Max Intel: Melinoe
Chapter 27 - Freeport

Agatha brought up an expanded view of the Golamar platform technical data and highlighted the areas that could facilitate a covert entry. There were more than a dozen locations with the highest percentage of success located at points where industrial hulls connected with the platform's primary hull.

Max chose one of those four. The target location she chose was relatively close to the starboard worker habitation complex.

Agatha announced a twenty-minute ETA to Golamar as she started receiving status data on Golamar from the passive sensors that picked up individual ship emissions which were docked with the platform.

Joon raised an eyebrow at Max, she looked anxious. Max smiled at her with an easy confidence, gently squeezing her hand.

"Whoa." Samira said softly; she was staring at the results on her own screen. Agatha put the raw results up on the main holo-display.

Nine cruiser-sized ships and twenty-two destroyer-sized ships were crammed into the stepped docks. A few were uniform, nearly every other ship was built by a different manufacturer. Two cruiser-sized and four destroyer-sized ships were iridescent-green and appeared to be identical, Max pointed them out to her crew.

"Kintark..." The Captain narrowed her eyes. A TFN Cruiser was nestled among the flotilla of docked warships, making Max clench her jaw. Max then spotted another type she recognized among the cruiser-sized ships; it was black with purple ribbing. Max's lips thinned. "...and Drakkar."

One entire corner of the cramped docks held a huge ship, its dark, heavy hull barely fit the slip to which it was moored. Its similarity to a Bract Clipper was no coincidence.

No one could miss the distinctive two-kilometer starship, it was a Bract Galleon.

There was a single vacant berth adjacent to it. The bulk-freighter Deirdre clung to altered course to dock at the open berth.

Agatha carefully gauged the timing of her release maneuver and where she needed to go. Max observed Agatha's incredible skill as she slipped the corvette gently off the freighter. She deftly threaded Deirdre through exterior industrial protrusions on thrusters alone, still maintaining the enveloping sensor-baffle matrix. Agatha guided the tiny warship in, Settling carefully in the shallow depression of her Captain's target destination.

When Deirdre gently shuddered from contact, there was an audible exhale from every human on the bridge. The magnetic grapples locked the stealthy corvette to the exterior of the massive industrial hull, very close to where it connected to Golamar's primary hull.

"Remora maneuver complete." Agatha reported.

Astrid tapped at her holo-screen, "I've replicated the color and texture patterns of this location onto Deirdre's skin, she will be difficult to visibly distinguish her from her surroundings."

The Hand of Agatha at navigation stood up, "Just ahead and to port is an 'S' shaped maintenance corridor that allows passage from the Primary hull to this Industrial hull. The schematic shows exterior access, but I fear that it was functioning only during manufacture and it has since been sealed." Agatha diligently relayed.

Astrid listened closely then looked at Max, "I can cut our way in, do you want it quick and dirty, or slow and careful?" Max smirked, "I think you know the answer to that, but, we also need to get the lay of the land." The Captain nodded to Agatha then shared a smile with Samira.

Samira nodded, "Local cyber-net, here I come." She stood and headed up to the Comms Hub.

Astrid pursed her lips, "Uh, Captain, I cannot be completely sure just how much noise I'm going to be making."

"Okay..." Max glanced at Vika, "Let's get an agent inside to spot for you."

"Yes." Vika nodded, then hopped to her feet.

"Gear up, ladies." Max stood, giving Joon a nod as the towering Captain and the diminutive Operative quit the bridge, heading to the armory.

Agatha looked over her shoulder where Joon, Astrid, and Paula were left on the expansive command couch.

Joon smirked, "Ready for this?"

Paula and Astrid glanced at Joon. "Anyone want to help me carry equipment?" Astrid asked.

"We can do that." Paula replied with a nod.

---

Samira didn't quite trot into the Com Hub; though she was moving pretty quickly.

The Hand of Agatha closest to the corridor looked up and smiled. "Hello Samira, are you ready for reconnaissance?"

Samira nodded, she sat in the dive chair. "Are you expecting any difficulty?"

Agatha turned in her chair to focus on Samira. "None at all, I would like to follow the same protocols we used at Haeguss Enclave on Dau."

The Cyber-specialist took a deep breath, then tilted her head. "How many avatars can you make now?"

Agatha shrugged, "I am not certain, but, if my initial hypothesis of parameter limitations are accurate…"

Samira quickly did the numbers in her head, "Forty-six?"

Agatha nodded, "Precisely."

The hawk-nosed woman smiled, "Okay, let's do this, I will be as quiet as possible."

Samira's datajacks slithered out of her arms and connected to the interface of the dive chair. "Showtime," she mumbled as her head lolled back into the padded cradle.

---

Joon, Astrid and Paula walked past the heavy, open door of the armory. The three ladies paused, seeing an odd expression on Vika's face.

Max was holding a pair of the dark-grey nanoweave coveralls.

Vika looked... Perplexed.

"What do you mean?" Max asked Vika concerning her body language.

Joon leaned against the open doorway, Vika's body language was off. Paula and Astrid stood behind Joon.

"What's wrong?" Joon asked.

Vika turned to look at Joon, "I'm on the edge..."

Joon blinked, "Discovery?"

Vika nodded to her Lady-wife then pointed at the nanoweave apparel.

"It was triggered by those."

Joon shared a surprised look with Max.

"Do what you need to do," Max nodded, "We got you."

Vika took a deep breath, she tilted her head far to one side as she tugged on her dreads: everyone heard a soft popping sound and the small muscular woman sighed with relief.

Vika stood up straight and flexed her hands at her sides. She then stood very still... Like she was listening.

Max, Joon, Astrid and Paula observed as Vika slowly lifted her hands in unison. She lifted them up, back over her shoulders and behind her head. Her hands looked like she was grasping something. Then she moved her arms like she was pulling a hood up over her head.

Vika faded from view.

There was a collective gasp. "Vika! Are you still there?" Max asked the empty air.

"Yes," Vika's voice said.

"Fuckmuffins!" Astrid muttered softly. There wasn't a blur or visual distortion like the effect associated with nanoweave. The Ability wasn't optical camouflage, It was 'magical' invisibility.

Joon nodded in understanding, "What's it called?"

Vika faded back into view. Her hands were behind her head, like she pulled back the same hood. Vika smiled with a crooked grin... "Cloak."

---

A swirl of color swarmed around Sami-faun as Samira's consciousness coalesced into Golamar's cyber-net. Sami-faun didn't move or adjust her facing: Samira did a passive scan.


The node was dark and gloomy, with hundreds of rib-like basic constructs frozen in place, it looked like the interior of a vast shipwreck.

Samira changed her perspective and did a quick look at the whole Golamar net... It was just under three hundred nodes. This cyber-net was colossal for a mobile network, but tiny for a static planetary system. Its unusual size was a patchwork of utilitarian styles, oddly stark with little elegance in some places.

While in others it was detailed and ornate, showcasing the influences from programmers of various cultures. Samira did not sense a single user.

She shifted back to first person perspective. Samira thought to Agatha.

Agatha politely asked.

Samira chuckled,



Samira braced for the staggering volume of energy that she was expecting. This time however, only two Avatars coalesced. A pair of fluffy ethereal cats shimmered into existence in front of Sami-faun.

Agatha inquired.

Samira replied.

The fluffy cats tilted their heads at Sami-faun,

Samira giggled,

Agatha giggled softly, the haunting sound felt very comforting to Samira. Agatha's first two cyber-avatars scampered off into the dark gloomy environs. Samira stared after them, but they were swallowed by the digital proximity graphic limit.

Another pair of fluffy ethereal cats shimmered in existence and scampered off. Every ten nanoseconds Agatha produced another pair.

Samira wondered aloud to Agatha.



Sami-faun nodded, as another pair of Agatha's avatars shimmered in and scampered off. Samira peered closely at the skeletal framework in the gloomy node.

Samira immediately replied,



With that information Samira didn't move another pixel, who knew what kinds of malicious programs had been installed here.

The whole Golamar cyber-net could be rigged to crash in around them; so instead of being subjected to boredom or getting into trouble Samira's wetware sent a holo connection request...

