SWNOVELS Chapter A new companion
In space, above Anuket, there were not many spaceports and even fewer of them were of a military nature. In fact, there was only one large Consulate Army spaceport and everyone was passing through it. ’Do you really think this is necessary?’ Kysaek asked. Everything around them was clinically clean and there was hardly an area that wasn’t secured by minimal surveillance systems, guarded or patrolled. ‘We could have gone underground and travelled in a civilian transport.’
‘Apparently you are attracted to danger,’ said General Quin. He accompanied the whole group as they left. ’They know you’re on Anuket and our public space harbours wouldn’t be a good idea. I’m sure it would work in other places, but here the trail is too fresh.’
‘I think she has, as the humans say, tasted blood,’ Thais surmised, and for her there were worse things. ‘And if she gets too reckless, we’re still here to keep her out of trouble.’
Wolfgang was less enthusiastic. ‘You all do what you want,’ he said. ’If you shoot yourself in the foot, you have to deal with the pain. I’m not babysitting Dorothy and have more important things to deal with.’
‘Of course,’ Tavis said sarcastically. He didn’t believe a word of it. ’Your previous persona was characterised by absolute silence and reserve. You would never think of lecturing or criticising any of us.’
‘Because I want the best and it doesn’t cost you all a bit of foreign currency.’
‘Weren’t you the one who betrayed us immediately?’ asked Dios, teasingly.
Her sister joined in. ‘Yes, you cost us the Jupiter,’ Kuren said unkindly. ‘You’re lucky you’re still here.’
‘It was for the good of the innocent,’ Wolfgang defended himself unimpressed. ‘Get over it.’
All this talk was not at all to Vorrn’s taste. ‘Nhrr, you’d all do well to shut up,’ he growled quietly. ’Take a leaf out of the giant bundle of fur’s book, even if he is as timid as a newly hatchling. Isn’t he? Go on, tell them, big guy.’
The gentle giant Dorvan couldn’t get a word out. He had his arms pulled close to his body and his three eyes were glued to Kysaek’s back, breathing uneasily.
’Hasn’t anyone given him a load of drugs? He’s going to need a shock baton soon.’
‘I got my meds,’ Dorvan said over his bot, who was walking right behind the Davoc. ’And I advise against physical force. Under the circumstances, my reaction could be unpredictable.’
’Unpredictable is good. Unpredictable makes you stronger.’
‘Do we have a problem, Vorrn?’ Kysaek asked, looking back over her shoulder.
’A problem? No. This group is just a freak show.’
‘Maybe, but a successful one.’
’I didn’t say that was a bad thing. But you aliens aren’t just ugly on the outside, you’re just as bizarre. The purest freak show.’
‘I’ll take note.’
Quin wasn’t worried about the lively bunch. ‘He’s right, but I’d put it more neatly,’ the general said, elated. ‘Each of your allies brings special skills to the table, and though communication seems rough and they all have unique personalities, you form a strong unit.’
Kysaek could barely contain her nonexistent joy at this. ’I’ll remember that when things get more special .’
For the moment, however, everything was kept in check and remained relaxed. What did change, however, was the nature of the security. The general led his guests into areas that constantly required high levels of authentication. Something that only extremely high-ranking officers like Quin had, and it went beyond security checks. More guards, scanners and automatic defence systems lined the route.
All the more surprising was the face of Rila waiting for the group. ‘I would have liked to have known you all for longer in the peace and security of the consulate,’ said the Eporanian woman sympathetically. She was waiting in a room, an observation deck, with closed shutters, where a number of technical inspectors were working. ‘But I know that time is working against you and you are doing what you have to do, like us.’
‘Honoured Elder,’ greeted Kysaek. ’Nice to see you again before we leave, but you didn’t have to see us off. There are certainly more pressing duties for you.’
’When you’ve lived for almost 5,000 years, a lot of things have a different meaning in different circumstances. It’s peaceful right now, so I’m taking my time, just for the sake of courtesy and to present you with a gift from the Consulate.’
‘More?’ Kysaek wondered. She and the others had all received the latest and greatest equipment, as requested and without labelling. Kysaek’s own choice was a hybrid suit, a combination of the latest nanotechnology and agile combat armour. ’That’s really not necessary Rila. You’ve already given us too much.’
