by Chris Burton
“Tulan would have had a tracer installed. Has the location beacon been activated?”
“We will find out shortly my Queen. I think we have to consider the humans have taken the Kryl for laboratory purposes.”
“Why?”
“By now, they will have carried out death examinations and reasoned why many of our kind our stricken with the same diseased cells. They will seek to exploit this. I think we can assume that they are working on a means to foster the disease and thus bring about an end to our time here.”
“Their technologies will not bring them to the cause; will they?”
“We must be cautious. We are monitoring the situation and when we determine who has carried this out. There will be swift and severe retribution.”
“See that there is. What of the human supplies? Are our people benefitting from the first batch of people?”
“Yes, relief is still widely available but we need it to be. The instances of the disease appear to be on the increase. We may have to increase numbers rather than decrease.”
“That contradicts what we have told them. We may well have to extinguish the human race to pacify our needs.”
“Yes, my Queen. It is a real possibility.”
“Go now. Find the missing Kryl and the perpetrators of this crime against us.”
Safrec turned to leave, but the Queen had not finished.
“Safrec…I am aware that our colony would flourish, if I choose to conceive. I am not ready. That is all.”
Safrec left and headed back towards his shuttle. Trieste had been coy and evasive, but in time she would see him differently and then he would assume his rightful place beside her. The humans would be long gone by then.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Return to the Fleet
The Patrol Ship remained in orbit for twelve hours following the successful landing of the stricken Alpha Cruiser, Pantheon: before Bill Chadwick’s patience finally ran out and he ordered Jake Carter to get them underway. Their journey back to The Halo 7 and the chasing fleet would take at least six weeks.
Jake was in his quarters and preparing his latest comm message to Carla. It had been over two months since he had last seen her and a lot had happened in that time. How had she fared? As a senate diplomat; she would almost certainly have been involved with the Kryl one way or another. He prayed she was safe and she was being sensible…just like he had been. Not!
He reflected further on the events of the last two months. His Bridge command status, serving as “first” officer aboard the Patrol ship, the rescue of the Pantheon and it’s crew and now they were on their way back to the fleet and Maria. Oh, my God Maria. He had certainly not been sensible there. Yet he could not get her out of his head. He did not love her. It was all about sex. Maybe it was just the guilt that plagued him and brought thoughts of his relationship with Maria to the fore. Jake kept trying to remind himself that he loved Carla and nothing should stand in the way of that. There would be no repeat of any indiscretions with Maria.
The comm.link buzzed, interrupting Jake’s thought process. The old man wanted to see him. Oh, my God, what now!
Jake arrived at the CO’s quarters less than thirty seconds later, the door opened and he was beckoned inside. Bill Chadwick sat at his repositioned desk, which now faced the doorway as he wanted the impression that this was his office and not his quarters.
“Take a seat Mister Carter.”
Jake sighed inwardly. If the CO was not using first names; this was bad.
“We haven’t had a chance to reflect on the events with the Pantheon and I think we need to establish exactly what happened and as a point of order to define the relationship between the CO and his XO and the ship. Where do you think that went wrong?”
“I am not sure I follow you. All protocols were observed.”
“You disobeyed a direct order and proceeded with the towing and then the landing assist.”
“I took a countermanded order from Commander Smith. He had overall authority and you accepted this at the time.”
“Did I?”
Oh, Christ. So, this is how this is going to go. Jake made ready for the onslaught.
“Yes, you did and I am sure the Commanders report, which of course is secured on our database will confirm this, when Commander Jacques reads it. To be honest Bill, I have no intention of reflecting anything other than the events that occurred with the Pantheon incident and this mission as a whole, when I make my report. I presume your report will contradict mine”
“What do you mean by “this mission as a whole”?
Jake was committed now. Bill Chadwick needed to be told.
“With respect sir; you have been absent from your duties and responsibilities throughout this mission.”
“These are not the comments I would expect from a subordinate officer.”
“We are both of the same rank. It is my duty to advise you, where I feel that you have failed.”
“Well, I am sorry you feel that way Mister Carter. I felt we had an understanding. Yes it is true I have given you delegated authority to run the ship, deferring to me only when appropriate and this you have done. Now suddenly this is remiss. As you have no respect for my authority and that is clear because of your last statement and because of your actions regarding the Pantheon; I have no choice but to replace you as first officer. Please stand down.”
Jake could not believe what the CO just said. He needed to think quickly. He could accept and fight the battle out when he submitted his report to Commander Jacques or challenge the decision and hope he still had the complete and legitimate support of the crew. To preserve his integrity, he opted for the latter.
“I will not Lieutenant Chadwick. I have complied with the letter and the spirit of the law throughout this process. You don’t want to go down this route, Bill.”
“Oh, really; and what does that mean, Mister Carter? Are you and the crew going to up rise and challenge my authority?”
