Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Completed under the ********
Merc
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Chapter 5 – 1st Meeting
With the rapid approach of the Mohrabas carrier and escorts the Roamer was buzzing with activity, personnel and general transports moved supplies and workers to help with the preparations.
Commander Parrel reviewed every detail and as the incoming vessels began their deceleration a full security sweep was initiated with any visitors and non Roamer personnel being requested to depart. The Mammoth went back in to a near state of normality wrapped in a cloak of anticipation.
Time appeared to slow down and Parrel reviewed the last comms from the Mohrabas. They were still only communicating at voice level so he had only a vague impression of what they would be like from the archives held by Sweety. Which had been difficult to gain access to and somehow he knew the AI was holding back much of the information.
As the ships drew nearer so the Station Commanders launched and headed for the Roamer. Tor waited until all the others had docked, avoiding the temptation of using the Defiance he took a transport across. Carefully attempting to avoid bumping into the other Station Commanders he wandered past the Roamers security teams with a cursory nod before heading to the staff canteen.
The destroyers were the first to arrive and took up positions around the Roamer. The huge form of the carrier slowed and stopped. At close quarters the ship was one and a half times bigger than the Mammoth and bristled with weapon systems. Short messages transferred between the ships.
Tor gazed out of the observation window his mind concerned that this race was far from being in need of anything they could possibly offer. Information on the sectors outside of this one was the only bargaining counter he could think of. As he cast his eyes over the carrier he considered that they did not appear to be the peaceful race that was presented by ThaThwyn in the crystals but a species ready for war. Deep down he hoped it was only for a war against the Khaak.
As he looked out the familiar voice of Stanard Block disturbed his thoughts, "Looks pretty impressive doesn't it?"
Tor glanced across, "Sure does."
Stanad said conversationally, "Plenty of fire power, I guess we'd probably last less than half a Mizura if we managed to piss them off."
Tor responded, "That's a cheerful thought."
Stanad casually commented, "Well you looked like you needed cheering up."
Tor said, "Thanks. But remind me not to ask you round when I'm feeling really depressed."
There was a moments quiet when Stanad commented, "Heard about the Governor business. Bad deal. Still we expect you to kick back soon now."
Tor commented, "Really?"
Stanad replied, "Somewhere inside that meek and mild shell is a fighter. I've seen you in combat and you don't give up. That's why I've got money on you becoming Governor again in less than twenty Tazuras."
Tor smiled and commented, "You have a lot of faith."
Stanad said with a roguish smile, "More than enough for both of us. And if I don't win that bet then I'll be coming to find you."
The glimmer of a smile twitched on Tors' face as he responded, "I'll get the carpet out."
Stanad commented casually, "Nasty trick you pulled when you took away our fighter upgrades though."
Tor sighed, "I don't want people negotiating deals with something that doesn't belong to them."
Polmanckelest voice rumbled behind him, "That I can understand."
Tor turned around to look at the new arrival. Polmanckelest gave him a cursory nod. Stanad said, "You'll be interested to know that Pol has decided not to attend the initial introductory ceremony of the Mohrabas."
Tor asked, "Why's that?"
Polmanckelest replied, "I do not feel the need."
Stanad chipped in, "What Pol means to say is that he was disappointed the Solar Power Plant commander abstained in his vote rather than voted for you. Which means the commander is not in Pols' good books."
Tor said casually, "But is that going to worry him?"
A sharp look for Stanad indicated to Tor that his throw away remark had not been a wise move. However Polmanckelest gave a smile and replied, "I hold a much higher rank than the commander, out here he is as answerable to me as if I were the Priest Duke himself."
Giving a slight nod Tor realized that he should make some time available to study the intricacies of Paranid hierarchy. He commented humbly, "I thank you for your support."
The big Paranid regarded him with a thoughtful smile, "Your diplomacy does you credit. But save it for another time. I think you will have need of it in the near future."
Stanard commented, "Too right he will." And made a gesture to the window. Tor glanced across to see that a shuttle craft had launched from the carrier.
The big Paranid put a heavy hand on Tors' shoulder, "Go with your god and with honour." The hand lifted and the Paranid turned away.
As the Paranid left the room Stanad commented, "You have one serious ally there my friend and in this tiny corner of the universe he's just the sort of guy you want on your side."
Tor responded, "That is a comforting thought. All I have to do now is persuade the Argon station commanders to think the same way."
