“Thank you, Tib. I’m not sure what to make of what you’ve said, but I appreciate that you value my support. As far as what the Captain said today, about us being armed, I want you to know that I am fully combat-certified and an expert with small arms as well as heavier arms. I am as capable as any trooper.”
“Kala, I have the utmost trust in your abilities. Now let’s go get our side arms issued as the Captain ordered, and then I will show you some martial arts moves. Are there suitable gym clothes in my wardrobe, or will we be doing that naked also?”
“Special gear is available at the gym for us to wear. Sizing is not an issue; the suits are form fitting and stretch to fit. Our side arms can be issued to us via Piesew. I will familiarize you with their features and practice with you at the range here in our quarters.”
I thought to myself, “The suite has its own swimming pool, gym and firing range? No wonder this ship is so damn big!” I wondered whether all dignitary accommodations were this extensive and how many of these suites existed on the DUSTEN.
The gym turned out to be right across the hall from the pool. Kala led me to some small lockers by an open shower. Inside the locker was a small compartment, from which she withdrew a package. She said to hang my clothing in the locker and put on the suit contained in the package. She then opened the locker next to mine, removed a similar package and began undressing. The outfits reminded me of two piece dance leotards; very form fitting. I felt a bit conspicuous with the bulge between my legs, but Kala didn’t seem to notice or, at least, pay any attention to it. After we were changed, Kala directed me to a large room fitted with a padded floor mat.
“So…what do I need to do?” Kala asked
“We’ll, let’s start with the basics. First watch as I go through a series of coordinated stances, blocks and strikes that form the foundation of all form and sparring techniques. Then I will teach them to you.”
“Wow,” Kala exclaimed, as I performed the choreographed basic,” it’s almost like a dance, a ballet, no wonder you said it took you years to learn.”
After introducing and practicing these basics, I showed Kala some simple, yet effective moves for dealing with attackers. She was amazed at how one could use an attacker’s physical momentum and weight to a defensive advantage and how straightforward these initial moves were to execute. I likewise, was amazed at how quickly she learned as well as the strength her slim body seemed to disguise. We were so engrossed in the lesson that we were both somewhat startled when we heard Piesew clear his throat. He stood in his usual proper posture near the gym entrance holding a box.
“Major, I have obtained the weapons, as you requested. Would you like me to leave them here or place them in the target range?”
“Leave them here, if you will, Piesew,” Kala said, “thank you.”
Kala examined the assortment of weapons as I watched. “The target range is right next door,” she said, “we can go dressed as we are. I’ll explain and demonstrate these weapons to you, after which we can practice firing at various targets. We’ll come back here to shower and dress.”
The target ranges was nothing like traditional target ranges on Earth, nor were the weapons. The targets consisted of animated holographic projections of attackers and enemy combatants in all sorts of changeable environments and settings. The weapons themselves were just as strange. None of the weapons fired projectiles; rather, each of them directed some sort of energy beam. There was no noise or recoil when the weapon discharged, and other than for the light indicators on the target that confirmed a hit, there was no clear way to identify whether the weapon discharged at all. Some had the similar typical shape that we are accustomed to on Earth, while others were appropriately called flat guns. Other varieties were worn on the wrist with a band attached to a ring that extended past the knuckle where the ring was worn on the index finger. This weapon fired by squeezing the hand to make a fist. I shot well with the familiar pistol-shaped weapons, but not quite as well with the flat guns, however, I did superbly with the wrist weapon for some reason. For the most part, my scores with the hand guns averaged ninety seven percent, which surprised Kala. With the flat guns I averaged ninety percent hits, also acceptable, but with the wrist guns I consistently achieved one hundred percent, surprising both myself and Kala.
Some of the weapons were designed only to incapacitate the attacker by causing temporary paralysis, while others paralyzed or killed, depending on the setting. What amazed me was that all but one of them only affected living organisms, causing no damage to walls or other objects. Kala explained that hand weapons were generally intended for use inside a ship, as it was too dangerous to use anything that might breach the hull or damage a life support system that sustained the ship’s occupants. Ships to ship weapons were designed to cause structural damage, but small personal weapons were designed to immobilize only people and aggressive creatures.
