by Musser, Dale
“I agree, Marranalis, so we need put forth our best efforts to find the base that holds the most and best ships. The canopy of the I’aban trees creates a natural screen against electronic surveillance and the Brotherhood is using camouflaged netting enmeshed with electronic filters that also block electronic surveillance penetration. I wonder if our computer can filter and enhance visual images that will help us pinpoint their bases. On Earth our military used a similar technique for detecting camouflage and it worked quite well. I think if we use color and light filtering and maybe thermal imaging we’ll be able to spot the camouflage netting from space. This won’t help us with any units hidden under the I’aban trees; but I’m hoping the natives we free will be willing to assist us in identifying the rest of the bases.
“A’Lappe, I know you have your hands full while you’re outfitting the RUNANA with a cloaking device, but as soon as you get to a point where others can finish the installation, I’d like you to turn your attention to coming up with a system for detecting the camouflaged bases. In the meantime, I don’t want any ships leaving the surface. Maintain patrol ships around the entire planet to make sure none of them try to slip away at a blind spot. Until we can get down there and clean things up, anything leaving the surface is that isn’t ours is to be shot down. Captain Stonbersa, I would like you to take charge of these matters and oversee the entire operation.”
“Why aren’t you going to be in charge, Tibby? These are your plans and you understand the situation on the planet better than I do.”
“I need to be on the surface,” I said. “The natives aren’t going to speak to anyone else; they’ll only hide. But I’ve established a relationship with them. They will speak to me and listen to me, so there’s no way around it – it has to be me down there. You have the experience and the ability to oversee and run things from here. Hopefully I will be able to stay in touch and keep you informed as to what is unfolding on the ground.”
“If you’re going back down there, I’m coming with you,” said Marranalis.
“You’re right about that, Marranalis. We’re, going to see how well you trained your men for ground action this time. We already know how well they do in the air. To make it more interesting, your team will have to meet with Hotyona for an introduction to ruguian egg hunting before we go. While we’re down there I want anyone coming across the eggs to know precisely how to collect and save them. I want Kala out of stasis as quickly as possible.”
During the rest of the meal I was briefed on the events that occurred at Plosaxen after we left for Alle Bamma, when the Brotherhood walked into the trap at the fake solbidyum reactor site near Banur. The Brotherhood expected the site to be heavily guarded and came with a small armada of ships. Some were Federation ships seized by mutinous Brotherhood crews and some were ships that the Brotherhood had acquired through other nefarious means. The presence of a Federation star ship at the location didn’t surprise them at all; they had expected it. What they didn’t expect was a second cloaked star ship, three cloaked frigates, scores of cloaked patrol ships and, lastly, a dozen Mirage Fighters – also able to cloak and move with more speed and maneuverability than anything they had ever seen.
The Brotherhood attacked without warning, but to no avail. The RMFF shield on the URANGA prevented any of their firepower from doing even the slightest harm. Even so, the Brotherhood managed to get troopers on the ground and into the fake facility only to discover empty buildings. Admiral Regeny offered the Brotherhood a chance to surrender; but with typical Brotherhood arrogance they refused. Even after the star ship CACHATORA decloaked behind them, they refused to surrender and the fight was on. Cloaked patrol ships opened fire on the ships that tried to escape, while the URANGA and the CACHATORA literally demolished all traces of the larger Brotherhood ships. Within just a few minutes two-thirds of the Brotherhood ships were destroyed while the other third fled.
News of the event quickly spread across Plosaxen and was broadcast to other star systems in the Federation. It was a glorious day for the Federation when newscasters announced not only the victory over the Brotherhood, but also the installation and commissioning of the solbidyum reactor on Plosaxen. At the same time it was announced that five other planets had received their solbidyum and that their reactors were also up and running. It was not released to the media that these deliveries were made by GW message pods; the illusion that the solbidyum and reactors were delivered by conventional means was maintained.
After the meeting was over, I instructed Marranalis to bring our prisoners to the conference room. They arrived with two specially trained security personnel guarding each prisoner. The last to arrive was Felenna. She had used the wardrobe in her room to change out of her Brotherhood uniform and into a modest, yet attractive civilian-style dress common on most of the Federation planets. She also had availed herself of the bath facilities and restyled her hair. As she entered the conference room, her Captain said, “Well if it isn’t our little traitor. Didn’t take you long to get out of your uniform, did it?” She didn’t respond or look at him as she took a seat on the opposite side of the table from the other prisoners.
“I’m sure by now you’re all aware that you’re on the NEW ORLEANS and that I am Tibby. You are also aware that this ship is the one responsible for liberating the DUSTEN at Megelleon and for destroying the Brotherhood base located there. For your information, this ship has also liberated the TECCION from Brotherhood control, destroyed numerous Brotherhood patrol ships and currently holds your ship, the RUNANA – or should I say my ship, the RUNANA, as I’m claiming it as a spoil of war.”
At that comment the captain flinched and clenched his jaw.
“Rather than continue the litany of accomplishments of this ship, I’ll let you watch a short vid of events that have unfolded since you were brought aboard.”
