CHAPTER XVI (‘Set Me Free!’).
[WAKE HIM UP!!”] …Ordered an angry Colonel Bars Oblika, to the Suspension Equipment Monitoring Technician.
(Technician TAI): {“I have no such orders, sir! This will have to be the captain’s decision”.}, TAI replied in a professional manner.
[“So be it then!”], blurted a slightly calmer Oblika.
This only served to further frustrate the blustering Oblika, who had just attended a screen Meeting with two ‘Supremes’ concerning the escapades that one of the Human cargoes had committed, one called Parris, and how it effected their overall Mission to the Planet Hollien, and perhaps even more? The meeting had not gone well for Oblika, who was currently the Ardoccan Assistant ‘Supreme’ in charge of the surface portions of this Mission. His hopes were for consideration of a Promotion to a Bronze Admiralty, a career curve that could take him off this Mission, and even perhaps a transfer out of the Pioneer Corps altogether, while remaining within the Eastern Fleet service.
Oblika was finding himself getting burnt out while working with these troublesome and problematic Humans. Especially these fickle Artists and Musicians. He longed for a return to his roots as a Tactical Commander, and a chance for a stab at the eternal enemy, the Vastians, for killing many members of his Family.
[ “I WON’T TELL YOU AGAIN!! Any more of this delaying tactic, and your Body will be travelling in Space for a Million Years… after I jettison you out there! “]. Threatened an indignant Oblika as he gestured with a wave of a claw at the inside walls of the Starship towards the dark and freezing solitude of space.
{‘There are ‘Protocols’ sir, forgive me...I will summon my Captain.”}. Apologised the flustered Technician TAI.
[“HAA! So be it! I’ll be in my Cabin awaiting YOUR Captain”]. As Oblika stormed out of the Suspension Chamber that housed the four slumbering Earth Musicians, Technician TAI had paused to navigate the arrogance of this Ardoccan upstart of an Officer.
Technical Officer Class 1: VENDIOUS TAI, had been at his Scientific Post for a long time, in fact almost too long to remember. This small, squat, and nervous Ardoccan Technical Equipment Officer, whose job on his Voyage, was to Monitor and maintain the safe levels of Life-support Systems during transportation Missions. This time it was Humans. TAI hated transporting Pioneer Corps personnel. Not so much the Cargo items themselves, but rather these pompous and arrogant mid-level Officers that clamour for the attentions of their seniors, for the desire to gain personal advancement within their own particular Hierarchical structures. Lately, exposure to these crankier types was becoming more onerous as their missions seemly became more complex and fraught with urgency. On this trip, Oblika, was the most cantankerous one yet. Something big is brewing, and their moodiness is showing it. They do not share much information these days, and there seems to be a sense of operational secrecy about them. There is either a sense of desperation about them, as perhaps the War of Defence against the Vastians that has been raging for years in Sector 8 is spreading to Sector 7, or not going well? Or that a general offensive; wherever Vastians are encountered, is about to kick off into a 3rd Ardocco-Vastian War? Whatever is anticipated, no one seems happy these days.
Specialist TAI returned to his Control Room; a small ante-room adjacent to the suspension Chamber where the four Humans travellers were resting inside their Capsules. With a quick irritated punch of a Button at a command console, he summoned his Captain on a private Link. After several anxious moments, the captain’s weathered face appeared on the screen in the centre of the View Console.
“GLEPKO HERE. Yes TAI, what is it?”, he said curiously.
{“My apologies at disturbing you. I have a bit of a problem Captain”}, TAI stated nervously.
“You are not disturbing me TAI, what do you have?”
{“It’s Colonel Oblika, he wants to awaken one of the Humans prematurely. Something happened to the Human we are transporting called …er... Parris. There was an Incident involving him. He made an Unscheduled Mind- leap back to his Homeland, but he showed no signals he had shifted!”}, said the bewildered TAI.
“OH DEAR!” Mused Glepko.
{“Oblika was very angry, something went badly. He demanded…we wake him and…”} …. Tai was interrupted by his Captain.
“I’ll deal with the good Colonel TAI. I have met his kind many times… I realise it’s a risk waking him up, but not as dangerous on the Heart as it used to be.” Glepko reassured.
{“He stormed off to his Cabin, and said he’d be waiting for you!”}.
“Oh! did he now! Sounds like a Challenge! I best not keep the Fool waiting too long then”. Grinned Glepko.
The Captain and Specialist TAI had served together many years ago on a stricken destroyer. TAI had saved Captain Glepko’s life the day their Ship was smashed. Glepko helped TAI’s career by recommending him for Specialist Training as a service of indebtment to him, then found a spot among his Crew for TAI upon his Graduation. They had a history of mutual trust and respect.
{“Very good Captain, I will not do anything until you tell me otherwise”}. Re-assured TAI.
“That won’t be necessary TAI, you may wake him up gradually, he is young, and will be okay—use your best Judgement on the resuscitation levels… I will take the responsibility for it if anything goes wrong”. He ordered.
Captain Glepko had not lost a single Cargo in early Resus. yet, and he had no intentions on having that happen now. Parris was young and could handle it. He knew he was Captain of this Cargo Vessel and usually was in ultimate command. But also, was aware that Colonel Oblika out-ranked him, and it was HIS Cargo and Mission—so technically… Captain Glepko had to follow orders from Oblika. It stung a bit but was the correct protocol. Besides, if there were to be an Interview, Investigation or Inquiry before this Ship got to Hollien- Parris would need to be awake for it.
{“Very good Captain! I shall awaken him”}, TAI responded.
“That’s good TAI, I shall make my way to his Cabin and tell him we are waking him up. Will this be all then?” Asked Glepko.
{“Affirmative Sir, I’ll get to it now”}, TAI replied accordingly.
“Good Job! Glepko Out!”. As the viewing console faded out.
At the conclusion of this conversation, Specialist TAI had good reasons to reminisce on the events that placed him here. As he moved back into his Control Room and reviewed Mike Parris’ s Life-line levels before he began the gradual process of a slow reversal of his Suspension status. He set to pondering on the incident where he first met Captain Glepko.
