Project - Prometheus Ch. 30

Ana retired to her cabin and started putting together a formal report for high command. She was also receiving reports from various officers aboard the station, which she intended to use to push her petition. With this new evidence, and the proof that Arcann Saubath was a traitor to the UCW, high command would have no choice but to declare war on the Collective. At least, that was her hope, and that high command wasn't too deeply mired in the politics of the UCW to do anything.

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Alex, Natalya, Taal'ani and Jaesa were just finishing with rounding up the last remnants of resistance on the station. Though they could have just stood by and let station security handle things, the crew figured they might as well finish the job. Lieutenant Hardick, along with Commander Royce, and the other station personnel were grateful for the assistance.

"So, the civilians were spared from the carnage and the trauma of the attack?" Alex questioned the Lieutenant as they headed for the administrative offices.

"For the most part, yes. The moment the station's alarms went off, everyone beat feet to the panic rooms. Some were caught outside, but thank God there were no fatalities," Hardick commented with a sigh.

"Things on the prisoner front, though, that didn't go so well," Commander Callista said as she stepped up to join the troupe.

"What do you mean?" Natalya asked.

"Some prisoners we had, who were slated for transfer to the prison colonies, got loose," the woman told them.

"How many? And who?" Taal'ani questioned.

"Mostly pirates, but that quintet of traitors from the planetside security force. They not only broke out, but they boarded a ship and escaped," Tanya told the group.

"Ah, damn it!" Alex growled. "That one guy, who was their leader, he's going to cause all kinds of trouble!"

"You don't have to tell me that! I've run into the guy more times than I cared to and each time was an... unpleasant experience," Callista shuddered.

"I know what you mean! Dealt with that asshole personally, and he's damn lucky that Korsa wasn't around to put his ass down!" Taal'ani huffed.

"Indeed! The Sergeant would likely not have survived such an encounter. I would say that by the time the good doctor would have been done with him, Cullen's own mother would not have been able to recognize him," Jaesa stated matter-of-factly.

"I would pay money to see that happen!" Tanya laughed, her mirth infecting the group that marched through the offices.

"You and me both, Commander!" Hardick chuckled. They finally arrived at the sealed room and Hardick let them in. Dohbalan was already there, along with Captain Fitch and Commander Royce. Commodore Williams and Lt. Commander Williams were there as well, via holo.

"... Saubath's defection and the loss of nearly half the third fleet are a PR nightmare!" Dohbalan griped.

"I agree, but at least we have something to show for it," Ana stated.

"What do we have as a means of lessening the blow of such a devastating breach of security?" Fitch wondered, angered that his home had been violated.

"We confirmed the death of the hacker known as Void Lord. That alone should net us some brownie points," Alex stated, as he made his presence known.

"You have confirmed proof of that?" Dohbalan questioned.

"Jaesa?" Alex asked, and the AI mentally reached into her memory cortex and replayed the man's death on a nearby holo emitter.

"That's all well and good, but what about..." Graham started, but was shushed by his wife. They continued watching the recording, which showed Lieutenant Sarnoc with the hacker's head, boarding a shuttle seconds before the head was atomized.

"Damn! That's a fine ass shot! Who made it?" Callista asked.

"That would be me," Jaesa stated, having finished playing the feed. She was careful to make it appear as though it was from a body cam and not her own eyes. Though the crew of the Darkstrider knew what she was, these people did not, and she wanted to keep it that way.

"So that hyperspace route is out of their hands then?" Ana asked, sounding hopeful.

"Unless they have a way of reconstituting a memory cortex from free floating atoms, then I'd say yes," Taal'ani smirked.

"Well, that's the second victory we've had today!" Ana stated.

"Second victory?" Alex questioned.

"Yes. We've captured one of the top agents for the Collective, Dexter Malkaran. Tried to get to the Stalwart as a means of getting away, but he took too long and they left him behind. Thank Allah that his shuttle wasn't equipped with a hyperdrive!" Ana sighed.

"But there is still the fact that Saubath has in his possession at least two ships that have been outfitted with the new pulsar cannons," Dohbalan groaned.

