The Syracuse Deception

by T. S. Williams

  Hecate was torn, on the one hand she got her wish. On the other, she had no desire to see her treacherous brother. “Very well. I shall attend immediately”.

  Hecate turned to Cartwright “We can work on this on the way”.

  Cartwright nodded “Lead on, Admiral”. Cartwright couldn’t help but wonder why Agent Athena was mimicking the Admiral’s thick blonde locks instead of her usual red.

  The journey to Cloud base’s Detention centre was uneventful and to Hecate’s minor satisfaction, they managed to finalise a few matters.

  She arrived in the Detention centre expecting Dardanus and the mystery blonde. She got more than she bargained for. Commander Magnus was in the corner talking intently to Ploiarchos Elias.

  Athena cleared her throat loudly and shifted her hair back to red. That shocked Elias who was still getting used to the casual uses of Laurentian technology. The others turned towards her.

  “I’m sure you’re all wondering why I’ve called you here today”, she smiled to herself as said it. Nobody knew Athena was huge fan of murder mystery stories.

  “The Inquisitor and I have a few questions that need answering”, she continued melodramatically.

  She turned Magnus “Commander, you took Dreadnought to answer a distress call and you found a crippled Spirit of Free Enterprise, in the Salmis system”.

  Magnus nodded, but said nothing.

  Dardanus jumped in “I had an inquisitorial warrant issued for the Spirit and others. It was connected to unauthorised shut downs of Naval Station Archimedes’ jump shield”.

  Hecate added frostily “And my battlegroup was on a mission to intercept the Spirit. We had tracked her down to the Salmis system. You know the result”. She couldn’t help glancing at Magnus.

  Athena nodded “The Spirit of Free Enterprise has been in service a long time. It has passed through Coppinger’s Grave Yard in that same system numerous times in the last few months”, she directed an accusing pair of eyes at each Lakedaemian, in turn.

  Hecate stared back steadily. Dardanus looked confused. Elias buckled. “Due the poor sensor conditions, Coppinger’s Grave Yard is a great place to throw off any pursuit” he commented, “Everyone knows that”.

  Athena confidently zeroed in on her target “Dardanus, what other ships were named in your warrant?”.

  Dardanus counted them off “The Jolly Green Giant, the Seagull and the….” He paused thoughtfully “Asteria”.

  Athena kept her face impassive, but inside she smiled to herself. Hecate was now looking at Elias very differently and now she would now do Athena’s work for her.

  “What has your lost ship got to do with Coppinger’s Grave Yard, Ploiarchos?” Hecate said suspiciously. Elias let out a guilty sigh “Asteria set up listening posts, hidden in the dust clouds”.

  Magnus stared at him, brow wrinkled in confusion “That doesn’t explain how Battlegroup Apollonius knew how to find Cloud base”.

  Hecate gave Elias a hard look.

  “It wasn’t just a listening post” Elias confessed “Though that alone would have been worth it.”, he rubbed the bridge of his nose “We were testing infiltration software on passing ships. Spirit, the Giant. A dozen more.” he looked around the small assembly ruefully “Parasite programs downloaded the ships’ sensor logs every time they flew through the Grave Yard.” Elias nodded at Dardanus “We used customs inspections as a cover.”

  Magnus was surprised “That’s quite a violation of the Good Faith Treaty, not to mention Imperial Edict”.

  “Worse than that” Elias continued “Syracuse Fleet Command lost contact with all the listening posts eighteen months ago”.

  Hecate looked split between annoyed and intrigued “This wasn’t sanctioned by the Imperial government.” she said to Magnus. He replied “You’re an Admiral. There are whole departments of government you know nothing about”. Athena cleared her throat loudly and shook her head.

  Hecate smiled like a shark scenting blood “Not as Admiral. As first in line to the Imperial throne, Commander.” Magnus shot a deadly look at Athena, whilst Hecate shrugged “I thought everyone on Cloud base knew”.

