Secrets and Surprises
The dinner ended and all of the guests departed the Residence. Sobbash and Samson stood overlooking the lake. The moonlight was reflecting off the calm glass like surface. “I want to stay here forever Samson. Just you and me. You can let Paveryua run the depot. I’ll hand over command, then we’ll grow a garden and raise children on this planet.” Sobbash leaned against Samson, who was absorbing her last comments. “Well Sobbash, I’ll need the Count’s permission to stay here. Where do you suggest we live? There is limited housing on the planet an...”
Sobbash’s weight disappears from his side and she stood on her own looking across the lake. Spying a stone she picked it up and skipped it across the surface. The moonlight was defused into the ripples of surface distortion. “I’m sorry Samson. It was a bad idea, a whim, on the spur of the moment. The Star Forces won’t release me for another five years at minimum and you’ll need that time to train a replacement.”
Samson placed his arm around her mid section and pulled her towards him. “You’re sure you want to stay here? That’s the most committed towards anything you’ve been in a long time. I can ask the lad and you can talk with the Princess. If it takes another five years, then it does. It won’t be like we will be separated.” Then he gazed in her eyes. “A garden and children? You want to raise them both?” She nodded. “It’s not like you were against the idea and I’m still young enough to have children safely. Given the new medical facility that‘s been built. It’s not like we’d be having children on a primitive planet.” Samson kissed her. “When did you decide all of this Sobbash?” Sobbash placed her head on his chest. “I’ll tell you tomorrow, before I return to my ship. Right now Samson, let’s stand here and take in this beauty that surrounds us.” They spend most of the evening overlooking the lake.
*********
Commander Yuma sat in her quarters considering Dustain’s folder that was sitting on the desk in front of her. This was going to be a challenge. Here was the physical image of a man she despised, but the being of a person she had never met. Her duty was simple. Examine Dustain, ascertain his intentions and then report her findings to Kenesh. Had she known how long this was going to take her to complete, she would have asked for reassignment to a data center sorting paper work. Kenesh’s note attached to the top of the file drew her attention once again. “Yuma get to know him, but don’t get involved with him. He may be destined for a fate you’ll not want to share. Take care, my old friend.” Yuma sat the folder aside and looked at the picture again. “Not to worry Kenesh. I’ll be objective and remember the man I hated, should I start to have any feelings.” Dimming the lights she reclined in the chair, her injuries still prevented her from sleeping horizontal.*********
Nasse adjusted the blanket in little Plakia’s crib. It was late afternoon and the sun would soon be in her eyes. Turning back to the window she watches as her sons put the finishing touches on the snowman. She reflects on the last few months since Plakia was born and how they had gone by so rapidly. Plakia would be four months soon and so much has happened. When the first month passed and Ku left for the Hyde system, he moved them into the south wing of the house. The next thing she knew, Ku and Seelnay returned happily married. It was a short-lived visit as they soon left to join the Princess and her friends. Plakia rolled on her side and pushed the blanket away. Nasse reached over and readjusted it while remembering the day when Ku’s mother informed her that Ku had died. Plakia was trying to push up at that time, and had Ku and Seelnay been there, they would have been proud. Ku’s funeral was a cold and snowy affair. It disturbed Nasse that none of them were there. Seelnay had left her a message explaining their absence; the best she could, and told Nasse once this mission was finished, they would return to visit. That note was now displayed on the console screen near the crib. Still, it left Nasse wondering if she would ever see any of them again. Returning to the window, she taps it lightly. Her sons look towards her; she motions them to come inside.
*********
As last frigate cleared the Hyde Sord, Paveryua sat listening to the report from the commander of the group. She related the events that had transpired between Vorash and the Capital. Sobbash’s Chief of Staff stood along side him listening intently. The last thing the commander said caught them both off guard. The showdown had been settled without loss of life. Admiral Sobbash and party were proceeding to the planet unharmed. The communication ended and Paveryua turns to the Chief. “We landers believe in miracles. I do think one has occurred out there. We should have lost a lot of ships. However there was no damage or loss of life. That leads me to believe…” The Chief stops him. “You call it a miracle. I’ll call it excellent luck. However it was still an extremely unique event. An event of which I wish I could have witnessed.” Paveryua nods.*********
Lafiel’s arrival did not go unnoticed at the Capital as Admiral Kenesh was informed within minutes of it's occurance. She decided that knowing the Princess was safe was good enough for now. Ramaj had informed her earlier, if there were no problems reported, then the Capital would take a ‘wait and see’ posture as far as the planet was concerned. Kenesh looked at the report and noticed that the resources Lafiel brought back with her from Vorash did not match the fleet report from the Hyde system. “I wonder where she got her research vessel from?” Setting the report aside for now, she gets prepared for her next daunting task. Judging Admiral Spoor. The latest report showed the Lashkau heading towards Sord Laitpanr. Kenesh figures it will be ten days before Spoor arrives. “Ten days... In ten days I’ll have to judge an old friend.” She shakes her head and walks down the corridor.*********
Ekuryua awoke in pain. Her legs and lower back were complaining loudly about the way they had been abused by her brain. Reaching slowly for the lights she glances around the room. Finally, her eyes fix on their target, a bottle of pain pills she’d obtained before she lay down. Knowing that she would wake hurting, she had the ship’s doctor give her something to combat it. However in her haste to go to sleep she’d left them on the other side of the room. Summoning her last bit of will, she sat up in bed, rolled her complaining legs to the floor and staggered to the table. Her arrival was not a pretty sight. She landed heavily on the chair and now had a bruised bottom complaining too. Her hands work the bottle; the light pink pills went down easily. Twenty minutes later she was pain free enough to try a return trip to her bed. Laying down and looking at the ceiling she wonders if Duhiel was feeling the same way. Five minutes later the pills kick in the rest of the way. She sleeps another four hours.*********
Morning on the planet came peacefully. Samson had returned to the Village. Sitting at the table, Sobbash and Seelnay watch the sunrise together. Seelnay regards Sobbash then comments. “Admiral? I know why the Abh chose to live in space. I mean; I understand the written reasons. But how do you feel about space?” Sobbash moves her foot; the soil moves with it and she can feel the ground pulling the heat from her foot. She answers the question. “Until recently Seelnay I thought space was the only place I would be happy. Now that I have seen this place with the relative beauty and safety of it, when compared to space, I really don’t want to go back.” She faces Seelnay. “Tell me Seelnay. You’ve spent most of your life working in space. How do you feel about it?” Seelnay glances around her. Then she replies. “There is beauty here and beauty out there. Granted it is a little safer on a planet than out in space. I guess if I had a choice, I’d like to be on a planet. Yet after seeing everything that space has to offer. I’d still like to be able to go there when I wished. We have a saying on my world. “The best of both worlds.” I believe that would describe my feelings on the subject. Sobbash you know I’m the wrong person to ask these questions of. You should ask Her Highness these things. Remember I came from the land and went to space. Like Count Hyde I’m prejudice. Her Highness like yourself came from space and ended up here on a planet. You should ask her and not totally rely on my feelings. Take a balanced view. Once you’ve done that we should talk some more.” Sobbash nods in agreement, although she notes that it was Seelnay who had started the conversation. Sobbash stands, thanks Seelnay and heads for the cliff overlooking the lake. A few minutes later Seelnay goes to leave.
