31_The Key to the Master Plan

Here you will find each story posted in a readable format. This is a copyrighted work and is protected by intellectual property laws recognized by most nations. In other words read and enjoy but post no where else.
Locked
User avatar
Diaho
Site Administrator
Posts: 527
Joined: Sun Sep 09, 2007 12:05 am
Location: In my computer seat or Lafiel's lap.
Contact:

31_The Key to the Master Plan

Post by Diaho »

The Key to the Master Plan


Scholar and I planned to leave at dawn. As I was loading the shuttle Noel approached me. She gave me a briefing on what I would encounter inside the Guardians underground complex. Her final thoughts left me wondering what I’d gotten myself into.

“Dai the complex is immense, almost twenty kilometers in every direction. Do not wonder off no matter how your curiosity is stimulated. Yeah, that’s the last thing you should know about; you’ll be under constant probing while you’re there. One thing you must not do under any circumstances is wear a receptive alpha. The show one is fine, you’ll still be probed, the worse thing you can do is to forget to change alphas once you arrive. I know I’ve done this, the data crystals even though retracted, are very sensitive to the background noise that resides inside the complex. If you’ve ever sensed a pulsar that’s mild compared to what you’ll experience there. You need to keep your senses about you and watch Scholar carefully, being a telepath she’s managed to block the complex, yet I’m sure she has a weakness if they ever find it and exploit it well…”

I had encountered a pulsar before. The headache it generated lasted for several days after that and Noel said it would be mild compared to what the complex was like. I cringed and wondered a loud what I’d gotten myself into. This time Noel answered my question and gave me information to ponder on the way there.

“Dai in the data banks is the record of our first encounter with the Wise Ones. I suggest you study it and all encounters afterwards. There is a pattern to our visits, should you get there and it’s different, or you feel uneasy, trip the emergency beacon. I’ll be there before you know it.”

I knew the Independence was back but Noel gave me the impression that she alone would come to our rescue. I didn’t understand why she would make such a statement unless there was something she hadn’t told me. I guess a review of the data banks was in order.

*********
I’m worried. Normally when I tell Noel something it gets done without question, yet this time I sit waiting for a response from Shahrazad and all there is silence. Painiach just left me her reaction was typical yet unusual as well. She knows I delivered her message and she’s heard Noel’s reply but she wonders if the message got delivered or not. I don’t have that answer and the silent response to her question is becoming worrisome to both of us.

Two other occurrences of late have me concerned. First is the fuel tender Seelnay it is berthed at the sixth station. Its Captain is on Shahrazad, and the crew has only left the ship once to re-supply. They sit waiting for something to happen. Secondly is a shuttle that landed recently, although registered to a trading consortium, it was given permission to land at the Residence. That has my curiosity peaked as well. What does the continued silence from the surface; the Seelnay and the shuttle that arrived six hours ago all have in common. I use to like a good mystery but being involved in a real life one with Painiach is driving my batty.

*********
“I briefed Dai as you asked me to. I also checked the shuttle and installed the device Risch gave me. Dai was busy packing so it was a simple task I’m sure I wasn’t seen. Now Lafiel what do we do about Painiach? Poor Kufadis has got to be in a tizzy by now.”

Lafiel sat across from me her toes popped above the water as she adjusted the temperature in the hot tub. It has been quite some time since we had this simple but guilty pleasure. It was a stroke of brilliance to have this meeting at this hour and in this device. I felt like the weight of the world had been removed from me. Lafiel was completely relaxed as well.

“I’ll contact Painiach this morning and invite her and Kufadis to come here. What I need to share does not need to be transmitted also I want to see the look on her face when I tell her what has happened. She’ll most definitely be surprised don’t you think?”

Lafiel had the temperature of the water to the point where we were becoming so relaxed that logical thought was becoming difficult. However I agreed with her Painiach should know about Tay, Jinto and Ariel. I’m pretty sure finding Ariel on this world will set off all sorts of alarms in Painiach’s mind. Damn this tub feels great I don’t want to leave it.

We spent another twenty minutes just enjoying this device. Out of the tub, dried off and changed we went our separate ways for the time being. We would get together later on when Painiach had arrived until now I had one more item I needed to tend to. Arriving at the workshop I found Risch and Samson. I inquired about the device I had placed in the shuttle.

“It’s a satellite tracking device. After the last time you went to the Guardian and we lost contact with you. Lafiel asked us to develop this device. Simply put it connects the creunoc with the orbital system in a passive mode. We know where the wearer of a creunoc is and can listen to what is being said. Lafiel’s request was not so much eavesdropping but the ability to know where in the complex a wearer of a creunoc was at any given moment. The ability to listen in was an unexpected benefit.”

So that’s what it is and neither Dai nor Scholar know it’s aboard that way if their minds are probed what you don’t know won’t hurt you. I hope. I was on the edge of the Village something was nagging at me; since I was here I’d go explore my hunch. Mia was surprised when I walked into her office unannounced.

