Book 3: Chapter 150: Fire and Rescue (1)

Book 3: Chapter 150: Fire and Rescue (1)

USD: 1 Day Since Comm Failure

Location: Nu Crateris, Outer System, Hades Orbit, A3123Y Mobile Base, Recreation Deck Five

Lavigne leaned back in his chair, the dimly lit recreation deck enveloping him and the others with the low hum of environmental machinery. Across the floor, a few other members of the Grazzys crew were off duty, taking advantage of whatever free entertainment caught their fancy. The scent of sweat and synthetic tobacco smoke mingled with the faint aroma of their drinks and the fabric of the game table.

Lavignes gaze passed over the three men seated around the table with him, each engrossed in the card game as Morrison shuffled the cards for the third time.

Daniel nursed his drink, taking a slow sip, causing the ice cubes to clink softly against the glass. He and Morrison had chosen one of the whiskeys the station carried. From what Lavigne understood, the man had spent an entire day working with the stations NAI, developing a proper distillation process for the drink that met his satisfaction.

Lavigne had chosen a cheap wine for himself, rather than accept the stronger beverage.

Morrison, a gruff but reliable man, had assumed a critical role for Lavigne as the senior-most NCO of the Grazzys surviving crew. Without him, Lavigne was sure no one would have made it off the ship alive during the Battle for Dedia IV.

As the cards flashed between the NCOs fingers, a sly grin spread across his face. Logan took a gulp of his orange juice, his eyes sparkling with excitement as Morrison began to slide each player their cards.

So, whos ready to lose this round? The words hung in the air, a playful challenge that made the others chuckle.

You got lucky earlier, kid, Morrison warned as he set the deck down.

Lavigne played with the edges of his cards, not looking at them right away.

Being rescued by a member of an intelligent alien speciesthat also happened to be a NAI Avatarhadnt been on his list of expectations when they had crash-landed in their escape pod on Dedias surface.

If they had been arrested or killed by the colonists, or even devoured by the planets notorious wildlife, those would have met his definition of the most probable outcomes. He didnt think the admiralty would believe him at his court-martial when he relayed what had happened.

Glancing at his cards, he suppressed a grin as Two Aces and three Kings looked back at him. His heart raced with anticipation as he tried to maintain a poker face. He tossed in his standard call as he declined to swap any cards out.

No one took any cards as the play went around the table, and then Logan raised as the first round of betting began. Daniel raised again without hesitation.

The table had been loose with bets since they began. Credits didnt hold much value when A31 provided everyone onboard with a regular 50,000 credit stipend, regardless of status. It essentially paid for all living expenses and was more than any of the Solarians had ever earned in the navy, including him as an officer.

It was perhaps not that strange of a system to them. The concept of a universal basic income that took care of a persons basic needs was ensured by the Solarian government, but this went far beyond that.

Still, a bit of unease poked at Lavigne. A full house was a good hand, but it wasnt the best. He bit his lower lip and stole a glance at the others as he called.

Morrison chuckled and then pushed his pile of chits into the center. All-in.Updated from novelb(i)n.c(o)m

Lavigne shared a look with the others, before the three of them all called. The pot was just too tempting.

Well, I guess thats the end of game night. Shall we see how things settle out? Daniel said as he leaned back in his chair.

Lavigne flipped his cards on the table, revealing his full house: AAKKK. He couldnt help but smile as he reached out to take the pot.

Daniels hand forestalled him. Not so fast.

Daniel displayed his four of a kind: QQQQ. Lavignes eyes widened, and he groaned in defeat.

Daniel winked at him and reached out to take the pile, but Logan, who had remained quiet, interjected. Wait. He spread out his cards revealing a straight flush, Hearts Jack-High. Logans mouth curved into a smug smile.

WHAT?! Daniel shouted, while Morrison burst into laughter, his whole body shaking. Lavigne couldnt help but join in, chuckling at the turn of events.

