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    The Frigate Victory Series Collection
    The Frigate Victory Series Collection
    The Frigate Victory Series Collection
    Ebook668 pages9 hours

    The Frigate Victory Series Collection

    By Robert Collins

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    About this ebook

    Captain Jason Ayers and his crew deal with aliens, politicians, colonists, and pirates. Their adventures include action stories, mysteries, and dramas. These short stories have appeared in “Tales Of The Talisman,” “Golden Visions,” and “The Fifth Di...,” among others.

    This collection contains all the “Frigate Victory” science fiction short stories. The stories are in chronological order. Also included is the concluding short novel “Bear at the Door.”

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherRobert Collins
    Release dateMay 1, 2017
    ISBN9781370798858
    The Frigate Victory Series Collection
    Author

    Robert Collins

    Two people with different cultural backgrounds and ethnicities met at a European and Balkan music and dance ensemble named Koroyar and their lives became intertwined, combining their gifts to continue exploring life as an avenue of creative expression. Robert Collins has a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology, and has been an educator in the Los Angeles area for thirty years. He studied writing with Joan Oppenheimer in San Diego, with Cork Millner privately, and also in the Santa Barbara Writer's Conferences. Elizabeth Herrera Sabido, at the age of sixteen years, began working as a secretary at the Secretaria de Industria y Comercio in Mexico City where she was born, then she was an educator for twenty-six years, and a teacher of international dance for The Los Angeles Unified School District. She has also studied Traditional Chinese Medicine, and is a Reiki Master Teacher. Attracted by the Unknown, the Forces of the Universe, and the human psyche, during their lives they have studied several different philosophies. Elizabeth has been involved with various religions, Asian studies, and Gnosticism with SamaelAun Weor, and Robert has explored spiritual healing practices in Mexico, and studied with Carlos Castaneda's Cleargreen and Tensegrity. Elizabeth and Robert start their day at four-thirty in the morning. They enjoy playing volleyball and tennis, and in the afternoons play music, alternating between seven different instruments each. Their philosophy of Personal Evolution has led them to explore over 110 countries between the two of them such as Japan, Nepal, Egypt, Bosnia- Herzegovina, the Philippines, Turkey,Russia, etc.

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      Book preview

      The Frigate Victory Series Collection - Robert Collins

      PUBLICATION CREDITS

      Below is a list of where the stories in this collection have appeared; please note that the list is in chronological order, and that some of these are (or were) online web periodicals:

      Positive Spin, Calliope, issue 67, July-August 1997.

      Legal Escalation, Star Anthology, Volume 1, Number 2, December 1997.

      Dramatic Solution, Just Because, September 1998.

      An Unconventional Little War, The Fifth Di..., Edition 1, Number 1, August 1999.

      Different Risks, The Fifth Di..., Edition 3, Number 5, October 2001.

      The Best Reason, The Martian Wave, Edition 4, Number 6, November 2001.

      Who You Trust, The Fifth Di..., Edition 3, Number 6, December 2001.

      Frontier Justice, The Fifth Di..., Edition 4, Number 4, August 2002.

      The Allergy Factor, Hadrosaur Tales, Volume 17, 2003.

      The Test, The Writers Post Journal, August 2006.

      Captain Ayers and the Waconda War, Space Westerns, March 16, 2008.

      The Best Candidate, Golden Visions, October/November/December 2010.

      Solemn Duty, Golden Visions, Issue Number 15, Summer 2011.

      Open Eyes, Just Because, September 1998.

      Pirates & Diplomats, Aoife’s Kiss, December 2010.

      The Price of Selfishness, Cosmic Crime Stories, Volume 2, Number 2, July 2012.

      Always the Truth, Indie Book Lounge anthology, 2012.

      INTRODUCTION

      Over the years I’ve watched most of the Star Trek series and all of Babylon 5. At some point in the mid-1990s it occurred to me to write a group of stories along these lines. My stories would feature my own regular crew in my own universe solving problems. Like any writer, I wanted my stories to be different that what had come before.

      My desire in writing the adventures of the crew of the frigate Victory was to have their stories grounded in a day-to-day reality readers could recognize. Captain Jason Ayers and his officers don’t worry about ancient myths of a distant past. They don’t always tackle The Big Issues of now or the future. Instead, their actions take place amid the politics and problems of their own time. They act with their positions and careers among their concerns. Morality sometimes has to be tempered by possible public perceptions of their efforts. Their opponents are not implacable super-beings or geniuses bent on galactic conquest, but mere mortals who are greedy, vain, foolish, or lusting after a little more political power.

      I’m not sure how well I’ve done, to be perfectly honest. I’ve had a few editors appreciate the stories I’ve sent. But I don’t have a stack of letters from fans eager for the next Victory tale. It’s unlikely anyone has ever dressed up as one of the characters. There’s no fan fiction about them (clean or dirty). There are no Victory fan clubs with amateur Napoleons vying for leadership posts.

      Still, I’ve kept plugging away. I’ll always harbor notions of one day seeing Captain Ayers and his crew on the silver or the small screen. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy this collection of stories.

      This collection contains the stories in the three individual volumes. The stories in the Volume One section are stand-alone short stories. The ones in Volume Two add up to one whole plot. Some of the ones in Volume Three are linked, while the rest are stand-alone stories. At the end is the concluding novel.

      There are a few people I’d like to thank while I have the chance. First, thanks to all the editors who bought these stories. Without your support, we writers would be in deep trouble. Thanks also to you, the readers, for supporting this particular writer in his dreams of glory.