“If you wanted to see Jinto all you had to do was ask?”

That’s not what I was here after although seeing Jinto sounded like a good idea too. I’ve been remiss in spending time with him I miss those conversations that we started long ago. I wanted to know something and I knew Mia had the answer no doubt about it.

“Mia, I’ll look in on Jinto before I leave, however it is you I’ve come to see. I need to clarify some facts concerning Scholar if you don’t mind answering a few questions.”

I knew Noel could be blunt but this time she has exceeded my expectations. I cautiously agree to answer a few questions. The first one is her knock out punch.

“Since you’ll become the ‘Scholar of Science’ one day, I’ll assume you have the same abilities as the present one. If so, then can she withstand a brutal mind probing by the Wise Ones?”

Noel had just voiced my worst fears in one sentence. My mother was a strong willed woman however the past years have not been all that kind to her. I had wondered my self if she was up to this expedition. Taking Dai with her has given me much apprehension. Dai although young and very intelligent has no idea what she is in for I fear. I expressed that fact to Noel she was understanding and sympathetic to my fears. She told me Dai had been informed of what waited for them and that Noel felt Dai was capable of keeping them out of trouble. However she returned to the crux of the question could my mother withstand a brutal mind probe? My answer was I did not think so. Noel thanked me for my honesty and asked where Jinto was. I told her and as she left she asked that this conversation stay in this room. I agreed mother would be very unhappy if that knowledge became public.

*********
With Dai away and Noel in the Village I had Ariel to my very own. I’m not a babysitter I don’t know what grandmother and Kenesh, no I’m wrong about Kenesh, she wouldn’t send Ariel out here she had her safe at the Capital as her aide. This is all grandmother’s doing I’ll figure that out later. Right now Ariel needs to learn how this society works or it will surely devour her. I’m letting her review the brief history of this world, as she watches the attunement of the planet, my creunoc flashes alternating red and blue flashes. Noel’s message was what I had hoped not to see. Scholar and Dai were heading headlong into a situation which they may not…

“I understand now. The Villagers are the direct descendants of those who created the first Abh aren’t they?”

Ariel’s question was a welcomed diversion although after I answered the question the prospect of Scholar being mentally challenged by the Wise Ones made my heart skip several beats. I pressed the recall signal Noel responded that she’d be back shortly. There was one more errand she had to finish in the Village. I need her here. We’ve got plans to make and someone else needs to take charge of Ariel.

*********
I spoke with the nurse before I visited Jinto. He said Jinto been in and out of it for the past few hours and when in the room, if there were any problems, the big red button on the wall or on the cord near his bed would bring help at once. He really discouraged the idea of shouting as a summoner, like he said, this was a hospital. I left him and entered the room Jinto was sleeping I made my way to his side and observed him closely.

His sense organ was not as irritated as when I last saw him but it had not returned to normal either. His color seemed better than before and reading the monitors it looked like his vitals were stable. I leaned over and kissed his cheek. His eyes opened and tried to focus.

“Oh hi Noel how long have you been here?”

I answered not long I was in the Village on business and decided to drop in. Jinto seemed to understand me he blinked a couple of times then his eyes closed again. I was getting ready to go when he tried to sit up in bed. I leaned forward placing my hands on his shoulders and moved all of my weight to pin him down. His look I’d seen before his mind had come on line and it realized not only what had happened but the position Lafiel had to be in.

“Noel let me up, I need to get back Lafiel and Lina won’t get along I’ve got so much to do.”

I managed to find the red button on the bed and pressed it with my elbow. Moments later I had an army of help Mia leading the charge.

“Oh No! You’re not going anywhere Jinto.” Mia said firmly.

It was at that moment the nurse injected something into Jinto’s IV he calmed down almost instantly yet I still held my position. Facing him I locked my eyes into his and said.

“Listen to me Jinto. Everything will be fine without you, we will manage. If you decide to try to leave here again without Mia’s approval, I’ll give you such a thumping that will make our last shuttle ride seem like a walk in the gardens.”

Jinto’s eyes widened he was beginning to really feel the effects of Mia’s calming shot. I gently released the pressure on him took his free hand in mine and said.

“We agreed a long time ago that we cared for each other. I became the big sister you never had and you became my little brother. So Jinto incurring Lafiel’s wrath is one thing you’re married to her. Incurring my wrath is quite another because I want my little brother to be around for a very long time. I will move the stars and planets to accomplish that goal if need be.”

Jinto smiled and promised he’d be good. I kissed his cheek and left the room Mia following me. Making my way outside and to the hover cycle Mia stopped me as I was getting ready to leave.

“Noel I ‘m beginning to understand you and I must apologize for thinking…”

“Don’t read too much into what I did in there Mia. Not only did I do it for myself but I did it for Lafiel too. You see I also have a little sister to care for and when she’s upset the galaxy itself is in great peril.”

