Holt arrived when the repairs were nearly finished, with two full tanks of Zexum gas, which he gave to Ben in exchange for them going to the Bannyan system.
“That’s all,” Ben said.
“That’s it,” Hold insisted. “Just hear us out. Silas wants to speak to you.”
“And we don’t owe you anything else?” Ben said.
“If it were up to me,” Holt went on, “you’d owe us big time. But I’m not calling the shots, just delivering the message.”
“What happened to Lieutenant Liachov?” Ben asked.
“She’s getting some help. Her corporal too.”
“Did she tell you that she took over my ship and shot me?”
“She may have mentioned that,” Holt said. “Perhaps that’s why Silas is being so generous.”
“Alright, as soon as we finish up repairs, we’ll head to the Bannyan system.”
“Great, here’s the code word,” Holt said, handing Ben a card. Keep your coms up and we’ll contact you once you’re in the system.”
Ben watched him go, and despite the reasonable nature of the request to speak to Silas Humphrey in the Bannyan system, Ben felt as if he’d just made a deal with the devil.
The next day, they left Genovisi Shipyards with a full tank of Zexum feeding the fusion reactor and another one in reserve. They had traded the communications gear and solar charging stations for credits, which they spent on Chembrew ale for the ship and a collection of stun guns, which Magnum hid around the ship in strategic locations, including the sick bay. If they were ever stripped of their weapons and locked up in their own ship again, Magnum was determined to make sure they had a fighting chance to take back what was rightfully theirs. The last of the money was spent on a high-capacity rechargeable battery. It took longer to charge than their bank of scavenged auxiliary batteries, and held twice the charge. Ben set it up in the engineering bay to run the deflector shields until they could get a secondary fusion reactor.
The trip back to the Bannyan system didn’t take as long as Ben had hoped. They made two hyperspace jumps before flying into the system. Their popularity on Genovisi made Ben nervous. If the rogues and smugglers knew who they were, it wouldn’t take long before the Imperium did too. In fact, Ben feared that perhaps the Confederacy planned to turn them over to the Royal Imperium for a reward of some kind.
“I don’t miss this place,” Kim said as they came out of hyperspace in the shadow of the massive gas giant Bannyan Seven.
“Pick up your visual scanning,” Ben said. “I don’t want to end up in an ambush.”
“You really think the Confederacy would turn us over to the Imperium?” Nance said.
“I’ve learned not to trust anyone that isn’t on this bridge right now,” Ben said. “I’m honored to be with the three of you, but I can’t shake the fact that Holt was overly generous. He was pushing pretty hard to get us here. And when have you ever known that man not to be playing both sides at the same time?”
“True,” Kim said from the pilot’s seat.
“I don’t see any other ships,” Nance said. “But with all these moons, there could be a dozen hidden and we’d never know it.”
“They couldn’t have known where we would drop out of hyperspace,” Kim said.
“You think we should trust the Confederacy?” Ben asked.
“I’m just saying I don’t think they’re planning to turn us over to the Imperium,” Kim said. “Not that they don’t have some nefarious plan up their sleeve.”
“Let’s move closer to the planet,” Ben said. “Nance, start working on a jump point, just in case.”
“Already running the algorithm,” Nance said.
They flew between Bannyan Seven’s moons. Kim appreciated the chance to put the new wing engines through their paces. For a while it seemed as if they were alone, but just when Ben was about to tell Kim to get them out of the system, Nance picked up a hailing signal.
“Give them the code word,” Ben said. “Kim, stay alert.”
“Always,” Kim replied.
Ben was scanning through the camera feeds when word came back revealing that the Confederates were operating a moon base nearby.
“This could be a mistake,” Ben said, as Kim flew them toward the moon.
“What other choice do we have?” Nance said.
“Maybe it’s time to sell the ship and move to a backwater planet on the edge of the galaxy,” Ben said.
“Like you’d ever leave the Echo,” Kim said.