It was nearly a Lifetime ago, during the 2nd Ardoccan-Vastian Territorial War, when TAI was a Deck 3 Gun Aimer on a Plasma-Cannon Battery. Their ship was the I.A.S: PERCAH, one of the old ‘Zilla 1’ Class Destroyers, in the Eight-Ship (DF-4) of the Eastern Fleet. By the time it engaged several Vastian Destroyers and was now in range to strike at one or two of them- the three Vastian Warships facing off against the PERCAH was hitting her solidly—and caving in the force-fields that protected her. Most of the crew were dead or dying by the time the orders left the bridge to abandon ship. There were twenty Escape pods dotted along the Hull. But this Hull had been breached in multiple spots and the gravity systems had failed. Surviving Crewman were flying around the inside of the destroyer—all wearing Battle suits and having their own air supplies… but disorientated by the Destroyer that was now beginning to somersault wildly. All inside was mayhem. A few dogged Ardoccan defenders gave their all in manning their weaponry to their final moments. Striking at the Vastian attackers for maximum effect. Whoever said they would go down without a fight was proven wrong that day.
In all this carnage, Junior Officer 2ND Class Horo Glepko, a communications Officer—had been severely injured by Blasted Debris rushing through the insides of the Hull. This occurred when both the Engines on the PERCAH had been blow clean off. This action put this valiant Destroyer’s Hull into a slow spinning motion. For a moment, it seems as if the Hits had stopped raining down upon this ship- as their attackers marvelled at the damages they had inflicted—and ceased firing. TAI had made it to one of the starboard side Escape Pods…a jettisonable Bubble of sanctuary that shot from the stricken ship, that normally could hold fifteen crewmen. With twenty Pods- there was plenty of space for the Three hundred Crew of the PERCAH. Few were fortunate enough to find their way into these Pods. To make a bad situation far worse, these Pods could only be activated by the presence of an Officer. No Officer- No Escape. One of the design Flaws of the ‘Zilla 1’ Class. In any event, TAI stumbled into a Pod—which was already Occupied by two other cowering Crewman. They strapped themselves into Crash Chairs..and hoped for an Officer to show up. He did—The Junior Officer Glepko fell into the Pod from above—Gravity had been lost, —his face torn open top to bottom and blinded with rage, by flying debris, and Battle suit singed and smoldering. Glepko activated the Launch Cap button, but the door was buggered. He explained they were “Goners” and ought to “go out like Ardo’s”. TAI recalls, he took matters into hand—and busted open a Wall Panel... and in a few moments—had re-routed the Door panel wiring to make a back-up connection—thus manually over-riding the Door closure sequence. This just gave him time to strap into his Crash Chair—while GLEPKO hit the Launch button. Door closed—TAI’s knowledge of circuitry had saved all four of them! They blasted free of the Hull of the PERCAH! TAI had ‘Set Them Free!” …faster and faster, they roared…as they increasingly accelerated away from the shattered Starship to safety!
It had been a terrible day for the PERCAH’s Destroyer Flotilla of Eight Warships. Three had been annihilated. All had received hits. The flotilla would have to be entirely re-constituted. Maybe upgraded too—as these old ‘Zilla 1’s were already obsolete against modern Vastian Light Divisional Warships.
And of the I.A.S: PERCAH? A total write-off as a functioning Military Asset. She could not be saved that day. Her shattered Hulk would eventually be stabilized by a Rescuing Mission, from its out-of-control, endless Spinning and spiraling—and be taken into tow one week later. All who did not make it to any one of the twenty Pods who perish on that ship. The constant spinning and loss of breathable Air being the main causes of death. The loss of Glepko’s Destroyer was the most serious loss of life in that 4th Flotilla during that engagement! TAI recalled that a full Two Hundred and Eighty-one Crew perished that day. The survivors in their Pod later heard that only five other Escape Pods had made it off the PERCAH that day. Three were recovered by the Ardoccans, the other two either being picked up by Vastians and any occupants taken POW..or perhaps, these Pods were still adrift out in deep space? Only seventeen survivors made it off that Destroyer during that Battle. The balance of crew—being either Kiled, Missing or Taken Prisoner?
After being marooned and adrift in their escape Pod for Two weeks, the four Ardoccan shipmates were rescued by a passing Cargo ship, a ‘Provider’ Class fast Freighter. The ‘Workhorse ‘of the majority of the 5 Fleets. Such gratitude was felt and experienced by TAI, Officer Glepko and the other two at being rescued from certain and lonely deaths in deep space. It was a transformative experience for all four of them. TAI, after having saved Officer Glepko, was sponsored by him in sciences and the study of Alien Species. Upon his Graduation, TAI later transferred into the Transport Division of the Eastern Fleet. When the NOW captain Glepko noticed him on a Roster of available crewmen to select for specific Posts, requested his presence as a member of his crew.
Officer Glepko for his efforts at Leadership and Battle experience—after convalescing, was promoted for Meritorious Services and soon reached the Rank of a Captain. He chose to leave the Destroyer Combat Services arm, transferred into the quieter Cargo Division of Eastern Fleet. He was done as a front-liner. This was a job for the younger Ardocs, the hungry ones. Glepko had seen enough. Of the other two Crewman on the Escape Pod? No one knows. TAI supposed that they had faded into the Services elsewhere. Lost track of them.
This traumatic experience shaped TAI’s perspective on that war and his current role. Does he resent the military for what happened? Or does he carry a quiet sense of pride for his fallen comrades? Maybe this mission with the Pioneer Corps is stirring up old memories, making him question what’s coming next.
Captain Horo Glepko has serious reservations at disturbing transported Humans before their Life-Monitors had fully cycled to the correct stages for resuscitation. It was a Bio-Risk. Both Glepko and Specialist TAI could see a connection to their own personal experiences of some twenty years earlier—where they were also two of four, far from their Home World trapped in a Life Support system on their Escape Pod—or like Mike Parris- locked inside his Transport Capsule.
As Specialist Tai activated the Resus. System, he mused at the thoughts of the bickering Oblika and stead-fast solidity of Captain Glepko locked in professional conflict in Oblika’s Quarters, locking Horns over Mike Parris’ fate.
