Law's End (24 page)
Authors: Glenn Douglass
Tags: #adventure, #travel, #dog, #future, #space, #rescue, #supercluster
In spite of their ethereal nature nebulae are
still valued for the rich concentration of minerals that they
represent. Unlike larger worlds, whose resources are often buried
inaccessibly deep within them, nebulae have their bounty peppered
among dust balls, asteroids, and the occasional modest body. For
those willing to cope with the unique challenges of cloud-mining
the ease of accessing their wealth paid great dividends. For those
working the Horsehead Nebulae it was scale at which they utilized
automation that distinguished their operation.
Mobile Automated Resource Extractors were a
product of the Terran Post First Contact era and the mad demand for
resources those wars created. Each of the kilometer long cubes has
the capacity to process two billion cubic meters of material
annually, however MAREs were built with an eye towards quantity
over efficiency. The amount of waste produced, when coupled with
the tendency the units had to attract pilfers and saboteurs, led to
their eventual discontinuation and disuse. In all of Laniakea they
remain a unique product of that era of the Milky Way.
It required a leap of insight by the founders
of Mareville to recognize that when partnered with more traditional
mine operators the two systems could be made to complement each
other. The remaining mothballed MARE units were acquired by this
group of otherwise independent miners already operating within the
nebulae. Utilizing proprietary cooperative methods of operational
integration, and a fair amount of trial and error, the miners of
Mareville achieved a level of success that could not be ignored.
Success attracted even more independent operations until the group
had sufficient wealth and numbers to claim jurisdiction over the
entire nebulae.
With wealth flowing into the nebulae and a
comprehensive plan to guide them they were able to build more than
the typical boomtown facade of a successful mining operation.
Within a few decades they'd established a complete self sufficient
community complete with the most advanced medical facilities,
University outlet, and local Lawship force. From a moderately
prosperous backwater operation to thriving galactic hub; Mareville
was the ideal that all independent mining ventures aspired to.
At the heart of Mareville's operations deep
within the nebula was the great Niven sphere of Mareville itself.
It was a mass of nickel iron melted and then reshaped into a hollow
ball fifty kilometers in diameter with a thirty meter thick skin.
Filled with breathable atmosphere, and the artificial biosphere to
maintain it, the sphere was spun along its axis for the centrifugal
force that served in place of gravity. Mareville was home to most
of the ten million who lived and worked in the Horsehead
nebulae.
Sabha was still bleeding off speed as she
approached within hailing distance of the Mareville sphere,
"Mareville Navigation Authority," Kassad began the formal
procedures, "this is registered mining survey ship
eight-nine-three-three requesting emergency aid."
From her position in the copilot's chair Greene
looked over quizzically and inquired, "Survey ship?"
Toggling the communications system to repeat
his hail automatically Kassad explained, "I've done survey work for
them as well. I thought it would be wise to lead with that in case
Armhamon put out a flag on Sabha."
Dubious at the utility of the tactic Greene
inquired, "If they did would that throw them off?"
With a shrug Kassad replied, "Maybe, or at
least when coupled with the emergency status they might. They are
supposed to drop everything for a life or death situation," Kassad
grimaced, "and with the automedic unable to diagnose us for all we
know we could be dying right now."
It took a few minutes for the reply signal to
reach them. "Survey eight-nine-three-three please state the nature
of your emergency."
Giving his reply as serious a tone as possible
Kassad responded, "Transmitting flight profile, please advise
issuing authority, this is a rescue mission. I've got a cargo hold
full of automated medics asking that their contents be delivered to
proper medical care. There are the multiple temporarily patched
hull breaches and the reactionless drive has a major fracture. We
are at null fuel and have minimal life support." After a moment's
hesitation Kassad added, "For reasons unknown we were fired upon by
a Lawship, Armhamon, and we request local Lawship investigation of
a possible breach of the Code of Law."
As they waited for a reply Greene asked, "The
life support is down?"
"Partially down. The fungus in the main
recycling tanks has died. I didn't want to bother you with that
since backups are working and we have enough for the three of us."
Giving Greene a somewhat embarrassed glance Kassad added, "I doubt
you failed to notice that the air has been getting a bit
chewy."
"Actually I thought it was a side effect of the
medication." Greene confessed.
When the reply from the local navigational
authority came it was in a different voice and one Kassad found
distantly familiar. "Looks like you've had quite an adventure
Sabha. Look forward to hearing all about it at the Bit and Bridle."
