by Britt Ringel
Chapter 7
Five days after the Vagabond incident, Heskan sat at the desk in his cabin reading about the situation at Anesidora. Strangely enough, Anelace and Vagabond had synched standata. The Anesidora system was heating up even more, if that was possible. The Hollaran blockade was still in place and a large task force from Second Fleet was destined to make way to break it in just a few weeks. The news listed the ship names comprising the task force and it was an impressive group. Heskan was unsure sending a task force headlong into an adversary’s blockade was the best way to peacefully resolve the situation but he understood that Bree could not allow the blockade to stand. The precedent of permitting a rival government to dictate where commercial traffic could sail inside the disputed zone was unacceptable. Still, he found himself hoping that cooler heads could somehow prevail even with all that firepower concentrated in one star system. The news article purported that the overwhelming Brevic force and moral authority of free trade would overcome the naked aggression of the Hollarans. Surely even the Hollaran Commonwealth could see preventing Brevic trade in a single border system was not worth an actual shooting war that could devastate each side. Heskan was not so sure about that but those problems were, literally, light-years away. Closer to home, Heskan had used his off duty time to pour through manuals, schematics, purchase logs, shipping manifests and public records in an effort to learn all he could about Vagabond.
It had been easy to obtain general information on the Class 8-BA 250,000 metric ton bulk cargo HandySize freighter. The Class 8-BA was on the small end of the spectrum for bulk carriers but could still make a nice profit delivering a valuable ore such as promethium. The ship class had been in service sixty-four years and hundreds of ships had been produced at five different ship construction sites.
Specific information on Vagabond was harder to find. Built in orbit around the planet Chelsea, she had been launched in 1023.963, which put her in the middle of her lifespan at thirty-one years old. Vagabond had two previous owners, neither of which had paid for any major overhauls but that was common among privately owned ships. Her current owner was listed as Edward Black.
Personal information on Mr. Edward Black was nearly impossible to discover. Heskan couldn’t even find a planet of birth for the freighter captain. The sole document available was his bulk cargo captain’s license from the Titan system and even that told him virtually nothing since the home address was the Vagabond itself. The license fee was paid for in Brevic credits.
These facts by themselves were not sinister. Most private ship captains probably paid in credits and most ship captains lived on their ships. Given Anelace’s limited database, it was not surprising that personal information about one random, private commercial captain would not be available. However, Heskan had the suspicion that even if he were standing at the Titan Core Library, he would have about as much success researching Mr. Black’s life as he did on Anelace.
The only unusual thing Heskan found to help confirm his uneasiness was that Vagabond was self-insured. Private freighter captains made their money transporting cargo and that fact alone meant their ships were their lifeblood. An inoperable ship meant no income and an inoperable career. Risking the very essence of a career and livelihood did not make sense, especially when insurance for a small, middle-aged, bulk freighter that hauled safe cargo would not have been unreasonably expensive. Black’s negligence in leaving his ship uninsured was just plain bad business and people who worked their way up to owning their own ships were not bad businessmen. Heskan searched for prior shipping manifests for Vagabond but came up empty. He supposed it was possible that Vagabond normally shipped high-risk cargo and that would explain the reason for being self-insured. Unfortunately, Anelace’s standata simply did not have the answers.
After Vagabond, the temptation was to station Anelace 5ls from the Narvi tunnel point; however, she continued to loiter near the edge of the Beta Field even though the ore extractors had not had any accidents since the corvette’s arrival. Demyen Timofei had said her presence was reassuring for the mining engineers in those extractors. In a slight compromise, Heskan had positioned Anelace on the asteroid field’s edge closest to the tunnel point so she could clearly see it but still be close enough to assist an extractor in distress. The ship soon fell back into a quiet routine as it waited for the next cargo freighter to dive into Skathi, which was scheduled in twenty hours, or six days after Vagabond had dove out. Heskan spent that time composing a summary of the events to date along with an official request for additional support in Skathi to be sent back to Durmont at the next opportunity.