---

Vika tried a few different things with Cloak. Use of the Ability was silent, to activate and deactivate. She had Max pick her up for a hip ride, Cloak worked there as well, though everyone thought it looked funny. With that she determined Cloak was just for her, she couldn't share it...

She hopped down off her Captain-wife's hip.

"Max... I'm going to punch you." Vika's voice said.

Max nodded, "Okay, go ahead."

There was a meaty thwak as Vika punched Max's thigh and Vika was instantly revealed... Cloak, did not tolerate combat.

Then Vika drew her hood again and faded from view.

She Shadowstepped. Wuff... Across the armory, the Cloak remained in place.

Max watched the deep-blue vapor dissipate beside her. The new Ability was from her Rogue Class, yet, it bothered Vika why she was getting Cloak now.

As a Rogue, logically, Cloak should have been her first Ability.

Vika thought to Agatha

Agatha responded,

Vika relaxed,



Vika Decloaked, still in the armory with her wives and she explained her discoveries.

Everyone listened closely.

"Agatha said, it was by necessity I Discovered Shadowstep first, it could have just as easily been Cloak." Vika concluded. Her wives nodded in understanding.

Max pursed her lips, "I wonder if anyone else has made Discoveries in random order, from a pool of Abilities?"

Joon shrugged, "That might be a question for Samira, but she is busy."

Samira's thoughts rolled through the family's telepathic network.

Everyone's eyes went wide.

Vika beamed a smile,

Joon raised an eyebrow,

Samira replied, with humor,

Astrid's face colored, but she smiled.



Max and Joon shared a surprised look.

Joon grinned.

Max looked at Astrid,

Astrid smirked.

Samira replied, She continued,

Everyone giggled softly.

Max thought.



With that, the diminutive redhead finished gearing up. Everyone else helped Astrid carry tools and equipment. Vika wore the set of Joon's BDU's that were slightly altered from her scouting mission on Depot 03 along with her sandal-boots, Wind-blade vest, Ca'tagri fighting knives and her newly gifted pair of Wakizashi.

Max, Joon and Paula went to Engineering to help Astrid carry what she would need and Agatha had a pair of Hands available if needed.

The 'Entry team' assembled in the briefing area adjacent to the breaching boom. Everyone agreed that Vika should be in place to spot for Astrid before they even attempted to employ the boom.

Joon gave Vika a kiss and then Blessed her, everyone followed suit giving the short muscular Operative a happy boost to her confidence. Vika gave a thumbs up and she pulled up her Cloak, fading from view. Minutes slowly ticked by, then a soft 'Wuff' could be heard and a puff of deep-blue vapor appeared and dissipated quickly.

---

Agatha stood at the copilot station on the bridge of the Boozi Tryst. She leaned back against the padded shock-frame that took the place of a couch on Slarmian ship interiors. There was a frame at every station, they were attached to the bulkhead, allowing the crew to be secured for maneuvers.

Agatha turned her head and smiled at the Slarmian Pilot; they had been having a nice conversation while they traveled.

Zuki knew Agatha wasn't human but said that she honestly couldn't tell just from looking. It just didn't matter to Zuki what species Agatha was as Zuki believed that genuinely good people were the most valuable kind, regardless of skills or species.

Skills could be taught, the fundamental character of a person could not. And good character did not include people who pretended to be good just to get things, but encompassed a genuine desire to improve the lives of others.

Agatha had made Zuki feel welcome without reservation, she asked how Zuki felt about things and how they could be better. During their long conversations they discussed many subjects in detail. She said she couldn't tell Zuki everything, for her own safety, but Agatha told her a lot.

More than enough to convince Zuki she was valued and respected.

They were both on the small bridge of the Boozi Tryst, the Slarmian Pilot had just set course to the edge of the Mu Cygni system. The set course would line them up for hyper-warp travel to Lyra Kepler.

When Agatha had first come aboard the frigate, she immediately referred to Zuki as Captain. Agatha, out of respect, even asked if Zuki would allow her on the bridge. Zuki insisted Agatha join her at the helm and said 'Zuki' was just fine.

Several things changed for the Slarmian Pilot when she was hired by the Terran Federation Embassy of Staverka. She now had Diplomatic Immunity, Boozi Tryst was designated a Diplomatic Transport and was subject to very few national regulations within the ME or Trankaran Republic.

Also, Zuki now belonged to a broad informal family that was guarded and cared for by Agatha. Agatha explained to her in detail how extensive the Ambassador's mission was. Zuki was surprised the Terrans were so interested in the ME, they never were before. Agatha enlightened Zuki about the Lion, his Lionesses and how the policies of the TFed had begun to shift under his influence.

She told Zuki all the stories she knew of Admiral Blake and his elite cadre of beautiful women. The long thin Slarmian was very impressed, she'd never heard of them before. Then again, she hadn't paid much attention to much of anything outside her job for quite a while.

Zuki commented that Agatha made them sound like positive examples to emulate, role models. Agatha nodded and said they were.

Boozi Tryst then slipped into hyper-warp; the speedy repurposed BPA frigate could make the journey to Dau in twelve hours. Zuki had been there before, but it was outside of what was her normal courier route.

She liked the Dauzakai, they were always very polite and accommodating.

Zuki related she once delivered to a palatial resort on Dau proper, it reminded her of Boozi. Her old job allowed her to see different worlds and people, but only briefly. Zuki felt grateful, she was getting a new perspective to explore and enjoy in known space.

Agatha shared a smile and a nod with the delightful Pilot. Yes, this was a positive change to Zuki's quality of life.

---

Vika swooped through the Deirdre on her spiritwalk.

Her spectral form drifted away from the Terran corvette; she paused briefly. Vika visually scanned the area, seeing the starscape backdrop beyond. From that vantage she could appreciate how well Deirdre blended onto Golamar's massive hull. Agatha also did an excellent job of parking the corvette under a shallow lip.

Vika turned to the edge of the primary hull and drifted forward. She slipped through several thick layers of plating, emerging into a dark corridor.

Agatha replied.





Wuff... Vika dropped softly to the floor of the corridor, the air was stale, but breathable. Agatha's briefing included variations of air quality on the platform all within normal human needs... Theoretically.

Vika got a good look at the construction of the accessway. The maintenance corridor contained dozens of secured panels. She also noted gravity was set fairly low along the transition. However, her eyes could easily pick out every detail in the darkness.

Vika thought to Agatha.

Agatha added a mental hug.

Vika first padded down slope to the starboard industrial hull. The gravity there increased dramatically; she only managed a few steps. Vika quickly backtracked up the slope. She had a feeling it was set that way on purpose, but didn't know why.

It might have been a security concern, the industrial equipment was very valuable.

So far Vika only heard or felt the low-grade hum of the massive platform and the sound of her own steps. She headed back up to the primary hull, she followed Agatha's installed memories; remembering Agatha warned everyone that these memories were just a point of reference and no one should expect them to be perfectly accurate.

Vika found that she could easily pick out details that were different. It was a profound advantage for reconnaissance and allowed Vika to move silently into the primary hull section of the 'S' shaped corridor. The gravity here was not nearly as severe as it was in the industrial section, it felt more like one gee.

Vika went to the maintenance access hatch and laid a hand on it. However, she wasn't interested in opening any doors... Not yet at least.

The Operative backed herself into the nearest corner and knelt. She pulled her spirit from her body again, she glanced down. Her body was invisible, without any blur or distortion, but a thin spectral thread went directly to it. Vika couldn't remember if she had ever noticed that thread before. Maybe the nanoweave's blurry effect had hidden that detail.

Vika wasn't sure if it was important. The spirit form Operative willed herself through the wall.

It was good she didn't try to open the maintenance door, there were crates piled in front of it. None of them were particularly large, Vika would have to test their weight later. The Shaman looked around; she was in a service alcove of the starboard worker habitation.

Suddenly a Terran male in a Naval uniform walked into the corridor in front of her.

Vika gasped, but she was not seen or heard, in fact he walked right through her. He was one of several Terrans in a group with Kintark and Drakkar. Other than her wives, she didn't know any Terrans.

