“Do we have anyone at a gunnery post?”
“We have the bay guns and a tractor station manned. The Deck Chief couldn't spare anyone else.”
“Thank you Assistant Chief Paula.”
She nodded and turned back to her station, monitoring the activities of hangar two, readiness of ships as well as incoming and outgoing traffic. She had a team of eight with her who were from Deck Chief Angelo's crew.
“Anything else to report?” Captain Valance asked the bridge staff.
“Intelligence has gathered data from wireless noise that thousands of Aucharian citizens are fleeing this system. They're afraid Regent Galactic are about to make one big push now that their home system has fallen under their control,” Cynthia reported. “We're getting a lot of applicants from the planet, I'm replying with a standard message detailing our application procedures.”
“I'm wondering, what application procedures?”
“The ones my team put together based on the crew requests from the Chiefs. Frost requested gunners, Stephanie followed suit and requested trained military for a number of posts, then Chief Grady got in on it. Even Angelo, I mean, Chief Vercelli, put a list together. My team put a job posting together along with a clip of your speech to the crew about no one really getting paid but having a place and a purpose and we're sending it out to applicants. Intelligence is screening people using the citizen database and access codes from the Samson. We should be able to go through sixty applicants an hour.”
Jake looked at her, surprised. “Thank you Cynthia. Your team is doing some good work, I'm impressed.”
Cynthia smiled at him wearily, she looked near exhausted, but very pleased with herself. “Would you like me to put the Minister on?”
“Aye,” he replied, straightening his long coat. Sitting in that large Captain's chair, he looked every bit the Master of his ship.
“Captain Valance. Thank you for delivering our refugees,” Minister Timmer said with a smile and a cool tone.
“I have something else that belongs to you. Minister Lorne. He seemed to be under the impression that he had some kind of rights to the Triton.”
“Oh? I was under the impression you took him captive and encouraged his men to join your crew.”
“We're both right. He shot me, killed a number of my people, nearly killed my Security Chief and started a boarding action that resulted in more deaths. All this while demanding I transfer command of the Triton to him. So I had him legitimize my ownership of the Triton and tossed him in the brig. Then I offered his men a place on my ship. The butcher's bill is on his head, and you're damn lucky I don't collect.”
“I see.”
“You look surprised.”
“I'm sorry, I thought you were privateering from the Samson. How you could capture a ship like the Triton is beyond me. The idea of you crewing and managing such a vessel like that is unfathomable. He was acting in everyone's best interest, I'm sure.”
“His decision will cost him. How much is wholly up to you.”
“Are you holding him hostage?”
“No, I'm just undecided on exactly how he'll be leaving my ship. I could send him on a shuttle with the refugees or toss him out an airlock in a plastic bag.”
“What do you want Jacob?” Minister Timmer asked, certain his threats weren't idle.
Jake leaned forward, his long coat made a creaking sound as it ground against the material of the chair. “I want to know why Eden Fleet vessels are disabling or destroying everything in your space. They've never come out this far and normally they kill a lot more people. They skipped over at least a dozen resource rich systems and hit Enreega directly. I'd also like to know why Regent Galactic was just a few hours behind. I need to know everything you do.”
The Minister looked stunned. “Why? What would you do with the information?”
“I'll be honest, I'm looking for a way in. I want to hurt Regent Galactic where I can without getting jumped by anything we can't take on.”
“How would Eden Fleet data help you?”
“If you don't already know then you're in worse shape than we are,” he pressed the interface pad on his command and control unit to open an internal link. “Security. Dress Minister Lorne in a disposable vacsuit and toss him out the airlock with a portable beacon immediately.”
“This won't do much for your relationship with us Jacob,” Minister Timmer warned.
“Then share something that will give us some direction. The worse the risk that I'll get jumped by Eden Fleet ships while we're going after sensitive Regent Galactic assets, the less likely I am to hit more effective targets. In other words, the more I know, the more I'll be able to help.”
“I couldn't clear that with our Intelligence Agency.”
“You're the Minister of Defence, if you can't find a loophole, make one.”
“That's not going to happen. Is there anything else I can offer you?”
“You've lost access to the majority of resources, one of your senior staff has shown a hostile disposition towards my crew and you're in no position to offer the kind of rewards I require. I'm not interested in doing charity work, Minister. You'll know where to pick up Lorne.”
“That's the end of our relationship then?”
“If you're not willing to share intelligence then we're done. A little advice though; don't do anything that could even look threatening, that includes sending spies aboard my ship. I'll send them back, but you won't like the shape they're in. Captain Valance out.”
Cynthia closed the channel and went about her business.
“Sir, the Minister is in an emergency vacsuit, we're ready to follow your orders,” came the message from Security.
Jake sat back in his chair and thought for a moment. “Double check his seals and the beacon then send him out. They'll send a shuttle for him.”
“Aye sir.”
