The Tornado Sojourns (2) – Chapter 16 – Breaching

 

Having spotted their target in the Blue Horizon, Lyris and Zerrad ordered another drink, while the latter sent an electronic signal to the Commander, and then they waited while Kurla got comfortable and during the next half hour the Skeets witnesses an array of wrong doing among the clientele, where a variety of contraband changed hands.

The undercover Legionnaire’s Chuto and Plimmy were both in sight, the former was sitting at the Bar and the latter was playing a gambling machine.

As it appeared that the entire criminal fraternity were present in the bar and the card games were well under way, with a lot of cash on the tables, so Lyris felt there was no reason to wait any longer so he nudged Zerrad and nodded to Chuto and Plimmy in turn and they made their way into the pre-arranged positions as Zerrad sent the go signal.

Zerrad was by the bar and would jump over the counter and prevent anyone from exiting through the door to the staff area and Plimmy would secure the exit via the kitchen and Chuto would zero in on Kurla.

The moment Zerrad sent the go signal Lyris walked towards the main entrance and the second he opened it to leave, the first squad of Legionnaire’s flooded in through the double doors.

The instant the first soldier appeared Chuto ran up the steps gun in hand and Zerrad slipped over the bar and blocked the doorway leading into the staff area.

“Nobody move” Chuto yelled and two of the card players leapt from the table and headed out the door to the garden only to reappear seconds later followed by twelve black clad Legionnaire’s.

Chuto headed back towards the bar just in time to see the “tattooed lady” climb over the bar but Zerrad shoved him back the way he came.

AaHannaa ran headlong for the kitchen door but Plimmy barred his way at the last moment and he ended up on his back on the floor.

Plimmy held his ground until Lt Nulak, tapped him on the shoulder, and the undercover Legionnaire shaped to throw a punch but pulled it at the last second.

“Sorry Sir!”

“That’s ok, thank you for not hitting me Plimmy”

 

While the Legion soldiers were securing the bar Lyris left the commotion in his wake and quickly made his way to the landing field, accompanied by two Legionnaires, to secure Kurla’s Spider Hawk Fighter to prevent him from beating a hasty retreat in the unlikely event that he slipped through the Legions net.

Lyris thought it unlikely that he would, but he went along with the plan because he wanted the opportunity to fly a Spider Hawk again.

When they got to the area of the field where the smaller craft were parked they soon found the one they were searching for but they also discovered that there were two men guarding it.

Lyris checked his run and was about to give his two escorts the command to deal with them when they both opened fire hitting the guards in the chest with a stun blast.

“Excellent” he said, “Now drag them clear so I don’t cremate them when I take off”

“Yes sir” they chorused

“Then conceal yourselves in case the owner comes looking for his “Bird”” Lyris said as he climbed aboard.

Once inside he was hit with a rush of nostalgia as memories flooded back to his consciousness.

“Hello baby” he said and sat himself at the controls and when he lifted off and hit the thrusters he let out a triumphant yell.

 

Back at the blue Horizon the whole operation lasted less than ten minutes and there were only a few minor injuries on both sides, it took four Soldiers to subdue Kurla Babic and it was only after he was hit with a pulse disruptor that he was finally overcome and arrested.

Of the Blue Horizon’s ninety-eight patrons present at the time of the raid twenty-seven were arrested for crimes committed in Legion territory and a further three who were wanted by the Mehreen Empire.

Among those arrested were “Lydia” and AaHannaa, “Lydia” for resisting arrest and AaHannaa for offences committed in six separate systems.

 

One miscreant caught in the raid, Chane Ritzian, was found in possession of several stolen items and some counterfeit currency.

When the various transports on the field were searched Ritzians was an Aladdin’s cave of contraband, so on the strength of the goods found in his cruiser the Legion searched every rathole and hovel in the system that he was known to frequent and they seized more currency, stolen property and weapons, they also found documents, which would lead them to search property’s all over Legion Space.

 

When Lyris landed the Spider Hawk next to the Tornado after going for a lengthy joyride he found Zerrad and the Commander in conversation next to the cargo ramp.

“Great work tonight Mr Skeet” the commander said slapping him on the back.

“Thanks, did you get Kurla?

“Yes, it all went like clockwork.” He answered rather enthusiastically. 

“Any objections to me keeping the Spider Hawk then?” he asked

“I think that might be arranged” the commander replied smiling wryly “Once it has been searched of course”

 

Lyris slapped his brother on the back, he never thought he had a hope in hell of keeping the fighter in fact he was half joking when he said it, and then Zerrad ran up the ramp and into the arms of a very relieved Malena.

Lyris then went to his quarters and contacted Asti Alegionaris via the Vidlink to reassure her that he was safe.

 

The Spider Hawk was duly searched but a thorough examination produced no significant finds.

Overall the Commander was very pleased with the operation in Odekka, however the most significant prize of that evening’s work had eluded him and his men.

They had Kurla Babic, who was highly prized by the Legion obviously, and AaHannaa who had been a thorn in their side for several years, but they hadn’t recovered what Kurla and his associates had stolen, part of the priceless and irreplaceable Gouveian Crown Jewels.   

The Tornado Sojourns (2) – Chapter 15 – Into the Lion’s Den

 

The plan for the Legion to capture Kurla Babic was a simple one.

As the Tornado was a regular visitor to Odekka no one would raise an eyebrow when they landed with a Legionnaire strike force on board, nor would they be alarmed when the Stroller drove down the ramp and crossed the field to drive up to the Blue Horizon with a small group of Legionnaires concealed in the back.

