The main purpose of the quick conversation with the general at the hospital was to set up an official meeting at a Rim army depot on the planet. These depots were nonexistent in the Inner Core and rare in the Outer Core systems. Military forces from both sides freely coexisted in the Outer Core, which served as a de facto neutral zone. Before being taken on board the general's powerful vessel, Titan's Might, the five companions were given ample opportunity to change into their dress uniforms. It was a cruiser, nearly a mile and a half long, with a crew of nearly two thousand people, second only to the Rim Army flagship, Peril Prime, in size and power.
During their journey to the general's office, Kieran Ravy was captivated by the massive ship and was only kept from wandering by his friends' unwavering efforts. When they arrived, the Titan's Might's Tactical Officer was waiting with the three generals from their first recruitment briefing. The nine participants sat down to begin the meeting after shaking hands.
"Thank you for coming so quickly," the senior general said at first. As you remember, we enlisted the five of you to look into issues that were critical to the Rim's security. We currently face this kind of issue. If events result in war, what we are about to reveal may change the course of history. "Mr. Rekman?"
Reaching forward, the tactical officer leaned. An infantry-grade pulse laser weapon has been being developed by the Core's military research divisions, according to a trustworthy source within the organization. Such weapons have the potential to significantly alter the balance of power in ground combat, as you are surely aware, and their development is a blatant breach of the Infantry Laser Ban treaty, which was established in 251 AR.
A question was asked by Nayla Zantara. "Why do you need us if you already know they're doing this? Why not just make the evidence public?
Rekman calmly clarified, "Doing so would compromise our source and could potentially incite mass panic." The public is well aware that events such as these are nearly always interpreted as preludes to war. In order for our scientists to create efficient large-scale countermeasures, we need a physical sample of one of these rifles. However, we must first acquire the rifle itself.
Yan Zantara spoke up this time. "Why us again? Your own troops could easily intercept a shipment from an army depot or even a transport ship, wouldn't they?
"The Core would have a clear pretext for war if the Rim military were found to be carrying out such an operation," the general interrupted. We require two things from you. Get one of these pulse rifles for us first, and make sure it's in good shape. Second, look into the actual manufacturing facility. Find out if there's a practical way to... set up a regrettable mishap that might cause production to stop. Without our direct involvement, the illegal activities of the Core would probably be exposed by the attention that local news networks would give you if you were successful.
"I can help with the first objective," Luna Trevyn said calmly as she folded her arms and leaned back in her chair. "I grew up on Tyran Station, as you may or may not know. I still keep up some... relationships there."
Astonished, Kieran Ravy had to interrupt. "You grew up on Tyran Station?" Tyran Station, a lawless, black cube-shaped building that housed almost seven million souls, was notorious. It had once been a prison complex, but a mass rebellion had freed its inmates, who then claimed it as their own territory, creating a flourishing black market for drugs and pirated goods. It was completely avoided by most civilized sectors.
Kieran Ravy's disbelief was met with Luna Trevyn's usual glacial response. "Yes, Tyran Station is where I grew up. Is that really that hard to understand? My parents were bounty hunters, one of the few good people who lived there. As they pursued a smuggler, they were killed. I stayed until I was fifteen, took rightful revenge on those who had killed them, and then I departed. My parents developed a network of underworld informants, including smugglers, pirates, gun runners, and other shady characters. It was easy enough to intimidate my way onto a transport off that wretched piece of metal after I had established my own reputation. One of their informants was very good at his illegal business and took great satisfaction in keeping up with the latest developments in weapons. Perhaps he has what we're after."
As the senior general admitted, "That certainly clarifies a great deal, Miss Trevyn," "The only information in our files was that you appeared in gladiatorial competitions about four years ago. Tyran is almost a month away from here, even if he were to travel at 100,000 times the speed of light, so your suggestion is sound. The political climate is becoming increasingly tense every day.
With pride, Kieran Ravy said, "Fortunately for you, Kyara can achieve 250,000 times light speed." "We can be there in under two weeks."
"Is your ship adequately armed, Mr. Ravy?" Rekman asked.
"To the hilt," confirmed Kieran Ravy. Eight automated pulse laser turrets and four miniguns for atmospheric engagements are added to the fore and aft quantum missile bays. Here, Yan Zantara has become acquainted with how each weapon system works.
"Sensors?"
"Short-range thermal emission detection and long-range gravimetric scanning capabilities. That is Luna Trevyn's responsibility.
"That should be sufficient," Rekman said. We assume that you can use Miss Trevyn's contacts to obtain any additional equipment you might need in light of the facility's possible destruction. The facility's location coordinates are in our possession, but their advanced signal scramblers have prevented us from knowing the interior layout. Once you are on board, we will send the coordinates to your ship. dismissed.
Silently, the five got up and went back to Kyara.
Having changed out of their dress uniforms and entered the Tyran Station course, Luna Trevyn brought them together on the bridge and told them all she knew about the infamous station. They settled in for the inevitable monotony of a two-week interstellar journey after her briefing was over. Kieran Ravy worked on improving his shotgun from 16 to 20 gauge; Nora Rahmyn added fifty more pages to her ongoing story; Yan Zantara practiced gambling against the AI of the simulator; and Nayla Zantara and Luna Trevyn carefully maintained their armor and sharpened their blades.