That was either the best or worst decision I've made since boarding the Triton. On one hand dead limbs have to be cut off, and the Aucharians are definitely necrotic. On the other I'm in no condition to turn away a potential friend. The memory of the Minister demanding command of the Triton returned then and he shook his head. I had to make a statement. They have to know I can't be walked on. They're desperate enough to listen if I open communications with them again. Still, watching this play out is going to be interesting. I really have no idea what their reaction will be. Jake thought as he rubbed the end of his white silk scarf between his thumb and forefinger.
“Captain, we're getting very strange signals from the Clever Dream. It's uploading something,” Cynthia said from her station.
“Send me the header,” Jake ordered as he looked at his command unit. The header began scrolling and he brought it up holographically so he could see the whole transmission in all its layers. “Cut power to our receiver!” he ordered. “Shut it down!”
Cynthia floundered for a moment then started working. “It'll take a couple minutes sir.”
“Too long.” He turned to the engineering station. “If you can find a faster way, then do it. I don't care if we have to rebuild the secondary array.”
The woman at the engineering station, assigned by Chief Grady, worked the controls and communicated with engineering directly. A few seconds later she looked up from her station. “It's done.”
The communications station screens went blank, all holographic images disappeared at the same time. Cynthia sat back. “What did you do?”
“We cut power to the array and comms.”
“Navnet's down. We can still hold station just fine, but if port control wants us to get out of someone else's way-” Ashley said, working with Larry to increase the detail of their sensor sweeps.
“Do the best you can.”
“We have docking operations underway!” Paula called up.
“All right,” Captain Valance replied, standing up and glaring at Paula. “That header was some kind of virus. It was already starting to connect with one of the ship artifici
al intelligences. So here's what's going to happen. We're going to delete any trace of that upload and put a filter in place that will only accept voice transmissions. It will block all operational data files.”
“Aye sir,” Cynthia said as her team started working. “I'll get everyone on it.”
“How long before we have communications?” Paula asked.
“About two minutes,” Cynthia replied.
“Not fast enough. What are my people supposed to do down there? Wave them in?”
“Calm down, I'm sure the Chief knows how to wave incomers off. We have lights and one way emergency transmitters for that.” Captain Valance reassured Paula hastily.
“What kind of ship loses communications in the middle of-”
“Everyone's doing the best they can, and if that was a virus meant to do damage to the ship or crew through our ship artificial intelligences then we'd have one hell of a lot more to deal with. Now get your eyes back on your station or get off my bridge,” Captain Valance said firmly.
Assistant Chief Paula Mendle looked back down at her screens muttering; “aye Captain.”
Captain Valance's personal communicator beeped mildly, indicating he had an incoming transmission. “Yes,” he said quietly.
“It's Liam. One of the on board AI's just tried to take control of a generator. We deleted it and its brother AI. I didn't have time to work on a more elegant solution through communications and intelligence.”
“That's all right. I'm wondering, aren't those artificial intelligences the most basic, minimally functioning thinking programs?”
“Aye sir, but they were infected with something. We had to delete that as well. I'd hate to see what that infection would do to a more complex AI.”
“We might just see it yet. Why are you on private comms with me on this?”
“I wanted to minimize anxiety and I wanted advice on how to proceed with our new intelligence operations department. In previous positions I've found doing another department's job can cause difficulties.”
“Go ahead and tell them what happened. How are our civillians doing?”
“They're working on the botanical garden while soldiers clear apartments for them.”
“Well, wish them luck for me. I'd spend an hour or so down there myself, but the bridge is busy.”
“Oh, I understand. I'm on for at least another eight hours in engineering before I see my bed again. I'll contact the bridge if there are any other developments.”
“Thank you Chief Grady.”
“One more thing. You should start thinking about a memorial service for everyone who lost family on Enreega and for Jonas.”
“When the dust clears Chief.”
“Aye. Chief Grady out.”
Pathia City
“I'm never taking on refugees again,” Alice said as they walked down the main gangway from the Clever Dream. “Well, unless they really don't have anywhere else go to.”
Frost laughed and nodded. “That's why they call 'em refugees, I'm thinkin'.”
She was walking between him and Stephanie, who had been quiet the entire way down, even while guiding the sixty seven refugees off the ship onto the orbital station.
After they had guided the sixty or so refugees off the ship onto the orbital station they moved on to land in Pathia, a dusty city centred around a large domed colony ship that hadn't moved since it landed. The surrounding buildings were made out of scrap metal, concrete made from the fine white sands and other improvised materials. The streets looked like a maze of squares from above, all random sizes and placements.
There were no docking fees due and as soon as the Clever Dream landed a crew attached refuelling hoses. Sadly, Aucharia wasn't willing to pay Alice's fuel bill, but Jake had loaned her the credits for a full refill. She'd pay him back even though he insisted it was only fair. He expected she'd be using the Clever Dream for the Triton's purposes fairly often.
“Do you think you'll stay on?” Asked Stephanie, speaking for the first time since the refugees had been offloaded..
