“It’s been a pleasant distraction, living here since we got back, hasn’t it?”
“You mean besides the last few months in a hospital?”
“I don’t often stay in one place for long, but we’ve been here nearly half a standard year. I’m going to miss this.”
“I miss those nights on watch with you, on the Dreaming.”
“Me, too. Simpler times.”
She chuckled gently. “Frustrating times.”
“Oh?”
“Before we hooked up, that is. Unrequited love and all.”
“Oh. Yeah, I can be a little slow when my love life is concerned.”
“All good, worked out in the end.”
I kissed her again. When we parted, I looked in her eyes. “Let’s get married.”
Her eyes widened in surprise. “Are you serious?”
“Yes. I told you, I can be slow. Life for me, well, it can be scary. You’ve seen that. I live dangerously, I put myself at risk for others all the time. I never know when my next action could be my last. I can’t afford to be slow anymore. Not about you. I need you in my life, now more than ever. A civil union agreement, it will…it will solidify this feeling I’ve had about you for so long now. It makes sense. We’ll be going away for a long time, I don’t know what we’ll find or how we’ll fare. But, if you’re by my side, I just know that I can…”
“Shut up and let me answer!” she blurted out. I realised I was rambling. My words coming out in rapid succession.
“I…okay…will you enter into a civil union agreement with me?”
“Yes,” she said, with a sharp nod of her head, her eyes sparkling.
31.
Things were moving quickly, at last. I’d finally been let out of the hospital with orders to take it easy, but I had so much catching up to do I was exhausted by day’s end for a week. The revelation regarding my nemesis, Koveli-Xue, was initially kept a secret between the members of Naga Team and Zoe. I had to keep my circle small – loose lips sink ships. I couldn’t keep it that way forever, though, and soon decided to bring in my allies.
I had a sit down with Maxine, Hieron, Tac, Fel’negr and Kekkin. I had to talk about the Corporate threat on my crew, and how best to deal with it. These few people seemed the best equipped, the people I trusted most, with the experience and mentality to out think them.
“Why isn’t Martine Lenser here?” asked Max before we started.
I waved dismissively. “It was a tough call. I need to be able to trust her, but I can’t rule her out just yet.”
“Bullshit. If she was going to cause trouble, she’s had more than enough access and opportunity.”
“I wanted to get everyone’s opinion first before I start widening the circle.”
“I vouch for Naga Team,” said Kekkin, jabbing the table fiercely.
“I also trust them, completely,” I countered, “That’s why you’re here. I wanted to keep it tight, for now.”
“I agree,” said Hieron, “Best keep it small for now. We can vote more people in as we go, but conspiracies do well to keep their numbers low.”
“This is hardly a conspiracy,” said Fel, “We’re just discussing how best to counter a threat to the Restitution.”
“Then why all the theatrics? We’re in a dark room, in a hotel, with government guards outside the door.”
“Sorry,” I said, “It does seem a little dramatic. I can turn the lights on if you’re getting a little scared?”
Hieron barked out a laugh and tried to kick me under the table. “You little shit.”
“In all seriousness, though, we need to know a few things…”
“The level of threat posed by the Corporates,” broke in Tac.
I nodded. “That and if there is any link between the attempt on my life and any espionage we find on the ship.”
“You think the hit was anything other than the Captain of the Blade of Xerxes getting payback?” asked Max.
“In all likelihood, that’s exactly what it is. I can’t rule it out as a distraction, though. What was the situation like in the first few weeks of my coma? What were the crew doing? Any incidents that didn’t make sense, or were suspicious?”
“I’ve gone through the logs several times,” said Tac, “I cannot find anything amiss. I must say, however, that Professor Gaston is a most formidable obstacle for anyone attempting to gain legal access to the Drive, let alone unauthorised.”
“What about when he would finish up for the day? When he retired for the night?”
Hieron laughed again, “You haven’t been down there yet, have you?”
