by Kal Spriggs
There was a longer delay in his response than Mel could account for. They were within a few thousand kilometers of the station and less than thirty thousand kilometers of the Task Group, parked on the far side. Yet there was almost twenty or thirty seconds pause between when he must have received the transmission and when he responded.
“Captain Amiss,” he replied, his voice rather flat and emotionless, “While I made that offer as a polite request, it is within my authority, with us in Guard Space, to make it an order.”
Mel’s back shot up. That was not how a man with Admiral Rao’s best interests would answer. It was the behavior of a man who saw an opportunity. She paused her end of the communication’s feed, putting in a hold screen. “Fenris, was Captain Ortega’s ship, the Pathfinder, in orbit of Harmony when we left?”
“It was,” Fenris replied. “Indeed, the entire Task Group was as well, in the same formation they now hold.” The Task Group wasn’t large: it held two Tsunami-class heavy cruisers, four Carnivore-class light cruisers, and an understrength squadron of six destroyers, two of the older Forerunner-class and four of the newer Hunter-class. But they were at full strength drives and they had enough firepower to make a fight of things if they wanted.
“They must have come here, then,” Mel shot a look at her crew. Marcus glowered at her. It was clear that he blamed her for this problem. Brian looked bored. Johnny Woodard looked nervous, though whether that was because they might have a shootout with the Guard or some other reason, Mel wasn’t certain.
The others, Swaim, his mother Yewell, and Aldera Kynes were elsewhere on the ship, but Mel didn’t need to poll them. They had orders from the Mercenary Guild to keep Admiral Rao alive until the election. Mel wasn’t going to turn him over to some corrupt Guard officer so he could “die of natural causes.”
She pressed a button on her terminal and smiled at Captain Ortega. “Captain, I’m afraid that we—”
“Contact,” Fenris growled. “Multiple contacts. We have multiple ships on our screens.”
***
Admiral Mizra snarled in frustration as his ships emerged from FTL warp almost on top of Tremaine Station and found a sizable force present, their drives online. He had hoped to find the station relatively abandoned or at least at a lax status. Instead, they were at drives ready and there were far more of them than he’d hoped.
“Stand down attack plan beta,” he ordered. A moment later, as his ships reported that they’d received his orders, his tactical officer highlighted a destroyer picket ship at long range. That ship would act as a courier if the station and ships were destroyed, Admiral Mizra knew.
His lips pressed in a flat line as he noticed the weapons and targeting radar still online in his “allies” ships. Though if that was due to their poor training or some intention to attack, he didn’t know. “Order our allies to stand down,” he snapped out. “Tell them that if we open fire now we’ll be at a disadvantage.” It wasn’t true. But Colonel Frost didn’t understand the situation well enough. He was a ground officer, he still thought in terms of ground combat, and the fact that he knew he didn’t know everything would make him hesitate in this case.
That hesitation was what Admiral Mizra needed. Because while he would have been willing to destroy Tremaine Station to capture Nashim Rao, he wasn’t willing to do so and leave any witness, pitting him against the entirety of Guard Fleet.
“Prepare a message to the commander of Tremaine Station,” he began, “message follows…”
***
“…battlecruiser Tenacity was engaged in pirate activities near the Gallan system,” Admiral Mizra went on. “Therefore I request she and her crew be turned over to my forces to face charges of piracy.”
Colonel Frost gritted his teeth as the Admiral went through his no-doubt rehearsed pitch. It was too practiced, too polished, in his opinion. It was clear that he’d planned for the presence of the Guard forces here.
I should have ordered my ships to open fire. Colonel Frost glowered at Rawn, who’d stood by the Admiral’s orders. If Frost’s ships had opened fire, then the Admiral would have had no choice but to do the same, or else lose ships to return fire. That would have cemented his position, made it so that he would have no choice but to oppose the Guard, especially with that picket destroyer at range to carry its sensor data elsewhere.
Colonel Frost was tempted to order his ships to fire anyway… but there was still the matter of Admiral Rao. If Admiral Mizra could get him turned over safely without firing a shot, then Frost could interrogate him for information on his superweapon.