Stanad said, "Broden was the only station commander to vote for you. Not much of a surprise that, but you should look at his records a little more closely. If you want someone to do some persuading then he's the one."
Tor said, "He may be, but I need to do this for myself."
Stanad responded, "Understood."
A ship wide announcement disturbed the sound of talking, "The Mohrabas Ambassador is about to dock. All personnel to active stations. Tor Grall to proceed to the reception rooms on deck twelve."
Stanad said, "A personal call. I guess you should get moving."
The shuttle craft entered the launch bay of the Mammoth. Moments later it dropped on the internal lift and moved against the small internal dock. The internal dock pressure and atmosphere stabilised as the ship was brought to the disembarkment ramp.
First Officer Sheero Bhard stood in full dress uniform and waited with a mix of anxious apprehension and eager excitement masked behind a calm exterior. After a few long moments the door of the shuttle craft opened with a distinctive hiss. Sheero blinked and swallowed as his mouth felt dry and felt the need to get his saliva moving for when he needed to speak.
A moment later the huge form of ThaStornla stepped out of the shuttle. He sniffed at the air, it was different but did not leave an unpleasant taste. The assemblage of essences were mixed and merged across his senses. The figure before him smelled of uncertainty. The spines on his back remained down as he sensed no immediate danger, only curiosity.
There were others on the dockside but Sheero could sense their gaze upon the massive form of the golden haired Mohrabas warrior girthed in what they all hoped was formal dress battle armour. In great strides ThaStornla moved forward and stopped in front of Sheero. His eyes swept the dock and then rested upon the Argon. With a half bow so that he could look Sheero in the eye, ThaStornla said, "Greetings, the Ambassador asks permission to meet with the leader of your people."
Sheero could not fail to notice the size of the Mohrabas canines and some primeval instinct told him that he would, in other circumstances, be the prey of the creature before him. Sheero gathered himself together and against his primary instincts said, "The Governor and Commander bid you all welcome aboard the Roamer."
ThaStornla stood up and with a slight growl the second guard and the ambassador stepped out of the transport ship. In a deep throaty voice ThaStornla commented, "Lead the way."
Sheero took a moment to size up the Ambassador and second guard. Both were shorter than ThaStornla but still at least a head taller than himself. Sheero felt that he was a reasonably good judge of character and status and something to him felt wrong about the three Mohrabas that followed him.
He led them to deck twelve and stood to one side of the door. Once it slid open ThoBeight stepped past and into the room beyond. ThaStornla stood patiently to one side and glanced at Sheero briefly and with a gesture of thanks stepped into the room.
+++++++++++
Sheero waited for the door to close and made his way up to the bridge. As acting commander, until Parrel could resume normal duties, he would watch the proceedings on the viewer.
Tor had deliberately placed himself away from the other commanders and closer to the door. Commander Parrels well intentioned speech about showing a united front did little to appease his displeasure now that he faced the other station commanders. Even so he, like the others were surprised at the height and build of the Mohrabas. The solid looking Paranid, Molamanckebale appeared small by comparison.
Parrel beamed and as best he could made the gesture of welcome, "Ambassador, we are honoured to have you on board and welcome you all."
ThoBeight bowed his head slightly in acknowledgement as the translator completed. In a rumbling purr he replied, "We thank you for your welcome."
Parrel allowed a brief pause after the translation and said, "Let me introduce us. I am Philus Parrel, Commander of this ship." Parrel went on to introduce the other station commanders and left Tor till last saying, "Finally this is Tor Grall, he found the gate and was the first of our kind to explore the sector."
Tor stepped forward and greeted the Ambassador, and having spent some time learning the correct greeting symbolising friendship and good health under the tuition of Sweety, made all the right gestures. The eyes of all three Mohrabas stayed on him for longer than he felt comfortable with.
The Ambassador commented, "You have learnt something of our ways."
Tor nodded and replied, "And it would be an honour to learn more."
ThoBeight smiled and turned his attention back to Commander Parrel. Tor stepped back and stood against the wall. As he looked around the room he noticed that ThaStornla was watching him with a look of curiosity. Tor could not help but notice that the golden haired Mohrabas appeared to be not only the tallest but had a certain nobility that was almost lacking in the other two. Yet ThaStornla stood at the back and was just watching the proceedings.
Tor glanced across from time to time and noticed that the Mohrabas was no longer watching people but appeared to be watching the floor and then turning his head as if listening for something.