She turns to find Jinto standing behind her. “I’m impressed Seelnay. You answered her question and gave her something to think about. You’re sure you don’t want to join the ambassador corps?” Seelnay shakes her head. “Nice try Count Hyde, even if Her Highness were to ask, my answer would be the same. I’m not a diplomat and never will be. I’m going to be a mother and right now I’m deciding where I want to raise my child.” She faces Jinto. “Right now, that is my top priority. My daughter’s and my happiness, tell Her Highness I’m heading for the Village and I’ll be back before nightfall okay?” Jinto nods and Seelnay leaves and heads for the hover sleds.
*********
Sobbash stood looking over the lake. She sensed Jinto approaching her. “Good morning Wing Flyer. Did you sleep well?” Jinto stood along side her and also takes in the view. “Sobbash. You need not be so formal. I answer to Jinto too.” She keeps her eyes forward and says. “You heard what Seelnay and I were discussing?” Jinto replies. “I did Sobbash. That’s why I’m here. Is there anything Lafiel and I can do for you?” She turns toward him. “I’m not sure. I have all these feelings that I need to confront and then deal with. There are also Samson’s feelings; I’ve never had to consider someone else’s feelings before. I’m finding it quite difficult to keep all of this sorted out. How do you do it?” Jinto shrugs. “It’s a lot of trial and error. There is not a set procedure to follow. Lafiel and I have made a lot of mistakes. We’ve learned from most, although we’ve repeated a few too. Seelnay’s right, you should ask Lafiel about her feelings. If you wish, the three of us can have breakfast and you can discuss it then.” Sobbash smiles. “You two really do care. I hope I make the right decisions.” Jinto went to answer and his creunoc interrupts him. “Sorry Jinto, I know you’re busy. But it’s happened again. I never made it out of bed. When you get a chance. I’ll be here.” Lafiel’s voice sounds weak but otherwise calm. Sobbash looks puzzled. “What was that? What has happened?” Jinto turns towards the Residence. He says to Sobbash. “Follow me. It’s easier to see than to describe.” Jinto heads up the walk with Sobbash on his heels. Making his way to Lafiel’s room he says. “Lafiel I’m here. Sobbash is with me can she help too?” Annoyed, Lafiel answers. “Yes that is fine. Just come and help me Jinto.” Opening the door they find Lafiel lying in bed.
Jinto says. “Left side or right?” Lafiel answers. “Right.” He raises the sheet and finds Lafiel has popped her shoulder out again. Grabbing her arm at the elbow he says. “Ready Lafiel?” She nods. He then applies pressure and the shoulder returns to its normal position. “Damn it Jinto. You need not rip it off. Just simply apply steady pressure.” She sits up in bed and gently rotates her shoulder. “I slept wrong last night and when I went to rise it popped. This is becoming extremely annoying.” Sobbash was stunned. Then she asks. “How long has this been going on?” Lafiel says. “Off and on over the past two months. Physical activity usually aggravates it. Helping with the loading and unloading, I guess I’ve overdone it.” Jinto rises, and then he and Sobbash leave the room while Lafiel dresses.
Sobbash corners him in the hall. “You are going to get her treatment, aren’t you? That could become a very serious injury in time, if it hasn’t already” Jinto motions her to the kitchen, where they sit at the table. “Sobbash I understand your concern. I’ve tried several times to get both of her shoulders looked at. But she stubbornly refuses. Until she injures herself to the point I can’t fix it, we’ll have to do it her way. It does not make me happy, but right now we don’t have the medical facilities to properly treat her.” Sobbash frowns and points skyward. “There is a fully equipped hospital ship up there. It’s been with us for quite sometime. She could at anytime transfer herself over there. She’s being stubborn...”
Lafiel entered the room. “Sobbash, mind your own business. Jinto, we’ve had this discussion before. It’s something that happened a long time ago and the doctors told me then I’d have to live with it. So I’m living with it. End of discussion.” She sits next to Sobbash and addresses Jinto directly. “Could you please make breakfast? My arms hurt too much to do it now.” Jinto rises and starts cooking. Sobbash then addresses Lafiel. “I’ve been to the waterfalls.” Lafiel raises an eyebrow and Sobbash continues. “There is something you should see.” She holds her creunoc towards Lafiel it displays the sensor layout. “You’ll notice you have a gap in this area.” Lafiel stares at the information. Jinto has heard this conversation he stands looking over Lafiel’s shoulder at the creunoc. “That’s not possible. That’s not the array we set up before we left…”
Lafiel stood, headed for the main console in the living room and activated it. “Jinto stop what you’re doing and come here.” Lafiel’s voice commanded, Jinto sat the food aside and turned off the stove. Moments later he and Sobbash are standing along side Lafiel who is pointing at the console. “Look at this.” Jinto observes the pattern displayed. It no longer covers the assigned area. There is a corridor about a kilometer wide from the lake to the northern plains that is left unmonitored. Lafiel presses the comm. link and Samson answers. “I’ll be blunt Samson. Some one has tampered with the security array. Gather your people together in one place. I’ll be out shortly.” Lafiel closed the link and opens another one. The first officer aboard Duhiel’s ship answers “The Captain is sleeping, he has left orders not…” Infuriated Lafiel says. “You’ll wake him at once. Do not anger me Decca Commander.” The display fades yet the connection remains open.
