“That's fantastic news, eyes!” Captain Aysi shouted, her previous boisterousness returning.
“Fleet Command has ordered us to reduce speed,” the captain told over the bridge’s closed com, “it appears that the HZBF doesn't know about the arrival of the ABF reinforcements. To make sure it stays that way, we will be sending the remainder of the EW Frigates forward and have them run fake battle group signatures, so when the Alutia Battle Fleet reaches sensor range, they should figure it as just another trick. We will then accelerate to max weapons range, fire a salvo, then decelerate immediately as the ABF engages,” Captain Aysi explained.
It was a good plan, but Daniel thought it relied too much on the HZBF not being able to see through the EW frigates, or pick them off before the ABF could reach weapon’s range. A different plan popped into his mind. He felt a wicked grin cross his lips.
“Captain,” he linked a closed channel, so as not to be overheard.
“This better be good, Lieutenant,” the captain’s voice was ice.
“I have an idea, ma’am,” he said, trying to mask his excitement.
“Which is?” she pushed, obviously low on patience.
“Ma’am, as we all know, the EW frigates are not 100% effective at creating battle group signatures. So it is likely that the HZBF may see through our rouse,”
“And your point, Lieutenant,” the captain growled, Daniel reaching the end of his rope.
“What if we let them know of the ABF fleet, ma’am,” the com channel went silent.
“Explain,” she said, her tone low, but curiosity peaked...I have her.
“If we were to have someone...say, me...act as if I wanted to defect by sending a hidden message to Duke Zehman, informing him of our plan. Then, when the ABF and EW frigates come into weapon’s range, instead of a random chance they will fire upon the right battle groups...we can guide him into thinking a group of the EW frigates is actually the real one,” he explained.
“It’s devious, Lieutenant,” she sounded dubious, “and risky...but,” he glanced up at the captain, finding her rubbing her hands together, “it may be less risky than the current plan. While I send this off to fleet command, put a message together,” he started to close the channel, “and Lieutenant, don’t think this will fully make up for your earlier comments,” she finished, closing the channel in his stead before he could respond. But that didn’t matter. His plan had been set into motion.
He started his message: “Dear Duke Zehman Hulk’Zif, This is sent to you in secret from my station aboard the TSB Ero’Cia. I see no reason to continue the charade that I actually support the TSB and their resistance to hand over Commander Quinn, Vice-Commander Daiyu, and the Earthling known as Trent,” a shiver of hatred coursed over his flesh at the mere thought of Trent, “with this, I beg you, Duke Zehman, My Lord, to allow me the honor to defect to the Hulk’Zif Duchy so I can serve a master who’s beliefs more closely coincide to my own. To show my intention, I provide to you with this information. A fleet of ABF battle groups has arrived in the Earth star system, and will breach sensor range in a little under 10 Earth hours, or hours 17 minutes NHA time. I hope for a favorable response, TSB Lieutenant Daniel,” he finished the message, then glanced back to the captain, who was in discussion with someone over the com.
“Lieutenant Daniel, have you completed the message?” the captain asked as the closed com channel came active.
“Yes, ma’am,” he responded.
“Good, forward it to me and Lt. Commander Xi,” she instructed. He paused, uncertain, but found no harm in including the com officer.
“Looks good. Xi, you know what to do,” Captain Aysi said after a moment.
“Yes, ma’am. Message encrypted to look like it was sent secretly by Lieutenant Daniel,” she responded.
“Good, send it,” she ordered. Daniel started to tremble with excitement. He went back to work, checking the status of his weapon crews while glancing constantly at his station queue, waiting for the return message. An icon blinked.
“Captain, I received a response,” he said as he forwarded it to her station before streaming it directly through his BC node.
“Lieutenant Daniel, I am always honored to receive others of the TSB who would leave the side of wickedness. Your information pleases me, and if you can provide additional details of this ABF fleet, you can name your reward. Duke Zehman,” the message ended.
“He took the bait. Lieutenant Daniel, compose a response and include the following approach vector for where he can expect the “real” ABF reinforcements, then forward the message to me and Xi,” the captain ordered. He went to work, unable to fully mask the devious grin that had spread across his lips.
