Sideshow Alley Read online

  Kyla kept the Lizard fighter out of sight on the far side of the Carrier while Colin tried to quell the impulse to be out amongst the action.

  He turned the radio off for a second and spoke to his pilot.

  ‘I love you,’ he said, and switched the radio back on in time to hear Alpha Two say, ‘They’re heading back now.’

  Kyla accelerated away to arc up over the Carrier and headed for Alpha’s quadrant, then once there, Red Alpha gave ‘chase’. The four Red Alpha Fighters pushed the Lizard craft in front of them relentlessly, Ben stopping the chase just short of the enemy Carrier’s Gun Battery range. Colin watched as the last Lizard fighter went aboard and saw the Carrier start to shimmer as he sent the torpedo on its way. Kyla turned back as the Lizard Carrier continued its jump into hyperspace.

  Looking back they saw massive eruptions of yellow and red as the torpedo found its mark, the Carrier teetering between the layers of space until it finally materialised again, its jump halted. The centre was already a molten mass and fire evident through the portholes as it took hold.

  ‘Get out of there or it will drag you in!’ the Colonel warned.

  The fighters raced back to the Redemption as the Lizard Carrier lurched at an unnatural angle. More colourful eruptions took place in the silence of space only to be snuffed out seconds later.

  Kyla landed last. Once they had dismounted from the Lizard craft the hangar staff latched onto it and winched it over the side.

  ‘Sorry, the Colonel’s orders,’ they said.

  Colin turned to Kyla and smiled, ‘It’s alright. It’s done its job.’

  The other flight crews milled about them to voice their jubilation of a job well done. The P.A. came alive to drown out their rowdiness, ‘All One Red Weapon Officers to Battle Command now. All One Red Weapon Officers to Battle Command now please.’

  The nominated crew broke free of their comrades and ran the length of the hangar, then on through the corridors and down the stairwell to Battle Command on four deck.

  ‘Come on in Gentlemen,’ the Colonel said, ‘well done to all of you. It seems the Lizards tried to surprise us before we could replace the crews lost in the last battle, but even that didn’t work. Now that they’ve lost a Carrier, they’ll think twice about coming back to Verdi and most likely strike out somewhere else.’

  ‘The idea to use the Lizard fighter came from your Alpha Leader only a few short days ago and depended largely upon you winning the battle, which you did—without which there was no plan. So I want to thank you all. Unfortunately we did have some casualties, five in all, the Squadron Leader of Juliet among them. Juliet Two will now assume that position. I’ll address the other fighters in the mess at 1300 hours. Thank you—that will be all.’

  ‘Mr Colin Oscopy, front and centre,’ the Colonel ordered.

  Colin approached him and the Command Staff closed in around them once the others had left the room.

  ‘So you pulled it off,’ the Colonel said, shaking his head, ‘you must be happy with yourself. I know I was when I downed my first Carrier.’

  ‘You’ve downed more than one?’ Colin said, surprised.

  ‘Oh—hell, yes. You can’t sit back on your laurels with only one under your belt.’

  Captain Jorgen rolled his eyes.

  ‘You’ve made the Admiral a very happy man,’ the Colonel said.

  Colin looked over to the beaming Admiral, who shuddered and cringed as more colourful displays of molten metal erupted briefly on the screen in front.

  ‘You must excuse the Admiral. It’s every OC’s nightmare to see a ship go down like that—however it brings joy to the heart of us fighters!’

  ‘How long will it go on?’ Colin asked.

  ‘It depends, perhaps a day or two. Hopefully it’s gone by the time our relief arrives. I’d hate for them to park on top of it,’ the Colonel said, as he poured a celebratory drink.

  ‘When will that be?’

  ‘They’ll arrive the day after tomorrow and we’ll depart shortly after that. All going well you should be able to step ashore after breakfast the next day.’

  The Colonel raised his glass, ‘To success.’

  Those around drank the toast and congratulated Colin before he left to return to the mess. Kyla had been waiting for him in the corridor. She drew him into an alcove out of sight and kissed him.

