Well, here it is, Chapter one, part one of The 4.5th Frontier War. Chapter
one will be divided up into 4 parts. Then Chapter 2 will be in 6 parts.
Chapter 3 will be in about 3 or 4 parts, chapter 4 will be in 6 parts, Chapter
5 isn't finished yet but has already hit 60+Kbytes... Lesse, that's 22 weeks?
Geez! I hope I have computer access for that long! -Scott
There is nothing wrong with your TML. Do not attempt to contact the
Administrator. We are controlling the bandwidth....
RAID ON ENOC
or
Is that a gauss rifle in your pocket,
or are you just glad to see me?
by
Scott Kellogg
- I -
Agent 604 settled into the chair comfortably, taking in the
setting of the office in a glance. This company is an excellent
cover for a SORAG: liquid hydrogen production and transport.
With hydrogen needed all over the planet, the company can get
into virtually every business, its fleet of tankers provide a
large group of inconspicuous vehicles, thus necessitating a large
communications network that we can use for more than just getting
people their fuel.
Colonel Korispatl sat pensively across a large desk from
604. "604, you know about some of the shakeup SORAG went through
recently, you may not know the cause, but I am going to give you
as much as you need to know for your assignment."
"Colonel Baremkatlasche' was found to be a mole." Korispatl
let it sink in: the head of SORAG in the Ikar sector: a mole.
"We do not know who he was working for, but he was passing
information to someone, and two months ago he defected. We do
not know how many others may have been involved in the sellout,
but we have some suspects."
"Why, to put it bluntly, are they not dead?" asked 604.
"For one, we do not know who they work for. Two, they are
Just suspects at the moment. Three, there are rather a lot of
them, should they all disappear it would not look too good for
us. And finally, it would be rather messy.
Your assignment is to observe one of them: Dr. Mako
Malenkoviepr. Watch him, report on his moves, and try to
determine wither or not he has sold out."
"I have heard of Dr. Malenkoviepr, archeologist, something
of a folk hero, why is he on the suspect list?"
"Twenty three years ago, he found an ancient base while
working for us. His superior at the time was Baremkatlasche'. It
seems that there actually were ancient Droyne warriors in
suspension there. When they revived, they insisted on committing
krintrinasoyu. Malenkoviepr is the regional expert on the
Droyne, it was his job to talk them out of it. He failed to do
so, and we lost the chance to examine an almost perfectly intact
ancient base."
"And you think he just let them do it?"
"Well, actually I was there, and in a matter of speaking yes
he did just let them do it, but there are other factors to
consider. Malenkoviepr was brought up in Droyne society, to him
their ritual suicide was the proper thing for them to do, and
interfering with that would rob them of honor."
604 considered it, "That would indicate he has more loyalty
to the Droyne than the Consulate."
"Possibly, but it was a tough spot he was in, I would not
really judge him from that one incident. Still it was enough to
get him thrown out of SORAG. Nowadays, he does a great deal of
travelling outside the Consulate as part of general good will
tours. This makes him even more suspect."
"Why do you not just pull him in, interrogate him and read
his mind?"
"We may yet. But, he is trained to resist, and he is a
telepath of considerable strength. It would be a difficult task,
though we have the capability to do it. Observation might be
more of a risk, but we may get more information than he might
hold right now."
"How shall I observe?"
"Dr. Malenkoviepr has obtained a courier: the Kliemoshie.
He will be needing a crew. You will sign up. Now, we have been
contacted by the Ine Givar organization which has asked for his
help in raiding an Imperial archeological expedition on Enoc.
You and the other crew will be provided with battle dress and
gauss rifles and training to use them by the Ine Givar on
Aramat."
"Right, I will want a list of the other suspects to see if
there is any connections between him and any others."
"Agreed, and, I can tell you that there is one other suspect
that we know Malenkoviepr has dealings with."
"And that is?"
"Me."
"You are a suspect?"
"Yes, however, I would not bother investigating me, if I
were you. Undoubtedly some one else has that little chore. But,
if you feel the need, by all means go ahead."
"I see."
"Ahh, you are suspicious. Good, this may be tricky
business, we need a suspicious person on it.
Now on less touchy areas, since you will be traveling
outside the Consulate, I would also like you to report on any
pirate activity you find. It has been on a sharp increase in the
Ikar sector of late. And there may have been some connection
between Colonel Baremkatlasche' and the pirates.
You see about five months ago SORAG captured an Imperial
Transport: the Star Rider. She was being given to the League of
Suns as a gift from the emperor. We captured the ship and made
it appear as though she crashed."
"Yes, I remember. Star Rider: experimental transport, tech
level fourteen, considered obsolete, meson spinal mount, forty
thousand tons. Presumed destroyed in a collision with a free
trader."
