The TML PBeM

1992, Turn 3 - Part 5 (of 11)

Conference Room

Lazer's expression is somewhat difficult to decipher. Partly surprise, and puzzlement--but he seems more acutely uncomfortable than ever. A milder penalty than he had any right to expect--if he was guilty, that is. But to accept the "offer" meant acknowledging guilt, and by corollary, exonerating Ger. The whole thing had the air of backroom dealing, but done in public...

"Begging the Commander's pardon, sir." 'Vouf answers immediately. "This ship, in its current disposition, does not have the authority to appoint or carry out a Court-Martial. However, non-judicial proceedings concerning the incident ARE an option, and it is my duty to see them carried out."

He takes a deep breath, as if what comes next does not seem pleasant.

"It is fortunate, Commander, that you 'cannot fault' an officer for refusing to follow an unlawful order, considering that every civilized nation in the past ten millenia has had such a clause in their codes of military justice. However, while refusal to follow orders and obstruction of others in the course of their duties *do* constitute mutinous offenses, doing so in the prevention of a crime does *not*. Contractual obligation or not, Commander, and SIMULATION or not, the question of your order's legality is a vital one: it makes all the difference between a charge of mutiny and a charge of unfitness for command."

Bhyarrvouf stands up. "As ranking officer not involved in the altercation aboard the Kingfisher, I will call a board of inquiry on the matter, analyze the evidence and take depositions from all parties involved. That will INCLUDE Major Farouk...and YOU, sir. Your suggestion that the matter be forgotten in exchange for one man's supposedly-voluntary punishment is NOT a legal or permissible option."

"I have no desire to remove you from command, m'lord, or to execute justice upon the others involved-- but the matter can NOT be simply dropped. Too many people know about it already, and the command structure of this mission cannot be relied upon until the charges on ALL sides have been considered. Until then, I see no reason to remove anyone involved from their duties. I will select members of the Board to assist me in my decision and assure fair and equal treatment of all parties involved. The Board's investigation will be carried out in parallel with the normal operation of the Alcyon, and unless there are strenuous and substantive objections here, there is no further need to obstruct the agenda with it."

He sits back down, and looks around the room....

"I concur." is Christian's reply. His jaw is grimly set at the mention of a court of inquiry, discipline, charges. He looks around the table. "No charge of such a serious nature should EVER be taken lightly, or disposed of summarily. Not ever. The SubCommander's statement is apt and absolutely correct in all respects. We should be able to agree on that point."

Anyone watching might see Lazer nodding unconsciously in agreement.

Ger stands up again at this point...

"Well Mr. Bhyarrvouf. To clairify some points then. I said that I could not fault an officer for failure to carry out an order that *they* felt was wrong, regardess of the legality of the order, please do not twist my words."

"So noted, Commander. My apologies."

"It is your right to conduct a board of inquiry. However I wish then to include the following as *principals* along with Mr. Farouk and myself: Mr. De Mer, Dr. Yorblin, and Mr. Blaine."

"Without question, Commander. Mister Jett will also be named in absentia, and Mister Witfield, M'syoor de Mer, and Doctor Abuko will be disqualified from service on the Board due to their involvement at the scene. I also plan to review the behavior of Mister Severin."

"Agreed." Witfield nods in agreement.

"I will not accept any further command authority until this matter is cleared up. Mr. Bhyarrvouf, the computer display has my notes for the next items on the agenda, the meeting is yours."

Bhyarrvouf looks startled and crestfallen for a moment, but rallies immediately. "You...have that option, m'lord."

At that, Ger walks out of the room.

Count Ger's precipitous departure from the command meeting leaves Etienne with a look of stunned disbelief on his face.

Lazer's expression is again odd, as if he can't decide whether to be pleased that the man who would destroy a ringworld had removed himself from command, or angry that the count would succumb to his pride and take the easy way out.

Christian raises both eyebrows, as if to say "Now isn't THAT an unexpected development." A small furrow of concern appears on his forehead. He leans over to his handcomp and scratches in some notes with a small stylus.

Bhyarrvouf stares at the door that closes behind Ger's back for a moment, then shakes his head. He mutters something under his breath in Vuakedh, and then draws himself up to his full height. "Let the record show that at the request of Count Ger, I, Bhyarrvouf BaHaThagk-Kabra, took command of the Alcyon and of the R-Alpha mission until such time as the Board of Inquiry is completed. Let the record also show that I take command under protest."

