The Chain (Part Two)

Oct. 26 - in transit from Caliban

"What is your status Captain?" I asked.

"We are on the Abraham Sinkov." Her voice sounded distant over the comm. Ranimo had indeed apprehended Winterwolf. However, Deputy LilyBell Snoodle had given pursuit and she was forced to find refuge in the Alliance frigate orbiting Hale's Moon.

"Very well, and the patient?"

"He is sedated in the security cell."

"Excellent," I replied, "Can you get him off world?"

"I have orders not to leave Hale's Moon orbit, from the frigate Captain, 'til she gets orders."

"Who is in command of that ship?" I asked. Not waiting for an answer I adjusted my course to take me to Hale's Moon.

------

Oct. 26 - Hale's Moon, aboard the Abraham Sinkov

I walked down the length of the frigate to the medical bay in the aft. Ranimo was waiting.

I greeted her. "Hello Captain."

"Hello Sir. Should I wake him Sir? Last time he got violent."

Winterwolf was sedated and stretch out on the gurney. I looked down at him. We were both a long way from the bridge on MacLaren's Drift.

"No," I said,"let him rest."

Captain Ranimo nodded.

I checked Cody's pulse. His condition seemed stable but I was pessimistic. "He is not going to make it at this rate...."

"I know," responded Ranimo, "We need to work fast."

"You can take my Nighthawk ... I will find another way off this ship. Where is your craft?"

"It's at the landing bay."

"Very good. So who is in charge of this frigate?"

Ranimo told me that the Captain of the ship reported to Colonel Silvermane.

"Hmm." I would go directly to Colonel Silvermane.

"...and you said Lily had something for me in exchange for this one."

"Yes," she replied, "Information about an 'Ardra'."

Ardra.

I closed my eyes. This changed everything.

I went into the hallway and sent a message to Colonel Silvermane on a private channel requesting communication.

-----

Major Siamendes: Hello Colonel Silvermane.

Colonel Silvermane: Major. How can I help you?

Major Siamendes: One of my Captains is bringing in a wanted fugitive, Cody Winterwolf, wanted in connection with the death of Alliance officer Reginald Brigston. I am sending his file.

Colonel Silvermane: The Captain of the Abraham Sinkov told me, yes.

Major Siamendes: You will see that the papers are in order.

Colonel Silvermane: I'm sure they are, Major. Though I am a little curious why a Special Investigations unit out of Zenobia is involved.

Major Siamendes: I am Alliance first Colonel and SIU routinely investigates the murder of Alliance officers.

Colonel Silvermane: I'll review the paperwork. There's been more traffic on this than I'm comfortable with, Major. And Zenobia is not the nearest SIU station. Something I'm sure you're aware of.

Major Siamendes: Perhaps so, but it does have the highest success record.

Colonel Silvermane: And that is relevant to jurisdiction how?

Major Siamendes: The complicating factor is this prisoner's health. Zenobia does have full medical facilities much closer than say Londinium.

Colonel Silvermane: And the Sun Tzu has medical facilities much closer than Zenobia, Major.

Major Siamendes: I just want to see he get the proper care.... You're not obstructing this investigation are you Colonel?

Colonel Silvermane: Obstructing, Major? Perish the thought. I am simply making sure the proper jurisdictions and chain of command are maintained.

Major Siamendes: Oh indeed.

Colonel Silvermane: I will have the Sinkov rendezvous with us so we can tend your prisoner while we sort out the apparently messy jurisdictional issues.

Major Siamendes: I see. Very well.

Colonel Silvermane: I'm glad you see it my way. Will there be anything else?

Major Siamendes: No Colonel.

Colonel Silvermane: Very well. You're welcome to accompany the Sinkov until she arrives at the Sun Tzu.

-----

The call terminated, I fumed inwardly. We would be held up here at least two days. So much for a quick extraction.

On the other hand, I had to admit that it could have gone much, much worse. In fact, if truth be told, Colonel Silvermane was being outrageously co-operative. I was fishing in her pond and we both knew it.

She probably figured I was hiding details of the operation, which I was, of course. In retrospect, I should have gone through proper channels rather than try to push this one through. I let my distrust of the Blue Sun woman rule over my better judgment.

I made my way back into the medical bay.

"What was the information on Ardra concerning?" I asked Ranimo.

"She wouldn't say," she replied, "Is his condition failing?"

"He seems ... stable," I sighed.

"If we can keep him, we will offer a trade. If not, we do this dance again," I said.

"This one is good though. I don't think I can get him so easily again."

I nodded.

"Should I tag him?" she asked.

"Tag him."

Captain Ranimo pulled up Cody's shirt and injected a tracker into the small of his back.

She checked the signal. "Good signal," she reported.

"Good," I said.

"We may have lost our chance," I said.

"For what?" asked Ranimo.

"A good exchange."

"He remains a ball in play if we let him go and I can track the ball," she assured me. "I will offer his release to Lily for the information on Ardra."

"Yes and let Blue Sun figure out what's in his head," I added darkly.

This situation was sliding out of control. If I was to salvage anything from this mess, I needed a doctor.