*********
She had been First Officer for the last three days. Serving a candidate for the jade throne impressed her. She knew that obedience would be rewarded. The communications console flashed and she answered it. It was Her Highness requesting to speak with the Captain. She related the desire of the Captain not to be disturbed and the response from the surface was not what she expected. The Princess threatened her. She placed the call on hold. She then opened a link to Duhiel’s cabin. A very groggy Duhiel answers. “Yes what is it?” “I’m sorry to disturb you. But the Princess is hailing you and she won’t take no for an answer.” Duhiel sits up and clears his head. “I’ll speak with her. But before you connect her there is something you must know. Never reject a call from her no matter where I am or what I’m doing. I feel bad for you. I failed to inform you of this fact and she undoubtedly has left you with the impression of if she were here you would be suffering a fate quite unpleasant. Put her on and we’ll speak of this later.” The link closed and the display became active. A very angry Lafiel greets Duhiel. “Your First Officer is very rude brother…” Duhiel stops her. “She is new to the post and I failed to inform her of the proper protocol in dealing with my family. She was doing as I instructed her to do. If you’re angry, then your anger lays with me not her. Have I made myself clear Lafiel?” *********
Lafiel sits back in the chair. She notices Duhiel’s appearance. “Still suffering from Commander Ekuryua’s little joy ride I see.” Duhiel nods and says. “I hope this wasn’t the reason you called me Lafiel. I’m hoping it’s something more substantial. If it not, then this communication ends. Now…” “Wait Duhiel you need to see this.” Lafiel transmits the array layout to his display. At first he struggles to understand what he sees, then suddenly. “I see Lafiel. You’ve had unwelcome visitors. I’ll check the logs. What else do you wish?” Lafiel leans forward and she smiles at him. “That’s it for now. Sorry I woke you Duhiel. You know when I call it’s normally important. Maybe someday we’ll be able to kid around like we use to.”
Duhiel nods. “That would be nice Lafiel, but you’ll have to be quick about it. Once I become Emperor. I’ll have no time for such pleasures. I’ll call you back when I’ve reviewed the logs. For now Sis keep on your toes down there till we figure out what’s happened.” The display darkens; Lafiel secures the console and looks at Jinto and Sobbash. “Do we repair the damage to the array or do we leave it as it is in hopes our visitors will use it again?” Jinto looks at the array data and says. “Leave it for now. I have an idea.”
He opened a link to Risch. “Jinto. Good morning. What can I do for you?” Jinto explains the array situation and says. “Think you can have the frigate passively scan that area without anyone knowing it?” Risch nods. “Consider it done Jinto. You should know Noel’s flat on her butt in bed up there. I do believe she’s finally over done it. The shuttle required some repair when she got back and Jinto, she pulled Eleven G’s. Twice. It’s a wonder that she and the Prince arrived in one piece. If Lafiel is around let her know her brother grayed out for about twenty seconds according to the logs and Noel was about to join him. Those two are, in my expert opinion …Nuts. I’ll notify you if anything is relayed to me. Right now Samson and I are rounding everybody up. How soon will you be here?” Jinto looks at Lafiel she raises one finger. “We’ll be there within the hour. Sit tight till then.” Risch acknowledges the transmission and the link closes.
Jinto looks at Lafiel. He figures Risch’s words would have angered her. However she sits there quietly. A calm look on her face, she smiles and says. “So it took eleven G’s to finally cage Duhiel’s head. Remind me to give Noel an award for bravery or something along those lines.” Jinto and Sobbash stare at Lafiel. She sees this and continues. “What? Do you think I should be angry at Noel?” They nod. Lafiel shakes her head. “You two weren’t listening. My brother finally said the words I’ve been waiting for... ‘Once I become Emperor.’ Those were the words he used. If it took twenty G’s for him to realize that, then it would have been worth it. We need to leave. We have people waiting and at max speed it will take forty five minutes to get to the Village.”
She asks Sobbash. “Do you have a side arm?” She shakes her head. Lafiel looks at Jinto. “Get three pistols and twenty one power packs.” Jinto balks. Lafiel reconsiders. “You’re correct Jinto. Twenty one is not enough.” Jinto pales at those words. Lafiel giggles. “Yes Dear. Bring nine power packs and be quick about it.” Jinto leaves. She turns back to Sobbash. “Once we get this figured out. We will have a formal breakfast. If you’re hungry, there are some meal packets in the drawer below the silverware.” Sobbash shakes her head. “That’s fine. I’ll wait. I really wasn’t all that hungry.”
*********
Scholar, Erin, Li and Kim watch as Samson and Risch call the members of the work party together. Scholar approaches Samson. “Would you mind explaining yourself?” She asks. Samson turning towards her responds. “Her Highness will be here shortly. She is the one who asked me to gather you here. If you don’t mind, I wish you would address your questions and concerns to her.” Scholar turns and walks back to the group. Li says as she gets closer, “Damn Abh. I knew we shouldn’t have trusted them.” Scholar silences her. “Don’t be so hasty to judge young one. Let’s hear the Princess out first, then, if necessary voice our disapproval.” Li returned to Kim’s side, Erin has been linked to Scholar the entire time. As Scholar approaches she says. “They asked us to gather here. They never forced us, nor have I seen any weapons. I believe its something of mutual concern to all of us.” Scholar nods. “I agree and knowing the Princess, I’m sure she wants to be here and see the response of everyone when she makes her announcement.” Erin nods. “Then we wait quietly.” Scholar agrees.
*********
Jinto stops the hover sled short of the Village. He removes his laser pistol and places it in the storage compartment. He faces Lafiel and Sobbash. “It’s a bad idea to enter the Village armed. Place your weapons with mine. I’m not moving another inch till you do.” Sobbash removes her weapon and hands it to Jinto. Lafiel stands defiant for one moment, and then removes hers as well. Handing it to Jinto she says. “You’re right, Jinto. We would have made quite the scene arriving armed. I’m sorry, since Lobnas II…” Jinto placed his fingers across her lips. “I understand Lafiel. That’s why I let you bring them in the first place. Now though it’s time to face the facts, they are unarmed. The balance of their people are also within our reach. They would be very foolish to try something given the present situation. In my heart I feel they had nothing to do with this. I’d suspect our own people first, if the truth be known.”
