I think you’re starting to turn into an old softy, said Nickelo.
Don’t start, Richard said. I’m really not up to it.
Richard watched the two teenagers dance for several minutes. As he watched, he felt himself beginning to relax.
“General Shepard?” said a young man in a lieutenant’s naval uniform. “If it’s convenient, the duke would like to see you now.”
Will this night ever end? Richard wondered.
Yes, it will, said Nickelo with a barely hidden giggle. Sunrise is in eight hours and twenty-seven minutes. I calculate a one hundred percent probability this night will end then.
Grow up, Nick.
Richard followed the duke’s orderly through a series of hallways. They eventually entered a comfortable looking room with several cushioned chairs and sofas. When Richard entered the room, Duke Bistoria rose.
“Ah, General Shepard. I hope you’re enjoying my wife’s party. The duchess doesn’t get a chance to entertain much.”
“It’s been interesting,” Richard said trying his best to be truthful.
The duke either took Richard’s answer as an affirmative, or he was just making small talk and didn’t really care. Whatever his reason, he motioned to a chair across from him and took a seat.
Richard sat down. He didn’t speak.
Besides the duke, Admiral Donovan, Admiral Formida, and Colonel Santos were in the room. So was Wizard Scout Shatstot. Surprisingly, Sergeant Ron sat in one of the seats as well.
The duke didn’t speak again until the orderly had left the room. Once the door shut behind the lieutenant, Duke Bistoria nodded his head at Sergeant Ron.
The captain of the Defiant lifted a small, rod-like device and swept it across the room. Richard noticed several quick flashes similar to static electricity in the corners of the room.
“We’re clear now,” said Sergeant Ron replacing the rod in a pocket on his uniform. “There were five tele-bots in the room. They’re destroyed now. We can talk securely.”
“What about static tele-bots?” Admiral Donovan asked.
“Nothing I can do about them if there are any here,” confessed Sergeant Ron. “But if they aren’t activated, they can’t observe us anyway. We’re safe enough.”
“You can detect tele-bots, Sergeant Ron?” Richard asked. Even Nickelo couldn’t detect them as far as he knew.
“Me?” said Sergeant Ron. “Heck, no. But I swiped this handy little gadget from my daughter.”
With a mischievous smile, the old man added, “I felt it was my civic duty to insure the openness of the Empire’s elected officials. Now why would a member of the Imperial High Council need one of these? Surely Diane doesn’t have anything to hide.”
The twinkle in Sergeant Ron’s eyes told Richard the captain of the Defiant knew full well Councilwoman Diane Deloris had many things she wished to keep hidden from others.
“Well, my duke, I for one,” said Admiral Formida, “think it’s shameful the Empire stoops so low as to spy on you in your own palace.”
“Admiral,” said Duke Bistoria with the hint of a smile. “I seriously doubt all five of those tele-bots belonged to the Empire. Also, I don’t for one minute doubt more than a few Trecorian tele-bots are haunting the halls of the Aloran planetary administration building on Risors. It’s called politics, gentlemen. It’s just the way the game’s played.”
“Well, I don’t like it,” said Admiral Formida.
“Of course, you don’t” said the duke. “Nor do I. But we must do what needs to be done for the survival of our people.”
The duke turned to Richard. With the tips of his fingers, he pushed a small disk across the top of the small end-table separating Richard and him.
“And now, General Shepard,” said the duke. “Here is my part of our bargain. I’m a man of my word.”
“Sir?” Richard said picking up the small disk and turning it over. “A data disk?”
“Ah, not just any data disk,” replied the duke. “That disk contains all available information my government has on the anomaly. Also, it contains all recorded sightings of the black-dragon ships.”
“Ships?” Richard asked. “I thought it was a single ship.”
“Not hardly, my friend,” said Admiral Donovan. “These black-dragon pirates or whatever they are have been making raids in warships ranging in size from recon shuttles to a massive dreadnaught. They–”
“When was the dreadnaught last seen?” interrupted Sergeant Ron. “And where?”
