Onnika sat at the keyboard typing furiously, as hard as it seemed, someone had gotten into her spy files. Breathing hard she searched for the location of the terminal that accessed hers. Every lead seemed to reach a dead end until a small chink, a tiny and almost unnoticeable crumb. Seizing onto it like a starving rat, she followed it back to it’s home. A terminal in the Visitor sector. Blue nineteen. Calling up the registry she noted who rented the space. Dzuris Mamba of the Cobra Pride. Very well, let’s see what Dzuris is up to?

Every word she read only increased her anger. How could I have missed it? If it had been anyone else’s crew besides the barren Ancestor’s, I would have found out. The most valuable, the most vital slave in the past hundred years has been on my station for weeks and I didn’t know! Taking a deep breath to control her ire, she stared at Dzuris’ most recent communiqué. A courier was due to meet with him yesterday.

* * *

Dylan stood on the bridge and stared at the view of the docking bay. Smiling he turned towards Famira. "Cousin, since the whole point of bringing the students on board is to familiarize them with the standard operations and modifications, I believe it would be good for them to actually see her in a bit of action. Do you think we could get clearance for a quick trip around the solar system? Rommie?"

"Yes, Captain?" Rommie answered.

"How long would it take you to do a run around each planet in this system, one full cycle and a dip as close as possible to the sun?" Dylan grinned.

"About 2 hours Captain. Assuming that you don’t want me to hit top speed."

"Nah, cruising speed is fine." Dylan turned back to Famira. "So what do you think?"

"I think your generosity is only overmatched by your innate kindness, Ancestor." Famira stated.

"So like Tyr, you believe me to be too much a High Guard officer. Too giving of myself and I’ll end up killing myself and my crew doing what I believe is right rather than what is best for us? Right?"

Famira’s laughter tickled the walls of the room, "Very well, Ancestor. Make the announcement, I’ll get us clearance."

"Thanks. Rommie, shipwide."

"Of course, Captain. Coms open."

"This is Captain Hunt. Councilor Famira is procuring permission for us to take a soft spin around the solar system. You shouldn’t feel much, if any disturbance. As for my crew, well I’m going to send the androids around. Hunt out."

Famira turned towards Dylan, "Ancestor we can leave anytime you are ready."

"Sound the leaving port siren, Rommie, and let’s go."

* * *

The knocking was disturbing Onnika. In a fury, she grated out, "Come."

Graha stepped in. "Onnika, we have problems."

"What is it Graha?"

"Radli is dead. And Mac’tor is not! Also the Andromeda is leaving for a ‘short soft spin around the solar system’ with Famira on board."

"NO! Who let them leave?" she demanded.

"That’s not important Onnika! They must know something! After all why else would they kill Radli if they knew nothing?"

"Calm yourself Graha, if they know nothing then we simply call the Andromeda and ask that they return three of the ‘students’ we planted. Make up an emergency; their children are in trouble. The Andromeda will turn around and dock again, then we make sure she never lifts again except under our command."

"Yes, Onnika, that will work for now." Graha stomped out of the room and left Onnika to her machinations.

* * *

"Dylan," Rommie called over his implant, "Beagle Station is asking us to return to dock, they claim that some children have been injured and that their parents are on board."

"Did you monitor their emergency frequencies?" Dylan inquired.

"Yes, Dylan. There has been no such report."

"Ignore them."

"Of course, Captain."

"Enjoying the ride, Famira?"

"Yes," Famira stared at the viewport with wonder. "I’ve been on ships before Ancestor, but never have I seen my solar system look so beautiful.

"Remember it. It’s your home."

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