Distant Early Warning Read online

  Chapter

  10

  Ganz, Okagawa decided, was one gigantic son of a bitch.

  The Orion seemed to fill the hatchway leading from the docking platform to his ship, the Omari-Ekon. Standing just inside the hatch’s threshold, dressed in blue silken trousers and a matching shirt left open to expose his well-developed chest complete with an array of gold and silver piercings, Ganz was all but cloaked in shadow due to the reduced illumination inside the ship’s airlock. The gloom lent a subdued gray pallor to his jade skin, and did much to enhance the expression of barely contained disdain clouding his face as he looked down at Reyes, who stood less than two meters in front of him.

  “I want Jaeq,” the commodore said. Though not a small man, Reyes still was dwarfed by Ganz’s oversized physique and was forced to look up to meet the merchant prince’s gaze. Still, it seemed not to bother the commodore as he stood before the Orion, his chin thrust forward, his body language communicating with no uncertainty that he was in charge.

  Ganz’s sole reply was to flex a pair of pectoral muscles that made Isaiah Farber’s seem prepubescent in comparison. Otherwise, he remained silent, an arched eyebrow the only other indication that he had even heard Reyes’s demand.

  “I have proof he murdered two of my people,” Reyes continued, “and almost killed another Starfleet officer. If you’re harboring him aboard that tub of yours, then you’re an accessory to the crimes.” Stepping forward, the commodore placed his hands on his hips. “It’d break my heart to bust your ass, Ganz, but I’d get over it.”

  The Orion continued to regard Reyes a moment before his head tilted the slightest bit to one side. “Mr. Jaeq no longer works for me, Commodore. No one has seen him since this morning, and I’m certain he won’t be returning.” He paused, a small, knowing smile teasing the corners of his mouth. “It’s as though he vanished into thin air.”

  I’ll bet, Okagawa mused. Given what he knew of life within the Orion Syndicate, the most powerful weapon in a crime lord’s arsenal was deniability. Jaeq’s actions no doubt had endangered Ganz’s vast array of illegal or even merely questionable activities. At the very least, they had brought the Orion unwanted attention from Starfleet. The easiest and fastest way to disassociate him from anything Jaeq had done would be to sever any and all ties to his troublesome employee.

  In the Orion Syndicate, that usually meant only one thing.

  Okagawa had no doubt Reyes understood the situation, as well. Nodding in amused understanding, the commodore said, “That’s right, I heard scuttlebutt about some personnel issues you were dealing with. I guess what they say about being able to hire good people is true after all.” He pursed his lips and made a cynical tsk-tsk sound. “Must really be annoying when we’re talking about your right-hand man.”

  Ganz cast a glance to the trim Nalori standing just behind his left shoulder, whom Okagawa recognized as Zett Nilric, thanks to T’Prynn’s hurried briefing prior to his and Reyes’s coming down to the docking bay. “Mr. Nilric here is my business manager now,” he said. “If you have need of my services, he’ll be your point of contact.”

  As if to accentuate the statement, Nilric nodded once before reaching up to brush away a piece of lint from the lapel of his well-tailored charcoal suit. His expression was cold and calculating, no doubt in keeping with his reputed occupation as a professional assassin. Okagawa was certain the Nalori could kill both him and Reyes before either man might raise a hand in a futile attempt at defense.

  According to what Okagawa remembered from T’Prynn’s remarkably detailed dossier on him, Zett Nilric had been a lower-level employee within Ganz’s organization, though doubtless looking for any avenue to advance his own standing. Judging from outward appearances, Nilric’s ambition coupled with Jaeq’s apparent series of hazardous missteps seemed to have provided just such an opportunity.

  Bum luck, Jaeq.

  Okagawa said, “My people discovered some alarming things about your former employee and a rash of thefts. Several odd communications between someone aboard the station and Mr. Jaeq, particularly with regard to assorted supplies and equipment located in different storage bays that would fetch impressive prices on the black market.”

  Reyes looked to Nilric before returning his gaze to Ganz. “Don’t suppose either of you know anything about that, of course.”

