Behemoth: Rise Of Mankind Book 1 by John Walker Read Free Book Online Page B

it?”
                  “Yes, sir. What I referred to was how they generated the shield. I made no particular explanation to its defensive capabilities. All I knew then was I couldn’t see past it. Now that we’re here, it’s pretty much a standard environmental barrier. Powerful enough to deflect debris but not designed for combat.”
                  “And they didn’t boost the power when they stopped?” Everly shook his head. “Why?”
                  “Those drones might be nastier than we think,” Gray said. “Ensign White, what’s going on with the signal you picked up?”
                  “I’ve modified Olly’s cypher and added an app of my own,” White replied. “It seems to be some kind of greeting…possibly a hello . I’ll know more in a few minutes.”
                  “We may not have a few minutes,” Clea muttered.
                  “What’re your thoughts?” Everly asked Gray.
                  “I think we need to board it.” Gray contemplated the screen for another long moment in silence. “But I’m damn curious what this signal is. If they’re genuinely aiming for a peaceful communication, then I don’t want to engage. Right now, the only way we’re getting in there involves taking out the drones.”
                  “Marshall won’t like what we’ve got,” Everly said. “He’s going to want more.”
                  “C’mon, Agatha,” Gray said to Ensign White. “We need that information.”
                  “I’m working on it, sir.” White maintained a reserved tone but a hint of nerves colored the tone. “I’m almost there.”
                  “Can you lock weapons on those things, Redding?” Gray asked.
                  “Negative, sir. They’re too small and fast for our systems to grab on to.”
                  “Our ships can take them,” Everly added. “Give the word and I’ll have them engage.”
                  “Sir, I’ve decrypted the message.” White let out a sigh of relief. “It states Greetings, we are the Caerna. Our home was attacked and destroyed by a dangerous enemy which may come after you. Our crew is in suspended hibernation and may require medical aid. We come in peace and hope you will grant us aid, the few who remain of our race.”
                  Gray took a deep breath and stared at the screen. Everly’s enthusiasm for attack lost gravity in light of the message but the drones put them at a stalemate. The Behemoth could not assist these people without a potential engagement. Peripherally, he heard Revente report that all fighters were in escort position.
                  That’s when the drones made a move.
                  “Sir, the drones seem to be moving in our direction,” Olly said. “We’ve been scanned…and they are closing in.”
                  “Can you tell if they’re weapons hot?” Everly asked.
                  “Affirmative, sir.” Olly nodded. “Weapons are powering up.”
                  “Full shields,” Gray announced. “Give the order to engage.”
                  “Aye sir.” Everly tapped his tablet. “Revente, your people are go. Take out those drones.”
                  “Affirmative.” Revente’s voice crackled through the speakers. “We’re on it. Patching all coms through to your station for situation updates.”
                  Gray turned to Clea. “Here we go.”
                  “This seems odd.” Clea leaned back in her seat. “Why send a peaceful message then attack? I hope this allows us to gather answers without pushing our hand for an ultimate solution. I’d hate to lose any data their computers may hold concerning the enemy. However, if it starts