* * *
On the bridge, Heskan found himself staring at the ship’s system plot, counting down the time until the anticipated freighter’s arrival. Truesworth’s voice finally broke the silence that had pervaded the bridge for some time. “Sir, we have a tunnel drive disturbance at the Narvi point. We’re receiving a beacon now; it’s a freighter’s beacon twenty light-minutes from us. The beacon’s status is green and identifies herself as EF Oh-eight. Our sensors confirm a HandyMax bulk cargo vessel.”
Truesworth’s fingers danced over his console and seconds later he added, “Ship’s database says Oh-Eight is a HandyMax freighter owned by Emeray Freight Company out of Titan. She’s a 450,000 metric ton bulk cargo carrier.”
“Send out a greeting and request acknowledgment, Ensign.” Heskan wanted a voice on record in case EF-08 decided to pull an about-face. “Diane, put us on an intercept course, speed point two-C.”
Tandem “aye, aye, sirs” came from his crewmembers and Anelace propelled herself forward. Both ships pushed toward each other, Anelace at .2c and the freighter at .1c. Roughly forty minutes later, Heskan received his reply.
A tall, blonde man with a thick New London accent appeared on the main screen. “Hello, BRS Anelace, this is Emeray Freight Zero-eight, bulk carrier inbound for the Refining And Loading Facility at Skathi-Three. We welcome your escort and my navigator tells me our ships will meet in about thirty more minutes. Good to see you, old boy.”
“Seems amiable enough,” Truesworth stated.
He does, Heskan thought. I’ve heard of Emeray Freight; it’s a reputable company. The question is do I board her for a routine inspection and then have the word go out that freighters are being inspected in Skathi, or do I save that surprise for a freighter more likely to be carrying contraband? My gut says wait.
Heskan pushed at his console and commanded, “Lieutenant Riedel and Chief Brown to the bridge, please.” May as well get some input.
Minutes later, both crewmen arrived. Heskan started, “Sorry to wake you, Mike.”
The first officer smiled as he combed through his dark brown hair with his fingers. “Occupational hazard. We have another runner, sir?”
Heskan gestured toward the main screen, which was showing the tactical plot. “Not yet and I think she would have run by now. I brought you two up here to get opinions on performing an inspection on her.”
“Operations could be ready in five minutes, sir,” the old chief stated as a matter of fact.
Heskan smiled. “I believe you, Boats. However, once we do an inspection, that freighter sure as hell will pass along that information and there won’t be anymore ‘surprise’ inspections.” Heskan posed his question, “So, do you gentlemen think this is the best use of that opportunity?”
The two men looked at each other before Brown gestured to Riedel that he would wait to answer until after Riedel had his say. “I’d say wait, Captain. If we only get one surprise, let’s save it for a more suspicious ship than an Emeray freighter.” He pointed to the plot, which showed detailed information about the incoming ship.
Heskan turned to the senior chief. “What do you think, Boats?”
Brown took another brief pause before he spoke, “There’s a good argument to be made to do either but in this case I think I’d board her. Vagabond surely let the cat out of the bag that we’re here if earlier freighters hadn’t already done
that. Any freighter that comes in now smugglin’ somethin’ figures that he’s probably goin’ to be inspected anyways. An’ if they still come, then that must mean they think they can beat my inspectors. I think we oughta just start inspectin’ all of ‘em. I’ve taught my crew pretty good an’ we just might catch somethin’. If nothin’ else, it might scare smugglers away an’ that’s a win too, Skipper.”
Riedel was nodding in agreement. “He has a good point, Captain.”
Yes, he does. Good enough to change my mind in fact, mused Heskan. Might as well tell him, at least he’ll know I take his advice to heart.
“You’ve convinced me, Chief. Let’s board her.”
* * *
The bright, white lighting on the bridge shaded slightly to red as Heskan ordered his ship to action stations. Across the corvette, crewmembers dashed to their stations as section leaders urged them onward. No section leader wanted his section to be the last to signal “ready for action.”
