Ria's Visions (Hearts of ICARUS Book 6)

by Laura Jo Phillips

  Chapter 5

  Ria stood at the viewport in the Bihotza’s observation deck without taking much notice of the view. This was the second day out from Jasan, and the first day of her new job.

  Vari had taken her to the Bihotza’s infirmary the previous afternoon to meet Dr. Jula, and to get her work schedule. She hadn't quite realized that Dr. Jula was Shanti’s Aunt Niri before meeting her. She wasn't sure if she would’ve accepted the job if she’d known, but it was too late to change her mind now so there was no sense in worrying about it.

  She’d only gotten a quick glimpse of the infirmary. It had been an enormous relief to find that it was small, and from the little she’d seen, surprisingly well equipped. It was a much nicer, quieter, and more intimate environment than the Leaper’s infirmary. The one thing she liked most, however, was that Dr. Jula had given her a list of the duties she’d be expected to perform, and made it clear that she was neither expected nor allowed to do anything not on that list. She’d noticed that Dr. Jula watched her reaction carefully when she told her that, too. Apparently the relief she hadn't attempted to hide was welcomed, because she still had the job.

  The list was, almost verbatim, the same as the one she’d received when she was hired to fill the same position on the Leaper. The difference was that the doctors on the Leaper ignored the list completely.

  The Leaper was a commercial passenger vessel, and the senior medical staff were jaded and bored. They’d spent too many years treating bouts of space-sickness, insomnia, indigestion, and the occasional, inevitable injury. Within minutes of launch she and the other three junior med-techs were given a crash course on how to handle those maladies. After that, they rarely saw the doctors or senior med-techs at all.

  Ria hadn’t minded. In fact, she’d been overjoyed. The opportunity to actually treat patients rather than stock shelves and clean treatment rooms was unheard of for a first year med student. It had been unexpected and exciting.

  Right up until unexpected and exciting became unexpected and horrifying.

  She was glad…more than glad…to know that stocking shelves and cleaning rooms, punching up supplies and medications from the medical fabricator, and other such duties was all she was expected to do. She had no desire to touch a patient again for any reason. Ever. Not even if she regained her empathic abilities.

  Ria checked the time, then turned away from the view and made her way to the infirmary. This morning she’d be given a detailed tour, and be introduced to the rest of the staff. After that she had an appointment with Dr. Jula to go over the course materials from the med school. Ria had been surprised to learn that Dr. Jula had volunteered to assist her with her studies. She just hoped no one expected her to touch a patient in her capacity as student, either.

  ***

  “It’s such a relief that the time for us to learn where we’re going has finally arrived,” Tee said as soon as they stepped into Transport and the door closed behind them.

  “I just hope it’s worth the weeks of curiosity we’ve had to endure,” Thorn said.

  “All things considered, I suspect it will be,” Talon said before using the ship’s internal comm to connect with the bridge. “Captain, Holtz, put the ship on full EMCON until further notice.”

  “Aye, Commander,” he replied. “Initiating Emissions Control protocols--all communications, incoming and outgoing, blocked.”

  Talon closed the connection, then nodded to the transport operator. She pressed a key on the console and, a few slightly disorienting moments later, they stood in the Bihotza’s transport chamber.

  “Commander Kai,” Talon said with a deep nod of respect.

  “Talon,” Kai said. “No need for formalities, please. Declan, Jay and Vari are already waiting so, if you’ll follow me.”

  “Of course,” Talon said, falling into step beside Kai. “Congratulations on finding your berezi by the way. I’m sorry we didn’t say anything before but we didn’t know until yesterday.”

  “Thank you,” Kai said with a smile. Talon tried to remember the last time he’d seen a smile on any of the Dracon-Bat’s faces but it’d been so long that he couldn’t.

  “She’ll be joining us for this meeting?” Thorn asked.

  “Yes,” Kai said shortly. He stopped in front of the elevator, pressed a call button, and the doors opened almost immediately. They stepped in and he pressed another button. “You’ll understand soon.”

