The Voyage Home
“Ramaj we have a problem. Admiral Nastoyia’s fleet is heading for the Sol-Eros Sord and they are maintaining communications blackout.” Ramaj sits at her desk. This is the latest in a rash of problems that have occurred. “Who ordered her to leave her assigned station? Just what does she think she’s doing?” Looking at the fleet disbursement chart Ramaj says, “Move Trife, Kotoponi and Bebaus to fill the void left by Nastoyia’s sudden departure. Then find out who issued those orders.” She raises her eyes to meet Kenesh’s “Any word on the Sol-Eros expedition?” Kenesh shakes her head. Ramaj looks to the ceiling, “Very well you are dismissed, and find out who gave those orders!” Kenesh leaves the room Ramaj continues to stare at the ceiling. She utters one word “Lafiel.”
*********
“Princess, the council has consulted long and hard, and we wish to discuss our thoughts with you.” Li stood waiting for Lafiel to respond. Half asleep and still exhausted Lafiel woke Jinto and followed Li to the council chamber Ekuryua was not far behind. Entering the council chamber their Scholar stood. A display draped in a sheet was behind her. “Princess we have studied the fleet approaching this system. They are formidable and we wish to escape here undetected so I’ve concocted a plan that will give us enough time to evade your fleet. Before I display our plan I want to say something, Princess you have won the hearts of the people with your unselfish attitude. So we have decided to help you and us with this plan to cover our tracks.” Scholar removes the sheet. Lafiel is appalled with what she sees.“We plan on fooling your fleet by letting them think we are all dead. To this end we will leave our dead strewn about the village. I’ll leave the planetary defenses on. Control them from just inside the Sord leading from this system. As your fleet approaches, I’ll let them have a good scan of the planet and if they get too close. I’ll one up on them with the defensive grid. I guarantee no harm will come to them and after that little display. The reactor on the surface will chain react and explode. Our dead will be vaporized along with the village and your people will think we’ve all died.”
Scholar turns back to Lafiel. She sees the look on her face. “I see you do have a heart Princess. Trust me. If our ancestors could speak they would approve of this action I purpose. It also frees your people to help us get out of here sooner.” Lafiel says to Scholar. “Can I sleep on this? Right now my decision wouldn’t be very rational.” Scholar smiles. “Sleep all you want, the plan will go on. I just wanted you to know so the sight of canisters lying around the village wouldn’t upset you. As for firing on your incoming fleet, if Captain Ekuryua could help me I’ll make sure to target non life threatening parts of the ships.” Lafiel looks at Ekuryua. “I guess you’d better help her although.” Ekuryua smiles. “Not now, this is their battle. We’ll get our chance soon enough.”
*********
“I’ve located everyone but the Princess and her expedition. Spoor’s out of commission again. She resting in her territory. However Commander Kufadis intercepted orders to Admiral Nastoyia they say.” She hands the note to Ramaj. “You have got to be kidding! Use deadly force against our own people? Find out who issued those orders. Anything happens to that fleet and I’ll personally draw and quarter Nastoyia while the one who gave her those orders watches.” Ramaj is incensed. She presses a COM link. “Find my son and have him report to me at once!” The light went out, the voice on the other end is in too much of a hurry to answer. She looks at Kenesh. “Good work. Now keep on it. This just went to the top of the priority list.” Kenesh leaves the office she almost knocks Debeusec off his feet. Side stepping Kenesh. Debeusec enters Ramaj’s office. “Good you’re here.” She hands him the note. “Some fool has signed their death warrant. Any harm comes to that child or any members of her expedition and I’ll.” Debeusec cuts her off. “Mother. Find out whom, and then plan your revenge. That’s what you taught me and that’s what I taught my children. There is more besides this note isn’t there?” Ramaj nods. “I’ve had to move fleets around to fill in for Nastoyia’s sudden departure. Take your fleet and become a buffer between the Capital and the central Sords. Nothing may happen then again you’ll be in a better position to move rapidly than being here at the Capital.” Debeusec nods, he turns to leave and says. “Mother. Lafiel is fine I can feel it. You’ll have to trust me.” He leaves. Ramaj stares at the note. The words, deadly force, pierce her heart like daggers.
“Yes Admiral we will launch as soon as you are aboard.” Debeusec then says. “Once we are underway open a secure channel to my son. I wish to speak with him. Then tell the crew they be informed of the mission once we are underway. I’ll be aboard shortly.” “As you wish Your Highness. I will obey your command.” The link close and Debeusec gathers his belongings and proceeds to the flagship. His only thoughts come from the note he’s read. “Abh’s don’t order Abh’s to kill Abh’s.” It is something that the first Emperor said. It has held true until now. Aboard the flagship Debeusec’s fleet heads for the assigned area. The crew is told of the orders given Nastoyia and their reason for deployment and nothing more.
“Captain your father is on a secure channel. He’s not taking no for an answer.” Duhiel sits up in bed looking at the time. He’s was asleep about one hour. “Well I’ve done with less sleep before.” “Put my father on.” The display flickers and flashes. Duhiel realizes his father is no longer at the Capital. “Sorry Duhiel I make this short. Your sister is missing somewhere near Sol-Eros. The Star Forces were searching the area. Then suddenly Admiral Nastoyia was sent orders to.” Debeusec paused his demeanor changed the stress begins to show. “Son not only is your sister missing. She is in grave danger. There is a complete data file attached study it. Do not share the information and only contact me if you see your sister.” Debeusec’s face vanishes from the display. Then it goes dark.
Duhiel opens the data file he spends the next two hours going over the information his father has provided. At the bottom of the report written in Debeusec’s hand is this note; “Son trust no one. I can not tell you who is friend and who is foe. Your sister has opened up a hornet’s nest, which I feel she is completely unaware of. If you see her before I do, show her this data. I continue to feel she still lives. Father.” Duhiel lays back on his bunk thoughts race through his mind. Slowly they are replaced by exhaustion. He sleeps but it is not restful.
