by Andrew Mack
Willits just smiled. As they got inside, they passed Trujillo and an AuFA sergeant, who were guarding the door for the situation room Ambassador Bird was in. Willits stopped, while Devanoe kept walking right through the door. Willits asked, “Where is Tunsall?”
Trujillo answered. “On standby duty with one of the F-81’s.”
Willits answered, “Ok, I need to speak with you when I get done with this.”
As Willits walked into the situation room, Nick Devanoe had already delivered the bad news about the Battle Cruiser. Nick continued to say,”.....so I would think a few more hours, sir.”
The Ambassador, who was still looking at specific footage and assembling a report for the Council, was not happy. “Damn-it. I am tired of being here. Hopefully, this will lead to catching Taz.”
Nick nodded his head. “We hope so too, sir. Now, if you will excuse me, if we are going to be here a few more hours, I am going to make sure the base has taken some extra security measures, maybe Captain Vincella can give me an update on the situation at the Temple. Alexis, a moment please.”
Nick and Alexis walked out of the room. They stopped and faced each other. She looked up
at him and said, “What is it?”
Nick reached into his pocket and took out a wristband. It looked like a watch. He grabbed Alexis’ hand and put the watch around her wrist. She then asked, “What is this?”
Nick responded, “I got this from Vincella. They give them to the Belinean Ambassadors. It looks like a wristwatch.”
Alexis half-smiled, “Why are you giving this to me?”
Once he clamped it on, Nick let go of her hand so that she could begin to inspect it on her own. He then grabbed her hand again and showed her a small button on it. “It’s a panic button. If you push this button, it will send out a transmission blip, to let me know you need help. The blip will give me your location (Nick held up his hand with his matching wristwatch), as long as I am within a solar system of you.”
Alexis almost sounded annoyed. “Are you tracking me now?”
Nick looked at her and said, “No. The Ambassadors certainly don’t want to be tracked. That’s why it only gets activated if you push the button.”
Alexis joked, “Does it go off twice as loud if I go back to Vandabri?”
Nick smiled at the joke. “It handcuffs you and seals your mouth shut if you even go near Vandabri. Seriously, push the button, and I should find you. I’m not exactly a fan of this assignment you are on.”
Alexis smiled and said, “Mom put you up to this, didn’t she?”
Nick kept smiling before kissing her head. “I wish this were Annella’s doing, but nope, this is me being a pain in the ass big brother. Just humor me, alright.”
Alexis smiled at the kiss. “Anything you want me to tell Annella if I speak to her?”
Nick smiled and threw his arms up. “Tell her everything is going to plan?”
Alexis smiled again and walked back into the situation room. When the door closed behind her, she noticed Willits trying to open the bottle of wine he brought in. The Ambassador, without even noticing, said out loud, “Alright, it’s been a long day. I am going to go back to my cabin and rest for a little bit.”
Willits interjected, “I wish you could, Ambassador, but the two BRG officers might have found something.”
Ambassador Bird turned around and said, “Excuse me, Commander?”
Willits went over to the side area and got two wine glasses. He fidgeted with a few things, before finally pouring the wine into the glasses. He then turned around and handed them to Alexis and Bird. Willits continued, “It is probably nothing, but I want to make sure. In the meantime, I snagged one of your bottles of wine while you and Miss Devanoe wait.”
Alexis took a sip and said, “This is the Napa Cab? It’s delicious. Maybe as good as the Torsalli wine.”
The Ambassador sat down, seemingly okay with this inconvenience. Willits then said, “Thank you for your patience, sir. I’m going to go see how much longer those BRG officers will be.”
Jones entered the C-62T with Harmony and Cocoa. The BRG officers were finishing up. Jones whispered, “There is a slight change in plan, ladies.”
The three of them approached the two BRG officers. Jones said, “Gentlemen. Commander Willits and myself feel like we got off on the wrong foot. We appreciate you guys taking the extra time to do a full security sweep of this ship. To show our gratitude, we have arranged for the Ambassador not to be around for a few hours. Enjoy these ladies.”
