by Ryk Brown
“Yes, sir.”
Cameron turned and headed forward. “Ensign Taub, plot jumps to both Rogen and Orswella, just in case.”
* * *
Nathan sat beside Miri, her hand in his, studying her face. She looked so serene, completely different than the last time he had seen her: bruised, swollen, and suffering.
“She doesn’t look like she was ever injured,” he said in a near whisper.
“She can’t hear you,” Doctor Chen told him. “Besides being a paralytic, toeren blocks all sensory input.”
“How long will it take for her to wake, once you discontinue the medication?” Nathan asked.
“Less than a minute,” Doctor Chen explained. “For her, it will be as if she has awakened from a good night’s sleep. She will be fully coherent almost immediately, assuming she has not suffered any permanent brain damage.”
“How will I know?”
“It will take considerable testing to be certain, but I suspect you’ll be able to tell right away if she’s still all there.”
“What do I do if she isn’t?” Nathan wondered.
“How about we tackle that question if and when it comes up,” Doctor Chen suggested. “Are you ready?”
“Yes.”
“I’ll discontinue the drip and then step back into the observation room so as not to confuse her further. If anything goes wrong, I am seconds away.”
“Understood,” Nathan replied, putting both his hands on his sister’s face.
Doctor Chen pressed some buttons on the control console over Miri’s bed, and then exited the room.
Nathan watched his sister’s face. After half a minute, Miri’s eyes fluttered a bit and then slowly began to open. Her expression was peaceful, at first, then fear and confusion began to take hold again.
“It’s all right, Miri,” Nathan told her, squeezing her hand. “It’s me, Nathan. I’m right here.”
Miri’s eyes darted about, taking in the unfamiliar room and all the strange equipment around her; her face full of abject terror until she saw her baby brother. “Nathan?”
Nathan smiled. “It’s me, sis.”
Miri’s fear began to subside, but she still appeared confused. “Where am I?”
“It’s a long story, but you’re safe.”
“Where are my…”
“They’re fine,” Nathan assured her. “They’re close by, in fact.”
Her fear finally subsided. “What happened to me?”
“There was a bomb,” Nathan began, his voice breaking. He froze, unsure of what to say next.
“Dad?”
Nathan closed his eyes, trying to hold back his tears. He had blocked the death of his father and all of his sisters from his mind for two months now, not allowing himself to cry, but now…
“Oh, God,” Miri said, tears forming. Then the memory hit her: her entire family standing on the stage behind their father. “Oh, God,” she repeated, the tears now flowing more freely. “All of them?”
Nathan leaned forward, sobbing as he put his arms around the only family he had left.
* * *
“I have spoken to several people,” Commander Andreola told General Telles. “They are certain the Dusahn regularly dress some of their people in Orswellan clothing in order to observe our people covertly.”
“Are they certain of this?” the general asked.
“Several persons have stated that they have seen the same individual in both Dusahn uniforms and then in Orswellan clothing, on two different days.”
“Perhaps they were simply off duty,” General Telles suggested.
“The Dusahn are never off duty,” Commander Andreola insisted. “The only time they were out of uniform was when they were bathing or spying on my people.”
“That does not bode well,” the general decided. “If they were already conducting covert monitoring operations, then at least some of their people would have the experience required to operate as covert agents after the Dusahn were defeated. They may have even had plans to do so.”
“Just like they rigged our ships to turn against our own world, should we abandon them,” the commander surmised.
“Precisely. With a little training, and a bit of equipment, a few men can do considerable damage, especially to such a centralized society.”
“General,” a voice called from the doorway.
“Yes, Sergeant,” the general replied.
Sergeant Spira entered the room, handing a data pad to the general.
General Telles read the message on the data pad, a concerned look coming over his face.
“What is it?” Commander Andreola wondered, noticing the uncharacteristic change in the general’s expression.
“It seems that four gunships and twenty octo-fighters have separated from the dreadnought and could be headed here.”
“Could be?”
“While their departure course was in the opposite direction of their parent vessel, the ships have yet to be found. Until they are, their true destination cannot be known.”
“You believe they are coming here?” Commander Andreola surmised.
“I have insufficient information upon which to base an opinion,” General Telles replied. “However, I do believe we should assume that they are indeed on their way to Orswella and take appropriate precautions.” The general turned to Sergeant Spira. “Has the Glendanon been notified?”
“The message was relayed through the Glendanon, sir. The Gunyoki have been alerted, as well.”
“Very well,” the general replied. “Alert me immediately of anything further.”
“Yes, sir.”
“What do we do?” Commander Andreola asked.
“Your people once fought a war with a neighboring world, did they not?”
“Yes, but…”
“Did your people build any shelters, in case of attack?”
“Yes, but they were decommissioned after the war ended. The Dusahn turned them into detention and interrogation facilities for dissidents.”
“Are there still dissidents in captivity?” the general wondered.
“The last of them were executed more than a decade ago,” the commander assured him.
“Then the facilities are no longer in use.”
“I assume so,” the commander replied.
“Then, perhaps they could be used as shelters once again,” the general suggested. “Can you show them to me?”