He looks around the room. "The Board will consist of the following individuals: myself, Doctor van der Merwe, Mister Sokuku and Doctor Morser. We will take statements from all concerned, review the records and render judgement with all speed. Any objections?"

Christian's dry voice is briefly heard. "None, sir. Justice delayed is justice denied."

Sokuku nods. "I accept a position on the board." There are affirming nods around the table.

No one else has anything to add. In the sudden pause, Bhyarrvouf sighs. If he looked worn aboard the Kingfisher, now he looks positively haggard. Removing his data monocular, he rubs his eyes for a moment, then with a half-snort, Bhyarrvouf continues with Ger's agenda....

"Item 11: Mission objectives. Depending on what information we get from the Aslan about the surface of the Hoop, the status of our supplies and personnel, and our, hrm, GUEST from the Hoop, we need to decide whether to continue with the mission as best we can --assuming the Solomani aren't still there when we get back-- or attempt to return to base and regroup. Opinions, anyone?"

"Only that where we are and what we discover whenever we exit this space is likely to determine the answer to that question. Without more than speculation, I would posit that we should operate on the presumption that we should attempt to complete our mission unless that becomes impossible or unduly risky." Christian subsides into a musing silence.

After Ger leaves the conference room, he heads back up to the main ship level, all the while whistling some older Darrian tune.

He arrives at the Armory at about 0510, while the meeting is still taking place...

"Hello Gentlemen" Ger addresses Rigo, Azani, and Mahlel.

The Admiral then walks into the armory, and selects a snub pistol from the racks and two clips of ammo.

"A mechanical safety, how quaint.."

Rigo says, "Hello, Commander. Ah, you'll have to sign for those items. One snub pistol automatic, serial number what? And two clips of what kind of ammunition?"

Ger shows Rigo the serial number from the gun, and the clips: one of HE, one of HEAP. He then leaves.

As the Commander leaves the Armory, Rigo looks after him with a worried frown and then asks PATER to open a line to Bhyarrvouf.

Assuming that the Command meeting must be over he is surprised to hear that Bhyarrvouf and the rest is still engaged and can be reached only by priority messages.

"Never mind then. Record a message for him and deliver it to him after the meeting. Begin message. Mr. Bhyarrvouf, can I have a quite word with you as soon as possible? It could be important. Edmondsen. End message."

Leaving the armory Ger is mixing the ammo clips with the pistol shoved in his pocket. He then proceeds back to the Mess, and goes over the the food preperation station and begins to fix a meal. While fixing a meal, Ger stays away from any Darrian spices, etc. Anyone who is there will notice that the pistol is resting on the counter while Ger works.

Abuko speaks up. "Regarding the Solomani, I have two issues, one bad and one worse, I'll begin with the merely bad." "As surprised as I was when we discovered that R-alpha.. eh, the Hoop, was not a dead artifact but inhabited and functioning, I am more surprised that it apparently had, or have, trouble handling the really not that big fleet. It seems to lack meson screens for one thing, and that virus was clearly unable to take control of that fleet as fast as it took control of us." "What will happen if somebody brings in a real fleet incorporating one or more batrons? Can the Hoop defend itself? How long will it take after the news of its existance is out before the batrons will begin to arrive?"

"S.E.P.," Bhyarrvouf says with a shrug. "Next topic?"

"The second issue is the identity of the Solomani fleet. I have reasons to suspect that it is worse than that, much much worse. If you'll allow me to explain?" He looks to the others for approval.

Bhyarrvouf nods.

"As everybody here who have taken Foreign Politics 101 in College or at OCS undoubltably know there are several political factions of the Solomani Confederation, the most moderate of which behave borderline civilized which in this case means that they don't blow up bombs or" a somewhat strained quality enters his voice, "shoot people indiscriminately in public places." "But then there are the whole slew of extremists of different degrees. Most of them advocate the subjugation, or annihilation of all non-Solomani humans or sentinents and they are supported by the hardliners in the nomenklatura, since it fits the official ideology if superiority. But even the nomenklatura usually tries to picture the entire Solomani community as a big happy family joined together against the rest of the universe." "There is however a group of extremists so extreme, that it isn't enough that they think that all Terran sentinents; Humans, Vargrs, Dolphins and the rest, are superior to all non-Terran sentinents. It isn't enough for them to belive that Humaniti is superior to everything else. Not even enough for them to belive that the Solomani are superior to all else, but they hold a certain small group of Solomani, dating back to pre-spaceflight Terra, as superior to everything and everyone in the universe." "This group, using their own fleet, which the weak central nomenklatura of the Solomani haven't had the strenght or inclination to remove, have over the years attacked, conquered and enslaved several planets inside Solomani borders and now it seems like they are looking at R-alpha."

