Obsidian Ressurection

by T J Bryan

  "I understand that Officer Kimbal will recover, but is likely to be retired from the force. Lost the use of his legs I understand. Very sad. He was a young man of promise. I knew his mother and father quite well. His grandfather was a real jokester when we were in middle school." Frankish smiled as if remembering some old joke or prank.

  Abel wanted to move on and ask the Judicar's opinion on how to proceed to investigate the folks on his list, so he did not mention that Officer Jerry Kimbal had decided to join the OCN Marines.

  "Frankish I believe that Arne is now completely alone but hiding within the Habitat. He can't really move about since everyone knows what he looks like. He must have someone hiding him. That someone is probably not an active conspirator of the Sovereignty Alliance but rather some passive citizen who is simply allowing him to hide out."

  Frankish nodded and removed his reading glasses, placing them on one of the open books.

  Abel continued. "I have compiled a rather long list of citizens who may have grievances against the Commonwealth or against the OCN. Mostly relatives of coup plotters, all but one of which are now dead. They might hold a grudge and hide Arne, but decline to participate in acts of terror." Abel paused a moment.

  Frankish leaned back in his leatherette covered chair. "Abel you have always done good police work, but why is not Taylor our new Chief following up on these matters?"

  Abel responded. "Taylor's force is entirely new and young. He is spending 18 hours a day in simple training of police procedures, basic law, arrest methodologies, and all the rest of the knowledge that makes good officers. Frankish, the man is simply swamped."

  "Yes, I know. Every Thursday and Friday evening at 20:00 he has me be giving a lecture on Commonwealth Law to his recruits. Well, they are not really recruits. Junior Police officers is perhaps a better description. And Abel some look so young they could be children. I know they are adults, but so young and so inexperienced."

  Frankish shook his head. "Now about your list. Describe it to me?"

  Abel thumbed open his inter-tab and began taking the Judicar though the list of names. For each name he described why the person might be passively supporting Thorgaut. Frankish listened, but occasionally interrupted to add some bit of history or fact that Abel had overlooked. A petty theft conviction here, a drunken brawl there, assault, domestic disputes; all were common to some on the list.

  Abel reached the end of the list. "Frankish I know that a search warrant for all 47 will simply cause folks to think we are unreasonable, and I can't blame them. I'm here to seek your advice on how to proceed. Not just within the confines of Commonwealth Law, but in a fair and reasonable manner as well."

  The Judicar reached for his handkerchief and wiped his reading glasses. He was thinking Abel realized so Abel chose to remain silent.

  Almost two minutes went by before the Judicar spoke. "Dragon Well Tea, Tawny Port Wine from New Carthago, and some of those delicious fresh, only fresh, shrimp from Dio."

  Abel was confused and it showed on his face.

  Frankish laughed once again. "Check the credit chit receipts from the Commonwealth Bank against the names on your list. Actually Taylor should do that to be entirely legal and I want you to have him do the checking. Not you,"

  "And what are we looking for?"

  "See if anyone on the list is buying these luxury items; Dragon Well Tea, Tawny Port Wine from New Carthago, and fresh shrimp. Now if they have been buying these goods for the last year then I suggest they are not his accomplices. But if they have purchased these items for the first time in the last month that points directly to Arne. If you get the records Taylor can make the case for a search warrant."

  Frankish reached for his glasses. "Thank you Admiral for all that you have done to save our Commonwealth. Now get back to your real job of restoring civilization."

  The meeting was over and Abel smiled as he left. Abel walked to the ES station and found Taylor trying to explain to two young officers that it was not ok to arrest a 9 year old child for candy theft. It was a matter to take up with the parents and in a non judicial manner. Rob looked up and his frustration was clearly showing. Rob dismissed the young officers who were only a few years older than the criminal of age 9 who had borrowed a candy bar from the distribution center.

  Moments later they were in Abel's old ES office searching the Commonwealth Bank records for purchases of Dragon Well Tea and Tawny Port. One name on the list seemed very fond of fresh shrimp, but that was not surprising since Abel himself liked the shrimp from Dio as well. However one name stood out in the search; Marge Hicks. Marge had purchased eight ounces of Dragon Well Tea, and a case of Tawny Port only three weeks ago and had repeated the purchase one week ago. She also seemed quite fond of fresh shrimp. An examination of past purchases revealed that she purchased alcohol infrequently and those purchases were for an occasional four pack of the Habitat's cheapest beer.

