Читать книгу Somewhere in the long forgotten future - Kevin Colbran - Страница 4

Roxz rang his wife Hnetz and said, “That package that we were expecting has arrived, perhaps we should open it at the old hut?” He then continued, “It seems old Gimpy is in town and says I owe him something.”

After listening for a minute, Roxz hung up and commented, “Hnetz will be around in about fifteen minutes packed for a few days. I suppose you understand that Gimpy are the people following you?” After Humph had nodded, Roxz added, “On occasion, it is necessary to speak covertly in the merchant business, so my lovely wife knows what is required.”

As they waited, the local radio which had been playing music in the background rose in volume and announced, “The Imperial Navy has graciously consented to visit and will conduct security patrols to remove subversive elements. All law abiding citizens are expected to co-operate with this task.”

“As if they have any jurisdiction in this sector; still 'might makes right' doesn’t it,” Roxz grumbled.

The windows dulled as a shadow blocked the sun, shuttles and fighters could be seen streaming from ports. The shuttles spread out to land and disgorge storm troopers. Then Roxz received the call that his car was waiting at the rear exit. “OK let’s go the car awaits.” Roxz waved the trio towards the back and out the door where an enclosed vehicle was waiting.

“Hnetz meet Kiltatha, Dewchit and their daughter Rorykam; we will have them as guests for a while,” Loxz introduced the three.

When all had seated themselves, Hnetz guided the vehicle down the lane-ways towards the hills overlooking Svitalos City. When none could hear, Roxz indicated to Algertz that it was safe to talk.

“Hi Aunty, guess who?” Algertz announced.

“Little Algertz, it seems that you have let your hair grow a little? And these others are?” Hnetz asked unfazed.

“Killa and Humphs in drag,” Roxz laughed which surprised the named pair.

“You and your jokes, one of these days it will be the death of me,” Hnetz commented, “Roxz has told me all about you and how nice you are.”

Roxz purpled in embarrassment and mumbled, “They can add a little interest to the day.”

“I am in contact with the ship; another two Wookys will be landing loaded with extra gear and a car and will follow a different route. The ship is being converted to look like a YT2450 freighter and painted grey,” Humph passed on. The tone of his voice caught Hnetz attention as she had never heard Humph talk or expect a child’s voice to emanate from a big Wooky. The high pitch was because the setting of the audio enhancer was for the Wooky language and didn’t assist his normal voice.

“I expect some explanations when we get there; please allow me to concentrate as we are coming up to a checkpoint. Cheeky boys have a road block in my town,” Hnetz commented, “If we weren't trying to travel incognito, I would give them a piece of my mind.”

Roxz sighed in relief at that; someone else wore the pants at home.

Being waved down, Hnetz lowered the window and asked, “Can I help you?”

The team leader growled, “I’ll ask the questions, who are you and your passengers?”

“And your authority is?” Hnetz glared at them.

“On the Emperor’s business; there are subversives in the city.”

“Despite that, I will tell you, my husband and I are respected merchants going about our lawful business showing our Wooky visitors the sights of our city,” Hnetz icily stated emphasising each ‘our’.

“Identification,” The leader snapped.

“I will show them to one authorised by our government; I suggest you move your rubbish off the road so our peaceful visitors can go about our business,” At which the three ‘peaceful Wookys’ gave a beautiful smile full of very long and sharp fangs.

The leader reached into his pouch and produced a computer tablet, “This from your government authorising my team, Identification please.” The leader repeated if not quite in the same haughty tone having taken note of the smiles and assorted weapons.

“Since you asked so nicely,” Hnetz relented and showed her ID as did the passengers. The trio’s ID matched their description, and the vehicle was waved through.

In the rear view mirrors it was apparent that the leader was sending the description of vehicle and occupants to the next level.

“I suppose those IDs are accurate?” Killa asked.

“Of course, they are duly authenticated by the merchant guild; I issued them myself as the sector secretary,” Hnetz stated smugly, “As I did the vehicle registration.” Clearing the town and turning onto a side road winding through the forest and valleys, gradually climbing into hills.

Arriving at a nondescript farm gate which opened at a signal, the vehicle drove past the farmhouse then proceeded through to the rear of the farm and into the woods behind. When the team entered the treeline, there hidden in a glen among the trees there was a magnificent house and hardly an old hut.

“Welcome to our humble hut, I hope you will find it pleasant and quiet,” Sartz said.

“Looks gorgeous,” Algertz agreed.

“We should be able to keep a low profile long enough for them to get tired of looking,” Roxz said.

