by Greg Mutton
‘One of the flankers is arming his weapons,’ tactical called.
‘Have any of them locked on to us?’ Aaron asked.
‘No Sir, they just started spinning up their weapons system,’ Dave replied. ‘Doesn’t make sense; they must know that doing that allows us to see them!’
‘Comms hail that ship; find out their intentions,’ Aaron commanded.
The comms officer transmitted the hail.
‘No response Sir.’
‘Number One, bring the ship to full battle stations; make a lot of fuss about it.’
Aaron winked at Petra. She responded and the alarm bells sounded throughout the ship; bulkhead doors slammed shut and crew manned their battle stations.
‘Bill…light them up!’ Aaron called.
William Croker, the sensor officer, knew what his captain wanted — a big show. He turned on every active sensor that he could and the space between Condor and the target almost crackled.
Aaron smiled. ‘That should wake things up.’
At the same time, Aaron mentally contacted George. Get the admiral in our loop.
Moments later, the sound of Admiral Dokad’s voice sounded in Aarons head.
What can I do? He was in his cabin speaking into the comms system with George relaying his words to Aaron via their subliminal link.
Sir, could you stay at the console and advise me through this contact? We have a situation with a Katoc of five. One has revealed itself but we are tracking the others. I may need some insight.
Aaron programmed his station to be mirrored in the Admiral’s cabin.
‘Sir, we’re being hailed,’ the comms officer spoke.
‘Put it on the view screen… but my face only in return,’ Aaron replied.
The view screen changed from the vista of space to the bridge of a Krell warship; its Commanders’ face filled the screen. ‘My apologies Captain Abraham,’ the voice was smooth and well-modulated.
The face that looked back at Aaron would be considered handsome, for a Krell. His forehead was high and his eyes solid black. His white hair was close cropped and his nose long and aquiline.
‘Excuse my bad manners,’ he turned to someone else and gave the order to de-cloak. ‘We are conducting a training exercise, and one of our trainee officers got carried away; I hope we didn’t cause you too much concern.’
Dokad’s voice again sounded in Aaron’s head. Be careful… that is Ga’Dok; one I suspect was involved in my recent ‘death’.
Aaron looked at his counterpart and noticed that the other four red dots were starting to move away from their original track, clearing the path to their insertion point.
‘Not at all, Commander, I hope he has learned some good lessons.’
‘Indeed he has… again, my apologies for any inconvenience.’
‘No inconvenience Commander. It is actually fortunate that your subordinate made his mistake. I have a new First Officer and we were about to demonstrate our weapons system to her. I’m glad that we didn’t accidentally fire on your ship.’
At the same time, Aaron programmed a track for a target drone to fly past the knuckle ship and approximately 100,000 kilometres behind it. He pressed another button on his chair console, and a target drone was transferred onto the launch rail.
‘Your position is fine, Commander; you are welcome to watch this demonstration if you wish; who knows, you may see something you wish to obtain? After all, the Empire is one of our best trading partners.’ He signalled for the communication to be terminated.
Aaron what are you doing? This man is dangerous! Dokad’s voice sounded again in Aaron’s head, this time with a great deal of alarm.
Aaron signalled his tactical officer to launch the drone and David complied.
So am I Admiral… so am I!
‘Number One, man the weapons console. Dave make like you’re instructing her.’
Petra took up the position and David stood beside her.
‘Sir,’ Croker spoke up. ‘They scanned us pretty heavily while he was talking, like they were looking for something, and they received a sub space transmission from somewhere.’
Commander Albrecht moved back to the comms console. ‘Captain, from the strength and frequency, I believe it came from Krell High Command.’
Aaron was watching the drone’s track in the Bubble. The flight took it over the ship directly in front of the knuckle but once clear, it changed and settled into the pre-programmed location, placing the knuckle ship directly between Condor and itself.
‘Comms get them back but allow the rear of the bridge into the field of view… not the Bubble.’
The view screen wavered and the Krell’s bridge again filled it.
