51_One of Three

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51_One of Three

Post by Diaho »

One of Three




“Captains log, Dai Lexshu recording: We’ve arrived at the station, the Ku Dorin is getting ready to depart with our wounded and non essential personnel aboard. The refit and restock is underway I can’t believe what this ship can hold. I’ve got enough to supply this group for three months of continuous operation. I also have one large package to be installed aboard the ship, if we find it that is, a cloaking device so we can bring it home undetected. Our conversations with Sobbash have been brief, we have our orders and that’s that.”

*********
“Fleet Commanders log, First Princess recording: Sobbash has requested and I have granted continuing protection for this area. However since the threat seems minimal I’ve sent half of the fleet back to Illyuisa. Sobbash has offered ‘shore leave’ for those who desire it. It has been over a year since I last felt natural gravity and I’ve taken her up on the offer. I’ve watched their two ships arrive and ready for departure. I’m presently watching their transport slip into the atmosphere. A second transport left the planet about twenty minutes ago its sad duty is to return the remains of those lost aboard Independence. This is the single greatest loss of life in the short history of this planet. I hope it is the last, but then again, I for one should know better.”

*********
“Ninth Fleet Commanders Personal log: I’ve just returned from Zachary’s cruiser after an informative repast. I have made assurances that Lakfakalle will recognize the government he’s formed and have already offered any and all assistance he desires. My conversation with the Emperor before the dinner gave me the latitude to conduct such negations. Having Doras as an ally and potential partner will make His Highness happy. A happiness that does not outweigh the anger he first showed me when I contacted him. But the Emperor is still quite young and impulsive he’ll grow out of it I’m sure. Once at Shahrazad I plan on spending as much time with old friends as possible. Sobbash, for one, has many questions to answer, I hope she’s in a good mood when I arrive.”

*********
“Coming home empty handed. That’s not like you Minchi, I’ve read the preliminary report, fifty–two first line ships either damaged or destroyed. Just what in the hell did you run into sister?”

“A meat grinder Tara, I’ve never been so scared in my life, that monster, I pray there are no more around. I have to give the Abh credit, knowing the odds and the position there were thrown into they preformed admirably. Sis I don’t know, no, I don’t think our fleet could have defeated that one ship on our own. Now I know how the Zu’har felt when we decimated their fleet, I, Sis I’m coming home, we’ll discuss everything in depth later.”

*********
“Personal log Minister, err ah President Zachary recording: In my absence Targa did what I wished would not come to pass. Somehow, he and the group I left on Doras managed to gather the cabinet in one place and through a supposedly free and impartial conference, shanghaied me into becoming Doras first freely elected president? I’ve met with Admiral Bebaus of the Abh Star Forces he was acting as a direct representative of the Empire and offered, almost, the galaxy to me for my… this alliance that Lakfakalle desires, while it would be very beneficial to Doras, my loyalties lie in another direction. I’ve received word that Sobbash has the former Empress in custody. To this I’ve sent the vast majority of the fleet back to Doras. This ship along with elements of the first and seventh tactical brigade will accompany me to Shahrazad where I plan on attending the trail and then do some negotiating with an old and trusted friend.”

*********
Entering the administrative offices I find Sobbash’s door open and she sitting at the desk staring out the window. It was an unusually beautiful day and she seemed at peace, but what I had to tell her. I walked into the room she heard me and turned my way.

“Ah Atosuryua, come in. You should stop for a moment and enjoy this marvelous day, then you can give me the news you bring.”

I did as I was asked and I have to admit I enjoyed the few moments I spent looking outside. However there were matters that needed attending to and I said.

“Paveryua has contacted us, as you requested he’s on his way here. I can’t believe you pulled him out of retirement to…”

“Atosuryua, the choice was his, he understood our dilemma and since I can’t trust…”

“Sobbash, I understand your hesitance, but these people are our allies. When word of what we are doing makes its way around.”

“By that time we will have removed the threat. Maybe we’ll share what we’ve found; maybe we’ll keep it as an ace up our sleeve. That’s later, let’s concentrate on now. When the Dorin gets back I want you to personally escort Noel and the others to, you better take them directly to the Complex, visuals have always worked better than words and when they see this.”