  Hecate turned back to Elias, her voice now domineering “Who authorised this deception, Ploiarchos?”.

  Elias shrugged “Prince Ptolemy gave the orders, himself. Asteria didn’t keep any of the normal star logs. Everything was strictly deniable”.

  “So” said Magnus deliberately steering the conversation on, “the Blight have infected this illegal outpost and have used it to spy on the Kingdom and the Empire”, he wasn’t yet satisfied “But how could your ships see so well in Vespin’s atmosphere?”.

  Elias gave a small smile of satisfaction “A very old idea. The parasite programs gave us excellent magnetic field surveys of Vespin. We used magnetometers and looked for anomalies”.

  “Clever. The real question is how can we counter it?” asked Magnus.

  “That’s for Camperdown to solve” said Athena, shutting down his train of thought.

  Magnus took the hint. “On that note, it’s time for us to go” he said.

  “Go where?”, Hecate looked confused.

  “Victory party. I understand you declined for all your countrymen” Athena said with a mocking smile.

  Hecate watched the Laurentians leave through narrowed eyes. She turned to Dardanus “Inquisitor, who was that you were working with?”.

  “Agent Athena, Ma’am. His Majesty’s Secret Service”.

  Chapter 35

  Captain Scarlett looked upon his works with genuine pride. Admiral Camperdown had told him to organise a victory party on a really tight deadline. Scarlett did what every aide-de-camp does when given a seemingly impossible task. Get help from the most unlikely places. Cloud base’s Muse convocation.

  The enigmatic megaliths were rarely interested in human social affairs, but Tsun Tzu had asked for an introduction to Commander Magnus but interestingly, not through Camperdown.

  Scarlett was surprised, but could see an opportunity to solve two problems with one stone. A mere Captain in the Paratroopers could not order a Starship Commander anywhere and the man in question had little time free anyway. A victory party something Magnus could hardly avoid.

  In the end, Scarlett was surprised by Tsun Tzu’s fervour, volunteering the entire Convocation level and having it decked out like a Royal Jubilee. He wondered what he had let the Commander in for.

  This was the only time Athena could remember the Muses’ Convocation under any lighting other than blue and white. For once, the reflection of Vespin’s atmosphere was swamped by reds, greens and golds. The people of Cloud base were giving thanks for their survival. In Laurentian tradition, that meant solemn deliberation followed by a mind-bending party.

  The straight laced Lakedaemians had politely refused their invitations. They claimed they were still badly under trained to operate their newly acquired battlecruiser. Frankenstein was very different to their own designs. Athena privately suspected that Admiral Hecate was actually being diplomatic. A group of Lakedaemians had just attacked Cloud base. The wounds were still too raw for the groups to mix.

  Seeing Counter-Admiral Camperdown in full ceremonial dress was another first for Athena. He could blind someone if caught from the wrong angle. Camperdown was normally very coy about the many medals he’d earned.

  The final first for her today was the primus Muse, Tsun Tzu. Athena was convinced he was enjoying himself, in so far as a megalithic intelligence could either be male or enjoy itself. Captain Scarlett had once told her Muses take the gender of the human whose name they bore. She definitely sensed a background hum of satisfaction from them, which implied some bond with humanity.

  She felt a spike of jealousy as Hannah Cartwright had the silver compass rose rank emblem of Sub-Commander pinned upon her collar. Athena had known long ago when she joined the Intelligence Service, she would rarely get thanks and never publicly. Magnus, now an ace Commander, had his silver rank stars coloured red. This was an old
Patrol Flotilla tradition, signifying the spilled blood of his enemies. But Athena had the green bug eyed monster back under control. She managed to coolly sip from her glass and clap politely.

  One award she did feel unashamedly pleased about was Jack Armstrong’s promotion to Serjeant. He was the senior surviving paratrooper of an admittedly small band, but he’d played his part fighting the Clone Prince. Thresher too, had earned himself a bauble, but was struggling with the grief of Charlie Lincoln’s loss. Athena had seen that poor battered corpse and couldn’t blame Thresher for taking up so much of Armstrong’s time. She would make a point of visiting the good Serjeant later in the evening, before shipping out.

