Chapter 1
Into the rebellion
The executive transport Cygne departs Ginshar bound for Ulaginkiir. The new Ginsharians in the crew meet in Lass' cabin.
"Ikki calls the cleaning robots dust bunnies and gave them cute names" Jaan says. "She talks to them like they are alive."
"The Captain wants to discuss non-ship matters on the bridge" Lass replies. "It distracts from our duties. That makes no sense."
Baron Jiayi holds a meeting with Doctor Zan, head of the stewards. "I expect afternoon tea every day at fifteen hours and a formal dinner in the wardroom with the senior officers and nobles. That will include Princess Baysan. A uniform or proper dress is mandatory. Imperial etiquette and seating by social ranking is expected. Am I making myself clear?"
The dinner meal is served according to Jiayi's demands. First officer Lori, Doctor Zan, Chief Engineer Ikki, and Third Officer, Princess Baysan show up in uniform. Yuri is wearing a suit as is Jiayi. Kai shows up in her boss dress.
Jiayi sneers at her. "What's this?"
"You have a problem with me coming as Boss Lady rather than Captain?" Kai says, leaning towards Jiayi.
"No."
"Good. Then I won't have to kill you." Kai drops her P35 Cobra, a second smaller pistol, several magazines, along with a handful of grenade rounds onto a tray on a credenza. "No weapons at meals."
Yuri and Baysan pucker up and biting their lips. Jiayi fumes as Kai sits down next to Yuri.
Yuri leans over, whispering. "Hon, must you always start stuff with him?"
"Yes. He expects it. It's a family tradition to get over on each other. He'll use you as a doormat otherwise. You need to learn to do it too, dear" she whispers back.
"What are you two on about over there?" Jiayi growls.
"None of your freakin' business." Kai sticks her tongue out at him.
Ikki is scared silly by Jiayi.
"Kapitan, I'm impressed by your knowledge of etiquette" Jiayi says to Lori.
Yuri and Zan salvage the social interaction. Yuri embarrasses Kai with tales from their university years while Zan spins tales of the days on the Daichi Kaisu and Mische ships she was on.
Zan sits with the other stewards and Kasakabe in the crew lounge. "Jiayi is going to be the death of me with his demands for formal dinners and special menus."
"It is part of my duties as steward" Evgi replies mechanically.
Kasakabe grins at Zan with a blade out. "Want dead?"
Baysan looks at the deck her eyes tearing up. "Zan, I was like that, even worse… I'm so sorry."
Kai's custom of disarming for meals spreads. Baysan dumps a small arsenal on a tray. She and Kai trade malicious smiles. Lori and Ikki bring pistols. Soon, Yuri is putting a pistol on a tray. Zan alone refuses to take part.
"Why must you bring weapons at all?" Jiayi sneers, his teeth grinding.
On Thirday 298-1116 the Cygne reaches Ulaginkiir. Lass reports on ships in-system within seconds.
"Captain, recommend quarters and manning our battery" Lori says.
"What's going on that requires that?" Kai asks.
"The disposition of the Imperial scouts and the Imperial naval squadron near the primary indicate they are prepared for combat."
"I see" Kai replies. "Quarters. Bring our weapons on line."
"Understood Captain."
As the Cygne goes to quarters, Yuri and Jiayi come on the bridge.
"What's up?" Yuri asks.
"Something's wrong" Kai replies. "Lori thinks the ships in this system are deployed for combat. I'm going with her experience."
The nearest Imperial scout signals the Cygne. "Ship entering this system, identify yourself and come to a halt for boarding and inspection."
Several scout ships are moving towards the Cygne.
Kai has Lass signal them back with proper identification. With things cleared up the Cygne heads to Ulaginkiir.
Making orbit, Kai finds there is no X-boat activity. Other than the naval squadron, there are two merchants and a passenger liner in orbit. The liner and one of the merchants have battle damage.
"Kai, arrange a meeting with whoever's running things here in my, and the Emperor's, name" Jiayi growls. He leaves the bridge.
They go to Scout headquarters on the planet to meet with the base commander.
He nervously drums his fingers on the conference table. "Your arrival is most unexpected Magnate. The subsector's in open revolt. I haven't heard from Paradise, Lamante, or Sha since it started. There's a rumor that the Viscount and subsector government are at Sha but I have no way of confirming that. The X-boat routes are down and sending a scout is too high a risk.