*********
Ekuryua had just returned from taking Samson, Seelnay and Ku’s body to Sobbash’s ship. Sobbash, carrying a letter from Lafiel, has taken the larger of the two transports and headed to the Hyde System via Deltoke. The plan was to load the transport with supplies. Gather all the operational ships Sobbash could find and rendezvous with Lafiel in three weeks just outside the Sord Vorash transfer point. Back on the surface the four of them conferred in the shuttle. Jinto had just returned from having his bandage removed and was slowly moving his shoulder. “Ekuryua did everything go well?” She nods. “Yeah it went off without a hitch. Although that’s the first time I’ve carried the dead in a ship. Seelnay seemed relieved to be heading back. She told me that she would return with Sobbash and that she had an “unsettled” score to settle?” Ekuryua looks at Jinto her face is confused. “What’s the problem Ekuryua?”
Leaning back in the shuttle seat she says. “Lafiel. I need to pose a question to you and you alone.” Ekuryua glances at Jinto and Risch. “You guys stay out of this till I tell you, okay?” Risch and Jinto nod. Ekuryua turns back to Lafiel. “Assume the guys aren’t here and follow this line of logic. Put yourself in Seelnay’s present position. Tonight will be the fifth day since Ku was killed. You just left this planet with the body headed for his burial. Would you be in the back of the shuttle humming along as if nothing had happened?”
Lafiel raises an eyebrow. “You’re kidding?” Ekuryua shakes her head. “Worried Samson too. The other thing she was doing and I had to ask her twice to stop. She sat there gently overriding my control inputs. It was a strange sensation. Almost like flight school when you tried to joyride the simulator and the master computer would take over.” Ekuryua takes a more serious tone. “Lafiel. If she comes back and you find those responsible. Seelnay might beat you to your revenge. That’s my take on the subject. Anybody else want to comment?”
Jinto and Risch sat staring at Ekuryua. The picture she just painted was scary at best and terrifying at worst. It was Lafiel who finally spoke. “I’m glad you shared that with us Ekuryua. Right now we got bigger problems, Nastoyia is headed this way I want to be out of the system at least thirty-six hours before she arrives. Most of the engine exhaust will have dissipated by then and given the suns radical radiation output she’ll have a hard time tracking us.”
Ekuryua says. “So you’re not going to use Scholars diversion? Leave the planet looking as if everyone died?” Lafiel leans back in her chair. “You think that plan will work? You really think Nastoyia will buy it? She’s not as foolish as you might think. I don’t know Ekuryua it doesn’t feel right. She’s going to get here and see a lot dead people and nothing else. Would that convince you?”
Ekuryua leans back. “There is a wrecked Imperial shuttle not far from here. Wonder what that would do to her outlook on things?” Lafiel ponders Ekuryua’s words. “Let me think about it. Right now we need to get the transport down here and loaded. How soon before the villagers are ready?” Jinto looks at the timetable revision from Scholar. “Maybe tonight Lafiel. I haven’t spoken with Scholar today so I’m not sure.” Risch comments. “I wish they would get started. The sooner they get loading. The sooner I can dismantle some of the equipment. I’m kind of stuck.”
Lafiel makes note of Risch’s words. “Well sitting around here is not getting anything done its almost dusk. We’ll head into the village and check on their progress. At least this landing site offers us a short distance to travel and the trees do offer some protection.” Jinto still rubbing his shoulder says. “It’s still brutal outside. Protective clothing cover or not I sunburned my arm getting here from the village earlier. If it weren’t for the reflective tent beside the forest, you guys would have fried before Ekuryua returned. We’ve got to remember to be careful. We only have a fixed number of hours in a day we can use. We’ve got to make the best of them.” The other three agree with Jinto’s words.
“Commander Ekuryua, please respond.” Ekuryua opens a link “Go ahead.” From the research vessel that’s been in low orbit over Sol-Eros scanning the planet and collecting data it’s Captain has new information that will shape all further decisions. “We’ve concluded that recent scans confirm this planet is ready to become seismically active. Most of the activity should be on the other side of the planet. But there is a large geographical fault that runs through the village. The cave the reactor sits in is on the fault line.”
Ekuryua brings the shuttle’s sensors on line. There is a faint disturbance in the ground. Calculating the measurement she says. “That’s a sizable disturbance. Jinto take a look at this.” Jinto steps along side her and glances at the display. “That’s not good. See how the disturbance is radiating out. If it hit this fault line here with any strength, this area could very well slide into the ocean.” Lafiel is confused. “How can something happening on the other side of the planet concern us?”
Jinto looks at her, “Think of this planet as an egg. You know how when you first put pressure on it. The damage is localized to the point of impact, and then as you add pressure the egg fractures and breaks open?” Lafiel nods. Jinto continues. “Surface worlds are the same way the outer crust is like the eggshell and the molten center is like the egg yoke. Remember the first time you over boiled the eggs what happened?” Lafiel nods she finishes. “That’s what’s happening here the center is boiling and the egg is cracking.” Jinto kisses her. “Correct your are correct, so we need to get moving before the egg cracks to where we are.” Jinto looks at Ekuryua put that in hard copy form we will take it to the village. Ekuryua complies with Jinto’s request.