I mounted the hover cycle and left Mia. I’m sure she’s confused but she’ll get over it, as for me I’m glad I took the cycle. I need to release all the stress that the last hour has built up before I meet Lafiel. To be honest had Lafiel rejected Jinto all those years ago I would have happily taken her place at his side. It’s something she knows and it keeps her in line where Jinto is concerned.

There is nothing like a good rough cross country ride to relieve ones stress. I arrive at the Island relaxed but tired the thought of diving into the hot tub seems so inviting. However Lafiel and Ariel find me, I now have a charge that I determine needs to relax as well. Lafiel goes on her way and I take Ariel to the hot tub for a long discussion. Some days I even surprise myself.

*********
The trip to the complex went without incident. Scholar and I were greeted as before scanned and allowed to enter the elevator for the ride down to the control center. It was when the doors opened that everything went wrong. We were restrained and separated for a time. I was thoroughly searched and placed in a room Scholar showed up in the room about five minutes later.

“Dai you’re unharmed I’ll guess?”

“I’m fine, how are you?”

Scholar said she had suffered no adverse effects so far but wondered what was next. We weren’t kept waiting long. The door opened and a detail escorted us to a part of the complex I’d never seen before. We were placed in what looked like an examination room there were beds, tables and chairs. The far wall was a mass of equipment the likes I’d never seen before. The Wise Ones entered the room from the far end, one of them moved a lever on the wall and the equipment came to life. The leader of the group approached Scholar and I she showed no emotion as she said.

“You have information we require. You can give it freely or we will rip it from your minds. The choice is yours. Be quick in your answer.”

Scholar moved between me and the Wise Ones she motioned me to stand at the wall once there she turned to the leader and said.

“What information do you wish to discuss?”

The leader moved in front of Scholar speaking so softly as to keep me from hearing, they thought, she said.

“There is a being in your village. Where did you discover it? What do you know about it?”

Scholar took a long look at her confronter smiled and said.

“What business of yours is it? What we create we do for science. Do you have a claim or right to have that being?”

Scholar’s words built a fire with in her questioner. She moved to with in inches of Scholar and said.

“You will turn it over to us at once; at once do you hear me!”

I’d never seen Scholar so argumentative before she held her ground and stared into the leaders eyes and said.

“No, that’s not going to happen. Not until you explain why that being is so important to you.”

The leader raised her hand and we were frozen in place. From studying the database I knew this could happen and did not struggle, in doing so I could still see forward and hear everything around me. Scholar was being wired with sensors they were going to rip the information from her mind or so it seemed. The leader approached Scholar and said.

“The last time we did this to you, you didn’t remember. This time however we won’t be so gentle and you may not have a mind left when we are done. You can speak I ask you one last time where is the being and will you turn it over to us peacefully.”

I couldn’t see Scholar’s face but I could hear her voice it wasn’t the voice of someone about to be mentally dissembled it was defiant extremely defiant.

“You tell me why she is so important to you and if I like what I hear I’ll turn her over to you.”

What happened next had I not seen it with my own eyes I would have called the one relating it a liar. Scholar suddenly moved forward and placed the leader in a restraining move. She then told the one operating the controls to release me at once or her companion would die.

I could move I made my way to the control lever and shut off the power it was then I noticed Scholar she had a look on her face and in her eyes the like I’d never seen before. She pushed the leader to the far wall and linked with her mind. However the words spoken and the language used were unknown to me. My creunoc auto translated them.

“Bad Sooun, You underestimated me once again. You thought sending me to defeat the Zu’har then conveniently forgetting I was on that dead beat world would suffice. Sooun my dearest Sooun is that any way to treat your Queen? You want my body back so you can place me back in the computers again. Bad Sooun, It’s not going to happen this time. This body is a telepath my new body is not only telepathic but telekinetic. Once I’ve transferred my mind to that body you’ll not defeat me and I will exact my revenge upon everyone.”

No wonder Scholar had thrown caution to the wind in dealing with the Wise Ones she had a trump card. However at the moment her trump was slowly squeezing the life out of the leader of the Wise Ones. I had to try, the rest of the room stood motionless in shock more or less I figured. I made it to Scholar and looked into her eyes they seemed devoid of any emotion.

“Tay! Tay what you’re doing is wrong. Release her. She’ll face justice search the mind of the one you occupy if you think I’m lying.”

The grip was released and the leader slump to the floor. Scholar turned her attention to the other Wise Ones and said.

“Do you know who I am? If you do and unconditionally accept the fact call off the guards and let us go free.”

For one moment I thought we were going free but from the floor the leader said.

“Kill them with your bare hands if necessary they must not leave the complex.”

There was a move towards us. I grabbed a chair preparing to take as many of them with me as I could. Suddenly there was a blast and the door flew open. Standing in front of us was Noel and a security detail armed to the hilt. I was stunned, how did she find us?

