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ST: Independence - "The Toltec"

^ Maybe the hippies plan to talk to oneself. Maybe we see how they changed the Nausican minds before.

Wonder also what tricks the old dog Killian has up his sleeve?
 
Just catching up with the last few chapters. This story started out strong, and has only gotten better as it's progressed. I'm enjoying this immensely. :bolian:

Here's hoping Killian's as wily an old fox as he appears...
 
Sorry about the delay, but I'm back on the horse now. I'm ready to move this thing along.

This section might push some buttons. I thought about leaving some dialog out, but that would not do the argument justice. So, I left it in. I hope it doesn't offend anyone. It isn't my intent.


CHAPTER 13

Supplemental
Runabout Luger
Maluria II (Tollen)

It was an odd sensation to see sunlight shine through the windows of the Morpheus class runabout. Typically, the windows only had stars in them. Windslow had got up about an hour earlier. He took a sonic shower and now had breakfast alone in the cabin. A few hundred meters away, on his left, sat a relic of human engineering. He found himself staring at the old Earth vessel that brought the colonist here.

He felt empty, just going through the motions. He didn’t feel like a husband. He didn’t feel like a father. He didn’t feel like a Starfleet officer. He just felt numb. The indifference didn’t last.

It didn’t take long for the guilt to come, as it always did. It consumed him like a shadow. The image of Helen Stuttgart, his CMO, being tore asunder filled his mind. He relived seeing the pieces of her body dropping back to the dirt like gruesome hail. Half of Joe Caplin’s head was vaporized before him, leaving one, lifeless eye. Ethan put his hands to his face as he willing entered the hell he had created for himself.

He was jolted out of his self-inflected torment by the computer voice, “Incoming message from the USS Rhode Island.”

He cautiously lowered his hand as if Joe’s one remaining eye would still be there, gazing at him. After taking a moment to gain some composure, he responded, “This is the runabout Luger, Rhode Island.”

A small screen on the console flashed to life. Captain Killian filled the display. “Commander Windslow, we’ve detected, what is most likely, a pirate raider heading for your location. I suggest you recall your team and make yourself scarce.”

The report smacked into him like a stone upside the head. This is not what he wanted to deal with. Secretly, he was happy to follow Killian’s recommendation. He ran his fingers through his hair before asking, “How much time do we have?”

“About thirty minutes.”

Windslow nodded silently.

Killian continued, “The Independence responded to a distress call from outside the system and I’m concerned this may be a ploy to leave the mine unattended.”

Absently, the Indy XO said, “I understand. The mine takes priority.”

Immediately the captain rebuked, “Bullshit. My priority is to make sure no lives are lost. The Nausicaans could steal gallicite until they’re blue in the face, as far as I’m concerned.”

The response prompted a quizzical look.

Killian stated, “I’ll be at your location as soon as possible.”

“But what about the mine, sir?”

“I’ll worry about the mine. You worry about your own butts. Chances are I won’t get there in time.” He leaned in, “So, take care of your team.”

The channel closed.

The emphasis wasn’t lost on Windslow.

*****

Supplemental
Human Settlement
Maluria II (Tollen)

Karim, Zo’Kama, Neale, and Sierra loitered in the central park. They all sat casually in the thick, green grass. In about an hour, the meeting Windslow requested would take place.

Bin Nadal continued the conversation, “So you don’t believe in coincidence?”

“No,” replied Neale. “We believe everything that happens, everything you experience, your oneself has chosen to experience.”

The reptilian doctor chimed in, “There are a group of Arkonians that have a similar belief. All good and bad things happen for a higher reason.”

The Persian had played devil’s advocate all day. It was almost expected at this point. It was more out a desire to debate than disprove. He was convinced his next point would cool their argument. “What about rape? You can’t tell me people chose to be raped.”