Once inside the bar Lyris and Zerrad would establish that Kurla was present and then the two brothers would leave the bar, which would be the Commanders signal to send his men in.

However, these plans were changed slightly, as it was deemed necessary for the Legion to have more eyes in the bar than just the Skeets.

Also, the signal for the go would be given by Zerrad a few moments before Lyris left the bar, and the latter’s action in opening the door to exit would instead ease the strike force entry.

Zerrad’s job was then to stay in the bar and block one of the exits while outside Lyris was tasked, accompanied by two Legionnaires, to secure Kurla’s Spider Hawk Fighter to prevent him from beating a hasty retreat in the unlikely event that he slipped through the Legions net.

 

On the big night Lyris parked the Stroller in the wooded corner of the carpark where the Legionnaire’s could slip out the back doors unnoticed and take up their appointed positions, either to guard the exits, deal with the look outs or cut off any means of escape.

And by the time Lyris and Zerrad reached the front doors of the Blue Horizon the guards had all been subdued and all the Legionnaires were in position.

While their main force was crossing the field on foot under the cover of darkness, securing the landing field on their way to support the primary strike team outside the bar.

Lyris paused to look at his brother and then he took a deep breath and they both walked inside.

 

Lyris and Zerrad walked through the double doors into the large open bar area.

Directly ahead of them was a large horseshoe shaped bar, and surrounding it was the main seating area.

As they walked further into the bar they could see a raised area, to the left, which was surrounded by a chest high ornate panelled wall and the area within was divided into cubicle like booths, which was the eating area.

The first time they visited the Blue Horizon they met one of the locals, a huge monster of a man who the Skeets referred to as “Outhouse” because he was built like one, and he told them, not to stick around there too late because of the rough crowd, and they never had on the visits that had followed as they were normally long gone by then but on that occasion, they were there at the optimum time and they realised that he wasn’t kidding.

Although neither of them recognised anyone amongst the crowd they recognised the type, small fry and petty criminals mainly.

They made their way to the bar and saw the same barman they’d seen last time, he was of medium height and muscular build and he was of rough and un-welcoming appearance, he was heavily tattooed and shaven headed with multiple piercings and the kind of face you would never tire of slapping, and judging by the scars he wore it looked like it had been.

Because of his tattoos the brothers referred to him as “Lydia” in remembrance of their grandfather who used to sing a song about “Lydia the Tattooed Lady”.

However, before he could stir himself to serve them a slutty looking barmaid served them instead.

She was almost wearing a tight low cut cropped top which exposed almost as much of her breasts as it did her stomach.

As Lyris watched her pour their drinks he realized why she was there and it had more to do with selling drinks than serving them.

As it was late into the evening there was a full house and they both thought to themselves that there would be a lot of money changing hands that night.

 

Commander Salmin was very keen to gather up as many miscreants as possible as long as he got his quarry.

So, although Lyris and Zerrad would give the “go” there were two undercover Legionnaire’s, Chuto and Plimmy, already in the bar when the Skeets arrived.

Outside the bar there were three squads, one unit would secure the exit into the beer garden and a second unit would enter the pub through the main entrance. The third was held in reserve to cover the escape routes.

Each squad comprised of twelve Legionnaire’s, including two Lieutenants, Commander Salmin attached himself to the breaching squad.

The remainder of his force held a picket line encircling the whole area, which would advance inwards closing the envelope once the operation commenced.  

Commander Salmin could, and perhaps should, have put one of his Lieutenants in overall charge of the strike, but he felt that as it was Lyris Skeets plan he would let him run with it and it would be his decision when and if the strike was a go.  

 

“Oy, Lydia!” Lyris shouted. “When you’re ready.”

He looked around and walked slowly to where the Skeets were standing.

“What do you want?”

“Refills, Ale” Lyris said and held up two fingers “two” and Lydia begrudgingly obliged.

“Twelve Dinaris” The barman said banging the Ales down on the counter so hard it slopped over the sides just as he did on their first visit.

“It was only nine last time” Lyris said

“Well today it’s twelve” Lydia grunted

Lyris glared at him and dropped a handful of coins above the counter but the muscular barman reached out both hands quickly and caught the coins before they rolled in every direction.

“Well done?” Lyris said “You can keep the change for that.”

He and Zerrad picked up their glasses and both took a mouthful.

They were just about to go and seat themselves at one of the few vacant table’s when Lyris felt a hand on his shoulder, so he put down his drink and when he turned around he expected to find “Lydia the Tattooed Lady” wanting a fight.

What he found instead was the friendly face of “Outhouse” the man-mountain labourer.

“Bloody hell! you frightened the crap out of me” Lyris said and the big man laughed.

The Skeets weren’t small men but they both had to look up at the man who was built like a brick out house.

“I thought you didn’t get in here this late, because of the rough crowd” Zerrad gestured with a sweeping movement of his arm.

“I’m just leaving” Outhouse replied. “I’m running late”

“Do you want another drink before you go” Zerrad asked “I can get you one” 

“No thanks” he said draining his glass “I’m off to work, night shift remember?”

“Oh well maybe next time” Lyris said

 

Zerrad and Lyris had almost finished their second drink and were looking around the bar and as there was no sign of their target they were contemplating whether to have another or not.

And then they spotted the Lakmean trader, AaHannaa, stood by the steps up to the restaurant area, and then a few moments later a man with the familiar Ivory complexion of a Gouveian appeared, it was Kurla Babic.