I activate the large vid screen on the wall and watched the expressions on their faces as recordings of the recent battle, as seen from the bridge of the NEW ORLEANS, were played before them. The battle had lasted only a short period of time and the evidence of carnage had its impact on the captured crew. Most of them sat in their chairs wearing expressions of shock.
The Brotherhood captain lost all color from his face and stared blankly at the screen. “But how??? How can this be? You’ve got both shields and cloaking!”
“Not just on this ship, but also on the fleet in pursuit of the few Brotherhood ships that managed to escape after the failed mission at Plosaxen. Those ships, by the way, are currently headed here.”
“How would you know that? Even with a GW pod the news of what’s happened at Plosaxen would not have reached here yet!” the captain said defiantly.
“True,” I said, “if we’re using the old and slow GW pods.”
“You can’t have instant communications through this distance of space,” he responded in complete denial.
“Another of the Brotherhood’s arrogant conclusions,” I said. “Whether you believe me or not, I can assure you that what I am telling you is true. Two thirds of your ships that participated in the attack on Plosaxen were destroyed; and unless they surrender, those headed in this direction will suffer the same fate in a few days. So, in the end, I’m giving you a choice. Cooperate and it will go easier for you. Resist and you’ll be in prison for a very long time. Those of you who cooperate will be separated from the rest in a nicely appointed cabin like Felenna has been given. You’ll still be guarded and under arrest, but your conditions will be better.”
None of the officers budged, but a few hung their heads. Their captain, however, sat stiffly in his chair and said, “You think you’re winning? We’re stronger than you realize. A few fancy ships aren’t going to eliminate the Brotherhood or our cause.”
“Well, so far the statistics on the matter don’t seem to favor that opinion; but it’s your choice. Take them back to their cells – except for Felenna. I wish to talk to her.”
After all the Brotherhood prisoners were taken out of
the conference room under heavy guard, I sat down with Felenna. Captain Stonbersa and Marranalis were also present.
“Felenna, I want to thank you for your help in the capture of the RUNANA and in our escape. I know it must have been difficult for you and I realize that the Brotherhood may have a price on your head now.”
Felenna’s eyes looked tired and swollen, as though she had been crying. “It wasn’t so hard, really. I hated being in the Brotherhood. It was the dumbest thing I ever did. I was young and crazy and in love with this jerk named Harral, a Federation officer. When he joined the Brotherhood and told me about it, I thought it sounded great. This was before you arrived with the solbidyum. When we got word of your arrival and the return of the lost solbidyum, I started to see a different side to the Brotherhood and I didn’t like it. I had quit my job as a shuttle pilot and was enmeshed in the Brotherhood by then and I didn’t know how to get out. It was when I was assigned here on Alle Bamma that I discovered we were the ones supplying God’s Sweat throughout the galaxy – and then I wanted out badly, but didn’t know how to do it. Harral had dumped me for some big-breasted bimbo stationed off-world and he transferred to be with her… and I was left here.”
“You were a shuttle pilot? Then you weren’t in the Federation military forces?” I asked.
“No. I had applied to join before I hooked up with Harral; but after he recruited me for the Brotherhood, telling me how the Brotherhood was going to replace the Federation and make things better, I never followed up on my application.”
“That’s good information,” I said. “The fact that you weren’t in the Federation military will make things a lot easier on you, I think. I’m going to make you an offer and I want you to think it over carefully. I can’t make you any promises; but if you accept my offer, there is a good possibility you will never be charged or tried for your involvement with the Brotherhood.”
“Right now I’m willing to listen to anything you have to say; but none of it matters much. Even if I do go to prison the Brotherhood will find me and kill me. No one who becomes an officer leaves the Brotherhood and lives.”
“Don’t be so sure of that. I think I have a solution to that problem that will put you out of reach of the Brotherhood. First, how many years were you a Brotherhood member?” I asked.
“Four.”
“You obviously were pretty good at your job to have reached the position you did in that short a time. I would surmise that you’ve gained a good deal of knowledge about their operations throughout the galaxy, like base locations, their overall fleet size, and details as to their immediate and future plans. If you’re willing to cooperate with us and tell us everything you know and if you can pass our computerized loyalty and truth test, I’ll go to bat for you when it’s time for you to face the Federation courts. I have a strong influence within the Federation; my word carries a good bit of weight, not only with the Admiralty, but with the Senate as well.
“As for your safety, you will have two choices. One is that you go to work for the Admiralty and remain stationed on the admiral’s flagship, which is protected with shielding technology like the NEW ORLEANS. The other is that you go to work for me here on the NEW ORLEANS. You would be as safe here as you can possibly be anywhere.”
“I could use another competent officer on my staff,” added Captain Stonbersa. “Kerabac is an excellent first officer; but I need someone to stand in for him when he’s off duty or on assignment with Tibby. If you’re any good I would be willing to give you a chance – again, providing you pass all our security and loyalty checks.”
As I spoke, Felenna eyes filled with tears and she broke down sobbing. We allowed her a few minutes to regain her composure.