"How do I know this? Simple. The talking head that appeared just before the Hoop locked us up in here is Joop Croezte-de Vries and he went to UBej when I was there. Don't ask me how he got permission to go to Terra when he was born in the Dotjens Estates, I suspect that the supposedly civilian administration of Terra was infiltrated with Solomani-sympathizers. In any case during his brief stay before he had made himself unwanted at UBejing he proved more than once that he was a Heiter, that's the ideology of the Dotjens Estates, a Ssmmer," Johann pronounces it 'Sessmer' and makes it sound like a hiss, "that stands for SSMM, a technophobic extremist organization and probably a Sanctaterrist too, the latter are an even more technophobic terrorist organization."

During Abuko's speech, both 'Vouf and Lazer notice new messages flashing on the datapads on the table in front of them.

"Security Alert - SecureCam 0441 in Armory [0/B06F] has registered Admiral Ger taking possession of std. issue 10mm snub pistol. The ammunication selected is LETHAL REPEAT LETHAL. [10 HEAP rounds, 10 HE rounds]. Admiral Ger is currently located in the crew mess. - PATER Options: [1] Delete message [2] File message [3] Reply to message [4] Special Option - SecureCam view of Crew Mess"

'Vouf notes this little bombshell with narrowed eyes, and looks over toward Farouk, who should be registering what's going on at about the same time. He taps out a message without interrupting the flow of the meeting.

Option?:[1234]: 3 Cc: ConfRm/farouk Copy message?: n

Invoking editor...

_Pater, watch him. That is all. Use only securecams, and no alarms of ANY sort. Outline procedures under which Alpha clearance can be revoked by individuals with Beta clearance (emergency procedures, etc). Lazer, assign Edmondsen to monitor him and return attention to the meeting. I think he is scared and suspicious but not yet dangerous. If situation changes, notify me before sending in Azani or Mahlel._

_endit_

PATER's text-only reply is immediate.

_Command authority may be removed by any three concurring Beta-cleared or higher officers, or any four concurring Gamma-cleared or higher officers. Positive voice, visual, and codeword identification is required. Revocation of command authority will only be recognized if issued from computer stations on the bridge, or the master command pit in the ship computing center._

'Vouf nods, then returns his attention to Abuko.

An understated little message turns up on Rigo's terminal, carrying a hefty priority override.

[BEGIN TEXT]

Rigo, PATER just reported Adm. Ger loading lethal ammo in his snub. Meeting confirmed you on Security. Watch Ger by securecam; use security clearance if necessary. No Alarms. Be ready to respond without causing disturbance. --Farouk.

cc:Bhyarrvouf [END TEXT]

"That's all we needed." Rigo thinks exasperatedly. A quick look at Azani and Mahlel confirms that they are both busy. Using his comdot to subvocalize, he unobtrusively orders PATER to relay his acknowledgement or the order to Farouk, and to locate Ger and put him on one of the monitors.

"I guess that a man in battle dress _might_ be likely to 'cause a disturbance'" he then reflects with a smile and calls up a security roster. "I'd better get someone else on standby. Hmmm... It would be a pity to disturb Schmud, he looked as happy as a mudhopper when he went to help out the science boys. But there! Horne! Just the man. Stopping someone on a non-permanent basis is certainly peace officer work. I wonder if the Commander is homicidal or suicidal? Not much we can do if he's suicidal. One thing's for sure, anyone who can talk glibly about destroying that ringworld 'in certain circumstances' is capable of feeding glass insects to a gobbler."

"PATER, open a link to Horne." Rigo then says aloud. "Horne, this is Chi... this is Edmondsen. Major Farouk left me to man the security monitors here in the Armory. I've got a situation here where I may need your help. Get up here immediately, please."

He then opens his carry-all and takes out his gauss pistol and holster, place the holster on his belt, puts a clip into the gun and holsters it.

