Conflict: Tides of Mars, #2

By Ben Winston

As Ariel and her friends get ready to start making a difference, the Senate decides to do it for her and declares war on the Empire. Ariel learns more about what it means to be a leader, and the state in which the people of the Empire have been living. She has a hard time dealing with becoming the icon of hope for trillions of people when she is having a hard time just defending her own home. She learns quickly when the republican fleet arrives to kill her and her grandfather, and take over the Empire.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Blue Space Publications, LLC.
• Release date: Jun 17, 2014
• ISBN: 9781498908481

Ben Winston

Ben Winston (1965 - ?) was born in Iowa and grew up in Minnesota on the family dairy farm. Upon reaching adulthood, he joined the United States Army as a communications technician. Before getting out of the military, he decided to go to school for computer electronics. Shortly after getting out of the military, and after getting a new job with an over-seas company, he was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease. A month after beginning the new job, he was laid off due to budget over-runs on the project he was hired for. Upon returning to the United States, he had difficulty maintaining employment because of the chronic illness. He began writing as a form of stress release, from being home bound and not being able to work, and found he liked writing erotica. Ben wrote a trilogy called the Talosian Chronicles (Currently in rewrite to remove the graphic sex and finalized his vision of the story). The first book, Star Dancer, won awards and was nominated for many others by the online communities where it was posted. Ben Winston returned to school for literature, after completion, he began writing professionally. Being an avid fan of science fiction he focused on this genre. He was, and still is, influenced and inspired by Gene Roddenberry, Anne McCaffery, David Weber, Isaac Asimov, and Ray Bradbury. Some of his favorite movies and TV shows are; Battlestar Galactica (both versions), Andromeda, Star Trek, Firefly, Star Wars, and many of the B-rated movies that were actually box-office bombs.

Book preview

Chapter One

Landing Bay Delta

Command Super Dreadnaught, I.S.S. Divine Light

210 degrees south, 43 degrees west trans-solar orbit

Sol System, Horon-A Sector.

––––––––

The marines from the Divine Light were performing a mop-up of the attacking slavers, when the Tides of Mars arrived, and called in for priority clearance to land near the Life Station. Flight control assigned them to landing bay Delta since the normal bay for the small assault ship had been damaged in the fighting. Admiral Hs’ean was there to meet Ariel and discover how the battle went.

Sorry, we had to land you here, but the two main bays were damaged in the fighting, Sean said.

"Actually, I think we’re closer to the Life Station here anyway, so that worked out at least. Admiral, I’d like to introduce Captain Argus Tyrr, late of the Dolian Medium Freighter Merchant’s Profit. Captain, this is Admiral Hs’ean, commander of His Majesty's third fleet," Ariel said making the introductions.

It’s a pleasure to meet you Admiral. To be honest, I never expected to be doing so without irons on my feet and wrists, Argus said as he bowed to Sean.

I think it’s a sign of our times, Captain. Welcome aboard, Hs'ean replied returning the bow.

Captain Argus, could we pick your brain about this assault? We’d like to know if we got everyone, or if there’s more on planet we simply haven’t found yet, Ariel asked.

Sure, I’ll tell you everything I know, but I need to warn you, it really isn’t much, Argus replied. But I do know how many ships came with me, this time.

This time? Hs'ean asked.

It’s not my first trip to this system, Admiral. I could do nothing before this because of the keepers the guild forced on me. This trip, I still had a keeper, but I was given far more leeway, Argus explained.

Made my old keeper mad as can be when I suggested putting in the cryo units. He was one of those that enjoyed ‘playing’ with the ‘slaves’ during the trip back. He shuddered. I would have gotten spaced over it too if it hadn’t yielded a higher return by ensuring more slaves made it to market, without the expense of food, and extra guards, he said sadly. I was just trying to make sure the people didn’t get raped, beaten, and starved on my ship. It was all I could think of to do at the time. It turns out it was such a good idea, the Baron gave me Jess as a reward, and now all the freighters have cryo units.

Baron Otwold? Ariel asked, just to make sure they were talking about the same person.

Argus nodded. Yes, Baron Uhri Otwold. He was the man I worked for slaving. When I got to the LaPas Markets, the auction took my cargo out of cryo, checked them over and then they went into pens with his name on them. The Baron deducted my ‘Pay’ from what I owed on the ship, and he covered all of my expenses. The crew worked for him, so I didn’t have to worry about paying them.

