All That Glitters Ch. 11

The new systems would increase the efficiency of ships significantly. La Vierge has a forty-five light year leap capacity with standard FTL drives, its sister ship, The Dutchman, had already reached sixty light years and had not yet attained the max capacity of the new FTL drives and it had circumnavigated human space in a little over fifteen hours. Unheard of!

Then the fact that a ship could shorten a leap without using the full power capacity of a Marilon generator, allowing the ship to retain power on the other end for an immediate jump if necessary. The amount of power needed to open a jump point was the equivalent of the power necessary to jump five light years. The new generators could jump in any increment needed above that up to the max leap capacity without exhausting the generator, then FULLY recharge in an hour!

On the old generators, you would use just as much power to leap half-a-light-year than to jump to the maximum leap capacity. The new M/A generators gave ships a decided edge!

Denst had been taken aboard The Wanderer to be shown the new FTL drives, which had not yet been sealed. She was able to see for herself some of the modifications in the new drive and note the fact that those modifications could be done in situ, meaning that drives did not need to be pulled from ships to be upgraded. Time saver!

She had seen the new Q-Type sub-light engines being installed. The engines had a forty-two percent improvement in power use and would boost the top speed of the vessel close to a possible ninety-five percent light, if not higher! They could be installed on existing ships with no requirement to modify the mounting brackets.

Denst had decided to stay overnight on Liramor Prime, a welcome guest of the Pallanders. After all, she needed to see Dr. Aruna and her facilities.

Conference Room One, Liramor-23, Piscium System

Fiona had seen Fayad off on the start of his 'vacation'. She had been thinking about vacations since she had fleshed out the plot to use Fayad to trap the senator. Specifically, her own vacation. She would have to take one soon, and she had no formal line of command for her position as Naval Commander Piscium System. She needed a 2 I/C who could fill in for her, and that meant an experience captain. She could use one of her ship's captains, but the incident of the arrival of the Princess Class ships showed that they needed to be on their own ships.

Capt. Raymond Clark was a good choice, but he would be leaving soon.

She had sent a note on the issue to FAdm Thenton but had received nothing back, which was unusual, as he normally promptly replied to her queries.

Raymond was set to return from Naval Base Folden today, so he might have the answer to the question.

All of her captains were still on platform, so now was a good time to figure out succession.

"FTL incident in the naval inbound lane!" came the cry from Ops.

Right on cue, Mused Fiona.

"IFF confirms The Valiant." SOps reported.

Forty minutes later, Clark sauntered into the conference room in full navy regalia along with FAdm. Charles Thenton, his aide-de-camp, Capt. Fillertan and a female commander that Fiona had never met before.

But what followed in their wake was something that Fiona had not expected to see on her platform. She didn't recognize the person, but she recognized the type immediately. News reporter.

A beautiful woman in a form fitting and very fashionable dress, with perfect hair and maquillage, and the all too perfect teeth, casually walked into the conference room. The blonde, blue eyed woman exuded strength of character, charm, and just the slightest touch of innocent sexuality, enough to be flirtatious, but nothing more. She also wore the 'Interplanetary Press' patch above her right breast with her name below it and the all to familiar holo-vid frames around her eyes.

Holo-vid frames contained multiple miniature holo-vid units that could look where the wearer looked, lock onto movement, or fix on an object no matter how the wearer moved. They made realistic holo-recordings with more expensive units providing more realistic images. Cheaper models were used by billions of people around Union space to take holo-vid images of personal trips and experiences. But these were obviously not a cheap model.

Professional models such as this one had powerful capabilities, including multi-spectral imaging, surround sound, huge memory capacity, built-in self editing vid and audio suites, and the ability to align with and send to almost any network visible to the system. She was effectively a one-person mobile news studio, and she was on Fiona's platform.

A small, silver floater hovered around the reporter's head. Directed by the reporter, it could move silently a good distance from the reporter but was usually employed to give the impression of the watcher's point of view, so that the reporter's face could be included in the reports.

Fiona noted the red dot centered above her eyes, indicating that the holo-vid frame was currently recording. Fiona gave a visible shrug and plastered her best smile on her face as the woman approached.

