Homebound ch 16 complete (21/03/05)

[Mercenary]

Previous Chapters

Chapter 1 , Chapter 2 , Chapter 3
Chapter 4 , Chapter 5 , Chapter 6
Chapter 7 , Chapter 8 , Chapter 9
Chapter 10 , Chapter 11 , Chapter 12
Chapter 13 , Chapter 14 , Chapter 15

Completed under the +++++.

Chapter 16
**

The Split mercenary gave Nyeshta a firm shove towards the shuttle lift. She glanced around in the hope of seeing an escape route. Nothing looked promising and as she stepped into the shuttle lift her mind told her this was it. Yet something about the early questioning bothered her. She did not have time to consider the matter further as the shuttle lift door opened.

"Please step inside, Nyeshta." The voice was that of an Argon male. And not one she recognised, but she could guess his name.

The Split pushed her into the room and the lift door closed behind her. She elected to remain silent and glanced towards the two men present. Nyeshta knew who they both were.

"I'm sure formal introductions aren't necessary, but just for the record. I am Caran Belign and this is Ban Danna." Caran paced slowly across the room, while Ban remained seated and his expression was difficult to read.

"Perhaps you're wondering why you're here, and not on a prison ship?" Ban spoke calmly.

"I assumed you wanted to beat more information out of me."

"If that's what you expect, I can certainly oblige you." Caran commented as he wandered around the back of her.

"We don't have time for this. You have evaded the law for long enough, but against my better judgement you will not be taken into custody this time." Ban glanced at Caran as he spoke.

Nyeshta thought for a moment.

"You're going to give me a chance to redeem myself?"

"In a way." Caran commented, "You know the bounty on you is payable dead or alive. If you agree to the task the terms will be changed to reflect that payment will only be made if you are brought in alive."

"That'll make me sleep a whole lot better, thanks. Anything else to tempt me into agreeing?"

"More agreeable prison facilities and maybe a reduced sentence." Caran commented as he stopped a short distance from her left side.

"You really know how to persuade a girl. And what do I have to do to get this special treatment?"

"The Bloodhearts have mobilised their flagship and, we believe, are preparing to move against one of the other clans. Our sources indicate that it's the Shadow Troop who are the target. An unfortunate coincidence as it's on their station that you've hidden the stolen plans for the X-Shuttle." Ban energised a holo-projection unit as he spoke. The display showed the Python positioned within the shadow of the Bloodheart station. Nyeshta felt her stomach tighten and nauseous in anticipation of what was to come next. Ban continued.

"The mercenaries you are with will deliver you to the Bloodheart station as per their agreement with Feran. You will be with the attack force that takes the station, at which point you will return the plans to us or destroy them and make your escape."

"That's the dumbest idea I've heard in a long time. There's no way I'm going through with that." Nyeshta took a step back.

"Trouble is you're going to be delivered to the Bloodheart station and to Feran irrespective of your decision."

Nyeshta swore at both of them. Caran interrupted her.

"On a positive theme, the young Tor Grall is looking for you. If you choose to co-operate with us we will let him know where to find you."

She glared at him before responding.

"How's that going to help? Except by getting him killed."

"Tor is not the same person you once knew, and the Defiance is significantly enhanced. Why else do you think Feran made an extra special effort to get hold of you." Caran took a step closer.

"Enhanced? How?"

Ban leant forward and spoke up.

"With alien technology. So even if you decide not to help us, Feran will soon find out the blueprints you have cannot build the ship he wants. And I wouldn't like to contemplate how he will react when he realises it."

Nyeshta stood silently in thought for some time.

"It looks like I have to say, 'yes' to your request. But I have to ask, with all the new ships around, what's all the fuss over the blueprints for the X-Shuttle?"

"As I understand it, you made a very good copy of the ship. Yet, there were some significant elements of the original design which you omitted from your version. A number of these elements are still top secret and we don't want them falling into the wrong hands." Ban finished his sentence and stood up. He continued, "Now I think it's time you were on your way."

**

Tor felt uncomfortable as the shuttle lift descended towards the commercial and public docking bays. Either side of him were the two officers that had arrested him. He reflected back to the statement made in the interrogation room.