"We should have plenty of warning. Paranoid for me to ask, but is there a back door?” Killa asked.

“Yes and we have a dozen speeders to use, there is a narrow track which skirts through the back into the forest,” Roxz advised.

“I have ridden them before as has Killa, Algertz?” Humph advised.

“Of course, I have the latest Mil-spec 75 at home,” She answered smugly.

“If that’s settled can we have our niece back?” Hnetz asked.

Humph nodded, the disguises sloughed off and melded to reform the familiar bear.

. . .

On board the Reynar, the reports were streaming in, and Commodore Rham directed, “Key the computer to highlight one humanoid 80 kilos and another 50 kilos in the company of at least one Oxzen.”

The Intel officer complied; gave a look of inquiry and asking, “Aye sir, based on what data?”

“I believe that was a Droman ship. Accordingly, disguises are likely, and the subject could be visiting family as suspected.”

The computer beeped, and the IO announced, “Headed East are Two Oxzen and two Twilek, ID merchants, West 4 Oxzen, ID farming family and North two Oxzen and three Wookys, ID also as merchants. Fwillsving authorities confirm all Oxzen ID as residents, the Twilek and Wooky are recent arrivals through customs.”

“You have tracers placed on the vehicles?” Rham asked expecting an affirmative.

“Yes, Sir.” Commander Blohm confirmed, “I will assign bio-sensor teams ready to confirm species when intercepted.”

. . .

“Do you have a radio transmitter nearby?” Humph asked.

“None that I know of,” Roxz replied.

“I think we had a better look at the van I am getting an irritating buzz from something.” Commented Humph as he searched around the rear of the vehicle. Then he pointed at a little patch on the back and said, “There it is; an Imperial tracking bug.”

“I suppose they stick them on all the cars in case they need to follow.” Roxz thought aloud. “If we disable it the sudden stoppage will send the message that we looked, perhaps if we stick it on a drone and sent it along the highway to the end of the road, it may distract them.”

"The vehicle registration is for the farm we passed. If we park it back there, perhaps they won’t think to look up here,” Hnetz pointed out, then turning to one of the house staff she ordered, “Gerxz, please drive this van down to the farm, leave it there and return with your offsider in another vehicle.”

“When you do it warn the farmers that old Gimpy may pay a visit,” Roxz added, “They will know to move the herd onto the track disrupting any traces we may have left up to here.”

“I suppose my other team had better steer clear; they may have sensors which can detect actual species. I have to protect my avatars,” Humph added, “OK I have parked the shuttle on the moon until safe.”

“So now we wait and see if the ruse works,” Hnetz commented, “In the meantime perhaps we all can have a little relaxation and freshen up.”

. . .

Rham and Commander Ezra Blohm were relaxing playing a game of chess. “Now the Droman ship, I believe the operating system is the Droman itself, formidable but not something that we can duplicate,” Rham said as he moved his cruiser piece, “As each Droman can simultaneously coordinate 20 tasks or individuals. This ability would be dangerous to the Empire if a hundred or more Dromans could operate as a fleet.”

Blohm moved his piece and asked, “What is stopping them?”

“Consider this scenario; we have six system grandmasters and 20 odd masters in our task group?” Rham asked as he moved the next piece.

“Yes?”

“Perhaps if we select a master each to play a game, split the remainder into advisory teams, connect them all with radios on the same frequency and then instruct each team member to advise as they see fit.”

“Unless there was radio discipline, impossible; no-one could think, with all the chatter going on.”

“Precisely the problem, if two or more Droman get too close they drown each other out and then lose control of their parts,” Rham confirmed, “Death star check.”

“Even splitting my attention works,” Blohm noted as he warded off the threat, “So if we concentrate on the Oxzen princess as the main objective we should be successful.”

“Indeed, note that we need a live hostage in good health, so exercise care,” Rham concluded, “Ah good move perhaps diversions work both ways.”

. . .

Gerxz arrived back from the farmhouse; he reported that the farmers were mustering the stock onto the trail. The farmers would move them into the paddock between the farmhouse and the boundary fence. As he was delivering this news, there was a thrum as the fighters cruised over the farmhouse.

“Just in time,” Roxz noted, “If you hadn’t spotted that radio tracker they would have zeroed on here instead.”

“Well, that gives us perhaps half an hour extra before they realise that Algertz isn't there,” Hnetz advised, “We can expect at least two shuttles loaded with troopers and speeders within the hour. If they have a leader with an ounce of brain, it won’t take them long to search for where we are.”

