The date was 25-01-823. For the most part of Sirius, a non-significant one. But for captain Kadego Sudrossa... it would turn out to be a day when fate itself came down upon him to test every ounce of his being to the limits.
He was part of a covert outcast operation in the Gallic border system of Lorraine, led by Cmd Socorro Pelaez. The objective - a cargo exchange and price negotiations with a notorious group... the Unione Corse. Both parties were an even match in business matters and no one was accepting any compromise - a true disaster waiting to happen. All it took was a brief verbal showdown, which immediately escalated into a worst case scenario with a full out firefight.
The outcast escort wing was outnumbered, but not outgunned – a light destroyer acted as a heavy fire support, piloted by captain Kadego himself. Victory for the Maltese forces was in sight, when another unexpected disaster hit them… a squadron of the Gallic Royal Police was inbound to neutralize the area. In this moment, the very presence of Torino Base, the only outcast installation in Gallia, was at stake. Thus, captain Kadego received his last order from the mission command…
Deemed as the perfect "decoy" in a situation where victory was impossible, he was ordered to stand his ground, while the rest of his wingmen were recalled back in order to minimize casualties. Not long after that, the destroyer’s signature disappeared from the radars at mission HQ, with his last known location being sector 5B.
The mission officially ended 12 hours later and was evaluated as successful. Only one casualty was reported… the Heavy Escort “Sudrossa”, missing in action… along with its pilot. A week after that, the ship’s transponder turned up, having been delivered by a lone fighter belonging to the Gallic Brigands. With that, the final report on operation “Sombra Asunto” was closed… permanently.
Friday evening, two hours after the shift had ended. Most shipyard workers had already left on the transport for Planet Malta, eager to spend the weekend with their families. It was that time of the week, when the usual population of 500 people would reduce itself to less than 60, consisting mainly of the repair crew, a small security team and a very select few individuals of a higher caliber.
An eerie feeling had set in across the empty corridors and locked facilities. Most sections across the shipyard were sealed, save for the ground level, where the remaining inhabitants resided. There was a small gathering at the bar this evening… the head of security, lieutenant Santos, was telling a story and everyone around him was sitting quietly, drinking and listening to the tale.
A dull sound of footsteps echoed from the nearby corridor… the storytelling stopped and everyone looked in that direction. A dark figure was now standing at the bar’s entrance.
Lt. Santos: Chief Rojas, glad you could join us… the story has just begun and we have the whole evening to ourselves. Please, have a seat… drinks are on me tonight.
Diego: Another one of your “horror” stories, eh? *he leaned on the entrance* I will pass on that. You kids have fun there.
Lt. Santos: It is a true story, chief… and truth is always scarier than fiction.
Diego: You know, Santos… what you just said is the most true thing I’ve heard for the past month. Savvy yourself some horror? Then order a batch of “premium refurbished” transport engines out from Rochester… if the “premium” on the receipt doesn’t kill you, then the “refurbished” part most definitely will.
A powerful laughter broke out in the bar, lasting for quite a while… nobody took notice when the chief engineer turned around and left the premises. It was not the noise, nor the company there, which prompted him to leave. An orange light emanated from an armband on his left wrist, which only meant one thing - something both important and unexpected required his immediate attention…
With a steady pace, he walked into a special access elevator and started his ascend toward the uppermost floor. Upon arriving, he accelerated to a jogging tempo towards a door which immediately lit up green and opened up just as he approached it. He was now inside his personal office. As the door closed, he sat down behind his desk and looked at the workstation monitor. There was a live transmission link, sporting a unique access code… VOX System:*bleep* Comm-link established.
Diego: Urgh… who the hell is this…! I can’t see your face there…-
A sleek voice: Hello, Diego. Long time… no see.
Diego: …Pelaez…! Is that you… *he tries to focus on the video feed to no avail*
A sleek voice: I don’t know, you tell me… my voice should be enough for you to recognize…
Diego: I always recognize a sleazebag when I hear one. Now, where the hell are you… and why is it so dark in there… are you having a bad hair day or something? *he grins*
A sleek voice: Oh, you have no idea… the things I have been dealing with. *the face looked serious* Because of what I have seen… it was a wake up call and revelation all at the same time.
Diego: I dare you to look in the mirror, Pelaez. *he smirks* You are glistening before the camera like a popsickle! You order that hair gel by the barrel?
