Sabine: The rise of an Assassin:

[Sabrina Bergin]

I suspect he was going more for: I like cooking, my family and my pets.

As in a list of things the person likes.

Saw the post. Looks awesome.

Don't worry, my timing frequently puts my comments in the middle of someone else posting.

Damn! No star after all then.

[Triaxx2]

Still prevents a sociopathic mis-understanding.

[Annette Barret]

Written By Sabrina: My mistake I just posted without checking I was the one logged on. Dammed if I'm going to change it I've edited it enough times already.

Payback:

The sudden assault on my senses by the excruciating pain in my back told me I wasn’t dead… I just wished I was. As I became more aware of my surroundings, despite the intensity of the pain, I realised where I must be. The base’s operating theatre; the dull sensations I was getting from my lower back told me someone was poking around down there.

We didn’t have time for this… Once Ceri realised she’d failed to kill me, she’d move real fast to correct that mistake. Selma was sat facing me, I tried dislodging the mask they’d stuck on my face. That wasn’t such a good idea, the pain reached new heights, shattering my thoughts and ability to move. It got Selma’s attention though, she leaned close to reposition the mask. They stopped whatever they were doing to my back till I stopped moving.

“No time” I screamed, my voice barely more than a hoarse whisper to my own ears. “Tell…. Hanes … to go… Now!”

For a moment I was afraid she hadn’t heard me, she looked into my eyes, her confusion evident before moving out of my line of sight. A sezura later I heard her repeating what I’d said, as I slid back into welcome oblivion.

In the past I’d always discounted people’s descriptions of what was known as a near death experience. I couldn’t dismiss it now though... I was pretty certain I was dying, I could feel the dull ache of that wound pulsating in my back. I was standing at the edge of an impossibly high cliff, looking down into a dark chasm before me, I knew what that was, it reached out as if welcoming me.

I half turned, and saw behind me a vista of a ruined land, bereft of life, littered with the shattered remnants of my once mighty hopes and dreams…. This truly was death then; it had come sooner than I’d hoped, but was not unexpected. Dammed if I was going to show any fear here though, raising my foot to step into that abyss.

“Do not!” screamed the Rage not from within my mind… but from outside of me. “If you choose this I die with you.” This was not real; the Rage had always been an intrinsic part of me, a curse I had known since I’d drawn my first breath.

I turned my eyes away from my outstretched foot, catching a glimpse of her… It? A shadowy darkness whose only discernible features were the blazing eyes that looked into my own. Someone else had done that, not her… someone who loved me. I remembered that much. The Rage seized on that sudden memory.

“Would you leave Selma alone with nothing but her grief Sabine? You swore to protect her, she loves you… Even now she is calling for you to return to her side. Would you willingly forgo the chance to caress her… know her gentle embrace once more?”

The Rage was lying of course, I remembered the many times it had tricked me in the past. Robbing me of my will, so it could break free of my control.

Still... I did hear a voice, the words were indistinct in the sudden breeze that was now pushing at my back, urging me to take that final step forward. That angered me, I alone would choose the moment I accepted death. I was not done, not yet.

I turned and looked back along the path I must have taken, that voice grew stronger as did the breeze, it became a fierce wind that tore at my clothing, throwing needles into my face, making my eyes water, pressing me back towards the precipice. Gritting my teeth with both Rage and my own anger driving me, I took one step then another, then another. Each step I took her… No Selma’s voice became clearer the words more distinct.

Then I finally heard her words clearly. “Don’t leave me alone Hun.” I made one final effort... throwing myself against the gale that tried to stop me. It hurt like hell then it was suddenly... impossibly gone, all of it the bitter wind, the chasm, everything. I vomited out a stream of liquid, coughing weakly as a pain in my chest eased, hearing the relief in Selma's voice. I cried out in relief myself, as that dreadful vision faded from my mind. The pain returned almost at once but that was as nothing to me now.

“Promised you babe” I finally managed to whisper, feeling her hand holding my own tightly. A sudden overwhelming feeling of exhaustion swept over me, robbing me of both thought, and speech. I fell not into deaths embrace this time, but into sleeps more gentle one.

[Sabrina Bergin]

Continued:

You know it’s amazing how much thinking you can get done when you’re stuck in an amnio-tank, I’d have preferred being tucked up in a nice warm bed but Mori Lu had ruled that out right from the start. Seems that the bomb Ceri put in me had fizzled rather than gone of fully as she’d expected, intended. It had still punched a hole the size of a fist in my back. I needed to get out of this tank and soon there were a lot of other ways Ceri could hurt me and I needed oversight. I’d come up with some rather unpleasant ideas as to why Ceri had decided to have me killed, the fact that she’d been prepared to sacrifice me, Collard, and his people in the process told me how serious she was about it. That and the timing screamed volumes.

The way I saw it… my next step would have been to hit terran space, and warn them of the link between the pirates here and criminal elements in their own sectors. Her actions demonstrated that either she, or the people who held her leash didn’t want that. I doubt it was money, at least not on her part, little Ms iron pants Ceri was a born again Argon patriot. That meant the order must have come from Fleet Command itself, probably from those who had the political clout, and the money to influence fleet policy.

So… who would benefit most from provoking a war with the terrans, that was easy enough… half the corporations in Argon prime were tied into supporting the fleet through lucrative defence contracts. Hell even I would make money out of the deal. A war would see those contracts become the source of billions of credits. The stupid bastards obviously hadn’t given any thought as to what would happen if we lost. That was a real possibility, the terrans had fleets that simply dwarfed ours, both in numbers and in size of their capital ships. Even if all the other races joined in it would be too close to call the result of an all-out war. I could just sit back and let it happen of course, wait till they were done then go in and pick up the pieces. That didn’t sit well with me… not well at all, they’d tried to kill me for fracks! Sake, and that Carrack of Collards had killed Kleo and his wingman when he’d gone for the Caravel after it had undocked from the pirate base. That still hurt… Erine had given me the bad news when she’d brought me up to speed on what had gone on after I went down. Jako had made the Captain of the Carrack regret that, he’d taken the bastards ship and had his marines kill the man in front of his entire crew. As for them, they were all in holding cells here…. I’d decide what I was going to do with them later.

For the moment I had to wonder at Ceri’s delay in moving to take us out, it had been what four day’s and Zip… nothing. I’d even checked with the office in Legends but it seemed there was nothing happening that should give me any cause for concern. That in itself worried the hell out of me, Ceri didn’t do nothing…. Ever.

The only plus side to this whole situation was, it was giving me time to heal. Well more than heal, I’d had some long conversations with the Doc, and asked him to explore the possibilities of upgrading capabilities of the nannites he’s been using on me. Seems I’d touched a nerve there with that. His government had stopped him developing his work in certain areas. They were under the impression it could be misused. Go figure…. I wasn’t going to misuse it of course, I would sure as hell take advantage of it though. That’s why I was still in this tank, waiting for him to finish developing the latest batch of improved nannites. If they performed even half as well as he claimed, I’d be stronger and faster than I’d ever been even when using flash.

There were a number of my people who would have the opportunity to use them as well, Erine had put her name at the top of that list when I’d discussed it with her. I think she just wanted to keep the rep for being the hardest, bad assed marine in our company. My thoughts were interrupted as I caught sight of the door opening, I turned on the external mikes as Selma walked in stepping up to the observation rail where I could see her clearly.

“Hey babe, what gives? I mean you only left here like… ten mizura ago.”

“That Doctor of yours called me, said he was going to finish your treatments. Looks like you’re finally going to get out of that gloop, Arlen.”