Without missing a beat, Sierra said, “Not on a normal, conscious level. But we believe each of us has a…for lack of a more accurate word – contract – with other oneselves. Your perceived enemy on this level is simply doing what it agreed to do with your oneself. So yes, that experience was agreed upon by all parties.”

Kairm’s sport was over. He was genuinely insulted by her answer, “That’s outrageous! Rape victims don’t choose that on any level!”

Sierra didn’t respond to his indignation. She leaned in and calmly began, “Consider the concept of ‘victim.’ By its very nature, it robs people of their power. I say that is impossible.”

“Unless,” added Neale, “you allow it.”

The elder woman continued, “My oneself could no more impose its will upon your oneself than matter and anti-matter can exist in the same place. Remember, we are all one coordinated being. Your liver doesn’t fight your kidney, does it?”

Karim leaned back in an attempt to soak it all in.

The Arkonian asked, “So all tragedies, all wars, all injustices are part of the universe’s plan?”

“The universe’s plan,” said Neale, “is to allow freewill. And sentient beings choose those things.”

Sierra added, “How can the universe experience what it is without experiencing what it is not?”

Kairm shook his head, “This is very confusing. You say you don’t believe in coincidence, yet you believe in freewill as well. How is it possible to have both?”

Sierra smiled, “Because everything that has happened, is happening, will happen, and can happen, is happening now. It’s just that your consciousness relishes each moment, each experience one at a time.”

“Huh?”

Neale put a gentle hand on her shoulder, “Perhaps it would be beneficial to save that discussion for another time.”

Bin Nadal began to rub his temples. Luckily, a distraction he was more comfortable with presented itself. The combadge activated, “Windslow to bin Nadal.”

He tapped his chest, “bin Nadal here.”

“Double time it back to the runabout. Some pirates are heading our way.”

The security chief stole a glance from the doctor and then rejoined, “Sir, what about the colonists? We’re obligated to protect them.”

There was a pause. “When the Nausicaans enter orbit, it won’t take them long to find the Luger. It’s a sitting duck here.”

Karim noticed it didn’t address his question.

Neale said, “We don’t require your protection. We won’t be harmed.”

“We can’t take that chance,” came from bin Nadal. He took measure for a second. He looked to Neale, “I noticed a canyon on the way down about 80 kilometers west of here. How deep is it?”

His brow crunched up, “Oh, I would say about half of a kilometer.”

The security chief raised his voice slightly to address Windslow over the com, “Sir, might I make a recommendation.”

[FONT=&quot]END OF CHAPTER 13[/FONT]
 
I can see where that argument, if not read very, VERY carefully, could make people mad. (Now, I did read it and I understand the point they're making--though I disagree with it.) I sure wouldn't say it around one of my alternate-universe characters, because that character would undoubtedly argue that such a philosophy means the only way to avoid the crime of rape is to give consent where one did not want to. And that would make said character VERY angry. (Won't spoil who it is in case you haven't read "Sacrifice" or "Exits in the Haze," though.)

But anyway...I will be very interested to see what happens now that the Nausicaans are coming!
 
I like Killian. But increasingly wary of these new age crew. Their philosophy is loopy at best, at worst outright dangerous. Nadel and co. cannot expect them to cover their backs even as the Indy team strive to protect them.

This is around the time, I think the s*** hits the fan. Great! :devil:
 
This is crunch time for Windslow. Fight for flight has been the central dilemma to his disgrace and he has arrived at this point because last time he made the wrong choice. Here's his second chance.

I think the colonists make for some very interesting characters and coversations. I do appreciate the ongoing philosophical angle you're weaving into this.

But I thought you rushed it a bit too much here, especially considering the sensitive nature of the conversation. I feel the conversation needed more of a build-up before Bin Nadal would bring up this particular subject. Otherwise it feels a bit arbitary.
 
Looks like Windslow is about to receive his last best opportunity--now he has a chance to rebuild.

The philosophical conversation is a difficult one to write--but you didn't take the easy way out.
 
