"I'll monitor from the weapon sensors," said Zack. As the display came up, he had a sudden thought, "The courier ship we had to deal with back in the Sol system was outfitted with Matsukov pulse cannons," he said. "I wouldn't be surprised if this one is too. Those weapons may have a longer reach than you think."
"Thanks for the reminder, Lieutenant," replied the pilot. "But I've already factored that in. We should be alright unless they get in some very lucky shots."
On the powerful sensor suite of the military-grade weapons console in the turret, Zack could see the signatures of the two converging ships. It was immediately apparent the Soviet craft could have been sister to the Soviet courier ship Capri had faced off with a just over a month ago. If she were identical, she was almost certainly packing one or more of the dreaded and extremely powerful Matsukov pulse cannons.
His fears were confirmed when the courier opened fire on the helpless Helianthus with a pulse bolt carrying the unmistakable blue signature of the highly advanced and extremely powerful weapon. Because of the weapon's power, the courier had been able to open fire from a distance half again as far from the target as would have been required for Zack's weapons. It was a sober reminder that Capri was badly outgunned and running really was their only option.
At the same time, Zack wondered what kind of cold-blooded animal of a commander would order the wanton destruction of a helpless, non-combatant ship. The answer came to him with a shock. The last Soviet courier had been more or less under the control of Custodians! What's more, the crew, with perhaps one exception, had no idea who was really calling the shots! Zack immediately contacted Gertrude and Ariane.
"That's a Soviet courier exactly like Murmansk," he said. "What do you want to bet she's got Custodians onboard?"
There was a short silence on the coms as his two companions absorbed the implications of what he had just suggested.
"That makes as much sense as anything," replied Gertrude, grasping the significance immediately. "The Custodians must have found out about our mission somehow. That ship is here to disrupt our first contact meeting!"
"First contact with another species usually takes place shortly after the Sentinel is activated," said Ariane. "The Custodians know that."
"But how did they know where the meeting was set to go down?" asked Zack. "We were the only ones who knew anything about it."
There was another short silence as the three humans considered the problem -- and the implications.
"There's no way that it could have been any of us," said Ariane.
"I agree," said Zack.
His next thought chilled him to the bone.
"Omigod," he said, "This is bad. Someone from within the Amalgamation itself must have betrayed us! No one else had any idea what our destination was!"
"I pray you're wrong," said Gertrude. "But I wouldn't bet on it."
"We need to have a long talk with Symantia," said Ariane, "if we get out of this."
"Yeah," said Gertrude. "By the way, how do we get out of this?"
Her question hung in the air for a long moment.
"I have an idea," said Zack.
"I'm all ears," replied Gertrude.
"I'll bet the crew of that ship hasn't got a clue who's really in command of their mission. How about we send them the same recordings we sent with Sergei and Won. How do you think they'd react if they got a look at what happened on board their sister ship back in Sol?"
"Good thinking, Zack!" said Ariane. "How about we find out. Gertrude? Pull up those recordings. Zack? Fire a warning shot, we need to get their attention!"
"Aye aye, Captain."
Zack began tracking the Soviet ship with Capri's pulse cannons as soon as they'd come online and both weapons were already aligned with the target. At the current range, even a direct hit wasn't likely to do much damage, if any, but he deliberately depressed the aim anyway to ensure the pulses would pass underneath. "Firing now, Captain."
He triggered two simultaneous pulses, one from each projector, and watched as they strobed out to pass harmlessly about five kilometers beneath the Soviet craft.
Meanwhile, Gertrude had located the recordings made during the clash between the Murmansk and the Vikings in the skies over Deimos.
"Ready to send recordings," said Gertrude.
Chapter 20. Belgrade Woes.
Deep space, New Belgrade star system, October 7, 2676.
After the departure of Symantia's Guardian scoutship, just after 0800 hours, Jakob Luken resumed course for New Belgrade. A half hour later, after the ship had phased into sublight and was operating on automatic systems, Jakob turned to Sergei and Won, who had been observing on the bridge.
