Ilox Saga 1: Eris Monroe: More Than Human

by Bruce Adams

  “Operations Specialist Trafelle Talani,” she said while saluting. “It’s an honor to be on your team, ma’am.” T’sell had been using the disguise of Trafelle for months around the humans - a necessary subterfuge in her line of work. The humans inside the Gaea Project knew her only as a gifted weapons specialist and not her true identity.

  Eris returned the salute. She had noticed the young woman before hanging back observing and never saying anything. “I’m glad to have you aboard the Sparta. What exactly are your duties?”

  “Human-Alien relations, weapons expert, Captain.” T’sell had insisted to Dominic Gray that she be allowed anonymity…on cloaking her true race and name, but she was telling Monroe the truth about her specializations. She gazed at Eris Monroe unblinkingly. “I also perform routine duties to monitor the hull for micro leaks.” T’sell, in her guise as Trafelle Talani, offered nothing further, and Eris seemed content to ask nothing more of her. Taking one last look at the spacious hangar deck, Eris exclaimed that it was time for her to go.

  “We have work to do, everyone to their stations.” The crew prepared the ship for takeoff.

  Sixteen minutes later, Eris had returned to the command deck with Eli by her side - she stood in the operations room of the combat information center. Kizzara was seated in the pilot’s station and Kyle took position in the co-pilot’s chair. Kyle looked over at Kizzara and grimaced.

  “So, you’re the pilot and I’m the co-pilot?”

  “Just so.” Kizz then stuck her tongue out at him. The holographic controls glowed in the subdued lighting of the forward part of the CIC. Technicians had green lights across their boards. The ship was fully powered and ready to depart.

  “Ready to engage inertial dampeners and antigrav pulsar drive,” said Kizzara. At Eris’ side Eli interfaced effortlessly with the ship’s computer and reported. “All stations reporting in…they’re ready.” He looked at Eris, “Captain, let’s take her out.”

  “Kizz, disengage docking clamps and leave this station. Set course for jump point coordinates leading to the Alphard system.” The elegant ship made no sound as it coolly slipped away from the gleaming space station that had been Eris Monroe’s home for the last three months. With antigrav thrusters speeding the ship along it took only an hour to make the jump out of system. The Sparta disappeared inside the scintillating Lindstrom tunnel and headed towards Alphard.

  CHAPTER 15

  Planoss was primarily a water-covered planet and was owned by the powerful K’Tosk Corporation Urudana Yag. Specializing in pleasure-based and recreational industries the corporation had allowed over a dozen separate island locations to be developed all over the planet. Planetary gravity was zero point nine two just slightly less than one gee standard and the weather was extremely pleasant for most sentient races. The oxygen rich atmosphere had led to very large and fierce predators that ran, swam and flew. Even a lot of plant life was extremely dangerous. Travelers were constantly warned to stay within the walled compounds of their designated hospitality zones and never stray. Tourists flocked to the planet from all over the Verge to take expensive vacations, gamble and get sun-burned. Hunters also came to Planoss to track and kill dangerous prey for sport. Every year there were horrific news reports of hunting parties being eaten, but that didn’t stop hunters from coming. Gambling, hotels and casinos were the mainstay industries of Planoss – at least, that’s why most tourists flocked to the garden world.

  With its breathable atmosphere, the world was a popular tourist attraction to citizens living throughout the Verge and for those that were running from the Republic. Information supplied by DSD operatives indicated that Saephan had booked a suite at the hotel Surimakei. Weapons were technically illegal on the planet except for the big game hunters that had to stay in exclusive zones well away from the tourists. Anyone found circumventing the weapons ordinance would be summarily thrown in jail and then kicked off Planoss with a permanent ban for life. Thirty minutes before completing the jump into the Alphard system, T’sell knocked on Captain Monroe’s stateroom door.

  “Come.”

  T’sell heard the Captain and entered the spacious cabin to find Eris sitting at a work desk reading about Planoss. “What do you want Trafelle? There’s not much time left until we hit Alphard system.” Eris turned from the data stream to look at the woman she knew as specialist Talani.

