"I care nothing for glory or triumph, but I care deeply for freedom. Prophetically, Mr. Paine referred to it as a celestial article, but I'm certain that he never suspected we'd one day be fighting for our freedom out among the stars. You worry about me, but I worry about you and everyone else on Earth, Nordakia, and all of the other inhabited planets, moons, and space stations in Galactic Alliance space.
"My duty is clear, much clearer than the path I must follow. I feel the weight of these stars on my shoulders throughout every minute of every day. I can feel the pain and anguish of every leader and warrior chief that has ever stood on a battlefield and been forced to send his or her people into situations that will result in almost certain death for many. There are no winners in war. There are only those that lose, and those that don't lose as dearly.
"We didn't lose as dearly as the Milori in our last battle, but this war isn't over yet. As we prepare ourselves for the next encounter, my feelings of dread both greet me when I awaken each day, and prevent me from falling asleep easily each night. If my face appears grim, it's because it reflects what I feel in my heart. I know that my pensiveness won't lessen until this war is over. I'm sorry that this message is so melancholy, but you wished to know how I feel so I've lowered my mask on this one occasion. Please don't share my words with anyone, not even other family members. And always remember that I love you and miss you.
"Jenetta A. Carver, Rear Admiral, Upper Half, from the GSC Battleship Prometheus, message complete."
A message from her father was decidedly different. She watched it again before recording her reply.
"Hi, Admiral. Congratulations on receiving your second star. Your battle vid has been replaying almost continuously in the theatre for the past day, as every officer and crewman on board studies the tactics that you used. I'm sure that it'll take its rightful place among your greatest hits in our archives. I think it far surpasses the videos of the destruction of Raider One, the Battle of Vauzlee, the Battle for Higgins, the Siege of Raider Three, and even the Defense of Stewart.
"I suspect that my crew wishes they were with a different Carver right now as we perform our routine patrols. I almost wish that we were out there also, but it's my job to convince them that our job here is also vital to the safety and security of the Galactic Alliance.
"It looked like your flagship really got pounded in the engagement, so I'd guess that you're lying over at the battle site while you make repairs. The massive reassignment of ships to Stewart must mean that this thing is far from over so get some rest while the engineers do their thing. I love you honey.
"Quinton Carver, Captain of the GSC Octavian, message complete."
Jenetta tapped the record button on the com unit.
"Message to Captain Quinton E. Carver on the GSC Octavian from Admiral Jenetta A. Carver on the GSC Prometheus. Begin message.
"Hi Dad. You're correct. Your task is just as important as that of any ship in the Frontier Zone. One fact not yet reported is that the Milori intended to loose privateers in our sectors after destroying Space Command. I said intended, but in truth, it may still be their intention. This situation is far from resolved. Even if we should prevail at the border, the Raiders may soon begin to take advantage of the reduced number of ships on patrol to renew their piracy. We've damaged them considerably in the past, but we know that they continue to exist. Your crew should understand that their role has become more important than ever.
"I'm sure that you're exaggerating the importance of the video, but if I've inspired anyone to develop their battle plan with a little imagination, instead of simply employing the old frontal assault with combined flanking positions, I'm happy. Take care of yourself, Dad. I love you.
"Jenetta A. Carver, Rear Admiral, Upper Half, from the GSC Battleship Prometheus, message complete."
Jenetta also sent messages to her three brothers, Richie, Jimmy, and Andy. Not yet having received a list of the ships reassigned to forward areas, she didn't know if any of them would be moving to her border sectors, but it was likely that one or more would find themselves here since all their ships are of the newer classes.
Her last message was to Hugh. She viewed the most recent message again before composing her reply.
"Hi honey. If your promotion to Admiral didn't shake me, your promotion to a two-star certainly would have." Hugh made a wry face. "Uh, have you ever thought about pacing yourself? I mean, what are you going to do in ten years if you've done everything before then?" Smiling he said, "Just kidding. I know that you didn't plan any of this and that your goal has only been to be an officer aboard a ship like the Prometheus. It just seems that things around you spiral out of control. I'm not complaining, mind you; I like the excitement. Listening to the stories about you on the news sure livens up an otherwise dull day on a freighter.
"I've sent a message off to Space Command asking them if they're still accepting applications for re-instatement from retired officers. My contract with the freight company will be up about the time we reach Higgins and I could re-enter the service there. I have just one question. Can lieutenant commanders make love to two-star admirals?" He smiled.
"Love you, Hugh.
"Commander Hugh Michaels, aboard the freighter Attar, message complete."
Jenetta grinned and pressed the record button.
"Message to Commander Hugh Michaels on the freighter Attar, from Admiral Jenetta A. Carver on the GSC Prometheus. Begin message.
"Hi, Hugh. I thought I was pacing myself. But maybe I set the pace a little too high?"