Vika was fascinated by the mixture; there were fourteen in the group. The Drakkar and Kintark were very exotic to her eyes, she'd never seen either species before. Vika studied them closely, The Drakkar all looked the same to her.

They wore bulky black and purple ribbed armor. Thick, muscular, four armed: skin looked olive drab in the yellow light of Golamar. They had black bulging eyes on either side of a hammer shaped head with a high set jaw full of sharp teeth.

Vika had heard descriptions of them, but nothing had prepared her for their actual visage.

The Kintark were also interesting, they did sort of look like supersized red-scaled Dauzakai, except they were built heavier, and seemed less graceful. Vika could see why they were sometimes called dragons. All of them were as tall or taller than Miku, and probably weighed fifty percent more. The Kintark wore green armor that matched their ships and the plasma weapons they favored.

The four Terrans were all in full TFed Marine Tac gear, their grey on grey was a subdued contrast to the other armors in the mixed group. TFed Marines were known to be deadly combatants, despite their lack of garish color scheme.

Vika didn't get a chance to get a good look at them before they went out of sight. She drifted to the edge of the corridor and peered both ways. The group had turned down another corridor, no other traffic was visible.

Wuff... Vika dropped softly to the deck plate of the corridor and Vika felt and heard the low hum of Golamar again. She was still Cloaked, and at a good vantage point. Vika thought to the network,

---

Astrid studied the welded air-lock. The breaching boom's armored cabin had a temporary seal between itself and the partition structure, but Astrid was still playing it safe with wearing an EVA suit, despite the weight.

Max was right there with her in her own suit, in case Astrid needed any assistance.

The Engineer decided the welds on the exterior door were too thick to use the diamond grinder so Astrid prepped her 2kw variable power laser cutter. It wasn't as nice as the one she had at Hellnar, but it should work just fine.

Vika inquired.







Astrid started in with the laser, the weld reacted nice and slow, which was good. A fast weld cut would burn away too quickly, making the cut tricky to gauge. Astrid took her time, keeping the wavelength at or below 1Kn-m, carefully watching the laser do the work. The moment Astrid was satisfied she had the hatch cleared, she stepped back, pulling Max with her.

Astrid thought through the network.

The exterior hatch split apart, revealing the airlock and the remaining hatch. Astrid stepped forward cautiously as she examined the inner hatch. Astrid sounded pleased.

This time Astrid and Max went fully into the airlock, closing the exterior hatch behind them. Astrid readied her 15cm diamond layered borophene carbonite disc grinder. She needed to cut the seam through the thickness of the hatch divide. Astrid inquired.



Astrid powered the grinder up to rpm, then started the grind: long yellow sparks of the mild steel weld occasionally mixed with brilliant white sparks of titanium from the hatch arced away from the wheel. Astrid inquired.

Vika responded.

Astrid was satisfied with that answer and settled in on the hatch. Grinding the welds was not fast work, but it also wouldn't melt through. It was fairly loud though and Astrid was relying on Vika to keep her from bringing the whole platform down on them.

Vika's thought suddenly entered the network.

Astrid immediately cut power and pulled the grinder back.



Vika explained.



Astrid shared a concerned look with Max through faceplates.

---

Samira listened to the telepathic play by play from the cyber-net. The time dilation made it feel like Samira had already been in there for hours. She kept herself occupied by contemplating her family, their Classes and Abilities. Various combos had been discussed and practiced, but many wouldn't be able to be tested until actual combat.

Vika's Cloak Ability was absolutely perfect for the 'sneaky shaman'.

Samira also contemplated the Fantasy influenced personal expression choices of her family. The cyborg couldn't be happier, her love of the Fantasy genre made her adore her wives expressions even more.

The Pala-faun was a dream come true for Samira. Her current aesthetic exceeded her expectations by orders of magnitude. Samira couldn't wait for Fanta Con, her whole family was going to be the talk of the convention.

It was spectacular that Joon and Astrid chose to alter their appearance to that of Elves. There were many kinds of Elves in the Fantasy genre, they had chosen two of the most popular. Samira had seen a multitude of elves at Fanta Con over the years, she was well versed in what they might look like.

Her spouses looked perfect, even the subtle glow of their eyes was spot on.

Agatha had given her wives the freedom to change appearances with ease.

Then there was Vika... or rather, Cha'Vika Firehair. The short muscular woman already had a strong resemblance to the Female Dwarven ideal. Samira was thrilled she went through with the beard. It was a controversial subject among Fantasy enthusiasts, the casual majority wanted to completely ignore the concept of females with facial hair. But many diehard fantasy 'dwarven culturalists' dismissed any naked faced dwarven lady as merely an outlier.

Simply put, they thought beards were attractive regardless of who was wearing them. Though, even within those fanatics of the hirsute there were both pro and con female mustache factions.

Samira was personally very pleased to see the long sideburns. They both acknowledged the beard ideal and displayed plenty of 'traditional human' femininity. Vika's adorable features were not upstaged, yet left room for improvement if she desired it.

Agatha related. A momentary swirl of color later Samira opened her eyes. Agatha handed her a bottle of chilled water.

"So what took you so long?" She asked, eyeing Agatha while drinking.

Agatha nodded, "I was observing the Golamar cyber-net Custodian."

Samira's eyebrows went up, she sputtered, "Oh, fuck! Really?"

Agatha nodded, "I will have a preliminary report after lunch."

Samira smirked, "Lunch sounds really good."

Agatha nodded, "You have two hours yet... Drink your water."

They both giggled.

---

Astrid spent about twenty minutes cleaning up the airlock hatches, she and Agatha went over the controls and programming, ensuring safety in use. She finally nodded to Max, the way into Golamar was safe, secure, and completely under their control.

During the entry and secure phase Vika had played a vital role. She was able to halt progress and silence Astrid's necessary din at critical moments.

Vika was able to observe quite a lot, from just the service alcove. There were two other doors, and a vent Vika was itching to explore. Most of the time she was observing the traffic and the flow of it. The service alcove was at the stern edge of the starboard habitation complex.

Vika observed odd interactions along with occasional patrols consisting of Drakkar, Kintark, and Terrans. They seemed to enjoy some manner of alliance. She didn't understand the dynamics, but she was pretty sure those three species had no love for one another.

Vika dutifully reported the unusual observations to the network.

When Astrid was finished, Vika returned to the Deirdre, once again Spirit Walking through bulkheads and hull plates. Max's memories shaped her caution, she pulled the boom from Golamar when it was not in active use.

The Captain rolled her mind around the different materials used by TFN and TFMC. She added the Kintark penchant for plasma weapons then the various types of munitions Drakkar were rumored to use.

From the perspective of a marine, it sounded like a very messy proposition.

Almost anything could be found in Freeport. This situation would be completely beyond them if the Deirdre's presence was revealed. Dame Captain Max Anders resolved to keep this mission clandestine as long as possible. She would sit down and crunch the numbers with her family as soon as Agatha could get them.

Right now, though, getting those numbers and staying covert was their only priority.

Max carried the stout laser cutter kit back to Engineering. Astrid's gear was cleared away and put up in short order.

It was about an hour until lunch, so Astrid and Samira worked on one of the Combat drones while Vika and Paula were still in the briefing room studying the schematics of Golamar.

Joon put her hand in Max's and looked up at her. Max and Joon shared a nod and walked into the Mess where two hands of Agatha were in the Galley. One of them brought out tea for the Leadership.

Max and Joon thanked her, she curtsied.

The two senior wives had a few quiet moments together. They sipped tea, letting thoughts gather.

Joon pursed her lips. "Is there always this much stress?" The petite XO inquired.

The towering Captain nodded, "I'm afraid so." They both sighed softly then sipped tea.

"Will you be able to kill Terran pirates?" Joon asked.

"Yes." Max replied, "Without hesitation."

Joon bit her lip, "I don't like the killing, but I imagine it is sometimes necessary."

Max nodded, "Yes."

"I just worry." Joon commented.

Max placed her hand on Joon's.

"Killing isn't the hard part, it's living with it afterwards." Max muttered softly.

Joon pouted. Max and Joon suddenly felt calmer and more relaxed. They turned knowing looks to the Galley where Agatha smiled at them. Joon smiled and Max nodded.

