Unknown Earth Volume 2

Unknown Earth Beware the Demons

© 2018 Frank Wallace

All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

ISBN: 978-1-54394-580-5

Table of Contents

Repercussions

Ten of a Kind

All in a Day’s Work

Time to Learn

Beware the Demons

The Bubble Has Burst

A Working Holiday

Baser Instincts

Strange New Worlds

First and Second Impressions

The Big Sit Down

Give Me a Chance

Now You Know Who You Are Fighting

Two Faced

Embrace Sanctum

Just To Watch The World Burn

The Most Popular V-Cube Broadcasts

Interesting Ships

Repercussions

They’ll be alright, won’t they? Nemmy asks. On the viewspace, Callendra responds with a tilted nod.

I’m certain. Sedatives will keep them calm until I can have a medical professional look them over. But they weren’t in long enough for permanent damage. I’ll take them somewhere safe she replies in that controlled, soothing voice of hers. Both Kenji and the Fren had struggled during the escape from the station, alternating between sobs, seizures, and unconsciousness. Despite Callendra’s reassurances, the trip back to the Boomslang had been harrowing for Nemmy.

Not least due to fretting over the tiny detail of committing treason against the Imperium.

Thanks for your help Callendra. If I can repay you-

There is no need Callendra cuts her off. You have helped me more than you realise. If anything, I should repay you and I shall. I’m aware that another ship is approaching, so I must depart. Until next time she says, with the faintest hint of a smile. As the comm link ends, Nemmy checks her console to confirm the arrival of another ship. She notices as she does that, that Amira is not in her chair. In fact, she hasn’t seen the Major since she got back on board. Her console quickly confirms another ship is indeed approaching rapidly. Non-ISF but transmitting Imperial codes. A Regency carrier…

Oh God, what now? she moans to herself. She stands up, giving her tensed up muscles a much-needed stretch.

Emily, can you confirm the identity of the approaching ship? she says loudly. The young Shipmate whirs round after a quick check of her own console.

"Yes, Captain, it’s a Regency ship, the Unbending Light. If I’m not mistaken, that is-"

I know. My father’s ship Nemmy said, rolling her eyes. Sector Regent Rayne Le Beau. The man in charge of everything that her mother wasn’t. The civilian authorities were in theory more powerful, having larger organisations with more involvement in daily life. But in practice, the Imperial Space Force is the primary focus of Imperial activity, hoovering up vast amounts of public money. Still, Sector Regents command profound influence in society, even amongst the military branches. Clearly, something important was afoot if her father has left his plush office to travel all the way out here. Nemmy checks her console again. Callendra’s ship has already departed, and the Unbending Light had not changed course to follow or even initiated any kind of scan. She relaxes a little. Whatever they are here for, it’s not related to that secret station. Probably.

Captain, they are requesting communication, Emily says. Nemmy takes a breath before activating the viewspace. The distinctly elaborate bridge of the civilian ship fills the screen, vibrant colours, and decorative fixtures all around, and in the centre of the wide circle of chairs and consoles, sits the finely dressed and well-tanned Sector Regent.

Hello, father. How are you? Nemmy asks. Rayne smiles, a lopsided grin on his long, thin face.

Nemantha, my princess! It’s been far too long. How are you enjoying your first ship? He responds.

Uh…it’s…interesting she replies with more than a little embarrassment. Someone on the bridge chuckles at her response. Best avoid any more issues and just get straight to the point, she reasons. How can we help you? she asks.

I’ve arranged an Extraordinary Regency Assembly, and I’d like you to attend. Come aboard when you are ready he states, his mood instantly serious. Before she can say anything, he cuts the comm link. Her concerns return as quickly as they had left. ISF officers aren’t supposed to be involved in higher level Regency operations at all. As Nemmy heads for the door, she wonders if her mother is aware of this situation, then immediately gives herself an amused rebuke. Of course, she is.

Nemmy arrives at the shuttle bay expecting to find it swarming with the activity that often happens after a docking event. But it’s eerily quiet. Most of the lights are off. She creeps forward, trying in vain to spot movement.

Hello? she squeaks.

Who’s there? comes a sharp voice. Nemmy follows the sound, to one of the shuttle nooks. She wraps a shaking hand around the grip of her pistol as she peeks around the corner. She releases the breath she had been holding when she sees Amira hunched over a console.

Oh, it’s you. Why are you in the dark? Nemmy questions her. Amira reluctantly tears herself away from the console.

No reason. I was…I was just doing something

Are you ok? Can I help you with some-

No! I mean. I’m fine. I just need some time to work on something, Amira gasps. Her voice wavers slightly. Nemmy finds her behaviour deeply confusing, but with Amira, it’s best to let her be.

