“Let’s just say that we have intercepted a signal to your Tanzam address service. The recipient is code named Elistra but we have no idea who Elistra is.”
Charak went white. “That’s my codename. That’s impossible.” He looked to Raitah, who appeared to Angina to be genuinely confounded. She just kept shaking her head.
Finally Raitah gathered her composure and her wits. “What did this signal say? Who was it from?”
Jebna slid across another ePaper across the table to Raitah. Charak and Raitah read it together. Raitah gave a glance at her boss then asked Jebna “but this operation KASAM could be anything?”
Jebna slid across another ePaper. “This clearly indicates that KASAM was intended to destabilise the Qwantum system.”
“So it does” said Raitah, her voice trailing off at the end as she again turned to her boss in disbelief.
“I know nothing of this operation” replied Charak. “I have not received this signal nor been involved in anyway. I am being set up here”. He then turned to Raitah with a quizzical look.
“Don’t look at me” she said indignantly.
Charak turned back to the latest signal. “Who is this Chamstel? What was the point of origin?” he asked emphatically.
“We don’t know who Chamstel is” replied Jebna. “It came from a hotel in Hironimum on Fultra using the hotel account. There were 142 guests. We are checking them now.”
Angina leant forward a little and tapped a button on her communicator. The door opened and two guards entered. She spoke softly “Charak, I think you will agree that this is enough evidence to call for your suspension pending further investigation.”
“Don’t you see I am being setup here? This is nonsense.”
“Then you have nothing to fear.”
Raitah just sat there immobile like she could not believe what was happening. The guards took Charak away.
“Now we need your full cooperation” said Angina.
“Of course” said Raitah, only now recovering her wits.
“Excellent” smiled Angina.
Half an hour later Raitah exited the ‘complex’ via the shuttle pad on the roof. Once inside the shuttle she hailed Mida Konklas. “As planned” is all she said. Her face was as unmoved as a slab of granite. When she heard Mida click off without actually speaking, a wry smile appeared on her face.
Chapter 20. Dregun shuttle over Cheklin 2012, 5 August
Imperial Admiral (IAdm) Meeka Sallusam pulled a satisfied expression on his gnarled face as his Dregun shuttle came out of warp behind the third moon of the outer gas giant. He had been on the run now for six weeks. He knew the fate of fleet admirals that deserted their post. He was surprised though in the last system he had visited to see the broadcast proclaiming his guilt. He couldn’t see how they knew he had killed that old fool Assani. But what really hurt was the pathetically small bounty they had placed on him. ‘Really?’ thought Meeka and his smug expression went.
He was here in Sturam because this would be the last place they would look for him, being the most liberal of the home worlds. But it was also because he had a debt to reclaim from a former fellow officer, now fortuitously the owner of the most profitable shuttle corporation in rogan space. “Yes Bakun Lickta owes me big time” said Meeka.
“There is the issue of how best to make contact…” and Meeka’s voice trailed off as his mind reflected yet again on his options. He was still not convinced as to the best course of action. They all carried risks.
As if to remind him, the system diagnostics that were automatically conducted on coming out of warp alerted him to the most pressing of constraints. His craft was low on fuel. It still came to him as an unpleasant shock for he had never, in the last seventy three earth years, his entire service career, ever had to pay for fuel. But here he was a fugitive without money and in need of significant sums to stay a step ahead of Imperial justice.
What he really needed now was another ship, one the authorities would not be searching for. He needed fuel and provisions and most of all a safe hideaway “but something comfortable” said Meeka to himself out loud. “Oh yes and a new identity.” This Meeka knew would cost the most of all.
He composed his short message to Bakun Lickta. He ensured that it would be routed through a number of intermediate star systems ending with the nearby Plasus star System. This would make it difficult to trace the fact that he was in fact already here. “Just in case” said Meeka. He hit send, knowing that it would take at least another twelve hours to make its way to Likta. “A necessary consequence” he added as he got up from his chair.