*********
“You felt that Priestess?” Erin nods. “It’s from the other side of the planet but the strength and duration concern me.” Scholar scans the planet. “Why now, after all these centuries of being silent.” She shakes her head. “Call the Abh we need to go quickly. We might have hours it depends on the intensity and duration on the next quake.” Erin goes to leave the chamber as Jinto and Lafiel enter. Lafiel and Erin speak as one. “We need to get off this planet.” The two of them stop look at each other and smile. Lafiel says. “I guess we don’t need to explain to you?” Erin smiles. “No, you can show Scholar any data you have.” Jinto moves towards Scholar he placed the tracing on the table. Scholar looks at it and compares it to her display. “From the comparison of these two my last words stand. We need to leave as soon as possible.” *********
“You’re invited to the party if you plan on attending meet me at Ku’s in three weeks. Bring no other uninvited guest lest you value your life.” The message from Lafiel sat on Kufadis display. The Lashkau was docked at Spoor’s orbital station. Spoor was with her parents. Her condition was improving along with her ice cream consumption. Kufadis had thirty hours to decide whether or not to take up Lafiel on her invitation. Past that time he’d miss the rendezvous. The green light on his console flashed, that was a direct link to Spoor. He pressed it and Spoor appears.“Hello Kufadis how are you?” She could tell by his look what was the matter so before he could answer she spoke. “I’ll be fine, take the ship Commodore Kufadis. Join Her Highness little party and make me proud.” Kufadis sat in shock. “Commodore by whose authority did.” She interrupts him. “It’s my ship. I am a fleet officer and it’s only temporary. Kufadis I can’t make you an Admiral, if you’re going to face Nastoyia you’ll need all the luck and skill you have. A little extra rank won’t hurt.”
Kufadis smiles. “I won’t disappoint you Admiral.” Spoor smiles. “When you get there you’ll have ships to command it’s seems fifty-five Kal Class battle ships just arrived at the Hyde fuel depot. I figure that’s where the Princess will get her party goers from. So when you get to the party you won’t be alone.” Kufadis shakes his head. “I guess you really love me Painiach. I’ll take care of everything.” A serious Spoor greets that statement. “Kufadis you’ve served with me for a long time. I do love you that’s why I’ve given you every advantage except me being there. Do nothing foolish my love. I’ll see you soon.” The display goes dark. Kufadis gives orders for the Lashkau to depart. They leave with in an hour.
Looking into space Spoor sees the Lashkau emerge from its berth and slowly leave the station. She turns from the window and faces her mother. “I’ve done all I can do I’ve given him the best commanders and ships I could find. It’s up to him to keep them all safe.”
Doryuni is confused she quizzes Spoor some more. “You are healthy enough to go why are you staying?” Spoor shakes her head. “I know too much mother. This encounter is going to be very messy. Me being here it’s the only logical solution. There is no other way Kufadis is a good and fair officer. He’ll make sure justice is served.”
Doryuni muses. “Justice? Since when has that had any meaning to you?” Spoor shakes her head. “I’ve said too much. Just ignore what I’ve told you.” She lies back in bed. “I’m tired mother could you please leave me.” Doryuni leaves. Spoor lays there the tears streaking down her face. “Forgive me Kufadis. I couldn’t tell you everything. I guess you’ll find out soon enough. Please don’t hate me.”
*********
“Commander if you feel you’re not able to land where I requested then...” The transport commander’s face grows pale. “You misunderstood me Your Highness. My ability is not in question. I question making the approach under cloud cover. Can’t we wait till.” Lafiel steps up to the display. “This planet is becoming more unstable by the minute. We risk losing everything. You’ve already wasted five precious minutes with this discussion. Commander, bring your transport to the surface. Now! This discussion ends.” The commander motions to the navigator, “We are on our way Your Highness. I’m sorry I didn’t realize the gravity of the situation. Accept my apologies.” The display goes blank. Lafiel spins on her heels and returns to the council chamber. “Lafiel is the transport on the way?” Lafiel nods as she walks past Jinto. “Priestess the transport should be here shortly. I suggest we gather your belongings and start taking them to the beach.” Erin smiles. “Most of it is already there. All we need is to finish clearing the council chamber. Scholar, are you ready to disconnect the observation devices and have the sensor array taken down?” Scholar nods. Erin continues. “Your Highness we can load the transport. All we need now is the time to do it.” Erin looks to Scholar. “Another one. I can feel it. This one grows closer.” Scholar nods. “Come lets gather the rest of this and get it outside.” Lafiel and Jinto stay and help Erin and Scholar.
Ekuryua goes with Risch to dismantle the sensor array. Standing at the array Ekuryua comments. “I wonder how those two can sense something on the other side of the planet.” Her words stop as the ground beneath their feet shakes for just a moment. Risch looks at her. “Doesn’t matter how. We can find that out later. Right now we need to disconnect this feed and pull these panels.” Ekuryua nods they start dismantling the array. As they finish dismantling the array several villagers show up they help carry away the components.
Ekuryua and Risch survey the place where the array stood. Checking carefully, they pack up the final components and head back for the village. The boom of the transport entering the atmosphere is heard as the cloud cover slowly parts. Ekuryua looks skyward. “Wonder if they made that happen too?” Risch shakes his head. “Don’t know and right now don’t care. Noel we need to get off this planet before it hurts anyone else.” Ekuryua quietly walks the rest of the way back. Even though she doesn’t speak. Her mind is desperately trying to make sense of this planet and these people. Seeing that she’ll have them on the same planet as Jinto and Lafiel are. She wants to make absolutely sure they pose no threat to them.
Returning to the village. They see most of the council chamber has been packed and is being carried towards the beach. The secondary boom of the transport passing overhead can be heard. Looking skyward Ekuryua picks it up crossing over the horizon and turning to land. Risch see this too. “Ought to be landing shortly. Guess we need to find Jinto and Lafiel and see what’s next?”
*********
Admiral Nastoyia sat in her quarters fuming. Her sleep had been interrupted by the announcement her ship and fleet were being commandeered by a senior member of the royal family. A shuttle arrived and she was immediately confined to her quarters. The fleet has been in plane space for the past three days. Their destination yet to be divulged to her. She opens the door to her quarters. An armed member of the R.G.C.I.S. stops her. “Admiral, return to your quarters and shut the door. This will be your first and last warning.” Admiral Nastoyia returns to her quarters. The door shuts.
