Space Brigade

The further Raga, Lal, and Sorya moved along the tunnel, the darker it became. Raga could only just make out Sorya’ form one metre ahead. Lal kept close to Raga, periodically whispering his objections of taking Sorya on face value.

“You are un-wise to trust this supposed agent; he could quite easily be leading us into a trap!”

“Cool it Lal; for the moment he’s our best chance of reaching the ambassador.”

Suddenly Sorya stopped. Raga just managed to halt, almost barging into him. Lal stopped dead in his tracks, his more acute eyesight seeing Sorya’ sudden halt.

“ We go in here!” Sorya stated gesturing to the wall.

He ran his hand along the smooth wall, found the hidden control he was looking for. There was a click hiss and a small hatch slid aside.

“This service subway will be a little cramped, but will take us to our destination more safely.” Sorya stated as he climbed through.

As Cap Beeta and his group edged cautiously along, they after a while heard a faint sound of footsteps. Cap silently signalled; they took up their positions, some laying, some kneeling, some standing; each targeting the area of the approaching footfalls. They had already eliminated several sentries at the last three intersections without raising any alarms. Cap had thought they would of reached the cell levels by now.

The footfalls grew louder. Obviously it was more than one person; four maybe five at most, he guessed. As the unsuspecting group of Quat-tar rounded the corner, Cap’s group fired. Lances of bright energy cracked across the tunnel at every level; some ricocheting off the far wall. The first three fell, their bodies burnt to a crisp. Another four retreated quickly and returned fire. Cap’s judgment had only been a little off; he could have sworn he had only heard five at tops.

The firefight continued. The Network group not giving the Quat-tar time to evaluate and co-ordinate. They pressed further along, firing as they edge nearer the bend. At the last moment, two troopers moved to the corner’s threshold and threw their plasma grenades.

The grenades bounced off the opposite wall, tumbled round the corner and exploded. A huge plume of smoke bellowed back into and engulfed the troopers; they immediately rushed the corner spraying the tunnel with laser fire.

All four Quat-tar were dead. Orange blood splattered the surrounding walls and several large puddles oozed on the blackened floor. Two of them had caught the blast full frontal; their torsos were ripped open and their internal organs hung from them blistered and shrivelled each. Network trooper took a good look as they passed; one spat on a corpse hitting it in its empty eye socket.

Major Tantis and his group had reached a line of hydro-lifts, three in all. Tantis turned to Qwerti saying.

“What do you think? Should we take them?”

Qwerti studied the lifts for a moment then answered.

“There’s nowhere else to go, they’ve got to lead to the cells!”

He pressed the call button, a thin illuminated bar above the lifts began to move, indicating the lifts were on their way. As each one docked, the troopers were ready to blast anything that came out.

The first two lifts docked, both empty; the third docked seconds later, also empty, but as its doors opened alarms sounded, and the lights blinked on and off. Qwerti was the. first to notice the floating surveillance drone squeezed into the top corner. It had raised the alarm as soon as it registered unauthorized life forms. Qwerti destroyed the drone with a quick sharp shot.

“They know we’re coming now. Be alert and ready!” Qwerti said as he entered the right hand lift.

Major Tantis and half the men entered the left lift, leaving the middle one empty.

Below on the cell levels, the alerted Quat-tar waited in force as the hydro-lifts descended, ready to eliminate their occupants.

Sorya, Raga, and Lal crawled along the brightly lit subway. They had already crossed several access hatches, Sorya indicating to continue at each hatch. They had to twist their way through large hanging flexi-tubes carrying highly charged energy. They squeezed under low positioned multi-plex cables and couplings.

The going was hard; Raga was not sure Sorya was telling the truth when he said this way would be the safest. Perhaps Lal was right in his assumption of Sorya’ loyalty, he thought.

At each successive hatch they heard the screams of alarms, Sorya told them what they meant; the others had been detected. Lal wanted to abandon the subway and move more quickly to the interrogation rooms. Sorya would not back down saying they were taking the safest route. If they left the subway, they would most certainly be discovered and the ambassador would probably be put to death as soon as they saw another Tanteee.

After some minor bickering, and cajoling from Raga they continued on their original path. Finally Sorya came to a halt, and putting his finger to his lips, mouthed.

“Listen!”

The Phoenix drifted unable to manoeuvred; her guns silent; her engines powerless. The interior lights flickered and blinked out, but were instantly replaced by a much dimmer blue emergency lighting. On the war-bridge the crew frantically pulled at access panels, trying to reroute auxiliary power to get the weapons back on line.

