Chapter 1 - updated 01/07/03
Chapter 2 - updated 01/07/03
Chapter 3 - updated 02/07/03
Chapter 4 - updated 02/07/03
Chapter 5 - updated 06/07/03
Chapter 6 - updated 06/07/03
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
completed under the =========
Merc
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Sweety had been monitoring events all over the station, although she was transporting wounded out of each area of conflict she could only transport one individual at a time and the delay was beginning to cost lives. Also the Sentinel was now posing another problem as its primary programming had been adjusted to recognise the Devastator as the only threat. She had not fully compiled and tested the programming to include organics.
Nor did she feel that she would be able to adjust the programming whilst the alien robot was still active. Any error in the alien code syntax and the Sentinel could regard all organics as hostile. Also the instruction set for it just to defend itself was also fraught with hidden dangers. If attacked by a trooper the Sentinel could regard them and anything of the same species as an equal threat causing it to open fire on the security teams. This was not information she was willing to share under the current circumstances.
For the moment the mere presence of the Sentinel appeared to be having an effect, many of the troopers surrendered as the alien robot forced them to take cover in rooms. Instructing security teams to follow, she simply passed on commands for the robot to proceed to a location and if necessary remove an obstruction, but not to kill.
The failing of the shields in the control room and the subsequent fire fight disrupted a number of the primary station systems. She located Broden, “Captain Falstarn, the command centre has been overrun by troopers. I urgently need stun grenades!”
Broden knelt down and without speaking for a moment pulled out his last six, placing them on the floor carefully he set the sensitivity to sudden impact. Standing up and stepping back he commented, “Ready.”
The grenades vanished one by one in quick succession.
He ran back down towards the intersection close to where the Devastator smouldered. Two station security crew and Moda watched over the Battle Robot and the Boron now held the hellfire mini-gun. Three more troopers moved past their hands in the air. Two security team members now armed with liberated assault pulse rifles as well as their own smaller versions shepherded them along the corridor to the security dock that was now becoming the detention area for all the prisoners.
Broden commented, “Computer can you transport us up to the command centre?”
Sweety replied, “Acknowledged, it will take a moment as I am retrieving the critically wounded.”
A Mizura later and the team of four were standing in the doorway of the command centre. The room itself was the seen of carnage five security team lay slumped on the floor. Four bodies of troopers lay close to the doorway and two others further inside the room. Last of all he saw the headless body of Pors
The floor was covered in blood and all the station coordinator consoles had been destroyed. The only exception appeared to be the master control desk at the far end of the room.
Broden spoke quietly, “Computer did Mr Grall get away?”
Sweety replied, “He has been injured and is now on the medical transport.”
Broden surveyed the room “Can you send a clean up unit to the command centre.” Turning to his companions he said gently, “There’s nothing we can do here. Let’s do a sweep of this level and work our way back to the security dock.”
Some time later Tor regained consciousness, his eyes were covered and his head throbbed painfully but moving his hands he found that he had not been restrained.
“Don’t touch those!” A voice commanded. His hearing was muffled and the voice seemed to come though a thick wad of padding. He could sense the man was now standing close by but he never heard him approach.
The voice he still did not recognize commented, “Sorry Mr Grall, but until we can get a complete bioscan and more med-supplies then the bandages will need to stay on.”
Tors’ mouth felt parched and he was having trouble trying to swallow. Eventually he managed to ask, “Where am I?”
“You’re on the med transport heading to the Argon equipment dock in Getsu Fune.” The voice replied.
Tor was now deeply worried, and hurriedly asked whilst trying to get up, “My station?”
“Rest easy Mr Grall,” Firm hands pushed him back onto the bed, “We have a full fighter escort. The computer system managed to get most of your people out of the room and the station has since been secured.”
Tor was barely able to relax, but his head throbbed even more painfully and every part of his body ached as if he had been kicked and beaten to within an inch of his life. He asked, “What happened to me?”