As the two ships came within 1lm of each other, Chief Brown’s image appeared on Heskan’s chair arm console. He was decked out in standard Brevic marine kinetic armor, his multi-rifle slung over his shoulder. “Boardin’ team is ready, sir. I’ll be takin’ the entire complement over.”
Heskan nodded, “Acknowledged, Chief. Contact us upon successful boarding and then again when your inspection is complete or if you encounter a problem.”
“Yes, sir. We’re loadin’ into the shuttle now.” His image blinked out.
Heskan’s eyes drifted up to the main tactical screen. Nine crewmembers, including the chief, Heskan thought. They may not have the training that real Brevic marines have but they look awfully impressive in full armor. Heskan called up some data on his console. EF-08 has a crew complement of twenty-two. My guys should be able to handle anything assuming they actually get aboard.
Heskan’s thoughts were interrupted by Ensign Selvaggio. “Sir, we are now within one light-minute of EF Zero-eight.”
Heskan leaned forward. “Energize shield and weapons. Jack, send out our challenge.”
Heskan once again listened to the carefully prepared message he had recorded five minutes earlier. “EF Zero-Eight, by authority of Brevic Military Regulations and the Brevic Rules of Interstellar and System Commerce, you are hereby ordered to heave to. Prepare to be boarded for a ship’s inspection per ISC Rule 4505.25.”
The transmission took fifty-eight seconds to reach EF-08. One minute after that Truesworth blurted out, “Freighter is decelerating, sir. Down to point oh-five-C and decreasing.”
Heskan could feel a bead of sweat trickle down the side of his face. Annoyed by it, he wiped it away. “Navigation, pull us alongside and once we’re stationary, have the shuttle launched.” He glanced over to his first officer. “Thoughts, Mike?”
“They’re complying so that’s good. I can’t imagine them heaving to and then refusing our shuttle—”
Truesworth cut him off, “Incoming message from Oh-eight, sir.” The young ensign divided the main screen into two. One half continued to show the tactical plot while the other half displayed EF-08’s communiqué.
The blonde captain appeared once again and said, “Emeray Freighter Zero-eight acknowledges your order and submits herself for inspection. Please have your shuttle dock at our starboard docking collar. My first officer will meet your boarding party and my crew will assist in any way possible. EF Zero-eight out.”
Riedel gestured toward the main screen. “There you have it.”
Ensign Selvaggio turned her chair away from her station to face Heskan. “Anelace is at relative rest with Zero-eight and the shuttle has launched, Captain. She’ll rendezvous with the freighter in a couple of minutes.”
The crew on board Anelace continued to monitor the shuttle’s progress. Finally, after several minutes, Heskan received a transmission from Chief Brown that he and his crew were safely aboard. The actual inspection took several hours, which seemed more like days to Heskan who was thirsty for updates but knew better than to pester his chief while in the middle of it. Heskan had familiarized himself with ISC Rule 4505.25, the rule that authorized military ships to inspect domestic commerce while performing duties related to commerce regulation. He had also discussed at length with Chief Brown the actual inspection procedures.
First, the freighter’s registration and licensing were confirmed, a simple matter that could be done via data link. Every Brevic cargo freighter was required to be registered with the Brevic Ministry of Commerce. The database was continuously updated via a militarized version of standata. Additionally, all freighter captains were required to carry proof of registration on their ships in the event that the inspecting ship did not have the freighter in its database. An unregistered ship was to be immediately impounded; a threat that virtually guaranteed any upstanding freighter would comply with the regulation. Beyond ship registration, the license of the captain would be confirmed. Upon confirmation, the captain would then be required to reaffirm under oath that his ship’s officers were properly licensed. Chief Brown would then conduct a few random license checks on different officers.