“Well that will be a relief,” I admitted. “Damned stuff gets into places it really doesn’t feel like it should, if you know what I mean?”

She wasn’t telling me everything, there was some other reason she had come down here, I sort of hoped she’d spill it, but she stepped back out of the way as the Doc’s team arrived and started getting me out of the tank. They hosed me down pretty thoroughly before they set up the blowers to dry me of. I did catch the look of anger from Selma as one of them slipped a pair of panties on me before I was laid down face down on a gurney again. This should be the last time I had to endure this, at least that’s what the Doc had promised. He came in a mizura later and checked my stat’s before he stuck a big needle into my back. Even with the local anaesthetic it still hurt, he was watching the scan monitor giving me a running commentary, which to be honest I could have done without. I felt the effects almost immediately as I broke out into a cold sweat. I knew it wasn’t cold in here but I was freezing.

“Do not be alarmed miss Arlen, the discomfort you are feeling will soon pass.” He assured me. “My staff will now fit the support frame for you, this will give you some mobility, but I must urge caution. Until your system has adjusted you may inflict harm on yourself if you try to do too much. I will monitor your progress and tell you when it may be safely removed.” With that he left the room leaving his staff to fit the girdle he’d designed, then built to protect my spine whilst the nannites did their job. Once that was done they lifted me up covering me up with a robe then lowered me into a god damn powered chair again. I thought I was done with these things, Selma moved in then and wheeled me out of the room before anyone could voice an objection, including me.

She took me straight to our quarters, well staterooms really. I’d had the place furnished during the refit of the base and I’d indulged myself. I even had a team of staff on hand to cater for my every need. One of them, Kami stepped forward after Selma had lifted me out of that chair and sat me down on one of the big leather couches that were spread about the room before taking a seat opposite me. What no hug, no kisses, I didn’t miss the symbolism of her having a table between us either.

“Good afternoon Arlen, Selma, would you care for refreshments perhaps a light meal, the doctor has informed us you should eat regularly?” Kami asked.

“Just some snacks and a bottle of wine Kami you know my favourites, Selma?”

“I’ll just have some coffee thanks.” Kami went off to sort that, I had to look at Selma real hard for a moment before she fessed up what was bothering her.

“So what now Arlen, or should I call you Sabine… the same as everyone else does when I’m not around, or thinks I’m not listening? Who are you Arlen?”

[Sabrina Bergin]

Continued:

That was a good question, I waited for Kami to finish what she was doing then retire to a discreet distance before answering it. “I’m several people Selma, I have to be. Which one do you want to know about first? I mean you have a choice there’s me… sat here with my lover, then there’s the Arlen Poler who works for those bastards in M148… You know the ones who just tried to kill me? I’m also Rabeka Poler C.E.O. of the Onyx corporation, a respected businesswoman who rubs shoulders with the movers and shakers in the Federation.”

“You didn’t mention Sabine; I have to ask myself why? I mean it’s not like I don’t know that’s the name your mother gave you Arlen. You’ve told me that much at least.” Her tone showing her anger at that.

“That’s because Sabine is the name I use for… Well let’s just say other things… things I didn’t think you needed or would want to know about, this is a path I don’t want to walk with you Selma.”

She was going to insist though; I could see she was determined to know everything about me, would this be where she walked away from me? Even the thought of that happening was painful. I picked at food on the plate Kami had placed on the table, barely tasting what I ate, sipping at my wine as I did so. I was hoping to wait her out, that she might back down from this once she saw how reluctant I was to tell her. Yeah that would happen the day hell froze over, I owed her this much at least I thought recalling that step I had so nearly taken, I could feel the fire burning in my eyes as I started to speak.

“Alright since you insist… Kami leave us please.” Kami left closing the door quietly behind her. “Sabine is me Selma, the real me, all of the others are personas that I’ve used to hide from people. That started with Suzeanne, after I was raped she wanted to study Sabine, I couldn’t allow that though. If she had known who or, what I was then she’d have locked me up in that damn institute, and left me there to rot.” Selma looked shocked at that, she wouldn’t have been if she’d known that Suzeanne’s field was the study of violent sociopaths, and use thereof.

“Of course once she died I had to learn to fend for myself, Otas gave me a simple choice then, join our indenture program or get out. No prizes for guessing my answer to that. So I thought I’d enlist, I mean you get paid, and you get taught all sorts of shit that Suzeanne never bothered teaching me. They turned me down flat of course…. apparently I was too young and had to prove myself first so, I became a mercenary taking crap jobs from all sorts just to get by. Now some of those jobs later began to involve taking, out or killing people… people who had hurt others. So I became an assassin of sorts, I mean… it was no different to killing pirates who came after the ships I was being paid to escort. Trouble with that was after a while the assassin’s guild thought I was treading on their territory, some of the jobs I took had already been contracted out, and people were getting upset when I got paid and they didn’t. I got given a choice become a member or die. It’s a good recruiting angle… Don’t you think?”

“I’m surprised the Fleet never found out about that Arlen,”

“Ooh they knew about it Selma… Ceri certainly did, why the hell do you think I got posted to M148?... You looked shocked, don’t be the main race governments commission over half of the contracts the guild puts out. Of course they don’t advertise that fact.” Selma found that difficult to accept, she still had this strange notion that the fleet was above that sort of thing. She knew Ceri had tried to have me killed, she was still clinging to the naïve belief the woman had done that of her own bat. Too be honest it wasn’t worth the trouble of proving otherwise, she’d find that out in due course.

“Anyway that’s when Sabine was created, I needed a working name for the guild and that’s the one I chose, that’s also the reason I don’t like that name being bandied about. Ceri doesn’t know I’m Sabine, and that’s the way I intend to keep it, if she knew she’d use you, Sandy or Lannar to get to me. Most of the jobs I took during that period were routine escort or defence jobs with Bran and his people in Aladna hill and other sectors in the quadrant. That’s how I ended up getting in that fur ball in Aladna hill, the one that ended with me killing that P.” Of course once I’d done that the fleet decided I might be good enough for them after all, that’s when I met you…. You seduced me shortly after that.”

“As I recall it was you that showed me where the bedroom was,” she corrected me blushing at she recalled that trip we’d shared to the trade station.

“Whatever, nothing’s happened to change the way I feel about you since then Selma. Hell do you even know it was your words, the sound of your voice that brought me back, I was ready to just let it all go and die you know?”

That shocked her, not as much as her reaction did me, before I could object she’d picked me up and carried me from the room placing me gently on our bed. “Wait here” she said disappearing for a mizura before returning with a fresh bottle and a couple of glasses.

“So what now?” she asked later.

“Well first off we have to wait till Ceri makes her move, I’ve got Dannar making moves on Argon Prime, a few senators are going to find themselves under intense media scrutiny shortly. Hopefully that will make Ceri pull in her teeth a bit. If it doesn’t then it’s going to get very messy.”

“You can’t beat the Fleet Arlen?” Selma replied quoting the classic mantra they drilled into all recruits in basic training.

“Then it’s just as well I don’t plan on doing that, I do intend to make the people who ordered my death pay though, they are ultimately responsible for Kleo’s death Selma, I owe him that much at least. If they don’t get the message, then I’ll have to take more drastic measures. That’s they’re choice.” Selma didn’t like that at all, so I decided to wait till she’d seen what I knew was coming before saying anymore.

