Retribution Read Free

to orient himself. “Then Chelora is in that direction.” Ivan nodded and navigated to bring Chelora into view. “Yes that is Chelora. Keep moving in the same direction and you will come to the sleth home worlds.” Ivan obliged. “Now change direction port 40 up 10 and keep going.” Ivan kept moving through a lot of empty space. Eventually, a few stars appeared and then some more. “This is the Rizbarb sector. Port 60, down 20.” Ivan eventually brought a richly populated constellation into view. “This is Karnu” and pointing to a particular star he said “and this is Sturam.”
    “Comms with there is going to take months” said Harry. “Any negotiations would drag on for years.
    “Not so” responded Felis. “It will take days each way.” Felis noted the interest on their faces that this capability had engendered. “Perhaps the transfer of such a capability could form part of any peace terms.”
    “Perhaps” said Dave trying to cool any anticipation. “Right now we need to seek advice from our governments.”
    Harry rose at this point and said “I have to be getting back Captain.”
    “Of course Sir” responded Dave. “Ivan, can you secure Cmdr Draag.”
    Ivan nodded and Dave led the way out of the briefing room. As they walked back to the shuttle Dave could see the frown on Harry’s face. “What did you think Sir?”
    “They are certainly different to us, aren’t they? No honour…no real contrition if you ask me.”
    “I don’t know about that Sir. He looked genuinely sincere when he apologised to me.”
    “I will raise this issue with the Alliance Supreme Council” said Justine. “It’s worthy of pursing in my view.”
    “Of course Maam” said Harry “but we need to tread carefully…very carefully.”

Chapter 3. Resolute over Assam 1800, 25 May
    It had been one hell of a day. Dave was done in. He entered the officers mess on B deck, saw the line up at the servery and opted for once to pull rank. He plonked his big frame into a chair at one of the tables and caught the eye of Corporal (Cpl) Cranky Jack Keogh, the mess steward.
    “You want me to get your dinner Sir?” asked Cranky in anticipation.
    “Please…whatever’s going.”
    Cranky could see the fatigue in his boss’s face. The dark rings under the blue grey eyes and the tension on his broad forehead were testimony to the long hours and acute strain that Capt Warner had been under. “Leave it to me Sir” and Cranky scurried off.
    Ivan came over with plate in hand. He was tired too. He sat down opposite his commanding officer, smiled briefly and tucked into his dinner. After swallowing his first mouthful he said “Good news about Art and Buster.”
    Dave nodded “Yep but they’re both going to be out of action for some time.” Cranky placed a plate in front of Dave, who nodded his appreciation. “It was a steep price to bring that bastard Bane down.”
    Ivan nodded and added “He had to be stopped Sir. Just look at what he did - insurrection in Niku and Assam. He almost got away with it.”
    “Sir” hailed 2 nd Lt Gunter Rapperberg, the engineering officer.
    “What is it Gunter” said Dave. “I’m eating my dinner.”
    “Trouble Sir. Big trouble. The life support systems are failing.”
    No sooner had he said that and 2 nd Lt John Conrad’s voice came over the ship wide intercom “Alert fire on E deck. Life support systems affected. All personnel in aft sections of E, F and G decks, evacuate immediately.”
    “I thought we had this hand” asked Dave.
    “I’m sorry Sir” apologised Gunter “I thought the fire on E deck was out but it flared up again after we turned back on the oxygen.”
    “Alright I’m on my way” said Dave and terminated the call. He shoved in a mouthful of the stew and grabbed a piece of bread as he stood up.
    “Do you want me to come with you Sir?” asked Ivan.
    Dave shook his head. “No point in both of us ruining our meal. I’ll hail you if I need you.”
    Dave turned