Ok. Well if you want help, just ask. I need one of the shuttles she offers. Amira grunts and waves an arm, which Nemmy takes as approval. She doesn’t want to bother Angela with this one. It’s only a short jaunt across to the other ship, after all. She enters one of the small shuttles and goes through the pre-flight process as quickly as she can. Angela had explained the process a few times, but she always breezes through it. Might as well practice when there’s no chance of crashing into anything. Or little chance, at least.

She gingerly takes the shuttle out, towards the Unbending Light. The civilian authority ships tend towards sheer white colouring as opposed to the green and white mix of the ISF. Compared to the more austere look of the military vessels, these ships also leaned towards the artistic, almost impractical designs. Nemmy has to admit that the brilliant white curves are attractive to the eye as she approaches the shuttle bay. But she prefers her own ship. She chuckles to herself as she slowly passed through the shuttle bay doors. When she first saw the Boomslang, it looked to be nothing more than a floating pile of scrap. Now every ship pales in comparison.

She manages to land the shuttle with a slightly uncomfortable thud. Stepping outside, she finds her father is already waiting for her. Not quite as tall as her mother, but still an impressive height, and considerably more pleasant in manner.

You know that you can have someone do that for you, yes? he jokes.

I like to practice she replies with a smile. They share a mildly awkward hug before he leads her out of the shuttle bay. They pass a pair of Imperial Police Force constables, operating as ship security.

So why am I here, dad? Nemmy eventually asks, as they turn a corner and head towards a swooping, ornate doorway.

We have serious issues to talk about. Don’t worry my darling, you’ll always be safe though he says with a not so reassuring pat on her shoulder. They march through the doorway into a conference room. A large grey-shaded oval table dominates the otherwise bland room. Looking around, Nemmy doesn’t know anyone else here, but the pristine white uniforms are instantly recognisable. At least two dozen Regents are in the room, each in charge of their own star system. Everyone is dressed the same, except for two individuals, a man, and a woman, standing at the back of the room. Nemmy doesn’t recognise their blue uniforms, but they carry Imperial insignia. Her father directs her to a seat before taking his own, drawing the attention of everyone with a soft clap. The mild chatter dies down as the area outside the table darkens.

Now that we are all here, let’s begin, he says, revealing a datapad and inputting some instructions. Screens rise in front of everyone from the table, scrolling a list of names. Nemmy immediately recognises this list.

As you know, we have located several instances of these hit-lists. In each case, it was during a failed attack on one or more of the individuals on the list. Retrospectively, we’ve been able to confirm the deaths of some individuals on these lists that previously had been recorded as accidents

Murmurs fill the room. Nemmy had no idea that other people had been killed. This problem is more extensive than she thought.

I’ve brought you here as you are all on the list. As well as Captain Le Beau here, who can also provide a military view of the issue Rayne continued.

They obviously aren’t doing anything if people are being killed one of the Regents snaps, drawing a few agreeable mutters.

Captain, do you have anything to contribute before we go on? another one asks, causing everyone to focus on Nemmy. She caught herself for a moment. She did know about the ISF researching the attacks, and indeed the weapons the assailants had used. But there was no way to elaborate without revealing her actions with Callendra. She can already feel her cheeks flushing as everyone glares at her. She has to offer something.

Uh…There are people looking into it, not me personally. The ship we discovered was recovered, or the wreckage was and taken to a…research location as far as I know. As well as that, several weapons and other items were salvaged She states. The various Regents look around at each other. It hasn’t placated them at all.

Who took them? Where? What else do you know? A third Regent barks.

Even if I knew all that, I’m not sure I’d be allowed to inform civilians. Suffice to say, it’s being researched she states, trying to project confidence. Much more confidence than she actually has on the matter. She can see that no one is buying it. She glances at her dad. If he has any feelings on the conversation, his stony expression reveals nothing.

Look, I don’t have the authority to make decisions on this. Obviously, I want to know everything since I’m on that list as well she says. One of the Regents stands up, pointing to the pair in the blue uniforms.

Sector Regent, I think she’ll need to be included in this whole thing, she says, and from her tone she obviously expects agreement. Rayne leans back, sucking in air through his teeth. He looks like he is considering it. Nemmy knows him better than that. Whatever it is, he’s already completely on board.

Who are they? she asks.