[Sabrina Bergin]

Aftermath:

Ceri was furious, after the debacle in Lost order she was now starting to get questions from command, they wanted to know what was happening in her division… Questions they would never have dared voice before they sent that idiot Collard here. She knew why this was happening of course, Onyx security corporation had started to throw its weight around, Ms Rabeka Poler herself had stepped in personally, asking her political friends in high places why her people were being killed by fleet personnel. The recordings she had shown them of her fighter pilots being fired upon, and their ships destroyed by a carrier that was registered to her command had been widely disseminated. The damned woman had even threatened to sue the fleet for damages for fracks sake.

Ceri turned her attention back to Senator Garner on the com terminal, he’d made it clear Command wanted this whole incident put to bed. He hadn’t had to suggest that she would be the one sacrificed if certain people considered that necessary to make the whole thing go away.

“Look Ceri this mess has a certain odour about it, I know a cover up is on the cards, hell you spend as much time on senate committees as I have, and you see the rats running for cover long before it hits the fan. Now I’ve known you what… nearly twelve Jazura so I know this mess isn’t yours? I’d hate to see you being the one thrown to the wolves over this so my advice… Speak to the damned woman, from what she’s said or rather what she hasn’t said, I believe she still has an ace to play. The woman never would have started this unless she was sure she was going to win Ceri, I also got the impression she is doing this for personal reasons, whatever happened in Lost order involved more than the loss of a couple of her fighters. She’s as much as said she doesn’t care what it costs, she wants whoever was responsible for this hung out to dry, I’m pretty certain that’s going to happen Ceri. My nose also tells me that she wants something, something she thinks only you can give her, I’m certain of that. That gives you leverage use it.”

“Alright Noel I’ll speak to her… Oh and Noel you tell can your friends that if they try to make me the scapegoat, I take them all down with me. They fracked up when they forced Collard on me, I didn’t.”

Ceri closed the link, she hadn’t wanted to make the threat so blatant but she had little choice in the matter. For Noel to make such a call told her clearly that plans were already in place to make her fall on her own sword for this.

The woman must have been waiting for Noel to contact her, and let her know she’d take the call she’d refused to accept till now. It didn’t surprise her that the link was coming in via a military grade secure encrypted channel.

“Ms Poler, I understand you’ve been trying to contact me.” Ceri watched carefully as the woman reacted to her greeting. She was trying not to show it, and most people would have missed seeing the rage the woman was barely keeping in check. To Ceri’s eye the woman’s demeanour told her everything she needed to know.

“I’ll get straight to the point Mrs Slamer, you can start by telling me how to get that thing out of Arlens back or I will destroy you.”

Ceri ignored the threat, to be honest she didn’t care about it, what did interest her was what the woman had revealed, no doubt her emotions were affecting her judgement. First, and perhaps most importantly.... that Arlen was still alive, and therefore still a threat to her. The second, that she was obviously in love with the girl.

That opened up a whole new range of possibilities. She was a little startled she hadn’t seen it before, Arlen was certainly clever enough to seek the protection of her current employer. Given the woman’s known sexual preferences it was obvious how she’d ensured that, clever Arlen… very clever. There was a chance she might still be able to salvage the situation, it just needed this woman to believe that she had no knowledge of what had been done to Arlen till after Lost Order.

“Ms Poler its clear you’re upset; I suggest we meet in person… I can appreciate… given the circumstances you’d rather not come here, what if we met in your office? There are matters of Federation security we should discuss.”

That hit just the right note, it would let her infer she was innocent of any part in what had happened, and worried her own communications were being monitored. It would at the same time suggest to those she was certain were listening, that she intended to end this woman’s meddling in matters that did not concern her.

“Very well be at the trade station in Nathans in two hours, once there board the transport that will be waiting for you… don’t bring any baggage Mrs Slamer you won’t be needing any.”

The woman cut the link leaving Ceri to consider her options here, it was clear, that "don’t bring any baggage", meant travel alone and unarmed. The time allowed told her that a transport was either on its way to that station or was already waiting there.

“You can’t go Ceri, it’s too dangerous.” Pol warned.

“Of course I’m going the woman’s desperate, she’s also going to give me the chance I need to get things back on track. Once she believes the Terrans tried to kill her beloved Arlen, instead of getting in my way she’ll be screaming at her friends in the Senate to give me a free hand. After I’ve cleared up the mess Collard landed us, in we can move onto the next stage, just have the strike force ready to act on my signal.”

“Is that wise Ceri… I mean if you think you can convince this woman to work with us why go after that base at all? Given its location it could be extremely useful to us.” This was why she was the one who had to make the hard decisions… Gunne she loved the man but he could be a little dense at times.

“Arlen is still alive Pol.”

“Yes, I got that Ceri…. I do listen occasionally.”

“Don’t be snippy Pol, Arlen knows the pirate connection was faked, she’s smart enough to have figured it out, her taking that side trip to Loomanckstrats proves that much. Now given that she knows that whole operation was being run without the knowledge of the Pirate clan’s chief, but with the active support of certain members of the defence oversight committee… I’m sure you can see that it’s not too big a step for her to take, to consider that we arranged the whole thing. It’s a pity really she could have gone so far if she’d stayed within her mission briefing, I had great plans for her you know. As for that base of hers… I don’t want you to destroy it… I want you to capture it intact, do you think you could do that for me Pol? Now run along and get your people on the transports, I want them ready to move the moment I give the signal. Oh and Pol…. I expect young Arlens name to be on top of the list of those killed during the rescue attempt.” She called as he walked out of her office.

“Now just one little surprise for Ms Rabeka Poler,” she opened a drawer in her desk, and took out the applicators containing the nannites she’d originally wanted to try out on Arlen... No matter, they’d do just as well making Rabeka Poler her willing ally.

[Sabrina Bergin]

Exodus:

Aboard the transports they waited for the operation to begin, this was going to be a tough one, the target was one of their own gone rogue. More than that it was known she had a strong Marine presence on the target station, which meant it was likely more than a few of them would not be coming back from this one. At least they wouldn’t be in the first wave to reach the station, that privilege was reserved for the men waiting to board the pods on the missile boats.

Aboard the outpost in Black hole sun, Jennet counted the number of ships that were forming up twenty clicks from the outpost, both by type and number. That information he sent in a burst transmission that would be bounced across half a dozen sectors before it was redirected to Sabine. That task done he contacted the Legends Media corporation using a com number provided by Sabine and spoke to the C.E.O. herself, telling her she should get her star reporter, out of harm’s way.

Lora stared at the blank screen for a moment as she tried to take in what the man had told her, it wasn’t possible. The discovery of the Aran was the biggest thing since the Federation was founded Janne was there at the sight now, had been for days recording interviews with the crew that had found the vessel in unknown space, as well as the contingent of Goner priests that had been permitted aboard the vessel. Why on earth would the Fleet be sending a flotilla of ships to destroy it? She tried contacting Rabeka but her coms were busy, instead she put a call through to Janne and waited anxiously for the girl to answer.

“Alright Lora, how the hell did you find out about this?”

“You mean you know about the attack?”

“Of course I do I’ve been interviewing the refugees for the last two days it’s great human interest stuff Lora you are going to love it, Fleet rescues kidnap victims from pirate hell.”

She didn’t know Lora realised, then how could she stuck in the middle of a sector in Xenon space from what Rabeka had told her. “Janne listen to me very carefully I want you to keep this line open I need to speak to whoever’s in charge there right now.”

Janne felt a sinking feeling in her guts, Lora sounded like she was scared to death, and that woman was as hard as nails. Janne looked about and saw her… the woman Rabeka told her was running this show talking to some of the Goners as they studied the readouts from a display panel to one side of the huge control room. She made her way over to her signalling Iaon to follow, and keep recording.