"I'm still having trouble absorbing all of this," said Jakob. "But it could explain some things."
"How so?" asked Sergei.
Jakob gave his friend a serious look and said, "First of all, let me say that I'm really glad you came, Sergei. We could really use some help. A lot of bad things are going down, not just out here on New Belgrade, but on all the Soviet planets."
"Bad how?"
"A new racketeering outfit took over the docks at New Belgrade and most of the other orbital stations a couple of months ago. They charge a flat fee of five thousand credits from every cargo ship that docks. It's a back-breaker, let me tell you. They're pushing little guys like me out of business."
"What about the Soviet authorities?" asked Won.
"That's part of the problem, seems like these guys have the cooperation of the local authorities, and the Soviet Navy. Even your old ship, Kiev, is in on the scam."
"Who's in charge of Kiev, is it still Feodor Minkin?" asked Sergei.
"No, he got transferred out just about the time these new guys started moving in."
"So his replacement is almost certainly corrupt?"
"I'd say you could pretty much count on it."
"What happens if you refuse to cooperate?"
"You mean if they don't just blow your ship out of space? The port authorities are also in on the racket. If you haven't paid the 'insurance fee,' they claim the legal right to impound your ship and confiscate your cargo, contraband or not."
"I'd say it's a strong bet these problems are a direct result of the reason we're here in the first place," said Sergei. "We'll look into it."
"I'll help out in any way I can," said Jakob.
"That could turn out to be quite a lot, Jakob. How soon do we get to port?"
"We should be at the orbital platform sometime late this afternoon."
"It's almost the end of the week. Kiev should be there soon, if they aren't there already. I need to get in touch with some of my old crewmembers. Whoever these new people are, they can't have managed to corrupt everybody."
"Station Security has also been ramped up. You're going to need some new IDs."
"I assume you can help us out?"
"My guys are still the best in the business. I'll get them working on it right away."
"Please know I don't ask this lightly, old friend, but would you be willing to let Won and I maintain quarters on your ship?"
"No problem. We go back a long ways, Sergei. I'm hoping you can figure out what's going on and maybe do something about it."
"I'll do what I can." Sergei was already convinced this new racketeering outfit was being spearheaded by something other than run-of-the-mill corrupt people. The damned Custodians had to be behind it somehow. If his hunch was correct, the level of infiltration by the foul creatures into the Soviet Bureaucracy was even greater than he'd feared. When he and Won were alone in their quarters, Sergei shared his concerns.
"We've got a problem, Won," he said.
"Custodians?"
"I don't see how it could be anyone else. If things got this bad, this fast, clear out here at New Belgrade, what do you suppose is going on in the other systems? It would be nice to know if their plan was to get themselves established out here in one of the more remote facilities and move steadily higher up the ladder or
..."
"Or what?"
"Or if the situation is already worse than this around the large planets, and the disease is spreading outward from there."
"Scary thought. What do you suggest we do?"
"Not get ourselves killed, for one thing."
"I certainly agree with you on that account. As Amalgamated agents, all we really need is proof there're Custodians involved and we can get out of here. Then we contact Symantia and get the information to the Grand Council."
"And they're going to do...what?"
"They'll intervene for Humanity and help us get this mess straightened out."
Sergei paused and gave his friend a serious look. "I doubt the Amalgamation is going to be much help."
Won was taken aback by the comment, "What makes you say that?"
"I've talked this over with my fellow Guardians, and we don't think the Amalgamation would risk going to war with the Custodians over an insignificant race like us Humans, who aren't even members yet. On the other hand, for all we know, this crisis could be part of our citizenship test. If we're realistic, we need to meet this threat on our own."
"I hope you're wrong."
"I would like nothing better."
"So, what do you suggest we do?"