“All weapons have failed; shields have collapsed!” Captain Mittvn announced as he worked.

“Channel all remaining power to boost the shields, and hurry!” Torre answered as he tried to accomplish the same at another terminal.

The ship lurched violently as three torpedoes struck her. The crew was thrown across the bridge, colliding with the bulkheads. Computer terminals burst into flame, smoke belching from their ashen housing, filling the bridge.

Admiral Torre was chucked forward to land hard against the helm, striking his head. Two officers rushed to his aid and helped him to his feet. The helmsman staggered backwards from the helm, pointing at the main view-screen and shouting.

“LOOK!”

Everyone froze at the outburst and stared at the screen.

“We’re finished!” Someone mumbled.

Four Quat-tar battleships bore down on the stricken Phoenix, lasers blazing. The two officers helped Torre back to his command seat, as the rest remained transfixed at the ominous sight of the approaching enemy ships.

All four ships fired simultaneously, the Phoenix rocked back and forth under the intensity of the barrage. Unable to respond, she took all the enemy could throw at her.

The bridge crew watched helplessly as repair teams worked on the bridge fires quickly bringing them under control. Suddenly the Phoenix became still. Captain Mittvn stared at the view-screen as a line of bright red flashes ejected from the Quat-tar ships. The line of quantum torpedoes streaked closer and closer to the Phoenix, joining into one long red line. When they struck; Mittvn could not believe his eyes.

The torpedoes exploded short of the Phoenix’ hull. Mittvn quickly checked his computer readout and announced to everyone’s surprise.

“We have shields. I don’t know how, but we have!”

The Quat-tar ships continued to press their attack. The other Network ships were still too busy mounting their own defence to offer any aid. The Phoenix’s new found shielding glowed but remained impenetrable.

The bridge door slid aside and in walked Doctor Collona, accompanied by a medical team. The medics saw to the injured crew while Collona tendered to the large deep gash in Torre’ forehead.

“We have heavy casualties throughout the ship. Chief Malic is dead!” Collona calmly advised as she patted away the blood on Torre’ brow.

Torre brushed her hands away, looked up at her, his eyes bloodshot, his hair matted with congealed blood. He said nothing.

“Admiral, an unidentified craft has just appeared on our sensors, just off our starboard bow. I don’t know where it came from, a, ju, ju, ju, ju, ju, ju, ju, ju it before!” Lieutenant Commander Norret announced, her voice holding more than a trace of foreboding.

“ Can you get a visual?” Torre mumbled.

The main view-screen flickered and jumped and eventually filled with a view of the alien ship. The crew stared at it; in awe of its immense size; six, maybe seven times the size of the Phoenix, bigger than even the Executive ship they had encountered.

A five pointed star configuration, jet black in colour; a thousand tiny lights dotted its arms. No ships insignia could be seen; it rotated gracefully as it moved forward.

“Where the hell did that come from?” Mittvn exclaimed.

“There haven’t been any reports of new Quat-tar developments, and it’s certainly not one of ours!” Torre answered.

“Admiral we’re being hailed.” Norret said calmly.

He looked at her quizzically.

“ The alien vessel!” She answered Torre’ unspoken question.

He raised an eyebrow in puzzlement, and said.

“Let’s hear it.”

The centre hydro-lift landed first on the cell levels. The Quat-tar troops fired as soon as it opened; only to be immediately stunned and blinded by the ignition of a phosphorous mine. The brilliant blinding white light obscured their vision long enough for the other two lifts to land.

The Network troops exited firing, cutting down the blinded Quat-tar; who could only guess at their targets and missed wildly. After a short battle and the Quat-tar guards lay dead; Tantis and the others removed their protective visors, and continued.

A short way along and they could see the first of the cells, and at the far end, another hydro-lift.

“Qwerti check the lift. The rest of you check out and open these cells.” Tantis ordered.

One by one they shot the locks and prized the cell doors open. The Network team was momentarily shocked at the state of the cells occupants. Some were brutally crippled, unable to walk; they had to be carried out.

Others cowered in the shadows, afraid to leave the false safety of their cell, fearing it was some cruel Quat-tar trick; fearing that once they stepped out they would be put to death, or something worse. After some considerable amount of reassuring, they managed to clear the first level; the prisoners, all of varying species were ferried up to the surface via the hydro-lifts to await transportation to the Phoenix and escort ships.

Qwerti, after checking the other hydro-lift reported back to Tantis; he watched as the dishevelled captives stumbled weakly along the corridor before speaking.