  Politely chatting with Magnus, Camperdown was enjoying himself. He wouldn’t stay much longer. As the boss, he’d only cramp the style of the younger crowd. He was pretty sure after parties were already breaking off and heading out across Cloud base.

  “You’ve had your orders already, Commander” Camperdown smiled and sipped a gin and tonic “Any last questions? I probably will be back on Avalon enjoying retirement when you come back”.

  “I’d like to trial the new magnetometer probes, Sir” Magnus paused “Operationally I mean. I’m sure Desmond Llewellyn does good work, but combat is the best test”.

  “You’re supposed to proceed direct to the Imperial Capitol. What sort of diversion do you have in mind?” asked Camperdown “The Emperor will want the Clone Prince’s body back. He can use it to convince the imperial citizenry the Blight is behind the Rebellion. Deny them public support”.

  “It wouldn’t add much to the total transit time to go through Coppinger’s Grave Yard. We need a secure communication line between the Empire and the Star Kingdom.” said Magnus “Let’s poke a stick in one of the Blight’s many eyes.”

  “I’ll talk it over with Hecate. I can see the benefit to both nations” replied Camperdown.

  Serjeant Jack Armstrong stood with the survivors of 95th Orbital Parachute Regiment. Never in his whole career had he seen so much of a unit wiped out. Nothing left but the most junior troopers. They were still bowled over with their grief. He’d tried to focus the sqaddies’ anger on the Blight and the Lakedaemian rebels. But some unhealthy obsessions were growing. Camperdown was wise to be sending this lot off the station, even if it meant, Armstrong would be nursemaiding them with the assistance of his newly minted Lance Corporal.

  Heisenberg was standing with Cartwright near the drinks table. After forty-five minutes of ceremonially back patting, she'd needed a big drink. She supposed it was hypocritical to complain, for she too was now sporting a shiny new rank. Sub-Commander. After a full tour as Executive Officer on Dreadnought, someone might put her in command of small ship of her own. If the High Guard Admiralty were bringing more patrol ships back into service, they’d need Officers to command them.

  The two Sub-Commanders smiled at one another as an intoxicated Desmond Llewellyn accidentally bumbled into their conversation. They could barely hear him now the music started. Heisenberg mischievously asked him for the benefit of his experience in the rank, whilst actually continuing her conversation with Cartwright via mind’s eye. He kept talking until he ran out of drink, he then went for more, leaving the two in peace.

  Greg Jones, as befitted his status as hotshot pilot, spent the afternoon holding court with a bevy of young recruits who hung on his every word. It helped that Jones had just received two awards. A King’s gallantry medal and a good conduct decoration. If he played his cards right, Greg was sure he could convince at least one brunette to engage in some bad conduct.

  The afternoon turned to evening and Magnus, who had been speaking with Captain Scarlett, found himself alone with Tsun Tzu. The aide-de-camp had slipped away to check on Camperdown allegedly. The Muse seemed to want something of him, but after fifteen minutes beating around the bush, it still hadn’t come out with it. A socially awkward block of rock was a new experience for Magnus.

  “Do you have any misgivings about your upcoming mission, Commander?” said Tsun Tzu, his voice suddenly much quieter than before.

  “I’ve planned for everything I can think of” Magnus answered warily “but as they teach at the Psy Guard academy, I’m not that kind of psychic”.

  “I know what kind of psychic you are, Commander Magnus” Tsun Tzu replied firmly.

  “I wasn’t good enough to get through the first year.” said Magnus testily.

  “That is not why you were asked to leave, Commander. ” Tsun Tzu answered enigmatically “You have a singular ability that will reveal it’s utility. It just couldn’t be hidden in a school full of mind readers.”

