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The file of Colonial
auxilary ships continue moving in file along a farside region of asteroids
and space clutter.
On the bridge of the Radii-Delta, the hatch from the cylindrical
mast swings open and at first Jolley climbs up through it and catches his
breath.
Greenbean is next, he comes through, is winded and observes,
"On the Galactica, we have elevators for this sort of thing."
"Your critique of the space-worthiness of the Radii-Delta
will be noted and creditted to as per your suggestion, Leiutenat,"
Captain Sidon states flatly, the tone of his voice assuming a very
no-nonsense approach.
"Beginning to sound like a military ship," Greenbean
quips to himself.
"Quiet," Jolley cautions.
If Sidon were planning to say anything, he is interrupted by
Valdi, "Captain Sidon," Valdi reports, "Our highest power
scanners are picking up movement on the outer edges of the Colonies."
"Confirm," Captain Sidon turns to quirey his two
primary officers.
"At this range, positive identification is
impossible," Pyrene reports,
"It could be cargo traffic, trying to cash in by running the
embargo."
"There has been a scarcity of bandit-traffic recently, and
merchant shipping has increased," Valdi offers.
"Many of those shipping companies have to keep making runs
to stay in business," Sidon agrees, "Despite the risks."
"But I'm counting here, there's more targets than just the
freight going through there, Captain," Valdi observes.
From a side-panel Rigel speaks up, "Captain, shall I send
through a bulletin?"
"Automatic distress beacon-calls will reach authorities
long before any message we would transmit from this distance," Pyrene
reminds Rigel.
Captain Sidon steps in and says smoothly, "The Leiutenat is
correct, in a sense you both are, as this progression continues, I beleive
Colonel Rigel will soon be busy transmitting such a message."
"Sir?" the startled Rigel asks.
"Soon Enough," Captain Sidon remarks, "But first
there is a minor matter of certain key personnel, plus," Captain Sidon
says with a faint smile, "plus this ship receiving promotion."
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