“It’s all on the disk, captain,” said the duke. “But I don’t think you’ll find what you’re seeking. The black dreadnaught with the red-striped dragon insignia hasn’t been spotted since your last encounter forty-two years ago.”
Sergeant Ron sat back in his seat with a look of disappointment. He took the disk from Richard and stared at it lost in thought.
“You said the black ships have been making raids,” Richard said. “So they’re pirates after all.”
“Doubtful,” said Admiral Donovan. “They’re raids are too selective. Almost all recorded attacks have been on supply ships or mining facilities carrying titanium or processed creallium. They seem interested in nothing else.”
“Oh,” Richard said. “Have you captured prisoners? What have they told you?”
“Uh…, actually,” said Admiral Donovan sounding slightly embarrassed. “The truth is we haven’t taken any prisoners.”
“We’ve disabled a few of their warships from time to time,” said Admiral Formida. “But, they’ve always self-destructed before our soldiers have been able to board.”
The shields on their ships are tough, and their weapons are even tougher,” said Admiral Donovan. “I’ve lost several good ships in two of my squadrons over the last few months.”
“Which is another reason Trecor is grateful for your efforts in our training program,” said Duke Bistoria. “I won’t say those black ships are better than ours, but they’re different. Their energy sources are strange to say the least, and their ship-to-ship weapons have been able to wear our shields down much quicker than normal weapons.”
“So,” Richard said stalling to give his brain time to catch up. “Are you asking Sergeant Ron and me to snoop around and see what we can find out about those black ships?”
“Uh…, not you, Rick,” said Sergeant Ron.
“You’re needed here, general,” said Colonel Santos speaking for the first time. “I know I was resistant at first, but we don’t have near enough of our cat and fighter pilots trained in the new procedures yet. To be honest, I doubt we’ll have enough pilots tested and trained in active and passive scans by the time your six month assignment is completed.”
“You’re the only diviner Trecor has access to at the present,” said Terrie. “Sergeant Ron and the Defiant will have to investigate the black ships without you. And…,” Terrie said while motioning a hand in the duke’s direction, “Angela and I have been temporarily assigned as part of the Defiant’s crew. So, your crewmates will still have a wizard scout with them. I may be disabled, but I’m not exactly helpless.”
“They’re right, Rick,” said Sergeant Ron. “You’ll be more effective here. I’ll ferret out the base for those black ships, or I’ll die trying.”
Unfortunately, that was exactly what Richard feared. He remembered a story Nickelo had once read to him about a white whale and a captain whose obsession destroyed his ship and crew.
Richard removed his battle helmet from his hip and set it on the table to his front. The helmet changed shaped until it was level.
Reaching out, Richard plucked the data disk from Sergeant Ron’s hand.
“No disrespect to Margery,” Richard said as he inserted the disk into a slot which appeared on the side of the battle helmet.
“Nick,” Richard said in command voice. “Analysis.”
“The data’s been through a complete analysis by Trecor’s main computer,” said Admiral Formida. “I doubt a mere battle computer can–�
�
“No battle computer is mere, admiral,” interrupted Duke Bistoria. “But, Terrie has told me the general’s battle computer is exceptional.”
“As it so happens,” said Nickelo over the battle helmet’s external speakers, “I’m an advanced prototype.”
Don’t brag, Nick, warned Richard in their shared space only half in jest. Haven’t you heard what they say about pride and a fall?
Yes, I’ve heard, replied Nickelo. And it’s not bragging if you’re just stating a fact.
Whatever, Richard thought doing his best to roll his eyes in his mind.
“Analysis is complete,” said Nickelo out loud.
Richard noticed Admiral Formida start to open his mouth as if to protest, but a look from the duke stopped him.
“Report,” Richard said.
Are you sure, Rick? said Nickelo privately. Perhaps we should discuss my findings in private.
Negative, Richard said. Full report. I hate secrets. Either we trust these Trecorians, or we don’t.
Without further protest, Nickelo gave his report over the battle helmet’s speaker for all to hear.
