ShipCore

Book 3: Chapter 91: Another Long Conversation

USD: Seven hours after arrival to MIL-1A

Location: Van Biesbroecks star, Meltisar, MIL-1A, Navy Administration Offices and Bureau of Personnel

Alex walked beside Captain-Major Thraker through the higher-security checkpoint, their escort explaining that the Admiral had ordered them expedited through to see him. That seemed a major failing of security in Alexs opinion, but she did not complain as the guards waved them through the checkpoint.

The weight of her ShipCore in her bag did not allow her to forget in the slightest that she was carrying damning evidence. It would just take one suspicious guard to ask to search her bag or her going to one wrong checkpoint and being found out.

As they moved down the corridor as a group, Alex wracked her brain trying to think of ways to mitigate the danger. Leaving the ShipCore somewhere secure seemed like a terrible idea. She did not know how far she could get from it and not die, and the thought of being stuck on a tram moving away rapidly when she crossed that line was not a comforting one.

It was also too large to hide in her female parts, a horrifying thing shed seen done in a much too visual holovid. She didnt think stomach acid would hurt it, but it was also way too large to swallow. Being a bowling ball in size and just as heavy, it was hard to conceal.

The only saving grace was that while it weighed about 45kg, that wasnt very much to her.

She knew she needed to spend some time studying all the security measures on the station when she had time. She added it to the top of her list of things to do when she got back to Elis.

Alex had confirmed that shed be allowed to stay with Elis, but she realized if they were on the station for very long, shed likely need her own apartment to stay in. It wasnt likely theyd keep Elis in the hospital bed forever, stepping her down to a long-term care facility

Alex swallowed and pushed away the thought. Not forever, but she needed to focus on the meeting. Elis was going to get better. Was already getting better. She had to.

Thraker slowed his pace a bit, allowing their escort to get slightly ahead of them just enough that when he talked to her, they wouldnt be overheard.

Have you had any thoughts on what you plan to do? Thraker asked.

Alex shook her head. Not really had enough time to think about it, yet.

I am afraid that we will need to disclose your NAI status to the Admiral. When I spoke to him on the comms before the meeting, he hinted at knowing something more than the specific details I promised him on the frontier. I would not divulge your authority level as being higher than chi, though.

Alex looked at Thraker with alarm. You promised I could choose whether to share that!

Im sorry Alex. It has been a few years since Ive been here. Admiral Darren is the man to speak to, though, and he is likely on our side.

Ill determine who is on my side or not. Alex growled at him, keeping her voice low. There certainly isnt much choice for me but to go along with what you want, is there?

Before Thraker could reply, they reached the Admirals office. The escort opened the door for them, and they were shown inside.

The walls were lined with brown wooden panels that radiated warmth, while the floor was covered in a thick navy-blue carpet.

At the center of the room, a large desk made of a dark brown wood dominated the scene. A monitor and holographic display were built into the surface, and a pile of datapads were stacked on one side. Admiral Darren sat in a high-backed leather chair and waved them inside.

In front of the desk, two visitor chairs sat facing the desk, their cushioned seats and backrests upholstered in soft, tanned leather. On the desk on a golden name plate, with three stars and a descriptor: Director of Naval Intelligence and Integration.

On both sides of the room flanking the chairs were real wooden floor-to-ceiling bookcases, filled to the brim with actual paper books bound in leather.

Behind the desk, a large wall display faked being a window, showing a camera feed of the station and Meltisar below, a sight Alex was quickly becoming familiar with.

Framed prints of various ship schematics and system maps adorned the empty spaces along the walls, while inset lighting cast a beige hue on the space in contrast to the harsher stark white lighting in most of the corridors Alex had seen.

They had almost hidden a second door near the back of the room among the decorations, and there was no hint of its purpose to Alex.

The Admiral stood and offered his hand to Thraker. Wistenburg, welcome, old friend. I was not sure if youd ever be getting around to returning. Its been years.

Thraker took the hand and shook it heartily. Westlake. I see the admiralty finally lost what few marbles they had and promoted you to the largest desk they could find.

Admiral Darren laughed. Not all of us are so in love with a ship command. A section on MIL-1A and a desk is enough for me nowadays, at any rate. His gaze slid over to Alex and she did her best to offer a fake smile and not be self-conscious.

And who is this lovely young lady youve brought with you?

Thraker introduced her as she shook the Admirals offered hand. This is Alex Myers, a promising young protg of mine. The handshake was firm, but not excessive, and Alex kept her grip at a measured equal pressure as the Admirals the entire time, never breaking her smile.

Its nice to meet you, Admiral. She offered as the most neutral and non-descript greeting she could think of.