Ghaan Yapall sat in the bar of the Chip Plant, the main screen showed the proceedings taking place on the Roamer. Rather than watching the main viewer however he was replaying archived footage of last seasons hardball championships. After a brief while he glanced at the screen and then at his time piece. There were three mizuras before the end of the game in what had been a very close competition yet he would have to pause the game as time was nearly up.
Sheero kept his eye on the proceedings as well as security updates. His thoughts were disturbed when one of the engineering crew commented, "Sir, I'm picking up unusual fluctuations in the power grid delta nine on deck twelve."
Sheero started, "Shut..." The Roamer shuddered a deep resounding boom echoed through along the corridors, the screens went blank, "What was that?"
The report came back, "Explosion on deck twelve."
Sheero called out, "All emergency crews to deck twelve, I want all medics available now. Get scanners on line I want information, casualty numbers and let's hope the meeting room was." The words died on his lips as the technical readouts flashed onto the viewers, "Oh no."
The dust settled from the blast and fires were being suffocated in suppressant tainting the air with a choking bitter and acrid stench Tor tried to look around. Pain swept up from his left leg and side. Glancing down all he could see was blood.
Across from him lay the dismembered bodies of two of the Mohrabas. The third was laying sprawled on the floor covered in blood and ash. Tor tried to drag himself across the floor his ears still ringing from the sound of the explosion and unable to hear the alarms and running feet.
Medics and security swept into the room as Tor passed out, saying, "Shit."
Chareth informed Sheero, "Sir, stations are launching fighters and the Mohrabas ships have powered up weapons in response."
Sheero looked around. Chareth communicated, "There is a sector wide announcement from Station Commander Broden Falstarn."
Sheero commented, "Put it on."
The serious face of Broden appeared and he stated, "All station fighters are to stand down. Any fighter that refuses to acknowledge will be destroyed. Be aware the Defiance is under strict orders to designate any fighter that shows hostility to the Mohrabas ships as a legitimate target. This is your only warning."
The comm closed. Sheero looked over to Chareth and asked, "Did that help?"
Chareth looked at the sector data, "Looks like it, the fighters are standing ground but are not withdrawing back to their stations."
Sheero commented quickly, "Get me Broden on comm."
Almost immediately Broden appeared and said, "Sheero, good to see you, now what the hell happened?"
Sheero responded, "There was an explosion under the meeting room."
Broden expression of concern deepened, "Casualties?"
Sheero looked at the latest report, "We have two."
Broden nodded, "Doesn't sound too bad considering."
Sheero looked up, "You misunderstood me, we have two survivors."
Broden closed his eyes briefly in silent prayer then opened them and asked, "Who?"
With his head slightly bowed Sheero commented, "Tor and one of the Mohrabas."
Taking a deep intake of breath Broden and asked slowly, "Parrel?"
Sheero shook his head and Broden said calmly, "This is a dark day. Get your people to establish the exact cause of the explosion. But first do you want to call the Mohrabas and tell them or do you want me to?"
Sheero commented, "I get the impression they may not need telling."
Broden gave a slight nod, "But we still have to make it official."
Sheero said slowly, "I shall try to contact them."
Broden responded, "Good man. Remember keep it factual but try not to say too much."
Chareth commented, "We are receiving a voice comm from the Mohrabas commander."
Broden said, "Keep this comm open."
Sheero nodded and said, "Put them through."
The Carrier Commanders voice growled over the comm, "We have lost contact with the Ambassador. Explain."
Sheero gathered his thoughts quickly and replied, "There has been an accident on board with the result in a number of fatalities. The Ambassador and one of his entourage were killed the third member is seriously wounded and our medical team is attempting to save his life."
The voice of ThiRioth came over the comm, "Commander, dispatch a medical team immediately to assist."
The Commanders voice acknowledged the order, "Excellency."
ThiRioth said, "Argon Commander, you were responsible for the well being of our people and for this you will answer before our laws. You have two Tazuras to provide evidence for your defence."
Sheero commented bitterly, "I'm only acting Commander. Commander Parrel was also killed in the explosion."
ThiRioth replied immediately, "That is unfortunate. So who is now in charge?"
Only one name came to Sheero, "Tor Grall, but he was also injured in the explosion."
ThiRioth commented, "An unfortunate turn of events. Prepare your evidence and when Tor Grall is fit I will see him here."
