“Unbelievable,” Toolkit muttered. “Absolute chaos!” “You won't believe this,” Reed started.
“Cain has completely destroyed the Delphinus Major
Interstellar Gate, as well as the Pleiades Ancillary connecting Interstellar Gate--and I don't know how many freighters, tugs and Corporate Security shuttles, as well,” Toolkit reported. Toolkit's words seemed to hang in the room, followed by a long silence.
“Not to mention the isolation of all those on the other
side of the gate,” Kutch added.
“Plunkgrease,” Alex muttered. Kutch nodded his
agreement. The sentiment appeared to be shared by all in
the room, from the look of shock in everyone's eyes. “Now what?” Kutch asked.
“I don't know,” Reed offered first.
“I have a lot of data to analyze. I need to understand
what they're doing and how,” Toolkit owned up. “I can help,” Rhys offered.
“We can too,” Kutch suggested. Alex nodded in
agreement.
Reed looked over to Troy. “I guess we're all helping?”
*** Presley1285 discretely passed another update to Anthony by way of subtle hand gestures. There would be no doubt their standard communications were being monitored, standing outside of the Great Hall, waiting for another encounter with Board Member Diathon. A staff member scurried up the hall toward the main entry giving Presley1285 and Anthony a worried glance.
“Excuse me,” Anthony approached. The female staff member shook her head and proceeded towards the entry, then turned just before walking in with an apologetic look. “Emergency session--” she offered before closing the door. A soft thud echoed down the long hall, punctuating her statement.
The devastation must be true, Anthony gestured. Our reports are accurate, Presley1285 signaled back, keeping the movements as natural as possible.
I am still certain I can exploit this in some fashion, Anthony replied.
Then we wait, Presley1285 suggested.
“We wait, my friend,” Anthony said, knowing full well someone other than Presley1285 would be listening.
*** For the first time in several years, more than half of the active Galactic Board Members were physically present at a meeting, and the rest present through holographic projections.
“The shares lost in the devastation are--”
“UNCALCULABLE, SIR!” Wierre interrupted Board Member Torrance. The room erupted in banter from all members.
“Members, PLEASE!” Diathon attempted to bring the room back to order for the sixth or seventh time--he had lost count.
“The final numbers have not been calculated,” Torrance continued.
“This is beginning to unbalance the intricacies of the Shares Trust and economic infrastructure,” Board Member, Prymori stated from her holographic image. “Total collapse is imminent! This cannot be allowed to continue!”
The room burst into unconstrained shouting and banter between Board Members. Diathon and Torrance gathered with members Drake and Joanna to a corner of the room--a tactic that was often effective in quieting a session that was out of order. Unruly members would see a caucus forming and perceive a conspiracy of exclusion, then quiet down to await options; after a few minutes the tactic was effective and the Great Hall quieted.
Diathon stepped to the center. “My fellow Members, once a full investigation and report has been returned by Corporate Security, we will be better informed and able to take the appropriate actions.”
“THERE MUST BE AN ACCOUNTING FOR BLAME!” Wierre shouted from across the Great Hall.
“Yes, yes,” Diathon agreed. “An accounting for blame will be assessed, but only when we have sufficient evidence to take that action.”
“But we HAVE sufficient evidence,” Prymori said, as she guided her holographic image to take center position within the room.
Diathon stepped aside to accommodate. “State your evidence then.” Diathon relented the floor.
“You think you have the only viable sources of information that can be trusted Diathon...but we all have our own trusted sources. Through my own staff investigations, we have found that blame must be directed toward Corporate Security, specifically, the Department,” Prymori directed.
“Reclamations would be impossible to recover,” Torrance argued. “Corporate Security and the Department derive their appropriations through Corporate Finance.”
“My calculations, based on my staff investigations conclude Duissis to be accountable. Blame must be placed on Duissis,” Board Member, Raldron interjected from his holographic image.
“You would hold the Duissis Council of Twelve accountable?” Diathon asked.
