Echoes of Time by Murdo James

Author:Murdo, James
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-09-30T00:00:00+00:00

28

Den of a Nesch, Top Official

The Nesch remained in its den. It was possible for Mericadal and Commander Miren to see Commander Frabin directly from their vantage point in the warship’s front cabin, although it was easier to gaze at the holo depiction projected before them. Reflective armour covered Commander Frabin’s entire body – his suit was now in full combat mode. Short weapons turrets protruded visibly from his shoulders and down his arms, all primed and ready. He walked out from the perimeter of the Administration’s encampment, alone, towards the den.

A chime sounded. A soldier entered the cabin and waited to be acknowledged. Commander Miren turned and waved him to speak. “We have a communication request from Member Cruishan.”

“Can’t you see we’re busy?” Commander Miren snapped in response. “What does he want?”

The soldier was flustered and looked between the commander and Mericadal, who had not turned around. “He’s asking about the blockade around Sunsprit, and why it’s been weakened.”

“Tell him I’ll speak with him, once I am available,” Commander Miren said. “We’ve more important matters to deal with.”

The soldier waited for more instructions, but none came. He continued, nervously. “He’s asking whether the resources will be—”

“Has Member Cruishan been informed, along with all the other Members, the official explanation of what’s going on here?” Commander Miren eyed the soldier.

“Yes, he has. But, he is also aware—”

“Then that’s sufficient.”

“I’ll see to it that Member Cruishan is informed.”

“You’ll see to it yourself?”

The soldier nodded readily. “I will, yes.”

“Good. Do not disturb us with these matters again,” Commander Miren said. “You may leave us now.”

“Wait,” Mericadal said, stopping the soldier mid-turn. “Send word to Member Slautina that she is to deal with these matters until our current activities are concluded.” He paused. “The Nesch research team from Potensein – how long till they are here?”

“I’ll find out right away.” The soldier exited promptly, then returned briefly to state that the team had just reached Upper-Fadin and were currently being taken to the outskirts. Mericadal returned his attention to the holo, hands interlocked behind his back, squeezed so tightly his knuckles were white. Commander Miren moved to stand beside him, watching silently. Commander Frabin had stopped. Mericadal searched for the reason within the information displayed by the holo.

“Shall I enquire why Commander Frabin has stopped?” Commander Miren asked.

Mericadal shook his head. “Give him some time.”

Commander Frabin resumed walking, at a slower pace than before. When he was two-thirds of the way between the encampment and the creature, he stopped again.

“Coward,” Commander Miren muttered.

“I don’t believe being a coward is one of Commander Frabin’s faults,” Mericadal replied. “I think he’s anticipating what’s to come.” Commander Frabin resumed walking, again, even slower. Mericadal continued. “Have your team figured out how this creature, this Nesch, survived the thermal cannon blasts?”

“They’re still working on it. They have theories, but based on the limited data we have, they can’t be certain.”

“They have access to the Administration’s entire informational archive on the Nesch. They must have some idea.”

Commander Miren used her suit’s capabilities to access her team’s most recent updates.

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