“Zak, meet your new second.”
Byrd nodded to Junes and Zak's jaw dropped wade open, there was silence for a minute.
“Admiral, you know our history, how could you or anyone else for that mater, believe that this is a good idea. I can't imagine that Junes likes the idea either. No, this is not acceptable.”
“Sorry Zak, this even has the blessing of the high council and was recommended by your own mother. If you do not accept you will remain on board my ship and Junes will captain Panther and complete you missions. Zak, you have been getting more and more reckless and today is a prime example. Your effectiveness as the eyes and ears of the Cyrillium empire is diminished by these actions. You are becoming too involved in other peoples affairs and Junes will see to it that you do not stray too far.”
Junes smiled and Zak had a blank look on his face. This was not the first time he had heard this but, with Junes on board Panther there would be no way around objections like he did with Hart and Uhr. Hart and Uhr, being from other planets had no real authority but Junes was another story.
“Well, enough of that now let's eat. I know you have not had fresh meat for some time and we have the best on board. You might as well enjoy a meal and get used to the idea of your new second.”
The meal was excellent but the conversation was stilted, Admiral Byrd seemed to enjoy the discomfort between the two, perhaps thinking of how their time in close quarters on Panther would be like. Byrd also informed them that as soon as Panther was repaired to a minimum level they would be leaving. More repairs were needed as Uhr always pointed out but those could wait. The container with chunks missing was sealed up and the med beds still could be delivered in reasonable time providing Panther did not run into any more conflicts.
“Well then you two can go and get reacquainted while I get ready for our diplomats to broker a deal with these two worlds. We also have to explain how a century old containership managed to disable seven of their battleships. Now go.”
Zak need no more prompting as Junes followed behind.
“I will be along after I clear my quarters and get out of this uniform.”
“I am not sure how much you will like your quarters on Panther, Pete had different tastes in decorating.”
They parted ways as Zak chuckled, Pete's quarters had several nude woman painted directly on the walls, really fine artwork too. It wad another day before Panther was cleared to go and Junes had said nothing to anybody about her room as she met with or reacquainted herself with the crew.
On Colisus Two station Hallbrook was getting anxious once again with his need to find out about what was happening on Edahni. Another ship had apparently arrived from the hegmon worlds with more equipment and people. This, in Hallbrook's mind was proof that they had discovered something really valuable in their mine. His best man had been on planet but had not gained any useful information despite using extreme pressure. The colony of hegmon and humans on Edahni lived simple lives and sold just enough semi-precious minerals to keep them fed and clothed. Hallbrook began to think that Federated should take over.
As Panther made ready to depart, dignitaries from Gog and Magog were just sitting down with Cyrillium to see if the two could reconcile. For sure, being on the huge empire ship was intimidating and this would set the tone for arbitration. As Panther headed out she was escorted by twenty fighters, just another reminder to the Gog and Magog that they were not alone in the galaxy.
“Hart, what is our time to jump.”
“Thirty two minute and then five in jump space.”
“Very well, Junes, you have the con. Do not bother me unless there is a real crisis.”
Zak headed from his quarters knowing that Panther was in good hands with Junes at the helm. Despite his dislike of the woman he did respect her abilities. On the other side of the jump were several sparsely populated planets where people tended to keep to themselves. Zak figured there would be no contact with any of them on the way to Cyrillium space. It was an adjustment for Junes to go from the bridge of an empire ship with a crew of thirty to a small space usually manned by three but this is what she wanted. Zak needed help, more than he really knew and Junes intended to make sure he got it. Because of their history both the Cyrillium high command and high council she would be best to reign in Zak's increasing tendency to get involved in other worlds affairs. It was still feared he would go rogue and Panther held too many secrets. The reports from the Colisus system indicated that Zak had pushed Federated way too hard and now they were consolidating power. In another system Zak had somehow managed to stir up an uprising against a decent and stable government. Now he had almost started a war between the Gog and Magog with only the presence of Byrd's empire ship to prevent it. Two things stopped the high council from recalling him, his longstanding reputation among the known worlds and the influence of his mother, who was on the council. Zak was simply too good at his job up until recently and somehow Junes was to set him straight despite the fact that he could barely tolerate her. Once upon a time, when Zak and Junes were serving on a Cyrillium patrol cruiser a romance flared the died just as fast. What caused the breakup had never been clear to Junes, she still had feelings for him.
-6-
Now, coming out of jump space the crew was nauseous and disoriented as was usual. Most of the humans and hegmon suffered this temporary discomfort while grax were barely affected. To Junes, what was more disturbing than the physical illness was the disorientation that left the ship vulnerable. Fortunately, Panthers' engineers were grax, clearheaded and able to take charge if needed. All scans showed clear as they entered the Norma system which was next before entering the Cyrillium worlds. Norma had only two inhabited planets with third having a small outpost. The peoples of the system kept to themselves for the most part and enjoyed the peace that comes with being adjacent to the Cyrillium worlds.