As you may be aware Captain, Rayne begins, we’ve had our own investigation into this matter. Since there are so many non-military individuals on this list, we’ve had to use our own resources. I’d like to ask Special Representative Boczek from the Social Integrity Office to update us on their status

Nemmy instantly stiffens, feeling an uncomfortable shiver up her spine. The Social Integrity Office. In theory, an organisation that supports community bonding, charitable works, and an overall improvement in maintaining Imperial society through social programs and events. In practice, it was more often an oppressive private police force, used to forcibly interact in people’s lives at the behest of Regents. People investigated by the SIO group were often re-located for secret tasks or had their assets and wealth appropriated for the Imperial Good. Nemmy had never interacted with any of them, but she’d heard all the rumours. Crucially, the Social Integrity Office was the sole legislative and executive power the civilian leaders had over the military. Even Captains and Admirals had to acquiesce to their decisions. It was, she assumed, based around having a civilian check against military excess, but it often ended up being the tool of angry or vengeful Regents abusing their own power. The ISF reaction to these individuals ranged from fear to outright anger and disgust. Promising careers could end at a stroke because a Regent took a dislike to you and sent one of their Ghouls to get you, to use the common nickname.

SR Boczek stepped forward, taking a pad from his female companion. With the most pleasant smile, he scrolls through some information before speaking.

Thank you, Sector Regent Le Beau. I’m most thankful to be of assistance to you and your fellow Regents. We have been working on this issue for some time now. With co-operation with some other agencies, we’ve managed to assemble information from Confederation sources as well as our own. Through advanced metallurgical scanning techniques, DNA examinations, database cross-referencing and various other…techniques, we have arrived at some troubling conclusions

Do you know who is trying to kill us! one of the Regents blurts out.

Unfortunately not, Boczek replies in the same soft, almost feminine voice. What we do have, however, is very reasonable evidence that no known official body of the Imperium or the Confederation is organising these attacks. A number of the human bodies recovered do not display DNA records that match any of the known patterns in either organisation.

He spoke so softly that it took Nemmy a few seconds to process what he was saying. An odd silence filled the room for several moments as most of the others also struggled to comprehend.

Excuse me, Sir, are you saying these people are from…outside human space entirely? someone eventually asks. A couple of Regents stand up to lean on the table, as everyone listens intently.

"It…would appear so. We do not have all the information required to come to a comprehensive conclusion, however. There may be masking technology of some sort involved, but we must allow for all possibilities. Leading to my involvement in this meeting. To find the truth, my staff and I must be allowed to examine all the evidence directly. Including…you and your ship and crew, Captain Le Beau" he finishes, suddenly darting his eyes to Nemmy.

What’s that? she gasps, feeling distinctly uncomfortable.

He’s right Captain Her father interjects. He will need to arrange interviews with some of your crew, go over your records and such

I don’t think I like the sound of that, she retaliates.

It’s not really your decision, Captain, yet another Regent says. Again, she looks at her father. And again, his face betrays nothing. But it’s obvious to her. He brought her over here specifically to cast her to the wolves.

I’ll arrange the necessary details, Captain. On that note, let us adjourn for now and I’ll escort you back to your shuttle he says, apparently having got what he was after. He gets up and motions his quietly fuming daughter to the doorway. She doesn’t need to be told twice, stepping out into the corridor. He follows quickly, catching up with her as the door closes behind them.

Did I really need to be over here for that? Nemmy snaps. Rayne laughs a little, giving her a fatherly pat on the arm.

Oh Nemantha, dearest. You know how it is, I have to be seen to be impartial and all that he replies.

But I’m going to be investigated by the Ghou-uh…the SIOs?

No no, of course not. I’ll make sure you are an exception. They’ll need to go over your crew though he says.

I don’t think my crew will appreciate me getting even more special treatment she moans, and she means it.

"Nonsense. You are special. You’re a Le Beau. You know I’d bring down the whole Imperium for you, darling! This hit-list business though…most troubling, wouldn’t you agree?" he says. Despite her misgivings, she reveals a slight smile at how blasé he always seems to be.

Yeah. We can’t all have the same enemies, can we? If it’s not the Confederation and I can’t see why it would be, who else can it be?

Unfortunately, that’s what Boczek and his staff will need to discover, he says, and Nemmy ponders over the situation as they enter the shuttle bay. The crew is not going to respond well to having these people searching personal files and possessions. Just what she needs.

Dad…if you knew more, you’d tell me, wouldn’t you? she asks, stopping to look up at him.

I’m not overly fond of secrets. That’s your mother’s job he says, chuckling away to himself. Nemmy isn’t sure he is telling the truth, but it is absolutely more her mother’s style. He brings her in for another hug. They probably won’t see each other for months, she assumes.

I’ll tell your brother you said hello. He’s doing fine work Rayne says.

