When I arrived on the bridge of the DUSTEN, I was pleased to see Admiral Regeny was still aboard and talking with Captain Wanoll. . Both looked at me startled as I burst into the room red-faced and out of breath with my contingent of guards jogging behind me, while still trying to get themselves into proper formation. “Captain, we need to contact our troops on Kendrop and Gochian immediately and have them attack the DUSTEN with anything they have left that can fly and has armament! Any surface missiles or weapons that can reach it should be used. ”
Admiral Regeny, still with a look of shock on his face asked, “Why Tibby, what’s happening?”
“Their shields,” I panted, still somewhat winded from the run to the bridge, “Their shields are down. They had the shields down to load the frigates, corvettes and their own fighters and patrol ships when the explosion occurred. It’s possible their shields are still down, and they may not even be able to get them back up. All the weapon systems on at least that one side of the ship are probably down as well, and they can’t get any fighters or patrol ships out to defend the HAPRIN, because they were all damaged in the explosion. They are basically defenseless at the moment!”
“By the stars, Tibby, you’re right! Why didn’t we see that earlier? “Regeny exclaimed.
“Because we have gotten too accustomed to the idea that starships and anything with an RMFF are untouchable from without,” I said. “I suspect that the HAPRIN has already put out a call to their closest ships in the area to rush to their aid, and I imagine they are trying to figure out how to repair the RMFF as well. Fortunately for us, A’Lappe and only a few of our scientists know and understand how it works, so it’s unlikely they will get it repaired anytime soon. Since they haven’t moved, we can surmise that their propulsion system has also been damaged, but that they can most likely repair, so we need to move quickly and keep the pressure on them and hope they surrender before help arrives,” I said.
Captain Wanoll, who had been sitting at the communication console with the communications officer in DSC headgear said, “We got through to our troops there. They have less than 200 fighters and patrol ships left, but they are getting them into space and heading to attack the HAPRIN. I’ve ordered them to focus their attack on the Gravity Wave generator at the bow of the ship.”
“Excellent,” I responded, “If they can do substantial damage to it before the Brotherhood can get the system working again, they won’t be able to go anywhere. Admiral, I think we’ve got them!”
“Let’s hope so,” Regeny said. “There is nothing more I would like at this point than to deny them future use of the HAPRIN as one of their war ships. Even if she is severely damaged we can reclaim her and get her back into operation again.”
The next few minutes went by slowly before we started getting feedback from Kendrop and Gochian. “The fighters have reached the HAPRIN and are blasting away at the Gravity Wave generator on the bow. They are reporting that the shields are indeed down,” Wanoll said excitedly. “The HAPRIN is firing back with a few weapons that are still working, but since the fighters are cloaked, they can’t get a fix on them, and so far none have been hit. The problem is that the HAPRIN is so large, and we have so few fighters and patrol ships that it’s going to take a lot of hits to do much serious damage,” he added.
“True, and if the HAPRIN were fully operational their efforts might not mean much, but she is severely wounded and the fighters and patrol ships constantly picking away at her will only cripple her more. We need to keep her there until we can arrive.” I said just as Marranalis came onto the bridge.
“Sorry I’m late, sir. I just got word you had rushed back here.”
“Don’t worry about it, Marranalis, it was my fault. I came here so quickly I didn’t have time to think to have someone notify you,” I said and then rapidly filled him in on what was happening.
“Tibby, I think we should launch more mirage fighters from the DUSTEN and get them headed to Kendrop and Gochian immediately. They are much faster than the DUSTEN and can be there at least two days earlier and can add to the fire power against the HAPRIN.” Marranalis said.
“You’re right. Send half of our mirage fighters to assist them.” I ordered.
“Tibby, what made you realize their shields were down?” Regeny asked.
“Honestly sir, I didn’t’. Kala did. I felt like such a fool when she asked if the HAPRIN’s shields were down, I’d never given it any thought until that moment.”
“None of us did,” Regeny fumed, “maybe we need First Citizen Kalana to run this war. Then after a pause he said. “Will someone bring me an afex? I need a drink!”
