The Gate - Chptr 10 completed (17/04/04)

[Mercenary]

The Gate Chapters.

Chapter 1 , Chapter 2
Chapter 3 , Chapter 4
Chapter 5 , Chapter 6
Chapter 7 , Chapter 8
Chapter 9


Completed below the =======

Chptr 10
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ThaStornla entered the room, having only recently stirred from sleep, as Sweety began to retrieve the pictures of each individual that were impersonated by the assassin.

Liann also appeared guiding a hover tray with various breakfast foods as well as hot and cold drinks. She commented, "I thought you boys might need some refreshment."

Broden glanced at his time piece and said, "I guess this is good morning then."

Liann smiled, "It certainly is and my shift has just started."

The Mohrabas examined the tray and absently helped himself to much of the contents and then started studying the screen he growled, "Are these the suspects?" He sat down next to Tor.

Tor had studied the screen continuously not taking much notice he gave a brief sideways glance reached out and took a snack from ThaStornlas plate absent mindedly whilst commenting, "I hope not, because my face is up there." ThaStornla gave a warning growl as Tor started to reach out for a second snack.

Tor glanced across with a hint of surprise and asked, "What?"

ThaStornla growled, "The unselected food is behind you."

With a slight grin Tor commented, "I guess your people don't go in for share and share alike?"

ThaStornla looked puzzled, he had heard many expressions and witnessed many cultural differences and was coming to terms with them however unorthodox they appeared. Taking food from another persons plate however was frowned upon and considered by many of the Mohrabas as the worst insult and showed a complete lack of respect. The culture did have a master, subordinate relationship where the master had first choice from the dishes but the master would never take food from another or vice versa. He growled, "No, but we consider taking food from someone else's plate as highly insulting."

Tor frowned, "I didn't realise, and I apologise there was no insult intended."

ThaStornla purred in a kinder tone, "There are many differences between our races, should we find the time I will educate you in our ways."

Tor nodded and responded, "And I will enlighten you in ours."

Broden moved the hover tray so that it was in front of and in easy reaching distance of Tor. Sweety said cheerfully, "Now that you have averted a major conflict between races, is there anything you want to do with the images?"

Tor picked up a snack and said, "Our objective here is to see if there are any facial and build similarities between these people."

ThaStornla looked carefully at each one and Broden sighed saying, "Well other than you, each one appears to have at least one distinguishing facial mark, whether it's a slightly crooked nose, a scar or a mole."

ThaStornla shook his head, "They are all different in complexion, but the bone structure of the face is reasonably similar."

Tor looked closely and considered both observations and said slowly, "Okay, we can take it this assassin is good with disguises, but most people only quickly glance at someone and the one thing they'd remember about that person is the distinguishing feature."

Broden added, "So if anyone was asked to identify the assassin from a line up they'd pick out one of these poor sods. But you've not got any major facial disfigurements so unless he's your twin then he'd have a job to disguise himself as you."

Sweety said encouragingly, "Not yet at least."

Tor sighed, "Can we not mention facial disfigurement. I have difficulty trying not to think about it and reminders just don't help."

Broden asked, "So where do you want to go from here?"

Tor commented, "I'll go and visit the Computer Plant on the pretext of negotiating the new systems for the Crystal Fab. ThaStornla I could use your company. A keen sense of smell and acute hearing could be invaluable if anything happens when I'm over there. Sweety I'll be taking you along so we can link you into the manufacturing facility."

Broden frowned and said, "I don't like that suggestion and you know why. But still you insist on making yourself an easy target."

Tor nodded and said calmly, "Your objection is understood, however the assassin has already found a weakness in our defence and tried to freeze me to death in my own office. He's attacking me from a distance and it's time to take the fight back to him. Anyway he's taken some effort to make me look like the killer, I doubt that he's going to spoil the illusion with an open attack."

Sweety added, "And without me here he would have succeeded. Which will potentially make Tor even more vulnerable should another virus make it onto the system whilst I am away."

