-----chapter 5-----
1303 hrs EST
Matthew Gideon's world was turning upside down. Actually, it felt like his entire universe. Sitting alone in his cabin, with his duffel bag on his bed, packed with all his belongings, he waited to be transferred to the Pathfinder.
Sitting at his desk, flipping his pen through his fingers as he did when he was either nervous or lacked anything to do, his link chirped. "Go," he announced into the bracelet.
"Captain," came Mathis' voice. "We have that comm-link with Babylon 5."
"Put it through on standby, Lieutenant."
The screen before him changed from the display of the Excalibur project to the StellarCom menu where LINK ESTABLISHED flashed
Gideon positioned himself in his chair and raised his link. "Do you have it?" He asked.
"As you asked. The best fake transmission money can't buy." The voice of Galen answered over his link. "But I'm a Techno-Mage, not a miracle worker. But it will accomplish it's task."
"Understood. Thank you, Galen. Knew there was a reason why I kept you around." Gideon aid as he placed his finger on the LCD screen to receive the transmission waiting on him.
"Charming," Galen muttered before the link was severed.
Appearing on the vid screen before him was the profile of a woman who's job he did not envy her for. The job of governing a five mile long station with a quarter of million citizens. A woman who in the past year has become something he never really had; a lover.
"Captain Lochley, sorry to interrupt anything."
Captain Elizabeth Lochley smiled which made Gideon felt like a school boy with puppy love. "Good to talk to you again, Captain Gideon. What can I do for you?"
"I have a favor to ask of you, Elizabeth."
"Name it."
"In an un-official fashion."
Lochely's eye brow rose.
"I need you to fill in for me on the Excalibur while I'm gone."
"Well, it's pretty quiet for a change. But the silence never lasts. The InterstStellar Alliance has a conference in three days. It's nothing Lieutenant Commander Corwin can't handle. If I may ask, where are you going on your vacation?"
"Mars. I have an appointment for a military board of inquiry."
"Regarding?"
"Your guess is as good as mine. I don't know. I need your help. MarsDome is leaving Lieutenant Mathis in charge. But I would appreciate it if you could fill in. Not that I question John's command ability. It's just we're in a significant situation, which John will brief you when you arrive."
"I will make the arrangements. I don't know how to file this. But I'll be there."
"As we're speaking, there is a simulcast transmission covering our transmission. This will give us some cover. Thank you."
"Good luck, Matthew."
"And you," Gideon said before he cut the link. He stood from behind his desk, and grabbed his duffel on his bed and made way to the hatch.
"Leaving without a good-bye. Matthew, I'm hurt."
Gideon stopped as Galen stood in front of the hatch. From the inside of his cabin.
"I really wished you wouldn't do that. Some day, you'll tell me how you sneak into my cabin."
"One day, if we live to that day."
"Good bye, Galen."
Galen stepped aside and Gideon stepped out into the corridor.
"Matthew."
Gideon stopped and looked around to see Galen had vanished. But a rush of wind brushed up against him. May be an abnormality in the air circulation system. Or may be an illusion from the resident wizard.
"You are not alone. You have never been. You will never be."
Gideon nodded, and walked to the BulletCar station.
Gideon stepped off the BulletCar in the flight bay and proceeded to the pressure hatch which stood open with a platoon of seven marine guards waiting on him. From the looks of their hardware, they looked like special forces.
John Mathis stood in their path, keeping the guards confined to the bay. Gideon could tell Mathis did not like the current situation. He also knew that if Mathis had to, he could take out half of the group. He knew Mathis wanted to. He did not want to see his captain railroaded like this.
"You have the wheel, Lieutenant."
"Yes, sir."
"Try to keep her in one piece while I'm gone. No wild parties. No guests, you know the routine."
"Aye, Dad." John smiled. "She'll be in one piece when you return."
Gideon returned the smile as he looked at the marines wearing their armor. "Nice set up? All this for me?"
"We want the Techno-Mage."
Techno-Mage? The name spoken forced Gideon to put on his best poker face. "Techno-Mage? Lieutenant? Do we have a Techno-Mage onboard, and I wasn't told?"
"Sir?" John asked as he stood motionless.
"Lieutenant, what did I tell you about picking up strangers? God knows what hitchhikers are like in this part of the system."
"No, Sir. I don't know of any Techno-Mages." Mathis responded with his well maintained poker face.
"Major, do you see a Techno-Mage ship on the flight deck?" Gideon asked, looking over his shoulder to where Galen's flyer was always berthed. No surprise the black sleek craft was not there. Obviously an illusion.
"We know you are harboring a Techno-Mage. He is also to be transported to MarsDome."
"Sorry, gentlemen." Gideon replied. "Like a said, no Techno-Mages here."
"Spread out. Check your scanners," The major said. With that, his fellow troopers rushed passed Gideon and Mathis and Excalibur's own marines.
"Just what the hell do you think your doing?" Gideon asked as the major walked past him to follow his troops.
"Following orders."
"Like, hell. This is still my ship."
"Not for long."
"Bastards! Lieutenant, mobilize security." The second part of his order never left his mouth, but echoed in his mind so John could hear it. Get Galen off the ship.
"Aye, sir."
Gideon and Mathis walked through the corridors to follow the troops. So many questions on his mind. How the hell did they know of Galen? And what technology could sense a Techno-Mage.
In the blink of an eye, the answer was as loud as a sonic boom. Oh, hell. Shadow tech. The Storm.