The comm closed and Broden looked thoughtfully at Sheero over the video display. He commented, "Looks like the pressure is on acting Commander. I suggest you leave nothing unchecked."
The image flickered out.
Sheero ordered, "Dorlf I want a full simulation of the explosion. Let's see if this was an accident or deliberate."
Tors’ eyes flicked open there was the rhythmical beat of the pulse monitors. How long he had been here he could not guess. An activity monitor chimed and moments later Doctor Marra Wellstate was standing by the bedside.
She said, "Keep still Mr. Grall, you're still in the restraint field. How do you feel?"
Tor thought for a moment, "At this moment in time I don't feel anything."
Marra smiled, "I shall take that as a good thing for the moment. At least the pain suppressors are working."
Tor asked, "Did anyone else get out?"
The doctor glanced over to the one other bed but responded, "I think you should rest. I'll inform the Captain that you're awake."
Tors eyes began to close when he asked, "How long have I been here?"
The doctor replied, "One and a half Tazura." Tor slept again as the Mohrabas doctor looking after ThaStornla stepped up to the bedside.
In a soft purr the Mohrabas doctor commented, "He is strong this one but it will still be some time before he can travel."
Marra gave the Mohrabas doctor a considered look, "I would say another three Tazura. But what about your patient?"
The doctor replied, "He will be ready to leave in another Tazura."
Broden was onboard the Roamer and studied the report from Sheero. The explosion had been deliberate, something about it left him uncomfortable, the spread of the damage came from the centre of the room yet the overall field had been reasonably focussed.
Two factors had saved Tors’ and ThaStornlas’ lives by that they had been standing close to the walls close to the periphery of the explosion field and that there was a structural support member running through the floor just in front of them which absorbed and reflected most of the shockwave.
Instinct told Broden that this was either a professional hit made to look clumsy or an amateur hit gone wrong. With so many visitors in the initial setting up it could have been anyone from any of the stations. The cold stark reality was that two rumours were running rampantly through the stations. Firstly that Tor had committed the crime in revenge for being deposed but got it slightly wrong and barely escaped with his own life, and secondly that the Mohrabas had committed the crime to destabilise them for some reason that was as yet unclear.
Few people had even considered that there may be a third option. Broden reflected on the Bloodheart element but this was not a rumour he wanted to let loose. They would have to look for an assassin but he did not want them to feel as though they may be detected.
Sheero, who had adopted the title of Captain, entered the briefing room.
==================
Broden commented, "I see this report is complete."
Sheero nodded and responded, "You'll notice that we now believe it to be an energy absorbtion explosive device that quickly goes critical when activated."
Broden nodded, "Hence the power fluctuation in the grid array," Sheero nodded and Broden asked, "How certain are you that this is right?"
Sheero replied, "We did some asking around. You won't be surprised to hear that there are a few Service Agents still milling around."
Broden looked up, "Perhaps they could be of some assistance in identifying potential assassins."
Sheero asked, "So you don't believe Tor did it then?"
Broden answered sharply, "Only when all other possibilities have been extinguished. Do you?"
Sheero replied, "He has all the right motivation, why not?"
Broden said, "Because he doesn't have it in him to be a murderer."
Sheero commented, "He's a fighter pilot and killing has been all he's done recently. Why wouldn't a few more matter?"
Broden answered, "Fighting for your life is one thing. Killing people because they upset you requires a whole different mind set."
Sheero asked, "And who makes that distinction? You know as well as anyone the dangers of prolonged space combat, how many of your former squad lost the plot?" Broden did not answer, Sheero continued, "You discharged yourself from military service after having to shoot down two of your former team once they had escaped from an asylum and went on a shooting spree amongst civilian transports."
Broden commented quietly, "So you've read my file, what does that prove?"
Sheero commented, "You've seen what happens to people that get pushed one step too far."
Broden gave a wry smile, "They also get a certain hungry look in their eyes. Last time I looked that hunger wasn't in Tors'. He's not gone mad. Yet."
Taking a moment to digest Brodens’ words, Sheero commented, "So how do you think we should end the report?"
Broden considered this for a moment and then replied, "We believe that this was an assassination attempt on a person / persons within the group by an individual as yet unidentified. That the meeting was seen by this individual as an ideal opportunity to spread chaos and discord whilst covering their own tracks in the confusion that followed."
Sheero looked at Broden, "Attempt?"
Broden responded, "Okay, say 'this was the assassination of person / persons' etcetera etcetera."
