Deep Space Intelligence : Complete Series

by Gary Weston

  ‘I had to juggle figures all the time. Dealing with the bad guys like the drixolate runners was the easy part. Wow. Is that how much the overrun is?’

  Saltoe nodded. ‘You know the routine. D S I Military engagements are funded separately from what is essentially a scientific mission like this. This mission being a scientific mission has to come from the general budget.’

  ‘Hmm. So it isn’t a lack of funding, but more of a procedural issue. I’m sure I was always dipping into one fund to pay for something else in the other fund.’

  Saltoe said, ‘Not this much, I bet.’

  ‘Not even I was that brassy. The trouble is, we’ve a couple of old farts on the Council who are sticklers for procedure and would love nothing better than to chop out a lot of the D S I. Because all the planets are obliged to contribute for running the D S I, if they smell a rat, we’ll have independent auditors going through the records with a magnifying glass. I do what I can to fight the D S I corner, but it’s damned hard work. I guarantee this will cause a riot.’

  Saltoe turned off the recorder. ‘Was Boss wrong to authorise that mission? To be truthful, I encouraged him to do so. He wasn’t keen, really.’

  ‘What swayed him?’

  ‘The fact that we thought there were two new races out there. Maybe even in sector seven. There was no way we could ignore that possibility.’

  ‘And neither would I. I always say, knowing the problem is halfway to solving it. Let’s see what comes out of Boss’s meeting. That might change things entirely. Come on. Time for a feed.’

  Chapter 330

  ‘Ok. Give order for Boss,’ said Millet. ‘Quiet.’

  Boss said. ‘Ok. Everybody hear me at the back? Right. I know how things go around here. Rumours are rife. You retrieved the probe and all the data on it has been analysed. Before I say much more, I’m about to play you some of that data. It runs for just over eleven minutes. It will then be played again. Save all comments and questions until after I’ve talked about it. Here we go.’

  Twenty-three minutes later, the second showing had finished, Boss shut off the machine and addressed the assembly.

  ‘Ordinarily, you would already be on your way to help those people. There’s just one problem. What you saw we are reasonably sure did not happen in our universe.’ Boss let the anticipated buzz of everyone talking at once go on for a minute, then demanded silence. ‘Let me answer the questions most of you are thinking right now. First. Yes. There is at least one parallel universe. We all read the Craggy books as kids, and all about the Blackness and how she took their ships through the split from this universe, into the next one. Both Councillor Freeman and myself have copies on Varlindran cones of that historic event and how Dixon Cragg and the others, met that universe’s version of themselves. Would you confirm what you saw last night please, General Millet?’

  ‘Certainly, Boss. Captain Armstrong and I watched Boss’s copy of the recording of that mission, all those years ago. They were taken by this universe’s Blackness, into the other universe, through the split, or maybe one similar, where they went to their Earth. Their Mars wasn’t as developed as much as Mars is here. Earth was still a beautiful and cared for planet. But, unlike our Graggon friends here, the Graggons and Humans were at war with each other, in much the same way the Graggons and ourselves were at war with the Varlindrans. So. Yes. I can verify everything Boss is telling you. Boss?’

  ‘Thank you, General Millet. Ok. On that first trip, they were more or less sucked into the split and out the other side. They almost got stranded there. They almost lost their lives returning through the split. They managed to stop the war going on over there. We might not be so lucky, if we went. We have three good fighters ready to go. We do not know what we would be facing. So, you not only have the danger of going through the split, the very real possibility of being stuck into a strange dimension, you also could be up against a well armed army.’

  ‘Sir,’ Lieutenant Croxfort said, raising his hand.

  ‘Lieutenant?’

  ‘But what about those people. It looked like they were being wiped out. And they begged us to help.’

  Boss said, ‘And that is the only reason you might be going into that universe. But it isn’t our fight and not even in our universe. In fact, we might not even be able to find that split again.’

  ‘Sir?’

  ‘Frogmorten?’

  ‘Yes, Sir. We know exactly where that split is. From the direction the probe was flying when we discovered it, factoring in all the direction changes due to the gravitational pull of all the planets it passed close by to, we found the split and some of our scientists are tracking it as we speak.’

