Part I. 'Petition'
It was the year 2145. Mankind had expanded into space. However, the problems that plagued it on old Earth had followed it to the stars...
Operations director Ayoob checked the list of reports his secretary had placed into memory on his computer desk.
Two meetings for some social talk with UG officials. The quarterly report on WWWA progress and financial status. A request for speeding up the new recruiting program, due to recent increases in TC losses. A few cases, with the Central Computer assignments already prepared, only needing his signature. One petition...
This was interesting. The petition was supported by the highest officials of the UG, with confirmation of financial backing.
"Karl Mickainer, head executive of Trofar VI.
Due to our latest agreements with United Galactica about Trofar joining UG, we request that the WWWA to solve the so-called 'Mystery of Trofar'. All necessary data follows. UG executives will be funding this venture.
With best regards - Karl."
Ayoob whistled when he read the size of the payment. UG really wanted Trofar, that was for sure, and the WWWA wanted the money, money UG was ready to pay. He pressed the intercom button.
"Send Francis Goulet to me, now."
Francis Goulet looked again at the printout on his desk. He understood the significance of it, he had talked with Ayoob, but the Central Computer... He really didn't like the recommendations the CC was making for this case and its solution.
"SUBJECT - Missing ships in Trofar system and surrounding space.
SUSPECT - Large-scale pirate operation
RECOMMEND - One TC team to investigate, two squadrons of UG Space Force cruisers and carrier to eliminate pirate forces.
CODENAME - KILIKILIANS
ASSIGN - TEAM 234"
Goulet dropped one tablet of antacid into his mouth and swallowed it with mineral water. Just in case.
"Sir. The Lovely Angels have arrived. Do you want me to send them in?"
"Yes."
The doors opened and the most famous team of TCs that ever existed came in. Goulet mentally sighed. They looked so innocent...
Kei dropped into one of the chairs and stretched. Yuri politely sat down and smiled.
Goulet looked at the printout again.
"You have been assigned to the new case."
Kei yawned.
"May we see the details?" Yuri asked.
"The full report has been downloaded to your ship, but here is a summary. Ships are entering and departing the Trofar system. Some of them never reach their destination. More than usual. More than can be explained by natural causes. Trofar government suspects a large-scale pirate operation striking from passive radar covers. You have been chosen to take a look and possibly eliminate the threat."
"We need to eliminate the pirate fleet?" Yuri asked ironically. "'Angel' is a good ship, better than some frigates, but we prefer not being outnumbered."
"For the fight, you will have backup. Two squadrons of UG cruisers and the carrier 'Alamo' will support you. Any more questions?"
Kei yawned again.
"Some stupid rich boy wrecks his new star-yacht, some poor asteroid miner blows his engines, and you cry 'pirates'."
Goulet stared at her.
"Kei has a point. Except for the missing ships, is there any other evidence of pirate operations?"
"In the last two years, fifty ships have disappeared, including a few Trofar Space Navy cruisers."
That got their attention.
"Independents?" Kei showed sudden interest.
"A few cruisers?" Yuri was agitated.
"It's all in your mission orders. Finally, be careful. Don't make more of a mess with the Trofarians than is necessary. In your last case..."
"It wasn't our fault!" both girls cried simultaneously.
"How could we know that they'd placed three detonators in that nuclear plant!"
"We disarmed two of them!"
"Okay, okay. The Central Computer has already cleared you. As always. But I really need you to be careful. The Trofarians are new members of UG and they still have a strong independence party. All they need is one excuse to throw the current government away and elect a new one that will vote for staying independent."
"We will be careful," Yuri promised.