Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Completed under the ===========
Merc.
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The newly allocated name for the mercenary ship was Defiance, with the Argon classification as M-three. Tors’ Elite had to be completely replaced after the structural engineers declared the ship unsuitable for continued service without major repairs. The new ship was in close formation with the second Elite as they patrolled the area.
The other ships had gathered into their respective formations as instructed by Serandamancketal. The Piranha that carried Nyeshta was one of the six sent on ahead. Tor began to dread what she might say to him the next time they came face to face.
The group moved forward with Tor leading. He targeted the gate and turned the ship towards it. He was surprised at how agile the ship felt and with tentative, gentle movements on the controls he kept the speed down. For the first time in a long while he truly felt inspired. The upgraded parts that Sweety had acquired were corvette grade materials allowing for increased responsiveness and higher boost. Sweety had declined to mention what this meant in terms of acceleration and top speed.
The journey to Black Hole sun was uneventful and it was at this point Serandamancketal made an unexpected announcement.
“All guild ships pay attention. We do not have clearance to cross into Thyn’s Abyss and will turn back once we have escorted Tor and his people to the gate,” He allowed this to sink in and then continued, “Stay sharp and alert for any Xenon forces, I know the scout ships have nothing to report, but that doesn’t mean we’re safe. I want comms silence as we cross the sector unless you see something we all need to know about. Tor lead the way.” The comm went silent.
The Elites were either side of him and about two hundred meters back. All four Lifters were in a line behind him, and these in turn were flanked on all sides by the Piranhas. The Perseus ships formed the rear guard. Tor engaged the thrusters and began to move forward.
“I have an incoming transmission from Nyeshta on a closed security channel,” Sweety announced, “And she does not sound happy.”
“Okay mute the sound and give me the abridged version.” Tor commented.
The image came up on screen and Tor could see the lips moving whilst Sweety filtered out all the profanity and repeated only the salient points. “After many assertions on the nature of your parentage, she wants to remove certain appendages from your anatomy with something blunt.”
“Okay Sweety I get the picture,” Tor commented then quietly added, “By the way can she hear me?”
“Yes,” Sweety confirmed.
“Thanks for the advanced warning,” Tor responded sardonically as Nyeshta glowered at him and started again.
Sweety said nothing and Tor asked, “Well?”
“Oh she was just saying, in a very colourful way, what she is going to do to me when she gets an opportunity,” Sweety replied.
“Well I’m glad I’m not the only one who’s in trouble,” Tor watched as Nyeshta stopped ranting, her eyes narrowed slightly and she made a comment.
“She is demanding to be transported across.” Sweety commented cheerfully.
“In the mood she’s in, do you think I’m suicidal?” Tor replied, he then addressed Nyeshta directly, “You do know that Mr Belign was on the station and he was looking for you. If you carry out a check of this ship you will also notice that it’s now registered and has a formal designation. That makes this ship legal.”
Nyeshta still looked angry but she no longer appeared to be talking, he could see her checking on the computer console. Then nodded slowly then spoke slowly and appeared to be much calmer.
“She acknowledges that she may have over reacted and is now requesting politely to be transported across,” Sweety summarised.
“Do you think she could have calmed down that quickly?” Tor asked carefully.
“No.” Sweety replied.
“Do you think she’ll be reasonable?” Tor asked choosing a slightly different tack.
“Probably not,” Sweety kept a surprising degree of cheerfulness in her voice.
“And you’re going to transporter her with or without my agreement, aren’t you.” Tor sighed.
“Better that you face her now then later.” Sweety commented and added, “Transporting.”
There was a brief pause and Nyeshta was back on board the ship, her mood appeared to have improved slightly since the recent communication but she gave Tor an almost resentful look. She looked around briefly and then muttered, “Well at least I’m not completely banned from my own ship.” She placed heavy emphasis on the last three words.
Tor reluctantly got up from the pilot seat, having decided that a modicum of diplomacy was required. He then said with a smile, “I’ve just been keeping it warm for you.”
Nyeshta allowed him to enter the cabin before she went forward to the pilots seat, she spoke up after a brief moment of checking the control panel readouts, “Sweety, next time you decide to transport me to another ship, tell me.” It was a distinct reprimand, and that was it. She made no more comments. In fact she said nothing at all for a long time.