This was it. He could back down now and or he could bet on his crew supporting him. His career could be over if he got this wrong. He paused again as he decided which direction to take.
“I believe I have the legitimate authority to reverse your decision to remove me as XO. However I would rather prove this first. I will stand down.”
“A very wise decision. Please return to your quarters, where you will stay for the duration.”
“Will I be under house arrest?”
The CO pondered. “No, but you will restrict yourself to non-operational parts of the ship only. Do you wish me to arrange an escort?”
“No, that will not be necessary.”
Jake Carter left the CO’s quarters in utter disbelief. He had no choice now, but to return to his quarters.
Two hours later, Lieutenant Briscoe appeared at his door. He said nothing and Jake gestured him to come in. Briscoe waited for Jake to sit down before speaking.
“Chadwick asked me to become first officer. I declined, as have all the other officers. Legitimately, you can now ask for your position to be reinstated, as “there is no command unless there is joint command”. If he refuses, then it is within your right to assume command and I or one of the other officers can act up as XO”
“Thanks John. But I am not sure that quoting the book to the old man will make much difference. He will treat it as mutinous action, whichever way we play it. I thought the process through when he first dismissed me. I think we may have to leave this fight to another day. As the most qualified officer, you should accept the XO post.”
“Can’t do that. It would be wrong. He has no authority. Nobody recognizes him as the ships commander. If we do this by the book, he will be forced to step down.”
“However, without me, you will loose your validity. I will not stand against him. Not at prese
nt anyway. He is acting in his own self interests, yes. But, it is still by the book and his method of command is unusual; but he is not breaking any rules.”
Briscoe looked a bit taken aback by Jake’s response.”You know he just asked for access to the ships command logs; which include the one submitted by Commander Smith?”
“Is it coded?”
“No.”
“Then he can access it. Make sure you take a copy before he does and hide it somewhere…not on the mainframe and code it.”
“Do you have any logs which he might not want anyone to see?”
“No…for now, John; accept the position and we carry on. I will keep out of the way. Let me know if the situation deteriorates further and we can review.”
* * * *
Twenty-four hours later, it was Bill Chadwick’s turn to visit. Jake invited him in, but said nothing; waiting to hear what the CO had to say.
“Did you tell John Briscoe to accept my offer of acting XO?”
“No…I suspect he made up his own mind.”
“Did you know that every officer aboard this ship refused the promotion? I am assuming you did and on that basis, you had legitimate grounds to demand your posting back.
Jake was not surprised by Bill Chadwick’s conciliatory tone. It was clear from the outset his stance on this matter was untenable.
“I told John I would not stand against you. While I may not agree with your methods they are within the rules. I may have had legitimate claims to the XO role and perhaps even to replace you; but I chose not to; because it would have been morally wrong.”
“I think I may have misjudged you Jake. Obviously I am trying to maintain my integrity and that of the ship. I do still have concerns about how you handled the Pantheon situation, but I respect you for not challenging me and I would like you to resume your posting as XO.”
“A position that has now been filled by John Briscoe. I cannot accept Bill.”
“Briscoe was only acting up and he knows it. It would look much better for you, if we wiped the slate clean. I would delete all records relating to the temporary cessation of your position.”
“John has played an important part in the running of this ship as have several of his colleagues. A mention in your report about him acting up as XO, when I have assumed an acting CO position would benefit all parties. You could advise that you backed off to allow the younger generation to gain experience of running the ship.”
“It appears you have this all worked out.”
“Look Bill. I have nothing to loose. This way you cover the ambiguity between my report and that of Commander Smith against yours and preserve your integrity. Fundamentally, this is what has happened anyway.
“You are suggesting I grant you acting CO status for the duration of the journey and I remain only in an advisory capacity?”
“Yes.”
“As long as you recognize my right to step back into command if and when the situation requires.”
“Of course.”
“Then I will stand down.”
* * * *
They were being observed.
The huge Tathos ship followed in their wake. Close enough to wipe them from existence, but without detection. The Patrol ships limited scan capabilities would not detect them, which was exactly what Sorgan wanted. His ship had watched them for a while now. They had picked them up several days prior to the Patrol ship’s location of the damaged Alpha cruiser. They had witnessed the ridiculous display of reckless chivalry as the tiny ship pulled the cruiser to safety and the ill-advised, but ultimately successful attempt to place the cruiser safely on the ground.
In truth, Sorgan was impressed with the ingenious approach and the sheer tenacity of the small ships commanders. He even joined in the human’s sense of achievement when the task was complete. But now he returned to his more natural state; the hunter. They would pursue this vessel as long as it took. It was clear she was not on her own. It was clear she did not have the range for deep space exploration and it was clear she would soon join the rest of the fleeing Alpha fleet.
He was convinced there was such a fleet and that their intent was clear. They would run away into hiding until they had the power and resources to launch a strike on the Kryl again.