“So we get our gear together and nip out the back door,” Roxz decided, “We have a retreat further towards the coast where there is a small space port.”

“Sounds like a good spot to offload unique merchandise,” Humph suggested.

Roxz pretended to be innocent to the implication, “Well some things do incur an outrageous port tax, not that I would know anything about that,” He said piously.

“Perhaps an enterprising shuttle pilot could make his way down a canyon from seaward, land and take-off without attracting notice,” Roxz went on, “Then tag along under a convenient freighter that is moon-bound. Conveniently one of our freighters just happens to be ready to do so with the take-off path passing by that canyon mouth.”

“Hmm, perhaps if it makes a couple of return trips in the meantime and my shuttle tags along on one of the back legs that should work,” Humph said, “The first couple of times I would expect to be thoroughly examined, and after which they may slack off a bit.”

“If I were a smuggler that would sound like a good plan,” Roxz said pretending that of course, he wouldn’t condone such a thing, “Perhaps if I suggested to Captain Gonxz that the moon needs a couple of urgent deliveries this week; I’ll just ring him.”

Punching numbers into his phone, he then listened a moment then said, “It’s your old mate here; Aunt Luna is running a bit short of her favourite drop, you know the sort that Uncle Gimpy likes, well if you take a couple of loads there this week I would appreciate it. How’s the fishing on the coast?”

Then after a pause, “I may call there to see if I can catch a big one, I will listen to the weather forecast for a couple of days’ time.”

“So if we load up then make a move towards the coast; before the posse starts snooping around,” Hnetz suggested. Directing their attention to the garage under the house, she escorted them to the waiting speeders.

“Ah excellent jobs, I believe these are supposed to be restricted to Colonel and above?” Killa commented admiring the vehicles waiting.

“Rank does have its privileges,” Hnetz admitted, “Mount up, would you like two bikes Humph?” taking note of his bulk.

“Perhaps you are right,” Humph agreed and split into two smaller versions then announced in duet, “Ready when you are.”

“Nice trick you would be the envy of all the weight watchers in the galaxy,” Roxz marvelled.

Gathering the gear the troop mounted leaving the regular staff to make the place look innocent and misdirect any inquiries. The farmers also were advised to suggest that the occupants of the van had changed to a more suitable vehicle and to head further inland to visit a factory. With the team on the trail, Roxz and Hnetz leading with the two Humph bringing up the rear; Mike and Algertz being young started showing off their skills with short bursts to the side and weaving through the trees finding the straight and narrow too monotonous.

. . .

Two Imperial troop shuttles zeroed onto the farm and landed unloading two squads of speeders and a dozen Stormtroopers on foot.

The leader of the detachment strode up to the house and demanded, “The occupants of this vehicle, where are they?”

“They took the land speeder as they were going to visit Gerasving, which has a rough road,” The farm wife blurted apparently dismayed by the question, “They went about an hour ago.”

Turning to the speeders, “Two bikes proceed up the road towards the village of Gerasving; the rest of the speeders split up and search the rest of the farm looking for any signs.”

“Troopers search the house barns and any other building, report everything back here.”

Turning back to the farm wife, “Who else is here? I want to speak to them,” He ordered.

“The men folk are mustering up towards the back paddock and won’t be back for another hour,” The farm wife said as she pointed.

“Escort all farmers back here when you locate them, you should find them on the western boundary,” He ordered over the radio.

By the time the buildings were cleared by the troopers and the farmhands located, the radio buzzed with the news that the speeders had seen no land speeders between here and Gerasving.

Turning to the farm woman the NCO commented, “Either it is far faster than any road vehicle built or you were mistaken,” Then he ordered the shuttle, “Go aloft and run a thermal trace on the roads and see if vehicles have headed towards the back of the farm.”

Within minutes, the radio informed him that traces were found leading to the back gate, and there was a villa in the forest behind where there was thermal activity.

“Stay there I will join you with the other shuttle. Keep an eye on that house,” The NCO ordered, “Expect a lot of trouble over this time wasting,” The last aimed at the trembling woman.

“Load this shuttle, speeders team up with the other shuttle and hold till I get there. No firing of weapons.”

. . .

“I am detecting radio transmissions behind us; it seems they are on to us,” Humph announced.

“Right, pick up the pace they will be on our trail before long, and we need to open up a gap,” Hnetz shouted avoiding the radio.

When the group came to the edge of the open space, Humph called a halt, “Stop a minute and I will provide everyone with a helmet so that we can communicate.”