As they made the jump into the Xenon sector Tor positioned himself in the co-pilots and took a moment to absorb the view. He glanced at the scanners. Other than a few transport ships there was very little sector activity. The Xenon appeared to have abandoned patrolling the area, but this left it open for pirate raiders to attack convoys.
Probes from both the Split and the Argon kept regular scans on the planetary and solar system activity. The findings were clear that the Xenon had not left and appeared to have no immediate intention of doing so, but what they were doing was still a mystery.
“I have four pirate ships vectoring in on our position,” Sweety disturbed Tors’ thoughts.
He quickly pulled up the sector map but Nyeshta was already turning to meet them head on. Tor felt the surge of the booster force him back into the seat.
The rest of the convoy were emerging through the gate behind them. The two elites peeled to one side as the first of the lifters emerged with the three flanking Piranhas. Two of the Piranhas then took up the pursuit the heavy fighters closing into formation around the Lifter.
Nyeshta engaged the strafe drive and rolled the ship so each of the pirate ships would pass over and under the Defiance. Tor selected both the pirate ships and Sweety designated each one as targets to the turret weapons.
Quickly scanning the data retrieved on both ships he called out, “New generation Bayamons, fifteen mega watts of shields, two gamma and two alpha PACs’ each.”
Plasma streamed towards the ship and Nyeshta put the ship into an evasive spiral looping the incoming fire. The turret weapons on the Defiance opened up.
Tor made a quick note to check on the two remaining ships. “Last two are new generation Orinocos, fifty mega watts of shielding, twin gamma PACs’ and an Alpha PAC rear gun.”
Nyeshta said nothing as she pulled the Defiance around to make another pass at the Bayamons. Plasma streamed ahead of them as the turret mounted weapons fired at both ships. The Defiance was notably quicker than the two pirates and with a deft roll of the ship Nyeshta cut in behind the first Bayamon which slowed and began to take evasive manoeuvres allowing the second ship to close in. Sweety diverted both turret weapons to the second Bayamon as Nyeshta snatched off two shots at the first. The Defiance bucked as the Beta HEPT’s fired.
But it was not enough to destroy the ship before Nyeshta was forced to evade the second Bayamons plasma stream.
Sweety was spending time adjusting the guidance system of the turrets as she calculated the amount of offset each of the previously untested weapons required to fire in line with the targeting system. A task not made easy by the virtue of not having a static point of reference to work with. However she felt it prudent not to ask Nyeshta to keep the ship flying straight whilst she made the fine adjustments.
She detected a missile lock, “Warning, incoming missile.”
Tor examined the tactical readings and announced, “Make that two silkworms. Two hundred metres and closing.”
Sweety diverted one of the turret weapons as Nyeshta took evasive manoeuvres having broken away from the tail of the first Bayamon. Plasma was now flying in all directions and it was only a matter of time before the ship was going to take a serious amount of punishment.
Nyeshta hit the boost as the two missiles closed, the Defiance shot forward on a huge surge of thrust leaving the missiles floundering in its wake. Turning the ship around, she came back for a fast attack on the first Bayamon. The Beta HEPT’s plasma met the incoming plasma of the pirate ship as they made a head to head pass. Both ships lurched from the weapons fire and subsequent impacts but the Bayamon had taken heavy shield depletion. It had also been the moment Sweety had hoped for and the turret weapon was now targeting perfectly. It stripped away the last of the shields whilst Nyeshta came around for another pass. The ship lurched again as it took plasma hits from the second Bayamon. Plasma also streamed in from the Orinocos. However these came under attack by the two Piranhas and were forced to break away.
Sweety retargeted the closing missiles and a burst of plasma from the turret weapons saw both explode in quick succession. A single burst from the Beta HEPT’s and the first Bayamon went into a final death roll, as explosions tore through the hull. Two of the arms of the cruciform shape span away into space when the engine exploded vaporising the rest of the ship.
*****************************************
Tor almost shouted, “Yes.”
There was the flicker of a smile in the corners of Nyeshtas’ mouth as she swung the ship around to face the remaining Bayamon.
“Incoming missiles,” Sweety announced.
The turret weapon systems switched to tracking mode as Nyeshta once again hit the boost to evade them whilst she hunted for the pirate ship.