He prepared a thorough response, going into detail about their current plan, then, through a trick he had been taught years ago by one of his cronies, he “masked” a second message within the first that neither the captain nor the com officer could possibly locate, and would only be revealed to Duke Zehman himself.
This “masked” message stated: “Duke Zehman, the location listed for the ABF fleet’s approach vector in this message are incorrect and meant to keep you from the correct target. I’ve attached the actual approach vector below. Your Loyal Servant, Lieutenant Daniel,” with this he would seal the fate of the TSB, and use the favor provided by Duke Zehman to not only get his revenge on Trent, but totally annihilate him. The memory of Trent’s lost lover returned. He would take her from Earth, make her his own...then use her to destroy Trent fully, both in body and mind.
“Looks good, ma’am,” Xi said over the com, though her tone was a little off.
“Send it,” the captain ordered.
Time ticked slowly, and Daniel forcibly suppressed his rising tension, trying not to be overly obvious as he wiped the growing sweat from his brow. Another 15 minutes passed and he was about to send a message to Xi, to find out what was taking so long, when a response flashed on his station.
“Lieutenant Daniel, this information pleases me. We will mark your starship as friendly. But once the ABF forces have been destroyed, you must convince your captain to surrender to me, and not try to flee, by any means necessary. Then, as is your desire, I shall allow you to pledge your eternal loyalty to me and me alone, and gift you whatever further reward you so crave. Duke Zehman.”
“He’s ours,” the captain growled over the com. And your mine, he thought in response.
“Attention!” the captain shouted, “battle stations are canceled for the next six hours. Everyone is to eat and rest. I want each and every one of you fit for the coming fray. Dismissed,”
Daniel, relieved by the break, stood and hurried past the captain, who nodded her approval. He returned it, hoping she wouldn’t notice his unnatural blush. As he entered a tube transport heading for the officer’s mess, he wondered how he could force his hot blooded captain to surrender. His eyes fell to his laser arc and he smiled.
*********
Tiana rolled over in her bunk as the tears that had been flowing for so very long, finally ran dry. Why did Sasha leave me behind? She kept questioning, over and over, and no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't think of a reason.
They'd been together for as long as Tiana could remember and had always been there for one another, through the good times and the bad. What had changed that caused Sasha to leave her, to forget their friendship? She tried to force out more tears, but it was impossible, the well, like her heart, was now empty.
“Being left behind can be an act of kindness, my mother once told me,” Regalia crawled into the bunk, snuggling against her back. The young girl's presence helped her calm, but as she lay silent, the grip of sadness began to fade as understanding washed over her like a wave, leaving only anger in its place.
I can’t believe you Sasha! Her mind screamed as Regalia's words fully registered. Her friend had left her behind thinking to protect her, keep her from harm, thinking she was responsible for what happened on the shuttle. She rolled over and emb
raced the young Regalia.
“Your 10 years old! Stop talking like you're a 100!” she tickled Regalia relentlessly, who squealed with delight. Gil'Da sat on the edge of the bunk, staring upon them both kindly, looking much older than Tiana remembered.
Gil'Da had been a servant and tutor for Tiana's family for over 150 years, though normally you’d never be able to tell. The woman had short black hair flecked with streaks of white that looked cosmetic. Fine creases covered her common, but attractive face, that didn’t look a day over a 100, while her skin was still a smooth, buttery bronze, like a woman a third of her 227 years of age. Gil'Da began to lightly caress her leg, smiling when their eyes met.
“Regalia, it's time for your bath and I need to wash that jumpsuit, it's starting to smell quite horrible, and even the star god would be unable to stand your presence,” her words brought back memories and Tiana laughed playfully as Regalia buried herself further in her chest, acting all of her 10 years of age.