The muffled voice replied, “According to the records six stun grenades were dropped into the room in quick succession. I guess someone wanted to make a point, in a room that size only one or two would have done. I’m going to give you a sedative so you can sleep.” A moment later and Tor slipped into a deep sleep.
The Argon Corvette Valliant stationed itself within seven k’s from the Silicon Mine and patrolling the sector were four of the latest Argon Nova fighters.
Broden was in the Valliants’ briefing room waiting to meet with the captain. He had been instructed by Sweety that, until Tors return, he was now in charge of the station. Looking out of the window to watch the Nova fighters glide slowly past his military trained mind felt intrigued by how they would perform.
The door behind him slid open and Broden turned with military precision and snapped his heals together but did not salute.
Captain Hallised strode briskly into the room and two senior officers followed, “Captain Falstarn, I am Captain Hallised,” He motioned to each of the accompanying officers and stated, “This is my First Officer Brobank and Security Officer Larot. Please be seated.”
Broden noted the seriousness in the Captains voice and the use of his former Navy rank. He moved to the table and sat down.
The Hallised and the officers also sat down and the captain commented quickly, “I don’t want this to take too long. We have reports of an internal assault on Mr Gralls station with the loss of a number of lives including Intelligence Agency personnel. I would like you to give me a brief report as to what’s been going on.”
The former navy captain, had been swiftly briefed by Sweety on what he should and should not include in his summary report, but he also knew this was only the beginning of the investigation. He had not been present at the battle for the command centre and could only give rough details on how it had ended.
The mention of the Devastator had the two junior officers asking questions until Hallised said that questions should be asked at the end. The details as to how they had overcome the heavy assault robot were sparse with no mention of the Sentinel unit.
At the end the three officers looked questioningly at Broden, but the two junior officers waited to take their cue to ask questions from the captain.
Hallised took a deep breath and let it out slowly, his expression was grave, “Thank you Captain Falstarn for your summary. Of course you realize this is only one of a number of interviews that we will need to conduct. We will need to talk with all the station security team as eyewitnesses to the events and view the security logs providing they have not been damaged. I understand the station command centre has been badly damaged.” He paused and Broden nodded slowly, “Gentlemen I think we have enough information for now. I had hoped to wrap this up without requiring the presence of the Intelligence Agency but in the light of the information just provided I see no option but to have them here.”
The two officers glanced at Hallised and although clearly unhappy about not being given the opportunity to ask questions gave a slight nod.
Hallised continued, “I understand you have prisoners. We will want to interview them and we expect them to be treated in accordance with the POW convention. A prisoner transport will arrive here within the next two Stazura,” The captain paused briefly and gave a stern warning, “Understand this captain, emotions amongst your people will be running high at the moment and some will be bent on exacting revenge for this atrocity. The prisoners’ lives rest in your hands and if anyone of your crew takes it into their heads to harm them I will hold you personally accountable. This also goes for your pilots. You have some very powerful ships under your command but if they decide to take revenge on whoever perpetrated this then once again we will hold you responsible.”
Broden responded calmly, “I understand captain. Rest assured my people will not harm the prisoners. You have my word on that.”
Captain Hallised nodded, “Very good captain, you may return to your ship and we will be in touch.”
All four men stood up and with a slight nod Broden left the room escorted by the security officer.
++++++++++++++++++++
Tor awoke in the subdued lighting of the hospital recovery room on the Argon Equipment Dock in Getsu Fune and although his mouth still felt dry the headache had gone. He moved tentatively and felt extremely stiff.
The door opened, and a medic walked into the room, he slowly turned his head to see a well groomed young man carrying a medical pad, “Good day Mr. Grall, and how are you feeling?”
Tor answered, “Thirsty and stiff.”
“That I’m afraid is to be expected,” The medic stood beside the bed and checked the monitor beside the bed and continued, “Still we can remedy the first problem quickly, but the second will take a few Tazura. Fortunately, you’ll be pleased to hear that you’ve escaped relatively lightly compared to many of your colleagues.”