I bid Sobbash farewell and proceed to the transport base. I clear my mind as I travel because once they arrive I know I’m going to be pelted with questions most of which I should have the answers to.

*********

“The transport is ten minutes out, are your teams ready?”

The hospital was a beehive of activity, all extra staff had been called in and three surgery rooms were waiting. Saio and her team would tend to Cassandra. Jasmine would attend to Dawn and Mia the transporter chief. Doctor Sasoum would be roving the rooms offering assistance as required. The rest of the staff stood ready to care for the twelve others that would arrive shortly after the three most critical had been taken to surgery.

*********
Erin and Li were on their way to the Village from the Island. Sobbash had briefed them on the present situation, had asked for, and was granted, emergency powers until the present crisis was over. Those powers basically put her in charge without Council oversight. There was information that was not completely divulged to Erin or Li however they had a very solid understanding of what would happen next and why split second decisions would have to be made.

“Erin you know there was more than what she told us.”

“I do and I also know given what we witnessed that our need to know is not that great at this time. Li remember that this is our home. Neither Sobbash nor any of the others will do anything to jeopardize that. Have a little more faith in them although I know it’s not in your nature to accept readily, but in this case give just a bit of latitude to Sobbash okay?”

*********
“Risch… Risch, Come on you need to wake up the transports about to land they need you at the Complex.”

KO shook him gently and he finally opened his eyes. His vision blurry he thought he saw…

“Hi Noel you’re finally home, I."

His vision finally focused and a startled KO faced him.

“I do believe Noel’s a bit better looking than I, but I feel happy, for one moment, you thought I was her. Now come on she’ll be at the Complex before you’re truly awake.”

KO helped Risch from the room, as he was leaving; she took note of what he was doing when he fell asleep. ‘Those formulas, he’s really going ahead with this’, she thought.

*********
I saw KO taking Risch to the shuttle; she helped him aboard, and headed my way. The look on her face was…

“So what has you so amused KO?”

“It’s Risch, when I woke him for a moment he thought I was Noel, the look on his face when he realized who it was… it was priceless.”

“KO you still have those feelings don’t you?”

“In a way yeah Greta I still do and being around another Abh male is making me aware that they’re not all the same. But that part of my life is in the past, as you well know. Someday, somewhere, someone else will appear and I’ll try again for some happiness. I envy Noel just a little bit. Risch is a wonderful person I like his type but I also know he’s fiercely devoted to Noel so end of conversation.”

“Sobbash wants us to meet with the boss after she arrives. You ready to get an earful KO?”

“Greta you really think she’s going to be mad at us? We divulged no secrets and our small contribution helped. Then of course we’ve made no money since we’ve been here. Yeah you’re right she’s going to be ticked.”

*********
Upon landing at the transport base the survivors were immediately moved to the Village. Atosuryua took us in tow and we headed to the Complex. As we approached I took note of the activity from the area that, until recently, had been off limits at my recommendation. It was then Seelnay commented as well.

“It’s lit up like a city down there; what do you think they’re working on?”

I didn’t have to think, I knew, Sobbash was desperate, what I wasn’t aware of is that we had cracked the codes for the Guardians computers and had complete access to all the information, which included what lay in the restricted area. We were down one ship, Independence wasn’t going anywhere for at least six month to a year. Those were the first estimates received from Zachary’s people after they surveyed they ship. But what is Sobbash thinking? I was trying to converse my thoughts lest those among us read into my thinking more than might be there. Yet Sobbash you’ve got some explaining to do.

*********
I had just left the stationmasters office when a familiar figure came into view. While he was far enough away I couldn’t contact him. I did see him and his companion plainly I’m pretty sure he didn’t see me. As I watched, station security escorted them to a shuttle that would take them to the surface. My curiosity was peaked why was Paveryua here and why was he getting the VIP treatment. When I get aboard I’ll share this information with Dai. I for one am in the dark and as first officer if it was on purpose so be it but if it was because Dai’s in the dark as well maybe this will shed some light on things. We are cleared to depart within the hour hopefully this mission is not a ‘wild goose chase’ yeah that was the terms Arisa used to describe, but how would she know?