“The hydro-lift is clear, but I can’t say what might be waiting below. I’ve found another way down; an access air-chute, but it’s only big enough for one at a time.”

Tantis thought for a while, then answered.

“You take the chute it’ll be faster, we’ll take the lift and meet you on the lower levels. Be careful and anything you come across you can’t handle, give us a call and we’ll come running.”

“Tell me the codes to lower your planetary defence shield.” A voice said loudly from the room below.

Raga glanced at Lal, saying in a whisper.

“This is it, that must be the Ambassador!”

Lal hefted the heavy plasma rifle he had acquired from a dead Quat-tar and aimed at the grid in the floor. Sorya grabbed the barrel and knocked it aside.

“Wait!” he mouthed pointing to the grids opening mechanism.

He swiftly and quietly clambered to the other side of the grid and lay flat, trying to get a look inside.

“How many?” Raga asked.

“Three. The Ambassador is wired up to an interrogation machine.”

“We will have to take one alive to disconnect him.” Lal warned quietly.

Sorya and Raga nodded in agreement.

Inquisitor Zatch slammed his claw down hard in anger.

“I do not understand this; I have never failed with this before. The Tanteee must have some immunity!”

The guard stationed at the door glanced over at Zatch’ outburst. Commandant Loutar sat swaying back and forth in a chair; his feet perched on the corner of the table.

“Then try something else, and do so quickly. That damn alarm’s driving me mad, surely they must’ve caught the escapees by now!”

“You should discipline the guards more vigorously, then they’d not be so careless at letting the prisoners chance escape.” Zatch remarked, as he fitted yet another probe to the Ambassador’s head.

“They enjoy it; it doesn’t hurt to let a few out now and again, thinking they have a chance of reaching the surface and freedom. Besides they’ll die, and it make’s for surface and freedom. Besides they’ll die, and it make’s for good target practice. Even if some did make it, where would they go, and it keeps the guards amused.” Loutar responded.

Inquisitor Zatch smiled; the guard chanced a small grin too. Loutar caught a glimpse of his sniggering and eyed him warningly.

The next thing he knew, the guard was hitting the floor, his hands gripping his bloodied chest. Raga had dropped through the overhead grill and killed the armed guard instantly.

Lal and Sorya were through in quick succession. Loutar, stunned by the sudden intrusion froze. Inquisitor Zatch was quicker to react made a grab for the laser pistol lying on the table. It was his last voluntary move. Lal fired the plasma rifle; its red energy beam reached out and caught Zatch in his side. Dropping the half lifted weapon, he grabbed his burning side; his tunic was ablaze; he howled and keeled over. Lal fired again, this time hitting Zatch square in the back.

Zatch, now on his knees, looked up pleadingly at Loutar. His claw shook and clicked wildly; a thick pool of blood appeared round his knees; finally his head slumped forward. Raga kicked Zatch’ body over; it hit the floor with a dull thud.

Commandant Loutar watched the bizarre scene in horror, his mouth hanging open in disbelief, his body trembling.

“BUTCHER. RELEASE HIM! Lal shouted pushing the plasma rifle into Loutar’ face.

Raga checked the entrance and secured it. Sorya looked over the controls to the interrogation machine.

“Don’t kill me, please don’t kill me!” Loutar pleaded as he moved slowly to Sorya’ side.

“Shut it and get a move on.” Raga snapped shoving him.

Sorya stepped aside as Loutar flipped a few switches. The large bank of probes and tubes retracted. The restraining straps flew open. Lal propped the plasma rifle against the table and bent closer to the ambassador. He placed his left hand over Morka’ injured forehead; it glowed slightly. After a few seconds, Lal removed his hand, and Morka’ eyes flickered open slightly; he tried to speak, his voice dry and croaky.

“Lal. Lal is that you?”

Lal again bent low and answered.

“Yes it’s me. You are safe now.”

“I; I did not tell them.”

“I know.”

Raga pushed his laser pistol into Loutar’ back and said.

“Can we move him without killing him?”

Lal nodded, saying.

“I think so. We must hurry, he is in great need of your medical facilities on the Phoenix.”

Raga forced the barrel of the pistol further into Loutar’ back.

“You’re gon’a get us out’a here without running into any of your friends!”

Loutar flinched and answered.

“There is only one way out other than the unusual way you came in. You might as well give up now; you’ll never make it back to the surface alive!”

Raga slammed the butt of his pistol into the side of Loutar’ head.

“Shut it.”

