Chapter 7: Chapter Six. Cargo Delivered.

The space craft looked larger from the viewing port of the Transhipment Space Station than it actually was. A star freighter that travelled only between settled systems, it was built to carry everything from passengers to smaller space craft to cargo both large and small. Here, at this space port, the cargo to be delivered while priceless and bulky, was light enough to be carried by hand.

Two men, natives of the planet below stood at the view port, their expressions blank. The senior of them, Master Cargo Handler Dann ra Otto gave a nod to the junior, Rappa ion Torp. “I will see to it Master” He acknowledged and left. A look of distaste passed over the face of the Master Cargo Handler as he continued watching the gigantic craft dock. A chime sounded. He turned as the Station Master entered.

 “The freighter will be docked within a quarter period. Are you ready to receive? I want it gone as soon as possible.” The Station Master asked Dann ra Otto.

“Junior Torp has left to deal with those …. Outworlders.” Dann replied with a twist of his lips. A dour man of middle height with thinning dark hair, Dann ra Otto displayed all his planets distaste for anyone not from Ti Lepus.

“Good.” The Station Master stepped to the viewing port. Together they contemplated the massive craft edging carefully towards them. “I cannot help myself, the craft is magnificent, even if it is built by outsiders.” He continued. The station master was from the uplands of eastern Ti Lepus and was tall, rather thin and young for the position he held. He was also rather more controlled towards outsiders, as visitors were sometimes called.

Otto regarded the space craft and grudgingly gave his assent.

Built for utility and larger than a battleship, the only other space ships that were larger and could travel under their own power were the armoured planetoids of the Legion. However, these cargo ships carried no weapons and only a small security detail. They travelled only between systems that were part of the Empire and consequently had a Legion presence. Pirates would not dare to attack a cargo ship in such a system. It would be suicide. Other criminals existed, but they were usually the problem of the various systems or planets police and neither the Empire nor the Legion were usually concerned with them.

These thoughts flowed through the mind of the Cargo Master and he turned to view the distant station and the barely visible shuttle craft heading towards it. Even now it was slowly being occulated by the bulk of the space craft. A fission of anger ran through him and his face flushed. The thought of the beings on the distant station brought out the worst rage he had felt in a long time. The Legions space craft parked at that station enraged him even more, although he could not see them.

“Calm yourself Dann, it does no good to let yourself become upset with such visitors. They will be gone soon and we can relax.” The Station Master glanced at Dann ra Otto and spoke in a soothing manner that disguised his innermost feelings. “As for the Empires Station, there is nothing that can be done about them or their presence, so just forget them. They do not visit us anyway. At least not often enough to cause any problem.”

“Their very presence infuriates me.” Dann ra Otto almost snarled. “Not that they could destroy us but their presence alone. They cause my skin to crawl like a basticka that bites me and spreads its poison through my veins. They are a poison to our way of life and to our blood. If I could wave my hand and make them disappear I would. They are a plague that needs to be removed from our planet.” He turned to the Station Master. “I heard on the news that they destroyed three other planets this week, this …this … legion that lauds itself on its proud traditions!” He paused for breath.

The Station Master smiled, he had seen and heard it all before. “Listening to that scum news again? I told you that it gives nothing but unsubstantiated rumours and outright lies. I personally checked up on some of the rubbish that they reported. It was just lies.” He turned to watch the docking, estimated the distances with his experienced eye and engaged his comm unit. “Control, are we ready to engage magnetic docking locks?”

“Ready sir.” Control replied.

“Go ahead and complete docking at your discretion. Confirm with freighter. Tell me when docking is completed.”

“Yes sir.”

The Station Master turned to Master Handler Dann ra Otto. “I understand where all your anger came from. I feel the same way, but I control it. Even the Empires presence does not anger me as much as it angers you. After all they do need an Ambassador here, same as they have on all the other planets. At least they are sensitive enough to keep him off the planet most of the time and out in space. Even the ‘visit’ by these Legion light cruisers is being kept off the planet news.”

