BANN Explosive!

by Jessie Rose Case

  Was that what she’d been picking up on her home world all those years?....

  It seemed probable. Her fizz would go off and she’d turn around or look up or over and zero in on someone who was looking at her or turning in her direction. It had been more than a bit eerie at times. She didn’t have her medical records so there was no way she could find out who treated her as a child. Kate smiled. But she knew someone who could find out. “Computer connect to Cyborg Bann.”

  “Affirmative.”

  Almost immediately the screen came alive with Bann in the middle of it. He gazed at her intensely looking her over. “Are you well?” For a moment she thought she saw concern etched on his face, then it was gone.

  “I am. I had a thought, with such a large infestation of parasites, it is unlikely I was the only one affected, as Mac said such an outbreak could have affected thousands on my world. How many of those were treated with the experimental DNA we do not know, but others were. I’m sure of it. The hospital had others in there. And now I think on it, I was always drawn to certain others. Most around my age but not all. I think I sensed the Puma in them, that they too went through the treatment as I did. That means there are others out there with Puma DNA. Bann, other potential mates. I need my medical records to find the person who treated me as a child and the others.”

  “That is logical. Did you talk to Mac?”

  “I did, she agrees and is going to talk to the Admiral. I need my records and I’ll need to go home to find them.”

  Bann seemed to take a step forward towards his vid screen. “You are leaving the Station?”

  Kate nodded. “I’ll have to. I can sense the others I’m sure of it now.”

  “Then so could I and the other Cyborgs with Puma DNA as we did with you.”

  “Maybe, maybe not. But I have and they will recognise me, not you.”

  “You are human. It is dangerous to go.”

  He was worried for her?.... “I got here ok.” She told him calmly.

  “I will speak with Mac and the Admiral.” The vid screen cut out.

  What the hell did that mean?....

  ***

  Bann requested contact with the Admiral over his neuro net as soon as the link closed to Kate. Her reasoning was logical. But he didn’t like it. The universe was not safe. The possibility of other’s with Puma DNA didn’t make that any less dangerous. But she was right. It was likely there were more there that had been treated with the same condition. More humans with Puma DNA in their systems. Possible mates for his brothers. But not for him?.....

  He pushed the thought aside as the ping was answered. Bann, you calling about your mate’s thoughts on her home world? The Admiral asked.

  Yes sir.

  Her thoughts are logical. We cannot access her records from here. We’ll have to send a ship. It might not be welcome after the last time we turned up. Fear didn’t get a good reception.

  He was after a renegade on that world they were also chasing so not surprising.

  True. And we will try officially recognition this time. However, humans guard their secrets and do not like disclosing them to anyone. To us, I expect not at all, but we need that information.

  Bann knew what he was saying. Kate would have to go. I will not allow the female to go on her own.

  There was a pause on his net. Bann’s logic told him he may have overstepped his position in making that demand.

  Telling me how to do my job Cyborg? The Admiral didn’t sound happy. Shit…

  No Sir.

  Good. You and your men will be going with the female. The link dropped out and information on mission flowed across his optic.

  They would try diplomacy it told him. The female would request permission to land. If that failed, he was to do what he did best. Seek and destroy if necessary. He wasn’t sure the female would appreciate him doing that on her home world. He hoped it didn’t come to that. But if it did, he would do his job.

  Bann contacted Kate over the vid screen. It lit up on his optic and she stood there waiting. “Our mission is a go. We leave at 07:00. Get some sleep and be ready for your escort at 06:40.”

  Kate wondered how this was suddenly ‘our’ mission. “Ours?”

  He gave her sharp nod all business. “Yes ours. I’ve been activated for this mission. I will see you on board.” The screen blanked out.

  Activated for this mission?….. What mission?.... She was going for her medical papers!

  It all sounded a bit out of hand to her and then it clicked. Bann wasn’t letting her go without him. He was going too. Kate smiled. That was more like it….

  ***

  She hadn’t slept much and the night had dragged on. Kate gazed up at the ship waiting for her to board. Bann had been right 06:40 and her escort or guard was waiting on her as she came out her rooms. He’d given her a nod and escorted her to the ship. The size of it had surprised her. She’d expected a small run around. Not this one. Black, sleek, intimidating. Made for war not visiting. This was a friendly trip right?.... She suddenly wasn’t so sure. This was no leisure cruiser. This was made for battle. “They are waiting on you,” her Cyborg escort told her.

  Kate gave him a nod and walked up the ramp into the ship. Bann was standing there waiting for her. He glazed over and the ramp started to close behind her.

  “We going into battle?” she asked nervously.

  “We do not expect it but are always prepared.”

  Kate nodded. “Were you worried I’d not get on board?”

  “It was possible.”

  “No it wasn’t. I want answers.”

  “Good, then our missions align. This way to the Bridge.”

  Bann moved off and she jogged to keep up. “Why do I need to know where the Bridge is. I don’t know anything about ships?”