  ‘And I love you, too,’ she said.

  When they finally entered the mess they were greeted with more clapping. For most it was the first Lizard Carrier they had seen downed, although one or two of the older fighters had witnessed similar spectacles.

  Eric and the rest of Kyla’s friends looked at her much differently. She had more than lived up to the expectations of an Alpha leader and they respected her for it. Although it was a little different on Colin’s table.

  Tiddles echoed the others’ thoughts about the free shot when he said, ‘Nice shooting.’

  Pee Wee had followed the fighter as it left the ship and was in awe. He had viewed the spectacle along with the rest of the Karen gun crew as they crowded around the Battle Screen and cheered with them at the Lizard Carrier’s demise.

  Even the loss of five crews couldn’t dampen the mood in the mess, especially with rotation so close that they could smell it.

  At 1300 hours the Colonel addressed the flight crews and thanked them all for the role they had played in downing the Carrier—with a special mention of those who had been casualties in the conflict. He told them that although it was Alpha One who would get the accreditation, it was also chalked up to the Redemption and all those who served aboard her. After that he invited Colin and Kyla up to say a few words.

  Colin approached the mike first, ‘I would like to thank the Colonel and Legion for giving me the opportunity to be here today and only hope that the fruits of this battle can repay their faith in me. I’d also like to thank them for helping me realise my potential and introducing me to the Greater Galactic Community.’

  Kyla stepped up next. ‘Like all the pilots here I have been training for years in order to serve and I’m only too thankful that I could be a part of this day,’ she said, before handing back to the Colonel.

  ‘Film clips of today’s actions will be shown after the movie,’ the Colonel informed them before departing.

  All of the crews were present that night to view the spectacle in its entirety, the magnitude of which eclipsed their previous limited view and stilled the heart of everyone in the mess as they witnessed the demise of the Lizard Carrier and Ships’ Company. Upwards of a thousand of the enemy had died and it was the very same thing they tried to do to the Redemption each time they fought, so it had the effect of hardening the Legionnaire’s resolve, if anything.

  The next morning the Colonel held a service for the lost crews and afterwards Colin held a meeting for the squadron leaders as well, only this time it was to acquaint them to Juliet Squadron’s new hierarchy.

  He introduced the newcomers first, ‘Everyone this is Ray and Anders, the new Juliet One—and beside them are Peter and Olaf who are now Juliet Two.’ He pointed to the various leaders there, ‘Golf One, Scott and Jens along with Rick and Carl, their number Two. Eric and Tiddles you probably know are Delta One and their number Two Angus and Ivan. Next to them are Alpha Two, Ben and Hans as well as Kyla and myself, who you should all know by now.’ Afterwards they shook hands and talked for a while.

  Colin was happy with the proceedings. He knew it was vital they meld before leave because as well as taking on replacements afterwards they could also be thrown right back into battle.

  The rest of the day passed quickly—the two lovers sleeping soundly that night, knowing the Redemption would soon be relieved from above Verdi and they’d be whisked away to a Legion Complex for two weeks of R and R together.

  Almeta

  Finally the long awaited morning came. The Colonel addressed the mess after breakfast and informed the flight crews that Prathkos would be patrolling Ciri on the lookout for any un
ruly behaviour. He thanked them for their service so far and told them to enjoy themselves—then stepped back to avoid the rush. Kyla remained seated along with a few of her friends, so Colin went over to join them.

  Anders pored over the brochures spread out on their table, each extolling the virtues of the differently themed Recreational Complexes below. There was the Verdant option with its lush tropical jungle theme—populated by exotic flora and fauna from far-flung places of the Universe. Another was the Cosmopolitan, which boasted the latest in technology for all rooms, plus a dance floor that never stopped. It catered for both the multicultural and hyper-traveller. There was the Red Planet, Sand Palace and Subterranean Grotto as well—all boasting their own casinos.

  Kyla turned to Dag, ‘So which one are you going to?’ she asked.

  ‘We thought we would start with the Verdant option and if that doesn’t work out then we’ll go on to the Red Planet.’

  ‘Where will you be staying?’ Eric asked.