“Vaudi holds the contract--the Council of Twelve have influence over his actions, and have resources to repay the shares accountable. Reclamation is assured,” Raldron argued.
“You would hold a man accountable, simply for abiding to the terms of a contract with Corporate, and approved by the Galactic Board?” Rubura stepped forward and asked. “And in what way has Vaudi acquired accountability for this disaster at the Pleiades Ancillary Interstellar Gate, transport hub?”
“I have received reports that Elvonians are assisting rogue Earth humans,” Raldron explained. “This whole incident is the fault of former Board Member, Anthony--an admitted Elvonian! Vaudi is harboring a fugitive.”
“Neither Anthony's involvement with Elvonians, nor Vaudi's association with Anthony, holds any validity of accountability from either toward this incident,” Rubura stated.
“Even if found true, Anthony has no further authority, position or assets--reclamation would be impossible,” Torrance explained.
“Vaudi would be held accountable for Anthony's involvement,” Raldron pressed. “Duissis, by default, would be held accountable for Vaudi's transactions and obligations--as well as those acting as agents on his behalf.”
“Such an action would go through mediation--which could last years,” Diathon affirmed. “Taking many years further for proper reclamation.”
“We cannot sit and do nothing!” Prymori argued.
“That is a certainty,” Diathon agreed. “Hundreds of trillions of shares are at stake. Losses must be mitigated in order to protect the Shares Trust and economic infrastructure. I will submit for vote, that the Galactic Board obtain the latest data from Corporate Security and the Department. This will give the Board the best opportunity to derive an appropriate accountability for reclamation.”
The room fell silent, but after a few moments, ten green approval lights and one lone red light, illuminated above each of the Board Member’s formal seating area within the Great Hall. Raldron's holographic image flickered out--the red light remained, indicating his displeasure.
*** Huir closed the communications tap on the Great Hall then turned to Roth. “Your personal appearance with Councilor Vaudi will be the finishing touch. You know what to do,” Huir commanded.
“As you wish,” Roth's reply was dry.
***
“Damage reports,” Cain demanded.
“One Class D shuttle, plus eight Trupes on board destroyed, as well as the Class A super freighter,” Lluxi reported. “Trupes on the freighter?” Cain asked.
“Four Hundred, thirty-five Trupes and sixteen Caps. Recently promoted K'nal Strue was on board as well,” Lluxi announced.
“Supplies?”
“The Class A super freighter carried over eighty-three percent of the recently resupplied rations.” Lluxi's answers were cold. The loss of over a third of the Trupes, coupled with the drastic loss of supplies weighed heavily on his mind.
Cain went over the telemetry fed through his necklace. The Interstellar Gate required for the next leg was still over seventy hours travel away. The region of space that was the Pleiades Ancillary Interstellar Gate Transport Hub, encompassed an area the size of a small solar system. The twenty-two Interstellar Gates required plenty of room between gate facilities to reduce distortions wit
hin the surrounding fabric of space. The center of the region was full of repair depots, ships in storage, ships awaiting destination orders and through traffic--in all, hundreds of thousands of freighters and smaller support craft.
Cain's supplied coordinates guided the remaining four ships through the maze, changing registry beacons every few minutes. He also kept a close monitoring of the influx of Corporate Security craft entering the hub, continuing their search for his ships. Though the Pleiades Ancillary Interstellar Gate Transport Hub was large, Cain had a distinct feeling of being crowded. That feeling would soon be remedied.
***
“That's just wrong!” Toolkit argued. Rhys looked over the data-loop once more. “I believe my findings are accurate.”
“Yes, yes, your analysis is correct. He's completely misusing the technology!” Toolkit clarified. Everyone gathered back around to see.
“What are you two talking about?” Reed asked.
“Cain! He's misusing the transport beam equipment on board the freighters--even the shuttles,” Toolkit complained.
“How so?” Kutch asked.