He walked back into the main cabin behind the cockpit, lay down on one of the two beds and closed his eyes. He wasn’t really content but there was little more he could do till he got a response from Likta. Once more he found himself reflecting on his fortune or lack thereof. ‘This was not how I envisaged I would end my days’ he thought ‘on the run, unable to bask in glory and, more importantly, unable to be ME.’ After a moment’s thought he added ‘but maybe there is a way!’
Chapter 21. Lewista, Cheklin 0845, 6 August
Bakun Likta knew he should have retired last year when he had the chance. Ever since he agreed to stay on, for the good of the corporation and the Imperial way, he had been regretting it. But in comparison, all the previous causes for regret were trivial compared with that now before him.
On his terminal was the message from his former subordinate, Meeka Sallusam. How he hated that name. He had once liked Sallusam but that all changed long ago.
He knew he couldn’t ignore it, not while Sallusam had his hold over him. But if he got caught helping Sallusam it wouldn’t just be his head on the block. No, the powers to be would take great delight in bringing down the house of Likta. The thought of his grandchildren being terminated because of his actions was too much to contemplate. ‘What to do?’ he asked himself.
One thing was for sure he couldn’t just call in Mila, his normal go-to man for ‘discreet’ tasks. ‘No, that would not do’ he thought. ‘Only Sallusam and I must know of this. It’s been our dirty secret all these years and it must remain so. Though…’ he contemplated ‘maybe it IS time for a reduction in the number of the secret holders. Mmm…but how? I can’t be implicated.’
‘What am I thinking?’ asked Bakun. ‘Even if I kill him the secret will come out.’ Bakun thumped the desktop with his open hand “Blast you Meeka” he said out loud in frustration. Thankfully he had taken the precaution of closing the door to his office high up on the 233rd floor of the Likta Plaza building, the tallest building smack in the centre of the richest city on Cheklin.
As he did so he could see one of his fleet’s passenger shuttles coming into land at the city’s spaceport. Its navigation lights were flashing and only just visible through the rain clouds that threatened to engulf the city. ‘An ominous portend perhaps?’ asked Bakun. “Fuck you Meeka!”
After a moment of silence Bakun picked up his communicator. It rang for almost a minute before being answered.
“Yes?” asked the voice at the other end.
“We need to make a short trip. Two hours. Usual location. Ensure you are armed.”
“Of course” said the voice at the other end before hanging up.
In many ways Bakun envied Mila’s perfunctory nature. It avoided so much drivel. He didn’t really need him but Mila provided insurance and he was a good pilot. Conversation lacked but that was a small price to pay.
Chapter 22. Dorntum, Cheklin 1300, 6 August
Oscren Mila landed the old Sherbr freight shuttle in the clearing amongst the great forests some fifty kilometres south of Dorntum. They were only 640 kms north of the south pole. Heavy rain lashed the craft and a sixty kph southerly meant Mila had to concentrate fully. Outside temperature was still a respectable eight degrees Celsius. The icecap had long since gone - another casualty of ‘development’. Still this was an inhospitable place and Mila’s boss was in no mood to hang about.
Th
e Dregun shuttle was already down in the northern end of the clearing. After confirming touchdown Bakun put his hand on Mila’s shoulder and said “Don’t power down. You stay here and be ready to take off at a moment’s notice.”
“You don’t want me to come with you” asked Mila.
“No I should be OK” said Bakun. He patted his jacket pocket. “Besides I have come prepared.”
This was not unusual, so Mila nodded. He knew the drill. If his boss got into trouble, he would signal him with a double tap to his communicator. Mila would then come out shooting.
Bakun hit the door release and had to brace himself against the wind. He made his way out onto the tundra, felt his boots crunch and squish their way across the low vegetation. The hood over his huge head protected him from the rain which Bakun swore was coming at him almost horizontally. He angled his head to minimise the impact.