Both Lafiel and Sobbash locked their gaze upon Jinto, searching his eyes. He felt as if their eyes were tearing at his soul. Then as suddenly as it had started they stopped. Sobbash nodded, and then said. "You're probably correct Jinto. Given the way the array was tampered with, I also would guess it was someone with a lot of knowledge of Abh systems." Sobbash motions towards the Village. "Let's go on Jinto. We shouldn't keep them waiting." Lafiel, still a little red faced, nodded in agreement. Jinto started the sled and five minutes later they arrived at the Village landing just fifty feet from the group.
*********
Scholar had sensed the hover sled stop. However she could not sense the conversation. When the sled finally came into the Village, she saw that it was Lafiel, Jinto and Sobbash who got off the device. Samson went out and met them, and shortly thereafter he pointed them towards Scholar. As they approached, Scholar sensed a momentary sense of confusion emanating from them that only subsided when Lafiel spoke. "We have a problem." Lafiel motioned for Scholar to follow her over to the hover sled to speak in confidence. Scholar nodded and informed Erin she'll be right back. On the way to the sled Scholar asked. "This problem, is it something my people did or is it something more sinister?" Lafiel replied. "I don't know if it's sinister, but it is bad. Now as for who is responsible and why? I would like you to help me figure that out." Lafiel took a seat on the sled Scholar sat next to her. Lafiel then showed her Sobbash's data. "Remember I told you that there was a defense grid about this area?" Scholar nods and Lafiel continues. "It's been tampered with. A section of the array has been neutralized. That section leads from the Northern Plains to just short of the main Residence. I need to know if any of your people wandered into that area." Lafiel showed Scholar the lagoon and the path that lead toward the waterfalls. She did not show Scholar the exact location of the array.
Scholar studied the display for a minute then linked with Erin. "Bring Li with you and come here." Lafiel sees Erin and Li approaching, and she commented to Scholar. "I wish I could communicate like that." Lafiel thinks for a moment then amends. "Then again…" Scholar stops her. "It's both a convenience and a curse. If you knew what I had to do at times to have a private thought you'd understand." Erin and Li arrive and Scholar shows them the display then said. "Have any of our people been in this area?" Li admitted she's been to the lagoon, but no further. Erin shook her head before saying. "That lagoon does look inviting though…" Scholar cleared her throat. "Let it be known that the area beyond the lagoon is now off limits. You two go back and ascertain that none of our people have been there."
Li glared at Scholar. "I told you none of our people have…" Scholar faced her giving her a hard stern look. "Including the fifty-five in the extension building? Granted Erin and I were watching most of the night but you're saying that no one left the building until we brought them here?" Li paled and apologized. "Sorry Elder I forgot about that. I knew no one aboard the transport had ventured that way. Accept my apology and I'll get you the answer you seek." Without waiting for a reply from Scholar she leaves. Erin watched as Li rejoined Kim, explained what had happened and then both begin to talk with those around them. Ten minutes passed before Li returned. "Elder I've spoken with them all. No one has been any where near the location the Princess showed us. I am confidant of that fact." Scholar nodded then she turned to Lafiel. "I'm sure we had nothing to do with your problem. However I am offering our help in getting to the bottom of this, because we will rely on your security system until ours is fully operational."
Lafiel nodded. "You'll understand why I went about it this way. I never considered a member of your party to have purposely tampered with the array, it was just…" Scholar stopped her. "No apology is necessary Your Highness. If the situation were reversed I'd be asking the very same questions. I admire your tactfulness in this matter. You could have had your people use force and round us up like livestock, however you didn't. That is yet another myth of the old ones now rebuked." Lafiel stood noticeably shaken. She looked at Scholar and said. "We need to review the myths of your old ones. I have a feeling that the Abh have come a long way since those days." Scholar nodded. "That's probably true Princess, however that conversation must wait. Right now we do have another more immediate problem to solve. If you have no further need of me, I'll return to my people and give you a chance to consult with yours." Lafiel agreed and Scholar, with Li and Erin following, returned to the group standing in the shade of a large tree.
*********
Duhiel was returning from the sick bay. He had ordered the doctor to give him something to clear his head. The world about him was finally coming back into focus, although rather painfully. Arriving at the bridge he headed for his First Officer. She notices him and says. "Your Highness! You should be in…" Duhiel corrected her. "It's Captain. Aboard this ship you will refer to me using that word. My social status will not interfere with my duty to the Star Forces." His eyes soften and then he says. "I'm sorry. The medication the doctor gave me is pitching a fit…" She accepts this and replies. "I understand Captain. Yet something must be wrong for you to be here at this time. What can I do to help?" Duhiel looked at her. He knew he wasn't wrong in promoting her, even though she was hand picked by his father to serve with him. "Someone has made an unauthorized entry into the defense zone on the planet. They've disabled part of the array. We need to find out who it was and when. Are you ready to help me?"She smiled and nodded. "Captain, do you have an idea of the time frame we are looking at?" Duhiel stared at the main display. "From before I went planet side until I returned would be a good guess. There was a lot of confusion up here while I was gone. That's when I would have slipped in." Inputting the data she starts a detailed search of the logs for the time specified.
*********
The tactical officer sat watching the area Chief Engineer Risch had instructed him to monitor. His initial hesitance to do so was enough cause for the Chief Engineer to remind him of the Chief's relationship with not only the Captain but with Her Highness. The officer quickly reconsidered his hesitance. The tactical officer was rewarded for his vigilance when an energy signature appeared about thirty miles north of the array site. Turning to the First Officer he said. "Sir you should see this." The First Officer moved to the display. A pale blue triangle appeared on the display before him. "An energy signature that is one of ours all the way out there all by itself?" He opened a scrambled link to the surface. *********
"Lafiel calm down. Please!" Jinto's words went unheard. They had questioned everyone on the construction site and aboard both transports and had drawn a blank. Lafiel was not taking the news very well; in fact she was not accepting the facts as they were being presented to her. "No. NO! NO! " Lafiel slammed her fist into the sled seat. Lifting the seat she goes to remove the laser pistols. Instinctively Jinto slammed the lid closed; almost catching her fingers in the process. "Forget it Lafiel. You're not getting to these until you've cooled off. You're not on Clasbul, these people are our friends." She glared at Jinto her eyes like the lasers she was trying to recover and use. She turned, pushed Samson aside and started towards the Village a foot. "Ku Rin Apu Asu Tangu Kipu!" Lafiel cursed as she walked away. Sobbash and Risch both stared in horror. Jinto noticed this and asked. "So what did she just say?" They both shake their heads and answer in unison. "You really don't want to know Jinto. Just be aware that she is very angry." Risch raised his arm, his creunoc was flashing. "There is a scrambled message from the ship. This maybe the break we need." Jinto interrupts. "Lafiel's gone. Let me get her before you answer that. She'll be furious if we don't." Jinto headed off in the direction Lafiel had left in. Sobbash commented to the others. "If she wasn't furious when she stormed out of here. I don't think I ever want to see her furious." Risch and Samson nod in agreement. Risch placed the link on hold while they all looked towards the direction Jinto had left in. The silence was deafening.
