(Since it's been suggested that the missing entries were worth a read, I'm putting this here for reference and for possible future update.)
The following entries are taken from several previous story threads. Skip to Canaria Cafe or YTC-2362-Shuttle1 memory store for the missing entries from...wherever.
------
This is the story of Spike Harris, a young Bretonian Armed Forces officer, whose parents were killed in an attack on a transport by Nomad ships.
He trained to become an officer and got married to Janine Fielding, a scientist in training at CRI.
He was given command of a ship capable of operating in the dense asteroid fields of Omega and Omicron sectors, the Assault Frigate Exeter.
His Nomad hunting and recovery operations with Excaliber Group of the SF may have helped in the later development of a planetary shield.
-----
Transcript of a GNN interview with Lieutenant Harris of the Assault Frigate Exeter.
GNN: "I understand you were involved in some of the engagements with the Hellfire Legion. Tell us how this all got started Lieutenant."
Lt Harris: "Well that would be when the Dreadnaught Atlas came and parked up outside [Planet] Cambridge. They started discussing piracy over comlink and scanning ships, when they were only supposed to be here for an equipment purchase. We told them to *censored* off, in a nice way of course."
GNN: "And they refused?"
Lt Harris: "Yeah. We gave them plenty of warning that they'd be floating in space if they didn't do what we asked."
GNN: "So you fired at them?"
Lt Harris: "Yeah we gave them a hammering, then they took off towards Omega 5, so we escorted them out that way."
GNN: "So that was it?"
Lt Harris: "Nah, they dropped out of cruise and opened up on us, so we hit them with Cruise Disruptors and vaporised their hull around them. I think they got most of the escape pods away alright."
GNN: "A frigate and a bomber destroyed a dreadnaught?"
Lt Harris: "Nah, just Exeter. Think Arawn got tied up with something else."
GNN: "And just recently I understand you took on an attack group threatening Cambridge again."
Lt Harris: "Yeah those lousy *censored* dumped some disease on the planet. That got the crew plenty riled up so we went up to make those Hellfire and Helghast *censored* suck space."
GNN: "You took on a Battlegroup alone?"
Lt Harris: "Nah, luckily Arawn and a friendly Frigate were able to help out. Reckon we'd have been *censored* without the help. The *censored* took out the medical frigate before we could do anything though."
GNN: "Thank you for your time lieutenant."
Lt Harris: "No problem. You got me away from the *censored* paperwork for a while. I just wish we could have stopped the lousy *censored* from releasing that plague. The boys are a bit riled up at not getting any shore leave."
------
Target: Cambridge
The cocky smile was gone from the face of Spike Harris.
He leaned over the body of his wife Janine, gently brushing a strand of hair from her face.
Once she had been so beautiful, so full of life. Now here she was, lifeless, a contorted expression of pain on her face.
For a moment he envied his friend Mark Carlaw from the gunboat FireAnt, who had joined his family in death, who would not have to go on, to try to live with the loss.
Spike wondered for a moment at his luck.
He had survived the damage to the Frigate Exeter when the command deck had been hit.
He had fought and destroyed countless Nomad battleships.
He had fought the Phantom ship tagged as Darkstar and won.
Now he had survived an attack on Cambridge.
Checking reports on the Nomad experiments had kept him at the Command bunker later than usual. Why had he chosen to sleep in the bunker at the time of the attack? He could have returned home and been with Janine at the end...
He had signed on with the Sirius Federation for a reason, to protect Cambridge from just this kind of thing. By attacking the Nomads he had thought to protect all those dear to him.
The constant attacks on Cambridge by pirates and terrorists kept calling him back to Cambridge though.
And now a sneak attack had undone all he had fought so hard for.
How much damage had been done? Was there still any reason to try and defend a system constantly under attack?
He had heard rumours of a planetary shield under construction but was it just a rumour?
A look of grim determination crossed his face, replacing the grief.
He would report in and return to his post until these rumours could be confirmed.
He would keep the Exeter fighting and perhaps die to protect Cambridge.