“Why?” I asked.
“The man sleeps down there. Probably spoons his lab equipment.”
I blinked. “You mean he doesn’t leave the ship?”
“He doesn’t leave the engineering spaces.”
“A most dedicated individual,” said Fel.
“Meals?” I asked.
“He sends me out to get them,” said Tac, “and he consumes them while we work. If he remembers to eat at all.”
“Okay, so how would we gain access to the Drive, if we were Corporate agents?” I said, looking around the table.
“Wouldn’t need access to the Drive, just access to the Professors notes,” said Hieron.
“Strike before duty shift. In and out in two minutes,” said Kekkin, poking the table once more.
“And we’d be able to tell that it happened. Which means they haven’t done that, yet,” said Max.
“Okay, how would you defend against an assault like that?” I said, looking at Kekkin.
“Security checkpoints, manned sensor stations, un-networked automated turrets and knock-out fields.”
“Like what they use in prisons?” I asked.
Kekkin nodded. “And double guards.”
I rubbed my chin, thinking hard.
“You know,” said Max, “The bitch would know how it would be done.”
“Artemis?” I said, surprised.
“This seems right up her alley.”
“Fierce woman, that,” said Kekkin, admiration clear in his voice.
“Okay, so we can defend against an overt assault,” I said, “but what about while we’re underway? We’re due to launch next week. Although we can keep the Drive secured, we have no way of maintaining that level of security around the Professor indefinitely.”
“That would probably be the better time for a covert attempt,” said Hieron, “While everyone is busy with the shakedown cruise. A lot more people on board then, a lot of busy people. It’s when I would do it.”
“How can we screen the crew?” I asked.
“Warrior does not believe one of the Ambrose people would do it,” said Kekkin, “Been through too much together.”
“Don’t think the Corporates wouldn’t try and flip one of them,” warned Hieron, “There’s no telling what someone would do, for the promise of a lot of credits.”
“I agree with the First Sergeant,” said Fel, shaking his head, “Those people strike me as rather exceptional. Resourceful, talented and devoted. Most of all, loyal. They’ve had no need for credits for most of their lives, and signing on to the Restitution ensures that won’t change for some time.”
“So…someone not part of the Gossamer family, then?” I said.
“Records indicate that ninety-seven crewmembers were not recruited from the survivors of the assault on Ambrose Station,” said Tac.
“That’s a lot of people,” said Hieron, “but doable. We can look into their backgrounds – maybe identify some likely suspects. Bring that number down to a more manageable figure.”
“What about this…Policy Officer?” asked Max.
“Lieutenant Reza’k?” I said, “What do you want to know?”
“What is she? What’s her role? You say this Stirges character sent her in as a spy.”
“Not a spy – an observer and advisor.”
“In what?”
“Well…er, policy,” I said, rubbing the back o
f my neck.
“Goiki not work for Corporate calak,” said Kekkin, “But definitely not ally.”
Maxine canted her head to one side. “Goiki? I’ve not heard that word before.”
“Thought stealer,” he said, with a look of disdain.
“Admiral Stirges thought that having a telepath on board in case we make first contact would be advantageous,” I explained.
Maxine gave me a cynical look. “And he took the opportunity to insert one of his own into your crew to monitor you?”
“Something like that. I haven’t had much to do with her, yet. Kekkin has had the most contact with her. What’s your take on her?”
“Pah,” he said, waving us off.
“What’s that mean?” I said.
“Woman has big head. Too many demands, too many orders. Let Crege escort her around ship.”
Maxine laughed. “She sounds like my kind of woman. When do we get to meet her?”
That gave me an idea. “You know, that might actually work for us. Max, can you befriend her? Take her under your wing?” I looked at Kekkin, “No pun intended.”
“Why?” asked Max, “What would that achieve?”
“If we can get her on our side, control what she communicates with Stirges, we can mitigate any damage he can cause through her. Moreover, we can use her against the Corporate threat.”