‘If you think so now...’ Quin said, slightly displeased. ’I would give you even more, simply because you’ve earned it. But what Rila has in mind doesn’t meet with my approval.’
Rila remained gentle. ’The majority of the council has agreed, General. A decision is a decision.’
‘Of course, but I still don’t have to approve of it, and the council has done your bidding in this matter rather than making its own judgement.’
Kysaek wanted to calm things down. ‘Woah, woah,’ she said, ‘We don’t want to be a cause for strife.’
‘A strife,’ Rila replied carelessly. ’Don’t worry. I consider it healthy communication when the general voices his displeasure.’
‘Yes, just don’t worry,’ Quin nodded, his tone normal. ‘I may not be in favour of the elders’ decision, but I am committed to the Consulate and therefore to you. I accept what she wants. What the council wants.’
‘Displeasure,’ Tavis said curiously. ’But now I want to know what it’s all about. It must be quite valuable.’
‘Is that kleptomania talking?’ Thais teased, ‘The villain’s greed?’
’What can I say, a little. That’s just my trade and where it gets really expensive is where you argue the most.’
‘You hear it Elder,’ said Kysaek, in response to her people.’ My companions are curious. What exactly would you like to give us though?’
‘This,’ Rila simply replied, unlocking the closed shutters.
Behind the glass it was dark and only modest lights on the outer walls suggested the outline of an oversized warehouse, except that it didn’t look as if a single container was stored here. No, this was no dusty warehouse. New searchlights shone from the ground, from a typical landing bay, illuminating something large - the hull of a ship.
Kysaek struggled to keep her chin up. ‘Is that...?’ she whispered.
More and more lights lifted the shadowy veil of what was in reality a star dock, a shipyard for building new ships, and there was no longer any doubt. Thanks to the weightlessness, a ship of a hitherto unknown design was floating in the air, held in position by a pair of magnetic mounts.
It was roughly two hundred and fifty metres or more long and the hull was a matt, not too shiny silver. The centre was a dugout shape, like the ships that still sailed the seas of the human planets today, except that here the shape was exactly reversed. The ventral side was completely flat and the back curved to the sides, with a straight line up to the bow, where there was a very narrow row of windows. From the glass, you had to follow the top to the end of the first third of the back, to a windowless tower a good ten to fifteen metres high, not unlike a broader fish fin. The short wings just behind it were identical, with one on each side, and they went down at a smooth forty-five degree angle. Their placement did not appear to be merely aesthetic, however, as they had two smaller secondary engines per wing and the wings were large enough to accommodate additional space. Then came the basic shape of the frigate again, which here had a little more volume and was wider than the rest of the ship. There was also a subtle bulge on the underside, like a small belly, where you could clearly see the open hangar. At the end of that bulge, the ship returned to its original shape and ended with the main engine.
‘I love it when the finale ends with a bombastic show,’ exulted Wolfgang, as if he were in a theatre watching the light show. ‘And it’s like they say - it only ends when the corpulent lady has sung.’
Dorvan was preoccupied with his own thoughts and the Sororanian twins gaped with tunnel vision, but the rest acknowledged the scientist’s statement with shame. Each in their own way.
Rila, however, didn’t mind. ‘This is our parting gift to you,’ said the Eporan woman, as if such a handover were an everyday occurrence, ‘I’m sure it will serve you extremely well.’
‘May I side with the general?’ asked Kysaek awkwardly and politely, now that she understood Quin’s veto. ‘We can’t accept that.’
‘You would truly refuse?’
There wasn’t even a blink after that question as the female pilots stepped in. ‘We accept and overrule Kysaek, democratically!’ said Dios and Kuren in chorus. ’Two to one, we win! End of the vote!’
‘Yes, I’ll go along with democracy,’ agreed Wolfgang mannerly. ’Because I don’t want to be travelling around on rusty third-class freighters. If you want to keep me, I want the best.’
‘Nice to know how I could get rid of you,’ Kysaek replied and paused before asking. ’Is that really not too much? It’s more than too much.’