“He's configured them to simply dissolve small portions, causing hull breaches; ultimately, causing catastrophic failures and destroying the ships,” Toolkit explained.
Rhys positioned a laser stylus to a segment of the holographic data-loop they were analyzing, bringing that portion into a larger view and directed toward Toolkit's attention. Toolkit refocused his optics on the region. “Well, of course. That's what happens when you abuse equipment.” Toolkit turned to everyone standing around, as though they would understand.
Rhys was the only person not returning a blank stare. “The power coils for the transport beam conductors are showing extreme fatigue, particularly extensive, on the smaller unit, on board the Class D shuttle,” Rhys explained. Toolkit nodded his approval for the answer he thought was too obvious.
“Well, misusing equipment does sound like something Cain would do,” Alex admitted.
“Can you tell from the data-loop, where they're heading?” Reed asked.
“Once the Class A super freighter exploded, along with the Interstellar Gate, the data-stream was compromised,” Toolkit replied. “I've begun a new search sequence--I should have something as soon as I can get a new data-stream locked.”
*** Commander Roth stood alone on a large viewing portal platform, overlooking the grand courtyard, the center-piece of the floating city of Ramacia Duiss, with a current position nine hundred meters over the equatorial Sea of Duissian Minor, on Duissis Prime. Touted as the most magnificent city in the universe, Roth felt the décor was ostentatious and overrated. Every structure was coruscated with brilliant white features, and silver or gold accents, exemplifying a serious lack of Corporate restraint or regulation. The longer he waited, the more Roth found the floating city to be both pretentious and disturbing.
The large entry burst open, as several assistants poured through announcing Vaudi's grand entrance. “Commander Roth,” Vaudi greeted through the small crowd. He waved for his assistants to leave, and as quickly, they all retreated from the viewing platform.
“Councilor Vaudi,” Roth returned as polite as he felt able, although the greeting was still very cold.
“I assume you have some news of great importance, that a personal appearance by someone of your stature is warranted?” Vaudi stated, not withholding his excitement, as he stepped alongside Roth. Vaudi appeared to enjoy the view, and animated his pleasure to Roth with a gesture.
Roth took the cue. “Yes, wonderful. I have news--but I must be candid--not pleasant news.”
“Oh? How so?”
“It has come to our attention, that someone in your employ may not be representing your best interests,” Roth announced.
“Someone in my employ? Specifically?”
“Anthony,” Roth affirmed.
“Anthony? Are you certain?”
“Conversations--have been, shall we say-
compromised.”
“You mean, private negotiations have been tapped by Corporate Security,” Vaudi pressed, showing little emotion. Vaudi watched Roth's jaw muscles flex--knowing full-well, Corporate Security standard operational procedures.
“I am only at liberty to say that conversations have been--compromised,” Roth reiterated with a tight jaw.
“And you, or those entities who have compromised the private negotiations, find my interests are--in some fashion, not being upheld,” Vaudi clarified, as though required.
“Correct,” Roth answered.
Vaudi stared out from the platform for a few moments. “I find this very interesting--quite the puzzlement.”
“Indeed,” Roth attempted to pursue a position of compassion.
“Quite a puzzlement indeed--that Corporate Security would have a heteromorphic preoccupation with the contractual dealings involving Duissis?”
“There are certain entities that feel a professional obligation to discretely disclose information that would otherwise be held in confidence. Information that would appear to be contrary to the welfare of a well respected and highly regarded business associate,” Roth attempted to apply a liberal tone of sympathy.
“And this information involves orphic negotiations between Anthony and--”
“A member of high position--who will remain masked-for privacy and security reasons, of course.”
Vaudi nodded, returning his gaze toward the massive courtyard. “Of course. You, I assume--will provide some form of indisputable evidence.”
Azis2 shared the audio file over an internal link. Vaudi acknowledged with another nod. “If you would indulge me a few moments to analyze this for myself?” Vaudi turned away to listening to the audio file internally.