Changing her expression to a more somber one, she said, "Seriously, at the time of my graduation from the Academy I never expected to even make commander by retirement. If someone had told me that I'd become a two-star when I was forty-one I'd have laughed, and then referred them to the Psych department. I look forward to the day when I can take off the stars and replace them with my captain's bars.
"I'm sure that Space Command will accept your application for re-instatement in a minute. We're in desperate need of intelligent, experienced officers, now more than ever. Our problems with the Milori are just beginning, not ending, despite what the news broadcasters are saying. Keep this strictly to yourself; we're expecting another major attack by the Milori. The earlier battle was just their opening gambit in this war. Our intel is that we should expect a far more formidable force in the very near future. My people are working around the clock to get us back in fighting shape to meet them.
"Hugh, if things don't work out like we hope, I want you to know how much I've come to care for you. The month that we had on Stewart was wonderful and the memory of that time has really helped to sustain me in recent months."
Smiling, she added, "A two-star admiral can definitely make love to a lieutenant commander. I hope that I can prove that to you before too long." She kissed her index and middle fingers and then pressed them to the lens of the screen's built-in video camera.
"Jenetta A. Carver, Rear Admiral, Upper Half, from the GSC Battleship Prometheus, message complete."
* * *
With the completion of repairs to the Prometheus, Chiron, and Thor, the engineering crews moved on to the Bellona, Song, and Plantaganet. Having the three large battleships battle-ready meant that the task force had little to fear now, except from an attack in force by a Milori fleet, but the ships remained connected at their bow airlocks. In the event of an alert, the airlocks are sealed, and the ships separated, in a matter of seconds. In accordance with Space Command policy, a junior officer with at least one Marine sentry is always stationed at any open entry point on a warship.
Arriving at her quarters and finding waiting vid messages always brought a smile to Jenetta's face. The one waiting for her this night was from her mother. Tapping the play button on the com unit as she sat down brought an image of her mother to the screen.
"Hi Honey. I received your message a few days ago but I haven't been able to reply until now. The truth is that I was so disconcerted after watch
ing your message that I broke down and wept for hours. A mother is supposed to care for her children and comfort them when they're in pain, but I find that I'm powerless to ease your burden.
"You've always been so very much like your father, strong, silent, and supremely confident of your ability to meet any challenge head on. But you're my daughter as well, and I know that your inner turmoil arises from the traits you've inherited from me. Love and compassion are wonderful qualities, but in time of war, they can be a severe handicap for any military leader. You're a Space Command officer, and I know that you're up to whatever responsibility you've accepted. I have confidence that you'll find the strength to do what's necessary, and you'll make all the right decisions when confronted with difficult choices. Just have confidence in yourself. I love you, and admire you more than I can express. I'm so very, very proud to be your mother.
"Annette Carver, Officer Housing, Potomac SC base. End of message."
Jenetta sat back and stared at the blank screen. She had suddenly become acutely aware of just how long it was since she'd been home.
* * *
The Scorpion, with Vyx at the controls, entered orbit around Scruscotto, and established a track that would take it down to the Weislik Space Port. After receiving a pad assignment, Vyx guided the small transport down to the assigned landing spot. As was his custom, he sat in the pilot's chair and relaxed for several minutes before engaging in any conversation.
Vyx had insured that they had sufficient breathing equipment for everyone on board before leaving the Ottawa. Only long-time residents could tolerate the thin atmosphere of Scruscotto without an assist. All others needed the supplemental source of oxygen provided by small units about the size of a new born infant. They pulled oxygen from the air and, as the body required it, they released it in more concentrated doses through a tube connected to a nose clip.
When Vyx had relaxed sufficiently from the stress of landing on an uncontrolled planet, he said, "Okay, everyone knows our assignment. If we can't get what we need here, we'll move to one of the other colonies and try again. Any questions?"
"Same teams as on Bajurrsko?" Byers asked.
"Unless someone has an objection. It worked out well before."
No one spoke up so he said, "Okay, let's get to it. We've been sitting on our backsides long enough. It's time to earn our pay."
After Vyx paid the landing fees, they moved out and started working the colony. As he expected, Vyx encountered Ker Blasperra in one of the numerous taverns that they visited.
"Hello, Trader," Blasperra said as he reached the table. "Welcome back to Scruscotto."
"Hello, Ker."
"You've been gone a long time. Was your quest successful?"
"Yes and no. I found Rivemwilth's hidden base, but it was full of Tsgardis."
"You obviously managed to get away."
"There was a brief fight and I had to destroy their ship, but I got away."
"And now you've returned for your money?"
"Among other things."
"Looking for a trade perhaps?"
Lowering his voice, Vyx said, "Right now I'm looking for Milori. I've heard that there are two large fleets of warships in the Zone. Have you heard anything about them?"
"Two large fleets, you say?"
"Yes, each has over a hundred warships."
"Interesting. I heard a few rumors about a large number of ships, but I assumed they were Raiders."
"Where were these Raiders headed?"