Harmony and Cocoa walked over to the two BRG security guards and began kissing them. At first, they were unsure of what to do, especially when Cocoa started taking the clothes off one of the guards. Jones continued with a smile. “Relax, gentlemen. This is an Ambassador ship. No cameras in here, as you have inspected.”
Jones turned around and shut the door behind him. As he walked out, he waited outside and lit a cigar. A few seconds passed before he noticed Willits walking out of the T-141 and up to him. Willits asked, “You got one of those for me?”
Jones pulled one out and lit it for Willits. After a few puffs, Willits looked at Jones and said, “Ready?”
Jones looked at him and said, “Relax Captain Anxious. Five more minutes.”
Willits was impatient. “You are such a softy. Come on. We get in, we get out, it’s over with it. We are not here to fucking entertain them.”
Jones laughed. “They are Belineans, not dolphins.”
Willits said, “They called me an Egglet.”
Jones, genuinely surprised, said, “Really? Those little fucknauts.”
After another puff on the cigar, Jones asked, “Is this gonna work?”
Willits laughed this time and said, “If it doesn’t, we are only heading back to Earth in coffins.”
Jones then asked, “How much do you think the Ambassador’s assistant knows?”
Willits took another puff, raised an eyebrow, and said, “Alexis?”
Jones nodded. Willits continued, “Don’t know. But she knows more than she is letting on.”
They continued to take another puff before Jones said, “Alright, let’s go.”
Willits began shaking his head as they both turned to walk into the C-62T. Willits continued, “First you are busting my balls about rushing them, and now I can’t even enjoying my fucking cigar. Damn you can be a moody bitch sometimes.”
Jones just rolled his eyes. “Will you just shut the fuck up…..”
Belinea 3.9
On the way to Torsalli
Taz and his crew were around a 3-D map. His crew members had pulled up the spaceport at Torsalli. First Officer Verkato then turned to the four others and began speaking.
“This is a breakdown of the Port. It has defenses here, and here. Of course, that is if there are no AuFa ships on the base, which is unlikely.”
Another crew member asked, “Are you sure it’s Torsalli?”
Taz nodded in affirmative.
Another crew member suggested an alternative. “We cannot strike that base without risking serious casualties. We need to come in unnoticed.”
First Officer Verkato asked, “Stealth?”
The second crew member then asked, “Civilian Transport Ship.”
First Officer Verkato nodded in affirmative. “Better. There is a host of Civilian ships coming in and out of Torsalli. It’s a popular vacation planet.”
Taz nodded and walked back to his Captain’s chair.
Belinea 3.10
Port Braccus, AuFa Base
Willits and Jones walked out the door of the C-62T toward the security checkpoint. Jones was carrying a rather large duffle bag. Willits looked at him, and said, “Go take that bag to Trujillo. I am going to check the security point to see if our guest is here.”
There was a base room next to the security ch
eckpoint. It doubled as a situation room and lounge for those on guard duty and other officers needing a break. There were only three officers in the room right now, one of them being Commander Nick Devanoe. He was finishing up dinner while looking at the screen for an update. Reading the update, he nodded to himself and whispered ‘excellent.’
Willits walked into the base room, surprised to see Nick. Willits spoke, “Devanoe, I thought you were going to see Captain Vincella?”
Nick Devanoe responded, “I am. But I was starving, I haven’t eaten all day. Battle Cruiser is on its way, should be here in a little over an hour. I need to give an update to the Ambassador and let him know.”
Willits answered, “Well, not now, Devanoe. He is a little busy with the ladies.”
Nick Devanoe just shook his head. “Shit. I am already late for this meeting with Vincella.”
Willits smiled, “I will tell him when he gets done, no worries.”
Nick Devanoe said, “You sure?”
Willits smiled. “Tell him we are getting out of here in an hour? It will be the best news he’s gotten all day.”
Nick Devanoe put on his flight jacket and began to walk to the door. “Thanks.”