*********
Kenesh had left Lakfakalle earlier than her subordinates had expected. The ‘official’ story was she had taken a well deserved vacation. In actuality she was getting away while the Capital struggled with what had transpired. There were factions, not necessarily loyal to Duhiel, which wanted her head for withholding, what they perceived, vital information about the encounter that involved the Ninth and Fifteenth Fleets. There were also the losses from the Ninth that were attributed to collateral damage. The true nature of what Shahrazad’s fleet had found was attributed to the Argo pirates getting away a lucky salvo. All records concerning the matter had been removed from the central database. Only one or two hard copies existed and Kenesh had in her possession a true hard copy of the events. She was going to get answers not for the Empire but for her own satisfaction. She knows Sobbash did not lie to her, but the gaps in the truth; she was going to get some answers. To that end she was now aboard a Suran freighter enroute to the space station that is in orbit about Shahrazad.

*********
“Look lady you need to stop asking me to do your bidding. You should be lucky you and those with you are alive to complain. You should be aware by now that there is a sizable Zon community on this world and I’m sure you’d be the center of attention if it was made known you were here so. Sit down, shut up, and behave yourself.”

The former head of the Dorian government was aghast; this rude woman with red hair had put her in her place. How dare she do such a thing, she wondered what kind of trial this would be if their jailer had so little disregard for her position.

Lala left the detention area and made her way to the communications station; she opened a link to Sobbash and said.

“You were spot on; she just tried to convince me she was the government of Doras and demanded I do her bidding. I told her if she didn’t sit down and shut up I’d invite the Zon over for a little visit. She’s become a bit calmer. Sobbash I must ask, is that why you had those Zon workers move in plain sight of the detention center earlier this morning?”

A slight chuckle emitted from the link and then it disconnected. Lala had her answer Sobbash was not one to toy with, if need be she could be ruthless. A fact that the former Dorian Empress was about to discover.

*********
“Paveryua’s heading to Shahrazad? In a way that makes sense, outside of Samson, Paveryua was an expert in reconstruction and renovation. I’m sure that’s part of the reason he’s here but I wonder did he come willingly or at Sobbash’s behest. Ariel you realize that we’ve got two badly damaged ships; one in orbit, and one on its way here. It would make sense for Paveryua to be here but I wonder why Sobbash didn’t say something? Probably because we’ve got enough facing us, Ariel lets get going signal Defiance we are ready.”

Two ships were seen leaving the station and then in tandem they launched into the unknown. The group returning Independence to Shahrazad had a front row seat for the departure. Zachary wondered why the rush and where were they off to this time. He added those questions to the stack he had already compiled.

*********
Once we knew the size of the Guardians complex it became a free time, volunteer, exploration project. Over the years I’ve explored more of it than anyone else on the planet. Scholar would rank second and Seelnay third. There have been places that were not readily accessible because of the security system. We scanned those areas as best we could and ‘when time permitted’ we were going to force those sections open and examine their secrets. With the cracking of their central computer system we had access to the entire complex at a push of a button. While we were gone Sobbash had a team from the Village look in those places once inaccessible and the findings. Atosuryua was about to share the biggest find with us. As we entered the formerly restricted area she said.

“We had suspected there was a ship in this area given its proximity to the final assembly area but after our last attempt to ‘force’ a door open and the damage it caused, we left well enough alone. Our patience has bore fruit an abundance of fruit as you will observe.”

The large multi section door opened and the size of, not only the area, but the ship that lie within it was mind boggling. I stood beside Scholar, Seelnay was to my left, Robert and Lily stood next to Scholar. As I took in this ship something clicked in my, Seelnay’s and Scholar’s minds simultaneously. We’d seen this ship before or at least the plans for it. Atosuryua caught the look on our faces and answered our question.

“You see before you the crowning achievement of the Guardians shipbuilding expertise. I’d like to introduce you to the two and a half century old defender class starship, the Grand Illusion, aptly name for its ability to be completely invisible not only to the naked eye but all known scanning.”

