“Good questions Engineer Cassidy and I fully understand your position. At the end of the day we cannot make you and if we don’t get any volunteers the Prince and his girl will be in deep trouble, many of the prisoners will be killed and we could have our own interplanetary war between ourselves and Alabaster, as both governments are blaming each other for the loss of their VIP.
Should you take on this mission you will be doing the civilised worlds a massive service. Berengia has called a meeting of the Council of Worlds, where we will present the evidence we have and the threats as we see them.
If all goes well and we get agreement to use force beyond the cloud gates we will press for a coalition fleet to break through to Chamtofi and to exploit whatever intelligence you can feed back. We did have an agent close to the captives and I am going to play you his last transmission.”
Without a sign from the Admiral an audio track played from all directions and a hushed breathless voice spoke. “Am approaching Block 6, I can see four people lying by the prison compound fence, three green overalls one blue, they aren’t moving, I’ll try and get closer.” The sound of boots on gravel was drowned by the heavy breathing of the speaker, “OK, I am right up to the force field and the bars are just a metre away. I can see them better now; it’s not good they’ve been flamed by energy weapons, looks like an execution. I can see a couple of their name tags, Johansen and Pia………..Piasi.”
The hiss of a plasma blast could be heard, then shouting and boots running, getting louder and louder, followed by crackling then nothing but silence.
Kyle couldn’t look at Bambi, she was in pieces and Esther and Pixie both went to her.
“I am sorry, I gather that our agent found some of your crew,” said Admiral Ng, who then continued, “that was the last we heard from our agent, we don’t know whether he is still alive but do fear the worst.”
A small voice tried to attract the Admiral, “I’ll go, yes send me Admiral.” It was Bambi, her face red from crying. “I am sorry Getaway, I know what I want to do now, if I can help our people who are left or help find the Prince I must go back.”
Kyle looked at the others and could tell that they were still wavering, “Bambs you won’t be going alone, let’s kill pirates together.”
Then one after another the entire group volunteered.
“What have we done?” said Buzz.
“Something that will go down in history,” responded the Admiral, who had overheard. “Thank you, all of you. You have 48 hours before the mission begins and a number of things you should know.
Firstly, the bad news and that is that you do not qualify for a salvage reward on The Moons, it is a legal issue but basically you did not make port without assistance so that is that.
Secondly, you do qualify for salvage from retrieval of the Prince’s vessel Papyrus and it has been agreed that the funds are to be distributed between all the surviving crew of the Seeker and their respective next of kin, I hope you think that is fair. This amounts to some 3,500 credits which have already been placed in your accounts at the Cho-Lee Bank on Tamawang, Berengia’s second planet.
In the name of consistency, we are paying the same amount for Secom Freeman and Clerk First Class Waheed.
Thirdly, should you retrieve the Prince or Miss West or provide intelligence which allows their retrieval, you will have a further 3,500 credited into your accounts.
Fourthly, at the outset you will be an independent force with no prospect of support from Berengia, if you are captured and interrogated it could have great repercussions. Therefore, to this end you will all be processed for mind defence programming before you depart.
Fifthly, we are able to provide some support for you that cannot be traced to Berengia, you will be joined by other assets before approaching Chamtofi but that has to be kept secret for a little longer.
Lastly, you now have some time to yourselves, but individual briefs will take place with my intelligence officers at 09:00 hours ship time tomorrow and your escorts will call for you when appropriate.
I will leave you to your own company for now, please feel free to help yourselves to any drink that is left and I look forward to speaking to some of you again tomorrow.” The Admiral in his smart white tunic saluted, turned on his heels and marched out of the dining room.
“Well, that’s another fine mess we have gotten ourselves into,” ventured Buzz and most of the others nodded their agreement, Pixie still hugged Bambi and Kyle went over to stroke her face. He stared into Bambi’s eyes which looked far away. Now was not the time to crowd her and he suggested to Esther that perhaps Bambi should get some sleep, so the three females made their way out by the same door that the Admiral had left by and once outside found a service woman waiting to lead them through the maze of corridors back to the female dormitory area.
Back in the dining room Freeman was pouring a double synthetic brandy, Buzz was helping himself to a glass of the Admiral’s vintage port and offering one to Shiner and Kyle.
“This is the right thing,” said Freeman, “if nobody else is going to help, we have to go.”
Kyle thought for a moment and then said “There was an ancient earth movie about 7 volunteers who helped a peasant village fight off dozens of bandits and despite the odds they won, l think it was called the ‘Fantastic 7’ and that would be a good model for us.”
“You mean ‘Magnificent 7’,” said Freeman who had an interest in old forms of visual media, “and that was based on an older Asian film but it's the same principle.”
“There is just time to have one more for the road,” Shiner who had already plainly exceeded his threshold for alcohol hiccupped.
The group had an escort back to the male dorm and then individual guides to their own cabins. Kyle was the last and entered his small accommodation for the second time but there had been changes.