Next, the ship’s manifest was matched with the physical cargo in the hold. Under the 2500 section of the ISC Rules, any ship designated to haul cargo had to have accurate manifests for the last six months. Heskan knew that his inspection crew would first scour over the manifest for any inconsistencies. After verifying the paperwork, they would break into teams and actually account for each and every cargo container on the ship. Unfortunately, inspecting the cargo of a 450,000 metric ton bulk cargo carrier was time consuming. Additionally, opening an initial cargo container usually revealed several more boxes, containers, barrels and tubs inside. It was unrealistic to open and visually inspect each box, each package and every liquid or bulk container. The inspection team had to rely upon each initial cargo container’s seal.
When a cargo container was packed, a certified cargo master would observe. The master would then seal the container with a specialized seal that would break if the container was reopened before reaching its declared destination. Attached to the seal, a cargo bill affirmed what was packed into that particular cargo container and that it had been safely and properly packed according to ISC Rules. Chief Brown’s inspection teams would visually check each seal to insure it had not been tampered with after a cargo master had secured it.
Finally, the inspectors would search the ship for hidden cargo spaces and contraband. The inspection teams would use sonic interrogators to check for smuggler’s compartments and aromatic detectors tuned to sniff for various types of illicit cargo. The chief had told Heskan this was usually the phase where contraband, if any existed, would be found. As he sat on the bridge, Heskan realized that another benefit of searching an Emeray freighter was the low probability of actually discovering anything illegal. Emeray Freight depended heavily on being reputable and was too profitable to bother operating a smuggler’s ship. It’s nice to get one “under the belt” so to speak before we perform an inspection where something might actually go wrong, he thought. Three hours later, Chief Brown signaled that EF-08 had passed inspection and his crew was returning to Anelace.
Once the shuttle was secured, both ships resumed their course for the RALF.
“Secure from action stations. Jack, give me ship-wide communications,” Heskan ordered. He waited half a beat as the sensors ensign quickly complied before speaking. “Attention, Anelace, this is the captain. Good work on that inspection, everyone. We’re still a little slow on coming to action stations but we’re improving and we’ll have plenty more practice. Section chiefs debrief your sections and we’ll discuss the inspection at our next staff meeting. Heskan out.”
Chapter 8
The chime of Heskan’s cabin door knocked him out of his trance. Looking at the ship’s chronometer, he realized that he had spent the last three hours meticulously studying the details of Vagabond in a vain effort to find some clue to its rapid departure from the Skathi system. So far
, his continued efforts had produced nothing. Trying to trace the ship to a company, trying to learn more information about its mysterious captain, trying to see some pattern in the ship’s cargo manifest and working backwards from the ship’s recent ports of call had all been dead ends. The ship, its captain, its cargo and its previous stops had been either hidden from standata or the information was so generalized it was worthless.
Curiously, Vagabond’s cargo manifests showed only a variance of five percent for the last three years. While it was true that private freighter captains would generally run an optimized route to yield as great a profit as possible, even minor fluctuations in the trading prices of commodities over three years meant that the cargo Vagabond carried should have changed to reflect those routine price variations. Instead, she had dutifully carried the same cargo in the same amounts for three years even when the price of one of her main cargoes, parts and maintenance kits for mono-linear solar engines, bottomed out a year ago. It appeared that Vagabond didn’t seem interested in maximizing profits.
The freighter’s previous stops were likewise generic. Before Skathi, she had ported at Tarvos. Before that, she had come from Anthe. In short, she had travelled to major systems as would be expected of any bulk cargo freighter.
Once again, the chime sounded and once again it rocked Heskan from his train of thought. It had been two and a half weeks since they had boarded EF-08 and four other freighters had routinely entered and left the Skathi system. Anelace had boarded three of them within an hour of their entering the system and Chief Brown’s inspection team had been thorough but had come up empty each time. In truth, this was no surprise. Two of the three freighters had belonged to large freight companies that probably would not risk their entire organizations for one freighter’s worth of contraband. Heskan had held out hope for the third ship but it was dashed by Brown’s comm message informing him the inspection was complete with no discrepancies. He had taken some solace in the fact that even finding nothing, he might still be accomplishing his mission.