The door of the Dregun shuttle opened as he neared. No helping hand was offered as he struggled against the wind to climb aboard. But just inside from the hatch was Meeka. ‘He’s aged a lot’ thought Bakun. ‘Who am I to talk’ he added to himself.
There was no hand offered just a wave towards the small table. Bakun threw off his hood and undid the top of his jacket. Rivulets of water ran down the waterproofed material and onto the floor of the cabin as he walked to the table. He was careful to ensure his jacket was positioned so the water dripped down away from his seat.
Both rogan looked warily at each other. Finally Meeka spoke. “It must be what eighteen years?” Bakun nodded. “Neither of us really wants to be reminded about how old we are though” said Meeka with a weak smile. Again Bakun nodded. “So, have you done it?”
“It’s done” and Bakun pulled out a computer stick and passed it across the table. “That has all the details you need. The account has the sum you asked for. The surgeon and the shuttle will be waiting at the coordinates specified. I have made the necessary arrangements. You are now the Likta Corporation manager at Dyritka spaceport. It’s on…”
“I know where it is. I don’t want that place.”
“Look you come here out of the blue and ask me to set you up with a new identity and a new job in less than six hours. That is all that’s possible right now. Of course if you would rather come back in a few weeks’ time then be my guest.” Bakun stared Meeka down.
Meeka was annoyed but he could not afford to hang around. “All right then, but you will affect a transfer to a system away from the humans within the month.”
“I will try.”
“You will do better than that.”
“Look Meeka we have to wait for a natural vacancy. Otherwise it will draw unnecessary attention. Neither of us wants that.”
Meeka snorted. He knew Bakun was right but he didn’t like it nonetheless.
“I want the recording” demanded Bakun.
“Do you think I’m crazy. You’re not getting it, ever! Get used to that.”
“If you get caught, you know they will get that recording and that will mean not just my death but that of my family.”
“Well you better make sure I don’t get caught. Get me that transfer to an inner system.”
“I could find you sanctuary there now but not in a paid position. Why is the job important to you?”
“That’s not your concern.”
“It is when my family’s safety is on the line. You have to realise that you cannot do anything which would attract attention.”
“Don’t worry” said Meeka “I won’t.” But silently to himself he added ‘Well not initially anyway.’
“Why did you murder Assani?” asked Bakun, changing the subject.
Meeka smarted at the question and then spat out “for the same reason you murdered Dectox, survival.”
“That was different and you know it. He was going to get us all killed.”
“Yes it was different. He was your superior officer and we all know what that means - an automatic death penalty; no ameliorating circumstances – the rogan way.”
“The Imperialist way you mean” spat back Bakun.
“Oh spare me. I think it’s time you left. Don’t forget the transfer. You have till the end of the month.”
Bakun gave a last foul look at Meeka, turned and pulled on his hood. He was still fastening the jacket as he exited. He took the opportunity to affix the tracking device to the inside of the hatch door-well just before it closed. He walked back across to his shuttle a little more content than he had been coming the other way.
Chapter 23. Phantom in Qwantum 1500, 6 August
“Finally” said Aubrey upon hearing the news that they were now sufficiently far away from Q4 to attempt a warp. She glanced around the command centre, saw that everyone was at their station and nodded to 1st Lt Tola Puchanski, her XO who had the watch.
“Warp in 2 minutes everyone” she hailed on the shipwide channel.
Aubrey then realised that she was hunched over her workstation like a jockey in the final straight. ‘Mmm…’ she thought ‘definitely not appropriate’ and she brought her posture back upright. She took a deep breath in and forced herself to exhale long.
In that moment, she realised just how much she had been influenced by her former boss. She recalled the many times she had witnessed Dave Warner sitting in the commander’s chair his eyes closed in contemplation just prior to warp in. She acknowledged the calming effect it had had on her and the crew then and she made a decision to do the same here.