Gil'Da all but raised Tiana as her mother was usually busy with court affairs and her father, by name only, traveled the universe with her older brother. Tiana held no ill will towards her parents, since she always had Gil'Da and Sasha to keep her company. The two were like her parents, Gil’Da would teach and scold her when she fell out of line, and Sasha would raise and guide her through the life of a noble lady. A specific memory Tiana had long forgotten, suddenly returned as Gil'Da escorted the pouting Regalia to the washroom.
The memory was from the time of Sasha’s greatest horror, when they snuck out of Tidelia Castle so Sasha could meet Sir Roberto, who she had been courting at the time. But Sir Roberto had no intention of courting Sasha properly, and when she and Tiana traveled alone to the noble rendezvous, hidden deep in the woods outside Tileenia, Roberto had become a monster. The eight year old Tiana watched helplessly as Sasha was stripped and tied to the bed. Then, to her growing horror, a group of noble boys entered the refuge, assaulting Sasha with their touch while begging Roberto to allow them to rape her. But he refused, only permitting them to take detailed scans of her naked flesh that they could then use as they pleased.
When it ended, and the boy’s left them in tears, Tiana had freed Sasha. With a look Tiana had only witnessed twice in her short life, Sasha instructed her to tell no one, ever, of what had occurred that day. Tiana reluctantly agreed, and after a month of total isolation, Sasha emerged little changed on the outside. But on the inside, the kind, playful girl Tiana knew, had vanished forever. A demon now existed within her friend that would forever haunt and keep Sasha from becoming intimate with anyone, for fear of such an event repeating.
Tiana’s thoughts returned to the present. Regalia could be heard humming in the shower as Gil'Da hand washed the young-girls jumpsuit. Why did that memory return, and so vivid? She wondered, thinking it may have been caused by the interaction between Regalia and Gil'Da, reminding her of their childhood. Though another reason seemed more likely, one that held of her failure to her friend, not once, but twice. She wiped the fresh tears from her eyes that had begun to well from a new source at the last thought, shaking free her wavy, long blond hair as she slapped her cheeks.
This is not the time to reminisce or self-doubt, she scolded, knowing she needed to think of a way to reunite with Sasha, and fast.
She fell back onto the bed, stretching out her hands as she stared to the ceiling, thinking hard. But nothing came to mind. She had no idea how to help her friend. She was helpless, yet again. Sighing in resignation, she climbed off the bunk, and shuffled into the kitchen in search of a drink.
She jumped as the door chimed, glancing at Gil'Da, whose expression showed easily her concern. They'd yet to inform anyone of Sasha's disappearance, since they didn't know the exact reason behind it or where she had gone. But they knew it was inevitable for someone to find out. Tiana tiptoed to the door, took a deep breath and hit the unlock icon on the adjacent PDU.
The door to slide open to reveal a young boy, with unkempt, dirty blond hair, wearing a blue and white uniform of the TSB, standing just outside the door, eyes wide and sweating profusely. The boy looked at Tiana, then to his sides, finally returning his gaze to her.
“I ne-ne-need to sp-speak to Her Gr-Grace,” he stuttered in an unusually high pitched tone that sounded almost feminine.
“Come in,” she quickly ushered the boy through the door, sensing his unease wasn't just from the fact that he needed to talk to Sasha. She sat the boy down at the table in the kitchen, glancing to Gil'Da who was already preparing a warm drink for their guest.
“What is your name?” Tiana asked kindly, letting a bit of command leak through, the way she'd heard Sasha do on many past occasions. It’s time you started to grow up as well, Tiana, she reminded herself.
“Trainee Donnlie...My Lady?” he responded, having calmed after sipping from the warm beverage Gil'Da provided.
“Yes, I am Lady Tiana, and this is Friend Gil'Da. Grand Duchess Sasha is currently indisposed, but we will be happy to inform her of your message,” the boy looked between them, then froze, his expression one of complete panic. He gulped as he set the trembling drink down carefully on the table before him.
“Commander Talan is going to turn Her Grace over to Duke Zehman, me and the others overheard him talking to the rest of the teachers. He said something about a noble title to any who helped him,” his voice trembled, but he was getting his words out clearly, “me and the rest really don't like Commander Talan, he beat Tomi so bad she had to be tubed for a week.” Tiana cringed at the thought. To be placed in a medical tube for a week meant that the girl would have had to sustain some pretty serious injuries.