  “A Planetary Liaison needs to learn as much as possible and be on the Bridge.”

  “Ok, but why do I …….” It dawned on her. Kate stopped. “You can’t be serious?”

  Bann kept walking. “The Admiral’s decision is always serious. It is your world and we need something from it. It is only natural that you, should be the Liaison with the Empire and I am to back you up.”

  “They won’t accept me giving myself a title. I’m a no one.” She called after him.

  Bann growled. The female didn’t see her own self-worth…..

  Kate ran to keep up. “Why are you growling? I don’t have the clothes, let alone the education! There are others here that could do this far better from my world.”

  He turned into the corridor and activated the lift with his neuro net. “We have everything you need. You are simply going home, requesting information on your own behalf under the protection of the Empire. You are the nominated Liaison for this world with the Empire and under the Planetary Treaty, they have to honour your position.”

  Kate got in the lift when the door opened. She felt sick. “The minute they look up my name, all my history is going to be there for them to look at. They’ll think it’s a joke.”

  Bann growled louder. “They’d better not,” he rumbled. Kate didn’t think she’d heard anything as sexy as that in all her life. Her fizz kicked off and she looked up at him. “I will be making it clear what your position is with the Empire. Your history like our own, is irrelevant. If we can access your records remotely once in their systems, we will. But we will be asking to land so you can connect with people you wish to see. There might also be a trade deal to hash out.”

  The lift doors opened directly onto the Bridge. Bann walked out and stood to one side. Waiting for her she guessed. Kate stepped cautiously forward and as she stepped on to the bridge….. “Liaison on the Bridge,” was called out. “Computer all communication will be vocalised from this point forward unless otherwise informed.” Bann called out.

  “Acknowledged Captain.”

  Kate turned to Bann. “Captain?”

  “I have other duties apart from trailing you female. Your seat.” He indicated where she should
sit. Kate no longer hesitated and took the seat. “Computer, prepare for departure.” She watched as Bann took his own. He suddenly looked a whole lot more than eye candy.

  “Ready. Destination laid in and all systems a go.” The computer told them.

  “Permission to leave?” Bann asked.

  “Granted.”

  “Take us out.”

  The ship started to move. Not that she could feel anything at all. Only the image moving on the vid screen that crossed the whole front section of the Bridge gave it away. The ship was slowly moving out of its docking bay.

  She’d had to make two stops before getting on the Empire cruiser. Now they were going direct. “Time to destination?” she asked.

  “15:4:6 Days.” The computer told her.

  Kate turned to Bann. That couldn’t be right?....... “That’s quick?”

  He gave her his signature sharp nod. “Kim’s engines. They’re fast. Folding space technology.”

  Kate looked back at the screen. What to do with all that spare time…….

  ***

  She’d like to say she cooked but that would be a lie. Never really felt the need to learn. It was one of those things that she’d told herself over the years that she would learn. She never had and thought maybe at last on the Space Station she could do it in her spare time. Not that she’d been on the Station long enough to make any of those plans a reality. She’d been on board for less than three days and was off again. She understood the urgency, the need to know, but a girl could do with a few days. A few days to understand her role in it all. Liaison?.... who was she kidding. Who were they trying to kid?..... She had a hard time liaising her wardrobe. People?... that was a whole new ball game and she didn’t know the rules. They could answer back and give you shit. Make you feel like shit too….

  Once on their way, she pulled up everything she could find on the role of an Empire liaison. The roles and responsibilities were daunting. It had scared the shit out of her until Bann and told her to take a deep breath and one step at a time. He’d sensed her anxiety and fear and his words helped. She did take a deep breath and felt better for it. She’d no idea how he knew what she was looking at, but she shouldn’t have been surprised. Cyborgs, they knew everything. So she’d thanked him and an invite to dinner slipped passed her lips before she realised. She held her breath waiting for his rejection, but it never came. What did was the time he was off shift and a thank you for the invite.

  She’d never been more surprised in her life. Her for asking, him for accepting.

  The entry request told her someone had arrived. She hoped it was the food. Having checked who was on meal duty she’d ordered fresh food to be delivered. She’d offered to pick it up herself but was told no. They would deliver. Pressing the entrance pad the door opened. Bann stood there carrying two trays. Busted…

  “I don’t suppose I can pretend I made that now.”

  “You do not cook female.”

  Kate’s mouth dropped open. “How do you know that?”

  “It’s in your records.”

  Course it was…. She waved her hand at him. “Come in, it smells great.” She moved out of the way to let him in, the door closed behind him. “On the table would be great.” She’d already made it up with glasses of juice, cutlery and napkins. He placed one tray on her side and the other on his. “Sit,” she told him pulling out her own chair. He was there in a flash holding it out for her. Kate wasn’t sure what to do and simply thanked him, sitting down. He pushed the chair in for her just enough, then took his own. “I was surprised you accepted.”

