Last Call -- Chapter 7: Not-So-Petty Annoyances
The squadron bays in the Excalibur were different than on most
Earthforce and Alliance ships; the small tactical crafts within were
lined and stacked in the hold like aircraft on ocean carriers. The
Aurora-Class Starfury was a small one-pilot ship capable of pinpoint
maneuvers and direction shifts that made it indispensable in a close
range firefight. The Excalibur also had a complement of the two-seater
Badger-Class Starfury. They were very similar to their sister ships in
that they supported better weapons and armor at a minor cost in
agility. Also aboard was the newer development of Earthforce, the
tandem Thunderbolt; an atmospheric fighter that could be equipped with
missiles for bombing raids. Whether they flew out of the bay or dropped
from launching turrets beneath the Excalibur's basal fins, the space
fighters were impressive and gave the Victory-Class destroyer, in
combination with its own devastating weapons, more firepower than any
other craft in Earthforce or the Interstellar Alliance.
That notion made Matthew Gideon extremely prideful if not a little
cocky.
To Matthew, commanding the Excalibur was the fruition of all his life he
had put into his career as an Earthforce officer. He had surprised
most, including himself, with being able to get that far. More often
than not, his adage of not being subtle or pretty had been his downfall,
leaving him open for criticism and skepticism. It was still a mystery
to Gideon why Interstellar Alliance President John Sheridan had chosen
him over some other captain who could play better by the rules, but for
once he was proud of the fact that his reputation, however dubious and
sketchy, had landed him the job. He wasn't looking for honor or glory
in addition to the cure, just for an opportunity to prove to others he
was fit to put on his uniform every day and perform his duties to the
best of his abilities like he always thought he had.
The fighter pilots were put on standby since the Captain had deduced the
meaning behind the Toledo's metaphorical message. Seventy-odd pilots,
navigators, and radar intercept officers sat before him in rows, quietly
talking amongst themselves as they waited for the meeting to begin. All
were dressed in similar blue and gray space suits, but with different
patches adorning their chests and arms, signifying the separate flying
wings. Not only were they pilots, but engineers, Medlab personnel,
security officers, maintenance staff-all trained for multiple duties
aboard the Excalibur. The staff and crew had been pulled from other
Earthforce ships that weren't caught within the quarantine, including
those from Gideon's previous command, the Phoenix. Some he knew well,
others he was happy to have the opportunity to serve with.
"Let's get started." Matthew spoke out from his position in the front
of the instruction room, addressing the gathered pilots. A few other
officers stood with him, consisting primarily the tactical team that had
developed the course of action. The room gradually quieted till only
the sounds of rustling flight suits could be heard in the section of
chairs.
"Thank you for your patience. I know I put you on standby since early
this morning without a word as to why. I've called this meeting to
discuss the mission we are pursuing to rescue the crew of a disabled
freighter.
"Normally this would be fairly routine, but I have my suspicions from
talking with the pilot that there are Drakh Raiders and Cruisers in the
vicinity." Muffled voices raised their surprise and concern as Gideon
moved to the large main viewing console set up at the front of the
room. He placed a data crystal into the computer port and opened the
dimensional diorama of the target area.
"This is the Ghayn system and has one original, non-EA jump gate. From
our last conversation with the pilot approximately thirty minutes ago,
it has been confirmed that they left hyperspace at this gate to make
repairs to their plasma engines. Something happened to the ship while
coming through the gate, which fried the engine relays, leaving her
stranded. They have drifted away from the gate and the planet near it."
As he spoke, the display drew a similar wireframe outline of the EAS
Toledo as the one he had seen in the map room. A simulated engine
breech pushed it out from the gate, and showed the drift pattern as the
craft moved further away. Gradually the viewpoint shifted to the
perspective from the cockpit of the Toledo, and additional wireframes
began to appear, each outlined in red to signify enemy ships. Two were
directly within the line of sight and five more were stationed in the
blind spots on either side of the viewing canopy.