“Ladies if you want to live raise your hands over your heads, NOW LADIES!”

Noel made her way to Scholar and I stopping in front of Scholar she said.

“Scholar is that you or am I addressing Tay?”

I was doubly stunned, not only had she known of our plight and found us, she knew about Tay as well?

“Noel I’m Scholar but not for much longer Tay is stronger than I thought. Unless we leave at once she’ll take over this body and absorb my essences.”

Noel seemed very calm, too calm for my liking I tried to protest her standing there when Noel said.

“Tay’s in the shuttle with Doctor Sasoum the guard will take you to her.”

I went to go with Scholar and Noel restrained me.

“Not now Dai everything will be alright I need your help here with sorting out this mess.”

I tried to protest but my creunoc went active and the voice from it was.

“Dai I’m not one to argue your loyalty to Scholar, but please do what Noel asks of you. I promise once you get back to the Residence I’ll explain everything.”

What the? Creunoc’s don’t work in the complex, yet that was Lafiel’s voice. I was overwhelmed I gave in and followed Noel’s orders without further argument. We moved the Wise Ones and staff to the central conference room then Noel and I went exploring a nice long walk I must say. Level after level we scanned and cataloged. The size of this place was astounding. We exited on one floor to find every access point secured. Noel raised her creunoc to her lips and said.

“Found it Lafiel, Pon’s data was one floor off. I’ll try the code she gave us.”

Noel entered a code into the panel the access opened and we were greeted with a sight that almost could not be described. Walking through the massive assembly area we took stock of everything. Scanned and cataloged Noel called Lafiel.

“Jackpot, Lafiel. Two more completed ships, parts, pieces and repair robots galore. Also Pon was right there is a dissembled Zu’har attack vessel in the sixth bay. Our new guests have got a lot of questions to answer. Inform the detail to tell Pon she did well and thank Erin too. Who would have thought she had that talent. You know she probably saved a lot of lives today it’ll make her happy to hear that.”

That was it I was completely confused, who the hell was Pon and what did Erin do to her to. How did Noel find us, let alone know we were in trouble, I wanted to scream I was about to when Noel turned me and said.

“Screaming is this hanger would be a very bad thing. The echo alone would be deafening and I’m sure the headache there after will be tremendous. If you must scream, wait till we are outside okay?”

We emptied the complex separated those Lafiel wanted to talk to from those who were probably innocent of any wrong doing. Those that remained were placed under guard by Lafiel’s private army. The commander of this group was a former prisoner of Lobnas II a fearsome red haired green eyed lady that brought shivers to all she came in contact with. Fiercely loyal to Lafiel and a veteran of a couple of Lafiel’s special missions she was the prefect candidate to leave in charge. There would be no funny business while this woman was around.

Lala Shangal approached us she had a few words with Noel and then went about her business. Formidable was the only word that described her. Someone I would not want to be on their bad side. We made it to the shuttle and found Scholar sitting outside seemingly none the worse for her experience. I went to sit next to her when Doctor Sasoum exited the shuttle and said.

“Scholar I swear that was the most risky thing I think I’ve ever seen anybody do. It was bad enough you liberating part of Tay from Seelnay but then claiming her totally and coming here to confront these people. I tell you if Erin hadn’t convinced Pon what was going on and she hadn’t spilled the beans about the rest of the plan. You’d be Tay right about now and I’d go quietly insane.”

Scholar looked very tired she nodded her head as Sasoum unloaded on her. Once the Doctor was done she raised her head and said.

“The modifications to Tay took hold before I placed her essence in the body correct?”

Doctor Sasoum nodded with Tay removed from the body and it on life support Doctor Sasoum put genetic limiters on Tay abilities. They could be modified as she grew accustom to being human once again but after the little display she gave in the complex letting her be one hundred percent functional was not a wise idea.

“She going to be a handful once she awakens and figures out she can’t do as she pleases its going to take someone with a very strong constitution to deal with her.”

Scholar agreed and said only one person fit the qualifications required to accomplish this task and that person was Seelnay.

I screamed loud and long my mind was going to explode otherwise if I hadn’t done this one simple act. Sasoum was not moved in the least. Noel was relieved she said later we weren’t getting into a closed area until I had screamed. Scholar came to my side sat me down and explained everything she knew in the most efficient way possible. My mind was a blaze with information most of it took the trip back to digest. I saw the Island approaching and fell into a very deep sleep.

*********
Noel and I were relaxing in the hot tub when her creunoc went off. She leapt out dried off and started for her cottage. I decided being alone in the tub was not a great idea I turned it off as Noel had shown me dried off, dressed and followed Noel. Arriving at the dock Lafiel informed me that I was staying here. The mission Noel was headed on could prove dangerous.

Lala Shangal was waiting at the shuttle with an armed party; that I later learned was part of Lafiel’s private army. This group, most of them had liberated Count Hyde from Lobnas II many years ago. The other members Lafiel picked up here and there over the years. Every member was highly skilled, fiercely loyal to Lafiel and dedicated to maintaining peace on this world.