"Best."

"Agatha."

Max and Joon said in turn.

---

Lunch was a Garden Salad with Romaine lettuce, Carrots, Tomatoes, Cucumbers and Onions. It also had Croutons and Crumbled Sharp Cheddar. Agatha then served a Creamy, Pungent Hungarian Mushroom Soup, with Paprika and Dill. Freshly Baked Buttery Brioche was laid out with it for her family.

Everyone came down to lunch, the delicious smells of the soup and bread filled their noses. They were momentarily distracted from the mission, enjoying each other's company, and losing themselves in the delicious aromatic meal. Agatha received great praise, of course, the exotic chef had reveled in her family's joy.

She removed the ruins of the lunch, efficiently laying out tea and coffee this time with scones. When everyone had eased back in their seats Agatha laid a datapad on the table and waited.

Max and Joon nodded to her, and Agatha prefaced her report on the intel gathered on Golamar thus far. "I am hesitant to make any specific qualifications as to the accuracy of my statements within this report." Agatha continued, "The definitions I am using thus far are only on appearances and are subject to change."

Max raised her hand, 'What will you need to solidify definitions?"

Agatha paused, "I need to position Hands along the periphery of Golamar's primary hull, to observe and define the inhabitants. Thus, giving definitive numbers and accurate qualifications for objective descriptions."

Max pursed her lips, "Would you prefer to wait on giving this report until after doing so?"

"Not exactly." Agatha responded, "I need to at least update the family of the Custodian's existence."

Samira nodded.

Agatha's wives listened.

Max nodded, "Okay, tell us."

"On Golamar there is a single Dauzakai, she is the designated Custodian for the platform's cyber-net." Agatha related. I researched her on Dau, she has a complicated profile and history and so I am having Nomissa investigate it for me. She is Suomii: she was convicted of data-piracy almost a decade ago and her sentence was banishment."

"Suomii has since been employed in several systems, even working for the Kiz Enclave Municipal Authority for a time. I suspect she was hired away from Kiz then brought here. No matter what we plan to do on Golamar, we will need to hack and commandeer this cyber-net. In order to do this with any lasting effect, we must remove Custodian Suomii from the equation by either abduction or assassination."

Agatha turned to her Captain-wife when she finished.

Max's lips thinned, "Is she a data thief... or a murderous pirate?"

Joon nodded approval at the question.

Agatha inhaled, "I don't know yet, though the information available to me does not suggest she has homicidal tendencies."

Max locked eyes with Agatha.

"The moment you can determine that for certain, will dictate her fate." Max said softly, with no emotion in her voice.

Everyone at the table knew just how deadly serious that statement was.

For the next ten minutes, Agatha outlined the use of ventilation systems and maintenance accessways throughout the massive platform. She brought up a detailed hologram on her datapad. Everyone paid attention to enumerated pinpoint locations a Hand would need to occupy in order to cover the entire platform's population. During the infiltration Agatha would be able to determine exactly where Suomii was located.

"I'm surprised you cannot feel her." Paula turned to Agatha sitting between her and Max.

Agatha shook her head, "I don't have an established connection with Suomii, however, when she is within my empathic range she will stand out like a torch in the shadows."

"Do all Dauzakai?" Joon asked, intrigued with the explanation.

Agatha nodded, "Yes, after the Lessons of Dau, they are quite luminous."

Max studied the hologram, "Seven Hands?"

Agatha nodded, "Yes, Captain."

"You will be in full kit and nanoweave." Max's statement was not a request, Agatha could taste the worry behind those words.

"Yes, Captain." Agatha responded, sharing a look with Max.

"Vika and I will escort you for placement." The Captain added.

Vika looked at Max, "What about Suomii?"

"What do you mean?" Max raised an eyebrow.

Vika smirked, "If she is to be assassinated, I can do it... But if she is to be abducted."

The diminutive Operative turned her eyes to Paula.

Paula blinked, "Do what now?"

Max nodded and smirked, looking at Paula, "She has a point."

Paula looked between Vika and Max several times, "Oh, I get it now."

Joon, Astrid and Samira shared the same sympathetic facial expression, feeling a little sorry for Paula.

---

Paula found herself swathed in nanoweave, wearing a black body sheath and carrying 'her' DL5 LMG. The squad support weapon seemed to weigh much less than it did.

The weapon is called a 'light machine gun' but it was anything but light. Neither were the two additional five hundred round box magazines she carried.

The Lieutenant had decided on her own volition to bring the LMG and the additional ammo. Paula realized she was only along for her Hex, so why not gear up, it might come in handy.

It was more than an hour after the lunch briefing, and she was already quite tired of the walking, stress, and being as quiet as possible. The mission started with ten members. She was told beforehand the long slow trek would take many hours.

Paula was surprised she only felt mildly annoyed, she could only imagine how miserable she would be if she wasn't enhanced at all.

Paula thought in the network, her tone dripping with sarcasm.

Joon replied.

Telepathic giggles echoed in the network.

Within ten minutes they were at the first location Agatha had chosen. Each Hand was geared as Max had instructed, full kit and nanoweave.

Armed with suppressed XR-75's, the seven Hands each also carried a pair of Yelneg Ahktar machete-like swords.

The wedding gift she received from Vika.

Vika was armed in what was now her standard, Skerawk wind-blades, Ca'tagri fighting knives and new Wakizashi short swords. Max brought her personal XR-75, and her new Nagamaki polearm.

The Captain double checked the location where Agatha's Hand was hidden. It was in a vent near a nexus of corridors within the expansive first habitation area. There was another location Identical on the opposite side of the platform.

It would be an hour before they saw that one.

Agatha's route would bring them by the docks first. The interior of Freeport reminded Paula of 'Little Dick', the slum of the Kiz Enclave. It showed a level of wear that was rarely seen outside public transit, or extremely old civic centers.

Lighting was sporadic and the sodium yellow seemed to reinforce Golamar's antiquity. When Paula mentioned it, her family confirmed her observations. Vika added her thoughts on the patina of filth and grime that graced corners and crevasses.

The Dwarven Rogue-shaman noticed the grit of Slarmian denticles as well as other species-specific detritus. Paula was glad no one saw her expression under the nanoweave.

Well used sections and routes through Golamar had the hygiene of a public toilet, it made Paula a little queasy. Construction was an odd mix of Ornalith style with Trankaran dimensions. Natural stone was used in every application where it was acceptable to do so. It was common to encounter large open areas between honeycombed ones giving the massive structure occasional cavern-like qualities.

The materials used were by modern standards of exceptionally high quality.

Max settled into a careful but somewhat detached steady stride as the mission had no real fear of discovery. Agatha was able to keep them from running into anyone, while monitoring electronic security. On more than one occasion the mission was forced to find a quiet alcove or cul-de-sac to allow groups of thirty to forty Freeport denizens to pass by.

Apparently wandering around Freeport alone was dangerous to everyone.

Max observed them closely, picking out various weapons and armor... As well as species. Slarmian, Yelneg, Elmoq, Skerawk and Ornalith were well represented in these large groups with the occasional Ca'tagri, Qiat or Largath. They resembled work gangs and there was little in the way of uniformity among them.

Eventually, though, the mission encountered a different kind of group.

This one was far more disciplined and displayed very different mannerisms. It was led by a Kintark, though it had elements of Terran and Drakkar within. This group was smaller in number, only about a dozen, but far better equipped with well-maintained gear, armor and weapons. They followed tactical discipline and covered sight lines as they traveled.

By the way they worked together Max concluded this particular alliance was formed prior to Freeport. Max deduced two separate and very different pirate factions... How marvelous!

Back on Deirdre, Astrid and Samira were back to working on drones. The third Combat drone was shaping up nicely, slowly turning from bronze to deep violet. Their cooperative skills had improved substantially; Samira was very pleased.

Astrid nodded to her with every step they completed with the upgrades.

The Engineer only being occasionally distracted with kisses from Samira and Agatha tantalizing her with snippets of elegant code. Astrid had only seen it's like on Dau, it was exceptional.
Joon sat on Deirdre's bridge and reviewed passive sensor data of Golamar. The XO was interested in just how ship-like the monstrous platform was. Joon's mind pictured Golamar like some ancient space-faring mythical creature. Her sublight speed was not impressive, even though she had banks of Trankaran engines in a 'V' formation at the aft of her industrial hulls.