Tor turned his head and looked up at the ceiling, he asked, “How many are here?”
“The transport brought in about twenty seven casualties,” The medic looked across at Tor. A nurse entered the room carrying a glass of water, “We just need to adjust your position.”
The whole bed reshaped itself bringing Tor into a comfortable sitting position. The nurse handed him the drink with a smile. Tor commented as best he could through parched lips, “Thanks.”
The nurse replied, “Your welcome.”
The water was cool and refreshing with a slight hint of added Bamma Juice. He drained the glass in one, gave a loud sigh and commented, “That’s better.”
The medic waited patiently for Tor to hand back the glass, “You sustained a nasty blow to the head causing, a fractured left cheek bone and broken jaw, minor concussion as well as a number of stunner shocks. From the initial assessment your medic was concerned about retinal and auditory damage so I’m just going to run a few tests if you can put these on?”
He handed Tor a set of discrete headphones and a thick pair of extra dark glasses. Each was linked through a fine cable to the medical pad. The medic said nothing for several Mizura. Images flickered up on the inside of the depth perception glasses and objects moved both in the near view and the virtual distance. The light intensity also changed gradually and suddenly. The earpieces gave a running commentary mentioning things of interest appearing on the glasses, but Tor was left with a distinct impression that there were other noises and harmonics being generated in the background. Once or twice he felt distinctly uncomfortable and he could not work out why.
The medic spoke up, “Very good Mr Grall it doesn’t look as though you have any long term damage. You can now remove the glasses and ear pieces.”
Tor quickly obliged and commented curiously, “So what happens now?”
The medic looked thoughtful, “Ideally, you should rest another Stazura the bones have only recently been recombined. You’ll still be under the influence of the pain killers and the anaesthetic won’t have fully worn off yet.”
Tor looked around and the feeling that the station may still be in danger crept across his mind, “I should be getting back.”
The medic looked at him, “I will insist that you at least rest another Stazura and have something to eat before you try moving around.”
With a deep sigh Tor replied, “Okay doctor, just one Stazura. And can you give me an update on the condition of my people?”
The medic looked at the bedside chair and sat down, the nurse seeing that there was nothing else expected from her left the room. The young medic pondered with what he should say a little longer, “Many of the casualties were in a bad way when they arrived here. A few are just suffering from minor plasma burns and shock. Others have serious plasma burns and a few have lost limbs,” He paused, “I’m sorry to say that three died on route from your station. It must have been quite a battle?”
“Not one that I want to repeat,” Tor replied slowly, “And I don’t know if we actually won.”
“From what I’ve heard your people managed to keep control of the station,” The medic responded.
Tor sighed, “That is some consolation.”
The medic stood up again and turned to leave, “No one ever wins this type of conflict Mr Grall. Making it out alive is as much as most people can ever hope for. If you’re determined to leave then I’d best let you rest.”
Relaxing the bed returned to its flattened state and Tor stared up at the ceiling pondering the medics’ words. A short while later fatigue washed over him and he sank into a restless sleep.
Feran fumed as he waited in the grand meeting room of the shipyard in the Family Nyj sector. The attack on the Silicon Mine would have attracted the attention of the Argon authorities irrespective of the out come. The fact that his superior forces had somehow been overcome had enraged him to the point that the messenger now lay as a bloodied, crumpled and lifeless corpse, having been flung, kicked and beaten around the room until her screaming stopped and the last traces of breath escaped her lungs.
“Did that help?” Jolak Nyj commented quietly as he stepped into the room.
Feran shot him a glance filled with anger and curled his lip.
The older Split simply shrugged and wandered across the room, “Perhaps I should send you another.”
Feran spoke in a harsh whisper, “I want Grall!”
Jolak turned to face him and casually dropped down into a comfortable chair and said, “I’m sure you do, but now is not the time. First you need to ensure that none of those fools you sent make the mistake of talking.” He clicked his fingers and two servants shuffled in guiding a food and drinks hover tray. Both looked at Feran and shook with fear, the terror reflected in their eyes as his followed them around the room filled with malice.