"At least they didn't have one equipped with the new transmitter," Graham stated.

"Still, getting away with tech like that, seriously cripples any advantage we may have had," Dohbalan griped.

"Lieutenant Hardick, Commander Callista, please verify your security clearance levels," Ana told the soldiers. They did as they were asked and Ana reviewed them, along with a brief of their service records. She looked them over, before adding several notations and making her announcement.

"Lieutenant Hardick, Commander Callista, you have both shown initiative that goes beyond the level of the rank and file. I am recommending the both of you to receive commendations for your efforts today. Especially you, Lieutenant, and I feel that you have held your position long enough. Effective immediately, you are now promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Commander and are now second in command of station security. Congratulations!" Ana told him.

"Thank you, Commodore!" Hardick replied with a salute.

"Commander Callista, I also see that you have applied for a transfer that goes beyond the duty level of handling the docks. That is a transfer I will fast track and have you promoted to the responsibility of security commander of the entire station," Williams told her as she finished putting the order through.

"Thank you, Commodore!" Tanya replied graciously as she saluted.

"Now that the both of you are of the appropriate security clearance, you need to be read in on the situation," Ana told them. She told the both of them the reality of the situation, and of who Alex, Natalya and the rest of them truly were.

"So, you are from Earth, six-hundred years ago?" Hardick questioned, astonished that Alex was that old.

"Yup. Me, Kasumi and Jaesa," Alex stated.

"I understand that this is a lot to take in, but we have more pressing matters at hand. Commodore, I know that you have already given us much in regard to tech advantages, but is there anything else you would be willing to part with?" Ana almost begged. Alex stood there, thinking things over. While he was leery of giving out more tech, he didn't want Veldhern to fall into the wrong hands, either.

"Sir, if I may offer a suggestion?" Jaesa questioned.

"Go ahead," Alex told her, letting her have the floor.

"I would suggest that we use our knowledge to upgrade the station's cannons and the shield systems. Especially the Bulwark shield system. If we can increase its potency and efficiency, I think that in itself would provide the station with a much needed edge," Jaesa stated.

"Now that... is an idea I can get behind," Alex smiled.

"So can I!" Ana replied. "What would you need to make this happen?"

"Well, for starters, we would need to gain access to the cannon and Bulwark's systems, so we can make the changes and modifications required," Natalya replied.

"Also, I would recommend that the station's engineers also be present, so they can see what we are doing and know firsthand of how to maintain the modified systems," Jaesa replied.

"Would it be all right if Lt. Commander Williams accompanied you? I'm sure he would like to see such modifications firsthand," Ana queried, and Graham was nodding vigorously at this statement.

"As long as he's fine with observing, he's more than welcome to come and see us work," Natalya smiled.

"Splendid! Oh, and if you ladies would record what I'm about to say? Just so any engineers that maintain the systems don't give you any grief," he said to the women. Nodding, both Jaesa and Natalya brought up their comms systems and began recording the administrator's words.

"I, Administrator Phineas Dohbalan, hereby authorize Natalya Vostrikov and Jaesa Harkness to commence work on the station's cannons and shield systems. I am invoking executive order Ares, so they are allowed to work on the station without impediment. Any who stand in their way will answer to me, directly," the man stated.

"Thank you, sir! We appreciate it!" Natalya smiled, before looking over to Alex. He nodded to her, before the Trini-Rus woman and the AI turned and left the room. Both Lt. Commander Hardick and Commander Callista left with them, as their guides to the bowels of the station. Lt. Commander Williams' holo winked out, as he was likely on his way to a shuttle to board the station.

"We truly appreciate the gesture, Commodore!" Ana said to the big man, and he bowed slightly in response.

"It's the least we could do, given the situation we're all in right now," Alex replied.

"Any idea just how potent they'll make the cannons and shields?" Dohbalan asked.

"Let's just say that by the time those two are done, any pirates or raiders who think about attacking this place will be in for a rude awakening!" Alex smirked.

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D'zalah Kantori stood in the observation room, just adjacent to the interrogation room, where the mercenary known as Rasner sat. She was looking at the man with a modicum of interest, as his actions on the station had caught her attention. The man fought with all the tenacity and ferocity of a battle hardened spec ops soldier and had the training to prove it.