“Captain, we are being hailed.”
Junes responded.
“Put them on.”
“This is Administrator Marx from planet Norma Two, we have an emergency on Norma Three and word has it that you have new diagnostics on board that may help.”
Junes knew he was referring to the new med beds but how he knew this was curious. Junes responded.
“Just what is the nature of the emergency and where did you get your information on any diagnostics we may or may not have.”
“A comm came from Zak with the information. What we have is some sort of virus that is slowly killing the colonists, no one knows the source and we are unable to find a cure. Ah, as you are new on Panther you should be aware that Zak and I are in close contact, we grew up together..”
“Of course we will help if we can but we have a schedule to keep so we may not have much time. Marx, I expect to see you at Norma Three as soon as possible, Junes, out.”
“Hart, set a course to Norma Three, best normal speed.
This delay was not critical to the delivery of the med beds and it would be interesting to hear Zak explain sharing private information about their current cargo. In the days before reaching Norma Three Zak had kept to himself except for meals and daily walks aft. The walks aft were as much about exercise as they were to avoid Junes. In the fore galley Zak was alone when Junes walked in, there was no escape.
“You realize that the high council was ready to take Panther away from you. You have been making too much noise out here, this is not what you should be doing.
“What do they expect me to do, just leave people to suffer and pirates like Federated to take over entire systems.”
“But that is not your job, you just report and the high council will act appropriately. You almost caused a war between the Gog and Magog, if not for Admiral Byrd's intervention you would have been responsible for millions of deaths.”
“You do not know that, the Gog and Magog have no real taste for war and would have settled their differences before many lives were lost.”
“And you, Zak Junes have no way of knowing that either. T
here is what a whole team of Cyrillium negotiators working that all out. The only reason you were not relieved as captain is because I am here. You can try avoiding me but how long is that going to work on this small ship anyway. From now on, no major decisions are made without running them by me first.”
They sat in silence for some time as Junes let those words sink in. It was true, as a Cyrillium military commander Junes did have authority over Zak and he knew that. Still, it was hard to accept and as he got up he left her with a few words.
“And you used to be so warm and passionate, so full of adventure. I guess that is gone now.”
Junes reflected on his words and thought how wrong he was.
Norma Three came in sight and Panther settled in a low orbit. A ship from Norma One was already there with a full compliment of doctors. Norma's levels in the sciences were on par with their neighbor Cyrillium's so understanding of the capabilities of the new grax built med bed was not much of a learning curve. The disease, or whatever this was that plagued the planet had defied explanation. They had looked for every source and found none and the bodies gave up no secrets either. It was hoped the med bed could provide a better level of detection. With no outward signs of any sort people just collapsed and died within a short time. The first thing Zak noted when the planet came into view was the vast lush plains full of wildlife and cool dark forest full of lakes. Hart pointed that the planet was much nicer than Norma One or Two. This made them wonder why it had not been settled centuries ago. As Junes stepped onto the bridge she answered.
“History says it is or was a poison planet. When they first sent out expeditions over a century ago none returned. Only recently had they sent out this survey but Jings had been through fifteen years ago and found the planet habitable by all tests run. So the question is whether this was a man made or environmental that Jings missed.”
Zak was at a loss, Junes was way ahead in analyzing the situation. He had not thought to look at Cyrillium records because the Norma system had little outside contact. Did Jings share his data with the Norma people or did they even know Jings had surveyed the planet. Zak was ready to go down to the planet and investigate. As he ordered the shuttle be made ready Junes spoke.
“Zak, before you go come with me to the galley for tea.”
This was given not so much as an order and it was hard for Junes to just ask. As they entered the galley Zak nodded to two crew members that were sitting there, they got up and left. True to her words Junes fetched tea for both of them, with sugar for Zak as he preferred.
“No one from this ship is going to the planet. We will send a med bed over to their ship and then wait and see. There is no way we want any possible contamination on Panther, you know better Zak.”
“Why do you have to be right all the time, it drives me crazy, always has and still does. But I think the problem may be with the people and not the environment. They have been harvesting meat from the planet and no one has gotten sick or died from that. It has to be some deficiency in the people. We on Panther are probably to anything down there just as we are from many things.”
“You have a good point and it needs pursuing but still does not warrant the risk.
With that Zak stood and left the galley and headed back to the bridge while Junes stayed and finished her tea. She had done what she had to, correcting Zak in private instead of in front of the crew. She could only hope he understood the discretion and not as a way to usurp his authority. Zak stepped back on the bridge.
“Is the shuttle ready and the med bed loaded.”
Someone gave an affirmative.
“Good, Hart could you take it over to the Norma ship and unload just the bed. We do not any possible contamination on Panther.”