“I wouldn’t be too sure of that.” Sorya said as Loutar rubbed the side of his head; then continued.

“Colonel Raga, you have at your mercy the Commandant of this notorious establishment. He doesn’t roam these tunnels to get to where he’s going; rumour has it he uses several personal hidden hydro-lifts that are scattered throughout the prison.”

Raga permitted himself a wry smile and said.

“Well, well, the top hog. Network command will be pleased to have you as their guest, although I don’t mind if you want to try anything here. It’d give me the greatest pleasure to end your miserable existence!”

Loutar dropped to his knees, again pleading for his life. Raga answered with a swift kick to his face.

“Now Commandant, the hydro-lift?” Sorya said.

Loutar removed his hand from his bruised face and pointed towards a panel in the far wall. Sorya moved quickly over and activated the tiny control; then keeping the hydro-lift’s door ajar with his boot, and said.

“Come on Raga, you can play with him later, when we’re out.”

Lal helped Morka to his feet and into the hydro-lift. Sorya entered after Raga shoved Loutar inside. As the door slid shut, Raga whispered to Lal.

“The Ambassador knows you?”

“Yes he’s my, what you would call uncle.” Lal replied.

The Phoenix’ communications speakers crackled and hissed as Norret struggled to lock on to the alien transmission; finally she succeeded and a strong voice speaking broken Coalition standard spoke.

“Network ship this is Admiral Kaf, Commander of the Tanteee Imperial siege-station Tykan. We offer assistance.”

Admiral Torre stared at Mittvn, then after a few moments composed himself, and gestured to Norret who opened the channel.

“Admiral Kaf; Admiral Torre Commander of the Phoenix. Your assistance is gratefully accepted and appreciated.”

“Your ship is at the moment protected by our shields. Can you affect repairs to your own?” Kaf asked.

Torre glanced around the bridge then turned to Mittvn for an answer.

“Possible if I can get to engineering,” he answered as he headed for the exit.

“It might take us some time, but we may be able to restore partial shields soon.” Torre announced.

“Then we will continue to extend our shielding until you are ready. Please inform the rest of your force that we are your allies. Tykan out.”

“Lieutenant, inform the others as to the identity of our new arrival.”

As Norret sent the transmission, Torre watched the Tykan, amazed at the immense power she must have at her disposal to be able to cast her shielding round the Phoenix from such a great distance.

As he watched, the perpendicular starship seemed to shimmer for an instant then slowly the five points drifted apart from the central core, becoming six individual crafts. Five were much larger versions of the Firebird, and the sixth, the core ship remained where she was, protecting the Phoenix with her extended shields.

The five Tanteee ships moved with incredible speed towards the Quat-tar ships. They were too fast for the Quat-tar guns to lock on; each lance of energy missing as the Tanteee craft banked for another strafing pass.

“Admiral, there’s another ship dropping from hyperspace. It’s the Cortez!” Norret announced surprised.

“Jelt to Admiral Torre; sorry we’re late, ran into a little trouble. Where would you like us?”

Torre shook his head and smile as he answered.

“Welcome Commodore. Give the Aries a hand, and don’t fire on the Tanteee they’ve just joined us.”

“Will do Admiral. Jelt out.”

The Cortez joined the battle; adding the weight of her lasers to that of her sister ship.

The central array of the Tanteee’ core-ship began to emit a radiant pale blue light. Suddenly the light shot forward striking one of the enemy ships; it disintegrated instantly. On seeing the power of the Tanteee weapon, the remainder of the Quat-tar fleet began to pull back, not wanting to challenge the unknown alien core-ship.

The once blackness of space was now a vibrant illumination of glowing colours as the Tanteee ships discharged their weapons. Torre and the bridge crew had to shield their eyes as the brightness mingled into one. They could no longer tell one ship from another, as the brightness became a brilliant white.

Then the white faded, space returned to its more normal blackness. Most of the Quat-tar fleet were still, their hulls blackened, and apparently lifeless, crippled or dead. Torre caught sight of one spiralling out of control into Secunda’ moon, its aft section sparking and smoking.

The Tanteee and Network ships pushed their advantage; raining shot after shot on the remaining active vessels.

“Admiral our shields are powering up,” the helmsman announced.

“Lieutenant, inform Admiral Kaf.” Torre said.

The Phoenix bucked as the Tykan released its shielding. Then she moved gracefully to join the other Tanteee ships that were reigning down an immense amount of energy fire on the failing Quat-tar fleet. Before the Tykan core-ship could discharge another of her lethal energy beams, the battered and much-depleted Quat-tar fleet simultaneously jumped into hyperspace. Only one ship remained, the flagship Rapacious.