But I thought you rushed it a bit too much here, especially considering the sensitive nature of the conversation. I feel the conversation needed more of a build-up before Bin Nadal would bring up this particular subject. Otherwise it feels a bit arbitary.

Good point. I think I'll add to it before I post it to the UT website.

Thank you everyone for the comments and your continued reading.
 
CHAPTER 14

Supplemental
Nausicaan Hi’ought Ship Raiik
In Orbit of Maluria II


Old, dried blood from various species had been splattered on the bulkheads. It was dark and the air smelled rotten. Ekik had become very familiar with the stench. The chair was now gone. His only recourse was to lie on the floor. Thanks to ‘visits’ from members of the Wi’ought crew, he had no desire to move. A fresh coat of blood littered the deck and walls.

The beads on Juhin Wi’jawk’s locks clacked together as he rounded the broken and battered Ekik. He knelt down and grabbed Ekik’s face. He rose it up to meet his, “You’re not going to die on me yet, are you?”

The Kyluk Nausicaan spittled some blood, but his eyes were defiant.

“Good,” replied Wi’jawk with a cold satisfaction. He released his face, which hit the deck with a near lifeless thud. The Juhin continued, “If every single milligram of gallicite isn’t in the nacelle of that old ship, I will keep you alive and in constant torment for a very, very long time.”

Ekik managed a huff through his bleeding nostrils.

“Look on the bright side,” said Wi’jawk, “if it’s all there, I’ll send you to whatever deity you believe in when I get back.”

*****

Supplemental
USS Rhode Island, Main Bridge
In Orbit of Maluria VID


“Administrator Junti,” stated Captain Killian for the third time, “I know this is a bad time, but that does not change the fact that I need to evacuate the mine immediately.”

The Saurian began to protest again, “Starfleet promised to protect the mine…”

“I interpret that to protect the people there and this is the only way I know how to ensure the wellbeing of you and your miners.” Killian was tired of reasoning with Junti. It was time to go. He added in a tone that precluded debate, “Prepare to be transported aboard. Rhode Island out.”

The screen reverted to a view of the small moon, with a jade-colored gas giant behind it.

The captain looked to his tactical officer, “Mr. Veril, lock on to all personnel on that moon and beam them up.”

To his credit, the Coridan officer immediately set about fulfilling his orders.

Killian thought to himself, ‘They won’t be happy, but they’ll be alive.’

*****

Supplemental
Near the Human Settlement
Maluria II (Tollen)


Commander Windslow triangulated the beam down site of the pirates and relayed it just before he went deeper into the canyon. It was at the landing site of the old Neptune class ship. Bin Nadal wasn’t sure what to do at that point. At least, it seemed, the pirate ship in orbit hadn’t detected the Luger.

The doctor managed to prompt the colonists to go to there homes. Her advice was nonchalantly obeyed. The people truly didn’t seem concerned. Zo’Kama got the distinct impression they were merely placating her. Currently, she was taking cover beside a large bolder in the central park. “What would they want from that old ship?” she asked over the secured comline.

Bin Nadal had positioned himself on the outskirts of the village. He was totally concealed in the tall grass. “I’m going to recon.”

There was a short pause from the Arkonian, “I’m not sure that’s a good idea. You don’t have anything to mask your bio-signs.”

The security chief retorted, “Chances are, they aren’t using sophisticated scanning equipment. The grass will give me plenty of concealment. It won’t be a problem.”

Another pause. “If you say so. Good hunting.”

“Thanks,” concluded bin Nadal. He moved quickly but deliberately to the old ship.

*****

Supplemental
At Neptune Class Landing Site
Maluria II (Tollen)


Wi’jawk sniffed the air. He had spent so much time onboard a ship, the freshness seemed foreign. He raked his hand against the tall grass as he turned and saw the remains of the alien ship. It was supported by four landing struts. The main hull was about four meters above the ground.

