Alpha One - Chris Burton [109]
Lieutenant Obeya Temsouri entered the room for a scheduled CAG debriefing.
“Good morning Lieutenant. What is our jump ship status?”
Hoskins still maintained a formal relationship with Obeya while in public. He knew the crew were aware of their ‘relationship’, and to display open signs of affection or favoritism could lead to negative feelings against both him and Obeya. They had a very different relationship in private.
“Good morning, sir. All Rapiers and Sabres returned with no losses. We had minor damage to two Rapier 3’s, and one of their pilots has been taken to the medical center with suspected head trauma.”
“Were you able to make any additional observations on the AUSWAS ship?”
“Yes. Curiously, the majority of the non-military craft seem to be heading to the AUSWAS ship. Not sure why.”
“Yes, it is a bit weird. The number of onlookers is incredible. Why are there so many? We are a long way from home.”
“I am not sure, sir. We are monitoring all movements and I will continue to observe.“
“Excellent, Lieutenant. Thank you. You are dismissed.”
Obeya left the ready room and Hoskins returned to his observations. There was certainly something strange about the AUSWAS ship, which made Hoskins all the more curious because he was entrusted with the ‘protection’ of the AUSWAS vessel. There was no communication whatsoever with the vessel, which annoyed Hoskins. It wouldn’t take much to acknowledge the assistance his crew provided.
Ironically, Professor Nigel Winterburn was just thinking the same thing. It was high time that he introduced himself to the crew of the Halo 7.
“Commander Hoskins. My name is Professor Nigel Winterburn and I am leading the AUSWAS protest into Nexus’ and Alpha’s attempt to open the two wormholes and thus trigger a cataclysmic disaster.”
“Thank you for the introduction Professor, although there was really no need. I am already well versed in AUSWAS the Collective and its goals. Thank you also for making contact. We will be able to better serve each other’s needs since we have established a relationship.”
Hoskins annoyed Winterburn, but this exchange of views served its purpose. “What are your needs, Commander? My understanding is you were tasked with protecting us. Is that not correct?”
“To an extent, yes. More specifically we are here to keep an eye on you and to make sure your actions don’t create a dangerous situation. Moreover, as participants in this project, Alpha looks to protect its own interests.”
“What could we possibly do to put your project in jeopardy? We are one small unarmed ship.”
“Professor, our scans reveal your vessel is more than adequately armed and protected. Furthermore, you have collected a large number of hangers-on. Presumably these are members of your ‘Collective’. Is this to be a human shield?”
Winterburn laughed. “Commander, our ship is well protected and armed because we are in a dangerous region of space. The ‘hangers-on’, as you put it, are, I presume, supporters of our cause, which has been widely publicized. They are here to witness the events as they unfold. Now, the main reason for establishing contact. We are about to move our ship to the region of space which lies between the two wormholes. You will have to decide with your conscience, and after consultation with your superiors, how you must act in response. I will close this conversation on that note. No doubt we will speak again soon.”
With that, Winterburn closed the comm link and immediately gave the order for the AUSWAS vessel to move towards the two