The two Orinocos were slower than the Piranhas which continued to harass them. However the tail guns of the pirate ships prevented them from getting more than a couple of shots on target. The turret fired a short burst as the missile closed to within range. It exploded a few metres from the rear left quarter of the ship. The remaining Bayamon cut across the nose of the Defiance and Nyeshta managed to snatch off a successful shot as she turned in tightly to bring the pirate into the firing line of the main guns.
Both upper and lower turrets tracked the pirate ship firing sporadic bursts as Sweety made every attempt to prevent the weapon systems coil relays from overheating, and hold maximum charge in the capacitor fields.
Tor checked on the convoy, a secondary attack squad had engaged the main group this time the two War Master Prometheus ships and three Piranhas had engaged the four pirate ships. He felt uneasy as the group was being broken up by small skirmishes. Already he could see on the sector scans another group of four pirate ships vectoring in on the main group.
Nyeshta, snapped off several quick shots, the pilot of the Bayamon lost control with the multiple impacts, and the turret guns found their mark. Seconds later the ship was an incandescent ball of super heated particles.
“Take out the first Orinoco,” Tor ordered and then commented, “Sweety order those Piranhas to assist, but to return to the convoy as soon as it’s destroyed.”
Nyeshta did not look across but brought the Defiance quickly round to bare down on the first Orinoco. Sweety issued the instructions to the Piranha pilots and they focussed their attention on the primary target.
The Beta HEPT’s recoiled and the ship bucked slightly as Nyeshta adjusted position for each shot. The shields of the Orinoco collapsed as it attempted evasive manoeuvres. The Alpha PAC’s tracked the ship until the pilot signalled his withdrawal, then Sweety switched to the targeting to the remaining Orinoco.
The first ship limped clear and headed away with one shield out and all weapon systems off line. Tor scanned the ship and noted it showed a significant amount of hull damage.
Nyeshta showed no signs of concern and was already punishing the shields of the last pirate ship. Returning fire was sporadic and ill aimed. Nyeshta let the turret weapons inflict the damage with only an occasional pass where the Beta HEPT’s inflicted heavy damage to the shields.
Tor reviewed the sector map and his initial fears were confirmed. The small groups of fighters were to draw away the heavy fighters from the main group. It was a divide and conquer tactic, the convoy was already some distance away from the skirmishing ships, but now a significant force of fifteen pirate ships, mainly fast new generation Bayamons and missile laden, new generation Mandalays closed in on the convoy.
“Disengage! Get back to the transports, max speed!” Tor ordered quickly. Nyeshta glanced quickly at the sector map and immediately complied. Sweety allowed the turrets to continue firing on the Orinoco for the few brief moments it took for the Defiance under full boost to reach maximum firing range.
“Give me estimated ETA’s!” Tor called out.
“We will rejoin the convoy in t-minus ninety two Sezura,” Sweety replied, “Pirates will intercept the lead ships in t-minus one hundred and eight Sezura.”
Two of the Perseus ships were already involved in a skirmish and the third was responding to the immediate threat by positioning itself at the head of the convoy.
“Sweety open a channel to all our ships,” Tor spoke up, “All lifters enter a holding pattern at your current location, and be prepared for emergency evasive manoeuvres. All fighters watch for missile launches, and intercept approaching hostile ships.”
The two Perseus ships had worked together with an almost distinctive Paranid fighting style. They had destroyed three of the four pirate ships in quick succession. With concentrated cross fire the last pirate ship was left mostly crippled and in retreat whilst they too attempted to rejoin the convoy.
One peeled off to assist the Prometheus ships that were still embroiled in heavy conflict with several pirates. A Piranha had been lost and the second was damaged and limping slowly back to convoy. Three new generation Bayamons still remained. The speed difference meant the Bayamons were keeping reasonable distance whilst making crippling passes with the combined firepower of the four plasma cannons. But the War Master ships were still able to make an impression as the both ships responded with a counterattack on the same ship catching it in crossfire.
The Sezuras’ ticked by. The Defiance shot past the two Piranhas and Nyeshta switched off the boost limiter then engaged it. Objects close by appeared to blur and the cabin began to shake. Tor felt himself being forced back into his seat with rapidly increasing pressure. It quickly became painful and difficult to breathe until Sweety announced, “Shields low.”
