Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3
Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6
Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Completed beneath the ========
Merc
Chapter 11
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"Am I to assume, that you don't care if we believe if you are Tor Grall or not. Once you return to the Mohrabas, you do not intend on coming back?" Caran spoke carefully.
There was a long silence in the room.
"That's very perceptive of you. A while back I came to realise that if we ever returned that we might prove to be an inconvenience. As I came in there was a little man trying to get Korec to sign over ownership of the station, he didn't believe who I said I was either, this will make things very awkward all round. And even if I prove I'm me and have the station recognised once again as mine. Where do I go from there, do I chase down everyone that was handed credits and belongings that were mine and demand they hand them back?" Tor looked around the room but his eyes did not meet those of Tris. He returned his gaze towards Caran, "Plausibly it might be simpler for you to draw your blaster and shoot both me and Tris. It would save on a lot of paperwork. After all we are already officially dead and you can't kill a dead person, right."
"Indeed it would Mr. Grall, but just for once you have access to information of significant value. Simply, even with the inconvenience, you are, in my opinion, worth more to us alive than dead." Caran gave a wry smile and stood up.
Tor rose and looked up at the agent, "I think I would like to introduce you to ThiRioth, Chief Council of the Mohrabas. An impressively tall creature who makes looking down and intimidation something of an art form."
"Do I intimidate you Mr. Grall?"
"Not any more."
"Hmmm, I must be losing my touch." He looked thoughtful for a moment. "I have to mention a strange incident happened on the way up here. A lawyer from a certain company complained to me that he was physically thrown out of this office by a man claiming to be Tor Grall. You wouldn't have had a hand in this? Would you?"
Tor shrugged and held up his right hand.
"As you can see, this hand is obviously not very good for throwing things, especially people. And I consider, until recently, this to be my strong arm."
"And what about the other hand?"
"So is this meeting over?" Tor smiled.
"I think so, but I need you and Tris to accompany me back to Argon Prime. There's someone I know who's looking for a Split Dragon. And bring whatever data you have."
"Is this the point where I ask, what's in it for me?"
"Nothing Mr. Grall. Why would there be anything in it for you? However your co-operation might expedite official recognition that you are indeed still alive, but I can't promise anything."
"It's strange how you remind me of the Chief Council. You two could have hours of fun playing word games. Except it would probably be best if you lose."
"Sounds like an interesting person. But there will be time later for you to enlighten me on this new race. How quickly can you be ready to leave?"
"Corri, can you upload the navigational data for the Split Dragon we passed in Khaak space?"
"Star reference and jump correction data transferred. I have also uploaded the log entries relating to the Venom Master, Doctor Marra's medical reports, and all the survivor data."
"Corri?" Korecmancketras looked puzzled.
Tor glanced over towards him and then gave a wry smile.
"Corri, or Corricel in full, is the new name for the AI formally known as Sweety."
The Paranid looked perplexed for a moment, the question, 'Why?' forming on his lips but dying without a sound to be replaced by a shrug. Tor returned his attention to Caran.
"Well, I'm ready."
They both looked over towards Tris.
"I'll leave my stuff here, and collect it later." Tris remained looking thoughtful but remained silent.
"Then we're ready." Caran moved towards the door, followed by Tor and Tris. Korecmancketras and Serandamancketal remained behind and began to chat quietly.
**
With the record showing Tor was officially dead, Nyeshta had been ultra cautious when continuing to work as a fighter escort for the sector trading freighter now owned by Billyzonus. There was an unspoken understanding that she would only work the Paranid sectors to avoid being recognised. So far there had been nothing to indicate the situation would change.
Even so a growing suspicion that she was being watched had begun to creep over her. She had enemies within the guild, and she would not put it past any one of them to inform the Argon secret service of her identity.
They approached the next gate and she led the way.
"Entering sector Dukes Domain."
