StarFlight: The Prism Baronies (Beyond the Outer Rim Book 2)

by Reiter

  “Well, it sounds like the right person is on the job,” CK said as he knelt down beside her form.

  “And do not lie to me again,” Dungias said as he reached the door. “You were not protecting her… you were protecting me. One, you could have enacted control much sooner, but chose not to. Error. Two, you have a number of countermeasures to stop Satithe… the one you used removed her from being able to affect this environment. I do not mind the protection, CK, but you are starting a very bad habit: believing that you know so much that you must misinform and try to control life. If you must mimic me, choose those traits that yield you opportunity for growth.”

  “Are you not more than you once were?” CK asked, a wicked sharpness to his voice. He did not like being caught in duplicity.

  “I am what I am because I stopped trying to control. That is the very first step of no holding back, vazi. You can’t truly release anything until you first release yourself… that includes the ideal of the way you think things should be. Find instead your place among the Stars; the way things are.”

  “And how do I do that?”

  “By realizing that only a star has a place among the Stars,” Dungias said softly as he was removed from the room and the inner workings of Satithe. He opened his eyes and Alpha flew to his hand. “The title Star Chaser is so very misleading.”

  Innocence: I am only stepping on your face because it lies in my path.

  Mason Cooley

  (Rims Time: XII-4203.09)

  Jocasta walked into the hangar. She could see the scout ship had been prepped and her crew had been assembled in the room. The gleam of the new Icarus distracted her from looking at Dungias’ personal ship. Her hands fell to her sides as she could see the ports through which the weapons would emerge. Plus the vehicle looked to be faster than the original design.

  “From the looks of him, Z, I have to thank you for your efforts.”

  “No thanks necessary, Captain,” Dungias replied as he looked at the floor.

  “I take it Satithe is flying the ship?” Jocasta inquired.

  “Actually I am,” Silnee said, stepping forward and gesturing to her brace-com. “The current path is clear and we are three hours from the Sapphire Barony outer markers.”

  “Piloting on remote,” Jocasta said, going up on her toes. “Yeah, Z, you need to get the hell out of here. This bunch is getting hella-lazy! I’ve got to work some sweat out of them. You’ve assembled your crew?”

  “Away Mission Crew, take your positions,” Llaz commanded. Jocasta’s eyebrows lifted as she looked at her Second Officer. Some changes had been made, and more than just his clothing, which actually looked cooler, but also the way he addressed the crew. The changes looked to be acceptable, at least for the moment. Lives were not on the line, and it was easy to take things like this on the chin when the cost of a mistake was only time and perhaps an easily replaceable piece of equipment.

  “Doc?!” Jocasta said, quite surprised to see Jovasor walk to stand behind Dungias.

  “I am leaving you in a pair of very capable hands, Captain.”

  “I suppose we’ll see. No promises, but I’d like to have you two bored out of your skulls by the time they get back,” Jocasta said to Culshee and Amos, receiving smiling nods in acknowledgement. “Of course, you know what they say about the best-laid plans.”

  After Jovasor, Rahneece left one line and walked over to stand beside the physician. She adjusted her hair clasp and then stood at attention. Ephaliun then took his place and the pairing of Teela and Amosse were the last to form in behind the First Mate. Jocasta walked with her hands behind her back.

  “Only two of the researchers?” she asked.

  “Given the cargo we’re carrying, I thought they might come in useful,” Dungias explained.

  “Then why not take all three?”

  “Captain,” Dungias said softly, glaring down at the woman.

  “Yeah, I know. It’s going to be a bit cramped as it is with the six of you.”

  “That is also a consideration,” Dungias agreed. “… but I believe this is the best team for the task at hand.”

  “I’ve never questioned your judgment, Z,” Jocasta replied.

  “Then I hope to never bring it in question,” Dungias said, “… no matter the judgment in which you find me engaged.”

  “Anything else, alien?”

