Two Connie snapper-boats had been destroyed in
that clash, which explained why the commander was sending out only ten
boats instead of a full quota of twelve.
The squadron instantly formed a V, like a strange space letter made up of
globes. The sun's gravity pulled at them, dragging them off course. Rip
watched as flames poured from their stern tubes. They were firing full
speed ahead, but the drag of the sun distorted their line of flight into
a great arc.
Rip saw the strategy instantly. The Connie commander knew the situation
exactly, and he was staking everything on one great gamble, sending his
snapper-boats to land on the asteroid--to crash-land if necessary.
The asteroid was so close to the sun that even the powerful fighting
rockets would use most of their fuel in simply combating its gravity.
"All hands stand by to repel Connies," Rip shouted, and he drew his
pistol. He looked into the magazine, saw that the clip was full, and
then charged the weapon.
Santos was crouched over the rocket launcher, his space gloves working
rapidly as he kept the rockets pointed at the enemy.
Rip called, "Santos, fire at will."
The Planeteers formed a skirmish line which pivoted on the launcher.
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