"We also have confirmation of two Drakh ships positioned within the
pilot's view. External sensors are down, but visuals have been made
using field monoculars." Gideon smiled to himself, remembering the
struggle the pilot had with words in order to relay that piece of
information. The conversations had become a study in obfuscation, with
pointed questions and answers designed to confuse the Drakh on their
true meaning.
"Without knowing numbers, it's difficult to decide on a course of
action. The current idea is to form a jump point above the freighter
that will position us between her and the Drakh. From there, we will
send out a breech pod to attach to the command deck of the hull. If the
Starfury and Thunderbolt squads distract the Raiders, we should be able
to accomplish this without major incident since we have the element of
surprise on our side. They know we are coming, but do not know that we
are aware they are there. Even if there's a chance it's only two ships,
we're still going in hot and heavy."
Gideon paused, allowing the battle compilation to continue playing,
showing a wireframe Excalibur exit a self-terminated jump point to halt
over the Toledo. Short range fighters swarmed from the bays and launch
turrets to surround and engage the enemy while a breech pod was
jettisoned, coasting its way till it landed on the Toledo's hull. The
EVA team inside would act to remove the four crew members before sending
the pod back on its preprogrammed course to the Excalibur.
"Some of you may feel this is a bit drastic for rescuing four crew
members on a decrepit freighter, but this is also a chance to show the
Drakh that we will not stand for this kind of terrorism. I'm sure I'm
safe in assuming that I'm not the only one that thinks this is a
particularly cheap way to get in target practice."
Mutual nods came from several pilots as they studied the diagrams. Most
had battles with the Drakh before and knew the relatively small amount
of ships as nothing to get over confident about. A Drakh Raider had
weapons comparable to a White Star in range and intensity, their smaller
stature making them more maneuverable. The Cruisers were the size of
most Earthforce destroyers, if not bigger, and could carry up to forty
Raiders within their bays. If the ships were given a chance to prepare
for battle, it would slim the odds for a successful rescue attempt.
"I am going to leave it up to the flight commanders as to assigning
duties. I will keep them apprised of the latest if these plans change.
For now, every one will remain on standby. Thank you for your attention
and cooperation."
Pilots began to rise to their feet, eager to get a better look at the
schematics. Gideon left the data crystal outlining the plan; the more
the pilots studied the better prepared they would be. Tactical officers
remained as well to inform the flight commanders on the fine points the
Captain had omitted. Quickly Matthew left, heading for the commissary
to brief the EVA team.
*~*~*~*
"Where is Gideon?" Galen sidestepped as an ensign passed him on her way
to navigations. He could have easily obtained his own answer from one
of his remote probes on the Excalibur, but he wasn't in the mood.
Lieutenant Matheson looked up from where he sat in command, glancing
over his shoulder at the man standing several feet behind him. It
didn't take the Technomage much time to get to command from the docking
bay, only recently receiving clearance to board. But his appearance was
disheveled and made him look harried; the greatcoat was unbuttoned to
reveal the leather pants and woven tunic beneath it.
"Briefing the EVA team for the rescue attempt."
"Not good." Galen visibly fidgeted, something he very seldom did, worry
lines forming on his normally smooth forehead.
"What's the problem?" Even without a scan, Matheson could tell Galen
was anxious from the telepathic vibes emanating from him.
"Where is he?" The Technomage sighed, not purposely trying to answer a
question with a question. "I'm sorry, but this is rather urgent and it
involves the ship he's trying to save."
"The commissary." Without pretense, Matheson gave him the answer.
Galen nodded and turned, his black overcoat swirling around his legs and
he nearly collided with the same ensign as she returned from
navigations. She was clearly embarrassed and promptly apologized.
"No need. I'm used to being unnoticed." He replied with a mock smile
that gave her cause to move quickly away from him.