‘My decision remains the same,’ Rila affirmed. ’A ship like this is no small thing, I’m aware of that, and especially not this ship. However, some things cannot be measured and repaid in prices, quite apart from the fact that you lost your ship because of us.’
‘Our illicitly borrowed ship.’
’But it’s still the same, and if we can’t help you directly, we’d like to support you in any way we can. So please - accept it.’
It didn’t seem to Kysaek that the eldest would be swayed, and just under half of her companions wanted it badly enough, while the other half were prepared to do their leader’s bidding. She sidled up to the general. ‘Do I want to know how expensive the building was?’ she asked, holding out her hand so quietly that no one could hear.
Quin did the same. ’Better not. But this loss has certainly stolen a few years of my life.’
‘Very well,’ Kysaek replied in a whisper before accepting the gift and saluting in good old Earth fashion. ‘We gratefully accept this most benevolent and generous gesture.’
‘Then you should go on board and prepare for your departure,’ Rila suggested. While the general led the group on, this was their farewell. ‘I wish you all the best of luck and may justice prevail and the light dispel the shadows.’
Upon entering the shipyard, where a long bridge had been extended to board the ship, General Quin mentioned something. ‘Why didn’t you interrogate Commander Phonor?’ he asked with interest. ’Or at least why weren’t you there? I had the impression when you were being interrogated that you had a lot to say.’
‘Well,’ breathed Kysaek. She couldn’t deny that she would have loved to face her old boss in this new situation, just for the sake of gloating. It would have been deeply satisfying for her, but apart from the good feeling - what good would it have done Kysaek? Nothing, absolutely nothing, and she had to put her own needs on the back burner in order to devote herself to the more important events of the moment. ’What would I have got out of it? As far as I’ve heard from Ulth, nothing worth mentioning came out of the interrogation, as expected. Phonor is of no importance to me, but perhaps I’ll visit him in prison when I get the chance. I’m interested in how someone could be so blind, but it’s not a priority ... my people are right about that.’
’I appreciate your attitude. Sometimes you just have to leave things behind, especially when you have responsibilities. Otherwise it can end badly.’
Kysaek didn’t want to think or talk about negative things at the moment, so she appropriately changed the subject. ‘What class does this type of ship fall under?’
‘Medium frigate,’ Quin answered knowledgeably. ’With the characteristics of a small carrier. It’s less designed for combat. Think of it more as an exploration and transport ship.’
‘Does it have a name?’
’Not yet. That’s up to you.’
‘The name is the least of our problems,’ said Tavis. He looked at the dimensions and knew one thing even as a space traveller layman. ‘Don’t you need a large crew for ships like this?’
‘Yes, exactly,’ sighed Kysaek. ‘I guess there’s always a catch.’
‘Depends on how you see the catch,’ Quin replied, stopping in front of the extended bridge. ‘You have a full crew at your disposal to cover any area you need.’
‘Stop, stop,’ Kysaek said. Had she just misheard? ‘I thought the consulate couldn’t officially get involved and now you’re giving us a whole crew?’
’Who’s talking about giving. These are all volunteers who want to join you. Everyone has given up their service within the Consular army. What these people do now is no longer our decision, nor does it concern us. They are free citizens of this galaxy.’
‘How voluntary is the service exactly?’ asked Thais. It seemed to Talin that the Consulate wanted to have some control over her gift after all, and that wasn’t all. ’And a group unknown to us? How many are there? A spy or assassin could easily infiltrate there.’
Quin had nothing to hide. ‘Voluntary means voluntary,’ he said. ’After Rila told me about the ship, despite my reservations about the gift, I told some of the best units about your impending departure and what to expect. These are all marvellous men and women who have served the Consulate faithfully for many years, without fail. However, knowing where you are going and what you intend to do has changed their priorities. I suppose this is their way of showing their gratitude by pledging themselves to you.’
‘Very discreet indeed, General,’ Vorrn scoffed at the quick organisation. ‘I bet you thought the same of your traitor.’
’What’s the matter? I thought you were looking for a challenge,’ Quin countered without being provoked. ’Don’t tell me you’re afraid of new company. That’s the last thing I would have expected from you.’
’I don’t care what you expect from me or how big the new bunch is. If they’re stupid enough to turn on us in any way, I’ll make sure they resign their voluntary service - for good.’