      Robert Collins

      Spring, 2017

      VOLUME ONE

      The Test

      Who You Trust

      Dramatic Solution

      The Best Reason

      The Allergy Factor

      Different Risks

      Legal Escalation

      An Unconventional Little War

      Frontier Justice

      Solemn Duty

      Captain Ayers and the Waconda War

      Positive Spin

      The Best Candidate

      THE TEST

      All stations, report status before we jump, Captain Jason Ayers ordered.

      Commander Nina Reggio turned from her post at navigation. Navigation systems normal, sir, she said. She returned to her console as the other officers reported.

      At least this is procedure, she thought.

      She had only known Ayers personally a few days as captain of the Terran Federal Fleet’s new frigate, Victory. She had known his record before coming aboard. He was an ambitious and reckless officer who bent the rules to suit his needs. He was not the sort of person she wanted to serve under, much less be Executive Officer.

      His actions during the first test of the frigate confirmed her suspicions. He had employed a series of unorthodox moves against the light cruiser Enterprise. She felt certain he had gone to these extremes not to prove their ship, but to gain the glory of besting the fleet’s veteran flagship. Luckily, their next test would be against the heavy cruiser Stalingrad, and Ayers had to submit his tactical plan in advance. Perhaps that would keep him in check.

      Captain, said Lieutenant Ian Simmons, the communications officer, my board indicates unusual traffic on one of our channels.

      What kind of traffic? Ayers asked.

      Unknown, sir. The transmission isn’t ongoing, but my systems detected the broadcast.

      Send your data to Ensign... He looked at the young woman at the sensor station. He snapped his fingers. Sorry.

      Shan, sir, the young woman said.

      Yes. Send your data to Ensign Shan. Ensign, turn the internal sensors on, and find out who’s calling out.

      Shan nodded. Reggio turned around to face Ayers.

      Sir, she said, regulations state...

      Say no more, Commander. I intend to crack down on anyone sending personal messages.

      Sir?

      Yes, Ensign?

      Internal sensors show that the transmission originated in your office.

      Ayers went to her station and checked her console. How can that be? No one’s there.

      You didn’t use a personal comm, Captain? Reggio asked.

      Why should I?

      Preference, Captain?

      Don’t be silly. Ensign, I want you to get a scanner and come with me.

      Reggio stood up. I think I should come with you, sir.

      I think you should. Ayers turned to the officer sitting at the engineering station. Johan, take over here.

      He led the other two officers off the bridge and through the ship to the room that served as both the captain’s quarters and the captain’s office. He allowed Shan to enter first and search for whatever it was that had sent the signal.

      It didn’t take the Ensign’s scanner long to indicate that the signal came from the desk. She tapped the screen and a keypad, looked at the screen, then faced Ayers. The signal came from your desk, sir. Specifically, from a recording device just inside, on your side of the desk, and an inch from the edge.

      What sort of recording device?

      Fleet standard, sir.

      It had to be teleported in, Reggio said.

      Obviously. Ensign, is it transmitting now?

      No, sir. It’s inactive.

      How long was the signal’s duration?

      Records say it lasted only a millisecond.

      That’s about the duration of a contact pulse. Very well, Ensign. Get back to your post. Internal sensors can detect teleports in, yes?

      Yes, sir.

      Good. Check the logs and find out when that thing was teleported into my desk. If you can, find out where the teleport signal came from.

      That shouldn’t be hard, sir.

      Good. Carry on, Ensign. Report as soon as you find out.

      Aye, sir. She nodded once then left.

      Ayers looked at Reggio. Well, Commander?

      Well, what, sir?

      Any ideas about where that came from?

      You’re not accusing me, sir?

      No, I’m asking you. Who do you think would want to bug me?

      I don’t know, sir.

      Don’t you? I think I do.

      Who?

      Captain Roeper.

      Oh, come on, Captain.

      Reggio knew the reputation of the captain of the Stalingrad. He was called Rear-end Roeper because supposedly when he wasn’t kissing ass, he was stabbing others in the back. Even if the scuttlebutt was true, and it probably was, it didn’t suggest why he would plant a bug in Ayers’ desk.

      Now, Commander, Ayers said, think about it. I’m supposed to be this great tactical and strategic officer.

      Supposed to be? I thought you are.

      I try not to wear it on my sleeve. Anyway, I have the reputation for the skill. Roeper thinks he’ll score some points by trying to one-up me. He can’t outthink me, so he’ll gain an advantage this way.

      How does that bug give him an advantage?

      Didn’t you and I have to agree on a tactical plan?

      Yes. A moment later Ayers’ logic came to her. He believed that the device would have recorded them while they discussed their plan. The recording would be sent to Roeper when Victory jumped to face Stalingrad. There was still something that didn’t make sense to Reggio.

      How will knowing our conversation help him? she asked. He won’t have time to read through it.

      He wouldn’t have to, Ayers replied. I know a little about programming. He could’ve written something to scan the conversation and home in on a few keywords, like ‘final plan’ or ‘agreed.’ It would send that data to the screen next to the captain’s chair.

      Right. Wait. Captain, just because he knows what our plan is, would that help him? I mean, there’s a chance you would try something that he couldn’t counter.

      Yes, that’s true.

      Shan’s voice came over the ship’s address system. Bridge to Captain Ayers.

      Ayers here, Ensign. Report.