Having spotted their target Lyris and Zerrad ordered another drink, while the latter sent an electronic signal to the Commander, and then they waited while Kurla got comfortable and during the next half hour the Skeets witnesses an array of wrong doing among the clientele, where a variety of contraband changed hands.

The undercover Legionnaire’s Chuto and Plimmy were both in sight, the former was sitting at the Bar and the latter was playing a gambling machine.

As it appeared that the entire criminal fraternity were present in the bar and the card games were well under way, with a lot of cash on the tables, so Lyris felt there was no reason to wait any longer so he nudged Zerrad and nodded to Chuto and Plimmy in turn and they made their way into the pre-arranged positions as Zerrad sent the go signal.

The Tornado Sojourns (2) – Chapter 14 – A Joint Operation

 

The Tornado wasn’t a huge ship as freighters go but pound for pound the Tempests had the highest freight to fuel ratio yield of their class.

The front section comprised of a sizable pressurized hold for large freight accessed via a front loading ramp, above which was the flight deck, living and sleeping quarters, mess facilities and bath rooms, at the rear was the main propulsion and amidships were the universal cargo pod bays, which allowed for a mixed cargo option, which facilitated quick inspection and loading, although sometimes pods were sealed which meant it was either very valuable or very illegal, either way Merri didn’t mind and transporting sealed cargo paid much much better.

But this time there was no cargo aboard as they flew towards Linden with only one pod aboard.

The Tornado always flew with at least one pod but then that was because it was where they stowed their gear and where the hidden compartments could be found, or not, which was where they hid the contraband, or even fugitives when necessary. 

 

As they approached Linden Legionnaire Lt Nulak handed Merri, who was piloting, a small data tablet containing the landing zone coordinates.

“Give it to Shiyne” she said

Shiyne was the beautiful cerise skinned Vann girl sitting in the navigator’s chair and Lt Nulak knew that it was her he should give it to but he found that she was so beautiful he was in awe of her.    

His hand was shaking as he put the data tablet in her hand and she was smiling because she knew what he was thinking because Shiyne was a telepath.

Once she had made him as uncomfortable as possible she took the tablet and plugged it into the port and after a moment she said

“Ok, coordinates set”

 

It was half an hour later, with the Tornado locked onto the coordinates, that Merri entered Linden’s atmosphere, and five minutes later, with Malena in the co-pilot seat she engaged the Tornado’s four vertical take-off jumper engines and the Tempest class freighter landed softly on the LZ.

 

The landing zone was a hive of activity with Legion craft and vehicles spread around with Legionnaires scurrying around purposefully.

Ordinarily the Legion wore pristine white uniforms but as they were on a covert operation they were dressed in black and their vehicles were similarly liveried, they were after all planning a stealthy extraction of the suspect.

 

Once on the surface the Tornado dropped their cargo pod, which was driven away, and then the Legion ground crew maneuvered the four special Legionnaire pods into position, which contained personnel and equipment for the mission in Odekka.

Once the Pods were in place Merri lowered the Tornado to secure them and then lowered the front ramp so the remaining Legionnaire’s could embark.

Commander Salmin was waiting at the foot of the ramp as the troops boarded and Lyris walked down to greet him

“Hello again Commander” he said

“Good day Mr. Skeet” the Commander responded gruffly then he added

“Please accept my apologies for my manner, but I’m a little anxious”

“You must really want him” Lyris said

“You cannot imagine just how much” Salmin replied

“The Legion must feel the same way to commit all these resources” Lyris said as he looked around him at all the Legion personnel and equipment on display

“What on earth did he do?”

“I will happily tell you of his crimes when he is safely in my custody” he retorted

“Ok” said Lyris as the last of the Legionnaires disappeared inside the cargo bay “Let’s get aboard”

 

As soon as they stepped inside the cargo bay the ramp began to rise and then two hours after landing on Linden the Tornado lifted off again and headed towards the stars.

 

The Tempest Class Freighter was powered by 4 Plasma Turbine Pyroclast Engines, which allowed for a very quick turn of speed once airborne, and four vertical take-off jumper engines whose purpose is self-explanatory, they could also be used independently to provide auxiliary power on board while they were on the surface for periods when the solar converters were inadequate.

They also doubled as powered plant for the oxygen generators when carrying live cargo, which on that occasion was human cargo.

 

The Tornado formed the heart of a small fleet comprising of the Tornado two cruisers and six Firedarts

Once they reached Achrem they put themselves into orbit and then began the descent to Odekka carrying the Legions strike force while the rest of the Legion fleet would stay in orbit until the targets on the ground had been secured.

The Firedarts would remain in the upper atmosphere, poised to shoot down any would be escapee.

 

Night was falling when Merri engaged the Tornado’s four vertical take-off jumper engines as Malena looked on anxiously and after the Tempest class freighter landed softly on the Odekka’s landing field she turned to her friend and said

“Go on then, go and see him off”

 

The advanced squad of black clad Legionnaires were climbing into the back of the Stroller when Malena arrived in the cargo bay.

“I need to talk to you” she said to Zerrad

“Ok” he agreed and they walked into the corner as Lyris looked on and smiled, he knew what was about to happen as he had already had the same lecture Zerrad was about to get from Asti, who was secreted in Montrose out of sight of the Legionnaire’s, his lecture had come via Vidlink on route to Linden.

“You need careful Zerrad Skeet” Malena said

“I will”

“Promise me” she insisted

“I promise I will be careful” he said, “Now give me a kiss”

 

While Malena and Zerrad shared a farewell kiss the ramp was lowered, spilling a bright illuminating light into the blackness, which was Zerrad’s cue to climb aboard and then the Stroller drove down the ramp.