  Talon dipped his head in a short nod. This was the meeting they’d been waiting for since the day they’d agreed to command the Hilgaria. The one that would finally reveal what they were doing, and why. Apparently Lady Varia Lobo had something to do with it, which increased his curiosity.

  Once they were all in the conference room Jay Dracon-Bat activated an extra security barrier. Then they were introduced to Lady Vari, who nodded politely and indicated that they should take the seats on one side of the conference table while she, Jay and Kai sat on the opposite side. Declan took the seat at the head of the table and welcomed them to the Bihotza.

  “Is Captain Chou not joining us?” Talon asked.

  “No,” Declan replied. “She’s already been briefed on those matters that concern ICARUS and the Beacon. She has neither the need nor the security clearance to hear most of what we’ll be telling you.”

  “Security clearance?” Talon asked, suddenly feeling uncomfortable. Declan nodded. “I’m afraid there may be a mistake, Declan. We’ve spent the last twelve years on Jasan, semi-retired. We relinquished our security clearances long ago.”

  “We’re aware of that, Talon,” Declan said. “Your clearances have been reinstated and upgraded.”

  Talon’s eyes widened in surprise, then he smiled wryly. “I should have realized as much, all things considered.”

  “I apologize for not telling you sooner, but we felt the knowledge would only add to your frustration and curiosity about the expedition.”

  “You’re right, it would have,” Talon agreed.

  “By the way, how do you like the Hilgaria?” Jay asked.

  Thorn chuckled. “What’s not to like? She’s got strong legs and sharp claws. We would’ve liked the opportunity to put her through a few paces and get a feel for her, though.”

  “I know, and I apologize for that, too,” Declan said. “There simply wasn’t enough time. You’ll get a chance to do that in a few days.” Thorn nodded his thanks.

  “We have a lot to tell you,” Declan continued. “Far too much for one meeting. For now, we’ll just give you the broad outlines.”

  Talon nodded in agreement. Since Declan had just made it clear they’d be telling them everything, broad outlines were fine with him.

  “To begin, I’ll let Jay tell you about the new equipment that’s been installed on the Hilgaria and the Beacon,” Declan said, surprising the Katres. “Which, by the way, is why you didn’t get to see either ship until a few days ago.”

  “Under the desk top of the Commander’s console on the bridge of the Hilgaria is a biometric lock already programed for the three of you,” Jay said. “When activated, a hidden panel in the desk top will slide back, presenting you with controls for two pieces of equipment. This equipment is highly classified, which is one reason why we were so particular about each person who would have access to the bridge on all three ships.

  “The Bihotza is equipped with a device that we call a Jumper. It’s the device that the Xanti used to create their own personal jump points, what Faith Falcoran dubbed Doors.”

  The expressions on the Katres’ faces were nothing less than stunned. It took a few seconds for them to regain their composure, but even then the surprise still showed. “We won’t ask how you came to have such a device right now, but I think it’s a story we’d enjoy hearing,” Talon said.

  “We’ll tell you about it another time,” Declan promised.

  “Is there a Jumper on the Hilgaria?”

  “No, we have only one functioning Jumper at this time,” Declan replied. He almost
smiled at the Katres’ obvious disappointment. “But, it’s all we need.” Declan nodded to Jay, who continued with the explanation.

  “Our Jumper creates Doors and allows us to use them. There’s a separate device that allows ships which don’t have Jumpers to use the Doors. We call those devices Keys. Not very creative, but it serves the purpose. We have three fully functioning Keys. One is now locked in a safe in the Hidden City. Another has been temporarily installed on the Beacon for this mission, and the last one is now on the Hilgaria.”

  Thorn grinned. This mission was looking more interesting by the moment.

  “We’ll demonstrate how to use the Key later,” Jay continued. “What this means to us is that we can create jump points that all three ships can use to span immense distances in an instant. It also means that, if necessary, a ship from Jasan can find and follow us by using the Doors that we’ll leave behind us. Providing we’re able to keep them updated as to the location of the Doors.”