The next couple of days, as the DUSTEN and half of the first fleet rushed toward Kendrop and Gochian, time raced by. Admiral Regeny had set up temporary headquarters aboard the DUSTEN, and you could tell he was eager to see what would transpire. On our second day en route to Kendrop and Gochian, Kala and the twins moved onto the DUSTEN, with Kala complaining that the twins seemed to be upset that they weren’t seeing me enough. Reidecor suddenly realized that Lunnie had an advantage over him by walking, and he was now starting to stand up and trying to take steps. However, he was frustrated that his feet didn’t seem to want to work the way he wished, and he would end up staring at them and crying while Lunnie raced circles around him picking up his toys and handing them to him. It was at the end of that second day when I entered our cabin, and Kala asked me.
“Tibby, when did you eat last?” I honestly didn’t remember. “I thought so,” she said with an irritated look on her face when she realized I had no answer. “I’ve arranged for Jenira and Franton to baby sit. You and I are going out for dinner this evening. You take a shower, shave, and put on a fresh uniform while I make reservations for us at the best restaurant on the DUSTEN. Having properly been chastised, as only a mate can do, I headed through the master bedroom toward the shower. I caught a quick look at myself in one of the full-length mirrors and suddenly realized how Kala could tune in on my condition. I had a two-day growth of beard showing, and my uniform looked like I had slept in it for a week. I climbed into the shower, once more wishing the things operated longer than 3 minutes, but I was refreshed by it anyway and felt much better on exiting it than I did entering it. I used the depilatory device and shaved quickly, ran the styling wand through my hair to give it a proper trim and donned a nice clean and pressed formal fleet admiral’s uniform. When I came out of our bedroom, Kala was giving final instructions to Jenira and Franton. She must have had someone go to the NEW ORLEANS to get Jenira, unless she had brought her over with her, I couldn’t be sure which. At some point while I was showering, Kala must have changed outfits, as she was now wearing a shimmering aquamarine dress that accented her curves nicely. She was beautiful, and once again I felt my heart skip a beat just looking at her.
“Were you able to get us reservations?” I asked as I adjusted my jacket.
Kala laughed, “Tibby, you and I are First Citizens. We will NEVER have a problem getting a reservation anywhere.”
“Hmm, hardly seems fair to the others, but I’m not complaining,” I answered as Kala kissed the twins and told them to behave for “Aunt Jenira." She didn’t mention Franton, and I’m sure that if Lunnie understood any of what Kala was saying, she would assume that meant it was all right to not be good for him.
The restaurant that Kala had selected reminded me very much of TEZU LAGONG where we had dined back on Megelleon years earlier. It was totally class, with a maître d’ and the finest décor one could imagine.
“First Citizens, it is an extreme pleasure to have you dine with us this evening,” the maître d’ said as we entered. “Please, if you come this way, we have your table waiting.” As we entered, I noted a long line of people obviously waiting to get in, and I overheard one patron complaining that even with reservations made weeks in advance, they still had to stand in line. Similar to our experience at the TEZU LAGONG, two of our bodyguards entered the dining room and took up stations inside
the door while two remained outside. “Kala,” I said once we were seated, “don’t you think it would be less unnerving if our bodyguards were not so obvious? I mean, couldn’t we have them dress in more civilian looking attire? They could still carry concealed weapons and wear thin layered body armor under their clothing, but it wouldn’t look as draconian.”
Kala looked at the guards, and about the restaurant as she began to answer, “I don’t see anything wrong with this method. It makes anyone who may be thinking of harming you, or anyone being guarded, aware that trained and armed security is on hand to act at a moment's notice. Only a fool would attempt to do anything wrong with them present. How would their not being obvious be of any benefit?”
“Well for one thing, it would make people less nervous,” I answered. Kala looked around the room again at the diners, who were mostly eating and some that were clearly gawking at us, not because of the guards, but simply because of our status in the Federation.
“I don’t see anyone that appears nervous. Look over there, there are two-bodyguards near that table, and over there as well. It’s quite common really,” she said, “for high-ranking individuals to have body guards in attendance when they are out in public.”
