But the dampening field was not having much of an effect on the SOG resistance, which was probably strictly using mechanically fired kinetic weapons.
    “Captain, we’ve got a command directive coming in,” the yeoman on the comms station said over the incoming on the externals.
    The CO sent a glance back at Hans and Ryck, then said, “Put it up.”
    “ CT-83 , there is an anomaly moving away from Sisyphus , currently at 1.24598, 92.33998, and 12.83546.  We are synching our surveillance to your system.  Position yourself to intercept and investigate.  There is a 72% probability that this is an escape attempt, and a 53% probability that there are Free State hostages on board.”
    A glowing red spot appeared on the screen, heading somewhat in the same general direction to where the CT-83 lay in wait.
    “Lieutenant Djubati, plot a course, now!” Lieutenant Commander Nuzzi ordered.
    “Cloaked?” the navigator asked.
    “Yes, keep us sealed up,” she said without hesitation.
    Ryck knew that Confed ships were not as maneuverable while cloaked, and their sensors were not nearly as effective.  But the target seemed cloaked itself beyond the capabilities of the CT-83’s sensors even at their best, and with the Path of Glory’s much more advanced capabilities and its results being streamed to the CT-83 , there was no reason to give up their presence, especially not knowing just what was heading their way.
    Ryck had to approve of her decision.  If that was a major capital ship sneaking off, then the CT-83 wouldn’t stand a chance against her if it came to a fight.  Better to remain invisible until more was known.
    “This is a little better,” Bill whispered to Ryck.  “What you think?  An escape pod?”
    “I don’t know.  If this is a real SOG op and not some copycat wannabe outfit, they don’t have a habit of running,” Ryck said.  “Unless there is something valuable in whatever vessel that is.”
    “Like research results?”
    “Yeah, that or hostages,” Ryck said.
    Ryck was actually quite shocked that not only was there someone evidently trying to sneak away, but that the Confed AI’s had almost been right in their calculations.  Was that really how good they were, or was this pure dumb luck?  The Federation analysts were going to have to spend many long nights working on that question. 
    The CO was issuing a steady stream of orders, calmly but with a firmness of conviction.  When she ordered the on-board deca to get suited up, Ryck felt his pulse rising.  There was no way to know if the soldiers would even be needed, but this was more visceral to him, and he felt the pull of potential combat.  He knew this feeling was screwed up.  It was not logical to want to rush to the sound of gunfire, but there it was.  Even with a Confed deca, he wanted to suit up with them.  Call it a character flaw, but he’d