He beamed down with four others. He said, “Find a ramp or ladder so we can get on that ship.”

One of his crew asked, “Why couldn’t we have beamed directly into the ship?”

He was irritated by the question, only because he asked the same thing to Maniv. The quartermaster repeated his Shikikan’s answer, “We can’t get clear readings inside. There could be all types of debris and instabilities in that ship. It’s best to board it on foot.”

*****

Karim cursed himself for not asking for visual scanner from the runabout. He was in sight of the United Earth vessel. His uniform was dirty from crawling on the dirt. The grass did hide him, but it also prevented him from seeing what was happening. He could squat up for a second, but he decided not to risk it. Instead, he reached for his tricorder.

Before opening it, he put it on silent mode and set it for passive scans only. Nausicaans: five of them. All of them were huddled by one of the landing struts. There was probably an access ladder on it. They were going to board it, but why?

He sighed gently, trying to figure it out. After a moment, he used the tricorder to text a message to Windslow – it didn’t transfer. ‘Damn it,’ he thought. The runabout couldn’t get the message with all the rock between them. So, he sent to Zo’Kama: 5 nasicans - boarding old ship – stndby.

Karim watched three of the Nausicaans climb the ladder and enter. Two stood guard. His readings were sketchy once they boarded the ship.

He closed the tricorder and rapped his fingers on it. He rationalized it was best to stay put. Curiosity, however, overrode his caution. He crawled closer.

*****

Supplemental
Human Settlement
Maluria II (Tollen)


Slowly Sierra’s eyes opened. She was in the earthen home she used. Neale was there, across the room. His eyelids rose at nearly the same time.

The elder woman observed, “The possibility of reincorporation has risen for the visitors.”

He nodded, “I felt the frequency aligning.” Neale took a breath, “Do you chose to intervene?”

She closed her eyes for a moment and opened them, “Yes, I choose the experience.”

“I wonder how many others will make the same choice?” asked Neale.

“What will be, will be,” she casually replied as she got to her feet.

*****

Supplemental
At Neptune Class Landing Site
Maluria II (Tollen)


The tactical officer simply couldn’t get any closer. He could overhear the guard’s banter. Any further would risk exposure. Cautiously, he readied his type II phaser. At first, he got it out purely in case he was discovered.

Then, a new thought came to him. He just might be able to subdue the guards and the three others in the ship. He did have the element of surprise. It was a risk, but he could do it. He set the phaser to level three, heavy stun. He would have to be quick. Karim readied himself for the encounter.

Then, he stood. Bin Nadal immediately targeted one of the guards and fired. The Nausicaan dropped unconscious. He aimed for the second, but the other guard already had a weapon at the ready. Karim knew he didn’t have time. He might shoot the other guard, but not before he was shot as well – and he didn’t think they’d be nice enough to use the stun setting.

The Indy security officer threw himself back into the tall grasses and moved to another location, all the while, disruptor shots streaked through the prairie grass. He heard the guard call for the others already in the ship. Soon, it would be four on one. Karim shot back blindly. “Well, that was stupid,” he said to himself.

END OF CHAPTER 14
 
Things are kicking off. It was a brave but possibly foolhardy move by Bin Nadel.
Killian made a good call on retrieving the miners first. I like the way he thinks and acts.
Also worth noting is how fierce and horrible the glimpse into Wi’jawk provides. bloody and terrifying.
Story continues to develop nicely with action and intrigue.
 
Yes Karim, that was stupid. Who do you think you are? Jack Bauer, Rambo, Pava Lar'ragos?

But you know what, I liked it. It showed initiative. Besides, sometimes you just miscalculate and make mistake. Only human.

And now the tension is way up. The question is, what will that colonist intervention look like exactly?
 
Oooh, that colonist intervention canNOT be good. This is really creeping me out...

One small detail I like...I love the typos in the text message. Really seems like something someone would bang out in a hurry--which is exactly what's happening here!
 