  “Captain, I want to accompany you down to the planet. I can help convince the Orvod he should rejoin DSD. Also, intelligence reports have indicated that Alliance operatives may be on Planoss, and you may need more backup just in case…” T’sell let her words trail off. The point she was attempting to make wasn’t lost on Captain Monroe.

  Eris leaned back in her chair and stretched her arms while arching her back. Throughout the down-time it took for a ship to traverse an artificially generated Lindstrom tunnel, she had been reading everything about Planoss and all the data that was known about engineer Saephan. Other than being known as a brilliant theorist and engineer with an oversized ego, she hadn’t learned much. His engineering schematics were beyond her skill-sets.

  “I’m sure you can help with a sniper rifle but this isn’t a combat mission – we won’t be carrying any weapons. Eli Bowman is coming with me.” Eris had set her jaw and her eyes glinted like blue steel.

  “Hasephrey is an Orvod male, he won’t care that you’re beautiful. To him, you have the sex appeal of a dog.” T’sell saw the look in Monroe’s eyes and didn’t want to push it… she decided to switch tactics. “He also has plenty of credits so that won’t work either.” She had been living amongst humans for decades but still didn’t fully grasp the complex signals they emitted. Among the mind blind such body language was common but Zari communicated telepathically.

  “I wasn’t planning on seducing him...” Eris had a disgusted look on her face. “I’ll appeal to his ego and state the obvious – he’s the only one that can make the stealth generator work for the Sparta. That’s got to mean something to him…”

  “I’m sorry, Captain. I didn’t mean to offend. I am an expert on alien races and know their psychology. Orvod are from a culture that holds honor above all else. I knew him, I’ve actually met him. I can sway him along those lines. I also know exactly why he left DSD.” She put her hands on her hips and tilted her head slightly upwards, making eye contact with Eris. “He retired because he thought DSD was going to use Valdren technology to make weapons.”

  Eris rested her chin on her closed hand, with her elbow resting on the chair arm. “Is that true? Would Dominic Gray do that?”

  I must be careful here. “Whether it’s true or not is irrelevant…we must convince him to come join with the Sparta. There is very little chance of boarding the Holdfast and destroying the information the Alliance has obtained unless Saephan comes with us. That’s a fact.”

  Eris stood from her chair and nodded her head – she had made up her mind. “Very well, permission granted. You know him personally, so your insight can be put to good use. If he refuses to help, there’s a good possibility that Bowman can access the information we need anyway. Get your gear ready, we’ll be leaving in less than two hours. Dismissed, specialist.” Eris turned back to preparing for the mission.

  As Talani left her cabin, Eris couldn’t shake an uneasy feeling. She almost seemed too sure of herself, that she would be able to convince the Orvod to come to their way of thinking with a few choice phrases. Nevertheless, Eris didn’t have time to dwell on the situation; she would be leaving the ship soon. She returned to the CIC on deck one by taking the central elevator. She met Eli on her way up. At the Captain’s station, she began issuing orders.

  “Kizz…keep the ship well away from the planet while we’re gone.” She opened ship-wide broadcast and began speaking to the crew. “Lieutenant Arneson will pilot the Starlifter and land at the G’arocki starport which is located nearest to the Surimakei hotel. Specialists Bowman, Talani and I will convince Saephan to come with us. We should be back in less t
han six hours. Executive officer Malik will have command of Sparta while we’re on Planoss.” She turned to Eli. “You ready?” He nodded and they headed to deck five to board the Starlifter. Kyle and Talani were there waiting on them. Two hours after boarding the shuttle and leaving the Sparta behind they were setting down at one of the smaller starports on the large planet. The view from orbit had been unimpressive as the planet was composed almost entirely of water. Only a few groups of islands could be seen amidst a vast ocean of blue.

  At the starport, there were throngs of humans everywhere they looked. K’Tosk and Orvod similarly strolled throughout the spacious halls as well. Aliens like to relax and go on vacation just as much as humans. Even a few female Zari could be seen, though they were rare. Eris had only seen two of them travelling together. She didn’t want to arouse any suspicions so Eris had dressed in casual clothes and carried no weapons…just like a tourist. Eli and Trafelle were similarly attired. Getting through customs was routine and they had passed through security after only a few minutes.

