Satisfactions enjoyed morning and night.
The fervour grows stronger
Can you last any longer?
Is it foolish endeavour?
Or love forever?
Chapter 1. Hermes 1100, 22 April.
Warner was in the command centre ready for the ship to come out of warp. 2nd Lt Ivan Kiralenko was still technically the watch officer and calling the shots. Warner was happy to leave it to him. Kiralenko was a competent officer. He had been under Warner’s command for nigh on two years now.
He was quite tall, not thickset nor lean, just tall. His fair hair matched his fair complexion. His dark blue eyes were set back deep over a long straight nose. He was generally a quietly spoken person but at times like this in a role of authority no one had any trouble hearing him.
The main focus on coming out of warp drive was gaining immediate situational awareness. Normal sensors are offline while warping. The ship could be jumping into a trap. Artificial intelligence protocols managed the sensors and targeting systems. The need for speed was too great to leave this to human responses. However, the watch officer had to monitor the battle displays, identify any hostiles, check the AI responses and be ready to override in the rare event that for some reason the AI had got it wrong.
To support him he had the assistance of a battle systems specialist. It was standard procedure for such a specialist to be in the command centre when coming out of warp. Sitting at the battle display was Sgt Crystal Wong, a slender dynamo of a woman. She had classic Chinese features with long dark hair that was currently tied in a close bun. Her dark brown eyes could open up like a petal when she smiled but right now were as sharp as a tack as she focused on her work station.
Battle system specialists were usually young because of their superior reflexes. Crystal was getting on a little to still be in the role. But she jealously guarded her position and wasn’t going to be vacating the position voluntarily. Something Warner was aware of. He wasn’t looking forward to the day when he would have to tap her on the shoulder. He didn’t have to worry about that just yet. Her reflexes were still more than adequate.
It was a tense time especially after warping away from an engagement and to a location such as the Klaster belt where there was virtually no friendly support.
Klaster was the name given the biggest asteroid in the belt bordering the Far Reaches. Originally occupied over a hundred years ago it touted a mining facility run by one of the biggest mining corporation in the know galaxy, Fixar Corp. For the first fifty odd years it had been an intensive mining operation with many staff. These days with the low hanging fruit already exhausted, it had been downsized. There were still a number of extraction plants running but these were almost fully automated. A small skeleton maintenance and command staff remained.
On the outbreak of hostilities after New Hammersely was flattened, the Hermes needed a new base. Fleet opted for Klaster. Fixar wasn’t too happy about that, claiming it heightened the probability that their facility would be targeted. But they didn’t have much say in it and their excess quarters and facilities were requisitioned for Fleet purposes.
Hermes’ first mission of the war was to oversee the initial deployment of military staff to Klaster. It was a scratch group drawn from whatever was to hand in the sector. A full Base Force (logistics centre) was being assembled on Earth and had yet to depart. All that was there at the moment were a temporary command centre, including comms and sensors, crew support services, a small refuelling, rearming and repair facility (affectionately referred to as a RARRAR ), sufficient to support light frigates and light transports, and one defensive missile battery that would be hard pressed to fend off anything bigger than a corvette. But it made the locals sleep better at night.
Klaster was a long, long way out from its sun. The energy that radiated onto its barren surface was not sufficient to support life. No atmosphere clung to its weak gravitational well. It was a big lifeless rock in a dark space. At midday it received enough light to identify a face at 20m, beyond that it was difficult. No one moved out on its surface without a sealed suit.
“Coming out of warp in ten, nine, eight, seven…”counted down Sgt Wong “three, two and one.” Her eyes had already scanned the warning indicators that would have fired from the first sweep of radar. She quickly scrolled through the full range of sensors, noted the immediate hail from the Klaster Command Centre. She left that for the watch officer to respond. Her prime focus was on potential enemy.
Kiralenko was already going through the handshake with the base and the base had already confirmed a clear zone. He was now requesting intel on possible enemy warp jumping from Beta Phi since their own departure. “Negative” was the reply from the Klaster control. Kiralenko looked to Wong and like the professional that she was, she was waiting to respond with her own “all clear”.
Everyone in the room relaxed. The show was over.
Looking towards the bridge, Kiralenko called out to Sgt James Rao “Pilot, the ship is yours to dock.”
“Rodger that, the ship is mine” confirmed Rao.
Once this last transaction had taken place, Warner spoke “Well done Mr Kiralenko. You too Sgt Wong. Ivan can I have a word?”
Kiralenko came over to where Warner was leaning over a display showing the Klaster base layout. It looks like they have added some extra facilities.” Pointing to a large dome shaped structure he said “What do you make of this?”
“Don’t know Sir. It could house any one of a number of different sensor domes. I’ll ask Control and get back to you.”
“Thank you Ivan. Can you ensure that the quartermaster arranges for replenishment to start asap. I want the Hermes ready to go in six hours after we dock. The plan is to be here for a week but we need to be ready for any contingency. After that I want the Hermes to be on 2 hours’ standby. Ensure that rosters are drawn up for leave. First priority to Bravo team. The XO and I are going ashore. The ship is yours till you are relieved by Mr Hanlon at 1200. Any questions.”