I took in what Atosuryua had said and moved to a position where I could get a good look at this ship. After a few minutes I began to see details from the earlier drawings we had recovered. This ship seemed to be a ninety percent rendition of those drawings. At the moment I had those drawings on a tablet before me with the rest crowded around.

The ship, if it was built today, I’d say it had very strong Dorian influences, one wonders just how much tinkering the Guardians have done over the centuries. What is not on those drawings is, this ship resembles a large aquatic squid, the area behind the main deck that the six appendages extent from is not depicted. It is then Risch wanders into the room, he’s glad to see us but I can tell he’s been intensely at work on something. Lagging about a minute behind him is an old friend and his companion. While there was an initial shock at seeing him, actually I’d been a bit disappointed if he wasn’t here. He spots me and the two of them approach.

“Noel it’s been years yet you haven’t changed one bit. It reminds me of that first day aboard the Basroil, so how have you been?”

My first day aboard the Basroil, I ended up lost and wandering about the ship. It was Paveryua who found me and taught me how to interpret a ships layout I still owe him to this day for that.

I told Paveryua I was well, he went to say something when he caught sight of Robert and Lily. They had moved towards Risch and were in a discussion when Paveryua moved towards them. Robert saw him and said.

“Hello Uncle Pav it‘s been a long time.”

Paveryua stopped in his tracks took a long look at the young man who had just addressed him as uncle and said.

“Robert is that you? It is, my you’ve grown into a handsome lad your father would have been proud. Your mother, how is she doing?”

“She was doing alright when we left. I’ll assume, since I haven’t heard otherwise, she is still fine?”

Roberts’s words echoed around the area, Atosuryua took note, but the center of attention returned to Paveryua. He was standing in front of Lily giving her a long hard look then he turned his gaze in my direction and back to Lily. When he was sure he finally said.

“There is a resemblance, correct me if I’m wrong, are you Lily?”

Lily said that is who she was but had no recollection of Paveryua at all. That statement brought a chuckle from him with this explanation.

“I would be surprised if you remembered our only encounter, your major accomplishment that day was walking in a straight line towards your father without falling down. I have to admit you were determined to do that and I believe it was the fourth or fifth attempt that you successfully accomplished that, of course once you got started I heard running around was mastered in less than a week.”

Lily turned a bit red and reached for Roberts’s hand, once she had a hold of it her demeanor changed. Paveryua picked up on this and said.

“So it would be correct to assume you two are more than just friends? Ah to be young once again and truly in love.”

The tap on his head from his companion brought about this response.

“You’ve got nothing to worry about, I just wanted to be young once again, and I’m already in love. Sorry my dear if I embarrassed you.”

Risch was getting a bit annoyed at the direction of the conversation and stated so, once he had everyone’s attention he said.

“I know it been years since we’ve seen each other but the reason I had you brought was to discuss this ship. With Paveryua’s and Roberts’s assistance I plan to have it operational by weeks end. Lily, you, Seelnay and your mother will go through the operational manuals we found. Scholar I’d like for you to work with them on the linguistics since you are an expert in the Guardians language. Paveryua, Robert and I will sort out the propulsion system which I have to admit is rather intriguing. If we’ve translated the specifications correctly this ship, once fully operational will rival Discovery in speed and fire power. Seelnay you should be aware that I’ve enlisted Greta and KO to survey Independence and co ordinate with our people. I’m going to try to salvage as much undamaged structure from the old Discovery and put it on Independence so it will be operational in twelve weeks time. If there are any questions I’ll take them now.”

Risch had laid out a very ambitious plan, one I wasn’t really keen on, to resurrect a two and a half century old ship and have it operational in less than seven days sounded desperate to me. Sobbash’s absence from this affair had me wondering just what kind of schedule she was trying to maintain as well. I know the Dorian Empress is in custody and I’m sure Nefee and Zachary will have a ton of questions but if the reason we are here is to isolate us from direct questioning. I wished she would have said something.

*********
While Li briefed the Council on the discussions with Sobbash, Erin headed to the hospital. She had told Sobbash she would check in and relay the condition of those there. Entering the building she finds Jasmine and Doctor Sasoum in a discussion and listens in.