“Excellency. The message has been sent and we have acknowledged it.” Sitting in the center seat rubbing his chin a senior member of the royal family sits. His bushy eyebrows and droopy eyelids betray his advanced years. Other than that he looks no older than the yeoman who stands next to him. “That’s good now keep observing. If Ramaj is going to defend her grand daughter, then the guarding fleet should be coming through the Sord in a matter of hours.” The tactical officer quizzes the commander. “What is our objective Excellency? What is going on?”
From the center seat the seated figure stands and walks over to the tactical officer. He bends over and his ears show, they are very red. “Our objective is to remove a blight from the face of the Empire. If that means firing on Abh ships then we fire on Abh ships. If you cannot carry out my orders tell me now. Because if I order you to fire and you hesitate you will die where you sit, are there any questions?” The tactical officer shakes his head. His Excellency turns to the rest of the bridge crew. “I want to know if any of you cannot carry out my orders. I’ll replace you now, but comes the time to act and you hesitate, you will die.” Silence fills the bridge, his Excellency returns to the center seat.
“Maintain communications blackout and best speed to Sol-Eros.” The crew obeys; shock dictates they do nothing else. They are three and a half days from Sol-Eros and headed for an unknown confrontation. With a commander none of them know. Silence is all that’s heard aboard the flagship.
*********
“Seelnay the shuttle is here.” Seelnay sits in her quarters. This shuttle is coming from Deltoke. Its only purpose is to take Ku’s body home for his friends to bury. Seelnay will not be accompanying him home. She has another matter to tend to at the Hyde fuel depot. Reaching for the button she presses it and says. “Thank you Admiral Sobbash. I’ll be in the docking bay shortly.” She stands, adjusts her dress and lowers a veil over her face. It’s the custom of Ku’s people for the widow to have a veiled face. The shuttle lands in the docking bay. Seelnay greets Ku’s business manager, and they exchange a few words. He watches as Ku’s body is loaded, then hugs Seelnay and says. “Everything is arranged. It will go as you have directed. How soon will you be returning? You now have a business to run.” Seelnay slowly shakes her head. “I know nothing of this business. But you do. You shall run it for Ku’s child and myself.” Stunned the business manager looks at Seelnay. “You’re pregnant? That means there is an heir to his estate. Well this puts a different light on things.” He takes Seelnay’s hand. “You’re a remarkable woman. But you now have the interest of the child to consider. As Ku’s friend and business manager I wish you wouldn’t leave this planet. You risk so much if you do.” Seelnay puts her other hand over his. “What I must do only I can. There will be no peace for this child or me until I’ve completed this journey. Go bury Ku and I’ll be in contact with you soon.” She releases her grip on his hand. He backs away, nods and enters the shuttle. Seelnay leaves the docking bay and watches as the shuttle departs. Removing the veil. She returns to her quarters. Before she arrives Sobbash stops her.
“Seelnay promise me something.” Seelnay stops and raises her eyes to meet Sobbash’s. “What do you wish from me Admiral Sobbash?” Sobbash looks into Seelnay’s eyes. They are deep, dark and very foreboding. “Promise me you’ll take no actions without consulting me first.” Seelnay smiles. “Sorry Admiral. No can do I have no idea what we’ll find, but I’ll exercise some caution. Those responsible for this will not escape unharmed. I’ll refrain from overly violent actions. But that’s all I’ll promise and of course I’ll never jeopardize Her Highness mission or those around me.” Seelnay turns and walks away. Sobbash stands there assessing what she just heard. It leaves her feeling extremely uneasy.
*********
The transports’ landing was uneventful. It pulled close to the shore and the massive cranes started loading the personal belongings and artifacts of the people of Sol-Eros. Jinto sat watching the process Lafiel stood behind him. “Is this how it was on Lobnas II?” Jinto nods. “At first this was the way it went, however once the rebellion started and the transports started taking fire then it got very hectic.” He looks up to Lafiel she is watching with great intent. “Lafiel when you finished the loading? What did you see?” Lafiel stood still watching the crane. “Jinto it was horrible. The people were on very unsteady rafts floating out to the transports. You could see and hear gunfire in the distance and there was this smell. At first, I didn’t know what it was, but when I returned to look for you. I smelled it again. It was Tomasof who explained the smell of death to me. Jinto those thoughts will never leave my mind. This evacuation has to go off without any more problems or I’ll never be able to do anything like this again.” Lafiel was still watching a single tear dribbled down her cheek. Jinto reached up and wiped it from her face. “Concern and emotion are good things to have Lafiel. Just balance them with common sense. Don’t let the emotions get in the way.” She smiles turns and heads back to the village. There were three hours before sunrise.
*********
Kenesh sat poring over reports from with in the Empire. She was in search of something out of the ordinary. Something. It was habit for certain royal kingdoms to report when they felt like it so Kenesh’s request for everyone to submit information came as a shock. Most kingdoms and territories had replied but two had not. The information bureau had determined that the head of one of the royal families was not with in his territory. In fact it seemed that his information officer was deliberately hiding his whereabouts from them. Kenesh has sent a small craft to investigate. They had just cleared the Sord and were transmitting to the Capital. Kenesh’s chief of staff came rushing down the hall. The news she carried did not sit well with Kenesh. “All of this is confirmed? There are no errors?”The Chief of Staff nods. “Admiral you better look at the second report it is more foreboding than the first.” Kenesh reads the second report she shakes her head from side to side rapidly. She stands and faces her Chief. “This stays here, no one else is to know.” The Chief nods and Kenesh leaves as she does she says. “You know where I’ll be.”
*********
Ramaj stands looking out the window towards the shipyards that are being flooded by the reflected light from the Capital. Kenesh enters the room unnoticed and stands next to Ramaj. “Its such a wondrous view the shipyards. One sign of the Empires prosperity and might.” Ramaj nods. “You didn’t come here to admire the view. What news do you bring?” Kenesh hands Ramaj the reports she’s put the most distressing one on the bottom. “Read them both and carefully.” The light through the window illuminates the pages as Ramaj reads her expression changes. The calm is being slowly replaced by rage
Finishing both reports she says. “Now we know whom and why. It seems I’ve grossly underestimated my grand daughters intuition. Nastoyia was commandeered and Lafiel is gathering a defensive fleet.” Ramaj looks at Kenesh. She must know who is at the bottom of this as well. But where is she going and where does she plan on confronting him?”
