Sunderbans K: The beginning of the Ky Epic

V

Ky Commonwealth

Bright Stars Duchy

HMS Alecto

Officer's Deck

Chattar was off duty and was in his quarters indulging in his favorite pastime: reading. He had picked up several books from the the station library. His shelves were stocked full, having recently left a spaceport full of old stores and a Ky Navy Library. His only issue was each mission he had to re-assign the library books to the Alecto's library when they came due, though they rarely came out of his room.

He settled down in his large couch to finish reading his latest treasure. As time went on, he relaxed more and more. And as he read, his eyelids drooped lower and lower. His right eye fell victim first, the left held open only slightly longer, barely open, until it too finally closed.

"It is a pleasure." Chattar heard someone unfamiliar say.

There were seven in the group: The Captain, Mirata, two other Ky, two humanoids, and himself. They were walking in a large open area of a spaceport or station. Then he heard another voice speaking, but he could not make out the words. They turned and went into a corridor. The voices continued as they walked; he strained to understand, but could not. It was as if something else had his attention. Something he could not yet see or hear. The corridor had several storage containers that were stacked to one side. Some went up to the ceiling. Dark and cold, they narrowed the passageway so only two could walk side by side. Occasionally a viewport would appear on the side opposite the containers. They walked on.

The lighting grew dimmer as the passageway grew smaller. Now they could not walk side by side. He heard something -- a whisper? A breath? Metal sliding against something soft. The light grew dimmer.

Chattar looked cautiously around as he walked, but there was nothing to be seen, except the walls, floors, ceilings and the storage containers. Another viewport came up on the left. The lights flickered and then went out. He saw a flash ahead of him and to the right. Something was coming down, quickly, in an arc. It was metal. Drawing closer, closer to someone up front. Then, a yell, a growl, a scuffle and...

Chattar opened his eyes. The book he had been reading lay open in his hands. He realized he had fallen asleep, realized he had another premonition, and a chill went down his spine.

Bridge

Mirata paced back and forth, anxious since the the Alecto's new orders had come in. After some time passed, the captain called for him. He walked quickly from the bridge to the captain's office. After catching his breath, he pressed the chime. A moment passed and the door opened. Taking another breath, he strode in and walked towards the desk where Tagus was sitting.

Mirata saluted sharply. "Sir!"

Tagus looked up from the pad he was working on, setting it down he returned the salute. "At ease, Commander." Tagus could tell that Mirata was a bit tense. "Would you like something to drink?" Turning to his left and waving to the cabinet.

"Oh, no thank you, sir."

Tagus smiled and nodded. "Very well, as you know, we have just received our orders. We are to cut this next survey short and return home, load up for the next mission and go."

"But we haven't finished the survey of the system."

"Done enough, at least for the Commodore."

"I think we have time, and it will help the crew-"

"I know," Tagus interrupted, "they're not ready. We're... not ready." He stood up. "And I tried to change their plans with the gunship squadron."

"So you could not get fighters?"

"I had hoped I could change that." He walked over to the bar and made a mixed drink. "The Duke was out, so I spoke with his second."

"Captain Uthro?"

"Yes." Tagus walked back, sat down, and sighed. "Yes, I thought he could help me with that request, being we went through the academy together."

"So you were in the same class?"

"No, he actually graduated in oh - five."

"Before..." Mirata said quietly. Tagus glanced up at him and gave him a quick half smile. "Well, I think my class did fairly well, school of hard knocks."

Mirata shook his head. "I'd call it trial by fire." Tagus chuckled at that. "Yes, it would seem so."

"Though, you've been running fighters for some time?"

"Ever since I took command of the Alecto, but... these are our orders."

Mirata noted the tone in that last statement. It wasn't like the captain didn't like orders, but there was something else here, something he hadn't picked up on since he was assigned to the Alecto two months ago.

"I have no experience in fighter ops." Mirata said. "So I studied your tactics thoroughly once I knew I was coming to the Alecto. I saw that, even though the Mostrel were better prepared against fighter tactics, you bested them."

Tagus smiled, "True, but cost was high, especially the last two years. I-"

Tagus's pad beeped, he pulled it out, and saw there was a new message. "Just a moment, Commander," he said. Mirata nodded  and looked around the room. It was plain, few pictures on the walls, one on the desk, being that of the late Commodore Perida. Mirata winced.

"It is a note, from Commander Chattar"

"Sir?" Mirata said, puzzled.

"Have a look at this" Tagus handed the pad to Mirata, who only glanced down for a moment before he spoke. "Again?"

"No, Mirata. Another."