I’m glad to hear it. I’ll tell mother you hugged me, she’ll probably get angry, Nemmy replies with a grin and a wave. Having more pressing matters on her mind, she rushes through the pre-flight process as soon as she steps onto the shuttle. She can’t hide the news that the SIO will be visiting the Boomslang. The crew have a right to know. As soon as the shuttle is out of the Unbending Light and is gliding back home, she activates her Strap.

Ravaan, Amira, this is the Captain. I need to see you both in the shuttle bay as soon as I return she announces.

Of course, Captain, I will meet you there Ravaan replies. Amira says nothing. Nemmy hopes she might explain what’s bothering her. Although she doesn’t think her mood will improve any with what Nemmy is about to tell her.

She arrives back on the ship safely, slightly improving her landing this time. Coming out of the shuttle, she’s happy to see that the lights are back to normal. Ravaan stands waiting at one of the larger shuttle nooks. Thankfully he had the presence of mind to clear the deck of all crew. Nemmy eventually spots Amira sulking behind him. It’s a confusing sight. The normally powerful Major looks almost timid, with her hands fidgeting around. Whatever it was, it would need to wait. Nemmy steps out of her shuttle and approaches the pair.

Captain, is everything alright? Ravaan asks.

I’m not sure. I’ve had an update regarding that attack we suffered on my first day. It turns out that the Regents have been doing their own investigation she replies. Ravaan’s brow furrows slightly.

That is not their remit, it is a military or police matter he states.

I agree, but you know how they are. People feel safer dealing with things themselves, I suppose. The issue is they only have one real tool to do so… she trails off, steeling herself to reveal the truth. She doesn’t need to. Ravaan visibly figures it out for himself.

The Social Integrity Office, he says, with real annoyance in his voice.

It gets worse, Ravaan. Because we were involved, they are going to be…including us in their investigation she laments. Ravaan sighs loudly. Even to upstanding officers, it is still unsettling to have this outside force second guess everything you do. Nemmy looked at Amira, expecting rage. But she looks…scared?

They are going to come onto the ship? she asks. Nemmy nods, which causes Amira to groan quietly. Both Ravaan and Nemmy stare at her.

Okay Amira, what’s going on? Don’t make me order you Nemmy says. Amira is distinctly uncomfortable for some reason, and her eyes flit around the shuttle bay to make sure they are alone. After some intense staring, she eventually straightens herself up.

Alright. That Red that was being transferred. He…revealed information to Lynsey and I that he should not have known. When we pressed him on it he said there…there was a spy on this ship

What!?! Ravaan shouts. Nemmy shares his shock. A Confed spy on their ship?

That’s impossible, Amira! She exclaims. Amira sadly shakes her head.

The things he was saying…who could know all the things that have happened in the past few months outside this crew? she replies.

Admiral Winters and his staff Nemmy instantly snaps back.

That is most unlikely, Ravaan interjects.

More unlikely than having a spy here under our noses? Nemmy asks. He mulls over the situation for a moment.

Regardless of who is involved, information involving this ship is leaking to outside agents. Therefore, we could all suffer the consequences of this investigation he says, and the full weight of the words hits them all. A person spying on the Imperium can expect life imprisonment or death, and anyone considered an accomplice would fare little better.

By now Amira has regained her composure, having shared her obvious burden.

We can’t tell anyone else about this just yet. I know I’m not a spy, and I’m reasonably certain neither of you is. But we need to discover the truth. Quickly. She says, exchanging stern looks with Ravaan and Nemmy.

Agreed, Ravaan says, to the mild surprise of the others.

You don’t have some procedural complaint? Nemmy asks with a touch of humour.

Procedures and regulations should always be followed, Captain. However, the SIO does not operate within procedural restraints. To me, this is an internal security matter and therefore falls on us to solve it. If there are spies on board, it is our job to stop them. If there are other information leaks, it is our job to suppress them He postulates. They all agree for once, Nemmy jokes to herself.

Okay. For now, let’s keep this to ourselves and behave as normal. Amira, when you can, try to find ways to get some answers Nemmy says. They silently split up and go back to work. Nemmy heads back to the bridge, passing various crew members as she does. She can’t help but look at each person a little longer than normal. How could it be possible? A spy on this ship seemed unbelievable, but there was no way for Nemmy to know. Or to know how much information she may have inadvertently revealed.

Ten of a Kind

Isn’t this an IPF issue? Nemmy asks. On the viewspace, the predictably angry face of Admiral Winters contorts even more.

"Those incompetents can’t be trusted to do anything. Go out there, look around, and smooth out any problems. Those