Meanwhile, Abuko continues. "Naturally a Ssmmer is in the wrong place at a technical university and Joop Croezte-de Vries is furthermore a extremely incompetent person when it comes to technical matters so he failed spectacularly. The only reason why he ever came there that I can think of is that it is a very prestigious university and that that prestige was known even on the wrong side of the border, and that he was shooting for a top position in the nomenklatura. I've always assumed that he ran home to his daddys farm with his tail between his legs."

"I don't belive for a second that somebody like Joop Croezte-de Vries, the extreme of the extreme, can get a commission even in the Solomani navy. The Estaters are very impopular with the rest of the member states. Some people even belive that this is the reason why they have their own military forces: Nobody wants to serve with somebody who thinks you are a lower form of life."

"So I'm forced to conclude that the fleet that arrived at the Hoop either isn't the Solomani Confederation Navy but the Dotjens Estates Navy, or that at least one fleet in the SCN has been thourougly infiltrated by Estaters. Both alternatives are very bad news."

"Knaervarrgh Sudvok aegrrrrrrRRRRRrrrrah," 'Vouf mutters, rubbing throbbing temples with an ungloved hand. "More and MORE interesting. That ties in with what *I* had heard from starport scuttlebutt before I signed on with this crew.... rumor has it that there's a loose-cannon Solomani admiral who's taken his fleet over the border and is wandering Reaver's Deep and the Dark Nebula, extorting planetary governments and picking fights with the Aslan when he knows he can win. Sort of a roving Warlord type. Back in the good old days, he'd have been stomped by the IN in no time, but with no more IN, he's got the biggest guns in the area-- and I can see why he'd want R-Alpha."

"Only question is, how did he find out? Someone planted a beacon on us and gave our course away. I'd like to learn whom."

"And the last item on the agenda: new business?"

"If we get out some time and discover that the Hoop lost," Abuko says drily, I recommend that we vacate the area fast."

"I can't imagine why we'd want to," 'Vouf sighs. "So noted."

Sokuku says, "Well, we do have the matter of Judge Jett and Ian having vanished. Ian, for example, jumped into a glowing disk while on the Talisman. We also have a large dolphin in a space suit floating around the Talisman crew lounge who appeared from a similar glowing disk. J.J. Horne and Alliara Niigurd have successfully contacted the dolphin, who says his name is 'Doejin'. They are in the process of teaching some translation software how to speak his language. We need to decide how to handle this situation. The dolphin seems friendly and non-threatening, but I'd like someone to run a few scans for weapons and such before we let him wander about the ship. It might be useful for Dr. Tweel to assist in the language lessons, as he would have a 3d orientation similar to the dolphin's."

At the mention of the name "Doejin," Bhyarrvouf's ears snap forward and lock tight on Dave's every word. His eyes narrow to slits as he lets Sokuku finish. He then says, in a chill whisper, "Mister Sokuku. I approve your suggestions. However, I wish to see this...Doejin...as soon as possible after the review board meeting. I ALSO want to speak to J. J. and Alliara at that time. See to it."

"I don't see that there would be a problem with that, sir. I left J.J. and Alliara in the Talisman crew lounge not twenty minutes ago. I assume they are still there." Dave has kind of a curious look on his face at Vouf's reaction to the name Doejin.

'Vouf pointedly ignores the look. "Two more items, before I forget," he says, his voice returning to its normal growl. "Team Leaders should be aware that the Aft Cargo Hold will be under vacuum and off limits to unauthorized personnel for a while; we'll be clearing the empty fuel bladders and stowing the Bernoulli in there for repairs. I was thinking that we'd need laborers to stow the tanks first, but it turns out that there's automatic machinery for the job built in. Harf! The Bokhutokh shipyards could learn a thing or two from Turnskaad. Also, Doctor Abuko, I need to figure out a way to safely electrolyze some of the oxygen in our air supply with hydrogen from the tanks to make a few thousand gallons of water so we can flood one of the Fore Cargo Holds." He grins. "Dolphins gotta swim, Aels gotta fly, but on this ship there's no room to try!"

Bhyarrvouf says, "If there's no new business, I'll adjourn the meeting now. You gentlemen all have matters to attend to: between the Bernoulli, the fishtank, and all our visitors, we should keep busy for a while. Doctor van der Merwe, Mister Sokuku and Doctor Morser, please stay a moment so we can get this Board of Inquiry stuff out of the way-- and Major Farouk, you stay too. You're not on the Board, but you and I need to talk."

When Bhyarrvouf closes the meeting Etienne stands with the others who are not staying.

"Ummm, sir, should I take first watch as OOD? It shouldn't interfere with my..., er investigation."