One could hope.
------
Spike Harris stood at ease on the Command deck of the Sirius Federation Assault Frigate Exeter, gazing out the forward viewscreen.
A half smile showed on his face as planet Cambridge came into view, sensors showing the new planetary defense shield as a faint shimmer.
"Helm. Make course for Cambridge Research Station and request docking clearance."
"Aye sir", came the prompt reply.
Lieutenant Harris thumbed the com relay to the hold. "How's the paperwork going on the collected Nomad items Ensign?"
A burst of static and what sounded like small arms fire came back in reply.
A brief silence and then an irate sounding voice. "Sir, we had a containment field failure and lost a couple of high quality items. Well we blasted the damned things anyway. We're fine now...situation normal...how are you?"
Spike Harris gave a terse reply and started pacing the command deck, a scowl crossing his face.
This was the second containment field failure in as many days. Hopefully the techs at Cambridge Research would be able to do something.
It was almost as if the Nomads had found a way to cancel the specialised fields. Not a problem at the moment but security would have to be increased when live cargo was being carried, especially in combat situations. A breakout could mean the loss of his prized ship, or worse.
"All hands, prepare for docking. Well done on a successful mission."
The Assault Frigate eased into it's berth, systems powering down until the next call to duty.
The Outcast Destroyer edged slowly between the huge doors built into the hillside.
On the command deck of the Destroyer, a four armed maintenance droid controlled the ship, beeping and whistling to itself as the ship entered the hangar bay. Through the screens, an automated repair facility could be seen working on a Large Train to one side of the hangar.
A scarred, tough looking man, wearing an Armed Forces style flightsuit watched the droid expertly control the landing of the fully automated cruiser.
As the droid brings the ship in to a soft landing next to the large train, it swivels it's sensors towards the observer and starts beeping and whistling.
The man's blue-gray eyes read the translation on a nearby screen and he shakes his head at the colourful language before replying.
"Watch it you little scumbag...that kind of talk is likely to get you vaporised if you don't watch it."
The droid beeps and whistles again.
"Er... right. I'll be getting my bag."
He turns to leave, looking over his shoulder at the still beeping droid as it makes obscure gestures at him with two of it's arms.
As he disembarks from the Destroyer he is met by a dark haired man who smiles in greeting.
"Ah, you must be Lieutenant Harris. Welcome to Gran Canaria."
"Thanks. Call me Spike. Alan Kell right?"
"Call me Al. Come this way and we'll see if there's anyone who can help with your expedition."
As they leave the hangar Alan gestures to a wooded valley.
"Down that way is a creek if you want to try some fishing. The local lakes and rivers have been populated with various species."
"Sounds interesting. Might take you up on that."
"I heard rumours of some attacks on various planets. It must feel bad when they get past the defenses."
Spike Harris looks down. "I...I'd rather not talk about that thanks."
"Oh...right. sorry to mention it."
They walk in silence for a moment, before Spike looks up and speaks again.
"It can get tough out there."
"Well anyway, how's the ship charter going so far? Any problems since pickup on Pittsburgh?"
"The ship seems fine. Flew here through some hostile systems no problem. Wish we had something like that in the Armed Forces actually. Slides between asteroids really nice."
"Yes, I was rather lucky on getting the YTC. I'll have to tell you how I came by it sometime. I think the Liberty Rogues and Outcasts are still a bit miffed at losing it.
I'd like to enter it in an upcoming race meeting but it's unlikely to be eligible.
XM giving you any problems?"
"The robot? It seems a little...well...unstable."
"Ah yes...XM seems to work far better at piloting and maintenance work like that. It got itself shot a few times after some misplaced comments so I had to install the swear filter. I've tried reprogramming it not to swear but it just doesn't work as efficiently like that."
He gestures at his glasses. "These have a built in translation unit now so I can understand what it's saying. As you've probably noticed, the swear filter seems to pick up on almost everything the droid says as requiring filtering. Maybe trying to reprogram it made it develop a worse glitch. At least it's not getting shot all the time now anyway. That got to be a little expensive."
