They stepped outside and Rand finished welding the latch. They would cut it open when they found a reasonable place to drop off their unwilling passengers.
“Can the three of you make them something to eat?” Rand asked.
“Terri nodded, “We can get right on it. I’m hungry myself.”
Serena looked at Terri and Rand and took off running through the next hatch yelling back at them, “I’ll be right back!”
“Where are you going?” Rand asked.
“To find the rest of his panties!” Came back Serena’s disappearing voice. Terri and Rand broke out in laughter, then Perry laughed with them even though he didn’t understand the joke.
Terri’s laughter faded to a thoughtful gaze. She touched Rand’s arm after he welded the latch to the Tracker bay.
“Rand?” she spoke softly so he understood her meaning.
She was able to catch his full attention by her gentle touch.
“Yeah?”
“It feels good to laugh again, thank you”.
Rand looked into her light blue eyes and smiled genuinely as she removed her hand from him and took Perry’s hand.
“Come Perry, you can help me fix dinner ‘till Serena gets back.”
Leading Trevor out of the lower turret control room Perry said, “Oooooo K.”
Rand leaned back against the wall and rubbed his eyes. He said to himself quietly, “Don’t you fail ‘em Rand Welsch, don’t you dare fail.”
Rand and five other nearly complete strangers had just stolen a small ship. Not just a ship but a Republican Security Battle Cutter. Complete with Upper twin 50s, A lower EMP cannon, two single shot thermo missile tubes, triple plate maneuvering thrusters’ high sensitivity radar, full range communication system with discriminator, four U115 generators, and one kick-ass hyper antennae.
But a ship without a seasoned crew was almost useless. And half of this crew was green as new saplings. They pulled off the unthinkable and it was going to take a miracle to get to reasonable safety.
THE TRIP TO SIRIUS
The trip to Sirius was going to take ten jumps at an hour each plus two hours recharge for each jump. Nearly thirty hours total. After well deserved sleep with one always at watch on the bridge they all were freshly awake by the fourth jump, and all were convened in the galley.
Five of the six were wearing Republic uniforms except Perry. There wasn’t any clothing large enough to fit him and Serena’s uniform, although the smallest they could obtain, was baggy but to Serena quite comfortable.
However, Perry’s orange jumpsuit was cleaned overnight and had a nice fragrant smell. Perry didn’t seem to mind.
“Well crew, we have over half a day travel time before Sirius. I want us to talk, find out what you guys want to do. We have to leave Republic space and we’re definitely on the wrong side to get to the Ursae systems in a straight line.”
They sipped fresh coffee and found semi-stale pastries but it seemed like a luxury for them.
“I need to get back to my unit,” Terri said. She added, “And with all of you assisting, I’m sure I could convene a hearing if you all want to join within coalition society. Of course you’ll have to be good.”.
“Can we all stay near each other?” Serena asked.
“Well, I see no reason why we can’t keep in touch if all goes well,” answered Terri.
Serena spoke, “I never lived in society, it sounds so....un-real”.
Aaron looked at Serena, “You’ll get used to it.”
“Hey, anything beats prison,” Mitchell added.
“Perry”, Rand asked, “Will you be ok with a new home?”
“I dunno,” Perry said confused.
Serena looked at Trevor, “You could stay with me Perry.” She felt a connection with Perry. Not because of any similarity, but mostly because neither fit in with anyone, anything or any place.
Perry smiled, “I’d like that Miss Serena.” Serena smiled back.
Terri raised from her seat. “I’m gonna take a peek at our guests. I’ll be right back.”
Terri left the mess hall. Rand glanced at her on the way out. His thoughts were roaming else where when Mitchell broke his concentration.
“What about you old man?” Mitchell asked.
“Oh, I can probably get a good trade for this machine and get a smaller freighter again,” he looked at the ceiling for an answer, “Probably start running guns again for the Coalition troops.”
It was a terrible answer, Rand thought. He was still running from something and he didn’t know what. He had a looming fear something was missing from his life but he couldn’t pinpoint it. But freelancing in Republic space was a definite no-no.
Mitchell and the rest still felt some measure of the ship was theirs, however, not one could take majority of the claim. And it was, after all, Randall’s misfired plan.
There was another round of coffee brewing and the talk was light. Mostly what Coalition systems would hold for them, but being out of Republican reach would be the greatest relief they could ask for, or so they thought.
“What you all don’t realize is that the Free Worlds Coalition is exactly that; free!” Rand took a quieter tone. “There’s no cameras watching you. The military doesn’t guard the streets. A civilian force is your security. The media is more accurate in it’s reporting and doesn’t embellish or fracture the truth. There is more crime, and that’s unfortunate. But, you have the right and means to defend yourself.”
“It’s hard to explain an idealism when you’ve never lived it.” He suspected..
“What about their justice system?: Aaron asked.
“That’s the beautiful thing; they really do have justice. In old times people were judged by their peers. And again, they do that. Anyone can be on a jury. It’s not like you set on a chair with three judges and you try to explain your case while they watch videos of your actions. You actually participate in the reasoning of your defense.”
“That seems weird,” said Serena.