__
The sleek, black lines of the Space Freighter I.A.S. TEVLOE sliced through the vastness of space, its advanced design cutting past the radiant expanse of the nearest Star—Hollien. Traveling at sub-light speed, the freighter had been journeying for these weeks from the distant Planet Jellsius IV, now approaching its destination: the bustling, resource-rich Hollien Star Group.
As TEVLOE neared the proximity of the Hollien Sun itself, the overwhelming heat and intense light created dramatic shadows that danced across its uneven, armour-clad surface. The rays bounced off the ship's reflective, bulbous Cargo Bays, casting complex patterns of light and dark across its exterior. The surface, a rugged interplay of metal and heat-treated armour, shimmered as the heat-absorbent pads lining the freighter's sides absorbed the unrelenting solar rays, providing both protection and functional power.
This Freighter, TEVLOE, had been a proud part of the Pioneer Corps Fleet. Though designed as a light Transport, it had earned a reputation for its reliability and versatility, often handling massive quantities of Passengers and Cargo. Despite of its compact design, TEVLOE could haul a variety of different Species-- and transporting Hundreds of Ardoccans included—on shorter routes around the Star Systems.
Built as part of the 'TARTAAK' Class, TEVLOE was one of the original Two Hundred and forty-eight Freighters in the Fleet, a testament to its design's success. Yet this freighter had aged gracefully; it was one of the first ever built and had undergone four major overhauls and re-fits to accommodate the wear and tear of its long service life. Despite the frequent repairs, TEVLOE remained steadfast, with its engines—though heavily refurbished—still capable of powering through the vast distances of the Galaxy with dependable force.
On this Mission, the TEVLOE was part of a small convoy of three 'TARTAAK'-Class freighters, tasked with transporting a diverse array of passengers and supplies to Hollien Alpha, the first Planet in the Hollien Star Group. The Cargo was vast and varied, consisting not only of essential equipment, Instruments, and the entourage of 'Roadies' and support Workers, all FENGUs, for the Star Band's upcoming Tour, but also food and drink supplies to keep the crew and performers fueled for the Journey.
There had been a fourth freighter in the original convoy, but it peeled away from the main group one week into the trip. This fourth Vessel was however, not carrying any of the Band's Tour members, nor were there any supplies for the Crew or Instruments aboard. Instead, this fourth freighter was operating on a separate mission, following a different course and heading to a distant part of the Empire on now Official business. Its departure, though odd, was understood by the rest of the Convoy, and no one seemed overly concerned. For now, the three remaining freighters would continue their journey towards Hollien Alpha, where the Band's new Tour would begin, under the watchful eyes of Empire Officials and an ever- expanding entourage of Talent and Support.
Each freighter in the convoy had bee assigned specific duties to ensure that the load was evenly distributed and nothing essential was left behind. TEVLOE carried the substantial portion of the Band's entourage, Instruments. and other vital items, while the second and third freighters handled different segments of the Band's Equipment and personnel. This practice of splitting up the entourage between multiple ships was a precautionary measure; it was considered risky to place the entire Tour crew, their supplies, and all the instruments on a single freighter. Should an accident or mishap occur, it was vital that the Band's operations wouldn't be entirely crippled. It was on the TEVLOE that all four of the 'Star Band' members were resting in their Stasis Capsules. I.A.S. TEVLOE had been chosen for this task since it had all the necessary Equipment and trained specialists already permanently on board. ONLY Mike Parris had violated the Rules and created a confused situation that required an Investigation, some level of consequence, or even Punishment? Until an Inquiry can be made, it had been believed by his Ardoccan handlers, that his thoughtless actions had compromised this entire Mission to Hollien. And this Tour!
______________________________
Some time later, Captain Glepko arrived at the quarters currently occupied by his grumpy guest, Colonel Oblika. Knocking before he entered, a loud and bellowing barked summons from within urged him to enter. Glepko already felt the gruff, commanding, and maybe even impatient tendencies of this Colonel, and made a slight hesitation before entering the quarters. He hated confrontations and expected one today. If it were to occur, then so be it. Oblika had declined to stay in one of the Ship’s State rooms, rather he chose a regular, if spartan and claustrophobic, plain room for his extended stay onboard this Star Freighter. This told Glepko a little bit more about the character of this individual. He shuns luxury. Glepko entered…
"Good day, Colonel Oblika." Said the confident Captain.
["What is good about it, Glepko?"], Oblika stated, as Glepko entered his quarters.
"I am understanding that you want to awaken one of our Cargo Humans, the one called Parris?"
["That is correct, Captain. There has been an Incident, a couple to be honest. I need to question him and there could possibly be some consequences?"], assured Oblika. He had a challenging demeanor about what he said but seemed somewhat calmer than earlier.
["Please Captain, sit down."] as Oblika gestured to Glepko to join him at a Table with two chairs.
Glepko moved across to the table, a white, round and flat surface that had a solitary stem coming out of the Deck floor. The Chairs were more like Backless stools, also on single stems that emerged from the floor. This was a no-frills quarters Oblika elected to stay in. On a table in one corner, Glepko noticed some Maps with markers upon then, like Oblika was working of navigation routes. Approaching Oblika, Glepko prepared for the verbal Judo, being careful as to choose his words well, and not further inflame an already volatile situation. The two older Ardoccan Commanders sat down across from each other and took the measure of their facial features. Oblika could not help noticing a severe scar running the full length of Captain Glepko's face.
"Have to mention that there is a risk in doing an early interruption of a Life support Cycle, that Parris' Health and Life-signs may be potentially damaged?" warned Capt. Glepko dutifully.
[" Well, that will be too bad for him! Give him a shot of something to mitigate any ill-effects then."], answered an irritated Oblika.
"It sounds like you are giving me an order Colonel, and on my own Ship!"
["I am Captain, take whatever measures you need to, to ensure his safety then."], stated Oblika sternly.
" Colonel Oblika, YOU run your mission, and I'LL run MY Ship! I have ordered to WAKE HIM UP, and YOU will stop telling ME what to do!", Grepko blurted, pointing a Claw at Oblika. Oblika seemed taken aback and was not prepared for a retort such as this.