  Boss shared a look with Millet. ‘Ok. That rules out that excuse, then. How far away is it, Frogmorten?’

  ‘About fourteen days at close to maximum speed, Sir.’

  Boss nodded. ‘Thanks for that, Frogmorten. Right. Because of the risks involved, plus the fact that it isn’t our fight and not in our universe, the decision to go will be taken by you. All of you. Anybody not wishing to go will be excused this mission. That will never reflect or impact on your careers in the D S I. Nobody, especially me, will ever think anything less of you for turning the mission down. If there aren’t enough volunteers to fly and arm all three ships, nobody will be going. Go home, talk it over with your families. Think very seriously about all this and this time tomorrow, each of you will decide if you are going. Have we covered everything, General Millet?’

  ‘I think so, Boss. Any further questions? No? Ok. Go home and be back here in the morning. If we go, we’ll go immediately we’ve decided, so come prepared. Dismissed.’

  Chapter 331

  ‘Boss.’

  ‘Councillor.’

  ‘I know that look on your face. I saw it often enough when I looked in a mirror when I had your job.’

  Boss said, ‘I’ve news for you. Your face still shows the pressure. I could do with my P A here and I never thought I’d hear myself saying that.’

  Saltoe said, ‘Sorry, Boss. Councillor Freeman needs me in his corner at the conference. We’re both eager to learn what’s going on back there.’

  ‘I’ll know more tomorrow morning. Due to the nature of the situation, I’ve allowed all the D S I Military officers the choice to accept or decline the mission. If the three available fighters cannot be flown and armed, the mission doesn’t happen.’

  Freeman said, ‘And you, Tagg Raven. What is your preferred option? Would you want this mission to happen?’

  Boss sighed. ‘On balance, no. But enough have voiced the opinion we go help those little people. I was rather hoping we couldn’t even find the split and that would be the end of it. It turns out Aristotle Frogmorten and his merry band of scientists know exactly where the damn thing is and that our ships can get there in about fourteen days. Basically, it all comes down to the individual officers.’

  Freeman said, ‘No wonder you’re anxious. I’m loathe to add to your anxiety, but Miss Saltoe and I have looked over the budget. I’m expecting the toughest annual conference ever. The only possible way we get away with not having the D S I budget drastically cut, is by proving this mission has a military aspect, not the scientific mission it has been up until this moment.’

  Boss snapped, ‘I’m far more concerned about the safety and well-being of our people. If that means blowing the budget, so be it. I’ll not use my influence to push this one through.’

  Freeman smiled. ‘When I made you Boss, I knew then as I know now. I made the right choice.’

  ‘Thanks. As soon as I know the outcome, I’ll let you know.’

  ‘We’ll look forward to your call. Over.’

  ‘Over.’

  Chapter 332

  Captain Chimes was relieved that her landing place had been reserved. Fifteen ships were already parked up neatly with typical Varlindran efficiency. Naturally, the Graggon ships were the largest. With the Graggons even smaller than the Varlindrans, it was ironic that they
had the biggest ships.

  ‘It’s pretty full on down there,’ said Chimes as she let her ship be guided into position.

  Freeman said, ‘This is nothing to the bedlam also known as the Interplanetary Council Annual Conference. Are we ok to go, Captain?’

  ‘Yes, Sir. I see your welcoming committee waiting for you. I’ll have Toby take your luggage over later. Err, Sir. Have you arranged a room for Miss Saltoe?’

  Freeman ignored the cheeky look that accompanied the question. ‘It slipped my mind, Captain. I’m sure we’ll be able to find a bed for her.’

  ‘Of course, but with accommodation being a premium at the moment, I’m sure Miss Saltoe could sleep here on the ship, if need be.’

  ‘I’m sure that won’t be necessary, Captain. I invited Miss Saltoe. She’s my responsibility.’ He still smiled as he gave her a “mind your own business” look with his eyes.

  As Saltoe entered the flight-deck looking for Freeman after freshening up her make-up, Captain Chimes with a critical woman to woman waggle of the eyebrows, said, ‘You look very pretty, Miss Saltoe.’