Alice looked at the white stone archway marking the edge of Hubert Burough. The homes were nearly piled atop each other, alleys were covered by walkways and hanging laundry. “I like Jacob. I wouldn't admit to myself before but I wasn't sure I would. I like the Triton and everyone from the Samson too,” she smiled at Stephanie, who smirked back.
“Sounds like a yes to me,” Frost concluded, elbowing her gently.
“Well, I come with my own share of trouble. I'll have to see what Jake says about it when he knows my whole story.”
“You haven't seen trouble. Captain may be well respected in this sector, but he's given some people a lot of reasons to gun for him,” Stephanie reassured. “I'm sure he'll understand, and hope he doesn't return the favour and give you his whole story.”
“Aye, that could take a bit,” Frost agreed. “I heard you're looking to serve on the bridge.”
“So have I. Word is spreading around the ship,” Stephanie added.
“Jacob actually asked after I said something about the Triton not having a first officer. I didn't think about it before then, but the more I picture it, the more I want the post.”
“You don't find it intimidating?”
“No, the systems are pretty easy to operate and I like the Chiefs he's chosen. I think everyone will know what they're doing before long if they don't already. It should be relatively easy.”
“'Easy' she says as she talks about takin' command of a combat carrier for twelve hours at a time,” Frost said with a chuckle. “You're more of your father than you look.”
Alice didn't say anything, just looked at the crowded streets as she tried to let the awkward moment pass. It didn't. The silence was more stifling than anything. “I'm not actually his daughter. It's complicated, but Jonas is actually more responsible for both of us being here.”
“Ah, Jonas is your father,” Frost concluded.
“No, um,” Alice hesitated a moment. “I used to be his artificial intelligence until I found a way to transfer myself into this body,” she blurted out.
They both looked at her for a moment before focusing their attention on the dusty street ahead. They had come into a walkway surrounded by three and four storey buildings. There were a reasonable number of people about, and it was a busy space but it wasn't crowded. “Good choice,” Stephanie said with a quick appraising look.
“I'll say,” Frost agreed, only he seemed a little more serious.
Alice laughed. “Thanks I guess. There really wasn't much choice to it, this one's memories had been cleared out. Like I said, long story.”
“Sounds like,” Frost nodded.
“This friend of yours, is he anywhere nearby?” Stephanie asked Frost.
“A few city blocks. We should be there in twenty minutes or so.”
“How reliable is he for this kind of intel?”
“It's part of his business. Smugglin', piracy, dock raidin' and the like.”
“Dock raiding?” Alice asked.
“Aye, it's when you wait for a warehouse to load up with a shipment and come in a few hours before the transport gets there. Some are real pro's and have fake IDs that'll get them a big shipment for nothin' while others aren't.”
“What do they do to get the cargo?”
“They break in, kill who they have to and make off with what they can before law comes after 'em. My connection here doesn't like that kind of business.”
“I could imagine.”
“My point is, he'll be happy to give us info on some big convoys that most of his people don't have the firepower to hit for a deposit. There's some other info he's offerin', like locations of transmitter nodes an' such.”
“He'll want a deposit?” Stephanie asked.
“Aye. We can get it back when we give him his cut of the take.”
“And if we don't give him his cut?”
“He keeps our deposit. No hard feelings. Good way to do business.”
“Sounds a little off to me,” Stephanie concluded.
“Well, he isn't exactly a law abidin' citizen, that's why you're here.”
“Oh, so you think I'm here to protect you?” Stephanie asked, showing a little irritation.
“I don't need your protection, lass. More likely you'll need mine 'round this place.” Frost shot back. “Besides, why else would Captain send you down?”
“I have to sign off on some recruits from the municipality. If we're lucky you'll have a gunnery crew by the end of the day. The first of them are already being transported to the Triton. ”
“I was plannin' on hittin' a few pubs, pullin' crew from there.”
“Oh, I see that turning out well.” Stephanie commented sarcastically.
“Better than a bunch of jobbers. I'd rather hire desperate folk from the edge who'll do anythin' than a bunch who're just usin' the post ta get to the next port.”
“Captain's well known here and they don't get on this list unless they have qualifications. He's paying two hundred credits a head for the port to clear them, so we know we'll be getting people who can at least learn to work for you. It beats bringing a bunch of random thugs aboard.”
“They're supposed to be my gunnery crew, why didn't Captain say anythin'?”
“Maybe he thought you'd cancel the whole deal to hire out of a pub somewhere,” Stephanie said with a sigh.
Alice burst out laughing and put her arms across both of their shoulders. “This is why I rather travel with friends. The entertainment,” she gave them a squeeze, barely reaching across Frost's shoulders, fully reaching around Stephanie's, then let them go.
Stephanie smiled at her and nodded. “The galaxy's better in good company.”
“Well, if you're going to the port authority buildin', this is where we part ways,” Frost said coolly. “Just head down Chara street and you'll see it after five or so minutes. I'll see you back at the ship in half an hour.”
“Aye,” Stephanie acknowledged.
“See you later Frost.” Alice smiled.
He walked off into an alley and before he could get out of earshot Stephanie called after him. “Be careful!”
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