Ryk Brown - The rings of Haven

“That’s Captain Wuss to you, Ensign.”

“Yeah, I was gonna ask you about that. Don’t you think your Chief of Security should at least be a lieutenant?”

“Why? You looking to be next in line for command if Cam and I get killed?”

“Hell no! Just looking for a raise in pay.”

“Let’s wait and see how long you keep the job.”

“What’s that supposed to mean!”

“What’s what supposed to mean?” Cameron asked as she entered.

“Nothing. How far out are we?” Nathan asked.

“A couple hours.”

“You guys get a chance to take a break and eat something?” Nathan looked at them both, seeing that neither of them indicated they had so much as left the bridge since their last meeting several hours ago.

“Well, see to it that you at least get some food into you,” he insisted. “Both of you. And stay away from the noodle and meat thingy. Trust me on this,” he added as he sat down behind his desk. “So, have we given any thought as to what we’re going to be shopping for on Haven?”

“Well, food is the number one priority,” Cameron began. “And one of the environmental systems techs suggested that we look for some seasonings and spices as well. He used to be a chef before he joined the Fleet. Makes sense that if we’re going to start cooking local food, we might want some local spices to go with it.”

“Yeah. Doctor Chen pointed out to me earlier that we are setting foot on an alien world, with a race of people that although human, could carry many diseases that our immune systems aren’t ready for. She suggested we take caution while on the surface. She also wants everyone who goes to the surface to report for a full medical screening when we get back. So I was thinking, we probably should go over any consumables we bring on board before we start eating them.”

“Agreed,” Cameron said.

“She also gave me a list of possible pharmaceutical substitutes to be on the lookout for as well,” Nathan continued. “Antibiotics, pain killers, basic stuff like that. They were stocked up to normal peace-time levels when we left. But with all the wounded, she’s already running out of the basics. Two people died because of a lack of antibiotics.”

“You really think we’ll find something out here that’s safe for us to use?” Cameron wondered.

“Well, they’re humans, just like us. So it stands to reason that they’d have similar meds and such. And since we’re already seeing evidence of superior technology in some areas, maybe they have better medicines as well?”

“One can only hope,” Jessica added.

“I don’t know,” Cameron objected. “It sounds kind of risky to me.”

“She’s not too keen on the idea either. In fact, I pretty much had to talk her into it. But we don’t know how long we’re going to be out here or how often we’re going to have an opportunity like this.”

“Anything else?” Cameron asked, taking notes on her data pad.

“Yeah, Vladimir wants to go down and check out the local black market for useful technologies.”

Jessica had not been paying close attention to the conversation, until Nathan mentioned the black market. “Whoa, that might not be such a hot idea,” she warned. “Black markets tend to be fairly dangerous places to hang out. At least on Earth they are. And Vlad doesn’t seem like the right personality type to work the black market-too friendly and outspoken, you know?”

“He wanted to bring the rebel engineers with him as guides. He seems to have a lot of confidence in them.”

“I don’t know about that either,” Jessica warned. “I haven’t really dealt with them all that much. But if they’re anything like their lady friend, I wouldn’t trust them any farther than I can throw them.”

“Maybe you’re right,” Nathan admitted. “But the more I think about it, the more I think that Vlad is right. With their understanding of both the local technology and our own, they would be invaluable down there. Maybe it’s worth the risk?”

“Is there even room?” Cameron asked.

“Well, there’s only room for six passengers, according to Tobin. So maybe we leave some muscle behind?”

“No way,” Jessica insisted. “I’d rather take the muscle than some shifty rebel.”

Nathan was a little surprised by her characterization of the rebels, but he understood her point. He had selected her as his interim security chief because of her training in such matters, so he felt it best to heed her advice. “Very well, you keep your two guys. I’ll have Vladimir bring only one of the rebels with us.”

The comm-system buzzer sounded. “Captain, Bridge,” the communications officer called.

Nathan stabbed at the comm with his finger. “Go ahead.”

“Captain, communications. Incoming message from Haven Control, sir.”

“Very well, call Jalea and Tobin to the bridge. We’ll be there shortly.” Nathan broke the connection before continuing. “Then we’re settled on this?” Jessica shrugged in resignation. Cameron simply nodded. “Great. Let’s go see what Haven Control wants.”

Nathan, Cameron, and Jessica filed out of the ready room and onto the bridge just as the communications officer put the incoming message up on the loudspeaker.

“Volander, Volander, Haven Control, please respond.” The message continued to repeat, with the exact same cadence and tone, making Nathan wonder if it was a recorded hail. He was about to respond when Jalea and Tobin entered.

“Captain,” Tobin interrupted. “Perhaps it would be best if I spoke with them?”

Nathan looked at Jalea, who nodded, and then Jessica, who shrugged. “Very well,” he agreed, stepping aside.

Tobin stepped up to the communications station, waiting for the comm officer to indicate the channel was open and ready.

“Haven Control, this is Volander.”

“Volander, why was your response delayed?” There was a sense of urgency in the controller’s voice that worried Nathan and Jessica, both of whom were standing close by.

“Apologies, Haven, but our deep-space communications array suffered damage in transit.”

“Volander, state you reasons for approach.”

“We seek to harvest from the rings, and to procure supplies from your local merchants.”

“Understood. Will you require local crews?”

“Affirmative, Volander shall require local crews.”

“Understood. Transmit your desired quotas and we will assign you a harvesting position.”

“We will transmit our quotas shortly. Volander out.” Tobin turned to face the captain. “That should do it.”

“Who’s Volander?” Jessica asked.

“The ship that originally used the codes entered into your transponder. It was reported missing many months ago.”

“What’s this ‘quota’ they were asking for?” Nathan inquired.

“They wish to know the amount of material we plan to harvest from the rings, in order to calculate the fees that will be due them upon your departure. A few hundred kilotons is a common amount.”

“Seems like a lot,” Nathan observed.

“Too little, and they will be suspicious as to your true intentions. Too much, and your fees will be difficult to pay,” Tobin warned.

Nathan was uneasy with the whole arrangement. He was sure that Tobin was getting far more out of the deal than he had let on. Nathan figured, for now, it was best to play along. He looked over at Jessica, whom he guessed was thinking the same thing. “Very well, transmit the amount you think best.”

“Tell them our quota will be three hundred kilotons,” Tobin informed the comm officer before turning back to Nathan. “That should take no more than a day or two to harvest, process, and sell on the surface to pay for your supplies.”