Chroniech! by Doug Farren Read Free Book Online Page B

could then made the connection. The leathery face of a Tholtaran appeared on his screen. "Fleet Commander Trisk, I am Captain Ken Stricklen. Were you successful in your rescue?"
    "No," the gravely voice replied. "We arrived too late. All that remained of the transport was wreckage. We have established a security shield around your position. Although technically you are under my command, I have been ordered to provide assistance to you in whatever way possible. Therefore, you are considered under my command only in-so-far as fleet operations are concerned. The research effort is to remain under your control. Do you require any assistance from us at this time?"
    It took a few moments for Stricklen to digest what Trisk had just said. Ken had expected to be relieved of responsibility for the research effort as soon as the Mobius had arrived. "No assistance is needed at this time," Stricklen replied. "The science team is about to present their first status report in my conference room. You are welcome to attend if you so desire."
    "I will send a representative," Trisk replied after a moments consultation with another officer. "Are the Mintaka survivors ready for transport?"
    The orders which Ken had received earlier had stated that a small courier ship would be taking the survivors back to Almaranus. As soon as the fleet had arrived Stricklen had sent word for them to get ready to leave. "They are ready. I will have them meet your shuttle at the docking port. I assume the courier is docked within your ship?"
    "Yes. It will leave as soon as the survivors are aboard. Mobius out." The connection snapped and the monitor went dark.
    Ken called the conference room and told the gathering crowd that he would be delayed a few minutes. He asked them to wait until he arrived before beginning. He then made his way to the docking port to await the arrival of the Tholtaran shuttle.
    The four survivors rescued from Mintaka were there when Stricklen arrived. He exchanged pleasantries with them while they waited. Ken was still amazed as to how well they had handled the loss of so many of their close friends and loved ones. The ship's psychologist had explained that these people were used to death. She did say, though, that the miner's would most likely have a strong emotional reaction once they reached their respective homeworlds or at least the world they called home.
    The shuttle arrived and discharged a single Tholtaran. The alien looked very much like a 138 centimeter tall vulcanized version of a Human with large ears. Their leathery skin and deeply inset eyes acted to protect them from the harsh ultra-violet light of their homeworld's sun.
    Ken welcomed the Tholtaran aboard then turned his attention to his departing guests. He made sure he shook each individual's hand and bid each one a safe journey home. He watched until the docking portal had closed, then, turning to the Tholtaran representative he said, "The science team is waiting for us in the conference room. Please follow me."
    The conference room was packed with 23 people when Ken arrived. Most were members of the science team and were standing together at the back of the room. The murmur of a dozen conversations slowly dropped off as Stricklen took his place at the head of the oval table.
    "Thank you for waiting," he began. "This is science advisor Bronack of the Tholtaran republic. I have asked him here as a courtesy to the Tholtaran fleet which will be providing the area security during our stay here. I will not delay you any longer — Falnath, please proceed."
    The dragon-like body of the Rouldian scientist was positioned in an out of the way corner of the room. A computer keyboard had been placed in front of her. She entered commands and the room lights dimmed. A hologram of the derelict ship appeared in the center of the conference table. As Falnath spoke, the image constantly shifted apparently in response to verbal cues which she had instructed the computer to follow.
    "For