by Ben Winston
“Just asking for information purposes, I had no idea what House you were part of, my apologies,” Reaper said. “Can you tell me what you believe to be the origins of the Heavy Cruiser Star Dancer to be?”
“The TDF Star Dancer was built and christened at the Pleiades One facility located here in Sol Sector by House Heracin. She was the first of a new type of advanced cruiser built by the facility. She was later subverted by rebels that are trying to break away from House and Council rule," Belirus replied. “What does all this have to do with your illegal actions?”
“Sir, with respect, and I do mean that,” Reaper said, looking him in the eyes. “It is now obvious to me, at the least, that we are not the ones that have been lied to. I swear on my life, Sir, the information you have is not even close to the truth,” Reaper replied. “With you permission, I think I might even be able to prove it to you.”
“Who are you trooper?” Belirus asked, calmly.
“Major Jene Grimm, Sir, of the Raptor Io,” Reaper replied. “My call sign is Reaper.”
The Admiral looked confused for a moment. “What the hell is a ‘raptor’?”
“Please excuse me for one moment, Sir,” Reaper asked. “Io, this is Reaper, Command and Control secured. Objective secured."
Elapsed mission time; three minutes, twenty seconds. One minute longer than projected.
Since the Titan’s assault was still underway, (the objectives had chronologically overlapped) Reaper’s announcement did not end the Raptor Mission. End of Mission was filed when Titan completed his objectives, resulting in an overall elapsed mission time of nine minutes, forty-nine seconds. Five minutes, eleven seconds under projected mission time.
Chapter Thirteen
Pleiades One Station, Heavy Cruiser Adonis (Docked)
High orbit, Planet Atlas, (Centauri A IV)
Centauri System
Sol Sector
Raptor Io team leader Major Gene ‘Reaper’ Hastings, Commanding (Temporary)
Reaper ordered the command staff to be removed to the station detention area, but asked that the Admiral be allowed to remain for the time being. Sitting in the command briefing room, Belirus looked at the two Raptor team members.
This whole idea of a Raptor team was terrifying. Did Goya and his people here really create such a team? To Belirus, it was further proof that Goya and the rest of High Command were completely insane.
“Major, you said you thought you could prove I’ve been lied to. Whatever you have planned better be damned convincing,” the man replied.
Reaper nodded. “I can understand that, Sir. As for my proof, I would like to have your own ship’s engineers reconnect your ships AI. Once that’s completed, I would like you to question him or her, as to the history of this sector,” Reaper explained. “Be sure to precede your request by instructing the AI to use current onboard data only, and not to request any information from any other data source.”
Belirus thought about that for a moment and nodded agreement. “He was taken off line in case we needed to engage in combat here. The information he has in memory would predate my own, so I can see what you are trying to do. What if he confirms my information, and not yours?”
“Then I will order the crew released, surrender myself and my team to you for prosecution,” Reaper replied. “I am willing to bet that he has never even heard of Sol Sector."
Belirus nodded, but asked. “How many of my crew were killed?” In the few short minutes since the team secured his ship, Belirus had come to realize that this man truly believed he was on the side of right in this mess. The Admiral could tell he was trustworthy, and honorable.
Reaper sighed. “Sir, I regret to inform you that we lost one of your crewmen during the forced landing in Alpha Bay. He was simply too close to the ship when the Titan emitted its stun pulse, and it overloaded his brain. At least, he didn't feel pain.”
Belirus nodded. “Who else?”
“That’s it, Sir, we managed to stun everyone else. We really wanted to make it as bloodless as possible, but accidents like what happened in Alpha Bay are sometimes unavoidable,” Reaper explained regrettably.
“You mean to tell me, you took my entire ship with only one fatality?” Surely his Marines had to have at least put up enough of a resistance to result in some casualties.