  “Eli, can you verify that Saephan is at the hotel?” Eris was genuinely intrigued by his ability to interface with machines using just his mind. With implants sentients could communicate with computers, but that was using tech that was inside of them. Eli only used his mind, and in a way, he was like her as she didn’t rely on implants either. The existence of psionics had always been a fascinating subject for her but she didn’t have time to debate the philosophical pros and cons of the esoteric ability. Eli stopped in front of one of dozens of holo kiosks that were scattered all about the starport. As Eris watched, it appeared as if he was doing nothing, though his eyes were slightly dilated as he seemed to be staring into space. His fingers made a drumming sound on the kiosk keys.

  “Just a sec…yeah, he’s checked in at suite number 938 of the east wing of the Surimakei hotel. He’s been there for two weeks. I guess that Intel I supplied was legitimate,” he grinned. “Saephan paid with a credit bit…” Eli said. “Want the number?” The look on Eris’s face made his grin disappear fast. “Spoil sport.”

  “Let’s go.” She hailed an auto-cab that pulled to a stop with a soft electric hum. The trip was uneventful and fast as twenty minutes later Eris paid the cab in cash as they arrived at the elegant hotel. One unique feature of the hotel was the fact it was floating ten meters above the ground. This was one of the so-called Wonders of Planoss advertisements plastered all over the starport had implored her to visit. Looking over the structure she was impressed.

  As they headed to the east wing, Eris took note of everything about the hotel…the richly decorated wooden halls…real planks of wood, not synthetics, had been used throughout the hotel. The building was designed for the ultra rich. Still, there were throngs of people walking all about – the galaxy was large and had no shortage of well-off wealthy people. Arriving at suite 938, Eris touched the door computer to announce her presence. A moment later an Orvod, bald with leathery dark skin, appeared in the viewscreen.

  “Yes?” His face was typical of many Orvod’s - very little hair with a mass of ritual tattoo’s decorating his bald head. In the viewscreen nothing could be seen behind his head but a window and clear blue sky.

  “Chief Engineer Saephan, my name is Eris Monroe. It’s very urgent I speak with you. I’d like a moment to talk to you in person if you don’t mind.”

  “Do you work for hotel?” His eyebrows were raised in suspicion.

  “No…” At the moment she uttered the word, the screen went blank. Eris turned to Eli and gave him a look. Turning to face Eli, she motioned with her eyes at the door. A few seconds later, a click was audible and she pushed the heavy portal inward. The three of them entered a huge multi-level living room suite with three large red leather couches and an oversized entertainment center. Eris closed the door behind them. Eli whistled in appreciation at the opulent living room. A ten meter long window let in a tremendous amount of light and illuminated gorgeous antique furniture. Hasephrey stood up from one of the oversized couches. Eris had seldom met Orvod up close and personal. Saephan was at least two meters and twenty six centimeters in height. He was massive and muscled like an ox. When Saephan stood, Eris could see anger flash across his face. A man who had been conversing and sitting beside the Orvod also stood. Trafelle spoke as the inhabitants rose from sitting, “Chief Engineer, it’s good to see you again. It’s been a long time.”

  “What is meaning of this? Trafelle? Why are you here?”

  The other man was nervous and flatly stated, “I’m calling security!” Eli looked at him with a sardonic smile. “No, no you’re not.” Eli had disabled their communication implants the moment he saw them. The Orvod put a massive hand on his companions shoulder.

  “Bresand, there is no need to be alarmed. I know this woman,” Hasephrey said, pointing to Trafelle. “I am sure they will be leaving soon - but answers first.” Bresand pulled away from the Orvod but said nothing further.

  “I need your help,” appealed Eris with hands raised facing palm outwards. “The Republic needs your help.” Saephan was scowling but the man next to him was unsure how to proceed – he was dumbfounded that his phone implant still wasn’t working.