Shortly before dusk the shuttle landed and Lafiel greeted them. I was left at the Residence with Sobbash and her daughter Saio. It would seem Lafiel was keeping things from me which at the moment was fine in my book. What happens on this world should stay here. It’s only when Lafiel ventures to space that I should be consulted although I doubt it seriously, not after what I’ve seen already.

*********
We landed and transferred Tay back to the lab. The placement of her essence back into its new home went off as planned. However once she awakens and finds out she’s not the all powerful being she had hoped for… Well Seelnay will have her hands full of course that is if she agrees to do this. I don’t think Scholar has approached her with the request as of this moment.


Mia got one look at Scholar and admitted her for observation. I’ll admit Scholar looked pretty bad when we landed. Normally I would have looked after her but Tay was my first priority. Once she was stable and behind a force field I went to see Scholar part of me felt responsible for Scholar’s condition. I had a hunch what she had done but no one knew how powerful Tay really was until her full potential was observed in the complex. Scholar was sleeping when I looked in on her I continued to Mia and we discussed many things that evening.

*********
Arrive before sunset, that’s what the message from Shahrazad said. During the entry maneuver I picked up two shuttles on my screen one landed at the Village and the other was heading to the Island. I adjusted our arrival profile to let the shuttle land ahead of us. It was sunset when we touched down about ten minutes after the first shuttle. One thing I noticed as we landed and I pointed it out to Painiach was the Independence sitting in a clearing just southeast of the falls. I wonder why Lafiel had it sitting so close unless she was planning on …

“Kufadis I want to see inside that ship I don’t care how we do it I’ve got to see it.”

I motioned Painiach to my display and laid the sensor network over the landing site. There was no way we were going to get within a thousand meters of the ship without setting off alarms galore. The look on Painiach’s face was priceless; here Lafiel had invited her down to have a conference, then she parks the one thing in plain view Painiach would almost sell her soul to see inside of and we can’t get to it. The frustration is building inside her; I don’t want to be Lafiel about now.

“You know Kufadis this her way of getting even for those years I spied on her. No doubt in my mind she’s Ramaj’s grand daughter. Okay, if we can’t see in the ship, let’s go see why Lafiel wanted us here under the cover of darkness.”

I followed Painiach towards the Residence I took note most every light was lit in the building. Rounding the corner that lead to the falls I noticed there were guards stationed there well armed guards. I pointed it out to Painiach she seem unmoved yet she also took a very long look for one who didn’t seem interested.

*********
Scholar asked us to keep Dai until she had recovered from her encounter with the Wise Ones. I had agreed to do so but I hadn’t planned on carrying her to the Residence from the docks. Noel tried several time to wake her to no avail. She loaded Dai on a stretcher and with Risch’s assistance carried her to the extension building then placed her in a bed. They returned to the Residence just as Painiach and Kufadis were arriving.

“Noel? About that message I gave you when did you deliver it?”

I missed seeing Kufadis he cornered me and wanted an answer. I was about to explain when Lafiel came to my rescue.

“She delivered it I was the one tardy with the response. You’re here that's the important part. Oh Painiach we have something to settle before we start the discussion I invited you here for.”

Lafiel faced Painiach and told her in no uncertain terms that any action by her fleet will be cleared through either the Council or Lafiel from now on.

“You realized in giving Li operational control of that escort fleet. She almost started an incident which could have ruined a lot of delicate negations. I know you meant well but this is not the Star Forces. We do things my way, understand?”

I was surprised Painiach agreed with everything I said and promised there would be no further misunderstanding. With that out of the road I decided to deliver my own surprises one at a time. Kufadis has taken note of Jinto’s absence and when I told them where he was Kufadis showed genuine concern. Painiach acknowledged my statement I expected no more than that from her

My next surprise introduced her self from behind them.

“Grand Duchess, Commander, good evening.”

I watched as they turned around to find Ariel facing them. It was a well executed surprise in fact I think Kufadis came close to fainting over it. Gathering her thoughts Painiach finally said something.

“What brings you to this speck of soil? My only thought is you were bad and this was your punishment”

Genetically, Ariel was programmed with the ability to adapt to any situation. The years spent training reinforced that with in her. Painiach was about to find out how capable she was.

“Bad? Little ol’ me? You must be kidding Grand Duchess. This is a promotion for me, something to place in my future records, another life enhancing experience. I’m sorry you find this planet a bit distasteful but I’m sure in time it will grow on you.”

I was impressed Ariel was fast on her feet and witty with her tongue. Painiach was not impressed as she passed me she mumbled something about Ariel reminding her of a certain bratty princess. I wondered if she was referring to me. I asked everyone to join me in the war room the discussion would start there.

*********
“I understand captain you’ve secured the Guardians complex and Lala has left you in charge. Do you know where she is at the moment?”

