Cross of the Legion by Marshall S. Thomas Page B

to kill us."
    "There is a high probability that you are correct, Val. As a matter of fact, the Spawn believes chances are eight in ten that this is an Omni deception op. In which case we could, of course, ignore the Nova. Shall we do so?"
    Silence, from both squads. Ignore a Nova? No—the Legion doesn't do that. We don't ignore Novas from Legion troopers trapped in enemy territory.
    "I take it we're not going to ignore the Nova," Snow Leopard continued. "Now let me tell you a few other things that may affect our planning. There are some rather unusual events occurring on Augusta 6. Events we don't understand. For starters, major Omni fleet units were diverted from other sectors to orbit Augusta 6—about two months after the O's captured the place. Our probes also detected abnormally high shuttle traffic between downside and orbit. Then—recently—the traffic ceased. There's hardly any shuttle activity now, and many of the O ships have departed. Our probes don't survive long, so they can't clarify the sit. But Starcom very much wants an explanation."
    Another long silence. There was not even enough data to prompt a question.
    "We think these events may have something to do with the Novas. Maybe the O's have got more important things to do than hunt down some Legion survivors. Starcom mentioned that as a possibility."
    Snow Leopard stood there, head back, looking us over. "The primary mission is to rescue the Legion unit on Augusta 6. A secondary mission is to report on the stratsit on Augusta 6. The secondary mission is important, but is not to interfere with the first. Squads Jox and Cross are to do covert insertions to the target area, activate rescue bursts if necessary, and stand by for further Novas. Both Phantoms are to stand by to respond to any O reaction and extract all troopers when necessary. Planning brief begins immediately. Squad Ones and Twos, in the capcom. The rest of you, see the ship for data on the target."



Chapter 3
Angels of the Lord

    We approached Augusta 6 like space junk, cruising silently along with an asteroid cloud that was passing near the system. We were surely invisible to any sensors, but it never hurts to have a backup. Even if the O's were somehow able to get a reading on us, our two ships would appear to be just a couple of metallic rocks, hurtling along in formation with the rest of the debris. It was a slow way to travel, but we didn't mind—the Spawn had gotten us close enough.
    "Man, this is like a vacation cruise!" Psycho exclaimed, leaning back in his padded seat, propping his armored boots up against the back of the seat in front of him. We were in A-suits, helmets off, relaxing in our seats, quite comfortable, catching up on our sleep, sipping dox, gazing vacantly at d-screens. It was silent and dark, soft indirect lighting faintly illuminating the cabin. It was moderately roomy, two rows of six seats each divided by an aisle that was a few steps below seating level. The seats were great—comfy enough to stretch out our armored legs and drift away. It was total luxury, for the Legion. Priestess climbed down to the aisle and headed for the spotless toilets in the rear. The Legion was certainly pampering us.
    "Oh, miss," Psycho said, "could I have another cup of dox, please?" Priestess said something rude and continued down the aisle.
    "Stewardesses are a bit hostile," Psycho remarked. "Otherwise, I can't complain."
    "What do you think, Three?" Dragon asked. "It's not like the old days, is it? I'm not sure all this luxury is such a good idea. In an aircar, you knew you were headed for trouble. Here, who knows? We could be going on vacation."
    "It's certainly a big change," I admitted. "I'm hoping the most significant change is that nobody's going to be shooting at us when we approach the target."
    "They haven't seen us yet, Thinker. Not while we're in the Kiss."
    "We're invisible, gang," Redhawk added from the cockpit. "No worries. We'll be pulling away from the asteroid cloud