Broden sighed, "Okay, have it your own way. Now do you want Helass to continue looking at pictures?"

Tor thought for a moment, "Yes, but this time narrow the range down to those with similar facial features." He glanced over to the Mohrabas beside him and said, "In fact, ThaStornla can you arrange for us to visit her. We can stop there before going on to the Computer Plant."



Captain Sheero had moved the Roamer to the ghost city of the Mohrabas and avoided communicating with the new station commanders. Polmanckelest had briefed him with all the evidence they had managed to gather. He knew what the officers were asking for but based on the few Mohrabas days remaining for Tor he refrained from answering their hails.

A Mohrabas destroyer patrolled nearby, it was without doubt monitoring them as they data scanned and obtained information on the construction and layout of the wrecked structure.

Research probes were gliding through the superstructure returning images and data as their powerful arc lamps illuminated the darkness within. The science crew sat back watching the data come in and every now and again issued a new instruction set with flight path to the probes.

The estimated volume of the station mapped out was a little under two percent. Sheero knew it would take several Wozura before they would have anything like a comprehensive map.



Helass stood up and stretched. Her room on the Mohrabas carrier was bordering on palatial compared to the quarters she was used to. However the environment was undisputedly alien to her. The Mohrabas crew appeared to be both courteous and polite. She had a feeling that she should be concerned that there was a permanent guard outside her door, however they appeared to be more concerned with helping her find her way around the ship than preventing her from leaving her quarters.

She was quickly aware the Mohrabas used multiple languages and some of the guards only spoke a small amount of the translated tongue. The terminal she used to scan the faces to see if she could recognise the assassin was located in her room. She knew she had been overdoing it as many of the faces were beginning to look the same and to her mind it made a welcome relief to see a Mohrabas face instead.

One of the things that the ship provided was a wide range of food and drinks and there was an abundance of it. This was a welcome change to the meatsteak and Delexian wheat based meals provided on the Silicon Mine.

Most meals were delivered but in the middle of her day she had made a point of escaping the confines of the room and visiting the catering deck. She was extremely impressed that all the food was prepared by hand rather than reconstituted. To her mind technology is all very useful as a labour saving tool but there were definitely some things like proper cooking which required a more personal touch and the Mohrabas chefs had considerable skill in this field. One thing that did slightly mystify her was the chefs were all very aware of what would suit her palette and several times prevented her from taking an interesting looking dish with the words, "No. Poison to you."

She was distracted from thought when the door to her room opened.

------------
ThaStornla stepped into the room first, Tor followed and then the towering form of ThiRioth entered the room. Although this was ThiRioths personal carrier ship this was the first time she had seen him and was daunted by his and ThaStornlas presence. In terms of the Mohrabas she had met these two were the tallest and most imposing of them all.

ThiRioth spoke first in a deep resonant purr, "So this is my young guest. It is a pleasure to meet you."

Not really knowing what was expected of her. Helass gave a bow of her head and responded, "I am honoured to be in your graces presence."

ThiRioth gave a gentle laugh and responded, "No lady the honour is mine. I hope the accommodation is to your liking?"

Helass kept her head slightly bowed and replied, "It is more than I could have hoped for, your grace."

ThaStornla interjected, "Your Excellency."

With a sharp intake of breath Helass said quickly, "I apologise your Excellency if I have used an improper title."

ThiRioth gave a gentle laugh and said, "There is no need to apologise child. It is our duty to protect you, now Tor wishes to have a few words with you."

She fixed Tor with a slightly more intense look than he would normally have expected, and he gave her an encouraging smile before saying, "The first thing I should ask is if you've recognised anyone from the pictures."

Helass remained tense and replied, "Not yet."

Tor frowned briefly and then gave a half hearted smile. He said casually, "Perhaps I should do some introductions." Tor gave a sweeping gesture towards ThiRioth and said, "This is chief councillor, his Excellency ThiRioth leader of the Mohrabas people." Tor turned towards ThaStornla and added, "And this is the Mohrabas emperors son, ThaStornla. By the way these two aren't related."

