"Scott G. Gier - Genellan 02 - In the Shadow of the Moon" - читать интересную книгу автора (Gier Scott G)

in counterorbit around Oldfather Three, coming our way. One point three
hours from engagement range."

"How many?" Ketchie barked.

"Clean returns on nine units, Captain. Fleet mothership mass or greater,"
the tactical officer answered soberly.
 The skipper's shoulders sagged. Wong turned away. They were badly
outnumbered and mismatched. There was no alternative but to retreat into
hyperspace, leaving behind the freighters and marooning the colonists. No
alternativeтАФnone.

"Getting emergency squawks from both freighters," Wong reported. "
Banff's losing orbit. She's going down. Captain's abandoning ship."

"Three waves of bug fast-movers coming our way, Skipper," the tactical
officer reported. "Engagement with our 'vettes in eight minutes. Rocs have
intercept position. Peregrine, flight of three, is right behind the Rocs."

"Three to one against," Ketchie snarled.

Dead meat, Wong thought, muttering a silent farewell.

"Banff's gone!" the tactical officer shouted.

"Jump checks! Get hot!" Ketchie roared.

"Aye, Captain!" Wong punched up initiation sequences and felt the first
ripples of acceleration. The huge ship lurched leadenly.

"Rendezvous with Luzon in twenty," Jonson said, her voice even.
"Closing velocity category five plus. Gravity torque will be exciting."

"Exciting, my ass," Ketchie muttered, pounding his gauntleted fists
together.

"Luzon's launching 'vettes. Thrasher's in the air!" Wong announced.

"Recall those corvettes!" Ketchie barked.

"Juneau's taking hits!"

"Checklist!" Ketchie roared.

"Checklist has commenced. Crete is synced," Wong replied, hands flying.
"Luzon's registering. Negative link, Skipper. At least fifteen more minutes."
 "Very well," Ketchie spit. "I want this jump on minimum path. Clear all
overrides. Signal Crete to stand by for radical maneuvers, emergency
acceleration. Conning officer, all ahead flank. Direct intercept. You know the
drill. Mr. Wong, keep your cannons unmasked."