‘Sorry Commander… as you see I also have some crew issues to work on,’ he apologised.
‘No apology needed. I see you have launched a drone?’ There was a degree of concern in Ga’Dok’s voice.
‘As I said, Commander, your ship is perfectly safe and you are free to watch,’ Aaron turned to David. ‘Weapons, you may fire at will.’
‘Captain, wait please,’ Ga’Dok’s voice was urgent.
Aaron held his hand up to David and Petra. ‘Weapons hold. Is something wrong, Commander? As I said, you are in no danger.’
‘Not at all Captain, while we are firm friends with Freebooters, we do not need to view your training methods. If you could give me a few minutes to clear the area, I will be out of your way.’ Ga’Dok’s voice was again smooth and measured. Simultaneously, the knuckle ship began to accelerate away.
‘Of course Commander, I look forward to our next meeting; maybe we could share a glass or two,’ Aaron smiled and cut the transmission, his relief obvious.
The Krell ship engaged its cloak and moved away.
‘Keep tracking them, Mr Harper.’ He looked back at the timer — two minutes till insertion.
‘Number one, don’t waste that drone. Let’s give them a farewell show… hit it with the plasma cannon.’
‘Aye, Sir,’ Petra replied and she fired the forward plasma cannon.
A huge ball of highly charged energy sped from Condor to the target. It took less time than a blink of an eye and the drone was vaporised spectacularly.
‘Good shooting… hope they got a good view.’
Aaron stood and looked at his crew; many questioning faces looking back.
‘I know this has been an interesting event, to say the least. I thank you all for your trust and congratulate each of you for doing a great job. Mr Harper, continue to monitor those ships.’
He knew this wouldn’t answer any questions, but it was all he could say at this time. He needed to keep his crew in the dark a little while longer, something Aaron hated doing.
Just as the timer reached zero, the Navigator initiated the displacement field and Condor slid quietly into the relative safety of her worm hole.
‘Tactical, secure the ship from battle stations. Number Two, I believe you have this watch?’
‘Aye Sir, I have the con,’ Kate replied and moved to the command chair. ‘Sir, shall I change the clocks?’ Aaron looked at the time readout on the top of the view screen. It read 18:52; still on Argos time.
‘Good idea, notify the crew we will be operating on Earth time from now.’ He turned as Kate changed the ship’s internal timing system; the readout changed to 07:55, Thursday, February 6, 2921. Condor was now operating at Earth standard time.
Aaron paused. ‘We should also start acclimatisation as well.’
Kate nodded and issued the necessary instructions to change the gravity and atmospheric conditions to match those of Earth. She allowed two hours for the change, giving the crew time to gradually become accustomed to the new conditions.
Aaron smiled to himself — his choice of second officer was proving to be correct. He motioned for Petra to join him and they entered the pod. He selected his accommodation level and spoke as they set off. ‘I want to get our guest’s take on what just happened and see if he can decipher
the sub space transmission — seems it’s highly encrypted. You collect the Admiral and meet me in the observation lounge. After that, I might make us some dinner, or breakfast, or whatever we should be having at this time.’
Petra just smiled and headed for the Admirals cabin. Dokad was expecting the call; he was ready and followed Petra to the lounge.
‘Good morning I believe,’ he greeted Aaron as he entered the room.
‘Ah Yes! Earth time,’ the clock on his console had changed, as had all on the ship. ‘Admiral, can you take a look at this communication and see if you can decrypt it?’
The Admiral walked over to the console and sat down. ‘You might want to get a drink; this could take a while.’
Petra was already at the dispenser and returned with three steaming mugs of coffee. They sat in silence while Dokad worked through the recording. Finally he sat back and smiled.
‘Seems I am dead,’ he said. ‘The transmission was from Navy High Command informing all vessels that a report had come from Argos stating that an assassination of a Krell officer had taken place on Argos. It also said that, while it appeared the victim was a high-ranking officer, identification of the body was hindered by the extensive injuries sustained, and requested any information as to the possible identity of the officer be sent urgently. The high command believes that I was the only officer to be on Argos at the time. They have deduced that I must have perished.’ He paused and took a sip of his coffee. ‘Ga’Dok volunteered to go to Argos and retrieve the body.’