Helass gave a slight bow towards ThaStornla and said, "Your highness."

In that moment of subservience Tor froze for an instance as he recollected the events at breakfast. He moved forward slightly and then demonstrating a new found level of respectfulness gave a slight bow and said, "Your Excellency you are most welcome to stay and observe, however this may take a while."

ThiRioth growled something to ThaStornla who just gave a wry smile. There was an exchange of words between the two, none of which was translated. He then addressed Helass and purred, "I have pressing business to deal with and look forward to our next meeting." The door opened and ThiRioth departed.

ThaStornla looked for a seat and made himself comfortable. Tor spoke to Helass, "We've been refining the search so you don't have as many faces to concentrate on."

Helass sighed and replied, "That's nice."

Tor gave an encouraging smile, "If you don't recognise anyone after this lot then that's okay. We'll close this side of the investigation."

Helass asked, "And what happens to me?"

Tor glanced over to ThaStornla and said, "Well I guess that decision lies with our hosts here."

ThaStornla purred, "This ship will return home within the next two solar cycles as his Excellence needs to personally attend several up and coming council chamber gatherings. You will either transfer to another ship or travel to our world. The decision has not been made yet."



Polmanckelest had travelled to the Silicon Mine to talk with Broden. As suggested, he had refused to share data with the new Chip Plant commander and now he was keen to find out what was really going on.

Broden was overseeing a routine maintenance exercise on the lower security deck. Polmanckelest glanced at the imposing but inactive bulk of the sentinel he said, "Impressive."

Broden glanced across, "We're still sorting out the programming protocols before we reactivate it."

The big Paranid asked, "You think there might be a need?"

With a smile Broden replied, "I hope not. It took long enough to repair the place after the first attack."

Polmanckelest nodded, "So I understand."

The Commander asked, "So you want to know what Tor's up to?" The Paranid gave a slow nod and Broden continued, "He believes the assassin is on the Computer Plant. He's not intentionally trying to flush him out but he's going to visit the place."

Polmanckelest neither looked perplexed or surprised, "Sounds like he wants to take control of his own fate."

Broden said, "He's wanted to for a while and now time is running out fast. There's a certain desperation to the lad and I can't say I'm surprised. The assassin has done a damn good job of setting up all the evidence to say that Tor committed the crimes. The only redeeming fact is that Tor would have to have been omnipresent as his records show him being in two places at once."

With a sigh Polmanckelest said, "But the shadow of doubt is cast and that is enough."

Broden said, "Whatever happens there's no time for a trial. No time to unravel the web and see the truth."

Polmanckelest calmly commented, "So we run the risk of sending an innocent to their death."

Broden asked, "Do you think the Mohrabas will really punish Tor if we don't find the assassin in time?"

Polmanckelest replied, "I have no reason to doubt it." There was a brief silence before he continued, "So what will he be doing on the computer plant?"

Broden answered, "He'll be giving credibility to the rumour that we accidentally fried the computers on the Crystal Fab. Sweety will be hooked into the manufacturing computers and monitor for any tampering with the new systems."

Polmanckelest commented, "And you'll get a trace on the hacker and capture an image of him on the security cameras."

Broden replied, "That's about the sum of it." He quickly read through a maintenance update that flashed up on his datapad.

Polmanckelest asked, "And that's the whole plan?"

Having acknowledged and approved the report Broden replied, "Tor is still hoping that by some small chance Helass might have a revelation and spot our assassin from the mug shots on the computers. But I'm not holding my breath."



Tor had taken a seat and waited patiently as Helass had scanned over the images at least twice. Eventually she let out a sigh and turned to face him. Tor asked, "Anything."

She shook her head, "Not really, there are a few images which are stlightly obscured so you can't get a really good look at the face but that's about it."