What kind of pods are they using? mKail asked in her scary-quiet way.

ACP one-oh-nines. They stuck with the exact system I installed. As far as I know, no one has figured out there are cheaper units. I explained it to the Baron as, if something happens to the ship, then the cargo would at least be recoverable. I felt like I’d been punched in the stomach, he thought I was a hero.

At the smile on mKail’s face, Ariel raised an eyebrow in a silent request for information.

Highness, ACP stands for Armored Cryogenic Pod, model One-Oh-Nine. What that means is even if something destroys the ship, the slaves would be safe, since the pods are self-contained and will act as an escape pod. This is how they were billed when they were first released.

So if we waited to attack until the transfer ship gets loaded, we could recover the kidnapped people, Ariel said thoughtfully.

Yes, Highness. I can even tell you where to shoot to do the most damage, even with shields, Argus confirmed.

Highness, this is great news, I’ll pass it along to Imperial Command immediately! Sean offered.

Wait, Admiral, we don’t have all the information for the other ships yet, Ariel said, stopping the rising Admiral. Captain, what can you tell me of the fleet that has attacked this system?

Well, it was mostly capture-ships, and only about fifteen freighters. The capture-ships carried the assault pods since our holds are full of the Cryo-pods. The freighters were to land at predetermined locations, spread far apart. That way, if one of us got captured, the rest wouldn’t be compromised. Once the capture ships dumped their cargo of pods, they followed us in, and started rounding up as many people as they could, as fast as they could. He handed Hs'ean a small crystal. This is the briefing crystal on the entire operation, along with maps and areas of responsibility.

Hs'ean handed the crystal to her aide. Get this down to Intel, have them get it disseminated and plan strikes. Coordinate with the other ships. The Marines can have the freighters, but they should let the wings have the capture ships. Execute as soon as they finish, I doubt we have a lot of time to get these assholes!

Right away, Sir! the young lieutenant saluted and was out the door before anyone knew she was moving.

Now, I’ll get the word passed to Command. If you’ll excuse me, Highness? Hs'ean said as she stood.

Hold on, Admiral. I don’t think that would be a good idea, Ariel said stopping her. As soon as we share this information, the slavers will change tactics, and we’d be right back to square one.

Highness? Are you suggesting that Command has been compromised?

Argus snorted. You are joking, right? Admiral Ramies’ wife is the grand-niece of Duke Hallowstun. You might as well put out a public broadcast; fewer people would hear it!

Hs'ean looked troubled. I hadn’t thought of that. I wonder why no one else has either.

Simple, because no one dares challenge royalty. If you do, you get a visit from a Guardian. Uh, no offense intended, Highness, Argus replied. May I speak frankly, Highness?

Please do, I think we all might need to hear this, Ariel replied.

"None of you royals really know how bad it is out there. If a planet decides that their patron isn’t taking care of them, and they appeal to the Senate, they get a visit from a Guardian, who promptly executes the leadership of the planet, and installs a leadership that will ensure the population stays pacified. If that doesn’t work, then the patron and Guardian quarantine the planet, and all of the food it produces, it if produces any food at all, is loaded onto transports and shipped off planet.

"Most people are decent hard working citizens. There are enough that have questionable ethics, or are simply trying to curry favor that the royals have no problems finding the right people to rule in their name. Hire a bunch of knuckle-dragging, genetic mutants to keep the population inline, and you have a planet full of obedient slaves.

No one trusts the royals unless it’s the Emperor, but even then, they know he’s in the same boat as the people are. He’s simply out-numbered, and out-maneuvered by the other, greedy nobles. People are losing hope, if they haven’t lost it already.

Ariel knew he was speaking the truth. Cr’ale knew of the problem, so did she, but she hadn’t realized it was as bad as Argus was saying. Looking at her companions, Hs'ean looked troubled, but defiant, and mKail remained aloof, as if she’d known about this all along.

Thank you, Captain, for telling us this. I knew there were problems in the Empire, but I don’t think I realized just how bad it really was until now. Admiral, now that we have prisoners, please report their capture. We’ll try them in a couple of days, and then hang them. In the meantime, please inform all the project heads I want a status report by the end of the day, Ariel ordered.

I will do as you command, Highness, but are we not supposed to return all prisoners to Aldus Forward for public execution? Hs'ean asked playing her part.