“I’ve done all I can for her it’s up to the healing process to complete my work. I know one thing if that beam had hit her any harder she’d be crippled from mid chest down and there would have been nothing that I could have done about it. How’s Saio’s team doing?”

“Besides the damage we knew about Cassandra’s suffered a nasty concussion more to the point a brain bruise. Saio’s reduced the swelling and preformed major vessel resection in her frontal lobe. There again had the blow been more severe Cassie might be… I’ll withhold judgement till she’s awake.”

Erin inquired about the transporter chief, Doctor Sasoum said his surgery had gone well and he was expected to recover fully. It was then Erin returned to the subject of Dawn and Cassandra. Jasmine said Dawn was in recovery and in a few hours Erin could see her, on the other hand Saio was just finishing with Cassie, and it probably wouldn’t be till tomorrow before she could see her. Erin’s final inquiry was.

“Where are Jinto and Lafiel?”

Doctor Sasoum pointed down the hall and said.

“Third door on the right I’d knock before entering though it would seem that the reality of being parents has finally hit them when last I checked. Like I said you better knock before entering. Just so you know the child and mother are doing well it’s a bit early to tell but I have a hunch it’s going to be a boy.”

Erin decided to wait and return in a few hours time, right now she had a report to make to Sobbash a report that was not positive yet wasn’t dooming either.

*********
“Captain’s Log Dai Lexshu recording: it’s been six hours since we departed the station, maintaining complete stealth we are about two million kilometers from the Zon border with the Empire. The amount of shipping in the area is noticeably decreased which is good and bad. Good that we’re not in danger of accidentally being detected. Bad because we are the only ships in the area which makes detection a remote possibility, we’ve been passively scanning the area for the energy signature of the target ship. Sorting it out from the normal background noise this area is a trying task, but thanks to our enhanced sensors it is a feat that can be accomplished. Defiance on the other hand is scanning the area looking for a ship or ships for us to avoid if necessary. I wonder how far something can drift in a century or two.”

*********
Although I’ve altered my looks I’m convinced the freighter captain knows I’m Abh. The treatment I’ve received since boarding this vessel has been for those of ‘noble’ heritage. While I’ve not been addressed as such I sense from those around me my disguise is flawed. It doesn’t matter I’m about an hour from the station as long as I can convince the station personal I’m not Abh then I’ll be able to deliver the surprise I want.

*********
Greta and I had just reached orbit when Independence arrived, even at this distance the damage to the ship was considerable. The Suran tow vessel placed it in the bay next to the former Discovery that ship we had already surveyed, now it was off to the station to get the Seelnay. We’d need its remote arms and working suits to finish the inspection.

Arriving at the station we noticed a Suran transport was off loading passengers and cargo. One passenger caught our eye it was Greta that said.

“I’ll be damned, what is she doing out here and dressed like that.”

Greta pointed out a woman with jade green hair. It took me a moment but even under the make up and clothing I knew who it was. The reason, there was a flaw in her disguise and we were about to call her on it. Not being the least bit coy we headed directly towards her and I said.

“Greetings Kenesh before we start a scene why don’t you come with us.”

Kenesh was mortified, but gave in and followed us to an area that had conference rooms. Entering the room and placing Kenesh before a reflective device she knew how we knew it was her and said.

“Damn lavender roots, I swore I had those covered.”

I have a distinct advantage over Greta when it comes to things like this because I am one hundred percent pure bred Abh a fact I’ve kept under wraps, except for Greta, Arisa and the Boss, although I believe most of those on Shahrazad who know me have figured it out as well. Born devastatingly beautiful with deep blue hair and these eyes I couldn’t function in the galaxy. So at the age of eighteen I started altering my looks and during that time I became aware of certain facts that any Abh trying to disguise them selves should know. I was about to give Kenesh a lesson in stealth, Abh style.