Tor frowned and responded, "Okay, thanks for trying. If you know which images are obscured I'll see if we can get some better ones."

Helass said apologetically, "I'm sorry there isn't more I can do to help."

Tor nodded and with an encouraging smile said, "When we get updated images take a look at them and shout if you recognise anyone."

Helass said, "I will."

Tor looked at ThaStornla and said, "Highness, we have an appointment on the Computer Plant."

ThaStornla gave a slight nod and rose gracefully from his seat. He addressed Helass as she stood up, "Enjoy your stay and I'm sure we will meet again soon."

Helass gave a slight bow of her head and responded, "I look forward to it, Highness."

Tor said, "Take care of yourself and see you again soon."

Helass smiled and replied, "You too."

The door opened as ThaStornla strode out of the room with Tor following close behind. He commented to Tor, "We should see his Excellency before we leave."

Tor asked, "About anything in particular?"

With an abrupt honesty ThaStornla growled gently, "You're not going to catch the assassin in time."

Tor knew this was likely to be true but whilst there was some hope of a breakthrough he had to pursue every avenue right up until the last Mizura. He replied, "It's not over till it's over."

ThiRioth waved them in to his office but it was a few Mizura before he completed his holo projection conference call. ThaStornla said, "Excellency."

ThiRioth gave a gesture of acknowledgement and growled, "What can I do for you?"

ThaStornla growled, "Time is running out Excellency and we appear to be getting no closer to the murderer of ThoBeight and his assistants."

ThiRioth sat back his eyes were fixed on ThaStornla and growled gently, "I see."

Tor expected more but the emphasis appeared to be on ThaStornla to make the next comment. He wondered if he should say something however the way ThiRioth studied ThaStornla he had the distinct impression that it was not his turn to speak.

ThaStornla growled, "We need more time or an innocent will die for the crime of another."

ThiRioth considered this for a moment and then growled abruptly, "No! You know how long you have remaining."

Tor wondered if ThaStornla was going to argue the case but to his surprise he did not. However ThiRioth did change language and spoke to ThaStornla so that Tor would not be able to understand.
The Captain just listened and not once did he appear to try and speak. Yet Tor could tell that ThaStornla was not happy about the news.

Eventually he commented so that Tor could understand, "I think it would be of benefit to Tor to know why this deadline must be met." Tor frowned slightly at the use of the word 'deadline'.

For the first time ThiRioth addressed Tor directly, "Something called politics gives me no choice but to enforce the time given is not exceeded. ThoBeight was extremely well respected and his son calls for justice every solar day. When I say justice it would be more appropriate to call it revenge. The council will abide by the time originally stated and will not voice an opinion until that time has expired, but their voice, when heard, may not be to the benefit of your people."

+++++++++++++
ThaStornla growled the name, "ThaGorack." With a degree of animosity that Tor had never heard before.

ThiRioth responded in a softer tone, "You have a problem with this?"

ThaStornla once again slipped into the second language and Tor just gave a gentle shake of his head. However it was apparent that ThaStornla was expressing in no uncertain terms what he thought of ThoBeights son. ThiRioth showed no sign of responding but was listening with an intensity which was almost unsettling to Tor.

ThaStornla concluded with a slight bow of the head and the word, "Excellency."

Tor was bracing himself for another untranslatable response however ThiRioth growled slowly, "Your concern is noted and understood. However when you deal with ThaGorack you will address him with mutual respect and he will do the same when addressing you. I have no time to deal with the feuding between you, but I will if you do not observe my wishes."

ThaStornla commented, "I will observe your wishes Excellency, but with respect to my previous comments, these are not just my concerns Excellency. There are others that feel the same."

ThiRioth gave an acknowledgement, "I am aware of that. Now you must excuse me, I have another appointment, as I believe, do you."

Both Tor and ThaStornla gave a slight bow and said, "Excellency." And left the office.