"The trader was taking an assault team to the ship. They
rendezvoused and the team took the ship. Soon afterward, the
ship was ambushed by pirates. Some one leaked the plan: Colonel
Baremkatlasche's plan. The ship has since been sighted in pirate
service. Of course, only we know what ship is out there.
Officially, we have been dismissing sightings of the Star Rider,
but we want to find that ship and whoever is operating it."
"Any leads on the pirates? A forty thousand ton ship is a
pretty large ship for a gang of pirates to be running."
"Yes, and what is more, the ship was almost completely
stripped of armament. It needed a major overhaul and weapons to
put the teeth back in it, and that appears to have been done.
Almost any interplanetary state could have done the work.
Several independent planets could have done it as well."
"That is a lot of territory to cover."
"There is one thing notable about their attacks: the object
seems to be the capture of ships rather than cargo."
"How do you know?"
"They are less discriminatory about the victims cargoes than
other pirates, they have even dumped cargoes in space."
"I see."
"Now you know all you need for now." Korispatl handed 604 a
holo crystal, "Here is Dr. Malenkoviepr's file, familiarize
yourself with it. Here also is Baremkatlasche's file, in it is
the list of the other suspects. If you wish their files, you may
draw them from records. Good Luck."
604 dropped the crystal in a terminal slot and a holographic
image sprang into existence. A tiny doll of Dr. Malenkoviepr
stood on the desk along with a readout:
Dr. Mako Malenkoviepr 59CEFA PSI-14 Age 46 (physical age 23)
Occupation: Archeologist, specializing in the ancients
Race: Zhodani
Sex: Male
Homeworld: Tesser/Iakr
Height: 1.5 Meters
Hair Color: White
Eye Color: Pink
Distinguishing Characteristics: Albino
Psionic diciplines known: Telepathy, Awareness, The reading of
Auras, Droyne ability of 'Inward Eye' and Homing
Doctorate in Sophontology
Doctorate in Physics
Master's Degree in Psychology specializing in Nonverbal
Communication and Psychological Warfare
Master's Degree in Computers
Master's Degree in Education
Languages known: Zhodani, Droyne, Galanglic all fluent
Equipment qualified on: Grav Vehicle, Vac Suit, Grav-Belt
Combat Skills: Experienced in the use of Hand guns, has reached
the first level of mastery in unarmed combat. Expeienced
with explosives.
Leadership training and experienced Liaison officer. Aquainted
with techniques of Droyne appeals to caste system.
Has gone through basic survival courses.
Notes: Extremely resourceful...
- II -
Dr. Mako Malenkoviepr sat sprawled in the main lounge of his
ZC courier. Two hundred tons made for a small ship, but without
a crew she rang with emptiness. Two G acceleration! (with a warm
engine). Model three computer! (fairly reliable). Jump three
engines! (when she felt like it). She is one hundred and forty
eight years old. Well, she is mine any way. I suppose if I had
acted in a more conventional fashion for a Zhodani noble I might
have done better. As long as I have a good crew I can manage.
Time to check out these applications: Ship's Doctor:
Ex-Guard Commando Lieutenant Jietlshaiepr DB799A PSI-9 Age 30
Race: Zhodani
Sex: Female
Homeworld: Rio/Tloql
Height: 2.05 Meters
Hair Color: Brown
Eye Color: Brown
Legion of Merit
Psionic diciplines known: Teleportation, Awareness, Clairvoyance
Medical Doctorate
Bachelor's Degree in Cryptography and Comunications
Languages known: Zhodani, Galanglic
Equipment qualified on: Sensors, Battle Dress, High Energy
Weapons, Computers, Combat Rifles, Hand Guns, Grav-Belt,
Ground Vehicles
Combat Skills: Has achieved distiction as a marksman, Has
reached the third level of mastery of unarmed combat, and
first level with edged weapons. Has served as an
experienced scout. Experienced in the use of explosives.
Attended Command College, and Psionic Schools, recently retrained
in clairvoyance. Three times decorated for heroism, one Wound
Badge obtained in a boarding action in Eshaar system. Three
times decorated for actions in piracy suppression in Massina
Subsector
Wound Badge,
Two Hero of the Consulate 2nd Class medals,
Hero of the Consulate 5th Class medal
Weapons owned: Battle Dress, PGMP-13, and Unit Blade
She is the most qualified of all the candidates. Most
attactive too. Too bad she is attached to that pilot...
Niedrsha:
Ex-Navy Deck Leader Niedrsha 6B8A97 PSI-8 Age 30
Race: Zhodani
Sex: Male
Homeworld: Jorj/Iakr
Height: 1.85 Meters
Hair Color: Brown
Eye Color: Hazel
Class III Pilot's license, obtained as enlisted pilot.