Jolak continued in a very calm and level voice, “They once put you on Setardize to control your rage. Although I’m not a supporter of such treatments it may do for you to take some. Until this business is over.”
Feran watched the servants leave as they shot startled glances in his direction and at the blood soaked body on the floor near his feet. As they left and the doors closed behind them he looked towards Jolak who was now sipping on a drink. He was still too angry to talk in a level voice and in the harsh whisper replied, “And what do you suggest? I can’t launch a full attack on his station.”
Jolak sighed briefly, “You know I have certain controlling interests in the Firestorm Clan in Ghinns Escape. Well I have two new generation Bayamons armed with silkworms ready to carry out a hit and run, should I ever find myself in a situation such as this,” He paused and took another sip, “The Argon military will undoubtedly move the prisoners from the insecure mining facility to the prison cells on the equipment dock in Getsu Fune for questioning.”
Feran growled through clenched teeth, “They will be guarded.”
The elder Split gave a thin smile, “Almost certainly, but the escort will be light and the transport is slow and easy to hit with missiles. See it as retribution for their failure to complete the task you gave them. They should have died in the attempt and not been taken prisoner like petty thieves.”
Feran allowed this to sink in and relaxed slightly, “But how does this help me?”
Jolak took a long slow sip of his drink, with a look of pleasure and deep satisfaction he moved the glass from his lips and replied, “The prisoners are witnesses to your orders, without them the evidence against you will become circumstantial and I know some very good lawyers.”
Broden had put half the stations fighters on duty and the freighters were given a four fighter escort, anything that even looked as though it could be a pirate or a Bloodheart ship was intercepted before they got anywhere near the freighter and scanned.
The local station commanders appeared to be holding their breaths in anticipation for a counter strike, as news of the attack had now spread throughout the adjacent sectors. There were no inbound freighters except from the Crystal Fab in X-seven which was on heightened alert.
Checking the stores and spares inventory it was clearly apparent the maintenance robots were consuming all available resources for repairs. Even so they were still several Tazuras from beginning on the visitor docking bay. A scan of the command centre revealed it had been completely stripped out. That had happened a Stazura after the bodies had been carefully bagged and tagged. The cleansing robots had scoured every surface before the maintenance robots removed all the floor, wall and ceiling panels.
A similar story went right through the station with every panel that exhibited any battle damage being removed. Remarkably enough the only part of the station totally unaffected by the battle was the silicon wafer processing facility which had continued to function despite the conflict raging in the forward part of the station.
The makeshift command centre had been set up in the pilots’ gym due to its proximity from the only usable docking bay and was easily accessible.
Broden found himself in a difficult position, he had dealt with military command and knew what to expect in the behaviour of his men, but these people were civilians and recruited mercenaries and the mood was distinctly bitter at the orders from Captain Hallised.
Many of the general staff seemed withdrawn and distinctly nervous, whereas the security teams had taken the brunt of the fighting and lost so many people that they were bitterly resentful. He had been forced to diffuse several heated arguments as to the fate of the prisoners.
Then there were the pilots who were now protesting at not being given the opportunity to destroy the Scruffin Farm. Broden had allowed them the moment to shout and rant about the injustice before reiterating Halliseds’ orders. His instructions to the crews were brief and he put it upon them that, before anyone sought retribution, they should firstly re-secure the station so that the possibility of a second assault could never get as far in or be as damaging as this one had been.
Time passed and he paced along the corridors, maintenance teams worked alongside the robots shifting panels. The newly extruded sheets were formed from the recycled remains of those damaged in the battle. Broden also checked regularly on the condition of the prisoners.
Eventually he had the call that the prisoner transport had arrived and was awaiting docking approval.
***************************
As Broden returned to the docking bay he spoke to the comm unit pinned to his jacket, “Liann tell me the prison transport checks out?”