He marched down the corridor with purpose, heavy boots almost soundless
on the tiles. The personnel occupying his path parted to walk along the
walls, his presence still ominous to those who disliked his order. The
effect guaranteed his solidarity, but in a way it saddened the
Technomage. He had lost the desire a long time ago to be seen as a
recluse and to be feared, but his need for personal isolation never
left. It was fine by him to be considered some mysterious being, the
lack of interruptions allowing him greater time to concentrate on the
task at hand. Only one man seemed to lure and unhinge him more than
most lately, either with his bull-headed stubbornness or obstinately
linear thought progression, and that man was Matthew Gideon.
The tunnel car was unoccupied as the doors opened to allow Galen access,
and he ducked, shoulders hunched, as he stepped into the small space.
He stood along the back wall, crossing his hands at his waist as his
feet stood shoulder width apart. Enjoying the lurch and the brief
moment of weightlessness as the car began its descent, Galen balanced on
steady legs. He closed his eyes and tried to calm himself by taking a
deep breath to release slowly. The latest reconnaissance he had
gathered was anything but reassuring, and gauging his own reaction to
it, he knew Gideon wouldn't be any less incensed. While in his flyer,
Galen accessed his probes to keep apprised of what was happening aboard
the Excalibur and to learn of the Captain's plans for the rescue
attempt. The idea would have been perfectly sound if it wasn't for one
slight flaw that was beyond Matthew's control.
Landing at the central deck, he walked down another corridor before
coming to the entrance of the commissary. Hatch doors with a circular
glass insert slid open at Galen's presence and he entered, his feet
passing over beige tiles. Pleasantly lit with power globes on the walls
and in tracks on the ceiling, the commissary was appealing in
appearance, complete with small trees and vines that grew in giant pots
along the walls. The wooden tables were aligned in rows the length of
the room; most had space for at least eight while some were only
designed to seat four.
It was empty room except for a small cluster of officers and crew
sitting at a far table. Gideon was positioned near the wall, his
natural paranoia making sure he could watch the door and protect his
back at the same time. A few cradled coffee mugs in their hands, the
brew poured from the carafe sitting at the middle of the table. Galen
walked towards the table, his steady stride traveling the short distance
quickly. Matthew was in mid-sentence when the Technomage interrupted,
coming to stand between two of the gathered crew.
"Captain, we must talk." Startled, the two officers on either side of
Galen calmly shuffled their chairs to the side, giving him more room.
Matthew slowly closed his mouth, stifling the words he was about to
say. An eyebrow raised as the corners of his lips down turned, clearly
showing his lack of amusement with the intrusion. As if in protest of
Galen's demands, Gideon leaned back in his chair and slouched, not in
the mood to bow to the Technomage's rudeness.
Immediacy had given Galen the reason to interrupt. He had been aboard
the Excalibur enough to understand military culture and how one acted
around one's superiors, all of which in Galen's opinion, deluded
effectiveness. Gideon was neither his superior or within his chain of
command so the Technomage addressed the Captain as he saw fit, often
receiving a reprimand from Gideon for undermining his authority.
"Your obstinacy is all well and good, Gideon, but it will prevent you
from finding out what I know about the ship you are gallantly trying to
rescue." Galen's smile was crass, suitably teasing the Captain. Gideon
struggled between needing to know and proving a point to the Technomage,
and quickly the former was winning. He hated the fact he was so pliable
for Galen and always left without any sociable means to prevent it from
happening or reoccurring.
"All right, what is it?" Indignation brewing further, Matthew leered.
"There is something I need to show you. Perhaps you should come this
way?" Galen motioned with his hand towards the doors of the commissary.
Gideon took his time to stand, straighten his uniform, and address his
crew before following the Technomage. He asked them to wait for a few
minutes while he found out what Galen so desperately wanted to tell
him. His dark eyes never left the Technomage as he walked out from
behind the table to catch up with Galen who had moved to the middle of
the room.