Aaron smiled, ‘Looks like Grainger’s ruse worked. It’ll be interesting what he comes up with when they arrive to collect you.’
‘Well, I’m awfully hungry for a dead person,’ he chuckled.
‘Admiral, how do you feel about one of my famous omelettes?’ Aaron asked.
‘Providing the good commander joins us. While I am fond of you Aaron, the company of a beautiful woman always makes a meal more palatable,’ Dokad beamed at Petra.
Aaron simply nodded and Dokad offered his arm to Petra. ‘I believe this is one of your human customs,’ he said as they followed Aaron out of the lounge.
9
Aaron led them into his private quarters, with Petra still holding the Admiral’s arm.
As they entered, a plaintive cry greeted them. Petra looked toward the source to see a small brown nose appear in the doorway to the sleeping area, followed by the rest of the long cream body.
‘You have a cat?’ she cried.
‘Shit! Yes… I forgot!’ Aaron stammered. ‘You aren’t allergic or anything I hope?’ he said to his guests.
The cat walked up to Petra with his long brown tail held vertically, with just a hint of a curve at the tip. He stopped at her feet and sat down, as if inspecting her. Next he reached up and stood on his rear legs as if asking to be picked up. Petra bent down and lifted the cat into her arms; immediately he settled and started purring.
‘Looks like I am going to have to keep you; his highness seems to approve,’ Aaron quipped.
Petra stroked the cat and it accepted the petting loudly. ‘Well, does he have a name?’ she enquired.
‘Yes, sorry. Petra Mannix, Admiral Dokad, may I present Prince, the real commander of this vessel,’ Aaron said with a flourish, as he made the formal introduction. ‘He’s a Siamese. I found him on Coltara three years ago. Well, he actually found me and just sort of decided to adopt me.’
Petra scratched the cat’s head, the purring increasing in volume. ‘I’m not allergic and I love cats. Does his acceptance give me an edge for the job?’ She looked past Aaron. ‘And you have a kitchen?’ she added in surprise.
What was in front of her was a full kitchen; not just an alcove with a dispenser, but the real deal.
‘Guilty, I love to cook,’ Aaron admitted. ‘The dispenser is all well and good, but there are times when reconstituted protein and vegetable matter just misses the spot. Don’t get me wrong, we have the best dispensers available, but it’s just not the same. So every now and then, I come in here and cook from scratch. We even have our own vegetable and herb garden. And I’m not alone. There are a number of kitchens on this ship, on all our ships, so the crew can make their own meals if they want. It’s good for morale … not just for the stomach. Now, if you would both like to make yourselves comfortable, I’ll cook us something.’
‘As I remember, you once made your omelettes for us on Gaddok Prime, a most excellent meal,’ Dokad added as he guided Petra to the sofa. Petra sat down, Prince curling up on her lap. ‘Seems the cat has decided that you should stay,’ said Dokad, smiling as he sat beside her. Aaron watched the scene, with a knot growing in his stomach. He turned back to the kitchen and started to prepare the meal.
Twenty minutes later, the delicious aromas emanating from the kitchen announced the meal was ready. Aaron walked to the table with a plate for each of them. ‘Breakfast is served.’ He simply stated. Petra stood and the cat slid onto the warm place she had left behind.
‘Ham and Asparagus omelette,’ said Aaron, ‘with a mushroom, garlic and tarragon sauce.’
The Admiral held the chair for Petra as she sat. ‘As usual, Captain, you have excelled. If you ever get tired of the Freebooter life, I could offer you a position in my kitchen.’ He sat and started to eat with much enthusiasm. The meal was consumed in relative silence, hunger taking priority over conversation.
Finally Dokad moved his chair back and turned to Aaron. ‘An excellent meal my friend, thank you.’ He stood and took Petra’s hand. ‘It’s been a pleasure; however, I’ve taken up enough of your time’. He winked at Aaron as he left.