Golamar's primary hull had docks in that location, Joon doubted anyone would confuse them.

Her hyper-warp capability was just as miserable as far as Joon could tell. From the data it was obvious Golamar was by no means expedient. However, she could actually move from one system to the next with decent efficiency.

The platform was capable of refilling its vast stores of fuel by way of siphoning needed elements from gas giants and refining them herself. She could go for quite a while in between draughts.

The petite XO's mind now imagined a camel crossed with a basking shark... She shivered.

Joon looked at the data and compared it to what Astrid had ferreted out of the Kylex group. From the comparison Joon estimated the platform had lost four percent efficiency since Rum Peu's arrival. From her point of view, that was deplorable. Joon wasn't an economist, or engineer... But a four percent decline in six years meant Golamar would eventually die without intervention.

The Chief Medical Officer of the Deirdre smirked.

It made sense that she thought of Golamar as a living creature, infested with parasites. Maybe it was her way of explaining the immenent death of hundreds or thousands of pirates.

Joon chided herself, Bob had put his faith in her, this mission was primarily a rescue. No matter how many pirates were disposed of, she would save every Bract she could.

The two remaining Hands Agatha had on the corvette were sequestered in the comhub monitoring Golamar's security status and guiding the infiltration. Agatha had penetrated the platform's internal security as far as she could without setting off alarms. One of her many tasks in cyberspace was to weaken the security protocols, allowing Agatha to monitor Golamar's systems on the holonet.

The Custodian, being Dauzakai, gave Agatha unique factors she could exploit. Suomii relied on Dau generational knowledge and techniques in programming. Agatha was able to follow those particular logic trees like walking down a stairwell. That wasn't Suomii's fault, and in almost any other situation that would have been to her advantage.

Agatha couldn't guarantee it would stay that way if Suomii became aware of the intrusions. There were fiendishly clever traps within Golamar's cyber-net, that could have only come from the Custodian. Agatha had to admire Suomii's style, her code architecture was exceptional, showing inspirational leaps that even impressed Astrid.

The mission was closing in on Golamar's impressive docks where the bulk-freighter Ghusmik Urr was currently unloading cargo. Its Captain was overseeing cargo distribution among the various sub factions within Freeport. Agatha made specific notes of what went to whom as she had a feeling that kind of logistical data was going to be of import to Max.

Following progress of the Infiltration below the Docks brought the group to the second location where Agatha could observe the emotions of the fleet.

---

Astrid narrowed her eyes. Samira nodded: she noticed it too.

"I'm going to run out of Oricalcum." The Sorcerous-Engineer pouted.

Samira raised her eyebrow, "So what happened?"

"I went twenty-five percent heavier with the Combat drones, It made sense to my wetware," Astrid pursed her lips.

Samira smirked, "Well, we know there are more ingots in Freeport."

Astrid smiled, looking hopeful, "Do you think Vika would be willing to get some?"

"Won't know if you don't ask." Samira giggled.

Astrid thought to her redheaded wife.

Vika responded with curiosity.





Astrid asked timidly.

Vika asked.

Astrid sighed mentally,

The Engineer felt a loving mental hug,

Astrid sent her hugs back.

Samira saw Astrid's smile, "She said yes?"

Astrid nodded, "She is such a dear..."

"We should thank her," Samira smirked.

Astrid blinked, "We?"

Samira shrugged, "Yea... We're a team."

"I can either help you with Vika or distract Paula."

They giggled.

"I bet Paula would like to spend time with you." Astrid bit her lip.

Samira's eyes widened slightly, "Oh? What have you heard?"

Astrid glanced down, "Nothing... But she seemed to enjoy you."

Samira pulled Astrid closer, wrapping a pair of arms around the taller blonde.

"I would be happy to, as long as we are all okay with it." Samira raised an eyebrow.

Astrid bit her lip again, "We are all together, Sam."

"I know, three polyamorous couples." Samira smiled.

Astrid's face colored, she moaned softly.

Samira nodded, "It's settled then, you take care of thanking Vika, and I will make sure Paula isn't any worse for wear."

Astrid eyes sparkled, "Just don't wear her out too bad."

They shared a giggle.

---

Teffa nodded to the Poruchik in charge of transporting Durx. It was a bittersweet moment for the smallish Major-domo, but she was glad the ruggedly handsome provocateur's stay with them had finally concluded. He had a dark colored cloth over his head and was carefully guided into the unmarked Dynasty vehicle by several uniformed Palace Regiment officers.

There was no media anywhere to be seen, the quiet arrangement seemed to slip under everyone's radar.

Thick fat drops started to fall from the darkened sky.

If it wasn't for Polkovnik Emuzi's specific request, this pickup would have never occurred. Agatha rubbed Teffa's back as the transport departed the rooftop pad. They both went to the nearby freight lift and took it all the way back down.

The Embassy was expecting its native employees to begin work in the following days so the timing of Durx's departure was advantageous. For the next week Agatha and Teffa would be smoothing rough edges on developing protocols.

There were few hard and fast rules to Embassies within TFN doctrine. Most every situation was as different as the nation hosting it, besides, there was currently no other Special Envoy within the Tfed. Jooniper Smith was the only one, and she had to deal with all twelve of the Minor Empires.

So, any specific rules were up to her, and her staff.

Yes, the TFed Department of Foreign Affairs, affectionately referred to as the foreign office or FO had guidelines, but they weren't what you could call rules. Paula was a wealth of procedural memory and operational knowledge, and Agatha could get clarity or advice from her at any time. The mandatory twenty Terrans in the next week or so would help them point out major flaws and most of the minor ones in the developing protocols.

In the ME, language skills were a must to avoid misunderstandings. Lakita's Slarmian was getting better by the day, and both the linguistic student's Terran was improving as well.

'Una' was on reception duty, and so Agatha and Teffa went to have tea with Lakita. "Missing your Pilot?" Agatha asked in Terran, she raised an eyebrow as the pair ascended the ramp wells to the third-floor family area.

"Don't tease, you know Teffa is." She smiled, her Terran had improved noticeably.

Agatha nodded, switching back to Slarmian. "Yes, I'm sorry... I will send her back as soon as I have filled her ship with amenities for the second floor."

Teffa nodded, "I understand, I am glad I am not first secretary, it sounds horribly confusing."

"It really isn't, but I can see why it would appear that way." Agatha smiled at Teffa.

"I was able to get the exact dimensions and quality manufacture from Dau, and at a very good price."

"And since I needed to redistribute, it was as good a time as any."

Teffa nodded, "Are all the Terrans going to fit on the second floor?"

"I think so," Agatha replied, then continued, "The two Lieutenants will have to share an apartment, I hope they can adjust."

"Is that usually a problem?" Teffa asked.

Agatha shrugged, "I have no idea."

"We will figure it out then." Teffa smiled.

The pair came into the common area, an eight-foot hulking Largath had just set out tea.

"Hello, Agatha and Teffa, I hope our guest enjoyed his stay?" Lakita asked in near perfect Slarmian.

Both of her friends gave a thumbs up.

"Nicely inquired, Lakita." Agatha nodded.

Teffa nodded to Lakita, "Our guest received better hospitality than he will ever see again."

The Largath gasped softly at the terse reply, she blinked her four eyes. Lakita then poured the tea as her two friends coiled and sat down. Agatha raised an eyebrow at Teffa. Teffa saw the expression and shrugged, "The comparison makes me appreciate Zuki."

Lakita's eyes watched the exchange, she didn't miss much.

"I like Zuki very much; she is smart and considerate." Lakita said, as she knelt down. Teffa smiled, the Slarmian Major-domo was quite smitten and everyone knew it.

"Is there anything you can tell us today?" Teffa asked with a sparkle in her yellow eyes.

Agatha giggled softly, "Not at this time, things are... Progressing."

---

The mission group reached the next chosen location, it was a mirror image to the first one. Nanoweave clad commandos were able to emplace Agatha's Hand without issue.