**********

“Ma’am I have an urgent message for you from my boss” the reporter said thrusting her com unit into my hand. It had begun then; I was beginning to wonder if Ceri had decided to give up on killing me after all.

“Arlen speaking, how can I help ma’am?”

“Arlen yes…. thank gods Rabeka told me about you, listen carefully an informant of mine has just warned me that a fleet is being made ready to attack you, he’s sent me vids of them forming up in Black hole sun. You have to get out of there now.”

“Just a minute ma’am, I’m going to conference this call,” I walked to a control panel and plugged in the com unit allowing the signal to be piggybacked, before handing Janne’s com unit back to her.

“Ma’am, I’m afraid we can’t really go anywhere we were lucky to get this behemoth here in one piece. Look let me speak to my boss I’m sure there’s got to be some sort of mistake ....."

**********

"Oh frack!" Lora heard the woman say before rushing of out of view of the terminal. A moment later Lora heard the sounds of alarms that could be clearly heard echoing throughout the ship. Janne slipped into the seat Arlen had vacated and saw her speaking rapidly to a group she recognised as senior crewmembers. “Lora a fleet has just jumped in at the north gate, from what Arlens saying they'll be in range to target us within the Stazura.”

“Then get back aboard your transport and record this from a safe distance Janne, there’s nothing you can do where you are.”

“The hell there isn’t Lora, I’m a reporter for fracks sake besides… I let the crew here use the transport as a shuttle to get the refugees from the pirate base transferred here from the TL that’s sitting just of station. From what I can tell Arlens ordering an evacuation.” She added looking over her shoulder.

“Thank Gunne for that, alright film as much as you can but make sure you keep recording I’m going to be putting this out live so get yourself setup. Perhaps the Fleet will reconsider once they realise they have an audience.”

“I hope so Lora, because from what Arlen is saying… Given the number of people here, they don’t have enough jump capable ships to clear this sector, they’re talking about making a run for Segaris with those they can’t get aboard them in ordinary transports. Hang on Arlens coming back she wants a word."

“Lora sorry for leaving you like that, Okay we think we can pull this off, we did have contingency plans in case the Xenon dropped in on us. Now we can only get the woman, children and the hospital patients on the TL. We’re going to get as many others as we can into jump capable ships. Freighters mostly, the rest of us… well it looks like we’re going to have to make a run for Segaris, it’s not entirely hopeless… we’ve got some M8 missile boats here we’re going to use to blaze a trail for us then run like hell for that gate with the wing of fighters we’ve got running convoy protection.

A few of the crew and some of the Goners are going to try and get the Aran’s jump drive up and running. Don’t worry about Janne and her team here, I’ve got orders to get them out safely no matter what happens. Rabeka said to tell you that the story she’s already filmed is worth that. Now I have to get back to work I’m going to leave the link to our com systems live so you know what’s happening, it will let Janne keep transmitting on our encrypted transmission frequency, despite the active jamming.” I turned to Janne then led her to the briefing room where she had access to the repeater screens that were showing real time displays of both tactical, and what was happening throughout the base.

I just hoped Lora came to appreciate the amount of effort I was putting into this display. That’s all it was really, oh the fleet’s invasion was real enough I’d just left out a few minor details that I had with Hanes help been preparing for this moment.

I must admit it was Janne’s first broadcast I’d watched back in Montalar that had suggested the idea to me. It was all going to be done with smoke and mirrors, but the public would regard it as real as would the survivors, any subsequent claims that it was a hoax would be seen as an attempt to hide the truth. I mean you can’t deny what you’ve seen with your own eyes can you?

[Sabrina Bergin]

Okay, I think I've got a handle on this now, as you said -Z- the simplest things are sometimes the hardest. http://i57.tinypic.com/2yv13zs.jpg

Let me know if this is Ok, for the moment I'm just going to insert a blender into my head whilst I try and learn how to resize the screen shot.

[Sabrina Bergin]

Continued:

The ship was finally getting underway, for a woman who wanted answers from her Rabeka Poler was conspicuous by her absence. Ceri knew she was on board she’d caught a glimpse of her in the forward cabin, before the man who’d escorted her on board had directed her to the lounge area, he’d left her here to her own devices assuring her Ms Poler would be joining her shortly.

That had been over an hour ago, the woman was obviously waiting till they'd made a jump to a different sector before the woman faced her. Arlen should have told her that wouldn’t help hide her location from her people, the transponder implanted in her shoulder would let Pol know where she was the moment it got a lock on the nearest gate signal. As predicted the woman entered the far end of the lounge, only after the first jump had been made. All she had to do now was wait till she got close enough use the applicator on her, then they would all be friends when they arrived back in M148.

“I was beginning to wonder if you were even aboard this ship,” Ceri offered helping herself to a coffee from the refreshment bar. She poured one for Rabeka as well then moved casually towards her. The force field that sprang up in front of her, startled her a little, but she retained her poise and sat down by a nearby coffee table.

“There’s really no need for this Rabeka.” she added indicating the shimmering repulse field.

“One would have thought,” Rabeka agreed “but I’d rather not have you trying to stick those nannites you’re carrying into me. I’ve spent a great deal of time of late studying the uses and abuses that can be made of those things, as has Arlen. But then I suspect you should have realised that.”

“You should also have realised by now, that I have absolutely no intention of discussing anything with you. The only reason you’re here is because once we make the next jump, we’ll be in an unfocussed jump space sector where the tracking device you no doubt have about your person will be ineffective. You see… Arlen decided that the best thing to do with you, was to take you out of the picture before you did something rash, something like storming her base of operations. Please don’t bother denying it, I have a man watching the little fleet you’re putting together. Make yourself comfortable Ceri… you’re going to be on this ship for quite some time.” Why don’t you watch the news you might find it will help pass the time?”

**********

Janne:

Janne watched the screens as the people were led to the departure lounge where teams of crew members were helping them aboard the transports. Iaon had already plugged in a vid data link to record everything they displayed. A marine entered the room, “Ma’am message from Arlen… We’ll be boarding our transport shortly, so now would be a good time to call someone, after that well who knows?”

Janne sat down at the com terminal and was relieved to see her call to Lora was still live. She wasn’t sat in the chair though her P.A. was. “Okay Janit right? We’re going to be leaving here soon, so we’re going to send you everything we’ve got so far. Don’t try and sort it out till the transmissions complete.”

“Okay Janne I’ve got multiple recorders running on this end, send it when you’re ready.... Hey Janne... before you go…Good luck the pair of you.”

The screen went blank as Janne ordered the terminal to upload everything they’d recorded over the last few days. She wondered if that would be all that was left to remember her by before the day was out. Iaon was probably wondering the same thing, he gently gave her shoulder a comforting squeeze. “Hey Janne no matter what happens those recordings are going to immortalise us you know that.”

It was cold comfort, but it was something. That’s when she felt the deck shift beneath their feet, they were moving they must have got the drives working. “Time to go people, the transports waiting for us.” The marine called from the doorway.

“But we’re moving surely if they’ve fixed the drives ...”

” Ma’am we’re being towed this old girl can only do 4MPS under her own steam, Arlens hoping she can get it clear of the base before they destroy it, reckons there’s a chance they might leave her be after that.”

“You don’t sound so sure Marine.”

“Hulls in pretty bad shape Ma’am, one hammer touches this baby that’s all she wrote. Now if you’ll follow me I’ll take you to your ship. Don’t worry about that transmission that will keep going till it’s done.”

