Demise

[Boss]

As soon as the siphons were pulled, the turrets started their bootup routine. Mathers knew from experience that it would take about five to seven minutes to go fully on-line. They had about that much time to get Mason onto the shuttle. "Johnson, set those turrets to fire on any movement, otherwise our company will probably not be engaged. It's risky, but right now I don't see any other options. Do you?"

Johnson shook his head. "No, sir, you're right. Hollis, you have five minutes. Get Mason, get out."

"Copy that. Siphons'll be working in about thirty seconds."

4:47

Stevens glanced at the scan readout and turned pale. "Uh, sir, that gunboat's gone from scopes. I think they're docking." A check of the bay status board confirmed this. So much for five minutes. Mathers thought, and slammed the breach alarm. A pleasant female alto began informing all personnel that boarders were present on-station and defensive measures were just a few minutes away from being ready.

****************

The power status console registered red lights on Mason's cell; the siphons were working. Hollis checked the time readout on his wrist: 2:17 "Shield's mostly disseminated...but this might sting still. Hold on, sir." With that, he thrust one armored hand through the field and grabbed Mason's shirt. Sparks danced across the surface of his armor, and Mason sighed. "Okay, okay, this might sting a lot." Hollis yanked, and Mason sailed through the field, clothing charred slightly and every hair on his body on end. He grimaced, uneager to try that again any time soon.

2:05

Two of Hollis' Marines picked Mason up by the armpits and started sprinting in the direction of the bay while the rest, along with Hollis, moved to intercept Juneau's team. "Control Room, we have Mason. Let's get the hell out of Dodge while we still can."

1:57