(Posted on 01-16-2001)
Chapter 11 - Into the Maelstrom
We moved into the Asteroid Belt with caution. The Voinians were having problems themselves. Asteroids rammed the side of the Cruisers and Frigates, filtering out any fighters. But something worried me. There were no UE vessels in the Asteroid Belt. The asteroids were jamming my sensors so I couldnt scan. But I couldnt see anything.
Suddenly, a wave of red flooded my vision. About 50 Squadrons leaped from behind the asteroids, ambushing the behemoths. It was chaos. Red blasts, purple blasts, rockets, hunters, asteroids, UE Fighters, Destroyers, Cruisers, Frigates, all filled the small belt, clashing and destroying each other. My shields were almost completely lost and my Squadron wasnt in any better shape.
Shields down to 2%! screamed Gildor.
Shields? Im down to armor! responded Jacks.
Even Im down ta 12% Hawk said in his ever calm voice.
Everyone, split up and avoid combat. Aid only when absolutely needed! I ordered, narrowly avoiding a rocket.
I saw Vex, Opal, Vyker, Shade, and Dart, from Squadron Firelight begin to swarm a Frigate. Almost three of them ran into the same asteroid. I watched another squadron get completely obliterated however.
Remarkably, we were winning! Our maneuverability and speed allowed us to get around the hurtling objects. I watched many of the huge Cruisers and Frigates fall. But I also saw the Destroyers get pummeled as well however.
Sikes, Im hit! a desperate Gildor screamed. I quickly checked his diagnostics to see him down to about 5% armor.
Oh... JACKS! HAWK! FIND AND COVER GILDOR! I screamed across the comms unit, looking desperately for Gildors ship.
That was the last I heard of Gildor. The explosion stayed in my mind as his ship collided with an asteroid. Scattered debris hit my ship.
No. I heard Jacks quietly whisper over his comms unit. I couldnt believe it either.
All that awoke us from our shock was Hawks voice screaming to get with it.
Dammit Jason! Ya gotta Frigate on yo tail!
My ship rocked violently, and shot forward as the rocket collided with me. I was horrified as I began doing front flips, hurtling out of control amidst the maelstrom. Dirks death flashed through my mind. My head was covered in blood while I hit the edges of the cockpit numerous times. Sparks flew as red lights and alarms flashed frequently.
Shields depleted. Armor to 1%. Fuel tank punctured. Rocket 1 jammed. Escape pod malfunctioning. Engine compartment breached. Tear in wing. Core temperature 154ş. Stabilizers malfunctioning. Exp...l...os....... the calm female voice reported, fading out as its systems melted.
I hit the air conditioner to try and stabilize the temperature. I waited, spinning through the void, until the temperature fell to 90ş. I hit the thrusters gradually. I regulated the thruster point until I finally began to smooth out, right in time to avoid an asteroid. I wasnt going to die today.
We finally began to exit the Asteroid Belt after a few near deaths. Mars quickly came into view over the horizon.
(This message has been edited by moderator (edited 01-16-2001).)