“Of course,” the commander replied.
* * *
Nathan walked down the corridor of their suite on Sanctuary. The hour was late, and all but a few had retired for the evening. He removed his jacket, laying it over the back of one of the dining room chairs to his left as he headed through the entryway into the main living area.
“Out here,” Jessica called from the balcony.
Nathan walked across the living room out onto the balcony where Jessica, Marcus, and Lieutenant Rezhik were sitting around a table, enjoying the view. “The simulation really is breathtaking, isn’t it,” Nathan commented as he joined them.
“You can even smell the ocean,” Jessica said.
“How are the kids doing?” Marcus asked.
“Neli’s going to have a hard time getting them to sleep, that’s for certain,” Nathan commented, taking a seat next to Jessica.
“It’s been a long time since they’ve looked happy,” Marcus said.
“They would’ve curled up next to their mother in her bed, had I let them,” Nathan replied. “I expect you guys are going to be spending a lot of time at Symyri’s medical center.”
“Not like we weren’t already,” Marcus chuckled. “They’ve been visiting their mother twice a day since we got here.”
“Captain, I believe Mister Taggart has made a local contact that could be of interest,” Lieutenant
Rezhik reported.
“Oh, really?”
“Kind of a strange little guy who goes by the name of Gunwant Vout,” Marcus explained. “He works for some big company called SilTek as a technology scout.”
“A technology scout?” Jessica asked.
“He trolls the markets, looking for technologies that his company can make a profit from. I met him in the tech markets. I’ve had lunch with him a few times.”
“What’s this guy like?” Nathan wondered.
“Like I said, he’s a strange little guy. He acts like he’s a nobody, but I get the feeling he’s better connected than he lets on. After our first meeting, he checked us out and had us pretty much pegged. I tried to convince him otherwise, but I doubt he bought it.”
“Did you check him out?” Jessica asked the lieutenant.
“I did,” Lieutenant Rezhik replied. “As thoroughly as possible, which is not much, I’m afraid. As Mister Taggart suspects, he has considerable influence on this station. Most likely due to the fact that he represents SilTek.”
“SilTek?” Nathan said. “That sounds familiar.”
“Apparently they are one of the largest companies in the entire quadrant,” the lieutenant explained.
“They make the AIs that the Sugali fighters use,” Marcus added. “That seems to be their thing—AIs, robotics, automation.”
“They also make defense systems,” Lieutenant Rezhik pointed out. “They have recently upgraded the detection and defense capabilities of this station, which, as best I can tell, is the reason they have so much influence here.”
“Interesting food, too,” Marcus said.
“Do they make weapons?” Jessica wondered.
“Only defensive ones,” Lieutenant Rezhik insisted. “Mister Vout claims that SilTek refuses to make offensive weapons for reasons of self-preservation.”
“Best way to defeat an enemy is to take out their weapons supplier,” Jessica said.
“And you think they have something that can help us?” Nathan wondered.
“From what Gunwy has told me, their automated fabrication systems make ours look like a joke,” Marcus said. “They crank shit out ten times faster than we can.”
“Sounds like a good ally,” Nathan decided.
“I got the impression that SilTek is not interested in becoming anyone’s ally,” Lieutenant Rezhik stated.
“Maybe they just need a little convincing,” Nathan replied. He looked over at Marcus. “You think you can arrange a meeting for me?”
“As long as you’re buyin’, I’m pretty sure Gunwy will hear you out,” Marcus replied. “That guy loves to eat.”
“Set it up, then,” Nathan instructed.
“For tonight?”
“Better make it for lunch tomorrow,” Nathan decided. “I’m way overdue for some real sleep.”
“There are extra rooms available here,” Lieutenant Rezhik suggested. “They are quite comfortable.”
“I’d love to take advantage of them,” Nathan assured the lieutenant, “but we need to get back to the Aurora.”
Marcus looked confused. “There’s no way you’ll make it back in time for lunch tomorrow if you go all the way back to the Aurora.”
“The Aurora’s only four light years away,” Jessica explained.
“I was not aware that the Aurora’s jump drive was operational again,” Lieutenant Rezhik stated, “but are you not putting the Rogen system at risk by bringing her all the way out here?”
“Oh, it’s working again,” Jessica said with a smile.
“And she’s got a five-hundred-light-year jump range,” Nathan added, also smiling.
“Impressive,” the lieutenant congratulated.
“Impressive?” Marcus exclaimed. “That’s downright amazing! Jesus, Cap’n, you know what we could’ve done with a range like that on the Seiiki?”
“The thought had crossed my mind,” Nathan admitted, rising from his seat. “Set up the meeting, Marcus.”
“You got it, Cap’n,” Marcus replied.
“If you’ll excuse me, gentlemen, my rack is calling my name,” Nathan stated, heading for the exit with Jessica rising to follow.
Marcus sighed as he watched them depart. “Five hundred fucking light years. Can you imagine that?”
Lieutenant Rezhik cast a puzzled look at Marcus. “Yes, I can.”
* * *
“Jump complete,” Pip announced from the copilot’s seat of Striker Two.