“No sir.”
It took another hour for the Hermes to dock at Klaster. In that time Warner contacted Rihan and asked her to be ready to go ashore with him as soon as they docked.
Warner then walked past the elevator and took the fire exit down to the deck below, the crew deck. This deck housed the quarters and messes for each of the three classes. Officers, including the Captain’s cabin were forward, Senior Non Commissioned Officers (NCOs) in the centre and Other Ranks (ORs) aft. He made his way to the Alpha team quarters. He knocked on the door.
There was no answer so he opened it himself and entered. Art Simons was still sleeping and sleeping soundly. Warner recalled doing the same after one of his own special ops when he had only an average of one and half hours sleep each night over a six day period. Adrenalin had kept him going then but once he got back to safety he had slept for 36 hours. Alas Agent Manger wasn’t going to get that long.
“Art wake up!” Warner shook him but the operative just rolled over onto his other side with his back to Warner. “Gees, c’mon there’s a war to win.”
Manger grunted something inaudible. At least he’s still in the land of the living thought Warner. It was time for something more drastic. He turned on the overhead bunk lamp, then pulled at the covers. Warner heard an expletive this time. So he was making some progress. This time he physically dragged his old buddy out of the bunk by his shoulders, careful to protect his head from hitting the floor.
Manger laid there half sitting, half lying with his head against the mattress. “Can’t you win this fucking war without me?”
“Afraid not ol’ buddy. You’re our secret weapon. C’mon, let’s get you showered and looking pretty.” Warner ran the shower in the ensuite. Somehow he managed to pull off Art’s T-shirt and shorts and sat him on a chair under the shower. The water eventually had the desired effect. A few minutes later, Art got to his feet and began drying himself.
“I’m afraid I don’t seem to have a change of
clothes with me. Lost that on Josker you see.”
“Don’t worry. I can provide.” Warner went through the wardrobes pulling out some clothes he thought would fit. “Here try these.”
“Won’t they mind or is this standard operating procedure on your ship ol’ boy?”
“No these guys won’t mind…they’re staying on Josker.”
The words hit Manger like a body blow. “Oh gee I can’t wear their clothes Dave.”
“Yes you can Art and you’ll do so with pride. Now come on, we haven’t much time.”
A few minutes later Warner asked “Do you have your gun?”
“It was under the pillow.”
Warner sifted through the bedding on the floor and passed his gun to him. “Don’t leave home without it.”
“Never do.” Manger gave Warner a wink.
They walked forward to the officers’ quarters and knocked on the XO’s door,
A few seconds later Rihan opened it. She looked sharp and ready for business.
“I see you’re still packing.” Warner flashed her a smile and directed his gaze to her sidearm.
“A gal’s gotta have protection” she shot back.
“Ready?” said Warner.
“Ready!” she replied.
Chapter 2. Klaster 1400, 22 April.
The three of them were sitting around the remains of lunch in the officers mess on Klaster.
“Things are looking up” said Warner as he sipped the last few drops from his glass of wine.
“About time” said Art. He was starting to relax for the first time in months. The two glasses of wine helped of course. He actually smiled at Warner. Warner felt guilty at what he was about to do but he knew there was no way out of shattering this illusion for his old friend. He then went on to outline their intended course of action – how they were going to report back to fleet and leak the info to State so that the Council would be assured of its contents. He explained about the traitor on board and that he needed Art to run interference for them by being the prime suspect.
Needless to say Art wasn’t all that enamoured with the latter part. But he realised the need to keep the real traitor unsuspecting.
“OK I’ll go along with this for now but I have to make my own report.”
“No you don’t - not yet anyway, especially if we mention that you were injured during the extraction and it’s not sure if you will pull through.”
“Niiiice!” said Art and with a mellow demeanour and a smile he turned to Rihan “You know he was always the devious one.”
“So I see” responded Rihan joining in the ribbing.
“How long do you intend holding me hostage?” asked Art.
“Shouldn’t be long. I’m hoping that the Chief can decrypt those messages this afternoon. Hopefully that will give us our man.”
“Or woman” interjected Rihan.
“Or woman” admitted Warner. “But if not, we will need to set a trap.”
“What did you have in mind” asked Art.
“Not sure just yet. It needs to be something that is critical enough to warrant them running the risk of sending another signal.”
“What would do that?” asked Art.
“Us attacking one of their bases” prompted Rihan. “Their patrol base on Alpha Phi for instance.”
Art responded, “Yes that would probably serve, but it’s a big risk. You say they didn’t send their signals till the op was underway on each of the previous occasions. And that makes sense – confirming the absolute need before taking the risk.”
“So odds on we’ll have to commit before they do…” said Warner.
Rihan went on “Alpha Phi is going to be a much tougher nut than Beta Phi. First we have to assume the need to defeat that flotilla of corvettes, then insert probably two teams for the ground assault on their base” Rihan’s mind was firing now. There was a lot to consider, not least of which were the risks involved.
“Is it worth it?” Art asked.