      The device was teleported in when you and Commander Reggio were meeting with Commodore Giovanni.

      Right before we got our orders, he said to Reggio. Go on, Ensign.

      The teleport signal came from the Stalingrad, sir. Our sensors can’t get any more precise than that.

      Very well, Ensign. Ayers, out. He looked at Reggio. There it is.

      Yes, sir. We’ll have to report this to Commodore Giovanni. The exercise won’t be an accurate test of the ship, or of you.

      Ayers shook his head. There’s a problem with that, Commander.

      What’s that, sir?

      He jerked his right thumb over his shoulder. The exercise won’t be invalidated until that device sends our conversation to Roeper. His eyes abruptly gazed away from her. He sucked in a breath. Maybe that’s what Roeper’s up to.

      What?

      He looked at her. There was a small smile on his face. Roeper couldn’t be so dumb as to think that we wouldn’t detect that thing sending out a ping. If not before we jumped, then after.

      Okay.

      Now, as I said, the exercise won’t be invalidated until it transmits. If that’s true, what do you think that we would do?

      Well, sir, if I buy your argument, then I guess you’d decide to change plans.

      And make you go along, right?

      I suppose so, yes.

      Wouldn’t that get us into trouble with Giovanni? The conditions said that the captain and the exec had to agree to plans, and that you and Roeper’s exec would submit those plans to Giovanni. If you and I change plans, we violate the terms of the exercise.

      Yes, sir. But we can’t give Roeper an unfair advantage. That would invalidate this as a test of captains, and of this ship.

      True enough, Commander.

      Should we just report to Giovanni and let him sort this out?

      No. After all, there’s the slightest chance that Giovanni ordered Roeper to plant the bug. This could be part of the test.

      Not likely, sir.

      No, but likely enough. You and I need to solve this on our own, anyway. We need to justify all the time and money the fleet has spent on us getting to where we are now.

      Well, sir, I’m stumped. I can’t think of anything the regs say that would help. In fact, they seem to be pointing in different directions.

      That, Commander, is why we sometimes have to bend or break them.

      Reggio conceded the point, although not vocally. The thought briefly crossed her mind that her view of Ayers might not have been completely correct.

      A second later another thought came to her. What if we don’t break the rules at all, sir?

      What do you mean?

      Suppose we agree to another plan, but out in the hall or on the bridge. We still put in on the record, and I send the record to Giovanni.

      What, before we jump?

      Yes, sir.

      Ayers paused for a moment. He nodded slowly. That might work, Commander. We aren’t going against regs, or the conditions of the exercise. Yet we still might manage to trip up Roeper. Which, when it comes right down to it, is probably the most important thing we ought to do.

      Sir?

      If Roeper is willing to cheat just to beat me, or to make me look bad, instead of doing his job and dealing with the chance of us getting the better of him, then he’s a bad officer, yes?

      Of course.

      It’s important to expose bad officers, right?

      I suppose so.

      So our priority should be to get Roeper. If the Admiralty wants a real test of the frigate against a superior vessel, they can schedule another one.

      I thought we were rushed out because the Admiralty wanted to prove the value of the frigate concept before that Congressional committee met?

      Our beating Enterprise probably accomplished that. If it didn’t, there’s still time. The committee doesn’t meet for a couple of weeks yet. There’s plenty of time to pull a heavy cruiser off its station, or to send us there. This exercise isn’t supposed to last all day, just half an hour or so.

      Very well, Captain.

      So, Commander, back to the bridge?

      All right, sir.

      ***

      Ayers and Reggio entered Commodore Giovanni’s office minutes before Captain Roeper and his exec. Roeper had a sour look on his face. Reggio guessed it was partly from losing the exercise, and partly from being surprised by their change of tactics. Roeper sat down without acknowledging herself or Ayers, and immediately spoke to Giovanni.

      Commodore, I must begin by questioning whether Captain Ayers complied with the conditions of the test, he said.

      How would you know? Ayers asked. He turned to Reggio.

      She handed the bug from Ayers’ office to Giovanni. This is the device we informed you about, Commodore. Our logs show it was teleported into the Captain’s desk from the Stalingrad.

      Giovanni examined it for a moment, then looked at Roeper. Well, Captain?

      Commodore, he said, his tone changing from outrage to reassurance, we were up against one of the best minds in the fleet. If my ship was to come out on top, I would have to have an advantage.

      Firepower wasn’t sufficient enough? Ayers asked.

      It wasn’t, was it? Roeper replied.

      Something he said struck Reggio. A thought entered her mind. She remembered what Giovanni had said the exercise was about. She looked at Giovanni and said, Commodore, may I say something to that?

      Of course, Commander.

      Sir, I believe you said this exercise was to test the capabilities of a frigate in dealing with a ship with superior firepower and size. Winning or losing wasn’t supposed to be the issue.

      I suppose that’s true, Commander.

      Then, sir, I don’t see why Captain Roeper would want to gain an advantage, if his intention was to comply with the terms of the exercise. This wasn’t a test of Captain Ayers’ abilities, but of our ship. Therefore, sir, I believe that Captain Roeper, by bugging Captain Ayers’ office, changed the test from one of a ship to one of captains.

      A fair point, Commander Reggio.

      Roeper shook his head. Commodore, I strongly disagree with Commander Reggio.

      I’m not surprised, Roeper. I, however, do not. I think she makes a very good point. You shouldn’t have wanted to gain an advantage, Roeper. You should have been happy with what you had, and carried out your part of the test without resorting to a trick like this.