As they paused, Humph handed Mike and the three Oxzen a portion of gel each which had split from each of the ‘Humphs’ and as they held their gel ball it reformed into a helmet which they placed on their heads and smiled as Humph now spoke directly.

“Okay, let’s move,” Humph voice sounded in their ears, “If you wish to converse with one person, say their name and what you say next will go only to that person in my voice; just speak, and everyone hears except of course the Imperials.”

The group sped up until they reached the open ground where they split up and fanned out as Hnetz suggested.

“Each bike only leaves a small trace, and we are travelling at the same speed as the Imperial shuttles and their speeder bikes, it should be difficult for them to locate where we leave the open and rendezvous at the spaceport.”

As they entered the far side of the plains, Hnetz called them together with Humphs coordinating the gathering so that the final section of the trip to the port.

. . .

The two shuttles having determined that a party had departed through the forest towards the coast.

“Speeders to follow the pathway, I will take the two shuttles aloft and try to pick up traces to give a direction.”

Initially, He was able to develop a thermal image of half a dozen speeder bikes and was able to direct their progress. The shuttle followed this trace until they reached the edge of the forest where the thermal images faded as the group spread out. The individual tracks weren't able to be followed at pursuit speed, so the team had to slow drastically. It was soon evident that they had lost the direction that their quarry had taken.

“Damn, lost them,” The leader cursed then reported in, “Red team to Reynar, target party departed house beyond the farm. Occupants deny any knowledge of destination except pointing in the direction of departure. The team lost contact when the quarry split-up to cross open area.”

“Message received; behaviour consistent with the fugitive group you are tracking, correct procedure was followed, report back to the assembly area and regroup for further orders.”

“Acknowledged, regroup at sector HQ,” The leader acknowledged then ordered, “Shuttles land and load bikes.”

. . .

Using several circuitous routes, Hnetz directed the group towards the hidden port and hangar complex.

Humphs announced that radio transmissions had faded behind them, it would seem that they had gained the refuge without having unwelcome company.

“Like the good old days, pity that was when I was young and could enjoy it a bit more. So we are here, freshen up and see what old gimpy does next,” Roxz said, “We have the place to ourselves, and it’s designed to give only background level traces.”

“That was exciting but common-sense dictates not to rest before those visitors have given up,” Algertz agreed.

“You did listen to the lessons I gave you in class,” Hnetz commented, “For now, park the speeders, and I will point out your rooms.”

“When night falls I will see if I can move the shuttle out of harm’s way so that we can use it later. I expect as soon as they determine that it is ours the next step would be to lock it down. There are two guards inside and three outside, but perhaps they may become sleepy about midnight,” Humph stated.

Roxz looked at Humph to digest the content of his statement, “Oh good idea; you still surprise me with the way you can split yourself up. Would you like all these bits back?”

As Humph nodded the helmets and the other Humphs resumed being blobs then coalesced into one big Humph.

. . .

Rham and Blohm were consulting the strategic map of the area that the group had vanished. “Once they entered that forest we are basically into the unmapped wilderness. Aerial surveys show herd animals which leave similar traces to speeder bikes, so until they settle into one group and show something we are blind,” Rham said.

“Background checks show that all identified Oxzen work on that farm, the vehicle is registered there as well, and no records exist for the house behind. The sector merchants’ guild owns the company which owns the farm. The chairman and secretary of which are El Ali Roxz and El Ali Hnetz whereabouts currently unknown,” Blohm reported, “We sent another party to the farm area, but all Oxzen had disappeared. We dispatched the second party to Roxz’ warehouse, but they had shut down as well.”

“I would say the first two ‘employees’ with the Wookys were those two. Roxz was the next in line before Algertz was born,” Rham considered, “Since the party which departed the farm consisted of at least five. It wouldn’t be drawing a too long a bow to suggest that is where we may find them.”

“There is an interesting bit of intelligence, Lord Vater in company with troopers was active a few months ago in the city then disappeared with no records of visiting Imperial Vessels.”

“Most likely the Droman and his offsider in disguise, perhaps we will pass that on to see if Vater likes the idea,” Rham said then added, “Anonymously of course.”

“Ah yes, well we have two weeks until we have to resume that blockade in full, may I suggest that at least one Corvette resume patrol,” Blohm advised.

“Adjutant, Doom Giver with a wing of ties and a support ship to resume station at the Beta system. Blockade fleet to reconfigure to maintain maximum coverage,” Rham ordered.