"Show us your evidence, and if you are found to be telling the truth, you will still be required to pay the fine. If you cannot pay we will arrange escort to the Pontifex and then you will be taken to serve sentence. If you are deemed to be lying, then you will be sentenced accordingly."

Tor mentally cursed himself as he weighed up the options. He had stayed calm and smiled before pressing the replay icon and sat back as the mini projector unit on the datapad energised. Every moment that the archive played his nervousness had grown. At any moment he expected an interruption telling him that this was not sufficient evidence to satisfy the claim.

Several mizuras passed as Polmanckelest's Prometheus battled against numerous Khaak ships, and comms messages were replayed. Still there was no interruption. He remembered almost sighing with relief as the final images showed the Prometheus docking with the Roamer after the battle had concluded.

Tor remained silent as he waited for the response. Long, seemingly painful, moments passed, before the disembodied voice spoke again.

"We have analysed the evidence you have provided and have no reason to doubt that Priest Champion Polmanckelest is still alive. In the name of the Pontifex, it would only be right for the Priest Champion to send private word to his holiness. We will arrange for you and the ship Defiance to meet with the honoured representatives of the divine one. You will deliver the message to them. For the fine, do you have the means to pay?"

"I do."

The door slid open, the tall officer moved out of the room as Tor picked up his datapad. The remaining officer spoke as he stood up.

"Unholy one, you will pay, then we will escort you to your ship."

The lift descended through an upper level floor into the wide open gallery of the docking bay. Ships of all races nestled against the sides. His eyes scanned for the familiar shape of the Defiance but he could not see it.

The shuttle lift came to rest at the main dock level, and the officers ushered him out of the lift.

"We will find dock number of your ship. Wait." The tall officer turned and left. Tor began to wonder if he should try and find out the names of his two companions. He watched as the officer reached the enquiries desk and began talking to the clerk.

The discussion lasted much longer than Tor expected. The officer returned and announced.

"The Defiance is no longer here." There was an uneasy silence.

"Was there any information as to why?" Tor looked around hoping to see if Korecmancketras was lurking nearby. There was no sign of him and he was curious why no one had sent him a comm message.

"None."

"Just give me a moment to contact the Defiance." Tor looked at his datapad as it initiated a search for the ship through the satellite networks. The scan radius continued to increase sector by sector. As the count rose Tor felt an increasing sense of alarm and frustration.

"You have an incoming message." The small voice of the pad announced.

"Show me." Tor hoped it would be Corricel. The image that arrived was that of Korecmancketras.

"Tor, the Defiance has left the station to answer a distress call from one of your transports. It'll be back soon."

"What do you mean by soon?" Tor felt a growing concern that this sudden turn of events did not aid him. Somewhere in the back of his mind he could hear the rattle of chains and the repeated striking of hammer against stone.

"Somewhere between a mizura and a jazura. Soon." Korecmancketras appeared to smile.

"And where are you?" Tor felt that Korecmancketras's presence would provide him with a greater credibility when explaining to the two officers that they would have to hang around until the return of the Defiance.

"By his holiness's good grace. I've just received some information that you were looking for. Expect me back in a few mizuras."

============

Nyeshta once again found herself in the hold of the old model Mamba. She had difficulty believing the Argon Secret Service had let her leave. As she meditated, the faces of the eight agents she had killed on different occasions to escape capture crept to the front of her mind, their dead eyes sent an involuntary shudder down her spine. Moisture crept around her closed eyelids, and she chided herself that this was not the time for regrets.

She felt that Ban Danna had not completely consented to this plan. Her gut reaction told her that he would have preferred to see her sent to one of the maximum security penal colonies. As it was, there was a very high chance she would die in the next few tazuras. She would have to trust her ability for survival, as had been so often the case, she knew an opportunity would present itself for her to turn a situation around.

Her mind caught a glimpse of the memory of Caran Belign, the metal plate in his face glimmering in the dim light of the room. A man she knew to be cruel and yet she had the feeling he was, for some inexplicable reason, trying to help her. It was him that had told her about Tor, and it left a question in her mind.

Nyeshta wondered why Tor was looking for her, deep down she felt warmed by the thought, but she could not understand it. Everything Caran said implied that Tor would be her key to freedom, but she knew that Feran would kill Tor the first opportunity he had, and he would kill anyone that Tor cared for. Simply out of spite.