Tor refrained from asking about the comments ThaStornla had made until they reached the shuttle. With the Computer Plant targeted in the navigational computer and the vast bulk of ThiRioths' carrier behind them he asked, "So do you mind telling me about ThaGorack?"

It looked for a moment that ThaStornla had either not heard him or was ignoring the question. He turned his head and looked at Tor solemnly and responded, "It is not my wish that you should prejudge him before you have the opportunity to meet him." Tor waited for the, 'However' but it never materialised.

Tor mulled over in his mind that there was still a considerable amount he needed to find out about the Mohrabas and not just the courtesies. He also wondered if ThaGorack was a new emerging obstacle to them ultimately rebuilding the gate. Deep inside Tor knew that as the Mohrabas days drifted past they were getting closed to the Ancients deadline and he had not even broached the subject with ThaStornla let alone with ThiRioth.


Chalotta Hedrum had, by virtue of position, taken command of the Computer Plant. A slender woman in her mid forties, who was attempting to defy the signs of aging with a number of skin treatments and oils but had point blank refused on cosmetic surgery. With only a few small wrinkles around the corners of her eyes she was comfortable that she had succeeded so far. Her face was thin, almost pinched in appearance and it made her eyes look slightly too large in proportion to the rest of her face. In an attempt to conceal the appearance of grey hairs in her naturally auburn hair she had bleached it blond.

She had quickly adopted and reorganised the former Commanders office to suit her own, far simpler tastes. One thing she could not stand was a mess and that was exactly what she encountered when she first arrived in the office.

The new security chief Storral stood patiently as she studied the datapad presented to her. With a thoughtful tone she asked, "And you're sure these are the records the virus was targeted to remove?"

Storral was uncertain whether he should address Chalotta as 'Miss' or 'Commander' and opted for, "Yes, Miss."

Chalotta did not look up but quickly responded, "I'm not a teacher. Please address me as Commander."

Storral quickly replied, "Sorry Commander."

She glanced up and said, "I assume the other stations show a similar record?"

Storral answered, "I've contacted them and yes they do. But I thought I'd mention it as Mr. Grall is on his way here to discuss the procurement of new computers for the Crystal Fab."

Chalotta thought for a while, "Have a security team meet him in the docking bay. Then escort him to my office."

Storral responded, "Yes Commander."



Ghaan had watched with interest from the gallery as the Silicon Mine owned transport docked. He noted the presence of the security team and as Tor stepped out of the shuttle raised an eyebrow. He looked with interest at ThaStornla and considered any creature of that size would be an easy target for an assassin. After he ensured Tor came to a suitable demise he would see what information could be gathered on Mohrabas physiology and biological make up.

For the moment he would have to choose none species specific poisons just in case the need arises.

Resuming his reading of some archived history text of the legendary mercenary leader and rogue Max Force his mind strayed to the fact that Tor was here in person. He smiled as he reflected on his own brilliance in that he had masterfully crafted the deception and that Tor must believe that he, no the assassin, was on the Chip Plant.

He also reflected on the, apparently botched, virus attack which now alerted all the station commanders to the presence of certain records. Savoring the moment Ghaan gave a wry smile as he wondered what type of reception awaited Tor when he met the new Commander.


Tor had tried to break the ice with some light conversation between him and the Security guards. However they almost had an air of hostility about them even if somewhat polite.

ThaStornla said nothing but had taken a few moments to study all the guards before allowing them to escort him to the office. Not that any of the guards appeared to want to hurry them along.

It did not take long to reach the commanders office and Chalotta was sitting behind her desk and gave the appearance of someone studying a report in depth. Without looking round to greet the newcomers she said, "Take a seat Mr. Grall." There was an official tone about her voice that raised deeper concerns add to the fact that many of the security guards had filed into the room behind them.

ThaStornla gave the air a sniff. Chalotta commented absently, "If you need a tissue one can be provided." ThaStornla said nothing but turned and looked at the guards in a curiously menacing way to see how they would react. Several already had their hands on the regular issue stun batons but they were not charged up. He looked back at Chalotta who still appeared to be reading.

