Captains & Captives: Sea of Infinity, #2

By Tommy Clark

After the successful mission in retrieving Sullivan, as well as the sibling Frey, Delta-Six squad have returned to Washington. There, life on Washington seemed to return to a sense of normal. It would seem that Josh found his place as Captain of the Delta-Six squad and he, with his team, have made a name for themselves.

The Frey siblings brought with them a secret, one that has the potential to turn the entire galaxy upside down.

When Josh speaks with Aiwin he learns of a wrongdoing in the galaxy and finds himself, as well as his squad, on another unsanctioned mission. A mining operation at Mount Wah'la may be more than what it seems when the crew find themselves on O'Fallon, a planet known as the source of the cherished resource known as Erisium.
Has the Delta-Six squad bitten off more than they can chew when the Nigh'Alk who run the mine become aware of their presence? Will they escape with their lives? Follow Delta-Six as they try to uncover the horrible secrets of Mount Wah'la.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tommy Clark
• Release date: Dec 20, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201353391

Book preview

Book design by Tommy Clark

Cover design by Jon Stubbington, www.jonstubbington.com

Editing by Dabecka Kirk

First Edition: Otober 2021

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Dedication

For this book I dedicate it to all of those who have affected my life, both good and bad. I would not be who I am if not for all that I have been through.

- 1 -

Washington was the same as when they had left. No one on the station had any idea of the impact the mission had on those who embarked. Many were happy to see Sullivan returned. A few recognized the loss of Derek, however, many paid no attention to the group otherwise. They were simply another squadron. Life on Washington would move on training would continue.

The mission was supposed to be a simple recon mission to look for the crew of Sullivan’s company. When the team arrived though they saw that the shuttle was shot down and that Sullivan had been the only survivor. His beacon led the group across the planet into greater dangers. Then they saw Aiwin who had a secret of his own. Now the group had returned, all save one, and Aiwin was taken for questioning.

Josh stood in the hallway where he had been for more than an hour. Sullivan and Six were in the room with Aiwin and Ania. They had been asked to sit in on the questioning. Sullivan had ordered Josh to leave the room. Josh stood in the hall to appease the order while at the same time standing directly across from the door as an act of rebellion. He thought that if he was trusted enough to captain the team that he should be trusted enough to question Aiwin. After all, it was Josh who discovered the flash drive and obtained it. Still, there was so much more to this whole thing than simply an alien on a planet. Surely there was something of importance on the flash drive. Aiwin had other intentions, but was secretive as to what they were.

Suddenly, the door opened and Six stepped out into the hall. She gave Josh an incredulous look.

I figured... She looked at Josh from over her nose.

You asked me to leave. I left. Josh snapped.

Doing just exactly what was asked and nothing more. Sure.

What did you discover? Anything you can share? Josh asked.

We will have a briefing soon. Six stepped to a side to allow the group to exit the room. Aiwin and Ania were restrained in cuffs and escorted by four men in Shepherds. Josh looked at Aiwin as he passed. Aiwin forced a smile and nodded. Josh couldn’t quite put his finger on the pull he felt to free Aiwin. He didn’t think that he had done anything worth being incarcerated. He struggled with the thought of what news came about in the room. Was Aiwin some sort of traitor to the galaxy? Was he a bounty hunter who had been evading capture?

As the group of men ushered the Frey forward Sullivan stepped out from the room. He spared a look at Josh before turning his gaze on Six. 

You win. I owe you twenty credits. Sullivan said.

See that they’re transferred before you forget. Six said. It was the closest to a joke Josh had heard her say.

Josh, gather the squad. We will have a debriefing in one hour. Until then, Sullivan glanced once again at Six, no one talks to anyone outside the squadron.

Yes sir. Six said.

Yes sir. Josh followed.

Sullivan nodded and turned down the hall

Do you think he meant we shouldn’t talk to anyone outside the squad as a whole or just about the mission.

You’re always looking for an angle. Six said.

I’m just trying to understand. Josh started after Six as she began walking down the hallway. What will happen with Aiwin? Josh asked.