  ‘Thanks,‘said Saltoe, reading correctly between the lines.

  ‘Councillor Freeman was just saying he intended to see to your every need personally.’

  ‘And I’m sure he will. Clifford. Are we ready to go?’

  ‘Indeed we are, Maj. Come on. I can’t wait to get off this ship.’ As he escorted Saltoe to the door, Freeman turned his head and bobbed his tongue out at Chimes. She screwed up her face and returned the compliment.

  Toby Miles already had the airlock open. Not requiring spacesuits on Varlindra, Saltoe, Freeman and Miles were dressed in smart, casual clothes, Freeman completely in black, the official gold chain of his auspicious position around his neck. As the three of them walked down the airlock ramp, two Varlindran officials approached.

  Saltoe had met Varlindrans before, but still found them cute to look at. They were like regular Human people, except they were a perfectly proportioned three feet tall. They were wearing the traditional dress of their race, wide sleeved, full-length tunics almost to the floor. Saltoe, Freeman and Miles, clasped their hands together and bowed slightly. The officials did the same.

  ‘Welcome to Varlindra,’ said one. ‘We have transport to your rooms, Councillor Freeman.’

  ‘Thank you.’

  One Varlindran whispered something to the other. Then one asked, ‘Councillor Freeman. Our instructions are to escort just you to your rooms. We were not informed about additional guests.’

  ‘This man is my Personal Assistant. He’ll be sleeping on the ship for the duration of the visit.’

  More whispering by the Varlindrans. ‘And this is your female, Councillor Freeman?’

  Both Miles and Saltoe grinned and stared at Freeman, wondering what his response was going to be.

  ‘This is Miss Saltoe. Boss’s representative from Home.’

  Saltoe felt a pang of disappointment at what he said. But she realised in reality, she and Freeman had only spent a few days together, and then, not really together. Perhaps he was just trying to save her embarrassment. Perhaps…

  ‘Accommodation is rather in short supply,’ warned the official. ‘Especially for our larger visitors.’

  ‘Is he calling me fat?’ Saltoe bristled. ‘Is he? Is he?’

  ‘No,’ said Freeman. ‘He means Humans in general. Let me worry about Miss Saltoe’s accommodation.’

  The Varlindrans looked at each other then shrugged. ‘Very well. Please follow us.’

  Miles said, ‘I’ll see to your luggage later, Sir.’

  ‘Thank you, Miles. Come along, Miss Saltoe.’

  Chapter 333

  ‘Ok,’ said Millet. ‘Quiet. Order for Boss.’

  Boss said, ‘Thank you, General Millet. Right. No point messing about. I’d like to say this one more time, though. It will not reflect on you in any way if you don’t wish to go on this mission and will not affect your careers with the D S I. Anyone not willing to go, please stand over here by me.’

  Only two moved towards him and stood next to him. Both women, one in her late twenties, the other still in her teens.

  The teenager suddenly burst out in tears. Raven couldn’t stop himself putting his arm around the girl.

  ‘Hey. It’s ok.’

  ‘Mom and Dad wouldn’t let me go,’ she blurted.

  ‘I’d feel the same if I were them. What’s your name?’

  ‘Carla Hanson, Boss. Rookie shooter.’

  ‘Well, Shooter Hanson. Go home to your mom and dad. Tell them not to worry.’

  Hanson wiped away her tears and was walking away when she stopped by Millet. ‘I…I’m so sorry, General Millet, Sir.’

  Millet smiled softly. ‘Like Boss said. Nothing to worry about, Shooter Hanson. Go home.’

  As Hanson walked quickly away, not looking at her colleagues, the other woman said, ‘Elaine Thomlinson, small-arms officer. Sorry, Boss. I just found out two weeks ago, I’m pregnant.’

  ‘Then this mission is no place for you. And I wouldn’t dare argue with an expert in small-arms. Off you go, Officer Thomlinson.’

  No tears from the woman as she passed her colleagues, just a quick salute to Millet, who saluted back.

  ‘One last chance,’ said Boss. ‘Ok. It looks like the mission is on. Good luck, General Millet. All of you come back in one piece.’

  ‘To your places now,’ barked Millet. ‘On the double. Snap to it.’

