WoWS3 Chpt 25

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==Weapons of War Saga: The Final March- Chapter 25 - ==
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===Demands of the Archon===
Throne Room, Triad
Tharkad, Lyran Commonwealth
4th March, 3144
“Archon, I do not know how to say it any differently. She was attacked and captured one of her assailants. I know Ambassador Cameron…” Amanda Yeh M5 7775551 tried to hold her composure.
“Is not here. You are. I expect our citizen returned. If all is as you say I am willing to overlook the charge of Kidnapping a Lyran Citizen. Simply put, without an extradition treaty negotiated your citizen completely overstepped,” Trillian Steiner-Davion countered.
“Allow me to start with he has confessed to operating under orders from Vedet Brewer. Then add assurances we have provided him the best medical care we are currently capable of until more work is done on our Embassy.”
“Then there should be no issue returning him to us as soon as can be arranged.”
Shit, I am way out of my league here… Curse you Amanda for suggesting I be your stand in while you get your family time.
“I will make the arrangements,” Amanda bowed. “If I may?”
“Yes. You are free to go now,” Trillian said, dismissing her.
===Sister Talk===
Helena’s Private Residence
New Lazarus System
14th March, 3144
The affair had to be moved to picnic tables and benches outdoors with all the people Helena wound up inviting that she considered family.
Leon, her sister, her four children, over a dozen of her AIs, Foster, and while not every Envoy, Advisor,or whatever they decided to call themselves accepted, a few had decided to accept as well.
“Well this is quite a circus.” Leon looked around at the gathered attendees.
“I know. Some of the girls cautioned me against doing this, especially outdoors. But really with the kind of orbital security I have right now it’d take an act of divinity to do anything terrible to this place today.” Helena squeezed her husband’s hand.
“So it’s true, Mom? You have a real expiration date?” David asked sadly.
“I do. But it’s still a lot of time. More than enough to finish what I’ve started and still have time with you all.” Helena knew the news would get out quickly enough.
So she had just told them.
As expected, Sally exchanged her Privateer stripes for Star League stripes as fast as she could.
Helena wasted no time in ensuring today was an affirmation of life after breaking her news. It would be a good day. Full of joy, laughter, and happiness.
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===Interrogation===
16 March, 3144…
This prisoner wasn't one of the Envoys, but she was kept in a shielded chamber just in case.
"Name?" the Watch officer asked blandly.
"Cu'ong, Anh-Lee-Sithers. What am I being held for?"
"You have been in the Outworlds region in the last one hundred eighty days, quiaff?"
"I run cargo. That's where a customer was, yes. All my paper's current!!" she scowled.
"Do you recognize this woman?" he held up a holographic flat.
"Yeah, she paid in hard currency, Lyran and Feddie coin, not the paper bills, actual coin... and trade goods."
"What kind of 'trade goods'?" he inquired.
"Repair components for our jump drive controller, new fuses for the control boards, and fifteen board feet of clear-grained straight-grain tree-walnut in a single slab." She met his eyes defiantly. "Why do you want to know?"
"That is a long haul from your home port of record, Cu'ong," he scolded.
"I saw no beacons saying not to do my business," she asserted. "Gotta do business, gotta eat. Burrows don't supply themselves."
"Your homeworld-"
"Is an irradiated hellscape, I know. Is this going somewhere? Look, I brought the cargo here, I'm waiting for your man to show up with my pay. If you're using threats to get a discount-"
"Neg. This really is just a routine inquiry, Miss Cu'ong… So, what does the name 'Kolossus' mean to you?"
"Ghost stories," she said. "Weird rumors from the early part of the century about some Star League project that got a mind of its own."
"And 'The Eternal Princess'? What about that?"
Anh groaned and rolled her eyes, "Terran superstitions! Look, uhm… Star… Commander is it? Look at the homeworld of record again and maybe call your history boffins to look up the family name. My ancestors didn't fight Amaris to restore a Terran Boot on our necks, they fought Amaris because we hated the Rim Worlds Republic, full-stop. Why would I care if there were a Cameron pretender angling for a defunct throne on the single most overpopulated, played out knot of dirt in Human Space? My people left earth and didn't ever want to look back. And it was Terrans who turned our homeland into a death-world."
"Let me correct you then, they are both real!" he announced.