“Sir, this is what we are trained to do. If you had been an enemy ship that we didn’t have override codes for, there would have been hundreds of casualties. As it was, we tried to do it without hurting anyone. After speaking to you, I'm damn glad we went to the extremes we did to make sure of it.” Reaper explained. “I would have seriously regretted killing people over something as stupid as this misunderstanding is."
That was almost harder for Belirus to accept than the existence of the Raptor teams. How could an entire heavy cruiser fall to sixteen specially trained soldiers, and a platoon of Marines? Especially with only one casualty, and that being an accident!
Belirus nodded his acceptance. “For what it’s worth, I’m very pleased you stunned everyone. Although, treason does carry the maximum penalty, so if you prove to be right, they are all going to die anyway.”
Reaper shook his head. “No they won’t. I’ve already started working on that. In fact, I’m waiting for a call from my superiors demanding an explanation for my orders, as well as the arrival of the other Raptor Commander. Raptor Commanders, such as myself, have a limited authority during missions. I exercised mine in this situation. None of the prisoners taken during this mission are being charged yet, they are simply being held in protective custody pending the outcome of our investigation here.”
Scotty chose that time to arrive at the conference room. “Sorry I’m late, I wanted to see to arrangements for the man that was killed when we landed. What’s going on Reaper?"
Reaper quickly filled him in on everything she’d learned during her part of the mission. Once Scotty learned of the status of the Admiral, he turned and saluted the man. “My apologies, Sir. I didn’t know what your status was when I arrived. Please forgive my rudeness.”
Belirus was taken aback by the sudden change in the man and returned the salute. “That’s fine, Major. I’m pretty confused by all this myself."
“Sir,” Iona said addressing Reaper. “Command would like to know if you have time to answer a few questions about the mission."
Reaper nodded. “Can you project the hologram in here?”
She nodded. “I can, Sir, one moment.” She closed her eyes, and Ian’s form took shape sitting at one of the chairs at the table. Next to him, Admirals Goya and Pan also took form. Finally, Councilor Noren, and another man also joined them.
Reaper saluted Ian and the Admirals. “Sirs, for those who don’t know him, may I introduce Admiral Belirus of House Cronos. I am Major Jene Grimm of the Raptor Io, call sign 'Reaper’ and this is my counterpart from the Raptor Titan, Major Scott McCandless, call sign ‘Scotty'.”
Ian thanked her and in turn introduced everyone that was with him. “Now that we all know each other, would you care to explain the orders you issued regarding the crew of the Adonis?”
As Reaper opened her mouth to begin, Scotty cut her off. “Sir, with respect, I would like to officially endorse Reapers orders concerning the detainees.”
“So noted,” Ian replied. “Now, please continue, Reaper.”
“Thank you, Sir,” Reaper said. “Upon capturing the bridge of the Heavy Cruiser Adonis, I received testimony from Admiral Belirus concerning his actions during his mission here. He is telling the whole truth with respect to his omission of the existence of the remainder of his fleet. Sir, his actions, and he still firmly believes in them, are based on information given to him that was, at best, erroneous.” Reaper took a deep breath and continued. “I exercised Raptor Command initiative to prevent formal charges of treason to be filed against him and his crew until we have concluded our investigation of the information that was given to the Admiral prior to his departure for this mission. The possi
bility exists the rogue elements of the Talosian fleet are operating under the same false information.”
“Excuse me, Major, but how do you know I spoke the truth?” Admiral Belirus asked.
“I’m afraid I cannot tell you that, Admiral. That information is classified as well,” Reaper replied smiling in apology at him.
Belirus nodded. “I understand, Major. Thank you for telling me.”
“No offense, Belirus, but that was almost cordial. That is very unlike you,” Pan said. “You’re abrasive to the point of rudeness.”
“Admiral, Major Grimm is one of the very few people I know to be honorable and completely trustworthy.” He snorted. “Don't ask me to explain it, because I can’t. But I know she has gone out of her way to make sure this mess gets cleared up with as little bloodletting as possible. Although you are currently my superiors, I never got that feeling from any of you.”