I don't have the manpower or ships to do much more than defend this system. We're short of everything Magnate. All I can do for you is refuel your ship…"
Jiayi scowls at him. "Refuel my ship. I need to discuss this with my staff."
They return to the Cygne. Yuri briefs the senior officers.
As the briefing ends Kai says, "Kasakabe, Lori, my office."
"Muro, Lori, I know there's better information than what that punji gave my grandfather. I suspect we're not being told the whole story by the Navy or the Scouts. I don't want to walk into a surprise and we get shot to pieces or killed. What I need from you two is to find out what's really going on. You each have ways of doing that and I know I'll get good information. You have forty-eight hours to find out what's going on and report back, okay?"
Lori stiffens to attention. "Understood, Captain."
" 'Kay Boss Lady. Back two day." Kasakabe turns to leave.
"Oh, Muro. Try not to kill anyone, please."
Murotsu waves back as she disappears out the door.
The next day the base commander contacts Jiayi on a secure vid link. "Magnate, it has come to my attention that many of your crew are not Imperial citizens. There are rumors that you have Ginsharian and Ral Ranta mercenaries aboard. I'm sure you're aware our scout operations in the Glimmerdrift along the scout line running to the Anubian Trade Coalition have been met with near universal violence and combat from those…"
Jiayi cuts him off. "Supervisor Zabrat, I am operating on an Imperial warrant from the Emperor himself. I will not have you questioning my methods of carrying out the Emperor's will. Are you questioning his wisdom?"
"No Magnate."
"Good. I suggest you ignore such rumors and focus on defending this system for the Empire and on regaining control of the Delphi as I'm doing."
"Very good Magnate. Sorry to have disturbed you…"
Following that Jiayi holds a meeting with the crew.
"Where's your assassin?" Jiayi snarls.
"Doing Owato business for me which is none of your business" Kai snaps back.
Jiayi's jaw hardens. A vein in his neck twitches.
He turns to the crew. "The base commander called. Seems there's rumors about who's aboard this ship. Until we leave this system everyone will be in a Ling uniform whenever they leave the ship. You're only to leave the ship on official business and only if I or the Captain clear it." He turns and heads back to his suite.
Murotsu comes back aboard. She and Kai meet.
"Commander lie," Muro says. "Have lot food, stuff. Warehouse full. Base here, other place. Hold system good." She nods in the direction of Jiayi's suite. "More worry punji."
"I see." Kai strokes her chin. She turns on the ship's comm system. "Third Officer Temirzhan report to the Captain's cabin, immediately!"
Baysan knocks enters and bows. Her face goes pale seeing Kai and Kasakabe.
Kai takes ten slivers from a drawer and sets them on her desk. "Baysan, you're going with Kasakabe to make a deal with whoever it takes for us, as Owato, to acquire four thousand Imperial military food rations from the stores on this base. I'm sending you because you're better at talking to people than Kasakabe is. Don't return unless you succeed."
Baysan bows. "Yes Captain." She takes the slivers and departs with Kasakabe.
"Jiayi, Yuri, I need you in the wardroom for a briefing" Kai says. They join her and Lori. On the table is a pile of electronic files, smart sheets, and other stuff, much of it classified.
Yuri thumbs through the pile in front of him. "How'd you get all of this?"
"Classified. My prerogative as a Ginsharian naval officer" Lori replies.
"Dear, you really shouldn't be asking questions like that" Kai says.
"Kai's right" Jiayi growls, looking through the pile. "Give me the executive summary."
"Lori?" Kai says.
"The Delphians have successfully taken control of almost all systems in this subsector. Sha and Ulaginkiir are holdouts. There may be one or two others. The Delphians cannot take this scout base or other Imperial facilities that are well defended; they lack the military forces for that.
"Imperial forces are awaiting reinforcement and are deployed to retain control of this system. Sha is doing the same. Contact between the two has been lost."
"Delphian space forces are moving spinward to reinforce their border with the Imperium. Recommend we do not move in that direction or to Lamante as planned. Recommend moving back into the Glimmerdrift and out of Delphi space."
"There are reports that the Grand Duchy of Stoner has moved into several systems adjacent to their space and taken them over. This has cut the Ley Sector off from the Glimmerdrift."
"So, now what?" Yuri asks. "If we can't go towards Sylea where do we go?"
"Back the way we came" Jiayi answers. "We go back into the Glimmerdrift and head towards the Ley sector. That means granddaughter, you and your miscreants are going to be busy."