“In the meantime impound the shuttle that the so-called Wookys came in, you may notice that it is similar to the freighter that we intercepted.”

A short time later the message came back that the shuttle had disappeared during the night leaving the five troopers guarding it asleep on the tarmac, two of whom had been inside. A party had searched the shuttle; they didn't detect any life, and no computers or androids had been active.

"It seems that our Droman friend is at it again, it is a good thing that they are pacifists, or life would be difficult; perhaps one of the seats was our erstwhile friend,” Rham commented, “If wasn’t for standing orders I would just avoid him.”

“Still, we can’t allow any opposition to be successful, or we will be looking for new jobs. That is provided we survive the debrief,” Blohm commented.

“Indeed, maintain surveillance of area between last sighting and the coast, taking note of significant ship movements and transmissions. I suspect that we are looking for a well-hidden smuggler depot.”

“Low-level patrols into as many inlets as possible which probably take more time than we have to spare, we could be lucky I suppose. The last Corvette and a wing of fighters can remain for an extended period though the coverage will be too small to intercept, any more would shut down commerce and bring protest.”

“Yes, delicate balance required,” Rham nodded, “I will leave that in your capable hands.”

“Thank you, sir,” Blohm acknowledged if a little wryly as they were old friends.

. . .

Back in the smuggler's cave, Hnetz had assigned the crew their rooms as Roxz activated the systems.

“Settle yourselves in then join us in the control room where I will guide you through the facilities,” Hnetz advised.

Algertz, Mike, and Humph joined Roxz and Hnetz in the designated room where Roxz pointed out the equipment.

“All sensors are passive, well hidden and very extensive. We can monitor movements on the ground for about ten kilometres radius, sea about twenty and air all the way back to the city,” Roxz explained, “The personnel has been dispersed from the farm and cabin in case of reprisals with the warehouse staff are currently having an early holiday. I would be most annoyed at the disruption for anyone else but our niece. I doubt Gimpy will hang around too long on a wild goose chase,” Then added, “At least, that is what I hope, depends on just how much you annoyed them.”

“No one was hurt until that Corvette fired on us; we had a kinetic absorption shield operating with the warning signal. Sadly the Corvette and three fighters didn’t believe it; they are now one with 'The Force'. Humph removed sundry missiles as they were navigation hazards otherwise ‘Gimpy’ was the author of their misery,” Mike explained.

Algertz chimed in excitingly, “You should have seen the fireworks, explosions everywhere then we flashed into Hyper leaving them chasing their tails.”

“I don’t believe they would find it quite so amusing; so I am not surprised that they have put so much effort into the chase,” Roxz said, “Still the omelette is made so we should sit down and enjoy planning the next move.”

Hnetz added, “I think that it would take more time and resources than they have to find us in say two weeks; at which time the population will start becoming irritated. Perhaps the Bogan sector may become restless before then if someone were to hand a few toys and credits around.”

“However, it should be minimal unrest otherwise they may feel a need to stamp their authority and hang the expense. The Imperials won’t want to disrupt the planet too much as this is where the mines source supplies and recreation for the Kessel mine.”

Roxz viewed the readouts on a computer and commented, “This is a secure satellite feed and encrypted, it seems that your shuttle has disappeared, and several troopers are explaining being asleep at their post. Another little rumour, Gimpy has the information that Lord Vater had visited. Now I wonder who that could have been, when I said you added interest, perhaps that is getting just a little over the top.”

“Maybe we need to be seen somewhere else shortly?” Humph suggested, “The shuttle is camped undersea off the coast for now and when needed can come up the fjord.”

“Give it a fortnight and then see if there is a window of opportunity, our little haven here can’t be compromised.”

“I am afraid that any hint that Vater is on the way, and I will have to make myself scarce as he can detect my presence,” Humph cautioned, “Not too precisely, though he can guess within a couple of kilometres; I can feel his presence at the same time. Last time we crossed paths, he was satisfied that I was harmless. ”

“Latest post, one Corvette, and a freighter have departed towards anti-spin. Likely reforming the blockade that you interrupted I guess,” Roxz reported scrolling through the screens, “They will have to stretch their coverage here to allow for that.”

“Has your ship been doing the Luna run?” Mike asked.

“Yes, it was thoroughly examined the first time, a little less the second and the last couple only cursory. By the time you do a limpet act, perhaps the inspectors won’t bother,” Roxz confirmed, “He is timing the runs so that he has to go low, slow and down the same path on the way to the moon. As do all the ships under guild influence, the society set the practice in motion by using that Gimpy code. Our doubles using our ID have booked into a Luna hotel for an inspection tour of the moon factories. So after we exchange, Hnetz and I can then return to the city with a plausible cover.”