Nyeshta released the boost and the reverse stabilizing thrusters engaged bringing the ship down to maximum rated speed. Tor checked the status of the ship. Only a quarter of the ships shield strength remained, however they were now ahead of the convoy and closing rapidly on the lead pirate ships.
Plasma flashes arced through the space before them as the Perseus and Piranhas made the first pass on the enemy vessels. One Mandalay exploded but the rest kept on target, whilst weaving their way past them.
Nyeshta began her turn early and banked the ship hard over, the manoeuvre thrusters reverberating through the cockpit. Several of the pirates fired on the Defiance as they dived and climbed to avoid the ship as it cut across them. The Defiance turret guns sent out streams of plasma cascading in to the darkness. A number of shots found their targets.
Bringing the ship behind the first of the Mandalays, Nyeshta fired twice making a small adjustment between shots. The pirate ship exploded and the force that ripped the ship apart was increased ten fold by the horde of missiles located in the hold.
Sweety caused two others pirate ships to break their attack run. The Perseus closed with a Bayamon.
“Shit,” Tor commented, “Missiles loose.”
Five silkworms, their rocket propelled engines glowing hurtled towards the transporters which were already beginning to turn in an attempt to avoid them. The missiles already given their initial speed from the Mandalays and Bayamon streaked away and could not be caught.
Nyeshta claimed another Mandalay but Tor acknowledged that another four missiles had been launched. The second Perseus blocked two of the incoming silkworms. The Pegasus which Tor had almost forgotten about picked off another and was chasing down a fourth.
One of the freighters was hit by two missiles but remained intact, however there was some hull damage and its shields would not survive a third hit. Two other transports indicated single missile hits on the shields but they were recovering.
The War Master Scout ships also entered into the battle, three of the Mandalays were being hounded by the Discoverers. Nyeshta closed in on a Bayamon, the turret guns holding back any would be assailants as the Beta HEPT’s rocked the ship in a succession of rapid bursts.
The Defiance shot through the halo of rapidly cooling particles that once represented the pirate ship. She was already locked on to the next target.
++++++++++++++++++++++
The pirates launched another wave of missiles towards the Lifters, but these were not as well aimed due to the convoys’ fighters forcing the pirate ships to veer away. The two Prometheus ships and the third Perseus had managed to end the fight they were embroiled in. They were now close to joining the main battle.
Nyeshta brought the Defiance swooping in behind another Bayamon. Sweety locked the turrets onto the target but switched fire mode to Nyeshta. The four weapons combined tore apart the ship in a short rapid burst. Soon the surviving pirate ships signalled a withdrawal.
Serandamancketal hailed the convoy, “Let them go!” He ordered as the bulk of the fighters began to pursue, “All ships maintain positions and report in.”
The role call started as Tor looked over the sector map and listed his ships. The battle had claimed three and he frowned at the list of damaged vessels. One lifter had been destroyed, two were badly damaged and several of the cargo holds had been breeched. Two Piranhas had been lost and five more had sustained varying degrees of damage. The only consolation was that all the heavy M-three fighters were relatively unscathed. Even the Perseus, which had placed itself in the path of the missiles, had recovered its shields.
Serandamancketal called in, “Tor, let me commend you on your swift actions and orders during the battle. My only criticism is that you left a potentially active threat behind you in your haste to protect the Lifters.”
“It seemed like the right thing to do!” Tor defended himself.
The big Paranid smiled, “Yes, but I had to order the two Piranhas that you sent on ahead to turn around and finish the job. Anyway you did well in difficult circumstances and should be pleased.”
“I would be, if we hadn’t lost any ships.” Tor replied bitterly.
“That is something you’ll have to learn to accept,” Serandamancketal commented, “But we need to move on. Unfortunately the Split are likely to be your next biggest headache, rumour has it they have set up border tariffs for all non Split transit ships.”
“What? I thought that type of thing was declared illegal?” Tor replied.
“It is, in the core sectors, but the Family Nyj has considerable power out here and they like to antagonise the other races periodically by going against the Free Trade Between Races Charter.” Serandamancketal informed and then added with a slight laugh, “It annoys the scales off the Teladi. Anyway must go.”
The comm closed. Tor kept the sector map on screen and watched as the ships regrouped and adopted new positions to fill in the gaps. Damaged fighters stayed close to the transports and they were once again moving on.