“It’s not entirely different from any other life.” Rand tried to explain, “No matter where you live or what you do wrong, you’re going to be judged. But how you’re judged makes all the difference.”
“So we could still do what we did and still go penal?” Mitch inquired.
“More than likely, but why you did it, or how many times you did it still changes the outcome.”
“See, Serena was a pirate, and I’m not harping you out; just using you as an example; but Serena was a pirate, but there’s no proof she ever hurt anyone. Serena can attest she grew up raised by pirates with no understanding of planetside living. No life of working to sustain herself. No chance to prove her worth. A jury might consider that and without proof it’s very hard to convict her. A judge might simply put her under watch for a short time with administrators to see if she can hold a job. Or make friends and comply with regulations; if so, she’s released from her watch and goes free.”
“Wow, that sounds nice,” Serena thought aloud.
“It’s not a free ride to do what you want, but it beats living under a big brother.”
They all wondered about a new life under Coalition law except Perry.
All Perry wanted was a place that was comfortable, a pet to hold and plenty of food. That would be home.
Terri returned to the galley.
“Did I miss anything?” she asked.
“Nothing critical,” Serena said, “Just Talking.”
Terri spoke, “Well, I gave that Meyers kid standard boxers from his drawer. At least he looks normal.”
THE HIGHEST SEAT
President Teller walked through the pristine white hallways as he had over one thousand times before, accompanied by two of his personal and highly regarded security officers. And like a thousand times before, they opened the double doors exposing his leading cabinet members, seated at the hexagonal black marble table. Each side running twenty feet in length and setting three chairs per side minus his own. Centered
in the table was the gold emblazoned TR, (Terran Republic symbol).
The president’s edge of the table had but one chair. More of a throne than a chair. But he was more of a ruler than a president.
“Good morning ladies and gentlemen.”
A round of greetings from the cabinet members, “Good morning Mr. President.”
“So, we preclude this day with another round of congratulatory back slapping.” He cleared his throat. “Has the uprising on Uranus agrodomes been quelled?”
A short chubby faced man, with round glasses and a smile that would make a baby cry, stood up from his chair. His smugness seemed to permeate his surrounding like a stench that couldn’t be washed away.
“It has Mr. President, their cooperation is more in order with the needs of the Republic”
“And what effects were used in this endeavor?”
“None Mr. President. It would appear that the loss of their labor leader in a dreadful combine accident has tempered their resolve, at least until they can find a new one to replace their......talking head.”
The cabinet joined in a small round of light laughter.
“Hmmm, see to it that the investigation isn’t too intrusive to the production quotas, won’t you Mr. Krepst?”
“Of course, Mr. President,” and the squat form retook his seat.
“Next,” The president held his communication pad at a distance, his eyes’ faltering without glasses, “I see a news article that seems to implicate the Shadows of a temple bombing. Excellent work Mrs. Pytleski.”
“Thank you, Mr. President”.
“And what evidence do we have on this incident?”
She rose from her seat, “With the monitoring of religious buildings we can see that hooded figures,” and she activated an over-sized screen showing robed figures approaching the side of a large cathedral from a wooded parcel, “have encroached in darkness. It appears they spend some time, we believe, to place explosives at the foundation. It was only most fortunate that our security patrols were able to quarantine the area before citizens were hurt. It was most unfortunate that such a beautiful building was destroyed and the culprits escaped. Undoubtedly through the sewers in which they utilize quite generously. Our forces are heralded as heroes for saving countless lives.” she smiled.
Mrs. Pytleski was Minister of Media. She was tall, slim and nicely figured. Her only physical drawback was the over abundance of rouge to hide her years. Still an attractive woman in her own right and overly protective of her job, which seemed very secure with lies and CGI.
“I want Security doubled in that region, and let the citizens know we will not tolerate such behavior. Tighter restrictions are necessary for the safety of our great citizens.”
The members all nodded approval.
“Well,” the President said, “if there is no other matters, I will let you attend your appointed tasks.”
They rose to leave when the Minister of Defense raised his hand.
“Yes, Mr. Chapman?”
“A small matter Mr. President.”
Chapman remained standing while the others took their seats.
“A concerning matter actually. This morning I received a report of a missing unit, a Banshee to be more precise. It was summoned to assist a prisoner transfer ship past the Oort cloud. It seemed the prison vessel encountered electrical failure and Banshees’ were called to complete the transfer of prisoners to our Penal refinery.”
“What of it, we have plenty of Banshees?” the President looked annoyed.
“It was after the transfer that the Banshee disappeared. We have dispatched a S.A.R. (search and rescue), but no evidence as of yet.”
“Keep me apprised Mr. Chapman.” he looked Mr. Chapman straight in the eyes.
Chapman felt this was an obligation he better keep, “Absolutely, Mr. President.”
“All of you are dismissed. Mr Chapman, please stay behind.”
They picked up their papers and effects and scurried from the room.
The President stood and walked up yo Chapman as the last exited the tall double-doors.
“What concerns should I have over this disappearance?”