At this time, he will remain in holding. We will know more once we can decipher exactly what was on the drive.

How is that going? Josh asked. He stopped in the hall as Six turned to him.

We have our best working on it. They should have something in a bit. Six stared at Josh for a long moment, a hint of concern crossed her gaze.

What? He asked. He shuffled in his feet uncomfortably.

What happens to Aiwin and Ania is not your fault. Do not hold yourself responsible, no matter the outcome.

Alright. Josh said. He wanted to ask if Six knew of anything else that would affect Aiwin or Ania, instead he asked, Will I be able to speak with him?

Perhaps once he has gone through intake. For now, go and gather everyone. Get something to eat and be ready to head to the conference room. Remember, one hour. Six turned down a corner. As she walked she called back over her shoulder, I’ll meet you there. Then she was gone. Josh continued his walk to the Delta Six quarters.

The squad had all made use of the downtime. Sami, Alistair and Kelly sat in the furniture near the center of the room talking. Alistair had his arm bandaged and Kelly had a wrap around her chest and torso. Seeing the wrapped pair reminded Josh of the troubles they faced on the planet. The snake-like creature nearly had a meal out of he and Kelly, while Alistair took a shot in the arm by the Drakui. Dean lounged in his bed ignoring the entire squadron. Ram and Rod played cards at the table.

Where is Chaz? Josh asked to the room.

She took a walk. Kelly offered.

One hour. In the conference room. We have a briefing. Josh said. With a mixed response of hand gestures, nods and verbal acknowledgments Josh turned and retreated from the room. He stopped in the common room and grabbed a bottle of water, then Josh walked the halls of Washington. He was still restricted access to other floors and areas and so he quickly found himself standing in the hall, looking out through his window. It was the same window at which he first saw the magnificence of space. It was the window that seemed lackluster upon their recent return. The window still provided a beautiful image of where he was and what he was doing. He loved the window and the view it provided him. He lost himself in thought as he scanned the exterior. It was truly astounding. It was hard to believe that just a month or so prior he and Sami were scrounging for food and hiding out most days. Earth was rotten and the people more so. When Earth was all but abandoned and man took to the skies, the planet was left to the savage ways of those that remained. The promise of three meals and a place to sleep called to him. He hadn’t realized then what all would be entail, but it was still remarkable.

You we’re looking for me. It was Chaz. She stood nearby looking at him. Josh turned and smiled.

Um, yes. We have a briefing soon.

Okay. Chaz closed the distance and stood beside Josh. Together they shared the view from the window.

It’s wonderful. Makes you feel so small, doesn’t it? She asked.

Yes. It does. Josh admitted.

You did good out there. Chaz said.

You too. Josh admitted.

What do you think will be next for us? Chaz asked.

I don’t know. Maybe Sullivan will tell us today during the meeting.

Whatever it is it can’t be worse than what we just returned from, can it? Chaz asked.

Honestly, I have no idea. For a first mission that one was brutal. Hopefully we will get an easy assignment next. Josh knocked absently on the window. The two had been a bit uncomfortable since holding hands on the shuttle. Then of course there was the incident of Chaz checking out his rear in the shower. Josh knew that he liked her and didn’t know how to truly say anything. Would the ruling party of Washington even allow for relationship? Even if they did, Josh wasn’t suave or good with girls. That was Sami’s department.

Whatever it is I am sure we can handle it. Chaz admitted. Sami’s thought faded and he returned to the hall and window, and Chaz.

Yeah. I think so too. He said.

We better head to the conference room. Chaz said. She grabbed Josh’s hand and tugged on him. He reluctantly let her. The window was peaceful. As long as he stood in front of it he felt he would be fine. Walking away and going to the conference room meant more work. He was reluctant, sure, but let Chaz pull him away. The two walked together to the conference room in silence.

- 2 -

It’s been over an hour. Where is Sullivan? Chaz asked. The squad all sat around the conference table in the large room. Six stood at the end of the table at the front of the room. The group was becoming restless as they waited. By their estimate the hour had past they were now nearing the second hour.