Lianns’ voice replied, “All identification codes and scans match inventory and crew list.”
Broden then asked, “No unusual power signatures?”
Liann replied, “Nothing on sensors.”
Broden turned the corner towards the docking bay, “Okay give permission to the transport only and have a Perseus follow them in. Have security teams standing by.”
He walked past the makeshift command centre and gave a brief wave. He stepped onto the dock side as the transport arrived and the docking clamps engaged. The Perseus hovered just behind with all weapons armed and pointing at the transport.
One man stepped off the ship when the doors opened, he looked around critically and walked briskly towards Broden. The former captain felt the need for time to relax, a whisky and a cigar but he had been curbing this desire until he was sure the station was empty of potential hostiles. At the sight of the slightly scruffy prison officer this desire flared up once again, and he now added sleep onto the list of things he most wanted to do.
The prison officer held out a datapad for Broden to inspect, “Prisoner transfer certificate.”
Broden glanced at it then glanced up looking slightly perplexed and commented, “Says here you only have space for thirty five prisoners.”
The officer looked momentarily confused, “And the problem is?”
Broden replied sharply, “I have thirty nine.”
The officer shrugged, “Thirty five is my limit.”
The former captain looked perplexed, “Yeah but you should be able to squeeze in another four.”
The officer shook his head, “No can do. The ship only has prisoner stasis units for thirty five, we’re not allowed to have free roaming prisoners and there’s no way we can try doubling them up.”
Broden asked quietly, “So what the hell am I supposed to do with the last four?”
“Hold them until I can get a requisition in place to make another pickup.” The officer replied casually.
Broden sighed and weighed up his chances of persuading the officer to take the additional prisoners but somehow he knew it would be a waste of time. Eventually he replied, “Okay. We’ll just have to look after them until you get back. Computer can you identify the four least likely to cause us any trouble.”
Sweety replied, “Acknowledged.”
Broden commented, “Liann have the security teams bring the prisoners forward in pairs.”
As the first pair arrived, two more prison officers appeared with stun sticks and restraints. The two Split troopers spat on the floor and growled defiance and revenge before being led away.
The next two were Argon males and both looked defiant but said nothing and so it went on until the first person Sweety had identified to remain behind arrived. It was an Argon woman that although looking defiant at first suddenly looked terrified as she was led to one side.
The second was a young Teladi male who looked confused but remained quiet. The third was a young Argon man whose comments of defiance faded away and the colour drained from his face as he too was led to one side. The last was another young Argon female but she looked scared even before she was separated from the rest.
As the last of the prisoners were led away, Broden turned to look at the four that remained and felt perplexed how anyone would have even considered that these individuals were suitable as assault troopers. The rest appeared to fit into the right mould and had the mannerisms of battle hardened fighters but not these four.
The transport left the dock and was followed closely by the Perseus out of the station. Broden allowed it to leave and then spoke, “I expect you want to know why you’re still here and your companions have been taken away,” There were a few nervous nods and Broden glowered at them, “Let me assure you it is not by choice, however the transport will only carry thirty five and there were thirty nine of you.”
He paused, “Let me make something very clear to you. Your presence is not welcome here! Another transport will come to collect you in due time so you can share the same fate as the others. There are some here that would rather shoot you than look after you and I can’t say that I’m totally unsympathetic towards their point of view. However it’s my job to ensure your well being,” He paused for a moment for this message to sink in, “and providing you do nothing but obey the instructions you are given then we shall get along fine. You will of course remain in secure accommodation from which there is no escape and even if you try, we can locate you and transport you right back to us. Do I make myself clear?”
There were a few murmurings of acknowledgement and nodding of heads.
“Take them away again!” Broden commanded and the four were escorted away.
Tor was dressed and preparing to sign himself out of the hospital section of the station when the nurse entered the room with a hover tray carrying a full meal.
She said, “The doctor recommended that you have a meal before you leave.”
He looked at the tray and his stomach rumbled threateningly, trying for an apologetic smile he commented softly, “Sounds like I’ll be staying for lunch.”