Kai scrunches her face up and sticks her tongue out. "Great. You know we can't go through the Maski Empire. Heron and the surrounding area are all pirates and syndicates. Then there's the Duchy of Stoner…"
"Is there a problem?" Jiayi growls. "You should fit right in with Heron. I thought you were on good terms with the Grand Duke too."
"Kasakabe and I might get a pass with Heron but with all the nobility we have on board and this being a Ling ship I'm not so sure it'd work" Kai replies. "As for Stoner, I don't want to deal with those nut bags at all."
"Then figure out an alternative route that doesn't involve going through this civil war."
Baysan and Kasakabe report to Kai.
"The four thousand food packs are aboard and in the hold Captain." Baysan sets four slivers on Kai's desk. "I was able to do everything for six slivers.
Captain, I took the liberty of getting this." Baysan points at a large metal case she and Kasakabe brought with them.
"What's that?" Kai asks.
"Twelve Imperial Army laser rifles" Baysan replies. I thought we might be able to use them.
"Very good Second Officer Temirzhan. You can keep the other four slivers as a bonus for your success."
Baysan eats a smile, her eyes gleam. She takes the slivers and hands Kasakabe two. "We succeeded together Captain."
"You've come a long way since your father made you join my ship" Kai replies. "Keep up the good work and you'll be a Captain someday."
A Knight and his wife aboard the damaged liner have clamored for a meeting with Jiayi as soon as they heard he had arrived. Jiayi relents after putting them off for several days.
"Yuri, Kai you're coming to this meeting. Wear that Boss dress of yours Kai."
"Why the dress?" Yuri asks, as they walk off. "I thought the old punji hated that you're made."
Kai's shoulders slump as she looks at Yuri. "He has some plan in mind and intimidation is part of it. I think I'll have Baysan and Kasakabe come to."
At the meeting Jiayi and Yuri are in suits favored by the Imperial court. Kai looks the part of a syndicate Boss Lady. Baysan and Kasakabe are in dark outfits with the hoods up putting their faces in shadow. They stand near the cabin door.
The couple looks poverty stricken. Their clothes are rumpled and their appearance is disheveled. He needs a shave and her hair is un-coiffed.
"Thank you so much for seeing us" Sir Elrod bursts out. "We were headed to Bouvet on Boilingbrook until those traitors attacked our transport. We've been stuck in this disgusting dump for over a month now…"
Jiayi looks disgusted, a look that Yuri and Kai emulate.
"Shut up." Jiayi growls. "You come to a meeting with Imperial nobility and the Emperor's personal representative looking like that and then think you can ingrate yourselves on me?"
"Onlar bu täqirä görä ölmäk lazim" Kai snarls.
Jiayi glances at the perscomm in front of him. "Boss Lady Shapurin thinks you should die for that insult."
Kai nods at Kasakabe who pulls out a large sword, followed by Baysan, and they menace the couple.
"So what is it you want?"
They stand trembling. She gasps out loud.
"I haven't got all day" Jiayi growls. "Let's get this over with. It's clear you're here to try and get passage with us. Sir Yuri you're the ship's Master, what do you think?"
Yuri sighs. "We're short on food and other sundries. But, I suppose we have a duty to take them. They are nobles. I'll need twenty thousand credits to provide provisions and pay the crew for their services."
Jiayi turns on the intercom. "Doctor Itzanahohk'u report to my suite please."
There is an uneasy silence until Zan arrives. Knocking, she enters giving a Ling style salute.
"You called Magnate?"
"Doctor Zan, we'll be taking Sir, and Lady Elrod on board as passengers" Yuri says. "Please make the necessary arrangements and assign them a cabin forward. Also, collect twenty thousand credits from them for payment of passage."
Zan bows, then gives Yuri another salute. "If you'll follow me Sir Elrod and my Lady I'll show you to your cabin."
Sir Elrod manages a deep bow nudging his wife to do the same. "Thank you so very much Magnate. We're in your debt."
After they leave Yuri turns to Jiayi. "Why all the drama? We could've just told them cough up twenty thousand and been done with it."
Jiayi grins broadly. "That was a lot more fun."
Kai and Kasakabe start laughing followed by Baysan. Yuri suppresses a grin.
"Bringing those two…" Jiayi points at Baysan and Kasakabe "…was brilliant Kai. I loved the look on that punji's face when they pulled those swords out."
Kasakabe shakes her hand at Jiayi. "You funny, punji."
"Shut up" Jiayi growls.
She points her sword at him.
"Would you two give it a rest?" Kai says.