  The capture of Arne Thorgaut was anti-climactic and mundane. Six junior officers and Taylor's only two experienced officers executed a warrant on Marge Hicks' apartment and found Arne hiding under the bed in the bedroom. Marge seemed almost relieved to have Arne taken away. Arne was dishevelled and fearful at his capture with none of the confidence and ego that had led him to attempt to place himself as head of state and dictator of the Commonwealth. Abel, who had wanted desperately to join in the arrest, was asked by Taylor to remain at his navy office. This was police work Taylor explained and now that there was no state of emergency Abel, as First Admiral should mind his own business. Abel understood since the Judicar had inferred much the same thing in their meeting that day.

  Justice was swift in the Commonwealth and 30 days later Arne Thorgaut was found guilty of 32 murders and conspiracy to commit multiple murders. The trial lasted three days and the jury of 9 found him guilty and recommended execution. Two days later, according to the Commonwealth Charter, the Assembly voted to affirm the execution order and the Chairman refused clemency.

  Executions in the Commonwealth were rare and in Abel's 50 plus years in the Constabulary there had only been two executions; one for multiple murders and another for the deliberate causing of a blow-out as part of a revenge plot resulting in six deaths. But since Arne's reign of terror there had been too many executions. Executions were by law performed in public by hanging. Abel had read that on ancient earth many executions were in secret and away from the public that had decided on the ultimate punishment. He thought this practice barbarous. If the state decided to take a life for a horrible crime, and to do so to set an example, or simply assuage the desire for retribution, then such an execution should be public.

  However Taylor Godfrid had argued that under a security provision of the law Arne Thorgaut should be executed in private and in a secure location. Taylor argued before the Judicar that the hatred and emotions of the citizens ran so hot and deep against Thorgaut that with his small police force he could not control the riot he was certain would occur upon Arne's appearance on the gallows. The Judicar agreed to the unusual request but insisted that the execution be placed on the vid news program. Those who wanted to witness the execution may well choose to do so. Those who do not simply need not watch. As for himself, the Judicar explained, he intended to read legal briefs and get on with the work of the Commonwealth.

  Chapter Eighty Four

  Cranmore System - SAR Eir - Year 3247. September 14 ET: 19:33

  Captain Fanny Menendez of the SAR Eir entered the Cranmore system to assume picket duty. Her responsibilities were simple and specific. Eir was to monitor Passage through Cranmore from the many knot lines leading to the Cranmore Hub. Her primary responsibility was to watch out for Dumbbell ships that might use Cranmore to enter Wu or Jamon space. If such an encounter occurred, Menendez had been instructed in no uncertain terms, that she was to run, and with the fastest speed possible, return to Wu to inform the First and Second fleets of the passage of their enemy. Under no circumstances was Eir to stand and fight. A single SAR against a
n anti-matter torpedo armed Dumbbell was suicide. Cranmore had once been a vital hub for its' numerous knot lines and the system itself had the unusual two way street to Girots. She had two separate tunnels one from Girots and another leading to Girots.

  Prior to entry and according to standard procedure Eir had sent probes into Cranmore from her position in Girots. Two hours later she passed from Girots into Cranmore and pinged the probes. The Cranmore system was quiet. Cranmore had seven knot lines exiting the system and only two for entry; Pope Leo and Osaka. 28 hours later Eir had placed passive observation probes and mailboxes at the entry point from both Pope Leo and Osaka. The Eir took a position just outside the return portal to Girots and waited.

  She had only been waiting three days when Ron Hurst her weapons specialist called out, "Incoming. I have an energy signature from the Pope Leo entry portal. Active scanning now."

  Rather than stand and show real nervousness Fanny chose to sit and wait for Ron's update. Fanny had learned much about being captain of a SAR by watching Silvi and Farn. Funny, she thought, I am much older than both Silvi and Farn, yet they taught me so much in these last 9 months.