      Commodore,...

      End of discussion, Roeper. I shall report your actions to the Admiralty. Expect a black mark of some sort on your record. Giovanni turned to Ayers. Jason, do you feel that, despite what happened, this was a valid test of your ship’s capabilities?

      Yes, sir, I do, Ayers answered quickly. The tactic we employed of withdrawal, bait, fast stop, and fire is still one of only a few good methods for a ship as outgunned as we were to survive such an engagement. I believe the exercise shows that a frigate can fight off a larger ship, but only if its captain and crew are clever.

      Giovanni nodded. I’ll pass along your recommendation, along with my own. For the record, I think you’re right, Jason. Very well. Captain Roeper, return to your ship and resume your duties, pending notice from the Admiralty of any punishment for your actions. Dismissed.

      Yes, sir. Roeper and his exec saluted and left Giovanni’s office.

      Captain Ayers, you and Commander Reggio return to your ship. You’ll have the rest of the day to prepare for your final test. Good luck.

      ***

      As soon as they were back on board Victory, Ayers ordered Reggio to meet with him in his office. She followed him there, entered, and sat down across from him. Something on your mind, sir? she asked.

      Yes. First, that was some quick thinking in Giovanni’s office.

      Thanks.

      It struck me, on the way here, that we resolved this problem together.

      Yes, sir, I suppose we did.

      In fact, Commander, I have to confess that I probably wouldn’t have thought of complying with the conditions of the test by sending new tactics to Giovanni. Having you around reminded me of the rules.

      Glad to be of help, sir.

      Commander, may I call you Nina?

      I guess so.

      Nina, I know you haven’t been entirely comfortable with how I work in a crisis.

      She suspected where he was going. Can I speak freely, sir? she asked.

      Of course.

      You’re right, I wasn’t. I thought you were ambitious and reckless. She spoke slowly as she voiced her thoughts. But you weren’t the one to bug another Captain’s office. As you pointed out, sometimes the rules conflict with each other. I suppose on occasion I need to be reminded of that.

      Maybe so. I don’t go out of my way to break, or even bend, the rules.

      No, sir, I guess you don’t.

      As for my ambition, well, Nina, that’s my demon to fight. I like to think I have it under control. Which leads me to what I was going to say.

      Yes, sir?

      You told me when you came on board that your only goal was to be a good executive officer. I think you proved yourself to me today.

      Thank you.

      What’s more, you showed me that our styles, while different, can bring us to a solution of a problem. You reminded me of the rules of the test, which showed me a way to deal with Roeper’s stunt in a way that kept us out of trouble. Pending how we work together the next couple of days, I want you to consider your assignment as my exec as permanent.

      Reggio thought about his offer. Captain, it seems to me that you could be right. Perhaps our contrasting styles can work together. I have to say, sir, that while I might have misjudged you, I do think you need someone like me around to keep you in line.

      Fair enough.

      Can I ask you one thing, if that’s all?

      Sure.

      Would you have bugged another Captain’s office to win an exercise?

      Honestly, Nina, the idea had never occurred to me.

      Oh.

      Now that it has, I’d have to say, to win an exercise, no. I can’t think of a time where I’d absolutely have to win an exercise.

      But?

      But, I have to concede that there might be a time when I’d have to consider something like that.

      It would have to be for a very good reason.

      Absolutely. A war, or a civil war, something like that. A matter of life or death, for me and for my crew.

      Of course.

      And my exec would have to go along.

      Reggio smiled broadly. Very good, sir.

      WHO YOU TRUST

      The Terran Federal frigate Victory has only been in service two months when it arrived at the Sandstone solar system. But it had been an active two months. The crew needed a relaxing shore leave, and that’s what they were enjoying.

      On the ship’s bridge, one crewman was enjoying his work. Ian Simmons was the senior communications officer, but at that moment he was sitting in the Captain’s chair. A mere Lieutenant, Simmons hadn’t yet the opportunity to command the bridge. Captain Ayers had had to step off the bridge, and Simmons was given the chair.

      Simmons took pleasure in snapping imaginary orders to the unfilled posts. The orders became grander and grander. Simmons rose from the chair, waving and gesturing. Finally, he stepped towards the helm and muttered smoothly, I command you, beautiful Shannon, to kiss me.

      I’m pleased to see you’re enjoying your responsibility, Mr. Simmons.

      Simmons turned. Ayers was standing in the doorway, arms folded across his chest. Uh, yes sir, I mean, no, sir. Ayers nodded at Simmons’ post. Very good, sir.

      Just as Simmons was hopping into his seat a light on his panel came on and began flashing. Sir, incoming message satellite from Admiralty Headquarters. Priority one status.

      Signal the senior officers. Get them here in five minutes.

      Within two and a quarter minutes the Victory’s senior officers had assembled on the bridge. At Ayers’ nod, Simmons sent a coded signal to the satellite. An instant later it began transmitting data and a message. The stern, somber face of Admiral Mason, second in command of the fleet, appeared on the bridge screen.

      "This is for Captain Jason Ayers, and the crew of the F.S. Victory. Within this last solar day, a prototype Ertegai starship has been stolen by persons unknown. The Ertegai have mobilized all forces to intercept the ship, and are on Alert Status Two. We have raised our Defense Status to Three, and are requesting the High Council allow us to move to Two.

