Reconnaissance

August 6 - Al Raqis, Splintered Rock

"The bots plot against the organics as foretold." - Al Raqis Rumors

-----

There was a delicious feeling of freedom as my craft lifted off the landing pad, leaving the ground behind.

Today, I planned a short reconnaissance. I wanted up-to-date information prior to my meeting Lt. Colonel Collins of the USD.

I made a low pass over Splintered Rock.

From the air you could see that the refinery had been vandalized. The image of a large insect painted on the side of a couple of structures.

It was very large graffiti inside what was supposed to be the most secure area on Splintered Rock. I had to chuckle. Whoever they were they we bold and I'll bet they kept the Constable busy.

I turned my craft and guided it into the deep desert.

In the distance, I spotted a downed craft, still smoldering. A figure standing next to it.

I thumbed my comm unit and sent the figure a wave. ** "This is Major Siamendes of the Zenobian Division, Do you need assistance?" **

The figure on the ground returned the call, "No, but who are you?"

"I am security consultant to House Zenobia," I replied.

"Wait. I've seen you before..."

The comment was not followed by gunfire so I felt it was reasonably safe to land.

The figure replaced his automatic rifle on his back as my landing gear touched the desert floor. I powered down my craft and disembarked.

"Hello," I called as I approached, "did your ship crash?"

"No," replied the man, "I have come here to investigate."

"Any sign of the pilot?" I asked looking over the wreck.

"None that I can see."

The ship was beyond any hope of repair. It was salvage at best and this far from any settlement, it was just as likely to remain here.

I climbed into the open cargo hold. "There is a crate here," I called out, "...empty."

The soldier examined the shattered remains of the cockpit, "Mmmmmm. Nothing is wrong with the console."

"What brought it down?" I asked for his input.

"Well," he replied, "no engine damage soooo. Either he crashed it on purpose or he was shot down."

I glanced around. No bodies. Walked away or were carried.

I looked at my companion, " I don't recognize your uniform...who are you with?"

"I am new here," he replied, "I with the SSFS. New unit."

I nodded.

"Do you know who was piloting this ship or what they were carrying?" he asked.

"No idea," I admitted. It bore Splintered Rock markings but I could see no registration number. "I'll add it to my report," I said.

"By the way..." began my companion.

"Yes?"

"...Who are you with?"

"The Union of Allied Planets," I replied, "My homeworld Zenobia is one of the Great Houses."

"U.A.P?" he asked.

"Yes." My hand instinctively touched my sidearm and then moved to my canteen. "And SSFS...what does that stand for?" I inquired.

Waiting for his reply, I removed the mask of my hydrosuit and took the opportunity to rehydrate.

"Special Sniper Forces Squad," replied the soldier.

"Ah yes," I replied, "I have heard of you." I took another sip from my water bottle.

"We are neither friend or foe with you," he continued.

"Neutrality is good," I remarked.

"Yes, agreed."

I took one final sip then replaced my canteen and hydrosuit mask. "Well," I said," I will continue on my flight."

"That's a nice ship you have."

"Thank you," I said as I turned to go.

"I should go too," he remarked.

It was wise. Direct sunlight this time of day was desiccating.

"Stay safe soldier," I called as I climbed aboard my shuttle.

"Take care," he replied.

I nodded and closed the hatch.

-----

The Shuttlepod recognize my biometric signature as I returned to my chair. It whispered: "Pilot Pepper Siamendes."

"Start," I commanded.

"...Online," responded the Shuttle.

I entered the appropriate coding.

The Caine Shuttlepod prompted: "Enter co-ordinates..."

"120, 120, 3500," I replied.

The Shuttle echoed the co-ordinates : "120.00000, 120.00000, 3500.00000" then it whispered: "Disengaging inertial engines ..."

There was sudden acceleration. Adrenalin rush.

"...Complete," the Shuttlepod whispered: "Inertial engines re-engaged."

Twenty minutes and two course corrections later, I arrived at my destination.

I cut my engines and drifted in the black. The Caine Shuttlepod whispered: "Powering Down....Offline."

Green light filtered into my cabin from the object outside. I was reminded of the luminescence from algae.

I began taking scans and photos. Any data I could collect would be useful to compare to the long distant scans we had gathered several months ago.

Lily had mentioned a laser. I could see no laser, but the ship outside appeared to be effecting some sort of bending or distortion. I would need to send this to analysis.

Nevertheless, there was no doubt. The heighliner, Ardra's ship, was doing....

something....