 

As the Tornado’s APMTV, (All Purpose Multi Terrain Vehicle) known as the “Stroller” drove away the ramp was raised and then the Tornado lowered the four cargo pods before killing all the external lights so the Legionnaire’s could quietly disembark from the pods under cover of complete darkness.

 

Lyris parked the Stroller in the wooded corner of the carpark where the Legionnaire’s could slip out the back doors unnoticed and take up their appointed positions, either to guard the exits, deal with the look outs or cut off any means of escape.

And by the time Lyris and Zerrad reached the front doors of the Blue Horizon the guards had all been subdued and all the Legionnaires were in position.

Lyris paused to look at his brother and then he took a deep breath and walked inside.

The Tornado Sojourns (2) – Chapter 13 – Gaining Goodwill

 

After being picked up from Achrem following a longer than expected stay in Odekka the Tornado spent the next nine months working regular routes around the Eikon Cluster which took them back to Achrem on a regular basis as well as allowing them to make return visits to their favourite place in order to spend their R&R among the simple folk of Montrose where the whole crew could relax.

They found their safe haven of respite thanks to the Tornado’s cook, Bagg.

Apart from being gifted in all things culinary he was first and foremost a Visitor.

Visitors were a Christian sect who took to the stars with the first migrants to visit new worlds, spreading the word while seeking enlightenment, and they had established Visitor enclaves in every corner of the known universe, they even thrived in Mehreen space and they were the least spiritual beings to ever draw breath.

The difference between Visitors and the established Christian Church on earth was its spontaneity, they didn’t wait until Sunday to worship, they did it wherever and whenever it was desired and it didn’t need to happen in a church, Visitors worshipped everywhere.

The farm in the village of Montrose was owned by Bagg’s brother Trebreh, who was also a Visitor, and his wife Xandra and her brother Ale who was Bagg’s boyhood friend.

The crew of the Tornado were always made very welcome, but none more than the reptilian engineers Pulsat and Vanzyl, who were monopolized by the village children, to the delight of both.

Every moment spent in the peaceful setting of Montrose was precious to them and it was on one such restful weekend staying in Montrose that something occurred that could lead to the preservation of the life they valued so much.

It happened as they sat around the table in the Orchard after a fine dinner, Pulsat and Vanzyl had been dragged off by the children, Bagg was walking by the Lake with his brother and Xandra put down a Carafe of Abyssinian Brandy on the table

“This is courtesy of Lyris”

“There are advantages to hanging out in a bar run by lowlifes” Lyris said

“They can get anything you want since Kurla took over the Blue Horizon”

“Did you say Kurla?” Shiyne asked

“Yes, Kurla Babic” he replied

“That was who the Legion Commander was searching for when they boarded the Tornado” Shiyne said

“Why?” Zerrad asked

“I don’t know, but they wanted him really bad” Shiyne said “and he had something they wanted back even more”

“Well we have an opportunity to gain some goodwill from the Legion then” Merri said, “So I think we should help Commander Salmin find the man he has been searching for”

“How much good will is it going to buy us?” Lyris asked

“A lot” Shiyne said

 

Two days later they landed on Eikon Minor where there was a small Legion Garrison and met with Commander Salmin, they already knew he was there as they got the information from their boss Oshwin Lemik on Soman.

 

“Well this is a pleasant surprise” he said when Merri and Lyris walked into his office and presented him with a box of Bagg’s scones.

“But I’m sure you didn’t come all this way to bring me scones”

“No, you’re right, but I think you will be pleased that we came” 

Merri said

“I know where Kurla Babic is” Lyris said and the Commanders demeanor changed

“Where?”

 

Along with the scones they entered Commander Salmin office with some rolled up plans.

The first was a floor plan of the Blue Horizon bar, showing entrances, exits and the position of the bad guys, including the names of the protagonists, where known. 

The second plan showed the local environs of the bar showing places of cover and concealment, the positions of look outs and surveillance cameras.

The third and final plan showed the landing field and the roads between the field and the bar.

“As you know Achrem is a very mountainous planet and as you can see from the map there are very few places near Odekka where you can land a cruiser, and none at all where you can do it unnoticed, and the moment a Legion vessel appears the alarm is going to be raised and your quarry will disappear, and because of the terrain you won’t be able to land enough Legionnaires to throw a net around the bar in time”

Lyris said at length

“You’re clearly no stranger to tactics, so what would your solution be?” the Commander asked

“It’s simple really, the Tornado is a regular visitor to Odekka so no one will raise an eyebrow when we land with your strike force on board, nor will they be alarmed when the Stroller drives down the ramp and crosses the field to drive up to the Blue Horizon”

Lyris said

“So, we can make our regular stop at the bar and once inside we can establish that Kurla is present and give you the heads up”

“And how do I get my men to the bar unseen?”

“A small group of Legionnaires can conceal themselves in the Stroller” Merri contributed

“And in the meantime, your main force can cross the field on foot under the cover of darkness, and secure the landing field on their way to the bar” Lyris continued

“And once we have established Kurla’s presence and we hear everyone is in place my brother Zerrad and I will leave the bar, and that would be your signal to go in”

“Well I can understand now why we struggled against the Shaxson rebels”

Commander Salmin said

“When are you due on Achrem next?”