The nurse smiled and waited for Tor to sit on the bed and make himself comfortable before she pushed the hover tray in front of him, “Enjoy,” she commented and then left the room. Tor watched her leave and then tucked into the meal now very aware of just how hungry he really was. As he cleared the plate of every last morsel of food he sat back and let out a contented sigh. Allowing a few Mizuras for the food to settle he once again stood up and guiding the hover tray back to the door and exited the room.
The nurse looked up from behind the desk, “All finished?”
Tor replied, “Excellent thanks,” He looked around to try and get some impression of what was nearby. He spotted Moda standing in the reception area and looking into the dome of the environment suit, the Boron had the appearance of being asleep.
As he approached the Boron stirred and looked up. Through the clicks and bubbled speech Tor had the impression that Moda was pleased to see that he was up and around, “Sir. It is good to see you up and in one piece.”
Tor smiled, “Moda there is no need for the Sir. Call me Tor,” He looked around, “Is anyone else here?”
Moda confirmed, “There are five more pilots and your Defiance is here.”
“I want to look in on the other casualties before we head back to the station. Can you give me an update on the station,” Tor spoke softly.
The Boron nodded slowly and related all the latest news. Tor listened intently with a mixture of apprehension and concern. As the Moda finished the summary he looked thoughtful for a moment, “Okay, let me do what I need to here, then we’ll head down to the ships.”
As Tor returned to the desk the nurse looked up and Tor asked, “I’d like to visit my companions?”
She replied, “Certainly Mr Grall, I’ll call the doctor so he can show you around.”
The young medic appeared a short while later and asked, “What can I do for you Mr Grall?”
Tor looked round, “Yeah, I was wondering if I could visit me colleagues?”
The medic smiled, “Certainly if you’d follow me.”
Of the twenty four casualties only sixteen were security personnel. The wounded troopers had been separated away and were being closely guarded. Tor spent a few Mizura with each one, giving them praise and checking that they had everything they wanted. Through out the meetings he remained cheerful and upbeat but after he left the last one he took a moment to sit down in the reception area and put his head in his hands and closed his eyes.
The medic patted him sympathetically on the shoulder and walked away. Moda quietly waited for Tor to move. Eventually with a heavy sigh Tor opened his eyes and looked up, “Ready?”
The Boron nodded and Tor said in a quiet voice lacking in enthusiasm, “Let’s get out of here.”
Moda commented quickly, “I have news Sir.”
Tor was already on his feet and expecting more bad news asked quietly “What is it?”
“The prison transport bringing the captured troopers here for questioning has been destroyed,” Moda stated.
Tor felt nothing, no pity or concern, “So? I guess Feran didn’t like them losing.”
The Boron responded, “It was Firestorm Clan ship that killed them.”
Tor replied bitterly, “And Feran enlists another pirate clan to do his dirty work. Those troopers are responsible for the people lying in the rooms back there. They were responsible for killing many of my security personnel. Why should I feel anything for them?”
A familiar voice commented quietly, “Because Mr Grall, they were the only ones permissible in a court of Law that could have secured a conviction against Feran t’Gnht enabling us to board his station and arrest him if he ever showed his face in these sectors.”
Tor span around and looked at Caran Belign, “What do you mean?”
Caran frowned and continued, “A prisoner that has undergone an operation or other medical treatment which requires the use of pain killers, anaesthetic, or other similar drugs cannot be relied on as a witness for the prosecution or defence as their memories may have been adjusted during this time.”
Tors jaw dropped, “You can’t be serious?”
Caran raised an eyebrow, “Very! Feran will get through our legal system on a technicality. The fact that our agents believe Feran is currently staying with Jolak Nyj means that he has a very cunning ally that knows our laws better than most of us.”
If the Boron could hiss then Moda was doing a very good impression of the sound when he heard the name Nyj. Tor looked bitter and resentful as a result of the information, “But we know who did it.”
