Page 50 of Neverwylde 6
“By that time the other four warships, including theDen Tirim, will have arrived. And from what we can gather…” The colonel called out to one of his men. “Corporal Beedem, throw up that diagram on the main screen again.”
The viewscreen went blank and was replaced by a representation of Outpost Delta Six. Sitting almost directly above it was a bright red dot. Another red dot hovered off port, approximately in the middle. But what got their attention were four more blinking red dots that appeared to be converging on the space station. From their trajectory, once they arrived, a ship would be at the south end, with the other three surrounding them. In effect, the outpost would be completely surrounded.
“Did D’har Stek say what they would do if you refused to obey?” Kyber questioned.
“All he said was that I would be held responsible for the penalty.”
Kelen grimaced. “In short, they’re going to fire on the outpost. They can’t do that!”
“Obviously, they believe they can, if they have the Triumvirate’s permission,” Kyber countered.
“But that’s against intergalactic law!”
Pfeiffer gave her a worried look. “We are within two parsecs of Seneecian space. They could fire on us, inflicting so much damage to this outpost that all lives could be lost, and be back in their home territory before any troops arrive to aide us. And if we send our warships over to their sector, they could meet us—”
“Initiating an all-out war,” Kyber finished “What is the latest on the Kergocian ship? Has it arrived?”
“It docked less than half an hour ago. I was on my way to greet Egok Moad when I was summoned here.” The colonel glanced at them both. “I told D’har Stek I was willing to hand you and Kelen over, as official representatives of both races, but he refused. It’s all of you, or else. I’m sorry.”
Kyber sighed heavily. “I cannot risk the lives of your people, Colonel. I will discuss this with the rest of our crewmembers.”
“Colonel Pfeiffer, doesn’t this outpost have enough firepower to counter the Seneecians’ attack?” Kelen questioned.
“It does. But if they manage to breach our shields… One or two ships we could manage without much worry. But not six Class R warships.”
“What if our men aren’t here by the time the other ships arrive?” Kelen inquired. It was a risky idea, but she felt they had to explore all their options, what few they had.
Kyber frowned. “You’re thinking of them boarding the Kergocian ship and leaving?”
“Yeah. Now, if not sooner.”
“What if Stek scans this outpost? He will discover the lack of Seneecian lifeforms on board.”
She smiled at him. “Oh, I have no doubt he’ll scan the outpost, but when he does, he’ll find no more Seneecians on board.”
Pfeiffer crossed his arms. “You’re thinking of going aboard theVar Yuheriand diverting their attention long enough for the rest of your crew to escape with the Kergocians.”
“Yes. If the others leave now, and we hold off going aboard that ship until the very last minute, it might work.”
“That’s going to put you and Kyber in a very perilous position.”
“It is a risk we are willing to take,” Kyber said.
“Don’t take this wrong, Colonel, but I’m guessing you’ve called for Terran reinforcements?” She hated having to question the man. Technically, she didn’t have the right or the ranking to ask him anything. If he chose to ignore her, or reprimand her, she’d deserve it. But she had a feeling he would answer her.
“Yes, but they’re not due to arrive for another sixteen hours.”
Kyber held out a hand to the officer, who took it to shake. “Thank you for your help, Colonel.”
“You’re welcome. TheHok ti Haiis docked adjacent to Bay Fifteen. I’ll notify Egok Moad and tell her your men are on their way.”