Hieron snapped his fingers, “Brilliant! We can have her look through the crew’s minds looking for any betrayers!”
“Actually,” interrupted Fel, “That’s not how telepaths work, Hieron.”
“They don’t?” said both Hieron and Kekkin at the same time. Okay, so did I.
“The limits to telepathy mean a telepath is only able to discern feelings and emotive states, not thoughts. Stirges is correct, regarding first contact, a telepath would be a valuable tool in learning to communicate with intelligent life. But as far as using one to scan the crew…she would have to be present when the individual is committing the act, or thinking strongly about it.”
“What about if someone is accused of working for the Corporates?” I said.
“That would indeed generate strong feelings about the accusation. If it were false, the crewmember would feel a great deal of confusion and hurt. If it were true, however, shock and fear would be the most prevalent emotion. Even if the agent is well trained and able to hide their initial shock, the increased emotional stress should be detectable by a telepath. It might be possible. We should speak with her about it, she would know more about these matters than I.”
I turned to Kekkin. “You said she wouldn’t be working for the Corporates, before. Why are you certain?”
He ran a hand along his beak. “She’s descended from Urlakah.”
I looked around the table, I wasn’t the only one confused.
“Reference acquired,” said Tac, “Year of New Atlantis, 1342. Primarily Garz’a population of Planet Urlakah, Huk-tah System, is involved in an incident with Galactic Corporation Renata Unlimited. Biological research facility undergoes a breach of failsafe resulting in widespread infection and loss of life. Urlakah Planetary Council opts to attack local Renata Unlimited presence in retaliation, instead of seeking reparations through Protectorate Treaties…”
“Is Garz’a way,” said Kekkin, “Lawyers, no good.”
“…Renata Unlimited responds. Remaining Garz’a population suffer 87% casualties before Protectorate intervention. Planet deemed uninhabitable thereafter.”
“That was a long time ago,” I said, “nearly two hundred years. And besides, if the planet was uninhabitable after…”
“Her family came from Urlakah,” he said, “Racial memory is long, a warrior never forgets. An Urlakah warrior would never do a Corporate’s bidding.”
“It’s a stretch…” said Max.
“No, I think he’s right,” said Hieron, “I know Garz’a. They never forget a grudge. Good enough for me.”
Kekkin nodded to Hieron in respect.
“All right, if everyone is in agreeance, we bring her into the fold,” I said. I looked around the table and after a few moments of contemplation, everyone nodded.
“I’ll start getting cosy with her,” said Max.
“It will have to be genuine affection,” warned Fel, “Or she will sense your duplicity.”
“Shouldn’t be too hard, I’m fascinated with female Garz’a beauty. Such vibrant colours!” she said, and I could see the idea excited her.
“That leaves the other thing,” I said ominously.
“The Blade of Xerxes,” said Hieron.
“I thought we were done with that ugly ship,” said Max.
The old man laughed, “I liked having powerful enemies – it made me feel important. You got yourself a right bastard there, lad.”
“So what do we do?” I asked, my hands flat on the table.
“Can the Restitution stand up to the Blade of Xerxes in a fight?” asked Fel.
I shrugged, “Maybe. We’re a lot more nimble than the Xerxes, but it will only take one or two hits to finish us with that railgun. It never got close enough to us to use anything else, so I’ve no idea of any other armaments. I’m not sure this is what the Admiralty had in mind when they gave me a ship, though. Not attacking Corporate interests.”
“What do the treaties say about these matters?” asked Fel.
I rubbed my chin. “Another question for Lt Reza’k. Policy is exactly why she’s here. Officially, that is. My understanding is that the Protectorate has rigid guidelines drawn up in how to deal with them. The Corporations police themselves, or at least each other, while the Protectorate ensures all factions can use the Jump Gates freely. An attack on a Protectorate asset, such as myself, might be enough provocation to launch an assault, so long as it’s not targeting the entire Corporation. I think. It would be a good project to get the crew working together. We’d need a decent plan…”
“What are the chances they’d fall for the same trick twice?” asked Maxine, a sly grin on her face.