Probably not the smartest move by Karim, but if it had worked . . .

In a way, the colonists remind me a bit of the Organians from TOS. Sans the very strange existential arguments, of course. :lol:

Good stuff and excellent imagery, by the way! :techman:
 
CHAPTER 15

Supplemental
At Neptune Class Landing Site
Maluria II (Tollen)


The noises of gently flowing grass and harsh disruptor fire made for an odd pairing. Karim popped up for a moment, fired, and returned to the false safety of the grass. He dared not stay up long enough to see if he hit his mark.

Bolts of energy pelted the dirt around him. He crawled a few meters and tapped his combadge. “Bin Nadal to Zo’Kama. I’m under attack and pinned down. It’s only a matter of time before they get me.”

*****

Supplemental
Human Settlement
Maluria II (Tollen)


The doctor, trimmed in blue, was still resting against the boulder. She received the call and responded, “I’m on my way to your position. I’ll try to reach Commander Windslow.”

“Understood.”

As the reptilian began a swift stride, she tapped her breast again, “Zo’Kama to runabout Luger.”

Nothing.

“Doctor to Commander Windslow.”

No response.

She made a low grumbling sound and exclaimed, “Turds.”

The Arkonian was surprised to see dozens of colonists leave their homes and begin to walk toward the landing site. She paused to witness the spectacle. “What are you people doing?”

Many ignored her and walked past. Some simply smiled as they continued on. Finally, she saw Sierra. “What’s going on?” asked the doctor.

The woman didn’t stop walking, but said, “We have made a choice to play a role in what is to come.”

“That’s not an answer!” Zo’Kama blasted as she began walking with the crowd. She waved her hands up in the air and yelled, “Go back to your homes! There is a firefight up ahead. It’s not safe!”

The colonists politely acknowledged in various ways but her warnings did not cause anyone to hesitate or change direction. They were like an unstoppable wave.

Finally, the doctor realized there was nothing she could do to deter them. The best she could do was to go with them.

*****

Supplemental
Runabout Luger
Maluria II (Tollen)


Ethan rested his chin in his hands. He couldn’t shake the idea that he was still running. He was effectively cut off from his team. It was happening again.

At least…at least he was safe. The thought tormented him. HE was safe. His team, however…who knew? He was failing them, just like before.

Windslow sat there, unable to act. He just looked at the thruster control panel. It seemed to be berating him.

‘Just go up high enough to check in, damn it!’ he thought to himself.

Another undefined voice responded, ‘But I might be detected by the pirates. They could get me.’

‘They might, but those people out there are your responsibility!’

‘I don’t want to be responsible for them. I don’t want to get hurt.’

‘So your safety is paramount to other’s safety.’

‘…’

‘Is your safety paramount to your sons’?’

‘… I hate you.’

‘That changes nothing. Are you too cowardly to make a choice?’

A tear of self-hatred ran down Ethan’s cheek. At least his hand found the controls. He began to ascend.

*****

Supplemental
At Neptune Class Landing Site
Maluria II (Tollen)


Bin Nadal had moved past any notions of besting the Nausicaans. At this point, he was simply trying to evade them. Four pirates were now sweeping the tall grass with disruptor fire. He couldn’t crawl faster than their advancement. Soon, he would be hit.

Just as that thought entered his mind, directed energy sheared his back. He called out in agony. The wound was deep, but probably not fatal. It would, however, end any hope of avoiding the Nausicaans. It was too painful to move anymore and his shout would bring them upon him in seconds.

*****

Supplemental
Runabout Luger
Maluria II (Tollen)


Windslow eased the craft only a few meters below the rim of the canyon. He opened a channel, “Windslow to bin Nadal. Report.”

The response was quick, “Commander, need immediate…agh...” The transmission was cut off.

“Commander? Commander bin Nadal?” The first officer checked his readings. The receiver in bin Nadal’s combadge was no longer working.

