“Doc,” Bowen said, “what are you doing here?”
“Red Kite Forty is bringing in survivors of the attack on the sector command.” Dr. Sculapus shrugged, “Some of them are wounded.”
Bowen looked at Dr. Sculapus and then turned his gaze back out at Red Kite Forty. At that moment when Bowen’s glare was back to the ship, its docking maneuvers were completed. As soon as the docking tube's inner door opened, Dr. Sculapus and his triage team rushed aboard the ship. Within minutes, the triage team began carrying wounded marines and fleet officers off. Bowen and Urko exchanged looks.
“What the hell was he doing down there?” Urko scratched his head as he shifted his rifle into an easier position.
“Leading a strike force to retake our sector command base,” said Admiral Shang as he stepped out of the docking tube.
“Admiral Shang,” Bowen nodded to the high ranking officer. “I'm glad to see you alive, sir.”
“As am I, Captain. May I ask why the marines are present?”
“Commander Dockweiler abandoned his position in battle to run off on a personal mission to the surface of Aurora Colony,” Bowen growled.
“Captain, it would be in everyone's best interests that you not arrest Commander Dockweiler at this time.”
“May I ask why?” Bowen was not about to let the admiral tell him how to run his ship.
“Aside from the inescapable fact that he rescued me and all the other attack survivors,” Shang had a sad look on his face. “Dockweiler just suffered a most unfortunate tragedy.”
“Do I even want to know?”
“I assure you. You will find out in a few minutes.”
Kayara and Glitter approached.
“Captain, my father told me that you are arresting my dad,” Glitter was frowning, considering throwing herself at the captain and the marines.
“I was,” Bowen stood his ground but slowly relented, “until Admiral Shang advised me not to. Though I have yet to find out why I should.”
“Why?” Kayara asked with trepidation trying to figure out what was going on.
Before either Bowen or Shang could answer, a member of the triage team stepped out of the docking tube pushing an anti-gravity gurney with a body on it covered with a sheet, head to toe. Curious, Bowen walked over to the gurney, and pulled back the sheet to look at the face.
“Oh my god,” Bowen breathed out a shocked gasp, and then he looked at the medic, “when did she die?”
“While we were docking,” the medic said.
Kayara looked at Catherine and turned away, her eyes filling with tears. Shang gazed at the body and shook his head.
“She took us in during the attack,” Shang explained, “and allowed the marines to turn her home into a defensible position.”
“What happened to her?” Glitter asked fighting to keep away sorrow.
“A Hellkin foot soldier spotted her through a window, and took a pot shot at her.”
“Where's Dan?” Bowen did not growl this time, he tempered his tone with respect. He knew his friend loved his wife completely and would need to be approached carefully.
“Last I saw him,” Shang said, “he was heading for his quarters.”
Upon hearing this, Kayara dried her eyes and turned to Glitter. “Rose, would you kindly go inform your grandfather of what has happened?”
“Yes, mother,” Glitter nodded.
Kayara stepped over to the medic.
“Um...sir...,” Kayara was a bit embarrassed. “I'm going to need a complete genetic memory done on Mrs. Dockweiler.”
“I beg your pardon, ma'am?” the medic was confused.
“Commander Dockweiler is the father of my daughter, Lieutenant Trent,” Kayara spoke with focused attention, “so by extension, his wife is a member of my family. I need a complete genetic memory record extracted from Mrs. Dockweiler, so my family can create a remembrance crystal of her.”
“I still don't understand what you want.”
“It's okay, corpsman,” Bowen waved a hand in dismissal at the medic, “inform sickbay to extract run her genetic memory.”
“I'm sorry, Captain,” the medic frowned even though the order came from the captain. “She wants a genetic memory run on a dead woman?”
“The Elnore traditionally create a bio-neural simulation of a deceased family member,” Bowen explained with his anger starting to return. He did not like his authority to be questioned.
“Understood, sir,” the medic nodded, and then he turned to Kayara, “the genetic memory record will be done within the hour, ma'am.”