He had used the exact words Junes had and it sounded good. Zak was restless but not stupid. It would be two days before an answer to the deaths came to light. It was Hart, who was educated as a doctor before becoming a navigator that pointed them in the right direction. As Zak has suggested, he had them look at the Norm's immune systems instead of pathogens, they discovered missing antibodies. They were being killed by a simple, common bacteria. Bacteria that were not present on Norma One and Two but present on most of the other sixty two known worlds. A simple inoculation would would take care of this deadly problem. Such a simple thing could have destroyed the populations of two planets had it been brought back from this third planet. At the same time comms between the Cyrillium and Norms medical communities brought agreement that the new med bed would remain with them. This meant Panther was free to head for the Cyrillium home world.
A ship destined for Edahni never made it. The ship carried thirty settlers and specialized drilling heads. As soon as the ship had entered Colisus system it was met by a Federation 'inspection ship'. This heavily armed frigate dwarfed the hegmon ship as it followed for a full day before hailing or answering hails from the little crowded ship.
“This is captain Road, you are in Federated space and subject to fees, tariffs and possible confiscation of your ship if carrying contraband. Come to stop and station keeping, prepare to be boarded and inspected.”
It took too long for them to respond so Federated fired two missile at the little ship. In reality it was not even a minute before the captain ordered the ship to stop.
“This is captain Gad, please stop firing we are complying.”
The approaching missiles moved with great accuracy towards the defenseless ship. Had they had a full charge the ship would have been destroyed but the low charge was intended to produce terror and fear while leaving the ship intact. This was part of Federated's policy, ships were valuable and passengers were expendable. The missiles rocked the little ship sufficiently alarming the crew and passengers. The crew and passengers were both human and hegmon in fairly equal numbers. They had all been briefed about the hazards of the trip but this was beyond what any imagined. As they came to a stop and the Federated ship closed in a shuttle was launched from the big ship and pushed ahead to the little ship. The shuttle slammed into the little ship with a jolt as grappling hooks attached to the hull right over an airlock. Crew in the little ship scrambled to open the outer airlock to prepare, had they not the Federated thugs would have torn it off anyway. Road's crew were not timid and had a reputation as being the most aggressive in boarding uncooperative ships. In this case there was no resistance as five heavily armed men came through the airlock and made for the bridge. On man did not get out of the way fast enough and was smacked down with the butt of a gun. No one else got in the blue clad thugs way as they moved quickly forward. Upon entering the bridge the Federated boarding party leader asked for the captain and as the man identified himself he was shot in the head. Federated had no need for captains but trained navigators and other bridge crew could be useful. How a individual captain dealt with captured people was up to them so long as a profit was made. Road did not much care. Hallbrook's captains did as they pleased for the most part so long as a fair percentage went into Federated's coffers. Now that they had the small ship under control a new course was ordered and the leader called for the shuttle to depart, the five would be enough to control the ship now that they had killed it's captain in such a direct manner. Terror went a long way in controlling the people and if necessary a few more would be killed as an example. This is what Zak always feared would happen not only to settlers on Edahni but anyone venturing into the Colisus system. The poor captain was left dead on the floor as the second captain was dragged in and ordered to give up the ships command codes, it did not take much convincing. The boarding party were all trained on ship operations so they could do without any crew in a pinch but it was easier to keep existing crew if possible. As the leader settled into the captains chair he directed a comm with Roads ship.
“This is captain Durk of the newly acquired Federated corvette, everything is secure here and we have set course for Colisus Four to dispose of excess crew and passengers.
Road replied.
“Good
luck to you Durk and congratulations on your new captaincy, Road, out.”
Colisus Four station had it's good side and the there was Federated's side which comprised over half the station. Federated did not pay for this privilege other than by providing protection. No one visited that half, it was a mess and quite violent. Marty Knox was one of the few who sometimes provided help to the unfortunate who fell into Federated's hands. The newly branded captain was disappointed to discover the cargo was specialized for mining, it made it almost worthless on the open market although it may be of value to those on Edahni. This type of piracy was becoming common among Federated captains. Now Durk was sitting and having a drink with Marty Knox.
“So do you have any hegmon, they make good farm workers and I could find a place for a few of them.”
Federated as a rule had little use for non-humans, especially those who could not speak commons.
“Well I may have as many as twenty, what are you offering.”
Durk may be new at this but had spent plenty of time with his old boss Road. Marty was appalled but did not show it.
“How about a full remote three hundred degree laser turret, slightly used.”
Turk was thinking that if Marty had one he must have more. To Federated, Marty was small time but still a reliable source who would take hegmon and other less desirable people. Marty hoped to get as many people away from Durk as possible but did not want to appear eager. Durk asked.
“If I throw in a few humans how about you give me two turrets. And you know if those things don't work I will hunt you down.”
“And can you make any guarantee what I am getting, hmm. It works both ways Durk. Just how many humans are you throwing in on the deal. They are worth far less as farm labor and more of a pain to move.”
Durk had already found three bridge crew and four from engineering would be staying of their own accord. Further, two beauties would stay because he wanted them to. The bulk of the settlers and crew that he did not need or want. There were only a few slave markets left in the sixty two known worlds and they were not close.
Zak Jahns Page 6