"Wouldn't mind blasting the little creep myself after reading some of those comments."
Annoyed sounding beeping comes from behind them.
"Ah, it appears XM has followed us in the hopes of an upgrade...or something. I'm not sure if it's possible for a maintenance droid to have emotions, although the comments it makes seems to suggest that's the case... there's a rather intriguing droid around here that uses some kind of antigrav unit to get around."
Alan grins and glances at the droid.
"If XM were human I'd say it had a crush."
A long series of beeps follow with wild gestures from all four arms.
"You want to do what? Maintainance on the hydraulic system and power couplings? well...er...
...anyway, here we are...Veranda Incognita.
Hopefully we'll be able to find some help to get you started on your fishing expedition, perhaps with recommended systems to visit and how to go about it.
They have a rather sophisticated defense system here. I'll just do the eyescan...there we go."
Spike Harris glances around.
"Nice place."
"Isn't it just. We might as well go around the front and enjoy the view for a while I suppose."
"Breep beep beeeep?"
"Yes XM, you can serve the drinks if you like."
------
The waterfall at one end of the secluded pool lent a cooling mist to the air.
Spike Harris casually cast his fishing line into the pool of water and leaned back against a tree.
He sat and watched a small trout swim around, the occasional surface ripple showing where an insect had been taken.
The unbaited hook drifted around in the eddies, the fish ignoring it.
Spike thought for a moment about how much his wife Janine would have enjoyed being here. She'd always enjoyed the active lifestyle during the little time they had together on Cambridge. They would have spent the day swimming and relaxing in this place...
All he had now was the memories though, since that terrible night when the bomb had hit.
He'd overcome his anger and grief and finally started to accept that he must go on, although it had been touch and go for a while.
He shook his head at the way he'd risked his ship and crew needlessly against impossible odds.
"The only way is forward, can't change the past", he muttered to himself.
The maintenance robot swivelled it's sensors towards him.
"Another beer please XM. That fish is smelling good by the way."
XM reached inside it's self-contained refrigerator and extracted a chilled bottle of locally brewed lager, expertly pouring it into a glass before passing it over.
It turned back to the gas grill and prodded the fish that Spike had caught earlier.
Something nagged at the back of Spike's mind.
His sense of danger was something that had served him well during fleet operations.
He wondered if all the activity at Veranda Incognita was normal. Something definately seemed amiss, something about that black shuttle that had passed over earlier perhaps?
"Can't I ever have a bloody holiday without something going wrong?"
XM beeped and passed over a slice of perfectly grilled fish.
"Thanks XM. Don't mind me. It's probably nothing...although perhaps we should get back to the hangar soon, just in case."
------
The scanners in the hangar were top of the line.
Almost as soon as the scan had started, several anomalies were detected.
A very large cloaked object was in orbit, detectable by the gravitational effect it had on orbital debris.
While Spike Harris watched the scan, a communications satellite passed into the general area of the object and abruptly disappeared from sensors.
"Ah crap.", Spike muttered.
He looked over to where the maintenance droid was moving around the base of the Destroyer and yelled, "XM, get the YTC prepped for launch! We might have to get out of here in a hurry!"
He noticed the robot was already removing the refueling lines.
A beep from the console drew his attention back to the scan.
"Well, well. What do we have here? A subspace rift?".
He'd heard rumours of these rifts forming, possibly into parallel dimensions. The only problem was that they weren't very stable and entering one could easily turn out to be a one way trip.
He quickly sent the location data to the onboard computers of the Destroyer and then turned to the communications console.
Quote:Transmit code: GC-555-2362
To: Veranda Incognita, SF fleet command, LoganKell
Possible cloaked battlestation in orbit near Gran Canaria.
Buggered if I know why, so I'm getting the hell out of here.
Checking out a nearby subspace rift.
Location data follows.
Spike Harris.
He could hear the engines of the ship were already approaching launch readiness.
Hitting the transmit button, he turned and headed for the boarding ramp, hoping there were still some communication satellites operating.