  “Of course,” Ganz echoed, though Okagawa caught the subtle, fleeting look of worry in the Orion’s eyes.

  The captain shook his head. “Damn shame about that. See, if Jaeq were here, I’d be able to tell him that we found his little network of hidden communications emitters that were used to sneak past the station’s comm and sensor protocols.”

  “I haven’t found his cohort yet,” Reyes said, “but you can bet I will.” He held his hands out in a gesture of questioning. “Wonder what he’ll say when I get him in a small, locked room and ask him about his various business relationships?” Looking to Okagawa, he asked, “Better yet, put him in there with T’Prynn. She’d get some juicy details out of him. What do you think, Captain?”

  “I think you’re absolutely right, Commodore,” Okagawa replied, struggling to keep from smiling.

  To his credit, Ganz almost was successful in concealing any discomfort he might be experiencing as he listened to the commodore, who appeared to be enjoying catching the merchant prince off guard. Okagawa suspected Reyes had for some time been searching for some means of gaining the upper hand with the Orion.

  “What does any of this have to do with me?” Ganz asked, his expression for the first time betraying mild strain as he clasped his massive hands before him.

  “Depends,” Reyes replied. “If all of the property that’s gone missing from my station was to suddenly reappear from where it was taken, I might be inclined to ease up on my immediate efforts to find Jaeq’s partner in crime. For a little while, anyway.”

  That caught Okagawa by surprise. Was the commodore actually offering Ganz, in addition to an opportunity for returning whatever stolen Starfleet property currently was in his possession, a chance for one of his people—Zett Nilric, perhaps—to find Jaeq’s accomplice and resolve the issue “internally”? If so, it revealed a side to Reyes that the captain had not expected to see—a willingness to bend or even break rules, not for personal gain but as a means of bringing about resolution to tough problems.

  He’s commanding a station in the back end of nowhere, Okagawa reminded himself. The rulebook’s not always going to apply, is it?

  Ganz seemed to consider Reyes’s proposal for a moment before nodding, once. “I’ll look into the matter, though I can’t promise any immediate results.”

  “The offer expires at 2300 hours, station time, tonight,” Reyes said, any trace of cordiality now gone from his voice. “After that, I start turning over every rock I can find. Understood?”

  Drawing a deep breath through his nose, Ganz replied through tight lips, “Yes.”

  “Fabulous,” Reyes said, the word dripping with sarcasm. “Now, a few new rules for you: First, your vessel is still welcome to dock here just like any other civilian ship. You’re still free to partake of the facilities at Stars Landing and to conduct legal business with any of the civilian merchants. What you’re no longer allowed to do is initiate business contact with any Starfleet personnel, in any capacity. While I won’t officially place your ship off-limits, you’re to discourage anybody in a Starfleet uniform who might venture to your ship during shore leave from sticking around too long.”

  For the first time, Ganz frowned. “My competitors will notice that, I’d think.”

  Reyes shrugged. “Spin it any way you like. Whatever makes you look good, I don’t care. Also, it should go without saying that I expect Jaeq’s misadventures to be the last time I have to worry about Starfleet goods being stolen, either from my station or a ship making port. Anything goes missing, I’m coming to see you. Also, God help you if another one of my people gets so much as food poisoning from one of your buffets.�
��

  “What if I’m not responsible?” Ganz asked.

  “Again,” Reyes replied, “I don’t care. Tell all your friends that there’s a new sheriff in town, and that I like my life quiet and boring. Screw with the mugato, you’re getting the horn. Are we clear?”

  The Orion nodded. “As transparent aluminum.”

  There was no mistaking the ire rising to a boil beneath Ganz’s façade of calm and control, Okagawa decided. It was easy to see that the Orion was not accustomed to being addressed in such a frank manner by anyone. Only a fool would believe that one stern lecture would be enough to ensure Ganz’s compliance with the restrictions Reyes was placing upon him.

  Of course, the captain knew also that Reyes certainly was no fool.

  “Since we’re being totally honest with one another,” Ganz offered after a moment, “you might consider that while you’re king of what I admit is a rather large hill, it’s a hill sitting in the middle of a vast plain over which I hold much influence.”