  ‘I’m not sure yet, the Cosmopolitan looks good. Perhaps we could meet up and have dinner sometime?’

  The Colonel saw them and went over.

  ‘Aren’t you people going ashore?’

  ‘We’re waiting for the rush to die down,’ they assured him.

  ‘What about you?’

  ‘I’m just about to put on my stepping threads before going below for a day or two.’

  ‘Not your spruiking gear, I hope?’ Colin said, cheekily.

  ‘And what’s wrong with them?’ the Colonel demanded.

  ‘Oh, nothing,’ Colin said, amid fits of laughter, ‘I really couldn’t imagine you any other way.’

  ‘Watch it, Young Fella. I might just surprise you yet,’ the Colonel said, before departing.

  ‘Well, we’d better be off,’ Kyla said, getting up to leave. ‘We’ll give you a call at the Verdant later in the week and arrange something.’

  The alpha couple fronted the paymaster before teleporting down and were greeted by Prathkos at the endpoint. On leaving the tent they could see it had been set up on a grass verge near the foreshore, with a huge modern city sprawled behind. They took a moment to breathe in the sweet fresh air and then felt the warm rays of the planet’s sun on their skin. Afterwards they made their way over to a small electric-powered cab waiting nearby.

  ‘Where to?’ the driver asked.

  ‘‘The Cosmopolitan,’ Kyla announced.

  The cab took off towards the city and entered its precincts. They found the differently themed hotels ringed Ciri and took up whole city blocks, while other businesses and concerns used the space in-between. The streets were clean and surprisingly pollution-free considering the amount of traffic, although Colin could now detect the slight smell of rubber and burnt carbon brushes in the air.

  When they arrived at the Cosmopolitan Kyla paid the cab-fare and they took the escalator up to the reception area in the main foyer. Legionnaires abounded, rubbing shoulders with tourists from off-planet who were looking for that something different to entertain them.

  By now Colin was familiar with most of the races onboard that made up the Alliance—but here on Almeta it was like a melting pot, with still more surprises to behold. They all added to the cosmopolitan feel of the complex. He booked a room and the clerk scanned their handprints for access purposes before giving them directions to room 680 on the seventh floor.

  On reaching their room Kyla placed her hand on the security panel. The door slid open silently and then closed behind them. The lighting came on and a recorded message played. It directed them to one of several screens that gave a guided tour of the room and all the services now available at their fingertips—courtesy of the electronic gadgetry.

  The two noted the main points before looking further around at the array of remotes and other screens—one for communicating, others for shopping, games and movies. Drapes were drawn along the outer glass wall to hide a view that looked out onto the adjacent complex and smaller buildings between.

  Kyla walked over to the bed and noted the freshly changed linen. Colin followed and put his arms about her while kissing her neck. She evaded his embrace then kicked off her shoes and shed her clothes. He did the same and joined her beneath the covers, the two lying in each other’s arms until lunchtime the next day, when hunger became the more dominant factor. Both enjoyed a mist shower before ordering something to eat via the communications screen and then sat back to watch a movie while waiting for it to be delivered. When the food arrived the two lovers demolished a roast chicken and large fruit platter between them and washed it down with a bottle of champagne. Once their energy levels were replenished it left them free to rediscover each other all over again.

  The next afternoon they ordered more food, only this time while they waited Kyla browsed the multitude of online shops for more suitable clothing to step out in. She chose a couple of outfits for Colin—one black with diagonal blue bands on top—the other olive, to match her own skin tone. She entered his size and viewed the items on a similar model prior to purchase and then went on to select footwear as well. Afterwards she chose something for herself, although hers was much easier as she knew going in what she wanted. By the time the food had arrived and they had feasted, the goods had already been delivered.

  Kyla tried her dresses on. The first was a slinky sapphire number with a cut-away shoulder. The colour matched her eyes and contrasted the greenness of her skin—her shoulder-length black hair framing the lot.

  ‘Now that is you,’ Colin assured her. She took it off and tried on the next one. It was the same design only in ruby red and it blew Colin away. He grabbed her and kissed her hungrily, causing her to laugh while trying to evade him and save her dress.