"Cynthia Steward, Independent Reporter for Interplanetary News Services," she spoke in a cultured voice that Fiona knew was pitched to reach into the minds of her viewers and keep them enthralled. She gently extended an expensively manicured hand toward Fiona.

Damn, she hadn't had a manicure in, like, forever! But she took the hand extended in friendship. At least she was dressed to impress in full navy regalia.

"Fiona Marsh, Director of Operations Liramore-23, Commodore, commanding Piscium System," she spoke to the reporter in a pleasant but authoritative voice. "My aide-de-camp Cdr. Henadi Noor. The captains you see in this room are my command."

"Five ships then?" Cynthia asked in a deceptively 'blond' voice. Fiona wasn't fooled. That she was an independent reporter for Interplanetary News with enough clout to get herself 'invited' by Thenton meant she had a head for her business on her shoulders, and that business was ferreting out newsworthy events.

Depending on which of the services she was reporting for, that could mean anything from legitimate news to juicy tidbits of scandal, and for independent reporters, that usually meant all of the above. Fiona would have to be careful while she was on Liramor-23, so she took the opportunity and didn't correct her on the number of ships in system.

"My apologies, Ms. Steward, but I was not expecting you to appear on Liramor-23. Before I speak openly to you, I need to discuss things with my civilian and military superiors to determine the scope and expectations of your visit," Fiona said smoothly.

"You should check out the view though," she told the reporter, pointing to the plasteel windows. "You might find it very interesting. Henadi, if you would?"

Cdr. Noor smoothly took the arm of the reporter and steered her towards the window.

"We have one of the best views in the system from this window," Henadi began. "We can see the beauty of the blue/green gas giant Piscium-8 up in the corner there," she told the reporter casually pointing out the large planet twenty-eight seconds light from the platform.

"We can see eight of the fourteen cages that constitute the business end of the platform's ore mining processing," she told her pointing out some of the different structures.

"And of course, we can see some of the work being done on other items," she said casually pointing out the clutter of damaged vessels.

"Wait, are those ships?" Cynthia asked, suddenly interested.

"Yes, they are," Henadi agreed nodding her head sagely to the reporter. "Pirate ships from the recent Battle of Liramor-23."

"Pirate ships?" the reporter stuttered.

"Fourteen to be precise," Henadi informed her. "Not much has been reported on it. Shame, it was quite the battle," Henadi said with an innocent smile.

The reporter's eyes suddenly went wide, her mouth slightly open.

"Not reported?" she asked Henadi sweetly, trying not to show her obvious interest.

"Not really. Can't understand why that would be. Such a magnificent victory over the pirates is something that the news channels should be trumpeting right now," Henadi told the reporter, shaking her head in obvious disbelief.

"I mean, so many received awards for bravery in the battle! They should get their fifteen minutes of fame; don't you think so?" Henadi asked innocently of Cynthia.

Cynthia's eyes opened even wider. Hook, line and sinker, Henadi thought, trying to maintain her ever so sweet smile and innocent look...

***************

Once she had passed off the reporter to Henadi, Fiona turned and stormed over to FAdm. Thenton, who was now standing with Adm. Hannison and Adm. Heist.

"Charles?" she snapped as she came up to him.

"Commodore? Is that any way to speak to your superior?" Thenton asked, feigning a hurt innocence.

"You do remember that I am the Local Authority, Field Admiral?" she returned forcefully, if quietly.

"Ah, there is that," Thenton admitted.

"What the hell is she doing here, Charles?" Fiona asked.

"Well, Andjuran is trying to quell the news about the Battle of Liramor-23. I thought it would be interesting to let the news services do our digging for us," Thenton told her.

"She is not an anchor reporter, one of the prestigious, but she is a well seasoned reporter that can see the broader picture behind the story. Reporting on the Battle of Liramor-23, with live interviews with real heroes, might make for interesting copy," Thenton said with a smile.

"Then there is the business of the aliens," he said with a determined look.

"We've been authorized to release information on the aliens?" Fiona asked, surprised.

"Not exactly. But if a reporter, working on another story, suddenly got wind of that, well, we couldn't very well supress the information, now could we?" Thenton asked her.

"Charles, this could cost you your career," Fiona said softly.