"I don't appreciate you-"
"That does not matter, Matthew." Galen raised a hand to dismiss
Gideon's reproach. "What does is the fact that the Toledo isn't leaking
radiation as your engineer predicted; it's leaking plasma. If you go
there with guns blazing, as I know you will, you will destroy that ship
and do significant damage to the Excalibur."
Visually the Captain's anger evaporated, his eyes widening at the
realization of what Galen had said. He stood wordless, his eyes
searching the Technomage's face and pale blue eyes as he inwardly
thought, events as he had planned them unfolding in his mind with a
spectacularly brutal end. A solitary shot from any weapon would
discharge the plasma and turn it into raw energy, enough to vaporize the
Toledo. His idea of opening a jump point above them was systematically
scrapped; the energy of the opened port to hyperspace would set off the
plasma as well, possibly even before the Excalibur had managed to exit
to normal space.
"Are my trespasses forgiven?" Galen smiled wearily, raising his chin
slightly as if he could elicit forgiveness with a suggestive glance. "I
felt it was necessary to tell you directly instead of in front of your
crew."
"Yes, thank you." Matthew spoke absently, still lost in the revelation
Galen exposed. Finally his eyes focused again, and he sighed angrily
with a muffled growl. "I knew this was going to be a bad day.
Shouldn't have even gotten out of bed."
"Next, you'll be blaming it on me." Galen's smile widened.
"So? What's your point?" Despite the horrible news, Gideon allowed
himself a small grin.
"Don't suppose I have one." Taking a few steps back, Galen moved
towards the doors. "I'll be here when you need me."
As the Technomage parted, Gideon was left with a further question; one
he felt would never be answered-how did Galen know? How did he know
Gomez had claimed radiation was interfering with communications? How
did he know the Toledo was leaking plasma? He glanced at the ceiling as
if divine intervention could make the bad details any easier to take.
Internally swearing, he raised his com bracelet to his mouth and
depressed a switch.
"Gideon to Matheson."
"Matheson. Go, Captain."
"Get the Toledo on the line, I'm coming back command." Casually, Gideon
glanced over his shoulder at the EVA team he'd have to dismiss until
later.
The squadron bays in the Excalibur were different than on most
Earthforce and Alliance ships; the small tactical crafts within were
lined and stacked in the hold like aircraft on ocean carriers. The
Aurora-Class Starfury was a small one-pilot ship capable of pinpoint
maneuvers and direction shifts that made it indispensable in a close
range firefight. The Excalibur also had a complement of the two-seater
Badger-Class Starfury. They were very similar to their sister ships in
that they supported better weapons and armor at a minor cost in
agility. Also aboard was the newer development of Earthforce, the
tandem Thunderbolt; an atmospheric fighter that could be equipped with
missiles for bombing raids. Whether they flew out of the bay or dropped
from launching turrets beneath the Excalibur's basal fins, the space
fighters were impressive and gave the Victory-Class destroyer, in
combination with its own devastating weapons, more firepower than any
other craft in Earthforce or the Interstellar Alliance.
That notion made Matthew Gideon extremely prideful if not a little
cocky.
To Matthew, commanding the Excalibur was the fruition of all his life he
had put into his career as an Earthforce officer. He had surprised
most, including himself, with being able to get that far. More often
than not, his adage of not being subtle or pretty had been his downfall,
leaving him open for criticism and skepticism. It was still a mystery
to Gideon why Interstellar Alliance President John Sheridan had chosen
him over some other captain who could play better by the rules, but for
once he was proud of the fact that his reputation, however dubious and
sketchy, had landed him the job. He wasn't looking for honor or glory
in addition to the cure, just for an opportunity to prove to others he
was fit to put on his uniform every day and perform his duties to the
best of his abilities like he always thought he had.