Ariel almost grinned at the set up. No, Admiral. We will not send them back so the so-called Nobles can minimize their crimes! Ten years public service as punishment for kidnapping, trafficking in slaves, and smuggling? No, from now on, these bastards will swing right here. If I have my way, their fucking bosses will be swinging right beside them! Ariel said angrily, causing Hs'ean to take a step back.

Bridge to Princess Ariel, Gr’eis voice issued from the room speakers.

This is Ariel, go ahead, Captain.

Highness, there is an Ophuchian trader requesting permission to enter the system. They claim to have a personal message for you, Captain Gr’eis replied.

That’s odd. Please allow them to continue, and have them land at the villa. I’ll meet them there, Ariel said.

As you wish, Highness.

Oh, and Captain? Ariel said.

Yes, Highness?

Thank you.

Ariel could hear the smile in the voice that answered her. You are most welcome, my Lady.

Ariel turned back to Argus. Captain, thank you for all the information, I know you didn’t have to tell us, so I appreciate your candidness. Once Jess has been healed, you are both welcome to come down to the villa for her convalescence.

Argus bowed. Thank you, Highness. Uh, I might be way out of line here, but if you decide to do something more direct, you may count on my and Jess’s assistance.

What do you mean, ‘more direct’? Hs'ean asked him sharply.

Nothing of consequence, Admiral. Her Highness understood what I meant, that’s all that’s needed, Argus said holding his bow while he answered her. By your leave Highness, I’ll just go check on Jess if I may?

Of course, thanks again, Ariel said dismissing him.

So, you’re going to use this to begin the ‘rebellion’? Hs'ean asked once they were alone.

Yeah. If things are as bad as he says they are, we need to get on the ball. I’m just afraid we’ll have to take the whole damn Empire by force, Ariel said.

You won’t, Milady. What Captain Tyrr told you is the truth; however, if you can give hope back to the people, you will have an unstoppable army. In a way, you’ve already started on that, mKail replied.

How so? Ariel asked.

The Legend you’ve created. In the eyes of those that have heard the retelling on your feats; you’re a hero. Which is something the people desperately need right now. Hero’s create hope, even if it’s only fictional. In the back of their minds, the people will still believe, and they’ll back you. Once you start taking planets away from the other nobles, and restoring true civilian rule, news will spread like wildfire, mKail said.

I’m afraid I have to agree with her, My Lady, Hs'ean said. Do you remember when you first came up to the ship, and I asked you to change clothes?

Ariel nodded. Yeah, you said something about bootleg images of me being circulated and how we’d need that in the long run. I still don’t see how almost naked images of me will help our cause one bit.

Those images, combined with the mostly true rumors about your exploits so far, will set the stage for the civil uprising we’ll want in order to free the rest of the Empire, Hs'ean said.

When mKail touched Ariel on the shoulder, she turned to see what she wanted. "Ariel, I was given your file when I was assigned to take care of, and protect you. I admit, at first, I thought I’d been asked to babysit a spoiled noble.

"But as I read how you’d been raised in total ignorance of your heritage, and how you were directing your life, always focusing on a goal, I was impressed and more than a little relieved. Bri’tell was supposed to introduce us the night that piss-ant noble D’espie attacked you.

"We responded as soon as we knew of the attack, but by the time we made it across the bay, and overrode the door lock, all the fun was over. However, we escorted you to Corporal Ahm’min’s quarters so you could personally perform the duty for him. I think that’s when I began to admire you.

"Later, after we returned to the ship, I pulled up as much info on you as I could find. I’ve never heard of anyone outside of the guards doing anything like what you did to that armored Marine.  You figured out the survival-training scenario after you proved you had the intelligence to survive in an emergency, and then confirmed it by asking if that was enough.

I’m not sure when I began to have such great trust in you, Highness. But I find my loyalty is no longer with my duty, but to you. By admitting this, I have signed my own death warrant, but I’ve wanted to tell you the truth for some time now, mKail finished.

So you are a member of the Guild of Death, Hs'ean said.

No Admiral, the guild is a myth created to frighten people. I am of the Regulan Guard, mKail answered.

Ariel held up a hand to stop the questions from the Admiral. We can talk more about this later. Right now, I need to get down to the villa. You and I are going to have a talk during the decent, mKail.

As you wish, Highness, mKail replied, smiling.

Sean, as soon as you feel comfortable leaving, you’re welcome to come down as well. I’d like to introduce you to my parents, Ariel said.