“When you have it finished,” Kayara pleaded with the man, “would you kindly send it to Ambassador Lovandiel?”
“Will do, ma'am,” the medic said.
“Carry on, Corpsman,” Bowen growled.
As the medic pushed the gurney away, Kayara turned to Bowen.
“Captain, would you please come with me,” Kayara sighed. “There's another Elnore tradition that I need your help to perform.”
“Certainly,” Bowen nodded.
“Come with me,” Kayara tried to smile but miserably failed, took Bowen's hand and guided him onboard Red Kite Forty.
Kayara walked him to Dan's stateroom. They found Dan sitting at his desk staring at the hologram of Catherine when she was pregnant with their first daughter. His vacant gaze at the hologram showed he was obviously lost in the past. Kayara stepped over to him and got down on her knees in front of him with surprising ease considering she was herself heavily pregnant.
“Daniel, I know it hurts,” Kayara spoke, looking up at him lovingly.
“I couldn't get to her in time,” Dan sniffed, and it was at that moment that Kayara could see that he had been crying.
“I know. I wish there was a way we could bring her back, but dead is dead. I wanted you to know that my father is going to create a remembrance crystal.”
“How is that any better than this?” Dan asked, waving the hologram.
“A remembrance crystal is a fully realized bio-neural simulation hologram,” Kayara said. “My people make them when one of us passes from this life. It helps those of us left behind.”
“Sounds like my Aunt Louise,” Bowen nodded. “Every afternoon she goes into her living room and starts talking to Uncle Bud's ashes.”
“Yes, but your uncle's ashes can't hold a conversation.”
“True,” Bowen shrugged.
“Daniel,” Kayara put a hand on his knees to get his focused attention. “Catherine is dead, but the remembrance crystal will help you get through the grief.”
“How long will it take to make this crystal?” Dan grumbled glumly.
“However long it takes sickbay to extract a genetic memory record. It will ensure that the simulation has all of Catherine's memories.”
“Fine, have your father make it.”
“There's something else, Daniel,” Kayara hated to hit him with more news, “because I was bound to you as a concubine, following the death of my husband, Elnore law is quite specific about what is to happen now that your wife has died.”
“What do you mean?” Dan was wrung out emotionally…
“According to Elnore law,” Kayara explained, “the moment your wife died, I legally became your wife. I became your concubine because I'm carrying my late husband's unborn baby.” She touched her swollen belly for emphasis, “I legally became your wife when Catherine died because you and she have two daughters that have not come of age. Elnore law is quite specific about this. Because we both have children that are not of adult age, I am legally your wife.”
“I can't get married again so soon after my wife has died,” Dan howled, nearly in rage, “how would that look?”
“Like you respected the laws and traditions of your new wife's culture,” Kayara countered, brokering no argument, “and we're already married.”
“So why is Mitch here?”
“Because he is a fleet officer of command rank,” Kayara smiled, “that gives him diplomatic autho
rity. There is a brief ceremony that must be performed, and he needs to observe it to certify that you accepted me as your wife, and I accepted you as my husband.”
“Okay,” Dan sighed, “let's get this over with.”
At that moment, Julie and Samantha entered.
“What's going on, Dad?” Julie asked.
Kayara stood and walked over to the girls. “Do you know what happened to your mother?” She asked them gently.
“Yeah,” Julie snapped defensively. “She was killed by the monsters.”
“Yes, and do you know who I am?”
“You're our half-sister's mom,” Samantha was feeling wary of the Elnore woman.
“Yes,” Kayara said, “and my people have a law. It says because your father and I had a daughter, but my own husband died while I still have an unborn child, I became your father's concubine. Then when your mother died leaving him with you two, and you are not of adult age, I legally became his wife.”
“So you became Dad's wife because your people say we have to have a step-mom. What kind of political bs is that?” Julie grumbled.
“Yes, I'm not replacing your mother...I am simply picking up where she left off. What do you think?”
“Dad told us about you,” Julie stared at Kayara with sullen eyes.
“Yeah,” Samantha smiled uncertainly. “He said you're really nice and very pretty.”