Beam weapons fire illuminated the void. The second escort fighter appeared behind her as the Prometheus surged forward. She swore as the HUD filled with hostile contacts and from the size of the swarm they had jumped into a large Khaak cluster.
The shields tumbled as she passed the heavy Khaak fighter. Green plasma from her companion reduced one of the numerous scouts to vapour.
"I'm on the fighter. Keep those scouts off me."
The fighter was slower but twisted and weaved breaking her weapons lock, as green plasma rained down on it. She strafed left and turned the ship hard about.
"Missile closing."
The ship shunted suddenly to the right as the warhead exploded. Lasers shimmered over the screen obscuring her view of the target. As they cleared she felt the triple blow of the heavy fighters lasers ripping into the shields.
"Missile closing."
She braced for the impact and as the controls settled she passed the heavy fighter, and swung on to its tail. The engines of the Khaak ship glowed, its shields blazing, as she fired the Perseus's three weapons until they were drained.
Another scout ship exploded close beside her, more plasma swept aside a third.
"Missile closing."
The explosion knocked her off aim and the moment for the kill was lost. A scout ship flew straight towards her, the light of its laser suddenly filling the screen. Instinctively she fired and dragged the ship back on target. The scout erupted into flame from the multiple impact.
The heavy fighter had taken the opportunity to turn. The white light of the lasers slammed into the depleted shields of her ship. Plasma met the incoming fire as she hit the boost and shot past the enemy before it completely robbed her ship of shields. The attitude thrusters shook the cabin as once again she fought to bring the Perseus on the tail of the heavy fighter.
The engine glow came into view as the enemy turned to face her. Strafing past, she then turned and fired again.
"Missile closing."
Plasma tore into the Khaak’s shields. She matched its turn strafing to keep the advantage. The missile struck.
"Shields critical."
"Just a few sezuras longer."
The heavy fighter rolled to the left as it's shields finally gave out. The plasma seared the skin of the ship and for agonisingly long moments Nyeshta wondered if it would ever explode. Suddenly gouts of flame billowed from the sides and moments later the ship became a rapidly expanding ball of superheated particles.
A quick look at the HUD displayed eight scout ships still surviving. The freighter and the third escort fighter were heading for the next station. Sector patrol ships joined the fight and within a mizura the Khaak cluster had been eliminated.
"Incoming message."
Nyeshta glanced towards the comm.
"Who's it from?"
"Sender is listed as Korecmancketras using a secure channel."
"Play it." She had not spoken to him for some time and reprimanded herself for not sending the occasional greeting.
"Nye, two pieces of news. First, Serandamancketal told me to tell you, there's a bounty hunter after you, be careful. Second, Tor's returned."
"Well I'm glad you saved the bad news until last. Any idea who the bounty hunter is?"
"None, just that he's a talented freelancer."
**
Tor was surprised to see that Caran's shuttles flight path did not pass the trading station or equipment dock.
"Where are we going?"
"Argon One."
"So I'm not going to see anyone important then?" Tor sat back.
"Not to you maybe, but Ban Danna happens to be the head of the Argon Secret Service. And it's him you're going to see." Caran had been quiet for most of the journey seemingly preoccupied with studying reports from the field rather than asking questions about the Khaak, or anything else.
"Tell me is Carolile still President?"
"Last time I checked she was. Though, it was a sensitive time just after the sectors went missing. As you can imagine, there were a lot of angry people demanding to know what the government was going to do to find the missing." Caran put aside the datapad, "Trouble is no one knew if the disappearance was the unfortunate result of a gate shift, and that was the official line for a number of wozuras. Not long after, the Xenon launched a massive invasion into the sector out of Getsu Fune, this curtailed any expeditionary force being deployed to search for the missing sectors. And the government declared that if contact had not been established after one jazura then it would assume the missing were dead."
"Funny, just after the invasion started, we discovered that the Khaak were controlling the gates using black boxes that they'd attached on the rear of the structure. So after destroying them we crossed into a new sector just to find that the Xenon were attempting to gain control of it." Tor gazed out of the window as Argon Prime came into view. "So it sounds like the Xenon are also expanding their empire."