. . .

Back on the Reynar, Blohm reported, “I have noticed a strange behaviour, it seems that several ships regularly bound for the moon are not using the optimum window for travel; they have been using this route while we have been on station, so it didn’t register as unusual. When we reviewed the shipping records, this activity coincides with the availability of foreign goods that weren't customs cleared.”

“What is the status of surveillance on these movements?” Rham asked wryly, “Slacked off I would assume.”

“I will give them the heads up to stay focused on them,” Blohm laughed, “Make them think we have eyes in the back of our heads.”

Blohm spent some time on the radio then reported back, “Yes I caught them out, put a rocket up them; it is awkward to intercept and so far nothing out of the ordinary.”

“Set piece behaviour of smugglers to confuse customs surveillance.”

“Having a devious mind the next strategy would be to distract our focus by staging a little civil unrest.”

“Point taken; our subject unlikely to be in the city so order a quiet withdrawal of ground troops then focus on the route past likely inlets that could mask a shuttle,” Rham considered then asked, “Any clue on the missing shuttle?”

“Only that it entered the sea close to the city, and no transmissions or energy signatures observed.”

“With apparent telepathy and Dromans not requiring air; it can hibernate until an undetectable signal tells it is all clear.”

“Perhaps we can use fishing boats with their sonar to search.”

“It would take too long; the fact that Dromans don’t like to lose parts will work in our favour. I expect when ready to go, the shuttle will move underwater to the hidey hole, load up then rendezvous with a Luna bound ship.”

. . .

“The latest data, storm troopers are disappearing off the streets, and air surveillance is picking up on the coast,” Roxz noted, “I am afraid the Bogans will have to miss out on their party, and Gimpy noticed the ship routine.”

“It would seem that our Gimpy isn't a hidebound rule follower. From what I have been able to learn about this Commodore Rham. He is chess Imperial Grand Master and the only thing preventing future promotion is paranoia and jealousy among the hierarchy,” Hnetz said, “He is walking a knife edge because he is popular with his crew. He gets the job done though this would be a blot on his record. These politics means he would be very keen to ensure he captures Algertz.”

“As chess master, he should be aware that being too heavy with the pursuit could provoke Oxzen sector then Oxzen ships would join the rebels and with their extensive merchant fleet could be a problem,” Humph commented.

“Are you familiar with chess? I have never seen you play,” Killa asked.

“Years ago I did, but when I admitted that I was a multi-brain they wouldn’t play me, I played the Chess AI, which had been undefeated by Galactic Grand Masters till then. Modestly I had one close win, and then eight draws as we learnt each other’s tactics,” Humph said.

“Hnetz and I are grandmasters, I have heard that the Chess AI had only lost one match 50 years ago, you say that was you,” Roxz said, “Perhaps we could have a game, might sharpen us up.”

“Perhaps later when we aren’t quite so involved, it is a waiting game until Rham has to return to the blockade. I expect that he would leave at least one Corvette and a wing of ties for surveillance. As long as Vater doesn't get curious we should be able to sneak past a sparse screen; the only handicap is that the ship is low on fuel,” Humph considered.

“If you can get to Henoghr; I can have a tanker waiting to top you up,” Roxz offered, “I expect to be paid of course.”

“Well if you have a freighter that can handle containers, we can offload the cargo, and that should square it,” Killa snorted.

“We will see, now we wait for the right opportunity, if they have decided that we are running a scam I should throw a red herring into the mix to see what happens,” Roxz considered then suggested, “Perhaps your shuttle can make an appearance on the other side of the Gulf?”

“That may work; I only need to pop up in sight of a fishing boat to get tongues wagging,” Humph offered, “And if the ships pass over that area for a while it may confuse them. Since they can’t track the shuttle underwater, so I will have it pick us up then rendezvous with your ship at another point.”

. . .

Sometime later on the Reynar, the two officers commented on the latest intelligence.

“Ah, it seems we stirred the pigeons. There has been a sighting of the shuttle on the opposite side of the Gulf, and the Luna ships are now tracking over that area,” Rham said, “So what we will do is shift some surveillance and go a little covert back at the original area.”

“I am sure the ship is sitting on the moon probably far side; I will send a team to see if anything is visible. In his place, I would first disguise than move it to the spaceport,” Blohm agreed, “We have observers in place. These agents have reported that Roxz and Hnetz have booked into a hotel for an inspection tour.”