Agatha had four locations remaining, the next was in the middle of the 'commerce' section. The current conversation focused on reaching the location Agatha recommended as they moved smoothly through the habitation complex from one honeycomb area to another weaving around clusters of living quarters.

Suddenly Agatha stopped, she warned her wives of the horrifying, dark emotions she was feeling ahead. Once the mission laid eyes on the area in question, the conversation abruptly ended. The commerce district was a canyon bisecting Golamar's habitation in two. Connecting the two sides were scores of walk bridges, the walls contained shop fronts.

Most of the shops were dark, only a very few showed signs of life. What caused them to stop conversation was at the floor level of the commerce canyon.

Dozens of darkened metal pens, many filled with people from all over the Minor Empires. Three of the largest pens contained over a hundred Bract. Suspicions were now confirmed, Freeport had slavers as well as pirates.

Agatha fought to keep her wives from doing anything rash, she pumped calm into Max and Vika especially.

Paula was struggling to keep herself from bursting into Witchcraft as she spotted the three naked Largath Does bent over in stocks and chained in place. It was obvious they were staked for free use by Freeport's Male Largath population.

Conversations within the family network were now very grim with even darker overtones. Joon and Samira requested information on the health of the captives but Agatha was unable to confirm physical conditions; she was quite sure the Largath Does were shut down with madness.

She parsed the emotions of the slaves carefully, noting some stronger personalities still held fragments of sanity. The Bract had mostly gone catatonic, only a few seemed to be lucid. Agatha noted female Trankarans among the captives; it was a reflection of how far away from civilization they actually were.

The position Agatha chose was under the largest foot bridge, she had made a hammock of reinforced nanoweave. Spider-like Agatha carefully climbed down and under the bridge set up her hammock and settled in.

The mission continued reluctantly, the desire for retribution strong. Agatha gently but firmly kept her wives focused on the task at hand and smoothed the jagged emotions allowing them to think clearly.

The next position Agatha chose was the forward edge of the portside worker's complex. She led the way again, the number of Hands in the group dwindled as the empathic network slowly took shape across the massive platform.

Several times the mission paused in quiet observation as groups of pirates made their way to territory within the habitations. One such habitation appeared to be open and empty, its hatches shattered and broken. By the evidence available the occupants had run afoul of the community in general and was murdered.

So, there was already precedent of mob justice within the community, Max noted.

Already a plan was beginning to formulate, while the mission ensconced another Hand. There were only two locations left, then the next location would be the most difficult.

It was in the Management and Executive resort accommodations of Golamar.

This incredibly beautiful and ornate section of the platform seemed completely out of place: where as the workers habitation complexes seemed most generous for the vast labor pool that was once needed to function in the history of Golamar, the workers living space was utilitarian and unadorned for the most part, the frugality itself was a style of that era.

However, Executives and Managers rated a much higher deference and even the places they slept must reflect this superior position and elite status. This opulent expanse of richly appointed apartments and suites were a look back at true luxury from that distant era.

Unfortunately, much of the actual riches used to embellish the phenomenally designed accommodations had been stripped away, however, the remaining architecture continued to instill a feeling of elegant beauty from the past.

This was the heart and soul of Golamar, the capacity to produce legendary wealth on display. Hundreds of epic fortunes had come from this excessive expression of industrial greed. Golamar's command center was also found here, just forward the grand dining room.

It contained all the necessary functions, as a bridge on any ship might, but had stations for dozens of specialist operators in addition. As magnificent as the resort section was, it was still encrusted in the same grimey filth that covered the rest of the platform. A pervasive miasma that coated the entire platform with an unkempt overused sensation.

At the center and above the resort was an exclusive collection of suites and rooms. This Chief Executive suite had been reserved for only the highest ranks of investors.

There was a high balcony that adorned the suite looking down upon the rest of the palazzo. The balcony overlooking the huge open courtyard could be used as a massive conference room or audience hall. The vast, gilded room was now empty, save an ornately carved large solid stone desk set beneath the balcony. Impressive inlaid double doors behind the desk were guarded by armed and armored staff.

Small similarly equipped groups kept station at choke points throughout the resort district with powerful weapons on display to dissuade trespass, indicating yet another faction at play.

Behind the thick walls, a maze-like, cramped, tangle of maintenance corridors saturated the area. The mission knew every twist and turn; but these hidden passages did not seem to be general knowledge and they allowed the mission to traverse the area with small chance of encounter.

When they reached the lofty target destination, they paused.

The filigree ventilation cover above the balcony was where Agatha indicated the next location was. In short order she was settled in, expanding Agatha's empathic sensory reach. At that point Agatha was able to determine Suomii's location.

---

Suomii had chosen, what appeared to be, an industrial control room as her home. The series of small bays were in proximity to Golamar's command center: however, the bays were separated and had no direct access.

Located 'under' the resort, these fortified workshops were different from the rest of the platform, and they appeared to incorporate new construction. Someone had gone out of their way to profoundly reinforce the existing utilitarian design.

The mission could see the many 'improvements' from instilled memory.

Family discussion considered the broken and shattered habitation unit in the portside worker's complex. It was obvious Suomii did not want anyone to dig her out of her home in that way.

All routes to these fortified bays converged outside a solid armored door.

Max inquired about the network.

Agatha replied, then reported her findings.





Astrid made excited happy noises.

Vika asked.

Max chuckled,

---

Less than forty minutes later the mission was now at the last location. Max was carrying the very small, unconscious Dauzakai in a duffel across her back. It reminded her of Miku's rescue on Dau and resembled carrying Vizier Telkiss. Suomii was a bit heavier than the Vizier had been, she was chock-full of cybernetics.

Astrid and Samira were now extra curious about the tiny Dauzakai. She was about the same size as Itumii, Director of the Udrill-za-Hedima amphitheater. Max barely noticed the Dauzakai's weight, not slowing or hindering progress in any way. Paula would be able to keep the Engineer unconscious for as long as was necessary.

The abduction was simple, Paula was able to pick the living Dauzakai out of her workshop surroundings with ease. Pulling every bit of fortune from Suomii, Paula was able to Hex her unconscious through the armored walls. Vika had been waiting close by in spirit form for Paula's Hex to land and Shadowstepped next to Suomii as she fell unconscious, gently catching her and preventing any injury from the fall. Agatha, through Astrid, was able to open the door through the cyber-net using the codes she pulled from Suomii's own unconscious dreams.

The whole abduction took about five minutes.

Suomii's workshop was resealed behind them as the mission continued to the final location and as they settled Agatha into her final quiet location the telepathic conversations revolved around dinner.

Joon, Astrid and Samira were in the Galley, determined to do right by the mission and feed them a delicious dinner. Paula was now jealous, she wanted to do some cooking, too...and her carry harness for the DL5 felt like it had sprouted serrated edges.

Paula had wanted to contribute to the mission but should have chosen a lighter weapon. She knew her role in the abduction was a primary reason for its success. But Paula wished she could have found a way to cast her Hex from the safety of Deirdre. She suddenly felt an odd itch in the back of her mind.

Seven Hands of Agatha were now in place with slightly overlapping empathic radii. The Family's most exotic wife was now absorbing huge amounts of emotional information on every conscious being on Golamar.

For every unconscious being she was delving into their dreams, plucking data and determining exactly who and what they were.

The mission was a complete success, the emplacement team quietly exfiltrated back to their home, the Terran corvette, Deirdre.

---

Max carried the Dauzakai to Medical at the request of her XO and Joon carefully went over Suomii's physical condition while Astrid and Samira examined every piece of cyberware she had on her: all thirty-two of them.

Most were Dauzakai manufacture, including the two civic-grade wetware slivers. Three were Terran cyber-weapon systems, inelegant and crude in comparison but lethal and effective. Two even Agatha did not recognize, she suspected they might be Bolon manufacture.

The Dauzakai Engineer was not in great health, her diet was terrible, and she most likely never saw starlight. It appeared to Joon that Suomii had a problem with stims, long term use would wear her into psychosis.

After the examination the Dauzakai was moved into the guest cabin. Suomii looked ridiculously small laying on the huge bed, Joon and Astrid tried to make her a little nest out of the pillows.