*********
Lafiel had made it about forty meters down the pathway when her anger finally engulfed her. Jinto found her standing before a large tree just off the path. She was pounding on it relentlessly. She spoke no words but the sound of her blows said volumes. Jinto walked around and approached Lafiel from the side where she could plainly see him. Her facial expression set him back when he first caught sight of it. There was viciousness and total control yet all he could see was blinding rage. Her eyes focused on the tree trunk, her hands laying blows that would have broken bones had the target been an animal. Facing her about five feet to her left he said. "That's a pretty hard punching bag Lafiel. Are you about done wailing on it?" Her expression changed slightly. The viciousness was replaced with a smile, and then Jinto saw the blood streaming from both of her hands. For one microsecond he wanted to reach for her and stop her, but he didn't. He remembered the run in at the rose bushes, but he didn't want her to hurt her self any further so he said. "You can't kill that tree Lafiel, but if you don't stop soon you'll not be able to use your hands." She took a half step back and like a boxer she took a couple of more hits, which took the bark off the tree. Winded she said. "Not true Jinto. If I hit it enough, I'll eventually injure it." She bent over and picked up some of the loose bark. "See. I chipped away at its armor. Given enough time I eventually would have finished it off."
Approaching her all he could see were her hands, which were skinned and sliced. One slice on the ring finger of her right hand was very deep. Jinto reached for her but she pulled away. "Not now Jinto. Not this Lafiel. You want no part of her. Now I'm warning you Jinto, heed it." Jinto halted his advance and said. "Fine. Will you come with me back to the sled? Risch is holding a scrambled message I think you should hear." Lafiel nodded and turned towards the sled. She took off at a deer's speed. It was all Jinto could do to arrive about the same time she did.
Sobbash was the first to hear them coming, but before she could speak Lafiel bolted out of the underbrush. She stood next to Risch blood streaming down her fingertips and bloodspots splattered on her uniform. Sobbash started to say something about the same time Jinto arrived. Seeing Jinto she let out a small sigh, which Jinto caught and Lafiel ignored for the moment. Lafiel faced Risch and barked. "Establish contact now!" Risch hailed the ship and the First Officer answered.
"About thirty kilometers north of the array we picked up a power signature. It's one of ours but I'm not in a position to tell what is generating it. We are trying to get the other frigate in orbit to passively scan the area and maybe from their angle they can pin point the source. We are linking with them now." Lafiel replied to the First Officer. "You're talking about my brother's ship, is that correct?" There was a pause and then. "Yes Your Highness. The Chief Engineer said not to trust any other ship in the area. Is there a problem?" Lafiel looked Risch and smiled. "There is no problem, carry on with your orders."
She turned and walked over to Sobbash. "I need your help. We need to fix me up." Sobbash nodded and they walked to the sled. Opening the compartment Sobbash retrieved the medical kit and began to work on Lafiel's hands. Lafiel sat there passively, but commented to Sobbash. "That sigh you let out when Jinto arrived, did you think I'd done him harm?" Sobbash paused for a moment then continued cleaning Lafiel's right hand before she responded. "Given your family's reputation and what you said when you left, what else was I to think? You were after blood, weren't you? Jinto stopped you from acting. I figured you finally snapped and beat him to a pulp." Lafiel winced as Sobbash applied a compress to Lafiel's right hand. Sobbash then tended to the left hand. "That slice on your finger is really deep. I've done the best I could, but you need stitches in it and soon Lafiel."
Lafiel sat staring off into nothingness for a moment before asking Sobbash. "Do you feel that I'm worthy of someone like Jinto?" Sobbash was caught off guard by her question and thought carefully before answering. "I'm not the one to judge, but I will say this. Ninety-five percent of the time I've seen you two together you both seem to be a natural pairing. You do complement each other very well, but after that little display you put on earlier. I don't know what to think." Sobbash took a breath before continuing. "In all honesty I don't know if I should be more concerned about the Count's safety or your own self destructive behavior as of late. He loves you and it pains him to see you harm yourself but he is doing his best to be understanding."
Sobbash saw her words had a strong effect on Lafiel, as there were now two streams of tears flowing down her face. Sobbash paused, and then smiled at Lafiel trying to comfort her. "You are who you are and that will never completely change so being worthy of him has nothing to do with it. You do love him don't you? Try to be more understanding of his feelings towards your well being and think a bit more before taking action and you two should be fine." Sobbash thought about Samson and her self for a moment, and then continued to tend to Lafiel's hand.
*********
"Captain we are being hailed." Duhiel leaned forward as the message from Ekuryua's ship is displayed. "Tactical Officer, scan the area in passive mode." He moved to his First Officer. "Have you found anything in the logs?" She was buried in the details. "I think so look at this." Duhiel read the section she's highlighted. "So did they land on the surface or not?" She searched the scan logs. "It is impossible to tell Captain, the shuttle from the surface blocked our scans. However Captain Ekuryua's ship had a clear view. I'll get their logs." Duhiel placed his hand on her shoulder. "Good work. My faith in you has been affirmed yet again." She nodded and contacted Ekuryua's ship. The data arrived in an instant.*********
"Captain? Captain Ekuryua. Please respond." Noel woke in pain. She reached for the comm. panel and fell short of her target. The second try hits its mark. "Yes what is it?" "Sorry to disturb you. But if you're able, you should come to the bridge." That sentence sat her up in bed like a shot. "I'm on the way! Captain out." Dressing was another matter, her brain was willing, but her body was not. After fifteen minutes she made it to the bridge. Moving through the door slowly she said to her First Officer. "You want to explain that, if I can make it to the bridge statement?" Stunned he replied. "Engineer Risch said you would be out for a couple of days. I figured he was joking. Accept my apology Captain. I should have left you be."Slowly lowering her self into the center seat she asked. "So what was so important to get me here in the first place?" It took about five minutes for Ekuryua to be brought up to speed. Her mind sifted through the data presented leaving her dismayed. "Damn. I’ve let her down. She's going to have my hide this time. Get me His Highness ship on scramble." The communications officer replied. "We are already linked Captain. He's coming on line now." Duhiel's face appeared and as it did, both he and Noel comment. "We were hood winked." There was silence, and then Duhiel smirked. "I'm surprised to see you Captain." Noel smiled. "Same here Captain. Are you feeling alright Your Highness?" Duhiel shook his head. "And you?" The pain was evident on Ekuryua's face. "About the same. So what have you found?"