Kenesh shakes her head. “Without Spoor’s timely information and Sobbash’s silence. I have no idea.” Kenesh places a hand on Ramaj’s shoulder. “Do we send her help or do we just sit and wait?” Ramaj reviews both reports. “We wait. If the report from the Hyde system is correct that’s where she’s gathering her fleet. I just hope she knows who her opponent is. Because if she thinks its Nastoyia she got a big surprise coming.”
Ramaj steps towards her desk she places the reports on the tabletop. “How many know of these reports?” Kenesh steps next to her. “No more than five people why do you ask?” Ramaj turns the print side down and places a book a top them. “No one else is to know. We need to let him think we are unaware of his actions and hopefully all of his confederates will come to this party.”
Kenesh stares Ramaj in the face. “You would sacrifice your grand daughter to.” Ramaj glares at her. “You are not an Ablïarsec so I will excuse this outburst of yours this one time only. Lafiel is aware of her responsibilities to this Empire and to her clan. If she’s not aware of her opponent then she has failed in her training and deserves her fate. I don’t expect you to understand Kenesh but I do expect you to obey my wishes in this matter and you are not to interfere. Is that understood?”
Kenesh nods and leaves the room. Ramaj returns her gaze to space. It’s so cold, lonely and beautiful all at the same time. “Lafiel forgive me. But this time, you are completely on your own. If this proves correct then maybe there can be peace within the Empire again.” The stars sit motionless and the shipyard has disappeared behind the gigantic space city. Darkness returns to Ramaj’s office. She sits and stares at the book covering the reports.
*********
Clearing the Hyde Sord. Admiral Sobbash, stares in amazement. The system was crowded with warships. Raising her Chief of Staff she got filled in on the latest population explosion. “Admiral they started showing up around thirty hours ago. According to their orders they are suppose to be in rotation from patrol to the R&R facility. How they wound up here I haven’t a clue.” Sobbash scanned the area she picked out at least fifty Kal class battle ships, another hundred attack frigates, transports, refueling and recon vessels. There were at least three hundred vessels of various shapes sizes and functions surrounding the depot. Looking at Samson she comments. “Why does this have Spoor written all over it?” Samson is communicating with Paveryua. He’s not heard Sobbash’s comment. She returns to her Chief of Staff. “We'll be there with in the hour. How’s Atosuryua holding up?” “Admiral she’s going to be a big problem. She’s managed to get word to the Capital about you confining her to the brig. Although we’ve not heard anything, I figure you’re probably in hot water over this.” Sobbash nods. “We’ll take things one step at a time I’ll see you soon. Sobbash out.”
Seelnay who was sitting in the tactical officers station moves over to Sobbash. “The Baroness Febdash won’t be a problem. I’ll see to that. You worry about getting the supplies and this fleet back to cover Her Highness.” Sobbash looks at Seelnay. “How can you make a statement like that?” Seelnay looks Sobbash in the face. “Don’t worry Admiral. Trust me the Baroness Febdash will not be a problem. I’ll not do anything out of the ordinary. All I’ll do is speak with her, and nothing else. It will be fine, trust me please.” Seelnay walks off, and Sobbash still feels very uneasy.
*********
Kufadis had decided before the Lashkau left, that being a lone ship traveling through normal space held the best options. Their cross over point to plane space would occur in another eight hours and then it was another half day to the transfer point between Vorash and the Capital. Listening to and observing everything around them the bridge crew became aware of one very important aspect of their travel. They were transiting this part of the Empire and had not come across a solitary ship.“Commodore. I don’t understand? The fleet report we downloaded before we left said Admiral Bebaus support division should be in the sector. But as you can see the space is completely vacant, and there are no signs of residual engine exhaust.” Kufadis interrupts him. “So there’s been a fleet movement since we left. It would make sense Nastoyia’s fleet was in a potential hot spot. I’m sure the central command wouldn’t go off and leave that large of a gap in the observance grid. The first officer continued. “Shouldn’t we find a relay station and receive a new download, current information would be helpful?”
Kufadis shakes his head. “As far as central command knows we are on the other side of this sector. Keeping our whereabouts secret will be our first responsibility. I know you’re concerned about the crew as well. Not knowing where we are going or why has them on edge. We’ve not done battle simulations lately. Start a set, concentrate on having this ship in a one against many similar type ship scenarios.”
The First Officer approaches Kufadis. “Commodore. Be honest. These drills you propose. Is it possible we’ll be facing ship from the Star Forces soon?” Kufadis sits erect in the chair. “Do the drills. Concentrate on this ship being able to defend itself against like type vessels in a one on many scenarios. Then hope we never have to exercise these drills in reality.” The First Officer nods and turns away. The sound of the battle alert chime echoes throughout the ship. The bridge darkens and the drills commence.
*********
This was becoming a greater task than Lafiel had figured. Just before sunrise the heavy part of the Sol-Eros artifacts were loaded along with the personal effects of the people. Time was becoming a factor her self-imposed deadline was fast approaching and with Scholars array disassembled. She wasn’t exactly sure were Nastoyia’s fleet was. “Jinto do you feel we can be off the planet soon?” Jinto sat watching the results of the latest seismic disturbance. “Lafiel it’s no longer what I feel. It’s what we are about to feel that matters.” At that moment the ground started shaking it subsided almost as it started. “Lafiel this planet is heading for a massive seismic event we need to finish very soon. The sun, its radiation doesn’t matter. We need to get out of here. Erin said it wasn’t bad till the midday. I say we continue to load and what we can’t take. We destroy.” Lafiel stood there. “Destroy? No Jinto! We destroy nothing! It all comes with us. Do you understand?” Jinto looks at her. “Then stop arguing and continue loading. I’ll get with Ekuryua and Risch and see how they are progressing.” Lafiel watches as Jinto leaves. She stands confused. “I wasn’t arguing. Why does he think that?” She shakes it off. Glances at the shuttle’s sensors and realizes there is another event on its way. Exiting the shuttle this one hits hard. It knocks everyone off his or her feet and sets the transport swaying. Lafiel, regaining her footing sees that the ground is starting to crack. Remembering what Jinto had told her, sets off to survey the rest of the area. Everyone is moving at a faster pace. The transport is completely loaded and leaves before noon.