      "The ship in question has been classified by our intelligence services as a dreadnought. From what we have been able to gather, the ship is larger than their standard heavy cruiser. We believe it has an extra power unit and at least 33 percent more firepower than their heavy cruiser. Reports indicate that the defenses may consist of a steel, rather than composite, hull, a higher between-decks density, and redundant energy shielding.

      "There has been another aspect of this ship’s design that, frankly, we only found out about today. They appear to have figured out systems that allow them to cloak this ship from sensors. We found this out from monitoring Ertegai fleet messages from the officer in charge of the project, Admiral Beyoth’Tugar, to other units in their fleet. Those messages also state that Commander Soth’Ugon, Beyoth’s deputy, is the person who has stolen the dreadnought. We also know that a cruiser tried to pursue but was disabled, the dreadnought engaged the jump drive, and disappeared off their sensors.

      "The orders to all Ertegai ships state that the dreadnought is to be engaged, serious damage should be avoided, but Commander Soth and any officers with him should be apprehended. Interestingly, there appear to be other orders from the high command urging ships to avoid confrontation.

      "To be honest, Captain, the Admiralty and the senior advisors aren’t certain what the story is. We’ve received no request for aid from the Ertegai, although their government has been in contact with ours, and is keeping us updated. For the moment, we are assuming that Commander Soth has hostile intentions, and are mobilizing accordingly.

      Your orders, Captain Ayers, are to analyze the situation, and position Victory based on your conclusions. Since Victory isn’t attached to any specific battle group, feel free to take up an independent station anywhere on the border. Don’t take on the dreadnought alone if you can avoid it, but don’t allow it to penetrate into the Republic. Keep me fully appraised of your status, but don’t wait for additional orders. Be careful. Mason, out.

      The satellite is transmitting data, Ensign Mai Shan, the senior sensor officer, reported quietly. I’m transferring it into our database.

      Ayers sat down in his chair. Very good. As soon as you’re done, put the border area on screen.

      A moment later a three-dimensional map appeared on the screen. A blue oval marked the boundary of the Terran Republic; a roughly-circular green line marked Ertegai, and touched much of the blue. Where the two colors split were two yellow dots next to the border, a purple dot away from all the colors, and a red oval connected to the green and blue areas past the purple dot.

      The red is the Free Confederacy, Shan added, the yellow are low-tech worlds, and the purple is... Observed World JTE-104. It has flora and fauna, no intelligence, and is monitored by automated observation satellites.

      Damon Breland, Chief Weapons Officer, asked where the Victory was in relation to the map. A white star appeared on the screen, some distance within the blue, but not too far from the green.

      The fleet will mass on the border, Breland said. He tapped a few keypads on his panel, and white dots with names speckled the blue side of the border. After only a few seconds of looking he said, I don’t see any solar systems within the jump range unoccupied.

      Neither do I, Ayers said.

      Shannon Fournier pointed to the purple dot from her post at Helm. What about there? That looks sort-of open.

      Good point. Shan, how far are the nearest Ertegai systems to that?

      Nine-point-two parsecs... eight-point-seven... nine-point-three-five.

      How far are our nearest systems?

      Eight-point-nine... nine-point-one... eight-point-six... seven-point-nine.

      Chief Engineer Johann Herm made an astute observation. All within safe jump distance.

      And one more jump from one of them is the Morris system, Breland added. An attack on the station there would really damage border-area shipping.

      Not to mention the fleet’s border deployment, Ayers said. That’s it, then. Commander Reggio, plot a course to... what is it?

      OW-JTE-04, sir, Shan said.

      Right. As few jumps as possible. Fournier, bring up the system on your board, and plot a position that allows us to keep watch, but keeps us hidden from an Ertegai ship entering the system. Simmons, transmit all this to the satellite, then send it back to Headquarters. Then get the crew back on board; I want to depart within fifteen minutes.

      ***

      Nina Reggio stopped looking through her image album when her door chime sounded. Before acknowledging the chime, she closed the album and started to put it away. She was sliding in into a cabinet next to her desk when Captain Ayers walked in.

      You wanted to speak to me, Commander?

      Yes, sir. She surprised herself by waving to the couch at one end of the living area, instead of at the chair in front of her desk. Have a seat.

      If Ayers was surprised, he didn’t show it. He sat down quickly. Reggio sat next to him.

      I didn’t want to bring up my personal history in front of the crew. That’s why I wanted to talk to you in private.

      That, and I prefer talking to you here, rather than in your quarters, Reggio mused. I like my quarters for this sort of thing. It’s far more homey than yours. All those Grazhochi pictures unnerve me. Doesn’t feel like a human’s quarters.

      Very well. What do you want to talk about?

      The Ertegai situation, sir.

      Ayers cleared his throat. Nina, we are not on the bridge. You may call me ‘Jason’ in private.

      Sorry. I’ll never get used to this.

      "Well, Jason, I don’t know if you’ll come across this in your research, so I decided to tell you first.

      About five years ago, Andrea and I were at an inter-governmental science conference. It related to her fields of study, and it was our first chance to be together in three years. Anyway, the Ertegai also had a delegation, and Soth’Ugon was one of the delegates.

      I know. Most of the fleet’s data on him comes from the files on that conference.

      "I thought as much. What the files probably don’t say is that I met with Soth for some time. We were the only fleet officers there who weren’t attending to advance our careers. We got to know each other fairly well. We haven’t stayed in touch, I will admit that, but part of that may be due to his assignment to the dreadnought project.