A man approached the security checkpoint, escorted to the common room by the AuFa security guard. The Guard, now standing at the doorway that Devanoe was about to walk out of, said, “Any of you guys request a Service Mechanic?”
Willits lit up. “Yes, I did. I need you to take a look at that C-62T out there, make sure everything is in place with the engines.”
The Service Mechanic did not seem happy about this request. Willits then asked, “Devanoe, you want him to look at the T-141 and the Sirator’s while he is at it?”
Devanoe was already one foot out the door but glanced back and gave a thumbs-up before shouting, “Sure, if he doesn’t mind.”
Willits softly asked, “You don’t mind, do you? Just trying to be safe.”
The Service Mechanic shook his head but sarcastically said to himself, “No, what else could I possibly have to do?”
The Mechanic walked out onto the tarmac and began inspecting the Ambassador’s ship.
As soon as Devanoe left, Willits walked over to the C-62T, where he was cut off by Trujillo and Jones, walking out of the T-141. It was very dark out, not a whole lot to see anywhere. Willits looked at Trujillo and said, “Ready?”
Trujillo looked a little agitated, struggling with his clothing. “I am practically swimming in these, but yeah, I am ready.”
Willits continued. “Good, I’m counting on you.”
The Service Mechanic then returned to Willits, Trujillo, and Jones, having just been over to the C-62T Ambassador’s ship, inspecting the outside. The mechanic said, “Listen, I know you got the house lights down for security, but I can’t see a damn thing. If you want me to do a proper inspection, I am going to have to tow these aircraft back to the service hangar.”
Willits smiled. “Better yet, how about I save you some time. These fine two gentlemen are going to fly them over to you if that is alright?”
The Service Mechanic replied, “Great.”
Commander Nick Devanoe was flying over in a transport craft. It was the same TC he had used before, earlier in the day, with the same driver. He flew past the Port Terminal building and right next to the Temple. The scene was far less chaotic now. A small trail of smoke was still billowing from the Temple. All the dead bodies had been removed. A tape surrounded the Temple, not allowing anyone access. There was a make-shift tent off to the side. As the soldier landed the TC, Devanoe jumped out. He noticed a Belinean State Reporter with a cameraman on her. She was giving a report with a bright light on her. “As of now, we have 109 people dead. The BRG has control of the situation, as most citizens are thankful for their presence here to keep the peace. The Quill has issued a statement saying that all members need to take time to meditate, to come to peace with the souls that have entered the Diamond so unexpectedly. The Quill also has given Chairman Hassara and the Council their full confidence, and will recommend giving the BRG and the SS the power to find these terrorists and bring them to justice…..”
Devanoe continued walking by until he got to the security tent where two AuFa soldiers were standing guard. Both saluted as Devanoe walked into the tent.
Captain Vincella was talking to a civilian reporter. “You cannot report people are rioting in the street. It will only create further violence and make it more difficult for us to keep the peace.”
The reporter responded, “But people are rioting. We are only reporting the truth.”
Captain Vincella responded, “When you report the truth, that we were attacked by terrorists, and that the BRG is doing everything to keep the peace and provide justice, then you will get your credentials back. Get him out of here.”
The reporter was taken away by two BRG soldiers, leaving Devanoe with Captain Vincella and two senior BRG officers. Around a small table, a 3-D board had been set-up that showed the entire scene of Braccus City. The Temple in smoke, the Terminal Building, Port Braccus, and the AuFa base off to the side. Captain Vincella was back to working the map with the other two officers as Devanoe now walked up to them and said, “Captain Vincella.”
Vincella looked up, “Commander Devanoe, sorry for delaying our meeting.”
Devanoe quickly responded, “I am the one that is late, Captain.”
Vincella went back to looking at his map. “How is it going with guard duty on the Ambassador? And his little bitch Willits?”
Devanoe only gave a tiny smile, “Not too bad. He is a prick, but you get used to him.”