["AGREED! Its YOUR Ship, small as it may be, but it is MY Mission!"] Oblika giving another dig at the patient Captain.
Glepko stiffened and turned his head as if to re-focus, while trying to contain himself, but began to grow angry-- Glepko stood up. Oblika did likewise....
" Oblika! My ship is not SO small, and if YOU wish to remain a passenger on it, and remain as my 'Guest’, I suggest you change your attitude and act more of the Professional I assume you can be...COLONEL!".
Colonel Oblika now stood to his full height. These two grizzled Veterans would either make amends- or begin to duel? Mutual Honour being at stake now. They eyed one another like to contemporaries, neither wanted to go down that road of ruin, but both knew they were too Senior to be behaving like new Hatchling squaddies.
[" Captain! Have you served in either War?"] Oblika asked. It was a sensible question, and one that could just defuse the tensions between these two?
"Yes. The first one, a Lifetime ago now. I was a Junior Officer—and had my Destroyer blown in half and was one of only seventeen survivors on the I.A.S. PERCAH. We lost Two Hundred and Eighty-One Crew on her. Most of the survivors were wounded-- Its where I picked up this lovely little Mark", Pointing to the huge Gash on his face. "Many crew that made it into Escape Pods were unable to launch, because there were insufficient stinking Officers alive left to initiate the Escape Protocols to join them. They died needlessly within a breath of salvation. A very stupid Rule, that costs many Lives. I did much to petition a change to this insane Policy. There were three others that made it into my Escape Pod before I was able to join them. But the Launch system was fried. One of those Crew-- a circuit specialist, was able to rig the wiring to allow me to punch in my Privileges to allow the Launch sequence. I owe that Ardoc my Life. His name is TAI, Officer TAI, that same crewman you have been abusing in the Transportation Room! I shall not bore you with many more details, but this was the Eighty-Eighth Battle of that long ago War, and we lost one other Destroyer from our Flotilla that day, (DF-4). That would have been the I.A.S DORRAN, which lost One Hundred and Eighty Crew taken Prisoners of War by the invading Vastians."
Captain Glepko had taken his angry gaze off Oblika and now seemed lost within deep and painful memories as he re-lived his horrific ordeal. He continued. " When we were rescued and following recovery and de-briefings-- I transferred to the Transport Division's 'Rescue and Recovery' Units. I felt I could pay things forward... then got my own command, the TEVLOE. I have earned this Oblika, with my own and the Blood and Tears of my Crew".
Stunned and feeling quite Humbled-- Oblika slowly sat down and put his head down in a Bow. He was no longer bristling for a fight with the Junior Officer Glepko. And no longer thought of him as an 'upstart' little Captain of an obsolete Cargo ship on a nowhere Mission. He respected him now. Everyone in service seems to have their own stories. He now knew Glepko's and realised he was not a force to be trifled with. Oblika let out a deep breath of air.
["The DF-4, that is an old Unit. One of Eastern Fleet's early Destroyer formations. One of the 'First Ten”! I am impressed. What type of Destroyers were you serving on?"] Oblika was becoming intrigued now.
"One of those older 'Zilla 1'-Class Destroyers, good in their day, or in times of Peace. They were old when the Vastians invaded our Eastern Area, drawing an arbitrary line to connect to their new Frontier of Sector 8. Oops! Sorry-- half of the Eastern portion of our Territory just happened to be in their way—what an inconvenience for them! So, as you may recall, along came Three of their Four Fleets and about Twenty Light Divisions…to plough us out of their path. With supporting Units-- over Five Hundred Warships tore through our Eastern Territorial Zone! But we did not make it so easy for them. Only it was necessary to throw whatever we had against them-- to grind them into a long frontier area. "
["I have studied all the Campaigns, they were Death-Traps against their modern and fast Light Divisions!"], Oblika observed sullenly, letting out a Sigh of regrets.
"No... against their First Fleet, fifty well-armed and modern Starships. We virtually went up against them head on. They tore us to pieces". Glepko said sadly.
["I am sorry Captain. We have lost far too many good Ardoccans in these struggles. My father was a Statesman in our Grand Council in the Kla'ara System. He and a large number in my Family were killed in Border Strikes by rampaging and raiding Vastian Gunships firing indiscriminately at our Planetary surfaces—especially at the Kla'aran System's Capital. Following the strike at the Capital, and the death of many Electoral Leaders, Memorials to heir sacrifices were made. A destroyer was named,'Oblika' after my father. It was one of the newer Classes, a 'Zilla III' Class. Sadly, it too was destroyed in combat, during our Seventeenth Battle against these invading Scum. The I.A.S. OBLIKA was deployed in our Southern Fleet's (DF-10). Forty-two Crew were unscathed, while forty-seven were wounded and two Hundred and eleven Killed. We lost that War didn't we."]. Oblika looked downcast.
" We lost the best of us." Glepko said calmly. "But we learned from our mistakes and adapted to carry on. We will beat the Vastians one day, their own vast Empire will become unsustainable and implode upon them. Their Cruel ways will be their own undoing!". Glepko added optimistically.
[" There is no shortage of Courage in this room Captain. I lost many friends fighting on several Cruisers in Eastern Fleet during our Second Vastian War, our last against these bastards. This was where I was wounded"]. Oblika removed a piece of covering on the left side of his face. He exposed a Gaping hole left by a searing burn mark. ["See, a piece of flying Bulkhead hit me full in the Face! 'Out like a Light’. My ugly Head blocked its path!"]. Both Veteran Ardoccans let out Howls of laughter.
Captain Glepko now sighed, having finished his giggles...and shook his head in wonder.
"Two Career Officers, two Wars, such memories!"
["Indeed. We must talk some more about these things over a drink. I'll cut you some slack Captain. I do need to speak to Parris as our future commitments on Hollien maybe in Jeopardy. I am fighting against time and the 'Shadowman' entity as it grows closer to us in this part of the Galaxy. Parris and those other three can help us fight the enemy... as I know another War is coming and we must fight our mutual enemy on several different fronts, in many ways."]. Oblika had pressed his point home, and this now made logical sense. Time was indeed running out.
