Probe Predators by Saxon Andrew Read Free Book Online Page B

Andi.”
    Trip smiled, “Let’s do it this way, Why don’t the two of you try to get a shot off at me.”
    “What?”
    “I’m not going to try and fire; I’ll simply attempt to evade you.”
    “Come on, Trip. I’ve been kidding around; you don’t have a chance against the two of us.”
    “Then the exercise will end quickly and then one of you can try it. We’re going to have to learn how to evade multiple ships…or do you think we’ll only have to face one ship at a time?”
    Cole looked at Andi on his display and shrugged, “He does make a good point. I would hope our ships are superior to those we have to face off against.”
    Trip said, “Those ships in M87 got a shot off.”
    Andi winced, “I think that’s a good suggestion. What are the rules?”
    “No use of jump drives.” Trip saw Cole’s expression, “I know one of our best maneuvers is to go into null space and allow an enemy to fly by. However, anyone can pull that off. We need to be able to evade when null space is filled with enemy ships waiting to bump us back into normal space.”
    Cole started nodding, “You’re making some good points. We’ll do it your way; Andi and I will come in at combat speed and attempt to get a lock on you with our missile or beam computer.”
    “I’m accelerating to cruise speed. I’ll attempt to react when I detect your approach.”
    “You don’t want a warning when we start?”
    “Would an enemy give you one?”
    Cole shrugged and the display went dark. Trip watched their two Needles jump away and he linked with Ian, “Are you ready for this?”
    “I’ll see them coming and have time to respond. Buckle in and we’re going to use the first maneuver to go over the top.”
    “I do hope you’re going to veer away from their approach vectors.”
    “Of course, and that’s what they’ll be anticipating.”
    “Here they come.”
    • • •
    Andi and Cole roared in and saw Ian accelerate to combat speed. They poured on the power and closed the gap on Trip instantly as he veered right breaking away from their line of approach. Suddenly, Ian flashed vertical and then made a tight turn over the top of their ships. Cole shook his head and gritted his teeth. His needle made the turn and Cole lost consciousness. Andi stopped the high G maneuver before she blacked out and saw Ian directly behind her. She shook her head and attempted to evade but couldn’t shake Trip from behind her ship. She knew if it had been a real fight, she and Cole would both be dead. “Enough! You win. Cole, are you alright?”
    Cole appeared on the display shaking his head, “I think so; Jack, why did you make such a severe turn?”
    Cole’s computer said, “It was the only way to prevent him from coming up behind you and getting a lock.”
    “Trip, how did you make that turn?”
    “I went cold turkey on the G training.”
    Cole shook his head, “I don’t know how you survived that.”
    “You will shortly.”
    “Oh?”
    “Both of you will start the maximum G training. You’ll want to die for a couple of days but you’ll come out of it with a far better ability of how to use your ship. I really want the two of you to do this.”
    Andi looked at Cole, “We’ll suffer together.”
    “I’ve notified the Mansion that you will be going there at the completion of each day’s training sessions and the staff will take care of you until you’re acclimated.”
    Cole looked at Trip, “How bad is it?”
    “It won’t be as bad on you; you’ve been training and are in better condition to handle it. I suspect you’ll be ready in two days instead of four.”
    “You didn’t answer my question.”
    “It’s a level eight hangover.”
    “Oh crap!!”
    Andi looked at Cole, “What’s a level eight?”
    “There isn’t one. Level five is the highest rating we’ve ever given.”
    Andi laughed, “It appears the levels have been increased.”
    “Which accounts for my, ‘oh crap’.”
    “Ian, send them the program you used