––––––––

Guardian Stealth Assault ship, I.A.S. Tides of Mars.

Interplanetary space; Earth orbital insertion vector

Sol System, Horon-A Sector.

Princess Guardian Ariel Parker-Moran, Commanding.

––––––––

"Okay, mKail. The first thing you need to know was that shot that killed the Marine was complete and total blind luck. The second is that when I spoke to my testers during survival training, I honestly didn’t expect an answer. I was hoping it wasn’t real, but if it had been, then no one would answer, and no one would have known I asked. So I asked, tricking the testers into thinking I’d figured it out before asking.

Everything else is just hype. I’m no one special, mKail. I’m just a girl in very unusual circumstances, trying to do the best she can, with what she’s been given, Ariel said.

I know you won’t believe me, but there are no things called blind luck, or coincidence. Everything that happens, happens for a purpose, Ariel, mKail replied. "Even capturing the Merchant’s Profit had a purpose; bringing us Captain Tyrr and his information."

It sounds like you believe a person’s fate is predetermined, Ariel said.

No, not really. But I do believe a person creates their own personal reality as it pertains to the universe. It gets really complicated when people’s realities clash. Fortunately, yours fits with a lot of people's hopes and dreams. So things go well for you, mKail replied.

Ariel smiled. We’re getting sidetracked into a metaphysical discussion. What I really want to know is why you say you have so much trust in me?

For the reasons I just said, mostly. There is also the fact that I’ve been conditioned to have utmost trust in the Imperial line by the training I’ve received, mKail explained. After a moment of thought, she continued, You have my complete and utmost loyalty, and I would follow you to the ends of the Universe.

I can accept that. One more question before we land. What is the Regulan Guard?

That is actually a very closely guarded secret, which can cost me my life to tell ... mKail began, only for Ariel to interrupt her.

Unless I need to know, then don’t risk it. My curiosity is not worth your life, Ariel instructed, using what mKail called her ‘Princess’ voice.

I know mKail isn’t your real name, and I know you’re not from Tigress. May I know your real name and where you’re from?

"I was born in the Fortress on Aldus Forward. A state sponsored orphanage raised me and from a very young age, I was trained and educated for a position in the Guard. I officially began my service at the age of eighteen. Since I looked so young, my first assignment was as a doxie in one of the pleasure houses frequented by high-ranking officials, both civilian as well as military.

I was to serve the Emperor by reporting any seditious activities or discussions. I personally stopped four assassination attempts on the Emperor, two against your mother, and one plot to destroy the peace between the Empire and the Ophuchian Cluster. mKail paused.

"The night I was pulled out of the pleasure house, it was destroyed by a bomb. It also destroyed three bars, another brothel, four regular businesses, and two twenty-five story apartment buildings. I lost a lot of friends in that blast.

"I was given genetic cosmetic alteration to hide my identity, and introduced to the Imperial Court as the daughter and only surviving relative of a recently deceased, wealthy businessman. Incidentally, he had been supposedly killed in the same blast meant to kill me. I was to continue in my duty of gathering information by any means, only this time, I wasn’t to risk my cover unless I discovered a direct threat to the Empire.

"On the first evening, I was shocked when Duchess Hanya took me aside and thanked me on behalf of her cousin the Queen. She assured me my cover was still safe, but my handlers flipped out. I think the Emperor intervened because all the questions suddenly stopped, and I returned to the Court.

"In the three years I was there, I didn’t gather much more information. My handlers were deciding where to shift me, when I was suddenly reassigned as an embassy guard at the Imperial Mission to Mineias Fri. My orders were simple; protect the interests of the Empire.

"After two years as a guard, Vice-Duke Alaig took me along to a meeting he was having with Crown Prince Jherell Noi. I was close enough to overhear their discussion. Aliag was selling the classified shipping routes for the two closest sectors to the Prince.

"I shot both of them in the head, and recovered the information. Since I had violated about a dozen treaties, not to mention killing a Noble of the Realm, I was taken into custody, and sent back to Aldus Forward in chains.

In order to save relations between the two realms, as well as our own nobles, I was publicly ‘hung’ in the court of the Imperial Tower. Some criminal had been selected to undergo reconstruction, made to look like me, and then hung in my place. In the meantime, I was getting a new identity again. My new assignment was to the Imperial Guard. My mission was to protect the Emperor at any cost.

I’d discovered two of the Guard that had been working for one of the Dukes as spies. Before you ask, no, it wasn’t Altrov. She grinned. I called it in, and the two simply disappeared. No one ever connected me to it.

