Marauder (Oregon Files 15)

“It came out of nowhere,” Hali said. “It must have been directly behind the Thai Navigator.”

“Is that the same ship, Sylvia?” Linda asked.

Sylvia nodded. She was amazed at how calmly Linda responded, especially since it was just her and Hali on the bridge with Sylvia and Murph.

“Cutting anchor loose,” Linda said, tapping on her armrest.

“Missiles in the air,” Hali said.

Two rockets launched from the trimaran. One detonated moments later over the Thai Navigator. The second was on its way toward the Oregon.

“Activate the laser,” she said.

“Locking on,” Hali replied.

“Fire.”

Sylvia and Murph could only watch as the missile streaked toward them. Suddenly it erupted in a flash of light, white gas thrown into the air halfway between them and the trimaran.

“Engines coming online, activating exterior camouflage,” Linda said. “Hali, uncover the Kashtans and prepare to fire.”

Sylvia knew those were the Oregon’s twin Gatling guns. She also knew that the trimaran was at the edge of those guns’ effective range.

On the other hand, the Oregon was well within the effective range of the plasma cannon that was emerging from its protective shell on the deck of the trimaran, its wicked barrel swinging toward them.

* * *

—

Jin was shocked to see the rocket explode before it reached the target. She was even more surprised when she lost sight of the Norego for a moment.

“Where did it go?” she blurted.

She squinted, then made out the profile of the cargo ship. It had seemingly turned from blue to brown, blending into the sandstone cliffs behind it.

“It’s still there,” she said. “Use your last target lock and fire the plasma cannon.”

“Firing.”

The Marauder shuddered as the plasma cannon charged, building up enough power to release its superheated ammunition. The whole ship was enveloped in a hum of energy, and then a crack like a bolt of lightning ripped the air.

In the distance, a fiery explosion atop the Norego meant they’d hit the target. Smoke marked their new bull’s-eye.

“Power up for another shot,” she said. She preferred survivors that she could question, but if she had to completely destroy the ship and kill everyone on board, so be it.

* * *

—

Damage report,” Linda called out.

“The Kashtan command module is out,” Hali said. “We can’t fire them.”

“What about the rail gun?”

“Coming online, but our stern is to the trimaran. By the time we turn to get a bow shot, it might be too late.”

As if to punctuate his statement, another explosion rocked the Oregon.