In some ways The Bit and Bridle bar and restaurant was the local
variation of the Skrim Shaw and where Kassad had always done his
off-the-record business with the locals. "We've contacted Lawship
Appaloosa, they are on patrol, and will contact to coordinate
providing of emergency assistance." The transmission was
accompanied by a short stream of data to provide the navigational
particulars for which Kassad soon had Sabha on an intersecting
course.
"Big thanks Nav." Kassad replied then cut the
transmission adding more quietly to himself, "Let's hope they've
gotten some decent ginger beer in stock."
"Bit and Bridle? Appaloosa?" Greene cautiously
inquired.
"Oh you have no idea." Kassad warned her. "The
equestrian theme is all over the place down there."
Any further warning from Kassad was cut off by
the communications channel announcement, "This is Lawship
Appaloosa. Sabha, how dire is your emergency? Can you make
navigation to point indicated?"
Checking the navigation plot received with the
transmission Kassad altered Sabha's course again into what would be
another elliptical approach to their destination. "This is Sabha.
Ship condition is degraded but stable. All aboard are suffering
from prolonged exposure to Lawless Space and require medical
attention. We can make navigation point in one point four
hours."
After a moment another voice came on the
channel, "Kassad what were you doing on the wrong side of Law's
End?"
From a dead sleep Canis leapt to the front of
the cockpit to bark enthusiastically at the recognition of the
familiar voice.
After calming Canis Kassad answered in as
professional a tone as possible. "Rescue mission. Particulars have
been transmitted to Mareville Navigation Authority." Almost
immediately the temptation proved too great and Kassad added, "And
we'd have been back much sooner if one of your Lawship friends
hadn't decided to shoot up an unarmed civilian vessel on a stated
rescue mission."
Greene immediately caught the undertone of the
conversation and asked, "Is there something I should know here?"
Kassad shook his head in the negative in a most unconvincing
imitation of innocence.
Undeterred Greene persisted, "Because it sounds
like there's more than a past run-in with the law going on
here."
"Nonsense." Kassad tried to dismiss the concern
but was worn down by Greene's steady and stern gaze. "Okay, fine.
We know each other… we may have dated." When the gaze failed to
waver even a little Kassad threw up his hands, "We were
engaged."
Successfully subduing the smirk that threatened
to expose Greene's delight at Kassad's admission she asked, "Was
this before or after the arrest and trial?"
With the entire engagement and arrest playing
through his head in fast-forward Kassad replied bitterly, "Most
definitely before."
The voice on the communications channel cut in
on the interrogation, "Unarmed? You're not going to try to pull
that excuse on me are you?"
"Oh yes, I always forget she knows about that."
Kassad said aloud to himself then after a moment's thought
responded over the channel, "You are free to conduct an inspection
of Sabha's systems at your convenience. Any irregularities will be
corrected in accordance with accepted safety guidelines, however
first we need to offload everyone aboard for medical
treatment."
Realizing the conversation was going to take
some time Greene excused herself, prodding at Kassad's still tender
shoulder as she left, "You owe me that story."
With the time delay the conversation continued
in disjointed fashion over the communication's channel as the
captain of the Appaloosa inquired, "What is your medical
situation?"
Keeping his voice professional in spite of all
the personal words that wished to flow Kassad answered, "Automated
medical units cannot determine a curative course of action. Myself
and one passenger are on a course of best guess treatment shots to
keep us functional."
When Appaloosa's response came it was
accusatory and "For crying out loud Kassad. Did things really get
so bad you had to take runs beyond Law's End to make ends meet? You
do realize that aside from Canis you're not equipped as a rescue
craft?"
Canis gave a loud bark in acknowledgement.
In spite of all the wrong things he had done in
his life Kassad knew he was in the right here or at least felt that
someone at some point should prove he was in the wrong before
accusing him of anything. "Listen, no one else would take the job.
There were people trapped out there. It was the right thing to do.
Plus the contracted pay was too good to pass up."
Disregarding Kassad's defense the captain of
the Appaloosa asked, "Wait, did that University man hire you? What
was his name again?"
In exasperation at himself for having said too
much Kassad shook his head and resigned himself to losing this
argument as he answered, "Fitzgerald."
Appaloosa's captain crowed, "Yes! Fitzgerald,
and here I thought you were never working for him again? Oh wait,
almost forgot, the money was too good. You always were an
idiot."