“If it is mechanical failure I would say none, however, if it was commandeered by prisoners it will show a weakness. And if the enemy should get a hold of a working EMP cannon, well, we lose a marginal advantage.”
“In your assessment Mr. Chapman, what are the odds that they can make it out of Republic territory?”
Chapman smiled devilishly, “It’s extremely doubtful sir. Shall I place a kill order on it with disregard to life?”
“Until we know it’s whereabouts, that’s exactly what I would do if I were you. Inform the fleet we have a rogue Commander, and in the event it does escape I want a bounty on it so high that every bounty hunter, man, woman and child will be looking for it.”
“Of course Mr. President. I’ll get on it immediately.”
“Oh, and one more thing Mr. Chapman.”
“Yes sir?”
“I want a new order that no security vessel not designed for prisoner transfer will ‘ever’ be used to shuttle prisoners again. Is that understood?”
“Absolutely clear Mr. President.”
“Get out of my face Mr. Chapman.”!
“Sir, good day sir.” Chapman removed himself, sweating profusely. It was good that the President’s mood was favorable this morning.
BLIPS
The Search and rescue vessel continued in and out of the space/time compression field for over half a light year. The crew making detailed scans at each stop. Recording mostly nothing with small particles of debris at intervals until the 11th stop.
An attractive short red-head caught the distant ‘bleep’, coming in weak at 26,000 kilometers starboard.
“Captain, I’ve got something!”
“Location?”
“72 degrees current plane, with a 10 degree Ascension. Looks to be 26K out.”
“Good catch Katrice.”
“Helm, lock it in, let’s go.”
“Yes sir, locked and turning.”
The streamlined rescue ship, Harriet Tubbs, veered gradually to the right then pitched slightly upwards. From this distance, Sol was little more than a very bright star.
During the approach, the crew continued scanning for the missing Banshee or parts thereof. There was no evidence of a ship or debris indicating an explosion. Nothing. They closed in and retrieved the buoy. There was no scarring or burn marks. It’s simple and unique single was all that emanated. No recorded messages, so all that remained was one of two possibilities. It left the area on it’s own power or, it was towed and possibly carried off.
“Send a comm buoy to Sol Command, ‘Found marker beacon, no evidence of stranded ship or debris.”
“What do you think happened to it Captain?”
“My guess,” he paused, “She was hauling prisoners and since she didn’t make the final jump I’d have to say the prisoners took her over and made like a solar flare.”
“Sir, I have another reflection.”
“Where?”
“It’s weak but close. 200 klicks. I’m feeding coordinates to helm.”
The pilot read the numbers back to Katrice and she confirmed.
‘ Vessel Harriet Tubbs’ drifted toward the reflection and in just a few minutes the weak reflection was just outside of the ship. It was pitch black and no starlight reflection made it visible.
The captain swiveled his chair to auxiliary controls, “Ensign, hit the flood lights.”
Brilliant white external lights flooded the void in all directions. The hot white blast illuminated the reflective orange jump suit of Vallin.
“Bingo! We’ve got a winner.”
Katrice and the helmsman turned away from the corpsickled body, Vallins body covered in frost from his previous sweating. nHis skin blue from expanded blood vessels under the skin. But Captain Schepper looked at the decompressed body sternly and had a thought to himself, ‘
Someone’s started a game of The Fox and the Hounds’.
“Better amend that comm buoy,” he corrected.
JUST PASSING THROUGH
Rand, Mitchell and Aaron had resumed their positions on the bridge. The Banshee had dropped from compressed space/time for the last time from it’s programmed course.
Ahead at two astronomical units sat Sirius A and farther and more distant to the left was Sirius B.
“So what do we do now,” Aaron asked.
“We wait, we watch.”
“What for?” asked Mitchell.
“One of two things, a Banshee patrol, a cruise ship, or both. Well, that’s actually three things but I’m hoping for the middle.”
“So if we find a cruise ship?” Aaron inquired.
“Then we hail ‘em, tell them we need to search them for a fugitive, board the ship then once it’s checked out, we hand them our guests.” he said as matter of fact.
“Sounds easy,” said Aaron.
“Yea, it always sounds easy,’ grinned Rand.
“We need to keep a constant eye on that radar fellas’.”
Both young men nodded.
“And if we spot a patrol?” Mitchell asked.
“We run like hell.”
Mitchell furrowed his brows, “Would they shoot at us with hostages?”
“Oh..you bet,they’d knock out the engines, grapple us and board us by force.” Then Rand added, “And this time we can’t catch ‘em by surprise.”
The stolen Banshee drifted silently in the blue glow of Sirius A. The ship’s new crew quietly watched the radar for any signs of movement aside from the celestial bodies. There was a variety of uninhabitable planets in the Sirius system. The orbits so skewed and with two stars, the planets never formed any more than microbial life. Two planets had similar gravity to Earth, yet their atmospheres were both toxic and one undergoing volcanic activity at a constant rate.
But what made the planets so deadly also attracted wealthy tourist. The opportunity to see flowing magma and great curling eruptions was such a splendor to observe, and further exemplified their small existence in an enormous universe that humans had only scratched the surface of.
SIEGE (TRAMPS Book 1) Page 8