by Charles Nall
Trevor laughed. “You do have a point, there.”
Drake Mabus continued on the screen, “Peace will prevail. Pax Galaxia will be a reality. Thank you, and Terra Bless.”
January 29, 0270 AC - 12:52
Hydroponic Garden, Space Station Grauer
Galactic Union Space
Captain Devereaux smelled some roses that were set up as decoration in the tranquil hydroponic garden. Cascading waterfalls and lush plants came to life in an oasis within the immense structure of metal. The state of Devereaux's peaceful mind changed drastically when a familiar person walked up to his side.
Admiral Akeldamas bowed his head. “I see you have a similar custom when times are tough. It's very helpful to clear your head when facing tumultuous moments.”
Devereaux smirked. “You are my tumultuous moment.”
“Oh? Well, I'm very sorry, Captain. I do not have a problem with you,” assured Akeldamas, “I have an issue with a mercenary whore, not you.”
Devereaux motioned at the rose he was smelling. “Speaking of thorns, actually, our situations are quite the same. You are a lot like this flower, you may seem like one of the good guys, but you have terrible thorns.”
“I don't think I've been called a rose before. You are so nice, Captain.”
“Well I was mostly just talking about the thorns part, I suppose.”
“I do not want to be a problem for you, Captain. I'm merely doing my duty for the Union. If you disagree, I think you can be convinced otherwise, let's just talk about this.”
“I believe you are about to commit mass-murder in order to–,” Devereaux paused. “I'm not sure quite what. Some sort of alliance with the Dynasty or a so-called 'just' war. The ends never justify the means. That is what I believe. You can't convince me to change what I believe.”
“On the contrary, when you see the information I have you will be quite surprised. It's our duty as the Galactic Union to be a shining beacon of hope and truth. To shine even brighter, we need more fuel–a fuel that is unfortunate but necessary.”
Devereaux turned away. “No. I will not, I cannot believe this is good for the Union.”
“Let me show you firsthand what the Union is trying to do. It will be the path to peace! Please. You are quite a resourceful captain. There's a reason your ship is a part of all of this. We chose you. You would be an excellent addition to the new Union. Just let me show you. Please. I am sorry I have been, I suppose, a thorn in your side. Let us get passed that. Please accompany me to my quarters on your ship. I will tell you everything.”
“I–I just don't.” Devereaux sighed. “Fine, let's go. I doubt you'll convince me. There's a very good chance that I will go to the public and everyone will know that you and the people you associate with are criminals. But I'm just going by my gut here. I should see what you are trying to get at, firsthand, before making my final decision. But it better be absolutely amazing. I have no idea how you'd pull that off...”
“I am very convincing. Follow me, sir,” Akeldamas said.
The admiral and captain returned to the docked USS Freedom. They walked, in silence, to the admiral's quarters. Devereaux was hesitant but Akeldamas seemed in good spirits. Akeldamas' guards stood outside the door. Akeldamas nodded toward them. On command, the door to the Admiral's quarters opened.
Akeldamas entered into his quarters. “Come on in. I am so glad to have you on our side.”
Devereaux grimaced and shook his head and entered as well. The door shut and the guards took their places on the sides of the door and glanced around.
One of the guards looked toward the other. “Here it comes.”
“Ugh. It'll be over soon. No one will find out, right?”
“The ship is blind to what is about to transpire.”
“That's good. I really–” the guard was interrupted by the sound of Devereaux loudly shouting from the quarters. A struggle started and quickly stopped.
“... hate this part of the job.”
January 29, 0270 AC - 13:17
Bridge, USS Freedom
Galactic Union Space
“Captain on deck!” yelled a lieutenant.
“At ease.”
“Was your trip to the hydroponic garden soothing? We're just about ready to depart to Artemis!”
Captain Devereaux walked up to his command chair on the bridge. “Quite soothing, I'm sure you kept the ship in great working order, Commander?”
Commander Serafina Freeman quickly stood up from the chair and smiled. “Of course. The bridge is yours, Captain, I don't know if you can handle it. Also, the chair is warm.”