Pushing back against the intolerable insults
Kassad exploded across the communications circuit, "So now I'm an
idiot? I rescue a stranded science crew from beyond Law's End and
to you this does not make me brave or courageous? No, you call me
an idiot."
With more than a little amusement in her voice
the captain of Appaloosa conceded mockingly, "Oh, I'll agree.
You're a brave and courageous idiot."
Realizing that he'd somehow forgotten that he
very well knew he couldn't win this argument Kassad crossed his
arms bitterly and retorted, "Well at least you're willing to admit
I have some positive qualities."
With the mocking tone absent and replaced with
bitter seriousness the captain of the Appaloosa replied, "I've
always been aware of your positive qualities. I would never have
agreed to marry you if I hadn't. You'd have more positive qualities
if you were a bit more discriminating about who you work for and
what you do."
Caught in the cycle of bickering Kassad
couldn't help but double-down by demanding, "So do you think I
should have left these people to die?"
A response did not immediately return from the
captain of the Appaloosa and when it did the words were full of
much sympathized regret. "That is not what we're talking about. You
know as well as me. You have a romantic streak a mile wide and
people use it to manipulate you into doing things that a person
with any common sense wouldn't."
Wistfully and without conceding the fault
Kassad replied, "I once thought you liked my romantic side."
That poignant truth hung in the communications
circuit in aching need of acknowledgement for a long time before
the answer came. "I loved your romantic side, before it became a
liability. I'm a Lawship captain. Kassad, you know what that
means."
It was a lesson that Kassad had learned
painfully and could never forget. "I wouldn't have come here if I
didn't know exactly what that means, and I stand by my actions, all
of them. Everything I've done has been in keeping with my
responsibility to keep the people under my care safe. If I could go
back and do it all over there are a few more illegal things I would
have done to better ensure their well being and more rapidly convey
them to medical care. I'll testify to that at any hearing or trial
you wish to convene."
"You're an idiot."
Chapter 19: "Entrapment"
"Our dependence on the Code of Law, and the
Lawships which enforce it, is so absolute that our intolerance for
misbehavior must be every bit as absolute if we are not to
inadvertently promote corruption."
-Excerpt from "On the Establishment of the
Code of Law" by Herself.
still valued for the rich concentration of minerals that they
represent. Unlike larger worlds, whose resources are often buried
inaccessibly deep within them, nebulae have their bounty peppered
among dust balls, asteroids, and the occasional modest body. For
those willing to cope with the unique challenges of cloud-mining
the ease of accessing their wealth paid great dividends. For those
working the Horsehead Nebulae it was scale at which they utilized
automation that distinguished their operation.
Mobile Automated Resource Extractors were a
product of the Terran Post First Contact era and the mad demand for
resources those wars created. Each of the kilometer long cubes has
the capacity to process two billion cubic meters of material
annually, however MAREs were built with an eye towards quantity
over efficiency. The amount of waste produced, when coupled with
the tendency the units had to attract pilfers and saboteurs, led to
their eventual discontinuation and disuse. In all of Laniakea they
remain a unique product of that era of the Milky Way.
It required a leap of insight by the founders
of Mareville to recognize that when partnered with more traditional
mine operators the two systems could be made to complement each
other. The remaining mothballed MARE units were acquired by this
group of otherwise independent miners already operating within the
nebulae. Utilizing proprietary cooperative methods of operational
integration, and a fair amount of trial and error, the miners of
Mareville achieved a level of success that could not be ignored.
Success attracted even more independent operations until the group
had sufficient wealth and numbers to claim jurisdiction over the
entire nebulae.
With wealth flowing into the nebulae and a
comprehensive plan to guide them they were able to build more than
the typical boomtown facade of a successful mining operation.
Within a few decades they'd established a complete self sufficient
community complete with the most advanced medical facilities,
University outlet, and local Lawship force. From a moderately
prosperous backwater operation to thriving galactic hub; Mareville
was the ideal that all independent mining ventures aspired to.
At the heart of Mareville's operations deep
within the nebula was the great Niven sphere of Mareville itself.
It was a mass of nickel iron melted and then reshaped into a hollow
ball fifty kilometers in diameter with a thirty meter thick skin.
Filled with breathable atmosphere, and the artificial biosphere to
maintain it, the sphere was spun along its axis for the centrifugal
force that served in place of gravity. Mareville was home to most
of the ten million who lived and worked in the Horsehead
nebulae.