      Jason, Soth didn’t strike me as being a particularly paranoid, racist, or otherwise nasty towards humans. It’s hard for me to believe that Soth is a renegade out to attack the Republic.

      People do change, Nina. There’s no way for us to know what’s happened to him since that project started. I’m certain that you’re aware that many Ertegai have distrustful feelings towards humanity in general, and the Republic in particular.

      I know that. But when the topic came up between Soth and I, he did not express those prejudices. He didn’t dismiss them out of hand, and to tell you the truth I can’t, either. There’s plenty of examples in our history of the stronger preying on the weaker. We are stronger, and more populous, than they are. Still, Soth was not prejudiced. In fact, I’d almost go so far as to say that he didn’t seem to have many strong feelings.

      So this incident surprises you.

      Very much.

      Very well, Nina. Suppose his intent isn’t hostile. Why steal the dreadnought? What would this accomplish?

      Nina hesitated. She’d been trying to answer that question since the instant she’d heard Soth’s name. She’d mulled over every possible answer. Some fit what she knew, but there wasn’t any proof of their truth. Most contradicted each other. In the end, all she had was her belief that Soth wasn’t going to attack them.

      I don’t know. I just can’t make the pieces fit right now. But I feel that Soth isn’t a threat.

      Ayers shook his head. If you can’t give me a sound reason why I should violate my orders, then I won’t. No one, not even my First Officer, will persuade me to violate orders based only on a hunch.

      Reggio looked at him with absolute puzzlement. Wait a minute. I thought that’s how you made your career? You always take chances. You’re always trying...

      "Commander, you misread me. At no time have I ever made a command decision based on a guess. My decisions are based on experience, evidence, facts. You may casually look at a decision and say, ‘Aha, a guess.’ But there is no guesswork involved, I can assure you. Instead, I ask myself, ‘What is the best course at this particular time?’ Sometimes the best course is not what the regulations and orders say. And yes, I probably do make more unusual choices than most. That’s only because I’ve been in more unusual situations than most. I am not a normal human being.

      "But make no mistake, Nina. There is a vast difference between making an unusual choice and mere guessing. In this situation, all the evidence I see points in one direction: Soth has stolen a powerful warship to launch some sort of attack on the Terran Federal Republic.

      Commander, unless you can give some tangible, believable reason for his behavior, I will not disregard my standing orders. Ayers sat patiently for a moment.

      I’ll keep thinking, Jason. I know I’ll find a reason.

      ***

      Sir, the satellite’s picking up another signature. Ensign Shan’s voice rose with nervous excitement. Same direction that the robot warship came from.

      Keep your eyes peeled, Ensign. Simmons, signal yellow alert. Ayers tapped the intercom keypad. Doctor Chomskova, report to the bridge immediately. Reggio, raise shields; Mister Breland, bring our weapons systems on line and power them up.

      The dreadnought materialized 30,000 kilometers from the planet. The Victory remained hidden in the shadow of the planet and its two moons. As soon as the dreadnought appeared, the Ertegai robot warship sprang to life. It accelerated towards the dreadnought, its shields and weapons ready. An instant before the robot ship had its firepower within striking distance, the dreadnought disappeared.

      The robot ship came to an abrupt halt, its computer brain trying to figure out where its prey went. Without warning, a beam from nowhere hit the robot’s shields. The ship returned fire, but hit nothing. It tried firing in random directions. One shot struck a glancing blow, but as the machine was bringing its heaviest firepower to bear, two missiles slammed into it. It fired again, but this time missed the target. Three more missiles from the unknown crashed into the robot ship. Its shields down, its power dripping away, and its missiles expended, the machine turned to retreat. The dreadnought reappeared, fired two beams, and the robot dissolved in a ball of fire.

      The dreadnought is returning to its original course, Shan reported in a bare whisper, at its original speed. Power levels dropping; shields are disengaging. It may be going into an equatorial orbit.

      Ayers inhaled a long breath. How soon until it will be within our weapon range?

      If we stay here, forty-five minutes. If we move to engage, we can be within maximum range in ten minutes.

      Thank you. Mister Breland, you may activate your passive targeting. Use the data from the engagement to select your targets. Simmons, sound Red Alert.

      Nina could no longer keep silent. I have to stop this. I have to say something. She turned to face Ayers. Captain, I still don’t think they’re hostile.

      Not now, Reggio.

      Open a channel, sir, hail them.

      Commander, do you have to be relieved of duty? Only when Doctor Chomskova put a hand on his arm did he calm slightly. The ship’s psychologist stepped out of Ayers’s shadow and looked at the First Officer.

      Nina, do you don’t have any suggestions?

      No, dammit.

      Then perhaps you should obey orders.

      Look, I just don’t think Soth’s hostile, it’s not like I want to surrender to him or... A bolt from the back of her brain stopped her in her tracks. No, that can’t be it. That’s absurd! It would be an act of desperation.

      But what if he’s been pushed to desperation?

      You have an idea, Commander?

      Nina snapped back to the present. Captain, what if he plans to hand the dreadnought over to us?

      Excuse me?

      What if he’s trying to give us that technology? Her thoughts began to race faster than they’d ever raced in her life. Yeah, it makes sense. Look at it this way. We knew that they were building a dreadnought. Suppose we found out that it had cloaking capability. Wouldn’t that consist of a serious threat to the Republic?

      Yes, I guess it could be interpreted that way.