The hum of the Mambas engines continued for many mizuras. Until the sound of the reverse thrusters alerted Nyeshta, that they had arrived. Her heart beat quickened and she muttered to herself.

"Keep calm."

The sound of the docking grips connecting to the side of the ship echoed through the bay. She took long deep steady breaths and blanked out any thought of what she might find when she disembarked.

The Paranid mercenary appeared and released the cargo doors.

"Up!" He ordered and waved a blaster in her general direction. She quickly came to her feet and the tacit Split gave her push towards the ramp.

The bitter tang of burnt Spaceweed, blended with stale ale attacked her senses of smell and taste. She glanced at the slave pens as she was led past, the occupants looked miserable, but clean and reasonably fed. She noted they were not so well fed that they would find the strength to put up a fight if the opportunity arose.

The pirate mercenary continued past without looking back. Nyeshta took this as a sign that she was being taken directly to see the clan leader.

"Where you take this woman?" The harsh voice of the Split security captain brought them to a halt.

"By his holiness, she's to see his Lordship."

The captain walked past the Paranid and stared at Nyeshta. A cruel malevolent smile crossed his lips.

"She is un-registered. Must be tagged."

"Tag me and I'll rip your head off."

The captain's hand lashed out to strike her. She dropped down into a crouch and the hand skimmed over the top of her head. Pain from the restraint collar rippled through her and she fell back, but before the captain could attempt to strike her again the Paranid blocked him.

"By the three dimensionality, his Lordship has not yet decided if she is to become a slave."

Nyeshta could tell the captain was incensed and momentarily lost for words by the Paranids intervention. She glanced towards the Split mercenary, he looked thoughtful and to Nyeshta this was not a good trait for a Split.

"Wait. I will call my Lord and he will decide."

**

Tor tried not to appear anxious. He had managed to persuade the Officers that he needed to get something to eat. The food hall overlooked the docking bay and from his vantage point he could see the arrival of all new ships.

His left hand firmly gripped the cup of hot sweet Garrow Root cha. The heat from the liquid providing a passive comforting warmth against the growing anxiety that each mizura brought.

Thirty mizuras after discovering the Defiance was gone, the two officers stood up.

"By his holiness. This is wasting our time. We will return to the Halls of Correction and you will face judgement for deception."

Tor contemplated throwing the hot liquid over the officers and making a run for it. Sense kicked in, this was an island in space with no way off. They would catch him, and he did not dare to imagine what the punishment would be.

"Just a few mizuras more."

"They would serve no purpose!" The tall officer leant forward and placed both hands on the table.

"Are you worried I'm going to suddenly run away? Where would I go? Just give them another ten mizuras."

"No."

Tor took a deep breath, and felt certain there would be another fine if he continued to try and argue for more time. He took a long sip of his drink and reluctantly put the cup down before standing up. He was deeply perplexed that Korecmancketras had not arrived and wondered if something had happened to him. As for Corricel and the Defiance he could not even guess what was happening. The thought crossed his mind that Korecmancketras had located Nyeshta and with Corricel had taken the opportunity to rescue her.

The thought made him smile, until he reflected that he was equally in need of rescuing. But not to the point where he would lose all favour with the Paranid race.

"Move." The officer straightened up.

"The Defiance will return for me."

"Before the eyes of the Three Dimensionality, you had better hope it arrives soon." The second officer turned and led the way to the exit. Tor fell into step behind him and felt the eyes of curious onlookers watching.

To Tor the march back to the Hall of Correction was all too quick. Once again he was led to room, but this time the officers motioned for Tor to stand on a pedestal. An electronic voice spoke.

"Charge?"

"Attempting to deceive Holy officers of the Divine Empire."

"There is no deception, my ship was called away.." Tor was cut off.

"The accused is found guilty. Sentence is three mazuras of righteous labour in the mines of his exulted holiness. Prisoner to be processed for departure in fifteen mizuras."

The swiftness of the sentencing astounded Tor. And he looked around. The two officers moved either side of him and the shorter one spoke.

"You will be permitted to wear your own clothes to the facility. But you must surrender any electronic and comm devices to us now. By the name of his Holiness, these will be returned to you on release. All weapons and other devices for personal protection must also be surrendered. As a criminal of the Holy Empire these will never be returned."