’That was more my expectation, and to reassure you - none of the crew members were in any way connected to the traitor or even remotely subordinate to him. Most of them were previously normal soldiers, mostly with very low ranks.’
Vorrn and Thais had a point, Kysaek thought. However, she also knew that Tavis was just as right, but even so, everything, really everything, was happening far too quickly for her. ‘Do you expect us to take in the crew?’
‘They’re your people now,’ Quin replied impassively. ’What you do with them is your business. However, if you feel you don’t need them or can’t trust them, the crew will obey your orders. I can promise you that much. Still, you won’t be able to keep the ship running on your own for long and will be forced to hire a crew from somewhere... Day labourers, thieves, mercenaries, strangers from all corners of the galaxy who don’t know you, aren’t grateful to you or think you owe them something. Personally, I think it’s a risky endeavour, but it’s your way.’
‘Can’t win a battle against you, can we?’
‘I’ve hardly ever lost, and if you need another reason, the crew have already been fully briefed and instructed on all the ship’s functions.’
’Who could argue with that reasoning. You’ve made your point, General,’ Kysaek acknowledged. The risk of an unknown crew from elsewhere would be impossible to weigh up. Too many total strangers who had never fought together for a common goal before. It was completely different with the volunteers from here. They knew each other and that ultimately convinced Kysaek. ’I can’t say I like the new situation, but I’ll take what I can get under the best possible conditions. Thank you, General Akaro.’
‘Spoken like a true soldier,’ said Quin, but now the time had come for him to say goodbye and he performed the Consulat Army salute. Without a weapon, however, it looked a little different. The Palanian placed his upper arm at his side and stretched out his forearm at an angle and with a flat hand so that the palm was turned a little, but with the inside still facing the general’s cheek . ’As much as it pains me, I hereby give you and your new ship a safe passage. I hope our next meeting will be the one where we congratulate you on your victory over PGI.’
’It will be, General. Goodbye.’
Now it was imminent, the departure for the next and perhaps final step in Kysaek’s journey. Dios, Kuren, Re’Lis and Wolfgang had been overzealous and well ahead of the rest of the ship when the others had also passed through the pressurisation and decontamination airlock and were inside the steel walls.
‘Wouldn’t it be better if we stayed together and looked at the frigate together?’ asked Kysaek to the rest of the group, who were reluctant.
‘I prefer fast walking,’ said Tavis, already half gone. ’Tour groups aren’t my cup of tea. They’re usually far too slow.’
‘And I have to make sure that Dios and Kuren don’t do anything wrong,’ said Thais motherly. ‘I know the two of them.’ She also left quickly.
There was no need to ask her again, as only Vorrn was left and he knew his, sometimes surprising, destination. ’I have to see the crew mess. There better be some decent food ... and then it’s the armoury’s turn,’ he murmured and stomped off at a leisurely pace. ‘If both are bad, I’ll be pissed.’
Not a minute on the ship and Kysaek was already standing there alone . ‘We really are a well-oiled machine,’ she quipped with a sigh, with at least Dorvan still standing beside her, looking a little lost. ’How about you? I’ll hold your hand on the tour too.’
The Davoc was uncomfortable and he turned his head without a word. Silence fell before his messenger left and he followed, head bowed and hands clasped together.
‘I would have looked for a quiet corner for you too,’ Kysaek whispered afterwards, but it was no use and as her people had already gone their separate ways, she realised that the new crew were probably already on board too. At least one man came towards her, a person who was a complete stranger to her.
‘Everything under control?’ the stranger asked. He stood a good six feet tall and had a striking hairstyle. One half was shorn bare and the other was a neat short haircut.
‘I hope so,’ Kysaek replied, with a thumbs up. ‘Who do I have the pleasure of meeting?’
’Stemford, Bruce Stemford. Former squad leader in the Consulate’s army.’
’With this kind of hair in the military? I guess the Consulate takes it pretty easy.’
It must not have been the first time the man had heard that, because the answer was ready. ‘Multi-species constellations have their advantages,’ Bruce said. ’Many aliens have nothing to do with hair. They don’t care.’
