Chapter 66

As Zeke took his seat at the helm, Freya reported.

“Captain, I took the liberty of undocking while you were distracted. I have moved above the station and drifted back several kilometres. Brigadier Santos called me ten minutes ago. He was having trouble getting personnel to come into work and wanted more time.”

“I hope you don’t mind, but I told him that it wasn’t our problem. It is now five minutes after the hour you stipulated. The Frigate is still docked, and her energy signature suggests she will not be ready to lift off for some time. She is still in Station Mode.”

“Freya, please tell Control we are leaving. I assume you have plotted our course to Armstrong?”

“Of course, Captain. Do you wish to drive?”

“No, but we will strap in. Take it steady until we have finished lunch. We have the fuel.”

“Consider it done, Captain.”

Freya activated the lower fore-drives. This lifted her nose and dropped her tail. She increased the power to her main Rih engines as she reached the incline she wanted. They felt small flutters as the compensators altered to maintain the crew’s comfort.

As they boosted higher, Zeke watched the scanner screen absently while he ate his sandwich. He was about to say something to Freya when she spoke.

“Captain, Brigadier Santos is demanding to speak with you.”

Zeke sighed. “Put him through, Freya.”

Zeke looked at the flustered man as he sipped his coffee.

He wasn’t surprised when the Brigadier started yelling, “What are you doing? We are not ready. Get back here, now.”

Zeke replied, “Sir, if I come back to Morpheus right now, it will be to arrest you for failing to follow the orders of a Chief Justice. Now, if you were to tell me that you couldn’t comply due to technical difficulties, I would have to accept it.”

I, however, am able to leave. You are not the only one with a schedule. Please let me know, through the official channels, when Colonel Howe requires me to testify. I will most likely be on Mars, so make sure travel time is accounted for.”

“Damn it, Walker. I will have riots if we don’t get these prisoners off the station! There are a lot of angry people here,” Brigadier Santos bellowed.

“Fine. Freya, patch me through to the Emergency Broadcast channel on Morpheus. Make sure it goes to every screen, minder and over the station’s audio system,” Zeke asked as he handed his plate to Carly.

He brushed the crumbs off his suit, wiped his mouth, sat up straight, and waited. Meanwhile, he sub-vocalised a question to Freya. She informed him of her predictions of what would happen from what he had seen on the scanner via his ear comm.

“Broadcast will be active in 5... 4... 3... 2... 1,” Freya intoned so the others knew to stay quiet.

Zeke paused for a moment and then said, “Emergency, Emergency. All MPs and active soldiers assigned to Morpheus, report to your duty stations, immediately.”

“This is not a drill. Repeat. This is not a drill. Failure to comply is a Court Marshall offence. You will be reported as a deserter. This is an Emergency.”

“Citizens, please return to your homes or ships or find a safe place and await further instructions. Stay away from the outer hull. Make sure you have spare oxygen or a space-worthy suit. This is not a drill.”

Zeke tapped three fingers on his chair’s arm to signal Freya to repeat the message three more times.

Zeke took another drink of his coffee and then focused on the spluttering Brigadier.

“That is the best I can do. Sort it out, Sir. Tell them that debris was reported coming your way. I’m sure it’s not the first time you have had hits or near misses.”

“But they will know it’s a lie,” Santos responded.

“Is it?” Zeke replied as he watched the people in the Control room suddenly start rushing around. He wasn’t impressed by their lack of order.

“What?” squealed Santos, wide-eyed.

In answer, Zeke said, “You really must get the sensors fixed and a major computer upgrade, Brigadier. If it’s any consolation, most of the debris is small. We predict that only some of it will hit an area of the station in Section B, which was recently repaired.”

“The rest should miss. However, you need to boost Morpheus. She has dropped lower than her assigned orbit. That is why she has come in contact with the debris. There is more coming. You must tell your Citizens to stay safe while you do.”

“I will suggest to Captain Stanwell that his crew should do some salvage runs in Morpheus’ orbit once they are up and running. It will be good practice for them. I may be able to get Z.Salvage One to also come and help when they return after Christmas.”

“Can’t you go collect the debris?” the Brigadier asked desperately.

“No. Freya was already too far away when I spotted it. As I said, if your sensors and satellite detection system were working properly, you’d have had more warning. You could have sent out the Z4s that you have, to scoop it up.”

“But ... but, you’re a mage,” he said in frustration.

“Whether I am or not is irrelevant. What do you expect me to do? My ship is pulling three gees. I’m over two thousand kilometres away. Queen Lee says that even magic complies with the laws of physics, even if we don’t know all the laws.”

“I can’t do everything, and your legal system stops me. You and the Station’s Council are responsible for the safety of Morpheus and her people, not me. If they and your people aren’t doing your jobs, then the SSG and UNSEC have to take the blame.”