Class II Navigator's Liscence
Specialist School Education in Psychology
Equipment qualified on: Grav Vehicles, Vac Suits, Sub-Machine
Guns, Hand Guns
Combat Skills: Exerienced in ship to ship tactical engagements.
Experienced as a forward observer, Fair marksman, Fisticuffs
Leadership training, Enlisted liaison training
Two Wound Badges obtained in piracy supression missions in
Massina Subsector. Three times decorated for parts taken in
actions.
Hero of the Consulate 1st Class,
Hero of the Consulate 2th Class,
Hero of the Consulate 4th Class
Weapons owned: Sub Machine Gun
Rather unremarkable, competent pilot certainly, there was
something about him... I have forgotten... wasn't important...
was he psi shielded?... yes.
Any way, Niedrsha is the guardian of the other one the
gunner... Oh yes, Drert:
Ex-Navy Advanced Spacer Drert B87567 PSI-5 Age 30 Male
Race: Zhodani
Sex: Male
Homeworld: Jorj/Iakr
Height: 2.1 Meters
Hair Color: Brown
Eye Color: Hazel
Legion of Merit
Equipment qualified on: Starship Weapons, Combat Rifles, Battle
Dress, Hand Guns, Grav Vehicles
Combat Skills: Good marksman, Fisticuffs
Three Wound Badges, obtained in Piracy suppression in Massina
Subsector. Five times decorated for actions.
Three Hero of the Consulate First Class medals,
Hero of the Consulate 2nd Class,
Hero of the Consulate 3rd Class
Weapons owned: Gauss Rifle
Now he is psychotic, incurable, but able to function as long
as Niedrsha keeps tabs on him. Interesting case, has no
conception of right or wrong. Odd. I wish Jietlshaiepr was not
part of a package deal.
Next there is the engineer, no strings attached: Shtam:
Ex-Merchant Second Officer Shtam A7AA87 PSI-9 Age 38
Race: Zhodani
Sex: Male
Homeworld: Cronor/Tloql
Height: 2.25 Meters
Hair Color: Light Brown
Eye Color: Green
Class III Starship Maintainance Liscence
Class II Engineer's Liscence
Class II Small Craft Pilot Liscence
Class II Communications Liscence
Commendations on resourcefulness
Equipment Qualified on: Vac Suit, Grav Vehicles, Combat Rifles,
Hand Guns
Combat Skills: Experienced in ship to ship tactical engagements.
Fair marksman
Friendly, outgoing
He seems like a pretty level headed person, albeit a bit
strong willed and, he is psi shielded. He was with Priantqlovr
Drafr Mega-corp. They travel outside the Consulate fairly
regularly, maybe he picked up psi training on the outside.
Last: the steward, Miakr and his robot:
Ex-Belter Miakr 698D85 PSI-8 Age 22
Flicking-8
Race: Zhodani
Sex: Male
Homeworld: Massina/Iakr
Height: 1.89 Meters
Hair Color: Light Brown
Eye Color: Brown
Psionic Disciplines known: Flicking
Armed Robot Owner's Liscence
Class I Starship Maintainance Certificate
Class I Navigator Certificate
Has soloed in a seeker type starship
Equipment Qualified on: Robots, Computers, Vac Suit, Grav
Vehicles, Gauss Rifle, Laser Rifle
Combat Skills: Poor marksman
Weapons owned: Robot Dog
Robot Dog: Vole
653X4-12-RM327-PDB3(F) Cr 1,097,200 384.6 Kg
Fuel=6 Duration=1 day TL=15
30/75 (Combat Armor) Psionic Flicking
2 Medium Arms/Legs
2 Visual Sensors + Telescopic + Light Intensification + Active IR
2 Audio Sensors + Extra Sensitivity
Olfactory Sensor + Extra Sensitivity
Touch Sensors Radiation Sensor
Radio (5000Km) Program Interface Obscuration Device
Gauss Rifle Laser Welder Grav Belt-External attached
Emotion Simulation
Instruction-4 Close Combat-4 Weapon Handling-2 Hunting-2 Rescue-2
Medical-1 Grav Vehicle-1
Now, that kid seemed awfully nervous in his interview. That
combined with the fact that the robot is SORAG equipment make him
a bit suspicious. He said it is the prototype, and if I remember
correctly the early ones were rather erratic.
He looks awfully young for his age. But he is not shielded,
so I can keep tabs on him if I have to.
I wish I had more applicants to choose from. This could be
rough. Well Mako, you knew the job was dangerous when you took
it.
- III -
Aramat E484000-0
A breath of wind crossed the landing pad giving the only
break in the heat of the desert that was Aramat. Four Grav tanks
hovering above the pad gave the only shade where a group of
beings reclined.
The crew observed from the bridge of the Kliemoshie.
"What kind of tanks are those?" asked Miakr of no one in
particular.
