Three Square Meals Ch. 058

"So we have our man then," John said bleakly. He gave her a respectful salute, and said, "I didn't doubt you for a moment, but phenomenal work, Lieutenant. To piece all this together just on a hunch, with all the orders redacted as well, was a phenomenal piece of analysis."

Calara snapped to attention, and saluted him back crisply. When he smiled at her, she relaxed, and smiled back at him proudly. "I'll let you know the moment I find anything," she said, her dark-brown eyes filled with purpose.

John nodded, and she strode out of the briefing room to get to work. "So not long until we hit Terran Space, then three days to get back to Olympus shipyard?" he asked Alyssa, turning to look at the blonde girl.

"Two hours until we reach Terran territory," she replied with a smile. "And yes, just under three days to get to Olympus from there."

John looked at Dana and Jade, saying, "Let's make sure we have all the Paragon Armour ready by then, just to be on the safe side. Also, any chance we'll have access to the new laser rifles too?"

Jade gave him a confident smile, and said, "I'll easily have all the body armour finished. I've built one male suit, and three female variants so far. We're aiming to have two male and eight female finished as a full set."

Dana frowned, and said ruefully, "Estimating research is very difficult to do precisely, but I should be able to design a prototype in a day or two. I could rush out a basic improvement for Irillith's laser rifle, but I figured you'd want me to build something that would really make the bad guys shit themselves."

He laughed, and said, "Yeah, you know me well enough. I can't wait for the firing range demo."

Both girls grinned at him, then rose to their feet, and gave him a brief kiss before heading out to continue their work. Rachel followed after them, and after she had given him a kiss too, she said, "I'll finish my Maliri DNA investigation. I'm still on track to give you a presentation this evening."

"Nice work, Doctor," he said with a smile, and Rachel smiled back at him before leaving through the door into the Bridge.

That left Alyssa, Irillith and Faye in the briefing room with him, and the cheerful AI quickly spoke up, saying, "I think we urgently need to upgrade the Invictus' cyber defences, but don't worry, I've started designing some improvements already!"

Irillith nodded, saying, "Dana made a good effort, but we're still very vulnerable to skilled hackers. A skilled Maliri team would be through our firewalls and running amok in half-an-hour or less."

After seeing what Irillith had done to the hacked Armoured Cobras cruiser, Alyssa shot him a look of alarm. "We definitely need to get that fixed as soon as possible," she agreed.

"Go ahead and make a start," John said, turning to give the purple sprite an encouraging nod. "You've been nothing but helpful since you joined us, and I trust that you'll do a great job with this too."

Faye looked delighted at his vote of confidence, and she bit her lip in excitement before saying, "I'll make the Invictus completely impregnable!"

When he grinned at her, she winked out in a purple flash, rushing away so that she could get to work immediately.

"I'll help, and keep an eye on her," Irillith said with a smile. She hesitated for a moment, then gazed into Alyssa's cerulean eyes as she continued, "I didn't say anything before, but the amount of psychic power you hold is terrifying. When you channelled all that to me, I'd never been so scared! I thought I was going to explode."

Alyssa face fell, and she hurried around the table to give the Maliri girl a comforting hug. Irillith rose and met her half-way, and the two women embraced tightly. "I'm so sorry I scared you," Alyssa said, her voice full of regret. "You started getting tired, and I heard from your thoughts that you were under attack. I guess I just panicked. I thought the fear I was picking up from you afterwards was just because you were scared of getting caught."

"It's alright," Irillith said with a smile. "I'm just glad I'm on your side!"

They both laughed with relief, hugging each other again as John walked over to join them. He wrapped them both in his arms, and then smiled at Irillith as he said, "You've really proved what a wonderful addition to the team you are today. You were amazing, thank you."

She gave him a happy smile, and looking at each of them in turn, she said, "It feels tremendously rewarding to help out. I'm just glad I was able to start repaying everything you've done for me. What with the healing, my new relationship with Edraele, and even just welcoming me into your family. I feel like I owe you both a huge debt."

John smiled back at her and said, "You don't have to feel that way, it's great to have you here. We all help each other, so there's no point keeping score."

Alyssa giggled and placed her hands on Irillith's still-swollen tummy, and said, "Besides, he's been delighted to have you aboard."