"I doubt that very much, Fiona. But there is far too much waffling going on around this issue. It needs to get out, and it will not until and unless the news services get a hold of it," he finished firmly.

Fiona was watching Hannison and Heist, who were nodding their heads in agreement.

"Time to start the party," Thenton said, nodding to his aide.

Capt. Fillertan called out "Attention to orders!" and the room went quiet.

"A question has arisen reference the chain of command for this system. To whit, who follows Cmdre. Marsh in the event that she is incapacitated or is away as she has no direct 2 I/C.

"By seniority, Capt. Watt is the senior officer, however, the roll of his ship dictates that he not be pulled from those duties. Then follows Capt. Dostier, Capt. Dauphine and finally Capt. Dent.

"But that is not why we are here today. Cdr. Noor, front and center please."

Noor stepped forward a little timidly and came to parade rest in front of the admiral, while Capt. Fillertan picked looked at the notes on his comp.

"A-113552-876 Commander Henadi Noor, having completed the Senior Command Course, is hereby promoted Captain (Navy) with all the rights, privileges and responsibilities applicable to said rank."

Fillertan handed something to his boss, who signalled Fiona forward giving her something from his hand. Fiona saw the gold bars of a captain in her hand. FAdm. Thenton lifted Henadi's left wrist and removed the Commanders rank pin at the bottom of her sleeve, replacing it with the Captain's bars, while Fiona followed suite on her right wrist. Noor received the traditional handshake from two admirals as images were recorded to commemorate the event.

Henadi saluted the two senior officers but before she could move away Thenton stopped her. He reached up to unclip the Aide-de-camp's braid on her left shoulder.

"You are relieved, sir," he intoned to Henadi.

"Sir, I am relieved," she repeated giving the admiral a salute. There was a hesitant look on her face.

Fillertan called forward the new officer.

"B-877332-188 Commander Beverley Davis, you are hereby ordered to Liramor-23 to take up the position of aide-de-camp for S-118938-117 Commodore Equivalent Fiona Marsh, commanding Piscium system," he intoned.

Thenton gave the braid to Fiona, who stepped forward and pinned it in place around her new aide-de-camp's shoulder. Images were once again shot, and her new aide gave her a salute and stepped around and took her place one pace to the left behind her boss.

"Captain Raymond Clark, please step forward," Thenton spoke.

Raymond stepped forward and gave the admiral a salute.

"You are relieved, sir," Thenton said, and removed the Civilian Liaison Officer's braid from his shoulder, shaking his hand.

"Sir, I am relieved," Clark said.

Fiona shook Clark's hand and he gave the traditional salute and stepped back.

Thenton signalled Noor forward.

"Captain, you have a ship. It is currently in refit, and normally you would be with your ship throughout the refit, but for reasons that will become apparent later, that cannot happen.

"Your ship will not be ready for a few months yet, and we are loath to lose your expertise here at Liramor-23, so..." and here Thenton nodded to his aide who spoke.

"A-113552-876 Captain (Navy) Henadi Noor, you are hereby ordered to Liramor-23 in the Piscium system, where you will take up the duties of Civilian Liaison Officer for the local Civilian Authority, Fiona Marsh, Director of Operations Liramor-23, and to Liramor Holdings on Liramor Prime."

Once again Thenton handed the braid to Fiona, who pinned it in place around Henadi's left shoulder. Images were once more taken, and Noor gave the traditional salute.

Thenton once again called Clark forward, and Fillertan spoke.

"Attention to orders! G-787625-348 Captain (Navy) Raymond Clark having served twenty-four years of non-continuous service to the TUSN, has requested release from the Navy."

"Sir, I regretfully accept your request for release from the duties of Captain of the Terran Union Navy and retirement from the same. Having served twenty plus years, you are entitled to release in thirty days. It has been my great pleasure and a privilege to have known you, son," Thenton said, shaking his hand.

"It is likewise my pleasure to have you in my chain-of-command, admiral," Clark said, his eyes getting misty.

Almost immediately, everyone forgot protocol and surrounded Raymond Clark, shaking his hand, hugging him and slapping him on the back.

Well now that is interesting, Cynthia thought. I've never seen that kind of emotion at a retirement before.