If the meeting is cancelled, I’d like to hit the gym. Alistair said.

You need it. Sami offered.

Please... I could bench you if I wanted. Alistair quipped back.

Enough. He will be here. Just hang tight. Six said. She leaned against the back wall and crossed her arms in front of her chest. She watched the group with rising anxiety. Six did not have great patience and she was stern. She obviously did not have much experience dealing with younger-less mature- people. She was a soldier through and through. She followed orders and struggled with relaxation. Josh watched her grow uneasy as the minutes ticked by. She was not enjoying the fact that Sullivan was not yet present. More so, it would seem that she was not happy with being excluded from whatever held him up.

Just as the squad became raucous once more the door opened and Sullivan stepped through. He walked the perimeter of the room and around the table to the front of the room. He paused and looked over the group. As the squad quieted Sullivan set a black portfolio down on the table and took a breath.

Sorry I am late. Sullivan started. The techs have managed to decipher the flash drive.

And? Josh asked before he could stop himself. He wasn’t captain for more than a single mission and he had already lost one soldier and nearly lost several more. He himself took damage and the squad barely found what they were looking for before abandoning the planet. He thought that at the least, the squad deserved to learn what they risked their lives for.

The drive contains a trojan virus. Once plugged in to the system here at Washington it would have uploaded the code needed to trigger a series of votes into the server to rig the election. Sullivan explained. If this device had managed to be plugged in without the proper training this could have caused trouble with the factions, a rigged election and no doubt a war.

Who was the software going to vote for? Chaz asked. Could it have changed the outcome of the election?

Absolutely. Sullivan scanned the group. The techs are still deciphering some of the code, but Boudu Kan would have won the seat for the Nigh’Alk. Further investigation into this matter will begin. This could have caused a major issue as many important people were backing Brigan D'ook and his work with Erisium.

I don’t understand. Josh began. Does this mean that Aiwin and Ania were some sort of spies?

Obviously. Dean scoffed. I knew they were trouble the moment we met them.

Always the pessimist. Josh tried saying under his breath. He failed.  Dean flashed a scowl at him.

Pessimist or not, I saved you.

You did. Josh said. Because you are a great shot. You did a great job. he tried to sound believable, to pay a compliment and possibly aid his relationship with Dean. It came off sarcastic, and that is the way Dean took it.

Piss off! Dean growled.

Knock it off you two. Six said. She turned to Sullivan. He spared the pair a glance before continuing. "It is yet to be determined. At this time it is completely reasonable to assume that they were just carrying the package. We do not know if they knew of its contents or if they were simple carriers. They will be questioned as well.

Sullivan, what is next for Delta Six? Alistair asked. When is our next mission?

Sullivan’s gaze rested on the table. He took in a deep breath before answering, Honestly, you should have not been on any mission yet. You were truly not ready and the circumstances of the mission should have warranted a much more capable team.

That is not to say that didn’t do your best. Six added.

Six is right. You did a great job. Even better than some of the older-more refined-squads.

So what, we just go back to training? Sami leaned back in his seat. As he did, he slipped his hands behind his head and folded his fingers together. Josh noticed this as his defiant position. He too felt the energy of the room. Delta six squad had proven themselves useful and capable. Wouldn’t this be a prime time to work them into some sort of  rotation?

For now yes. Sullivan answered. There isn’t much to do now. There are going ons out there that do not affect you, not yet anyway. For now you will return to training. Do not speak of anything that happened since leaving Washington. Do not discuss the planet, the Frey and especially the drive and its contents.

Squad. Get to the quarters and prepare for dinner. Tomorrow we start back to training. Six said. The group stood and left the conference room.

Josh, care for a round of Sticks and Stones? Sami asked.

Sure. Josh answered. He followed the group back to the quarters for some relaxation and game time. As he walked he let his mind wander. He recalled the planet with the sand snake. He thought back to the Drakui and the multiple encounters with them. He remembered that the Drakui had held Ania captive. Were the Drakui holding her prisoner or for ransom? Did they know about the drive? There were so many questions that Josh had with little answers. He needed to speak to Aiwin. If for no other reason to get some answers to the many quandaries.