Their conversation brimmed with tension, loss, and resilience! It re-told a vivid story of a prolonged and devastating conflict between the Ardoccans and the Vastians, where sacrifices and mistakes weigh heavily on both veterans.
No sooner had Oblika finished his conversation about the 'Shadowman' did Glepko's Comm. Device on a strap attached to the inside of his left forearm begin to 'Beep'. Glepko tapped a button on it to receive this call.
" Its Specialist TAI", Glepko stated.
{" Hello Captain, Parris is awake, a little the worse for wear. He is confused and vomiting, but stable."}, reported TAI. Oblika spoke up.
[" Captain, could you tell TAI to have him escorted to one of your Detention Rooms, I'll come and see him once he is there."], Oblika instructed. ["Provided that you have such a facility? If that is okay with you, Captain?"].
"Yes, we do. Did you hear that TAI?"
{"Affirmative Captain, the usual precautions if he is deemed a threat?"}. TAI inquired. Glepko looked across at Oblika.
"Will he be a problem, Colonel?", he asked.
[" He ought NOT to be, but he has had a traumatic transitional trip and is now back with us in both Body and Mind again. Use your discretion"].
"Okay Tai, don't take any chances, we don't know enough about this Human Cargo member to be complacent".
{" Consider it taken care of Captain. He'll be sent to Deck 2 Detention Centre. If that will be all, I need to return to my duties, Sir."}.
"Thank you, TAI, Glepko out."
[" Thank you, Captain, if it alright with you, I need to take a rest right now."].
" Not a problem Colonel, take care of what you must." As Glepko shot a grin at Oblika. He had been around long enough to know when he was being 'fed a line'. Oblika returned a quizzical expression at Captain Glepko. He needed a short conference with one of the 'Supremes' to determine Mike Parris' fate. And he did in fact feel a Headache coming on, and the need to lay down a while was a welcomed one. Glepko bade a short farewell to Oblika and was off returning to his Bridge and his further responsibilities.
______________________________
Specialist TAI had triggered the resuscitation of Mike by the introduction of vital Chemicals, Stimulants and Hormones crucial to accelerate his Pulse and promote a safe degree of consciousness. The precise balance between technology and human fragility was crucial. Specialist TAI's timely intervention is a compelling sequence of advanced medical technology, as Mike fought his way back to consciousness.
When Mike came to, he immediately began to vomit as his Body re-adjusted to the surroundings and his life-signs improved from the Managed Stupor he had been maintained within. TAI had been successful in preventing the Shock upon his body due to his early awakening, that may have been caused. He was offered water and given a Saline Capsule. Mike soon stabilized and his Vital signs were returning to the normal levels conducive for a good recovery.
Standing to the rear of Mike were two large Ardoccan Warders. Once he seemed lucid enough to stand-up, albeit very shakily, the two warders moved closer on each side of Mike, grabbing an Arm each. They bent Mike's Arms behind his back and hoisting him higher to his toes in a fluid and quick move, linked both his wrists within a Ring-like Device that Hummed when it connected! Mike had been ...restrained?!?
" What?? What are you doing to me?! Mike demanded to know.
{"GO EASY ON HIM! He has just come out of his sleep! Mike, you are being held for...questioning!"}, TAI responded.
"HELD!? Where the hell can I go anyways? We are on a Ship in the middle of Space!? Whose idea is this?"
{" I am Technical Specialist 1st Class, Vendious TAI, Mr Parris, the Officer in charge of your Transition Sleep and your safety on this journey. My Captain ordered this- at the request of Colonel Oblika"}. TAI answered.
Vendious TAI was very uncomfortable performing this task. His primary focus was one of care giving and the safe passage of his passengers, not one of punishing them.
"OBLIKA!?" Mike yelled. "HE is supposed to be our Friend!"
{" I am sorry Mr Parris, something happened via your journey. You committed a Violation of a sorts and will be questioned thoroughly by the Colonel over it"}. TAI explained. TAI’s attempts to mediate and remedy the situation was futile. Orders were orders.
"A VIOLATION!? I don't understand. I have been here ...all...along..." Mike's voice trailing out.
The realization now dawned upon Mike that he had been on a different kind of a journey. Memory of his recent 'days' began to flood back into his mind. Of a time where he returned to his Apartment, his meeting with his Landlady, Agnes Cable. Seeing his Boss, Charlie Tring and having a strange and confusing conversation with him. The Pub, the Ten Bells, and meeting the sultry and attractive Bank Teller earlier, the 'days ' he spent there....and telling of his plans to leave for Wales. And then...KATE! Meeting the Beautiful Kate! Thoughts of guilt washed over him... for Mark, as he had fallen for his Girlfriend, which was never his intention at all. And then Mike recalled meeting that terrible Beast of a Spider Creature he had briefly fought with, that almost killed him! Surely his current situation is not related to all that...it had to have been a Dream? Surely...?
To jar him back into reality, the two Warders had someplace to go with Mike and hefted him higher on his legs...they now pulled him along.
("LET'S GO NOW!"), the one on Mike's right side stated. Or at least that was what it sounded like.
Mike was Drag-lifted along at a rapid pace now, escorted towards the door by his Elbows.
"EASY!", Mike protested. "Where are you taking me? I want to talk with Oblika, he'll explain all this. What have I done? I've been here all the time!? Right over there?" Mike urged, nodding with his head back towards the Capsule behind him, where he had been housed. He was almost clear of the Capsule room now; the other three Band Mates were still asleep inside their respective Capsules. This was a huge misunderstanding for sure.
Mike was bustled through the doorway and out into a corridor. He would be taken down a ramp to a lower level and into a containment area and held there until further notice. Specialist TAI would follow Mike and his two warder Escort Detail to his Detention room—urging them to be more careful with him and not to rush him in haste to their destination. Explaining that he was still groggy and suffering the effects of an early Wake-up procedure. TAI would also be offering sporadic apologies to Mike as he trailed along behind the three of them. Mike would be heard to occasionally emit loudly shouted swear words, while intermittently calling for Oblika.
