"Five ships so far," the scan tech announced.
"That isn't enough," Lowell muttered. He watched the feed over the man's shoulder. "They all passed the correct code?"
"Yes, sir," the man answered. "Three more incoming ships."
The silence stretched, tense and waiting.
"We've been compromised," the man announced. "Two ships heading to our position. Intercept in five minutes."
"Registry?" Commander Wexford asked.
"None that matches any in our databanks," the tech answered. "They're powering weapons."
"Fire when ready," Wexford said.
Lowell stepped back, letting him command his ship. He would only be interfering at this point.
"Contact the others, pass on the warning," Wexford told his tech.
"We've lost contact with the ships at the station," the tech said. "They're jamming us."
"Two cruisers, heavily armed," the weapons officer announced. "Closing fast on our position. Shields are up. On my mark," he spoke into the com link to the gunnery stations.
"I suspect they're some of the pirates," Lowell said.
"And that's why we're really here," Wexford answered. "Not to escort your stolen ships back to base."
"I rather suspected something like this would happen," Lowell said.
"Three other ships have emerged from the nebula," the scan tech said. "They're targeting the Outlander. Five ships moving to assist."
"Let's hope they're in time," Wexford said.
"Mark!" the weapons tech said. The ship shuddered as the guns opened fire.
The pirates shot first. Their weapons impacted on the shields just before the answering fire found them. They swerved off.
"Don't chase them," Wexford said. "Hold your position. Make them come to us."
"Good thinking," Lowell said. There were probably others hiding in the nebula waiting to ambush anyone stupid enough to chase them inside.
"I don't need your approval, Commander," Wexford said sharply.
Lowell shifted more out of the way. He was back to feeling useless. He sat in the captain's chair and kept his mouth shut. There was nothing he could do but watch and hope.
"Shields holding steady."
"They're coming back around."
"Fire when ready," Wexford said.
The pirate ships flew in again, barely skimming over the Praetoris. Their weapons targeted the engines. The Praetoris rocked, lights flickered and dimmed. Alarms sounded. The crew held their positions and shot back. One of the pirate ships spiraled away, trailing smoke and debris. The other one flew back into the nebula.
"Report from the Liution," the com tech said. "Outlander has lost shields and is taking damage. No casualty reports available."
"What of the damaged pirate?" Wexford asked.
"It slipped back into the nebula. I'm detecting strong radiation readings from that area, though. I suspect it exploded."
"And the station?" Lowell couldn't help but ask.
The tech shook his head. "Still no feed from the station.."
"Detecting an incoming object, could be a torpedo," the weapons tech said. "Acquire target. Fire on my mark."
"Sir, there's an urgent message being relayed by drone. It was sent specifically to find us." The com tech swiveled in his chair.
"Hold fire!" Wexford shouted. "Communications drone sent for us?"
"From the Valhalla. They're the only ones who know we're out here," the com tech said. "Message burst coming through now." He pushed a button and the message played over the main screen.
"Commander Wexford," the face on the screen said. "Captain Ledras of the Valhalla. We know you've got contact with High Commander Lowell. Tell him High Commander Theodys committed suicide last week. At least that's the official story. There's more attached. Please forward it to him as soon as possible. Highest priority."
"Download the file," Lowell said to the tech.
"What does his suicide have to do with us at this point?" Wexford asked.
"He's involved in the conspiracy to take down the government," Lowell said, his attention focused on the tech's screen.
"It's coded, sir," the tech said.
Lowell reached over his shoulder and pressed a series of buttons. "Voice code override alpha seven." The com beeped.
The screen cleared. Text scrolled across it. Lowell scanned the text as it flowed past.
"End of message," the tech announced as the screen cleared once again.
Lowell turned to Wexford. "How fast can you get us to Linas-Drias?"
"We should go after Flanigan first," Wexford said.
Lowell shook his head. "We can't wait. It may already be too late."
Wexford looked to his navigator.
"Six days at maximum speed, if we don't stop, sir," she answered.
"Do it," Wexford said. "Tell me why, Commander Lowell."
"Because Theodys was involved and I strongly doubt he committed suicide. Someone is sending us a message. You always wanted a promotion. How would you like a seat on the High Command?"
"Bad taste in jokes, Commander."
"I'm not joking. It's past time I cleaned house. If Theodys is involved, so are half the others on the High Command."
"And what about the mission here?" Wexford argued.
"Let Querran deal with it."
"What of the ships you bargained for?"
"She'll take them, with my blessing. I may need them sometime and I know she'll take good care of them."
"We're going to Linas-Drias, one ship? How far do you think they'll let us go?"
"Why are you arguing with me, Commander Wexford?"
"Because I think you're wrong, Commander Lowell. We should stay here. This is where we're needed. And once we're done here, we should move on Flanigan."
"And in the meantime, the real leaders of the conspiracy will slip away again."
"The leaders of the conspiracy are the heads of the crime syndicates."
"Yes, true. Do you think they're just pirate lords? Do you think they live on their ships?" Lowell paused long enough to draw a deep breath. "They're on the Council of Worlds. And at least one of them has control of Patrol High Command. If that doesn't frighten you, then you have no idea of the danger we're in."
"One ship, against Linas-Drias?"
"It won't be one ship, not by the time we get there. I've got the backing of the Speaker and the Emperor."
"Is that why you're a wanted criminal?"
"I do what needs done. They both know it. Don't worry, Commander, you and your crew are safe from charges of treason and dereliction of duty. I'll make certain of it."
"Course is in for Linas-Drias," the navigator announced.
"Will you follow me or not, Commander?" Lowell asked.
Wexford studied him for a long moment. He finally nodded. "Make the jump," he gave the order to his crew. "Send a message to Commander Querran. Tell her where we're going and why."
Lowell nodded his approval.
"I don't know whether to hope you're wrong or right about this," Wexford said.
"I don't know, either," Lowell said.