Tor did not sit down but said, "I'm here to order some computers."

Chalotta replied, "So I understand." Still holding the datapad she turned her head for the first time to look at the visitors. Slightly surprised to see ThaStornla in the room she quickly said, "Welcome to our factory. I only wish it could be under happier circumstance."

Tor asked quietly, "What do you mean?"

Chalotta remained seated and answered, "Certain evidence has been uncovered Mr. Grall following a failed attempt at a cover up. As the main authority on this station I am hereby placing you under arrest for murder."

Tor felt he should be shocked or at least surprised but was not. He gave a wry smile and said, "I know the evidence to which you refer and all I can say is you've been deceived."

Chalotta put down the datapad and like an unspoken signal Tor could hear the whine of the stun batons charging. She said, "You see Mr. Grall, if this was the only station that had these records then I might tend to give you the benefit of doubt. But apparently all the other stations show that you were there at the estimated time of attack."

Tor continued with the wry smile but shook his head and looked at ThaStornla who was absently casting his eyes around the room. Tor said, "Before your security get carried away with those batons, may I introduce you to ThaStornla. He's the son of the Mohrabas Emperor and if any of your people should accidentally use a baton on him then there could be some serious trouble."

Chalotta looked at ThaStornla and said, "I am sorry that this will have spoilt your visit with us. But if you would allow us a few moments to deal with this unfortunate turn of events, I will be more than glad to show you our station. Perhaps we could then discuss any particular requirements your people may have for the technology that we can provide."

Tor considered this to be a reasonable stab at diplomacy with just one mistake of trying to address ThaStornla as an equal and without title on the first meeting. Tor felt he had to mention something important and commented, "Just before you decide to lock me away there is one thing you need to know. In seven Mohrabas days I'm expected to be on their homeworld for a touch of diplomacy." Tor paused for a moment and tried not to smile too much as he chose his words, "In order for me not to lose face. If I'm stuck here then someone else will have to take my place. So all you have to do is decide on whether you want to risk letting me go bearing in mind I might not come back or go instead of me." He almost expected ThaStornla to say something but the captain remained silent and looked with a degree of curiosity at Chalotta.

Chalotta felt a new sense of empowerment to negotiate deals with an alien race, something only senior political officials and board room directors ever had the opportunity to do. Somewhere in her minds eye was a board room table and her name plaque was positioned at the head of the table. She asked, "And what does the diplomatic mission entail?"

Tor replied slowly, "Not much really it's more a case of getting to show your face around."

==========
He could see the effect of his words reflected in Chalottas' eyes. It was like a growing hunger, an opportunity too good to miss. He felt a twinge of guilt to have misled the new station commander with the promise of a journey which ultimately would lead to death. Yet the realisation that what was said could not be undone. He could not now explain the true nature of the journey for fear that it could cloud her judgement in terms of allowing him some freedom.

Tor commented, "So there are two things we need to deal with here. Firstly the ordering of the computers and secondly what you are planning on doing with me? That's if you're really going to arrest me?"

Chalotta replied quickly, "We can dispense with the computer order I will not make deals with a murderer. I will negotiate with Commander Falstarn concerning this matter. And you Mr. Grall will be spending some time in the stations brig." She looked over to the guards, "Search him for weapons. Then take him away."

Anger began to stir within Tor and he said bitterly, "Just like that you're going to lock me away. There is an assassin out there looking to kill me and if you haven't noticed he's very adept at getting past all your security and diverting your attention to evidence which has been manipulated. I am not the assassin. If you arrest me and stick me in one of your cells you'll be handing me to him on a plate so don't be surprised to find me dead in my cell sometime soon." Tor paused only briefly and then calmed his rant, "Think about this carefully."

Chalotta looked un-phased, "The evidence is against you. You are under arrest and will be held until we have had an opportunity to investigate your claims. If they are found to be true then you will be released. Until that time I cannot allow you to run around when so many have died."