"Just long enough to get the rotation set up, Etienne," 'Vouf notes. "You can stay on the Bridge when on duty, but you shouldn't be chained there when there's work to be done elsewhere, any more than Ger or I would be. Eh-hrf?"

Christian remains seated as the others file out, though he eyes Vouf with an inquiring gaze.

Bhyarrvouf goes through the next minute's speech without allowing interruptions-- it's obvious that he has something on his mind, and is trying to clear people out of his way as politely as possible.

"Gentlemen, I'll keep this short. I have no interest in taking command of this mission unless the evidence proves that I must. What I'd like from each of you is to get depositions from Blaine, Witfield, Abuko, Severin, Count Ger, Edmondsen, and Silvmane on what happened, as they saw it. We'll gather that together with the cockpit records and piece together what was going on in people's heads during this mess. Then I'll discuss the ramifications with you all and we'll arrive at a verdict and sentencing, if necessary. One more thing: I may need you in a hurry for Command-level decisions concerning who's really in control of PATER at any given moment. Ger has stepped down, but as far as PATER is concerned he's still in command. I'll require the assent of Major Farouk and at least two of you to take command if that becomes necessary. I'm sorry to cut this meeting short, gentlemen, but we have ANOTHER minor crisis on our hands and I need to see to it. Farouk, with me. Dismissed."

"Oh, and aenrra?" 'Vouf's tone softens. "Tell Doctor Trrweerrrl that his engaging of OSF-4's tertiary locks is appreciated as a gesture of his good faith, and that we'll try to reciprocate as soon as he's well. And TRY to convince him to at least put OSF-4 on idle...."

At the close of the meeting, Dave turns to 'vouf and says "Very well, sir. Perhaps now would be a good chance for you to meet Doejin. I've asked Niigurd and Horne to return to the Talisman crew lounge (with the dolphin) by 0515. If we hurry, we might just make it."

"Yes, I'd like that. Wait outside for a minute, my chat with Lazer won't take long."

Aiwi retraces her steps to the Trakh. The Alcyon security cameras show her walking deliberately and briskly back to the access tube to the Trakh. She does not stop or hesitate en route (unless someone along the way wishes her to), except to prepare for the zero-G climb at the entrance to the access tube.

Once back aboard the Trakh, she taps her commdot and contacts Khea' en route to her bridge station. "Khea', Aiwi. I've returned and am headed for the bridge. The Admiral may be some time. If you have no matters that require my attention I shall remain on the bridge for a time. The pod survivors may rejoin their compatriots aboard the Alcyon when they wish, provided you deem it safe and advisable. Before they do so, either you or I will need to arrange their transfer with Alcyon Security. Please join me on the bridge when you have completed your current duties. Aiwi out." She then pushes the ALL CALL, "This is Aiwi. All crewmembers are hereby advised to prepare for possible fiyfiyalr visitors to the Trakh. Any crewmembers wishing to participate in this goodwill exchange aboard the Alcyon may send a request to my bridge station. That is all."

When she reaches the bridge, Aiwi immediately turns her attention to her station, carefully checking the ship's status and updates and reconfiguring some displays.

After the last Board member leaves, 'Vouf turns to Farouk. Lazer stands quietly, hands clasped behind his back. 'Vouf's voice is halfway between his usual bark and that horrid whisper that scared the Kingfisher crew so badly....

"Lazer, we have a BUNCH of forest fires to put out in very little time. Too few men and too many things that can go wrong. Before our little note from PATER, I was inclined to rule against you in the matter of what happened on the Kingfisher. Now, though...." His ears droop a bit. "Now I'm not so sure. Our Captain's acting like a guilty man, and that scares me!"

"Here's the scoop: the warbot is the LEAST of our worries; have Mahlel and Azani stay suited up but remain in the Armory until further orders-- we may have to send them ANYWHERE, at a moment's notice, and I'd rather not show our hand just yet. I have a feeling that once Christian gets Tweel calmed down, he'll put on the primary and seocndary safeties on the warbot and that'll be an end to things."

"Mahlel and Azani should be suited up, in case we have to deal with the warbot," Lazer replies coolly. "I told Rigo to be ready to act quietly; the others are mostly busy with other things, except Thul, whom I can reassign once the Talisman's shut down. I can put them all on active alert if necessary--do you know what kind of trouble you're expecting?"

