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“For the most part,” Jed answered, the two continued down the corridor, “This meeting with Nick has to go better than the last time.”
“Oh, don’t you worry about ol’ Nicolas. He’ll be tellin’ me all his secrets within the first five minutes.”
“Five?” Jed smiled, glancing over to her, “I’d have figured you’d have him in two.”
“Oh, stop. I’m good, but he is a stubborn one. So, yeah, I’m giving him five.”
The two reached the interrogation room where Nick was already cuffed to the table and waiting for their arrival.
The two entered the room where Skatie pulled up a chair and planted it next to Nick. Then, she sat in the chair and moved close in and began purring softly. Nick pulled away from the Draconian, not wanting to fall into the spell Draconian women have on men.
Skatie took her hand and stroked the nape of his neck and pushed her face next to his, before looking up into his eyes and said, “What’s the matter, Mister Bridges? Do I scare you?”
The purring relaxed Nick in his chair and then he slowly lowered his head. Skatie looked up at Jed and whispered, “He’s almost ready. Wow, I didn’t think one minute is all it would take.”
“Well, you are good, Skatie,” Jed smiled, “Now, ask him for the information. Make him believe that I’m preparing the forms for his release.”
Skatie purred more, pressing her hands on his neck and gently massaging his muscles, “Now, Mister Bridges—Nick. I want you to trust me. You do trust me, don’t you, Nick?”
“Yeah,” Nick softly answered, “I trust you, Skatie.”
“Good. Then, you know that, when I tell you Admiral Fitz is working on your unconditional release, you will believe me, won’t you, Nick?”
“Yes,” Nick responded, “Unconditional release. Immunity and release.”
“That’s right, Nick. Admiral Fitz will be here any minute now, so, you need to fulfil your part of the bargain. Tell me what the intel you have on President Roberts.”
“Yes. President Roberts—he told Admiral Gilmore to take you out. Take out Admiral Fitz. He told him that if he were successful in eliminating the Rocinante and Admiral Fitz, the war would be sure to continue. The war is needed to guarantee the military continues being funded.”
“Where is the evidence to prove this of President Roberts?”
“Evidence—yes—locked in safe. My quarters—behind Brother’s family picture.”
“What’s the code?” Skatie asked.
“There is no code. It’s biometric—my hand print—only my hand.”
“Oh, come on, now, Nick. There has to be a key. There is a key, isn’t there, Nick?”
“Yes, I have the key. It’s in the yellow lamp. Hidden in the lamp shade. That’s where I keep my key if the battery goes dead.”
“Very good, Nick,” Skatie purred more, making Nick more and more relaxed.”
“Okay, that’s enough. You don’t have to punish yourself anymore, Skatie,” said Jed, “You can break your hold on him.”
Skatie removed her hand and stood from the paralyzed man. The effect quickly left Nick once Skatie stopped purring and stroking his neck.
“So, Admiral,” Nick smiled before holding his cuffed hands up, “You can take these off now. Oh, and I’ll just take a transport from the flight deck and be on my way, thank you very much.”
“Take him back to his cell!” Ordered Jed.
“Wait—what do you mean, back to my cell? You said you would release me!”
“No, I never agreed to any deal and especially one that includes any kind of immunity or release!”
“But, Admiral! Skatie said you were on your way to let me go!”
“I lied,” Skatie smiled, “Go on, take him away. We got everything we need.”
Chapter Thirty-Two
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The Rocinante
Brig
________________________
Sergeant Chuck Kippinger entered the cell block where Nick Bridges was being held.
“Sorry Sergeant,” the brig marine guard quickly answered, “You’re not allowed here!”
As the Marine stood to his feet, he reached over to a wall console to press an alarm when Sergeant Kippinger held a stun gun to the marine’s neck, collapsing him to the ground.
“Sorry Corporal Mitchel,” Chuck smiled, “But there’s been a slight change in plans regarding Mister Bridges and him being held.”
Chuck pressed a few commands, “There! This should bypass the security codes.”