The fighter pilots were put on standby since the Captain had deduced the
meaning behind the Toledo's metaphorical message. Seventy-odd pilots,
navigators, and radar intercept officers sat before him in rows, quietly
talking amongst themselves as they waited for the meeting to begin. All
were dressed in similar blue and gray space suits, but with different
patches adorning their chests and arms, signifying the separate flying
wings. Not only were they pilots, but engineers, Medlab personnel,
security officers, maintenance staff-all trained for multiple duties
aboard the Excalibur. The staff and crew had been pulled from other
Earthforce ships that weren't caught within the quarantine, including
those from Gideon's previous command, the Phoenix. Some he knew well,
others he was happy to have the opportunity to serve with.
"Let's get started." Matthew spoke out from his position in the front
of the instruction room, addressing the gathered pilots. A few other
officers stood with him, consisting primarily the tactical team that had
developed the course of action. The room gradually quieted till only
the sounds of rustling flight suits could be heard in the section of
chairs.
"Thank you for your patience. I know I put you on standby since early
this morning without a word as to why. I've called this meeting to
discuss the mission we are pursuing to rescue the crew of a disabled
freighter.
"Normally this would be fairly routine, but I have my suspicions from
talking with the pilot that there are Drakh Raiders and Cruisers in the
vicinity." Muffled voices raised their surprise and concern as Gideon
moved to the large main viewing console set up at the front of the
room. He placed a data crystal into the computer port and opened the
dimensional diorama of the target area.
"This is the Ghayn system and has one original, non-EA jump gate. From
our last conversation with the pilot approximately thirty minutes ago,
it has been confirmed that they left hyperspace at this gate to make
repairs to their plasma engines. Something happened to the ship while
coming through the gate, which fried the engine relays, leaving her
stranded. They have drifted away from the gate and the planet near it."
As he spoke, the display drew a similar wireframe outline of the EAS
Toledo as the one he had seen in the map room. A simulated engine
breech pushed it out from the gate, and showed the drift pattern as the
craft moved further away. Gradually the viewpoint shifted to the
perspective from the cockpit of the Toledo, and additional wireframes
began to appear, each outlined in red to signify enemy ships. Two were
directly within the line of sight and five more were stationed in the
blind spots on either side of the viewing canopy.
"We also have confirmation of two Drakh ships positioned within the
pilot's view. External sensors are down, but visuals have been made
using field monoculars." Gideon smiled to himself, remembering the
struggle the pilot had with words in order to relay that piece of
information. The conversations had become a study in obfuscation, with
pointed questions and answers designed to confuse the Drakh on their
true meaning.
"Without knowing numbers, it's difficult to decide on a course of
action. The current idea is to form a jump point above the freighter
that will position us between her and the Drakh. From there, we will
send out a breech pod to attach to the command deck of the hull. If the
Starfury and Thunderbolt squads distract the Raiders, we should be able
to accomplish this without major incident since we have the element of
surprise on our side. They know we are coming, but do not know that we
are aware they are there. Even if there's a chance it's only two ships,
we're still going in hot and heavy."
Gideon paused, allowing the battle compilation to continue playing,
showing a wireframe Excalibur exit a self-terminated jump point to halt
over the Toledo. Short range fighters swarmed from the bays and launch
turrets to surround and engage the enemy while a breech pod was
jettisoned, coasting its way till it landed on the Toledo's hull. The
EVA team inside would act to remove the four crew members before sending
the pod back on its preprogrammed course to the Excalibur.
"Some of you may feel this is a bit drastic for rescuing four crew
members on a decrepit freighter, but this is also a chance to show the
Drakh that we will not stand for this kind of terrorism. I'm sure I'm
safe in assuming that I'm not the only one that thinks this is a
particularly cheap way to get in target practice."
Mutual nods came from several pilots as they studied the diagrams. Most
had battles with the Drakh before and knew the relatively small amount
of ships as nothing to get over confident about. A Drakh Raider had
weapons comparable to a White Star in range and intensity, their smaller
stature making them more maneuverable. The Cruisers were the size of
most Earthforce destroyers, if not bigger, and could carry up to forty
Raiders within their bays. If the ships were given a chance to prepare
for battle, it would slim the odds for a successful rescue attempt.