As the three of them sat down, Admiral Darren homed in on Thraker, a frown creasing his face, Its a real circus youve asked me for, Rake. There will be some real questions for me about lax security measures and violations of normal protocol. Even if some of us dont forget favor that are owed, I hope you brought me something worth the mess. On the surface, the measures dont seem to be warranted.

Thraker nodded and launched into an explanation of the events that had occurred on the Western Frontier, starting with the Grazhdanin and the conflict between the colonists and the Rexxor.

Alex listened as he led the Admiral through the events, continuing to the nuclear strike, the refugees and food shortages, and finally the arrival of the Corpo fleet. He included information on the Solarian and Corpo fighting in 90 Pegasi in more detail than Alex had realized they had collected, complete with ship designations and confidence levels for actual ships.

So, a Corpo fleet has taken the Western Frontier, and we can expect a major session of IFRB meddling and even the Drakari getting involved with Octanis accord violations. Lovely.

Not quite. The Corpo fleet around Dedia was destroyed.

What? The Solarians gave the colonists that much firepower? Theyd have had to violate technology limitations, because I know where all the Solarian outer fleets are, and Dedia did not have any.

Thraker looked at Alex, causing Admiral Darren to raise an eyebrow.

Alex hesitated at first, but the inevitability of answering prodded her. Changing the course shed been led to felt impossible. Giving an unhappy glare at Thraker, she turned to the Admiral.

Im a NAI. I arrived in 92 Pegasi with a FedTech corvette. Alex started, as she went over a summary of events from her POV. She did her best to avoid some subjects and information she felt she didnt want to divulge and wouldnt be easy to piece together. Especially the fact that she was Omega and that shed made two Psi-level subcores and at least one was still operational on the frontier.

She watched several emotions play over Darrens face, and by the time she reached the end of her story, the man reached down to pull out a wooden cigar box.

In a move that almost mirrored Thrakers when she first had a conversation with him, the Admiral retrieved three from the box.

Cigar?

Thraker accepted, while she declined. The two men went through the motions of preparing and lighting the smoky things up. Alex didnt comment on the smell or smoke, although she didnt exactly like it.

No one spoke for some time, and she wondered if the cigar-thing was common in the higher-ranking naval circles.

Thraker restarted the conversation, and the two men discussed the Iron Horse Mercenary Companys issues. The Iron Horse being heavily damaged and in need of a retrofit was the first point. The Companys lack of funds the other.

Surely there is some need for local security? We need a local contract while I sort through the company's finances. Im afraid I will likely need to sell one of the frigates to a shipyard.

A frown appeared on Darrens face. Ive already stretched to get you past security, and now you want a government contract. That comes with considerably more red tape to be dealt with and the service does not, despite the appearances, favor nepotism strongly.

Youre the Chief of Naval Intelligence and Integration, and the information weve brought you must be worth something. Thraker countered.

I will tell you what. I will see about getting you a contract for some planetside security work. It wont pay anything special, but it should pay the bills. But I will need several of your officers and personnel to come be debriefed by NavInt in return. You as well.

Thraker winced and took a long puff from his cigar. I dont have many other options. Ill make my crew available.

Admiral Darren turned to Alex. Myers, he said as if remembering something, Ah. Your sister is the one who was transported to the medical facility. Is she an NAI as well?

No.

I have several questions for you, but the largest one on my mind is, where did you come from?

No.

The Admirals brows furrowed. No?

I didnt really want to come here since I wanted to stay in 92 Pegasi. I messed up and events made that impossible, but Captain Thraker led me into thinking I had choices, when really I didnt, and I dont think he really thought I did!

Alex took a breath, trying to settle her thoughts and calm down. Before our meeting, I didnt know he was going to force me to reveal that I was an NAI, and I dont know or trust you. She glanced at Thraker, who was looking at her with a frown. Either of you.

Admiral Darren leaned back in his chair, cigar smoke rising to the ceiling as he explained the situation of NAI laws inside Meltisar.

Technically, there would be no issue if our nation was in possession of a Chi NAI, he said. We have the legal standing of an inner system thanks to our diplomatic position. But the major polities dont want to see Meltisar gain more power, so they wont provide one. It means that NAIs being here is a legal gray area.

Alex frowned, not understanding. The big alarm bells in her head were ringing due to the way he had phrased it. She was absolutely certain she was not a possession to be had or not. Why wont they provide one?

They want to keep Meltisar under their thumb. Because of the star lanes we find ourselves at the center of a four-piece play with all the relevant star-nations preferring that we accommodate their needs while making sure their rivals dont take control, the Admiral continued with a sigh, taking a puff on his cigar.