Sabha was still bleeding off speed as she
approached within hailing distance of the Mareville sphere,
"Mareville Navigation Authority," Kassad began the formal
procedures, "this is registered mining survey ship
eight-nine-three-three requesting emergency aid."
From her position in the copilot's chair Greene
looked over quizzically and inquired, "Survey ship?"
Toggling the communications system to repeat
his hail automatically Kassad explained, "I've done survey work for
them as well. I thought it would be wise to lead with that in case
Armhamon put out a flag on Sabha."
Dubious at the utility of the tactic Greene
inquired, "If they did would that throw them off?"
With a shrug Kassad replied, "Maybe, or at
least when coupled with the emergency status they might. They are
supposed to drop everything for a life or death situation," Kassad
grimaced, "and with the automedic unable to diagnose us for all we
know we could be dying right now."
It took a few minutes for the reply signal to
reach them. "Survey eight-nine-three-three please state the nature
of your emergency."
Giving his reply as serious a tone as possible
Kassad responded, "Transmitting flight profile, please advise
issuing authority, this is a rescue mission. I've got a cargo hold
full of automated medics asking that their contents be delivered to
proper medical care. There are the multiple temporarily patched
hull breaches and the reactionless drive has a major fracture. We
are at null fuel and have minimal life support." After a moment's
hesitation Kassad added, "For reasons unknown we were fired upon by
a Lawship, Armhamon, and we request local Lawship investigation of
a possible breach of the Code of Law."
As they waited for a reply Greene asked, "The
life support is down?"
"Partially down. The fungus in the main
recycling tanks has died. I didn't want to bother you with that
since backups are working and we have enough for the three of us."
Giving Greene a somewhat embarrassed glance Kassad added, "I doubt
you failed to notice that the air has been getting a bit
chewy."
"Actually I thought it was a side effect of the
medication." Greene confessed.
When the reply from the local navigational
authority came it was in a different voice and one Kassad found
distantly familiar. "Looks like you've had quite an adventure
Sabha. Look forward to hearing all about it at the Bit and Bridle."
In some ways The Bit and Bridle bar and restaurant was the local
variation of the Skrim Shaw and where Kassad had always done his
off-the-record business with the locals. "We've contacted Lawship
Appaloosa, they are on patrol, and will contact to coordinate
providing of emergency assistance." The transmission was
accompanied by a short stream of data to provide the navigational
particulars for which Kassad soon had Sabha on an intersecting
course.
"Big thanks Nav." Kassad replied then cut the
transmission adding more quietly to himself, "Let's hope they've
gotten some decent ginger beer in stock."
"Bit and Bridle? Appaloosa?" Greene cautiously
inquired.
"Oh you have no idea." Kassad warned her. "The
equestrian theme is all over the place down there."
Any further warning from Kassad was cut off by
the communications channel announcement, "This is Lawship
Appaloosa. Sabha, how dire is your emergency? Can you make
navigation to point indicated?"
Checking the navigation plot received with the
transmission Kassad altered Sabha's course again into what would be
another elliptical approach to their destination. "This is Sabha.
Ship condition is degraded but stable. All aboard are suffering
from prolonged exposure to Lawless Space and require medical
attention. We can make navigation point in one point four
hours."
After a moment another voice came on the
channel, "Kassad what were you doing on the wrong side of Law's
End?"
From a dead sleep Canis leapt to the front of
the cockpit to bark enthusiastically at the recognition of the
familiar voice.
After calming Canis Kassad answered in as
professional a tone as possible. "Rescue mission. Particulars have
been transmitted to Mareville Navigation Authority." Almost
immediately the temptation proved too great and Kassad added, "And
we'd have been back much sooner if one of your Lawship friends
hadn't decided to shoot up an unarmed civilian vessel on a stated
rescue mission."
Greene immediately caught the undertone of the
conversation and asked, "Is there something I should know here?"
Kassad shook his head in the negative in a most unconvincing
imitation of innocence.
Undeterred Greene persisted, "Because it sounds
like there's more than a past run-in with the law going on
here."
"Nonsense." Kassad tried to dismiss the concern
but was worn down by Greene's steady and stern gaze. "Okay, fine.
We know each other… we may have dated." When the gaze failed to
waver even a little Kassad threw up his hands, "We were
engaged."