“What do you mean?” I asked.
Kekkin shared her grin, answering for her. “Naga Team can insert, take out weapons. Restitution move in and issue Protectorate warrant.”
“I believe I can assist,” said Tac, “I still have the deck plans of the Xerxes stored.”
“Can you do that, though?” asked Hieron, “Use a warranty, I mean?”
“I can,” I replied, “One of the powers vested in me as a Commander. I have proof that Koveli-Xue struck at Protectorate assets – me – and traced the command back to the ship. I can call for the arrest of the Captain. When I apply for it, I’ll also include my suspicions regarding the Corporate – Ghantri connection. No doubt the Admiralty will want to ask a few of their own questions regarding this.”
“How likely do you think that connection is real?” asked Fel’negr.
I shrugged, looking around the table. “It answers a lot of unanswered questions. How did the Ghantri plan to infiltrate the Network with their converts? How would they gain intel on Protectorate assets? From what I can tell, none have ever set foot outside of their star system, they won’t know where to hit or with how much firepower.”
“There have never been any reports of a Corporate presence within the exclusion zone,” said Max.
Hieron grunted. “Plenty before the Betrayal, though. The colony on Nsarri was financed entirely by several Corporations.”
An idea struck me. “I wonder if we can find out which Corporations had an interest in Gossamer before the attack. Are there any records of licenses from Nsarri?”
“Indeed,” reported Tac after a moment, “Retrieving a list of interested parties now…DonCrest Corporation, Fen-Harn Galactic, Solonyd Dynamics, Koveli-Xue Corporation, Inteli-Dyne Automation Systems. All five had controlling shares in the Nsarri Colony industrial and commercial projects.”
“What about research and development?” I asked, “I was told there was a scientific community there.”
“Both
DonCrest and Koveli-Xue had R and D facilities scheduled for construction,” said Tac, “Through subsidiaries, of course.”
“There’s our link, then,” I said, rapping the table lightly with my knuckle, “That’s a viable means, and motive. I’m sure I can get Jalabir to sign off on it.”
Hieron grinned. “Never got the opportunity to bag me a Corporate before.”
“Should an accident happen while in our custody…” started Max.
“I don’t think we can do that,” I said, “We’ll need to play this straight. Jalabir needs to know I can be trusted with this. If I serve him up, Jalabir will probably use it as a warning against other Corporate threats.”
“Why pander to him?” asked Hieron, “You already got the ship, just doing your mission against the grubs should be all the brass needs to trust you.”
“I have a feeling things are going to get a lot more complicated in the future, I’m going to need all the allies I can get if I’m going to be an effective Commander for the Protectorate.”
“If this is how it’s going to go, then I have something that may help,” said Max, “We’ve been busy while you were asleep.”
Fel started smiling. “Indeed.”
“What am I missing?” I said, looking between the two of them.
“I’ve had Mel and Fel working on a replacement for the Stealth Module we borrowed from the Astral Spider.”
“How?”
“That Votus, he’s got the heart of a pirate,” she said, “Once he accepted his role on the ship, he took to it with determination. He still had early designs of the prototype, and by using Zoe and Dr Montannis’ data from Gossamer System they were able to duplicate it. Sort of. Mostly.”
“There are some issues we’ve yet to work out,” apologised Fel, “As we’ve had to do without Tac’s extensive computational abilities since he’s been working with Professor Gaston.”
“If you need him, I can make sure his time is split between you both?”
“We would only need him for a few days, at most. I think we either need a specialised AI to run the nanite controller, or install Tac into the Sensor Nexus on the Dreaming whenever we wish to use the module.”
“I would be fascinated to assist,” said Tac.
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