The thought struck Tor that he would have to fight his way out of the room. However he was uncertain if ThaStornla would assist him in his escape. Yet the very act of fighting his way out might just convince the Commander and others that he was indeed guilty. Tor unclipped the belt to his sidearm and allowed it to slide to the floor.

He unfastened his jacket to reveal the shoulder harness and using finger tips removed the small blaster slowly and deliberately and then placed it carefully on the chair. Lastly he removed the concealed blade.

Chalotta exclaimed, "You appear to be ready for a fight Mr. Grall!"

Tor replied calmly, "I'm hunting an assassin. But I surrender them to you as a gesture of my good faith and I'll want them back. So keep them safe."

Chalotta looked at him to see if he might be holding back something. She ordered, "Scan him for any more weapons."

Tor commented, "Just so there are no unwelcome surprised do you mind if I take the datapad out of my pocket first."

Chalotta nodded and watched him carefully. As soon as it was out of his pocket she demanded, "Let me see that."

Without stepping forward, Tor held out the pad and waited. One of the guards took it from him and carried it the rest of the distance. Chalotta examined it and commented, "A tech pad, rather extravagant for a station owner."

Tor replied, "I find the normal datapads rather limited in functionality. This one allows me to monitor and remote command all my facilities and transports. It also gives me access to technical information about production and potential supply shortages. It's particularly useful in the management of the three stations I have here. However if, by some gross miscarriage of justice, I'm convicted of murder I would at least like to hold onto that so I can have something to read and if incoming communications are allowed in the cells I would still like to be able to monitor my stations."

For a moment Tor wondered if Chalotta would allow a concession and let him hang onto the technical datapad. Just as he thought she would not she handed it back to the guard and said, "Very well. A sign of my good faith."

The hand held weapon scanner picked up no suspicious objects and Tor allowed himself to be led out of the room and down to the cells. He commented to ThaStornla, "Have an enjoyable tour and I'll catch up with you later."



Broden called up Polmanckelest but before he could comment the Paranid said, "I've already heard."

Broden responded, "Dozy cow doesn't know what she's doing."

Polmanckelest frowned, "The evidence was there and she did exactly what any other station commander would have done."

Broden said, "Well I guess Tor might have the last laugh."

Polmanckelest responded, "How do you mean?"

With a wry smile Broden answered, "He persuaded her that she needs to go down to the Mohrabas homeworld on a diplomatic mission in a few days time."

There was the faintest flicker of a smile from the Paranid before he commented, "How does this affect the computer order?"

Broden replied, "It doesn't, the wheels are in motion and to cancel now would make it clear to everyone that the whole thing was an elaborate setup. And it still provides us with another avenue to catch the assassin."

The Paranid nodded slowly before asking, "So did Tor manage to get Sweety linked directly to the manufacturing systems."

Broden shook his head, "Unfortunately no, but he still has her with him. I'll go visit him when I see the Commander."

Polmanckelest responded, "Let's hope the assassin doesn't mess around with the environmental units to the cells."

With a sigh Broden responded, "I would hope the security system in that area is less open to attack. It’s supposed to stop prisoners from breaking out or being liberated. In theory it should even give Sweety a challenge."

Polmanckelest commented, "I will request that Dorlf gets involved. If Sweety is detected then Tor will lose his technical help."

Broden said, "That would be useful. In the meantime I'd better get over to the station."

Polmanckelest gave a quick nod and closed the comm. As Broden made his way to the dock he was stopped by Tris. She asked, "Is the rumour true?"

Broden responded, "Which rumour would that be?"

Tris replied quickly, "Tor's been arrested."

With a nod Broden said, "Yes it's true. He's being held for the murder of the three troopers and a number of station personnel."

Tris commented, "But he couldn't have done it."

Broden shrugged and replied, "The evidence says otherwise." He held his hand up and answered Triss’ next question before the words escaped her, "And no, I don't believe he did it. The person that did has manipulated the records and set him up. Trouble is we know this but can't prove it."