The Family gathered in the Mess...

Joon presented a Rock-prawn Scampi, a Spiced Grilled Vegetable Medley, and Green Stew, heavy with Tart Cress and Earthy Greens, cooked with a Spicy Sausage.

Max beamed a smile, "These are some of the dishes Zess made us when we first arrived on Dau."

Joon nodded, "Yes, I had Agatha help me with the recipes."

Samira and Paula took their time enjoying the meal for the first time.

Joon glanced at Agatha, "Are you going to have the meal with Suomii?"

Agatha nodded, "I will be ready in just a few minutes, I don't want her doing anything untoward."

"Just say when." Paula nodded, sipping water between mouthfuls.

---

The Frigate slipped out of hyper-warp at the edge of the Lyra-Kepler system. As the ship increased velocity It was detected and flagged by Dau ATC as a warship, which was technically true, but it was only after verification by the extensive Dau database on ship types that those designations changed. About eighty-five percent of all vessels that visited Lyra-Kepler were technically warships.

Specific configurations and national origin were considered which would then allow a ship to be redesignated. In this case however, The Boozi Tryst was already on the Dau ATC ship registry and after a few minutes of flight inbound, Dau ATC's huge collection of passive sensors picked up the transponder.

Dau ATC immediately sent a greeting hail to the ship in Slarmian and simultaneously contacted Diplomatic channels. Agatha smiled as she was given notice that she had arrived in the Lyra-Kepler system. It was nice to see someone's ATC being timely and efficient and Agatha's acknowledgement included her praise of Dau ATC's professionalism and efficiency.

Zuki received a welcome by Dau ATC and was given a flightpath directing her to Sakima-sadi-misimi. The Slarmian Pilot glanced at Agatha wide-eyed, "That was fast, really fast."

"Welcome to Diplomacy." Agatha winked at Zuki.

The repurposed BPA frigate rode the flightpath, touch down would be within the hour. Agatha had informed Nomissa of the newest member of the extended family, and the Dauzakai Caretaker was instantly interested.

"Are you going to give her wetware too?" Nomissa smirked mischievously.

Agatha raised an eyebrow at the Senior Ambassadorial Caretaker, "The subject hasn't been broached."

Nomissa chuckled, "I am only teasing."

"I know, and I am happy for it." Agatha smiled.

"I am very pleased there were no ill effects." Nomissa bowed to Agatha.

The two were sharing tea in one of the small Caretaker's kitchenettes.

Agatha had asked for a tiny, abbreviated apartment in Sakima-sadi-misimi. Zess wanted to put her on her own floor, but Nomissa understood Agatha better. The tiny apartment put her right in the middle of the historic fortress-like residence.

Nomissa's own room was on the same floor less than a minute's walk away. Agatha desired the sense of family, of community.

"How is Miku's recovery?" Agatha smiled over her teacup, she knew the answer of course.

Nomissa chuckled again, "The physician has no idea how you did that, and Miku doesn't need recovery." The two shared a smile.

Agatha tilted her head, "Zess is in a good mood."

Nomissa nodded, "Whenever those two spend time together, the mood is good."

The Caretaker tilted her own head, "Tell me of this Pilot, Zuki?"

Agatha smiled, "She and Teffa are in love."

"Ah, to be young again." Nomissa smiled, "How long will she be staying?"

"Not long," Agatha nodded, "She is going to be flying some cargo I ordered back to Staverka."

Nomissa smirked, "The furniture?"

Agatha raised an eyebrow at the old Dauzakai, "Have you been scanning my browser?"

Nomissa sipped her tea, looking up at the short ceiling, innocently.

Agatha laughed, "Yes, furniture... I've had them made for Terrans."

Nomissa nodded, "I didn't think they would support Largath."

"No, we got Lakita a huge stuffed mattress, and just pulled out the bed frame." Agatha explained.

Nomissa nodded, "And she is sharing an apartment with you?"

Agatha nodded, "Yes, three of my Hands are in one bedroom, she is now in the other."

Nomissa listened closely, then tilted her head, "I don't know enough about Largath to judge."

Agatha smiled, "They come in different flavors, just like everyone else."

Nomissa nodded.

Agatha shared a look with Nomissa, "So was there anything unusual about Suomii's case?"

Nomissa sighed, "Not in so many words..."

"It was harsh... But she was a repeat offender, and the ruling was meant to deter."

Agatha raised an eyebrow, "Did it?"

Nomissa nodded, "Indeed, Suomii's case set a hard line for Data-piracy and Intellectual Property Theft.

"On the rare occasion that line has been crossed, the punishment was just as severe."

Agatha raised her eyebrow again, "How rare?"

Nomissa smirked, "Twice, in nine years."

Agatha nodded, "Any chance Suomii can be reformed and return to Dau?"

Nomissa sighed, "I will inquire... But I don't have much hope.

Agatha's lips thinned. "Let me know what paths might be open to reformation and redemption, please."

Agatha and Nomissa shared a look.

"I will ask those who might know." Nomissa nodded and finished her tea.

---

Agatha sat the tray full of hot delicious Dau cuisine on the comdesk. She had spent the last five minutes disconnecting Suomii's cybernetics and wetware. It was no great effort to do so, she could reconnect them just as easily; but for now, Suomii's cybernetics had to be rendered safe.

The Dauzakai could not be allowed to jeopardize the mission or Agatha's family.

Agatha closed and locked the guest cabin door; she surveyed the unconscious Dauzakai. The Dauzakai had been stripped of her frayed and ratty work clothes. Agatha would get those cleaned for her. Suomii had been bathed carefully, and then laid out on the long comfy bed.

Agatha crawled up on the bed next to her and cuddled into the pillow nest. She closed her eyes and slipped gently into Suomii's dreams. She quickly realized the small Dauzakai was already interpreting the smells in the cabin.

They took her back to a time in her life when she felt safe and happy. In her dreams she was sitting at the sunken couch pit meal gathering of her family. There was laughing, interesting conversations and delicious food.

Agatha inserted herself at that table, joining in conversation.

It only took a few moments for Suomii to notice her. Agatha was obviously out of place, but it wasn't offensively so. Slowly the gathering thinned, one by one they left until finally only Suomii and Agatha sat at the table.

"I don't know you." Suomii tilted her head, "What's your name?"

"I'm Agatha." She smiled softly.

The Dauzakai engineer pouted, "You're a Terran."

Agatha nodded, "Yes."

"Why are you here?" Suomii asked, her green eyes narrowed with suspicion.

"A little for the food and conversation, but mostly for you." Agatha responded.

Suomii looked around, she was in her first fosterling home. "This is a dream; I haven't thought of this place in many years." Suomii returned her focus to Agatha, "Why am I dreaming this?"

Agatha smiled softly, "I believe it is because you smelled the food I brought."

Suomii's eyes grew wide, "You brought food?"

Agatha nodded, "It was made especially with you in mind."

"You are trying to trick me." Suomii growled.

Agatha pushed calm into the Dauzakai, "I am not, I know you are not a bad person, but you have done things that perhaps you shouldn't have."

Suomii gasped, tears appeared unbidden. "Who are you, how do you know that?"

"I am still Agatha, I have looked into your past, and I wish to be a friend." Agatha nodded.

Suomii's chin quivered, "I don't have friends."

Agatha tilted her head to the side, "What about Chirrup and Birrup, or Mosira?"

The Dauzakai gasped again, this dream was unlike any she'd ever had.

"I suppose they are friends, even though I've never met them IRL." Suomii muttered.

Agatha smiled darkly, "You've met them through your drones, that's pretty close, is it not?"

Suomii stared at Agatha, "Is this a dream, or a nightmare?"

Agatha shook her head, "I mean you no harm, however, there are larger events coming together around you. It is very important you understand the danger, there will be lethal conflict shortly."

Agatha locked eyes with the Dauzakai, "I think you should be a hero this time."

Suomii's eyes went wide, she was truly shocked, that was something no one could possibly know about her. She had always wanted to be the one to solve the riddles, find the clues and save the day. Suomii wanted to be a hero, ever since she was a hatchling and listened to stories with heroes. "Y-you do?" Suomii asked softly, her chin quivered again.