'Vouf puts emphasis on the next words he says. "The Captain is to be watched closely but NOT interfered with in any way. Period! Keep me tuned in via earbug and inform me of his movements. PATER," Bhyarrvouf flips his mic into place, bringing the data monocular down over his eye once more, "I am issuing a BetaPlus-Level security command. I cannot countermand Alpha-Level directives, but I can request immediate datapulse notification if any are demanded. True?"

_That is correct, SubCommander._ replies PATER evenly.

"Do so."

_Done. Notification will be by CommDot pulse 1-3-1, unless you request another mode._ indicates PATER.

"One three one, aye. Notify Major Farouk as well."

"Also, if I have the authority to do so, I want to raise Etienne de Mer's clearance from Gamma to Beta. He now ranks third in command of this mission, and should have computer clearance to match Doctor Abuko and Major Farouk. Out."

_Also done. Mr. de Mer is immediately recognized as having security clearance Beta._ responds PATER. _Shall I notify him of his new status, Sir?_

"Aye. Transcribe the following message: Etienne, due to your official installation as Second Officer/Transport of the Alcyon and my immediate subordinate, I have granted you Beta clearance, effective immediately. You, Doctor Abuko and Major Farouk, acting in concert, will now have the authority to remove any individual's computer clearance... including Count Ger's, or my own. First Officer out. End message and transmit."

'Vouf turns to Lazer, and two half-covered sets of eyes meet.

"That's your check and balance, Lester. You, Abuko and de Mer will serve as a triumvirate of Beta-level clearances, which gives you the combined authority to remove Count Ger from Alpha status if the need arises. All three of you have to be in the Pater-Pit, or on the Bridge, to do it. I can serve as one of the three, if necessary...but I also wanted to make sure that you three could remove ME if you had to. Understood?"

"Sir."

"Guezdhe. Now, try to get the newcomers to gather in the Lounge for a quick briefing. I'll go there first and get Admiral Akhouw and his Exec out of there. We want to talk to everyone who's healthy enough to be there, including the crews of the Westwind and Gemini Arbiter, the Glory people who got picked up by the Trakh or by the Hoop, and this guy Greyson. Doctor Tweel can attend if the doctors say so, AND if he leaves OSF-4 behind. I'll give Akhouw the nickel tour, and pick up the people from the Trakh myself. Keep an eye on Ger through Edmondsen at all times. Oh, and after I meet with this dolphin we seem to have acquired, you can have Horne back."

Lazer nods sharply and salutes.

Bhyarrvouf and Lazer come out of the Conference Room, and Lazer leaves Bhyarrvouf with Dave Sokuku, who's been waiting patiently.

Bhyarrvouf comes out of the meeting room with Lazer. "OK, let's go see this dolphin, Dave. And we should swing past the Lounge and pick up Admiral Akhouw; I'll give him a nickel tour of the Alcyon as we go, and he'll want to see Doejin himself, I'll bet...."

"Mr Blaine, Shrike here, I'm in position outside of the Arbiter's docking ring. Please contact them and let them know I'm here."

"Affirmative!"

Aboard the Gemini Arbiter, the computer chimes softly alerting the crew of an incoming message.

"Gemini Arbiter, Mr. Shrike is currently waiting for you to open your lock."

"Good." says Aurelia reaching out and activating the airlock controls.

The door whispers open and the sisters see Shrike hovering in the access tube.

Andon Shrike is looking a little ragged, is wearing the Security team mandated equipment, snub pistol and (Soft suit?) gloves in the helmet at hip.

The sisters are dressed in an expensive looking and well tailored gray pantsuit of several shades with a black cape and beret. Prominently displayed on their left shoulder is a brooch. It is the stylized symbol of the IPWS (Interstellar Professional Witness Society).

The other striking feature of the sisters is that they are identical twins whose physical characteristics are: Race: Human (identical twins) Sex: Female Age: 36 Ht: 1.65m (5'5") Wt: 54.42kg (120 lbs) Hair: Medium Brown Eyes: Brown Size: 91.44-63.5-88.9cm (36(B)-25-35) Build: semi-athletic

"Hello Mr. Shrike. I'm Aurelia Xerxes and this is my sister Nichole."

Upon seeing the twins, a smile quickly appears on Andon's face and he appears less fatigued. "Ladies," with a slight 0G bow, "Andon Shrike, at your service. Welcome aboard the Alcyon."

"Pleased to meet you, Mr. Shrike." both women say as they approach the door.