  “Aye, Captain,” Dungias said sharply. “You have seen the Icarus II. Given that it meets with your approval, it will be moved to the launch hangar with the improved Daedalus.” Jocasta’s eyes lit up with anticipation. “While I appreciate the efforts of your Brain Trust, the weapons assigned to the fighter were inadequate. You will also find vehicles for Tolip, the Tandem Team, and our Boarding Trio.” Dungias allowed his eyes to move over to Silnee and was glad that her brace-com had been fastened around her belt. He could feel the ship beginning to turn. “Mind on your work, Tolip,” he warned. Silnee quickly looked down and made corrections to the helm.

  “I took the liberty of making some changes to your design,” Dungias said, looking at Deolun. “But do not worry, the original spacecraft remains untouched.” Deolun did not know what to say and just nodded in response.

  “Also, Captain, I have this for you,” Dungias said, offering a small signaling device. It was very simple in its make, having only one button. “Depressing this will fire a rocket that is already loaded to a dedicated launcher. It will fly to the portal of the Prism Baronies and once it reaches the Black Gate side, it will emit an energy pulse beacon that my sensors are attuned to receive.”

  “We’re days from that portal,” Jocasta reminded Dungias.

  “From the furthest point in The Territories, the rocket will take two and half days to reach the portal.”

  Jocasta whistled as she received the signal device. “That baby moves out!”

  Dungias locked his gold eyes on Jocasta’s blue ones. “If you have need to use it, keep your eye on the brightest star, and through its light I will come to you!”

  “I have no doubt. Here’s hoping I don’t have to use it.”

  “You were saying about the best-laid plans? And that is all, Captain.”

  “You’ve been a busy man,” Jocasta said, flashing a smile that indicated a sense of relief. Even though he was departing, Z was back and things were returning to what they had been before he was taken at Black Gate.

  “I am part of my Captain’s crew,” he explained. “I serve her first and foremost.

  “I should also tell you that I have taken the liberty of retrieving the guest we had in stasis,” Dungias advised. “I will be making a stop back at NayFall to see to it that she gets home.”

  “She! Yeah… right. I kinda dropped the ball on that one,” Jocasta admitted.

  “You’ve had a great deal on your mind,” Dungias explained. “And perhaps it is best not to be in a rush when this particular delivery is made.”

  “Perhaps.” The smile of Jocasta’s face faded, though it was not because she had lost the elation; she had simply drawn focus on the moment and made the attempt to be worthy of the devotion Dungias always delivered. “Then receive your Captain’s orders. First Mate of the Xara-Mansura, you are hereby charged with the task of seeing the DerFae to her people and securing this ship’s treasure. You are to Captain this scout ship, the Kulri-Kraythe… what does that mean again?”

  “The blade that does not miss,” Dungias replied.

  “Then show me her mettle,” Jocasta ordered. “Command this ship and crew with the same vigor you serve this captaincy. Be away with you now, First Mate. You have my permission to disembark.”

  “Aye, Captain.” Dungias turned, placing his hand on Alpha as he moved.

  “It is a great burden I have heaped upon your shoulders,” he projected his thoughts to one crewman in particular. “… but you know how to contact me if there is any need to do so.”

  “I see it more as a great trust, Dungias,” Tuitonn replied, still delighting in the relief of be
ing able to use his talents without negative repercussions. “I will not fail our Captain.”

  Dungias entered the scout ship first, followed by his crew. As expected, it was not long before the engines fired. Slowly but surely, the Kulri-Kraythe moved out of the hangar and into outer space. Jocasta did not move until the hangar doors were closed. She went over Dungias’ last words and started thinking of all the ways she could interpret what he meant. She did not go too deeply into that thought process, however. She too had a job to do.

  “Mister Llaz,” Jocasta called out.

  “Aye, Captain!”

  “Get these people ready to sweat!” Jocasta ordered. “We’ve got the better part of three hours, might as well use two of ‘em. We’ll meet on the observation deck in ten minutes, and boy are we going to tour the hell out of this ship! No exceptions! That means you too, Roc!”