“Followed the instructions on the dye to the letter, I believe you missed the fine print at the bottom. Something Abh’s don’t know is that dying ones hair is like having ones hair cut. The reaction of the scalp is to push new growth out. Now if your hairs the same color you don’t notice this growth but if…”

Kenesh stared at KO, not only had she trimmed her hair but after that she had colored it, a double whammy. But how did this lander know these facts? Kenesh continued to stare at KO. It was then KO revealed her secret. Lifting a layer if her hair just above her ear she showed Kenesh…

“You’re Abh? I’ll be damned but your sense organ how did you disguise it?”

KO pushed her thick bangs aside and there was a flesh colored cover over her organ. With her hair cut as it was it hid the device and with the color it was. It blended with her features distracting your attention from the small bump on her forehead. Kenesh was impressed and then she said.

“I guess you’re going to tell Sobbash I’m here?”

Greta looked at me and smiled I knew what she was thinking already. We informed Kenesh that we wouldn’t turn her in, help her with her disguise if she would lend us some assistance. And for that assistance we’d deliver her to Shahrazad unannounced. Kenesh was in shock it would seem she had forgotten all of the times she’s bailed us out of trouble and now it was time for us to repay her in kind. An agreement was reached I touched up her hair and we then proceeded to the Seelnay to start our inspection. Kenesh would stay on board and monitor our progress that way Greta and I could cover the ship in half the time we told Sobbash it would take us. Arriving at Independence Kenesh was taken aback by the damage and asked.

“What did they run into?”

Greta moved us back, the sun was just starting to light the area, when the ship was completely in light she said.

“This is a classic example of an unshielded ship being bombarded by a planetoid that had just been pulverized.”

Kenesh took in the damage and before she could ask Greta continued.

“Out of a crew of forty-five, fifteen survived, and of those, three are on the planet in surgery. They include the Captain and First Officer who were the only surviving members of the bridge crew.”

I felt Kenesh take my hand as she continued to look at the ship and I think whatever the reason she came here originally for that reason just took a new direction. Greta and I donned power suits and we did a complete survey of the ship while Kenesh remained aboard the Seelnay monitoring our progress. There were times in the communications link I could hear her quietly sobbing and expressing her genuine concern for those aboard not only the living but those who had passed.

We finished our inspection and returned to the station. After compiling the data the three of us boarded the shuttle and returned to the Island. Kenesh had decided that surprising Sobbash would be a grave mistake, yet her disguise would remain. She asked that we take her to Sobbash’s office from there Kenesh would announce her arrival. Rounding the corner to the Administration Building we spy Zachary and Nefee in a conversation, Kenesh did an abrupt about face and we left the area.

“Nefee’s here? Why wasn’t I told this before I left unless… Greta is there somewhere I can stay and lay low till they leave? I’m not leaving till I talk to Sobbash but on the other hand I don’t want Nefee to know I’m here.”

We had quarters assigned to us in the Village we took Kenesh there and I stayed with her while Greta reported to Sobbash. I just hope we weren’t spotted at the Island but if we were Greta would concoct an explanation I’m sure.

*********
Greta was in my office when Erin communicated from the hospital. Her news, while not bad, did not leave me feeling any better either. Greta picked up on my feelings and said.

“You need to go to the Village check in at the hospital for yourself and then find KO she has some new information you should look at.”

Sobbash looked at me with a rather confused look and said.

“I wish I could but.”

I knew about Zachary and Admiral Bebaus and I volunteered to assist by saying.

“I’ll keep the Admiral and President Zachary company, you go to the Village check in on those hospitalized and like I said see KO before you return. Now where are those two going to stay while they are here?”

Sobbash suggested the old VIP quarters in the annex and said I should contact Li, to see if the Village could cater at least one meal for our guests. I told Sobbash I’d take care of everything and she should go before those two try to find her. With that Sobbash slipped out the back and was in a transport enroute to the Village before anyone was the wiser. I then notified KO, Sobbash was on her way and with that accomplished I sought out Zachary and Nefee.

*********
The good Admiral was about to get me to reconsider his offer when Greta arrived. She informed us Sobbash had been detained and that she would show us to our quarters. I went to question where Sobbash was off to and Greta answered with one word ‘hospital’. The Admiral and I both looked at each other then back at Greta. Sobbash heading for the hospital did not bode well and we decided that if we had to wait till she returned then that is what we would do. Greta said little more and showed us to our quarters. Lucky for me I was at one end of the annex and the Admiral was at the other. I was going to get some peace finally I think one more barrage from him concerning that treaty and… I was going to sleep on a lot of things tonight after I contacted Targa and got the full explanation for my sudden rise to power.