“Sweety, did you manage to account for all the pilots?” Tor asked.
“No Tor, two pilots are missing.” Sweety responded gently.
Tor felt saddened by the news and took a moment before saying quietly, “Sweety can you let the next of kin know, give them my personal condolences and sort out a suitable compensation package.”
“It will be done.” Sweety confirmed softly.
Tor sighed and noted that Nyeshta had been watching him with a thoughtful expression. She turned her head slowly to gaze at the view outside but said nothing.
The pirates had no new surprises and just before they made the jump Serandamancketal called, “Right Tor this is where we leave you, keep a level head and you’ll be fine.”
“Thanks Serand. Have a safe journey home. I expect it’s going to be a bit strange not having Creed around.” Tor replied.
“We shall see,” The big Paranid smiled, “Nyeshta look after yourself and keep the boy safe.”
“Only if he behaves! Say hi to Korec when you see him,” Nyeshta replied.
The Paranid nodded and the comm closed. The Defiance led the two Elites through the jumpgate to Thyn’s Abyss. Tor had few reasons to visit the Split and as he looked around at the stations he remembered why he kept away.
Close by were a number of sector forces and two capital ships. A wolf glided past and Sweety reported, “Ship scanned.”
Behind them the rest of Tors’ ships began to arrive. Moments later as they finished regrouping and prepared to make the next leg of the journey the commander of the Raptor hailed them.
“All Argon ships stand down!” The order was abrupt and reflected the unfriendly attitude of the commander, “Who in charge?”
Tor responded and maintained a casual friendly attitude, “I am. How can we be of assistance?”
“I ask questions!” The commander retorted and sneered menacingly. “You have transit duty to pay!”
Tor said, “Okay,” And prevented himself from asking how much.
“It five hundred each fighter and two thousand each freighter. That make thirteen thousand five hundred credits.” The commander demanded.
Tor felt his anger rising, but held it back long enough to reply, “Very well. I shall arrange the credit transfer.”
Sweety muted the comm, “The commander has sent the payment details, just say the word and I will make the transfer to these thieving bastards.”
Nyeshta glanced away to one side so that Tor did not see her smiling at Sweetys’ last comment.
“Do it!” Tor ordered.
The commander glanced at the console and gave a brief nod, “You go on,” He spoke abruptly and then closed the comm.
Nyeshta needed no second instruction and the Defiance began to move. The rest followed in what proved to be an uneventful crossing. However Tor had just begun to calm down when they made the jump into the sector Family Nyj and once again were obstructed by an M-two Python with its escort of fighters.
Tor was positively incensed at having to pay a second transit fee and had to go lie down. Several of the ships called in to request permission to stop at the shipyard for emergency repairs. He considered it carefully and agreed.
“Your presence is neither welcome or desired.” The automated voice replied to Sweetys docking request.
Nyeshta was briefly certain that Tor was going to do something extremely stupid and order a full attack on the station. She could hear his fingers drumming irritably on the console as she turned the ship away and pressed on towards the next sector.
As they entered Ghinn’s Escape they were stopped again and ordered to pay a third transit fee. Tor used the minimum amount of words possible when addressing the Split commander, just in case he let his real feelings take over and it turn into a slanging match.
He sighed with relief when he saw the Boron stations in the following sector.
“Tor we have a problem,” Sweety announced.
“What is it?”
Sweety continued, “Two of the damaged Piranhas are about to have complete engine malfunctions. I have ordered them to a complete stop and shutdown. We will need to tow them into dock. I would also point out that the second lifter is also showing signs of worsening stress fractures. The probability of complete hull failure before reaching the Ocean of Fantasy shipyard is about eighty-five percent.”
“Can it be patched up in one of these stations?” Tor asked looking out of the cockpit.
“The trading station has a basic maintenance dock,” Sweety replied.
“Do you think they could cope with the fighters?” Tor asked optimistically.
“The nature of the repairs would require the expertise and parts usually only found at the shipyard.” Sweety replied.
“Okay. Have the lifter stop at the trading station. Also have the two Elites and a pair of Piranhas stay with it.” Tor was looking at the ship listing.
Nyeshta had already stopped the ship whilst Sweety acted on Tors instructions. This had been an eventful trip so far and they were still a number of sectors away from their final destination, Tor was really hoping it would all be worth it.