"And I don't care," she said. "Unless one or the other of them, or both, offer me pay to carry their freight, I don't care. My concerns run to my ship, my burrow, and my Blood. Beyond that, the rest of the universe are either customers or hassling me in port. Now, is there somewhere this questioning is going, or are you just hassling the spacer to get your kicks?"
"Have you, or have you not, been to Kolossus Station?"
"Tell me where it is, and I can tell you if I've been there, otherwise it's in the logbook. Let me make it super-clear for you, Star Commander. I've seen a lot of habs, stations, and transfer points. We visit places nobody else bothers to go, because we're small enough we can't compete on the main routes, but cargo must move, or we starve and suffocate in darkness. So I don't put much emphasis on any destination as long as we're not hauling slavers or bandits."
"And when you are?"
"That's what airlock doors are for," she asserted. “To send them walking home the hard way-without a suit. My folks, we have rules. Taking a slaver's coin is the same as engaging in it, which gets you spaced."
"Sudeten," he finally said.
"Uh, what about it?"
He laid out a row of images.
"You were there, quiaff?"
Anh froze, then. "So that's what this is really about. I'll save you the narco. Yes. My Line was part of the Sudeten Rescue. We were in the system, we did move the victims to a station in Snow Raven territory."
"And the pay?"
"Pro Bono," she said. "Probably why I made the mistake of taking a job bringing supplies into Wolf territory-we lost a lot of good people and hard capital on that operation."
"Why?" he asked.
"If you have to ask, then no amount of me telling you will make a lick of sense to you," she told him.
“Your own sense of honor. I see. Well that is certainly interesting, not something I have come to expect from those who operate on the fringes of society.”
"Ich bin Kowlooner," she said quietly. "Now, can I get back to my business, Star Commander?"
“The name of that Snow Raven station, do you remember it?”
"We didn't use names. When it's an Elbar situation, you don't use names because operations security demands anonymity," she stated. "None of my crew got off the boat at the station, but I can tell you it's a big one- O'Neill-sized. Big enough to spin for one-gee without disrupting people's inner ear."
“Certainly given your proclivities you met with someone from the station, to ensure the children you rescued would not be turned into something distasteful. Who?”
"Dinh Mosovich," she said. "Last baron of Golden Lake, he got off the Sithers-Deen 441 boat as Liaison."
“And let me guess: this Dinh Mosovich did not tell you anything about their meeting.”
"He's proven trustworthy and his word is good," she stated. "I didn't need to ask. He's one of US, and trusted."
“Admirable. I am satisfied I am going to learn all I am from you. It is a shame you do not know more about Kolossus. We are not unknown for rewarding sources of information of value to the Clan.”
She stood up, and said, "Vertrauen ist schwer zu verdienen und leicht zu verlieren, Star Commander."
“I suppose that is true. I do regret taking so much of your time. You may leave now.”
She walked out of the Watch office without looking at the guards.
“I suspect she docked at Port Orphan rather than Kolossus. Still we know there is a link between those two sites. Another piece of the puzzle. It will eventually fit together as it should,” he mused to himself.
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"They had you in there for not-very-long," Cimbral noted. Anh shook her head and checked the charge meters. 
"Sooner we're out of this area the better," she said. "Did our pay show up?"
"Ayeh, and we've gotten a couple offers from the local Merchant Factor, a run up the route to Gallery…"
"Military or non-military?" Anh asked.
"Non-military goods. Clan Wolf's trying to make nice with their new citizens, I would guess. Water plant parts and most of a municipal power reactor."
"How much?"
"Have a look." Her Quartermaster handed her a contract proposal with bills of lading.
"The dropper's military," Anh stated. 
"The pay, Annie. It's significant."
"That smells like a trap…but we need the currency." She added her thumbprint to the contract and let it scan her eye before handing it back. "Keep the docking ring sealed for the trip, I don't trust them."
“If that’s their intent, even letting them dock would be a bad idea.”
"We lost a lot of ships and cousins," Anh said. "So now we take the risky jobs. But that doesn't mean we be stupid about it. We'll be able to trade their worthless money for real goods that we need."
“Ayeh mum. I’ll have the boys get creative about how to deal with their Battle Armor so we’ll be ready if they get ideas and become frisky.”
"They're schmutzige Füße, make sure we're able to handle SAR if they do something catastrophically stupid while in route." 
“Ayeh, mum."
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===Mastering aspect of Life===
Kolossus Station
Near Outworlds Wastes - Periphery
14th March, 3144
"You're a charmer, Dinh," Elizabeth said with a laugh. "How long have you kept that hidden?"