  Bann reached out for the juice. “It seemed important to you.” He’d sensed her apprehension the minute the invite had slipped passed her lips. She’d been concerned he’d reject her. For a fleeting moment he’d considered it, but his logic told him there was a high percentage that that would harm her. He’d accepted. Unsure why.

  “Well thank you. This is nice. I haven’t eaten a meal with anyone for quite some time. Not since leaving home really.” Kate took the cover off her food. “This looks great.”

  “It is good. We eat a lot of protein. I asked for yours to be cooked more. It is not a rare as mine.”

  Kate cut into her steak and it was just bloody, how she liked it. “Perfect,” she told him as she picked up her knife and fork and tucked in.

  The female was relaxed and happy. The air was scented with it. He’d fed her. Given her nourishment. His sensors were displaying a range of emotion across his optic. He’d wanted to do it. It had given him pleasure. Seeing her happy and eating had also provided another level of emotion. Bann pushed it aside without dissection it further, as he watched the female eat, taking a drink of his juice.

  “O my god, this is soo good. What did they put on it?”

  “Nothing, it is the natural grilled meat.”

  Kate swallowed. “As in real? No sin? Really? It tastes amazing, then again, I don’t think I’ve ever eaten anything so good. On the cruise there were meats on offer, most cooked or grilled but it didn’t taste like this.” She reached for her own glass and took a cooling swallow before realising Bann hadn’t started eating. “You’re not eating? Something wrong?”

  “Nothing is wrong just enjoying your pleasure at eating the meal.” And as he said it he knew it to be true. He was deriving pleasure from seeing her eat.

  Kate shrugged. It seemed a bit strange but ok. She pointed at his food. “Eat it will get cold.” She waited until he picked up his own knife and fork before taking another slice of her steak and devouring it.

  “I looked at all the liaison stuff I could find,” she told him between bites. “I was surprised to see that nearly all were mates to Cyborgs. I was surprised that Fear’s mate didn’t want this gig. He found her on my world.”

  “She is still wanted by your people. She will not be going back.”

  Kate nodded cutting into her food. “I get that. What she did was brave. They don’t like anyone messing with the status quo. She was lucky to get out before they caught her. I remember the fall out. They didn’t know for sure it was the Empire, I’d play that down if you can, particularly as you want trade.”

  Bann cut into a healthy slice. “The Empire would like some of their tech but not at any cost. There will be no trading humans. We have lots to offer. They will take it or not. It is not essential.”

  “Do you have a list of what you hope to trade and what you want?”

  Bann nodded. “I do.”

  Kate loaded up her fork and stuffed it in her mouth. Enjoying the flavours. Picking up her juice she took several sips to clear her mouth. “Lists I can do. Give me the information and I’ll bone up on what they are and what we need, I’ll find out good prices and make comparisons, so we’re not cheated.”

  “That will be good. You will be expected to do a meet and greet on arrival. Protocol requires that we meet with their people on a trade mission.”

  Kate stopped eating. A lump in her throat. “Me? On my own?”

  Bann smiled. He couldn’t help it. “No female with me.” She visibly relaxed.

  Kate started to eat again. “Ok, I can do that.”

  “You need to research on the meet and greet protocol, so you know what to expect.”

  Kate nodded eating. She could do that. “I’m not going to mention why I’m there. About the Puma DNA that is.”

  “Why?”

  Kate finished the last bite on her plate and sadly looked at the empty contents, then up at Bann.

  “Their bastards and will use it against us.”

  Chapter Five

  “What makes you think this?” Bann asked. It wasn’t unusual for a world to take advantage of others. Nearly everyone he’d been on did it.

  “My world is a commercial world. I was told the world was seeded because it had plenty of rare resources that aided in the manufacture of tech industries. Most of those that first came had specialist educations. Scientists and engineers. Once it was confirmed a tech world was viable, t
wo years later the workers came with more resources. Every few years, our world sold back to Earth Corp or one of the other Corporations, I’m not sure which. With that came more people. There were riches to be found and people wanted a piece of it. My grandmother described it as a ‘gold rush’ but I don’t really understand the reference. Do you?”

  Bann nodded. “I do. In Old Earth pioneering days. People would go where they were hoping to find riches to make their lives better. Many didn’t make any more at all and many more died trying.”

  “That sounds terrible but about right,” Kate muttered.

  “People were desperate for the chance of a new life. The records we have on this world, doesn’t say much about the infestation. Do you know any more?” Bann asked.

  Kate picked up their plates and placed them in the recycling. “Not much really.” She came back to the table and sat down. “I’m not surprised there isn’t much on the infestation. Who’d want to publicise that? Its not good PR is it. Gran mentioned it a few times over the years. Mainly each time a breakout appeared. She’d become scared and we moved more than once. Eventually I think it got her too, but I can’t be sure. She’d made me promise to leave, so I did. I think somewhere someone fucked up. Built on an area that had underground runs of these things. All I can think of is that every now and then they’d come up looking for food or whatever and infecting people in the process. Wrong time wrong place kind of thing.”