*********
We had spent almost five hours buried in documents relating to the Grand Illusion. The long day was beginning to show on all of us. About five minutes ago Seelnay had received a call from Donald; her demeanor upon returning to the room had changed markedly. Scholar and I could sense the emotions swirling within her it was then I decided to call it a day.

“Save what you’re doing and let’s get some rest. If Risch says anything to either one of you, send him my way. Getting this ship operational in a week is sheer madness in my opinion. I don’t believe anyone in this complex who wasn’t with us could understand why I would feel this way.”

While organizing the data so we could get a fresh start in the morning, Scholar spoke.

“Not so much madness but I sensed desperation in those around us, Noel something has happened while we were away and until we get to the bottom of it I suggest, we confront Risch before we leave, if he’s hiding something I think we deserve to know what it is.”

All this time Seelnay has sat quietly when Scholar had finished she motioned us towards her and said.

“Donald… Donald said Dawn was out of surgery her prognosis for a complete recovery is promising. There was a lot of damage the initial scans didn’t indicate, but Jasmine was fairly confident that she’d recover. He went on to say Cassandra was still in surgery and Saio’s team was still piecing her back together. He said there was a fifty-fifty chance that she may never be the same as before. Given the climate here I seriously doubt if anyone besides us knows what I just told you two. Risch and Atosuryua are the two we need to talk to. If they are unaware of these facts then I for one plan on quitting this project, no folly, right now. My daughter lies hoping Jasmine has performed a miracle and Cassandra is hoping for a miracle.”

Seelnay’s expression changed again, this time her personal feelings became entangled in the conversation.

“I’ve served Her Highness for several decades, I’ve watch many things transpire and never openly questioned them. However this occasion, considering everything that’s happened I question, not only her sanity, but those who we serve.”

Seelnay offered her hands and opened her mind. Scholar and I took a hand and joined our others. The link we shared, while short lived, reaffirmed our conviction to get to the bottom of this as soon as possible. With that we left the room and searched for Atosuryua.

*********
Ariel relieved me and I made my way to my cabin, upon arrival I consulted the ships log and confirmed what I was feeling. We were sending a constant stream of data back to Shahrazad, the log showed it being received and stored but not analyzed. I know there is a lot going on back home but we’ve forwarded some significant information back home and it would seem no one was watching the store. I have a channel ready to open back home doing so would violate my orders but.

“Dai sorry to disturb you, I’m sending you the latest area scan. We are showing; if I didn’t know better, we’ve located our goal.”

The scan appears on my display, what has Ariel’s attention is highlighted. I take a look at the area, overlaid one of the projected drifts courses the computers produced and said to Ariel.

“Lay in a course to that disturbance. Have Defiance join us, go to battle stations, suggest Plakia does the same and I’m on my way to the bridge.”

The stage lighting glows while the system calls all to battle. Making my way to the bridge I find Plakia on the main viewer she is about half a light second to starboard and on an intercept course to the disturbance.

“Dai long range scans show we are the only ships in the area. Given what we’ve experienced lately I suggest you get close enough to do a detail scan while I remain just out of tactical range.”

“Ariel bring us within scanning range no closer, engineering, Arisa, be ready for anything. Plakia hold at the perimeter and be ready to either leave in a hurry or cover our retreat. Be clear on this should this go wrong you’re ordered to save yourself and notify Shahrazad no arguments.”

Arisa reported we were ready. The confidence in her voice tells me she’s figured out this ship finally. I know she’s been experimenting with systems since we left ‘tweaking’ them for maximum performance. What I didn’t know was how far her ‘tweaking’ had gotten her.

“Dai I’ll obey those orders as long as they are advantages to our mission but I will not run off and leave you just be clear on that.”

