Vortex Incursion by S. H. Jucha

Author:S. H. Jucha [Jucha, S. H.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Hannon Books, Inc.
Published: 2022-04-10T16:00:00+00:00

19: Tarbar’s Ploy

KILMER AND HELGART SYSTEMS

KRACKUS ANOMALY

When the Krackus probe returned to Kilmer space, the Trident’s capture routine was the same.

After bringing the probe aboard Dominique’s ship, the message was removed from the data storage unit.

Kelley linked to Dominique, Z, Gistamia, and Dorsa mya Jaknas. Then he translated the Krackus language for the Trident senior captain.

<I think there’s no need to reply quickly,> Z offered when he heard the message. <However, you might want to remove the probe to a safe distance.>

Immediately, Dominique had the probe dropped ten thousand kilometers from her ship.

<At least, the Krackus commander didn’t outright refuse our offer,> Gistamia sent.

<Their counterproposal is reasonable,> Dorsa added. <With the ships nearby, the lag will be insignificant, and each side can see the other.>

<I advise we wait,> Kelley said. <A Trident can’t host the meeting. It’s too large, and its appearance isn’t that of a passenger ship.>

<I agree with what you’ve said, Kelley, but I’ve my own reason for remaining on this side of the anomaly,> Dominique sent. <It’s my duty to protect Kilmer space. We’ll have to wait until the scout ship and the other Tridents return.>

<In the meantime, should a message be sent in reply to the Krackus that their terms are acceptable?> Gistamia queried.

<Inadvisable,> Z sent. <Let the Krackus become concerned when they don’t hear from us.>

<No advance warning at all?> Dominique queried.

<When the Reflection exits the anomaly, the Krackus will have their answer,> Z replied.

Dorsa and Kelley agreed with Z, and while Gistamia thought the advice harsh, he didn’t object.

As for Dominique, it wasn’t her role to determine how to handle the Krackus on the anomaly’s other side.

As for the Krackus, they didn’t have to wait long.

Four days later, two Tridents and the scout ship exited the Axis Crossing anomaly into Kilmer space and transited toward Dominique’s ship.

As the Reflection arrived, Killian sought updates from Kelley and was informed about the probe and its message.

In reply, Killian transmitted the data about the events surrounding the ovoid and the sphere.

<I assume that Julien is aware of the double threat,> Dominique sent.

<A detailed message was transmitted when we arrived in Naiad space,> Killian replied. <When we looped for Kilmer, we left the Nyslara and the Emergence at Naiad. Although, we don’t expect Captain Racine’s Quadrant to remain there long.>

<What about Captain Tocknicka and the sisters?> Gistamia inquired.

<Apparently, there’s a plan orchestrated by Lisa Dyehouse to utilize them to help upgrade Naiad technology,> Bethley replied. <It remains to be seen if this can be successful.>

<Is there any reason to delay proceeding to Helgart?> Trium asked.

<None, except to determine who will go,> Kelley replied. <It’s my duty to be aboard the Reflection.>

<I wish to go,> Z sent, <but I can’t perceive how I’d add value. There’ll already be four SADEs aboard.>

<Your desire to assist us, Z, is what we expect from a protector,> Killian replied. <But I do concur with your reasoning.>

<I must be aboard,> Gistamia sent.

<Why is that?> Dominique queried.

<Look at the present foursome,> Gistamia replied. <How are

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