In her hand was a tablet which showed her the man's service record. His name, rank and serial number were exactly as he had given them, along with his training level. Once the threat to the station was ended, both she and Fitch had confronted the man. Mainly about who he was, why he was there and how he was there. Rasner had fessed up about everything, him being aboard the Cerberus, working for the pirates, everything.

D'zalah was especially concerned about the women that had stowed away with him on the transport. She'd met and talked with them briefly, enough to know that the poor things had been through hell and back multiple times. The man had been honest about why he took them, which was to see them safe and away from the monster that was Dorian Johnson.

The Nauc'turi woman had seen the armor cam footage of the pirate captain and saw that the man was truly soulless. It was a delight to see Shazza literally choke the life from the man, as such creatures couldn't be allowed to exist. The girls had been remanded to Veldhern medical and would remain in their care for the immediate future. That Rasner did what he could to save those poor girls showed that he, unlike Dorian, had a heart.

"So, any ideas on what to with this guy?" Karl asked as he entered the room.

"I have a few ideas, yeah," D'zalah told her friend and boss.

"What are you thinking?" Captain Fitch questioned.

"I'm thinking we could use him. As a soldier, either planetside or up here, on the station," Lieutenant Kantori stated.

"Use him? Like, give him a job?" Karl asked incredulously.

"Yes! He's proven himself a capable soldier and willing to follow orders, in the correct circumstances," the Nauc'turi woman said.

"He's a merc!" Karl griped.

"Maybe, but he's a warm-blooded one. You saw the state of those girls after we fished them out of the transport. They were wondering where Rasner was, calling him their 'deliverer'," D'zalah told her boss.

"I know! I was there! Fuck! You know, this is a terrible idea! It's absolutely horrible and could wind up biting us in the ass!" Karl groaned.

"Which is exactly why it's what we need! In case you hadn't noticed, we have become a little shorthanded in the last week. Some guys are on their backs, while others are being sent home... in bags. It's not ideal, but it's a fuck ton better than what we have right now! Besides, a former spec ops soldier who hasn't lost his soul or identity? That's a rare find! Besides, you gave me the idea when you suggested he fight with Deak's squad," D'zalah pointed out.

"All right, fine! Your points are too numerous and too logical to be countered right now," Karl admitted. "But this guy, he will be your responsibility. He fucks up, it's on your head. Understood?"

"Crystal, sir!" the lieutenant saluted. The pair then walked out of the observation room and into the interrogation room, where Rasner waited. His hands were cuffed to the table, but he was completely at ease. Karl and D'zalah walked into the room a few seconds later, and he looked up at them.

"I would assume that you two have some kind of plan for me?" Ronald asked.

"What makes you think that?" D'zalah asked while cocking an eyebrow.

"Well, for starters, I'm in an interrogation room and not the brig, which is a good sign. There's also the fact that you were nice enough to bring me a coffee as well," Rasner said as he gestured to the empty mug that sat on the table.

"A spec ops soldier who can think. I like that," Karl replied, before he looked down at the lieutenant and nodded.

"You're not wrong about that guess. Let's just say that you have two options in front of you. Option one; you join us in the defense of Veldhern, as a soldier. You sign a contract that keeps you here for a period of at least ten years and, of course, we will monitor you. Given your recent history of working with soulless pirates, I'm sure that you understand the precaution there," D'zalah stated.

"All right. What's option two?" Rasner asked, as he liked to know all the alternatives he had before making a choice.

"Option two is we send you to the brig and command dispatches you off to a prison colony, along with every pirate and traitor we have locked up here. Trust me, where they're going is not a pleasant place," Karl told him.

"I believe it. Is there anything about option one you haven't told me about?" Ron wondered.

"Well, you will be paid of course, and hold the rank of corporal. You will have a tracking chip implanted within you, so we can see where you are at all times. We want to be able to trust you, but you have to show us you are trustworthy," D'zalah stated.

"That's fair. Before I accept your generous offer, I have a question and an offer," Rasner told them.

