Read Online Black Legion: 05 - Sea of Fire by Michael G. Thomas - Free Book Online

surrounded by a mixture of craft from the different contingents, each desperate to get their hands on much needed supplies.
    “Xenophon, take me to their leader, now,” said Chirisophus.
    Xenophon shook his head and then continued along the bridge, with the other Terrans close behind. Glaucon caught up with him; Roxana and Tamara remained closer to Lady Artemas.
    “What’s the plan? This isn’t going to work out well for us.”
    “Do you think I don’t know this? We have to stop this thing escalating.”
    In seconds they were off the bridge and at the main shielded doorway into the complex. The Carduchians had withdrawn inside and vanished from view. The blast doors were tall and shimmered a dark blue with the energy from an internal generator. Chirisophus looked at it and then to Lady Artemas.
    “Tell them...they have thirty seconds to open the door, or I will open it myself.”
    She did as he asked. While translating, Chirisophus sent additional orders to the craft moving overhead. A squadron of fighters came into position near a large series of masts.
    “We have their generator complex targeted. If they refuse to open up, I’ll wipe out their power systems.”
    “Strategos, the Carduchians will negotiate, but not under force of arms. They demand you return your men to their ships.”
    Chirisophus shook his head, but he didn’t seem particularly upset.
    “Very well.”
    “Wait,” said Xenophon, “You cannot do...”
    “Really? I think I can.”
    The fighters strafed the section of the facility near the masts. A series of bright explosions marked where they hit the transformers, and as promised, the shielding around the doors dropped away.
    “They had their chance. This is no longer a negotiation,” said Chirisophus.
    He nodded to his personal guard who quickly forced the mechanism open to reveal the large open interior hallway. It was wide and filled with crates and equipment. Scores of Carduchians ran for cover at the sight of the Terrans with their weapons, shields, and heavy armor. Hakim stood out in the open with his personal guard, but their numbers were still tiny. Chirisophus laughed at what he saw and then roared, not even caring if they understood a word that came from his mouth.
    “I am Strategos Chirisophus, commander of the Black Legion, and I claim this outpost.”
    There was no talking, no negotiation, and no attempt to even escape. Instead, the first thing that happened was a long rumble as the defensive turrets on the outpost activated. Xenophon ran to the doorway and looked up just as a dromon screamed past wreathed in flame.
    “Stop this, now!” he screamed.
    Chirisophus merely shook his head and tapped a button on his arm. An oval shield flickered and stabilized in front of him.
    “Spatharii, to me!”
    The Laconian heavy infantry moved into position around their commander and quickly created a loose block of fighters, each protected by the powerful energy fields. Chirisophus then gave the order, the one Xenophon had wanted to avoid from the start.
    “This is the Strategos, begin the assault!”
    Xenophon called out, “Chirisophus, stop this now. You are signing our death warrants.”
    Chirisophus’ eyes narrowed as he looked back at his second-in-command.
    “No, they fired the first shot, and I’m tired of banter, discussion, and trade. We are Terran, and these people are a pitiful excuse for barbarians. We will take what we want and do as we please.”
    Glaucon and the others had moved off to the left to take shelter behind a stack of supply crates. Artemas waited there, and Roxana held her back, stopping her from intervening.
    A bright flash marked one of the powerful Carduchian guns, and Xenophon rolled to the side and away from the Laconians who continued to control the center of the large room. The projectile struck Chirisophus’ shield and flashed bright red. He staggered back a single step from the impact. Xenophon could see the change on his face now that his blood