“I'm sorry to hear that, Donnlie. So what else can you tell me about Commander Talan's plan?” She figured the boy was telling the truth, but she needed more information before she could make a decision.
“Last we heard, Commander Talan was trying to get in contact with Duke Zehman to setup a rendezvous. Then he was going to come and get you, move you to a more secure location,” he glanced all around, fear bursting from his eyes, “you're really with Grand Duchess Sasha...right?” he asked with obvious distrust.
“Yes, I am her lady-in-waiting,” the fear drained from his eyes, changing to confusion, “I'm her friend and confidant. Nobles of Sasha’s rank are rarely allowed to mingle and make friends, so other, lower ranked noble ladies offer themselves to be companions and accompany her in her daily life.” Tiana thought that her words weren't completely true. She had no choice in the matter, but if she did, then she would have probably still chosen to stay by Sasha’s side. Finding Donnlie nodding understanding, she returned her attention to the matter at hand. If Commander Talan was planning on moving them some place more secure, then it was highly unlikely he'd already captured Sasha.
“How many trainees are there, Donnlie?” she asked, knowing what she was planning would make things more difficult, but she being unwilling to leave these children behind, knowing it likely they would be blamed for allowing them to escape.
“Ummm...I think around 20. Everyone over 16 was assigned to a starship and you don't start in the academy until your 12. I just arrived a month ago!” There was a hint of pride in Donnlie's explanation.
So, I needed to locate Sasha, gather up these 20 children, and find a way to escape this place...simple. She smirked to herself, wishing again that Sasha was here to make the tough decisions.
“Donnlie, do you know how Commander Talan plans to deliver us to Duke Zehman? I was under the impression that all starships were currently away,” she asked. The young man thought for a moment.
“Well, My Lady,” he started, growing more confident with every word, “there are the unpowered shuttles that go to TSB Earth Base, but they're not much good for anything else,” he fingered his drink, forehead furrowing in thought. His head shot up and he looked at Tiana in sudden excitement, “Sir Simwa's personal shuttle! It's currently locked down, but Commander Talan could easily override the order,” he said excite
dly.
“Thank you, Donnlie,” she replied honestly, knowing now there was nothing to stop her from following through with her plan. She looked to Gil'Da, hoping to ask her opinion. But the look she received in return reminded Tiana of what Gil’Da once told her and Sasha during their tutoring sessions.
A servant serves and a noble leads, never mix that up, Tiana sighed, hoping Donnlie’s reaction to her next words wouldn't cause too much of a scene.
“Donnlie,” she began calmly, “the grand duchess is not here. She left about five hours ago,” Donnlie looked like he had been shot, mouth agape and eyes wide, “But,” Tiana quickly continued, “it sounds like she has yet to be captured. So what we need to do is locate her, collect the rest of the trainees, and get to Sir Simwa's shuttle before anyone finds out. Can you help me do this, Donnlie?” His expression turned back to normal, though he was still unable to fully shed the look of disbelief.
“It may be possible, Tomi is a wiz with the systems, so she should be able to locate anyone within the base. But we have to leave now...I don't know how much longer Commander Talan will wait,” Donnlie explained.
“Gil'Da,” Regalia peeked her head from the washroom, “are my clothes ready, I'm starting to get cold...eeck,” she shrieked when she saw Donnlie, reminding Tiana of a sound she once heard from Terra the catillian. She turned back to Donnlie, finding him red as a rose, with a look of fascination twinkling in his eyes.
“This is not the time,” she rolled her eyes, pushing Donnlie towards the door. “If you would please get her dressed and ready, Gil’Da, were leaving in five minutes.” Gil'Da nodded, rushing to washroom. Tiana turned back to Donnlie.
“We are in your hands, Trainee Donnlie. I trust you will deliver us safely?” he nodded, saluting clumsily. She smiled and placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder, before moving to collect their things, making sure that she didn't forget to strap the laser arc holster over her shoulder.
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