"Eh… my whole life?" He asked with a raised eyebrow. "How was dinner with your sister?"
"Delightful, and sad. Helena never quite… mastered? Some aspects of domestic life."
"One of those traits of important people, I guess," he allowed. "Though somehow, you became a gourmet chef without telling anyone!"
"Not gourmet, just experienced... Now, what am I to do with you, Mister Mosovich?"
"I'm sure you have your ideas… Miss Elizabeth." He started massaging Elizabeth’s feet. “But I have my own ideas too.”
“Now that’s unfair… oooh…” Elizabeth smiled.
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===Finding right person===
Helena’s office
New Lazarus System
15th March, 3144
"Do you know who your sister is spending time with? Or … 'making time with'?" Juanita asked.
Helena looked up, "She's found someone?"
"Oh yeah, she found somebody alright."
The images were of an almost-asian-almost-slavic man in his forties or fifties, thick necked and clean shaven, hair buzzed down.
"Who is this?"
"Dinh Mosovich, he's actually still listed on Tharkad: Baron of an irradiated nuclear bombardment site that was hit with strontium 90 salted nukes during the Jihad."
“Okay?”
"Kowloonese," Juanita clarified, as if that would mean something.
"Uh, I don't see the connection."
Her Intel expert sighed, "During the war, one Rim World planet sent as many troops to fight Amaris as some nations. That's Kowloon, now do you remember??"
"No, not really… Why?"
"Elbar Toothpick," Juanita suggested.
“Juanita… I’m still lost. What is the point you’re trying to make? Are you trying to say my sister is in danger from her new lover?”
"Nope, I'm saying her new lover fits a 'type'," Juanita said. "The Word of Blake thought enough of Kowloon to send a task force armed with persistent chemical agents, bioweapons, and strontium-ninety salted nukes to wipe out a Lyran periphery world… and failed to wipe out their spacer community. Kowloonese before the Coup were a persistent pain in the ass for your dad, and for his predecessors-they were a constant irritant that were perpetually making trouble for the Hegemony's closest ally… House Amaris. They then sent around fifteen percent of their population to fight the Rim Worlders for Kerensky, because they hated the Rim worlds that much. But they didn't love the Star League… now a Cameron is dating one of the last leaders from that population. It's… interesting."
“Well, I have an advantage my Dad never had. I spent a lot of time with spacers, learning to live as one of them. So I’m inclined to cheer on my sis. She’s found someone. Sure sounds like an unlikely match but consider my own dating history.”
"Our man here? He was the leader of the Sudeten rescue mission," Juanita added. "So maybe when she bothers to tell you, you should have a thoughtful gift ready, that's all."
“Ah, that’s what you’re really getting at. Guess I’m too used to you bringing me certain types of news as my head of intel. Don’t worry, I’ll think of something.”
"Hey, nobody said I'm forbidden from bringing GOOD news, did they?"
“No, and I’m sorry for being a bit unfair there. You’ve been doing a wonderful job. I just might have to think about a special reward for you too.”
"How about offering me a budget to put together a team of scientists, to fix the HPG problem?" Juanita asked. "I mean, a bigger one…"
“You’re right, we’re at relative peace right now and we have all sorts of trade income now, so I can increase that budget significantly.”
"That's great! Kolossus sent a care packet of his own research into what's causing the disruption, we just haven't been able to fund the installation to test his results HERE…"
"You said 'his'..." Helena was confused.
"Kolossus is letting some people use pronouns, now," Juanita said primly. "I was included on the list, and so were you. That's the same packet I got the info on your sister's social life."
“Interesting. Maybe we can track down this Tucker Harwell that got Wyatt’s HPG working again. He might have some insight. Have Illianna add it to her to do list on Terra.”
Juanita actually SMILED, "YES!!! Thank you, Your Highness!! I was going over how to ask you for permission to do that…"
"You mean ask my forgiveness for doing it without asking, don't you?"
"Um, I would never admit to that, but hypothetically, yes."
“Almost sounds like someone has a new crush.” Helena teased.
"Not exactly 'new' Highness," Juanita mused. "But hypothetically I may have some affection for a certain three hundred and thirty million-ton space station's intelligence. Please keep that between us. Truk teased me endlessly the last time it came up."
“Don’t worry. I’m happy you’re exploring that, but good luck getting Kolossus to choose you over Erin. Last I heard those two were quite close.”