’Me too. It was just curiosity.’
‘Well then, we’ll get on wonderfully and I assume you want to have a look at the ship?’
‘That was the plan.’
‘Yes, the crew and I were thinking something like that and that’s why I was waiting here,’ Bruce mentioned. He was wearing a short-sleeved crew uniform with practical trousers and both were in the colours of the consulate, only without its markings. ‘Come with me to the bridge, you’ll get a panoramic view without having to walk a kilometre.’
‘I like the start,’ grinned Kysaek. ‘The last few days have been exhausting and I don’t want to walk any more than I have to.’
Bruce understood that, even without a verbal response. His face said it all and as there were only two possible directions here, he led the heroine of the consulate along a long corridor. ’This is the central link. It goes right through the ship,’ Bruce explained, and on each side there was a narrow staircase leading down and then a few locked rooms, while the door to the bridge could be seen from afar, where there was another staircase.
In the navigational centrepiece of the ship, Kysaek’s suspicion that the crew was already at work was confirmed. Many new faces were sitting in their places and doing their bit via command consoles to ensure that the frigate would soon be ready for departure. ‘No time to waste here, is there?’ asked Kysaek, who hadn’t been involved in such clockwork for a long time. None of the crew members on the bridge jumped to their feet or let themselves be carried away into a conspicuous gawp when the heroine of the consulate was on the scene.
For Bruce, it was routine. ‘We wanted to be ready for you, as you should be,’ he replied. ‘However, the final check-in is estimated to take another quarter of an hour.’
‘Very well thought out,’ praised Kysaek as she stood in the centre of the semi-circular bridge. It was on a slightly raised platform, but it towered over everything and had a holoprojector and five seats. From this centre, Kysaek could see every screen and the tops of the bolted-down seats and some of the crew’s bodies, as well as the front window.
‘Well, well, well,’ murmured a male Davoc, unimpressed. He was sitting in the most central chair in front of the windows, which automatically turned towards the centre. ‘She looked a lot bigger in the videos and I don’t notice any of that righteous look that inspires or destroys you.’
‘I should have known,’ Bruce sighed resignedly. ‘I guess you really can’t even try, can you?’
‘My last captain couldn’t change me and I served under him for almost five years,’ the ape-like creature mentioned. Its fur was dark grey, really scratchy and, what’s more, the Davoc’s left eye was completely scarred and the lid was permanently closed. ‘Did you really think your request would make a difference?’
‘We all hoped it would.’
’Like my captain back then. I’d say life lesson learnt.’
Bruce gave it up, preferring to get on with the casual protocol. ’If I may introduce - this is the ship’s helmsman, our pilot Selok Bra’Nak, and since you’ve been so freely yourself, I’ll save myself the trouble of introducing you to our new commander. She’s no stranger to you anyway.’
Kysaek took the introductions into her own hands, although she remained on the platform so there was no handshake. ’I am Elaine Kysaek. Pleased to meet you, Pilot Bra’Nak.’
‘Bra’Nak,’ the Davoc snapped, his nostrils quivering. He didn’t pretend for a second and looked like a grim old sea dog, a rough-and-tumble helmsman. ’I am Selok and only Selok. If you understand that, you’ll also understand that I always get my ship to its destination.’
’No offence, Selok, but I already have two talented pilots,’ said Kysaek, suddenly wondering. ‘Speaking of which, where are Dios and Kuren?’
’I locked the door and told the excited girls they had to be authenticated before they were allowed on the bridge. Now the two of them are waiting in the strategy centre for something to happen. By the time they realise that nothing is happening, we’ll have clarified things.’
‘And what do you want to clarify?’
‘I’m piloting this frigate - I’m better, more experienced and with the grip of my fist, I can break skulls and bones in seconds.’
Kysaek couldn’t help the sarcasm. ‘I’m sure that last quality is extremely important for space travel.’
’Quite. It has often served me well in my attempts to enter,’ Selok countered dryly. ‘Something your delicately hyperactive friends can’t do.’
‘I suppose you know the score, eh?’
’A pilot is the most important person on a ship. All your lives are in my hands and I need to know who’s coming on my ship.’