Looking around his berth he saw his personal belongings spread out on the bedside cabinet, by the wall was his body armour still pock marked with plasma burns and his heart sank at the thought of having to go into combat again before long. Also on the bed were two new sets of light green fatigues, a matching forage cap and a peaked cap. There were separate trousers, shirts, vests, socks underwear and all in the same light green colour. On the left side sleeve of the fatigues was a shield emblem featuring a crossed spanner and dagger in front of a backdrop of 3 stars. At least we will die well dressed and with money in the bank he thought darkly.
It was warm the in room, Kyle cleared the single bed and stripping to his vest and shorts he lay there, thinking about what might be ahead, thinking about Bambi and trying to guess her mental state, but before long the alcohol took over and he was fast asleep.
Chapter 7
A Force to be Reckoned With.
It was around 07.00 hours and the alarm went on the rooms comms console, it was Esther in her new uniform complete with forage cap at a jaunty angle, very smart thought Kyle but why is she calling so early, my head is spinning.
“Getaway, I need to talk to you, meet me in the galley on level 3, the guard at the dorm entrance will give you a pass.”
“Ok I’ll be there in around forty minutes.”
“Make it twenty, out.”
What the hell thought Kyle, this woman is no longer my superior, she should get off my case, I’ll be damned if I’ll be there in twenty minutes.
Twenty minutes later he walked into the third floor mess, having washed and shaved and with his new greens on.
“Kyle, I mean Getaway thanks for coming at short notice,” said Esther with a forced smile.
He was not in the mood, “Yeh Esther, what’s your problem?”
She was a bit taken aback by her former subordinate’s attitude and began by saying, “Yes I am sorry to get you here so early, let’s get some breakfast then we’ll talk.”
The mess was one of the smaller ones on the great ship but it was still stocked with an excellent choice of food which wasn’t from an auto vend either. Kyle didn
’t feel very hungry but had the largest size Kaffoo available and took a couple of bagel-like breads because he thought he should. Esther had organic juice which matched the colour of their uniforms and some breakfast cereal which he did not recognise, it came in half inch squares and had specks of fruit, flecked in the grain. They used the passes to pay for their own choices.
Esther got down to business, “I gather from Bambi that you two might have something going on and in that case you may be wondering how she is.” Before he could answer she carried on, “Poor Bambi has had a hell of a night and I asked in the sick bay if she could be sedated so she is well out of it now and I don’t think we’ll see much of her today. She has never been mentally strong and will need you and all of us in the next few days.
Another thing I wanted to mention was the time back on the Moons when I had self-doubt, I needed support and you were there for me, you are a good man Getaway.”
Kyle was surprised that Esther was showing some signs of humility but then said, “Can we keep this to ourselves, I mean if the Admiral asks, you won’t mention it will you?” Esther reached out with her hand across the table trying to make contact with Kyle’s but he pulled it back. Looking at Esther again with her black hair pulled back tight behind her head, pale face and highlighted lips she was the epitome of the professional officer. It was clear to him now that this meeting was not about Bambi but more about Esther’s future career.
“No worries Esther, if he asks you haven’t any weaknesses.”
“Thanks Getaway I owe you one.”
Kyle knew that at some point he would make sure that he claimed his debt.
Having completed all the chit chat he could find and draining his drink, it was Kyle who made the first move, pocketing the bagel he hadn’t eaten.
Back in his own cabin he sent Bambi a data message encouraging her to keep her spirits up and get plenty of rest because she would be needed soon. As he was at the entertainment console he decided to do a quick data retrieval on the planet Chamtofi.
Result – Chamtofi
Location - Fringe world north.
Government – Federal in main with a number of independent states who do not accept government directive.
Settled – Exodus plus 120.
Ecosystem – developed to 97% Gaia.
Terrain – mixed including desert, mountains, valleys, plains and some urban settlements.
Federal capital – Chambart (population 110,000 YE451).
The next search was on the province of Walendia.
Results – Walendia/ Chamtofi.
Government – None registered..
Industry – None.
Environment – Harsh, bordered by mountains to the North, South and East, to the West are salt marshes. Largely arid, the dusty plains restrict commerce and travel. There is no viable law and this province is off limits to federal troops, civil guards and police.
Principal Town – Walendia City, population (40,000 estimate) Travel links, Spaceport, accepts interstellar craft less than 250,000 tonnes also sub-atmosphere commercial transport and private charters.
Entry requirements – Permission for landing on Chamtofi or visiting Walendia has to be approved by the federal government, severe penalties will be applied to trespassers.
Kyle had forgotten about the time but a sharp rap on the door brought him back to his senses. A blue uniformed marine was outside and greeted him, “Morning Sir, the Admiral’s compliments, he invites you to join him in the executive suite.”
“No problem Private please lead the way,” Kyle rolled up his forage cap and threaded it under the epaulette of his green fatigues, then fell into line with the private but the speed of the marching made him pant. He was glad when they reached the executive area of the Guardian but it was still a distance to the Admiral’s office.