“Yes I do Miss Erin, she should be in the Village with those Lafiel sent to the detention center. Something about two of the detainees disturbed her so at the last moment she gave me orders and slipped aboard the transport. Are you saying she’s not in the Village with you?”

I called the scribe and informed her to find Lala and bring her to me. I thanked the captain and told him when we had located Lala I would inform him. My next call was to the transport captain, Atosuryua better had known Lala was aboard or I swear a complete review of how the security on this planet is handled will be in order. I already had one worry yet seeing how convincing Pon was initially. I could let that small slip up pass by. However Lala’s actions, I give her this in the past she’s not been wrong with her hunches but she needs to tell someone what’s going on. Here I figured she was at the Guardian’s complex yet it now seems she’s back in the Village without any communication.

Atosuryua was not aware of Lala being on the transport in fact she was almost certain she’d seen her on the surface as they departed. I was angry and now confused. It was late evening normally I would have waited till morning but I had to know where she was. I call the Council together informed them of this lapse in protocol and asked for permission to make a thorough search of the Village. I also sent Lafiel my initial findings as Lala was one of her people I figured she should know as well. Without reservation the Council voted to conduct a search at once using any and all measures necessary.

*********
I had just finished giving my update to Painiach when Erin’s message arrived. Lala had a history of going on her own but someone always knew what she was doing. I’ll admit in the past, I knew she was on to something and waited before I said anything. This time she took off and so far has told no one what she is up to. As I try to find somewhere quiet to answer Erin I see Noel, I tug at her arm and as I leave she follows me. Once away from everyone I inform her of Erin’s message. Noel’s reaction was unexpected.

“You know Lafiel as much as I like her she’s becoming a real pain in the ass. Last time didn’t teach her a thing did it? Okay, I’m not feeling too bad. I’m assuming you want me to…”

Noel saw that her attempt to out guess me was going to meet with a lot of resistance. Her sudden silence was her way of telling me she over stepped the line and was waiting for me to tell her what I thought. She didn’t have long to wait.

“Noel you know Lala better than anyone except Jinto. I’ve got a feeling she snuck back to the Village when she learned of Jinto’s illness. She owes Jinto her life; would you agree that Erin’s going to find Lala there?”

I agreed and told Lafiel what room Jinto was in. Lafiel informed Erin of our thoughts. Twenty minutes later the search for Lala was called off. She was found in Jinto’s room sleeping in a chair at his side. Erin accepted Lafiel’s explanation concerning Lala and Jinto’s past. Lafiel also said she would be in the Village in the morning and would handle Lala personally.

Erin said if Lala left the hospital the security detail was instructed to take her to the guest quarters in the detention center until Lafiel arrived. Although Lafiel did not like it she agreed if Lala went for a walk then she should be stopped. But it was Lafiel’s opinion that Lala will be in the room when she arrives in the morning. The conversation ended.

*********
“Kufadis pull up the star charts for Martine and surrounding systems. Will you please?”

I pulled up the data as Painiach was stepping out of the shower. I understood Lafiel’s briefing and that no action against Martine was planned until Jinto was well, so why the sudden interest in Martine? Painiach exited the shower and stood next to me. Her hair in a towel she leaned over to read the charts, the towel blocked my view.

“As I figured Kufadis, I know how they got past the Empire’s monitoring platforms.”

Painiach stepped back and removed the towel from her hair. She finished drying it and put it up behind her head. She moved back to the display and pointed to an asteroid field about a half light year from Martine and said.

“Remember that place Kufadis? It’s just off an access Sord, the Empire figured no one in their right mind would try to traverse that field, however they did now all I have to do is prove to Lafiel this is where the supply lines are. Then convince her to send us there to interrupt that supply line before they move some really heavy armaments into that system.”

Painiach had been itching for a fight for sometime; this latest revelation of hers did not surprise me. I too had figured that they had used a route the Empire thought too perilous for safe transport. My only question to Painiach was if they used that route, they would have had to clear the asteroids. Any blast from a weapon or mine would have been sensed by the long range array and a warning issued. So if she was correct in her assumptions then how did they do it?

“I glad you’re thinking the way I am Kufadis. Hopefully Paveryua has sensor logs from the depot. The answer might lie in what is store in them. If not, I can not see another route they would have used to accomplish what’s been reported.”

I sent an inquiry to Paveryua along with what I knew about Jinto. Paveryua sent the information requested along with a note of concern not so much about Jinto but about the Hyde system. It was the opinion of his staff that Martine was arming it’s self with very sophisticated weaponry. He had observed what he called weapons tests about the third moon. The energy signature was recorded and in the logs sent. According to Paveryua the signature did not correspond to any recorded in the databases. The energy released from one blast equaled that of the Ion cannon aboard the Lashkau.