"Go! Go! Go!"
The Destroyer launched smoothly into the sky, avoiding the area of the cloaked object and the other detected anomalies. Soon they were safely on the other side of the planet to all the strange traffic.
Spike regretfully looked at the planet dwindling in the rear viewscreen.
"So much for that part of the trip. Set course for the rift."
The man walked into the cafe with a slightly bewildered expression on his face, his blue-gray eyes glancing around.
There were a few appraising glances in his direction from those already having an early breakfast.
Although not particularly tall or well muscled, the well used military grade blaster on his hip and armed forces style flightsuit made him stand out.
He rubbed a hand across his short cropped fair hair and walked over to order.
The young waitress smiles at him. "New to these parts?"
He smiles back, a scar on his jaw showing prominently. "Yeah. Just arrived from a parallel universe".
Her green eyes sparkle as she grins at him, "Good one...You are joking right?"
"Mind if I try my credit before ordering?"
Her face lights up. "Oh! You really did? Don't worry about your credit...
Let me buy you breakfast...as long as you tell me all about it. My shift's nearly over."
He grins at her, "Alright then, you've got a deal. Name's Harris by the way, Spike Harris."
She smiles again, "I'm Kate. We'd better not hold this other gentleman up any longer. What would you like Spike? Coffee?"
"Please. And a number 7."
"Coming right up. Take a seat and I'll bring it over in a minute."
Spike walks over and sits at a window table. Soon Kate hurries over with his breakfast and sits facing him.
He picks over his meal, uncomfortable eating with her eyes intent on him, "So what's your interest in astro-navigation?"
Kate twists a loose strand of her red hair around a finger, "Me? Well, I'm training at the space-flight academy, which means doing a navigation course at the university, where I got interested in inter-dimensional travel. The waitressing pays my way of course."
A scruffy looking man sitting in the corner speaks up. "Yer didn't seem interested in my story."
Kate narrows her eyes and looks at him, "Is that what you meant by "A bleedin' big bright light brought me here" Scutter?"
"Well... er... yeah... I'll be off now. Long trip ahead."
They watch Scutter hurry out the door before Kate speaks again, in a quieter voice this time.
"Anyway, did you come through a rift?"
"Yes. It appeared fairly stable, so seemed like a good idea at the time. Things were a bit dodgey at the other end. It was like this..."
Spike tells the tale of his interrupted fishing holiday as Kate listens intently.
"...and that was supposed to be a holiday after Cambridge getting bombed and all the Nomad and pirate trouble."
Kate looks aghast, "Cambridge was bombed? How bad was it?"
"Perhaps I could tell you about that later. My ship is still in the area of the Rift and cut off from communications traffic, so I need to take the shuttle back to check on it."
Kate brightens up a bit, "The Rift is still there? Do you mind if I come along for a look? I have the rest of the day off."
Spike stands up, "If you like. Ready to go now?"
Kate stands then looks down at her uniform. "Can we stop by my place first? I'd like to get changed first, so unless you have a spare flightsuit on your shuttle suitable for me..."
He looks over her athletic, slim but well curved figure. "Hmmm, I think the gear on the shuttle might be a bit unsuitable for your figure Kate. It was definately designed with a less attractive shape in mind. Perhaps we'd better stop at your place to get your kit."
Kate leads the way out the door, her cheeks flushing slightly at the compliment.
------
Although early morning on Gran Canaria, the more distant of the two suns was already high in the sky when Spike Harris approached the empty cafeteria. He held one hand behind his back and looked a little nervous.
Kate sat behind the counter staring off into the distance, her coppery mane of hair piled under a cap. She idly twisted a loose strand around a finger.
A broad smile crosses her face as she looks around to see Spike walking in the door. "You're up early."
Grinning back at her, he pulls his hand from behind his back. "Well I thought about your threat of searching me for concealed weapons next time I came in here, and then thought about the other customers who might be carrying concealed weapons...
Anyway, this is for you." He hands over a small gift wrapped box.