Within Tor the urge to try and escape grew stronger, his fingers slowly released the restraining clip of the blaster and his fingers stroked the grip. His eyes met those of the officer and he wondered if the third eye allowed the Paranid to read minds. The officer did not look concerned or worried as they both knew the weapon was still in safe mode and unprimed for discharge.

The blaster moved clear of the holster and Tor flipped it in the air and held it out. Carefully he opened his fight jacket and pulled out the smaller concealed weapon. Then handed over the two blades before unclipping the pocket stun stick. He turned it over in his hand and remembered when he first bought it. Tor looked at the scratched casing and although he never used it, he felt strangely naked without it.

The datapad was the last item he handed over, and he spent some time staring at the screen hoping the electronic voice would bring him some good news. He muttered out loud.

"Where are you?"

The tall officer took the pad from him, and moved to the door. It opened and for a moment Tor was hopeful to see a friendly face. No one was there.

"Unholy one. You will follow."

They marched him through the prisoner transfer gates and along plain corridors that lacked any feature other than the ceiling lights. Security doors at each end were the only exits along its length and the last one entered a shuttle lift that descended to a secure dock. Heavily armed guards scanned them through to the boarding ramp. Tor hesitated and turned to speak to the officers.

"Can you check to see if the Defiance has arrived?"

"It hasn't."

"Could you just check?" Tor had the feeling that if he stepped on the waiting transport then even if the Defiance did appear he would not be getting off it on this station.

"Unholy one, you can either walk on or be transported on. The choice is yours."

++++++++++++++++++++++

Korecmancketras sat gazing into his empty glass. His mood was dark and despondent at having been instructed by his brother to dock at Soyfarm Alpha in Priests Pity, only to find that Caran Belign was waiting for him. The Argon agent placed a jug of ale on the table and Korecmancketras filled his glass.

He glanced around the lounge. It was in one of the luxury private suites with several adjoining rooms and its own bar. Korecmancketras felt slightly betrayed by his brother for luring him here and angry that he was not able to communicate with Tor. He had made a commitment to the young Argon that he was now unable to fulfill, and this he was having trouble accepting. Deep inside he felt as though he was betraying a friend. Yet there were Paranid security guards posted at the door to prevent him from sending word. He stifled his growing temper by remembering a holy prayer to induce spiritual calm. Eventually he looked at Caran to say.

"In the name of the Pontifex, this is wrong."

"It's in Tor's best interest that he's nowhere near Nyeshta. Chances are she'll betray him instantly, if it means she can save her own skin."

"You never did like her?"

"Like? What is there to like? Oh, don't get me wrong she's very attractive and has a very disarming smile to melt the hardest of hearts. Yet beneath the surface there's a demon inside, and it rules a heartless killer. But I'm surprised you never saw that?"

Korecmancketras did not answer but took a slow thoughtful sip of his drink. He had seen the dark killer side of Nyeshta's personality, but he had also seen the glimmer of goodness within. The part he considered worth saving if he could find a way.

He reflected on how she had changed when he saw her arrive at the Bakery. That her better nature had grown stronger with the renewed hope of an untroubled life, while the darker, untrusting and malevolent side had begun to diminish. His thoughts contemplated that everything he had tried to do to nurture the good had now been undone. Eventually he spoke.

"Why didn't you just tell Tor what you were planning?"

"Do you think he would have listened? You know Tor. He would still have tried to find her. And if he succeeded the plans for the X-Shuttle would remain hidden away on some Pirate station. Waiting to be discovered by another ruthless person."

"He will not thank you for making him serve time in the Divine Mines."

Caran sat down opposite Korecmancketras.

"I can live with that. Anyway, we'll get him out, when she has completed what we asked of her."

"By his holiness, you mean when Feran's killed her."

"She has a talent for survival, and I have no doubt she will manage to complete our task before she has to worry about that."

Korecmancketras stared long and hard at Caran. The uncaring tone of the Argon bordered on a residual malice that he felt uncomfortable with.

"Your eyes lack the greater vision of the Three Dimensionality. Tell me, do you understand the nature of feelings?"

Caran took a deep breath and let it out slowly before answering.

"Yes, but not where she's concerned."

"Will you keep your word to her?"

"So far as changing the terms of the bounty, then 'yes'. But if she seriously wounds or kills another person then the conditions change back."