      But for it to be such a threat, Breland interceded, wouldn’t there have to be some sort of hostile intent behind its construction?

      What if there is? Nina replied. Now, suppose we found out about that ship, and that it was meant for war? What would be do?

      Attack, Ayers answered instantly. A second later his face was as bright as Nina’s. Why, I’ll be damned. His eyes met hers. I see your point.

      I’m not sure I do, Breland said.

      Ayers turned to him. It’s fairly simple, Breland. The very existence of such a vessel as that one is a clear threat to the Republic. If we couldn’t force the Ertegai to destroy it, our government would consider it tantamount to a declaration of war.

      His attention shifted back to Nina. You believe that Soth stole that ship, brought it out here to neutral territory, and wants to share its technology with us. If we both know how to build a ship like that, we won’t be threatened by it, is that the theory?

      Something like that.

      Ayers turned to Chomskova. What do you think?

      That does fit better with what we know of him, that does the idea that he’s suddenly turned into a racist fanatic. And the logic of her reasoning can’t be easily defeated. She turned to Nina. You may have hit upon the truth quite precisely.

      Ayers glanced around the bridge. Can anyone think of any solid objections to Commander Reggio’s reasoning? Can anyone think of any other reasons that might fit the situation? The bridge was silent. Speak up now. Don’t be afraid. No one spoke, not even Breland. Very well, then. Mister Simmons, open a channel.

      We’re not going to show ourselves? Nina asked.

      Let’s not hedge out bets too soon. Shan, keep an eye on that data from the polar satellite. Call out the second something changes.

      Aye, sir.

      Breland, if shooting starts, use your best estimates on targets. But do not fire unless you hear it from me.

      Absolutely, sir.

      Captain, I have a communications channel open, audio and video.

      Thank you. Ayers stiffened his posture and faced the bridge screen. Ertegai dreadnought, this is Captain Ayers, of the Terran Federal Frigate Victory. We have been informed by your government that your intentions are aggressive. If this is false, reply on this channel.

      A moment later Commander Soth’Ugon appeared on the screen. He appeared average for an Ertegai, with smooth brown skin, a slim figure, and wide gray eyes. His face, though alien, had surprise written all over it.

      Captain, this is Commander Soth’Ugon, commanding the dreadnought Star Empire. My intentions are not aggressive. The pace of his words edged a beat faster. I repeat, we have no intentions of attacking your ship.

      Ayers glanced at Shan. She shook her head, the corners of her mouth creeping up.

      Very well, Commander Soth. What specifically are your intentions?

      Captain... His eyes shifted down and to his right. He took a step backward. Nina Reggio? Is that you?

      Yes, Soth.

      It has been a long time. Five years, I believe.

      Indeed. Much has changed since then.

      Not as much in my life as in yours. And I fear my path is doomed to get rougher as time advances. He faced Ayers again. Captain, I would like to present the Star Empire and her capabilities to you and your government.

      I see. Commander Reggio thought you might have such a presentation in mind.

      Soth smiled. My heart beats faster to hear that, Captain. I wasn’t sure what you knew about me.

      My First Officer has been quite an advocate for you. Commander, would I be correct in asking if you have additional material for our inspection? Material that, were it acted upon, could cause bitterness between our two peoples?

      Yes, Captain. I would like to bring to you files from the database of my superior, Admiral Beyoth‘Tugar. Once you see them, I am certain you will need to contact your government. Captain, time races beyond light-speed. I fear the Admiral is following us, and may be in this system within a few hours.

      I understand. We’ll close to within teleport range. I hope you don’t mind, but for security’s sake, I’d like all the crew under your command to teleport over to Victory.

      An officer behind Soth leaned forward. Commander, we cannot abandon this ship. What if the humans...?

      Kimith, we must trust them. Why else have we come this far, put our lives at risk? Captain, my crew and I will be happy to be your guests.

      Victory will be honored to have you. Although I must warn you, this isn’t the most luxurious ship in the fleet.

      Your trust will be the finest hospitality. We will wait for you here.

      Good. Victory, out.

      ***

      Soth’s prediction of more ships entering the system was almost an exact one. Four hours after his ship and Victory made contact, an Ertegai heavy cruiser, a light cruiser, and two destroyers materialized in the solar system. Ayers took the initiative, and opened communications.

      Admiral Beyoth was slim. Ayers wasn’t certain, but he thought Beyoth’s face seemed colder than Soth’s. Admiral, this is Captain Jason Ayers of the frigate Victory.

      Captain, if you do not tell me why you destroyed my robot warship, I shall have to retaliate.

      Admiral, we haven’t fired a shot. I’m happy to send you proof.

      Do that. Now!

      Ayers motioned to Shan. Video and sensor data is being relayed now.

      Beyoth was silent for a moment as he examined the data. Very well, but this is still a provocation.

      How? Your government asked us to intercept Star Empire. We’ve done so.

      Then why are you wasting my precious time. Turn it over at once, along with its renegade crew.

      Admiral, we’re still conducting a safety inspection of the ship.

      What nonsense is this?

      Ayers paused for an instant. Our sensors detected troubling readings from the dreadnaught. We’re working as fast as we can to figure out the problem.

      The problem is with you, Captain. Turn the ship over to us at once!

      I am within my rights, Admiral. You’ve designed with ship in secret, and now we’re detecting strange radiation signatures.

      What? Star Empire is emitting radiation?

      Nothing lethal, I assure you. I would be happy to share my information with you.