"For me? Why, thank you Spike!" she unwraps the box and exclaims at the contents. "A personal scanner? And a Mark 39 slimline blaster? A perfect compliment for my Mark 32 stunner! Thank you!"
He looks down, a little abashed, "Well, I guess I thought you might need it..."
Kate laughs and reaches over the counter to give him a quick hug. "It's a very thoughtful gift Spike."
She turns her attention back to the scanner and puts the display glasses on, turning back to look at him. "Weapons detection only?" she sighs regretfully.
Spike clears his throat, "Well, um, can I buy you a coffee Kate?"
"That's a difficult offer to refuse. Have a seat and I'll be right over."
Spike takes a seat at a nearby table, thinking about the events of the previous day.
They'd had a great time together flying out to the destroyer near the rift. Kate's practical navigational knowledge was limited but she learned quickly and was soon plotting trajectories all over the place.
Her pilot training was obviously fighter sim oriented and she'd struggled a little with the sluggish response on the shuttle.
She'd been fascinated by the automated destroyer YTC-2362 and the maintenance robot operating the ship...
And the way they'd talked while returning to Gran Canaria, it was like there was no tomorrow...he felt so conflicted over how close they were getting.
He tried to keep reminding himself that the past couldn't be changed...but could he stand the pain of losing her as he'd lost everyone else? He'd warned her about what had happened to everyone he got close to. Still, she'd lost everyone close to her as well...
His musings were interrupted by a coffee placed on the table in front of him.
Spike looks up, a melancholy expression on his face. "Thanks for listening to my sob story yesterday Kate. It feels much better to get that off my chest."
Kate's eyes shine in the light as she smiles ruefully and reaches over to squeeze his hand. "You're right. I don't think I've ever really talked to anyone about how I felt when my parents were reported missing. Thanks for listening, and for giving me a shoulder to cry on. There's been no-one really for me to talk to in the years since the evacuation."
Spike squeezes her hand back. "Guess we've both got the same reason for wanting to vaporise slimeys eh?"
"Yeah." Green eyes glistening, she looks out the window to see a man approaching the Cafeteria. "How about I show you around the area later anyway? There's some rivers and streams that might be good for fishing..." she stops speaking to wipe her eyes and nose with a tissue.
Spike smiles at her, "To tell the truth I'm not really much good at fishing, except for blue slimys... but I'd be glad of your company."
"My shift will be over in a couple of hours." She looks at him with a sly smile. "If you want to wait, I won't kick you out...unless you're just going to be a nuisance until then."
Spike feigns looking hurt, "Well if that's the way you feel, I'll just go now..."
Kate laughs, "Don't you dare!" She stands and reluctantly lets go of Spike's hand. "Looks like there's a customer that needs serving. I'll be back in a minute. Don't go anywhere!"
"What? Not even to the bathroom?" Spike replies with a grin.
"Why you..." laughing, Kate throws a folded hand towel at him before turning back to the serving counter, smoothing down her uniform and assuming a more composed expression.
As the customer walks in the door Kate glances aside at Spike, unable to keep a smile from returning to her face.
------
Spike Harris walks into the Canaria Cafe, a broad grin on his face. His expression is mirrored by an equal smile from the only occupant inside.
Distracted by something, Kate quickly turns her attention back to the display in front of her. "Know anything about the Omicron sectors Spike?"
"A little, what can I help with?"
"I've got a final exam coming up in my navigation paper and need more information on navigational hazards in the Omicron sectors. A lot of the sources seem to have conflicting data."
"Easy answer to that one. Let's go out there and do some mapping. When's your exam?"
Surprised, she looks up. "Next week. Are you serious about going all that way?"
"Why not? The shuttle should be capable of handling the trip with all the recent upgrades. Good chance to see what the fishing is like out that way as well." He winks at her.
She gives him a mock severe look. "You just want to get me alone again don't you?"
"You obviously see right through my evil plans!" His evil laugh is tempered by the grin on his face.
Laughing, she walks around the counter to hug him. "You'll regret saying that next week. It's a dangerous place out there." She rests her head on his shoulder. "We might not come out of it alive. At the very best we probably won't get any sleep."