“Admiral Torre Sir, the Quat-tar ship is hailing us!” Norret said.

Torre flicked his finger at her; she put the transmission through; the computer took a little time to interpret.

“Coalition Carrier. I am not in the habit of losing a battle; unfortunately this time you have acquired some unsavoury assistance.” Admiral Keetor’ voice said.

“Your fleet is in disarray, you are now alone and out gunned. It is in your interest to power down and surrender. Drop your shields and prepare to be boarded.” Torre interrupted.

The Phoenix’ speakers remained silent for a moment, then Keetor’ voice bellowed.

“My fleet will return to fight you another time; this is not the end. You and your devilish allies will pay for what you have done here. As for my surrender, that is not the Quat-tar way. I salute you on a battle well fought.”

Torre started to respond, but Norret interrupted.

“They’ve closed the channel Sir.”

“How the hell does he think he’s going to get away?” Torre said to nobody in particular.

Captain Mittvn rushed back onto the bridge and announced as he took his station.

“Weapons coming on line; minimal power to the main engines.”

He turned to Torre when he saw the Rapacious and said.

“Are they going to surrender?”

“Apparently not!” Torre responded without looking.

Qwerti had been right; the access chute dropped him down to the lower cell levels. The warm air of the chute deposited him gently, and he took note of how many levels he had descended; sixty-two in all, it would take some time before the others reached him.

On exiting the chute, he ignited a lumi-stick; his only means of seeing as it was so dark this far down. These distant levels were kept in virtually perpetual darkness; the Quat-tar didn’t waste power illuminating down here.

The dim green hue of the lumi-stick illuminated the passage up to only five metres ahead, where he could just make out the first of the cell doors. When he reached it he checked the lock, it didn’t open. A small aperture was the only opening, through which he pushed the lumi-stick.

Looking first to the right, then to the left he checked the interior. Finding nothing he moved on to the next cell; then the next and the next, all were empty. It was if this level had been abandoned.

The lumi-stick died out, he immediately lit another and proceeded to the next cell expecting to find more of the same. This time, when he shoved the lumi-stick through the aperture the interior was much different.

The walls of the cell were overgrown with strange brown and white fungi, liquid dripped from the spotted nodules. The air was foul and rancid; the floor was covered with what looked like rotting corpses, the remnants of flesh dripped like a beige jelly.

The stink was overpowering, even for the strong constitution of a Lithian. Qwerti found himself retching, fighting to hold on to the contents of his stomach.

Then for a moment, just a second, out the corner of his eye he thought he glimpsed a movement. He blinked several times allowing his eyes to accustom to the dimness again; then caught the movement again. A definite movement off to the right, indistinguishable but still a movement. There was something alive down here. He slapped his wrist-com and said.

“Major Tantis I’ve found something alive down here. I’m on level sixty-two.”

Tantis and the others were still at least eighteen levels above, and had met with several pockets of resistance, but had managed to dispatch them without too much trouble.

The prison guards were not that well trained and not intent on becoming dead heroes of Secunda for a few inferior prisoners. Many surrendered as soon as they confronted the Network troops; they were not regular warriors; only the lowest served here.

“Understood Qwerti; don’t take any chances whatever it is, it may be hostile. We’ll get to you as quick as we can.” Tantis replied.

The lock sparked and fizzed at Qwerti’ shot, it melted and dropped to the floor. He had decided not to wait and was going in. He gave the door a shove; it parted slightly. He kicked it, but it did not move it was jammed. It would be a tight fit but he could squeeze through.

As he forced himself through, the door gave slightly allowing him in. He placed his hand over his mouth shielding it from some of the vile stench. His stomach churned as he stepped on something that had the faint resemblance of once being someone’s face. The shadow moved again. Drawing his laser pistol, he said.

“It’s ok you’re safe now. You can come out.”

The Rapacious, surrounded by the Network and Tanteee started to turn.

“What’s she up to, she can’t escape.” Mittvn remarked.

“I don’t know. Lieutenant Norret instruct the Wildstar to put a shot across her bow.” Torre ordered as he stood and moved closer to the view-screen.

The order sent; the Wildstar fired. As the energy bolt passed the Rapacious, she activated her hyperdrive engines.

Immediately in unison the Network and Tanteee ships fired. The Rapacious exploded in a candescent flash; pieces of her broken hull hurtled towards the other ships only to disintegrate into dust on their shield.

Admiral Torre retook his seat and shaking his head said.