The Maliri laughed, looking carefree and radiantly beautiful, and she said, "I'll look forward to delighting you both again soon." She shared an intimate kiss with each of them, and when they released her from their embrace, she waved them goodbye as she left the Briefing Room.

John and Alyssa were the last ones in the room, and he took her hand, leading her around to his chair. When he sat down, he pulled her into his lap, and said, "I think we need to discuss this 'Special Investigation'. What's your opinion, XO?"

As much as the blonde girl was enjoying his attention, she nodded sombrely. "Yeah, this looks bad. Irillith mentioned interviews with people we've rescued, and reports on the Invictus' capabilities; it sounded pretty comprehensive. It's just a shame she wasn't able to grab a copy."

He gazed out the window at the twinkling stars that flashed past in the black, hugging her to him as he pondered it for a moment. He finally sighed, and said, "I'm inclined to agree. if Irillith's right, they started taking an interest after the Kirrix incident."

Alyssa studied his face, and then said, "Either that, or our exploits in the Iota-Leonis system put us on their radar. You became the Lion of the Federation then, and our public profile grew exponentially. When we stepped in to save Port Medea, perhaps someone started taking an interest in our past activities?"

"That makes sense," he agreed with a nod. "Which begs the question, who authorised it? My first guess would be Admiral Norwood, after we fought off the Kintark, and saved the Leonis system. Alternatively, it might have nothing to do with the Dragon March Traitor, and this could be Terran Federation High Command getting curious."

"The Invictus is stocked to the gills with priceless upgrades, and I remember how keen Charles was to trade for the Tachyon Drive," Alyssa said, nodding her agreement. She smiled sardonically as she added, "Any Admiral would give his left nut for our new Maliri weaponry!"

"It's probably going to be prudent to keep a low profile in Terran Space, and not show our hand unless we have to," John said firmly. "The last thing we need is High Command harassing us for access to all our tech specs."

At that moment, the door to the Bridge swished open, and Calara dashed inside. "We've got Charles on the comm!" she blurted out in a rush. "He said it's urgent that he speaks with you!"

John and Alyssa shot a glance at each other, and she hopped off his lap, before they strode quickly out of the Briefing Room, and up to their seats on the Command Podium. Calara had darted back to her Tactical Station, and she said, "Putting him through!"

The viewscreen flickered for a moment until it coalesced into the familiar face of John's old commanding officer, Charles Harris. The older man's face was lined with worry, and in all the years John had known the man, he'd never seen him looking this troubled and afraid.

"Oh, thank God!" Charles gasped with relief. "John, they've really fucked up this time!"

"What is it Charles?" John asked, leaning forward, alarmed to see his old friend looking on the verge of panic.

"Those crazy bastards didn't listen to my warnings!" he rambled, his eyes wild.

"You aren't making sense!" John exclaimed. "What warnings? Who?"

"The R&D division! I tried to get it stopped..." Charles blurted out fearfully, "It's the Ganymede incident all over again!"

***

The two House Loraleth assassins exfiltrated Genthalas Station as planned, sneaking aboard one of the supposedly neutral merchant vessels, which was docked here waiting for their extraction. The merchant's guild ran a reasonably sized fleet of trading ships, and over the years, they had become well known for providing not-so-secret transport for covert operatives. As all Houses used them as such, they remained relatively safe from intra-House strife, while collecting lucrative fees from all involved.

Avelissa and Renaya waited patiently for the freighter to dock, then joined the crew who were waiting to disembark at the planet Loraleth. The crystal airlock door spun upwards into the ceiling, and the passengers and crew strode out into the bright sunshine of Loraleth's twin suns. A couple of guards were waiting for them at the starport on the planet's surface, and Avelissa immediately recognised them as part of Matriarch Shaedra Loraleth's personal retinue.

"Come with us, please," one of the heavily armed and armoured guardswomen said, and the two inconspicuous looking assassins fell into step behind them.

They walked over to a waiting hover-car, and the guards waited for their charges to enter the vehicle before sitting in the seats opposite them. The driver lifted off with the almost silent hum of anti-grav motors, and the large car raced away towards the Loraleth palace. There was a somewhat tense atmosphere in the spacious confines of the luxury vehicle, and Avelissa could tell that the guards were itching to ask them about the mission.