Looks like a minor story here, and a bigger one with the Battle of Liramor-23. Then there is that amazing ship I came in on.

That is another story that could be significant. Such large leap capacity in such a small ship.

And what is this about not letting the most senior officer take up command when the Commodore is gone? That looks like it may be of interest. Seems like my little unplanned visit to Liramor-23 might pay off in a big way, she thought.

Little did she know...

Executive Mess, Liramor-23, Piscium System

The reporter, Ms. Stewart, was happy as a pig in a wallow as she interviewed the few members of the station staff who had actually fought in a naval engagement, some of whom had been awarded the Medal of Bravery and even others who had received the Cross of Bravery. All proudly stood for images with their awards and the General Battle Star with bar for the Battle of Liramor-23.

She had an interview with Capt. Raymond Clark set up for later in the day about his history, and about The Valiant. That ship was amazing and would make for at least a one-hour documentary for possibly six specialty channels.

Just now though, she was waiting for Adm. James Hannison, the most senior JAG officer in the Navy, to interview him about the ongoing trails of the captured Pirates. She wondered if she could get interviews with the prisoners.

Adm. Hannison was punctual and ready for his interview when alarms started sounding. Sensing a story, Stewart followed, still recording, when Hannison rushed out of the executive mess and into Central Command.

"What's happening?" Hannison asked.

"Sir, the probes to the alien home worlds have returned," Fiona told him as the room suddenly filled up with admirals and captains.

"Wait! Alien home worlds?" Stewart said, before suddenly remembering that she probably shouldn't be here.

"Ms. Stewart...," Fiona barked, but was abruptly cut off by the JAG.

"It's too late, Fiona," Hannison told her. "She might as well stay. This could well be a significantly newsworthy event."

Hell, ya! Stewart screamed in her mind. Are they serious about real aliens?

"Probe one is sending data," Coms told the room. Everyone looked to his panel, but of course they wouldn't be able to see anything.

"Go," he laughed, noting more and more people entering control. "I'll send select data to the conference room."

Everyone moved to the conference room and found seats as they waited impatiently for the info to cue up, more people showing up as the news got around.

Stewart was sitting beside Capt. Watt, conducting a background interview on what was going on. She was surprised to find out his real purpose in the Piscium system. Aliens! Real aliens!

Watt just laughed. "You should interview Capt. Clark about it, as he originally found them," Watt explained. "Then you can interview Dr. Hitron who is in charge of the Piscium Scientific Investigation Team," he told her pointing out the Dr. who was sitting further down the conference table.

The monitors suddenly cued up an image, and everything went quiet.

The probe entered its target system and started gathering data. The data showed that the probe found significant atmospheric data from one of the planets in the system.

The data indicated that the planet was human habitable. It also showed signs of industrial pollutants in its atmosphere. The signs were consistent with an inhabited planet with a heavily industrialized civilization.

The probe moved closer to the planet, where sensors revealed movement in space around the planet. Large sized ships were moving in orbit and to and from other planets in the system. The probe exposed exhaust plumes that were very much different than human-style engines.

The probed moved closer toward one or the outer worlds and finally managed to capture a clear image of one of the ships. The ship was obviously moving out of the system. The ship was bulky, many times the size of even the largest TUSN vessels and exhibited no inclination to streamlining of any kind. The only way one knew they were looking at the bow or stern was that the engines were aft. The engines were massive and pushed very large exhaust plumes rearwards. Data from the plumes indicated that the engines were using a plasma drive powered by atomics!

The image jumped again, showing a closeup of the vessel. It was a dark orange in colour and some form of text could be seen on it.

"Text is consistent with items found at the cemetery site," one of the scientists, a linguist, remarked to the audience.

The imagery next showed the probe much closer to the target planet. They could see a large number of different sized craft in orbit around the planet, including at least five orbital stations. They couldn't make out weapons, but that didn't mean there weren't any.

The imagery jumped several times, showing different images of the planet, and closeup views of the various vessels.

One of the smaller vessels approached the probe and it moved away picking up speed. The vessel followed, though its acceleration was not at the same level of the probe. The probe indicated that the vessel was increasing speed, obviously with the intent to capture the probe. The probe jumped, its data indicating it was once again on the outer edges of the system.