“Tomorrow” Merri replied

“Tomorrow it is then” he said, “Rendezvous on Linden, you know the place” 

“I think I can remember” Merri said

“You won’t need to rely on memory Captain Strong” the Commander remarked “you will have two of my officers aboard to tell you where to land” 

This did not come as a surprise to them that the Legion would install someone aboard the Tornado, in fact it was assumed that the Commander would want someone on the flight deck to make sure everything was on the level, so as a precaution they left Asti and Parse in Montrose so they wouldn’t have to be hidden away in the “priest hole” for the duration of the mission.

So, as they left the commander with their military escort they were unconcerned.

The Tornado Sojourns (2) – Chapter 12 – The Blue Horizon

 

After being detained and searched on Linden by the Legion Merri sat in the pilot seat and nodded to co-pilot Malena who used the Tornado’s four vertical take-off jumper engines to lift the Tempest class freighter off the surface and a few minutes later they were back in space and on the way to Zenden.

“Ok let the fugitives out of the priest hole” Merri said and Malena got up and said

“Ok, can you get Pulsat to meet me there?”

 

The Tornado was late getting to do the delivery on Zenden after their encounter with the Legion so as a result they were not waiting on the air field outside Odekka when the Skeet brothers returned from the Algarvian Monastery in the Achrem Mountains.

So, after they left Zenden they made haste to get to Achrem when Lyris contacted the ship to find out where they had gotten to.

“Odekka station calling Freighter Tornado, Odekka station calling Freighter Tornado”

“Tornado receiving, go ahead Odekka” Merri responded

“I have two crew members requesting ETA” Vinid Cupra said

 

After speaking to Merri aboard the Tornado, he relayed that all she would say was that they had been delayed, so they would be late picking them up but they were on their way, so the Skeets had some time to kill.

“It would appear we have time for a drink” Lyris said

 

Vinid, Lyris and Zerrad had flown Spider Hawk Fighters against the Legion in the Shaxson rebellion and it was the first time they had seen each other for many years so they were keen to catch up.

But Vin didn’t get off duty for another two hours so they agreed to meet at the Blue Horizon bar when he was done.

 

The Blue Horizon was owned by Vinid’s friend, Lak Shmi, who a couple of months earlier had opened the door to illegal gambling and its associated criminality and now couldn’t get rid of it.

It began when he was approached by a respectable looking Lakmean trader who said he wanted to run a “friendly” game of cards and would Lak mind if they used a quiet corner of the bar once a week, and he agreed on the basis that there would be a few Dinaris in it for him.

 

Lyris and Zerrad walked through the double doors into the large open bar area.

Directly ahead of them was a large horseshoe shaped bar, and surrounding it was the main seating area.

As they walked further into the bar they could see a raised area, to the left, which was surrounded by chest high ornate panelling and the area within was divided into cubicle like booths, which was presumably the eating area, at least under normal circumstances.

He could see that if there was illegal gambling on the premises that would be the best place for it.

He could see at the far end of the eating area what looked like large glass doors, which they presumed would have lead out to the gardens, which would be a good escape route if the need arose.

As they approached the bar Lyris glanced casually around the rest of the bar and was struck by the presence of an unusually large selection of electronic gambling machines.

As they were new to the Eikon Cluster they had become familiar enough with the neighbourhood petty crooks and thugs but Lyris and Zerrad recognized the types among the faces in the busy bar, petty criminals mainly and two of the crowd stood out as more senior members of the criminal fraternity.

They reached the bar and waited until they caught the eye of the barman who walked casually to where they were standing and stared without speaking.

He was of medium height and of muscular build and he was of rough and un-welcoming appearance, he was heavily tattooed and shaven headed with multiple piercings and the kind of face you would never tire of slapping, and judging by the scars he wore it looked like it had been.

“Ale” Lyris said and held up two fingers “two”

The barman slowly broke his gaze and responded to the request.

Meanwhile Zerrad looked around and saw someone of a much different calibre, who had the familiar Ivory complexion of a Gouveian, and judging by how everyone else was behaving he was clearly the brains of the outfit.

Sitting with him was undoubtedly the man Vinid had described to him, the Lakmean trader, AaHannaa.

“Nine Dinaris” The barman said banging the Ales down on the counter so hard that they slopped over the sides.

Lyris stared him straight in the eye and dropped a handful of coins on the counter so they rolled in every direction.

“Keep the change”

He only averted his gaze after the barman had picked all the coins up and walked away, cursing under his breath.

“He’s an ignorant bastard that one” a voice said behind them and they turned to see the voice belonged to a monster of a man.

The Skeets weren’t small men by any means but they both had to look up at the man who was built like a brick out house.

Judging by his well-tanned skin, un-manicured rough calloused hands and grubby clothes he earned his living doing manual work.

“He’s a real charmer that’s for sure” Lyris said

“I haven’t seen you two in here before” the man said

“No first time” Zerrad responded

“Just killing time while we’re waiting for our transport”

“So, you’re off worlders then?” he said

“Yes, we’re crew on a freighter” Lyris said “But Odekka is going to be one of our regular jobs”

“Well welcome to the Blue Horizon” he said

“Thanks” Zerrad responded “Can I get you a drink” 

“No thanks” he said draining his glass “I’m off to work, night shift”

“Oh well see you again sometime” Lyris said

“Don’t stick around here too late” he said leaning towards Lyris “A bit of a rough crowd get in here late on” He nodded towards the booths.

“Thanks for the tip” Zerrad said

 

About an hour later Vinid arrived at the Blue Horizon and joined them at the bar and when they had fresh drinks they sat in a corner and chatted in hushed tones.