“What a shame. Lieutenant, inform Doctor Zear we can now start taking the wounded. Then get hold of General Hancy; I want to know what’s going on down there. Doctor Collona, I suggest you get back to sickbay and make ready for Zear’ casualties. Captain recall any of our fighters that may of survived.”

Doctor Collona packed away her medical kit and headed for the exit with her team, and said.

“I want to see you in sickbay after this is all over; I want to run a few checks on that head wound.”

“That won’t be necessary Ferl.” Torre answered, but she had already left.

Commandant Loutar’ hydro-lift seemed to take ages to rise through the levels. It was cramped and awkward. Raga hustled Loutar to the front as the lift registered it was approaching surface level.

“If there’s a reception committee you’ll be the first to die!” he warned.

Lal squeezed Morka into the corner for protection. Sorya had conveniently positioned himself at the back, out of the line of direct fire.

The lift slowed; Loutar braced himself realizing he could die in the next few seconds; he mumbled something incoherent to himself. The door slid open. Loutar squeezed his eyes shut, expecting the inevitable. Several laser barrels were thrust into the lift immediately the door slid aside.

“Admiral, Captain Canidili is hailing. He requests permission to leave the battle area and proceed to space station Attal for repairs. They have a large radiation leakage in their reactor. It’s under temporary control, but will need extensive overhaul.” Norret reported.

“Permission granted. We’ll see the Wildstar back at Agar.” Torre replied.

Captain Mittvn had repaired the ship-to-surface communications terminal, and as he brought it back on line the speakers crackled. General Mi Hancy’ voice, although almost a whisper could be heard.

“Ground-base to Phoenix?”

Norret moved quickly to the terminal and took over from Mittvn. Her greater experience of communications showed as she quickly cleared up the transmission.

“Ground-base to Phoenix, Hancy here!”

“Ground-base, Torre. How’s it going down there Mi?”

“Nice to hear from you Admiral; thought you’d run out on us for a while. We’re doing fine; we hold the majority of Tormac-sol, although there’s still pockets of resistance. Should have them cleared in the next few hours. How about you?”

Torre looked around the bridge before answering.

“Touch and go for a little while, but we found some special help. What’s left of the Quat-tar fleet has run off. We lost the Clemmence, and are in a pretty bad way ourselves.”

“Then I guess we’ll have to sit tight here. Any word on the evac of the prison?”

“Not as yet; we’ve only just reactivated ship-to-surface communications; you’re the first I’ve spoken too.”

Lieutenant Norret interrupted stating.

“Admiral; Doctor Zear has launched the first of the ambulances that made it to the surface. They should be on visual soon.”

Torre acknowledged with a nod and continued.

“We’ll get you out of there as soon as we can Mi; we need to make some repairs first.”

“Understood Admiral; we’re not going anywhere. Hancy out.”

“Admiral!” Mittvn said and motioned to the view-screen.

The Tykan was reforming; once again becoming a giant black star. They watched it glide gracefully together in silence. Finally Torre said.

“Open a channel.”

Almost instantly Norret replied.

“On line.”

“Admiral Kaf may I extend the thanks of the Network and my personal gratitude for your timely intervention. Without your help we could’ve all died here.” Torre stated.

The Phoenix’s speakers hissed. Norret work her fingers over the controls and cleaned up the channel. The whole system would need an overhaul when they got back to Agar.

“There is no need for gratitude Admiral Torre. The Quat-tar are a curse on all civilized species. We will remain here until your operation is at an end. I would however like the Firebird to return to Tanteee.” Kaf responded.

In all the confusion and excitement, Torre had not realized the Firebird had not had the chance to leave; they had stayed and fought.

“She may make headway as soon as you wish Admiral; and kindly relay my thanks to General Xel.” Torre answered.

“ Perhaps we will have a chance to meet face to face in the near future; I believe our two species will become strong allies if it is not left to the overtures of diplomats alone.

I salute the bravery of your force, and offer the thanks of my people for your part in this unfortunate confrontation. Tykan out.”

Torre turned to face Mittvn, and with an eyebrow raised said.

“ I think we’ll be seeing more of Kaf if he has anything to do with it.”

Captain Mittvn glanced at his computer terminal and answered.

“Intelligence reports rank him as one of the highest and notable commanders in the Tanteee military. He seems to have the ear of their Supreme Commander; one Grand Martial Goor.”

Torre’ facial expression told Mittvn he was impressed.

“Admiral, space ambulances requesting permission to dock.” Norret advised.