Reading that part of the report brought a new urgency to convincing Lafiel that Painiach might be correct, one way or the other someone had to go to Martine and gather data undetected. The depots sensors, thanks to the treaty, could not directly scan the planet and the observation network had been rendered ineffective by jamming from Martine. Paveryua was blind as far as what was happening on Martine was concerned. That fact along with what Lafiel had reported was setting off too many warnings in my mind. As Painiach was fixing her hair I left to find Lafiel. I figured if I showed the information to her. She’d be more receptive to it than if Painiach had come and tried to shove it down her throat.

I found Lafiel leaving the war room Noel was with her. I asked them to go back in sit down and listen to what I had to say before they commented. It took about fifteen minutes to give them the condensed version of what Painiach, Paveryua and I had discussed. When I finished Lafiel brought the charts for Martine up on the main display. I took the pointer and layout the probably course from the Sord to Martine.

Lafiel and Noel went to the display they pulled up details of the area in question and surmised that Painiach was probably right in her thinking. That coupled with Paveryua’s observation caused Lafiel to rethink going to Martine. Jinto was ill but it was now apparent that any further delay in retaking Martine and they might come across fortifications that to disarm might mean damage on a planetary scale to Martine itself. That was something Lafiel found unacceptable and she voiced her concerns out loud.

“Those fools they never had Martine’s future in mind. They wanted a confrontation with the Empire, then destroy the planet and conveniently blame it on the Abh. What a devious plan; start another galactic war and settle an old score at the same time. You realize the UMK was not happy when Martine surrendered without firing a shot?”

I had remembered Jinto saying something about that at one time. This was a well thought out plan. Now I wondered if those who planned it were also smart enough to figure out, we’d figure out their objective, and come liberating knowing what was on the planet and in orbit. I’m no a statesman nor a very good chess player but I recognized both of these disciplines were about to be used to liberate Martine. Painiach found us as Lafiel was finishing her thoughts, although upset that I instead of her had delivered the news she took it in stride. Lafiel asked for all of us to get some sleep and in the morning we’d discuss this at length. With that she excused herself, the rest of us returned to our quarters.

*********
I slept in Jinto’s bed. His scent was everywhere it brought me comfort. I’m not sure how long I was asleep. What woke me were the first rays of sunlight coming in through the window. I straightened up Jinto’s room grabbed quick bite to eat and was on my way to the Village I arrived just after sunrise. Making my way to the hospital I found Lala sitting where I knew she would be guarding Jinto from any harm. I placed my hand on her arm. She woke looked at me and said.

“I’ve done a couple of things that I shouldn’t have done. I left my assignment, hide myself from Atosuryua and came here without permission. You’ve got every right to fire me and confine me but if it wasn’t for his heroic effort those years ago I wouldn’t be alive today, I’m sorry Lafiel I owe him a lot I couldn’t sit up there knowing he was …”

My stooping to face her stopped her conversation. I pulled her from the chair and gave her a hug. I told her I could forgive her this time only however the Council might not be as forgiving as I was being. I told her there was a scribe waiting outside to take her to Erin and that when I was done with Jinto I’d stop by. Lala left met the scribe and was gone.

Jinto was sleeping peacefully I hated to do this but he had to know what I was about to do. I woke him and when he seemed receptive I explained what was happening on Martine as best I could. He lay there eyes closed listening to my words carefully. When I had finished he opened his eyes and made one request.

“Lafiel I want you to try everything in your power to preserve Martine. However if it becomes necessary…”

Tears pooled in Jinto’s eyes they finally rolled across his cheek and off to one side of his face. He blinked to clear his vision turned so as to see me completely and continued.

“Lafiel I trust your judgment I know you know how much Martine means to me, but if it comes down to it and you have to do planetary damage try to measure your response as much as possible. The weapons systems on the Independence are light years ahead of Painiach’s fleet. You can make pinpoint attacks with minimal damage to the surrounding area. I’m here for another week Doctor Sasoum said and from what you’ve told me a week is too long to wait. Go my love free my people from their folly. Lafiel I love you be careful.”

Jinto closed his eyes the tears streamed down his cheeks. I took his hands in mine and told him I would be careful and that I loved him too. I left Jinto, stopped by the council chamber, made sure Lala wasn’t going to be punished severely and then headed to the labs. I would need Scholar’s help I hope she was up to what I was about to ask her.

Entering the lab I found Scholar and Doctor Sasoum watching Tay interacting with Seelnay and Dawn. I was stunned I knew Seelnay was going to be assigned to Tay but why was Dawn here? As I watched the interaction I understood. Tay regarded Dawn as a little sister and with that relationship blooming Seelnay was able to teach both of them the mannerisms that would be required to live an emotionally healthy life. I watched in amazement I didn’t know Seelnay had it in her I was very impressed.

Scholar asked me to join her in the other room where we could speak freely. Leaving Doctor Sasoum to monitor the progress Scholar took me aside and said.