After observing me practice, Kala said the best choices for me would be the wrist gun, as it would essentially be hidden by my coat sleeve, and the small flat gun, which would also conceal well in any pocket. Even though I didn’t do as well with this weapon, concealment was important, since anyone else wearing or carrying a weapon, other than the troopers who were always armed, tended to draw unwanted attention. I had to agree with her, but vowed to myself to practice every day until I could achieve perfect scores with it as well.
The whole time we practiced I was mulling over a plan to protect the Solbidyum and get it to Megelleon safely. While Kala and I were showering and dressing I decided to solicit Kala’s assistance in making arrangements to present my idea to the Captain.
“Kala, would it be out of place for me to invite the Captain to my quarters for a meal?”
Kala turned to me with a surprised look. ”There is nothing in protocol that would make it out of line, but unless you are inviting other officers to attend with him, it’s not normally done. Do you have a special reason in mind?”
“Yes, I do, actually, “I replied with a tone of caution, “but other than for you and the Captain, I would prefer at this time to not include anyone else. I have an idea I wish to put before the Captain, and I would prefer that he decide who else to include in additional discussions after he’s heard it.”
“I think that can be arranged,” Kala replied, “but I recommend you have the dinner meeting in my quarters. The Captain and I often dine together to discuss diplomatic issues, so it would not appear out of the norm for him to come to my cabin. You could join us through the door between our suites to prevent anyone from knowing you were in attendance, other than for Piesew and the staff, of course. Does that suit you needs?”
“Yes, I think that will work. How soon can you arrange it?”
“It’s not uncommon for me to request to see the Captain on short notice, so I can try to reach him now and possibly arrange to meet in an hour or so, depending on his schedule. Let me contact him and see.”
Kala pulled a small device from the pocket of her uniform that looked at first glance like a card, but then I noticed that it was more like cellular mobile telephones on Earth, only the thinnest one I have ever seen. I heard her say “Captain Maxette,” and a few moments later I heard the Captains voice say, “Major, I hope everything is ok with our guest.”
“Indeed, Captain, all is well. We just left the target range. There is no need to be concerned about his skills with hand weapons. He beat or matched me with every weapon except the flat gun and with a bit of practice I think he will beat me with that one as well.”
“That’s great to hear, but I’m guessing that’s not what you are contacting me about? “the Captain probed.
Kala laughed, “You are right Captain. Actually, I am calling because our guest would like to meet with you in private to discuss a sensitive matter. I thought it might be a good idea to gather in my suite, so as to draw less attention and minimize curiosity with the ships inhabitants.”
“Hmm, I’m intrigued,” the Captain replied, “It
just so happens that I was just about to have a meal delivered to my quarters, but I would enjoy dining with you in your quarters instead. Why don’t we meet in about forty minutes? Or is that too soon?”
“Forty minutes would be perfect, sir,” Kala said looking at me. I nodded my approval. Kala next contacted Piesew. “Piesew, the Captain and one other will be dining with me in my suite. Could you have the chef prepare some Canip’lurb with Tagirian sweet sauce and, some of those delicious caramelized Nibulan fruits. Oh and also some green salad. Tell the chef to add appropriate beverages and anything else that he thinks will complement the dishes. “
“Yes, Major,” Piesew replied, “meals for three, you say?“
“That is correct Piesew. The Captain should be arriving in about forty minutes. Hopefully that will provide the chef enough time to prepare everything properly. I know this is very short notice.”
“I do not think it will be any problem. As we were speaking, I verified that all of the necessary ingredients are readily available. Will that be all?” Piesew responded.
“Yes, Piesew, thank you.”
“Now, I do not suppose you are willing to tell me what this is all about, since you haven’t brought it up until now?” Kala asked inquisitively.
“I think it’s best to present this idea only once,” I said, “so if you do not mind waiting until the Captain arrives, I would prefer that. No reflection on you in any way, actually, I will be most interested in your thoughts and comments.”