  “Aye, Captain!” the large crewman boomed his response.

  Everyone went about the business of changing into the proper attire. Jocasta looked up at Llaz who had attained high ground by standing on a crate. He smiled devilishly as he nodded to anyone who looked up at him as they left the room. He looked up to see Jocasta looking at him and they traded smiling nods.

  “Definitely a different style,” she thought. “Can’t say better… won’t say worse.

  “Get your big, blue ass back here, Z,” Jocasta muttered as she placed the signaling device on her belt. “By my watch, you’re already late!”

  ** b *** t *** o *** r **

  “Mr. T’Moojhun,” Dungias said as he ushered everyone aboard the ship ahead of him.

  “Yes Z,” Ephaliun replied, wishing that Dungias would go back to simply calling him Dugger.

  “The launch sequence is nearly complete. Please take the helm and set a course for NayFall. Once we are clear of the Xara-Mansura, I need for you to open a channel to Emerald Station Three and request to speak to a dignitary who speaks Grod. Give no details until these needs are met. If your needs are not met after the third request, power shields to maximum before dropping them and raising the stealth field.”

  “Wait, you want me to draw attention to our location before dropping out of sight?!”

  “Exactly, Mr. T’Moojhun,” Dungias answered as he checked the generator for the ship. Everything was operating well within acceptable parameters. The Star Chaser had come to realize that with some Terrans, they could maintain their emotions if he acted indifferent to certain situations. As he looked at the diagnostics for the generator, Ephaliun huffed once and made his way for the front of the ship.

  “If I may speak, sir,” Teela offered, pulling herself free of Amosse’s grip. It was obvious that Dungias was supposed to be ignorant of their conversation in which Teela thought it was more than questionable to go back to the barony that was the home of three people the Captain had recently hurled into space. The same three people who possessed a greater understanding of the MannA Keys than anyone else on the ship.

  “You may speak, Teela,” Dungias stated as he turned to face her.

  “Sir, do we have to go to NayFall?” she asked. “I would hazard to guess that Duke Vyllynthe has recovered by now and is making every effort to find the MannA Keys.”

  “I would agree with that,” Dungias said, folding his arms.

  “They will be able to see us coming,” Teela stressed, not sure how to take Dungias’ reaction.

  Looking over at Amosse, Dungias could see that his decision to remove Amosse from the Xara-Mansura might not have been timely enough. He did not know what the young man was planning, but the fear behind his eyes was indicative of a mindset that was desperate to not be unveiled. “Mr. Amosse, please see to the cargo at once. The last thing we need is for one of the MannA Keys to try and make contact with someone outside this ship. Take Teela’s wand with you and add it to the stacked goods.”

  “You got it, Z,” Amosse said quickly and turned to proceed to the lower deck.

  Dungias put his hand on Alpha and focused his thoughts. His brace-com beeped once and Dungias looked at the readout. It read: I’ve got my eye on him – CK. Dungias blinked deliberately and moved his eyes back to Teela just before she spoke. “I have an inquiry to make of you, but I doubt you will be able to think clearly until I have addressed your point.

  “Very well,” Dungias said, looking down for a moment. “Do you recall where the three teleported to when they boarded the Xara-Mansura? Was it anywhere near the MannA Keys?”

  Teela took in a breath to begin her answer, but stopped and thought for a moment. “No, it wasn’t,” she recalled. “In fact, it was pretty far away from the holding chamber.”

  “More to the point, it was to where the crew wanted them to appear,” Dungias added. “You will get a lot farther in your workings the moment you embrace the perspective that MannA is just like any other energy. And by that, I mean it has rules that it must follow. The first rule is that like every other Energy, it cannot die… but it can change form, just as nuclear can be used to generate electricity.”

  “Sir, what has this to do with my issue?” Teela pressed.