“What about OUR mom?!?” Julie allowed her voice to grow shrill. Her mother had just passed away and there was no ready target for her anger. She was not about to slap a pregnant woman to soothe her grief.
“My father is having what we Elnore call a remembrance crystal made of your mom,” Kayara explained patiently. “It's a hologram that is a simulation of your mother in every way that matters. You'll be able to talk to her as if she were still alive. We Elnore find it helps us get through the agony of loss, and believe that remembrance crystals are the best way to honor their memory.”
“Okay, fine.” Julie saw that her strong father was not protesting the actions of this woman and settled in to make the best of things.
“It's good you're here. You girls have a right to see this.”
Without another word, Kayara took Dan's hand and moved him to stand in front of Bowen. Julie and Samantha moved to stand near Dan and Kayara; Julie beside Dan, and Samantha beside Kayara. Bowen looked at them in confusion.
“So what do I do now?” Bowen shrugged.
“Just observe,” Kayara said, “and certify that we are married. My father will draw up the legal documents.”
“Okay,” Bowen nodded. So many customs, it was a wonder the Elnore could keep up with them all.
Kayara turned to Dan and took both his hands. “Daniel Dockweiler, as you are the sire of my daughter, I became your concubine when my husband died leaving me carrying his child in my womb. Now your wife has died, leaving you with two young daughters. I now offer myself as your wife. If you accept me, I promise I shall love your daughters as if I had given birth to them myself. I shall endeavor to be as good a mother as she who birthed them. Do you accept me as your wife?”
“Yes, I do.” Dan could hardly focus through his grief but tried to stay strong.
“And we accept you as our new mom,” Julie spoke, feeling that she should add something.
“Ditto,” Samantha put her two cents in.
“Captain Bowen,” Kayara said, turning to Bowen, “as an official with diplomatic authority, do you certify that Elnore traditions have been observed, and Elnore laws have been obeyed in my joining Daniel in marriage?”
“Yes,” Bowen nodded.
“Do you acknowledge that this happened because Catherine Dockweiler died and not because of any adultery on either my part or Daniel's part?”
“I so acknowledge,” Bowen grunted, these Elnore were very peculiar. Who would have thought of getting married right after someone died?
“Then it is done.”
“I guess I pronounce you husband and wife.”
“Not necessary, Captain,” Kayara smiled, “but a nice touch.”
“Now what?” Julie asked hastily.
“I think we should take your father and all of us go get something to eat,” Kayara suggested politely, “you girls will love the officer's club.”
“Yeah, Dad,” Samantha said, “let's go get something to eat. Mom would want us to.”
“Okay,” Dan grumbled. “Go ahead; I've got to talk to the captain for a moment.”
“Don't be long,” Kayara kissed him on the cheek.
With that Kayara and the girls left. Dan faced Bowen with uncertainty and grief written all over his face.
“You going to throw me in the brig, Mitch?”
“I was,” Bowen shrugged. “Until I heard that you were going down to Aurora Colony to mount a rescue for your family and any other survivors. You disobeyed orders, but you're likely to get a medal out of this.”
“Maybe, Mitch,” Dan sighed. “We still good?”
“Yeah, bring your wife and girls to the Ward Room this evening. I'd like to treat them for dinner.”
“Sure, Mitch.”
“Hey, Dan.”
“What?” Dan grumbled, fixing Bowen with a look.
“Mazel Tov,” Bowen shook Dan's hand.
Without another word, Dan and Bowen exited.
Some time later, Bowen entered CIC. Admiral Shang was standing at the hologram tank with Commander Madhuksara. Captain Cynthia Analowa, a stout, yet shapely woman of obvious Hawaiian descent stood with them. She was the Commanding Officer of the Pacifica. Her arms were crossed beneath her ample breasts. They were all gazing at a holographic model of Aurora Colony's orbital space. Tiny starships could be seen scattered in the air surrounding the holographic planet. Most of these were Galactic Fleet vessels.
“Now that Captain Bowen is here, we can begin,” Admiral Shang said. “What is the status of the system?”