Janne caught the unspoken “Or till they blow the ship up” in his words, Iaon powered up his cam unit as they headed out and down to the docks. Janne started describing everything she was seeing into her headset as they followed the man through the now eerily silent ship. It was hard to believe that less than twenty mizura ago the place had been filled with sounds that had reverberated down its long, now empty corridors. There were only fifty or sixty people in the departure lounge which made her suspect they were amongst the last to be leaving.

As they entered the departure lounge Janne’s attention was caught by the sound of a child crying, there on the loading ramp next to the one they were heading for a young girl was desperately trying to reach her toy doll that had fallen through the railings and was now just out of her reach. Without even thinking about it Janne rushed over and picked up the doll and handed it back to her.

“There you go no need to cry now, see he’s fine just a little dusty.”

The little girl studied her doll carefully before hugging it to her chest “Thank you” she said shyly then ran into the ship pausing only long enough to wave back to her as she passed through the open hatch. The marine took her arm and gently but firmly led her onto the transport that was waiting for them. The long corridor was crowded with frightened people sitting with their backs to the walls, moving amongst them the crew were handing out ration packs and beverage flasks.

“How many people are aboard?” She asked as the man led them to the far end of the corridor.

“No idea ma’am but every inch of space is full, reckon even the cargo holds. Let’s just say we’re probably a little overloaded.” The Marine didn’t say anymore as he led them to an observation lounge. "Make yourselves as comfortable as you can ma’am Arlen figured you’d want to be able to see what’s going on. Roger I got that,” he replied to someone else as he got a message over his suits com set.

“Ma’am Arlen want’s a quick word, you can take it on this terminal, They moved through the people who were occupying all the available floor space and the man activated the terminal before leaving the room. Arlens face appeared on the display.

“Janne you’re aboard good, we’ll be leaving in a mizura or so, now the Captain will be dropping satellites at intervals, that will allow us to navigate through the gate and beyond. When she does you’ll have a brief period of time to make contact with Lora till they get taken out. I’ve had our coms people link in Iaon’s camera so you’ll be able to transmit live for brief periods. There’s a small office at the back of the lounge you’re in you can use that as a makeshift studio.... I’ll speak to you on the other side.”

"Wait, Arlen why are you doing this I mean… we could just jump out of here couldn’t we?”

“Yeah we could but, the skippers going to be running interference, and providing missile defence for the ships heading for the Segaris. Look I’ve really got to go now, be safe Janne.”

The link went dead leaving Janne to watch as the ship moved out of the hanger bay and into the darkness beyond the now open bay doors. Iaon was panning his camera left to right as he saw the other ships heading for the muster point away from the Aran that was now moving at nearly 80 M.P.S. under tow by the heavy Centaur. That was dwindling in size even as she watched.

“Come on Iaon” she said grabbing him by the arm, “we’ve got to go live with this right now.”

[Sabrina Bergin]

Sorry temper tantrum, shouldn't have posted that.

[Zaitsev]

Okay, I think I've got a handle on this now, as you said -Z- the simplest things are sometimes the hardest. http://i57.tinypic.com/2yv13zs.jpg

Let me know if this is Ok, for the moment I'm just going to insert a blender into my head whilst I try and learn how to resize the screen shot.

Sorry 'bout the slow reply.

That looks just fine from over here. Keep up the good work

[Triaxx2]

Resizing? Easy. Open it in paint, and use resize. (Top left if it's the Windows 7 version.) Pick a smaller size and it'll shrink. (Do them evenly.) Then save.

[Sabrina Bergin]

Okay I'm back, sorry I've been distant, no offence intended.

I just needed a couple of days to get my act together. You know, work out what's important in my life. I think I've finally managed to convince Annie that's her.

Well.... she's stopped throwing things at me, which is a sign she's prepared to forgive me for leaving her alone.

Forgiving myself.... that's harder.

Good news is I had a lot of time for ideas on how this should proceed its just a question of getting them to gel with everything so far.

[Sabrina Bergin]

Okay less personal stuff more story:


Continued:

Selma didn’t mean to listen in, she’d come here to give Arlen the final details of the route she had plotted, when she heard her talking to one of her people as she called the marines she worked most closely with. She waited just outside the open door as the woman spoke.

“...ow it makes sense Sabine, hell if they think they’ve got you it might even buy you enough time to get clear of them. Sides I’d like a chance to pay the b******s! back for killing me.”

“Hey you’re not dead yet Yonnie, the Doc’s working on it, and you’ve seen how good he is with this sort of stuff.”

“Don’t kid a kidder Sabine, I had a word with him before I came on board, and when Erine told me what you planned on doing well I figured that was my job not yours. Don’t take this away from me Sabine I don’t want to go out lying in a hospital rack somewhere without putting the hurt on them. Just promise you’ll take care of little joe for me okay.”

“I promise Sabine said sadly.”

The woman walked out of the room a moment later nodding briefly as she passed, Selma stepped into the room to see Sabine staring out of the viewport as the ships formed up around the Kaiken.

**********

I saw Selma come into the room her image reflected in the plex-glass. Wiping my eye’s I turned to face her.

“What exactly do you have planned that you haven’t told me about Sabine?” So she’d heard that much well there wasn’t much point in keeping it from her now.

“I have a Mamba docked in that spare bay, figured when we got close to the fleet that I’d try and distract them a little, Selma… you know the only reason they’re here is to finish the job Collard started in Lost order?”

“So what! … you were going to take on all those ships in a Mamba, and what then? Even if they killed you that wouldn’t stop them. It’s not like they’re going to want any witnesses to what’s happening here is it?”

“Alright it was a sh***y plan, hell if it was even half decent, don’t you think I would have told you about it?”

“That’s not all of it is it though… you wouldn’t settle for just taking a chance on this buying us a shot at that gate, what’s the whole story?”

“The Mamba is packed to the gills with the same explosives they put in me, damn stuff doesn’t show up on scans… Once they captured it I was going to blow the ship when it was in the hanger. With a bit of luck, it would cut the head of the snake that’s coming at us. Might make the other Captains think twice about committing an act of genocide.”

“What and you were just going to do this without even telling me?” She just grabbed me and held me close.

“It was all I could come up with Hun, I don’t want you… or any of my people dying here today. I’m sorry it was a bad Idea.”

“Very bad idea, don’t ever think of doing something like that without at least discussing it with me again.” Selma kissed me gently then unable to say anymore for the moment.

[Sabrina Bergin]

Continued:

Ceri waited for Rabeka to come back, it was obvious the woman was just trying to improve her negotiating position, well that wouldn’t work. She’d already sent the go signal to Pol. The woman was going to find herself between a rock and a hard place pretty soon. The only chance she’d have of saving her precious girlfriend was by doing exactly what she was told to.

Arlen was still going to die though but she wouldn’t find out about that till the matter was settled. Of course by then the news of the “Terran” attack on the base all over the news programs would ensure anything she said would be ignored.

The huge display panel at the far end of the room lit up then with a live feed from Argon prime. She wasn’t really interested till the anchor man kept yapping on about the Goner ship someone had found. She started paying attention when she saw Arlen in the background talking to a bunch of Goners. This was apparently footage taken aboard the Aran itself. The conclusion was obvious, that ship must be Arlens hidden base the one she’d ordered Pol to capture. They even had footage of Fleet personnel walking down it’s corridors for fracks sake. She hit the call button on the intercom. “Alright Rabeka I get the message give me access to a com unit and I’ll call Pol of.”