  “But only one ship, right?” Tee asked.

  “Yes, that’s right,” Kai answered. “Attempts to reverse engineer the Jumper and Key have failed so far. That problem is being addressed, but for now, there’s only one spare.”

  “If only one ship can go through with one Key, what about the barges we’re towing?” Tee asked.

  “We’ve tested them and so long as a tractor beam connects the barge to the ship, it’ll go through. Attempting to connect two separate ships in the same manner doesn’t work, and we don’t know why. There are, frankly, many questions about these devices that we have no answers to at this time.

  “One thing we do know is that when we make a Door, we can lock it at both ends with a code of our choosing. Only those who know the code, and have a Key, can use the Door. We’ve already selected ten codes which we left with Prince Garen and the Council. We’ll give you the same list. I’m sure I don’t have to tell you how critical it is that you keep that list locked up tight.”

  “No, you don’t,” Talon said.

  “Why ten codes?” Tee asked.

  “Because if one is broken or compromised, we’ll switch to the next code on the list. Anyone coming behind us will try the codes in order until one works.”

  “The other issue with the Jumper is that we can only use exit points that we can predetermine are empty with a high degree of certainty. We assume the device won’t allow us to jump into the core of a planet, but we don’t know that. Since we haven't got a manual, or a spare to experiment with, we have no inclination to take the risk.”

  “As limitations go, that’s not too bad,” Talon said. “We can see about what? Fifty light years?”

  “That’s the number we feel safest with, yes,” Declan said. “Further than that and smaller objects aren’t always seen.”

  “What’s the second piece of equipment?” Thorn asked.

  “Blind Sight,” Jay replied.

  “Outstanding,” Thorn breathed, and they all smiled.

  “There’re a couple of problems with using Blind Sight that we all need to be aware of,” Jay said. “The first is that we don’t want the Doftles, or anyone else, to know we have Blind Sight if it can be helped. So, vanishing suddenly when we can be seen should be avoided if at all possible, but not to the degree that it would put any ship at risk.

  “The second thing to keep in mind is that once we’re under cover of Blind Sight, we can’t see each other. We’ve already created a secure, encrypted channel which can be accessed from the Commander’s console and the Captain’s console on all three ships. We’ll need to maintain open contact via this channel when using Blind Sight, and not make any sudden moves without informing each other first.”

  “I understand the need for secrecy, of course,” Talon said. “But if only the three of us are able to access either the Key or Blind Sight, then one of us will need to be on the bridge at all times. Since I know that the three of you are aware of how difficult that would be, I’m hoping you have a solution.”

  Declan leaned forward and rested his arms on the table. “The Bihotza is the lead ship for this mission, and we’re Mission Commanders. But the Hilgaria is your command. You were chosen for this mission because of your centuries of experience, expertise, and combat skills. Also because we’ve known each other our entire lives, and we trust you.

  “It’s part of your job to protect the Beacon and the Bihotza at all times and at all costs, and you can’t do that if we’re sitting here telling you what to do. We had access to Blind Sight and the Key configured for the three of you at your console on the bridge of the Hilgaria. There’s another control panel set up at the captain’s console with a biometric lock capable of storing bio codes for up to six more people. Who you choose to trust is your decision to make, not ours.”

  Talon nodded his appreciation and acceptance. He hadn’t been worried about the Dracon-Bats trying to order the Hilgaria, but it was nice to have things laid out clearly.

  “You said it was part of our jobs to protect the Bihotza and the Beacon.”

  “I did,” Declan said. “We’d like you to take on the mantle of safety officers for the Beacon as well. ICARUS couldn’t find anyone on their staff willing to make this expedition. It’s a big undertaking, and we understand it’ll take time for you to get up to speed on all of the safety protocols, particularly for the science labs and medical facilities. We’ll be a long way from home for a long time. Safety is going to be a critical concern.

