"You got something there?"
Joni replied, "The water has looked perfectly fine in every tank. I just don’t get why the pressure is so low. These tanks aren’t under pressure, but the ship’s gravity generators should generate some pressure down here at these spigots. I’m getting very little."
I pointed to the steps that led up to the top of the twelve-story tank in front of where we were standing. "Let’s go up and have a look at the cleaning hatch."
When we reached the top, I opened the hatchway into the tank and was soon standing atop a catwalk that ran across the length of the top of the tank. The water level in the tank came up to within a few centimeters of the bottom of the catwalk.
"Take a sample from here," I said.
Joni leaned down, dipping the sensor into the clear, calm liquid. "Hmm. There is something in the water, but it looks inert. Let me bring it up on a visual. It looks like we have some type of little microcapsules suspended in it. I’m going to see if I can smash a few of those with my glove. Whoa! This stuff has enough cyanide in it to kill, well, to kill the whole population on that colony."
I replied, "Encapsulated cyanide?"
Joni nodded. "Why would someone do that?"
I pulled up the image on my arm pad holo-display. "I’d say someone wanted to kill off the miners on that colony."
Joni looked over the display with a confused expression. "Why encapsulate it?"
I replied, "Encapsulation is heavily used in pharmaceuticals. It offers a time-release mechanism, making disbursement of whatever drugs are needed on a strict schedule, rather than having the individual control the taking of individual doses."
Joni shook her head. "What?"
I pulled up and zoomed in on the image of one of the microcapsules. "This coating—it may take a week or two for the digestive bacteria in your gut to break it down. When your doctor prescribes medication for you, it generally comes in a single pill. You take that pill and the medication continues to be released into your system for anywhere from immediately to an even spread across a couple of weeks, or even all at once a few weeks later. The miners would consume this water, and a week or two later they would all drop dead. The encapsulation would ensure that they all consumed it before it hit anyone."
Joni again shook her head. "Why would you want to kill off an entire colony?"
I replied, "That will be for the organization to find out."
Joni pointed to the water. "What do we do with all this water? We can’t send it on."
I pulled up a nav screen on my display. "We could divert to the closest star and dump the contents. The freighter could be sent back to its origination point."
Joni pulled up diagrams of the
Carlson
. "Or, we dump one tank and use the ship’s own water filtration system to filter out the capsules. We could have the valving reconfigured in about ten minutes. These freighters are versatile when it comes to configuration."
I laughed. "While that is all good in theory, it would take weeks just to filter a single tank with the ship’s pumps and filters. However, I do see merit in filtering out the poison. The miners need this water supply. How about we just send it on its way with a message for them to heavily filter it before its use. If they decide it is better to dump it, then that will be their choice."
Joni replied, "I could live with that. We just have to be certain that they know the issue."
I nodded. "We set a software lock on all the tanks that can only be disabled after reading whatever message we leave. Simple to do, and it lets us get on to our mission at Zebulon."
After a quick reconfiguration of the valve locks, the
Carlson
was sent on its way. We pulled into the Zebulon system several hours later than expected.
After receiving our report, Gretchin came on the comm. "That was supposed to be a quick inspection. Don’t worry over it this time, but we need to be on time for future tasks. Even though your actions probably saved those miners, the timing of most of these missions can be critical, so you need to stay on schedule."
Our task was then given. We were to sit and watch as a steady stream of transports showed up to conscript the entire population of the Zebulon colony. More than two million Saurians and three hundred thousand Humans would be taken away for the war effort. Our mission was to observe and report. When the last of the transports had departed from Zebulon, we were released to return to SS5. It was an assignment I was not fond of.
The following two weeks passed quickly with standard inspections and no new assignments from the organization. As we prepared for an intercept of a freighter, new orders came in.
Gretchin spoke over the comm. "Hello, my two favorite agents. When your inspection here is complete, you are to proceed to an observation point of the mining colony on Dansk. This mission is another simple observation. Should all go well, the next task will have an elevated risk level."
