Victory in the Stars (Marston Chronicles Book 6)
Page 14
“What? Plead guilty? Living alone on the ice? Five years in prison?”
“No. A way back to the stars.”
Sub-Captain Desinal sat up straighter and focused her ears on Krag.
Keiko retook control.
“Sub-Captain Desinal. This is the offer. We have a freighter which needs a captain. It is being prepared for war with the Morteks, the aliens invading humanity. Have you been reviewing the articles of profiteering?”
“Is that why Vidhee brought them to me.”
“Yes. You plead guilty. You are ostracized from Clan Kaporine. You are sentenced to five years in prison. However, your incarceration will be postponed until after the Mortek-Human war has ended.”
“You are proposing that I fly a warship to fight in your battle with the Mortek.”
“Yes. If you and your ship survive, that ship will be waiting for you after your prison term is completed. You will become a member of the HEB Alliance Fleet and a profiteer, working for yourself.”
Knowing that the next person who spoke would set the conclusion, Keiko went silent. Krag and Vidhee followed her lead. Sub-Captain Desinal stared at the Articles of Profiteering, mindlessly scrolling forwards and backwards. Raising her head, she bore into Keiko.
“No.”
“No?”
“My bond-mate and cub are back on Elonia. They have been relegated to the lowest level of living in the Chikuno Clan. They live in poverty and squalor. If I do this, you must bring my family to Elonia.”
“Here, they will be outsiders, same as you.”
“I will spend my prison term on Ballison?”
“Yes.”
“They will be near. You will care for them. This freighter. What size crew does it require?”
“Pilot, co-pilot, navigator, gunner, mechanic,” Krag offered.
“My bond-mate and cub will never be accepted into Elonian clanship.”
Again, Sub-Captain Desinal thought.
“My bond-mate is a machinist. You can train my cub to be a navigator?”
“Yes. Male or female?”
“Female.”
“She will also be trained as your sensor operator.”
“About the rest of the crew. No Elonian will serve under me. We are pariahs.”
“Humans will. They will judge you by your actions, not your history. You will have Humans in your crew. We can get you a co-pilot and gunner.”
“No. a pilot. I will be the co-pilot and captain. How do you know that we will not just sail away?”
Keiko reached into her bag and withdrew a silvery collar.
“This. You will wear it at all times. Once you put it on, only Preceptor Igaklay can remove it. It contains a quant-com communicator. You will never be without the Preceptor monitoring your actions or tracking your movements.”
“Then, I am a slave.”
“No. you are a criminal being monitored. As long as you do not violate your parole, you will be free to do as you wish.”
Again, everyone waited while the Sub-Captain worked through the problem.
“You bring my family here. You train my cub to be a navigator and sensor operator. You teach my bond-mate on the workings of this freighter. If you do that, I accept. Now, take me back to my cell.”
“I am sorry, Sub-Captain, but we can’t do that.”
‘Why not?”
“Politics. And Discipline. Captain Kakkarna needs a public showing for what happens when the chain of command is broken. Clan Kaporine needs to publicize the proceedings to show Clan unity.”
“Of course. Politicians need their show. Kakkarna feels betrayed. He needs my hide to hang as a trophy. Kaporine Elders need to wield their power. I’ve played that game. I will play for a little more time. But, after this, you keep your word. You bring me my family.”
“You have our word, Sub-Captain,” Keiko responded.
“I shall write up this agreement, Ambassador, Sub-Captain. It will be ready before the trial.”
“Thank you, Honorable Vidhee. Preceptor Igaklay, would you be so kind as to send over some lunch? It appears that we will be here for a while, until court is in session.”
“On the way, Ambassador Suzume,” everyone heard from the air.
Lunch arrived. Sub-Captain Desinal didn’t respond when Krag made a point of sitting across from her. Keiko and Vidhee book-ended her. At first, she sat, radiating anger, wolfing down her meal, directing her attention on her situation, attempting to find something to blame.