“That’s a very generous offer Ceri, I mean…. I’ve no doubt you would be horrified if anything were to happen to the Aran, the thing is a subject of legend and mystery after all.

Anyone who had a hand in its loss would be seen as a traitor to all Argons anywhere in the verse. The Goners would I think be more than a little upset as well, don’t you agree? The thing is Ceri… Arlen is going to let the verse watch as you do just that, she really was upset when you tried to kill her. It’s a shame about the ship though, but at least thanks to her the Goners have been able to retrieve its records. I imagine she’ll come out of this quite the hero. Now make yourself comfortable Ceri, the media are about to make you infamous.”

**********

Ceri turned her attention back to the display, the news anchor man was telling the audience they were going live to the Aran for a special report. Ceri recognised the reporter of course, hell her face was known throughout Argon space as the woman who gave regular reports on the Kellar program, the one that had boosted fleet recruitment figures massively in recent wozura. Janne something or other.

“Janne its good to see you again, we are getting information the Aran is facing imminent attack, can you confirm that for us?”

There was a few seconds delay before Janne answered, “Yes I can Hal just moments ago we received reports of a hostile fleet entering the sector, as I speak they are heading inexorably towards us.”

“I think it was accepted that this was always a risk Janne, the danger of discovery by the Xenon was always a possibility, given your location.” Hal added referring to his notes on another screen.

“That’s true Hal which is why the Aran was towed so far away from the gate, and why evacuation plans, prepared in the event of that happening are being carried out as we speak.

The problem I have… Hell! What everybody here has, is why it’s an Argon fleet that’s attacking us. As you can see by the tactical displays we’re transmitting those ships are flagged as hostile to everyone of our ship's in the sector. At the moment they are destroying our satellite network as they approach us.”

“I’m sorry Janne, I must have misheard you can you repeat that? Why in Gunne’s name would an Argon fleet be attacking you? There’s got to be some sort of mistake.”

“I wish I had the answer to that one myself Hal, but they are attacking us, at the moment the base commander is discussing with her senior officers whether she should activate the mine field they deployed to protect us against a Xenon incursion. They are clearly reluctant to do that but they may have no choice.”

The display changed to show missiles converging on one of the satellites transmitting images of the fleet, the signal was lost as a missile destroyed it. A sezura later the feed was restored from another satellite in a different position obviously deeper in the sector. The display changed back to Janne as she entered what was obviously a departure lounge. The viewers saw Janne rush across and retrieve a small girls toy. The camera held to that image as the small girl ran into the ship waiting for her.

“Sorry Hal I’ve got to go now the Captain of our transport is waiting on us to board so she can undock, I’ll resume transmissions when…. or if I’m able. Janne Gusta for Legends news signing of.”

The image of the little girl waving to Janne was the one they kept in the background as Hal advised they would be staying with this story as he turned to his co presenter to discuss the extraordinary and disturbing nature of the report they had just received. Confirmation started coming in from several different locations in the verse as ships were seen docking and unloading the people they had managed to evacuate so far. All of them had one thing in common the Captains had deliberately avoided jumping to any Argon Sectors. Most telling was the news report that came in from Megnir a Terran sector.

“We are switching live now to Megnir where the Neptune medias local correspondent has this report. Good afternoon sir, can you tell us what is happening there?”

“Of course Hal, I am watching as an Argon Mammoth is moving towards our shipyard here in Megnir. The ship arrived in sector just an hour ago and the Captain has asked for assistance for those aboard. Now the Captain was advised that he didn’t have the necessary clearances to be here, but after contacting the local defence commander, his request has been agreed to, the local Defence commander having ruled this as a civil emergency mercy aid request.”

“My understanding is that this ship is normally crewed by just fifty to one hundred personnel, the Captains manifest shows he has over two thousand souls aboard many of whom are in need of urgent medical attention. The Local Defence Commander Major Hassegawa of the USC has agreed to answer any questions you might have at this time.”

Hal turned to the screen as an image of the man was shown from what was obviously an office aboard the shipyard, the Mammoth could be clearly seen approaching the huge dock escorted by several terran military craft.

“Commander thank you for taking the time to speak to us, I would first wish to thank you for allowing that ship to dock.”

“No thanks are necessary, once I was informed of the situation aboard by the Captain I had to act……”

Ceri closed her ears to what he was saying, that was for the audience to hear. In one stroke Arlen had managed to render as nothing the Mazura of careful manipulation of opinion against the Terrans. Of course the man had let the ship dock, right now the ATF would be rubbing their hands in delight at what to them was a propaganda gift. She was finished of course no matter what happened now, the only question remaining was how far would the bitch take this act of revenge of hers? Her only consolation was that Pol’s orders were to ensure she died no matter what.

[Sabrina Bergin]

You believe what you see with your own eyes:

Sabine was one smart bitch Jako decided as the fleet passed over him, and the asteroid that had hidden him from their sensors. Of course the barrage of Tomahawks from Sabine’s missile boats also had them looking the wrong way. As soon as they responded to that attack Jako powered up the Cobra just enough to give him targeting data and launched at the targets Sabine had given him.

Those transports, containing the crew of the Carrack and the prisoners Sabine had decided weren’t worth keeping, would in a mizura or so be spilling their cargos across the sector. His missiles wouldn’t destroy those ship’s, the demolition charges would do that. In full view of the Cameras Sabine had waiting for that to happen.

**********

Janne watched in horror as she realised what was happening, up until this moment she had hoped she might somehow survive this. She was giving a running commentary as the small lights grew in size as they approached all to swiftly. Then the ships guns opened up trying to destroy them before they made contact. Ahead of them three of the transports suddenly blew apart, she stopped speaking as the bodies began floating past the observation lounge windows. Iaon needed no direction as the little girl, recognisable only by her dress and the toy she was clutching drifted past. Still strapped into the seat that was too large for her. Then she was gone as the ship accelerated forward, as if enraged by the horror it had witnessed. Janne began speaking again not knowing what she said. As the murderers approached them.

**********

“Now Yonnie.”

“Copy that Sabine, hey it’s been a hell of a ride girl.” Yonnie cut the com accelerating at full military thrust at the ship Sabine had suggested held the man, who had killed her.

Janne watched as the fighter shot past them and towards the approaching ships, she synced into Arlens channel to try and find out what was going on. She heard the messages from Arlen ordering the fighter to stand down, and resume its position to no avail.

“God’s speed Yonnie” was Arlens last message to the ship now just a distant speck ahead of them, distinguishable only by the glow of its afterburners.

Yonnie heard the message, as she approached the Cerberus, she locked on her targeting system as if making a missile run then waited for the turbo boost to recharge before starting her final manoeuver's. Sabine had made her practice this a dozen times. She had a narrow window to get real close avoiding the things turrets.

Once within a certain range the heavier guns would switch out for faster firing ones, they would start tagging her. Then would come the hard part, once she set of the charges around the engine casings, and shut down they would have a choice. Destroy the ship or capture it. Sabine reckoned the latter, way she saw it Slamer wouldn’t be able to resist capturing her. If Jako saw them kill her… he would let rip with the Hammers. She would prefer they died at her hands though.

Right on schedule the big guns changed out and she set course for the small area where she would be safe from most of the ships guns. Once she reached that spot with her shields plummeting she fired the charges and cut all power.

“Come on boys take the prize you know you want to.” she whispered as her ship spun lazily in space, the massive ship drawing ever closer, its guns still tracking her.

