Machine Gods (Star Crusades Nexus, Book 2) by Michael G. Thomas Page B

something else,
something unexpected,” Spartan said.
    “Like a Spec Ops ship?” asked the youngest
operative.
    Spartan looked
surprised, but also a little impressed at the suggestion. A Spec
Ops ship would make sense, at least based on the information they
already had. He seriously doubted it would be of any used as a
Raiding ship with its interior filled with pods and their unusual
cargo. In the past, he had worked on all manner of covert
operations, and this ship would certainly be ideal for the
insertion of indoctrinated figures into different
societies.
    Maybe
this is designed to train and drop off agents into different worlds?
    He then remembered the number of Raiders currently
making their way back from the crippled ship. The scans had shown
they were T’Kari, or at the very least, they were wearing the armor
and spacesuits of the T’Kari. The problem was why were they on
board the Alliance ship if their sole purpose was to insert
operatives into different societies? Then it dawned on
him.
    Of
course, t hey must be looking
for intelligence or supplies. Maybe even body parts for use in
their Biomech creatures. He turned and
looked at the pods. This
could be a factory ship just
as much as it a Spec Ops vessel.
    He sighed, now
becoming more than a little annoyed at what he’d found. Back in the
War, he’d spent time aboard one of the enemy’s transports and
discovered similar pods where Biomechs were being constructed. The
similarities were obvious between the craft, but the discovery of
Pontus and Typhon was completely unexpected. If nothing else, this
had changed things from a simple piracy issue to one of
Alliance-wide security. That meant he was now obliged to inform the
Alliance authorities, but he was stalling, knowing full well it
would end up as a major loss for him personally and for his
company.
    “ We should
move , those things are opening,” Porter
Reade, the younger of operatives suggested as he pointed to the
nearest pod.
    Khan looked at the
movement and lifted him arm, ready for any sign of danger to either
himself or the rest of the unit. Spartan nodded firmly in
agreement.
    “ Yes, we need to get
off this ship, but I want answers as well. Can you get that pod
open?” asked Spartan, pointing to the unit containing
Typhon.
    Porter was also the
most highly rated when it came to advanced electronics and
programming. It was the key reason Spartan had pushed for him to
join the dwindling company . It was just
this kind of job for which his talents were hopefully ideally
suited. The young man nodded and jumped up, kicking at the wall. He
moved effortlessly through the open space and grabbed at the pod.
At the same time, the first two pods on the outer side of the ship
opened to reveal the sinister shapes of Biomechs.
    “Keep them busy!” shouted Spartan.
    The first was
riddled with holes before it could even climb out, but the second
was much quicker. Even the way its legs moved suggested stronger
limbs and a greater intelligence. Spartan took careful aim and
struck one leg before it vanished behind the other pods. Khan
started to move forward, but Spartan lifted his fist and signaled
for him to stay.
    “No, we need to be ready to leave. Stand your ground
and cover him.”
    Khan took aim with
his own weapon and waited for the creature to show its face. At the
same time more of the pods opened, and the long limbs and vicious
skulls of the creatures appeared. Spartan knew they were now in
trouble, but he had to get the body of Typhon. If they could obtain
intelligence from him, it could be worth more than any discovery
they’d made so far. It might even save his company. He tapped the
connection to ANS Serenity once again.
    “ This is Security
Manager Spartan. We have discovered large numbers of prisoners and
Biomechs on board the target ship. Please dispatch boarding parties
as soon as possible. We have Pontus and Typhon in
custody.”
    The reply was almost
instantaneous.
    “Spartan. Is this a