Sheero commented, "Okay the report is complete and will be sent in the next few Mizura."
Broden stated, "You still don't believe that he didn't do it."
Sheero responded, "All the fingers point in the same direction. Unfortunately there's no evidence to say for certain either way."
Broden rose from his seat , "Oh there's evidence. You just have to know where to look."
Sheero thought for a moment and then said, "You work for Tor, in many respects it's in your own best interest to clear his name. Others will reach the conclusion that any investigation that you will carry out will be, let us say, 'influenced'. Likewise it's in no ones interest to see an innocent man charged with a crime he did not commit."
Broden stood still for a moment the wry smile returning to his face, "I can see Parrel had a good influence on you."
Sheero commented bitterly, "He deserved a better end than this."
Turning his head Broden looked at Sheero with a hint of sadness, "He won't have been the only one."
Sheero replied, "I'm only interested in the truth Broden. No lies. I will have Polmanckelest lead this investigation."
Broden asked, "The Priest Champion, Paranid Special Forces?"
Sheero responded, "You have a problem with that?"
Broden replied slowly, "No."
Tor stirred to the sound of an argument between Marra and the Mohrabas doctor ThoToght. Marra said loudly, "You can't move him, he's not fit to travel."
ThoToght responded in a soothing purr, "His Excellency has ordered it."
Marra replied sharply, "I don't care what his Excellency ordered he's my patient and I say he's not going anywhere."
Tor turned his head to look at the two. Marra was tiny against the Mohrabas doctor but seemed to be making up for it in terms of presence. Her obvious anger filling the medical room. However ThoToght was unperturbed and if Tor could read his expression correctly the Mohrabas looked down with a mixture of kind and gentle amusement.
ThoToght purred, "Perhaps you would like to explain to his Excellency why." His hand held up a communications device.
Marra unperturbed said loudly, "And this goes straight to his Excellency."
ThoToght smiled, "Yes."
Marra said loudly, "My patient is in no fit state to travel. He needs another two Tazuras rest."
The deep rumbling purr of ThiRioth rumbled through the medical room, "Bring her with him. She can tend to him during the journey."
Tor could see the doctor opening and closing her mouth. ThoToght gave an untranslatable growl and several Mohrabas personnel appeared with hover stretcher. ThaStornla rose from his bed, stretched and yawned to expose a wide ranging set of fangs and Tor felt a pang of fear stir within him. ThaStornla gave himself a quick shakedown and looked at Tor with a sense of curiosity.
Standing up he looked as though nothing had happened and wandered across to the doctors. Marra stared at him when ThaStornla asked, "Are we ready to leave?"
ThoToght bowed slightly, "My Lord, we ..."
There was a subtle hiss from ThaStornla and a furtive look from ThoToght, "Captain, we are ready!"
The stasis field remained intact as Tor was transferred to the Mohrabas stretcher. He did not realise that the Mohrabas escort were all heavily armed. Marra almost had to run to keep up with their swift and ever vigilant progress through the corridors.
The transportation to the Carrier grade ship was swift and without noticeable discomfort to Tor.
Liann called Broden from the Command Center of the Silicon Mine, "Tor's being moved."
Broden responded, "Get me Sheero on the comm now!"
Sheero responded, "Captain Sheero here."
Broden asked, "Where are they taking Tor?"
Sheero looked uncomfortable, "Back to their home world."
Broden said angrily, "You think that's a good idea."
Sheero replied with anger, "I had no choice. Their Chief Council demanded it!"
Broden commented aloud, and to no one in particular, "Where the hell is the Defiance!"
The Mohrabas Carrier was preparing to leave as ThaStornla entered the bridge. The navigation officer reported, "Alien ship is blocking our flight path."
The Commander replied, "Identify."
The navigation officer replied, "Small warship, relative strength one tenth weapons unspecified."
The Commander responded, "Prepare to depart, if they don't move, then ram them."
ThaStornla said, "Wait, put the image on viewer."
The Commander looked over his shoulder whilst the communications officer obeyed. The image of the Defiance appeared on screen. ThaStornla requested, "Put me through to Tor Grall in the medical bay."
Marra answered, "Yes."
ThaStornla asked, "There is a sentient ship blocking our way, if it does not move then we will destroy it."
Tors voice emanated from the background, "Sweety."
ThaStornla said, "This ship has a name?"