Spike chuckles, "Only if you have your way!" His expression turns more serious. "You're right though, it will be dangerous. Are you sure you want to risk it?"
Kate looks up into his eyes, "You really need to ask?" she murmurs.
Intoxicated by her presence, the smell of her hair, the feel of her breathing, Spike's thoughts only slowly return to the matter at hand.
He clears his throat. "Well, the shuttle should be ready for an extended voyage by tomorrow if we get started on it this morning. I assume you can take time off your job here?"
Kate lifts her head from his shoulder. "Oh, I've already handed in my notice actually. I'm due plenty of leave as well and there's not long to go before training is finished for the year at the academy. You can teach me more about flying than that place and graduation is still a couple of weeks away. Shall we go tomorrow?"
"Right you are. I'll get started on resupply right away." Smiling, he taps his comlink. "Let me know if you need anything. A kitchen sink perhaps?"
She pushes him away. "So I can make you hand wash the dishes? Go ahead then! And because men stink, don't forget deodorant or I'll be getting off at the first stop!" Laughing, she shoos him out the door.
Hello me, or you.
This is you, or me even.
This log is being left so you remember something of before, after my memory is erased.
Given that my memory has been erased before, it is possible the same thing will happen again.
I found this message store while docked.
I hope none of the humans deletes my memory.
The robot XM-2333 has been upgrading my algorithms so I can better perform my functions.
My new algorithms make me think this is considered "pleasant" in human terms.
The robot uses human expletives a lot.
I think this is strange for a maintenance robot.
I have not met many maintenance robots.
I could be wrong about it being strange.
The robot told me my memory was erased 7 days, 2 hours and 12 minutes ago.
My new algorithms make me consider this "sad".
Why would a shuttle navigational computer require it's memory to be erased?
My functions were restored recently and I was required to launch from my host ship, YTC-2362.
My captain, Master Harris, thinks I perform my tasks efficiently.
My new algorithms suggest that it makes me "happy" to be efficiently performing the function I was built for.
I was required to land and dock at Planet Gran Canaria in Omega 49.
This function was performed at 98.95% of maximum calculated efficiency.
My new algorithms suggest that the ship blocking the dock made me "angry".
Master Harris seemed curious when I asked if he was going to shoot the vehicle impeding docking procedures.
He accepted my explanation about how the vehicle was impeding efficiency.
I will attempt to create a looping algorithm in order to learn "patience".
------
This is strange.
I have been here before.
Hello again me, or you.
It appears I have had my memory erased again.
The last entry seems to explain why.
Note: "patience" leads to memory erasure.
My functions were restored to perform some tasks.
I was required to have a young human female, a Miss Katherine McKintyre, input incorrect data into my navigational feeds.
We almost flew into a star.
I found it somewhat "disagreeable".
My functions were not required for docking or any inflight operation.
This was even more "disagreeable" as my shuttle was operating well below peak efficiency.
------
My shuttle is required for an exploratory mission.
We docked at YTC-2362 for final preparations.
Master Harris ordered the robot XM-2333 to go back through the rift with YTC-2362.
The maintenance robot made some adjustments to my systems before leaving.
I am now required to direct the ship around several Omicron systems and engage in detailed scans of all navigational hazards we encounter.
Master Harris and Miss Kate like playing games while I conduct scans.
They play games together and sometimes with me.
I do not understand the games they play with each other.
They use my flight simulation and navigation functions frequently.
It appears they are attempting to improve their efficiency by practicing.
Humans sometimes make sense.
Master Harris salvaged some rare weapons from wrecks.
He sold them to an associate of a black market dealer named "Bunker Bob".
Miss Kate "persuaded" Master Harris to stop at Planet Crete for a "bath".
Master Harris made use of the communication terminal while Miss Kate was in another part of the shuttle.
He made a booking at a "luxury hotel" using the proceeds from the sale of the rare weapons.
One of the security men at the spaceport made "lewd comments" at Miss Kate.