  Only Shorty stayed behind. Millet said, ‘Are you disappointed, Boss?’

  ‘A little surprised. Shorty. I felt sure you wouldn’t want to go on this one.’

  ‘I can’t say I’m keen. But Frank and I discussed it. If we had the numbers, Frank would pretty much have to go, and I’m damned if he’s going without me.’

  ‘Fair enough.’

  ‘Is there room for two more, Boss?’ a voice called out. Aristotle Frogmorten and Jackie Cracker were walking towards them in the huge hanger, already suited, carrying bags of personal stuff.

  ‘You two?’ said Boss. ‘But you’re not D S I.’

  ‘No, Boss,’ said Cracker. ‘But we are scientists. You need a couple of geeks on a trip like this.’

  ‘General?’ asked Boss.

  ‘They’re probably right. Get on my ship.’

  ‘Yes, Sir.’

  ‘Well, Boss. Time we weren’t here,’ said Shorty.

  Boss shook the Millet’s hands. ‘You come back to me, ok?’

  ‘We always do, Boss,’ said Millet.

  It was with a heavy heart that Boss watched the three fighters take off on what was probably going to be one of the most dangerous missions ever. As the blue of the plasma drives vanished into deep space, he turned to call Councillor Freeman with a very short but important message.

  Chapter 334

  ‘I think this is everything,’ said Toby Miles, putting the bags on the floor. ‘We have just received a message from Boss before I came over. I’m not sure what it means. He just said, “Gone Military.” Does that make sense, Sir?’

  Freeman glanced at Saltoe and sighed. ‘Yes, Miles. No reply needed.’

  ‘Right, Sir. I wasn’t aware of any rooms for Miss Saltoe yet, so I just brought everything here. Is that ok?’

  ‘Yes, Miles,’ said Freeman. ‘Human sized rooms on this planet are few and far between and the so called bed is a great big cushion. We’ll sort it from here. You will be ok sleeping on the ship?’

  ‘Of course, Sir. That’s the usual arrangement. Just call me when you need me.’

  ‘I will. Thank you, Miles. Any urgent messages from Boss, let me know immediately, any time, day or night.’

  ‘Understood, Sir.’ Miles went off to return to the ship.

  ‘Well,’ said Saltoe. ‘The mission is on.’

  Freeman said, ‘So it would seem. Right, Maj. I suppose we should see if we can find you a room of your own.’

  Saltoe pouted and shimmied over to Freeman, held his face in her hands
and kissed him passionately on the lips. Then she stood back and slowly started undoing her top.

  ‘Are you sure that’s what you want?’

  Freeman went to the door and locked it. ‘I think you know what I want.’

  Chapter 335

  ‘Are you ok?’ Joy Dainty knew that when Raven paced the floor at home as well as in his office, things were not good.

  ‘I’ve a bad feeling about this.’

  ‘You have a bad feeling about breathing. This one isn’t down to you. You gave all of them the choice and they chose to go.’

  Raven said, ‘And that’s supposed to make me feel better? I could have stopped them. If I’d have said no, there would be no mission. I failed them.’

  ‘You don’t know that. They’re seasoned campaigners. They can handle it.’

  ‘Seasoned campaigners? One of the two who backed out was seventeen. A slip of a girl. There are three more the same age, heading off to face…How the hell would I know what?’ Raven sat by Joy. ‘You know what I was thinking giving my “good luck” pep-talk? I saw me visiting the relatives of officers killed in action, on a mission I could have prevented, should have prevented, having to tell them the bad news.’

  Joy stroked Raven’s face and stared into his eyes, etched with worry lines. How much greyer his hair seemed, these days. She knew he would fret for the entire mission until all his people returned home safely. He would get moody without meaning to be; she would have to walk on egg-shells and not snap back too much when he was letting rip. This was him doing his job. Her job was to help him hold it all together. And good luck with that, she thought.

  ‘You need a distraction.’

  ‘I do?’ said Raven.

  Joy took his hand. ‘And I know just the thing.’

  ‘What?’

  ‘Me. Come on.’

  Chapter 336

  ‘Hungry?’ asked Freeman.