Tor replied, "The ship is the Defiance and the AI in command is called Sweety. It is my ship."
ThaStornla commented, "Defiance is an appropriate name. It is also a unique ship amongst your kind, but we know her weakness. Tell your ship to stand down and I promise no harm will come to her."
Tor said, "Sweety is her own person, I can ask but there's no guarantee that she will obey."
ThaStornla appeared to sigh, "Disarm primary weapons, employ secondary batons and prepare to fire. Open a communications channel on the Argon frequencies."
The communications officer reported, "Channel available."
ThaStornla spoke up, "Defiance, we seek permission to pass. Your Tor Grall is on board. Stand down."
There was no response. The Tactical officer reported, "Alien ships weapons are fully charged and ready to fire."
******************
ThaStornla said carefully, "Sweety, we intend no harm to your master. Let us past."
Sweety responded, "First return Tor to the Roamer."
The communications officer reported, "We have an attack on the computers in progress."
The commander ordered, "Fire batons full field."
ThaStornla barely managed to say, "Wait." Before the tactical officer reported, "Weapons fired. Alien ship still active but registering power fluctuations though main computer systems. "
The Commander looked at ThaStornla, "Fire again when ready."
ThaStornla commented quickly, "Commander I ask that you defer that order."
Standing up the Commander gave a slight bow to ThaStornla and replied, "Respectfully, I am the Commander of this ship and you are only a Captain. My order stands, fire when ready."
The reply came back, "Weapons fired, alien ship is immobile, no power sources detected."
ThaStornla said calmly, "Commander, you will do me the courtesy of not destroying the Alien ship."
The Commander replied, "Very well. Engage vertical thrusters to safe distance and engage primary drives for home."
There was a stunned silence in the Command Centre of the Silicon Mine. The Defiance hung as a dark shadow in space with no lights inside or out and no ion glow from the engines.
Broden asked, "Is there any sign of power?"
Liann replied quietly, "Nothing."
Speaking to himself out loud Broden asked, "What the hell was that weapon?"
Alaisha spoke up, "Captain Sheero Bhard is calling in."
Broden responded, "On screen."
Sheero looked concerned, "Commander, we'll be sending tugs out to recover the Defiance what do you want us to do with her?"
Broden replied earnestly, "I want your best people to fix her."
Sheero nodded, "Understood, however I think it would be best that the work is done on your station. For security reasons."
Giving his consent the comm closed, Broden let out a large sigh, "Sweety, are you still on line?"
Sweety replied, "Considering what just happened to my transmission link, yes."
Broden gave a half hearted smile, "Aren't you glad that I refused to put you on board?"
Sweety silkily responded, "Flying by remote occasionally has its advantages."
Broden turned his attention to the lifeless image of the Defiance, "But you still shouldn't have sent the ship out there."
Sweety commented in her own defence, "Perhaps I should enlighten you in some of the finer details of Mohrabas Law."
Turning towards the exit, Broden said, "Something tells me I'm not going to like it. But save it until I'm in the office so we can talk privately."
A short while later Broden reappeared, his face grave and everything about his persona said he was in no mood for a joke, he said forcefully, "We need to find this assassin and fast, I want every ship movement from every station that docked with the Roamer in the run up to the meeting. That includes ships from this station. Further more I want to know the names and faces of every person on those ships. I want someone to check the identity of everyone on every station and see if there's any background data on all of them."
After a brief pause Broden added, "I want a report on the movement of the four prisoners, and I want someone to find me those service agents, and I want this information yesterday. If anyone has any difficulty getting this data then tell me immediately and I will go personally dislocate all the joints of the person that's giving you a problem."
On board the Mohrabas Carrier, Tor was still heavily sedated and slept for the entire journey unaware of the actions of the Mohrabas or fate of the Defiance.
ThaStornla had always been fascinated by the principle of sentient AI, and was saddened to have been within a short distance of a computer based life form but not to have had the opportunity to study it further. The Mohrabas never really delved in to this branch of research and had focused more on functional systems whilst regarding AI coding as misguided and could lead to dangerously unwanted phenomena. The fact that another race had developed such a system could have told him how real or unfounded these concerns were. He changed into his new armour, the suit he had worn when the explosion had occurred had been mounted on a frame almost appearing like a trophy or a testament to how effective it was.
The armour bore the insignia of his rank as Captain, as he placed the formal robe of office over his shoulders it carried the formal crest of the ruling family. Taking a long moment to gaze out of the window he wondered what the future really held. Turning towards the open door he strode out of his quarters and headed for the docking bay.