Aaron sat, watching the door for a while.
‘OK, sir what’s worrying you?’ Petra asked.
Aaron looked back to her. ‘This whole thing, Dokad, Ga’Dok, Grainger and all this political shit; nothing seems to fit.’ He stood and started pacing. ‘Do you know much about Krell society and history?’ he asked.
‘No, not really,’ Petra answered.
‘Ok then; Krell one oh one for the uninitiated. Their society is patriarchal in nature; females are only for bearing children, pleasuring their males and keeping house; they have no inherent rights and, in effect, live at the pleasure of their male folk.
‘They have a very strict social hierarchy based on the number thirteen. Each family unit strives to have thirteen adult males at any one time. A male can only leave and start his own family when a fourteenth male reaches adulthood.
‘At any time there can be as many juvenile males as can be supported. Children can be borne by any number of females and the number of females also depends purely on the ability of the family unit to fund them.
‘A family unit is called L’aktor, and the head of a L’aktor forms part of a kinship group called a Pakol, with thirteen-member families. These members are usually from the same family group… thirteen brothers can form a Pakol, but it is not uncommon for external L’aktors to join a particular Pakol, for strength or advantage.
‘From each Pakol a leader emerges, usually by combat, and he then forms an alliance with twelve other Pakols. From this thirteen, a Todak… or Warlord… is chosen.
‘This makes up a basic Krell state. The Emperor and Imperial L’aktor succeed either by decree or by force; any challenge to an Emperor’s authority is always by combat. The present Imperial L’aktor has been in power for nearly two hundred standard years… a monumental feat in Krell History. Most don’t last more than a few decades and their families are dispersed when they fall.’
‘Ok,’ Petra was confused. ‘What’s all this got to do with our situation?’
Aaron thought for a moment. ‘The Admiral is an imperial Todak. He’s also a member of the imperial family. For years I’ve been close to the Empire. I spent time training at their academy. I lived in the imperial compound with Dokad and his family and it’s one of my largest trading partners. In all this time though, I have never heard of Ga’Dok. Yet, here he is, commanding a fairly impressive battle group, an
d the Admiral said he was the one responsible for the assassination attempt.’
He paused and thought for a few seconds. ‘George,’ he called, deciding to use audible communication to include Petra, ‘Get all the information available on this Commander Ga’Dok.’
‘For Ga’Dok to have command of a battle group either meant he was exceedingly good and had come to the attention of an opportunistic Todak or…’ There was a nagging question mark in his head. It took George about ten minutes to reply and even then, only basic information was available.
As Aaron had suspected, the information confirmed what he thought. Ga’Dok was from the ranks of a minor Todak, one not known to Aaron and not close to the Imperial Family. Neither was Ga’Dok’s family was particularly well connected and didn’t possess the wealth to purchase his command. Again, the same was true for his Todak; he didn’t appear to have the necessary resources either. The mystery only grew.
Petra had been having a look at other information about Krell society. ‘So, let me get this right… a Krell can be promoted by combat, excelling at a function or by wealth.’ She was not posing a question, just thinking aloud. ‘Yet, from what I see, Ga’Dok doesn’t qualify for any of those — he has no recorded combat victories, nothing exceptional in the little information on his academic record and he doesn’t seem to have any great wealth. In all, he is exceedingly average.’
Aaron stopped pacing and noticed that Petra looked tired. He consulted the clock on the console, seeing it had been three hours since they had entered the worm hole.
‘That’s enough,’ he said firmly. ‘You’re tired and we’ll start jumping to wrong conclusions if we keep at it. You’ve just come off watch; go get some rest and we’ll pick this up again later.’
‘A good idea,’ Petra replied, suddenly feeling the strain of the past few hours.
‘Yes, sleep well,’ Aaron stammered. Petra stood and left the cabin. Aaron cleared the table, putting everything in a sanitiser. He walked into the sleeping area where Prince was already on the bed. The cat seemed to look past Aaron back into the dining area, as if searching for something.