“Late last night Tay became aware of everything we’ve done. She has readily accepted these facts and she’s making remarkable progress. In fact she’s made peace with Sooun and the other Wise Ones. They are still being held until we fully understand what the scheme we were involved in entailed. But I’m ninety-nine percent certain that the Zu’har we destroyed were the balance of their fleet and thanks to the Guardian’s tinkering with the Zu’har genetic code there are not many if any left living. Tay has as much confirmed that part of the story; her evolution explains what was done, a very well thought out and devious plan too. So we were duped to a certain extent, the damage done was not that extreme do you agree?”

Before I could answer Scholar she dropped that other shoe and what a shoe it was.

“Now I have another surprise for you. There are two more ships, the sisters to the Independence, which are ready for shake down flights. You could go to Martine with three times the fire power as you would have had yesterday. I figured you like that was I correct?”

Damn you Scholar. You know having superior fire power is number one in my book of objectives. Two more ships oh what I could do with those as I was day dreaming logic kicked in. I’d need two more crews and command staff yet I wanted to be on my way to Martine with in two days maximum I didn’t see it possible. Scholar sensed my frustration and said.

“There is a way to accomplish this it would require you dividing your resources but I feel it can be done for at least one ship if not both of them. I guess the other thing you should know the Independence no longer sits alone at the falls. The other two ships arrived an hour ago. Your engineering staff is already giving them a thorough inspection. Tay’s assumed her position as leader of her people those ships are part of a payment she feels she owes you. I accepted them on your behalf; I hope I’ve done correctly.”

This time I wasn’t going to argue with Scholar, she is a telepath after all so. I faced her took her hands in mind and let her see my thoughts. Her surprise meant she hadn’t figured on how my feelings would be. I’ll think about crewing at least one ship but right now my people were going over those ships I need to get back and redirect them to other pressing issues like Martine. I also hoped Painiach hadn’t taken an unguided tour of one of the ships. Scholar got that message too. She failed to remember Painiach is an ally that would take our technological advantage and hold the Empire hostage with it. Not a pleasant picture I painted for Scholar. I left requesting Scholar to report to me the interactions between Seelnay and Tay on a regular basis.

*********
I went straight to the falls and found a surprise. The ships sat well guarded and not one of my staff was seen in the area. I returned to the residence to find two my staff sitting at the table having a late breakfast. As I was parking the hover cycle Noel approached me.

“I’ll assume by the direction you came from you know we now have a small fleet parked at the falls. Before you say anything let me say that Spoor and Kufadis are in their quarters they never left the annex. Dai and Ariel are conversing in the hot tub. Risch and Samson did make a fast pass scan and secured both ships. Arisa is in the garden she wants to talk to you; oh your mother in law is studying the history and customs of the Abh I also threw in biological differences too. She’ll be busy for quite sometime. Sobbash and I are having breakfast you want to join us? ”

There are times I feel Noel knows me much better than I think she does. Breakfast sounded wonderful. As I joined Sobbash and Noel, Dai and Ariel arrived. It was about ten minutes later that Arisa arrived. She heard our voices and decided what she had to say to me could be said in front of my staff.

“Between what Lina has said and what I’ve seen since I’ve been here looks like you could use some help. Even though I’ve not received my punishment I’d like to make amends. You’ll need crew for those ships and I’m volunteering my services I also believe that my crew would like to help as well.”

Lafiel accepted Arisa’s offer conditionally. She then asked Arisa to join us as she made another revelation know.

“I’d like to crew all three ships. I have an idea I’ve been piecing together since I left the Village. Here’s what I have so far. Noel and I will be on the Independence with Risch as engineer. Command staff for the second ship is Sobbash and…”

Lafiel’s voice trailed off I knew she was planning on me taking a ship. Okay, if I was, I’d take my choice of second in command; I looked Lafiel in the eyes and said

“Atosuryua if she’ll accept the position and Samson. Then your third crew would be Dai and?”

Lafiel wasn’t surprised with my request for Atosuryua. The surprise came from the other end of the table.

“I’ll go with Dai she and I get along very well.”

Not possible Ariel couldn’t go she was a non combat observer and like Dai a member of the Star Forces. Lafiel could already see the implications of this crewing. The Abh Council would blow a fuse Kenesh and Ramaj would not be happy either. Liberating Martine was important however starting a riff in the Empire was not in the plans and that crewing would do just that. Before Lafiel could answer Dai she spoke.

“When the other two ships arrived Ariel and I had a long discussion. We decided that this world and all of you were more important than the Empire and Star Forces.”

Dai looked at Ariel, she took a deep breath and said.

“Dai and I ah um … Well we decided that being active members of the Star Forces wasn’t a good idea if we were to help. So we ah… tendered our resignations right before we came here.”

To be continued in: The Darkness Before The Dawn

"Ah! You don't know my name?
Its very simple, Lafiel you shall say.
In return I'd like to call you Jinto."


Image
Locked

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 23 guests