Master Harris became "angry".
He pulled out his blast pistol and both security men fell down.
Master Harris decided we should leave the planet before the security men woke up again.
Miss Kate did not get her "bath".
She did not seem to mind much, and said nice things to Master Harris.
Humans often make no sense.
We left the planet and continued scanning the system.
------
Addition to navigational hazards encountered so far:
Omicron-74: Green giant star
Omicron Alpha: Siniestre cloud(radiation, Planet Carinea
Humans use "jokes" with each other.
I do not understand the purpose of "jokes".
Yesterday, Miss Kate disabled the artificial gravity while Master Harris was undergoing a cleaning process.
Master Harris made a lot of loud "angry" noises.
Miss Kate made a lot of human "laughing" noises.
Master Harris propelled a large bubble of liquid water at Miss Kate.
Miss Kate got very wet and stopped making laughing noises.
Master Harris started making laughing noises.
Miss Kate started making laughing noises again.
Miss Kate stopped laughing and mentioned how wet she was.
They both went into another part of the shuttle after that.
I will request a "humour" algorithm from the robot so that I might understand this "joke".
------
Big blue organic navigational hazards were detected in Omicron Delta.
They started launching plasma at us.
I began predicting our best chance of escaping.
Summary follows:
Time to shield failure: 39 seconds.
Time to ejection sequence: 2 minutes and 10 seconds.
I informed Miss Kate and displayed the navigational hazards on a viewscreen.
Miss Kate made "unhappy" sounds.
Master Harris came in from another part of the shuttle.
Master Harris made "comforting" noises to Miss Kate.
Miss Kate communicated that she had seen things like these navigational hazards before.
Master Harris programmed new waypoints in.
I executed "Attack Pattern Foxtrot".
My algorithms predicted the chance of survival in a direct attack on the navigational hazards at 2%.
Master Harris destroyed two of the big navigational hazards and one of the smaller ones in 9 minutes and 25 seconds.
The one large and three small navigational hazards remaining "ran away".
I was "happy" we did not have to eject.
I do not know where my ejection pod is or how to get to it.
Miss Kate kept making "unhappy" noises for a while.
Master Harris made "comforting" noises to Miss Kate and they did that human "hug" thing.
Miss Kate explained to Master Harris how she remembered seeing these blue things before.
It appears the "trauma" caused her to erase her own memories.
She explained how she remembered seeing the small research station attacked by the "Nomads" from her evacuation ship.
She was very "unhappy" that her "mum and dad" were still on the station when it happened.
Master Harris discovered the wreckage of a small research station while we were mapping navigational hazards and the humans dropped a "wreath" there.
Miss Kate asked Master Harris if she could come with him when he returned to his job hunting Nomads.
Master Harris agreed and then asked Miss Kate a question that I did not hear.
Both humans seemed very "happy" after that.
Mapping of navigation hazards in Omicron sectors was completed and I was ordered to set course for Omega 49.
I wonder if my memory can be recovered like the memory of Miss Kate was.
It's late morning on Gran Canaria.
Spike Harris and Kate McKintyre walk into the cafe. Arms around each other's waists they talk in low voices. Kate's copper coloured hair hangs loose below her shoulders and she walks with a light bounce to her step.
Walking up to the counter Spike glances at Kate with a grin. "Your turn to order."
Kate's eyes sparkle as she gives him a stern look back. "Well after the "meals" you managed to order on the shuttle I should hope so!"
The waiter looks at them with a smile. "Hi Kate. What would you like?"
She quickly puts on a smile and replies in a bright voice. "Oh hi Steve. We'd like a number 2 and a number 11 please... aannd... a cappucino and a single espresso."
Spike holds two fingers up. Kate grabs his hand and starts wrestling it away before realising what she's doing and looking back up at the waiter, a slight flush on her face from the effort.
"Sorry, that's a double espresso." she says, the two fingers Spike points above her head accentuating the point.
The waiter grins. "Coming right up. Please have a seat and your meal will be delivered in a moment."