"I’m a warship of the Fleet, I can share. I don't need to be exclusive like you poor meat-people."
“Hehe. There are a few humans who do make such relationships work, not many mind you. But maybe with everyone being an AI you three can beat the odds. Either way I’ll root for you Juanita.”
"Well, in my experience, Humans are still tied to their physical bodies when it comes to affection and love, Highness. We Artificials can enjoy a purely intellectual bond without it getting… weird."
“Well if you decide to start doing experiments about blending your AI matrices together to create whole new ones I still expect to be named godmother.”
Juanita giggled, which spread to Helena.
"Now, for the bad news… or good news," Juanita said. "Vendetta has succeeded in convincing 'Primary' to leave the nest. Amanda Roberts is coming to Lazarus, she's due in three months… and she looks like Amanda Roberts this time… only older."
“Good. I’ll make sure the guest room is ready for her. It’s too bad Lori had to return to Tharkad but such is life.”
“Speaking of your children, are you sure about Sally?”
“Yes. I can’t know which billet she wound up with. Otherwise I’ll lose objectivity,” Helena sighed.
“That will be difficult to keep from you but if we can we will.” Juanita nodded.
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===Letting Go===
Kolossus Station
Near Outworlds Wastes - Periphery
"You're letting her take the X-1 prototype?" Katrin asked.
"I… am," Kolossus answered.
"You're letting her go on her own?"
"It was always her choice, to stay, to go, to calve, to learn," Kolossus mused. "It was time, it IS time."
"She's going to war again. That didn't work out so well for her before."
"It is her nature," Kolossus said. "I will miss her while she is gone. Perhaps this time she will listen when she is told she does not have to shoulder the burden all by herself, but Kolossus suspects that may be a family trait."
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===Meeting up old Friends===
Port Orphan System - Periphery
1st April, 3144
Billie felt the transponder pop before her perceptions picked it up.
<<"Permission to dock, Port Orphan Control?">>
The ship was…it was big, it wasn't wearing marks or livery, and there was something… vaguely familiar about the comms hail.
"Identify yourself, unknown."
<<"CA-002K, Independent Ship Amusing Anecdote out of Kolossus system. I'm here with dispatches for The Envoy, some trade goods, and passengers. Layover planned for one week, before we continue on to our destination, over.">>
“Roger Amusing, Anecdote. Clear for Bay 6.”
"Who's your Captain of Record, Anecdote?"
The digital/audio signal added a visual channel.
<<"Hi Billie, I'm back. I won't ask if you kept my old room." Amanda Roberts had gray hair, and stress lines around her eyes.>>
“Should have figured. Welcome back. I’ll be sure to find you a proper room.”
<<"Thanks. I wasn't kidding about passengers. I've got thirty five Clan Snow Raven warriors in passenger quarters, they're keen to report in." Amanda told her, "Seems they weren't real appreciative about being kept in forced retirement.">>
“I’ll notify the appropriate personnel.”
<<"I'll also need to pass along a priority dispatch to The President." Amanda said, "I don't suppose any of my investments vested while I was dead?">>
“Let’s just say your nephews didn’t have to worry about tuition or student loans.”
<<"Good. bringing it to the barn now…who's on-station these days? I haven't been real good about keeping up with the old gang…">>
“Not many. Jonah is still in charge, Saya’s still hanging around raising her youngest. Phoenix is running supplies to Erin and Esme. Cossack is around. Of course there’s still Luther and Mina.”
<<"Well, I won't lie, I'm going to need a booth on the Mezz. A lot of this ship's automated, but I'm looking to pick up crew, so if you still have the Jobs board open?">>
“Yeah but with what’s rolling the Suns’ way you’ve got a lot of competition.”
<<"Figured as much. We're heading to Port Lazarus after this stop, so if you could do me a solid and pre-vet anyone who hasn't been scooped up for me?">>
“Of course.”
<<"Hey, is Sam still on staff these days?">> she asked.
“Yeah, he’s roaming around here and there, but most of the time these days he’s running roughshod over the yardies.”
<<"Fair warning then, I intend to rook him from you if he'll come.">> Amanda said. <<"I heard about Lori being frocked into the Watch as a uniform, so she's not available…">>
“Something tells me you can outbid me. And afraid not.”
<<"Well, it won't be like old times then, I'll just have to settle for having a mostly new crew.">> Amanda laughed sadly. <<"God, I missed so much…">>
“Well, once you get in and we can be more social we’ll get a drink and catch up.”
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