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Mike was taken down a lengthy ramp and turned right by his escorts, to follow a wider corridor. Its walls were a light blue in Colour, a difference from the white, or light opaque of the corridor walls of the level above. Mike struggled to get his bearings, but he had no idea of the Cargo ship's layout. Was this a second Level Deck? He was trying to get a sense of his direction. However, Mike was still groggy and the sudden exertion and stress of these brisk and manual movements as he was drag/lifted along against his will, was weakening him from his transitory experiences and recent revival.
After what seemed like several minutes, and mikes few erupted words of profanity, along with the closely following TAI's occasional protests for care and apologies given, he was halted at a portion of the corridor framed by what looked like a Chrome Rectangle. Slowly the light blue hue within this frame began to clarify into a translucence whereupon the interior of a large room could be made out. Mike could see a raised Dias, perhaps a bed? Also, some device and a Basin in a corner, assumably perhaps an area to toilet oneself as well as a source of water to maybe wash? On the Dais was what looked like a tray of food, assorted fruits and bread-like items. Not a whole lot, and a drinking vessel.
The translucent wall ahead of Mike suddenly changed to clear- and his two escorts moved to unbind Mike's wrists from his ring restraint, while continuing to hold his elbows and wrists firmly. Mike tested his resistance at their grip, but not an iota could he move their hold upon him. It was as if he were pushing against a Rock wall. TAI began to speak....
{"This is where you will be held Mr. Parris. Colonel Oblika is on his way down here to begin his questioning and inform you of what transpired upon your transitory Visit to your Home world."}
Mike looked about this confinement room, spied the food tray, and wondered how long he would be made to remain in there?
" This is where I am to be kept? Okay, I get it, this is a joke, right?!" Mike was now very worried.
{"You will remain in here until we see fit to release you, Mr. Parris, it ought not be for long"}. TAI reassured him.
The Warder who has spoken to Mike initially now barked out another order.
"GO INSIDE...NOW". And then Mike was nudged firmly beyond the metal framed wall and inside he room he had been looking at.
"EASY GUYS! Is this only for a few moments, hours or ...overnight?" Neither replied to him.
The 'Wall' changed back to translucence again, causing Mike to spin around and put out his arms to feel to touch, felt solidity and pushed against it. It was a barrier, now closed behind him. He was sealed inside now! This was a concealed doorway into this room. A door that could be made to vanish and re-appear upon demand. What a concept! Mike never failed to be impressed with Ardoccan Technology. Despite these constant surprises, a wave of fear now began to grip Mike.
"TAI, DON'T GO....DON'T LEAVE ME HERE... TELL THE OTHERS-YOU MUST TELL THEM WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO ME!" Mike called urgently. He was thinking he'd be here for a little bit as there is food and sustenance left for him. TAI had been the only one in this incident that had demonstrated any care and remorse for his predicament. TAI’s fleeting compassion contrasted sharply with the coldness of the Warders, which adds to Mike’s psychological tension. He depended upon TAI for help. He became scared that TAI had to leave and only had a minimal role as Mike's ally. A he faded away from Mike's view, he moved against the barrier, cupping his hands to his face to focus his eyes as to see him clearer, as the image of TAI slowly vanished into obscurity. The wall continued to get blurrier until it too became as like the light blue Corridor walls that hid it.
"TAI!! DON'T LEAVE ME HERE!! ...THIS IS WRONG!!"
Little did Mike know that this room would be his 'Home' for the next two weeks!
-----------------------------
Sealed inside his temporary ‘Prison’, Mike had a sense of extreme astonishment, disappointment at the power dynamics at play in his fate, and a sense of betrayal in the trust factor he had grown accustomed to have accepted. How long does it take to come to see me was all he was thinking “He is on his way down here”, right! This freighter is not THAT big, and Oblika would sort this out when he got down here.
Mike wandered over to his dais and inspected the Foods left there for him. Some he recognized from the Fengu Banquet, which seemed a lifetime ago. Others, he had never seen before, such as a yellow, Triangular Fruit, he assumed it was…that was soft when he picked it up. Putting up to his nose, it smelled like a Pear. As he squeezed it again, it hissed, causing Mike to immediately drop it! It fell onto the floor, and Mike watched in amazement as it flopped onto its base—then began to self peel from the top!? Astonishing! Was it alive? Mike was so fixated upon this weird and convenient food item, that he failed to notice the Wall doorway had cleared and in the framed wall stood the looming Oblika.
[“They taste a lot better when you don’t throw them on the floor!”]. Oblika blurted.
Turning fast, he was relieved to see the glowering, black form of Oblika stepping inside the room. He felt a wave of reassurance. Oblika was wearing his Battle Armour, making him look even taller and more imposing to behold.
“Thank the stars you are here! I was starting to get very worried, Bars.” Mike exclaimed.
He rarely referred to Oblika by his first name, however, in view of where he was being held, calling him on a personal level would not hurt. Mike needed every edge he could seek. It was an appeal.
“You are wearing Battle Armour, have we been attacked?” Mike was being cheeky. And trying the lighten the atmosphere.
[“Even in this predicament, you have to be cocky Mike! I am here to ask you a few things, and you must tell me the truth.”]. Said the serious Ardoccan Commander.
[“Take a seat on that cushion bed”], said Oblika pointing with a clawed Hand to the dais.
Mike sat stiffly on the dais, feeling the weight of Oblika's piercing gaze. The room seemed to shrink under the tension as Oblika stepped closer, his armor clinking faintly with each deliberate movement. The self-peeling fruit lay forgotten on the floor between them.
["Mike,"] Oblika's voice was measured, almost mechanical, ["I need you to tell me everything. Why you think you are here? What you did on your…. ‘Walk-about’ in London? Who you saw? What was said? And what you planned in your escape arrangements to a place called…Wales? And oh! this Interview is being recorded’]. As he points to a device in the centre of his Brest-plate.