Everyone quietly ate. Krag knew how to manage people. Keiko knew how to deal with people. Vidhee followed their lead. Desinal worked through her situation. Slowly she accepted her plight and accepted the solution. Finally, she turned and faced Keiko.
“I understand what you just did. You have given my bloodline a future.”
“This is all Commander Marston’s doing, Sub-Captain. The Commander had spent time on Wisdom Seeker when you first found us floating in space. Being a military man, he saw your professionalism. He saw your commitment. It was Commander Marston who recommended that you be allowed a second chance.”
Desinal turned to face Krag.
“I am in your debt, Commander.”
Desinal bowed her head in recognition.
“You still need to be held accountable for your actions.”
“I accept that.”
“But now, if you and your family live through the coming battles, you have a path to the future.”
“You will see my best, Commander.”
Vidhee slid a tablet in front of Desinal. The Sub-Captain read it and tapped a paw.
“I will do my part.”
Krag took the tablet and pressed his thumb against the document.
‘I will do mine, Sub-Captain. We will get your family to Ballison.”
“Pardon me, Ambassador, Commander. But, the Elders are filing in as are Lord and Lady Kaporine, as well as Captain Kakkarna.”
A serving robot raced over and began clearing the table.
The three Kaporine Elders, wearing their formal tunics and chains bearing the Kaporine symbol, solemnly strode in, taking their places at the high table. Krag and Keiko quickly left the floor and took their places in the audience area. Just as the two sat, the Kaporine Lord and Lady took their places in the royal observation box.
Striking a gavel, Elder Anupi opened the proceedings.
“We are gathered her to review the actions taken by Sub-Captain Desinal on board Wisdom Seeker.”
Knowing what was to come, The Senior Spokesman paused. Vidhee rose.
“Your Honor, my client wishes to make a statement.”
“Continue.”
Sub-Captain Desinal stood. Pulling her dress tunic into place, she cleared her throat. With ears and tail standing tall, she clasped her paws and began.
“I accept that my actions broke the chain of command. I accept that I brought dishonor to Clan Kaporine. I am guilty of the charge of criminal insubordination. I am guilty of Clan Kaporine betrayal.”
“Sub-Captain Desinal rigidly sat.
Elder Anupi looked right and left. He saw both of his fellow Elders nod in approval.
“Sub-Captain Desinal, rise.”
She rose.
“Sub-Captain Desinal. You are immediately stripped of all rank and discharged from the Kaporine Space Service. You are immediately banished from Clan Kaporine. You will be incarcerated for no less than five years for your criminal insubordination and clan betrayal. Is that understood?”
“I understand, Elder.”
“Captain Kakkarna.”
Wisdom Seeker’s Captain rose from his observation station and formally marched to end facing his former Sub-Captain. Reaching out, he removed Desinal’s sub-captain pins and Kaporine Space Service medal. Turning, he formally marched to the seated ruling body and placed the symbols of his Sub-Captain’s previous rank on the Elders’ dais. After Captain Kakkarna returned to his seat, Elder Anupi continued.
“Further, under the request
of Lord Kaporine, you are to be remanded into the custody of Commander Marston and Den Griffin, under the leadership of Clan Gregor. Is that understood?”
“Yes, Elder.”
“Commander Marston, rise.”
Commander Marston, in his dress blues, complete with medals and head cover, rose.
“Commander Marston, do you accept the parole of civilian Desinal? Do you accept the responsibility of carrying out her incarceration, including all costs and maintenance?”
“I do, Elder, with the caveat that she serve her prison term at the immediate conclusion of the Mortek-Human war, regardless of the outcome.”
“That is acceptable. Civilian Desinal is a ward of Den Griffin. You are personally responsible for her actions. You will be held personally accountable. Is that understood?”
“Perfectly, Elder. I accept complete personal responsibility.”
Striking his gavel, Elder Anupi announced, “This court is adjurned.”
The formal arrival reversed. Lord and Lady Kaporine exited, followed by the three Kaporine Elders then Captain Kakkarna. Once the room cleared, Krag and Keiko returned to Vidhee and Desinal.
“Your word as an officer, Desinal.”