“Maybe I could,” Ben said. “I feel paranoid.”
“Infamy will do that to a person,” Kim replied.
“They’re requesting permission to lock on with their tractor beam,” Nance said.
Ben nodded, and Kim throttled back the engines. The tractor beam locked onto the Kestrel class ship and brought her safely down into a hanger on the moon’s surface with a retractable roof.
“We’re to stay on board,” Nance said. “Silas is coming to us.”
“Did they say why?”
“There’s no atmo in the hanger,” Nance said. “It was easier for him to come to us than the other way around.”
“At least we don’t have to leave the ship,” Kim said.
“I’ll go down and open the air lock,” Ben said.
Magnum went with Ben, and both were armed with laser pistols. They only had to wait a few seconds after opening the air lock for Silas to appear. He was alone in a fancy flight suit capable of protecting the wearing in hard vacuum. On his head was a helmet with a clear face visor, and Ben recognized the man who had been their contact on the station during their first visit. Silas stepped into the air lock, and Ben cycled the chamber. When the door opened, the Confederate rebel stepped into the cargo bay and pulled off his helmet.
“Welcome aboard,” Ben said, trying to sound friendly.
“It is an honor, my friend,” Silas said. “The famous ship, the Modulus Echo, one day I will tell my children that I was on board her.”
“Well, come on up,” Ben said. “You can have some Chembrew ale while you tell us why you wanted us to come.”
“That is exceedingly generous,” Silas said. “Thank you.”
The entire crew met in the observation deck on the third level. Magnum poured drinks for everyone while Silas asked questions.
“Rumor has it, you flew through a black hole,” he said.
“We did,” Ben said.
“How is that possible?”
“We stayed in the eye of the event horizon,” Kim said.
“And you were not crushed by the gravity?” Silas asked.
“The gravity was strong,” Ben said. “But there’s a sort of bubble in the center, directly above the singularity. We stayed in that and came through the other side.”
“Amazing,” Silas said. “I would never attempt such a feat.”
“We didn’t have a choice,” Kim said. “We jumped out of the Briggs system blind and landed in the black hole’s gravity well.”
“You jumped blind?” Silas said. “You are incredibly lucky to have survived at all.”
“Tell us about it,” Ben said. “Lieutenant Liachov took over our ship. She used her squad of armed soldiers to force us to take them to Brigton.”
“Only to find out the rebellion had already surrendered,” Kim said.
“That is a true loss, but I am hoping we can work together to salvage it,” Silas said.
“The relationship with Lieutenant Liachov?” Ben asked. “I’m afraid that is beyond repair.”
“No, the lieutenant is getting medical help. She has been through a tremendous shock, not the least of which was losing her hand.”
“Tell me about it,” Ben said, pointing to his broken arm. “So how can we help?”
Silas took the cup of ale that Magnum offered him. He sipped the ale, smiled, and took a much longer draught.
“Ah, that is very good. It has been a long time since I was in Genovisi,” Silas said.
“We
’re happy to share,” Ben said. “But we’re wondering why you’ve been so generous with us.”
“I should think that is obvious,” Silas said. “Your ship has become a rallying point for the rebellion. On every planet and space station across the galaxy, people are talking about the Kestrel class ship that lured an Imperium cruiser into a black hole. You destroyed their most powerful ship and an entire squadron of fighters.”
“How does anyone even know about that?” Ben asked.
“It was simple, really,” Silas said. “The Fleet in the Briggs system sent several scout ships along your trajectory. One came back with your coordinates.”
“Why would they send a capital ship into a black hole?” Kim asked.
“They must not have seen it,” Silas said. “I’m supposing you were transmitting a distress signal.”
“No,” Ben said.
“It’s the biggest loss for the Imperium Fleet, as I’m sure you know.”
“It was an accident,” Ben said.