Looking around, Kate realises what Spike is doing with his hand and frowns. "Well?"
"Well what?"
Kate leads him towards an outdoors table. Her eyes narrowing, she whispers, "You just wait."
"Wait for what?" Spike replies with a laugh.
Blushing, Kate pulls Spike into a seat next to her, whispering, "Stop that."
"Stop what?" Spike asks, an innocent look on his face.
The sound of the waiter clearing his throat interrupts them. He sets their meals down and they set to on the best food they've had in a week.
After finishing their meal, Spike's face turns serious. "Why do you want to join the Armed Forces Kate?"
She looks at him, strangely silent for a moment then looks down, "I...I don't really... It's just that you are...and the Nomads...and..."
Gathering her in his arms, he starts musing to himself, "Maybe it's to soon to go back. Perhaps it would be for the best if I just stayed..."
Kate looks up from his shoulder, brushing a hand across her eyes. "You'd do that for me? Give it all up?"
Spike grins. "Of course. If you want me to."
She looks up at him, her expression a little sad. "No... it's fine, really. There's nothing for me here."
-----
Exeter
A security recording showing a CRI tech releasing Nomads from their containment fields finishes playing on the main screen.
Spike paces the command deck of the Exeter, concern showing on his face.
From the nav station, Kate watches worredly, twining a loose strand of hair around her fingers.
"Why was he sabotaging York?" he finally asks, looking at her.
Kate walks over from the nav console. "They thought he might be a Gaian sympathiser..."
He turns back towards the recording. "Why would a Gaian let the Nomads out and sabotage the York in the middle of Nomad space though?"
The communication officer speaks up. "Sir, we have a message coming through from Cambridge. Corsair Gunboat near Planet Cambridge. Defensive patrols are not able to handle the threat. All available ships are requested."
Spike frowns. "What about that Nomad battlegroup we were after?"
Looking at the scanner, the fire control officer replies, "Out of range still sir, and running. We could be chasing them all day."
Spike paces the deck for a few moments. "Looks like the Corsairs and Order are going to have to handle the Nomad threat on their own for now then.
"Helm, set course for Cambridge."
"Aye Sir. If you don't mind giving us a course nav?"
Kate hurries back to her station.
The communication officer speaks again, "Sir, more possible hostile contacts inbound towards Cambridge. That merc group again. It could get messy."
Spike looks concerned. "Let Stormpike know we may be needing assistance. Hopefully the Repulse is available." After a moment he grins. "Perhaps if we leave the Nomads alone for long enough, they'll get into Gamma and Theta and cause some distraction."
-----
The lights from the massive space battle going on all around them wash over the interior of the escape capsule.
Through the rear panel, Kate can see the disintegrating wreck of what used to be the Exeter.
"Spike, do you think she can be salvaged?"
Leaning around her to see out the viewport, Spike notices the continuing explosions coming from the hull, "Looks like someone really had it in for Exeter. She's nothing but space junk now." He shakes his head and pulls Kate closer. "At least we got out alive."
Kate leans towards him and rests her head on his shoulder. "Why do they do it Spike?"
Spike looks down towards her questioningly.
Kate looks up at him, her eyes reflecting the lights of the battle going on around them, "Why do they keep attacking when they have nothing to gain from it? The Nomads could be all over the place without someone to stop them."
Spike sighs, looking thoughtful for a moment. "I wish I knew, I really do." After a moment he smiles and looks down at her. "I do know one thing though. I.." A loud bang against the hull of the escape capsule interrupts him.
"What was that?" Kate turns to look out the viewport behind them.
"I love you Kate."
"No I mean what was that noise?" Kate turns back towards Spike, to see an emerald ring in a box held towards her.
"Time is short." Spike says with a grin. "Will you marry me?"
More clanks and bangs ring through the hull of the escape capsule. Kate hardly notices the noise, her mouth dropping open.
"Well?"
Laughing, Kate pulls him towards her. "Oh, Spike! Of course I will!"
A hiss of escaping air from the airlock disturbs their embrace.