  “That’s the only reason your sizable ass isn’t being stuffed into my brig right this second,” Reyes snapped, and Okagawa saw the merchant prince bristling at the clear threat.

  “On the other hand,” the commodore continued, “that would be a waste of that influence you’re so proud of. Instead, it occurs to me that if I could somehow avoid drop-kicking you into a jail cell, you might be predisposed toward helping me out on occasion—for example, should I need information on certain illicit ships or people passing through the region. Might go a long way toward making your life easier in these parts, wouldn’t you say?”

  Though Ganz said nothing for several seconds, Okagawa could see the Orion mulling over the proposal. He was no fool, either. While he no doubt saw the obvious upside to accepting a “business venture” with Reyes, Ganz was by definition not a lackey—to anyone. He would examine the situation from every conceivable angle, not only looking to see how he might benefit from the unorthodox arrangement but also attempting to see where the commodore might be laying traps.

  A crafty bastard, Okagawa thought. Dangerous one, too.

  Finally, Ganz bowed his head to Reyes. “An interesting offer. I’ll take it into careful consideration.”

  “You do that,” Reyes said, stepping away from the Orion. “We’ll talk later.”

  Okagawa followed after the commodore as he turned and strode down the gangway toward the main corridor linking all of the ports along the station’s main docking ring. Though he did not look back to confirm his suspicions, he was sure that the hot ache he felt between his shoulder blades had to be coming from Ganz’s intense stare as the Orion watched them depart.

  If looks could kill, and so on.

  Waiting until they were well away from the airlock leading to the Omari-Ekon, Okagawa turned to Reyes. “Should I even ask what a mugato is?” When the commodore scowled at him by way of reply, he decided to change topics. Nodding toward the docking bay, he said, “Seems to me you two will be butting heads in the future.”

  “A gift for understatement,” Reyes replied, releasing a tired sigh. “I don’t suppose you’d believe me if I told you this was supposed to be a nice, quiet tour of duty for me? A twilight assignment before I retired?”

  Recalling their earlier conversations in the commodore’s office, Okagawa shook his head. “Not a chance. In fact, if I were a betting man, I’d say that Ganz is likely to be the least of your problems.”

  “No bet,” Reyes replied, chuckling as he offered a knowing smile. Excusing himself, he turned and headed for the nearby bank of turbolifts, leaving Okagawa to contemplate the possible nuances layering the commodore’s cryptic answer.

  “I’ve got a funny feeling,” the captain said, to no one in particular given that he stood alone in the corridor, “that this place is going to be anything but boring.”

  Chapter

  11

  “Captain, my compliments to you and your crew. I don’t know what we would have done without you, and if you think I won’t catch hell for admitting that, you’re sadly mistaken.”

  Standing at the engineering station near the rear of the Lovell’s bridge and watching Diego Reyes on the main viewer, al-Khaled was surprised to see the commodore smile. Until this moment, the engineer was certain such a feat was impossible, despite unconfirmed rumors to the contrary.

  “So, who owes who dinner?” whispered Jessica Diamond from where she stood next to him, her question inaudible over the hum and buzz of workstations and status reports coming over various intercom grids scattered around the bridge. The wager had been a friendly one, offered on the spot by Diamond as word of the commodore’s hail was reported by Ensign Pzial, the Lovell’s communications officer currently on duty. Al-Khaled had not even had time to accept or decline the bet before Reyes’s gruff countenance appeared on the bridge’s main viewscreen.

  “Anyone who didn’t get shore leave should be exempt,” he mumbled from the side of his mouth, a comment that caught both the attention of and a raised eyebrow from Commander zh’Rhun, who stood in the turbolift alcove next to Diamond. Glancing over at the weapons officer, al-Khaled noted a mischievous glint in her eyes, the only fault in her otherwise deadpan expression as she, like everyone else on the bridge, turned her attention to the conversation between Reyes and the captain.

  At least someone got to enjoy themselves a bit while we were here.

  “Our pleasure, Commodore,” Okagawa replied from where he stood before his command chair at the center of the bridge. “However, I do believe there’s one last item to address before we depart.” Looking to his right, he asked, “Isn’t that right, Mr. Farber?”