“Most of the enemy fleet has been destroyed,” Madhuksara explained, “the few that remain are scattered. Our own forces are steadily, yet rapidly hunting them down and destroying them. All units are under orders to wipe out the enemy, take no prisoners.”
“Good work,” Shang nodded, “what about our efforts to determine where those bastards came from?”
“My science department analyzed the enemy fleet's ion trail and hyperjump signature,” Captain Analowa hesitated, “it looks like they came from the Kordam Formation.”
Suddenly everyone in the room looked at Captain Analowa as if she had uttered the name of the devil himself.
“That's a dangerous area,” Bowen grumbled ominously.
“The Elnore have had it quarantined for 289 years,” Admiral Shang nodded grimly.
“We need to investigate,” Bowen sternly retorted. “Admiral, let me take my battle group to the Kordam Formation. If the Hellkin are there, we'll blow them away.”
“Investigate only,” Shang shook his head. “Two expeditions have disappeared investigating the Kordam Formation.”
“The Hellkin might be the cause of those disappearances,” Bowen pressed forward his case.
“Find out,” Shang scowled at the Captain, “but be extra careful. We don't want to lose an entire battle group.”
“Understood, Sir.”
“Meanwhile, I'm going to transfer my flag to the Pacifica and see to mopping up the Hellkin and the recovery of Aurora Colony.”
Admiral Shang and Captain Analowa left CIC. Madhuksara looked at Bowen apprehensively.
“Are we really going to the Kordam Formation?”
“Yes,” Bowen said quite plainly.
“They say that place is a realm of demons,” Madhuksara shivered.
“I never knew YOU to be so superstitious, Madhuksara,” Bowen chuckled softly, “we are going to solve the mystery of the Kordam Formation once and for all.”
“Understood, sir,” Madhuksara nodded.
Bowen swept out of the room. He was met outside CIC by Doctor Parker, resident Hellki
n expert and general pain-in-his-arse.
“Captain,” Parker was looking greedy, “with recent battle, we have been presented with a tremendous opportunity to recover Hellkin technology. Would it be possible to mount a salvage operation?”
“Sorry, Doctor,” Bowen actually grinned at thwarting the good doctor, “we have an assignment.”
“What?” Parker actually growled rather than his characteristic whining.
“Yup,” Bowen said, “the Hellkin have been traced back to the Kordam Formation.”
“My god,” Parker gasped, “they say that is a place of terrible evil.”
“There's a possibility that it's a Hellkin stronghold,” Bowen taunted.
“Could you leave me and my daughter behind to salvage Hellkin tech here?” Parker asked with a hopeful look in his eyes.
“No can do, Doc. I'll need you to figure out if the Kordam Formation was built by the Hellkin.”
“Understood, Captain,” Parker sounded as if he were being sent to be executed.
“Don't worry,” Bowen chuckled. “I'm about to leave on a brief mission to pick up an expert on the Kordam Formation.”
“Who is that?” Parker frowned.
“My father, he's been studying the Kordam Formation for a long time. In fact, he's been begging the scientific community to mount an expedition. So far, no one has ever taken him seriously.”
“I can see why, considering everyone who is known to have gone there, has never returned, save for the rescue expedition that went to investigate the disappearance of the Kordam Party.”
“I'm well aware of that,” Bowen nodded. “We'll just have to make sure we are among those who have gone there and returned.”
“I should probably research what I can find out about the Kordam Formation.”
“Probably should,” Bowen chuckled, very glad he had gotten Parker out of his hair for at least a half hour.
Parker left. Bowen made his way to the bridge. Cowboy stood up from the command chair and crossed to him.
“Cowboy, I'm leaving you in command,” Bowen said. “I'm taking a captain's yacht and flying to Simmal.”
“May I ask why, Sir?” Cowboy asked.
“I'm picking up a mission specialist,” Bowen spoke respectfully to his second-in-command. “We'll rendezvous with Atlantis at the Kordam Formation. Until we get there, keep the battle group outside the quarantine zone.”
The Atlantis Chronicles- The Kordam Party Page 4
