by DJ Morand
“You are right. We have not done much,” Aurora said. “We fished your ship out of the ground, gave you resources to restore it, and we never stopped you from saving the city. You’re right, we’ve done nothing.”
Abel cringed. He hated it when a woman told him he was right, especially in that cold taciturn tone that indicated he was wrong. It usually meant trouble when women knew they had the upper hand. Abel kept his tongue, he had learned enough over the years when to keep his mouth shut.
“We'll accept your terms. Three of those chosen by the Vald, myself, your three crew, and yourself. On one condition,” Aurora had stopped pacing.
“I'm listening,” Abel had expected the compromise. He had goaded her into this hoping to see her true reactions.
Observation: Aurora Rigel is not human, the text appeared in Abel's mind. He steeled his face and hid the shock he felt. He knew that Aurora was not being completely honest, but this was a surprise.
Any idea on what species she is? Abel sent back.
Statement: No, ADM sent.
“Abel Cain, we want the schematics for the quantum locking plates,” Aurora said. “The real quantum locking plates and the magnetic strip. In exchange we will agree to your terms.””
Observation: Aurora Rigel is receiving communications from an outside source. Tracing now, ADM sent to Abel.
“That is a pretty big shift. We agreed that the quantum locking technology was mine,” Abel said.
It's also another reason why none of the interior is quantum locked, he added silently.
“We think it is acceptable,” Aurora answered.
ADM, I need a modified schematic of the Atlas’ quantum plating. I want it to break down overtime, but not be immediately recognizable. Can you do that? Abel sent to ADM.
Statement: I can. I have finished the scans of Aurora Rigel, I cannot trace the signal. Query: should I continue trying? ADM sent back.
No. Create the modified schematics and bring them up on display. Do not show the modifications, Abel sent.
“What are you doing Abel?” Aurora asked as Abel's eyes shifted and moved while he was talking with ADM.
“Pulling up the schematics, I am interfacing with the ship,” Abel said.
ADM, implement a control to activate the modifications on my command, Nova Zulu Theta, Abel sent.
Confirmation: Affirmative Captain, ADM replied.
“You can interface with the Atlas directly?” Aurora sounded surprised.
“Little known fact, but yeah. I don't make a habit of it with all the EXO virus out there.” Abel explained. The schematics appeared on screen. He recognized the slight modification immediately, he hoped that Aurora would not. He did not like the way she was looking at him now. Something about his off-hand comment about interfacing changed her attitude.
“Very good Abel. We agree to your demands. Please transmit the plans to this address,” she handed Abel a series of numbers and dots.
We? He thought.
He recognized it as internet protocol. Abel had always found it curious how little things stayed the same over centuries and others changed drastically. Internet Protocol addresses or IP addresses were the functioning structure for most of Earth's late twenty first century World Wide Web. The internet had changed to a galactic hub with the introduction of space flight and quantum processing, but they still used IP addresses as a means of identification for a site or location on the hub.
The Exodus fleet was cut off from the galactic hub, which was part of what made getting back to Sol so difficult. Entire databases of galactic positioning were useless in an area uncharted by anyone born in Sol space. Abel supposed this is why the EFNF began sending out spacers to charge unknown systems and find the safest paths. They’d also sent Echo out to set up communications buoys. That was how she ran into him in Dark Space. The EFNF had recreated the old system with some modification in hopes of rediscovering a means to return to Sol.
Abel pulled up the IP Aurora had given him and entered the numbers 17.54.309.1.299.01. He used the Transteel viewer to transmit the modified schematics, then saved the address. He planned to have ADM run a trace on the IP later.
“Alright, it is sent. Now, tell your associates to let my crew onboard,” Abel said.
Aurora nodded. Moments later AaBee, Artemis, and a sober Thomas Tee made their way to the command deck. Following them were two thin looking gentlemen with straight backs. They appeared human.
Statement: These are not human either, Captain, ADM sent.
Thank you, Adam, Abel replied.
Abel greeted his new crew and introduced them to Aurora, “Aurora Rigel, I present AaBee our weapons specialist,” Abel introduced the large Quintarran.