Caran responded quickly, “Knowing and proving are two different things Mr Grall. If you can’t prove what you know before the eyes of the law then any action you may take in the form of vigilante justice will be seen as murder and you Mr Grall would have to face the courts.”
Tor looked shocked, “You make this sound like I’m the aggressor.”
Caran gave the hint of a smile and replied softly, “No Mr. Grall. Feran knows how to manipulate our justice system to his benefit. You don’t! And that’s why he can get away with murder but you’d get locked away for a minor station speeding offence.”
Tor was lost for words as the message sank home. Eventually he looked at Caran and asked quietly, “So why are you here?”
Caran sighed deeply, “I’d like to know how Pors Tullet died.”
=======================
Broden looked perplexed and commented loudly, “What do you mean there’s two Boron Dolphins here?”
The silicon mine co-ordinators looked around as Sweety replied, “The Crystal Fab has sent us assistance in the form of additional maintenance robots and five thousand cargo units of additional equipment and supplies.”
Broden commented to Liann, “Get in touch with the Crystal Fab and confirm they’ve sent the supplies.”
There were a few moments of exchanged pleasantries and chatter until Broden cleared his throat and Liann glancing over her shoulder smiled and asked, “We have two Dolphins reporting to have been sent by you looking for docking permission. Can you confirm that you sent them?”
The co-ordinator replied, “Acknowledged, computer request came in half a Stazura ago. Any problem?”
Liann commented, “No. No problem, it’s just we weren’t expecting them. Thanks for the info,” She closed the comm and awaited instructions from Broden.
Broden paced the floor looking displeased, “Computer, did you request these supplies?”
Sweety replied, “Yes.”
Broden looked around the room. He would much prefer to be addressing a real person or an android, “Anything else you would care to tell us about?”
Sweety commented, “There are three new Pegasus ships from the core sectors bringing another nine cargo units of security equipment.”
Broden sounded slightly annoyed, “And who cleared this?”
Sweety reflected on an old instruction and used this as the basis of her answer, “Tor Grall.”
The former captain stopped pacing and looked perplexed, “Mr Grall is in hospital and has been since the attack. I fail to see how he could have given the order.”
Sweety hacked into the general satellite network and commented, “Mr Grall, has checked himself out and is currently on-route back to the station.”
The news came as a pleasant surprise to everyone. Broden allowed himself a smile, “And the rest?”
Sweety answered, “Reports indicate that they are no longer on the critical list but will need to remain on the Equipment Dock for three to four Tazura.”
The mood in the temporary command centre seemed to be uplifted by the news. Broden instructed Liann, “Full scan of the freighters, and have them boarded before being given permission to dock.”
Twenty Mizuras later and both freighters were returning to the Crystal Fab. The three Pegasus ships had been inspected and boarded prior to docking. The cargo was beamed to the stations lower maintenance dock for storage and the three ships departed to retrieve more core sector supplies.
Tor stepped off the Defiance to a loud cheer from the station crew. He was deeply touched by the response, despite all the death and destruction which had dampened his spirits, making him anxious about facing the station crew before he docked, he smiled and shook hands with all of them.
Broden commented with a grin, “So does this mean I can go back to being a pilot now?”
Tor gave a broad smile, “Not if you don’t want to.”
The former captains’ smile broadened and he added, “Just so that you know, we still have four prisoners.”
There was a momentary look of surprise on Tors’ face before he commented, “I know someone who’d like to have a chat with them.”
Caran Belign had jumped into sector X-fifteen to meet with the AIC Roamer. The Mammoth was positioned near the gate back into sector X-nine. Fighters patrolled the area against any potential pirate threat. The massive hanger which would normally carry the huge station construction kits had been modified to take a small corvette class ship.
The new corvette was not in the hanger but some distance away being tested. The plasma discharges signified a weapons test was in progress.
Having been given docking permission Caran lined up the X-Shuttle and watched the green lights flash until the TL’s auto-docking computer took control. On the adjacent landing was one of three interplanetary research ships. For the moment Caran was not certain if it had just arrived or was preparing to depart.
