Ryk Brown - Ep.#14 - The Weak and the Innocent (The Frontiers Saga)

CHAPTER ONE

Roselle is probably going ape over this, Commander Jento said.

Captain Poc barely glanced at his first officer from his seat at the helm of Scout One. Perhaps, at first, the captain agreed. However, Roselle knows that Scott had little choice. He had to give those men as much time as possible to escape. I would have done the same, just as you would have, and just as Roselle would have. Besides, Scott had no way of knowing the Jung battleship could extend their shields.

Dont get me wrong, Captain, I agree with you. I dont think its Captain Scotts fault, either. It was just a series of unlucky events. I just doubt Roselle will see it that way. Commander Jento checked his display. Next jump point coming up in one minute.

Either way, it was a hard call to make, Captain Poc said. Scott will have to live with his decision for the rest of his life.

Lets just hope that decision doesnt turn out to be a bad one, the commander replied. Thirty seconds to jump point.

Todson? Captain Poc called over his comm-set.

No sign of them, sir, the ensign replied from the scout ships sensor station.

Drop a sensor buoy, the captain ordered.

Dropping sensor buoy, his XO replied. Buoy away. Fifteen seconds to jump.

Good read on the buoy, Ensign Todson remarked over the captains comm-set. Third times the charm, right sir?

Lets hope.

Five seconds, Commander Jento announced. Threetwoonejumping. Commander Jento studied his jump status display. Jump complete.

Starting scans , Ensign Todson reported.

Captain Poc breathed a sigh of relief as Scout One started their third grid-search pattern. It had been half an hour since the Jung battleship had escaped into faster-than-light travel with Scout Three in tow. While they had been performing thorough sweeps of each sector along the targets last known course, Scout Two had been conducting shorter searches further out along the same path, in case the battleship had somehow managed to increase their FTL speed without their knowing. If the Jung battleship was still on the same course, they would find it, regardless of its speed. Even if the target had come out of FTL and accelerated, or possibly even changed course, they would pick up old light from their maneuver. It was just a matter of time. Captain Poc only hoped the fleeing battleship wasnt on their way to a rendezvous with additional Jung forces. Although he had no idea how command intended to deny the Jung Scout Threes jump drive, he was quite sure Jung reinforcements would only complicate their plans.

* * *

The door opened, revealing a middle-aged man in a Takaran officers uniform. You must be Mister Hiller, the man said.

Yes, I am, Yanni answered from just inside their quarters. He immediately noticed the two security guards flanking the officer. And you are?

Suvan Navarros head pulled back, somewhat surprised. I am Suvan Navarro, leader of House Navarro, and captain of the Avendahl.

My apologies, Captain, Yanni replied, bowing his head in respect. Im afraid I am not yet familiar with Takaran rank insignias.

No apologies necessary, the captain insisted. May I?

Of course, Yanni said, stepping aside.

Captain Navarro nodded to one of the guards and entered the room. The guard reached in and pulled the door closed behind him.

If I may ask, Captain, are we prisoners?

Captain Navarro offered a sympathetic smile. Not at all, Mister Hiller. However, given the circumstances, it would be best if you and the princess were to remain here, where my men can see to your safety.

Are we not safe anywhere aboard the Avendahl? Deliza asked as she entered the main living area from a side room.

You are safer on board the Avendahl than anyplace else in the Pentaurus cluster, the captain began, but until I can fully ensure the loyalties of everyone aboard this ship, additional precautions are necessary.

You do not trust your own men? Yanni wondered.

My crew , yes. However, many people, including the two of you, have come aboard in recent days. Considering all that has transpired in the last forty-eight hours Lets just say that we must redress the issue, just to be sure.

The families of your crew are safe? Deliza asked.

The families of my officers were evacuated two days ago. Most of them to either the Darvano or Savoy systems.

And your enlisted? Deliza inquired.

Those who have chosen to continue their service on board the Avendahl were given similar consideration. Those who favored returning to their families were paid accordingly and provided commercial transport back to Takara.

Then you are not at full staffing levels, Deliza surmised, as she moved to the sofa.

The business mindset of the princess caught the captain off guard, his head tilting to one side. You are correct. Rest assured, however, the crew that remains will more than suffice. He looked quizzically at the princess, having expected a more grief-stricken young woman. May I ask what your plans are, Princess?

I am not a princess, Deliza firmly corrected. Not any more. And as to my plans, I expect they depend heavily on what you came here to say, Captain Navarro.

I see. Captain Navarro gestured toward one of the chairs facing the sofa. May I?

Deliza nodded politely.

First, let me express my deepest condolences on the loss of your father, the captain began as he sat. Casimir TaAkar was an honorable man who gave his life for his people. While I may not have agreed with his methods, I respect his efforts nonetheless.

Thank you, Captain, Deliza replied without emotion. And second?

As I said, I did not agree with your fathers methods, but I did agree that support of the Alliance was in the best interest of the entire Pentaurus cluster, including Takara. That is why I pledged my allegiance to him. That is why my crew and I risked our lives in support of his cause. That is why I am here now, pledging to you, that same allegiance, as the heir to House TaAkar.

Deliza eyed him suspiciously. You would pledge your allegiance to a child?

I would pledge my allegiance to the daughter of a man who gave his life in defense of an ideal we shared. A man who made me swear to protect the only thing he had left to die for.

Deliza closed her eyes, taking a deep breath as she gathered her resolve. You realize I am not worthy of such a pledge, she said in a near whisper.

Your father thought otherwise, Captain Navarro assured her in similar tone.

He may have been mistaken, Deliza admitted. I fear I have no plans at the moment, other than to seek your counsel.

Captain Navarro leaned back in his chair, deep in thought. After a long pause and heartfelt sigh, he spoke. The situation is grim, but not without hope. Your father was prepared for such events. Just before he was captured, he made one last transmission to me. It seems he invested the last of your familys holdings into a Corinairan company, one of considerable size. He used his connections within the Alliance to secure a lucrative arrangement, one that would ensure your financial stability for the rest of your life, and perhaps for the lives of your heirs as well.