[“Right here, the Supremes will be reviewing this, and deciding upon whether to continue funding our Project Mike, or disband the Band and call it quits on this little Pioneer Corps experimental Program. This is high stakes and is all or nothing Mike. What you share will make that difference!”] Oblika announced bluntly.
“Oh! My God!! This is it then? The future rests in my hands…well, lets begin, shall we?”
Mike swallowed hard, suddenly aware of how dry his throat felt. The questions would be sharp, but Oblika's tone may carry an undertone of something deeper—a warning, perhaps, or even an accusation. Oblika was not just here for answers; he was seeking truth, justice, maybe retribution.
[“Then I will begin. Were you aware of where you were –being in the Capule memory, or did you really believe you were back inside your World in London?”]. Oblika pushed.
Mike's heart sank. The room felt colder now, more oppressive. He realized Oblika already knew far more than he let on. This was no ordinary interrogation; it was a test—and Mike wasn't sure he could pass. He had to be frank, and honest. Nothing else would suffice.
“There are probably more effective ways in which to get the layers of Mental recall from me, like hypnosis, but having travelled to Jellius IV in one direction and being fully aware, it seemed bizarre to me that I should plunge into a deep sleep within the Capsule, and wake up on my bed in my old flat, four months later on…what a dream?!” Mike was thinking in an orderly linear manner-but still a bit foggy from the resuscitation process.
Mike had no recollection of the Capsule while in his Rented flat after he awoke. He thought it just another colourful dream he had. But then recollected the memory of his bandmates, the Gigs, his time on Jellsius IV and Oblika.
“I will say that my recent memory of being on the TEVLOE here, was absent when I awoke in London, yet I could remember older memories and determined I should set about redressing some issues that were now a vacuum in my Life there. It was an opportunity to fix things”. Mike outlined.” I meant no harm to anyone. I thought up a ‘Cover Story’ to explain my absence”.
[“Tell me what it meant to you to ‘fix’ things”]. Oblika sought a deeper meaning. Hinting at a deeper introspection—perhaps encouraging Mike to confront not just the logistics of returning to his old life but the emotional and philosophical layers that come with it. Mike hesitated before speaking….
“I had Back-Rent to pay-but the Flat was still full of my things!? I had pre-authorized cheques that covered the housing payments for a bit and figured I had lost my Job as I stopped showing up to work there. When you snatch someone out of one Life, to some place else, life still goes on. Bills still need to get paid. Jobs done and money matters attended to. I owed it to my landlords to connect with them. With my Boss Charlie, he depended on me, and I left him hanging. That was my rationale. I am sorry.”
[“That sounds completely reasonable Mike. And you plan to go to Family in Wales?”]. Oblika offered.
“That was my ‘Outs’, my story to justify my disappearance. As it was, that was my last resort—I just needed a place to lay up and get my head together”.
[“So, you would have gone anyways? You were being monitored Mike, although your physical body were still in the Capsule, you were having the appearance of a solid form in London to re-adjust your Body, resetting your biological form to pressure and gravitational tolerances. We did not consider you a flight risk at that time-so was entertained by your actions before you would have been recalled anyway—as it were—you were vanishing slowly—as you knew”]. Oblika had set the record straight.
“Yes, I was finding myself slowly disappearing. Okay for day one but noticeably wore after day two”. Mike was getting nervous. “I had the after though that the difficulty I had in contacting Family in Wales, could only perhaps confound matters and migrate my problems to my auntie there jeopardizing her safety. I did not wish that, plus I was vanishing and didn’t think I would make it there anyhow”. Mike offered the reasonable answer.
[“SO, you were not serious about going to Wales?”] Pressed Oblika.
“Well, I thought I were dying, and did not wish to vanish while on a Train, plus hiding my condition would have made it impossible to mask at that point, neither arrive, as an incomplete person in body, and scare my aunt, and then shortly die in front of her!” Mike answered logically.
[“Hmmm? That does make sense. You would not have ‘died’ as just returned into your Body in the Capsule. There is a big element of truth in this experience Mike. You really, in essence, were till here”]. Oblika was interrogating, while softening the basis for locking him up here, as he really did not go anywhere either, but did in mind, where body manifests itself as a physical form in that Space Time. He was acting both as an Interrogator, but as a Council for Mike’s defence against the aloof whims of the ‘Supremes’.
Oblika had invested so much into his Human Musician’ Rock & Roll Star Band’ Project, and seen firsthand their successful effects upon the FENGUs, that he was fighting to salvage his Project as well as divided upon whether to let it all fall apart, so he could transfer back into Eastern Fleet Operations for a promotion and join the approaching War.
[“So, Mike… you went to the Cable Home to discuss Rental money?”] Said Oblika.
“That is correct. Additional funds had been furnished to them, for ‘incentive purposes’ to maintain my Rental suite. From a Liscombe….”
[“Benevolence Fund---my idea! Hope you approve—nobody is going to suffer financially nor to miss you, Mike. We have many resources and can duplicate your Money very easily AND manipulate Bank account amounts. Just Numbers Mike, just numbers, we change the numbers, and money can fall from the Stars”.] Oblika stated proudly.
“Wow!! I wondered. Same with Charlie Tring’s company--- he is rolling in cash now. Told me being gone was great for Business. Stay away was his final message”.
[“Like I said. No one will miss you”]. This time his tone was more ominous. The mirth was gone. A creeping suspicion that this Interview was not going to go so well for Mike.
[“What did you discuss with Charlie Tring? Can he be a threat to our operation?”]. Oblika probed.
“Charlie is no threat Bars, he likes to keep busy, and he certainly is now with all the Equipment Orders he has been getting, and Money form that Fund to keep my Job open…he’ll miss me”. Mike assured Oblika.
[“My idea too—the Cases and Boxes…you were right, we need Guitars in Cases, with Stands, not laying about the floor like rubbish getting damaged. These are sensitive tools of your trade, so I had not considered that. And Tring? Think about it, your absence, is his gain”]. Oblika had a point. [“He has a use to us, so he will be left alone, the others not so much!”]. There was a different spin on Oblika’s language now, a darker one. Mike would discover the ghastly truth soon enough.
[“Who was that young woman in the Bank you were having some fun with?”] Oblika inquired.