AaBee towered over the diminutive Aurora. However he smiled wide and greeted her with a firm handshake.
“E ma AaBee,” I am AaBee. He said.
“Desaelp ot teem ouy AaBee,” Pleased to meet you AaBee. Aurora said. AaBee smiled broadly. He was surprised at someone else knowing his name as well.
“This fellow here is our engineering and propulsion specialist, Artemis Songyoo,” Abel introduced the engineer.
Aurora seemed cold at the mention of his name, but extended her hand in greeting, “Hello Mr. Songyoo. It is a pleasure.”
“Likewise ma'am.” Artemis said coolly.
Abel put an arm around Tee, “This young man is our comms specialist, Thomas Tee.”
Aurora's eyes narrowed as she looked at Tee, “Sgniteerg,” she said.
“What?” Tee said confused.
“She said Greetings,” Abel translated. “It was Quintarran.”
“Oh … uh … sure. Greetings then.” Tee said and pushed past Aurora and the others. He sat down at the comms station and began familiarizing himself with the array.
A Vald approached and passed the crew, it paid no attention to the other two crew members it walked beside. The thin men did not draw attention to the Vald either.
Abel almost did not see him moving. The Vald’s natural ability to hide in plain sight unnerved him.
“Too good for introductions?” Abel said.
The Vald turned. Abel caught the surprise on his insectile face. He thought he had moved past unseen. AaBee stood up and towered over the Vald. The sneer on the Quintarran’s face was enough to upset the diminutive creature. Abel put a hand on AaBee’s arm and motioned him back to his station. The Quintarran nodded, but kept his eye on the Vald.
Abel looked back to the Vald, “Sorry sir, you're not that good. My nanites caught sight of you the moment you stepped on the bridge. I would like to know your names,” then he added, “And the names of the other two.”
“Vol, Tol, and Ree,” Aurora stated, indicating the Vald was Ree. “Defensive specialist, Navigation Specialist, and warp specialist. Respectively.”” Aurora said.
“Nice to meet you. Take your stations we're meshing out within the hour.” Abel said.
“We are?” Aurora was surprised.
“We are. I intercepted a secure transmission. The TP-D Justice is on Quintar V and they're in trouble. This is my best bet to get within reach of the EXO Prime while he is occupied.” Abel said.
It is also my only chance to save Echo, he thought.
“This is very sudden Abel, are you sure you want-”
“You're aboard my ship now. I am the Captain. My word is law. Get seated and let's get this show on the road.” Abel said.
“Yes. Sir,” Aurora said biting off the last word.
* * * *
“Ground Control. This is the Atlas requesting exit vector,” Abel worried that word had already gotten out that he was leaving.
“Atlas we don't have a read on your signature, please dock with EFNF Alpha Station for inspection and clearance,” Ground Control replied.
“Negative Ground Control, we're on a highly sensitive timeframe, we need an exit vector now,” Abel said.
“Atlas put your wings down. Repeat: you do not have clearance to fly. Lock down p
rocedures have been initiated,” Ground Control replied.
“Ground Control, tell the Fleet Admiral to shove it. I am going to get our people back.”
“Abel Cain this is Lieutenant Commander Cage,” he said. “You are ordered to land your vessel at Alpha Station for inspe-””
“And clearance. So you said Lt. Commander, I'm not leaving Echo out there to die, despite what you would have me do. I am going to get her. Worst case scenario the Fleet Admiral is free of me,” Abel said.
ADM, cut transmissions. Hack their network and find us an exit vector, Abel sent.
Confirmation: Affirmative. Processing exit vector now, ADM said.
“Abel Cain-” the Lieutenant Commander began before the communications cut off.
“Artemis get me a full burn as soon as I have coordinates on the computer,” Abel was working on managing the haptic controls for the inter-atmosphere nacelles. In truth he was enjoying being behind the controls of a ship again.
“Understood Captain,” Artemis said.
“Tee, monitor the comm channels I want to know what kind of opposition we're going to face,” Abel ordered.
“Uh … uhm yeah. On it. Uh … sir,” Tee fumbled.