"What are your opinions of the Khaak?"
"Difficult to say, homicidal killers could be one view point. But I think it's a species that suffers no rivals." Tor looked thoughtful, "The whole sector thing could have been just to work out our strengths and our technology. Then develop weapons and ships capable of overcoming them, before setting about eradicating us, before we become a threat to them. Who knows, they may have even captured a jumpdrive from one of the ships in the first attack and replicated it. Which could be why they don't bother with gate manipulation anymore, as they can appear anywhere and everywhere at once."
"I see you like to speculate, Mr. Grall."
"There is one thing I'd like you to know. The Mohrabas aim to recover their former sectors from the Khaak. To do so they will need jumpdrive technology, if only to put them on an even footing." Tor looked over to Caran, "This seemingly trivial piece of information, might get you some technological advances. But I can't promise you anything."
+++++++
There was a long silence. Caran tried to assess Tor, the jazura had matured the youngster, and there was a predatory strength within Tor that, until now, he had only sensed within one other.
"Times have changed Tor, and your request will meet with sympathetic ears, willing to do the right thing." He paused, "Now let me tell you something of interest. With the upsurge in Khaak activity occupying much of the sector forces. The sector police have authorised bounty hunters to track down and eliminate known fugitives from the law." Caran leant towards Tor. "You'll be interested to hear that the woman that built your Defiance is on the list, and is currently being tracked." He sat back, "Dead is more preferable than alive. That's the current policy."
"I'm sure by now you know I rescued Nyeshta from the pirate station, maybe that I even let her tag along with me to the silicon mine. Perhaps even that I gave her a new identity, so that she could take on a new life and live a decent, honest one." Tor paused, without serious provocation he felt a searing flame of anger rising inside him. "I stood before Creed to keep her alive. Now why couldn't you just leave her alone?"
Caran was taken aback, Tor, even with his broken hand, exuded extreme animosity. Tris stared silently at Tor, even she felt the anger.
"As much as I am glad you confessed all that, I have to tell you the use of bounty hunters has nothing to do with me. I stopped trying to find her after you disappeared, not that I hadn't already worked out where she might be. Nevertheless it's not in my power to keep her alive should anyone else discover her." Caran took a deep breath and adopted an equally aggressive stance.
Tor studied Caran for a few moments and then relaxed.
"You're a man of your word Caran. Of that I have no doubt. And I'd like to think you're not lying to me."
"You really don't want my help do you?"
"I am what I am and where I am because of you. Until I met you, life was interesting but never violent. Ever since I met you, I've been hunted, blown up, poisoned, shot at, stabbed, been incarcerated and studied like a lab rat for nearly half a jazura, and that doesn't include the numerous near death events I've experienced." Tor was on for a full rant.
"The remarkable thing Mr. Grall, is you always survive and you don't give up. I like that in a person, and finding good field agents with such talent is such a difficult task."
"I am not one of your field agents." Tor spoke slowly.
"No Mr. Grall you're not. If you were I'd owe you a jazuras back pay." Caran relaxed with a casual smile. "It is amazing what the last jazura has done with your confidence. And as I scanned through your medical updates I'm pleased to see that this isn't just an act of bravado. By all accounts you could do me some real damage, even with only one good hand. However I also note your escape from death is merely postponed."
"What do you mean?"
"The doctor didn't tell you?" Caran looked surprised.
"Tell me what?"
"Hmm, although the rest of you is considerably stronger than before, your heart is degenerating. Looking at this you've got two jazuras, maybe slightly longer." An uneasy silence fell in the cabin.
"I had supposed that this was the reason for your disinterest in being officially recognised as alive. It appears that I was wrong."
"Having a heart transplant isn't beyond the medical sciences. It's a simple operation these days." Tris put an optimistic view on Tor's new found knowledge.