“Splendid. So, Artemis! All systems good?”
“Yes sir, oh, are you okay? Your mouth appears to be bleeding a little bit.”
Devereaux wiped his mouth. “Hrm, oh, I happened to trip in my rush to get back here in time. I was quite captivated by those plants!”
“Oh, you shouldn't be in that much of a rush to get back. Don't hurt yourself over it!”
“Well, you know, I'm here now. As usual, the ends justify the means. I'll be okay! Crew, let's get ready to head to Artemis. The launching of Exodus will change our universe for the better, and we'll have front row seats!”
3
January 30, 0270 AC – 14:00 Local Time
Argolis Space Port
Argolis, Artemis, Galactic Union Space
Jacob and Trevor exited the main building of the Argolis Space Port. The sounds of spacecraft launching and landing behind the building drowned out most other sound. Relatively high stone walls surrounded the space port complex. There were only a few exits out of this walled space port. Large, currently open, gates led into the port. Many guards patrolled the area, especially near the gates where vehicle traffic entered and exited. A large amount of citizens were coming and going as well through a checkpoint near the gate.
“So, do you remember where Jerry Turner lives?” Jacob asked.
“I think so,” replied Trevor, “I haven't been here in a while.” Trevor glanced at one of the guards that was staring at him. “It sure has changed, though.”
“Why all the guards? The wall?”
As they approached the checkpoint Trevor pointed. “That's why.”
Just outside the checkpoint were barricades that were keeping protesters out of the space port. The people were shouting at guards and many of them were holding signs.
“Isn't Exodus a good idea? I assume that is what they are protesting?” Jacob asked.
“Yep. This is one of the places you can sign up in person. The protests aren't usually violent, thankfully. Exodus may be a good idea, but it's not the best idea for these people.”
Jacob and Trevor walked up to the checkpoint. Computers and monitors were piled against each other and wires snaked across the ground. A makeshift wooden roof structure was all that protected the checkpoint from the elements. “Identification. Now,” a guard said.
Jacob laughed, “Wow, you guys are quite hospitable.”
The guard spit on the ground. “Look, yer new here, I take it? Give me yer hand, let's see where yer from.”
Jacob outstretched his hand and the guard scanned it with a device.
The guard held up the scanner and looked at a small screen nearby. “Urbania! Ha! Ya gonna lose yer lunch, boy. Ain't quite backwater, but darn close. Be glad it's easier leaving rather than getting in 'ere. Yer free to go.”
Jacob laughed. “Sir, I'm probably going to be signing up for Exodus. I will be back.”
“You Urbanian folk aren't too wise, are ya? Well, in that case just be careful. Probably won't matter, though. People are gettin' turned away that woulda been signin' up. The protesters aren't only saying the government is wrong, the protesters are saying everyone who is signing up is wrong and are hurtin' the community. It would be better if the initiative failed. But people like you make it worse and the launch of Exodus may happen.”
“So, do you agree with them?”
The guard grinned, re
vealing many missing teeth. “Without them, I'd still be unemployed. Thank god for this hellhole. Get the move on. Take care of yerself.”
The guard scanned Trevor's hand. “Oh y'been here before, boy? Shoulda just stayed away.”
“Yeah, I know.”
The two walked by the checkpoint and tried to get through the crowd just outside the walls of the space port.
“It wasn't always like this. Well, it wasn't this bad,” Trevor said.
Jacob looked out toward the city that was plunged into disarray. Trash lined the streets and the buildings were covered in grime. Individuals with faces of despair sat around the streets in ragged clothing.
“Why–where are the cleaning bots?” Jacob asked.
Trevor chuckled. “You haven't left Urbania much, have you? The sad thing is that the Union has treated this moon actually quite well compared to other places. Count your blessings.
“This is Argolis. The main metropolis of Artemis. This is where things are the worst. The actual settlements on this moon are quite far from each other. This moon is dead. It wasn't meant for life. There's barely enough oxygen being produced from the sparse amount of trees actually growing and the oxygen factories to the north. Just do me a favor: don't drink the water and make sure you never see the planet.”