“Because of your actions, you will be charged once we return...” Goya began.
“Please excuse my interruption, Admiral. With respect, the Admiral will not be charged with anything. He cannot be. He has acted according to the information he was given by sources he considers to be above reproach. Although his actions are indeed treasonous, he is not guilty of treason. Currently, the Admiral is under my protection, and will remain so until I am certain of his guilt or innocence. If I can prove he is truly guilty, I will remand him to my Commander along will all my information for prosecution or extradition. However, if he is indeed free of guilt or collusion, I will again present my findings to my commander before releasing him,” Reaper explained. “That same condition applies to his crew. I have already sent a preliminary report to the Raptors Damocles, Gemini, and Apache, so they are aware of the situation, and can proceed accordingly."
“Under what authority do you claim those rights, Major?” Goya asked. It was clear he didn’t like what he was hearing.
“Raptor Command rules of execution and engagement Sir. Until we release this mission, we have complete authority to proceed in the method in which we see fit to resolve and therefore complete our mission,” Reaper explained. “Sir, I do have to inform my commander of my progress and decisions, however, until this matter is resolved, the only authority that matters is ours.” Reaper nodded at the pissed off Goya. “I’m sorry Sir, I thought you knew about this before we were sent. We also have the authority to execute those found guilty of a capital offence regardless of rank or social position. In other words, if I knew that Councilor Noren had killed someone, or had done it in front of me. I could execute her for the crime.”
Ian held up his hand to stop the explanation. “We can discuss the merits of the Raptor team mandates later. For now, I need to know why the prisoners would not be released to us. Now I know. How do you plan to proceed, Reaper?”
“I plan to allow the Adonis techs to reconnect the AI so the Admiral can ask it a few questions. At that point, I will know how to better complete this mission,” Reaper replied. "If you would like, I can make periodic reports on what we discover as we proceed.”
“Understood, Reaper. Scotty, do you still wish to back Reaper on this?” Ian asked.
“Yes Commander. This needs to be resolved before it tears the Talosian people apart,” Scotty replied. “We’ll see this through to the end. After all is said and done, that’s where our duty lies.”
“Very well, keep us posted,” Ian replied and then cut the connection.
“I don’t think they cared for your answers. You may have some problems when the smoke clears from this,” Belirus said.
“No Sir, this is the reason Raptor teams were formed to begin with. Yes, we are strong; we have the latest weapons, and we train endlessly to keep our edge. But like Scotty told the Commander, at the end of the day, it the duty of a Raptor team to stand between the darkness and the light. Even if it is difficult to tell which one is which," Reaper said.
The techs were more than happy to reactivate Adonis. They had felt that the decision to deactivate the powerful computer had been a mistake to begin with. They understood there was a reason for AI to be installed on the warships. They were there to keep the ship from being used against the Talosian people or their interests.
It actually only took them a few minutes to reactivate the AI. He had been completely shut down, not simply placed into a dormant mode, as was originally said. Belirus had been told the AI was simply dormant, and could be reactivated at a moment’s notice to assist in an emergency. The knowledge that he had been lied to about the status wasn’t lost on him, but accidents happen, and the lie could have been a simple miscommunication.
When Adonis was fully reactivated, the first thing he did was request an external connection so he could update himself to current events, it was denied.
“Adonis, this is Admiral Belirus. Do you remember me?”
“Of course, Sir. I am the AI of your Flagship after all,” Adonis replied.
“Yes, of course,” Belirus replied. “The reason you have been denied communications is only temporary, and because we need to make sure that your existing memory files are intact and not influenced by current information. Do you understand that?”
“Yes Admiral. An event has taken place that has altered official records. Since my records have not been updated since before the event, my records should be considered to be accurate. Is that correct?” the holographic avatar replied.