"I'm afraid that with all that has happened Commander Ger is currently involved in staff meeting right now, but it would be my distinct pleasure if I could escort you to our lounge where you could wait in comfort."

"If your situation has been anything like ours we understand completely." says Aurelia.

They both pause and look a little dubious at the tunnel. Until one says, with a smile, "However, we will need some assistance since we are not very familiar with zero-g maneuvers."

"It's only to the end of the docking tunnel here. Just take it slow on the handholds here and I'll follow you up in case there are any problems."

With that both women step through the door, activate their cape static field so they don't flutter all about and offer their hands to Shrike for assistance.

Andon moves slightly aside and assists each as necessary to the handholds and follows them up to the landing.

"If you'll just come this way ladies."

A voice emerges from the airlock speakers: "Arright, HOLD it. Not another step until I get those sensor logs that I requested over 35 minutes ago! I know you've got serious business to conduct, but I need those sensor logs or you might not have a ship to conduct it in, got me?"

Nikki turns to Shrike and asks "Who is this guy! He has the manners of a ... [insert you own favorite ill mannered animal]. No wonder you guys are always arming weapons! With his knowledge of proper etiquette it's a miracle that Aslan ship hasn't blown you to bits."

Aurelia butts in "He isn't anyone with responsibility, is he?"

Nikki responds "I hope not! Our ship could end up as a mass of burning plasma as well."

Aurelia activates the comm "If the request was phrased appropriately the information might be forthcoming. Otherwise..."

Nikki breaks the comm connection and says "Wait! It's not necessary to stoop to his level. Besides, with his manners he probably has heard all this before!"

Ralf hears the click of the disconnect. He immediately says: "Pater, please patch me through to Admiral Nandath or subcommander 'vouf."

Aurelia turns to Shrike "Sorry for that interruption. Please let us continue to your lounge."

As the rapid exchange between the two ladies goes on Shrike first tries to get a word in edgewise as his head swings back and forth, then just decides to wait until it's over. "Uh, ... , yes, why don't we continue to the lounge, from there I'm sure you could arrange a data transfer. I'm afraid that given our rather unique location some of our scientific types are so eager for more information that they sometimes forget their manners."

A few steps further down the hallway, "Have you ladies ever seen or read a play called Rosencrantz and Guildenstern?" (I probably misspelled it.)

After a moment, PATER tells Ralf: _Tied in to the Captain and First Officer._

"Sir, I'm arranging for the Bernoulli to be docked in the hold, but I'm having problems getting the sensor logs from the Gemini Arbiter. I have made three requests in the last half-hour and they've put it off for no discernible reason. They appear to be ignoring me. I'd like permission to seal the airlock to get their attention. The only active sensor activity since we entered this bubble was their scan. It could be vital in providing nav-data for securing the Bernoulli. Failing that, permission to obtain the sensor logs myself..."

"I'll deal with it, Ralf," 'Vouf replies. "Stay on the line."

"PATER, are the Xerxes sisters out of the access tube yet, and who's with them, if anyone?"

_The Xerxes sisters are almost at the end of the tube, with Mister Shrike._

"Close and lock the access valve. Now."

_Done._

Shrike is almost to the end of the access tube with the Xerxes sisters when the iris valve leading to the Alcyon slams shut with a clang. A moment later, a voice comes over the intercom....

"Mister Shrike, this is SubCommander Bhyarrvouf. I want you to turn those two people you're escorting right around and march them straight back into their ship. Hold onto their contracts for inspection, and KEEP them there until they agree to provide my Engineering staff with the sensor log data that was requested over a half hour ago. We're in a potentially deadly situation right now, and those two puyallup are withholding information that could be vital to all our survival. Clear?"

"Aye aye Sir."

"Ladies, that was our XO. Apparently your sensor log data is of vital importance at this time. Do you need to reboard your ship to release this information or will a comm link to your ship do?"

Nichole gives a pained look to Aurelia and says, "Are you sure that this isn't a Solomani Warship we're trying to board here?"

Aurelia says, "Shush Nikki!" Then, turning towards Shrike and says, "Just one moment please, Mr. Shrike."

Aurelia keys the intercom on.

"Sub-Commander, I believe we need to clear the air here. Since we have arrived in this system we have had contact with only three of you and this contact has been almost 100% negative.

"First, you board our ship without asking permission and point a pair of gauss pistols at us. In most civilized areas that is considered an act of piracy!