  "It's not a signature we have in our command con library. Fusion, but not on our list. Not Hitti or Dirty Hitti either. I have labelled it U1."

  Fanny reviewed her instructions in her mind. It was not a Dumbbell so she decided to stay and watch. "Put her up on the vid please Mr. Velor."

  Moments later the starfield of Cranmore was replaced by an extreme long shot of the incoming ship. She was only a dot in the distance with the label U1 and Fanny was tempted to move the Eir closer, but decided to remain close to the exit portal.

  "We are being scanned by U1. Full 'M' scan at that. U1 has the tech,"

  Fanny was beginning to enjoy the effort of looking calm while internally very nervous when Mr. Velor continued, "U1 is venting. Spilling plasma and some atmosphere. She is running fast but her speed is decreasing."

  "Keep up our scan on her Mr. Velor. Please update me every ten regardless of any change."

  "Incoming." Said Ron Hurst. "It's a Dumbbell. Labelled D1."

  Suddenly Fanny found herself unable to completely disguise her nervousness but decided to concentrate intensely on the immediate situation. This made her feel more calm, but she was still nervous.

  "Load a brace of casters please for D1. Then a load of 'K's. Prepare to fire on my mark."

  Fanny did not hesitate upon seeing the Dumbbell. She knew that the unknown ship U1 was their target and D1 would most likely to be firing torpedoes.

  "Mark."

  The crew of Eir felt the slight movement of the ship as four sand casters left the SAR and rushed toward the Dumbbell. "Count down please Mr. Hurst."

  "Impact in 32 seconds. Casters will have full impact speed. D1 will need new paint after this."

  "And now for the 'K's. Mark."

  Again a gentle movement of the deck as the 'K's streaked out toward D1.

  Rob Hurst began the count. "On casters 30, 29, 28..."

  Fanny looked at the bulkhead clock. Casters in a few moments and the 'K's to follow in about 30 minutes.

  "Give me another load of casters please."

  "Aye aye, Sir."

  "8, 7, 6, 5,... Impact"

  Fanny did not wait to evaluate the impact of the first set of casters. "Second set of casters on my mark. Mark"

  The second brace of casters left the ship and Fanny caught a brief glimpse of four streaks leaving ship space and headed into the void.

  Rob Hurst called out, "Impact in 32 seconds. 30, 29, 28 ..."

  "Mr. Velor, impact assessment please."

  Tommy Velor responded, "We got a tight caster hit by all four. Probably some slight damage and she will need new paint, but there was no torpedo launch to intercept so she is still intact and appears fully functional."

  Having been hit by casters Fanny thought that D1 would now be reluctant to fire torpedoes, but she needed to make a decision. A dumbbell was here and her orders were clear. Run for home and warn the fleets.

  "Mr. Velor update on U1 please."

  "She is still venting plasma, but far less. Atmospheric venting has ceased. Her speed seems constant. She is getting close enough to see.

  "10, 9, 8, 7, ... Impact by the casters."

  "Mr, Velor impact assessment and please put up a spilt screen for D1 and U1."

  "Two good hits on D1. She is dodging and jinking now and that has reduced her approach speed by 19%. Again no obvious damage."

  "We are getting a hail. It's from U1."

  "Mr. Hurst, put U1 on speaker please."

  Seconds later the speaker squawked, "... and we are venting plasma. Please identity yourself. We are New Horizons Armada pursuit ship De Magnete. We have been damaged by a Megra Battlecrusier. Please assist. We are the New Horizons Armada pursuit ship De Magnete..."

  The message continued and in the background Fanny could hear a crew working frantically to repair their damaged ship.

  "Impact of 'K's on D1 in ten minutes."

  Fanny responded, "Give me a count down on the 'K's at one minute please. Mr. Hurst give me the comm. I shall reply to De Magnete."

  Fanny picked up the mic unsure exactly of what to say and what to do, but she knew that prolonged inaction was an invitation to disaster. "New Horizons Armada ship De Magnete. This is Obsidian Commonwealth Navy Strategic Area Reconnaissance ship Eir on picket duty at the entry portal to Girots. Please state your intentions."