“Yes it is, thank you for understanding. Once this matter is clear up, we will allow you to update. Until then, I have a few questions for you. Some of them you might not be able to answer, and that is fine, just tell me so. However, under no circumstances are you to seek an external source for an answer,” Belirus said.
“Understood, Admiral. Before we proceed, might I know the identities of the two other individuals present so I know they have clearance?” Adonis replied. As per their agreement, Reaper and Scotty were both present, but allowed Belirus to ask his questions unhindered by them.
“I cannot tell you that until you are allowed to update, Adonis. However, on my authority and for the duration of this interview, I want you to consider both men to have the same access level I do. That is to say, information you are allowed to tell me, you are allowed to tell them,” Belirus replied.
“Again, I understand, Admiral. You may proceed when you are ready,” the powerful AI replied.
“Thank you, Adonis. To begin with, I would like for you to tell me everything you can about a remote House Heracin Colony in the Beta Quadrant, Solaris Sector.”
“Accessing, I’m sorry Admiral, no information exists for a House Heracin colony world, or any Talosian Colony world, in the Beta Quadrant. I have no navigational records charting this area of the Galaxy. As of the date of my information, it was assumed that this quadrant may contain more of the Benesian Hegemony. No other records exist,” the AI replied.
“What is the exact date of your last information update?” Belirus asked.
“Oh-seven-twenty-three hours, Riasta Third, seventy-one-ninety-two of the seventh era,” Adonis replied. “We are currently far outside the boarders of Talosian space."
Belirus was silent a moment, deep in thought. Scotty wrote something down on a piece of paper and slid it over to the Admiral who nodded.
“Adonis, please search for any reference to ‘Pleiades’ and or ‘Star Dancer’. Report findings,” the man asked.
“Searching,” Adonis replied. Three references found for the word ‘Pleiades’ were found. Unable to proceed for ‘Star Dancer’. Information restricted by Council Security mandate,” Adonis reported.
“Pleiades, first reference. Pleiades Mining Company is owned and operated by...”
“Skip reference, next please,” Belirus asked.
“Pleiades, second reference. Third era mythological beings said to have the ability to...”
“Skip, next please,” the Admiral asked again.
“Pleiades, third reference. According to the scribe Botharius, the Pleiades were a g
roup of female warriors specially trained by the Eastern Alliance. They specialized in counter espionage and...”
“Hold,” Belirus asked. “Adonis, is the Council restriction on any mention of the words Star Dancer, the only reference you could find?"
“There is only one reference, Admiral.” Adonis replied.
“What is the date of the mandate, and who was it signed by?” Belirus asked.
“The information was included in my last update. The mandate is signed by Councilor Amaraliss, Councilor Anewl and Councilor H’lonc.”
“Is access restricted, or completely denied?” Belirus asked.
“Completely denied. Information can only be released by order of the High Council,” Adonis replied.
“What do you know of the Planet Earth and the human colony there?” Belirus asked.
“Information restricted by Council Security mandate. No other information is available,” Adonis replied.
“Is it the same mandate?”
“Affirmative,” Adonis replied.
Belirus pursed his lips. “Adonis, do you know of any remote colonies that are either in rebellion, or are considered at risk of rebellion against the Council?”
“Negative information, sir. As of my last update, no civil uprisings of any kind had been reported.” Adonis replied.
“Adonis, listen very carefully. When you are allowed communications, do not contact Talos for it. Instead, please request permission from the Terran ship Star Dancer, and the TDF Cruiser Prometheus.
“Information originating from Talos is to be considered suspect at best,” Belirus sighed, and turned to the two officers that were with him. “I would like to return to my office so I may tender my resignation, and a formal letter of apology to High Command, as well as your ruling council, and Commander Williams.”
“Sir?” Reaper asked.
“Major, you are correct. I’ve been lied to for over a year. Because of those lies, I have been acting against the interests of the Talosian people. By allowing this deception, I am no longer entitled to my rank or position. Because of my actions, I find that I am indeed guilty of treason against my rightful Government,” Belirus explained.