“That doesn’t matter. What matters is you survived and now people understand that the Royal Imperium isn’t an unstoppable force. You have pricked the giant and we have seen it bleed. The resistance will grow, more ships will be destroyed, and the oppressive government so many have suffered from will fall.”
“I can’t see how we have anything to do with that,” Ben said. “We’re not fighters.”
“No, you are not, but you are seen as such,” Silas said. “I want to offer you my help. I’m sure it comes as no surprise that the Imperium will be pursuing you. It is in their best interest to show that no ship can challenge their military might.”
“I thought they were denying they even lost a ship,” Kim said.
“That is true, but everyone knows they are simply trying to save face,” Silas said. “I can keep you flying. The Confederacy is prepared to offer you fuel and shelter from the Imperium.”
“In exchange for what?” Ben asked.
“In exchange for letting us promote your deeds to the entire galaxy,” Silas said.
“We aren’t part of the Confederacy,” Ben said.
“But you could be. And you could be our greatest asset.”
“As propaganda,” Nance said.
“That is correct,” Silas said. “What I am offering are simple jobs, far from the dangerous systems where you would be pursued by the Imperium. In time, your deeds will be forgotten by the Fleet as they work to stamp out other problems. Until then, we will keep you safe.”
“Why offer this to us?” Ben said. “You can claim credit for our deeds without our help.”
“True, but that is not our intent. We would not claim that you are one of us unless it was so. Also, keeping you safe and alive is to our advantage as well.”
“You’ll be making us a target,” Ben said.
“You already are,” Silas said.
“You’ll be making us a bigger target,” Kim insisted.
“That is true,” Silas conceded. “But you will have what you desire: honest work, a steady supply of Zexum, and the knowledge that your lives are making a difference.”
“And that’s all you want?” Ben said.
“Well, there is one more thing,” Silas said.
“Of course there is,” Kim said.
“We are going to attack the Imperium base here in the Bannyan system,” Silas explained.
“We’re not fighters,” Ben said.
“I understand this,” Silas said. “We will be filming the attack. If you were seen flying with our other ships, it would increase your fame.”
“And give the Imperium an image of our ship,” Kim said.
“Believe me, they are searching for every Kestrel class ship in the galaxy,” Silas said.
“Why not fly another ship and let them take credit for it,” Ben said.
“We do not have a Kestrel class ship, unless you’d be willing to trade the Modulus Echo. In that case, we can part ways and you can avoid the Imperium’s scrutiny.”
“We’re not selling,” Kim said.
Ben looked at Nance, who shook her head. Magnum put a thick hand on her shoulder.
“Kim’s right,” Ben said. “We aren’t looking to trade ships.”
“I did not think you would,” Silas said with a smile. “Nor should you. The Modulus Echo would not be the same without her crew. So, will you join us? Will you turn a fortunate accident into a devastating blow in the fight for freedom?”
“Give us a moment to talk it over?” Ben asked.
“Absolutely,” Silas said. “Take your time.”
Ben took the others to the stairwell and looked at them.
“What do you think?” Ben asked.
“I don’t think we have a choice,” Kim said. “If we refuse, they’ll storm the ship and take her from us.”
“I don’t believe that,” Ben said.
“Even if they let us leave with the gas Holt gave us,” Nance proposed, “where would we go?”
“They may not keep their word,” Ben said.
“Neither has anyone else,” Magnum spoke up.
“So...”
“We’ve got to do something,” Kim said. “Might as well do it for the Confederacy.”
“And the attack on the Imperium station?” Ben asked.
“They can’t have as many ships as Brigton,” Nance said.
“And this time we won’t be alone,” Kim said.
“Alright, if we’re agreed, then,” Ben said. “Let’s go tell Silas we’re in.”
Chapter 35
“Just fly around?” Kim asked. “That’s all he said?
“Those were the exact instructions,” Ben said. “We’re just supposed to make a slow orbit around Bannyan Seven.”
“In other words, we’re the bait,” Kim declared.