The marine knocked on the door and announced Kyle’s arrival, then ushered him into the Admiral’s office. He noticed first how dark it was, the panelling was some dark organic material and one wall was given over to an old fashioned bookcase, whilst another was almost entirely a view screen which was blacked out. The lighting did not help either as the overhead unit was switched off, leaving only the decorative wall lights to provide a yellow glow, which cast eerie shadows. In this unwelcoming environment he was thinking negative thoughts but the Admiral’s mood seemed to be just the opposite. “Mr Cassidy, how good to see you, thank you for being so prompt, please sit down.”
He did as he was told and sat in the vacant armchair opposite the Admiral’s desk.
“Before we get going let me introduce you to lieutenant Akimbe, whom you may remember from last night and also Lieutenant Kang from our Special Projects Team.” Kyle hadn’t seen them at first, as they sat in a corner of the darkened room but having been introduced they exchanged nods.
“I have heard great things about you Mr Cassidy and now I expect great things of you. Although if you find yourselves compromised you will in theory be an independent bounty hunting group, in practice you will be the Berengian military’s contribution to any mutual action the Council of Worlds authorises. As our nominees you will operate as a normal military unit which requires a structure. In this respect I have decided that you Mr Cassidy will lead the mission.”
Kyle was totally dumbfounded, “but I am just an engineer and an ex-con at that, what do I know about command and control?”
“I believe you know enough and you have special talents which suit this mission. You will also have Lieutenant Kang to assist if necessary, who is quite resourceful in his own way but as he is Lieutenant Second Class, he will report to you. As for your criminal record, we have been able to furnish your home world with evidence of your innocence in the car theft of which you were convicted and your status has been corrected to full citizen of Induria.”
More staggered by this news than ever, “Ok,” said Kyle, “what about Esther and Freeman, surely they should figure in this and will have something to say?”
“I am sure you are right especially in the case of Esther, but my mind is made up and those two will not be coming with you at this stage, I have other things they must do. Please stand gentlemen,” the other three in the room rose to attention. “Mr Cassidy it is my great pleasure to welcome you to the Berengian Navy of the Stars and in so doing to appoint you Lieutenant First Class Cassidy, may you serve well and bring glory to your family and mankind.”
This was all new to Kyle, there had been discipline and rank on the Seeker and this sometimes annoyed him but now he was well and truly part of a military machine and responsible.
The Admiral brought forward a small shiny red box, opened it and took out a pair of black epaulettes which carried the two thin gold bars indicating a Lieutenant First Class in the Berengian military. He handed them over to Kyle and saluted as did the other two Lieutenants. Kyle did his interpretation of a military style salute in return, then everyone broke ranks to shake hands and congratulate him.
“As I said earlier we are expecting great things of you but now we must get you moving as we don’t have much time. At 10:00 hours ship time you will meet your two fellow Lieutenants here in Briefing Room 4 and receive your orders. You now have freedom of the ship so I suggest that you try and memorise your way around. Before you join your meeting I need you to come with me. The Admiral lead him down two long corridors before turning onto a walkway above one of the ship’s hangars. Below was a small warship being worked on by what Kyle thought must be the entire engineering department of the fleet, robotic builders and human mechanics were everywhere. He guessed it was the captured pirate cutter which was now unrecognisable, it was a matt black colour and had bulges here and there on the superstructure which a normal cutter wouldn’t have.
The Admiral handed Kyle a pair of view glasses which he duly accepted and began to scan the vessel.
“Look at the bow in particular Lieutenant.”
Kyle did so and realised he was looking at a freshly installed nameplate, it read,
‘Seeker of Moons’.
“What do you think Lieutenant?”
“Sir, it is beautiful in every respect.”
“Good, I am glad you think so because this is your command.”
Kyle had been very negative about command and management in general and now he was going to be a mission commander, there must be a catch or this could be a suicide mission and they don’t want to waste proper soldiers, yeh that must be it he thought.
The Admiral was obviously pleased with the arrangements made so far and wanted to engage Kyle further, “As you can see we are converting your ship with the highest priority possible but as you will be leaving at 24:00 tomorrow are there any modifications you would like to see embodied before your launch?”
Kyle gave a considered response befitting to his new position, “Improved weapons systems, better armour, reactor core shielding and maximisation, stealth electronics enabled, medical facilities, high speed shuttles and a squadron of stingers and that’s for starters, plus of course we need enough crew to fly and operate her.”
“That is what we thought you might say and we will do what we can. There will be no space for a fighter squadron but your beefed up armament now includes two extra photon canons facing forward with one to the rear and all have a 45 degree rotation capability.
The new crew is down to you, again we need to distance Berengia from the operation and we have assembled a short list of possible crew from other planetary groups for you to recruit from. Unfortunately it means that quality may be limited and it will be down to you to select the best you can.
Well, I had better let you get off to your briefing as we all have much to do. The next meeting arranged for you is in Briefing Room 2 at 11:30 ship time when you can present yourself to your old shipmates and presumably make any appointments you need, subject of course to my ratification.”
There was a quick exchange of salutes and the Admiral was gone. Kyle wondered how he would find his next meeting place, when his original escort popped up from seemingly nowhere to lead the way.
Seeker of Moons (Cassidy's Command Book 1) Page 11