Jinto, Lafiel, Erin and Scholar have a last look around before they enter the shuttle to leave the planet. There have been several after shocks all growing in intensity. Risch and Ekuryua had just returned from the reactor the last tremor had sealed the entrance but Risch had managed to isolate it before then. “You know if the roof collapses that reactor is going to explode. We do need to leave here.” Jinto nods he turns to Lafiel. “We leave now. Lafiel. Too many bad things are about to happen.” She nods and closes the shuttle door. The liftoff was uneventful however once aloft several severe shocks hit the planet. The research vessel in orbit reported their findings to which Ekuryua said. “That was cutting it real close down there. I’ll guess the village doesn’t exist anymore.”
Erin sat looking out the window. She had never seen the whole of Sol-Eros before it left her amazed. Scholar on the other hand was studying Ekuryua’s use of her hand and the two crystals exiting from her headband to navigate the shuttle. Once in orbit Scholar floats forward sitting next to Ekuryua. Studying the console before her Scholar passes her hand across the console. It reacts to her touch. Which brings Ekuryua to say. “Try not to wreck anything. I'm not sure how familiar you are with our technology. But that is the navigation station any incorrect information from it and we’ll be.” Scholar interrupts. “Wandering through space. I’m aware of its function young one. I’m also able to access your sensors I can see the other ships approaching. They are still quite a ways off.”
Lafiel floats next to Scholar. “You can see them from here? How? Our technology is limited compared to yours.” Scholar smiles. “Princess. Our equipment is very similar. What differs is the operator’s skill. I understand we will be living on the same planet as you are.”
Lafiel nods then Scholar continues. “Once we are settled come by I’ll be happy to explain the differences.” Then Scholar gets a worried look on her face. “Is there any way I can link with the ship in low orbit?” Lafiel nods. “I see you haven’t master the system, yet.”
She leans across Scholar and presses several switches. “The panel is now linked.” Lafiel said. Scholar laid her hands upon the panel. The main display glowed. It displayed visual images of what use to be the village. A large fault was opening from the sea and heading towards the reactor site. Most of the buildings were destroyed. Tears stream down Scholar’s face. “Thank you Princess. If you hadn’t come to the surface, all of us would be facing death.” Scholar raises her hands off the panel the main display went blank. She lifted her self out of the seat floated along side Lafiel and returned back to her original position.
Lafiel slid into the seat next to Ekuryua. The attack frigate was coming into view. “That was weird.” Ekuryua said. “What was?” Lafiel commented. “I could feel her thoughts. She could have read my mind but she didn’t. The amount of sorrow I felt when she scanned the surface. It was like the entire population of the planet was focusing through her mind. She has enormous energy and power. I hope she’ll be an ally if she becomes an enemy we are in big trouble.” Lafiel glances back. Scholar sits looking into space all of the expressions on her face are gone. Glancing around she notices that Erin and Jinto are engaged in what looks like a very involved conversation and Risch sits napping in the rear of the ship.
*********
Docking with the frigate Ekuryua assigned Scholar and Erin rooms that Jinto lead them to. Ekuryua and Lafiel headed for the bridge and Risch went to engineering. Ekuryua opened a link to the research vessel and told them they could stay in low orbit for another two hours then the fleet was leaving. “Captain I was hoping for a longer period of time. But I understand your orders and will obey them.” Ekuryua sat watching Lafiel. She was in a conversation with the tactical and navigational officers. Lafiel turns towards her and motions Ekuryua to come over. “I want to tie Scholar into our system. Give her limited access to the navigational scanners and make sure she cannot access fire control. I need to know where those other ships are and what they do once we leave here.” Ekuryua nods. “Should she be on the bridge too? Or should I have Risch link her from her quarters?” Lafiel ponders Ekuryua question. Then “She should be on the bridge. If she’s here not only can we watch her. But we can have an instant assessment of what she is seeing.”
Ekuryua steps away. Lafiel follows her and Ekuryua says. “You have to make a choice Lafiel. Either you fully trust her or not even with limited access to our systems. She could cause a lot of chaos if she wanted to. This is my ship and your mission. I want it clear between us. How the rest of this is going to go. We need a united front between us. Or one of us takes command completely. Before we go any further Lafiel. I need to know what we are going to do.”
Lafiel stands motionless in deep thought then. “You are in command of this mission until such time as we confront an opposing force. I don’t want you making life and death decisions concerning other Abh. That’s my responsibility. I hope we can complete this mission without confrontation. However I truly doubt it, and if the person I think is aboard Nastoyia’s flagship. Even though you are an experienced officer who I admire. You won’t stand a chance against him. I’ll need to take him down because I can guarantee you he will not surrender.”
Ekuryua frowns. “Just who are we running from and why?” Lafiel leans over and whispers in her ear. Ekuryua grows pale. “You’re serious? That’s the reason why everything else has happened?” Lafiel nods. “Let’s get a station for Scholar set up and let the research vessel gather all the data it can. Then like I said before I want in that Sord at least thirty-six hours before Nastoyia’s fleet arrives. I’m also changing our route of travel.” Lafiel brings up the star chart for this sector. “I want out of plane space as soon as possible. In normal space we can avoid detection. We exit here continue to Seelnay’s refueling point then on to the rendezvous at Vorash. Any questions?” Ekuryua stares at the chart. “No questions Admiral. Glad to have you back it’s been a long time.” Lafiel smiles and leaves the bridge headed for Scholars quarters.