Plakia’s a member of the family, in many ways my superior officer, but due to her experiences those many years ago she’s rejected a position that would make her responsible for more than her ship. An outburst like that tells me she, like me, is sensing this areas danger before we arrive and although we’ve lost a ship and shipmates she’ll, in this case, take responsibility for more than her ship and crew if necessary.

“Dai we are approaching optimal scanning range.”

“Engineering, bring us to a halt, science station scan the area and Arisa if there’s the slightest blink.”

“We’ll be half way across the system before you know it, just make sure Defiance keeps up with us.”

*********
Zachary and Admiral Bebaus are settled for the evening, Sobbash is in the Village and seeing I’ve not heard from KO I’ll assume she’ll still at the hospital. Making my way to the command center I check the inbound data from Discovery and…

*********
Sobbash has just entered the room and is admiring Kenesh’s new look when my creunoc goes off.

“KO… KO! Answer me.”

I grab the device and open the link I don’t even get a word out because once Greta sees the connection is established she says.

KO, find Sobbash and get her back here. I fear Dai’s stumbled into… Look KO I’m not divulging anymore information on this link. Find Sobbash, drag her back here if necessary, and bring Kenesh with you all hells about to break loose.”

The link closed Sobbash looked at me then at Kenesh and said.

“Greta doesn’t normally panic, that was panic. We need something fast to get back to the Island with. I guess we’ll hit the council building and ‘borrow’ one of their high speed transports.”

Arriving at the council hall we find the Council in session and the scribes being quite stubborn. They’ve been instructed to let no one in until the session is over. Sobbash informs them this is an emergency and they still hold the line. We leave the hall and find a transport sitting along side the building. Sobbash approaches it and says.

“KO, we need to borrow this but it seems the activation chip is missing. Is there anything you can do to get around this problem?”

Sobbash knows better, I had the transport operational before she finished the sentence. Kenesh and Sobbash sat in the back while I took the drivers seat. We left with enough of a racket that those inside the council chambers heard us. As planned Sobbash never takes something without leaving a message indicating who did it.

The trip back took a few minutes. I sat the transport in front of the command center, missing the newly planted flowers in front of the building. Making our way inside and towards the area where Greta was. I kept having a feeling of we’ve been here and done this before.

Entering the room we find the lighting dimmed and Greta studying two images projected on the main display. She hears us enter the room and without moving says.

“Image on the left was taken from around the Demos sun. The one on the right Discovery sent over thirty minutes ago. You should also know we have one way communications. We can see them in real-time but I’ve been unable to raise either ship.”

Sobbash studied the images; Kenesh and I stood along side her. While we looked Greta tried to find a way to link us with either ship. It was then Sobbash pulled back up the live feed and said.

“Dai, stop, you need to stop. I never should have removed Noel from that ship Dai’s not seen this before. Why hasn’t Plakia noticed and said something? KO help Greta, we need to stop Dai’s advance, broadcast in the clear if necessary. But we’ve got to stop her from getting any closer.”

Kenesh stood confused; this image was it a ship and if it was what kind of monster was it? She moved in front of Sobbash getting her attention, Sobbash gently moved her aside, continued to study the real-time data and said.

“You wanted to know what they encountered. That is what they encountered. Specifications will appear on the monitor to your left. Those are approximate, seeing we destroyed the prototype before we could examine it. That is not a prototype; it is a one hundred percent operational version of what took out your ships. Caused Independence’s damage and inflicted substantial damage to the Zon Armada. Enough damage, in one weapons discharge, to cause Minchi to order an immediate retreat.”

The ship had been in the shadow of an asteroid, the asteroid had changed position and we got our first good look at what Dai had found. The ship seemed intact; when the light of the sun it was orbiting hit it there was a sudden jump in energy output within the ship. The real-time link dropped suddenly and Sobbash said.

“Get the feed back, locate Noel and her crew and get them back here at once. KO, open a link I want to speak to Eliana.”

Greta was on the surface link as I opened a link to the flagship; suddenly the communications system went berserk. Everything flashed and then the mournful sound of an emergency beacon was heard. I silenced the alarm, we were numb. The silence was deafening.


To Be Continued in: Voices in the Dark

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


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