‘You seem as good a choice to me as Dios and Kuren,’ Kysaek nodded. She was amused by Selok’s constant my ship and yet it was not so easy for her. ‘You do realise that the two of them will not rest?’
’Again, that’s your problem, not mine. However, if the Sororanians cause trouble, I’ll blow them straight out of the nearest airlock. That would be a solution, but to avoid trouble I suggest that the sisters fly the scout ship.’
‘Scout ship?’ asked Kysaek, not understanding a thing. ‘What kind of scout ship?’
’Stemford, fill her in. I have to finish the departure preparations,’ Selok grumbled and simply turned his back on the new commander with his chair.
‘Please don’t hold it against him,’ Bruce asked, shaking his head. ’Selok’s mouth is like an Ira plant. Once he gets too close, he snaps to defend his territory ... or when he has a problem, and he always has a problem, but it’s worth the effort. He’s one of the best.’
‘Well-timed,’ Kysaek said self-deprecatingly, wondering if exceptional talents always came with such engaging personalities. Couldn’t she even get normal people? ‘It’s similar for me with the problems, but what did he mean by scout ship?’
‘I’ll show you in a moment, but first things first,’ Bruce replied with relief. He used the holo projector to simplify the whole thing with the ship’s command . ’We’re on the bridge and on the way here we passed the strategy centre, which is for mission planning, and the interstellar communications port for long-range connections. The stairs in between serve as secondary entrances to the outer mezzanine, for easier maintenance and as a possible counter-attack section should we ever be boarded. This allows us to attack a potential enemy via several routes and fall into the flank. If the outer hull is damaged, the entrances and intermediate walkways are sealed off with adaptive armour plates to protect the interior from critical damage.’
‘Pretty clever design,’ said Kysaek, wanting to know more about the centre section. ‘What is all this?’
’That’s the entrance where you came in. Directly opposite it is entrance number two. Just beyond that is our triangle,’ Bruce explained in detail. He marked the junction where the dorsal turret and the angled fins almost met. ’You’ve probably already seen the small engines on the wings from the outside, but there are extra areas inside. The right-hand section contains the detention cells and the research and analysis laboratory. On the left are the main armoury and a tiny high-tech training room, and each fin is accessible via a staircase. The tower is a different story. There’s a retractable lift tube for it,’ Bruce pointed out and the higher the tower went, the narrower it became. ’This takes you to the first level, where the mess hall, infirmary and a narrow observation deck are located. On level two are the crew quarters, as well as the social and hygiene area, and the final level is the commander’s cabin, which is yours.’
‘I assume the two largest areas in the aft section are the engine room and a hangar?’
‘They are, with the hangar also serving as the main storage area for important materials and our supplies.’
‘Hm,’ Kysaek murmured. While both sections were larger than anything else, the hangar took up the most space, but it was set a little lower due to the expansion at the belly and the space above seemed so unused and a single, thick wall. ‘Why is the upper part there so much more massive than the underside of the frigate there?’
‘Because that’s where the belly of the scout ship is, right above the hangar,’ Bruce said. It wasn’t visible on the plan before, but after he pointed it out on the holo, the outline of another ship that had been captured in the frigate could actually be seen there ’Those are absolutely perfect dimensions. As long as it is inactive, the scout ship is effectively part of the frigate, like the hull. However, it can perform lightning launches at any time and fly back into the frame just as quickly, thanks to extremely strong magnets.’
Two ships in one?’ asked Kysaek, perplexed. The front of the secondship almost protruded into the back of the rear turret and the end went right up to the beginning of the engine room. Kysaek read a length of ninety metres on the display ’I’ve never seen that before. What’s the purpose of all this?’
’According to the general, this frigate is purely for scouting and reconnaissance, but it’s more of a base and the scout does the front-line work. A special ship that should search for new, habitable worlds in the wilder areas without being constantly exposed to the danger of raids. It can also be used to collect data in enemy territory,’ Bruce recalled. ‘The special thing is that the frigate’s energy signature, like that of a scout ship, is regulated to such an extent that it is almost invisible to sensors and scanners and can still achieve maximum performance over a long period of time without having to constantly replenish supplies.’
’A lot of knowledge from different species must have flowed together here. Now I understand the general’s reservations all the more and we will make the most of the opportunity that Rila has given us.’