Later, Lass asked Zan about the couple. "Kasakabe stared at them in the passenger lounge last night" Lass says. "I thought Lady Elrod would faint. Is this normal for nobles?"
Zan twists her lip up, rolling her eyes. "Many nobles, particularly low ranked ones like the Elrod's got their position through inheritance or purchase. They have the idea that they can do no wrong no matter what they do. Commoners, that is non-nobles, are often too polite and socially correct to say anything as this would be considered insulting. The result is, they get away with bad behavior."
The second day after jumping is Emperor's day. Kai and Yuri make the arrangements for the ceremony in the executive lounge. A portrait of the Emperor and members of the Royal family are set up along with items to complete the ceremony.
Jiayi makes sure Kai and Yuri are ready along with the Elrod's, and Princess Baysan. He personally instructs Baysan on what to expect. Jiayi decides that even though this ceremony was normally a "nobles only" occasion the entire crew could be present.
With the crew assembled in the executive lounge Jiayi begins the ceremony. "On the three hundredth day of each year every noble is required to publicly make their fealty to the crown known both by word and deed. We the nobility aboard the Imperial vessel Cygne now make our pledges here and in public. Is everyone present ready to stand before our Emperor and make their pledge?"
Yuri, Kai, and the Elrod's answer in unison, "Yes, I am."
Jiayi steps in front of the shrine bowing to the Emperor's portrait. "I Magnatti Jiayi Hao swear my fealty, allegiance, and life in service to you Emperor Strephon the First. As a measure of my loyalty I give you five slivers of my own free will."
He takes each sliver and presses it to his forehead before depositing it in a gilt offering box along with a slip bearing witness to his offering.
The Elrod's in turn repeat the ceremony giving several thousand credits between them. Yuri then Kai each do the same giving two slivers apiece.
Jiayi turns to the crew. "Princess Baysan Temirzhan of Arshur, as a noble from a non-Imperial world do you wish to make a gesture of goodwill and friendship to Emperor Strephon?"
Baysan, dressed as Princess rather than a ship's officer, bows. "It is my world's honor to present Emperor Strephon this gift of goodwill and friendship between Arshur and the Third Imperium." She steps forward and places several large jewels in the offering box.
Jiayi helps her make out her slip.
He bows to Baysan. "On behalf of Emperor Strephon we thank you for your generous offer of goodwill and friendship, it will be rewarded many times over."
Baysan returns his bow and moves back to where she was.
Jiayi turns to Arttu and Ikki. "Master Chief Arttu Leppällä, Chief Engineer Kyllikki Leppällä, as commoners you are not required to participate but may do so if you are so inclined. Nothing will be held against you if you do not. Do either of you wish to come forward to make a declaration and offering?"
Arttu steps up without hesitation. "This is the first time in my life that I have been given the privilege and honor of attending a noble Emperor's Day ceremony. It's a great honor that you Magnate Jiayi Hao have invited myself and my daughter to participate."
He steps up to the shrine. Saluting the portrait Arttu recites his Imperial Navy oath of enlistment. He takes a handful of credits and places them in the offering box.
Jiayi assists him with the pledge slip.
Arttu turns to his daughter. "Your turn Ikki."
Ikki steps up. She looks around at everyone and at Kai and Yuri in particular.
"I owe so much to all of you for where I am today. How can I say no? Captain… um…. Lady Hao… oops… Shapurin has done so much for me; you all have."
She reaches in the offering box and takes out two slivers.
The nobles present are shocked.
Ikki turns and faces Kai. "Captain, I want to repay you for the great fortune you've given me. Your offering is on me. She puts two slivers she takes from her pocket in the box and then hands Kai back the two she put in.
She bows to the portrait. "Thank you Emperor Strephon for your wisdom in making the Hao's and Shapurin's nobles. They've made my life really kopa."
She takes a third sliver out and places it on her forehead as she saw the nobles do, placing it in the box. "I know I should give more but I only brought three slivers with me."
"Captain, Sir Yuri, Magnate… Oh, I'm so nervous. Thank you all. I've got more than I've ever had. I want to return some of that good fortune. That's okay, isn't it?"
The nobles stand in stunned silence.
Jiayi pats Ikki on the head then squeezes her arm. "Yes, that's fine Ikki. Here let me help you with your slip. I think the Emperor should personally know that he has such incredibly loyal and generous people in his empire, like you."