  Fanny realized that her message was less than dynamic but under her orders she could say little else.

  The speaker squawked again. "Ship Eir. Our intention is simple. We are running away as fast as we can from our enemy the Megra. Your missiles seemed to have diverted the direct attack of the Megra, but Megra is a bit faster than our ship. We need to run. The Megra has powerful weapons that outmatch ours."

  Fanny realized that New Horizons might well be at war with the Dumbbells whom they called Megra. If they were at war then they might well know a great deal about the Megra and this information was desperately needed by the OCN. She made a decision.

  "Ship De Magnete, if you want to continue running head for the Girots entry portal. We will cover you while you exit and then follow you. When you enter Girots system head immediately for the Nelots system and on to Wu. If you inform Wu station on your arrival and state your intentions you will be welcome. We are also in a state of war with the Megra. We have a battle fleet at Wu which can assist you."

  "One moment ship Eir." The speaker went silent and then resumed. "Yes, we have found Nelots and Wu System on our charts. We are heading to the Girots exit now. Megra has powerful weapons. Take great care. De Magnete out."

  Fanny responded, "Good luck De Magnete. Eir out."

  "Impact 'K's in 60 seconds."

  "Mr. Hurst, I want your best scan on that ship De Magnete as she passes by. And don't drop your guard. She may be a decoy of some kind. Power up the capacitors for the plasma cannons please."

  "In 30, 29, 28..."

  Fanny stood and stepped toward the vid screen which revealed the shape and form of the De Magnete. She was unlike anything Fanny had ever seen in a starship. She was simply three long cylinders, each about 100 meters long and 30 wide. The cylinders were flying in tandem and very close; perhaps less that three or four meters of separation. Yet the three cylinders seemed to fly as one and Fanny could see no structural element connecting the three cylinders. All three cylinders seemed to have fusion engines at the rear of the configuration and one was venting plasma. An odd configuration.

  "3, 2, 1, impact." All four 'K's found their mark. Hit the habitat portion of D1. No observable damage at this distance, but I am sure they felt the hits."

  "De Magnete is exiting now," said Rob Hurst.

  "Mr. Velor take us to Girots at best possible speed. Load the mailboxes as we leave. When we arrive in Girots take a backdoor position on the Girots entry portal and prepare for a back door shot with 'K's to get her attentio
n. Aim for the connecting column. And as the Megra turns hit her with casters. I think she will use her torpedoes now."

  Tunnel time from Cranmore to Girots was short at only 10 hours. Upon arrival Eir loaded the Girots mailboxes with their current information and scanned the system. In the distance they could see De Magnete making her way to the Nelots portal. So much for being a decoy thought Fanny, but then she thought again. Could still be trouble, but at this point the die was cast.

  When Eir had left Cranmore the Megra ship was a good eight hours from the entry portal to Girots so Eir had plenty of time to prepare. Eir took up a position behind the entry portal by 200,000 kilometres and loaded 'K's and prepared to reload eight seconds later with casters. When the Megra came through and spotted Eir, Fanny felt certain she would use her torpedoes. If they did fire torpedoes that would be the last of the Megra ship as casters smashed into her anti-matter torpedo upon release and vaporized the Dumbbell Megra.

  At nine hours Fanny and Eir were ready, but then ten hours and eleven followed. The Megra had not appeared. Fanny waited a full twenty hours before deciding to return to picket duty in Cranmore and to continue her assignment. Fanny realized there was an exposure. As Eir was in the entry tunnel to Cranmore she was blind. Travel time into Cranmore was eight hours. In that eight hours if the Megra were to enter Girots there would be no one to spot them. Fanny made a hard decision to return to Cranmore.

  9 hours later Eir re-entered the Cranmore system and pinged the probes she had left behind. They revealed nothing. The Megra had either set forth to another system or followed on to Girots. On playback of the probes Fanny was pleased when it became apparent that the Megra had not approached the Girots entry portal, but had instead left Cranmore via the New Holland portal which would lead eventually to Dong Son. Now all Fanny had to do was wait another 27 days until relief.

  ...

  Wu System - Crusher New Kára - Year 3247. September 28 ET: 07:21