Dr. Malenkoviepr waited for an answer, but none seemed to be
forthcoming from the crew members. "They are tech level eleven
Gram class Grav tanks: crew of four armed with a 10 megawatt
plasma gun and a 30 mm autocannon. If you did not know them, get
to know them. They are pretty battle worn by the look of them,
the third one has a damaged grav module, see how it is listing?"
In the shade of the tanks a group was resting seeming
unconcerned about the arrival of the Kliemoshie. "Well, shall we
go meet whoever we are supposed to meet, and find out what it is
we are supposed to be doing?" suggested Jietlshaiepr.
"Right, everyone armed. Jietlshaiepr put on that battle
dress. Drert, you are the gunner, lend your gauss rifle to Shtam
and get in the ship's turret. Niedrsha, take your submachine
gun. Miakr, break a shotgun out of the locker and bring Vole."
as he spoke Dr. Malenkoviepr brought out a large strange looking
gauss pistol and began adjusting it. A shoulder stock was added
with a barrel extension for good measure with a laser designator
put on top for a finishing touch of deadliness.
The scent of law level zero cigarettes was borne on what
little breeze there was on the desert planet along with the sound
of a lazy tune that was distinguishably Vargr. The musical
intervals were a bit too precise to be sung by a human, while the
words, to the untrained ear were growls and barks. It seemed to
be telling of some vargr who was in some way particularly
charismatic in some particular way.
Miakr stood closely by the doctor holding the shotgun at the
ready, and looking a bit awkward with the unfamiliar weapon.
Dr. Malenkoviepr spoke first in Gevueg. "Good afternoon, I
understand we are expected."
A large male vargr squinted out of the shade of the grav
tanks, "Graaah!" he shooed a young female off his lap and stood.
He paused for a moment in thought, grasped Dr. Malenkoviepr
warmly by the hand and said in strongly accented Zhodani "Good
bye!"
He turned and greeted the each of the crew with a hearty
handshake, a breath of alcohol, and a badly pronounced "Good
bye!" "My is brain..." he paused, looked at the confused
expressions of the new arrivals and asked "Do you speak English?
I think will we along get a easier if we do, my Zhodani is very
bad."
Dr. Malenkoviepr nodded agreeably.
"Name's Oddball." he declared in English. "Least all
my friends call me Oddball, and you're all my friends." He put
his arm around the doctor's shoulder to emphasize the point.
Malenkoviepr looked at the arm with disdain. Seeming to ignore
this the vargr withdrew his arm.
"I am Doctor Malenkoviepr and this is my crew, medical
officer Dr. Jietlshaiepr, pilot Niedrsha, engineer Shtam, my
steward Miakr and his robot Vole."
Suddenly the crew saw objects flying toward them, they
recognized them for bottles as they came down for them to catch.
Oddball looked like a juggler losing every juggling pin he had as
he tossed the bottles to them. "Zilan Neuwine, not bad."
observed Jietlshaiepr. The law level zero cigarettes were
refused.
"You have the equipment for us?" asked Dr. Malenkoviepr
attempting to get down to business.
"Yup, six suits of zho battle dress, six zho gauss rifles,
ammo, plus one instructor: your's truly dat's me." Oddball threw
a canvass off of a pile of crates of armor and one of rifles. "I
already modified one of the suits to yer height and weight specs
as supplied by the Ine Givar."
"Ine Givar, that would be the anti-Imperial, pro-psionic
terrorists." asked Niedrsha.
"Yup, dat's who's payin' da bills. But enough business,
let's get down to serious matters." He brought out his own
bottle of wine, "To your continued health my good humans."
The female vargr who had been seated on Oddball's lap came
over and draped herself around Miakr's neck who was already
having difficulty balancing a shotgun and two bottles of wine.
"My name's Gresha what's yours?" Miakr suddenly felt a sting in
his arm, and looked to see Jietlshaiepr withdrawing a hypodermic
needle from it. "Watch out for the teeth." She said in Zhodani
over her shoulder as she left him with Gresha.
An Axly member of the tank crew approached Niedrsha, but she
found herself interrupted by the point of a plasma gun held
casually but deliberately by the menacing form of Jietlshaiepr in
full battle dress. She continued on and stopped before Shtam.
Shtam smiled politely but directed his attention elsewhere. The
four armed Axly are humanoid but not sufficiently so for him.
She returned to a male of her own species.
Dr. Malenkoviepr saw the situation rapidly deteriorating.
He turned and addressed Oddball, "We will begin outfitting and
training with the armor and rifles tomorrow I trust."
"Oh yeah, no problem. But fer now relax, enjoy. Now allow
me to introduce youse to an ol' custom of...."
The 4.5th Frontier War will continue... and continue... and continue... and
continue... and continue... and con
[Break in line 467 ";" expected]