A few Mizura passed before the crippled Piranhas were ready to be towed. The lifter had successfully managed to dock at the trading station with its escort ships.
Once again the convoy made slow but steady progress across the sector. Tor went to the rear cabin and rested, for a moment he contemplated switching on the game console for a touch of escapism but decided to lie back on the bunk. Moments later he was fast asleep.
He was shaken awake by Nyeshta, “What?”
“We’ve arrived and Sweety needs you to find out when the TL is due to ship out the Silicon Mine,” She commented in a much more relaxed tone than Tor was expecting.
Tor sat up and swung his legs over the edge of the bunk and gave his eyes a brief rub. He had not been asleep long enough to feel refreshed. “So why didn’t she send you?” He asked.
“I’m needed here to fit the last parts Sweety feels are needed to make this ship more reliable.” She answered quietly.
“Seems okay to me. It got us here without going wrong!” Tor exclaimed.
“That is because you can not see what I can see.” Sweety called out.
Tor just sighed and pushed himself to his feet then opened the airlock doors, then closed the outer one quickly as the strong smell of ammonia flooded into the cabin. Nyeshta tapped him on the shoulder and as he turned she gave him a set of nasal filters.
“You’ll need these.” She commented with a slight hint of a smirk.
===============================
Tor looked at her and frowned, “You could have said something before I opened the door.”
She smiled innocently and in a soft silky tone said, “Really, I though you already knew about Boron stations.”
Tor was momentarily lost in his own little dream world and some primitive instinct inside began to wake up. He had spent so long being angry at Nyeshta that he had never really taken the time to look at her, and now that she was close by he was patently aware of how attractive she was and the smile just caused his heart to beat that little bit faster and his mouth to dry out.
Sweety had been monitoring Tors’ vital signs and did the computer equivalent of a cough before saying loudly, “Hate to disturb this moment, but Tor please run along and find out when the TL is going to be available.”
Tor replied, “I’m on my way,” He fitted the nasal filters and once again opened the outer airlock door and stepped out onto the docking platform. The door closed and sealed itself behind him. Taking his bearings he spotted a sign, the characters faded and changed then brightened to say ‘Visitor Enquiries’ then faded down to change into the characters of another race.
He made his way along the gantry and looked around. All the damaged ships were at this level. Maintenance spars hung from overhanging beams and robots were scanning the ships. After a brief while they connected the spars to damaged panels and as each section of outer hull was cut free the spars retracted back. Tor had to admire the efficiency as he leant against the guard rail, he spent several more Mizura watching before he remembered to go and ask about the TL.
Nyeshta had waited for a brief moment after the airlock door had closed. She picked up one of the consoles control pads and turned it over thoughtfully. She asked, “Sweety, what am I doing here?”
“Currently you are pretending to examine a control pad.” Sweety replied.
“I would expect a normal computer just to say I’m examining a control pad,” Nyeshta paused and then added, “But not you. Why?”
“Ask me an easy question.” Sweety replied quietly.
“You understood my first question and the motivation behind it, so why don’t you try answering that?” Nyeshta gently put the pad down and drifted back towards the cockpit where the technical datapad was still hooked up to the console.
“I take it you mean the ambiguous question that can be answered in numerous ways including the physical, biological, theological, metaphysical, or perhaps you are suspicious and want to know if I or Tor have some other motivation?” Sweety responded.
“The last one suits me best,” Nyeshta sat down.
“I would say that Tor has no particular motivation to keep you here, but if Creed was still around he would not want to see you murdered.” Sweety replied.
“But Creed isn’t here and there’s a very strong possibility that he’s dead. So he could have dropped me off at any number of stations,” Nyeshta commented, “Unless someone advised him against it.”
“Tor needs a technical advantage over his potential enemies. This ship will provide that advantage,” Sweety replied.
“I notice you’re not answering my question,” Nyeshta reminded Sweety casually knowing that the AI could never be intimidated.
Sweety continued, “I do not know what lies ahead of us, but I have made a study into the archives of similar ventures in to Xenon captured sectors, and made some analysis of those that survived and those that did not. Those that escaped exhibited a variety of technical skills, fighting ability and an instinct for survival. However a lack in any one of these and the chances of survival falls by a significant number.”