"I am going to leave it up to the flight commanders as to assigning
duties. I will keep them apprised of the latest if these plans change.
For now, every one will remain on standby. Thank you for your attention
and cooperation."
Pilots began to rise to their feet, eager to get a better look at the
schematics. Gideon left the data crystal outlining the plan; the more
the pilots studied the better prepared they would be. Tactical officers
remained as well to inform the flight commanders on the fine points the
Captain had omitted. Quickly Matthew left, heading for the commissary
to brief the EVA team.
*~*~*~*
"Where is Gideon?" Galen sidestepped as an ensign passed him on her way
to navigations. He could have easily obtained his own answer from one
of his remote probes on the Excalibur, but he wasn't in the mood.
Lieutenant Matheson looked up from where he sat in command, glancing
over his shoulder at the man standing several feet behind him. It
didn't take the Technomage much time to get to command from the docking
bay, only recently receiving clearance to board. But his appearance was
disheveled and made him look harried; the greatcoat was unbuttoned to
reveal the leather pants and woven tunic beneath it.
"Briefing the EVA team for the rescue attempt."
"Not good." Galen visibly fidgeted, something he very seldom did, worry
lines forming on his normally smooth forehead.
"What's the problem?" Even without a scan, Matheson could tell Galen
was anxious from the telepathic vibes emanating from him.
"Where is he?" The Technomage sighed, not purposely trying to answer a
question with a question. "I'm sorry, but this is rather urgent and it
involves the ship he's trying to save."
"The commissary." Without pretense, Matheson gave him the answer.
Galen nodded and turned, his black overcoat swirling around his legs and
he nearly collided with the same ensign as she returned from
navigations. She was clearly embarrassed and promptly apologized.
"No need. I'm used to being unnoticed." He replied with a mock smile
that gave her cause to move quickly away from him.
He marched down the corridor with purpose, heavy boots almost soundless
on the tiles. The personnel occupying his path parted to walk along the
walls, his presence still ominous to those who disliked his order. The
effect guaranteed his solidarity, but in a way it saddened the
Technomage. He had lost the desire a long time ago to be seen as a
recluse and to be feared, but his need for personal isolation never
left. It was fine by him to be considered some mysterious being, the
lack of interruptions allowing him greater time to concentrate on the
task at hand. Only one man seemed to lure and unhinge him more than
most lately, either with his bull-headed stubbornness or obstinately
linear thought progression, and that man was Matthew Gideon.
The tunnel car was unoccupied as the doors opened to allow Galen access,
and he ducked, shoulders hunched, as he stepped into the small space.
He stood along the back wall, crossing his hands at his waist as his
feet stood shoulder width apart. Enjoying the lurch and the brief
moment of weightlessness as the car began its descent, Galen balanced on
steady legs. He closed his eyes and tried to calm himself by taking a
deep breath to release slowly. The latest reconnaissance he had
gathered was anything but reassuring, and gauging his own reaction to
it, he knew Gideon wouldn't be any less incensed. While in his flyer,
Galen accessed his probes to keep apprised of what was happening aboard
the Excalibur and to learn of the Captain's plans for the rescue
attempt. The idea would have been perfectly sound if it wasn't for one
slight flaw that was beyond Matthew's control.
Landing at the central deck, he walked down another corridor before
coming to the entrance of the commissary. Hatch doors with a circular
glass insert slid open at Galen's presence and he entered, his feet
passing over beige tiles. Pleasantly lit with power globes on the walls
and in tracks on the ceiling, the commissary was appealing in
appearance, complete with small trees and vines that grew in giant pots
along the walls. The wooden tables were aligned in rows the length of
the room; most had space for at least eight while some were only
designed to seat four.
It was empty room except for a small cluster of officers and crew
sitting at a far table. Gideon was positioned near the wall, his
natural paranoia making sure he could watch the door and protect his
back at the same time. A few cradled coffee mugs in their hands, the
brew poured from the carafe sitting at the middle of the table. Galen
walked towards the table, his steady stride traveling the short distance
quickly. Matthew was in mid-sentence when the Technomage interrupted,
coming to stand between two of the gathered crew.