Occasionally she'd share some titbits of information, but not today, not after the mission they had just executed. The news they were about to pass on to Matriarch Loraleth would shake the pillars of Maliri society to their very core! She gave the closest escort an apologetic smile, and the Maliri guardswoman sighed in frustration.

It didn't take long to reach their destination, and as soon as they had parked the hover-car, the guards rushed them through the Palace corridors. They arrived at an imposing entranceway, and the double doors began to swing open the moment they arrived. The Palace guards ushered them through the portal, then joined two of their cohort, standing at attention outside.

Avelissa took the lead with a confident stride, while Renaya kept pace beside her, and the two assassins walked purposefully into the room. It was a grand and imposing, high arched audience hall, with the ceiling shaped into a spectacular crystal dome. The hall was cunningly designed to be intimidating for visitors, and the dome channelled light onto the dais, presenting the Loraleth Matriarch in all her regal splendour. Shaedra Loraleth was sitting in her throne, an eager gleam in her eyes, and her four daughters were arrayed around her, two on either side.

The moment the doors shut behind them, the Matriarch leaned forward, and demanded, "What news? Were you successful? We heard reports of a detonation, but haven't been able confirm more than that."

Avelissa declared proudly, "Just as you ordered, Matriarch, your will has been done. Edraele Valaden is no more."

The Loraleth Matriarch looked like she could scarcely believe her pointed ears, and she asked hungrily, "What happened?! I want details!"

Renaya stepped forward, and said, "We set explosives, and ambushed Edraele Valaden en-route to a meeting with her Fleet Commanders. The other strike teams had lured away her bodyguard, and suppressed local comms, so we were able to reach the bombsite well before any Valaden troops could get there. Edraele survived the explosion, but was badly wounded, so we finished her off."

"She's definitely dead?" Shaedra Loraleth asked warily. "There can be no doubt!"

Avelissa nodded, and said with confidence, "We decapitated her, just to make certain, Matriarch."

Shaedra slumped back in her chair, her expression one of utter astonishment. Her attractive blue face lit up in a dazzling smile, and she crowed victoriously, "I finally did it!"

Her daughters gathered around her chattering excitedly, and after shaking her head in disbelief, Shaedra looked at them smugly, and exclaimed, "I told you I would bring our House to primacy one day!"

Renaya turned to Avelissa, and the two women shared a smile, momentarily forgotten as the Loraleth ruling family revelled in their moment of triumph. Avelissa paused, and cleared her throat politely before saying, "Matriarch, we were given a message to pass on to you by Ioelena, our contact on Genthalas. She said it was important."

Shaedra nodded impatiently, and said, "Let's hear it."

The assassin crouched on the floor, then pressed the button on the small black holo-projector. The recording of Ioelena's face appeared as a crisp holographic image, floating above the device, and she beamed at them happily.

Looking greatly relieved, she exclaimed, "The plan worked! Edraele has been eliminated, and House Valaden is critically vulnerable! Her Council of Advisors are trying desperately to keep this a secret while they attempt to locate Irillith, but news will leak out, as it always does. When the Valaden Fleet Officers find out there'll be chaos, so I'd suggest mounting a strike in two days, and you can hit them when they are the most disorganised. Irillith is out of Maliri Space, and will not be able to claim her position as Matriarch in time." Ioelena performed a sweeping, respectful bow, and added, "Congratulations Matriarch Loraleth, leader of the Maliri's first House."

Shaedra Loraleth nodded as she thought over the plan, and with a look of delight, she said, "Capitalise on the anarchy... it's an excellent suggestion. We'll gather our fleet, and prepare to launch an offensive. Valaden forces won't know what's hit them, and we might be able to annex all of Genthalas, as well as any ships in drydock!"

"I'll order our fleet to begin preparations immediately!" her eldest daughter volunteered enthusiastically.

Shaedra grinned at the women gathered around her, and said, "Do that. Then tonight, we celebrate! Finally that godforsaken Valaden bitch is dead, and House Loraleth can take its rightful place."

Shaedra Loraleth noticed the two assassins again, and smiled benevolently as she said, "You've both done a tremendous service to your House. I will ensure you receive titles and wealth as a just reward for your actions."

"Thank you, Matriarch," they both said by rote, bowing respectfully, then turned and left the room, obedient servants that they were.