"We need irrefutable proof this racketeering operation is under control of Custodians. Then we expose them and their cooperators to the people."
"Who will then turn on these scumbag exploiters?"
"That's the hope. I can't imagine more than a small percent of the Navy or the government is involved yet. Those that aren't will certainly be appalled when they find out. If we get enough Navy personnel on our side, we could not only stop the racketeering, but we could start rooting out this Custodian infestation."
Won nodded in approval, "Okay. What's next?"
"I'm going to take my new ID and see if I can make contact with some of my old crew over at the Iron Maiden. See if someone is willing to fill me in on the situation."
"There's not a chance anyone out here knows who I am," said Won. "I'll be going with you."
"I was hoping you'd say that."
Chapter 21. Schoolyard Bullies.
New Belgrade Orbital Platform. October 7, 2676.
Odessa docked the at the New Belgrade orbital platform without incident. Sergei and Won were waiting with Jakob in the main cargo hold when the crew opened the cargo doors and made preparations to start offloading cargo. As the doors opened, Sergei could see three men, dressed in Political Corps uniforms, already waiting for them on the dock. One of the men was short and scrawny while the others were large, bulked-up and had obviously been chosen for their intimidating presence.
"The little guy is the agent," said Jakob, confirming Sergei's suspicions. "His name is Oleg Babkin. He may not look like much, but he's a genuine offspring of a rabid dog. The other two are the muscle. You two better wait here."
Jakob went down the loading ramp and on to the dock to confront the trio. As he came up to them, the agent remained where he was while the two muscle men each took a couple of steps forward, flanking the merchant on either side. Even though the agent and his thugs were essentially waiting to rob Sergei's friend, the interaction between them was conducted under a veneer of cordiality.
"Good day, Jakob," said the agent. "I trust you had a safe trip?"
"I did, Oleg."
"So, how's business?"
"The usual, gettin' by, makin' a little here, losin' a little there."
"Of course. So, what sort of goods are you offloading today?"
Jakob made some gestures on his tablet, "I just sent you my cargo manifest."
The agent took a moment to look over the manifest on his own tablet, nodding his head frequently as he went down the list. Finally he said, "Everything appears to be in order. Now if you'll just transfer the six-thousand credit docking fee, you can get on with unloading your ship."
"Six thousand?" said Jakob, more than a little shocked by the substantial increase. "It was only five just two weeks ago. Why the increase?"
The agent shrugged. "The cost of doing business just continues to get higher. Of course, if you can't pay..."
"That's a pretty steep increase, I was just wondering..."
The thug on the left stepped around behind Jakob and pinned his arms behind him. Babkin stepped up close enough that Jakob could feel the little man's fetid breath on his face. The false smile was gone, replaced by a feral snarl. "You got some kind of problem with our terms?" growled the agent, just before he drew back his right arm and cuffed Luken on the cheek, snapping the merchant's head to one side.
"I meant no disrespect, Oleg. Please, let me go. I'll pay."
The little agent snarled at Luken for a few more seconds before he stepped back.
"Let him go, Rafit."
The thug released Jakob, but not before giving him a shove that threatened to knock him off his feet. When Jakob had recovered his balance, he shrugged his shoulders and tugged at his clothing to straighten it out. After somewhat recovering his composure, he reached into a hip pocket of his coverall, withdrew his wallet and fished out a card. "Here's my credit chip," he said, handing the card to the agent. "I don’t want any trouble."
"We'll be charging an extra five hundred because you resisted paying," said Babkin.
Merchant that he was, Jakob was about to protest, maybe get the man to back off a little, but realized immediately such action would probably lead to even harsher physical abuse and a further increase in the fee. Though he was seething inside, he wisely kept his mouth shut.
Babkin touched the chip to the back of his tablet. Within a fraction of a second, Jakob was sixty five hundred credits poorer. "Pleasure doing business with you, Jakob. I'd stay and chat, but we have several more ships to welcome in. One of them is resisting somewhat more than you did. Might be good for your health if you took note of how we deal with uncooperative ship captains."