“Tell me did you try and give this upbeat message to Tor?” Nyeshta replied warily, “Because you’re not exactly selling it to me.”
“I do not need to sell it to you!” Sweety exclaimed, “You are on the Boron wanted list for an incident in Lucky Planets if my records are correct, and with the Argon for a number of crimes. In fact you would find it difficult to live anywhere without someone coming after you.”
“And your point is?” Nyeshta asked bitterly.
“This is your opportunity to live a relatively quiet life. No one would expect you to be working for Tor. The idea about not having to keep running away from the people that you have upset must have quite a strong appeal.” Sweety commented soothingly.
Nyeshta sighed and with a hint of sad reflection said, “I’m not convinced you’ve told me the whole truth, but you are right, I am tired of the running.”
“Then you will need to help me guide Tor, he will need people around him that he can trust. As his people will need to trust in him if the worst happens.” Sweety commented.
“You sound like you care for him a lot?” Nyeshta looked slyly at the technical pad.
“I’m a series five personality chip.” Sweety replied.
“Ah,” Nyeshta smiled, her green eyes seemed to sparkle in the cockpit light and then she commented, “Well I guess we all have our little problems then.”
Tor walked up to the enquiry desk and waited patiently whilst the Boron assistants gave directions and advise to those visitors that had arrived ahead of him. After a short while one of the assistance glided along the desk and stopped. The big friendly eyes looked out through the liquid that filled the bowl fronted environment suit, and as the mouth moved the short tentacles about the Borons’ head waved gently. The translator on the suit deciphered the signals and said, “Hoolo, good day to you sir, how can we help?” The voice bubbled gently, and had a damp quality to it.
Tor replied, “I’m Tor Grall and I have scheduled your Orca to pick up a Silicon Mine to be delivered to sector X-four.”
The Boron face smiled, “Welcome Mr. Grall,” The sentence was broken up with a slight bubbling noise and untranslatable, gentle squawk, “Let me see when she is due.”
Tor watched as information was projected onto the Borons’ visor by an internal HUD projector. The tentacles appeared to select and scroll through listings and menus. All the while the creature generated gentle aquatic noises and clicks.
After a few brief Sezura the HUD switched off and the assistant smiled, “The transport will arrive in ten Mizura and it will take another fifty Mizura before loading is complete. We have rooms suitable for you to relax in while you wait. If you visit the forward suite it has wonderful views onto our home world.”
Tor returned the smile, “Thanks, I’ll be sure to visit them.” He turned away and the assistant drifted along to the next visitor.
Returning to the Defiance he opened the outer airlock door, as he stepped inside he found Nyeshta was playing chess. The airlock sealed behind him.
“Any luck?” Tor asked.
“This is chess Tor. It is a game of strategy, which involves planning, anticipation and observation.” Sweety responded.
“Oh and are you playing against each other?” Tor asked.
“Yes.” Sweety replied.
“Watch it Nye, Sweety cheats, before you know it there’ll be fifty of those little blobby things attacking you from all directions.” Tor observed.
Nyeshta sat back and looked at him, “You don’t know this game very well do you?”
Tor shook his head and Nyeshta frowned, “Then shut up, I’m trying to concentrate.” She turned back to the holo projection and looked thoughtfully at the pieces.
“Okay, well I’ll just go for a wander then,” Tor said briskly, and added, “Orcas’ going to be here in ten Mizura and loaded in sixty. Just in case you were wondering.”
He turned around and opened the airlock door. Behind him Nyeshta highlighted a bishop and moved it across the board to protect a knight. The airlock door once again closed as he stood on the landing ramp and he ambled towards the visitor centre.
The station was busy, a number of Argon visitors approached him, and as he started to avoid the group an official looking young man called out, “Mr. Grall?”
Tor stopped suddenly and with a slight hint of concern he replied, “Yes?” There was something about the stance and the look in the mans eyes that hinted at Argon Intelligence Service.
“We haven’t met before but Mr. Belign sends his regards. My name is Pors Tullet, these gentlemen with me also belong to the agency and it is our understanding that we will be working with you for the foreseeable future,” Pors looked at Tor for some acknowledgement of the arrangement.
Tor had a sinking feeling and was only grateful they had not been on the dockside to greet him, particularly as Nyeshta was on board.
As these Orinocos have a tail gun it also means that dropping in behind is not without an element of risk.