  “Security is also an issue. We’ve screened everyone from the maintenance staff to the bridge officers for all three ships, but there are a lot of people, not that many of us, and mistakes happen. And, again, we’ll be a long way from home for a long time. This entire mission is far more critical than you yet know and we don’t want to take any unnecessary chances.

  “To that end, it has been decided that the Hilgaria will tie into the security cam feeds for the Bihotza and the Beacon, allowing you to monitor all three ships in any way you see fit. There’s an unmarked door nestled among the guest staterooms with a bio-metric lock. It’s a surveillance room. Inside you’ll find a control board that’s already tied in with the security cams on all three ships. You’ll decide which areas of each ship require the most intensive monitoring, and which the least. No one will know you’re watching, and no one outside of this room is to know you have this access.”

  “We’re happy to take that on, Declan,” Talon said after getting a brief nod from each of his brothers. “Thorn has the most experience and skill with both computers and surveillance, so we’ll let him handle that. Tee and I will hit the data on safety protocols for areas we’re unfamiliar with, then schedule a series of regular inspections and drills for the Beacon. It’ll be a good way to pass time.”

  “Excellent,” Declan said, relieved that they didn’t mind the extra load.

  “Now to the purposes of this expedition,” Declan said, his use of the pleural surprising the Katres. “Our first goal is to find a world called Kinah. The twenty-three Kinahn women who’ve recently been freed from four centuries of slavery by the Doftle and the Xanti, are all on the Beacon. These women are the only hope the few remaining men of their home world have to continue their race.”

  “Yes, we’ve heard of this situation, and the hardships they’ve endured,” Tee said quietly. “Twenty-three isn’t very many.”

  “No, it’s not,” Vari said, speaking up for the first time. “But it’s better than none. It’s our hope that as more of the Doftles’ storage planets are found and liberated, more Kinahn women will also be found. When we find Kinah, we hope to be able to create a new Door opening in a prearranged location near Jasan. If that works, future survivors can be returned to their home world quickly and easily. If it doesn’t work, we’ll still have left a trail of Doors behind us that will allow another ship to reach Kinah much more quickly than it will take us.”

  “Why would it not work?” Thorn asked.

  “Distance,” Jay replied simply.

  “Where
is Kinah?” Tee asked.

  “We don’t know, exactly,” Vari answered. “Kinah is a pre-technological world. Only one Kinahn woman, Nia, had the knowledge to point the way, and she did not survive.” Vari looked nervously at Declan, Jay, and Kai. They returned her looks with solemn nods.

  “I have the ability to speak with those who’ve crossed to the next plane,” she said abruptly. “Nia may only be with us in spirit, but she is more determined than we are to see the survivors reach home and, hopefully, save their dying race.”

  “That is not an easy gift to have,” Thorn said.

  “No, it’s not,” Vari agreed. “But for the first time in my life I see it as a blessing.”

  Talon, Thorn, and Tee raised their fists to their hearts and bowed their heads solemnly.

  “This ability that Vari has is classified, as is Nia,” Declan said. “More than that, we ask that you not discuss it even amongst yourselves. If others like Nia learn about it, they’ll all come flocking to Vari.”

  “Don’t worry, Lady Vari, we won’t speak of it, ever,” Talon agreed without hesitation. “I don’t understand why our mission to save Kinah must be so secret, though.”

  “Because it’s a cover, of sorts,” Declan said. “We really are going to find Kinah, and it really is an important aspect of our overall mission. The ICARUS team aboard the Beacon will do all they can to help the Kinahns when we find it.

  “But the Bihotza will continue on from there in search of something that we refer to only by the codename Pithos. Even the codename is to be used only under strict security and only when necessary between us.”

  “It must be something of great import,” Talon said.

  “If we are unable to complete our mission after leaving Kinah, the Thousand Worlds will cease to exist,” Vari said. The Katres looked at her, their faces paling when they realized how serious she was.

  “We know that the Xanti and the Doftles are responsible for what happened to Kinah,” Declan continued. “The Doftles certainly know, or should at least assume, that the Kinahns we’ve freed would have told us that much.