Duhiel paused then he replied. "We just overlapped the sensor logs and are adjusting the time indexes." His face grew stern. "Captain Ekuryua. How much do you know about the research vessel in low orbit over the planet?" Noel punched up the data file. It was blank. "It's them, they did it. I need to talk to Admiral Sobbash. They came from Hyde with her. Give me five minutes..."
Duhiel cut her off. "No can do Ekuryua. There is a shuttle on the surface and the energy readings indicate. Ekuryua they are planning on scramming the reactor. The resulting explosion will probably kill them all." Before the last words reached Ekuryua's ears, she had a link open to Risch. Moving rapidly and ignoring the pain she made her way to the shuttle bay. Duhiel's face grew pale.
*********
Risch's creunoc screamed the distress alarm. He silenced it and Noel spoke. "No time to argue. Help me. They have a shuttle thirty kilometers north of the Residence. How fast can you scram a reactor in one of those things?" Stunned Risch shook his head. The answer fell from his lips. "Normally about an hour, forty-five minutes tops. They have a lot of safeties to bypass. Why do you ask?" Before she could answer Risch knew why. "Noel you can't do it. You'll never make it in time." The new background noises already confirmed Risch's suspicions. They were the sounds of a shuttle being launched. "Noel, answer me!" There was silence. Risch turned and Samson grabbed his arm. "Can't get there from here that fast laddie, the terrains is too rugged. We need to tell the others, come on." Reluctantly, Risch followed Samson to where Jinto, Lafiel and Sobbash where standing."I understand Duhiel, we have thirty minutes to get everyone aboard the transports." Then Lafiel said. "Rip this system apart. Don't let them get away. Should I not survive this…" Duhiel stopped her. "Get going Lafiel. I've given you ample warning, if you want to talk. Then talk after you're safe." The link closed. Samson approached her. "I see you already know Your Highness. We need to get a move on. At least everybody still is gathered close so we won't waste time there. I'll load them on the hover sleds and take them back to the transports. Lafiel nodded. "Get going. I'll find Scholar and inform her of our situation. I'm sure she won't be happy." She and Jinto rushed into the Village with Samson, Sobbash and Risch not far behind.
*********
Seelnay had spent most of the morning looking over the Village. When the alarm sounded she was with Scholar. It was there that Lafiel found them and told them what had happened. Scholar shook her head in disbelief. "They hate us that much as to destroy a planet? Your Highness, we've made a terrible mistake and now you're going to lose your home…" Lafiel cut her off. "Scholar, get your people moving. We can argue this later." Scholar nodded and Lafiel left her. Scholar contacted the Council and then commented to Seelnay. "They are heading to the transports. I feel really bad. I wish there was something I could do." Seelnay smiled and replied. "There is, come with me. I hope you're rested. It will take all you and I have to do this feat." Scholar smiled. Then she and Seelnay took a hover sled and raced to the Residence. Enroute Seelnay laid out her plan, Scholar agreed with it completely. *********
"Captain, there is an incoming scrambled communication labeled priority one." Duhiel leaned forward. "Put it on. Somebody went to a lot of trouble to get our attention." Ekuryua, from with in the shuttle, faced a shocked Duhiel. "We got more trouble Your Highness. I'm sending you the data now." As the data came in he realized what Ekuryua's plan was. "Captain, you can't stop them by yourself. I'm sure they have an armed party." Ekuryua smiled. "So do I. Lets face it. I swore to protect your sister and this planet and to that end my ship and crew were expendable. I've managed to save the ship and most of the crew. Now all I have to do is protect your sister and this planet. Wish me luck." The display faded to nothing. Duhiel’s expression grew grim.
He sat there deep in thought until his Tactical Officer jarred him back to reality. "Captain! You better see Captain Ekuryua's data." His eyes moved to the main display. "Show me." Ekuryua's scan showed two shuttles on the planet. One of them contains something more deadly than scramming the shuttles reactor, it carried a planet killer weapon. The other looked to be an escape vessel. Their plan was to explode the first vessel when they were a safe distance away. "By the movement in the area it looks like they haven't discovered Captain Ekuryua's approach. She might just catch them off guard." The Tactical Officer concluded. However Duhiel still needed to find the mother ship, the research vessel, which disappeared into a solar flare about two hours earlier. Duhiel opened a link to Lafiel and updated her on what Ekuryua had found. He was surprised when Lafiel said she was unaware that Ekuryua was heading planet side. It was then that Duhiel told Lafiel everything he knew. He included Ekuryua's last report. Lafiel thanked him and the link closed.
*********
Risch had finished helping the last transport load. He turned to find Lafiel facing him. "Earlier, you knew she was coming here didn't you?" Risch nodded and Lafiel continued. "Why didn't you tell me then? You know she's on a suicide mission don't you?" Risch, the tears' streaming from his eyes replied. "What did you expect her to do? Sit up there and watch everything she ever hoped for go up in a cloud of dust? Lafiel get your head out of where ever it is and listen to me. Do you understand the words, loyal to the death?" Lafiel paled thinking of her friend. "Well those word describe Noel perfectly. She'll die for you and this world." His creunoc beeped. "Time to go Your Highness. After seeing the latest information, staying here on the transports won't work. If they have what Noel's scan shows, we need to get point five light seconds away before they detonate the first vessel."