The four guards stood at each corner of the stretcher as they waited to board the transfer drop shuttle. Doctor Marra stood patiently beside Tor. He had insisted that he felt okay to stand however she refused to release the stasis controls which kept him immobilized.
ThaStornla padded towards them and surveyed the stretcher with a curious eye. He purred, "When we arrive you will walk off the Lander."
Marra looked sternly at ThaStornla and replied, "Tor is my patient. He will walk when I say he's ready."
There was a subtle growl from ThaStornla as the guards turned towards Marra. He said again, "Tor will walk off the shuttle. Let us say that it is important for him to do so, and you will ensure that he is able to."
Marra said, "And what if he can't?"
ThaStornla leant forward until his face was at the same level as Marras'. He studied her expression, "Do you have any reason to believe that he has lost mobility?"
Tor felt a rising panic that he may have broken his back. Marra almost whispered, "He can walk, but he needs more time to recover from his injuries."
ThaStornla stood up straight again and growled, "He will have time. After he has left the Lander."
An acoustic chime reverberated through the docking bay and moments later the loading ramp doors opened. The group proceeded to board the Lander. The stretcher was positioned carefully as the others took their seats. With a slight thump the ship was released and set off on its way.
The drop through the atmosphere was surprisingly gentle and Tor barely noticed the turbulence normally felt with Argon planetary transports. As they plummeted down towards the surface Tor reflected on how unbelievably calm he was and attributed a certain amount to the drugs. Somewhere inside he felt that he should be worried by the fact he was surrounded by a previously unknown Alien race and being taken to face an unknown fate after the deaths of two of their representatives, but somehow he felt no fear, not yet at least.
The sound of the retro thrusters hummed gently through the cabin as they leveled out and prepared to land at the Crystal city. ThaStornla was out of his seat and approached Tor, he purred, "Are you ready to walk?"
Tor commented, "I'll give it a go."
Turning to look at Marra the Captain commented, "Release the restraints."
Marra responded, "We haven't landed yet."
ThaStornla purred, "I haven't time to argue with you. Just do as I ask."
Marra looked at Tor uncertainly and tapped on the control console. A burning sensation raced through Tor's body and he grimaced with sharp intake of breath but held back from crying out. Marra almost immediately began to put her fingers on the control pad, when Tor said, "No, I'll be alright. It's just the initial shock that's all."
With a disbelieving look Marra withdrew her hand from the pad and responded, "If you say so."
As Tor tried to move he winced with the effort as every muscle down his left side sent its objection directly to the nerve centre. He rested and took deep breaths having swung his legs over the edge of the stretcher in order to sit up. Marra commented angrily to ThaStornla, "This is no good. Can't you see that if he even manages to get to his feet he will pass out from the pain."
ThaStornla looked at her and replied, "Well give him something to overcome the pain."
Marra replied, "I can't, I don't have any left."
Tor lurched to his feet and swayed for a moment, what little colour had remained in his face faded away to leave him looking ashen gray. His focus swam in and out but with controlled breathing he stayed upright. Remaining so even with the slight bump that signified that the Lander had now arrived.
ThaStornla looked down at Tor and some part of him registered the difficulty that he was in. For so long the Mohrabas doctors had found ways of eliminating extreme pain within patients they had reached the point that suffering was a thing of the past. In some distant corner of his memory he remembered being trampled and gored by a wild Huruntmare as a youngster. He had escaped to stagger home with teeth clenched tight to hold back the cry of pain whilst his life ran red into the gutter. Looking at Tor he knew that this was the pain level the Argon was feeling a moment of indecision came across him.
Looking up Tor said, "I will walk out of here."
ThaStornla replied, "I have only some distant memory of pain so I cannot pretend to know what you feel right now. Forgive me doctor that I take for granted that your species is as advanced as our own."
Marra looked at him, "Does that mean my patient can get back on the stretcher where he belongs."
ThaStornla shook his head slowly and in a deep purr, "No. It is a cultural thing, for the crime of treason, assassination and murder a prisoner is to be brought to justice incapacitated. Unable to run away. If Tor is carried out of here the message that will give to our people is that he is the accused and will be punished for the crime. Tor must walk."
Tor asked, "And what's the punishment for those offences?"
ThaStornla replied, "I think it best that I don't tell you."
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