“I still don’t want them here.”

“Neither do I, but I am not going to brood over it.” The Station Master turned to walk away then stopped. “I suggest you don’t either.” He shrugged. “But that’s up to you I have to get back to station control.” He left the way he came.

Otto stared at the looming presence of the freighter, then activated his comm unit.

“Trop are you ready? Docking is almost complete.”

“I am ready Master.”

*********

On board the prosaically named Niapian Freighter Number 419 the captain was also monitoring the docking procedure. Satisfied that the pilot had matters well in hand, he commed the Senior Cargo Handler.

“Got the package ready to hand over?”

“Way ahead of you. Although it took all of us to get it to the cargo lock!”

Not a humorous man, the captain just grunted. “Let me know as soon as you are done. I want to plot a course to our next destination.”

“Will do. Out.”

 Fractions later the pilot contacted station control. “Ready to dock, thrusters shutting down, engage external magnetic locks and docking tractor lines and stand by to pressurise secondary cargo bay access.”

“Station confirms, thrusters down, engaging external magnetic locks and tractor lines.” There was not even a bump as the locks joined and the two giant objects became one. “Pressurising secondary cargo bay access. Junior Handler Rappa ion Torp will receive you.”

“Pilot confirms Junior Handler Rappa ion Torp to receive shipment. Thank you station. Out”

“Station out.”

After passing this onto the senior cargo handler, who was also the Third Officer on the freighter, the pilot leant back in her chair. After a fraction, the Pilot turned to the captain. “Not the friendliest arrival I have been involved in, are they always like this?”

“This lot? Never spoken to them myself but if you talk to the cargo handlers, they will confirm that is how they always act.” The Captain replied.

“Have we done something to offend them?” The Pilot, a stocky woman from Luckar VI, was surprised. “I have heard some stories but figured that they were exaggerated.”

“Not that I am aware of. They have always been like this.” The captain grunted. “Seems that they don’t like anyone. Other captains have told me the same thing.” He waved his hand. “Let’s get back to work, I want to set a course to our next destination.”

“Done, I had all the courses preprogramed. Just need to get the updates from the computer.” She paused. “There we go. Now sending it to your desk to confirm.”

“Got it. Hmm, looks good. Ok that is confirmed, lay it in! Any problems noted?” The two began to discuss the usual matters between the two most senior officers on the freighter.

*********

Down at the secondary cargo bay access door, the Senior Cargo Handler spoke to a cadet crew member. “I have the documentation. You will bring the package.”

The cadet was confused. “Ok sir, but why? A small delivery like this normally takes just one person.”

“Just do as I say and keep your mouth shut. I am bringing you so you can watch and learn. This place ain’t like other places. They are strange and don’t like outsiders!”

The young spacer still looked confused but nodded. On this, his first trip, he had already had the fact knocked into him that when the Third Officer spoke, he was to listen. Happy to have the position, the cadet still had all the youthful enthusiasm that goes with being young and ready to conquer all space.

Standing at a nearby console, another member of the crew nodded to himself in satisfaction. “Pressure is good, clear to open both inner and outer doors.”

“Good, open doors.” The Third Officer ordered.

With a hiss and a soft clang, the secondary doors opened. “Follow me.” Went to the cadet.

Moving forward the Third Officer and the cadet entered the short access way to the station. Waiting for them was Rappa ion Torp, his expression blank. No words were spoken as the two officers tapped their comm units together to transfer the documentation. After checking the details, Torp nodded, and the Third Officer waved the cadet forward. More controlled then Master Cargo Handler Dann ra Otto, Rappa ion Torp, still could not conceal the look of distaste that flickered across his face, as he accepted the package. The cadet, heeding the warning, was careful to keep his features clear of all expression.