Quickly, Ethan hailed the doctor, “Windslow to Zo’Kama. What’s going on?”

*****

The crowd was wading in the sea of prairie grass. The Arkonian smacked her compin, “Commander, thank gods. Bin Nadal is being overrun by Nausicaans. They’re near the Earth ship. Some colonists and I are making our way there, but I’m sure a strafing run with the shuttle would help.”

*****

Windslow hesitated for just a moment. He was still in the runabout. He would be relatively safe. “I’m on my way.”

The Morpheous class runabout lifted out of the cover and zoomed to the landing site.

*****

Nearly fifty villagers tromped their way through the grass. Sierra walked closer to Neale, “I’m being requested in a different direction. My role will not be the same as yours.”

The man nodded, “Very well. Namaste, Sierra.”

She smiled wide, “Namaste, Neale.” The elder woman broke off from the main group and walked slightly to the north.

END OF CHAPTER 15
 
CHAPTER 16

Supplemental
At Neptune Class Landing Site
Maluria II (Tollen)


Karim’s cheek hit the dirt hard. The Nausicaan’s rough hand grabbed his collar and got him to his knees again. Despite the brutal treatment he was getting, bin Nadal was thankful they hadn’t killed him on sight. At the very least, it bought him time.

The four Nausicaans towered over him. The leader, the other’s called him Wi’jawk, asked again, “Where are the other Starfleet officers?”

Wi’jawk didn’t wait for a reply before striking him again. Karim assumed the Nausicaan was just getting warmed up and didn’t expect any answers yet. The tactical chief’s head was throbbing.

The pirate walked around him. “How many ‘fleeters are here?” Immediately, Wi’jawk kicked the gash on his back, forcing bin Nadal forward in the dirt once again. Karim couldn’t stop from crying out in pain.

*****

Supplemental
USS Rhode Island, Main Bridge
In Orbit of Maluria VID


The R.I.’s Kasheetan helm officer turned aft, “Sir, I have the double warp jump set into the navigational computer. Our first jump will take us over the star’s northern pole. The next will take us to the second planet.”

Killian stood from the center seat, “Is everyone aboard?”

“Yes sir,” came from Mr. Veril. He added with some trepidation, “Sir, shouldn’t we inform the Independence about the situation?”

The senior officer smirked. “No. Not yet. I have the distinct feeling, if I do, Captain Aurelia will do an about face and get here too late to do anything, anyway.” He shook his head, “No, the Indy needs to take care of that merchant ship. We need to take care of those people on the second planet.”

The Coridan bowed slightly, “Aye sir.”

“Alright.” Killian said. He stepped forward and placed a hand on his helm officer, “Ewngus, get us there.”

*****

Supplemental
USS Independence, Main Bridge
Nearing the Bolian Freighter Jolim


The dark-skinned Vulcan, Virak, reported from the tactical podium, “The freighter’s shields have failed.” She checked her previous scans and said, almost to herself, “Intriguing.”

Captain Aurelia looked back over her shoulder, “What’s intriguing?”

The security officer responded, “I’ve analyzed the attack of the Yridian ship. The attack pattern suggests they are merely harassing the Jolim. Despite a sustained attack of several hours, the Bolian vessel only has minor damage. The Jolim’s shields have been down for nearly an hour, yet the pirates have made no attempt to board the merchant ship.”

Kimula asked rhetorically from the comm. station, “They could have raided the Bolians and left by now. Why are they still there?”

Aurelia shrugged and added, “Whatever the reason, they’ve made a fatal mistake.” She asked, “How long until we’re in weapons’ range?”

“Two minutes, ten seconds,” rejoined the Vulcan.

The captain regarded her Andorian friend, “Open a channel to the pirate ship.” She had been trying to warn the Yridian-made ship off for hours without avail. They might listen a bit better now that they were ready to get pummeled. “Unregistered vessel, this is your last chance to withdraw. Failure to do so will result in…well, the result will be your sorry asses getting kicked.”