A sleek voice: AH-A…*he coughs, trying to contain a laughter* So that’s how it is… you wanna be cracking jokes? Fine. Two can play at this game… But you have no idea what’s coming for you. This conversation will have a turning point and I will get you in a way you won’t see coming. You are not prepared…
Diego: Oh, I am well prepared… that one of these days, those hair products you like to slap on your head by the gallon will finally penetrate inside your brain and cook it. But we wouldn’t notice much of a difference after that, now would we! *he laughs*
A sleek voice: No, we wouldn’t… just as you haven’t noticed as half of your hair decided to take a permanent vacation away from your bad jokes. The question is… are you prepared to lose the other half. For it is time… the big reveal is coming.
Diego:*still laughing* …big reveal? Are you going to shock me by turning on the lights and showing off your “escalera de la muerte”?
A sleek voice: Old man… you are so out of your league, it is unreal. You are laughing at your own jokes, but you failed to realize… there is no Socorro Pelaez here. *he leans closer to the camera* I want you to remember this moment… because you just got punk’d by the one and only… Mr. “K” to the “O”, Kadego… Sudrossa.
There was complete silence as Kadego watched the communication feed, looking for any sign of reaction from his friend. With each passing second, his cheeky smile slowly faded as Diego was silently looking at him in the eyes from the monitor.
Diego: You know, I have waited 10 months to hear from you, wondering every day if you are still alive after that last stunt you pulled on me… where I almost couldn't find anyone crazy enough to go and drag your ass out of Gallia alive… then I held Pelaez in a headlock for two hours straight, before he agreed to cover for you when you get back, which you never did… And finally, after all this time, you come in here calling… putting on a little “play-pretend” show… cracking jokes like it’s all a big game… *he grinds his teeth*
Kadego: I was hoping to start things off on a bright note, so you don’t end up going to your usual extremes –
Diego: Extremes… believe me, even I don’t fully know what will happen when I get my hands on you. But first… I want to hear an explanation and for your sake - it better be a good one. Because if it isn’t… I will track you down… and I will go to extreme lengths to define MY meaning of the word “extreme”!!
Kadego: I’m sorry, Diego. Over the last few years, you have gone through the wringer trying to bail me out of every hairy situation and after that last one, I swore to myself this would never happen again. For once, I wanted to prove to the both of us that I am able to take responsibility, rethink my perspective on life and swim my way up from rock bottom once and for all. There was no way I would call you before I fully achieved those goals. Granted, it took a long time to get there… but that time has finally come.
Diego: …so that’s what it was. *he shook his head* Kadego, this evening was full of surprises and I don’t know how much more I can take. But if nothing else, it reminded me of something – a man needs to test his limits, so he can start to respect himself. I just hope that you respect yourself enough to stay out of trouble, because you’ve got a legendary knack for that! Now, is there anything else you need to tell me that I should be prepared for…?
Kadego: Hmmm, there may be… it depends. Earlier you mentioned something about Pelaez and that got me thinking – what DO you know about operation “Sombra Asunto”?
Diego: There are 3 people in this universe who know everything about that mission – that is me, you and Socorro Pelaez. After it was over, I waited for two days to get a report from Dr. Lamont Foss, the very person who saved you. He said your ship survived in a relatively good state and that you were headed to the nearest Freeport to “lay low for a while”. I immediately got ahold of Pelaez and told him the rest of the story, so we may cook up a plan to bring you “back from the dead” without raising too much suspicion. But you never came back! I figured, you must have sold the ship for parts and gone for a binge with the money, like I knew you would!
Kadego: The ship is right here, Diego. Take a look... where do you think I am calling you from? I own this thing now. Because when the mission ended, two things went in effect immediately - first, my contract was over. And second – both me and the ship were denoted as "lost in combat". With this, I am officially a free man and it is all thanks to you and that guy who came to my rescue back there… and he never told me his name! Did you just say he is a doctor?
Diego: He didn’t tell you his name, because it wasn’t safe there for him. I know for a fact that even now he uses a fake identity and for very good reason. Dr. Foss is an amazing man, Kadego… and he has a good impression of you. I did him a favor once, before I knew who he was… he repaid it in kind and ever since then, I have the privilege of calling him a friend. I want to personally introduce you both, because I figured an engineer like yourself could learn a lot from a man of this caliber.
Kadego: Interesting… but what does this “doctor” specialize in?
Diego: He is no stranger to technology, let’s just put it this way. I have learned things from him that made what’s left of my hair stand on end. He has worked in places that are so tightly guarded and so fringe to us… *he grins* …it makes groups like The Order look like a cold burrito from last week. The house of Gallia has had centuries to develop some of that technology… and most of it is still kept secret until a time when they would find a use for it.