He helps her with her slip. "You've made this Emperor's Day ceremony a very special one for all of us. I'm going to see to it that your message makes it to the Emperor himself. You should be proud." He bows to Ikki.
Ikki turns bright red and makes little noises.
After Ikki is finished Jiayi turns to the audience. As foreigners and commoners, it is not required or requested that you make fealty to our Emperor. I do thank you for observing the ceremony and I hope that you take something positive from it. Thank you all for coming."
Everyone mills around discussing the ceremony. Kai is talking to Lori and Lass. Jiayi and Yuri are next to them. Lass has questions about the proceeding and its purpose.
Sir Elrod and his wife walk up. He looks carefully at Lori. "Excuse us, can I ask something of you Miss? You see, you look familiar to me. Are you a doll?"
Lori's eyes get wide. She pulls a small pistol from her jacket jamming it into Sir Elrod's face.
"Never call me that!" she screams.
Most of the crew has a weapon out now. Zan moves out of the way, her face a mask of horror.
Kai pulls a pistol from under her jacket and steps in. She points the pistol at Sir Elrod. It is centimeters from his face. "On your knees. Now! Or, I will kill both of you where you stand."
"Kai…" Yuri says.
Kai doesn't look at him. "Shut up dear. I'm handling this as Boss Lady. You two know what that title means don't you?"
The two nobles nod their heads. They get down on their knees, Sir Elrod helping his wife.
Jiayi steps up. "It's clear you know what that term you used means. Do either of you condone or participate in those activities?"
Sir Elrod looks at the deck. "Um, well…" His wife is sobbing.
"I thought as much" Jiayi growls. "If you mention this again, call any of the crew that again the Captain is free to take care of it as she sees fit. If I know her, and I do, she's going to let her security officers kill you in some gruesome way if she doesn't space you herself."
"Be thankful that the Captain is going to let you apologize to her First Officer. I doubt she'll give you a second chance. Am I making myself clear?"
"Perfectly Magnate" Sir Elrod says, still looking at the deck.
"Good" Jiayi snarls. "You better let anyone you know who's into that sort of thing know that the Emperor's very displeased about it. So am I. Get up."
They struggle to their feet.
"Go to your cabin and stay there" Jiayi orders.
They stumble off supporting each other.
Kai looks around the compartment. "I keep my word. No one calls a member of my crew that, ever. I and nobody else aboard will tolerate it."
Lori looks at Jiayi then Kai. "Thank you."
The other Ginsharians wear faces of shock and surprise.
Jiayi looks at Zan. "Doctor, when your stewards make the evening meal set it for the entire crew, myself included. We'll be dining together this evening."
Zan smiles and salutes. "Yes Magnate."
The crew heads back to their stations. Zan stops Evgi. "We'll be serving fresh tonight. I'll help you select what to prepare. Those two nobles get military food packs. We have to serve them a meal but it doesn't have to be a good meal."
An hour later, Evgi, Jaan, and Lass meet in her cabin.
"I misjudged the Aliens" Lass says. "I believed they were like those nobles, that they could not accept us."
"We all did" Evgi replies.
Jaan nods in agreement.
"They are not like that" Evgi says. "The Captain, the crew, even the Magnate reacted as we did. They defended us. Seeing it, it was hard to believe."
"The Captain forced those Aliens to kneel before the Kapitan and made them apologize to her" Lass says.
"It was contrary to all our basic programming" Jaan adds.
"Doctor Zan ordered me to give the two Alien nobles military food packs for dinner and then helped me assemble better food items for the crew meal the Magnate ordered" Evgi says. "She said, We have to serve them a meal but it does not have to be a good meal."
"The Kapitan told us during modification that the Aliens would act as Ginsharians in a crisis. I had doubts" Lass admits.
"We all did" Jaan replies.
Gurkishdamash system
While the Cygne refuels, Yuri, Kai, Jiayi, and Lori meet to plan the jump for Sha. Lori, using her holo crystals, displays the system. They head back to the FTL event horizon. On the bridge Lori and Lass are piloting. Kai is in command.
"We have reached the FTL event horizon Captain" Lori says. "Engineering reports jump system charged. Navigation inputs for jump to Sha primary complete."
Kai sits quietly. "I feel like I did when we jumped for Pokhval'nyy."
Lori turns to face her. "We will succeed as we did there… Kai." She gives her a smile.
"You're right, of course" Kai replies. "Pilot, jump ship for Sha primary. Put us on the event horizon please."
"Understood."
After the ship successfully jumps, Kai leaves the bridge to Lori.