The docking tube attached itself to the hull and a signal in the cockpit indicated it was safe for him to open the airlock doors. Caran Belign put on the environment suit helmet but not the EVA unit. He never felt comfortable with the docking bays of the large transporter ships and reasoned there would be enough residual air in the suit to last him a few minutes by which time he would have comfortably made it beyond the docking bay and into the habitable section of the TL.
Commander Parrel met him at the door, “It’s good to see you again Mr Belign,” And extended his hand.
Caran removed the helmet and shook hands, commenting, “It’s always a pleasure to come and see what you’re up to.”
Parrel made a sweeping gesture for Caran to accompany him to the captains briefing room, “I assure you nothing that’s not been approved.”
“I’m glad to hear it.” Caran responded.
Commander Parrel glanced sideways at the towering figure of the Argon agent, “Somehow I never thought we’d see you this far out from the core sectors. Any reason for the change of heart?”
Caran kept looking ahead as they marched along the wide well illuminated corridor. His expression gave nothing away, “Only a brief visit I can assure you. One of our agents has been killed and I’m here to find out what happened. And I thought that as I’m in the neighbourhood I’ll come to see if you’ve made any new discoveries concerning the whereabouts of the mysterious Khaak.”
Parrel guided them to the open door of a shuttle lift. He looked concerned and said, “Ah, the Silicon Mine incident. I didn’t know you’d lost one of your own people on there.”
Caran nodded and remained silent waiting for an answer to his final comment, as the shuttle lift doors closed Parrel looked around, “As for the Khaak, it’s a strange business but I’ll explain in the briefing room.”
The shuttle lift doors reopened and both men stepped out and made their way to the briefing room.
Parrel had already arranged for refreshments which had been neatly left on the table.
The door slid closed behind them and Parrel walked up to the desk and entered his security clearance codes. The AIC logo faded and the sector maps began to appear.
Caran looked at the screen, “So what do you have for me.”
“Just a mystery and an anomaly,” Parrel started, “We have systematically searched every sector including nearby asteroid fields and planets. So far we have turned up nothing. If the Khaak were ever here then they did an exceptionally good job on ensuring that they left nothing behind and no trace of ever being here.”
There was a pause as Parrel expected some response. Caran simply looked at the screen and let the information sink in, “So in essence all recorded encounters are pieces of fiction. And the Split incident never happened.”
Parrel measured his words and spoke carefully, “Not in these sectors, no.”
Caran picked up on the caution of the response and looking around asked, “If not these sectors which one?”
Parrel shrugged but before he could respond they were interrupted by a computer announcement, “Incoming message for Mr Caran Belign.”
Both men looked at each other for a moment and then Caran asked, “Who’s transmitting?”
The computer replied, “Messenger identified as Mr Tor Grall on the Silicon Mine in X-four.”
Caran shrugged and commented aloud, “I wonder what he wants,” Then addressed the nearest console, “Put him through.”
The image of Tor came up on the main screen and Caran said, “Yes Tor what can I do for you?” Tor looked around and spotted Commander Parrel and as if reading Tors’ thoughts Caran added, “It’s okay to talk.”
Tor composed himself and said, “I thought I’d let you know, not all the prisoners were killed in the pirate attack. The transport that arrived could only hold thirty five and needed to make a return trip to collect the rest.”
Caran looked mildly surprised, “How many?”
Tor responded, “Four.”
Caran took a moment to think, “Do nothing and say nothing to anyone about this, and ensure your pilots and station crew don’t either. When I’ve finished here I will be visiting you,” Tor nodded and the comm closed.
Good one.
@ SteveM
I think we do need to slow down a little and get the storyline moving. Nice to see Caran back again, nice how they dont know about the 4 prisoners.. the most sedate of the bunch too ![[ external image ]](http://boinc.mundayweb.com/seti2/stats.php/userID:2158/.png){kind=link}