“Likely doubles to confuse us, to me that confirms the composition of the group we are looking for.”

. . .

Back at the smuggler's depot, Roxz announced the latest developments.

“Ah they have shifted some surveillance, but our detectors still indicate most didn’t move, so they double guessed us and covered the possibility that we haven’t moved. Imperial agents are active on the moon, so don’t move the ship to the port. There have been low orbits around the moon.”

“Good luck to them, if I didn’t know where it was I couldn’t find it myself,” Humph laughed.

. . .

Rham paced the bridge getting frustrated with the delay fully aware that the window of opportunity was closing and that the bulk of his task force would have to return to the station at the blockade site.

“I have a signal from headquarters, to stand by and assist Lord Vater as he due to arrive shortly in the Executor,” Blohm reported.

“How wonderful, he is renowned for being so patient with Navy personnel,” Rham commented, “Still he has special talents which should assist in this task, pity the rumour arrived before we returned to station.”

“Hyper pulse, inbound Sun destroyer class, confirmed Imperial ship Executor,” The communication officer announced.

“We don’t have to hold our breaths wondering how long the wait would be,” Rham sighed, then ordered, “Stand by for escape attempt by the target.”

“Why would Vater flush them?” Blohm asked.

“Dromans can feel Vater’s presence and vice versa,” Rham advised then ordered, “Captain, position ship between moon and planet, standby to energise tractor.”

. . .

“Ah problem, my ship has detected a vast hyper pulse, possibly sun destroyer, worst case it’s Vater,” Humph announced, “I am afraid I have to assume it is Vater, and we have to scarper before he gets too close and detects me. To that end, I am bringing the shuttle to here under water. Then load us three and play submarine until we get to the other side of the planet, then see if we can make a run for it.”

“Latest data Reynar and Corvette moving, suspect it will be between us and moon, fighters joining them, shuttles maintaining surveillance,” Roxz advised, “I wish this Rham were on our side.”

“The shuttle will be here in approximately three hours. I estimate the inbound capital ship to be ready to enter orbit in 24 hours. Rham ship being in the blocking position at about four,” Humph said. “We can cruise underwater and run a great circle to the far side of the planet then make a break for Henoghr as my shuttles are hyper drive fitted. I will then pilot both shuttles and Terra to rendezvous there.”

“I will ask for volunteers to run ships and shuttles to and from the moon in that window so that they spend their resources checking each. I will advise them no heroics just obey orders and facilitate inspections which will slow them down,” Roxz said, “The tanker and freighter are already on the way to Henoghr for the transfers.”

Humph announced that the arrival of the shuttle was imminent and for Algertz and Killa to be ready to board as the window of opportunity was closing.

“Goodbye Aunty, Uncle, perhaps when things have settled I might get the on the job training, take care till then,” Algertz said giving both a hug.”

“Good luck girl, you take good care of her won’t you, Mike?” Hnetz said patting him on the cheek.

Roxz shook hands with Mike and Humph, “Good hunting, keep your powder dry.”

The shuttle emerged from the fjord and landed on the apron; the crew bundled their gear aboard while Humph manned the pilot’s chair. “Strap in everyone we are off.”

With that, the shuttle plunged into the sea and hitting maximum underwater speed, navigating towards the open sea and the other side of the planet. Once clear of the Gulf, it emerged, and wave hopping increased the speed. Determining that he was far enough around the world to escape detection the nose pointed towards the sky and maximum thrust applied. Once clear of the atmosphere, Humph corrected the flight path to the Henoghr jump point. This tactic hopefully, catching the Imperials flat footed.

“Radio traffic indicates that Roxz has secured at least a hundred volunteers, there are traces of civilian ships going everywhere,” Humph announced, “I have few sensors on this boat, but there is a large vessel accelerating towards our jump point, that Rham knows his stuff.”

“Entering hyper now, passage time two days, Reynar five hours behind will probably close that and exit as we emerge from hyper. Our exit time will be approximately the same but three hours closer in.”

“Cutting it close but if we have full power on and plot the exit Reynar won’t get close enough to snag us as a capital ship has to be far more cautious entering a different system whereas ‘I’ will be already there and can pre-plot the course.”

. . .

“There is a flurry of clearances being lodged from all spaceports in the system by everything that can lift off, plus a few which can’t,” Communication officer reported.

“Tell control to hold as many as possible, damn we have to keep the kid gloves on as this system is too important to shut down everything,” Rham grunted, “With Vater on the doorstep perhaps I can pass the hot potato and return to surveillance station before the proverbial hits the fan.”