      That would be most helpful. I and the commanding officers of our flotilla would be happy to meet with you.

      Why don’t you come aboard Victory? Seeing as my ship is also new, you would have the chance to conduct an inspection of your own.

      I appreciate the offer, Captain. There is still the matter of the dreadnaught’s crew.

      I will answer those and any other questions you have the moment you arrive.

      Excellent.

      ***

      Ayers led the Admiral and the four Captains with him to Victory’s main briefing room. The walk was quiet. Beyoth didn’t appear interested in small talk, and Ayers had no intention of attempting to engage him. Once in the room Ayers waved to Beyoth to take the seat at the head of the conference table. Ayers sat to his right, the other officers to his left.

      Captain Ayers, Beyoth began, I must first ask if you have Commander Soth in custody. He must be stopped before he acts foolishly.

      Actually, I do. Ayers tapped the intercom. Maria, would you escort our guest in here?

      The door opened. Beyoth and the others were stunned to see Lieutenant Maria Velasquez lead six fully-armed security officers into the room. They were shocked to see Soth enter right behind them. Ayers thought they might be about to die of fright when Soth handed him an Ertegai computer book.

      I think you know these plans, Admiral, Ayers told him, since it was you who drew them up. I will also presume that you are aware of the contents of the dreadnought’s cargo hold. Do not waste my time protesting your innocence. He waved the compubook at Beyoth. I could have you executed on the spot for this.

      Ayers looked to the other Ertegai officers. The Admiral has plans for waging war against the Terran Federal Republic. He designed the dreadnought as the flagship of his strike force, which would also consist of a heavy cruiser, a light cruiser, and two destroyers. In the cargo hold of the dreadnought is enough equipment for four additional cloaking systems. He gave the compubook to the nearest Captain.

      You will note Admiral Beyoth’s personal code, Soth added, and the nature of his comments on the humans. I’m certain you will find that the document is not a forgery.

      Ayers folded his arms across his chest and spoke to the four. If any of you had any knowledge of these plans, you are in as much trouble as he is. Any knowledge is enough, as far as I’m concerned.

      I wasn’t aware of his plans, Captain Ayers, the oldest of the four answered somberly. The others quickly repeated the denial.

      All right. But I can’t trust of any of you for certain. You will turn control of your ships to my crew. Each of you will stay here, confined in crew quarters, as long as you cooperate with my investigation. If I find in your favor, I’ll allow you to return to Ertegai space unescorted, provided you power down your weapons systems and head directly home.

      The four gave in without a fight. Velasquez and the other security officers escorted them out of the room.

      What are you going to do with me? Beyoth asked, still combative.

      "Get used to my brig. Until I’ve spoken with your government, that is where you’ll stay. And while you’re in there, think about this matter of trust, Admiral. Think about how your lack of trust in humanity has brought you here. Then think about whether or not your government will trust you to return to face justice. If they won’t take you back, then I will be at your execution. You are a worthless, spineless bigot, and you will get exactly what you deserve.

      Maria, get this warmonger out of my sight.

      ***

      With the dreadnought situation defused, Reggio and Ayers met in his office to review the actions of themselves and their crew. The proceedings moved with smooth formality for several minutes. Then, without warning, Reggio asked, Did I get too far out of line?

      Ayers mulled over her question for a moment. I wouldn’t say too far. Far enough over, but not too far. Of course, we’d be in the middle of a war if you hadn’t.

      I guess that’s true.

      Nina, I’m going to tell you something that my first superior officer said to me, the first time I crossed that line.

      What was that?

      "I asked if she was going to put me on report. She said, ‘No, not this time. I’m not entirely happy with what you did, but if you need to look in the book to find out where the crew lounge is, you’re not an officer I want anywhere near me.’

      "So far you’ve been on a fairly straight career track. You’ve never been on many tangents. Now you’re under me, and my career has been nothing but tangents. If I’d had my choice, I’d have picked a crew of officers close to my mold. I didn’t, but so far things have turned out fine, except where you and I are concerned. To tell you the truth, up to now I’ve had my doubts.

      This is strictly my opinion, Nina, so take it or leave it. I feel that once you reach the command grades, regs are just guideposts. You can’t let them force your hand. So long as you act within the law, everything’s up for grabs. Up to now, you’ve let them confine you, and that’s worried me. In this action, you finally went beyond them. I don’t think I have to remind you of the impact you’ve had in these past few days.

      Does that mean you trust me?

      Absolutely, and without question.

      Nina found her back stiffen, and her spirit soar. She smiled in spite of herself. Jason, that may be the greatest honor I’ll ever have.

      DRAMATIC SOLUTION

      I understand that your group disapproves of technology, Doctor.

      Lieutenant Shannon Fournier, chief of helm aboard the Terran Federal frigate Victory, glanced at Commander Nina Reggio’s face between bites. Reggio was giving Doctor Sheila Nicoletti a mildly disdainful expression. Why does she dislike her so much? After all, aren’t we supposed to have some feeling for the colonists we’re escorting? Fournier turned to see if Captain Jason Ayers, Victory’s commander, approved of Reggio’s remark. His face was a mask.

      I guess I’ll just have to watch and learn, Fournier thought.

      Not all technology, simply the more frivolous gadgets. The doctor replied to Victory’s executive officer in precise, measured tones. I don’t believe that our colony will require devices that aren’t designed to improve our lives. She took a swift swallow of wine before continuing. "We do have the right to set our own rules. I think

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