“Based upon analysis of every battle with the black-dragon ships, I calculate an eighty-two percent probability the warships’ offensive and defensive systems are magic based.”
Richard wasn’t too surprised by his battle computer’s revelation. The thought had been kicking around in his head ever since Angela told him about the three secondary-colored spheres discovered by the O’Reilly clan. However, others in the room weren’t so willing to accept Nickelo’s analysis.
“What nonsense is this?” said Admiral Formida. “Is this why I was called here tonight? To hear fairytales?”
Admiral Formida began to rise from his seat.
“Sit, admiral,” said Duke Bistoria. Then as if to soften the sting of his command, he added, “Please.”
Richard noticed Admiral Donovan looking at him. “Liz told me she helped you fight a magic user at the Academy’s spaceport last year. Is that what you’re talking about?”
“I’ve no idea,” Richard admitted. “I’ve fought creatures that used magic before, but I’ll admit I don’t see how it would apply to starships.”
“That’s because you were born in the physical dimension,” said Nickelo. “You’re used to everything being based on physics. If you’d been born and raised in the magical dimension, you’d just accept everything as being based on magic.”
“But starships based off magic?” Richard said. “Do you have information on that in your databanks?”
“No,” admitted Nickelo. “But it seems like I should.”
“This is nonsense,” said Admiral Formida. “I know the theory of alternate dimensions, but it’s never been proven.”
“True,” said Admiral Donovan. “But there are a few planets such as Meastra Minor in the Empire’s District 6 where magic works. Some scientists theorize those planets are somehow connected to a magic-based dimension.”
“That’s all very interesting,” said Admiral Formida. “But I think–”
“Gentlemen,” said Duke Bistoria. “It doesn’t matter. Unless one of you has additional information, I’ve made my decision. As Trecor’s only diviner, General Shepard will remain here to test and train additional bongo players in scans. Captain Deloris along with Wizard Scout Shatstot and his wife will leave with the Defiant to further investigate the anomaly and the black ships.”
It took a moment for Richard to figure out when the duke said Captain Deloris, he was talking about Sergeant Ron.
Looking at the Defiant’s captain, the Duke said, “If you need anything, let either Admiral Formida or Admiral Donovan know. I’m sure they can accommodate any reasonable request.” The duke paused. “Are there any questions?” he asked more as a closing statement than an actual question.
“Ah, sir,” said Terrie without elaborating. He just pointed at Richard. All eyes in the room shifted towards Richard.
“General?” asked Duke Bistoria.
Richard jerked up in his seat. He’d been in deep conversation with Nickelo. When he realized everyone was looking at him, he quickly had Nickelo play back what had just been said.
“Oh, uh, sorry, sir,” Richard said. “I think I have an alternate suggestion. I’m ninety-five percent sure I’m not the only diviner on Trecor. Based upon what I’ve seen of her Power reserve, your daughter is also a diviner.”
“Tia?” asked the duke a little incredulously. “Why didn’t you say something before now? She completed your testing weeks ago.”
“No, sir,” Richard answered looking the duke in the eyes. “Not Tia. I mean Chloe.”
“Chloe!” exclaimed the duke. “Impossible. She failed all her bongo testing. I love her, but she isn’t even a good soldier.”
“Nevertheless, sir,” Richard said. “I had a chance to run an active scan on her Power reserve and link earlier this evening. She’s the real deal. It’s no wonder she failed the tests with your trainers. Power reserves for diviners are, uh…, different.”
Richard watched the duke bite his lip.
“Are you sure?” asked the duke.
“I concur,” chimed in Nickelo over the battle helmet’s speakers. “With a couple of weeks training, Rick and I could teach your daughter enough to begin testing and training others in scans.”
“So we’d have two diviners training our pilots?” asked Colonel Santos. “That would definitely speed things up.”
“Actually,” Richard said. “I think you’d have more. I’d recommend assembling anyone who failed their bongo testing due to a strange Power reserve. If we can train a few more diviners, then I could accompany Sergeant Ron on the Defiant.”