The next forty minutes didn’t go as quickly as I would have liked and I found my stomach knotting up in anticipation of the meeting. Kala tried to keep up small conversation about the martial arts training in the morning while practicing in front of her reflection in the glass that surrounded the atrium. I found myself admiring how quickly she seemed to comprehend and remember the execution of each move. There was a unique grace about her fluid movements that was almost hypnotic.
“Kala, what will happen, assuming we make it to Megelleon with the Solbidyum, I mean, with you and me? Will you still be assigned to me as an attaché?”
Kala stopped practicing and looked at me with a brief pause. “For a while probably, though I am sure a more high-ranking attaché will be assigned over me to assist with the negotiations and transfer of the Solbidyum, your funds and the TRITYTE. After that I will no doubt be reassigned to the ship, as this is my base of operation. You will be given a more senior attaché to assist you in the future.” I thought I detected just the slightest note of sadness in her voice.
“And what if I do not want you to go? What if I requested you to be permanently assigned to me? Would they do that? And how would you feel about it?” I asked.
Kala raised an eyebrow. “I must confess that, until now, I had not given any of this a thought. To answer your first question, as to whether they would permanently appoint me to you upon your request, they might, if I agreed to take the assignment. Your desires, coupled with the tremendous power you will have, is going to make the Federation want to have an official delegate close to you at all times. They will do almost anything to cultivate your personal favor. As to your second question,” she said as she resumed her martial arts movements again, “I think I would like that. Yes, I think I might like that very much.” She interrupted her practice again, turning to me with her hands on her hips, “Why do you ask?”
“First, because I feel very comfortable with you; and that’s important. Second, because I have trust in your abilities. Third, we get along well, or at least I think, and last, to quote the words from an old song on Earth, I’ve grown accustomed to your face!”
Kala smiled broadly, “That’s about the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me, thank you.”
Just then there was a signal at the door. Kala opened it and invited the Captain to enter.
“Major. Tibby. Good so see you both smiling. I hope that whatever it is you wish to discuss with me will have me smiling as well. However, I fear I have more bad news.” Kala poured the Captain a cup of focee. “Earlier today I was approached by Ambassador Rifnan from the Kandurian System. He wanted to know whether rumors of the discovery of the TRITYTE and the Solbidyum are true. According to him he heard that the ship had been recovered by a tall Pakarian. I’m assuming that someone must have seen Tib and, because of his red hair, assumed he was Pakarian. He also heard that were was an attempt to steal the TRITYTE and insisted on assuring me that no one from his planet was involved. Of course, I denied it all telling him that, to my knowledge, there had not been any Pakarians onboard, nor had any Pakarians recently arrived in a ship carrying the legendary Solbidyum. Not exactly a lie, as Tibby is not Pakarian. Nevertheless, we have a problem because if Ambassador Rifnan has heard it, you know everyone else will very soon; he loves to spread rumors.”
Just as he finished sharing this information, the door chime sounded again. Kala suggested I move to another room so that Piesew would not know I was the other guest. I slipped back over into my own suite until the table had been set and Kala indicated it was ok to return.
“What’s going on?” the Captain asked, “You don’t trust Piesew?”
“Actually I trust Piesew very much,” I said, though I really didn’t know him well yet. “But I want this meeting to be known to as few as possible. I have a plan that I think may help to get us off the hook with the Bunem System, and Ambassador Rifnan, as well as everyone else on the ship. We can discuss it as we dine. I don’t know what we’re having, but it sure smells good.”
As we seated ourselves at the table, I began to lay out my plan.
“It appears that word has spread about the TRITYTE, the Solbidyum and me. We know that an attempt was made to steal the TRITYTE and the Solbidyum and that this mission failed. We are also aware that one patrol crew sent a message pod to the Bunem System telling them of the discovery. By the time we get close to their system, it is safe to assume that the Bunemnites will already be deployed and standing ready for us, and that there is no way we can get any of the fleet here to assist us before then. Am I correct so far?” I asked the Captain.
“That pretty much sums it up, yes,” the Captain said heavily.