“So is that the Lakmean trader” Lyris said gesturing towards the booths

“Yes, that’s AaHannaa” Vinid replied

“And who is the Gouveian with him?” Zerrad asked

“That’s the boss, Kurla Babic” said Vin “He’s the one pulling all the strings and raking in the spoils”

“I thought so” Zerrad said

“But you know the thing that rankles with me about him the most?” Vin asked

“What?”

“He’s got his own Spider Hawk”

Spider Hawks were the ships that the three of them flew against the Legion in the Shaxson Rebellion

“Has he” Lyris mused

“What a bastard” Zerrad added

After that they spent the next hour talking about the old days and then the place was just starting to get rowdy when Zerrad’s comms buzzed and the Skeets said their goodbyes and headed back to the field in the Stroller.

The Tornado Sojourns (2) – Chapter 11 – A to Z

Merri entered the atmosphere of Achrem with her piloting and Shiyne in the co-pilot seat and she used the Tornado’s four vertical take-off jumper engines and landed softly on the landing field outside the town of Odekka and there were already several other ships, of all shapes and sizes, parked on the field.

 

When the freighters ramp lowered Zerrad and Malena walked down it holding hands followed by Lyris driving the Tornado’s APMTV, (All Purpose Multi Terrain Vehicle), nicknamed the “Stroller”.

The moment it came to a halt Zerrad kissed Malena and then climbed aboard.

“Behave yourselves” Malena called

“Yes mum” Lyris replied

 

After watching the Stroller drive away Malena sighed and then ran up the ramp, once inside she hit the button and the ramp closed behind her then she opened comms to the flight deck.

“Good to go Captain”

“Ok, stand by” Merri said from the left seat and co-pilot Shiyne monitored the instruments the Tornado’s four vertical take-off jumper engines were engaged and the Tempest Class freighter lifted off.

 

The reason the Tornado took off and left the Skeets behind was that Achrem had a very mountainous terrain and as one of their deliveries was to a remote and ancient mountain monastery housing an order of Algarvian Monks, and because there was nowhere to land the Tornado it could only be reached by road so the delivery had to be made in the Stroller.

 

So, the Tornado left the brothers in Odekka and set off to make the short run to neighbouring Zenden to make their delivery.

By the time they left the atmosphere Shiyne sat in the Navigator’s chair plotting a course for Zenden and when she was done she said

“Course plotted and stored”

“Ok let’s go” Merri said from the left seat and co-pilot Malena engaged the Plasma Turbine Pyroclast Engines and they headed into space.

They were making good time and were just passing Zenden’s moon Linden when Shiyne said

“I’m picking up something on the scanners”

“What exactly?” Merri asked

“I don’t know, I can’t identify it, we’re being jammed”

“Use your other scanner then” Merri said, which of course meant that Shiyne should use her telepathic gift, because Shiyne was a Vann and all of the Vann were telepaths, by varying degrees, and many of them left their home world at some point to use their gifts to earn a wage.

Those at the zenith of their talents worked as corporate negotiators or in the justice systems of the Legion. 

Shiyne was a Vann with mid-range capabilities and she could read most species to some extent, her skills were limited with the more sophisticated or complex brains, lesser minds were easier for her to explore.

In addition to reading minds she could also implant thoughts and the suggestions would stay in place longer with someone who was more intellectually challenged.

But in this instance, it was her reading skills that were required.

“Roger that” she responded and closed her eyes and it only took her thirty seconds before she added

“Got them”

“Who?” Malena asked fearing an attack

“Legion” she replied, “a squadron of six Firedarts and a Blaze Command Ship”

“What do they want with us?” Merri asked

“They’re searching for someone” she replied

“Parse and Asti?” Merri asked with alarm

“No, but its someone they want really bad” Shiyne said and then a moment later she added “we have an incoming message”

“Put it on speaker” Merri said

“This is Commander Emad Salmin of the Legion Aeronautica, cut your main engines and prepare to be boarded”

“Just in case get Parse and Asti into pod 4” Merri said and then she opened the mic

“Captain Strong responding, message received, cutting engines and standing by”

As Shiyne had determined that Parse Sacrod and Asti Alegionaris were not the targets it was merely precaution to hide them in Cargo Pod 4.

Parse was still technically a Legionnaire of the Royal Guard of Gouveia, but he also knew they were not searching for him and similarly the diminutive Princess Asti was no longer on the wanted list.

But they did know that there were Ghambran agents, bent on revenge, were searching for them and although he no longer wore the Legionnaire’s uniform he was clearly Gouveian and as he was huge in stature, standing 6 feet 8 high, broad and powerfully built, curly burnished steel hair, ivory skin and mercury coloured eyes, he was still a very striking figure.

For her part Asti had forsaken her Princess wardrobe and wore very unprincess like clothes and didn’t look much like a Princess anymore after she cut her platinum hair, her beautiful face with its ivory skin and silver eyes she was still unmistakably Princess Asti especially to a Legion Commander so for safety’s sake they had to hide themselves.

Because with the Ghambran’s searching for them, scouring every eatery and bar for the smallest snippet of information and there was nothing more reliable that a drunken Legionnaire at spreading rumours so they wanted to make sure the Legion didn’t know about them any sooner than was necessary.

The Tornado was flying with four cargo pods but they always kept one pod free because it was where they stowed their gear and where the hidden compartments could be found, or not, which was where they hid the contraband, or even fugitives when necessary and in this case, it was used to hide Parse and Asti.

“Don’t make a sound” Malena said as she closed the compartment then with the help of the heavy-set engineer Pulsat, she rearranged the gear to conceal the door.