  The sound of the online screen stopped them.

  ‘You have mail. Do you wish to speak with the correspondent or reply later?’

  ‘Who is it from?’ Kyla asked.

  ‘Eric.’

  ‘I’ll take it thanks,’ Kyla said, and the screen came alive with Eric’s face in view.

  ‘Nice dress,’ he said, complimenting her.

  ‘Thank you. What’s up?’

  ‘Oh, nothing much—I thought you two might have come up for some air and be hungry enough for dinner and friends.’

  ‘When and where?’

  ‘The Verdant dining room at seven, you could stay awhile and dance after that.’

  ‘That sounds fine Eric, see you there.’

  The screen went blank.

  Colin smiled and said, ‘That gives us another couple of hours.’

  Kyla turned and removed the new dress carefully.

  Later that evening the alpha couple took a cab to the Verdant and then the escalator through to the foyer. Structurally the buildings were the same, the only difference being the particular theme. Painted murals of lush vegetation adorned the Complex’s foyer with potted foliage placed around to complement and give it a jungle look. Small monkeys and colourful macaws were tethered on pedestals along the way to add to the scene, while larger caged animals featured in different rooms as they passed through to the dining room in search of their friends. It was finally through Eric’s frenetic waving in the distance that they found them amongst the throng of diners.

  ‘Glad you could make it. We thought you could do with a feed,’ Anders said.

  ‘I don’t know why you would think such a thing,’ Kyla said, defensively, ‘we’ve been eating quite healthily.’

  ‘It might be a good idea for the crews to work out a bit after leave, they’ll probably need it,’ Colin said, addressing Eric.

  ‘Most probably,’ he replied, ‘but let us not talk of work. Have you seen all of the exotic wildlife here?’

  The roar of a lion could be heard from the next room, no doubt excited by the aroma of the different foods permeating its cage.

  ‘From what I’ve seen, most of it comes from Earth.’

  ‘Does it really?’ Olaf exclaimed, ‘you have all those animals down there?’
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br />   ‘Not where I live, but on the African and South American Continents, look them up when you go back to the ship.’

  ‘We have no bird or animal life on our planet, although we used to eons ago,’ Dag lamented.

  ‘Yes, we are losing ours too, I’m afraid,’ Colin informed them, ‘their habitat is slowly being eroded by unscrupulous men to farm and build upon. I suppose this being a Legion Complex they use those animals so the earthmen can relate to them.’

  The group ordered and ate while talking throughout and although the two lovers sat on different sides of the table, the chemistry between them was evident. Colin wore his olive-green outfit and blended in with the pilots. The boys too, had all forsaken their uniforms in favour of smart leisurewear.

  After the meal was finished they moved to the dance floor, with Kyla and Colin jumping straight into the rhythm while Eric and the boys searched the surrounding tables for a dance partner. There were plenty to choose from—most being hostesses there for the purpose, plus a sprinkling of off-planet singles looking for romance. It wasn’t long before they were all up on the floor and gyrating under the pulsing lights.

  Kyla shone in her ruby-red outfit as she swayed hypnotically opposite Colin. Eric watched them wistfully for a moment before directing all his attention to his lovelorn partner, whose beaming face and comely body suggested an interesting time laid ahead. Towards the end of the night everyone was seemingly paired off, so the two lovers gave their apologies. They thanked Eric for a great night before returning to the Cosmopolitan and their Zylon love nest.

  The following day the two hit the dance floor at the Cosmopolitan and spent a few hours there before disappearing again. It became a ritual each day—dancing and socializing with the other legionnaires and their partners.

  In the second week though, Colin looked at what other opportunities were available in Ciri. One that really interested him was a two-day cruise run by locals. He drew it to Kyla’s attention and she was all for it. The vessel left the next day, so they purchased swimwear and packed in readiness for the cruise and then made the most of the time left by partying. They didn’t bother to sign out of their room, opting to have it there for when they returned so they could spend a final night together before teleporting back the next day.