“Jasi, I think she was called. Nice young lady. She was able to tell me my financial situation and update my Banking Book. I want to thank you for depositing Money into my Bank Account, Bars. Thank you!”. Mike said gratefully. “She was only doing her job as a front-end Bank Teller. Nothing more. Harmless.”
[“And your landlords? Are they harmless also? Or do they have big mouths?”] Oblika knew something of Agnes Cable, a bit of a busy-Body and gossipy woman, he was almost hinting at something.
“Will my landlords be left alone too?”. Mike asked, on this, Oblika remained silent. Mike had the sense that something was awry.
[“Then there was the lovely KATE Mike. Mark’s girlfriend! You made a special day just for her, didn’t you? Why was that?”]. Oblika did not know…but his proximity to Mike had led him to detect some of Mike’s forming thoughts and images, as Neil had warned him of.
“I made a promise to Mark. If I were ever back there—due to some sad conversations we have had over her- and I felt like I had already met her. That I would seek her out and let her know Mark is still alive and missed her. Mark is depressed Oblika. I had to think on my feet ….”
[“One of the Traits I like about some of you Humans, quick to adapt to changing circumstances…”] Oblika chided in.
“….an tell a fib about abductions by a foreign Gang, who get us play to a very select Audience—but I escaped…”
[“Not a fib, but a Lie... and how convenient! Very nearly ‘told all’ and gave things away, didn’t you?”].
“I never intended to…never meant to... jeopardize our Mission, Bars. It was spontaneous. Attraction softened my Judgement, that was all it was. I needed to gain her trust—I think I did.” Mike was feeling very pressured and looked Oblika in his stern and glowering face.
[“I suppose it was better than telling the truth. She saw your face in a vanished patch, didn’t she?”]. Oblika was aware of some of the details of Mike’s journey already.
“Yes, she did, I don’t know what she thought about it—some weird Tropical disease or something, lol”. Mike exclaimed. “But she was accepting of it”.
[“It was decided that some loose ends you were clearing up, had their own momentum and we had to clean up some ‘loose ends’ of our own, too”].
“WHAT DO YOU MEAN !?!” Mike was very alarmed. And attempted to stand up quickly, but Oblika pushed him straight back onto the dais, upsetting the tray of food and stepped on the strange yellow peeling fruit, squashing it into a flat mush!
[“Your IRRESPONSIBLE ACTIONS have led to some very TRAGIC consequences, Mike. NONE of my Determination note! At our count, you made connections with five others while there. CORRECT?”]. Oblika now loomed above Mike menacingly -now nervously seated on the dais, and thoroughly intimidated. He continued to chide Mike. [“DON’T DARE to EVER raise your voice at me in here again like that, DO YOU UNDERSTAND!”]. Oblika meant business. Was it for show? Mike was taking no chances.
Oblika did a strange thing at this point after roughing Mike up a little, he hit the recording device on his breastplate once sharply- disabling it, as if burst apart and fell to the floor. Mike was not certain what that was about but thought he out to try to de-escalate Oblika with an apology.
“I apologize Oblika!” Mike was cowed by his outburst. “Can we continue… afresh?”
[“YES, we can. It was determined to send in a spy to investigate who, and what, was divulged, if anything? Not my decision, but my Pet Agamemnon a creature I had raised when I found it near death and nurtured it back to life was sent to stalk and watch. It has been a good companion to me and has some very unusual and a special set of qualities. It is loyal unto me. And the ‘Supremes’ alone. They have more control over it than I and can over-ride my own influences upon it. This is what happened in London.
“Are you referring to that Monstrous Spider Creature that attacked me? “Mike asked curiously.
[“Yes, I am, I named him after that Character of Greek mythology, Agamemnon, kind of rolls off the tongue, doesn’t it? A Greek King. He was sent to investigate those you met with. And sadly, a ill-planned decision was made by the ‘Supremes’ to neutralize one or two of them. Sorry Mike, Collateral damage as you Humans say.”].
“What happened Bars…TELL ME PLEASE!! I know these people, some are my friends…this is INSANITY!!” Mike was totally aghast.
[“The decision to neutralize your landlords was made. Sorry—it was not my doing at all. I argued against it, and worse… the last person to visit with Agnes, was yourself Mike! She was killed in your own rental suite Mike, that does not look good for you—and in your disappearing as well! Fred, her husband or Mate?”].
“Husband, Bars… been married many years …with their two children… were they murdered also?” Mike was beside himself in grief.
[“No children were harmed; they were not there in the Cable household—only Sidney. Agamemnon killed Agnes in your apartment. You did not see her?”].
“Not that I can recall. I hit this spider with a metal Garbage Can in my Bathroom, I do recall that. I grew exponentially in size—I had never felt such fear. Oh God!! What have I done!!” ---“KATE!! No—is she okay???
[“Kate has not been harmed Mike. They wanted her and Charlie dead too—but Charlie is useful to us, and I explained that Kate is property of Mark’s in the Band—so she is off-limits too’].
“Kate…. Doesn’t BELONG to MARK Bars, not property. Intimate Friends of a sexual nature— ‘mate’ if you want to call her that”. Mike emphasised.
[“So that is that. Glad you had a great visit Home Mike, and for what? You found a few things out—and people have died over it. Well done little Brother!”]. Mike collapsed back onto his dais and began to weep sorrowfully.
“Where do I go from here…Oblika?”
[“You will remain here as our ‘House Guest’ in confinement, for a period of reflection. The length of Reflection period is to be determined by a ‘Supreme’ assigned to this case. That is all I can say for now. The Recording device got ‘damaged’ because of our minor fracas. So, now you know Mike. You are not to divulge the last bit of intel I gave you. And I cannot say for sure when you will see the other three Band mates? I don’t imagine you will be here for more than one of your Months. I would get some rest, some food—and clean this mess up man! I will check up on you tomorrow Mike”].
With that parting farewell, Oblika wandered back to the wall—and as it cleared back to opaque and light blue-had vanished as quickly as he arrived.
Mike was left with his frenzied worries and guilt-ridden conscience.
The Interview was at a conclusion.
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