  Magnus was too shocked to say anything else.

  The Muse changed topic abruptly “One of the convocation would like to volunteer”.

  “For what, exactly?” said Magnus, curiosity getting the better of him.

  “To join your mission. She is an experienced traveller. She can offer many insights” rumbled Tsun Tzu.

  “What sorts of insights?” asked Magnus.

  “Amniarix is very familiar with the Lakedaemian Empire. Your ship completed her deliverance” replied the Muse “She is loyal to our Kingdom and owes you a debt”.

  “I have a whole ship load of Lakedaemians who can tell me about the Empire. Including a Crown Princess, no less.” said Magnus defensively.

  Tsun Tzu sounded like a slightly disappointed teacher “Their first loyalty is not to us, Commander”.

  Magnus weighed up the numerous the pros and cons “Send this Amniarix aboard the Dreadnought then. But I can’t guarantee anyone’s safety on this mission”.

  “Amniarix is familiar with mortal danger” Tsun Tzu replied tonelessly “She won’t pass any information to the enemy. No matter what.” Tsun Tzu finished simply “Thank you, Commander”.

  Magnus chose to retire from the convocation after that conversation. Commissioner Adrian Hale had gifted him an excellent bottle of single malt whisky and he intended to sample it robustly. For science. Magnus had last seen him at the Board of Enquiry, it seemed like weeks ago now.

  Ten hours later, Magnus once again found himself in Dreadnought’s CIC. Dreadnought had cleared Vespin’s atmosphere under Greg Jones’s well practiced hands. She was now making her final orbit before jumping out. The Frankenstein followed.

  Ahead, on the CIC display it just possible to pick out Cloud base’s relief squadron. Heisenberg, shaping up nicely in her new role as Executive Officer, stabbed at a few buttons on her console. The magnification increased. The relief squadron’s flag ship, the battleship Warspite, was framed neatly for Magnus to see. She evidently saw Dreadnought and sent a brief signal “Good luck and gods speed Dreadnought”.

  Magnus was distracted by a string of bright lights extending round the planet. It was hypnotically beautiful and showed him how quickly the new defence satellites were coming into service. Cloud base and her mysterious sister installations were secure for now.

  Magnus’ checked that his newest crew member was settling in. Instead of a meeting in person, he occasionally flicked up bandwidth usage by Dreadnought’s secondary computer core, where Amniarix had been secured. She was able to analyse data from anywhere in the ship and she was definitely using the privilege. By agreement, Amniarix would only communicate with Magnus himself, or Heisenberg. At least until the crew got used to her. For now, it was better that she amused herself.

  The vibrations through the deck spiked, then faded off. After weeks onboard Dreadnought and many jumps, Magnus could tell she was ready. A message from Frankenstein popped up on the CIC display “From Flag, Dreadnought is cleared for first jump”. Magnus called out to Chris Bainham at the Sensor Post “Dreadnought Actual to Flag, acknowledged, will jump from orbit”.

  The battlecruiser flew on around Vespin. She was hunting for where the gravitational effects of the gas giant and her moons were in balance. This was the closest place where the gravity gradient was flat. A jump point.

  Dreadnought’s orbit carried h
er toward that point in space at many kilometres a second. In an unlikely event of cosmic alignment, Dreadnought left Vespin’s shadow just before she jumped. For an instant, she was enveloped in brilliant sunlight. The blackness of space that replaced her made the effect all the more spectacular.

  Dreadnought’s jump drive activated. Six point eight million tonnes of starship left Vespin and Cloud base far behind.

  In the Frankenstein’s CIC, Sub-Commander Hannah Cartwright sat in her chair on the command level. She looked down at her crew, diligently going about their duties. Admiral Hecate had retired to her quarters after signalling Dreadnought should take the lead. Cartwright watched the mighty ship vanish from normal space in relative isolation. The Frankenstein continued peacefully along Dreadnought’s flightpath until it was her turn to assail infinity’s void.