*********
Seelnay left the ship the moment it docked. She headed straight for the brig and a talk with Atosuryua. Sobbash met her Chief of Staff and proceeded to figure out their next moves. Samson found Paveryua and started to load the transport with the necessary supplies. Sobbash leaves her office with her Chief behind her. “So these ships you’re taking to support Her Highness to do?” Sobbash shook her head. “It’s better you not know. I need you to stay here and hold down the fort while I’m gone. I promise when it’s all over I’ll explain all that I can to you.” Her Chief stares, “Okay Admiral. What should I do with Atosuryua?” Sobbash starts walking towards the brig. “I’ll solve this problem before I leave.” Rounding the corner to the brig Seelnay about knocks them off their feet. “Oh Sobbash. You won’t have any problems with the Baroness. She’ll be very co-operative. I’ll meet you at the ship.” With that she leaves them.Entering the brig they find Atosuryua sitting staring at a blank wall. Sobbash approaches the door. “You wanted to talk with me Atosuryua. I’m back.” Atosuryua turns towards the door. There is no expression on her face. She speaks in a monotone to Sobbash. “I’ll not fight with you Sobbash. I’ll sit here patiently, waiting for your return. I was wrong about a lot of things. It seems my past has just caught up with me. I withdrew the charges I placed against you. Actually this brig might be the safest place for me to be. I understand you need ships and have a letter from Her Highness to that effect. Take my group. The first officer aboard my flagship has been instructed to follow your orders to the letter.”
She returns her gaze to the wall in front of her and says. “Sobbash, watch that servant girl Seelnay closely and what ever you do. Do not get on her bad side.” Sobbash’s thanks Atosuryua for her co–operation. She is greeted with silence.
Leaving the brig Sobbash talks with her Chief. “How would you explain that? That’s not the Atosuryua I left you with I’d say something happened.” The Chief speaks. “She’ll put the fear of god in you. That’s the phrase the Terran’s use to describe Seelnay when she’s mad. Her business partners use it too.” Sobbash keeps walking. “Terran’s believe in a supreme being. All knowing and All-powerful I hope Seelnay’s not that being.”
The Chief stops. Sobbash stops and faces her. “Admiral do you believe it is a good idea to take Seelnay with you?” Sobbash smiles. “I have no choice in the matter. At least I think Her Highness can control her. If I was to leave her here, I don’t want to think about what would happen. I’ll take her with me this is my present to you. Now you keep things under control here while I’m gone.” The Chief smiles, “The garden is doing nicely too Admiral. Although I think it misses you and station master Samson.” Sobbash smiles. “I call you when we are leaving.” Sobbash turns and walks towards the dock. The Chief watches her disappear and returns to her office. “I hope I’ll see you again Admiral?” was her only thought.
Samson sees Sobbash heading for the ship he calls to her. “Sobbash a moment before you go aboard.” Sobbash stops. “Speak your mind I’m listening.” Samson steps to and takes Sobbash in his arms, “We are loaded Admiral. Paveryua is staying. He’ll keep your Chief in line. However I have one worry.” Sobbash looks into his eyes. “Seelnay?” Samson nods. “Yeah she aboard ship and she are too calm, too happy. It’s real scary.”
Sobbash relates her conversation with Atosuryua to Samson. He looks confused. “You mean she’s?” Sobbash nods. “Completely submissive. I would say her spirit was broken. That’s what scares me about Seelnay. She said or did something to Atosuryua and now she’s like this. Just what will she do when we find those responsible for Ku’s death?” Samson moves his gaze towards the frigate. “Sobbash you better start wearing a side arm. It might be the only way to stop her.” Sobbash shakes her head. “No! No. I’ll not take two lives. Don’t ask me to do that.” She steps back into his arms. “Let’s take things one step at a time. We need to leave. Lafiel is depending on us.” Samson kisses her cheek. “Okay Sobbash we’ll do it your way. I just hope you’ve read her right.” They board the ship and prepare to leave.
*********
“I’ve adjusted to your sensor system and measure of time. The fleet is forty hours off Captain Ekuryua.” Scholar sits neatly tucked in-between the navigation and tactical stations. Risch had managed to adapt a touch panel for Scholar to use, and in her present location she was easily watched. “Thank you Scholar. Continue to monitor their progress.” Ekuryua opens a link. “You’re finished studying the planet. We have to leave.” The research vessel replies and leaves low orbit over Sol-Eros. Scholar scans the surface one last time the village no longer exists. The explosion of the reactor decimated the mountain where the reactor was buried. The only object that was still visible was the wrecked shuttle and the ocean would swallow it within the next couple of days. She concentrated on her newest task, that in a way was her old task, protection of the residents of Sol-Eros. This time instead of being on a planet, they were in a transport twenty thousand meters behind the Attack Frigate. She had a line of communications open between them and Erin’s cabin. It was decided that as always, the people of Sol-Eros would have a say in their future. Lafiel felt that giving Scholar this much responsibility she would stay in line. It would prove an excellent decision.
Using minimal power the force Ekuryua commanded headed for the Sord at the far end of the system. It was hoped that they would not leave a large exhaust trail behind them. Nastoyia’s ships would enter the system a beam the sun and within scanning range of Sol-Eros. Knowing that Scholar and Lafiel had devised a little diversion using the defense platforms on the four moons. “You sure the weapons are set to do no damage?” Lafiel asked. Yes. Your Highness, in fact as unstable as those reactors are I’ll be surprise if they all fire on command.”
Five hours after leaving orbit they slipped into the Sord. Ekuryua left a little messenger at the entrance just incase Scholar would miss something. The plan was to head for the exit at the transport best speed and that would still give Scholar control over the planetary defenses when Nastoyia’s ships arrived. Thirty hours went by slowly. Then at slightly after zero hour’s ships time. The general quarters alarm rang on the bridge and engineering decks only.