"Yes, a very simple process these days for a normal person. But Tor's DNA doesn't match his physical being. His heart is human by design, but his genetics is Mohrabas. Swapping his heart for a human one would be rejected, and according to the medical report a Mohrabas one won't fit."
"Are we nearly there yet?" Tor glanced out of the window, his mood subdued.
The Colossus was an impressive sight, as the shuttle passed along its length to reach the docking bay. The giant ship gradually came to rest as they turned to make the final approach.
A young officer met them at the dockside.
"Agent Belign, I have been given instructions to escort you and your companions to the Admirals briefing room. If you would follow me."
Caran gestured for the officer to lead the way. He then motioned for both Tor and Tris to go ahead of him. They wandered for ten mizuras along busy corridors before they reached Ban Danna's office.
The officer turned to face them, "I'll wait here to escort you back."
Caran stepped forwards, "Follow me." He approached the door and touched the scanner pad. A moment later the door opened and he stepped inside.
"Ah, Caran. Glad you're here. I believe you've met Elena Kho, and this must be Tor Grall. Welcome on board." Ban cast a curious glance at Tris.
"Private Tris Matayah, she was with Tor on the return journey." Caran answered the unspoken question.
Tor took a few moments to study Ban and Elena as he tried to establish what interest these two people had in a missing corvette. There was an apprehensive tension in both Ban and Elena.
"As I understand it, you had quite an adventure on your return home. It must feel good to be back?" Elena asked conversationally.
"A story worthy of a few hours in the retelling." Tor smiled, "But I don't think I have your skill to put the words into print."
"What makes you say that?"
"I had the good fortune to find we had a copy of Farnham's Legacy in our archives. Masterfully written if I may say so." Memories on the content of the book fell into place. "But to answer your question, people think I'm dead and are trying to sell what was mine. I have returned to nothing and where I've just come from, I was someone. Is it good to be back? Not really."
"Come now Tor, that's a very bleak picture. As I understand it the Bakery hasn't been sold just yet, and I'm sure we can prevent that from taking place now you're here. Certainly long enough to correct the official records and re-instate ownership." Ban gave a warm smile.
"Now I expect you want to know about the corvette we spotted on our travels." Tor cut to the chase, as he was feeling tired and in need of rest.
"Anything you can tell us about it would be invaluable." Elena moved forward a few steps, concern etched on to her face.
Tor glanced around and approached Ban Danna's desk. He found a data port for his datapad and plugged it in. Tapping through the archive he found the flight data for the Khaak sector and sent it to the holo-projector.
"Nyana's Fortune is five light years from the Khaak sector. It has a heavy defence force consisting of heavy fighters, scouts and interceptor class ships, which you've already encountered. It also has a number of capital class ships, which so far you haven't seen." Tor showed each of the ships in turn. "The destroyer class is not to be trifled with, the weapons range is awesome and powerful enough to reduce a Titan class ship to scrap metal in a few sezuras. And that's where your friend is." Tor was thoughtful for a few moments as he looked at the others. The tension had returned in the face of Elena.
"The Dragon showed no signs of residual power. Although we weren't close enough to get a complete picture of what happened to the ship, it looked as though the Khaak had spent some time carving it up. This image is at maximum magnification. Soon after the Khaak took a special interest in trying to prevent us from getting away and we were forced to jump." The final image showing one side of the Dragon hovered on the projector. Tor unplugged the datapad.
"The co-ordinates of the Dragon have been uploaded onto your system. A fast, heavily shielded ship could potentially make a brief excursion into the sector to see if there's anything worth recovering. Just tell the pilot to stay out of range of the capital ships." Tor stepped away.
"This doesn't make a lot of sense. Why would the Khaak drag Kyle's ship to their own sector?" Elena asked.
"I have no idea." Tor looked around at the others, as ideas formed in the back of his mind. But he felt none of his suggestions would be well received. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go find a friend that might be in trouble."