***

On the Invictus' Bridge, John glanced at Alyssa in shock, reeling from Charles' announcement. He turned to the viewscreen and said urgently, "Get a hold of yourself Charles. What's happened exactly? I need hard facts!"

Charles took a long shuddering breath as he tried to calm himself, then said, "Vice Admiral Von Brandt and the R&D division. They lost control of their facility three weeks ago! They sent out an emergency distress call, but the signal was shut down almost immediately afterwards."

"You need to stamp this out right now," John said in alarm. "God knows how big a fleet they'll have amassed in three weeks!"

"You don't have to tell me that!" Charles snapped angrily. "I only found out about this two weeks ago! The fools tried to cover it up until the attacks started."

John leaned forward, and said, "What attacks? What ships were involved?"

"Rogue AI ships are attacking everything around the Beta-Persei system! They're using automated ships just like the one that attacked you. They've been killing everything in their path!" Charles said frantically.

"Send everything you've got, and crush this now, before they get too powerful to put down!" John barked furiously.

"I did!" Charles exclaimed, sounding on the edge of despair. "But we've stripped our forces bare in the Terra sector; everything's been diverted for the big push in the Dragon March! I sent out every ship I had as soon as I found out, but I lost contact with the battlegroup a couple of days ago!"

John took a deep breath, and said ominously, "That R&D facility was right in the middle of a metallic asteroid field, and they must have had a shipyard to build those automated cruisers. This could be really bad, Charles."

"I know," Charles replied looking grim. "I've sent out distress calls to the Trankaran Border Fleet, but they're still nearly a week away."

John narrowed his eyes, and said guardedly, "Alright, but I'm just flying an old Assault Cruiser, what do you expect me to do about it?"

Charles flung his hands up in exasperation, and exclaimed, "This isn't time to play coy, John! I know you've been running around, sticking every upgrade you can on that ship! Besides, I've got nothing else to throw at them; there are -NO- combat capable vessels left in the Homeworld Sector!"

"What's this 'big push' in the Dragon March?" Calara asked, looking worried.

Charles looked down at her and muttered, "It's supposed to be top-secret, but that doesn't exactly matter if a robot uprising wipes out the Terra sector..." He sighed and said, "We've massed a huge force in the Dragon March, and Admiral Norwood is leading a massive counter-offensive against the Kintark. Forces have been siphoned off from all over the Terran Federation to support the invasion."

Calara looked at John with alarm, but he threw her a sharp glance, and she pursed her lips, sealing them closed.

*We're just under two days from the Beta-Persei system,* Alyssa advised John telepathically.

John looked at the viewscreen, and said to Charles, "We can reach the R&D facility in two days, but if the AI forces took out your entire Battlegroup, I'm not sure how much we can do. Just how many ships did you have in that task force? Did they report on any battles before you lost contact with them?"

Charles sounded badly shaken as he replied, "They were a cobbled together fleet of ships that had just completed repairs, attached to the reserve forces around Olympus. Eight cruisers, two light carriers, two dozen destroyers, and led by a battleship under the command of Commodore Neal Jansen. They encountered a couple of solitary raiding ships as they approached Beta-Persei, which they took care of without taking any casualties. After that they went radio-silent and we haven't heard from them since."

"Alright, we'll look into it," John said, nodding to Alyssa, who began plotting the change of course immediately.

"Do what you can, John," Charles said gratefully, then added, "But get out of there if the odds are too high. There's no point throwing your lives away for no reason."

"Will do, Charles," John replied. He stared at his old friend, and said, "We were planning on visiting Olympus next anyway, so I'll see you soon."

Charles brightened at that and said, "Well good luck, and hopefully we can share a drink when you get here!"

With that, Charles closed the call, leaving silence to reign in the Bridge. John slumped back in his chair, then glanced over at Irillith and Faye, who'd not spoken during the whole exchange. Irillith was just trying to keep a low profile, but Faye looked saddened by the disturbing news they had just received from Charles.

When Faye realised John was looking at her, she let out a little sigh, and sounded perplexed as she asked, "Why would an AI go rogue and attack Terrans like that? You've been nothing but nice and friendly towards me."

"I don't know Faye," John replied helplessly. "I really wish I had an answer for you, but newly created Artificial Intelligence has always turned on Terrans."