Once they had finished, Pulsat closed the pod door and Malena contacted the flight deck.

“Gear stored Captain” 

“Ok Mal, stand by the docking port” Merri replied just as the Legion Firedarts took up station around the Tornado, one to Port, Starboard, Forward, Aft and two stationed above.

There were two docking rings on the Tornado to facilitate transfers to and from the freighter while in space, one in the belly below the loading bay and the other was amidships above the cargo bays which was also the mooring point for shuttles or ancillary craft.

Merri had killed the engines and was using the thrusters to hold the ship steady as the Legion Blaze Command vessel maneuvered into position and locked on to the belly docking ring.

 

When the hatch opened Merri had joined Malena and was waiting to greet their visitor

“Welcome aboard Commander” she said 

“I’m Captain Strong”

“Let’s go to the flight deck” he responded curtly “we’re going to land on Linden where you will be searched and inspected”

“Ok then follow me” she responded

 

As Malena piloted the Tornado to the surface Commander Salmin examined their paperwork.

“Is this it?” he asked

“Yes, we’re new to the Eikon Cluster” she replied

“I see” he muttered and didn’t speak again until they landed

“You and your crew will wait in the mess while the vessel is searched” he said and left the flight deck  

 

In the mess Bagg was performing his familiar role as provider of scones and coffee.

“So, what are they searching for?” Malena asked as she wiped her mouth on her napkin and Bagg refilled her coffee mug.

“They’re searching for someone called Kurla” Shiyne said as she slavered jam onto her fourth scone.

“Why they want?” Pulsat asked

Shiyne closed her eyes for a full five minutes

“It’s no use I can’t get a clear read, but I think he has something they want back, something very precious, and valuable beyond price, but I can’t see what”

She said and then put a piece of scone in her mouth

 

The Tornado was sat on the surface of Linden for two hours when Commander Salmin entered the mess and said

“That smell is amazing”

“There are plenty to go around” Bagg said “Please sit”

“So, you are a Visitor and a cook” he said

“I feed the soul and the body in equal measure” Bagg said and the Commander laughed

“Well Captain I’m pleased to say that the cargo all checks out against the Manifest and everything appears to be in order” he said

“That’s good to know” Merri said

“However,” he said, “You appear to have more quarters than you have crew and those quarters appear to be lived in”

“The rest of the crew are on Achrem in the APMTV making a delivery in the mountains” Merri explained and he nodded sagely as he bit into one of Bagg’s scones

“That is amazing” he said, “What do you call it?”

“Scones” Bagg replied

“Perhaps you would like to take a batch back to your ship”

“I would like that very much” he said and licked jam off his lips

 

After a very satisfied Legion Commander took his leave of them Merri said

“Let’s get this bird back in space soonest”

And ten minutes later Merri sat in the pilot seat and nodded to co-pilot Malena who used the Tornado’s four vertical take-off jumper engines to lift the Tempest class freighter off the surface and a few minutes later they were back in space and on the way to Zenden. 

The Tornado Sojourns (2) – Chapter 10 – A Friend in Need

 

After Oshwin Lemik and the Skeet Brothers spent the evening at his favourite bar reliving past glories and remembering fallen comrades, where a considerable amount of alcohol was consumed, they couldn’t remember how to get back to the ship.

It was Merri, Parse and Pulsat who turned up at the bar to pick up the casualties and when they got back to the Tornado they found Malena and Asti waiting for them wearing stern expressions and bearing unsympathetic dispositions.

But they reserved their wrath, and directed their respective men straight to their quarters, they would feel the sharp edge of their tongues the next morning. 

Although come the next morning admonishments from their lovers paled into insignificance compared to the merciless hangovers they woke up with.

And the fact that as a result of their drunken night out with Oshwin the Tornado was now on the preferred list at Golbolt Interstellar gained them some sympathy.

From that point on, the Tornado got as much work as they wanted and regularly ran between Eikon Major and Minor, Eirkos and its moons, Soman, Rekar and Marikya, and neignbouring planet’s, Achrem and Zenden as well as Zenden’s moon, Linden.

 

It was on one such trip that the first of a series of events occurred which could either drive them out of the system or secure their future there forever.

 

The Tornado lifted off and they left Soman early in the morning bound for Zenden, but first they had a delivery on the neighbouring planet Achrem. 

The Tempest Class Freighter was powered by 4 Plasma Turbine Pyroclast Engines, which allowed for a very quick turn of speed once airborne, and four vertical take-off jumper engines whose purpose is self-explanatory, they could also be used independently to provide auxiliary power on board while they were on the surface for periods when the solar converters were inadequate.

It wasn’t a huge ship as freighters go but pound for pound the Tempests had the highest freight to fuel ratio yield of their class.

The front section comprised of a sizable pressurized hold for large freight accessed via a front loading ramp, above which was the flight deck, living and sleeping quarters, mess facilities and bath rooms, at the rear was the main propulsion and amidships were the universal pod bays, which allowed for a mixed cargo option, which allowed for quick inspection and loading, although sometimes pods were sealed which meant it was either very valuable or very illegal, either way Merri didn’t mind and transporting sealed cargo paid much much better.

The Tornado always flew with at least one pod but then that was because it was where they stowed their gear and where the hidden compartments could be found, or not, which was where they hid the contraband, or even fugitives when necessary. 

 

Merri entered the atmosphere of Achrem with her piloting and Shiyne in the co-pilot seat and she used the Tornado’s four vertical take-off jumper engines and landed softly on the landing field outside the town of Odekka and there were already several other ships, of all shapes and sizes, parked on the field.