"Captain, we must talk." Startled, the two officers on either side of
Galen calmly shuffled their chairs to the side, giving him more room.
Matthew slowly closed his mouth, stifling the words he was about to
say. An eyebrow raised as the corners of his lips down turned, clearly
showing his lack of amusement with the intrusion. As if in protest of
Galen's demands, Gideon leaned back in his chair and slouched, not in
the mood to bow to the Technomage's rudeness.
Immediacy had given Galen the reason to interrupt. He had been aboard
the Excalibur enough to understand military culture and how one acted
around one's superiors, all of which in Galen's opinion, deluded
effectiveness. Gideon was neither his superior or within his chain of
command so the Technomage addressed the Captain as he saw fit, often
receiving a reprimand from Gideon for undermining his authority.
"Your obstinacy is all well and good, Gideon, but it will prevent you
from finding out what I know about the ship you are gallantly trying to
rescue." Galen's smile was crass, suitably teasing the Captain. Gideon
struggled between needing to know and proving a point to the Technomage,
and quickly the former was winning. He hated the fact he was so pliable
for Galen and always left without any sociable means to prevent it from
happening or reoccurring.
"All right, what is it?" Indignation brewing further, Matthew leered.
"There is something I need to show you. Perhaps you should come this
way?" Galen motioned with his hand towards the doors of the commissary.
Gideon took his time to stand, straighten his uniform, and address his
crew before following the Technomage. He asked them to wait for a few
minutes while he found out what Galen so desperately wanted to tell
him. His dark eyes never left the Technomage as he walked out from
behind the table to catch up with Galen who had moved to the middle of
the room.
"I don't appreciate you-"
"That does not matter, Matthew." Galen raised a hand to dismiss
Gideon's reproach. "What does is the fact that the Toledo isn't leaking
radiation as your engineer predicted; it's leaking plasma. If you go
there with guns blazing, as I know you will, you will destroy that ship
and do significant damage to the Excalibur."
Visually the Captain's anger evaporated, his eyes widening at the
realization of what Galen had said. He stood wordless, his eyes
searching the Technomage's face and pale blue eyes as he inwardly
thought, events as he had planned them unfolding in his mind with a
spectacularly brutal end. A solitary shot from any weapon would
discharge the plasma and turn it into raw energy, enough to vaporize the
Toledo. His idea of opening a jump point above them was systematically
scrapped; the energy of the opened port to hyperspace would set off the
plasma as well, possibly even before the Excalibur had managed to exit
to normal space.
"Are my trespasses forgiven?" Galen smiled wearily, raising his chin
slightly as if he could elicit forgiveness with a suggestive glance. "I
felt it was necessary to tell you directly instead of in front of your
crew."
"Yes, thank you." Matthew spoke absently, still lost in the revelation
Galen exposed. Finally his eyes focused again, and he sighed angrily
with a muffled growl. "I knew this was going to be a bad day.
Shouldn't have even gotten out of bed."
"Next, you'll be blaming it on me." Galen's smile widened.
"So? What's your point?" Despite the horrible news, Gideon allowed
himself a small grin.
"Don't suppose I have one." Taking a few steps back, Galen moved
towards the doors. "I'll be here when you need me."
As the Technomage parted, Gideon was left with a further question; one
he felt would never be answered-how did Galen know? How did he know
Gomez had claimed radiation was interfering with communications? How
did he know the Toledo was leaking plasma? He glanced at the ceiling as
if divine intervention could make the bad details any easier to take.
Internally swearing, he raised his com bracelet to his mouth and
depressed a switch.
"Gideon to Matheson."
"Matheson. Go, Captain."
"Get the Toledo on the line, I'm coming back command." Casually, Gideon
glanced over his shoulder at the EVA team he'd have to dismiss until
later.