Korecmancketras could see the new breed of bounty hunters backing away from the contract, live captures fell into the domain of specialists and they demanded something extra for their services. Needless to say there would be one or two rookies that would be foolhardy enough to take on the contract at the current fee.

"So did you deceive the Defiance, the same way you tricked me into coming here?"

Caran looked surprised.

"No. Why do you ask?"

"The ships AI reported that it was going to assist a freighter in distress. It has not returned."

There was a long silence and Korecmancketras wondered what Caran was thinking. He was aware that if he indicated Corricel had acted without instruction then it would reveal her true nature. He wondered that if he let this slip then Caran might just forget to have Tor released early from the mines. The Argon agent broke the silence.

"I expect Tor ordered it to assist and it's waiting for its next instruction. Do you know where the freighter was and we'll get a sector listing for all the ships present."

"No."

"Well it'll take several stazuras to do a complete sweep of all the sectors. How far out do your ships normally travel? So we can narrow the search."

Caran's comm signaled a new message before Korecmancketras had a chance to answer. He retrieved his datapad and activated the message.

"Sir, you need to check the Paranid News channel."

**

The Paranid guard tightened down the restraint buckles and locked the holding bar which kept Tor from leaving his seat. The prison transport, lacked any refinements and all the items around him served only one purpose. To restrain prisoners in the least comfort possible. He could only think that the Paranid believed that you should know at every possible moment that you were being punished. He had only been sat for a few sezuras and his shoulders already began to twinge with pain. Looking around meant straining muscles against the grips.

He could just make out there were four other prisoners near by, three Paranid and a Split. The Paranid appeared to be meditating while the Split quietly muttered obscenities.

Tor closed his eyes when he heard the hiss of the airlock door behind him. With the jar of the docking clamps releasing all hope of a last minute intervention vanished. A few uncertain moments passed as the engines idled and there was the dull thud of the clamps re-engaging.

Guards moved past him and he could hear the noise of hushed voices but not what they were saying. The airlock door hissed open and hope returned. The guards led a new prisoner past his seat, another Split, and the moment passed back into despair.

"Prisoner Grall. It appears his Eminence the Pontifex has blessed you with good fortune."

Tor was unable to turn his head, as a wave of relief left him in a state of turbulent emotions. The restraining bar was released and the pain in Tor's joints eased. He could only hope it was the Defiance that had returned, but in the same moment he knew he needed to make sure that he would not see the inside of another Paranid prison ship.

The restraints were unbuckled and Tor welcomed the freedom of movement as each one was removed.

"By his holiness, you will follow."

Tor fell into step behind him as he was led to the shuttle lift.

"Will you be escorting me to his Holiness?"

"No. Your ship has returned with the Priest Champion Polmanckelest. He ordered your release."

Tor gave a wry knowing smile, and tried not to look too ecstatic with the news. As they walked back along the transfer corridor Tor felt a twinge of regret that he had not been on the Defiance to deliver the jump coordinated to Sheero personally. Then again he could not fault Corricel for making the decision, now that he was free.

They arrived at the prisoner release desk and he watched as the sentencing forms were updated with, 'Evidence produced. Release authorised.' He waited patiently for a few mizuras as his possessions were returned to him. Although there was some confusion, and great reluctance in returning his weapons.

In the end he still lost both blasters but recovered the two blades and the pocket stun stick. The officer turned to face him.

"By his holiness, you're free. Now go."

"Where do I find the Priest Champion?"

"The great one is in communion with his exulted holiness, the Pontifex. They will not be disturbed by an unholy like you."

"Well say, 'hi' to him from me when you see him." Tor smiled as he turned and left the building. He retraced his steps back to the shuttle lift and let out a deep breath of relief as the Halls of Correction vanished from sight. As the lift moved through the floors and in to the open expanse of the docking bay he caught sight of the Defiance, and the small crowd that had gathered before it. As he drew closer he could tell that many were news reporters. And somehow he would have to get past them.

He attempted to mingle with the crowd, but as only one of three Argon he knew that he would be spotted. The keen eyes of the journalists would find him quickly enough, so he changed tack and went for the direct approach.

Sure enough one of the CBN news reports recognised him.

"Mr. Grall. I have a few questions for you."