“Out of the question,” said the duke. “We need every diviner we can get. I don’t know how much time we have before…”
The duke stopped talking.
“Before what, sir?” Richard asked. He hated secrets and any other kind of political wheeling and dealing.
“Nothing,” said the duke. “I still need you here. I can’t take any chances.”
Richard and the duke stared at each other for a few seconds.
“Well, sir,” Richard finally said to break the silence. “Then let me put it this way. I’ve fulfilled the initial part of our bargain. I healed your wounded, which was very painful by the way. Additionally, I’ll probably take some heat from my chain of command for conducting unauthorized scan training for non-Empire personnel. And, who knows what kind of trouble I’ll be in if I actually train diviners for you.”
The duke said nothing. Richard wasn’t sure whether the look in the big man’s eyes was slowly building anger or another emotion.
“According to my orders, sir,” Richard said, “which were sketchy since they didn’t come directly from the Imperial High Command, I have less than five months left here. I can either spend a couple of weeks training a half dozen Trecorians as diviners and then go with the Defiant to search for the source of those black ships. Or, I can spend the next five months cleaning latrines or some other kind of menial work. But either way, I’m done training pilots.”
Richard noticed the blood vessel on the side of the duke’s neck budge out. As the seconds passed, the artery slowly returned to a more normal size.
“Very well,” said the duke.
Richard relaxed.
“If…,” the duke continued. “If you’re able to find and train six diviners before you leave. Otherwise, you stay here and continue to train additional pilots with Colonel Santos in our new tactics.”
Richard thought for a moment. The fact was, he had a feeling the duke could register a protest with the Imperial High Command. Depending on how much the Empire wanted additional information, they might modify his orders.
He was an Empire soldier. His personal code of honor required him to obey any legal commands from his authorized chain of command.
“Fine, sir,” Richard said. “But we’ll need a couple of additional crewmembers on the
Defiant.
“Very well,” said the duke who was obviously ready to end the discussion. “Get with Colonel Santos. Take your pick from her regiment. You can have anyone you want as long as they’re not one of the new diviners.”
“Agreed,” Richard said.
“Agreed,” replied Duke Bistoria.
The duke rose and headed for the door. The two admirals and Colonel Santos followed. Before the duke reached the door, he turned back around. Richard half expected an angry outburst. Instead, the duke smiled.
“Councilman Jenkins warned me you were a troublemaker,” said the duke. “I’m glad to see he was right. I think we’re going to need a lot of troublemakers in the days ahead.”
The duke laughed. Then he departed. When the door closed behind them, Sergeant Ron looked at Richard.
“And I thought I caused waves,” laughed Sergeant Ron. “I’ve a feeling I’ve finally met my match.”
Chapter 35 – The Oracle
_____________________________________
Jeena stopped inside the doorway of the brightly-lit room to give her eyes time to adjust. The room was a large chamber fifty paces across and a hundred more in length.
The floor of the chamber was highly-polished marble of various colors. Unlike the rest of the compound Jeena had seen, this room was meticulously maintained. The colored stone formed complex patterns which were pleasing to the eye. Jeena recognized the handiwork of her ancestors, the Letian elves. No living hand could match their artistry.
Bright lights from the ceiling fifty paces overhead lit the entire audience hall. The overhead lighting was a pleasant glow. Except for a lone man sitting on a cushion at the far end of the chamber, the room was empty.
Jeena walked towards the man. She walked with great dignity as she’d been taught by Priestess Aldriss. She didn’t need to be told the man was the Oracle. When she got close, Jeena gave him a dignified nod.
“Oracle,” Jeena said. “I am Priestess Jeehanathoraxen of the Lady of the Tree. High Priest Questor sends his regrets he was unable to come himself. He asks your forgiveness. The high priest bids me to say the years have been long since he first appeared before your predecessor. He wishes he could have talked to you in person, but he is no longer able to make the trek from Silverton.”
Wizard Omega (Intergalactic Wizard Scout Chronicles Book 4) Page 36