Tris looked even more concerned, "Won't he be at risk being stuck in a cell?"

Broden nodded, "No question about it. Especially as we believe the assassin is on the same station."

Tris looked slightly shocked and asked, "So you're going to try and get him out of there?"

Broden shook his head, "Times running out Tris and the Mohrabas will be wanting the assassin, Tor or a willing volunteer so they can deal out their style of justice. It's just a matter of who gets who first."

[Al]

Times running out for old Tor. I'm guessing a big cliffhanger ala Steve is coming up soon

Al

[Moss]

Some nice humor there, good job it was the tolerant ThaSornla he took food from eh, otherwise he'd have lost his face even sooner

[Adamskini]

[Gandalf The White]

Cool stuff there merc.

I started listening to the story again from scratch and lol it's good. It's amazing how far it's come.

[Mercenary]

Cool stuff there merc.

I started listening to the story again from scratch and lol it's good. It's amazing how far it's come.

Cheers Daz,

I guess every story needs time to mature. The first stage being an introduction into a new place and like the foundations of a building, a good intro allows so much more to be built on top.

The prologue of Traders has been typed today and will serve as the intro and exit point for this series of stories.

[FourFingers]

cool. great to read as always

thats one resourceful asassian there! I bet he loves his work!

hmmmm.. am starting to get worried your going to finish up and Tors gonna settle down to a quite life..

Here's hoping more disasters befall our Tor!!

[SteveMill]

'ThaStornla entered the room having only recently stirred from sleep as Sweety began to retrieve the pictures of each individual that may have been impersonated by the assassin.'

And as the great Easter Comma Famine begins to bite..

More good stuff.

[Ushiikun]

YIPPEE!!

Great story Merc! I love the setup for the cliffhanger.

[Gandalf The White]

Have I got that Merc?

[Mercenary]

'ThaStornla entered the room having only recently stirred from sleep as Sweety began to retrieve the pictures of each individual that may have been impersonated by the assassin.'

And as the great Easter Comma Famine begins to bite..

More good stuff.

Part 2 now added under the -------


Daz,

Not sure if you do. The section should be between the credits page and chapter 1. If not then give me a shout.

[Gandalf The White]

Nice work Merc. I like that. Oh yes that's good. Keep it coming

[General Morphit]

Hmm, comforting words from his exelency, then. Looks like ThaStornla has loads of confidence in Tor too, rather defininate I think.. "You're not going to catch the assassin in time." But time will tell and I doubt Mohabras are precogs... or they wouldnt be in this mess in the first place.

Nice work, keep it coming.

[Moss]

Another good read Merc, looks like things will be cut very fine, and at the moment it looks like the fine cutting may still be done to Tor.

I wonder though what happens if the assassin dies before being captured? ThoBeights son may still require his revenge, especialy as most of the current evidence still points at Tor.

[Gandalf The White]

Lol, you are forgetting homebound. so Tor can't die yet lol. but we do know he's going to go missing in action, so his death isn't completely ruled out.

[Moss]

Well i'm not expecting Tor to die anytime soon, it would certainly be a bit of a story killer if he did But things are not looking good for him at the moment, and the current state of afairs does raise a few possibilities with regard to Mohraban laws and customs.

[Al]

Good stuff Merc. Keep it coming

Al

[Gandalf The White]

bump

[KiwiNZ]

Excellent two parts of the chapter. I did miss reading a tad while being away over Easter but all good now
Quite frankly I did not expect the Mohrabas to extend Tor's time, which means he really has to get lucky. But then again, the assessin may be tempted to make a move while Tor is on the CPlant. Also, having distorted images among the 'suspects' could provide a lead. So I guess they are and they aren't getting closer.

Looking forward to the further development.

[Gandalf The White]

that's for sure. he's going to have to dangle the carat so to speak now, if he wants to flush this guy out. there's no other way now