Abel knew the boy was intimidated, but he didn't think it would impair his ability. When Aurora made her move he wanted them all to be ready. He had not briefed the new crew on what he anticipated, but he was sure they would side with him. Aurora's racial ties concerned him, though, he didn't know what species she was and that could prove to be a problem. Before he had met her he knew of three species, Humans, Quintarrans, and EXOs. The introduction of the Vald changed his world view and he began to wonder how much he didn't know.
If the Vald could hide in plain sight and ADM was sure that Aurora wasn't human, who or what was she? He didn't have an answer and that unnerved him.
26: RESCUE
Independent ATLAS-V Class Gunship: Atlas
2973 ESD - Friday, June 11th 08:47 hours
The Atlas screamed through Quintar IV's atmosphere climbing steadily to an exit from the planet altogether. Laser fire crossed over their bow. Abel noted that the Transteel displayed several atmospheric fighters following their movement. He knew those shots were warnings to ground the Atlas. What he didn't know is if they would follow through on the implied threat.
Would they shoot us down?
“Tol,” Abel said. “Work on getting us an exit vector, you should have some help from the computer. Ree, I want you to be prepared to jump to warp the moment we clear the atmosphere.””
Tol said nothing, but did as he was asked. Ree looked at him with concern. The bug eyes of his race were black voids that left Abel wondering what Ree was thinking about.
“Ree, did you understand me?” Abel asked.
“Understood I did,” Ree’s voice was like an echo of itself and his dialect was backward. “Safe this is not Cain of the Abel.”
“Captain is just fine,” Abel said. “I know it isn’t safe, but if you hadn’t noticed they already have atmospheric fighters out, which means they’re planning a blockade. I would rather not fight our way through.”
“Too short the window is,” Ree explained. “Jump if we now do, die surely we will.”
Abel wasn't used to crew members who argued. Zee had always done what he asked, as had Echo. Thinking of the two of them drew him away from the moment, he missed his friend dearly and he was terrified of losing Echo too.
I've been a fool, Abel thought. I pushed her away, now I might lose her.
“Fine,” Abel steeled himself. “Just get me a Warp vector as soon as you are able.”
He needed now to be a man of action. He adjusted the nacelles for an increased climb then looked to Vol, “I need shields five minutes ago,” he barked.
Vol looked at him then to Aurora. Something about the questioning look angered Abel. He was the Captain of this ship, not Aurora. Her subtle nod nearly sent Abel into apoplexy. Vol turned and activated the shields as they increased their altitude further. The EFNF fighters pulled in behind and opened fire. The shields absorbed the impacts.
Observation: Aurora Rigel is communicating with an outside source again. She has a nanite array that is using encrypted communications. Query: Should I attempt to access the encrypted communications? ADM sent to Abel's neuro-link.
Be discreet about it, Abel said.
Confirmation: Affirmative, ADM replied.
“AaBee, teg ruo sterrut enilno dna nruter erif,” AaBee, get our turrets online and return fire, Abel said to the weapon's specialist.
AaBee gave a thumbs up and acknowledged the request. A moment later laser fire poured from the rear mounted turrets. Abel could see they were not at full power and the shots seemed mostly to be warning fire.
Good job, he thought. We may have to come back, best not to kill anyone.
The Atlas managed to avoid taking any damage from the fighters, but the delay allowed the EFNF to scramble orbital cruisers. As soon as Abel and the crew broke through the atmosphere they were greeted by proximity alerts. Several EFNF cruisers were on approach.
Tee looked up from the comms station, “Captain, we have a hailing request from the lead cruiser,” he checked his screen. “Looks like it is The Lady Luck, EFNF Battlecruiser T-Class Mark three.”
Abel nodded, “Put it through, we can talk, but we're not backing down. We are meshing out of this system and going to find our people,” Abel meant to find Echo more than anyone else, but that didn't make for a good speech.
Abel turned to Ree, “Do you have a Warp vector ready?”
“Have a vector I do,” Ree said. “Recommended it is not.”