Agatha nodded, "I do... So, I'm going to wake you up, and we are going to share a delicious meal and talk about it."

Suomii looked around the home from her childhood, she didn't realize just how much she had missed it. "Okay... I would like to share a meal with you." Suomii smiled.

---

Tea and coffee were set out with shortbread. Agatha had the full attention of her family as she began an outline of the different social dynamics in Freeport. There were a multitude of factions in Freeport along with tight and loose alliances. Some were very prominent and in plain view, most were not.

Agatha and Max had discussed turning the factions against each other; but apparently someone had beat them to it. There was a cold conflict already occurring on Golamar. Abrupt, deadly skirmishes were occurring without warning followed by preposterous reasoning.

Agatha explained the twisted rational and demented personality behind it.

Rum Peu, in a low cunning sort of way, thrived on chaotic conflict. He was able to orchestrate sharp competition between the various factions and then slowly fan those embers into something more volatile.

On reflection, Agatha explained, Fud Peu had done the exact same thing with his offspring. So naturally Rum was imitating his sire, using this conflict to boil-off the 'unworthy', and condense the result into more obedient and loyal adherents.

On the cyber-net the topic had been discussed quietly between many concerned individuals with enough intelligence to see the pattern. Suomii's closest confidants on Golamar's cyber-net were among those.

The Custodian was able to keep such discourse well hidden from Rum's proponents. Among them only Mosira was in a position to actually do much of anything. The Kintark Engineer had somehow found herself second highest rank in a force group who chose to depart a losing war for new opportunities.

Along with Terran traitors whose misplaced loyalty bought them a death sentence in the Tfed, the small flotilla were soon petitioned by a Drakkar raiding ship to join them: for some reason the carnivores were accepted.

Mosira's Prelate was a disillusioned fanatic of the disgraced and destroyed Kintark Emperor. He was mollified and convinced by the traitor Terran Commander Kent Sandwell.

Prelate Volkuth solidified his own authority through fear and Mosira was the latest in a long line of elevated sub-prelates. Her predecessors had disagreed with or offered alternatives to Volkuth's sometimes unhinged theocratic initiatives.

Mosira had no intention of dying from an 'accidental discharge' of Volkuth's plasma pistol. That seemed to be his preferred method of turnover. Mosira would agree to anything he wanted, staying busy with upkeep of the Kintark ships, and well out of the Prelate's sight. It turned out Volkuth became enamored by Rum Peu's odd charisma almost immediately upon meeting with him personally.

The three deserter leaders talked privately with the pirate king several times and they seemed to have reached an accord. The Ornalith mogul had somehow convinced a Kintark Prelate, a Terran Navy Commander, and a Drakkar Raidboss to follow his every whim.

Mosira felt less than helpless, she knew that easily two-thirds of the Kintark force were similarly entranced by the 'Pirate King' Rum Peu.

The vast populace of Freeport was faced with similar difficulties.

Local pirates, the ones who had gathered within the ME were just as divided; forming loose bands within the greater identity, they enjoyed very little actual profits as they followed on the dark path Rum led them.

Golamar skimmed the edges of the Minor Empires and Trankaran space for years and the small fleet of pirate ships grew. It moved often, never staying too long in any one place, wary of ME and Republic forces.

Captured ships that could not be ransomed or sold intact were rendered down for materials. On occasion Golamar would be used to dissect and reduce old derelict space stations. Suomii soon discovered afterwards that those derelicts had been havens for rival pirates. Rum would not tolerate rivals; his ruthless reputation grew with his following.

Agatha continued her intelligence briefing...

Soumii was able to physically separate and exclude herself from the direct influence of Rum's court. She continued to do her job and used a limited version of Golamar's full industry when she was directed to. Suomii had rendered scores of ships and derelicts into basic materials over the years.

That function was enough of a value to keep Rum satisfied with her... Thus far. The Deserter forces were a very recent addition to the Freeport dynamic.

Those three leaders, Prelate Volkuth, Commander Sandwell and Raidboss Mikkog, had slipped under Rum's influence. Rum liked shiny and new, he liked showing off, he liked strong followers and the Pirate King held court as often as he could, inviting all the powerful in Freeport.

Court featured the best food and drink, and of course, crazy stupid intrigue.

There were always people there for the food, Rum made sure there was always good food, but not attending court usually meant you became a target of Rum's insinuations. He would constantly make subtle manipulations, referring to conversations that no one was sure he even had, with people who may not have even existed.

'A friend of mine said to me... I said to him... I've seen this so many times... Everyone is saying... This is so sad.'

Everyone just accepted Rum's foibles, it was part of the experience, you never knew what he would say or do. 'It's really such a shame... Someone should take care of that... Taking care of that little problem would be appreciated... The best appreciation anyone has ever seen... Maybe the greatest.'

The endless loop would wear down the psyche of a percentage of Freeport denizens, pulling them fully into Rum's disconnected reality. They had to hear the things he said to interpret what he needed or wanted.

It was documented that Fud Peu did the same thing but on a much smaller scale.
Agatha reported on Rum's twisted psyche. His reality changes with every new thought he has, sometimes he feels small and alone. Other times the Ornalith is completely convinced he is the most brilliant being in the universe. His own ego had grown steadily but is just as fragile as the small and frightened offspring of Fud that he never really grew beyond.

Rum Peu is an insidiously programmed child-like sociopath. His pleasure receptors are his only gauge of right or wrong.

The monotonous mantra he continuously spews is the only constant, he prevaricates as easily as breathing.

Agatha glanced around the Mess table. "Freeport will erupt into unrestrained unmitigated violence... it's only a question of when."

Everyone thought about that.

The very tall, muscular, athletic woman that was the Captain of the Deirdre, pursed her lips. "Do you think you can guide and shape this inevitable eruption of violence to occur when we desire and can take advantage of it?"

Agatha nodded, "I believe I can."

"What about non-pirates, and those you could confirm as non-murderers?" Joon inquired.

Agatha nodded, "I may have a solution for that."

Samira raised a hand, "What of the captives and slaves?"

Agatha nodded, "We will need to evacuate them, I suggest the Galleon."

Everyone nodded.

Paula tilted her head, "How trustworthy is Suomii?"

Agatha smiled, "Very... Her friends are somewhat less so, but they know Freeport is a deathtrap."

Max shared a look with Joon.

Joon inhaled, "Do you think you can organize some kind of quiet underground mutiny?"

Agatha smiled, "Suomii has already put those pieces in place."

"I am very certain a number will be willing to work with us through Soumii, if it means they have a future worth living."

"The problem is the ones who want nothing to do with this madness are unable to say anything openly, unable to trust normal communications."

"I believe I can accurately identify, correlate and direct qualified sympathizers to this goal."

"Directing them through dreams to each other, keeping the movement secret and safe."

"Suomii, along with sub-prelate Mosira and two Qiat smugglers, Chirrup and Birrup, we can have most of Freeport effectively decapitate itself..."

Joon tilted her head, "Qualified?"

Agatha nodded, "Those who are not murderous pirates."

Samira shared a look with Joon, then stated, "There can't be that many of them."

Agatha shook her head, "There isn't, most of them are Kintark and about half of the smuggler merchants make up the rest."

"I will have exact numbers inside of a cycle." Agatha nodded.

"Are slavers included in that tally?" Vika raised an eyebrow.

Paula and Joon voiced agreement.

"Slavers were included with pirate numbers." Agatha nodded.

Samira raised her hand looking at Max.

Max raised her eyebrow and nodded to the Cybernetic Paladin.

"I volunteer to rescue the slaves and captives," Samira intoned.

Max glanced at Joon.

They shared a look, then the XO nodded, "I also volunteer."

Max turned to Agatha, "What do you think?"

She shrugged, "I'm sorry, Max, I have nothing to compare it to."

"I have never encountered so much suffering before."

Everyone at the table was affected by Agatha's declaration.

Max's lips were thin, "Can you ease their pain."

Agatha nodded, "Yes, I started the moment I settled in."

"I have a few Ideas, I want to work out the details with everyone," Max said softly.

The Crew of the Deirdre leaned over the table and worked on the Captain's plan.

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