For a moment… when her ship suddenly bucked hard, she thought they’d decided to kill her after all, she caught a glimpse of the docking beam drawing her ship into the hanger. Yonnie even got a glimpse of Collard as her ship was pulled into a bay, he was looking at the monitors as the ship was scanned, that would pick up the false signal from her suits bio monitoring systems unit that she was, dying. Well that part was true... in a way. In a moment he would have to either have his men start firing or open the ship. They went for the latter, Sabine had guessed right, this was a boy who liked to collect his prizes.

Yonnie stayed absolutely still till they had opened the canopy, then she stood up startling all of them as she let go of the dead man switches.

"Hey guess what dipsticks? You frakked up." She laughed out loud at them, they opened fire, an instant before all the missiles in her racks, and her cargo became a small sun.

[Sabrina Bergin]

Continued:

I smiled as I saw the ship blow itself apart, “Okay Selma we go for the gate at best speed… Now!” Selma followed the course we’d had laid in keeping pace with the slowest transport. Ahead of them Jako would be targeting the other ships in the fleet.

The shipyard built just to dock the Aran couldn’t be saved, the Minotaur’s had already launched enough hammers at it to blow it to scrap. That would be the signal for Hanes to blow the decoy then jump the Aran to safety, and take care of the Goners who had insisted on staying aboard.

I reckoned once they saw the two explosions the other Captains in that fleet would call it a day, and get the hell away from the hammers being launched at them. The missile boats I wanted keeping their payloads for the Xenon sector.

The feed I was getting from Sheron told me that the distraction she and Liom we providing at the North gate there had attracted the Xenon’s interest, and they were heading in that direction. Liom would jump to the south gate, once he had done enough damage, and join our escort group. Sheron would make her way back to us using the Kestrels speed to out run the Xenon.

We were attacked several times as we made our way to the West gate, none of the big capitals had been able to get close to us, and Jako had dealt with the two Q’s, and some P's that had. Janne had proved her weight in gold as she had kept up with her reporting describing our desperate journey to reach Segaris, relenting only when a Terran fleet came through the gate to provide an escort for us. I had about fifteen mizura to act.

“Janne… Selma a moment please” I asked leading them to the day cabin aft of the bridge. Indicating Iaon should remain where he was.

“Problem Arlen?” Janne asked as I closed the door behind us.

“There could be, Janne I am pretty sure Selma will be ordered to dock at the military defence post in Segaris. Please let me finish.” I said stopping her from speaking before continuing. "I know who ordered that fleet to attack us Janne… I work for them.

On my last mission an attempt was made to kill me, my commanders had somehow realised I had discovered a plot by certain people involved in the defence department, and fleet command to create an open conflict between the Argon and the Terrans. The proof is all in these data cubes, names dates operational plans everything, keep them safe.”

“Then why are we going to be forced to dock at this base why not jump out of the sector?”

“The Mammoth” Selma said for me, “The Captain was supposed to dock and get supplies and medical assistance, then contact us when he was back in Legends… That hasn’t happened.”

“Look Janne they won’t detain you.... me they definitely will. They want the answers you’ve got. If I tell them they’ll use that information to blackmail us, and I’ll be arrested and court martialled the sezura I arrive back in Argon space. If you publish the facts on your return, then the Terrans will be forced to let me go eventually. And hopefully... I won’t be considered a traitor when I resign my commission.”

[Sabrina Bergin]

Withdrawal Symptoms?

Watching her carefully through the one-way viewport, I was impressed. From the report’s I’d read, at this moment she should be exhibiting a greater loss of control than she was. To an untrained eye she would appear almost normal… but all the signs were there, the ones she didn’t even realise she was displaying… Or did she?

Was that why her stress indicators had been increasing at an alarming rate for the last forty-eight hours? Her preoccupation with the time and date were significant. She was afraid, no more than afraid… She was terrified, what of assassination? No not that, she must know she was safe here.

Time to take the gloves of and find out why?

As soon as I entered the room she stood up her eyes involuntarily looking to the door behind me. Was she finally considering an escape? It would be a reckless act. Only as the door sealed did she turn her attention to me. It was alarming watching her calculate how to eliminate me as a threat, perhaps even use me as a hostage. That wouldn’t work of course. It showed how desperate she was becoming.

“Please Arlen take a seat, we have a few things we should discuss.” I saw it then... her eyes suddenly changed she was actually going to try and kill me. Fascinating how volatile she was becoming. Then as suddenly as I had seen a glimpse of that intent, it was gone.

Kill him now, he knows urged the rage that had been building for days now.

“Of course he doesn’t, he just thinks he does now shut up.” I had been waiting for this moment.

Arlen sat down opposite me as calmly as she had done so many times over the last few days. I didn’t fail to miss how she glanced almost casually at my wrist watch, or the sudden sheen of perspiration that appeared on her forehead.

“Arlen I am sorry but we have to talk… we need to know what substances you are addicted to…. There are medications we can provide that might alleviate the worst of your symptoms.” She just laughed in my face with almost manic delight as her rigid self-control, that had till now impressed me evaporated.

“To late doctor” she said tapping my watch. Not even bothering to hide the tears that now fell freely down her cheeks. as she rested her face in her hands “Get out, get your people out …. From what my people told me the blast radius is probably about twenty to thirty metres. Don’t worry Doc I’m not going to escape, its already too late for that. I kinda like you, and I’d rather you didn’t get killed.”


Blast radius? That was impossible we were in a containment unit deep in the heart of the station. With the security measures we were taking there was no chance what so ever that anyone could have got a device that close to her or if they did… For her to know about it. Unless…

“I see you’ve worked it out doc," Once more looking at me, "now just get the hell away from me. I don’t want any more deaths on my conscience." She just went to her cot and lay down closing herself of from everything around her.

“We can help Arlen, we have the latest medical facilities here, tell us where they put the device, and we can…. I don’t know… remove it, disarm it.” That got her attention but not in the way I thought. No she didn’t want to die and for a second she considered the possibility.

“Afraid not doctor. You are a doctor after all… I figured you for a spook you know.

Anyway doc… you know how a reactor core works right? You keep all the fissile materials separate but close enough to produce power whatever. Well the thing that was keeping the one insides me separate were the nannites your scientists have been trying to study.

They come with a fixed lifespan… can’t be changed, they’re beginning to die, that’s why my body temperature’s rising. You can’t scan the little buggers either or they die then as well, sort of a failsafe to stop me making my own. Kept me in line, the people watching us know how that works. I found a way… or rather a Boron scientist I know did. Problem is once Selma left she took the only supply I had with her on the Kaiken. Now get out of here Doctor. Can’t a girl even die in peace.” I left the room fascinated by what she’d told me, everything she’d said confirmed the results I’d read in the reports. I went straight to my office terminal and contacted Captain Hayak.

“Selma I believe, we have little time. I’m Clive Jenner… Arlens Doctor, she tells me you have medicines she needs urgently. I will have you met at your ships access port immediately.”

The woman’s reaction said it all she didn’t waste any time answering me, she just ran out of view shouting at someone to " get out of the damned way." If time really was that much a factor, I had to get her here as quickly as possible. I ordered her escorted to me at once, I also made it clear that anyone who so much as took her near a scanner would spend the rest of their lives in the Kuiper belt detention facility.

Selma was literally sprinting down the corridor as I waited for her at the holding cells entrance, she was carrying an injector loading it with a cartridge she took from her pocket as I held the door open for her. Without hesitation she rushed over to Arlen and placed it against her neck, squeezing the trigger repeatedly till the cartridge was empty. before casting it aside.

“Doctor you’d best leave, I don’t know if I was in time.” She breathed trying to wake Arlen. Her concern evident.