The sergeant was rewarded with a clank as Nick’s cell door unlocked, signaling the opening door.
“Sergeant Kippinger!” Nick smiled, “Thanks for doing this.”
“It’s the least I could do since finding out the Admiral has no intent on releasing you.”
“Prison break will look good on your resume with Admiral Gilmore.”
“You haven’t heard, have you,” Chuck grimly answered.
“Heard what?”
“Admiral Gilmore and Zetaal’s ships were both destroyed.”
“Are you sure about that?”
“Yes, Nick. I’m sorry to say it is true. I watched the whole thing as we battled the Agamemnon and Habakiri. They were obliterated.”
“I’m gonna kill him!” Nick growled through clinched teeth, “I’m gonna kill Fitz!”
“Admiral Fitz played a major role in their deaths, yes. But it was the Antarians and Chancellor Relegon that finished them off.”
“Then, I’ll kill Chancellor Relegon and the Antarian Emperor, too!”
“I’ll be right there, by your side, Nick,” Chuck assured, then continued with a wave of his arm, “C’mon! Let’s get outta here. I’ve already arranged for a transport. We just have to get there.”
“Okay, I’m right behind you, Sergeant,” answered Nick as the two made their way into the corridor.
________________________
The Rocinante
Launch Bay
________________________
“Hurry it on up, guys!” A transport pilot urged, “Admiral Fitz wants this cage transported to the Antarians, A-SAP!”
A roar could be heard within the cage being rolled into the transport bay, “Keep your shorts on,” a marine advised, “We’re moving this crate as fast as we can, okay? It’s heavy!”
“Well, you can explain to the Admiral why I haven’t left for the Tyrodaconda yet. I’m fifteen minutes behind schedule!”
“We’re almost there, man,” the marine complained.
Three marines were in front pulling the cage up the cargo ramp with a harness when the main strap broke, sending the cage rolling back down the cargo ramp. The three marines behind jumped away from the, now, out of control cage.
“Look out!” a shout was heard across the flight deck as the cage continued rolling.
Several crewmen leaped, jumped and ran from the cage before it slammed into the bulkhead. The power for the cage containment field, shorted out. The dragon creature within, began pounding the side of the cage with its head.
“Watch out!” One of the deckhands shouted, “It’s breaking loose!”
The cage ripped open, exposing the angry head of the dragon. It’s thousand tooth jaws snapped as the beast roared and blew puffs of smoke and fire.
Several men ran from the flight deck as the creature broke free from the cage. The dragon stood on all fours, its muscular legs flexed and twitched as it felt freedom from its confinement. It looked one way and then roared as it turned its head the in the opposite direction, carefully surveying its surroundings. Then, it bounded across the flight deck with its wings neatly folded behind its back. The creature headed to the open doors where three unaware crewmen entered.
Darting from the dragon’s deadly path of molten fire, the creature fled into the corridor and continued out of sight around the next corner.
The lead marine tapped his headset, “Attention: All personnel: we have a situation down on the flight deck. The dragon has broken free! I repeat; the dragon has escaped and is on the run!”
Nick and Chuck ran toward the flight deck where Chuck had arranged for a transport when they halted. Sliding to a stop, the two faced the roar of the escaped dragon, standing face to face. Smoke issued from the beast’s nostrils as it salivated, moistening its lizard lips. Then, it showed it’s thousand teeth as it widened its jaw. Nick and Chuck froze with fear in the corridor as the dragon rose its head. Then, with a swift motion of its head, chomped down on Nick, cutting him in two. Chuck attempted to scream, but was unable. All he could do was watch in terror as the creature chewed what was left of Nick before falling to the floor, dying of fear.
A squad of marines rounded the corner behind the creature as it continued chewing. Each shot a tranquilizer into the beast. The roar of the dragon could be heard on the entire deck before the creature collapsed with a thud.
Admiral Fitz donned his headset as Lieutenant Henderson reported a call from the lower decks, “This is the Admiral—uh-huh… okay… …escaped!? It did what?”
Commander Jameson’s eyebrows rose as he listened to Jed on his headset, “What’s happening, sir?”