‘Yes ma’am!’ Bruce saluted in Alliance style. ‘We will!’
‘Young naivety,’ Selok said precociously. ‘I’d be surprised if I don’t lose another eye on this trip.’
‘Then you still have one left,’ said a voice from the entrance to the bridge and it wasn’t just anyone who came onto the platform - it was Galaen, who did the same to Bruce’s salute, ‘Commander.’
‘Troop supervisor Akaro,’ Kysaek replied in surprise. ‘You’re on your feet again?’
‘I’m not fit for battle yet and walking isn’t easy,’ the Palanian explained. She had a stiff gait that indicated her injury and her equipment was unmarked. ‘And I’m no longer a troop supervisor, as I no longer hold that rank, having officially left the ranks of the Consulate.’
First the injury and now this. ‘Retired?’ Kysaek murmured. ‘Are you just saying you were thrown out?’
’No, there was no reason for that. It was voluntary, so that I could serve on this ship.’
’Serve? Here, but why?’
Galaen understood the doubt, but this was not the right moment for an answer. ‘I think if you ask everyone on this ship that, you won’t have time for the important things,’ the Palanian woman said respectfully. ’Much more important is a decision. On the way here, I was approached by Dios and Kuren from the strategy centre and they asked impatiently when the authentication for their flight clearance would take place ...’
‘That was Selok’s understanding of conflict avoidance,’ Bruce sighed.
’That’s what I thought. Your orders, Commander?’
‘Eh, my orders?’ Kysaek stumbled unprofessionally. The form of address alone was too unfamiliar for her, but fortunately her new helmsman had made a useful suggestion beforehand. ‘I think it’s best if Dios and Kuren are allowed to fly the scout ship - it suits them better anyway, more manoeuvrable and faster than a frigate.’
The Palanian woman also gave her a little help getting started. ‘Who’s going to take care of the briefing?’
‘Stemford will take care of that,’ Kysaek decided. ’You seem to know everyone and everything well. Please brief them.’
‘Will do ma’am!’ Bruce saluted and clicked his heels together before leaving the bridge.
‘I hope it’s all right that I commanded the crew without your permission before you arrived,’ Galaen mentioned, tightening her posture as much as her injury would allow. ’Still, there are a few more decisions to be made, especially when it comes to the hierarchy of rank. You’re at the top, that’s for sure. But there’s nothing after that.’
Perhaps she was wrong, but Kysaek saw no reason for complicated, military-like structures. ‘So far, my group and I have managed quite well,’ she said. ‘I make the decisions, but everyone can improvise if necessary.’
‘Excuse me, Commander,’ Galaen cleared her throat gracefully, but that didn’t change the content of her rebuke. ’So far you have also been travelling as a small unit, not even over ten heads tall, and that has even worked, but even in such troop sizes, there are normally ordered ranks. What would happen if you were away or incapacitated? Who would be in charge then? Do you think a personality like Vorrn would simply defer to the Crook Ciran or the former Disciple Thais? And Doctor Schaefer is undoubtedly brilliant, but with his intelligence comes equally negative qualities, such as the belief that he knows better than everyone else. Beside-’
Kysaek admitted defeat. ‘I got it,’ she replied calmly. ’But it doesn’t have to be now, does it? This is all a lot to take in at once. Above all, I want to get the ship underway and get some peace and quiet. Do you think that will work?’
’It wouldn’t be my choice, but it will be enough for the departure and the first journey. On the way to your desired destination, however, you should make your decisions regarding the ranks. I will also be happy to act as a counsellor, as I know some of the crew members well, if you wish.’
‘That’s all your speciality,’ nodded Kysaek. She took a seat in the command chair, not to give an order, but because she simply wanted to rest her feet and she didn’t have too commanding a tone anyway. ‘Act as a temporary deputy for me until a decision is made and I’ll take a look at the dossiers in my room so we can talk about it later.’
Even Galaen made the Luna Alliance salute. ‘It will be taken care of.’
’I’ll just interrupt your new best friend chatter,’ Selok said. His gaze was directed strictly forwards towards the window. ’The engine room just gave the final okay. This still nameless ship is ready for departure.’