"Next, you thrust a couple of contracts at us and say "Sign'em!", without one word of explanation! Had you bothered to discuss this with us you would know that we are already under contract to Turnskaad.

"Third, we arrive here and are basically told that we will not be allowed to board your vessel without the aforementioned contracts signed and in hand. Seeing as we have come to you as a vessel in distress, this sounds like extortion. I believe that it is illegal to deny assistance to a vessel in distress or to demand concessions from its' crew in return for help.

"Fourth, and in the same vein as the previous greivance, you request a copy of our sensor log. Then you demand the log as a sort of toll to be paid for entrance to the Alcyon! Now, all of a sudden, the information contained in our log is vital to our collective survival. When the request was first made no mention of the life or death nature of the information was made. Indeed, if it is so important to have this information, why don't you perform an active scan yourselves?

"The only bright spot in our contact with you and your crew is Mr. Shrike here. He has been most kind and helpful."

At this point Shrike's eyes momentarily glance upward, *Oh shit, please don't get me involved in this.* Andon will turn his personal communicator volume down low in anticipation of a loud response.

There is none.

"I believe that in light of the continual harrasment and violation of our personal rights my sister and I have been most patient and understanding. But our patience is exhausted. Fortunately, we are not the kind to hold grudges, and are willing to start this relationship over again. Nichole and I are going to return to the Gemini Arbiter where we will await an apology. After that I am sure we can work something out about the sensor log and the contracts."

Keying the intercom off, Aurelia turns to Shrike and says,"If you would be so kind as to escort us back down the tube please, Mr. Shrike. You are invited to come aboard for a drink if you wish, we have a very good galley, gourmet in fact."

"Thank you ladies, however before accepting I really should make myself more presentable so as to be fitting company for two such lovely ladies as yourselves. May I contact you in, say 1 hour, or as time permits?"

He is interrupted by a ping from his commdot. 'Vouf's voice on the commdot is quite calm. Not a HINT of anger, in fact.

"Andon, report to Security as soon as possible, Major Farouk is going to need you for other duties."

Andon assists the Xerxes sisters back down the access tube to their ship. As they move off down the tube Nichole is singing softly to herself:

On the good ship Paranoid, It's a strange trip to a mental ward, Where schitzos play, in the vacuum of pocket universe bay...

As soon as Andon is back in full-grav again, the iris valve leading to the Gemini Arbiter closes and locks behind him.

>From outside the Westwind comes a radio call. "Hallo, Westwind? Alcyon crewman Aaron haut-Frieder here, ready to escort you down. Feel free to open the airlock and join me at any time."

Bhyarrvouf, with Dave Sokuku in tow, comes into the Crew Lounge. "Admiral," he says with a sharp nod of the head, "Allow me to show you around the Alcyon. But first, you might be interested in a little side jaunt I have planned...." He cocks an ear forward.

"A meeting face to face with a Ringworld resident?"

Akhouw slowly stands up and flexes his arms, releasing the tension built up by his wait. With a shake of his mane, he addresses 'Vouf. "Ka'tai, Subcommander. While awaiting your return, I have been meditating on our visit to the Ringworld."

He steps forward, and as Bhyarrvouf and Dave move off down the corridor, Akhouw paces alongside 'Vouf, with the easy, long stride of the predator. He turns to the arlaeaha as they walk, his voice conversational in tone. "Of what species is this resident? During the _Trakh's_ limited exploration, we only encountered a primitive race, who call themselves the Kythui, if our observations were correct." He raises an eyebrow at 'Vouf. "Hardly the most illuminating conversationalists, you understand."

"He's a dolphin," 'Vouf replies. "According to the few reports I've received, he's by no means primitive. In fact, there's evidence that his race could be the dominant one on the Hoop. Apparently his name is Doejin...."

Akhouw then casually remarks to 'Vouf, "Do you have a few minutes to spare after our tour and side jaunt are complete?" His voice drops so that only 'Vouf can hear him. "I would like a private meeting, if you would be so kind."

'Vouf inclines a sardonic eyebrow at the Aslan leader. He slowly nods. "I have to get the new arrivals settled, Admiral, but I can spare a moment. Let's meet Doejin, and get the people you have on the Trakh moved in down here. Then we can talk, assuming there are no other major disasters to grab our attention. In the meantime, what can you tell me about the human and the, hrrrrrr, arrleeyaha, you picked up in that pod?"

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