"Then the day came that his Imperial Majesty sent for me and gave me a new mission in a frontier sector, far from Aldus Forward. I was to ensure the survival of his only remaining, viable heir. My contact would be another member of the Guard that was already in place. A Master Chief in the Imperial Marines who had been serving on the Command Carrier Divine Light.

I’m sure you can remember the rest. I was never given a name, just a designation; MKL-nine-six-two, hence the name mKail. She shrugged. Every new identity I’ve had comes with its own name, so I don’t claim any of them as really mine.

Highness, we’ll be landing in about two minutes, the pilot said from the speakers. Causing mKail to grin.

Thanks Jergen, we’ll be right out. Ariel said. ‘Feeling’ the link close through Cole, she looked at mKail. Come on, we’re landing.

Chapter Two

Moran-Parker Estate

Near Henderson, NV. United States of America.

North American Continent, Earth, (Sol III) Horon-A Sector

0500hrs, local

––––––––

When Cole brought the ship down, Ariel immediately noticed that construction had resumed around the property. When she asked Cole about it, he said it looked as though they were installing a force shield and the weapons systems similar to those on the royal estate on Aldus Forward.

Good, Alex and the staff here need that kind of protection when we're not here. I won't worry about them as much, Ariel replied.

I don't think they are installing it for the staff, young one, Cole replied, amused.

Why not? I'm not here all that often really, and I sure as hell don't want these people hurt, Ariel replied intentionally missing Cole's point.

You know, you really should try to get some sleep after you see your parents. That courier ship won't be here for a couple more days. I'll contact the Mars base, as well as Tewney and get an accurate status report for you, Cole offered in an attempt to change the subject.

Ariel only nodded as she headed for her stateroom to get her gear. "Do you have an estimate on how long the Anvil will be out at the Vega sector?"

Quite some time I'm afraid, Ariel. It'll take six months to a year to get the station to a point where it can finish on its own. The mining parasites from the Anvil will have to travel about three light-years for the raw materials to build it. Perhaps further if needed, Cole replied. Did you have a project for the ship?

"Just considering options. Like building a mobile refining forge near the Asteroid Belt, and moving the sensor drone construction to the moon. They should be able to find a good share of the metals they'll need there, and it'll take the strain off the Divine Light's machine shops," Ariel replied.

Didn't you already decide to move that to the Mars base? mKail asked, confused. She knew Ariel had been talking to Cole internally, but since Ariel had been replying out loud, mKail decided to interrupt.

Ariel frowned as Cole confirmed mKail's assumption. I guess I'm more tired than I thought. I just can't help but feel we need to be doing more. People are suffering, and here we sit; doing nothing.

Ariel, we are far from doing nothing. You have ordered the things we will need to bring change to the lives of every person in the Empire. Once those projects are completed, and we have enough folks trained, we can begin the real mission. Remember, once we begin this, we're going to have more volunteers than we have room for, mKail explained.

I know you've told me that, but I can't help but be nervous about assuming we'll get those people. I'm just not sure we're doing enough, Ariel sighed.

Let's finish this conversation after we eat. I'm sure Betty has a wonderful breakfast awaiting us, mKail suggested.

Only because you had Cole call ahead and warn her! Ariel accused her in mock anger.

Well, Betty did ask that I let her know when you are planning to return to the Estate so she can plan accordingly, Cole admitted out loud. That's a perfectly normal request.

What happened to the people that got caught up in that mess with my parents?

Alex had them all sign a standard US government nondisclosure agreement and sent them home. Of course nowhere in that NDA did it actually say that it was the US government, but it should suffice. The lie detector they were under when they signed it, said they all did it willingly, and without deception, Cole replied.

That's about all that could have been done. Now, all we have to hope for is that they all stick to the story, Ariel said and yawned. Damn! I don't know if I'm even going to be able to eat and say hi to the folks! But either way, I suppose I should get going. Mission guards are off rotation for forty-eight hours, and are exempt from the next mission. I'll check with the Master Chief when I wake up.

Both of you; rest well, Cole said and Ariel grinned at mKail, who winked at her.

Thank you, Cole, mKail replied, as the two disembarked from the ship.

When they descended the ramp, Ariel's parents, including Alex, were waiting for her, as well as the Master Chief and an honor guard surrounding the landing area. Everyone but the guards looked tired.