“Okay. Now what would happen if another attempt was made to steal the TRITYTE and the Solbidyum, and it succeeded?” I continued cautiously, “and let’s just say the story of its escape triggers a huge hunt to recover it, using almost every available ship on the DUSTEN. Then let’s assume that the DUSTEN maintained its station here, while the search for the TRITYTE is conducted. How long do you think it would be before some other loyal Bunem spies would send a second message pod to inform the Bunemnites of these developments so they could immediately attempt to intercept the TRITYTE?”
“I think I see where you’re going with this,” the Captain said with a smile, “But please continue; I want to hear your entire plan.” I glanced at Kala. She was looking at me with a look of pride and amazement as I continued.
“This operation would need to proceed with the fewest possible number of people knowing what is really going on. We would have to be assured, without a trace of doubt, that each team member is one hundred percent loyal and trustworthy. You said that, outwardly, the TRITYTE’s construction is just like that of any other patrol ship, correct?”
“Yes,” the Captain said, “Only the interiors are different, and the power systems. Oh, and there is a Federation symbol on our patrol ships that is not present on the TRITYTE.”
“Is there anything unique, like perhaps the power signature, that can be detected or that would otherwise differentiate the TRITYTE from other patrol craft?”
“No,” the Captain said leaning forward in his chair, his food forgotten and a huge smile spreading across his face.”
“Then I suggest that we switch the TRITYTE with one of the other patrol craft, hide the Federation symbol on this decoy with something that can later be removed in space, and then assign a trusted crew to steal this fake TRITYTE. Meanwhile, we install a Federation symbol on the
real TRITYTE and move it to a common patrol ship bay. After moving the decoy into the secured bay, the hangar can be made to look disheveled and damaged, as though a fight took place. Notify the next of kin and broadcast the story of the first attempt and the subsequent ‘successful’ theft over the ship’s newscast, perhaps even showing the bodies of the troopers killed in the first attempt. Then immediately deploy every available ship to look for the TRITYTE, including the real, disguised TRITYTE. Since so little is known about the ship and Solbidyum, you could fabricate some information about it, perhaps announcing that the TRITYTE can be detected by a specific energy signature, this will add plausibility to the theft scenario. We would have to conjure up something that emits an easily detected signal, which we will install in a message pod on the decoy ship. The crew can program the pod to travel on some kind of erratic route, activate the transmitter to emit the signal intermittently, and launch the pod prior to uncovering the hidden Federation logo. Then the decoy TRITYTE will look like a Federation patrol ship, which will then join the hunt for the stolen decoy TRITYTE. Everyone will be following and chasing after the signature emitted from message drone for light years.” I exhaled, my stomach slowly becoming unknotted. My plan was falling favorably on the Captain’s ears.
I continued, “Perhaps choose one of the uninhabited planets, maybe the original prison exile planet, and send the pod in that general direction. The ploy should at the very least divide the Bunem fleet. Then if the Bunemnites do come to the DUSTEN, act as though you think they are coming to help. Perhaps even invite their leadership aboard the DUSTEN and let them have access to the entire ship. They will most certainly be looking to see if the Solbidyum is here but, of course, it won’t be. It will be on the real TRITYTE, deployed on an unconventional route to the capitol with Kala and me and four of your most trusted crewmen.”
“Tibby, that is brilliant!” the Captain said, “I think it might even work. I have an idea to make it even more plausible, before the fake TRITYTE leaves the DUSTEN, we can plant another patrol ship at a rendezvous point. Using their weapons, the second patrol ship can fire a non-lethal shot on the fake TRITYTE that will damage its propulsion system and make it look as though the decoy, which will be towed back to the DUSTEN as a regular patrol ship, encountered the real TRITYTE in a conflict. When we have it towed back, we can broadcast a follow-up story that will convince any remaining skeptics that the hoax is real. Brilliant, Tibby, brilliant! Just one thing, why you and Major Kala on the real TRITYTE for this mission? Why not just leave the transport to one of my loyal crews?”
Solbidyum Wars Saga Book 1: Battle of the New Orleans Page 10