"Kapitan, permission to speak" Lass asks.
"Granted."
"Kapitan, the exchange between the Captain and yourself." Lass asks. "Is it common for non-Ginsharians to voice doubts or make non-sequiturs on watch?"
"Yes" Lori replies. "All non-Ginsharians and Aliens I have experienced do this. You can normally ignore these as irrelevant. The exception is a situation like the one you witnessed. The Captain was hesitating to make a necessary decision. She wanted consensus. I provided that so she could function efficiently. It is her need to have that as a Ral Rantan or Imperial."
"Understood" Lass replies. "Your response was made as part of your duties. I do not fully understand when it is appropriate. Request additional instruction on this function Kapitan."
The ship drops out of FTL into the Sha system.
Lass makes a sensor sweep. "Eighteen warships, ten merchant ships. Do you require details Captain?"
"Any closer than an hour to our position or able to fire on us?" Kai asks.
"No Captain."
"Are they Imperial or Delphian?"
"All are Imperial or of indeterminate origin. All of the warships are Imperial."
"Lori, let's get to Sha. Ahead one gee."
"Understood. Pilot one eight nine point two two seven by eighty two point one three six, one gee acceleration. Set electronics condition C."
The Cygne is challenged almost immediately. After some confusion their identity is confirmed and they are allowed to proceed to Sha.
Kai and Yuri stop by Jiayi's suite after docking.
"From what I know about them, what Lori and Kasakabe told me, and what I suspect reading between the lines, Stoner is a central figure in this collapse" Kai says.
"You know their leadership practices psionics don't you?" Jiayi replies.
Kai's eyes get big. "I knew it! I suspected that after thinking about things they said and did on Gazala."
"So, what're we going to do?" Yuri asks.
"The warrant I have was made with the assumption that there were a few isolated cases, mostly among the nobility and top business leaders, of activity contrary to the good order and running of the Empire. I assumed we'd be dealing with cases like Wu on Varakanimu. This situation is beyond our control."
"From what I know, shortly after Duke Jovian was killed I'd say that the Grand Duke planned this out very carefully. The assassinations, the exposure of corruption among the nobility, and starting this civil war were all part of a deep strategy. The Grand Duke is well known for wanting to reestablish himself as ruler over Sylea and bringing back the practice of psionics by the nobility."
"That would make us no better than the Zhodani" Yuri says.
Jiayi sits thinking. "We're not prepared to deal with psionics particularly if it's widely practiced. Going into Sylea is going to immerse us in a civil war. Our best course of action is to head into the Glimmerdrift and then to the Ley sector skirting Grand Duchy space. Plan alternate routes so we go through the larger Ling operations."
Ling's operation on Sha consists of a maintenance yard and a shipping facility. There is an orbital platform for passenger and cargo handling. Sha was the Imperial terminus for Ling's shipping line that went to Shugaadu before the civil war. Normally, one or more fifty thousand ton cargo liners would be loading or unloading. None are present.
Yuri acting in Jiayi's name meets with the management the day after arriving.
"We sent the big cargo liners to Shugaadu when the civil war started" the station manager tells them. "One was lost helping to move the subsector government here. We still have a dozen or so smaller ships in the yards under two thousand tons and mostly under a thousand."
"The Imperials are doing military ship maintenance in their yards and haven't given us much of that work. They don't trust our workforce and I can't really blame them. About a third of it struck shortly after the revolt started and haven't returned to work."
"What's with this two thousand ton transport you have on the list?" Yuri enquires. "It says interned."
"That would be the Sarnak. We had a contract with a Delphian shipping firm to install four triple pulse lasers along with a top of the line fire control system on her. We were doing some other modifications as well.
They told us they wanted these due to piracy from the Heron Federation in the Glimmerdrift. They said they were going to operate it on a run to Kaskagarin so we didn't think anything of it. It's common knowledge that piracy is rampant in that part of the sector."
"After the revolt started the Imperial Navy showed up and interned the ship. It's apparent the Delphian's intended it to be a warship once we looked at everything. The ship's boat hanger was doubled in size and the cargo bays are accessible in space where they weren't before. They had us add power systems that could have allowed installing weapons bays in them too. It would have made a pretty decent and powerful merchant cruiser."
"I see" Yuri says.
Jiayi nods. "Make the necessary arrangements for us to switch ships. I'll tell the governor and admiral that the Cygne is available to them for service on loan from Ling.