“I thought my life was ruined when I discovered the truth about the Brotherhood and what a mess I had gotten myself into. I can’t believe you’re giving me a chance to redeem myself. You have no idea what this means to me. That you would be willing to take a chance with me here on the NEW ORLEANS is beyond belief. I promise I won’t let you down.”
“Just so you understand; you will remain under arrest until A’Lappe has administered the loyalty tests and other security checks. Thereafter you will remain on a probationary status and will continue to be monitored and tested periodically, so that we can be absolutely certain of you allegiance. So if you’re willing to undergo the intense and ongoing scrutiny, I’m willing to take a chance on you,” I said.
“I think I would like that very much,” she said.
“Good. Now, the fact that you were never in the Federation military means you are not under military judgment for court martial. On top of that, the Senate is considering amnesty for Brotherhood members who defect. So I think these factors put you in a pretty good position,” I informed her. “Right now the only Brotherhood members who know you have helped us and that you’re no longer part of their program are the ones in our holding cell. None of the other Brotherhood members know about this development; so as far as they’re concerned, you’re still with them.
“You mentioned that you were only acting first officer on the RUNANA. How long did you serve on her?”
“Only a few weeks. I was on temporary assignment while the regular first officer was away on another assignment.”
“How many bases does the Brotherhood have on Alle Bamma?”
“Fourteen that I know of; but there could be more”
“Do you know how many Brotherhood ships are here on the planet at the moment?”
“I know they had 31 corvettes like the RUNANA and over a hundred patrol ships before today’s conflict. They also have freighters coming and going and a few other miscellaneous ships. What the status of ships is after today I don’t know.”
“If we can get you to the planet near a base with another corvette like the RUNANA, what are your chances of getting aboard unchallenged?”
“Unless they changed things in the past few hours, I should have little or no problem doing so. I’m one of but a few personnel that that is experienced in flying all their ship types. I’ve also served at a number of bases here, so I will be immediately recognized as an officer of the Brotherhood. Since my rotation through the major bases was frequent, my coming and going was a routine thing. If I were to suddenly show up on any base, I don’t think anyone would really notice. Plus, the destruction of the base where I was stationed creates a situation where the camp’s survivors will have to be displaced to other bases. So, all things considered, I’m pretty sure I won’t be seen as a suspicious presence anywhere. Why would you want me to go back?”
“I want you to help us steal another corvette,” I said.
“That’s going to be difficult. Normally there is a crew of about 50 on each corvette. They can hold double that; but the Brotherhood has been spreading crews pretty thin, operating ships and bases with fewer staff and two long shifts instead of three shorter ones. The RUNANA was an exception, since the food synthesizer was out of order and all but a few core officers were displaced to barracks. Any other corvette you may find will be more heavily manned.”
“Is there any way – easy way – to disable one for a short period of time without destroying it?” I asked.
“There may be, but I’m not an engineer. If there is I don’t know what it would be,” she said.
“I believe there is a way, Tibby,” said A’Lappe. In his typical fashion he had suddenly appeared in the meeting. Felenna looked startled.
“You’ll have to excuse A’Lappe. He likes to make sudden and dramatic appearances. You’ll get used to it.”
“I’m still trying to get used to it,” said Stonbersa offhandedly.
“Okay, A’Lappe, how can it be done?” I asked.
“The ship is definitely Markazian-built. Markazian engineers are notorious for using a Dietyte fusion reactor. Though it is sufficient for powering the ship, this reactor is cheaply designed and poorly built. Well-built reactors include a safety mechanism that facilitates necessary shutdowns without killing th
e reaction potential or the reactor itself, thus making it possible to restart the reactor and associated power distribution without excessive effort. The Markazians, on the other hand, use a cost-cutting method to lower the price of the reactor, as well as the required construction effort. Their design employs a simple kill system that successfully stops the reaction; but at the same time it kills the reaction potential and the reactor. Once the reactor kill switch is activated, that reactor is terminated. Only by installing a new one will the ship be operational again.”
“Yes, there is such a kill switch on the bridge,” confirmed Felenna, “but I never knew that the reactor couldn’t be restarted once the switch was activated. Only the officer in charge on the bridge has the key, which generally means the captain or the first officer.”
“Another thing you should know,” A’Lappe interjected, “the weapons system on the ship is powered solely by the reactor. If the reactor is down, the weapons are completely disabled.”
“That is good and valuable news, A’Lappe, but why are you here and not working on the cloaking of the RUNANA?”
“Ha, like I’m needed to install that thing. After confirming some simple dimensional parameters, I turned over the installation to the maintenance crew. While you were away, I had several spare cloaking devices constructed, which are now stored in the hangar; so after I completed the necessary calculations, all I had to do was tell them where and how to install the system. I assumed I would be of more value to you here,” he said with a grin.
“Oh, before I forget,” he continued, “I was also able to repair the food synthesizer on the ship. It really wasn’t anything that difficult. The Brotherhood engineers must be a joke.”
“That’s probably a fair assessment, A’Lappe,” I said with a grin.
“Okay, so now all we need to do is to figure out how to get you on the bridge, get the kill switch key in your hands and deactivate the reactor without getting you killed in the process,” I said.