Read Online Sword Destiny by Robert Leader - Free Book Online Page B

dropped down from the top centre of the screens and executed sweeping scissor turns to pass swiftly between the two red fighters and their own green bomber. Suddenly the screens were filled with streaking lines of fire.
    The two pilots seemed content to watch their screens, but Antar and the others had now turned their heads to look through the cockpit window, which gave a partial view of the star-bright blackness of the night sky. Kananda followed the line of their expectant gaze and saw a bright fireball of red and yellow flame that burst like the unfolding of some terrible galactic flower. The flash hurt his eyes and he flinched and turned away.
    When he blinked and looked back at the screen, he saw that one of the Gheddan ships had vanished from a direct hit. The flickering red streaks that marked the missile launches continued to criss-cross the top corner of the screen and then one of the Alphan ships also disappeared. Another sunburst filled the heavens beyond their left wing. Finally there was a third flash and the second Gheddan ship vanished from the screens. It was over in a very few minutes, and the surviving Alphan fighter took up an escort position off their wing as they climbed high and headed for home.
    â€œThe first casualties of war,” Antar said bleakly.
    There was a long silence as they continued to watch the screens, but no more images appeared. Kananda looked out through the cockpit window again but saw only a few molten fragments drifting on the edge of space. He realized that he had just watched men die. One Alphan and two Gheddan fighter crews had just perished in those lightning flashes and the awful swiftness and the sudden finality of it appalled him. When a man fought a man, there was always an option to give mercy and at the least an awareness of that moment of death when a man could call upon the gods to accept his soul. When the machines fought, there was nothing. They were merciless and without souls. Kananda had by now, with his sword, killed more than a score of men in the sweating heat of battle, but this new concept of cold-blooded, remote, push-button killing disturbed him.
    Antar led the way off the cramped flight deck and back into the small passenger cabin where he and Zela and Jayna were taking their seats. Kananda stared silently through the window for a few moments and then turned to join them.
    â€œYou took a risk in coming out here to meet us,” Zela was saying.
    Antar nodded. “We anticipate a Gheddan attack at any moment, so there is no time to waste. I know you have all had an exhausting journey and need rest, but this way I can listen to your reports and brief you on your next mission during the flight back to Alpha.”
    â€œOur next mission?” Zela stared at him in protest.
    â€œI am sorry.” Antar raised his hands helplessly and looked as though he meant it. “You know that Ghedda has launched a second mission to the third planet?”
    â€œWe know. The mission is led by Sword Lord Raven. He has six ships and orders to return to Earth and secure Karakhor for Ghedda.”
    â€œWhich we cannot allow him to do. Our escape ships must have a refuge. We cannot send our children helpless and almost undefended into a city that is already occupied by Ghedda. That is why your ship is waiting for you, fully fuelled and ready to take off with your crew on board. You too have five support ships, as much as we can spare to combat Raven’s fleet. The Gheddans are seven days ahead of you, but our ships are faster. You should be able to close the gap just before they reach Earth.”
    â€œIt will be a long race, but at max speed we should be able to catch them up.” Zela smiled wearily. “At least I should be able to get some sleep while we overtake them.”
    â€œForgive me.” Antar made the conciliatory gesture with his hands again. “But you are the obvious choice. Prince Kananda will go with you, of course. We are still