Kadego: Don’t know about you, but my skin is already crawling. Out of this world technology? Yes, please… hold on, what time is it… crap. Almost midnight… look, Diego, I’ve gotta go. There is some important work tomorrow and I need some sleep in order to get it done. It will be probably a few days before I get back close to the Tau systems, so I won’t be able to call you until then. I have prepared a little present for you, in the form of a log book I have been keeping. Once you read it, you will know what I have been up to during those months of absence. The last entry is the most important one and I have done it just for you. But as soon as you read it… destroy all of it. Nobody else must know this. Take care and talk to you soon!
Diego: I will, you can take my word for it. And Kadego… it was good to finally hear from you, son.
Date: 15-NOV-823; Time: 19:53
A MEETING OF LIKE MINDS
It is the humble oasis of criminal haven in the middle of the Tau sector. What better place to have a secret get-together, away from prying eyes and listening ears, in the quaint atmosphere of cigar smoke and an endless variety of strong beverages. Captain Sudrossa arrived at the base almost an hour late for the meeting. Upon entering the bar, he glanced over the setting and slowly made his way to a secluded table where two men were sitting.
Kadego:*he clears his throat* Boys, I think we have a problem… one of you is sitting on my favorite spot at this table. But just this once… I might let you off the hook – as long as you bought me a drink in advance.
The two men looked at Sudrossa and one of them stood up. What followed was a pound hug so genuine that it could crack a smile even on the most hardcore emotionless person after seeing this.
Diego: Look at you, you smug-looking son of a… Late as ever, but better late then never! *laughs*
Kadego: And look at you, you old geezer! Been’ busy getting older?
Diego: Even when I get 90 years old, I could still beat your skinny ass like it don’t mean nothin’, he-he-he! Seriously, now… it’s high time you met a true man of honor and also my personal friend – Dr. Lamont Foss!
Dr. Lamont: Please… call me Lamont! It is a pleasure to finally meet you in person, monsieur Sudrossa! This rendezvous is exactly as I predicted, a most inevitable cosmic event!
Kadego: You are a man of your word, doctor! I feel honored to shake hands with the person whose actions ensured my survival in the most dire situation!
Dr. Lamont: It was my pleasure to help, captain. Monsieur Rojas told me about your new freelance career and I must say – it didn’t surprise me that you were successful in your endeavors!
Diego: Very well, then… I think it’s about time we delved deeper into this conversation and the bar ain’t the place for it. I have personally arranged for a secure soundproof room at the top floor of the station. Take your drinks with you and follow me.
The three men stood up and left the bar with two bottles of beer and their glasses in hand. After a short elevator ride and a couple more stairs, the group reached the top tier of the base and entered a medium-sized private quarters, usually reserved for VIP guests. As the door closed behind them, a soft ambient light lit up the walls of the room, revealing a luxurious table with comfortable armchairs around it, with a holographic console in the middle. The companions took a seat, filled their glasses up and made themselves comfortable.
Kadego: This meeting… was a long time coming! There is so much to talk about… but first, I’d like to say something to the both of you. Thank you, Diego, for everything. True friends can’t be bought, that is what you always told me. But YOU are more than that, old man… to me, you are like family.
Diego: Believe it or not, we –are– family, kid. You just don’t know it… we have a very distant common ancestry. At one point, the Sudrossa and the Rojas clans were one! There you have it. *he grins and pours more beer into his glass*
Kadego: Now, that explains why you get so pissed off when I botch things up! *laughs* And you, doctor… you have my gratitude and respect for walking me through that torrent of mayhem back in Lorraine! You know, there is a vacant spot on my friends list, because Diego just moved up to the “family level” and I think you fit the bill to take up that spot!
Dr. Lamont: Ah tout à fait, monsieur! It is the least I could do! Your friendship is most welcome and the honor is énorme!
Kadego: There you go, amigo. Now, I hope it’s not too soon to ask, but Diego already let the cat out of the bag and mentioned about your “technological” field of work and I am dying to know more!
Diego looks at Dr. Lamont, giving him the “go ahead” sign. With a clap of his hands, the doctor dims the lights in the room and powers up the holographic console at the middle of the table. Many images appear in an orderly fashion, as if they were prepared beforehand like a presentation.
Dr. Lamont: I would like to start from the very beginning, monsieur Kadego. My name is Doctor Lamont Foss and I specialize in many fields – particle physics, quantum mechanics, microbiology and mathematics… just to name a few. I am what you would call… a “free thinker” and a freelance scientist. You might be wondering what the latter means. It means… I work in unacknowledged, off-the-books, unsupervised enterprises. Or, also known as – black projects. *he pauses*
I must ask you, monsieur Sudrossa – be as open-minded and discrete about this information as possible.
