Have You Read the Manual by Dale Sale (cat reading book TXT) 📗

The CI continued, “My main drive is offline and will require major repair. It appears that I have been speared by an anti-tank device and am fixed in place. The auxiliary power unit is firing back up. I have lost connectivity with Fuzzy in APC-2.”

Nan said, “Fuzzy took a hard hit Baby, he might be out of action.”

Baby replied, “That makes me sad, Gunner.”

Zeta jumped in to distract the CI, “Baby, do we have weapons?”

“My turret gun will be operational in 45 seconds. I have a full magazine for it. The hedgehog mortar array is also operational, but target acquisition is OOC.”

Nan said, “If we laser paint a target can you hit it?”

The CI answered, “My optical sensors are out, I will need an external input.”

Zeta offered, “We could hook a fiber optic cam and the boys outside can set it up.”

Nan said, “OK, hand it over and I’ll run it out there. I need to check the situation outside.”

Zeta unbelted from her station and grabbed case from a locker. “Just jam the cable into the rear port and set the camera up where I can get a good line of sight.”

Nan threw the case and cable out of the belly hatch and crawled out. Her squad was still laying down controlled fire. She attached the cable and zig zagged to their positions.

Nan reached the nearest man, “Patterson, set up this camera and get ready to paint targets. APC-1 is blind but still has weapons.”

Patterson grinned, “Right Gunner, the enemy has good cover and firing positions. We can’t get at them and it’s pretty much a stand off right now. I think they are waiting for us to burn through our ammo.”

Nan nodded and keyed the comm, “Zeta, don’t do anything until you get my signal. Let’s see if we can draw them out.”

The corporal answered, “Copy that.”

Nan slapped Patterson’s shoulder, “I gotta check on the passengers,” and ran to the command car.

Hanlon eased out of the car and crouched behind it as Stanski ran up. “How are they holding up?” she asked.

Hanlon said, “The Major is a rock, she’s keeping the kid calm for now.”

Major Webster slid out of the car and joined the pair. “We lose anyone?”

Nan answered, “The crew in APC-1 is shook up but OK. We got some weapons back online but targeting is down. Gonna use a laser to paint the targets. How’s your daughter?”

Webster said, “She’s pretty pissed right now, it’s all I could do to keep her from joining you out here.”

Nan laughed, “Ha, I told you, she is natural Marine!”

Sara shouted from inside the car, “I CAN hear you, you know!”

***

Gus checked the displays to see what he had on board to work with and swore at himself for not knowing before he launched. No ammo for the cannon, no missiles, one round of chafe and flares, two cross-country cycles, and an assault buggy in the transport bay on a skid.

Don’t know how any of that’s gonna help. Wait, Eureka! Four old Mark 2 Guardian Angel drones in the wing pods. Too bad that model was one of the worst to take into a hot LZ, they were notorious for comm glitches and easy targets for Anti-Aircraft. Fight the weapons you got, Gusty, not the ones you want. Hope those ground pounders haven’t used up all their lives, they’re gonna need um today.

The Bosun scanned the data Nan had sent. Perfect terrain for an ambush, no cover on the valley floor, plenty on the ridge slopes. Those were some quality strikes to disable both vehicles at once. Whoever planned this knows what they’re doing.

The ship bucked wildly as he dropped through the clouds. Gus was still a long way out and he didn’t have time for a smooth glide. The temperature readings began nosing toward the red line as Gus hammered the throttles forward. This old gal had definitely seen hard service, and the engines were long past the need for overhaul.

Annie D complained, “Hey Bosun! You are exceeding my maximum operating parameters. Have you familiarized yourself with my manual? Also, your certification letters are SERIOUSLY out of date.”

Gus chuckled to himself, So much for polite. Come on, old girl, hang together.

“Engage emergency overrides of all operational parameters,” said Gus.

Annie protested, “Acknowledged, but I am entering this in the flight recorder.”

Commander Grey boomed in Gus’ ears, “Alpha Delta 367, what do you think you are doing? I ordered you to stand down!”

“Hey there, Hazy, this is your old friend Gusty Joe! Sounds like the team down there needs help faster than you can bring it. Just thought I would lend a hand.” Asshole must be looking to score some brownie points.

Grey growled, “Bosun Johansson! This situation is under control. Get back to your job, delivery boy. I don’t need you sticking your nose in here. Let the professionals handle this.”

Gus said, “Sorry, your transmission is garbled Ops.”

Something doesn’t smell right about this. Nan Stanski is NOT a person to call for help unless it’s absolutely necessary. What game is Grey up too?

Gus keyed his comm, “Delta Tango, this is the Annie D I need you to hit me back dark, Alpha 349,” Gus transmitted the cryptic call to his friend on the ground to key their private cipher into the comms link.

Nan answered, “Delta Tango on line.”

“Delta Tango, how many souls you got to lift out?”

Nan said, “Eight, six Marines and two VIP.”

Gus answered, “Do you have any wheels?”

“Nie, they took out lead and tail vehicles when we got hit. Diplomatic Command Car is OOC.”

Diplomatic? Nan, who are you babysitting? Gus said, “This whole thing looks like a set up. Who deserves this much attention?”

“I have the Ambassador’s wife and daughter on goodwill visit to some