Jiayi, along with Yuri, Kai, and Baysan go to meet with Count Mobius Thorrfin, the subsector governor and Rear Admiral Sganarelle of the Imperial Navy.
"Sir Elrod and his wife are currently on my ship. We picked them up at Ulaginkiir. Their transport was attacked by rebellion forces and damaged. They're dead weight to my executing that warrant. I'd like to leave them here if possible" Jiayi says.
"They're minor nobles. That warrant is more important. They can find quarters for themselves" Count Thorrfin replies. "So, how do you intend to go about making good on that warrant Jiayi? That ship you have hardly seems like sufficient means."
"Trying to restore commerce in this sector isn't going to happen until stable lines are formed whether I intervene or not. Until we know who controls what politically and economically there's no point to executing it here. For now I'm going to ensure that Imperial interests in the Glimmerdrift are stable and that the Grand Duke of Stoner stays out of Imperial business."
The Count shakes his head. "I still find it hard to believe the Grand Duke orchestrated the instability that is wrecking the Empire."
"He picked his targets very carefully" Jiayi replies. "It's like a stone dropped into a pond. The effect has rippled across the entire Imperium."
"What I fear is that the Emperor may be in danger" the Count says.
"It's certainly possible, but it's also something we can't influence from here."
"Yes, you're right Jiayi. I need to regain control over this subsector and you need to do the same over the Empire's economic interests in Sylea."
"Anything from Margaret?" Jiayi asks.
"No, her Highness hasn't contacted me or the Duke over Sylea or anything else. Of course with the X-boats down it's unlikely we'll hear anything from her anytime soon."
"Admiral" Jiayi asks. "Would you have anything that can match the Sarnak's four parsec jump range you might spare for an escort?"
"I'm afraid not Magnate. As you're aware, we're shorthanded here. I can't even crew every ship available."
"The Admiral's right Jiayi" the Count says. "I need to regain control over the subsector and that's going to take all the military forces I can muster. As you pointed out, the economy isn't getting straightened out until the rebellion is resolved and things stabilize."
The exchange of ships including making the necessary modifications takes three weeks to complete. Kai renames it Orta Laki San from Ral Rantan for "Middle Way," or compromise. "It will allow us to move between Ling registry and a Ral Ranta flag if the name is already something Ral Ranta."
Elsewhere:
They awake together. The room is small and has an odor to it.
She lets out a small gasp.
He stares back. "I know you, but who are you?"
"I do not know but I recognize you" she replies. "Do you know where we are?"
The man gets up and walks to the window in the room. They are on the second floor of the building. Below there is a narrow cobbled street with people walking along it. A large smoke belching vehicle on metal wheels rumbles past. Across the street a heavy set woman opens a window and dumps a bucket of slop water into the gutter on the street below.
He turns back facing the woman. "I have no idea where we are. Do you?"
"I am really scared" she says.
He walks over to the bed and hugs her. She does not resist.
"So am I. We will figure this out together."
She bites her lip and shakes her head. "What do we do?"
"Figuring out who and where we are would be a good start. Look around for something that might tell us who or where we are."
The 'apartment' has two rooms. In the bedroom there is a dresser and wardrobe with clothes. In one corner are items for personal hygiene on a small table with a mirror above it. A chamber pot sits underneath. There is another a small table with an oil or kerosene lamp on it. They find nothing that might tell them who they are.
In the other room they find a small desk with blank paper and some writing implements in it. There is a small area they determine is for cooking and food preparation along with some items they think are food but have never seen before. Two chairs and a table with a kerosene lamp complete the furnishings.
"It smells awful" she says.
"Yes. It is also filthy" he replies.
"What now?" she asks.
"We will have to go outside and try to find someone in authority."
She frowns deeply, looking at the floor. "Understood."
They go to the window and look at the street below.
"We are appropriately dressed to go outside" he says. "I do not like this any more than you seem to, but we have to find out who and where we are."
They leave the room and head for the street. She grips his arm tightly not wanting to let go.
Outside he stops a passerby. "Excuse me, could you tell me where the authorities are?"
The man he asks looks confused. "Ya mean like ta gov'ner err sheriff?"
"Yes, if they are the ones in charge here."
"Ta sheriff's office is right over thar." The man points.
"Understood. Thank you."
They head to the sheriff's office trying to avoid the mud and brackish water in the street.
Finding the sheriff they explain their situation.
"I'm really sorry, I don' know I kin really help ya with that" the Sheriff says. "Maybe Doc Borjin kin. Torrez, why don' ya take these folks ta see the doc."