Scholar had tied into the cameras on the third moon. They faced the Sord, the main display now shows what the cameras saw. As Nastoyia’s ships exited the Sord they made several scanning passes. Then, without warning opened up on Sol-Eros with a murderous assault. Lafiel sat aghast. Ekuryua’s response was the disbelief. Scholar turns and looks at them. “Might I defend the planet?” Lafiel says. Do no damage but let them know our displeasure.” Scholar places her hands over the touch panel. The ships lights dim and the main screen goes to snow momentarily. Then the display returns to its recent clarity.
*********
Exiting the Sord his Excellency had the planet scanned. When the wreckage of the shuttle was spotted he ordered the planet assaulted. As the first salvos hit the planet. Three of the four moons opened fire upon the fleet. There was minor damage done to several vessels and the platforms on the moons were silenced. “Scan the area completely, look for exiting ships. I can’t believe those platforms on the moons destroyed them.” The ships scanned every part of the system. But the assault coupled with the suns erratic radiation outburst cloaked any sign of a trail leaving the system. Sitting still and observing the planet, the fleet was attacked again. As the forth moon came into range of the fleet it’s platform the largest of the four opened fire on them. The reactor’s output was extremely erratic. Three ships were badly damaged. Several others received minor damage before that platform was silenced. Nastoyia’s fleet spent the next twenty hours searching the system before they left through the Sord. Lafiel had used earlier.
*********
Lafiel watched as the three moons platforms were destroyed. Scholar then switched to the forth moons cameras. As it came into range they watched as ships were damaged and then the platform but not the cameras were silenced. Lafiel stood at Scholars side. “I said no damage.” Scholar turned to Lafiel. “I planned no damage the reactor had other plans.” Before Lafiel could finish her comment the cameras pick up a sight that sickened Lafiel. They showed one Attack Frigate floating, badly damaged and powerless. Then suddenly the flagship came into view and opened up on the frigate destroying it in a flash. The camera picked up on the flagship firing on the other two disabled ships destroying them both.Lafiel stood there and uttered under her breath. “Barbaric bastard. I’ll have to kill him I see.” She places her hand on Scholar shoulder. “Record everything you can and let me know when they start their pursuit. I do not blame you for what happened. But now you know all of our futures if that fleet catches up with us before our help arrives.” Lafiel moves to Ekuryua. “I’ll be in my cabin. Jinto and I need to discuss our differences on the battle that will be taking place soon. I guess you could say, what were those words he used? Oh yes! Bare our souls.” Lafiel left the bridge and all Ekuryua could picture was an event she didn’t want to picture.
*********
Jinto was resting when Lafiel entered the cabin. He had spent most of the day with Erin gathering an understanding of the residence of Sol-Eros. This understanding would come in very handy shortly. “Jinto we have to talk.” Lafiel shuts the door behind her. “Jinto there is no longer any doubt about it. It is him, the one I hope never to have to confront. After what he just did at Sol-Eros. I’ll have to kill him. Jinto I want you to know that and do not try to stop me.” Jinto sits up in bed and swings his feet over the side, facing Lafiel he says. “I knew you would say that sooner or later. After Risch and I found out about the headbands. He was the one who trained you in combat at the academy wasn’t he? You really think you can beat him?” Lafiel grew redder. “Yes he was! Do think I’m not aware of the fact? I’ve changed I think I’ve gotten better than he has. I guess we’ll find out soon enough. Does that mean you’ll support me?” Jinto smiles. “Yes and I have a couple of ideas I’d like to discuss with you. Are you ready to listen?” Lafiel nods.
Jinto starts discussing what he and Erin discussed earlier. “These people want to help desperately, they are aware of the sacrifices you’ve made in moving them. Lafiel not only do they want to help, I think that with their help we can be victorious. Without a great loss of life.” Lafiel sits quietly then she says. “Do you find Erin attractive Jinto?” Jinto shakes his head. “What brought that about Lafiel?” Lafiel sits and replies. “Answer the question Jinto. Just answer the question.”
Jinto kneels before Lafiel he takes his fingers and gently raises her chin. Her eyes are black deep and void of all emotion. “I won’t lie to you Lafiel she is attractive but not to me. She reminds me of myself when I left Martine. On the planet she’s sure of her self in space she’s afraid to do anything. I explained to her how I overcame those feelings. She confided in me about what she is expected to do once we settle them on the planet. It reminds me a lot of you when we first met all of those apprehensions you had remember?”
Lafiel’s eyes narrow, “Could she ever replace me?” Jinto shakes his head. “No Lafiel. I seriously doubt if there is anyone who could replace you.” He looks straight into her eyes. “I don’t know what brought this on. But get this straight you are the person I married, love and want to have children with. Erin is a friend just as Ekuryua, Sobbash and Seelnay are. There is nothing romantic and definitely nothing for you to worry about. Do you understand me Lafiel? You can’t get rid of me that easy.”
Jinto feels the wetness on his fingers. “Lafiel I don’t mind you questioning me from time to time. I expect it, but when we move these people onto the planet we will be interacting with them quite a bit. As you well know there are other attractive women beside Erin and I saw those eyes of yours following the two guides. We are going to have to trust each other and them too. I still agree that placing them on the planet with us is the best we can do. Now lets make the best of this situation we are in and accept their help.”
A smile returns to Lafiel's face. “Guess you're right Jinto. I need to hold you to the same standards that I hold myself." She giggles. "You know the one on the right did have a nice butt." Jinto smiles mischievously. "So does Erin. Still, yours is the best looking butt I've seen." Lafiel smiles. "Just keep it that way Jinto. You have the best. Ignore the rest." Jinto takes her hand they stand, embrace, and then head for Erin's cabin.
*Continued in next post*