As for the low-level NAIs already here, well... some people are willing to take risks and bend the rules if it benefits them.

Alex frowned. What does this mean for me? You say its a legal gray area, but I thought if someone looked in my bag, Id be arrested on the spot as some illegal piece of technology.

Darren furrowed his brow. Your bag? Why?

My ShipCore is in it. Alex said bluntly.

The Admiral raised an eyebrow and shook his head. I doubt a security guard would realize what it was? How in the stars did you miniaturize it to be so small?

Before she could think of an explanation, he raised a hand, stalling her.

Admiral Darren looked at her seriously. I cant say for sure. Youre in a legal gray area, but if you stay under the radar and dont cause trouble, you should be fine. But if the wrong people discover you... it could be dangerous. Rake was not wrong when he encouraged you to keep your status hidden. NAIs are quite controversial in Meltisar. On paper, they do not exist. There are not many of them.

Alex frowned, still feeling lost. She glanced at Thraker. Betrayed as well.

So, you already know of some NAIs here How many are there like me? Alex questioned.

I cant divulge that information. Im sorry. Admiral Darren responded.

Admiral Darren hesitated, glancing at Captain Thraker with a frown before continuing. To be honest, theres some infighting going on in the military right now. Theres a new government coming in that has a poor view of NAIs, and sees them as a danger.

Alex furrowed her brow, unhappy with the feeling that her situation was about to get even more complicated.

The Admiral continued. And there are factions within the military that feel the same way. The Traditionalists, who want nothing to do with NAIs and see them as a threat. And then theres the New School, which Im a part of, that sees them as a potential asset. We have some major policy disagreements, and theres a lot of jockeying for positions going on.

Alex looked at Thraker. You knew about all this ahead of time and didnt tell me?

Thraker frowned. I knew a bit, but not exactly. I knew Darren would see you in a favorable light, but I did not know things had devolved into politics.

Admiral Darren cleared his throat. Currently, the New School is firmly in power and ascendant in the military, and I have some influence within it. Its unlikely that the Traditionalists will make any headway, even with the support of the new government.

Alexs mind raced as she tried to process everything. She narrowed her eyes at the two men. How am I supposed to trust either of you? Captain Thraker basically lied to me, and now youre telling me Im in some kind of legal gray area? How do I know you wont just capture me and do experiments or something?

Admiral Darren held up his hands in a calming gesture. The proof is in how youve been treated. Other star nations would have captured you and tried to enslave you. I dont want to see that happen. Id rather have a mutually beneficial relationship with you. Youre an asset, not a commodity to be traded.

Alex still didnt feel entirely trusting, but she knew she had few other options. I need your help to get back to 92 Pegasi. Is there any way you can assist with that?

The Admiral frowned. Why is it so imperative that you return?

Alex hesitated, but explained despite her distrust. I dont have a computronics module, and my sub-core could provide me with one. But my sister is in a coma, and I think maybe nanites could help. I just need to get back to 92 Pegasi and see if I can find a way to access my sub-core for help.

Admiral Darren remained silent for a moment as he considered what she had said. I do not know how we can help you return to 92 Pegasi with a war on. As for the computronics module I might be able to put you in contact with another NAI who can help. I cant promise anything.

Alex had suspected the first answer, but the second seemed possibly promising. Nothing said that she had to have A31 be the one to help her restore Nameless, and she was very confident that any NAI she met wouldnt be overriding her authority level.

Darren continued. More importantly sub-core? You left another NAI in the war zone?

Alex winced. Yes Its part of why I need to go back. Im worried about them. I started a company there and things were not in a good state when I left after the battle with the Corpos.

Darren and Thraker shared a look.

I told you about the sub-core when we first talked after I woke up. Alex pointed out to Thraker.

He shook his head. I somehow missed it. Im not sure it would have changed our course of action, but that might have been because I was focused on getting the convoy to safety.

You left a sub-core in charge of a brand-new corporation on the frontier? Darren asked carefully.

I think Amy was actually in charge. Alex said.

Amy? Darren asked.

Alex gave a short, nonchalant answer. She was a miner who A31 hired to run things while we were in Nu Crateris. Elis and I confirmed her as the system manager.

What rank NAI is it? Darren asked, clearly exasperated.

Alex winced, realizing she really shouldnt tell them the truth about this.

As high as I could make it. Alex hedged.

The Admiral reached down behind his desk again, and Alex thought he was going to pull out another box of cigars, maybe a relaxing, calming flavor, when he brought up a glass bottle of some type of alcoholic beverage instead.