I sighed, “I guess you are right, but it still seems strange and unnerving to me.”
“A-hem” I heard a voice on my right and looked up to see a waiter standing there with a menu.
“Oh, I’m sorry,” I muttered as I took the menu.
The waiter handed a menu to Kala and then began his spiel about the specials of the evening only to add at the end, “But of course we have all sorts of delicacies from around the galaxy in supply, and our chef will personally prepare any dish the First Citizens may desire.”
“By any chance, do you have any Lyonian wine?” I asked, knowing full well the extreme rarity of the wine, and that only very few bottles existed. The waiter froze a moment and then replied, “Let me check with our sommelier,” he said as he turned and left the table, only to return moments later with a short, slightly balding man with a jet black receding hairline. I almost expected him to have an Earth like French accent, but he had no accent at all.
“First Citizens,” he nodded to both Kala and I, “I understand you would like a Lyonian wine. I regret we have none. It is most rare, and I understand the only bottles left are on Megelleon at the TEZU LAGONG. However, we do have an excellent vintage of a Timnit wine that some believe is even finer than the Lyonian wine, it has much of the same bouquet and taste on the palate.” I looked at Kala and could see a look of amusement on her face, as she knew I was totally out of my league talking about wine, and she was getting a small kick out of me trying to appear sophisticated.
“Very well,” I said, “we’ll give it a try.
“An excellent choice sir, I am sure you both will find it to your liking.”
Kala and I looked over the menu and while I am sure she knew what everything on it was, I recognized nothing, and it was all new to me. I kept hoping to find a fubalo steak, or some Anabur Korsak legs, both dishes I had eaten and enjoyed before, but neither appeared on the menu. Finally, I just closed my eyes and ran my finger down the page, stopped, opened my eyes and ordered what was next to my finger. It was served with a soup with a rich brown broth and small crunchy items in it that reminded me of peanuts, but tasted more like pretzels back on Earth. Odd as that sounds, it was actually rather good. The entre looked more like a large plate of scrambled eggs with some sauce poured over it. I wish I could describe the flavor of it to you, but it was totally unique, and while it wasn’t the best dish I have ever eaten, it was very good, and I did enjoy it.
I was nearly finished with my entre and was beginning to really relax and enjoy myself and to tell Kala just how brilliant she was for arranging this evening, when I saw a finely dressed man approaching our table with a clearly upset expression on his face.
“Admiral, I wish a word with you,” he exclaimed a bit louder than decorum would allow in such an establishment. Immediately I saw both of our bodyguards react, and one took two steps forward at the ready while the other remained at the door. I could see his lips moving, and I was sure he was using his helmet radio to alert the other two guards outside the door and probably calling for back-up as well.
“Excuse me?” I said to the man who by now was standing beside our table. “We are having a meal, if you need to speak to me, there are channels you can go through to make an appointment.”
“Bah! Do you know who I am?” he spat. I glanced at Kala, and she raised her eyebrows and shrugged indicating she didn’t know.
“I would have to guess you are an extremely rude person,” I answered as I placed another portion of food in my mouth and chewed it.”
“I’m Rinncal Haf-joab.!” he said as he lifted his chin and crossed his arms over his chest in a comical posed position.
“Wrinkles Half Job? Never heard of you,” I replied deliberately messing with his name as I was now becoming quite irritated with this jerk.
“It’s Rinncal Haf-joab, from Bothex! I’m a very important man!” he fumed.
“Well, Wrinkles Half Job from buttocks, now that you have rudely interrupted my meal, what’s so important you can’t go through proper channels to talk to me?” I said as I took another bite of food.
Wrinkles ignored my second slur on his name and began. “It’s your Captain Wanoll; he’s diverted the ship from its course that would have taken us to Nigan. I have very important business to conduct there, and I demand we go there at once!” He stomped his foot to exaggerate his statement.
“I see,” I said as I finished chewing my last bite of food and dabbed the corner of my mouth with a napkin, “and did Captain Wanoll explain to you just why we have changed course?”