============
"Before you leave Tor. You will need one these." Ban stepped up to him holding a credit chip and a genetic encoder. "All your credit details will have been archived by now. This card will enable you to earn and spend credits, all it needs is for you to place your hand on the encoder for security."
Tor did as requested. Ban turned towards Caran.
"As I understand it Tor has no living immediate next of kin, so Caran I need you to act as the government official confirm Tor's identity and suitability to carry a card."
Caran gave Tor a thoughtful look before it turned into a wry smile and he had his hand scanned.
"Credit account now active." The scanner pad announced, and Ban handed Tor the card.
"Consider this the first step towards, official recognition." The head of the secret service turned. "Tris, I don't have a card here for you, but we'll have one ready to be issued before the end of the tazura. Again you will need to have additional authentication from a close family member. Mother or father is preferable, alternatively a brother or sister would also be acceptable." He gave her a reassuring if slightly apologetic smile.
"I'll chase that one up." Caran commented. "And Tris, have a think about what your future plans are. The Argon Navy still has a need for good pilots, particularly now."
"Something in the officer ranks would sound better."
"I'll see what's available."
"I hate to be pressing, but have we finished?" Tor was anxious to leave.
"I think we've covered everything. And it was a pleasure meeting both of you." Ban smiled.
"I hope you reach your friend in time." Elena said. Tor turned and gave her warm smile.
"I hope so too, if only for the bounty hunters sake." He started to turn back towards the door but stopped. "And for what it's worth, from what I've read, Kyle strikes me as a bit of a survivor. I'm sure you'll find him alive and well."
She smiled.
"Until we have the opportunity to meet again, Tor."
"Hopefully in happier times. And I'll buy the first round of drinks."
"Only the first round?"
"At this moment in time I'd need a sub just for that. So I wouldn't rush to take me up on the offer."
Tris gave a polite cough. Tor turned to look at her, and with a slight shrug he moved towards the door.
Caran had a wry smile on his face, as he turned to Ban.
"I'll forward you a full report when I return to station, Sir."
"An interesting young man. I think I'd like to review his file in detail."
"I think the most interesting part is yet to be filed, Sir. After all he's discovered a new species, he's fought his way across a number of Khaak infested sectors to get home, and dealt with the Venom Master. All in the last jazura, Sir."
"He inferred that a bounty hunter is after his friend. I would appreciate it if you could include those details in the report. But before anything else, you'd best get them back to their station."
"Sir." Caran gave a slight bow of the head to Elena and followed Tor out of the room. The young officer led them back to the transport. He was a little subdued on the return journey as he contemplated how he would mention that Tor's friend was none other than Nyeshta, the woman that stole the blue prints of the X-shuttle several jazuras earlier. And because of this, he knew she figured highly on Ban Danna's most wanted list. Only the Paranid had not acquiesced to her extradition if captured. As they reached the station he turned to Tor.
"A piece of advice. When you find your friend, take her with you back to the Mohrabas. She's not good news and being associated with her won't win you many new friends."
"Are you telling me to harbour a criminal?" Tor looked bemused.
"Only if she means something to you. And that's me getting sentimental in my old age. Otherwise do yourself a favour and turn her in."
"For a moment there I thought you believed that everyone deserves a second chance."
"Why would I believe that when it gives me the opportunity to manipulate them?" Caran smiled. "Some people are given a second chance, but it's not a luxury that will be afforded to your friend. No, her name's already engraved on a tomb stone in a penal colony's ore mine."
Tor glanced over to Tris. She turned her face away from him to look out of the window.
**
Nyeshta saw the Nova long before it came into weapons range. The freighter was just behind her as they made the next trading run through Empires Edge. The fighter drew closer on an intercept vector.
"Nova pilot, your flight path will infringe on ours. Adjust your flight path accordingly." Nyeshta recognised the voice as that of the transport pilot.
