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SAREE KEPT HER EYES locked on Porter’s, backing the Captain. Finally, Porter sat back in her chair and nodded.
“Fine,” Porter said with no emotion. “This reaction was expected. You, Captain, are in command of Lightwave and will remain so. Any military operations, such as the retrieval of Nari Al-Kindi, are under my command.”
Captain Ruhger’s deep voice rumbled, “I acknowledge your command over your tactical operations. Any operations launched from Lightwave must be planned jointly. If any of my personnel are involved, including Time Guild Member Saree, then we will determine the span of control. It’s in our best interests to work together in this situation, but if you are determined to pull the command card, I believe we will decline your assistance.”
Despite Porter’s deliberately blank face, Saree could see grudging admiration and a little relief.
Porter said, “Agreed. We will work together and determine span of control as necessary for additional personnel and joint operations. If any military operations are necessary, I prefer to use only my team. None of you are trained to our level.”
The Captain nodded once. “I understand your position. In general, I agree with it. None of us are trained as pararescue. I believe you will find that we are quite well trained in a number of areas, including tactical operations, and that flexibility is the key to our success so far. I, too, prefer to work with those I’ve trained with, but sometimes, that’s not what life hands us. I also believe that as a small tactical team, you would probably prefer to run any operation with your entire team, which means you need some sort of operational oversight. Chief is an expert in operational command and control and we have very good surveillance and intelligence capabilities. You would be foolish to not take advantage of those capabilities.”
Porter smiled just a little and tilted her head. “Would I?” she murmured.
Fisk snorted derisively.
Porter didn’t look away from the Captain, but she raised one finger and waved it once at Fisk. His mouth twisted and he looked away.
The big guy was a little hot-headed and possibly didn’t like being second. Was he one of those people who always thought he should be in command? Or because Porter was female? Or maybe it was the disdain for civilians, especially mercenaries, so many military members had? So far, the rest of the pararescue team was remarkably quiet, although Saree saw the youngest member, Pitsenbarger, shifting restlessly. That could be the situation or simply a dislike of sitting still. It was difficult to tell under the uniforms, but they all appeared to be in excellent physical condition.
Saree soundlessly tapped a marching rhythm on her thighs. The Gov Human Space Force SEALs were well known for their heroics and conditioning, but Saree suspected this branch was just as good, without the fanfare and publicity. Which they needed or Nari would die. She’d like to move past this power struggle and get to the important stuff, but if they didn’t get this done now, they’d never be able to work together. Saree held back a grin. She was going to throw a contender for the throne into both of their little kingdoms. “As the leader of Lightwave clutch, I will be included in any operational planning involving members of my clutch.”
Both Chief Porter and Captain Ruhger turned their blank stares to her. She smiled slightly at each of them in turn. Maybe if they had a common enemy, they’d work together better. A slight hollow in her stomach said that might not be all they did together. At the surface level, their jobs and personalities seemed to match; they were both accomplished leaders. And she wasn’t.
Porter relaxed back in her seat, smiling a little. “We will discuss any future operational planning. For now, let’s focus on the situation.” She turned her attention away from the Captain. “Gentle Al-Kindi, would you please brief us on what you know?”
“Finally.” Al-Kindi glared at all of them. “I, too, insist on being involved in any planning to retrieve my wife. She is mine, not yours. But I acknowledge there are bigger forces at play, interfering with all of us.” He sighed and collapsed back into his chair a bit. “And it appears I will need help no matter how much I wish otherwise. Our religion embraces peace. We avoid conflict if at all possible, although there is room for self-defense if there is no other choice. However, those who make the choice to value their lives or the lives of others above another’s find themselves uncomfortable in our society. A split-second decision—that I do not regret—led to my present career. In this particular situation, my family completely supports me. Nari’s former family does as well. I’m sure that’s why you and your team are here, Chief Porter.” Al-Kindi nodded at her.
Porter nodded back, but didn’t say anything. Nor did her expression give anything away.
