Ghost Ships of Terra by TS Paul

Author:TS Paul
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: TS Paul, Athena Lee, Spacestation, colony ships, lost colony, space opera
Publisher: TS Paul
Published: 2017-12-24T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 13

The first waypoint in our quest was a small resupply post on the edge of claimed space called Clew Reach. Outside of our normal patrol area, it was built as a security outpost in the last war. Renamed Clew Reach it had become a resupply station. Its owner catered to the needs of prospectors, explorers, and scavengers. Rumor was that it was also a pirate base.

The James Cook paused as it reached the outer marker near Clew Reach. Still, out of sight and off their sensors, Captain Gorshin called a meeting.

“Commander Dunne, what do we know about this resupply post?”

“Sir, it was built during the last war, then abandoned. Members of the O’Malley clan led by their matriarch Grace claimed the post. Almost overnight the Clew Reach station was born. It is the only resupply point within two days travel. Since it is outside our government’s area of control, all types of quasi-legal entertainments are available. Gambling, prostitution, drug running, weapons, and some reports of slavery all have been associated with it.”

Captain Gorshin had a surprised look on his face. “Commander, why was I not informed of this ‘place’ when we began our mission here? We were searching for pirates, and they seem to be located here.”

The commander dropped his eyes to the floor. He didn’t want to answer the question.

“Commander? I order you to answer!” Visibly red-faced and mad, the Captain was yelling now. “Answer the question, or I’ll have you up on charges!”

Looking up at the very angry captain, Dunne nodded his head and answered.

“Sir, the reason that Clew Reach was not included in your orders is that the sector Governor has a partnership with Clan O’Malley. In other words, he gets a kickback to provide them with ‘prey’ and paid off to keep the Navy away. Sir, we can’t go after them.” Dunne was pleading now. “We just CAN’T. If we do, it will bring down a political shit-storm. Governor Tweed would destroy all of our careers, he has that much influence.”

Captain Gorshin was still very angry. “The Navy knows about this? Our Navy? This deal with pirates? How deep does this corruption go Commander?”

“Deep Captain, very deep. Intelligence is aware of situations like this one.” The officer glanced around. ”There are spies and informers on most of the ships sir. I am not sure who on this ship.”

Deep in thought, the Captain nodded his head. “OK, we will leave them alone. For now. I need to dig into this, however. Commander Dunne, you WILL be telling me what you know. Let’s solve one mystery at a time, shall we? Commander Freeman, take us to the next way point. This meeting is dismissed. Back to work.”

This Navy that I joined has serious problems. Was this Governor going to try to kill me too? I think that I have a job for Wilson.

Our ship continued to follow the electronic trail left by the suspected pirates. Our sensors showed a lot more ship traffic than had ever been reported out here.

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