“He muttered some nonsense about needing to go to some forsaken obscure planets, out on the rim that no one cares about, supposedly because the Brotherhood is attacking them. I have important business to take care of on Nigan, billions of Federation credits are at stake. You need to inform this captain to immediately take us to Nigan!”
“You do understand that the DUSTEN is a Federation military ship, don’t you? And while the Federation does take on civilians, cargoes and passengers, at a discounted rate from what you would pay for the same services on a private ship, that you do so at the risk that the ship may be called to action at any moment and diverted to deal with a military situation.”
“Oh come now, Admiral, don’t give me that ridiculous prattle, your Captain Wanoll already gave me that tale. There hasn’t been a starship diverted for military action in over 500 years. Besides I told you BILLIONS of Federation credits are at stake.”
“And BILLIONS of Federations citizens’ lifes are at stake where we are headed. In case you were asleep and missed it, the Senate officially declared war almost nine months ago when the Brotherhood attacked the Senate on Megelleon, killing thousands of them. We ARE officially at war and we are acting under the War Powers Act. If you like, there are some small private ships in the hangar, and for the right price I am sure you will be able to find someone willing to fly you from here to Nigan, if you feel you need to get there so quickly. Otherwise, I suggest you return to your seat and finish your dinner.”
“Listen, I don’t care who you think you are, First Citizen, Admiral, or whatever,” Rinncal said as he moved forward. “I’m an important man and I can make things difficult for you if I don’t get my wishes.” He grabbed hold of the front of my uniform to pull me closer to him as he spoke, which was the wrong thing to do. I raised both my hands grabbing his, and placed my thumbs inside his palm and forced his wrist to bend backwards causing him to scream out in pain and drop to his knees. Behind him I saw two of his bodyguards start to reach into their jacket pockets, presumably for a weapon and then suddenly they raised their hands and froze as they saw my trooper guards with weapons trained on them. A second later the doors flew open and Marranalis and about a dozen troopers burst into the dining ro
om with weapons at the ready.
“Sorry about the delay in getting here, Admiral,” Marranalis said, “Though it appears you have everything under control as usual,” he added with a grin as he took Rinncal’s arms and pulled them behind his back and attached restraints to them. By now all dining in the room had stopped as people stared while the troopers began to removed Rinncal and his two men from the room. As they were about to leave, Rinncal shouted back at me, “You haven’t heard the last of this, Admiral. I’m a very powerful man!” To which Marranalis answered, “You may not realize it, sir, but Admiral Tibby is THE richest and THE most powerful man in the universe. You have just bought a meal bigger than you can eat.” As they passed out the door people in the dining room gave a small applause, and a man at the table next to ours turned to me and said. “I’ve always hated that bastard Rinncal,” then he laughed and added, “Wrinkles Half Job from buttocks! Admiral, I hope you don’t mind but I will be quoting that line for a long time to come,” and then he laughed even harder.
“Tibby, I don’t know what I am going to do with you,” Kala said jokingly, “we can’t go anywhere nice without you making a scene.”
Unlike most ships in the Federation where the Captain is the law, judge and jury, on a starship, due to their size and the number of civilians aboard, judgements and punishments are carried out by judges in a court of law aboard the ship. In the judicial system in my home country back on Earth, one judge presided over the court, and a jury determined the guilt or innocence of an individual. However, in the Federation, there are three judges and a jury. Lawyers may be hired by a defendant to advise the defendant, but the lawyers may not speak in court. Dissimilar from Earth, it is the judges who question and determine the guilt or innocence of the accused. It is the duty of the jury (consisting of nine citizens) to determine if they believe the judges have rendered a fair and unbiased verdict, and to decide upon the punishment as set forth under the Federation legal system. The reason for this arrangement is that it was believed by the Federation that the average citizen would not be cognizant of all the laws or workings of the laws, to be able to reach a verdict under the Federation guidelines. It was also believed that lawyers representing a client would be prone to try to manipulate the law in trying to free their client, and bypass justice if they conducted the questions. The idea was that three judges could never be deadlocked in a verdict, and that they would keep each other in check as far as questions and procedures.
Solbidyum Wars Saga 5: Desolation Page 23