The Pillar of Fire

July 13 - Al Raqis

Several months ago we engaged an individual to work deep undercover gathering information on the various factions on Al Raqis. She had been with the service before and had taken the opportunity to re-enlist that our operations in the area provided.

We met privately, to protect her from disclosure, and to isolate her from other lines. Extraction protocols were established in the event of counter measures. And as the situation in the region shifted, we had a well positioned asset in place.

-----

"Welcome aboard the HN 'Had One Too Many', Major." said my contact.

"Thank you," I replied with a smile.

"It's a small little junk ship," she added, "but it's good cover."

"It is a fine looking ship," I agreed, "for that purpose."

"Take a seat," she invited.

I took the seat beside her. She reached for the controls and pressed a series of switches before pulling back on the control column. The craft responded well, and soon we were gliding towards a solid looking station tucked away inside an asteroid field.

"This facility was established a month ago," explained my contact, "and is still unknown to the general public."

"It is well concealed," I commented.

"Very," she agreed as she docked with the station, "It's hiding yet another thing."

-----

We talked as we walked down the long dark corridor from the docking bay to the central hub.

My contact began, "So, how have things been since last we met?"

"Progressing slowly," I replied. The slow blade....

She chuckled, "Lots of shifts here. Met with an odd drone who traded me files for water."

"Good," I remarked, "What have you found out?"

She explained, "It wanted Lab 81 files for a pretty supply of water. I used my contacts to obtain them, and I gave them to her."

"Tell me about the drone."

"It was short," she replied, "Had the figure of a woman. Walked with the silliest posture. Had a pinkish beige frame and spoke with odd noises. Affiliated itself with the space guild. Said it would be in further contact."

"And it wanted Lab 81 files?" I asked for clarification.

She nodded, "Or rather, the files I could get from Lab 81."

"Good work," I said, "Keep it on the line. Track its movements. See if you can find out where it is based."

It would help if we could track the Arudra drone to its land base or pick up point. And the Lab 81 medical database had already been compromised. It could do little damage now.

My contact continued, "I also overheard the name of Ardra or something in the courthouse. I believe it was Miss Lily who said this." She nodded, "I believe it is after our scientific developments, but that's just me being paranoid. Shall I show you some of our work?"

"Yes, please," I replied.

-----

We walked through the station to an observation deck.

From the viewing area I could see a freighter. Dark and lifeless. An ugly hulk of a thing.

In the distance, an orbital satellite. Panels extended. Delicate and graceful. It reminded me of a stinging insect.

My contact pointed, "See that cargo ship?

"Yes."

"I give you, The Acclamator anti-ship weapon!" she said with a smile. And like a magician, she made a grand gesture with her hand.

A pillar of light streamed forth from the satellite striking the cargo ship precisely.

The craft ruptured into chunks, which in turn, resolved themselves rapidly into smaller and smaller pieces. The flames were quick as the only flammable atmosphere came from the ship itself.

The cargo ship was there, and then suddenly it was gone.

It was a fine demonstration.

"Well done," I remarked. "Do you have the designs and specs for me?"

My contact nodded. "We're also working on a short range personal teleportation device," she added.

We stood looking at the emptiness, the space that had been a ship.

She continued. "So while we've been tinkering, how have you been?"

"Good thank you... it always takes some time to adjust to the heat when I arrive."

She nodded, "That it does. That's why I prefer it here. This station moves everyday."

"And you have the results from all testing?" I asked.

"Oh yes," she replied enthusiastically and she gave me the hard numbers. "Granted we consumed enough power to run Al Raqis for a year, but it was damned amazing."

A cloud of dust hovered off the port side of the station, the remains of the cargo ship, sparkling with the rays of the sun.

"Well Major, I will follow that drone. Consider it found."

"Thank you Lieutenant," I replied.