Spinward Fringe Broadcast 17 by Randolph Lalonde

Author:Randolph Lalonde [Lalonde, Randolph]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781988175553
Publisher: Randolph Lalonde

Chapter 19

Rest’s End

It didn’t take long for Jake to get a direct call from Haven Fleet Command. He was sitting to Stephanie’s right on the bridge of the Triton when his left command and control bracer buzzed against his arm, sending a feeling of urgency right to his brain. He swatted it like a stinging insect. “I’ve got to turn that down,” he said as he looked up at the holographic image of Terry Ozark McPatrick, who was projected as a life-like figure.

“Turn what down?” he asked.

Jake didn’t like complaining about equipment. To him, it was a sign that he wasn’t in complete control of everything he wore and used. Even still, he admitted just that. “That nerve sense tech that sends…”

“...emotional cues to the brain from comm units?” the Defence Minister interrupted, nodding. “I turned mine off last week. A buzz or a beep is enough to wake me up. Can you put the privacy barrier up around your command seating? I don’t want anyone to overhear what I have to tell you.”

Ayan dropped into the seat on Stephanie’s left. “As long as I can hear what you have to say.”

“Of course, Admiral,” the Defence Minister said with a little smirk.

“The scrambling field is up,” Captain Vega said from the middle seat. “They can see that we’re here, but won’t be able to hear us or read our lips. We’re scheduled to jump out of the solar system in nineteen minutes, so you’re aware.”

“That’s her way of saying; ‘make this quick,’ Oz,” Ayan added.

“I’ll do my best. There’s good news and bad news,” Oz said. “The good news is that catching that small crew of spies has checked out. All but one was from the Order of Eden. The outlier is from Citadel. He was a manufactured human, so we had a suspicion the moment we got his DNA scan results, but he’s confirmed it.”

“So the interrogation is going well?” Captain Vega asked.

“Security protocol keeps me from telling you more than I have,” Oz replied. “We’re happy with your catch though. Oh, and airlock twelve? Did you really have to space the one playing captain?”

“It wasn’t one of my finer moments,” Jake replied, cringing a little. “I wanted to give anyone else who wasn’t fully on our side a reason to panic so we might catch a few more. Nothing yet, but we’re watching.”

“Aren’t you worried that the other Captains will follow your example?” Oz asked.

“Not really. They know that delivering a bounty intact is the better way to go. Bigger rewards will protect captives, for the most part.”

“Good point.” Oz was about to go on, but he was interrupted.

“The credit for the capture goes to Alice, you realize,” Ayan said. “We may not have found him if it wasn’t for her.”

“She’s right,” Jake said, aware that Stephanie was nodding to his left. “Put it under her name, give her the reward.”

“That’ll make things easier. I will,” Oz said. “I’m not here to talk about her, though. At least, not exclusively.

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