With a nod to each other, the two officers each turned and left. Torp with the package to the interior of the station and the Third Officer, with the cadet following, back into the freighter. During the entire procedure, which took just a fraction of a period, not a word had been spoken.

Back on board the doors slid smoothly shut behind them. Taking a deep breath and letting it out, the cadet gave his superior an expressive look. “Sir, I don’t know what to say. I mean; is it always like that?” The Third Officer just shrugged and left to report to the bridge.

The other crew members, who had assembled to see the cadet’s reaction, all laughed. A wry look crossed his face as he realised that he was due for another bout of good natured ribbing.

One, a broad, good-natured women threw her arm across his shoulders. “If it stays like that, give thanks to whatever god you worship! That was the junior handler. The senior handler really hates us and shows it!”  Varieties of “Oh yes.” “You should have been …” and “Remember when …” all followed as they left to their departure stations. The stories would flow for many days now. They would all be the same, stories of the disdain that all denizens of Ti Lepus showed to those who were not of their planet.

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*********

As the freighter prepared for departure, on the Empire’s small outpost, the space station that had been the focus of Master Cargo Handler Dann ra Otto’s angst, the empires Legion representative was eating in his lounge with the captains of the quad of light cruisers who were paying a courtesy visit. This was a standard outpost that the Empire maintained in many, although not all, systems. It consisted of a central tube connected by several spokes to two upper and lower annular rings. The station rotated to allow for cooling. Gravity was not an issue as an artificial gravity system was installed. Outposts in other systems were often stationed on a convenient moon. Due to the attitude of the inhabitants below, that was not possible here.

The station allowed for internal docking of smaller craft, such as shuttles, on the central tube while larger craft were connected by dedicated magnetic locks on the exterior rings. The station, while it could not move under its own power, was highly capable of self defense with shields, missiles and energy weapons installed as standard.

“This command must give you some interesting moments, Major.” One ships’ captain commented. “Excellent soup, by the way.”

Major Hunt Van Houser was the representative of the Legion to Ti Lepus. So he paused, the soup spoon almost to his mouth. Putting down the spoon back in his bowl he considered his reply. A midsized, brown haired man with a sharp nose complimented by sharp eyes, he was from Eamus IV, an outlying planet in a galaxy in the Third Cluster. The room that the officers were eating in reflected his personality; it was neat, organised and was decorated with a few personal effects.

“It has its challenge’s. That is true.” He compromised on. Looking at the officer who had spoken he continued. “You have had dealings here before?”

“No. But I served with a Legion officer who had held your post before you. He had some interesting stories to tell.” Stirring the food on his plate, Captain di Lester, who was the commanding officer of the quad, continued. “That is one reason why I decided to pay a courtesy visit here. I am aware of your challenges and felt a, shall we say, gentle reminder might be in order. I have the perfect excuse as Commissioner Flores is my maternal uncle, so any visit would be of a private nature.”

A quad was the standard, four space craft grouping used by the Empire, it allowed for flexibility of use and could be added to at any time. Each craft could, of course, operate independently. The craft visiting were all light cruisers. Following the standard pattern, all massed about sixty thousand tons and were shaped like a rectangular box, about three football fields long. Armed with a full complement of high velocity mass missiles, along with hyper anti-matter and gravitational missiles; backed by a plasma beam and the usual defense shields, they were very capable vessels.

Captain di Lester gave an apologetic smile then continued “Of course, remembering the stories that I was told, this could backfire. My uncle sent me a message that he did not want me to come down and that he would come up himself. It seems that the Chief Minister expressed concerns to my uncle as soon as he became aware our presence. He was assured that we would depart quickly and that no landing would take place.” A sigh followed. “I hope that our visit will not make your presence in the system more uncomfortable.” Came with a look of apology.

“No, I doubt that the general population is aware of you,” The Major replied. “I don’t think that your presence will raise any difficulties for me.”

“What about …?”

“Your uncle? It may for him, if the ruling council decides to make waves.”