Lafiel nodded. She and Risch headed up the loading door as they heard the shuttle depart from the island, Lafiel looked skyward. "I wonder if Jinto is in there?" A voice from behind her brought more questions. Turning around she asked. "Jinto, if both you're and I are here, then who is in there?" It was Samson who answered most of their questions as he and Sobbash came running towards the transport. After boarding the ship and while waiting for departure Samson panted. "Seelnay has hijacked the shuttle and she got Scholar with her." Lafiel watched as the shuttle climbed to about a thousand meters and turned due north.
Lafiel placed her Creunoc to her lips and opened a hail to the shuttle, but before she could speak Scholar responded. "Princess. I'm sorry to have brought all of these troubles your way. Get my people to safety and if Seelnay and I are successful, we'll dedicate the Village with in twenty-four hours." The link grew silent. Lafiel sat quietly as the final countdown is reached and the transport blasted off into space.
*********
Ekuryua attacked using the departure of the transports as cover. She managed to get the forces to depart before they were able to detonate their weapon or so she thought. Duhiel intercepted and captured the second shuttle in low orbit. They did not put up a struggle. As she approached the first shuttle Ekuryua found it sealed and signs of an operational timer running inside the vessel. Quickly, she opened a link to Risch. "Help me break into this thing, its ticking and I have no idea how long till it goes off." Before Risch could answer Lafiel interrupted. "Noel I'm ordering you to get out of there, now! You've done all you can do. According to my brother that device will detonate in one hour. You'll need every bit of it to get clear of the blast. Now Captain, I'm pulling rank. Get off my planet now!"Ekuryua tried to answer but Scholar interrupted. "Captain I need your present location. It seems the sensors in this craft don't function very well." Ekuryua pressed a button on her creunoc and Scholar responded. "Thank you Captain. We are overhead right now." Noel gazed skyward, she could barely make out the shuttle. "I see you. What are your plans?" Scholar replied. "Captain, have your people get back to your shuttle and depart. Seelnay and I will handle it from here." Ekuryua looked at her security detail. "You heard the lady. Let's move out." Aboard her shuttle and ready to depart, Ekuryua called Seelnay. "We are ready to depart. You mind telling me your plans now?" Noel was greeted with silence then. "Captain, please depart the area. I need your shuttle away from the area at once!" The urgency in Scholar’s voice spurred Ekuryua to launch immediately. As she departed she watched Seelnay land next to the other shuttle. "What are you two doing? Are you trying to get yourselves killed?" Again Ekuryua was greeted with silence. All she can do is watch as they leave the planet.
*********
The shuttle had barely landed before Seelnay with Scholar hot on her heels raced out of the shuttle’s door towards the other one. "Good, it's still on line." Scholar breathed as she examined the shuttle. "I've made contact with it and the ship is powering up." She turned to Seelnay. "Step one complete. Now for step two. Although these poorly functioning sensors mean we will have to keep close proximity to this ship. I still think we can pull it off." Seelnay nodded. "We're leaving now." Channeling their energy, Scholar and Seelnay convinced the shuttles A.I. unit to launch and set a course for deep space. However not having a pilot on board meant Seelnay had to stay very close to the other shuttle as they departed. Scholar acted as pilot until they were free of the planets gravity and then they accelerated the shuttle at maximum towards a desolate part of the system. The resulting explosion should do no harm if the device didn't detonate beforehand.Clearing the planet, Scholar bid the A.I. unit farewell. She had given it enough information to let it know it was sacrificing itself yet many lives would be saved. The shuttle accelerated into the void. Seelnay and Scholar relaxed until Seelnay spotted the research vessel heading straight for the lead transport. She sounded a warning, but there were no other ships close to them. They sat and helplessly watched.
*********
"We are now clearing the Sord Commander…Priority one communications incoming. It says we are to disable the research vessel at all cost." Kufadis linked with the weapons system as the Lashkau was currently operating with a reduced staff. There were only three people on duty at the time. "Commander should I sound battle stations?" Kufadis never flinched a muscle as the port laser rifle bank fired on the research vessel. It disappeared in a blinding flash. "Commander, you used minimal power. It should not have exploded like that. What is going on around here?" Before Kufadis could answer there was a blinding flash from the direction the shuttle had traveled. Luck had placed the Lashkau as the closest vessel to the blast. They took a pounding from the explosion’s shockwave.
Automatic alarms sounded with in the ship. Crewmembers picked them selves off the floor. Kufadis scanned the area and said. “I’ve seen that energy signature before.” It took him a moment and then. “I don’t believe it. I though all of those were destroyed a long time ago…” Spoor bolted through the door, just catching the end of Kufadis statement. “Destroyed? What the hell did we just hit?” Kufadis displayed the energy signature for Spoor to see. “I’ll be. An old fashion planet killer, those went out of style a couple of centuries ago. Who had one of those?”
*********
Lafiel sat helplessly and watched the research vessel make a headlong dive for the side of the transport she was on. Suddenly it vanished in a flash of light. The Captain of the transport reported that a Kau class had fired on it. Lafiel sat back, she thought. “Damn Painiach you’re good, you’re really good. You keep showing up and saving my butt. However I’ll never admit it to you.” Lafiel ordered everyone back to where they belonged and Kufadis signaled that the Lashkau would wait till everything was settled before they would arrive. Lafiel heaved a great sigh. For the first time in her life, she came close to losing everything that meant anything to her. Now she felt great relief at the outcome. Standing behind her Jinto watched as she looked out the window towards the system. Hiding behind the third planet had been a stroke of genius. Little did Lafiel know that it was also the rendezvous area for the second shuttle. When the shuttle was captured the research vessel's Captain decided to finish his mission by aiming his ship at the lead transport. Carrying as much explosives as they were, he only needed to be fifteen hundred meters away from Lafiel’s ship when his ship exploded. Luck was not on his side this day as the Lashkau fired on them at thirty thousand meters. When the research vessel vanished the lead transport suffered no damage.
Having just cleared the Sord, the Lashkau was in open space when the shuttle from the planet exploded. Although it fell victim to the massive shockwave, there was little damage done to the ship and only minor injuries to the crew. Kufadis quick action had saved the transport and all those aboard it. Another glowing chapter was being written in the Lashkau's ever-growing legacy that even Spoor herself, would not know the importance of until much later.