I replied, "Dansk? Isn’t that where that water run was going a few weeks ago?"
Gretchin replied, "Yes, and your discovery of the poisoning plot is why your next mission will be of a higher level. The higher-ups have really been impressed with the two of you. So much that they are now considering having all agents operate as teams."
Joni turned toward me. "Looks like we saved all those lives on Dansk just to have them sent to the war front. I can’t say we did them a favor."
I replied, "We did what was right. We can’t help what happens afterward. I don’t think either of us are in favor of conscription, but wars are fought with people, and if the other side has no interest in peace, you have to fight."
As we sat on station in the Dansk system, the transport ships again came and went in a steady stream. Three million hard-luck miners and their families were soon on their way to training camps where they would be committed to fight for our freedom and way of life, whether they agreed to it or not.
The following week, we received a new assignment from the organization.
Gretchin spoke over the comm. "Good morning, team. Our task for the day will be to proceed to Ariagos III to pick up a cargo for delivery to the Melok colony in Theta."
I replied, "How are we to get out to Melok? That is a monthlong run from Ariagos."
Gretchin laughed. "Not to worry, honey, we have you covered. You will be swept out to Melok from SS12 near Ariagos. We’ll have you back today."
Joni said, "It must not be much of a cargo if it will fit on the
Daunte
. Why aren’t they sending it through the portals? If it fits on here, it will fit through them."
Gretchin replied, "Sorry, dear, my job is not to question why. There are any number of people assigned to making these decisions. We need to carry them out on our end if we want to contribute to the success of the war effort. Standard portal transfers have inspections, and even though we as an organization may have use of our own portals, that use is limited. The powers want this cargo delivered in this method, and it’s up to us to do it."
I pulled up a nav map with Ariagos. "How do we get to Ariagos from here? That is a three-day trip all on its own."
Gretchin hummed a tune into her comm as she transferred instructions to our displays. "You will be swept out to the C5 shipping lane coming into Ariagos for a scheduled inspection. That inspection will be canceled before the ship is to arrive. You will proceed from there to Ariagos Port-96, where the package will be loaded. It’s then on to SS12 for a sweep out to Melok for delivery and then back to SS12 afterward, and finally back to SS5. You will be back in Bay-17, all safe and sound, before you know it."
Our assignment went as planned. The inspection was canceled. We soon made our way into Port-96 on Ariagos III. When the cargo master arrived at the ramp, he had two packages that were nearly a meter square.
"We were only expecting a single package," I said. "Are you sure this is supposed to go to us?"
The cargo master replied, "I show two boxes, check, for the
Daunte
, check. Yep, these are yours."
As the cargo master pushed the first box up the ramp-way, Raptor was waiting for him. Without hesitation, the man reached out to pet the large, muscular dog. I felt the urge to dive forward to save him, but Raptor did nothing more than wiggle his stub of a tail.
The Igari cargo master said, "I love Human dogs. Such loving and loyal creatures."
The boxes were deposited and the cargo master departed.
I turned to Joni. "Not much of a guard dog is he. I almost choked when he just reached his hand out there."
Joni laughed. "They are smart animals. If you show fear or act in a strange way, they can sense it. That’s when they react."
I looked down at the two boxes. "We have our cargo. I can’t say that I like the fact that there are two boxes instead of one. I was under the impression that it was a single package."
Joni pressed the button to close the ramp-way. "Let’s just get them over to SS12 and get them delivered. Someone else can sort out why there are two boxes instead of one."
After a quick run to SS12, we were swept out to Melok for our cargo drop. When the cargo master of the port came out to collect our payload, he only had orders for a single package.
"Are you sure you aren’t supposed to have two?"
The cargo master replied, "Sorry, pal. Shipping docs say one box with the following identifier. I can’t take in any strays."
Our sweep back to SS12 was quiet, followed by another sweep, returning us to SS5.