You know, I think I should make a new rule around here; before nine a.m. only the guard should be here. Everyone else can sleep in, Ariel said as an aside to mKail whose grin deepened.

Do you honestly think anyone would obey that rule, Highness? mKail replied.

Ariel turned to her. I thought you were past the ‘Highness’ thing?

I'm required by Imperial Law while I'm on duty. I must refer to you 'by title and with all honor.' Don't worry, as soon as I'm off duty, or we are in a private situation, I will refer to you by name if that is your wish, mKail explained. 

Both Bri'tell and her father snapped to attention as soon as she got within a few feet of them. Ariel rolled her eyes. Good God! Will you two relax? It's way too damn early for all that saluting and shit.

Alex handed her a dark chocolate mocha iced cappuccino. Betty sends her love, and has breakfast ready in the main dining room, Ariel.

Taking a drink of the heavily caffeinated beverage, Ariel sighed. Remind me to give her a big kiss in thanks for this.

Ariel was about to hand the drink to mKail when Bri'tell interceded. Uh, I'll hold that for you, Milady. Caffeine and mKail are not a good combination. The last time she tried one of your coffees she had so much energy she decided to join my troops for hand-to-hand practice. I had so many in life station that it was a miracle I could field an appropriate detail for you!

Ariel chuckled as mKail blushed. Bri'tell raised an eyebrow at the show of emotion from Ariel's Guardian. Regulan Guards where a strange breed; raised from birth for the Guard, they had been conditioned and indoctrinated to protect the Emperor and the Empire. They were as fanatically loyal as any religious zealot could ever be, and a hundred times more deadly. They were trained ghosts, and ghosts had no emotions. Because of their training, stoicism was their hallmark.

For mKail to be showing any emotion at all meant her conditioning had been broken, and she was, by definition, a threat to the Empire. One of the classified standing orders in the Imperial Guard was that, if a Regulan Guard appeared to have broken conditioning, you needed to notify Imperial Command immediately. Imperial Command would dispatch two other Regulan Guard to retire the now rogue Guardsman.

What bothered Bri'tell was that mKail had to know this as well. So, why was she still here? Was she still clinging to her duty even though she knew her life was forfeit? That would certainly be in line with what he knew of the Regulan Guard.

Ariel was introducing her to her parents. Bri'tell caught the subtle pride and inflections in her voice, and saw that Major Janis had as well. Bri'tell suddenly glanced at mKail and he suddenly knew what had happened to Ariel's Guard; mKail’s loyalty and duty had shifted from the Empire to Ariel. mKail was now too close, emotionally, to Ariel.

As if she knew, he had just reached that realization; mKail looked right at him and nodded her head, subtly. He knew that what was to come would hurt his Princess, but he was still duty bound to report it. In his mind, he sat it aside for the time being. He knew he'd have time to think it over later.

... and as much as I would love to stay up and reconnect with you, I haven't really slept in about four days. Damn slavers kept making a nuisance of themselves, Ariel finished.

That's okay, Sweetheart. You go ahead and get your sleep, we'll still be here when you get up, Karen replied. 

––––––––

Command Super Dreadnaught, I.S.S. Divine Light

142 degrees north, 62 degrees west trans-solar orbit

Sol System, Horon-A Sector.

Fleet Admiral Lady Guardian Hs'ean commanding

––––––––

Has the Intelligence Section figured out what the hell the Slavers thought they were doing by staging that kind of an assault? Hs'ean asked from her place at the head of the conference table.

"We can find no reason other than as a diversion to get as many ships down to the planet as they could. However, that doesn't leave them with an exit plan. Even after thoroughly analyzing the data from the Merchant's Profit, we still have no answer.

There are still several freighters as well as several capture ships still on planet. We're rounding them up as quickly as we can thanks to the information from Captain Tyrr. The commander looked at her data pad. "We have had time to really go through the different temporal cloaking generators used by the slavers. They all operate on the same general principle. They create a temporal field around the ship that renders it not only invisible, but immune to any attack not tuned to the correct temporal 'frequency'

"It's a very effective cloaking and shielding mechanism but it has one major draw-back; it tends to weaken an objects phase lock with what we would call 'reality.' There is a lot of scientific language here, but the bottom line is, it will eventually destroy anything within its area of effect, including humans.

"Specific physical examination of several of the prisoners shows varying degrees of this effect from very mild to pronounced molecular depolarization. Medical