Shrugging his shoulders, Blasperra said, "I don't know, and I'm forced to admit that I didn't listen that closely. It didn't appear to be anything that I could profit from."
"I would be willing to pay for confirmed information."
Blasperra suddenly grew more interested. "You have something to sell to the Milori?"
"Perhaps. But I would have to know where they are first."
"And what would this information be worth?"
"If it's confirmed, five-thousand credits."
"I shall look into it immediately."
"And my five-hundred-thousand?"
"You shall have that in forty-eight hours. I couldn't leave so much money un-invested, so I loaned it at very minor rate to someone who has forty-eight hours to produce it upon demand."
"Okay, Ker, forty-eight hours. But no longer! I'm going to need it."
"Of course, Trader. You have always been honorable with me and I wouldn't think of being any less honorable with you."
* * *
The teams had spent weeks on the planet; and after visiting every large mining camp and town, they returned to Weislik. Vyx and Byers were once again relaxing and drinking ale in the tavern they frequented more often than any other while on the Scruscotto. Having collected the five-hundred-thousand credits from Ker Blasperra, Vyx had spread credits around liberally as they performed their mission. Rumors about Milori abounded, and every low-life on the planet was looking to cash in by providing information, real or fictitious, about their location.
Ker Blasperra arrived about the same time as the third round of drinks. The tall, thin Hominidae-like creature with a long yellow face and large black eyes stared at Vyx impassively.
"Good day, Trader."
"Good day, Ker."
"I think that I may have what you've been looking for."
"Go on."
"A smuggler that I know was waiting to meet a contact when he was startled by his ship's warning alarms. Thinking that Space Command might have discovered him, he was about to flee when he realized that the numerous ships weren't coming towards him. He watched them on an optical scan as they passed him by at Light-375..."
Vyx had held up his hand. "Light-375?"
"I questioned that point also, but my friend was adamant."
"Continue."
"He didn't count them, but he's sure that he was passed by over eighty ships. He said there could have been as many as a hundred-twenty, but he can't be any more specific than that because they were traveling in a single file and he lost track of the count. They came as close as eighty kilometers to his location, but his small ship was hidden among a few small asteroids on the outer edge of a small system, wasn't moving nor emitting an energy signature, and therefore apparently wasn't detected."
"Where were they headed?"
"He was nervous and didn't think to get a precise fix until it was too late, but he said they were headed in the general direction of the Nazurz nebula."
"And where was your friend?"
Blasperra produced a piece of paper and handed it to Vyx. "Here are the coordinates of the location where he was waiting for his contact. It's extremely remote, so seeing ships there was quite unexpected."
"Thanks, Ker."
"And my payment?"
"As I said, confirmed information. You'll be paid when it's confirmed."
"How will you confirm my information? The ships are no longer where they were seen."
"That many ships can't hide. Someone else will see them. And when they do, it'll confirm your sighting."
"You never told me what it is you hope to sell to the Milori?"
"Nothing. I normally deal in hard goods, but this time I have a buyer willing to pay for information. You sell to me and I sell to them. We both profit."
"And who is your buyer?"
"Ker, that's not how I do business. I didn't ask the name of your smuggler friend, did I?"
"Quite right, Trader. Forgive my solecism."
"Done."
"Now that that part of our business is concluded, I have a most exciting business opportunity for you."
"Really? What is it?"
"I have a client that's looking for someone very dependable and discreet. He has a small cargo that he wishes to have delivered to Koppreco."
"A cargo of…?"
"Aluvian mamots."
"Aluvian mamots carry the Vergun Plague. That's why they're on the illegal import list at Koppreco."
"These mamots have all been quarant
ined and checked for the plague for two lunar cycles. If they were infected, the plague would have been discovered. I guarantee they're disease free."
"How many?"
"Five hundred."
"Five hundred?"
"The client will pay you a thousand credits for each mamot that arrives healthy on Koppreco."
"A thousand credits for each? That's five-hundred-thousand credits."
"They fetch a commanding price. For some reason, the mamots that they have on Koppreco won't mate. Each year there are less, and their value increases. It's not illegal to own them, just illegal to import them because of the plague. The wealthy are desperate to own the noisy little fur balls and the Kopprecon government refuses to revoke its import restriction, making smuggling them in more and more lucrative. Owning one or more has become a status symbol on Koppreco."
"Where are these mamots?"
"In a breeding and quarantine station on Aluvia."
"And I'll get full documentation on their health status?"
"Absolutely. You must be satisfied that the mamots are plague free or you have the right to reject the cargo. If you accept the deal, the client will transfer the funds to me. I'll deposit them in an interest bearing account and I'll release a thousand credits for each mamot that arrives healthy, and return the rest of the original sum to the client."
"The trip to Aluvia takes a couple of months. Will they hold the animals until I arrive?"
"Of course. By the time you arrive, they'll probably have another two-hundred, disease-free, ready to transport."
"What about food?"
Milor! Page 27