Roth nodded in agreement, holding back the hint of a grin.
*** ::I believe I have completed my analysis of the requested ancient words,:: Sid announced. Kutch had nearly forgot about the data Toolkit and Rhys had asked him to look over, with all the excitement going on at the Pleiades Ancillary connecting Interstellar Gate.
::Please present on center view internally,:: Kutch requested. He was already sitting off in a dark corner of Toolkit's workspace and closed his eyes to enter his internal command center. Sid was becoming more proficient at the job of personal AI, and getting Kutch connected internally, but he still missed Li and even Jade.
::Sovereignty—also jurisdiction, rule, supremacy--Aki-to have authority over. To govern,:: Sid explained.
::Interesting. What era is the word?::Kutch asked.
::Utilizing the off-line data storage available from the Elvonian archives, coupled with some of Captain Roth's off-line data pods, the word 'sovereignty' was last officially utilized in documentation dating back prior to 3865,:: Sid answered.
::And the word--Aki?::
::Definition unknown at this time, however, first references date to 3824.::
::The Elvonian off-line archives and the off-line data from Captain Roth appear to corroborate each other?::
::Yes, there are several over-lapping official documents regarding Corporate and Tri-Con United.::
::Please gather all documentation from that era utilizing the word 'sovereignty' and 'Aki.' Were there any documents regarding that material--::
::Tri-Sphali-Lonsdaleite,:: Sid offered.
::That. If you can, I would suspect there will be some kind of connection, or--the universes largest
coincidence,:: Kutch mused as he looked over more of the data on center view.
::I have also been researching all data collected through our conversations with Proto,::Sid offered.
::I'm sure he would have something to add,:: Kutch agreed. ::We may very well need to find a way back there, for another talk with Proto--and soon.::
Alex walked over to see Kutch with his eyes closed and his head back against a bulkhead. “HEY! You can't be sleeping now!” Alex startled Kutch.
“Huh? Uh, no--I wasn't sleeping. Sid has been analyzing that ancient
word, 'sovereignty,'” Kutch defended, sitting up. “What's the matter?”
“Toolkit says he's got another announcement. Rhys is setting up a holographic projection for demonstration.”
“I may have something to announce too,” Kutch grinned.
*** Vaudi paused the audio file after listening a few times through. His personal AI, Ushi completed the voice-print analysis--confirming Anthony's voice. The other voice, was altered and distorted beyond recognition, even through in-depth analysis.
“I can see where this compromised conversation might appear disturbing,” Vaudi admitted.
“Councilor, I have been personally sent to relay a certain 'entity's' concerns,” Roth, once again, attempted a tone of sympathy.
“I understand Commander; however--” Vaudi paused for a deep resigning breath. “I have known Anthony for many thousands of years. We have dealt in many contracts and negotiations, some more favorable than others, but all decidedly profitable--”
“Certain entities, though--” Roth tried to interrupt.
“I have known you for a much lesser extent, Commander--through many ranks, as well. I would trust Anthony's negotiation skills by far, over you or your concerned 'Corporate entity.' That this is of Corporate concern, makes me believe Anthony is, indeed, doing exactly as I instructed him.” Vaudi watched Roth's jaw muscles flexing, showing a temperament less than diplomatic. “Please assure your--'entity'--that I am very grateful for the insight, and will take the appropriate action on my own accord as I deem necessary.” Vaudi turned to leave the platform. “Commander Roth, please...remain and enjoy the view as long as you wish. I must depart now, I have genuine pressing matters to attend--you do understand?” Vaudi did not wait for Roth's reply, certain the commander had been denigrated quite enough for one day.
*** Director Huir's holographic image appeared next to Board Member Torrance in the center of the Great Hall. “The Corporate Security extract report has been uploaded to each of your work-links. Any questions will be addressed to me.”
“This report continues to hold Elvonians directly responsible. Yet, there is still a significant lack of evidence to corroborate that conclusion,” Torrance informed Huir without hesitation.
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