As we settled into Bay-17, Gretchin came over the comm. "I see that you are reporting the delivery as complete."
"We dropped the package," I said, "but we have a problem. There were two boxes loaded at Ariagos. We have one of them still sitting here."
Gretchin was silent for a moment and then replied, "Huh, well, what’s in it?"
Joni jumped in. "How are we to know what’s in it? Our mission wasn’t to open boxes, it was to deliver one."
Gretchin laughed. "Wow, you two sure are high strung. I say we just open it up and have a look. We have to know what’s in it to know who is supposed to get it, right?"
I pulled a cutting tool from my utility drawer. The seals were separated, and a pry bar was used to open the container. I picked up a smaller box from within, one of twelve, and set it on the deck.
Using the cutting tool, I opened the smaller box. "Coffee? It’s coffee. Looks like twelve cases of it."
Gretchin again laughed. "Coffee? Huh. Weren’t you just running out of coffee? How lucky is that!"
I shook my head. "Was this of your doing? If so, what are we supposed to do with it?"
Gretchin sighed. "Oh, so sorry, Mr. Beutcher. I was under the impression that you already knew what to do with coffee. I’ll tell you what we should do. We should consider this a bonus for you and Miss Salton saving the lives of all those miners. Without your efforts, three million of our citizens would have been lost in the war before they even got into the fight."
I replied, "So, this is a reward for what we did in the line of duty?"
Gretchin laughed. "Now then, it seems like you are finally catching on! Enjoy the coffee, Mr. Beutcher and Miss Salton. It is a well-deserved benefit for your service. Oh, and if you were wondering, I should have a new task for you immediately following your next inspection."
I caught her before she could sign off. "Getchin, the Captain hasn’t been around to see us much. Did something happen with him?"
Gretchin replied, "Well, to make things easier on the Captain, a new pilot program was put in place for running inspectors as teams. You and Miss Salton are the first team to participate. As such, your schedules are being coordinated through the office of security for the entire Alpha sector. The trial is scheduled to run for a year, and the Captain and your Chief are no longer in the loop. Your Chief was a little put off by the grab of her new stars, but she dropped right in line when a bit of pressure was applied from above."
I pulled up our scheduling screen. "So, you are now responsible for our complete schedule?"
Gretchin sent over our new task. "I hope there is no problem with that arrangement, Mr. Beutcher. I have enjoyed working with you so far."
I shook my head. "No sense in breaking up an effective team, Gretchin. Thanks for the coffee, and thanks for the new task."
Gretchin smiled over the video feed. "I’m thrilled that you feel that way, Mr. Beutcher. I would also like you to know that they will be ramping up our assignments going forward. The three of us will likely stay very busy."
"I’m up for that, Gretchin," said Joni. "I get stir crazy sitting around here waiting all the time. Give me something to occupy my time, and I am happy."
Our next mission was to inspect an enriched ore freighter. It was bound for a colony that specialized in the construction of small ship hulls. When the inspection was complete, we were to take a guest aboard the
Daunte
for a trip out to the edge of the Alpha sector. Our guest was a diplomat, and our destination was a classified research facility. We would be held in standby at the facility should the diplomat’s mission be cut short. If all went well, we would have a two-day ride to the nearest security station with a portal jump back to SS5.
The inspection was swift and by the book. As we walked back to the
Daunte
in the freighter’s docking bay, a Human woman approached.
She held out her hand. "Hello, I am Dr. Evette Wallings. I believe you are to provide me with transport?"
Joni shook her hand. "That would be us. Come on and I’ll get you settled."
Joni looked at her with curiosity as we walked. "Hmm. I find it strange that you don’t have any luggage with you. Not that it’s any of my business, I just find it odd."
Evette replied, "That’s OK, Miss…?"
Joni covered her mouth with her hand as if to admit her mistake. "I’m sorry, my name is Joni. And I didn’t mean to pry about the luggage."