“Never see the planet?”
“Diana. Artemis is tidal locked to Diana. Diana and Artemis are actually quite similar in terms of their chemistry. Diana was going to be terraformed eventually too, but with the test run failing here on Artemis, that plan was scrapped. They don’t know why, but the side of this moon facing Diana is a complete mess. It's a hazard to go there. Argolis is supposedly safe, but the other side of the moon is only a few miles away. The planet stays in the same position in the sky, but if you get a glimpse of it, you are definitely too far away from safety.”
“Oh yes, now I recall I heard something about that. If I see a planet. Get out of there. Gotcha.”
The two kept walking. Jacob was still amazed by the quality of life in this part of space.
“So will we need a vehicle to get to Turner's salvage shop?” Jacob asked.
“Nope, we're here,” Trevor answered.
Jacob turned the corner and saw a large hangar sitting on a lot. A chain link fence surrounded the premises, but the gate on the fence was open. Piles of machinery and parts dotted the landscape.
“Uh, this is a junk yard.”
Trevor smiled. “One man's junk, another man's treasure. Let's see who's home!”
January 30, 0270 AC - 12:32
Silver Cove
Neutral Space
Tanari Oshiro exited the space transport vessel with a smile upon his face. “Sid! You sly dog, you still run this place?!”
Captain Sid Hawk reached out his hand. “Yes, sir. I'm the still-reigning dictator. How have you been my friend?”
The men were on top of a steel catwalk that was perilously sticking out into a huge corridor. At the end of the catwalk docked the Confederation transport vessel that had flown from Iriguchi into the space station. Down the corridor, many more vessels were docking and flying down the corridor and through the energy shielding that kept the harshness of space out of the station. Pipes and metal plates lined the sides of the corridor and large metal crates were sparsely placed along the catwalks.
Oshiro shook Sid Hawk’s hand. “I've been well. Although I know both the Cove and the Confederation have been better. This is Mr. Kurosawa. He's conducting the investigation on the bombing.”
Sid Hawk shook Kurosawa's hand. “Thanks for coming, sir, I appreciate that others take these matters seriously as well. Unfortunately, this is a pretty cut-and-dry case. I welcome anyone to review the files, but it’s completely weird. No logs show Mr. Souran even entering the station, but he was here. The bomb was manufactured in Confederate space and his yell... I'm sorry to suggest this but there may be dissension in the ranks...”
Officials and crew members exited the transport vessel and walked by the men. Two Confederate guards stationed themselves outside the vessel.
Oshiro glanced around the station. “Well, we must be going. We will discuss these terrible matters over drinks. We will get to the bottom of this, and hopefully still have time to visit one of the casinos. ”
“Oh, they have casinos here?” Kurosawa leaned toward Oshiro and smiled. “Why didn't you tell me this?!”
Oshiro shrugged. “I assumed you knew. This is a pit of thieves and criminals, of course they do... no offense, Sid.”
Sid Hawk smiled. “None taken. Shall we enter into the pit, then, gentlemen?”
“Absolutely!” exclaimed Oshiro.
The men entered into the space station. One of the guards leaned against the side of the vessel and stared at the vessels traveling by.
“Hey?” one guard said to the other.
“Yep?” the guard paced out onto the catwalk, taking the scenery in.
“This is going to be boring.”
“I spy something blue.”
“We are not doing that. So, I'd like to go partake in some of the fun of the Cove too. What gives?”
“Part of the job, I guess. We're just extra security, I don't guess we want any pirates hijacking our ride.”
“Oh, I know. I'm just bored.”
Four men, three of which who were carrying rather large containers, approached the transport vessel.
The guard was puzzled. “Uh, yes, can I help you?”
“Special Delivery,” announced a man who seemed to be in charge. He wore a black suit with a red tie. He had short slicked black hair and was clean-shaven. “I'm Mr. Slade. This cargo is to go to your hypership. I am to accompany it.”