“Until we out this traitor everything we do is a risk. Yes we need to set a trap. Is there any other target that would force their hand but pose less risk?
“Well taking on the Wasp would surely get their attention but that would be a one way trip.” Rihan said.
“What about the fighter base at Niku or its command centre?” proposed Art. “You wouldn’t have to take on the corvettes unless they intervened anyway.”
“Maybe, but all the intel we have is that the ground defences at Niku are just too powerful for us to have a chance of pulling it off. The traitor would probably know this and stay their hand” said Warner.
“Yes I agree” said Rihan. “And anything further afield will burn up our limited fuel stocks.”
After a short pause Dave said “Alpha Phi it is then. I want to think on this some more before I decide. Let’s wait till after we find out what was in those messages.” He picked up his glass again but alas it was empty. He placed it down and said “Art I want you to stay here on Klaster, in-cognito, until I can sort this out. Shouldn’t take more than two weeks.”
“OK Dave I’ll go along with this for two weeks. All expenses paid, of course.” He raised his glass and gently rocked it a little.
“Of course” smiled Dave.
They arranged for Art to be accommodated on the base and leaving him to catch up on his beauty sleep, headed for the command centre.
Chapter 3. Klaster 1500, 22 April.
Warner came out of the Base Commander’s office with a security access pass in his hand. He turned to a seated Rihan, raised the card and said “mission accomplished.” Rihan rose without saying anything and followed Dave. They proceeded along a series of corridors to a transport bay. There they were met by a sergeant who made him verify his hand print and accept responsibility for the buggy parked ahead.
They climbed into the buggy, went through the AI assisted preliminary checklist, hit the headlights and the sergeant opened the bay doors. Warner drove through the doors into the air lock and the doors closed behind them. A few seconds passed and then the outer door opened. The buggy had its own airtight compartment and was shielded to withstand up to light meteor showers. He drove along the track marked by the solar lighting. About two kilometres ahead lay another building complex.
When they arrived, everything was dark with no visible signs of activity. The air lock doors opened automatically admitting the new arrivals and then closing behind them. The lights within the bay came on automatically and Warner pulled up at the dock at the far end. He waited a minute to allow the air conditioning to kick in. Then he got out, inserted his access pass into the lock on the door on the other side of the dock. It opened and they went in.
As they walked down the connecting corridor Rihan asked “What is this place?”
“It’s the original facility HQ before they built the new one we just came from. It’s a lot smaller and hasn’t been used on a routine basis for some time. The corporation had been using it as a sort of guest and conference facility. They call it Shangri La. Apparently it has three conference rooms, a comms centre which was working a year ago, accommodation for up to 12 people, a pool and wait for it, a director’s suite replete with its own spa. Now how about that?”
“No guess who scores that then!”
“You never know. Play your cards right and you may get an invitation to the spa.”
“I don’t know if I can trust you. It probably has hidden cameras.”
“On my honour as an officer and a gentleman.”
“Well officer at least.”
“Ouch!”
They reached another security door. Warner grabbed the access pass from his pocket. “OK looks like I have to swipe the pass again.” He did so and the lights inside came on automatically. They just stood there gobsmacked.
It was as though they had been transported into another world. Instead of the usual plastic and metal that dominated the rest of the facilities, before them was an area that would not have been out of place
in a Kentucky country club. There were tiled floors, a curved wooden staircase, soft leather lounges even an old fashioned hat stand. A large Persian rug adorned the floor in front of a huge open fireplace on the left, though on closer inspection it was a gas fire. A huge bookcase filled the back wall and a bar was on the right.
The air was a little musty but the air conditioning had started and Dave could feel the breeze as the extractors ramped up.
Rihan moved first, sinking into one of the lounges and swinging her legs onto the pouffe in front. “Can you believe this place?”
“How the other half live!”
“Perhaps the rest of the war needs to be fought from here” joked Rihan.
“Don’t see why not. Absolutely amazing.” Warner walked over to the bar and in his best toffy voice asked “Madam, care for a cocktail?”
“Absolutely James… dry martini, shaken not stirred of course.”
That broke him up and he laughed heartily. On closer inspection he had to confess that the desired ingredients were alas unavailable but would a scotch do.
“No” she confessed “I’ve never really acquired a taste for scotch. What else have you got?”
“It would appear that the only thing cold is some water. Looks like we’ll have to order in.”
“Oh really, the standards here have slipped” she mocked.
“OK, enough fooling around. Let’s go check out the rest of the facility.”
They began exploring the ground level. The facility was shaped like a half shell. In the centre was the open lounge dining area with a wing on either side. Behind the lounge was a small exercise pool with connecting doors to both wings. They found the conference rooms in the left wing, one of which had a genuine wooden table capable of sitting 20 people. The comms room was there as well. There were a series of bedrooms in the right hand wing. They were similar to what you would find in any four star hotel on one of the home planets. Each had a large bed, entertainment console and ensuite, though none of the beds were made up. But they found a room full of linen, so all was not lost.
The Awakening: Book 1 of Warner's World Page 9