Kadego: Doctor, our fates are already intertwined, the moment our mutual paths crossed. If Diego trusted you to come to my aid (which you did), then you are also a part of this family circle. And family sticks together and helps each other. That's the code we live by.
Diego: The kid is right.
Dr. Lamont: D'accord. So, what is science… and where does ethics fit into that. Some say, an “ethical scientist” will remain faithful to his country… dedicating all of his achievements to its benefit. Others think, ethics has no place in science. For it would stand in the way of discovery… But in all of human history, one thing is certain – science demands sacrifice, one way or another. It is up to the scientist to choose what he is willing to offer up.
Kadego: Never an easy choice…
Dr. Lamont: On the contrary, mon ami. My choice was made easy… by the royal government of my country. Because, ethics… is not something one can be taught. You are either born with it, or not. And the true antonym of ethics – is politics.
Diego: Exactly, Lamont. I may not be the smartest old fart in this room, but I know one thing – politics is just as bad for a man, as religion. This is what separates and enslaves people.
Dr. Lamont: Oui. And there is only one way out of this situation – that is the way of evolution. Mankind has to evolve both spiritually and technologically, until the point where technology is no longer needed. That is the whole purpose of it! And even though I may not be very spiritually evolved myself… I will be damned if I let anyone use me to create new ways of enslaving people. Ethics, my friends – that is what brought us together and it has nothing to do with coincidence or random chance. Like minds always find one another – it is an universal law.
The hours were passing quickly as the topics of interest changed from biographical introductions to science and conspiracy. It was almost midnight when the group finally decided to take a much needed break and everyone went to bed in the adjacent rooms. The next morning, they all met again at the secure quarters where breakfast was waiting on the table.
Diego: Well, boys, last night went by quite fast, didn’t it. I bring some bad news… yesterday I told you how we had a full day ahead of us for this get-together, but that has changed as of 5 minutes ago. Apparently, some top brass is coming here in a few hours to have their own “friendly meeting”. And we have to be long gone by the time they get here.
Kadego: Top brass... as in "kiss my ass". Gotta be some bunch of Pelaez-type folks. Do you know them?
Diego: Even if I know them, I have no real friends in the Maltese Navy. I’ve been stabbed in the back enough times to know that. I’m close with the base manager here in Cali, but even he was not told who exactly would be coming over here. If they see me, they are gonna ask questions… that’s their job. And while my presence here might be a slight nuisance to them, you Kadego… and especially Doctor Foss here – this promises to be a situation like you cannot even imagine. Now, I am giving you both one hour to wrap up your conversation, so we can then get the hell off the station early enough!
Dr. Lamont: It would be wise for us to have a secure channel of communication so we can keep in touch! Monsieur Kadego, I am sending you my details, but make sure you don’t lose the encryption code – it is non-recoverable!
Kadego:[/color] Much appreciated. Now… I’ve got a little “presentation” of my own here and I really think you both should take a close look at it. *a hologram appears on the tabletop console*
THESE… are the contents of my cargo hold aboard “The Shovel”. And let me tell you... it's not the kind of stuff you can just buy at your local thrift shop.
Diego: ...the hell... did you get those... what is this, "Jumphole, Gene...rator... Parts"... another one of your jokes, it has to be...
Dr. Lamont: ...are those genuine remains of Marduk-class "forme de vie nomade"...? Fascinating...!
Diego: A-ha... you! *grabs Kadego by the neck* Reeally good, I mean you reeally got me this time! *starts laughing* Just as your grandpa Sudrossa, he-he-he... Marduk generators and jumphole remains, unicorns with unmarked credit cards, ho ho ho....
Kadego: Look closely, doctor... they are as real as it gets. Because just 5 days ago, something happened in the Manchester System. They call it an "incident" and actively "encourage" people to keep quiet about it. Nothing was reported on the mainstream media... but I got a copy of a video that managed to leak on the Neural Net for a short duration. Here it is, Diego... you are now about to see "The Shovel" in action.
As the video started, everyone had a serious look on their faces. There was tension in the room and nobody said a word during the playback. When it finally ended, Diego Rojas looked at his armband com-device and that is when everyone knew - it was time to leave. They all got up at the same time, took their belongings and started making their way to the docks of Cali. Each man got to his ship and departed the station as quickly as possible... just as a group of naval officers were arriving.