So with a straight back she closed her eyes and focussed on her breath. The thoughts that had plagued her these last four days came back to her. ‘What will we find at Sturam? How will we achieve this mission?’ But as her breathing steadied she became aware of the presence of the other officers around her and she felt reassured. She actually smiled and didn’t even register that the anxious thought had passed away.
She was also oblivious to the reactions of those nearby. They were seeing something new in their boss – a different state and they liked it.
“Warp in 5, 4, 3, 2, warp” said Tola.
Aubrey opened her eyes and could see the others looking at her. There was not an anxious expression among them. That reinforced her feeling of contentment. She smiled. “Well then, fun and games till the 13th” she announced.
Chapter 24. Raihma, Istridium 1150, 7 August
Emilius Quazor, first consul of the Imperial Council, turned his contorted face away from Benchin Masqelar. Benchin was all too aware of the first consul’s mannerisms and did not react to his master’s emotional display of disappointment. He was there to deliver the news. That was all. It was done. Benchin turned and headed for the door.
“Wait!” commanded Emilius. Benchin stopped and turned to face the most powerful person in the Imperial Rogan Empire. “I want that bastard Sallusam apprehended and on his knees before me. Make sure it happens and soon.”
“Of course your excellency” said Benchin.
“I want Torine on it. She’s the best.” Emilius paused and then added bitterly “Unlike so many others around here she has not failed me.”
“As you wish” responded Benchin. His face was completely passive and in complete contrast to the venomous expression on Emilius.
“Any more news from Qwantum?”
“Security operations are still underway” said Benchin in a deadpan manner. “The revolt in Rollinium is being put down…the usual large scale loss of life and all that. Your forces there seem to have the matter in hand.”
Emilius nodded his appreciation for the update completely ignoring Benchin’s tone of delivery. For while Benchin seemed completely detached he was by far the best personal assistant Emilius had ever had and he’d had a lot.
“How long till that wretched full council meeting?” asked Emilius with a pained expression.
Benchin checked his communicator for the time. “Plenty of time for lunch your excellency.”
Emilius nodded.
Chapter 25. Washington DC, Earth 2105, 7 August
“We’re getting nowhere with Tamsa” said a frustrated Chief Minister Malissa Karalis.
“He’s just doing what he was told to do” responded Foreign Minister Adrian Yohansen.
“Yes but I’m sick of his feigned concern. If the gelk are unwilling to assist then I wish they would just say so.”
“We really need them though” said Defence Minister Julian Morrow. He shifted his weight in his chair at the conference table. There was just the five of them left after the gelk delegation had departed. Malissa’s chief of staff, Kaito Tanaka, and her Senior Political Advisor, Belinda Klondike, filled the other seats. “Perhaps you need to go to Slemros” continued Julian. “Make a direct appeal to Tegoola.”
Malissa tightened her already tight jaw as though this was an unwanted but expected incision into her physical body. She hated space travel.
“I could go” piped up Adrian. “You are needed here. We can’t afford to have you away for a month.”
Malissa smiled in appreciation. In her mind she was weighing up the options, the pros and cons. She knew her presence would add more weight but her gut feeling said it was a waste of time no matter who went. ‘Mmm…but Julian is right, we need them.’
She leaned over and placed her hand over Adrian’s on the table. “Thank you Adrian. I will prepare a message for you to give to Tegoola.” She withdrew her hand and sat back upright in her chair. “Remind him that friends in need are friends indeed. If they want favourable trading terms to continue we need more than words. We want their military support.”
She glanced across at the picture of Abe Lincoln hanging over the mantel piece. She knew now how lonely he must have felt in those early years of the American civil war. Turning to Julian she asked “So Yomoto’s over Chelora now?”
Julian nodded. “He won’t be able to launch ‘Bitter Woods’ till the Enterprise arrives next month.” Malissa nodded. She still didn’t like the ominous sound of that code word for the operation. “You saw that report on a possible PME?” asked Julian.
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