"I'll be sure to keep myself informed," said Jakob.
"Very good, Jakob. I wish all of my clients were as easy to get along with as you are. It would save us all a lot of trouble."
"Happy to be of service," said Jakob, managing not to sound too sarcastic.
The agent and his two associates left Odessa and made their way further along the docking facilities, heading for their next victim. Jakob had a red welt on the right side of his face only now beginning to fade.
"Cold-blooded little weasel isn't he?" said Sergei.
"Yeah," said Jakob, rubbing his jaw where the man had struck him, "and as you just saw, he and his associates can turn nasty in a nanosecond."
"You say this has been going on for how long?"
"Almost two months. I wouldn't have even come back here if I didn't have some contracts to honor. Unless something changes drastically, I won't be back again."
"Can't say I blame you," said Sergei.
"I just lost three quarters of my profit for this trip," said Luken, shaking his head. "We aren't staying any longer than we have to. I'd say you'd better get on with your business."
"How long have we got?" asked Won.
"Two, maybe three days."
"That'll have to be enough," said Sergei. "I did some checking. It seems my old ship docked last night. I'm sure some of the crew have been granted shore leave. Won and I are going over to the Iron Maiden to see if I can locate some of the enlisted men I know."
"Be careful," said Jakob. "Security has tightened up a lot since you were here last."
"Will do," replied Sergei. "Are you ready for this Won?"
"No time like the present," said Won, "let's get on with it."
Chapter 22. Epiphany.
SPS Lenin, Deep Space, Star system X97610, October 7, 2676.
On board Lenin, Grasmik and the rest of the bridge crew were startled when a pair of pulse bolts flashed past several kilometers underneath the courier.
"Where in the hell did those come from?" asked Grasmik.
"They appear to have been
fired by the Federation cargo ship," replied Nuriyev. "Apparently they're armed."
Knowing full well the strange big craft and the Federation ship were both at the very limit of Lenin's weapons, Grasmik sought to give the strange ship a little more time to escape by shifting focus to the Federation craft. "Weapons? Target that cargo ship!" ordered Grasmik. With Lenin well out of range of the cargo ship's weapons, he realized the two pulse bolts had been merely a warning shot, something to get his attention. He quickly added, "Do not fire until I give the order."
"Aye aye, sir," came the reply.
While the gun crew was still in the process of shifting their aim from the huge, strange vessel to the smaller one, Ensign Nuriyev received a signal. "Captain?"
"What is it Ensign?"
"I am receiving a message from the Federation ship, sir."
"Put it on the main screen, Ensign," said Grasmik.
An attractive blond woman with a strong jawline and very determined blue eyes appeared on the main screen.
"This is Gertrude Tvedt, of the United Federation Research vessel, Capri. I implore you to stand down! We are not your enemy! I repeat, we are not your enemy. All of humanity, including the Soviet planets, are in grave danger from an alien threat. The makers of the benign and unarmed ship you seem bent on destroying are our allies in this new war. The real enemy was responsible for the destruction of Soviet Peoples' Ship Murmansk just over a month ago. We received this communication minutes prior to the loss of the ship. Sending video now."
"Ignore them," said Pavlovich. "They're only stalling for time."
Grasmik surveyed the situation and decided to let things be for the time being. The Federation vessel was already accelerating away on a vector making pursuit impossible, especially given the status of Lenin's reaction fluid levels. The big ship, his main target, wasn't attempting escape and was going to be a sitting duck unless her crew did something drastic within the next few minutes. A short delay before resuming their attack would make little difference to the outcome. Also, like Captain Kozloff before him, he was not all that comfortable firing on what appeared to be a completely defenseless ship.
The Archeon Codex: Guardians of the Galactic Sentinel Book 2 Page 12