  “I have learned how to manipulate MannA without being a caster,” Dungias advised. “You see, you may stop investigating at the word ‘spell’, but that is simply an application process to me. I look at what the spell actually does and that is where I insert my knowledge of MannA to foil detection efforts. I cannot keep Duke Vyllynthe from feeling that we are indeed drawing closer. How InvokeRs are able to detect the presence of empowered items is not something I fully comprehend; but having our exact location is something I can prevent. That, plus a few other surprises I have arranged, should keep us safe for the length of time we will be in NayFall.”

  “Well, I have yet to see you come up short, Z,” Teela said, looking relieved. She took a moment to recall where she would be had it not been for a fateful encounter during a lecture. She then remembered that it was Dungias who had liberated her, Amosse, and Bantar away from Professor O’Zhar and his small army of power-armoured mercenaries.

  “Just how many miracles do you have to see before you begin to trust him?” Teela thought, smiling at the Malgovi Traveler.

  “I would hardly call them miracles,” Dungias commented and Teela’s eyes opened wide with surprise.

  “No one needs to know everything, Teela,” Dungias said in a very soft voice. Still surprised, the young woman nodded slowly and smiled brightly.

  “What did you want to talk about?” she asked.

  “Tell me what it feels like to wield the wand.”

  “Dugger, do you mind the company?” Rahneece asked as she leaned forward into the cockpit. Her short white-blonde hair fell partially over her face as she flashed a smile at the young man.

  “Well, you called me Dugger,” he said as he strapped himself into the pilot’s chair. “Come ahead.” Rahneece giggled as she took the second chair and was surprised to find it did not face in the same direction as the pilot.

  “Okay, this is wonky,” she remarked.

  “Thought you were used to the Z-flavor over everything,” Ephaliun said as he started keying in commands into the navigational computer. “I know it’s only been a few days but–”

  “You mean the few days when we’ve had a major change in the personnel,” Rahneece commented, strapping herself into her chair. “Are you about to try and smooth that over?”

  “Good point,” Dugger agreed.

  “I mean, there’s no denying there’s a major brain behind your group,” Rahneece stated as she started keying in commands.

  “Our group,” Ephaliun corrected.

  “I was told that we’re not crew until we get a name.”

  “You see, that was what I was talking about: the Z Exception. You got picked by the First Mate! It’s hard to think of a better endorsement.”

  “I can’t help but hear a tone of resentment in your voice,” the young woman relayed.

  “Yeah, well, that’s a long story,” Ephaliun sighed.


  “I doubt our destination is in The Territories,” she countered. “But I won’t press it. It’s just odd; you’re looking down your nose at the very thing you’re bragging about. Talk about a disjoin! Navigational reroute has been loaded to your console.” Ephaliun looked at the course re-routing and he could see she was making use of a dead moon to further mask their approach. He started to congratulate her on very good work, but she spoke first.

  “You didn’t ask for this, so try not to bite my head off. It seems like you’ve got a major load on your back and it’s weighing you down. Going to be hard to–”

  “You know, you’re right, I didn’t ask,” Ephaliun remarked.

  “Sorry,” she said softly. “I just thought it would be better than lying to you.”

  “There’s always the third option,” he stated. “You know, that little thing called silence.”

  “So you’re one of those people who believes if you don’t voice it, you’re not lying!” she said. “And you’re welcome for the re-routing.”

  “Silence is a way of you respecting my space,” the young man argued.

  “And how are you respecting mine, all jacked up and distracted, driving the ship I’m on?” Rahneece asked. “You just sit there, being miserable, taking the worst route to a place where we have at least three highly capable and influential adversaries. You’re not respecting yourself and yet you expect me to?!”

  “Just shut up!”

  “Just do your job worth a damn!” she shot back. “Trust me, the moment I get the feeling you won’t get us killed, I’ll button right up!”

  “Shut the hell up and that’s an order!”

  “You don’t have any rank in the crew!” Rahneece declared. “This is a pirate crew, and you’re yelling at me with your back facing me. That’s the second routing mistake you’ve made!” Ephaliun did not have time to turn in his seat before she fired.