Then he could order his ships to open fire and force Admiral Mizra onto the right side. It was something of a win-win. And Admiral Mizra was talking fast enough that even the Guard might believe him...
***
“…sensor log data of the Tenacity engaging in piracy. As you can see, the Mercenary Guild vessel has clearly gone rogue,” Admiral Mizra went on.
“Fenris, what the hell is he talking about?” Brian asked. “I would know if we’d gone pirate. I’d have loot, and a nice hat… right?”
“He’s had a very talented programmer create false sensor data based off of our engagement at Gallan,” Fenris answered. “I’ve reviewed it, he’s melded our data into data of actual piracy, performed by his ships, I’d wager.”
“Do we have a way to refute it?” Mel asked. She felt anger flush her cheeks. How dare he try to besmirch her name?
“I’ve already identified seven datapoints that point to it being an artificial creation. However, to refute it a court setting is one thing—” Fenris broke off. “We have an incoming transmission from the station commander.”
“Captain Amiss,” Commander Bunker glared through her display. “I assume you’ve been listening? I’m assuming we can both ignore his claims, so we can move onto what to do about two dreadnoughts and their escorts being right on top of us at weapons range.”
“I have, commander,” she replied. She felt a wave of relief at his words. “And--”
To her shock, another transmission spoke over, “Commander Bunker, this is Captain Ortega of the Pathfinder. I don’t think we can so quickly dismiss these serious charges of piracy.”
“Captain Ortega, your Task Group has no authority here,” Commander Bunker snapped. “Tremaine System and Station are under my authority and you’re not even from this sector—”
“I’m overriding that authority, Parisian Sector General Override Seven Nine Seven Seven Three,” Captain Ortega’s voice was emotionless. He almost sounded like a bad recording, or as if he were reading words off a script. “That gives me temporary emergency authority over any Guard Fleet elements in the area, short of override in the presence of a flag officer.”
Mel kept her expression calm by sheer force of will. She was really coming to hate this Captain Ortega.
“I confirm receipt of override, but I register my official complaint—”
“Noted,” Captain Ortega interrupted. “Now, due to the very serious allegations of piracy and criminal actions issued by Admiral Mizra, I believe I am going to have to order the Tenacity to stand down.”
***
“…order the Tenacity to stand down,” Captain Ortega repeated dutifully into the display.
Punatra didn’t bother to hide his smirk. The override code had required him to get his hands on a very senior Guard Fleet officer, who hadn’t survived the process. He had hoped to use it for an emergency, but this situation had played into his hands perfectly. Admiral Mizra hadn’t required the turnover of Admiral Rao. Punatra would turn over the battlecruiser without a second thought. Possibly even Admiral Rao, after he’d suborned the man’s will and pulled the information he needed. Admiral Mizra could have his prize as a mental vegetable. In fact, I could place so many little surprises inside him, and if he comes within physical contact of Admiral Rao...
Having the renegade Harmony Protectorate officer and his fleet under Punatra’s power would be quite useful.
With the stick of the two dreadnoughts and their forces, plus Captain Ortega, the mercenary was out of options. The pathetic apru would no doubt start trying to make a deal…
“I’m afraid, Captain Ortega, that I cannot and will not follow that order,” Captain Amiss replied. “And I am ready and willing to respond with lethal force should you attempt to enforce an illegal and immoral order that will result in the death of an innocent man.”
***
Mel could hardly believe what she was saying as she said it. Yet her rage at the high-handed actions of Captain Ortega proved too much. She was not about to let him get his way. She wasn’t going to let Admiral Rao be tortured and murdered. She wasn’t about to say that he was a good man, but she wasn’t about to let him die all the same.