“Nice touch, Captain,” humorlessly commented Kimula.

Virak sighed slightly. Then, she reported, “They are not responding, Captain.”

“Works for me,” said Sintina. She sat on the edge of her seat and ordered, “Red alert.” The bridge dimmed and a klaxon sounded. She continued, “I want their shields weakened with pulse phasers then disable their engines with conventional phasers. I don’t want them bugging out.”

The Vulcan manipulated her console and confirmed, “Understood.”

Aurelia tapped a control on her armrest. A tactical overlay appeared on the main viewer. The Independence, represented by a Starfleet icon, was in the center of a pale yellow circle. The circumference was the weapons’ range. The edge neared the two other icons. She watched it intently. She didn’t want to delay a second more than she had to.

Just as the pirate vessel was about to reach the circle, its symbol disappeared.

The captain shot up, “Did they go to warp?”

“Yes, ma’am,” stated Virak. “They assumed a course of fifty-six mark twenty-one.”

D’nas turned his head, “Do you wish to pursue, Captain?”

She addressed Virak, “How fast is that ship?”

The Vulcan consulted the computer, “They’re maximum speed is warp six point eight two, Captain.”

“We can afford to let them get a head start, then,” rationalized Sintina. She stated, “Hail the Jolim, Kim.”

“Yes, ma’am.” She did so, “I’m putting the response on screen.”

The tactical display changed to an image of a Bolian man. “Thank you, Independence,” said Captain Lum. “I don’t know why they were stringing us along like that. We been unable to put up an effective fight for hours, but they just kept on picking at us.”

Sintina put her hands on her hips, “They didn’t even try to steal anything?”

“No,” replied the Bolian, “They were the stupidest pirates I’ve ever come across.”

The captain grimaced and allowed the mystery to be put on the back burner. “Do you have need of any medical or engineering assistance?”

“Well, I certainly wouldn’t turn any assistance down, but now that the attack is over, I think we can be underway in a few hours. As for injuries, we do have a few, but I think my doctor can handle it.”

Aurelia grinned dubiously. Many private vessels didn’t care to have Starfleet board them. Part of it was pride that was associated with any ship. Part was resentment toward new inspection powers Starfleet attained during the war. To be honest, Sintina didn’t blame him. She’d probably do the same thing if she were in his position.

She nodded, “Okay, Captain Lum. How about we stick around until your engines and shields are up and running.”

“That would be appreciated.”

Aurelia nodded and gestured to Kimula to close the channel. “Are you still tracking that pirate?” she asked Virak.

“Yes, ma’am. They are thirty-five point nine million kilometers away.”

“D’nas,” continued Sintina, “Lay in an intercept course. Warp nine. Engage.”

“Aye ma’am.”

Next, the captain turned to the Andorain in blue trim, “Report our progress to the Rhode Island and request a situation report from their end.”

Kimula complied. The response she got made her jaw drop. Still processing the report in her mind, she swiveled her chair and said somberly, “Captain, you’re going to want to hear this for yourself.”

END OF CHAPTER 16
 
Surely Sinitia should have sussed there was something up the attack! Caught out badly on that one. As for the ground crew, bin Nadel's rash action got him caught but you gotta admire his guts. Windslow? Hard to see what there is to admire but I like the reality of the situation and his reaction. Not everyone can be a knight in shining armour at the drop a hat. Hoping, and thinking, that Killian has the smarts for what's in store, I'm positve he has the grit. Now as for the colonists - :cardie: - maybe we'll discover what more there is to them. Intriguing...
 
This is Murphy's day, isn't it? Sintina got snookered good--young impetuous captain makes a rash mistake. Bin Nadel's actions show that no one's perfect--he slipped up and he's paying the price. As for Windslow--it's final gut check call for him--he either pulls up now or he's lost forever.

The colonists are also an interesting enigma--I'm curious as to what they're up to...
 
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