  “You break into room…and ask for help?” The Orvod was wearing dark clothing studded with bands of fiber-structures. Each band could be taken off by hand, activated with a silent code from an implant and expand in a micro-second into a full sized tool. There were at least ten bands decorating his sleeves and pant legs. The engineer was never without his tools.

  “Will you please listen?” T’sell, in her disguise as Trafelle, pleaded with the Orvod. She also pushed him slightly, just a tiny nudge that he couldn’t possibly notice. “The Alliance is on the verge of a major break-though with Valdren technology. You know what they’re going to do with it.” The Orvod towered over those gathered. His lips curled in a knowing grimace.

  “You represent Republic?” He didn’t wait for a reply and continued. “Trafelle, you were kind to me while I worked at DSD, but you said nothing when I left. You said nothing to Dominic Gray. He wants same thing as Alliance…he wants weapons.”

  “Dominic Gray swore to me that was a misunderstanding,” T’sell said. “We all know the Alliance is hell bent on a path to galactic war. They’re going to get it one way or another unless they’re stopped.”

  Eris stepped closer to the Orvod engineer and looked up into his face. She wasn’t intimidated by his size. “I give you my word, we don’t want Valdren weapons but we do want to stop the Alliance from gaining them.”

  “Question - what if Alliance has already reverse engineered ancient technology? What chance to stop them then?” He continued to stand, waiting for an answer. Eris spoke.

  “We have no chance without your ingenuity... Come with us. Help us,” she said softly. “If we don’t stop them they will sweep the galaxy and enslave star system after star system until no one is left to challenge them.”

  Saephan nodded. “Of course you need my help…the null field on the Sparta is not functioning. I will come with you. I will help you. But if you lied to me…” The large Orvod tilted his massive head at Eris and then turned to his companion and spoke. “Bresand, we must conclude our business another time. It has been pleasure working with you. You know my link code and we will talk again. I’m afraid I must go check out of hotel. Goodbye.” Bresand nodded, walked swiftly away, opened the outer door and was gone. Saephan grunted and stretched. Eris allowed herself a small moment of satisfaction. “I will reinstate you at your former rank of Chief Engineer of course. You’ll be pleased with the Sparta, she’s a fine ship.”

  “Eh?” The Orvod shrugged his massive shoulders. “The Sparta was not finished when I left ten months ago. It is good to hear she has been completed. I have my tools. Let me grab belongings.” He trundled ponderously into the master suite bedroom and emerged a few minutes’ later carrying two large trunks – one held in each substantial hand. “My clothes and hunting equipment,” he sa
id. A thin smile appeared on his leathery face. “I will have trophies sent to Sparta later…yes?” Eris nodded.

  All of them left the suite, walked to the nearest elevator and told it to take them to the east lobby. They were headed back to the starport as Eris called Kyle on an encrypted channel. “We’re proceeding back to the Starlifter; we should be there in twenty-five minutes.”

  “Copy that Captain.” Kyle’s voice came clearly through the small ear-piece communicator that Eris was using. Dozens of people passed them but paid no attention. They appeared to be nothing more than tourists, the same as everyone else staying at the hotel Surimakei. They had just exited the main elevator into the east lobby. People were everywhere and it was crowded. Eli was startled to see at least eight men linked together were approaching the main door to the east lobby. Interfacing with the implants of the man, he learned that he was part of an Alliance team of agents sent to capture Eris Monroe.

  “Uh, Captain…we have trouble.” Eli said with a pained expression. Using his talent he watched the agents approach the front desk and gesture rudely to hotel personnel. “Eris, there are Alliance agents approaching!” Eli blurted out. He saw with his mind’s eye agents heading straight towards them in the wide open lobby. The lead operative, a tall fair haired human wearing dark clothing stood in the open lobby beneath a hanging chandelier. He locked eyes with Eris Monroe as he yelled out.

  “Take the Monroe woman.” Alliance operatives arrayed behind him wore similar clothing, but Eris noted slight protrusions…they wore combat armor vests under their shirts. The agents had spread out in a wedge shaped attack formation. None of them had any weapons. The lead agent was at least seven meters distant from Eris.