“What about you Selma, surely?”

“I’m not leaving her again doctor.”

Those words filled my thoughts as I made my way to the secondary observation room that had been set up, it was some distance beyond the blast perimeter Arlen had suggested. I imagined we wouldn’t have long to wait, to see if we had been in time, if she survived Arlen would… I am sure be willing to cooperate with us. Captain Selma Hayak had just become a person of interest to us, and Arlen would know that.

I considered letting someone else debrief her, then discarded the notion. She already suspected what I was, the ease with which I had arranged Selma’s timely arrival would confirm that suspicion. No I wouldn’t lie to her about being a member of the ATF, but I would retain the fiction of being a Doctor. Mother would be so proud if she knew, I was finally going to be one. It was a career she had tried to push me into after university.

I studied the readouts, relieved to see that Arlens bio signs were gradually stabilising. Well except for her elevated pulse rate, as she came to.

“All right gentlemen, clear the room…. let’s give the ladies a little privacy shall we?” I ordered still admiring the woman’s self-control. It was Selma that was betraying them now, every touch, every gesture spoke volumes. The sexual energy between the two of them was a tangible thing, it was more erotic than if they had indulged themselves. They wanted too, I could see that, but they knew they were being watched. I made a few arrangements deciding that now would be a good time to establish the terms of our future relationship.

[Sabrina Bergin]

Interlude:

We both heard the discreet knock on the door, I glanced at it in a manner that Selma understood meant, I wanted her to follow my lead in whatever came next. I wasn’t expecting to be invited to follow the orderly who looked barely old enough to shave yet alone enlisted yet, to a suite of rooms in what I assumed was the accommodations section of the station. Nor for him to hand us room key cards after opening the door for us.

Selma glanced at me but I just shrugged, I suspected that Jenner if that was his real name might not be a doctor after all. If he wasn’t he should be on a stage somewhere, I looked around and found what I needed and went into the small bathroom. First thing I had to do was use the toilet, I always needed one in a hurry once I’d replaced the nannites that kept the bomb in my back from going off. After that I made use of the shower, which was heavenly, donning a bathrobe I joined Selma back in the lounge. Seems she’d been busy as well, a serving trolley complete with snacks and a pot of coffee had arrived in my absence.

"Okay…. now you're looking a lot better Hun."

“Feeling better as well” I admitted remembering all to clearly, how late I had left it.

“So what now?”

All things being perfect, the Terrans would say thanks for dropping by you can go now, but that was never going to happen, Selma knew that. So the question was for those watching us, good girl Selma.

“To be honest babe I don’t know, the last few wozura have done my head in.”

“I don’t see why Arlen, I mean your bitch! boss has a bomb put in your back, then you get ordered to rescue people from that Pirate base, in the process of which... a man under your command disobeys a direct order, puts the whole mission at risk and kills you into the bargain. I mean... get real Arlen, I thought you were a little stronger than that.”

“Selma please.... give me a break, I didn’t know Ceri was part of the conspiracy then, lets change the subject. Tell me, how are the crew coping being stuck here?”

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


“Stop play that back” I ordered catching that last comment, from Selma.”

Technician Bennet instantly did as he was ordered, word had come down from on high, in this case Staff sergeant Hemmings who ran this base. That whatever this man said was to be done instantly, hell even the base CO was jumping through hoops to ensure that happened. He almost breathed out a sigh of relief when the man left the observation room. “Just do your job Davey boy” he said to himself. Whatever this Doctor was after was none of his concern. Hell he didn’t even want to speculate about it.

Powering up my terminal I reviewed the tapes of the last week skipping through by having the computer isolate moments when her stress had peaked. There was a pattern here I could sense it. The trouble I’d had was I hadn’t looked beyond the time we’d had her under observation. I made a few guesses and had the data projected back from the present time to an estimated extreme traumatic event, in this case death. Say a month ago, then the second attempt to kill her and her people just over a week ago. Then I overlaid the projected mapping on to our recorded data…. It synchronised exactly.

There it was…..

She had been relieved to be detained, she was still in shock of course. She’d begun to recover from that, till a few days ago... then realising she would still die, even after all she had been through. She simply gave up, she wasn’t shamming either, as the original reports had suggested. I had seen that calm acceptance of her own death in her eyes.

We hadn’t broken her will either. No the Argons had done that for us, and we had nearly missed a golden opportunity. It was amazing what a difference a single careless comment could make. She hadn’t made it of course, her lover had. The fact Arlen hadn’t shut her up in time, just changed the subject merely demonstrated how truly vulnerable she was at this moment in time.

Christ if she had been at her best when I’d thought she was going to attempt to escape… It didn’t bear thinking about. Was it trained or induced this certainty of victory no matter what the odds, the calm acceptance of one’s own death even? Either way Command had to be informed at once, which meant I better have answers, or a suitable plan for obtaining them. I could stall them on the latter for now, even if just to ensure they didn't terminate the operation prematurely.

Arlen was going to be a treasure trove of information in more ways than one. I typed in my report and sent it then waited for the response, that could take minutes or hours, I'd just have to wait for it no matter how long it took.

**********

Did I get it right? Selma asked her fingers moving slowly and too subtly for the cameras to pick up on.

Perfectly, now let's go to bed... I am going to let them see how much we’ve missed you. I responded in kind heading for the bed I could see through an open doorway to a room behind her.

There it was again, that odd third person response. That had started happening on the Aran. Shortly after….

My mind shied away from that memory, it was happening more frequently not all that often admittedly, but often enough for me to notice. Now was neither the time or place to discuss it though. Putting that aside for the moment I followed Arlen into the bedroom. I'd missed her as well dammit.

[Sabrina Bergin]

Continued:

“Turn the monitors off” the doctor suggested speaking softly into his ear his breath stirring the hairs on his neck. Davey nearly shat himself, Christ… he hadn’t even heard the bastard come back into the room. He turned the display of instantly.

“Okay off you go I’ll take it from here” I watched as the man left the room as fast as he could, whilst trying hard to appear not to. Jesus the things I had to do to amuse myself these days. Putting on the headset the oik had left on the desk, I turned the volume down. I needed to think things through carefully, and I could do without that distracting me.

The response to my report and recommendations, had come back within an hour. That meant I was either being watched. Probable, no certain, or that this was the opportunity I’d been dreaming of. I’d never thought it would happen… I’d always hoped of course, but for one of the almost mythical kingmakers to take the time to speak to me in person. That meant I had come to the attention of those, who could make or break your career with a word. His appearance had been kept from me and the voice was more than likely synthesised to avoid identification. But the setting with the backlit pyramid directly behind him confirmed the whispers I had heard, but never dared repeat of how they spoke to those they chose to favour, it all matched.

The man had been well briefed, he had accepted my findings without question. He had brushed aside my admittance of the error on my part, in not noticing the flaw in the previous reports sooner. I think my candour had impressed him, and as for my recommendations, he himself had suggested the one I had considered, but dared not include in my report. There were conditions of course, there were a number of facts he had sent me about Arlen Poler I had not been privy to till this moment.

There were also questions that had to be resolved. That she was truthful was the only criteria, I would put the questions to her of course it was just a question of how to do so indirectly. A solution would present itself, one always did, the trick was to be aware of it when it arrived. So I had a chance here to ensure my career was headed in one direction only. Upwards!

All I had to do was get those two lesbians to agree to it, how hard could that be. I would present the idea to them, only after I had further lulled their suspicions. Subtlety Clive, subtlety is required here; Arlen was no one’s fool as she had already demonstrated.