They throw fit over having to go "outdoors." They start struggling with the sheriff and his deputy.
"Okay, okay, stay here" the Sheriff says. "Torrez, go find Doc Borjin n' git him over here."
Doc Borjin arrives.
"Look Doc," the Sheriff says "ya need ta examine these two. They ain't got no memory who they are er nothin'. They don' even look like locals. Look how white their teeth er."
"Alright, I'll examine them" the Doctor says.
"You're right Emmett, they aren't from around here. They clearly have amnesia too. Worst case I've ever seen or heard about. They aren't sick or hurt that I can find."
"So, how'd they git here?" the Sheriff asks.
"Got me."
"Whata we do with 'em?"
"You have any money?" the Doctor asks.
They look confused. "Wait," the man says. He reaches into a pocket and pulls out two small silver bars. "Are these money?"
The Sheriff and Doctor stare at the two slivers.
"They got money, that's fer sure" the Sheriff says.
"Do you have somewhere to stay?" the Doctor asks.
The man points across the street. "When we woke up we were in a room over there."
They go to the apartment building.
The Sheriff questions the landlord.
"Ya got me Emmitt. They paid their rent fer sixty days, cash" he says.
"They give ya a name?"
"Nah, just cash. Were real quiet."
"It would seem you have a place to stay and adequate funds for now" the Doctor says. Why don't you get comfortable with your accommodations, buy some food and necessities, and once you're settled in we can work on the amnesia problem. Emmett, why don't you check on them in a day or two to make sure they're getting along okay?"
Kai sends Kasakabe and Lori out on intelligence gathering missions as soon as they are planet-side on Sha. "Get information on the situation here and the subsector. Be on the lookout for high value cargo."
Kasakabe is gone several days. "Find base far side planet. Lot arms, ammo. Few old man guard." She shows Kai pictures.
"Perfect!" Kai replies. "We are going shopping. From what Lori tells me old model military firearms are excellent trade items on Asher and Kaskagarin. If there's anything there more modern, like heavy weapons, we can trade those on Kaskagarin at a premium."
Kasakabe takes Baysan and Lass back to this facility the next day to find out exactly what is there.
"Yuri dear, could you drop by Ling corporate and get us a barge and ship's boat?" Kai slides up to him and kisses his cheek.
Yuri squints at her one eyebrow raised. "Should I even ask why?"
Kai kisses him again. "No."
Within a few days she has loaded dozens of containers full of obsolete weapons and other military equipment from several depots on the ship.
"In confusion there is profit" Kai tells Kasakabe as they watch the latest load delivered.
Jiayi is called by Count Thorrfin the next day. "Jiayi, I know you and your crew are trying to get that merchant cruiser ready to depart, but really. I've had complaints from a number of our bases about wholesale looting for the last week. It's as if the Vargr have been here..."
The day after jumping Lori comes to Kai's cabin. "Captain…"
"You know the rule in here Lori."
"Sorry, Kai. Request permission for Ikki to zero gee the aft cargo bay."
"Why?"
"We, that is, the Ginsharians, and Murotsu, want to play" Lori says.
"Oh, that ought to be good" Kai replies. "Go ahead, and have fun."
"Thank you… Kai."
Kai smiles. "One of these days we'll fix that glitch."
Watching the Ginsharians and Kasakabe dart around the bay is amazing. Ikki joins in although she is nowhere near as capable. Zan gives it a try until she starts to feel queasy. The Ginsharians help her out of the bay into gravity.
Then it is Yuri's turn. He shows considerable grace in letting them thump on him as they play some sort of game of Tag. Worn out he sits beside Kai.
"They're too much for me."
"At least you tried dear" Kai says. "They'll respect you for that."
Baysan gives it a try only to find she is completely helpless in a zero-G environment. Kasakabe comes to her aid to the extent of providing some instruction and minor beatings for her failures.
"Poor Baysan" Kai says. "She's trying hard but Kasakabe is a brutal teacher."
"What're you talking about?" Yuri replies. "Kasakabe made sure I'll be black and blue for a week. Of course, I won't admit that to her. If I did she'd see it as a sign of weakness."
"So, you are getting to understand us" Kai replies.
"Us?"
"Ral Rantans" Kai says. "Being Owato I'm legally a Ral Rantan, so is Baysan. Believe me, it was impressed on me that was a fact. I was told learn Ral Ranta and their customs or die."
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