There was no response. She tapped up the ships ID to see who the pilot was. The name Terrack Longrum appeared on the HUD, the occupation of Bounty Hunter was listed just below.
Green plasma streaked towards her as the comm opened.
"This is Terrack Longrum, working on behalf of the Argon police. One of your pilots is a violent criminal and I am authorised to use lethal force against her. Do not interfere."
Nyeshta hit the boost with a smile, knowing the Perseus would easily out run the Nova. Her shields plummeted as a crackling white lightning storm enveloped the ship.
"Shields critical." The switch to Ion Disruptors took her by surprise and she knew her only option was to run.
"Boost extension damaged."
She made only slight adjustments to her flight path, fearing that one Beta High Energy Plasma Thrower would be brought on line to rip the hull apart before she could reach safe distance.
"Rudder optimisation damaged." She could smell and taste the acrid fumes of fire suppressant tainting the air.
"Target out of firing range."
Nyeshta heaved a sigh of relief as she sped across the sector to the next gate. Glancing down at the flight deck she located the corporate transponder, and with a well placed kick smashed it from its mounting. Satisfied that no one she worked with could now locate her, she tried to plan her next course of action.
**
"Don't I mean anything to you?" Tor was thunder struck by Tris's words. They were back in his office when she had turned on him.
"Is it so easy to make you jealous?" Had not been the right response and Tor felt kneeling down and pleading for forgiveness might just lead to violence against him.
One thing he had noticed were the two bottles of space fuel standing on the counter. His curiosity got the better of him and as he approached he noted they were thirty year old single malts. He took a deep breath and as Tris continued to shout at him he said aloud.
"So when did you get back?"
"Are you listening to me?" Tris yelled at him.
"A lot sooner than you did." The voice was quiet, and yet cut through the air without apparent effort.
Tor turned to see Tris open mouthed and staring at Creed.
"But don't let me stop you Tris, I was rather enjoying the show."
Tor held up his hand.
"If I might get a word in edge ways. Tris, I love you. I can't find the words to say how much, but I've got to let you have your own life without me." Tor fought against the rising emotions that threatened to consume him. "Time is against me. You heard Caran, I have two jazuras left, and if I'm lucky slightly longer. In that time I'm going to be fighting a war against the Khaak. What time do you honestly think is going to be left for us?"
"You don't have to go back."
"I gave them my word and they believe in me. What would I be if I betrayed that trust now?"
"You could make them understand." Tears rolled down her face. Tor walked over to her and he enveloped her in his arms.
"Maybe this wasn't such a good time to visit." Creed rose from the seat.
"Stay for a while, I need to talk to you." Tor glanced towards him, "Open a bottle, I'll be back in a short while." Tor winced as he swept Tris off her feet and carried her to the adjoining rooms.
A short while later he returned and picked up a glass.
"How's the hand?"
"Broken and now hurts like hell."
"Try picking up the glass with the other hand."
"Thanks for the reminder."
Creed smiled as Tor sat down on the leather sofa and let out a deep sigh, he could seen a moist sheen over Tor's eyes.
"Well I know you're glad to see me, but there's no need to come over all emotional."
Tor shook his head and smiled.
"And how many women have you said that to?"
"Enough." Creed laughed.
"Between you and me, I won't mention you said it to me as well."
Creed laughed slightly louder. Tor looked up at the ceiling.
"My friend, I've become more like you than you could possibly image. And it scares the shit out of me."
Creed's smile faded and he nodded.
"The curse of two bloods."
"Serandamancketal told you?"
"Yes. They say you're stronger too."
"If we were to have a fight now, I think I might surprise you."
"Strength is nothing without speed and agility." Creed took a few moments to study Tor.
"I think they've improved a bit." Tor had a wry smile on his face.
"Care to prove it?"
"I have a broken hand." He held up the plastic cast.
"And that makes you slow?"
Whoa,,, Now were getting it nicely fit into the main story...
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