Sorgan would not let that happen. The power of the Tathos ship was immense when extended and he would wipe out anyone who presented a threat to his people and more importantly his beloved Queen Trieste.
He thought of her often. They had become life partners. It did not worry either of them that he was not a Kronan. He was of no caste. A Malchian warrior whose powers were complete. He was a match for any Kryl, even the Kronan. Yet he did not seek power. If anyone stood in his way, or threatened his Queen then he would pulverize them into nothingness.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Life Choices
Alpha’s beleaguered Commander in Chief had made a few life choices. Some he regretted and some that helped him forge his career and bring him to the summit of his ambition. Yet his greatest regret was a personal one. He had never married. He never allowed himself to get close enough to anyone to allow thoughts of a life partnership to develop. He was married to his career.
Down here in the abyss they now called home. The stifling heat, the constant drum of the overworked conditioning processors and mile upon mile of concrete and distorted metal shapes. It was not a place for dreaming. You could not be creative or metaphorical down here. Everything was just clinical.
At least the last few hours were pleasant enough. He had once again enjoyed the company of Sarah Hoskins. The beautiful and estranged wife of Commander Jonathan Hoskins who was entrenched light years from home as a senior commander of the contingency fleet. They had become close in recent weeks and Koenig had done nothing to prevent it. She was coming on to him and he was a willing protagonist. There were perks to the job. As CIC, he could enjoy the spoils of his rank, while other did their bidding.
His thought process was interrupted by his next meeting; his Chief Scientist to update him on the latest developments.
“So, what progress has been made?”
“Some. The initial results from the larger sample show similar results to those we achieved before. Eighty-seven percent die within a few hours of being subjected to Antirillium Radiation, most of them only survive a few minutes. We will have the final results within a few days, but I expect little change.”
“That quick? It’s almost acting like some kind of poison…excellent. Have we developed a means to deploy the radiation?”
“Yes and no. If I could come back to that as it is quite complicated.”
Koenig shuffled in his seat and was clearly anxious to move things on.
“I wanted to talk about the location of the radiation. As I suggested previously, the pockets are well spread. The nearest being here in the Polaris Region of Ursa Minor. There are a large number of pockets here and here.” The Chief Scientist had pulled up a large desktop display. He pointed to several star clusters in the Rymanian Abyss area of the southern hemisphere. It was these that Koenig was interested in.
“Show me this one.” Koenig pointed to the cluster of stars towards the far end of the Abyss.
“They are a long way away Admiral. There are smaller pockets which are much nearer.”
“No. This is the one I am interested in. How near is it to the Styros Cluster?”
The Scientist looked down at his calculations briefly and then smiled. “About five hundred and forty light years. Two months travel at SD5 and it must be three months travel to The Styros Cluster. As I said there is no need to travel such large distances, when large pockets can be reached inside a month.”
“Yes, there is.” Koenig pointed to the pocket at the end of the Abyss.”This one is the right one. I have people there who can help us.
”
The Chief Scientist looked puzzled but said nothing and elected to move back to the deployment issue.
“If I may…the deployment of the radiation is still a big issue. As I mentioned in my last update, Antirillium Radiation is highly volatile. It exists in large gas nebulae, usually in close proximity to a systems star. Ignoring the high levels of heat and other forms of lethal radiation; it is relatively easy to extract, but once removed it needs to be maintained in a cocktail of like for like gases to maintain equilibrium. This mix of gases is likely to be both highly explosive and toxic. To get round this, we must deploy a magnetic field around the container to hold the radiation and gas in situ. When the radiation is deployed, the gases need to be extracted before hand. Once the gases are extracted, the half life of the radiation is only a few minutes. It will then dissipate”
“What happens to the gases?”
“They will explode. They need the radiation to keep them stable. I am guessing if we deployed via missile. Perhaps Teutonic, rather than Tigers. This would give a long enough range. The explosion would be quite significant. In that regard, a positive by-product.”
Koenig smiled now. This was it. It had been worth the wait. All they had to do was to get a message to his Contingency Fleet and they would do the rest. The pocket of Antirillium Radiation was only one months travel from the Styros Cluster at SD6 and there were enough high velocity ships in the fleet to make the extraction of the radiation a swift process.
Koenig realized his Chief Scientist started speaking again.
“There are two further issues. The first is the volatility of holding the radiation and gas once extracted from the nebula. Mass storage of this mix will increase the risk too much, in my opinion. The mix must be delivered directly to the charge of each missile from the nebula. This increases the extraction time and the risk to the ships carrying out the extractions to both the nebula and the close proximity to the systems sun. The second issue is quite a big one I am afraid. We need to deliver the radiation to the Earth as well as to the Kryl fleet to kill off the invasion forces here. Unless we deliver Teutonic missiles directly at target sites her on Earth, we will have to find another way to disperse the radiation. There is the prospect of a large number of civilian fatalities.”