After a pause the Major continued. “The people of Ti Lepus are the most difficult people to work with. No matter what we in the Empire do or say, they still hate everyone who is not one of them. I believe that it is something genetic in their makeup.”

The three other commanding officers had been listening quietly and a general debate now broke out. After listening for a while Major Van Houser spoke quietly but with emphasis, “I don’t think that you gasp the core of the problem here. We get along with other species that are very different and can barely stand the sight of us. Yet they accept us and we accept them. We both acknowledge the differences and get on with life.” He paused and waved his hand. “This planet, Ti Lepus, hates the very sight and thought of us. Only a few businessman have ever left the planet. I have no idea of what they think of the Dark Lord, but if there is an explosion and they repudiate us, I mean the Empire, what will He have to say about that. I have read that He has reacted violently for less. Just consider His actions at that last minor rebellion. The one involving that traitor, Martis.”

Silence reigned as the Majors guests absorbed this. The Empire educated their citizens well and this continued into the Legion. All these officers were well versed, to a greater or lesser extent, in the history of the Empire. All had studied the Dark Lords history, the absolute monarch that ruled the Empire. While none had ever met Him, and after their studies of Him, most hoped never to, they were fully aware of His published actions and considered that no good could come of a collision between the Him and the planet.

They were still considering all the implications and enjoying the animated discussion that, as commanding officers, they could never have on their respective ships when Commissioner Cos Flores arrival was announced. In just a fraction the Commissioner was escorted into the dining room. All the officers stood and acknowledged the senior diplomat; Captain di Lester, greeted his uncle warmly. After greeting the other three officers, everyone was seated.

“My apologies sir,” Major Van Houser spoke to the Commissioner, “I did not realise that you were so close to boarding the station.” A mental note was made to speak to his staff about updating him with important arrivals and departures.

“My decision was made abruptly. I have been speaking to the Chief Minister.” The Commissioner turned to Captain di Lester. “The Minister is concerned with your presence here nephew. I gave him your assurances.” A tall man, Cos Flores was a senior diplomat of many years standing in the Empires service. He had somewhat long, white hair surrounding a calm distinguished face which invariably held a placid expression. This was deceiving as he was a very intelligent man who worked hard to bring the best result for everyone in all negotiations he had been involved in. His appointment to Ti Lepus was an indication of how serious the Empire regarded this posting.

A speaking glance was exchanged between Captain di Lester and the Major.

“Indeed uncle, we have been discussing the consequences and the Major made a very good point.” Said Captain di Lester. “If there are real problems with the citizen of Ti Lepus, what, in your opinion, would be the Empires stand?”

Commissioner Cos Flores frowned at the Major. He was about to speak when he was diverted by the arrival of his soup. It showed just how distracted he was when he simply gave the server a nod, picked up his spoon and put it down again. He rubbed his hands over his face, and, picking up his spoon, took a sip off the soup.

“Excellent soup Major, I compliment your chef!” The Commissioner stated as he took a second spoonful.

“Thank you sir, the computer will be delighted!” There was general merriment in which the Empire’s representative took a good natured part.

“No food replicators on the planet. All cooks and a surly lot they are!” There was more amusement, then the Major sobered.

“Sir, I would like your views on the question.” The Major spoke in a serious tone. “I must file my standard monthly report in a matter of days. It will be sent securely of course and you will be copied. Your views sir?”

The commissioner took several more scoops of the soup then pushed it to one side. There was a stir amongst the officers and, at a gesture from the Major, the orderly’s left, closing the door behind them.

“It would be a disaster.” Commissioner Flores spoke in his most grave manner. “The people of Ti Lepus are the most stubborn and anti-social that I have ever had to deal with. All this is off the record of course.” The various captains all nodded. They all were well versed in keeping secrets. “I believe that it was a mistake to invite them into the Empire, and, if the truth be told, I don’t know why they agreed.” He shrugged. “Maybe they were different then, or maybe both parties thought that their feelings would pass. I don’t know.”