“Good luck with that one, he likes to have a scapegoat ready if things don’t go his way.”

“Perhaps if we guess that our quarry is about to leave the system, so we give chase, it will get us out of harm’s way. I have confidence that those on the bridge understand that if he blames me all will be in the same hole,” Rham considered and all of those in hearing giving a cheer of ‘we’re with you’.

“So what’s your guess?” Blohm asked.

“Henoghr, if I was the Droman with a need to refuel and offload cargo. Which I know he hasn't had the chance to do,” Rham decided, “Assign the rest of the fleet to remain here for Vater to use. We then make full speed after loading a wing of ties to take with us. If I am wrong, we carry on to the embargo system and claim following original orders.”

“Better chance than explaining the situation here to Vater,” Blohm added.

“Done, contact Executor and tell him we are pursuing the suspect and make ready to move,” Rham ordered.

The Reynar re-positioned then loaded the tie fighters then set course to enter hyperspace towards the Henoghr system. “We have three high-powered traces heading out of the system. Communication officer reports two freighters departed 20 hours ago outbound possibly Henoghr.”

“Well, I will take that as a good guess, proceed as ordered,” Rham smiled, “We may yet, come out of this smelling of roses.”

“Fingers crossed all round,” Blohm agreed.

. . .

The Terra dropped out of hyper after 25 hours then locked onto the beacon of the two freighters orbiting the gas giant. The Terra rapidly matched course with them as without humans aboard five times the acceleration could be employed. First unlimbering the cargo hatches and roping together the containers for the Oxzen ship to sort out. Then connecting transfer hoses to the tanker, uploading the fuel as fast as possible. With Humph coordinating his avatars, they allowed this to happen at a rapid pace turning a 6-hour job into three hours.

The shuttles being slower were still in hyper-passage as the Terra just finished loading fuel when the hyper pulse announced the arrival of the Reynar. This pulse was immediately followed by the two shuttles breaking out midway between the two ships. All three ships being in constant communication via Humph, he was able to keep the full power on the shuttles towards the hyper jump point on the far side. The Terra accelerated towards the same position picking up the shuttles as it caught them at speed and loaded them aboard without missing a beat.

. . .

“Three ships detected ahead; two small hyper pulses ahead confirmed shuttles with full drives on towards far side of the system, one ship undergoing acceleration to the same point,” The com officer announced.

“Any bets going that’s our target?” Rham asked.

“Only odds on; no-one bets against you,” Blohm commented.

“My compliments to our navigator he is the best in the fleet, but I want a Droman for the job, he must shave every mass point to beat us by that much, and the shuttles are souped up to arrive ahead as well.”

“Ignore the freighters they are irrelevant. Plot an intercept course and try to tag the Droman with the tractor; once he hits hyperspace, he could be anywhere before we get another fix on him.”

The Reynar gradually closed the distance on the shuttles until the Terra caught up with them first, loaded them aboard and then the opened all stops to reopen the gap again and approach the hyper point to disappear before the Reynar could close the gap sufficiently to use the tractor beam.

“Okay, the Fox has slipped down the burrow, no point in pursuit. Plot the return to embargo system and resume blockade,” Rham conceded.

“The freighters have exited back towards Fwelsving,” The comms reported.

“We can let Vater deal with them, not our problem,” Rham said, “Though with our suspect departed he won’t hang around for just a rumour, and the balance of our fleet can rejoin.”

. . .

“Well I think we have slipped the noose, perhaps if we take the long road to Droma and hide there for a time, I am sure that parking the Terra among the sea ships which are similar enough and perhaps you can visit my wife,” Humph suggested.

“Don’t you think Rham will keep up the pursuit?” Algertz asked.

“No, Imperial orders would mean restoring the blockade until new orders are received. Rham was probably pushing his luck diverting as many resources as it was. By the time he reaches the system where he met us, his time for covering up his diversion would be exhausted,” Humph explained, “Rham will organise an excuse to keep track of us for years.”

After several jumps through hyper, they emerged over Droma and spiralled to land in a sheltered bay.

“Rainbow’s territory is adjacent to this Bay. While I was learning to navigate, I used this place as a rest spot as there is a low island where work can be carried out,” Humph said, “I will construct a dingy, and you can run ashore to visit.”

This construction was done in a short time, and the young duo was soon visiting Rainbow’s territory and soon enjoying being entertained by being escorted through her home and gardens which they repaid by regaling her with their shared exploits across the cosmos.