On the third day, Kieran Ravy went to Nayla Zantara's quarters after realizing he needed a particular tool he had lent her. He stumbled upon one of the most bizarre scenes he had ever seen when he opened the door without knocking. Crouching low on her hands and knees, Nayla Zantara was actively stalking her room's invisible prey. She jumped up as soon as the door opened, trying to look unconcerned. They stared at each other for a second before Nayla Zantara quickly moved her foot and planted firmly on something. From under her boot, Kieran Ravy could just see a tiny tail wriggling.
With hesitation, he questioned, "Is that what I think it is?"
"No," Nayla Zantara said right away, maybe too fast.
"Come on, Nayla Zantara, I won't tell anyone."
Nayla Zantara reluctantly raised her foot and picked up the item. It was a tiny, artificial mouse that was meant to float slightly above the magnetic floor plating that Nayla Zantara had put in place. It was propelled by tiny air jets. She had been chasing it around the room for fun or practice, Kieran Ravy realized. His eyes wandered, looking for the tool, and settled on a big container with glass walls against one wall. There were several tiny plastic houses, a water dispenser, an exercise wheel, and almost a dozen small, furry brown mice on its sawdust-lined floor. Awaiting an explanation, Kieran Ravy turned back to face Nayla Zantara.
She sighed, "Okay, you caught me," saying. "I have an innate tendency to hunt these small creatures around the ship when everyone else is asleep. I then find it impossible to kill them. I therefore keep them here. The phony one is a good exercise. Make a vow not to tell.
"No problem," Kieran Ravy reassured her, forgetting entirely why he had come.
Nine days later, they were all gathered on the bridge, getting ready to slow down as they got closer to Tyran Station. As a precaution, Kieran Ravy had instructed everyone to report to their designated stations. Yan Zantara attested that every weapon system and countermeasure was fully charged and prepared for use right away. Yan Zantara triggered the ship's defensive armor systems as soon as Kyara descended from hyperspace. Kyara was protected from all but the most potent bombardments by heavy metal plates that glided smoothly from recessed compartments in the hull. Flare and chaff dispensers were armed for anti-missile defense at the same time. Each missile tube cover rose open, and the pulse laser turrets were programmed to automatically engage any adversaries. Against Kyara's typical dark red hull, the deployed armor plates created a stark black silhouette that made the ship stand out in the faint light of space.
Luna Trevyn called out to the Tyran port authority from her communications station. "This is Luna Trevyn from the starship Kyara, and she is asking for permission to dock. Kindly reply.
She transmitted in silence. Luna Trevyn's name clearly carried weight, evoking a mix of respect and fear even in the galaxy's most lawless nook. During the lull, Nora Rahmyn looked around her. Short-range sensors picked up six more vessels, but none of them are moving at the moment.
At last, over the communications, a tense voice crackled. "The starship Kyara is subject to tyran port authority. Wait. About fifteen minutes is the estimated docking delay.
On the bridge, all five stayed vigilant. Wearing virtual reality goggles and specialized data gloves, Nayla Zantara virtually navigated the ship's complex circuitry to look for any issues. From the pilot's station, Kieran Ravy manually led Kyara in the direction of the assigned docking approach vector. Knowing that any one of the six nearby ships could be a threat, Nora Rahmyn kept a careful eye on them. Yan Zantara made a show of turning the main turrets, urging anyone watching to strike.
The port authority called back ten minutes later with a precise approach vector into the docking bay of the station. In this setting, Kieran Ravy preferred manual control to the autopilot and followed it exactly. Nora Rahmyn noticed one of the previously immobile ships starting to approach them as they got closer to the station, its weapon systems activating.
"Contact!" With a shout, Nora Rahmyn immediately communicated the information. "Bearing 197, speed 700 kph, weapons charged!"
Luna Trevyn called out to the approaching ship, telling it to stop, but she got no answer. With each turret in a direct line of sight, Yan Zantara obtained target locks. Kyara reached 1000 kph when Kieran Ravy slammed the throttle forward to 80 percent. He gave Yan Zantara the order to hold fire unless fired upon while executing a tight, high-G turn to use their own weapons against the assailant.
The order turned out to be foresighted. Kieran Ravy had just finished when the enemy ship launched a missile and rained down laser fire. As Yan Zantara launched a full range of counterattacks, Kieran Ravy broke hard. Tersely, Luna Trevyn reported the engagement to the port authority. Yan Zantara's tactical display received constant updates from Nora Rahmyn, who tracked the trajectory of the approaching missile. The countermeasures were successful in decoying the missile, but it only exploded 25 meters from Kyara's hull. Nayla Zantara confirmed that all vital systems were still functioning despite reporting minor damage.
Taking advantage of his ship's superior speed and maneuverability, Kieran Ravy expertly maneuvered Kyara low across the exterior of the station. Kyara's turrets were now blazing, firing at the aggressor at a rate of 600 shots per minute. Kieran Ravy's violent evasive maneuvers made it difficult for Yan Zantara to keep a missile lock. Kieran Ravy suddenly dove, leveling off only ten feet above the surface of the station and reducing the throttle to zero. In a desperate attempt to regain firing position on Kyara's tail, the enemy ship broke left as it screamed past overhead.
Kieran Ravy moved too fast. Throwing the throttle to 90 percent, he quickly got closer to his target. Yan Zantara verified a solid lock and launched one of Kyara's quantum missiles just as Nora Rahmyn picked up a second enemy missile launch. Kieran Ravy had a split-second choice: either stay on course and possibly be hit directly by an unknown-yield weapon, or take evasive action and risk losing his own missile lock. "Brace for impact!" he shouted as he continued on his path.