The guard shook his head. “Look I need some paper work. I can't just accept these boxes into the cargo hold. I wasn't told about any additional cargo. I need to know this stuff ahead of time. Eff'n amateurs.”
The man smiled, revealing pearly white teeth. “Listen, there's been a misunderstanding. Follow me, sir, just over here, and I'll give you the details and show you what is in the cargo.”
“Fine, I guess.” The guard eyed his companion and motioned toward the other three men with Mr. Slade, “Keep an eye on these guys.”
“Fine. This is a bad idea, you know?” the other guard said.
“Whatever.”
Mr. Slade grabbed a container and waved one guard over. They walked down the catwalk and behind a collection of pipes and crates. The guard waiting by the transport could not get a good look as to what was happening.
One of the men on the catwalk pointed up. “Oh shit! Was that a Locust fighter? Look! It’s flying out of the corridor!”
The transport guard glanced down the corridor. The guard shrugged. “I couldn't tell.”
“Locusts are vampire starfighters. They are used by the best vampire fighters. Keep an eye out for them! If there’s vampires on this station we need to kick their asses!”
The guard rolled his eyes. “There aren’t any vampires here.”
The other guard who had investigated the container returned. “Yeah, it's all good. Let them in.”
“Uh, are you sure?”
“Completely. We have plenty of room. Let them take this cargo on board.”
“Sure thing... And a new passenger as well?”
“Yeah, they have all the necessary paperwork. This gentleman has clearance for Iriguchi.”
Mr. Slade slyly smiled. “Thank you.”
January 30, 0270 AC - 14:15
Turner's Salvage
Argolis, Artemis, Galactic Union Space
Trevor knocked on a rusty door on the side of the hangar.
Trevor and Jacob waited.
“I'm tired of waiting. I'm a friend!” Trevor boldly opened the door.
Jacob shouted, “Wait–”
A man was on the other side, getting ready to open the door himself. The man had dark skin and a scruffy white beard. The old man eyed Jacob. “Can I help you?”
Ja
cob stammered, “Uh, well, hi.”
The old man glanced over to Trevor. “Well, let it out, boy. Wait. Trevor? The alien hunter? Trevor! It is you! My god, How have you been?!”
Trevor smiled. “Hi, Jerry. Me and my new friend were in the area. We decided to visit the man of the hour!”
Jacob breathed a sigh of relief. “Nice to meet you, sir. I'm Jacob.”
Jerry was ecstatic. “Oh come in to the shop! Come in! We don't get too many visitors any more. People are turned away from this district due to all the rioting. Eh, it's silly. Exodus is a grand plan! Come in! Oh you guys need to see my girl, Rapture.”
The hangar was overflowing with crates and shelves of parts. Oil stains and schematics covered the concrete floor. The area was lit by many old-fashioned fluorescent fixtures. One huge spotlight was aimed toward the center of the hangar, illuminating a forty-four meter long spacecraft that dominated the hangar. “Rapture” was painted on the side of the dull brown ship in white paint. Behind the ship was another smaller vessel.
“Sharon! Arnold! We have guests!” exclaimed Jerry. “You see, my friends, that there is what I'm leaving to my adopted child. Rapture. When that baby girl appeared in my life it brought happiness to it, and I hope this girl brings joy to their lives. It's a California-class corvette. It was junk when we bought it, but now, I'd say it looks prettier that a brand new corvette! I’m sure it looks even better when it's flying. Unfortunately, the reactor blew out, so we're still in the process of fixing it up. Sakharovs, am I right?”
Jacob laughed. “I will be honest. I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
Jerry Turner smiled. “Ah, not everyone is an engineer. My Sharon wired a new Sakharov IV reactor into the ship. It shouldn't even be compatible, but she has a way with electronics. Quite amazing. Of course, she probably could not get anything done without her friend Arnold helping. I'm planning on selling this whole place to his dad when I'm gone. He's just like his dad; both of them have capable hands. They may not know how a Sakharov works like my angel, but they can definitely help you install and maintain it.”