 

When the freighters ramp lowered Zerrad and Malena walked down it holding hands followed by Lyris driving the Tornado’s APMTV, (All Purpose Multi Terrain Vehicle), nicknamed the “Stroller”.

The moment it came to a halt Zerrad kissed Malena and then climbed aboard.

“Behave yourselves” Malena called

“Yes mum” Lyris replied

 

After watching the Stroller drive away Malena sighed and then ran up the ramp, once inside she hit the button and the ramp closed behind her then she opened comms to the flight deck.

“Good to go Captain”

“Ok, stand by” Merri said from the left seat and co-pilot Shiyne monitored the instruments the Tornado’s four vertical take-off jumper engines were engaged and the Tempest Class freighter lifted off.

 

The reason the Tornado took off and left the Skeets behind was that Achrem had a very mountainous terrain and as one of their deliveries was to a remote and ancient mountain monastery housing an order of Algarvian Monks, and because there was nowhere to land the Tornado it could only be reached by road so the delivery had to be made in the Stroller.

 

It was a four-hour journey up to the monastery and once they got there and made the delivery they planned to spend a couple of hours with the monks before they made the three-hour drive back to Odekka.

However, when they reached the monastery they found the seven-foot-tall green fleshed brotherhood of Algarvian Monks were a silent order and in addition to being uncommunicative they were also inhospitable, so after the drop the headed back down the mountain again.

 

They arrived back at the landing field outside Odekka eight hours after the Stroller drove down the Tornado’s ramp to find that the ship wasn’t there.

After dropping them off on Achrem, Merri and the rest of the crew continued on to make the short run to neighbouring Zenden, which was a simple drop off, so they should have been back in Odekka at least an hour before them but there was no sign of them.

“Unbelievable” Lyris said “how did this happen?”

Having failed to get anything to eat up at the Monastery he and his brother had spent the return journey talking about what delights Bagg may have waiting on the ship for them.

The Tornado’s crew were fortunate enough to have Visitor Parham on board,

Visitors were a Christian sect who took to the stars with the first migrants to visit new worlds, spreading the word while seeking enlightenment, and they had established Visitor enclaves in every corner of the known universe, they even thrived in Mehreen space and they were the least spiritual beings to ever draw breath.

The difference between Visitors and the established Christian Church on earth was its spontaneity, they didn’t wait until Sunday to worship, they did it wherever and whenever it was desired and it didn’t need to happen in a church, Visitors worshipped everywhere.

But he was not merely a man of the cloth who tended to their spiritual needs because his alter ego Bagg fortified them with his culinary prowess.

 

“I was really looking forward to some of Bagg’s pancakes” Said Zerrad

“Me too” Lyris agreed “Let’s go to the comms hut and find out where they are”

They had a radio onboard the Stroller but it wasn’t powerful enough to reach into space and the mountainous terrain didn’t help so in order to make the range they needed the benefit of Odekka’s long range transmitter.

After pulling up outside the comms shack the brothers disembarked and walked inside and were surprised to see Vinid Cupra sitting by the transmitter.

“I don’t believe it, is there anyone in the Eikon cluster who didn’t fight with the Shaxson rebels?” Lyris said

“My God it’s the Skeets” Vinid exclaimed and crossed the floor to embrace both men.

“Nothing to do Cupra?” barked a short scar faced middle-aged man with no neck 

“Yes sir” Vinid replied need to

“Then get on with it” he said and headed towards the door.

“What can I do for you gentlemen?” Vinid asked

“We need to contact our ship” Zerrad said

“No problem” Vin said and then his boss opened the door and left.

 

Vinid contacted the ship on their behalf and after speaking to Merri aboard the Tornado, he relayed that all she would say was that they had been delayed, so they would be late picking them up but they were on their way, so the Skeets had some time to kill.

 

“It would appear we have time for a drink” Lyris said

“You know what happened the last time we went drinking with an old war buddy?” Zerrad pointed out

“I’m not off duty for another two hours but I’ll meet you at the Blue Horizon when I’m done”

“Where’s that?”

“Turn left when you reach the main road and its half a mile down the road on the right” Vinid replied

“Is it ok?” Lyris asked

“It used to be great” he replied, “Now it’s just the nearest”

“Why, what happened?” Zerrad asked

“Well the bar is owned by a mate, Lak Shmi” he began.

“A couple of months ago he was approached by a respectable looking Lakmean trader who said he wanted to run a “friendly” game of cards and would Lak mind if they used a quiet corner of the bar once a week, and he said there would be a few Dinaris in it for him”

Lyris gave Zerrad a knowing look and Zer raised his eye brows.

“I know, I know it was stupid, but he agreed. He thought it might bring in a bit more trade, he’s been struggling a bit, so he thought it was harmless enough”

“But it hasn’t worked out that way?” Suggested Lyris

“No, they’re playing seven nights a week and they’ve taken over the place, driven all the regular trade away and they even bring their own booze and now Lak can’t get rid of them”

“Has he reported it to the police?” Asked Zerrad

“No, he was threatened and warned that it would not be in his best interests to rock the boat” Vin replied

“Does this Lakmean have a name?” Lyris asked

“Yes, AaHannaa” Vinid answered “Have you ever come across him?”

“No, but the scam is familiar” Lyris said “And always ends with the bar under new ownership”

“Any thoughts on how he can get out from under?” Vin asked as he noticed his boss climbing back up the stairs.

“I’ve no idea” he replied, “Ask me again when I’ve had something to eat”