- 3 -

Josh slipped out after dinner and went to the holding cells. Aiwin and Ania were held in separate cells but located in an area that was accessible to Josh. Josh was nervous upon approaching the guard room to gain access. He didn’t know if he would be permitted, but he had to try. When Josh asked to see the prisoner and had given his name he was allowed entrance. Apparently Six had given Josh special permission to go and visit with Aiwin.

Josh opened the door and walked down a small hallway. To either side was a series of rooms erected from clear acrylic plastic. Many of the cells were empty, all but the two in fact. Aiwin sat on a small cot inside his own cell. The cells were large enough for the bed to sit along one side and a small toilet set in the far corner. Fortunately for the inmates the acrylic walls to either side of the cells were covered with an opaque material so they could have privacy.

Running down the center of the room was a wall that divided the room in two. Benches sat along the wall on both sides. Josh crosses to the bench and sat. He sat facing Aiwin through the clear door. Aiwin stared back in a blank expression. He was not surprised to see him or happy. He simply returned the look.

How are you doing? Josh began.

Doing okay. They are not treating us poorly.  Not yet anyway. Aiwin answered in a dry monotone.

Sullivan said that they were going to hold you for questioning. He mentioned that you may have some insight on the intentions of the drive.

Josh, can I ask you something? Aiwin sat up in his bed and crossed to the door.

Shoot.

Shoot? Aiwin looked at Josh inquisitively.

Sure. Go ahead. Josh had to remind himself of the communication barrier.

The offer of steady food and a place to sleep helped. Josh offered.

Is that it? Aiwin asked. He gave Josh a look that told him he expected more.

Earth has been abandoned since the resources have been mostly depleted. People are suffering. There is little reason to stay on earth. I figured that if I could be a better version of myself in space-a person who can help the suffering-maybe I could be of some help.

That is an acceptable answer. Aiwin smiled.

Acceptable? Josh asked.

It means... Aiwin began before Josh cut him off.

No, I know what that means. What I meant to ask was acceptable for what?

I will share some information with you directly. I will not share this with the IMP however. I do not know who to trust with this information, but I will trust you.

Alright? Josh was concerned as to the nature of the information, but wanted his questions answered. He repeated his previous question, Do you know what is on the drive?

I do. Aiwin nodded.

Was it your task to insert the drive into a terminal in Washington? Josh watched the alien.

Aiwin had a great emotionless face. He did not give a hint as to his intentions. He simply answered matter-of-factly.  It was.

What happened? Josh asked.

Josh. Let me instead give you the information you need in order to understand. Aiwin paused. When Josh said nothing he continued, Space is no different than your life on Earth. I have studied your civilization long enough to understand that power is the most important thing. I am not sure if it is an overcompensation or simply a desire to own as much as possible. People of your world would say that when you die you do not take it with you. That does not stop people from enslaving, stealing, killing or going to war. These same desires remain in space. I am a part of an organization that is trying to right some of these wrongs. My part in the attempts to use the drive in order to sabotage are mine alone and I feel they are warranted. Brigan D'ook is a cruel being with similar desires as your politicians on earth. He can-and has been- bought out. He is controlled by the potential wealth before him. He has gone to great lengths to hurt many. He has influence and his corruption spreads beyond his own cabinet. It has spread so far that in fact it has infected your own IMP and politicians.

The drive was supposed to rig the election in order to ensure that Brigan D'ook lost the election. So why were you on Oryndell?

Where I am a part of an organization that tries to right the wrongs in the universe, there are others who strive to achieve the opposite. Aiwin answered.

So, you were...

Compromised. We were chased and captured. I was able to get away, but Ania was not so lucky. She had the drive, sure, but she is also my sister. The Drakui were hired to hold us captive until after the election. With no time to spare I initiated the beacon that drew in your Sullivan and his crew. I am sorry for the losses you have suffered on my behalf.

Josh stares at Aiwin for a long moment. Finally, he cleared his throat and stared back at the alien. "This is your side of this whole situation.