Captain Vincella had a different view. “He is fucking asshole, and he was lucky you were here, or else he would’ve been a dead fucking asshole. I don’t think he knows who he was talking to.”
Devanoe half raised his eyebrows. “Battle Cruiser is en route, should be here in less than an hour. Anything you want to go over beforehand? Do you want to send one of your security teams with them?”
Captain Vincella was not having any of that. “Fuck him. If he wants to do his own security without BRG help, let him. I don’t give a fuck about him or that Earth Ambassador. Besides, what could happen on that Battle Cruiser that one of my teams could prevent anyway?”
Devanoe was now annoyed. This Ambassador just got dumped on them. “So you want us to take him to Torsalli, no BRG detail team, correct.”
Captain Vincella now showed a little sympathy. Looking up, he crossed his arms and continued, “Look, Commander, I need every one of my guys. This place is a shit-show. I now have 109 confirmed dead, including children. A couple hundred wounded. It’s a security nightmare, and I got Braccus press interfering with everything. Hopefully, I can get the Belinean State Press to diffuse the situation. So if you could take the Earth Ambassador, it would be a huge help.”
Devanoe put his hands in his pockets. “No problem. I am gonna grab a hot shower before the Battle Cruiser gets here. So let me get out of your hair.”
Devanoe began walking out before Captain Vincella shouted out. “Commander Devanoe, can I ask one more favor?”
Devanoe turned around and said, “Sure.”
Captain Vincella then continued. “I am short on supplies. Rifles, ammo, more security scanners, you name it. There is an AuFa supply station near Torsalli….”
Devanoe interjected, “It’s on the second moon on the next planet over, Pyliss….”
Captain Vincella continued, “Exactly. I put in an order, but they have no ships to get the supplies to me. You should have some room in that Battle Cruiser after you drop off the Ambassador’s ship, correct?”
Devanoe nodded. “Yes, and I was going to leave the F-81’s with you, so there will be a lot of room. You need us to stop by the supply station on our way back from Torsalli?”
Vincella was pleading now. “It would be a huge
help, Commander.”
Devanoe nodded again. “I will check with my Captain, but it shouldn’t be a problem.”
Captain Vincella responded, “Thank you. See you tomorrow.”
Belinea 3.11
Third moon of Braccus - Vandabri
As the T-141 and F-81 Sirator came to a nice landing, Trujillo turned the engines down to idle and opened the huge cargo doors of the T-141. Trujillo got out of his cockpit and walked down the bay doors onto the landing pad. Tunsall had parked the F-81 behind the T-141 and began turning off the engines. After hitting a bunch of switches, the wings started folding up. Trujillo walked across the pad and was greeted by the Dock Manager Kovo.
Kovo spoke as he walked closer to Trujillo “Gentlemen, I received a message from Mr. Willits, he said you needed my assistance. What can I do for you?”
Trujillo looked at him and gave him a small sack of Belinean Qusar coins. “We need some elbow grease, and no questions asked.”
Belinea 3.12
Port of Braccus - AuFa base
Freshly clean, Nick Devanoe walked through the security checkpoint in a new military suit. He had taken a quick shower and was now returning to the ships. He poked his head into the common room, to find one of his AuFa pilots and the BRG Lieutenant Bezra waiting for him. Devanoe said, “Battle Cruiser here?”
The Aufa Pilot looked at him and said, “Almost, getting into orbit in the next five minutes.”
Devanoe responded, “Excellent, let’s get out of here.”
The three of them walked out of the common room, and over to the C-62T. It was still dark out, but Devanoe noticed only two crafts, the C-62T, and one F-81 Sirator Fighter. Devanoe looked at the AuFa pilot and asked, “Where is the other F-81?”
The pilot responded while continuing to walk over to the C-62T, “I don’t know.”
Devanoe was slightly confused. He then said, “Alright, get in the F-81 and escort us up. Shoot first and ask questions later if you see something. Otherwise, after we get onboard the Battle Cruiser, return here and report to Captain Vincella of the BRG until we get back from Torsalli, understand?”