Successfully subduing the smirk that threatened
to expose Greene's delight at Kassad's admission she asked, "Was
this before or after the arrest and trial?"
With the entire engagement and arrest playing
through his head in fast-forward Kassad replied bitterly, "Most
definitely before."
The voice on the communications channel cut in
on the interrogation, "Unarmed? You're not going to try to pull
that excuse on me are you?"
"Oh yes, I always forget she knows about that."
Kassad said aloud to himself then after a moment's thought
responded over the channel, "You are free to conduct an inspection
of Sabha's systems at your convenience. Any irregularities will be
corrected in accordance with accepted safety guidelines, however
first we need to offload everyone aboard for medical
treatment."
Realizing the conversation was going to take
some time Greene excused herself, prodding at Kassad's still tender
shoulder as she left, "You owe me that story."
With the time delay the conversation continued
in disjointed fashion over the communication's channel as the
captain of the Appaloosa inquired, "What is your medical
situation?"
Keeping his voice professional in spite of all
the personal words that wished to flow Kassad answered, "Automated
medical units cannot determine a curative course of action. Myself
and one passenger are on a course of best guess treatment shots to
keep us functional."
When Appaloosa's response came it was
accusatory and "For crying out loud Kassad. Did things really get
so bad you had to take runs beyond Law's End to make ends meet? You
do realize that aside from Canis you're not equipped as a rescue
craft?"
Canis gave a loud bark in acknowledgement.
In spite of all the wrong things he had done in
his life Kassad knew he was in the right here or at least felt that
someone at some point should prove he was in the wrong before
accusing him of anything. "Listen, no one else would take the job.
There were people trapped out there. It was the right thing to do.
Plus the contracted pay was too good to pass up."
Disregarding Kassad's defense the captain of
the Appaloosa asked, "Wait, did that University man hire you? What
was his name again?"
In exasperation at himself for having said too
much Kassad shook his head and resigned himself to losing this
argument as he answered, "Fitzgerald."
Appaloosa's captain crowed, "Yes! Fitzgerald,
and here I thought you were never working for him again? Oh wait,
almost forgot, the money was too good. You always were an
idiot."
Pushing back against the intolerable insults
Kassad exploded across the communications circuit, "So now I'm an
idiot? I rescue a stranded science crew from beyond Law's End and
to you this does not make me brave or courageous? No, you call me
an idiot."
With more than a little amusement in her voice
the captain of Appaloosa conceded mockingly, "Oh, I'll agree.
You're a brave and courageous idiot."
Realizing that he'd somehow forgotten that he
very well knew he couldn't win this argument Kassad crossed his
arms bitterly and retorted, "Well at least you're willing to admit
I have some positive qualities."
With the mocking tone absent and replaced with
bitter seriousness the captain of the Appaloosa replied, "I've
always been aware of your positive qualities. I would never have
agreed to marry you if I hadn't. You'd have more positive qualities
if you were a bit more discriminating about who you work for and
what you do."
Caught in the cycle of bickering Kassad
couldn't help but double-down by demanding, "So do you think I
should have left these people to die?"
A response did not immediately return from the
captain of the Appaloosa and when it did the words were full of
much sympathized regret. "That is not what we're talking about. You
know as well as me. You have a romantic streak a mile wide and
people use it to manipulate you into doing things that a person
with any common sense wouldn't."
Wistfully and without conceding the fault
Kassad replied, "I once thought you liked my romantic side."
That poignant truth hung in the communications
circuit in aching need of acknowledgement for a long time before
the answer came. "I loved your romantic side, before it became a
liability. I'm a Lawship captain. Kassad, you know what that
means."
It was a lesson that Kassad had learned
painfully and could never forget. "I wouldn't have come here if I
didn't know exactly what that means, and I stand by my actions, all
of them. Everything I've done has been in keeping with my
responsibility to keep the people under my care safe. If I could go
back and do it all over there are a few more illegal things I would
have done to better ensure their well being and more rapidly convey
them to medical care. I'll testify to that at any hearing or trial
you wish to convene."
"You're an idiot."
Chapter 19: "Entrapment"
"Our dependence on the Code of Law, and the
Lawships which enforce it, is so absolute that our intolerance for
misbehavior must be every bit as absolute if we are not to
inadvertently promote corruption."
-Excerpt from "On the Establishment of the
Code of Law" by Herself.
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