“If it came to a showdown between the Empire and them, what do you think would happen?” Commander Niace asked.

“Oh, I do not presume to know the thoughts of the Galactic Council, Governor or Marshal, let alone the thoughts of the High Council or the Legions Marshal,  you will be just as able to speculate on those lines.” The Commissioner chuckled. Some nodded including the major.

“But it could lead to a fight.” Commander Niace, captain of the light cruiser Flame Cloud persisted.

With a sigh Commissioner Flores nodded. “That is one possible outcome. Another is to forbid them to build any spacecraft and leave satellites to monitor this. Also this could be made into a closed system. There are other possibilities.” He went back to the soup. “Hmm, this is good, let us continue to eat gentleman.”

As the Commissioner finished his soup, Major Van Houser called for the next course which was delivered swiftly along with a bottle of an imported fermented juice. This was well received as any such drink, while not forbidden, was strictly regulated onboard any Empire ship. The officers were delighted and the bottle was swiftly emptied.

Two more courses followed and both the Commissioner and the Major caught up on much of the latest gossip, laughed at the antics of various personages who were known to them as well as some who weren’t. Such meetings were actually very important for the flow of information through this, and any organisation. They could not exist without it.

Sitting back in their chairs the group relaxed. Then one of the officers raised the question that was on all their minds. “Major Van Houser raised an interesting point that brought another question to my mind. Our master, the Dark Lord, what do they,” waving his hand at a view panel showing the planet of Ti Lepus, a beautiful world with continent’s, blue oceans and white clouds, “think of Him?”

Commissioner Flores looked startled. “I do not know, He has never been discussed, I really have no idea what they think of Him or even if they do!” He raised his hands.

“That is a hole in their thinking. Maybe you should bring it up?” The same officer suggested.

“Oh dear me, that would not do. They would immediately take offense and that would raise problems.”

The Major stepped in. “Nevertheless, you will have read and studied how our Master has reacted in the past. They should be made aware. Not that I dare to read our Supreme Lord’s mind or to suggest what He might do, but I am concerned about the attitudes shown on some of the news reports. Considering the disposition of the people towards outsiders, along with the way the local news has been reporting on us, this planet is, in my opinion, becoming an explosive mixture, an anti-matter bomb as it were. I wouldn’t like to be here when the fuse is lit!”

Shocked at the major’s analysis, Commissioner Flores realised that he had a point. “I hope that you are wrong Major, I really do. I will certainly consider bringing it up to the Chief Minister. What his reaction will be, I cannot say.” He stood. “Well there is little more that we can do or say that will affect what those on the planet below may want to do at this time. I am for my office and bed. I wish you a farewell gentlemen. Nephew, I thank you for making the effort to come to me.”

As Commissioner Flores left, there was a soft chime on the Major’s comm unit. “Yes.”

“Sir, Operations, the freighter just undocked and is leaving the system.”

“Very good, thank you. Out.”

Captain di Lester held out his hand to the major. “Major, thank you for putting up with us. Hope that it blows over with that lot down there and everything is quiet for the rest of your posting here. We all need to get back to our cruisers.”

“You are always welcome sir.” Major Van Houser smiled as he released the hand, replaced his cap and saluted. The Captains all made their farewells to the Major then left.

Leaving the dining room to the tender mercies of the housekeepers and their droids, the Major went to his own office. The meeting had actually done much to clarify his thoughts and he wanted to record them now.

The report that he made as well as the report of the Empire’s Representative would end up on their respective superior’s desk and join others in a similar vein. Collated, they arrived on the Galactic Governor’s desk. This entity had kept an eye on Ti Lepus for some time and after considering the reports, she added her own thoughts and forwarded everything to Tihab, the Administrative Capital of the Empire and the location of the High Council. There they rested. For the time being.

A small biting insect that causes irritation to the skin that slowly go’s away.

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