  Stepping down into the command well, the burly lieutenant nodded with a small grin. “I suppose so, sir. Thank you for approving my transfer.” As he and the captain shook hands, Farber turned to the viewer. “And to you as well, Commodore. I’m very excited about joining Vanguard’s team.” He paused a moment before adding, “Lieutenant Ballard will be a hard act to follow, but I promise it won’t be for lack of trying, sir.”

  Farber’s request was not all that unexpected, al-Khaled decided. The younger man’s enthusiasm while working with the state-of-the-art systems comprising the immense space station had been all but contagious. With the tragic loss of Curtis Ballard, Reyes was in need of a first-rate chief engineer, and Isaiah Farber was as qualified a candidate as the commodore was likely to find. Vanguard’s gain was the Lovell’s loss, of course, but al-Khaled could not fault his friend for wanting to take on a new challenge. The demands of being chief engineer of a starbase on the outer edge of Federation territory would fit that bill rather nicely.

  On the screen, Reyes nodded. “Don’t thank me, Lieutenant. From what I saw, I’m getting a hell of an engineer.” Looking past Farber, he added, “One of many, at least. Lieutenant al-Khaled, if you ever get tired of hurtling through space in that deathtrap, you give me a call. I’d be happy to have you, or any member of your team, for that matter.”

  Offering a respectful nod, al-Khaled replied, “Many thanks, Commodore. I’ll certainly keep that offer in mind.”

  “With all due respect,” Okagawa said, the grin stretching his round face belying the mock irritation behind his words, “may we dispense with the poaching of my crew?”

  Reyes smiled again. “For now. Mr. Farber, I trust your personal effects were transferred without incident?”

  The young engineer nodded. “Yes, Commodore. All that’s left is my duffel bag in the transporter room.”

  “Then I suggest you have yourself beamed aboard in the next two minutes,” Reyes replied, “before your old ship leaves you floating outside the docking bay. I don’t like loiterers around my station, Lieutenant.”

  “I guess that’s my cue,” Farber said. After shaking hands with Okagawa once more, the lieutenant moved to the upper bridge deck and made his final farewells. The real send-off had already been handled during the previous evening, with al-Khaled and Ensign Ghrex seeing to an impromptu
going-away party after word of the sudden transfer made its rounds throughout the ship.

  “It’s been a pleasure, Isaiah,” al-Khaled said as Farber shook his hand. “Good luck with your new assignment.”

  His fellow engineer nodded. “Thanks, Mahmud,” he said before looking around at the rest of the bridge crew. “I’ve learned a great deal from all of you, and I’m proud to call you all friends. Hopefully, our paths will cross again one of these days.” With a final nod and wave to the assembled bridge crew, Farber disappeared into the turbolift.

  Al-Khaled sensed the momentary pause as everyone watched their shipmate leave, and for the first time since hearing of his friend’s transfer request the engineer felt the void Farber had suddenly left behind. While he knew that moving from ship to ship and assignment to assignment was part and parcel of a career in Starfleet, al-Khaled always felt a momentary pang of regret when such an event occurred. Not just a gifted engineer, Farber also was a trusted friend. There was no doubt he would be missed by the entire Lovell crew.

  Such is life in our line of work.

  Al-Khaled’s attention was caught by Ensign Pzial reporting that departure clearance from the station had been granted, followed by Okagawa giving instructions to zh’Rhun to get under way. Moving to stand in front of the helm and navigation consoles, the captain turned his attention back to the image of Reyes still displayed on the main viewer.

  “Commodore,” he said, “We’ve got our clearance from the dockmaster. Is there anything else we can do before we go?”

  On the screen, Reyes shook his head. “Thanks to you, we’ve got just about everything under control. There are still some outstanding repairs, a list of new or replacement components to install, along with the settling-in adjustments we were supposed to be dealing with now, anyway.” Shrugging, he added, “Still, I expect we’ll be fully operational within the month, ahead of our original schedule. After that, well, we’ll certainly have our hands full. You can count on that.”