Jed cupped a hand over his mouth piece as he continued listening to the marine reporting, “Looks like Sergeant Kippinger broke Mister Bridges out… Then, there was an accident on the flight deck... The creature got loose and, apparently, ate Nick.”
“Are you serious, Jed?” Commander Jameson asked.
“Yep. Serious as a crutch! Sergeant Kippinger died at the scene. I’m told he collapsed in fear as he watched Nick being consumed.”
“Oh man,” Commander Jameson sighed, “Wow. Tough break for Nick and Chuck, I’d say. Did they catch the creature, yet?”
“They sedated the thing and it’s being loaded into a new cage. The Chief says they should be leaving in ten minutes with it. The doc is on his way to look over the scene where Nick and Chuck died.”
“I’m glad you promoted him to Colonel.”
“Yeah, I did. But I don’t think he’s going to keep his commission after this. I know he wants to retire.”
“I wouldn’t blame him if he retired now, just to have someone else have to deal with that.”
“Lambert’s a good man. He’ll finish his duties.”
“I still don’t envy him, one bit.”
“In the meantime,” Jed said, looking over to his navigator, then ordered, “Mister Foster: plot us a course to Earth. We’re going home. And, get me Captain McCartney on the Bristol, A-SAP.”
“Aye, sir,” Lieutenant Foster acknowledged, “Plotting course.”
“I’ve got the Bristol, sir. Captain McCartney, I have Admiral Fitz: go ahead, sirs.”
“Captain, I’d like you to accompany me to Earth.”
“Earth, sir? Sure. We can be ready to leave at any time, Jed.”
“Yes. I have some unfinished business with the President and I’d be honored if you had my back.”
“No problem, sir. No problem at all. I can enlist more ships once we reach the Betelgeuse sector.”
“Not a bad idea, Captain. The more support we bring, the better things will go.”
“I couldn’t agree with you more, Admiral.”
“Okay, have your navigation officer link up with Lieutenant Foster. Just make sure we’re all synced up.”
“Understood, Jed. Bristol out.”
“The channel is cut, sir,” Lieutenant Henderson reported. Then, continued, “The transport is loaded and ready to depart, sir. I have Danielle on ship to ship from the flight deck.”
“Oh, yeah. Put her on,” Jed motioned.
“Admiral. Yeah, I just wanted to let you know, Darnash, Ruki and myself are going with the transport. We’ll see that the dragon is released on Serintin.”
“So, Queen Danielle,” Jed addressed, “You’ve decided to stay at Antares, then?”
“Yes, Admiral. Now that I’m more Antarian than human, I choose to live out the rest of my life here with Darnash.”
“Well, Queen of Antares—Danielle, it’s been an honor. I hope Serintin treats you well.”
“Thank you, Admiral,” Danielle answered. “We have quite a task ahead of us—ahead of all Antarians in finding an alternate energy source, while continuing to keep Antares safe from any future attacks.”
“I’m sure you and all Antarians will do just fine, with you on the team,” Jed paused as he smiled over the ship to ship. Then, continued, “Keep in touch and stay in good health. Admiral Fitz, out.”
Thirty minutes passed when Lieutenant Henderson reported, “The transport has returned, Admiral. The flight deck is secure.”
“Okay then. All hands prepare for jump. Start the clock.”
“Two minutes to jump!” Commander Jameson barked, “Call it out.”
Every station reported their jump readiness when Jameson gave Jed the signal, “All stations reporting jump ready. The board is green.”
“Commence jump,” ordered Jed.
The Rocinante and Bristol crossed the expanse of space in two seconds before their jump engines spun down.
“Course is set to the Betelgeuse wormhole. Captain McCartney has enlisted Jannali and Interceptor to join up with us to Earth.”
“Well done. Please relay to Captain McCartney, well done indeed.”
“Aye, sir. Bristol acknowledges.
“ETA to the Betelgeuse wormhole entrance in thirty seconds.”
“All hands prepare for spatial distortion,” Commander Jameson warned.