‘Did he really get away with it in the military?’ Kysaek asked quietly. It was hard for her to believe.
‘Let me put it this way,’ Galaen replied. Despite her injury, the Palanian still remained standing and in a straight posture. ’At least there used to be limits for him from time to time. But he has already heard about the escapades and behaviour of your group and is taking advantage of his newfound freedom, away from the military code of order, no less.’
‘Should I give him some restraint with a punishment?’ suggested Kysaek, the corner of her mouth quirking up. ‘Perhaps Doctor Schaefer needs another assistant?’
‘It’s your command and your ship,’ Galaen said monotonously. ’Like the hierarchy, a little discipline would be in order ... But if I’m completely honest, I don’t think that’s your style.’
‘Yes, there’s something to that.’
‘I’m sitting right below you, by the way, and I hear everything,’ Selok mentioned obviously. ’But what I want to hear now is where we’re going. Are we still waiting for someone or do I get a destination?’
‘We can cast off right away,’ Kysaek decided and stood up, as she still had one more thing to do. ’But first, put me on the ship’s internal speakers. I want to say something to the crew.’
’Understood, commander. The link is up and the projector is your mouthpiece.’
Sometimes you had to take things as they came, but for Kysaek this was no longer a familiar saying, but her constant reality. An exhausting reality, she found. For the first time in a long time, however, these were extremely positive things and although many on this frigate were strangers to her, she didn’t want the crew to feel like strangers. Instead, Kysaek wanted to make the crew feel like the welcome addition they undoubtedly were. ‘Attention everyone - this is the bridge,’ she said meaningfully. ‘Launch preparations are complete and we’re about to depart from Space Port and make our way to the Krenn system.’ Kysaek didn’t have live footage of every corner of the ship, but she had the feeling that everyone on board was looking up at the ceiling, at the voice that everyone was willing to follow. ’That’s where we’re going to follow up on a recent lead that might finally put a stop to PGI. I have to tell you, though, that I was honestly surprised when I heard from Rila and General Quin what awaits me on this station and on this ship - but I’m not questioning any of it,’ she said sincerely and resolutely. ’Everyone here has their reasons for doing what they’re doing, but I want to emphasise to everyone once again the danger we’re putting ourselves in and not delude anyone. Everyone must be equally prepared to give everything, really everything, because there are only two options - win or lose and I don’t know about you all, but I certainly don’t intend to lose! There may be a few new scars or setbacks along the way that we have to endure, but we will endure and overcome them together! Together we will make it and show the galaxy that many things can be done differently and that justice will find its way everywhere, even in the darkest of corners! I’m relying on everyone on board! Bridge out.’
The crew members on the bridge had long since allowed themselves to be distracted from their work and all of them, apart from Selok, looked spellbound at their commander. However, when the speech was over and Kysaek noticed the stares, everyone turned back to their work with motivation.
‘If I may be so bold as to say so,’ Galaen announced. ’That was excellent, or as the humans say: That should break the ice.’
‘And next we break PGI’s credibility,’ Kysaek replied before turning to the front window and putting her arms on her hips. ‘Selok, cast off now and set a course for the Krenn system.’
’Understood. Ship is locking and I’m sending an undock request to station control,’ the Davoc pilot confirmed. His voice could now be heard throughout the ship and, conscientious as he was, the entire bridge crew worked ’Check systems and prepare for interphase flight. Destination is the Krenn system, in the Green Sea star cluster.’
The space prt had long since been cleared and its gates, weighing several tonnes, were slowly but surely shifting. The magnetic mounts now handed the frigate over completely to weightlessness and the ship slid out of the station. The previously strong presence of the military consular fleet had noticeably diminished in space after the end of Neo Solaris, even if the frigate still passed the odd battleship before its engines glowed more strongly and gradually changed from a white blue to a dark red.
Once again, the stars were waiting for Kysaek, but she was no longer alone, not by a long shot. Not only a new ship and a new, loyal crew stood behind her from now on, but an entire people. A people who would always offer her a safe haven. This gave her a new, unprecedented strength, which she desperately needed, because the frigate disappeared with its IPF into infinite space, where PGI was already waiting with the next battle.