"What is the question?" Karl asked.

"Those three women I took from the Cerberus, are they going to be all right?" the merc asked.

"They are in the care of Veldhern medical and will receive the help they need. With enough time, I think they'll be able to resume normal lives," Lieutenant Kantori replied.

"I'm happy to hear it! No one should have to be enslaved to that scumbag Dorian, physically or mentally!" Ronald growled. D'zalah's eyebrows climbed at this and a smile lit up her face. She was happy to see that the merc not only had a heart, but a soul.

"What was the offer?" Captain Fitch wondered.

"If you're offering me something like this, then it's clear that you are in need of some help in manning this station and the planet below. I can help you in sorting out who's who among the men in the brig," Rasner told them.

"How?" Karl queried.

"I wasn't the only merc among the ranks of the pirates. Let me see who you have in lock up and I could help you narrow down who could be useful to you," the merc told them.

Karl and D'zalah looked at each, thinking this could be a great idea, or something that could bite them in the ass. They had methods of seeing if someone was being truthful on the fly, though. So maybe a test like this was what they needed to see if Rasner would play ball with them. D'zalah winked at Karl so Rasner couldn't see, and he nodded.

"OK. Come with us and help with sorting out who could be of use and who we send to the prison colony," Karl said as he walked over and unlocked the merc's cuffs.

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Maia O'Toole was walking along the promenade of Veldhern station, surveying the damage that had been done. Most of it had been superficial, thankfully, and it was nearly cleaned up as she walked by. There were still some cleaning crews ambling about, doing what they could to restore once friendly and peaceful atmosphere of Veldhern.

Though the tourists and civilians had been shaken by the attack, the station had been prepared for such an occurrence. The panic rooms equipped with automated defenses and built in redundancies to keep hackers out were a godsend. Some of the bigger skeptics wondered if such security measures were needed when they first built the station. Maia was happy that now, those same voices were silent.

Maia was finally on shore leave, having finished the mountain of paperwork she was assigned. It had been a long day, winnowing out the last of the traitors, locking them up and making the reports. Maia hated paperwork and was glad to be done with it at last and was now enjoying some shore leave several hours later.

Commerce and business were still flowing, albeit at a much slower and subdued pace. Maia supposed it would be this way for at least a week until the final shock of the incident wore off. She recognized some of the workers from her favorite haunts that were still plowing through their shifts.

The commander had to admire their tenacity for continuing to work. She was sure that these folks were getting overtime and the woman smirked. Though a job on Veldhern station paid well, there was always money to be made, which drove some workers. Others did it because they wanted that routine, to help keep them sane and to maintain some semblance of normalcy.

She noted how many of the places were understaffed, but the managers weren't harassing the employees. They had all been through a lot, so a slower pace was acceptable at the moment. Maia noted how some places had closed entirely, for the day at least, and couldn't blame them. With the massive scrape everyone had just been through, taking the day to blow off some steam was a given.

That was exactly why Maia had been elated to be among the first third of fleet personnel to be let off for shore leave. While normally a creature of habit, Maia needed to cut loose and live a little. She sighed and smiled to herself as she followed the directions to the Red Light district. Maia headed straight for Sirens, knowing that it was the one place that had what she was looking for; scantily clad women willing to make their patrons feel better.

She normally didn't come to places like this, as Maia was looking to bound forward in her career. But after a serious brush with death, she figured, 'Fuck it!' and walked into the club. Though she and her captain were involved from time to time, it wasn't enough. Not for Maia, who still had yet to find herself anyone serious. Though she didn't think she would find anyone here, Maia would at least find some serious fantasy fuel.

She checked in at the club's entrance, paying the cover charge before entering. It was there Maia learned that all fleet members had a thirty percent discount on all services in the club. This gesture of thanks was currently being enjoyed by many of the soldiers and sailors in the club.

Maia saw the club was nearly filled to capacity with many service members from the second and third fleets. They were all eating, drinking and being merry, living up the good fortune of being alive. They were boisterous and rowdy, but they were managing it with some level of respect for the workers and their fellow officers. None of them wanted to appear as total idiots or looking to be put on report.