“I will start at the beginning. After the troubles in Lacerta, we took a Universe Terra folder to Lyra. We were exploring Gauthier Three, a frontier world with little infrastructure. They are attempting to create a world like Deneb, with an emphasis on adventure travel but without all the ridiculous restrictions, so there is opportunity for other businesses to thrive. We had returned from three days of wilderness exploration and desperately wanted baths. There are a number of hot springs at the only spaceport, so we chose the one with gender-separated bathing facilities. After bathing, I came out. Nari did not. When I questioned the owners, they investigated. Everyone on the female side in the springs had been stunned. One drowned. Nari was gone. After I helped the survivors, I returned to my shuttle. This message was waiting.” Al-Kindi brought his holo into display mode.
Saree watched Al-Kindi’s face. While their marriage began as an arrangement between families, he’d clearly developed much deeper feelings for Nari, perhaps even true love. Or maybe it was desperation?
Al-Kindi read the message aloud. “We will exchange Nari Al-Kindi for the person you know as Scholar of Ancient Music Cary Sessan. When you have secured Scholar Sessan, go to Circini system in Circinus and send a reply saying ‘Achieved.’” Al-Kindi frowned. “I have not sent the message yet. I suspect I have little time left before they discover where I am and who I am with.”
“You are definitely being watched, Gentle Al-Kindi,” Porter said. “Gov Human has watched you since notification of this issue. We’ve found two trackers on your hull and there appear to be at least two, maybe three beings watching for you on Antlia Five station right now. There are a number of shuttles in clear view of yours and several folders. That’s why we approached Lightwave in the way we did. We didn’t want to alert your watchers of our involvement.”
“I’ve spotted two of those shuttles myself. And I knew about the trackers, but chose to leave them in place.” Al-Kindi shrugged. “What is the point of removing them? I have no intention of avoiding these people.”
Porter nodded, as did the Captain.
“I also know that any attempt to trade Scholar Sessan for Nari will likely end in all our deaths. I knew this before any of these revelations. Phalanx Eagle has no reason to release any of us. Despite your involvement, Circinus holds little political power. Now that she has stated her real name and profession, I am sure Scholar Sessan is the reason you are here.” Al-Kindi turned his attention to her. “Scholar, as painful as it was for Nari, I appreciate your attempts to shelter her by removing yourself. I suspected you had a secret life, but I did not suspect the magnitude of this secret.”
Saree grimaced. “Few do, fortunately. I wish I didn’t have to tell you now.” She shook her head slightly. “I know you are good at keeping secrets.”
Al-Kindi bowed his head, keeping his eyes on her. “I am. I will keep this one unless it is required to retrieve Nari. Even then, it will be only under the most extreme circumstances that I would expose your secret. I know my life is not made safer by knowing.”
She sighed. “No, it’s not. For what it’s worth, I am sorry. I don’t know if it’s any consolation, but there is a bigger secret and my continued existence is part of the...greater struggle. I will attempt to not share that with you.” She shrugged. “If I was merely a Scholar of Ancient Music, I’d offer to be traded. What good would it do them?”
Al-Kindi flashed a sardonic smile. “I would pay credits to watch you bore a bunch of mercenaries to tears with your lectures on filk.”
“You may see that yet, Gentle,” Porter said grimly. “If everything goes wrong, that is exactly what you will see.”
Saree rolled her eyes. Was Porter a ‘worst-case’ person, determined to lead off with the worst possible outcome? “Followed by the injection of drugs and the truth coming out. Followed quickly by a war between the Sa’sa and—” she couldn’t burden Al-Kindi with Galactica “—possibly all humanity. Which would probably spread to other species.”
Porter nodded at her and turned back to Al-Kindi. “May I send Los—” she pointed at Lopez “— back to your shuttle with you? I’d like him to trace what he can of the message origination.”
Finally, something useful from the Gov Human team.
“Certainly. I doubt it will reveal much.”
Porter nodded at him again and looked at the Captain. “Los would be happy to work with Security Officer Katryn Phazeer on that particular task, if you’d like, Captain.”
“Excellent,” he rumbled. “Gentle Al-Kindi, do you mind?”
“Not at all. One, two or four, the disruption to my life is no less.” He scowled.
