The Ballard of Cairo
Part twenty-one: Travellers in a strange land.
DropShip Wataru
Inbound, Constance
Clan Ghost Bear Domain
Cairo managed to survive the hyperspace jump without being sick. He'd never known he got jump-sick until the raid on Talon, his first time out of his home system. Jackson pushed a few buttons and the Wataru detached itself from the JumpShip that had brought them into Clan space.
As soon as the small DropShip was safely away, the JumpShip used its double-lithium batteries to jump back to Idlewind and safety. "Nice to know we're all in this together", said O'Brien, floating through the hatch as the Draconis ship departed. The rest of the crew shared her sentiment: from now on, they were truly alone.
Cairo opened a broadband radio channel. "Attention Ghost Bear command on Constance. This is the DropShip Wataru, now in-bound from your Nadir Jump point. We are not hostile and only wish to investigate the recent raid you suffered at the hands of mercenary forces. We are transmitting our inventory and personnel files to you on a carrier frequency now. Please respond Clan Ghost Bear command". He keyed off the mike and looked at the people surrounding him. "Well, I hope they believe us".
It was two hours before they received a reply. "Attention DropShip Wataru, this is Star Colonel Frank Gilmour of Clan Ghost Bear. I am willing to discus the matter of the raid when you land. A Star of OmniFighters will escort you in. If you deviate from the approach vector we are sending you, your ship will be destroyed without any further warning. Ghost Bear command out".
Dancer had joined the others on the bridge by this time and commented on the transmission. "Relatively short and to the point. He means it about blowing the ship up. You've given him your word that we come in peace. Give any indication that we've not and he will not hesitate in ordering his fighters to attack".
Cairo's face was grim. "Well, let's not give him any reason to doubt us. Jackson, keep to the course they've sent as unless I say otherwise. McCoy; have your techs standby the weapons systems, but do not activate the targeting scanner. I've never met a Clanner, but from what I've read they are honourable and as long as we act the same and don't provoke them, we should be okay". O'Brien and Dancer nodded. McCoy went off to talk to his Techs, while Jackson set the autopilot to the course the Ghost Bears had transmitted.
Cairo walked down to the mess to get a cup of coffee. He was not surprised when O'Brien joined him. "Steve, we need to talk about last night. I don't know about you, but I don't jump into bed with just anyone. I like you...I really like you and I want this to work, but how will it affect you if we go into battle?"
Cairo put his arm around her shoulder. "That is a question I have been asking myself since I woke up. Well...that's not quite true: first thing I asked myself was, 'did that really happen or did I dream it', but after that I wondered what I'd do if we have to fight again. To tell you the truth, I don't know. This is not a situation I've ever been in before. This is why militaries have rules about relationships like this".
He kissed her, and then added, "We will have to see what this Star Colonel Frank Gilmour has to say, and then talk again". O'Brien smiled and put her head on his shoulder, holding him close. Cairo was glad she couldn't see his face: Jackson's warning before the jump was still playing on his mind.
To Be Continued...