Tor remained silent and moved into the throng of reporters that blocked his way. The floating optics of micro-cams buzzed around him.

"Mr. Grall, how does it feel to be free?"

He considered his answer.

"The same as I would feel if you lot got out of my way. Happy."

"Do you expect to be opening new trade routes to the rest of the colonists in the new sectors?"

Tor stopped moving forward and turned to the reporter. He could see they were hungry for the story, but he did not have the time or inclination to stand around giving details.

"There are no new sectors. Just those of us that survived the Khaak slaughter."

Another reporter cut in.

"Do you think the Khaak will attack again?"

"They know you're here."

"We've seen the Khaak clusters, but do they have anything else that we should be aware of?"

Tor looked at the young Argon reporter and turned to push his way through the crowd to the Defiance.

"Mr. Grall, is there anything we haven't seen?"

"The answer is 'yes', there is more to come." The reporters moved with him towards the ship with the micro-cams circling around them.

"Can you tell us what?"

"Only if you want to have nightmares. If you'll excuse me I have business to attend to."

He placed his hand on the airlock door release panel and it hissed open. The inner door remained shut and he stepped in, turning he made sure no-one tried to follow him into the ship, and that there were no micro-cams hovering inside the airlock. The outer door shut as he was bombarded with more questions.

A quick check and he was satisfied nothing had sneaked in as the door closed. The inner airlock door rolled open and Tor called out.

"Corri. Get us departure clearance."

"And it is good to see you Tor."

"Corri, words can't explain how happy I am to see you, and I am forever in your debt. I really mean that. But right at this moment I need you to get us off this station, before something else goes wrong."

[Gandalf The White]

Very nice merc! Keep it coming!

[KiwiNZ]

Excellent read. Hehe, timing is of essence ... and Corri just went for a trip. Not that I think she will run in a lot of trouble, being kind of superior to any other ship in the universe but it puts pressure on Tor. 'Please wait while my ship is rescuing one of my freighters'

Caran again, he appears to have good connections!

Looking forward to seeing how that develops.

[therjw]

nice one Merc, cannot wait for the next part

[SteveMill]

Yes, good one.

[Al]

Interesting twists. Keep it coming!

Al

[Norse Player]

Wow!!
Getting more and more interesting. I can't wait to see what happens next.

Norse Player

[Mercenary]

Cheers all,

part 2 now added.

[Graf_Grau]

A good new part to the story, I can't help feeling sorry for Tor, but suddenly find I don't really sympathise with Nyeshta anymore, proabably because you are dredging up her sordid past.

Nice one once again.

[SteveMill]

Yes, good continuation. A bit of hard work will do him good I'm sure.

[KiwiNZ]

Oh Oh! I think he is in DS there It is very suprising that Corri left and does not respond. Perhaps she does that to teach him a lesson? I guess we will find out n not too long. Or did she jump back to bring the Paranid home?

Looking forward to the next part!


"have to trust to her ability for survival," - is there a 'to' too many? not sure

"The officer did not looked concerned"

[Adamskini]

oooooooooooo left out to dry, or being directed by unseen hands

[Mercenary]

Chapter now completed under the ++++++

[Gandalf The White]

very nice. very nice indeed.

[therjw]

very nice indeed merc

[Graf_Grau]

A very good ending to the chapter. I particularly liked the way you have Caran implicated in Tor's incarceration. It was a nice touch and a good justification for the imprisonment. It also means that when he is set free you don't feel so cheated.

Well done, I wish I could have ideas like that!

[KiwiNZ]

Excellent finish to that chapter! Looks like Corri managed to plot a different course to make it so swiftly or how did she manage to dodge the Khaak? I guess less people also meant more space for EC's.

Caran really has his own agenda and tries to push it through without hesitation. While he may want to protect Tor, I am sure he prefers to know that Nye gets killed. Well, this is all gonna change now


Looking forward to the next chapter!!

[Al]

Great stuff. Now I guess its time for a little more of that Hero stuff that Torr seems to excel at!

Al

[Graf_Grau]

Great stuff. Now I guess its time for a little more of that Hero stuff that Torr seems to excel at!

Al

... with a litlle help from Cori of course.

[Mercenary]

Great stuff. Now I guess its time for a little more of that Hero stuff that Torr seems to excel at!

Al

Yes, indeed the fighting should kick off soon..