“On my honor, Commander.”
Keiko retrieved the collar from her shoulder bag. Holding it out, she waited. Desinal leaned forward, exposing her neck. Wrapping the collar around, both Keiko and Desinal felt the nanites flow together, forming the connection, creating a collar which would not be removed for years to come.
“Preceptor Igaklay? Do you have a connection?”
“Yes, Ambassador.”
“Desinal, let’s get you to your ship. We have a family to retrieve.”
Chapter 13
Aboard Gazelle - Arium
“Jesse, com Griffin. He has a problem.”
“You’re dumping this in Hawk’s lap, Cap?”
“You bet I am, Mandy.”
“You know that he’s just going to dump it back on you, right?”
“He’ll try.”
“Griffin Actual here, Gazelle.”
“Hey, Hawk. You have a problem.”
“What is it this time?”
“The Mortek flagship, Ravage Maker, has entered Corrinar.”
“We knew that would happen.”
“The entire fleet is steaming towards Bridgelen.”
“I saw the intel on Corrinar. A quarter fleet. Bridgelen, a half fleet. Once we get our hulls repaired and upgraded, we can handle them.”
“I don’t think you have the time for that, Hawk.”
“No? why not?”
“Well, counting the carrier, thirteen more ships from Cencore are in the gate to Bridgelen. Bridgelen will hold a full Mortek fleet in fourteen days.”
“We can still handle that.”
“Except for the fact that Cencore has almost another full fleet. And, some of the ships are powering up.”
“That means that the Mortek are getting their crews.”
“So it would seem, Hawk.”
“Damn. If that fleet gets into the grey, fourteen days from then, there will be two fleets in Bridgelen.”
“Yup. That sums it up.”
“There’s no way that we and your Stingers can handle that. Not with that defensive sphere they’ve pulled into.”
“Glad you figured that out.”
“Sit tight. No, take a day off. I’ll get with the Synthetics. Maybe we can figure something out.”
“Will do, Hawk. Give us a shout when you need us.”
“You know I will, Hornet. Out.”
Jesse severed the link.
“That went well, Captain. I thought for sure that Hawk would stick us in the soup.”
“Nope. He’s too smart for that. And he cares about his flyers. So, where do we want to crash for a day? Sanctuary? The yards? Tolimar?”
“Why not Latinia?”
“After what the Mortek did to the planet, I don’t think that the people have anything on their minds except putting everything back to normal. We’ll give them a look later.”
“Well, Cap. Since I got my nanites, I like going planet side. My vote is Tolimar.”
“Jesse?”
‘I’m with kid. Besides, they have a good bar there. And lots of single men.”
“That’s the real reason you want to go there, isn’t it, Mandy.”
“Well, maybe a little.”
Jean laughed. “Tolimar, it is. Jesse, contact the Stingers. Tell them that we all are taking a couple of days off. Have them join us in Tolimar. Mandy, do the honors.”
Ballison – HEB Alliance HQ
Krag wasn’t aboard Griffin when he received Jean’s com. Instead, Griffin’s crew had taken up residence in their suites in Ballison’s, now the HEB Alliance’s, center of government. After ending the com, Krag left the comfort of his luxury chair and began pacing around his and Keiko’s pyramid quarters. Sipping her mint tea, Keiko watched him dispel his nervous energy as Krag pondered the problem.
“Plop!” Krag exclaimed. Lifting his head to speak to the air, Krag asked, “When is Jewel of the Stars arriving, Igaklay?”
“She’s already jumped into the outer system and is currently passing through Bachama’s orbit.”
“Time until she arrives?”
“Shortly. Within the hour.”
“Okay. We’ve got a crew and an old ship not capable of fighting. Buster, Vidhee, would you please join us in our quarters? Igaklay, call Mack and Sue.”
Krag kept pacing and furiously thinking until the two Synthetics arrived. Shortly after, Mack, Sue and Igaklay’s avatar arrived. All filed in and took seats in the communal area.
“I have updated the others on the situation, Captain.”
“Thank you, Igaklay. People, ideas?”