Captain Ortega stared at her for what seemed like an inordinately long time. When he spoke, his voice was still as detached as before, “Captain Amiss, perhaps I misunderstood you—”
“No, you did not,” Mel snapped. “If you or your ships attempt to enforce our stand-down, I will respond with lethal force. I am acting in my role as a Mercenary Guild Chartered vessel. Without conclusive data of pirate actions, you cannot order me to stand to. Any transmissions from Admiral Mizra are by nature suspect, especially as the numerous crimes posted against him and his forces include aiding and abetting piracy.” That was a bit of a stretch, as those charges were laid by Admiral Rao, who’s government the Guard had ruled as illegitimate. But it was technically accurate. “Therefore, your order is illegal. Moreover, as Admiral Rao has faced severe risk of death from his last time under Guard supervision, I do not believe that he will survive being turned over to you.”
She cut the transmission and looked up at the ceiling, “Fenris, how long until we have strategic warp?”
He popped up a counter on her display. Ten more minutes until the warp coils shed enough energy to safely reengage.
“Do I need to tell you that we can’t fight our way out of this?” Marcus demanded.
Mel didn’t even look at him as she spoke, “We could fight the Guard Fleet elements, if we needed to, but we can’t possibly engage two dreadnoughts under these conditions, no. But you’re assuming they’ll work together. I don’t think that’s going to happen.”
She opened a channel to Admiral Mizra. “Admiral Mizra, that’s quite the fabricated sensor data you’ve produced there.”
The renegade Harmony officer gave her a smooth smile, “I’m assuming you’re referring to the data we transmitted of your pirate actions in the Gallan system, completely genuine as you know.” He kept to his story, she’d give him that. “I warned you before, you should have walked away.”
“Perhaps,” Mel gave him a slight nod. “But just so you know, Captain Ortega of the Task Group has ordered me to stand down.”
“Excellent, so why are you contacting me?” He asked, his eyes narrowing in suspicion.
“He’s also requested that I immediately transfer Admiral Rao, who he specified by name, to his custody. I thought it was odd that he knew that the Admiral was aboard, since I hadn’t told him.” Mel smiled sweetly. “I’m sure it’s just coincidence. But since you’re only interested in the pirate angle…”
Admiral Mizra’s eyes widened and he looked off-screen. It was amazing how much more dynamic he was than the semi-robotic Captain Ortega. “Captain Amiss, I’m sure I don’t need to tell you that I need to confirm this.”
“Take your time, Admiral,” Mel smiled sweetly. “I’ve got all day.”
***
Chapter 13
Time: 0500 21 February 292 G.D.
Location: Tremaine Station, Tremaine System
“I insist that all personnel be turned over to me as well as their ship,” Admiral Mizra went on, “Their acts of piracy were committed in Harmony Protectorate territory…”
Punatra gritted his teeth as the stupid apru whined on. Did he really think they cared about his demands? His firepower advantage was nothing to the stick that Punatra held, backed by the entirety of Guard Fleet. The renegade officer wouldn’t dare to draw the wrath of the Guard down upon himself by opening fire, not with so many witnesses. This was all posturing. And distraction from things that matter.
“Tell him that we will need to question Admiral Rao to his involvement, the matter shouldn’t take more than a few hours,” Punatra instructed his underling. Captain Ortega was looking rather ragged, actually. Perhaps it would soon be time to retire the officer. A pity, he’d lasted almost three months.
Captain Ortega dutifully repeated the message. The ship’s communications officer had set up a filter that removed Punatra’s voice from the feed. It made for a long delay as he fed Captain Ortega the lines, but that was unavoidable. He couldn’t risk the officer trying to think for himself, after all.
“Unacceptable,” Admiral Mizra blustered. “That is time where the man might attempt escape or some type of plea bargain. He must face justice for his crimes—”
“No,” Punatra snapped at Captain Ortega, “Tell him no.”
“No,” Captain Ortega repeated. Punatra reached over about to turn off the display. This had gone on far too long and he was not going to let his prize escape.
Then, Captain Amiss, or as he suspected, Melody Armstrong, appeared on the display, “Gentlemen, pardon the interruption, but I think we’ve reached something of an impasse. Everyone wants Admiral Rao, but none of us trust one another.”
Punatra gritted his teeth. He turned to face his communication officer, “I thought this channel was secure?” He demanded.
His communications officer stared at him, unable or unwilling to respond. Then, to his chagrin, Captain Ortega repeated his words. Idiot.