“I didn’t ask for the commentary. Be ready to go on my signal,” Abel said. Ree turned to look to Aurora. “Don’t look at her, I’m the Captain. Those are my orders and we will go on my mark, understood?”
Ree nodded, but said nothing.
“Understood Captain,” Thomas Tee said with a grin.
Abel turned and gave him a glare before he realized Tee was responding to his previous request. Abel also noticed that once the boy's adrenaline was pumping he got over his nerves.
Good to know, he thought.
The Transteel viewer flashed and the image of a dark blue face and dark blue eyes stared at Abel Cain. He wore the lapels of an officer in the EFNF, Abel noticed too that he was highly decorated, which meant this commander had served in the EXO wars.
That should help, Abel thought. ADM, scan for EXO virus aboard that cruiser. If you find any trace eradicate it.
Confirmation: Affirmative sir, it will be my pleasure. Eradication of EXO commencing, ADM replied.
“Hello Rear Admiral, I do not think we've had the pleasure,” Abel said cordially.
“Greetings to you, Captain Abel Cain. I am Rear Admiral Zed,” his accent was slightly different from Zee's but he could have been the man's brother.
“I'd ask you to remove your blockade, but I am guessing the orders you have say to do otherwise,” Abel leaned back in his chair, he was always more at ease with Quintarrans than his own, especially those of his own in the EFNF.
“I do have orders to detain you,” the Rear Admiral said. The way he said it caught Abel's attention and he sat up. It sounded like the man was willing to go against those orders given the proper persuasion.
“I'd appreciate it if you didn't,” Abel replied.
“You knew Zee,” it was a statement more than a question. “He was my nephew.”
Abel was at a loss for words. If Zee was this man's nephew, did he hate Abel for what happened to Zee or for the role Zee played in Abel's life. The Rear Admiral seemed to relish the opportunity to put Abel off his guard.
“I thank you Abel Cain,” Rear Admiral Zed continued. “You gave us purpose when it had been lost and you overlooked the prejudice against our people. My ship may be the last battlecruiser aside from the TP-D Justice with any Quintarran crew. E ma ruoy rehtorb dna uoy era enim.” I am your brother and you are mine. H
e finished.
Zee had called him his brother once, Abel did not think it much more than calling someone a friend. However, when Zed said it, it was a proclamation of family. He realized now that Zee had a more profound impact on his life than he believed. Abel realized too that he had an impact on the Quintarrans.
“Thank you. E ma ruoy rehtorb dna uoy era enim,” Abel repeated the phrase.
“Now, allow us to accompany you to rescue my granddaughter,” Zed replied.
“Your … Echo!?” Abel was now completely dumbfounded. Suddenly the relationship between Echo and Zee made perfect sense. They were related, second cousins if he was correct.
“Another time. We are receiving new orders and I would like to leave before we have to act on them,” the Rear Admiral said. “This will likely be my last act as an Officer in the EFNF.”
Abel turned to Ree, “Do you have that warp vector for me?”
Rear Admiral Zed looked to where Abel was looking. He gave Abel a cold look, but not one of complete distrust, “We will discuss this later.”
At least he is still willing to help, Abel thought.
Statement: I have discovered seventy-three gigabytes of EXO virus infiltration, hardly significant to cause a threat, but it has been eradicated. I have garnered understanding of the EXO virus and its adaptation. Query: would you like me to log this information in a secure location? ADM sent to Abel.
Abel was distracted trying to gauge the Rear Admiral's reaction to the Vald and so he spoke quickly, “Please do so.”
Everyone looked at him. Abel realized he had said aloud what he intended for ADM. Shifting his attention to Ree again, “If you are not ready to employ the warp vector, please do so now,” He recovered.
He turned back to the Rear Admiral, “Do you have Warp-T drives aboard those cruisers or do we need to have you slave the ships?”
“We are properly equipped. We will see you there,” Rear Admiral Zed replied.
The Transteel viewer cut off and Abel watched as the cruisers meshed out of the system. Once they cleared the asteroid field they were gone.
“I do not trust the Quintarran Rear Admiral,” Aurora said.