Keiko offered, “Obviously, we cannot allow the Cencore fleet to link up with the Bridgelen fleet.”
“Ay, Wee-One. There’s no stopping the Corrinar fleet and those eight Cencore ships from getting to Bridgelen. So, I agree with ye. Cencore is the target.”
“Large gravity bombs? With their own jump drives? Say, half the size of Griffin? How long would it take to build a hundred of them, Igaklay?”
“I could construct the mid-sized mass negators in twelve days. But Wisdom Seeker doesn’t have the capabilities to build a gravity bomb that large, Captain.”
“Okay. Bombing the fleet is out. Other ideas?”
“Maybe we don’t destroy the Cencore fleet. Maybe we just don’t allow it to get to Bridgelen.”
“Where are you going with this, Sue?”
“How do we incapacitate the fleet?”
“From Gazelle’s latest intel, we’d never get any of our Stingers anywhere near enough to take out their engines.”
“Oh. What about putting self-guidance systems into a bunch of small gravity rockets? Install severe avoidance modules?”
“That’s a thought. It’s on the table. Any other ideas?”
“Iggy, how many repair robots do you have?”
“We are not arming robots and giving Igaklay algorithms for destruction, Mack.”
“I wasn’t thinking that, Cap. Nae, not a bit. Sweet Sue is on to something. I’m thinking, Iggy here is Griffin’s protector. And, he commands a bunch of repair robots.”
“So?”
“Well, why don’t we repair those ships so that we dinna need to fight them.”
“That’s thin, Mack.”
“Ay, Cap. But, Iggy dinna need to destroy anything. He just needs to fix the fleet so that it couldn’t get to Bridgelen. Iggy can protect Den Griffin without destroying anything or doing any war things.”
“Keiko, Vidhee?”
“Igaklay, without any reprogramming to your core matrices, can you modify the Mortek ships so that they can no longer reach Bridgelen?”
“That is a very fine line between destruction and modification, Ambassador. I might run into hard halts in controlling the repair robots.”
“Oy,
Iggy. Those ships, they run on fusion drives, just like Griffin used to. Right?”
“Yes, Mack.”
“So, what say you, you disconnect the engines from the hulls, in preparation for adding dark matter drives.”
“That, I can do, Mack, Ambassador.”
“Even without the permission of the Morteks?”
“That permission isn’t needed, Ambassador. All I need is permission from my Overseers.”
“You’ve got our permission, Igaklay.”
“Thank you, Captain.”
“So, Iggy. How many repair robots do you control?”
“If I pull everyone from Ballison, include all professional and domestic repair robots, fifty-one thousand, three hundred and seventy-nine.”
“That’s a lot of robots, Iggy. All with mass negators?”
“And control jets. But short ranged.”
“How short ranged?”
“Roughly five hundred miles.”
“So, ya need for Cap to get your fifty thousand robots within five hundred miles so that they can do their thing.”
“Yes, Mack. Closer would be better. The closer you can get the repair robots to the Mortek ships, the less time I will spend avoiding the Mortek defensive fire power.”
“I like it. Good job, Mack, Sue. That’s the plan. As soon as Jewel arrives, we get the crew loaded up with nanites, fill the ship with your robots and send her back. Agreed?”
Everyone nodded their approval.
“Okay. Buster, Igaklay, Vidhee, work up a plan on how to get our repair robots delivered to the Mortek Cencore fleet.”
Aboard Jewel of the Stars, Ballison Space
Jewel of the Stars continued its ponderous voyage into Ballison space. With pounding headaches, nauseous stomachs and growling digestive tracks, the slapped together bridge crew sailed the monstrous vacation ship towards its target, an orbit around Ballison, the planet.
Sitting in his captain’s chair, Captain Overman looked over his crew. He saw a tightly disciplined group, focusing through aching eyes, working their consoles, ensuring that Jewel still held together and still powered towards its destination.
“Captain, I have a communique from Commander Marston.”
“Put it up, Ensign.”
“Commander Marston, we have arrived. A little worse for wear but functioning and getting squared away.”