Storm Coming by Terry Perrine

Author:Terry Perrine
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: thriller, adventure, action, space opera, military science fiction
Publisher: Terry Perrine

Chapter 51

League Starship Deviljack

Marconis Sector

Routine Patrol

"Incoming flash traffic," said Staff Sergeant Rourke without turning. His annunciator flashed, 'Secure Flash Traffic, Captain's Eyes Only Distribution', the incoming message alert sounded on the Captain's compsole.

Captain Tarayn Chael scanned the displayed message. "Navigation, set a course for Cabra III. Helm, full speed. Francis, convene all division chiefs in C3 cyber briefing room in ten minutes." As the Bridge crew worked on the assigned tasks, Chael interfaced with the cyber network.

*"Francis,"* she said to the ship's cyber AI, *"Give me the demographics first, then anything else that you have on Cabra III."*

*"Yes, Captain,"* Francis, Deviljack's administrative AI replied, and displayed the basic demographics: Area, Population, Geography and Corporate political structure. *"It is noteworthy that though Cabra III is within League territory, it is a corporation asset, not a League member. Cabra III is an Intamach Corporation research and development laboratory. The technology and economic influence allows Intamach Corporation to wield significant influence within the League Senate, protecting them from incorporation under Eminent Domain rules,"* the AI concluded.

Chael thought for a moment. *"The message I received alleges that a ship hijacking involving League forces used an interstellar nuclear / antimatter weapon to attack Cabra III government and security forces."*

*"There is a Cabra III news interview regarding terrorist activity involving a corporate yacht. According to the report, the terrorist leaders were a Ron Dushain, who died in the yacht's uncontrolled atmospheric re-entry. A second terrorist, identified as James Henry DeMaris, was executed for crimes against the Corporation,"* the AI added. *"Those names cross-reference in our ship's registry. The last commander of the Rebuke, sold and delivered to the breakers on Cabra III for salvage was Captain Ron Dushain. Records show that James Henry DeMaris Captained the League Star Ship Resolve until a year ago. Resolve was also sold and delivered to the Cabra III breakers for salvage."*

*"What happened to the crew after the ships were sold?"*

*"Standard operating procedures show that delivery crews receive interface upgrades and are reassigned to another ship."*

*"Okay. We have the captains from two retired Thunder class ships. Both captains die under unusual circumstances through causes related to the Intamach Corporation."*

*"Captain, anything that occurs on Cabra III is related to Intamach Corporation. They own the planet,"* the AI pointed out.

*"Interesting."* Where are those crews? Chael wondered. They could be any place, including reassigned into the fleet or even on Cabra III, absorbed into the population.

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