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Duhiel knew that an explosion of that magnitude would be observed throughout the sector. He ordered an immediate communications blackout and opened a link to Debeusec. As the link was established the communications officer said. "Captain, the Capital is hailing us. Should I accept them?" Duhiel sat for a moment and then said. "Ignore them. Put the Sector Commander on screen." The screen came to life and Debeusec sat quietly as Duhiel explained the last several hours. "I understand Commander. Is this report is complete?" Duhiel nodded. "I'll forward it to the Capital. Is there anything else of an official nature you wish to discuss?" Duhiel slowly shook his head. "No Father. That is the official version of my report. But there are a couple of things I'd like to discuss with you."Debeusec's expression changed, and then he said. "Would one of them be, you ignoring your Grandmother's call?" Duhiel nodded. "That and something I observed when the second shuttle was being flown off the planet." Debeusec understood. "Commander you followed the chain of command by contacting me first. I'll fix things with your Grandmother. Your observation of the shuttle I'd like for us to speak in person on that issue and I'll remove your prisoner problem too. I'm transferring to an attack frigate within the hour. I should see you in another two hours after that. Be patience Duhiel and get some rest. You do not look well my son." The display dimmed and Duhiel realized that he did look bad and he felt as bad as he looked. But in retrospect he would not have missed that adventurous ride for anything in the universe. Returning to his quarters he wondered if when he became Emperor, if Commander Ekuryua could become his personal pilot. He fell asleep instantly.
*********
Admiral Kenesh lay floating above her desk. There were several displays of sensor scans from the area of the explosion. She had determined what the source of the explosion was and was ready to contact Ramaj when she heard her coming down the hall in a tirade. The door to the office opened and an enraged Ramaj entered then slammed her fist on the edge of Kenesh's desk. The resulting shock momentarily destabilized the anti gravity field and Kenesh came close to hitting the tabletop. Regaining her composure Kenesh stared Ramaj in the face and commented. "I understand you’re having a bad day. You need not share it completely with me though."Kenesh's words flew past Ramaj. "Why did I have an ingrate for a son? Then why did he have to produce the same strain of ungratefulness in his children?" Ramaj stood there with folder in hand until her rage had subsided. She noticed Kenesh adjusting the gravity field on her desk and she commented. "Sorry Kenesh. I almost dumped you on the floor didn't I?" Kenesh nodded. "Close, very close. Had the safeties not energized, I'd be there right now. Could you explain that outburst of yours? I don't think I've ever see you this mad before."
Ramaj pulled a chair over and sat facing Kenesh, before she handed her the folder she said. "Duhiel refused communications with me. Lafiel will not return my calls and now that report arrives here from Debeusec." Kenesh thumbed through the report while Ramaj continued. "They were attacked. Someone tried to destroy the planet. This report is sanitized. I know it. Debeusec is very good at telling me just enough to make me happy. Well this time it's not going to work. I want you to get to the bottom of this one Kenesh, drop everything else and get to the truth."
Kenesh closed the folder and slowly settled down to the edge of the desk before dropping to the floor. She approached Ramaj replying. "I can tell you now part of this report is correct." Ramaj followed her with her eyes. "Which part is that?" Kenesh opened a display on her desk and turned it towards Ramaj. "The explosion was, as he stated. From a type twelve plant destroyer. You can see it in the energy signature. I've glanced at the balance of this report. On the surface I see nothing else wrong. However I will go through it completely." Ramaj's face was blank as Kenesh turned to face her saying. "Are you mad because they didn't come to you first? Is that it?" Ramaj fixed her gaze upon Kenesh. "I'm glad you understand. We will not speak of this again. Forward your report to me when you are done." Ramaj stood and left the room.
Kenesh picked up the folder and opened it again to one of the last pages. Reading it carefully she muses. "I think Ramaj this is what has angered you. The Lashkau not only saved the Sol – Erosions but Lafiel as well. This makes prosecuting Spoor almost impossible. That my friend is what's stuck in your crawl isn't it?" Kenesh sat the folder atop Spoors folder on her desk before dimming the lights and going for a walk. A visit to the information bureau was in order. Kenesh hoped the information bureau have been on their toes and have the information she required. However she was not going there with high hopes.
*********
Ekuryua watched as the two attack frigates maneuvered behind the shadow of the planet. Duhiel had transmitted the contents of the captured shuttles data crystal to her. As he was explaining the contents, he suddenly ceased all communications and maneuvered his ship to rendezvous with another ship that approached the area from the general direction of the Capital guarding fleet. The attack frigates docked, and she could see a soft seal being established between them. Then they disappeared from view behind the planet. "Captain, shall I adjust orbit to maintain visual contact?"
Ekuryua sat back in her seat and thought for a moment. She had been meticulously scanning the area around the planet where the two frigates were hidden when her view of the system started to become obscured. She turned to her navigation officer and gave an order. "Maintain present position." The navigation officer acknowledged her command and she then addressed the other issue. "Communications have the hospital ship and the Lashkau move to sector seven immediately." As her orders were carried out the planet and surrounding space became clear again and she resumed her scanning. "I wonder if His Excellency is aboard that frigate? It would account for Duhiel's sudden termination of communications. Now. What are those two up to?" She mused.
She turned her attention to the data file Duhiel had uploaded. It contained a perfect clone of the research vessels data. Preserved were all of the events that lead to the death of Sol-Eros. Ekuryua started to call the planet to inform them of this information, but she stopped herself and thought. "It would be better if the data was reviewed and then encrypted. Once that's accomplished I'll take it planet side and present to Scholar myself." She started reviewing the data while keeping watch on the planet. An hour and a half worth of work rewarded her two fold. The data had been verified and encrypted and the two attack frigates had now returned to scanning range. They were no longer joined and the second one was departing on the reverse course it had arrived on. Ekuryua left the bridge and took the short walk to her quarters. The pain had subsided and thoughts of sleep were flying around in her head. She slept soundly.
*********
The prisoner transfer went off smoothly; Duhiel and Debeusec were talking on the docking bay when Duhiel said. "Father you did not seemed surprised at how the other shuttle left the planet." Debeusec nodded. “Scholar is who I thought she was, so it came as no surprise. What did surprise me was that servant girl Seelnay. It's been rumored for some time that she held a special skill but that was not the skill I'd figured." He rubbed Duhiel's head. "Goes to show what I've always preached to you children. You cannot judge a book by its cover. It would seem your sister has amassed a considerable and formidable force on the planet." Continued in the next post