“It looks that way,” Ben said.
“I don’t like it,” Kim said as she got into the pilot seat and started going through her preflight routine.
“It’s a timeless strategy,” Ben said. “Draw the enemy out from its fortress where it’s vulnerable.”
“And where we’re vulnerable,” Kim said.
“Once the Imperium forces attack,” Ben explained, “we’ll be free. We can leave the system if we want.”
“Projecting an appropriate jump point now,” Nance said. “We’re clear for liftoff by the way.”
“How are the new engines?” Ben asked.
“Fine, I guess,” Kim said as she rotated the wing engines down and performed a vertical liftoff from the moon base. “I mean, they work just great, but that doesn’t mean I like them.”
“You don’t like the new engines?” Ben asked.
“I liked the old ones better,” she declared.
“These are more powerful and more efficient,” Ben said. “They use a quarter less fuel than the old ones.”
“So? I don’t have to like them,” Kim said as she broke free of the tiny moon’s gravity and headed for a high orbital trek around the gas giant.
“You just don’t like them because they came from the Confederacy,” Ben said. “I get that.”
“I know we have to do what we have to do, I’m not fighting it. But I don’t trust them,” Kim said. “All this mumbo jumbo about easy runs, far from danger... it’s all lies. Mark my word.”
“I hope you’re wrong,” Ben said.
“But you don’t think I’m wrong, do you?”
“I think anything is possible,” Ben said. “Even the Confederacy keeping their word. I’m choosing not to focus on that at the moment. Instead, I’m resting in the fact that the Royal Imperium is our enemy, and...”
“The enemy of your enemy is your friend,” Kim said. “Blah, blah, blah, whatever. I think we better keep our guard up and our eyes open.”
“And a solid jump point ready at all times,” Nance said.
“Speaking of,” Ben said. “We good?”
“Almost there,” Nance said.
“As soon as you have it read
y, fire up the radar. I don’t want any surprises, and for once we want to be seen.”
“Roger that,” Nance said.
“Whoa, would you look at that,” Kim said as they passed the horizon line on the gas giant.
Sunlight flooded the small Kestrel class ship. The exterior cameras had an autodim function, and they were almost ten light minutes from the star system, but it was dazzlingly bright. Bannyan Seven was a swirling mass of pink, yellow, and green, and it reflected the sunlight so brightly that it overexposed the ship’s cameras.
“Jump point is set,” Nance said. “Bringing radar online.”
“I can see the space station,” Ben said. “Looks like a simple refueling center. A couple of large Zexum tanks, a small dock for the patrol ships, and a large one for capital ships coming into the system.”
“Speaking of patrol ships,” Kim said. “Where are they?”
“There are two ships near the base,” Kim said. “That’s all I have on radar.”
“The Confederate ships are hiding on the dark side of Bannyan Seven,” Ben said. “But they’ll slingshot around once we give the signal.”
“How will they receive a signal if they’re on the other side of the world?”
“Silas assured me they’ll be listening,” Ben said. “I’m guessing they have communication drones in Bannyan Seven’s upper atmosphere.”
“Okay, they’re showing interest,” Nance said. “One of the patrol ships is moving away from the station.”
“Moving this way?” Ben asked.
“Affirmative,” Nance replied. “I can’t be certain they’ve seen us, but it seems likely.”
“Alright, send the signal,” Kim said. “And let’s get out of here.”
“No,” Ben said. “Not yet. We need both of their patrol ships to head this way. And they need to cross enough space that they won’t have anywhere to hide once the Confederate ships reveal themselves.”
“At least bring the jump point up on my plot,” Kim said. “I’m not sticking around once the shooting starts. I’ve had about as much of that as I care to take.”
“Let’s all stay calm,” Ben said.
“The second ship is on the move,” Nance said. “At their current rate of speed, they’ll be in firing range in twenty minutes.”
Jump Point: Kestrel Class Saga Book 2 Page 23