Evette nodded. "That’s OK, I usually travel light. My legs are prosthetics, including my hips. I rarely sweat, so if I’m on a mission that lasts for three days, I generally do not take a change of clothing other than, you know, my privates."
Joni held up her hand. "Enough said already. So, you’re a doctor. What degree?"
As we sat down and the ramp-way of the
Daunte
closed, Evette replied, "Cellular biology."
Joni shook her head. "Hmm. I don’t get the diplomatic connection there. I would think someone who was either political or in the diplomatic core would be doing this."
Evette smiled. "I’m not at liberty to discuss the reasons for my being here, Miss…?"
Joni offered a half smile in return as she set our course for the research station. "Just Joni. I prefer to be called by that name."
The two women continued to banter as we lifted out of the docking bay and throttled up toward our destination. After a short ride, our guest asked to use the restroom. I pointed her to a doorway back in the cabin.
When the door closed, Joni grabbed my arm and whispered, "Something doesn’t seem right with her."
I replied, "What makes you think that?"
Joni shook her head as she looked back at the door. "First, she is traveling and has no luggage. Second, she said she had prosthetic legs and an arm. I did a scan; the arm checks out, as well as one of the legs below the knee, at least as not being biological, that is. Her other leg is her own, though. Why would you lie about something like that? And third, did you smell her? She reeks of body odor. This from a woman that says she doesn’t carry extra clothes because she doesn’t sweat."
I nodded. "Well, I would concur on the smell. I detected that the moment she reached us, but she isn’t the first smelly Human I have encountered. As for your other reasons to be suspicious, all I can say is to keep an eye on her. Besides, Raptor seems to be OK with her."
Joni shook her head. "Raptor has been watching her like a hawk. He behaves himself unless he sees someone as a threat. While I don’t know that she is a threat to us, I’m not sure about sending a smelly Human out on a diplomatic mission."
The door to the restroom opened and Evette emerged. Joni smiled and turned back toward her holo-display. The two-day ride was filled with quiet between Joni’s attempts at soliciting an odd response from Evette Wallings. We landed in the research station docking bay, and the ramp-way was lowered.
A man dressed in a white lab coat was waiting by the bay door. "Dr. Wallings?"
Evette nodded as she walked through the doorway.
As the door to the bay sealed shut behind them, Joni spoke. "Something isn’t right with that woman. Every one of her answers was a generality. I don’t know much about cellular biology, but I don’t think she does either."
I laughed. "Aren’t you the suspicious one. I’ll admit she is a bit quirky, but our job was to deliver her here. Not to screen her for being odd."
Joni pulled up the research station port administrator. "Hey, Sergeant, what are the chances you have a supply store here at the station?"
The sergeant replied, "We have one. It’s fairly small and limited in what it carries. What are you looking for?"
Joni laughed. "Well, it’s kind of for a personal female issue, if you know what I mean."
The sergeant nodded. "I believe you will find what you need in there. We have a number of Human female staffers here on the station. And sorry I asked."
Joni smiled. "Is it through the door? Where do I go once I’m through?"
The sergeant replied, "You’ll come through to a security checkpoint. After that, turn to the right, and it’s about forty meters down the hall. I’ll flip the door so you can get through."
Joni slapped me on the back as she stood. "I’ll be right back. Have to get some supplies."
I watched as Joni Salton walked across the deck and through the bay door at a fast pace. I didn’t know a lot about the Human female anatomy, but I did recognize when a person I knew was putting on a show. I stood and walked back to her quarters, letting myself inside. After a quick search, I found what I was looking for.
I turned back to see Raptor staring up at me. "I’m not one to question her about her female issues, Raptor, but that box back there says she is not in short supply of those products. I think she is going to check up on Dr. Wallings. I’m afraid that I’m going to have to go check up on her."
I closed the door to her quarters and proceeded down the ramp-way. "Sergeant, I hate to ask another favor of you, but I wouldn’t mind checking out your store as well. I get a little bored sitting around here sometimes. Just looking for something to break up the monotony."