“Very true,” Porter said. “Do you have anything else to add, Gentle Al-Kindi?”
“No, unfortunately.”
“Very well. Time Guild Member Saree, do you have anything to add?”
“Only that if necessary, I can call on the Sa’sa Enforcers, the Warrior Class.” If she could figure out exactly how to do that. “They will not work under your command or even cooperate with you, but they may listen to me. There are no guarantees.”
“Thank you. I’d prefer not to do that.”
“Nor would I, Chief Porter.”
Porter nodded and faced Captain Ruhger. “Can you or your team enlighten us further? Please be aware we have all the information Time Guild Member Saree gave Colony Administrator Inara, as well as the information you shared.” She held up a hand. “It was brought by a courier to us in a physical chip, and we’ve destroyed it and the reader. The information wasn’t transmitted via any communications system.”
Thank the seven suns of Saga for small mercies. Saree nodded at Porter to acknowledge her statement.
Captain Ruhger’s mouth twisted. “We have nothing further regarding this particular situation with Nari Al-Kindi. I can send you some vids regarding our tactical and operational capabilities if you’d like.” His normal glower deepened into a glare. “Although I feel obligated to share that Tyron, Katryn and I have all been negatively impacted by the Mensian Brain Drain drug. The antidote helped, but all of us are still suffering from some symptoms. Our reaction times have slowed somewhat and some memories are gone. We all sleep more than we used to and sometimes lose focus during long, uneventful watches. We’ve put procedures in place to minimize some of these effects, but the loss of reaction time can’t be compensated for real-time.”
Porter’s expression softened slightly. “Thank you for telling me. I know it couldn’t be easy.”
“Since I have little to do right now, Captain, I would like to review your medical data and run some tests,” Al-Kindi said. “I may be able to help. I’ll need access to your medical database and the antidote.”
“Certainly,” the Captain said. “We’d be very happy to have your help. When we—” he coughed “—obtained the antidote, we also obtained the drug itself. It’s not the same source as the one administered to us, unfortunately.”
“A supply of the drug itself is very helpful. Not only for you, but all humanity,” Al-Kindi said. “The Mensian DNA is different from human DNA, and the Mensians have never released DNA sequencing for their species. Since Brain Drain affects us the way it does, and Mensian body modders can work with the human body, there must be some similarities. If it was simply a poison, the results would be different. Many species have attempted to map Mensian DNA, but it has some unique characteristics, so no one has been entirely successful.” He grimaced. “Hopefully I can find something with a supply of the original drug.”
Saree certainly hoped Al-Kindi could do better than they had.
“I’d like to help with that project,” Doc said. “I’m a trauma medico, but I might be able to add something. I know research protocols and the basics of DNA sequencing.”
Well, at least one member of the pararescue team was helpful.
Porter turned to Doc. “Military duties take precedence.”
Saree kept her face expressionless, but it was difficult.
Doc smirked. “Of course.”
Porter turned back to the Captain. “I am impressed with your reaction to our shuttle’s approach. While we could have used explosives for entry, you still reacted faster than the vast majority of folders.”
“You wouldn’t have gotten as far as you did without using the Gov Human system,” Katryn hissed. “A system forced on us without adequate documentation.”
“Perhaps. Los will share what he knows to help you secure and trap it.”
“Oh, it’s trapped,” Katryn spat.
Captain Ruhger held up a finger, cutting her off. “We’d appreciate it. After you investigate Al-Kindi’s message, of course.”
Porter nodded. “Of course. Anything else?”
“I don’t know if it’s in the Gov Human documentation, but there is history between Phalanx Eagle, Lightwave and Time Guild Member Saree.” The Captain waited, but Porter just nodded again. “I’m sure you know most of us on Lightwave were originally Phalanx Eagle members, raised by Phalanx Eagle members and officers. What you may not know is Wreck, the current PE leader, achieved his position by mutiny and murder. There was supposed to be an amicable, planned breakup. Instead, Wreck killed most of the leadership. My parents escaped the mutiny and took two folders with them, rescuing the children of Mining Colony Jericho.”