“We’re a Guard chartered mercenary ship, it included the standard comms codes and you’re passing traffic through the space my ship is occupying,” she replied. “So we’ve been listening. Now then, are we going to argue all day or will you listen to a proposed solution?”
Punatra gave Captain Ortega a nod, even as he heard Admiral Mizra give the affirmative.
“My ship’s warp coils are now sufficiently cooled-off to execute a jump to strategic warp. Which means if I wanted to, I could run just about anywhere… assuming I was a pirate as the patently false accusations suggest.” Her voice was cutting and despite himself, Punatra acknowledged she’d played the situation well. He’d lost track of time arguing with Admiral Mizra and she could have escaped.
“Instead, I propose that we all go to Vagyr. There’s a Guard Fleet Task Force stationed there normally with sufficient firepower to ensure all parties remain well-behaved,” She went on. “My crew will land on the planet, we can discuss any business in an appropriate area, and we can all depart our individual ways afterward.”
“What incentive do I have to go along with that?” Admiral Mizra snapped.
“Well, if you’re legitimately concerned about piracy, you’d want to prove your case,” Armstrong snapped. “Of course, failing to show after transmitting a false accusation of piracy, combined with my data recordings that show your ships engaging in what could be easily construed as piracy… well, that would bring a long list of charges, wouldn’t it, Admiral?”
Well played indeed, Punatra felt actual admiration for the woman. He shook his head at that. To his irritation, Captain Ortega mimicked his gesture. Punatra sighed, “Tell her yes, that’s agreeable.”
He waited as his underling repeated that. Punatra pinched the bridge of his nose, he somewhat regretted the need to suborn all the officers and crews of the ships, yet the apru always asked so many questions. It was easier in the beginning to erase their free will.
“I will need some time to consider it,” Admiral Mizra bit off. “And I lodge a formal complaint with Guard Fleet for their failure to control this rogue mercenary.”
“Noted,” Punatra sighed. He felt no irritation in saying that. Even he could admit when he’d been played.
***
“Vagyr?” Colonel Frost
demanded. It seemed they’d come almost full circle. The irony wasn’t lost on him. “The uppity little bitch is blackmailing us to go to Vagyr, or else?” He squinted at Admiral Mizra, “Will your doctored sensor data hold up to an official inquiry?”
“Doubtful,” Admiral Mizra answered.
“We could open fire,” Frost noted.
“And she could still probably get to FTL before our weapons systems came fully online,” Admiral Mizra snapped. “And then I’d be considered an aggressor by Guard Fleet.”
Colonel Frost didn’t respond to that. He actually wanted the second outcome.
“No, the smart move is to back down, for now. She can go to Vagyr. We can send a ship or two to monitor the situation and tell us when she departs, then notify us so we can intercept…”
“No,” Colonel Frost shook his head, “If none of our force shows, then any charges will be dismissed and she’ll go free.”
“The sensor logs may not hold up—”
“But if we don’t send anyone, they’ll be thrown out,” Colonel Frost interrupted in a calm voice. “If we can get the ship interned, even if they don’t deliver it into our custody, we can pin Nashim Rao down at Vagyr, away from Harmony. And we both know that the authorities on Vagyr itself are… corruptible, right? Slip money in the right hands and we can walk away with Rao, maybe the crew and ship, too.”
“And if they prove the files are doctored, they’ll arrest whoever I send,” Admiral Mizra snapped. “I’m not going to risk any of my ships and officers. I need every asset I can get.”
Colonel Frost’s mind raced. “I’ll go. My whole squadron.”
“Your… ‘squadron’ is it?” Admiral Mizra’s expression showed what he thought of that. “Half your ships are known pirate vessels. The few Protectorate ships you’ve recruited were among the worst of my service. Oh, and you’re a known terrorist. You think your word will carry the day?”
“I’ve got contacts on Vagyr,” Frost replied. “And my ships can modify their transponders to match your forces… if you assist. Then I can have one of my former Protectorate Defense Force officers act as spokesperson. Commander Parumar, perhaps?”