This means I win again, right? He reached for the pile of chits, but Morrisons hand came down on them, halting Logans attempt.

Not so fast, boy-o, Morrison warned.

Logan spoke up, his voice shaking with concern. What about my sister? How is she? Do you know?

Abbey smiled slightly, but it was a weak reassurance. Shes been experiencing symptoms, but at a lower degree than some of the other MilTech personnel.

Daniel frowned and moved to look at the screens and read them himself. I knew there were issues, but not how serious they had become. Whats being done to mount a rescue effort?

Abbey seemed to perk up, raising her hand excitedly. Yes! A recovery vessel is being prepared. Ive designed one that should be more capable than even the Heavens Fire at traversing the D-field, with its own very powerful field generator for its size! I have also activated the auxiliary combat drone plant and begun to load the ship with an expeditionary force to mount a rescue effort!

Lavigne raised an eyebrow. You expect hostile action?

Abbey frowned. I dont know. The team had some injuries due to a firing incident where the forward team thought they came under attack by unknowns. I think its a good idea to send a full-strength detachment.

Morrison shared a look with Lavigne before asking, What do you consider full strength, then?

Abbey raised another hand. A ten thousand unit combat group should fit inside the rescue ship! Im calling it SR Hot Rescue!

Logan facepalmed, Didnt we talk about getting help before naming things?

Abbey tilted her head. But I like this name.

Lavigne coughed, regaining their attention. I understand the need to send a rescue ship for the expedition, but why did you call me and Morrison?

Abbey smiled. I want you and your crew to man the ship. Almost all our human crew went with the Expedition

Morrison frowned. If you are sending more people, how can you guarantee that they wont have the same issues?

Abbey nodded enthusiastically. I already prepared all of that! Every biological member of the crew being sent will receive their own custom-made power armor suit! Each one is fully equipped with its own I-Field generator, which should prevent any electromagnetic infiltration, as well as a full NBC environmental suite with easy-swap packs!

You cant be serious, Lavigne blurted out. Were prisoners of war. You cant give us power armor, weapons, and a FedTech-styled warship to do a mission in!

Abbey tilted her head the other way. Why not? If you go help the expeditionary team, I will let you keep the ship and power armor. Ill even promise to make sure you can go home without interference by Starlight Revolution!

Lavigne ran his hand through his hair, unable to control the incredulity filling him. You were not supposed to aid your captor; doing so was treason. But but you also had a duty to attempt escape as long as it wouldnt cause undue harm and suffering to your men.

The chance to return to Solarian space and report back to command was a duty that couldnt be understated.

To do so with all the intelligence they had gathered just by being present, with equipment and a ship that showed the possible capabilities of the enemy? It would help those in charge make informed decisions and might even save the lives of countless other service members before they plunged into something they werent prepared to handle.

But if the admiralty and the naval board disagreed, it would be a brief walk to the execution chamber for treason when they made it back. If they made it back. The mission the SR NAI proposed to them was very much one that could place him and his crew in peril. Just for that alone threatened to tilt the calculation against agreeing to help.

Abbey turned her attention to Daniel. You and Logan will be in charge of the combat drone teams. The ship can be left to the Solarian crew. The new tunnel that will place you in the same zone as the expedition will be ready by tomorrow!

Lavigne looked at Morrison, who shrugged. The lieutenants bar on his collar and officer stripes on his jacket cuffs had never felt so burdensome before.

What it came down to was could he trust the young girl in front of him to keep her word about letting them go?

In the end, she had trusted his word that the crew wouldnt try to escape in return for being treated as guests and not prisoners.

Despite their incredible differences, Lavigne felt he could trust the Starlight Revolution members he had met to keep their promises.

And from what hed seen and learned, they werent bad people, either.

Even if their existence was breaking a half dozen interstellar laws.

He let out a deep breath. Alright. Well help. Sitting here idle playing cards while people need rescuing goes against the grain.