“Yes, we know this,” Porter said.
“Time Guild Member Saree is one of those children.”
“Interesting.”
“More importantly, if Wreck knows this, it’s not because he discovered it. Nor does he care, other than her bounty. He’d never live to collect, but he’s not smart enough to realize that.” The Captain grimaced momentarily. “What he does care about is revenge on us. It’s already driven him to some ridiculous lengths. I believe if he’s holding Nari Al-Kindi, we can again use those emotions against him.”
“We’ve heard the Lacerta communication between you, so we were aware of the animosity,” Porter said.
Captain Ruhger’s mouth flattened. “Wreck evidently wanted my mother. That’s what the entire thing was about.” He huffed, “Idiot.”
“From what I know of the individuals involved, I believe your assessment is correct,” Porter said dryly. “Thank you for being upfront about this.”
“It’s important we have all our strengths and weaknesses out on the table.” The Captain speared Porter with his glower. “I expect some reciprocity as far as the capabilities and weaknesses of you and your team.”
“I’m sure some of that will become obvious. But we’re not the basis of the issue, we’re here to solve the problem,” Porter said, cerimetal frosting her voice.
“Typical,” Katryn hissed, glaring.
Porter ignored her. “Anything else?”
Captain Ruhger shook his head but glowered harder.
Before Saree could say anything, Loreli jumped in. “Yes! You are all invited to a constellation arrival dinner tonight. It’s formal.” She glimmered, wiggling her brows. “I do love a military member in uniform.”
Saree heard faint exclamations from the Gov Human team, with varying levels of surprise, and tinged with a little derision from at least one of those team members. Probably Fisk.
Porter said, “Thank you for the invitation. We don’t bring dress uniforms on missions. But we’ll see what we can do.” She stood. “Los, take Katryn Phazeer with you. Doc, you can go with Gentle Al-Kindi. Keep your comms active.” She leveled a long look at Doc, who finally nodded back. “We’ll see you at dinner, Captain.”
Captain Ruhger glowered fiercely. Tyron whispered something in Katryn’s ear and her expression smoothed.
Al-Kindi stood, also glaring. “This little display of dominance doesn’t give me much confidence, Chief Master Sergeant Porter. I thought I would be working with professionals. I hope Nari survives the petty battle you’ve just started with Lightwave’s crew.” He turned, his robes billowing in his wake. “Come then, if you’re coming.” Katryn was on his heels immediately, Los following her and Doc sauntering along in their wake.
Saree waited until Al-Kindi was gone. “I have to agree with Al-Kindi, Chief Porter. I’m more than a little disappointed. Captain Ruhger went out of his way to tell you things he didn’t have to, and you’ve made no effort to reciprocate. Arrogance and lack of information gets people killed. If you expect my cooperation, I expect better.” Saree stared at Porter who just stared back, blank-faced. But Porter’s shoulders were so tight they were up around her ears. “I’m sure your team can manage to simply stun me and carry me away, but that would be unwise.” Saree smiled just a little. “Remember it’s not just Gov Human you have to answer to. The Time Guild and the Sa’sa are part of this and my life is important to them. And I can call in the Sa’sa Enforcers using methods you’ll never have access to, no matter how good your net skills are.” Saree didn’t wait for an answer to her bluff. She walked from the dining hall and made her way to ‘her’ cabin.
Entering her codes, she plopped down on the bed. If only Hal was here. With him, this whole conversation be different. He’d dig into the Clobbered Turkey’s systems and find every scrap of information about the team and Gov Human’s intentions. He’d also snoop on Captain Ruhger and the crew, making sure they acted in her best interests. Right now, their interests intersected. They all wanted to help Al-Kindi get Nari back and get rid of Phalanx Eagle once and for all. But once they had Nari back? All bets were off.
She drew her knees up to her chest, hugging them. She missed Hal’s friendship more than anything. Was he still alive? What about her shuttle? The Mensians closed their entire constellation to every other species. They weren’t letting anyone in or out. Saree dropped her head to her knees, but kept herself from crying. She’d shed enough tears. She had to find a way to act, to get him back. She needed Hal.