“Starting scans,” Jela reported over comm-sets from the sensor station.
“This is the last scan point before we reach the Rogen system,” Pip said. “If we don’t find anything here…”
“Then, that means they’re headed for the Orswellan system,” Gil said, finishing his copilot’s thought.
* * *
“Welcome back, Captain,” Cameron greeted as Nathan and Jessica stepped out of their shuttle. “How is Miri?”
“She is awake,” Nathan replied.
“Then she is going to be okay?”
“It’s too soon to be sure, but it looks pretty good.”
“How are the kids?”
“Happier than hell to hear their mother’s voice again,” Nathan said. “Any word from the Strikers?”
“Nothing yet,” Cameron replied, falling in beside them as they headed across the hangar deck toward the forward hatch. “Did you find out why they attacked us?”
“Seems they’ve upgraded their defense systems,” Jessica explained. “Their new perimeter is four light years. Oh, and they don’t like warships anywhere near them.”
“Good to know,” Cameron replied. “Shall I set course back to Rogen?”
“Not yet,” Nathan replied. “It seems Marcus has made contact with a potential ally. The same people who upgraded Sanctuary’s defense systems. I’ve asked him to arrange a meeting for noon tomorrow.”
“Don’t you think we should head back?” Cameron asked, “all things considered.”
“We’re still within single jump range of both systems,” Nathan reminded her.
“Yes, which means we can easily jump back for the meeting.”
“If we jump back to Orswella, now, and the attack occurs in the Rogen system, we won’t have enough energy to jump from Orswella to Rogen to help them, at least not for a few hours,” Nathan explained. “The same is true if we jump to Rogen and they attack Orswella.”
“We don’t know that they will attack either one,” Cameron pointed out. “Besides, the Weatherly and the Gunyoki can handle four gunships and twenty octos.”
“Probably, but better not to take the risk,” Nathan insisted as he stepped through the hatch into the central corridor.
“If they are going to attack, it should happen in few hours,” Cameron said.
“Let’s hope not,” Nathan replied. “I really need some sleep.”
CHAPTER THREE
“How’s it lookin’, Leta?” Talisha inquired as she finished entering the next jump in their search grid.
“I am not detecting any contacts.”
“Kishor?” Talisha called over comms.
Twenty seconds later, her wingman replied. “Nothing.”
“On to the next grid,” Talisha told him.
“It would be more effective if there was more distance between us and Razor Four,” Leta suggested.
“We have to fly the grid pattern we were assigned,” Talisha replied.
“Razor Four copies.”
Talisha activated her jump drive, jumping her Sugali fighter ahead two light minutes.
“Beginning new scan,” Leta reported.
“We’re practically there,” Talisha said in frustration, checking her tactical display to ensure that Razor Four had also jumped.
“Orswella is still ninety-two light years awa
y. Based on the known jump range of both the Dusahn gunships and octo-fighters, they still have nine point two jumps remaining to complete their journey, assuming Orswella is their destination.”
“So, ten minutes, then,” Talisha said. “Like I said…”
“I have detected several ships,” Leta interrupted. “Bearing one four seven by zero three five up relative, range of one point two seven light minutes. Profile indicates four Dusahn gunships and twenty octo-fighters, on course for Orswella.”
“Razor Four, Razor Three,” Talisha called over comms. “I’ve got them at one four seven, zero three five up, one point two seven light minutes, on course for Orswella. I’m staying on them and sending you their track data. You jump to Striker One’s location and relay word, then rendezvous with me at grid…four seven bravo.”
“Contacts are jumping,” Leta added.
“Damn it,” she cursed. “I hate comms lag. Remind me to get us some jump comm-drones when we get back.”
Finally, her wingman confirmed her message. “Razor Four copies your contact. Have received track data. Will jump to Striker One for relay, then rendezvous with you at four seven bravo. Don’t lose them, Tali.”
“Oh, I don’t plan to,” she said to herself as she pressed her jump button.
“Contact!” Striker One’s sensor officer reported over comm-sets.
“Tell me it’s the Dusahn,” Robert begged.
“Negative,” Kasma replied. “Nighthawk.”
“Striker One, Razor Four. We found them at four five alpha!” Ensign Tellor reported over comms. “They’re headed for Orswella! Talisha is maintaining contact. She instructed me to relay the contact to you and then meet her back at grid four seven bravo!”
“I’m getting his tracking data,” his copilot announced.
Robert studied the tactical display as the icon appeared along with course and speed data. “Christ, they’re less than ninety light years from Orswella.” Robert tapped his comm-set. “Razor Four, Striker One. We’re out of jump comm-drones. You warn the Nighthawks, and I’ll relay to Striker Two.”
“What about Razor Three?” Ensign Tellor asked. “I was supposed to rendezvous with her.”
“We’ll meet her at four seven bravo after we tell Striker Two, so they can send a comm-drone to Rogen Command. Tell the Nighthawks to go to Five Zero Charlie and wait for orders. If they don’t receive instructions by…” Robert glanced at the clock, “…by zero five one four, they are to jump to Orswella to defend.”