All four ships entered the wormhole conduit, traversing over six-hundred light years in three minutes. Then, the helm plotted its course to Earth, each ship jumping and establishing orbit upon their arrival.
“All clear, Admiral,” Lieutenant Collins reported.
“Sir,” Lieutenant Henderson began, “I’m picking up a signal from the surface. It’s a communication from the Office of the Antarian Consulate.”
“Okay, put it on overhead, Mister Collins,” Jed ordered.
“This is Ambassador Thelix. Is this Admiral Fitz?”
“Thelix,” Jed exclaimed. “Yes, this is Jed. I was just arriving to look you up. How did you know?”
“You forget that I am part seer and this is why I know of your arrival. I also have seen the task that you have come to complete.”
“Well, is your knowing a good thing or bad thing for us?”
“I will tell you this. If this was a bad thing for you, The Rocinante, Bristol and Interceptor would have already been surrounded and you would be in my custody. However, since the airspace is clear and we are conversing in such manner, that this is a good thing for you. Now. I have already retrieved the evidence provided by Mister Bridges. He was telling you the truth as it was exactly where he said it was.”
“I know you’re part seer, Mister Thelix, but even I know you couldn’t possibly have seen all that detail.”
“You are quite correct, Admiral Fitz. I was visited by Malcom. He relayed the intel to me. He said something about how he couldn’t tell me before Nick actually revealed the intel or something or other would take place instead. I didn’t quite understand everything Malcom was saying. He seemed busy.”
“Malcom? Seemed busy?”
“I know. That sounds impossible, but yes. Now, he has given me a plan and I am executing those instructions. He says do this and we will be successful in apprehending President Roberts.”
“That’s why I’m here. Now that we have the evidence, we can have a face-to-face meeting with the President.”
“I have already made the arrangements, thanks to Malcom and their telepathic mind tricks.”
“Please explain.”
“Admiral,” Lieutenant Henderson cut in, “I’m picking up a transport on an intercept course.”
“Thank you, Mister Henderson. Please provide landing instructions and I’ll be on my way there shortly.”
“Aye, sir.”
“You’re going down there, Sir? You sure that’s wise?” Commander Jameson asked.
“If this is Malcom’s plan, I have nothing to worry about.”
“Are you sure Thelix is telling you the truth?”
“Absolutely sure, Tom,” Jed resounded, “I know Thelix. His word is his bond.”
“Thank you, Admiral Fitz,” Thelix answered over the comm link. “That transport was dispatched on my orders. The President thinks that Admiral Gilmore survived. I have arraigned a meeting with you and President Roberts. That is when he will see that it is you coming with his warrant.”
“So, Malcom used his mind trick to fool the President. I’m sure glad the Eridonians are on our side.”
“The transport will take you to the Antarian Consulate where I am. The President is already on his way via motorcade and will be here in twenty ma’na’ta.”
“Good. I see my chariot has arrived. I’ll be there in fifteen.”
“I look forward to seeing you again, Admiral Gilmore,” Thelix said, his voice smiling over the comm link, “Ambassador Thelix out.”
“Commander Jameson, you have the con. I’ll take my leave for now—I think I’m going to be on an extended vacation,” Jed smiled before addressing his favorite guest, “Empress Skatie. If you would be so kind as to accompany me planet side. When this ugly business is over, there are many sights I’d like to take you to.”
“That does sound like a vacation, Jed.,” Skatie smiled, then answered, “It would be my pleasure, Jed.”
The two headed toward the CSC exit. Skipping up the three steps and before exiting, the two paused as the XO saluted and said, “Admiral Fitz departing the Rocinante.”
Jed returned the XO’s salute, and smiled, “I stand relieved.”
Then the two turned grabbed hands and headed toward the flight deck.
A few minutes later, the transport hovered over the Antarian Consulate landing pad. The craft extended its landing struts and gently lowered, settling down to the ground where the struts cushioned the transports landing.
Jed and Skatie were quickly escorted into the building just before the President’s limo pulled up the complex’s circular driveway.
