The Quarry

[Rage Menelas]

[font=Lucida Sans Unicode]You will report to order headquarters immediately... It was Order-master Da'aris over the wall unit.

After completing their work in upgrading the sensory suite of Saar'floe, Charlie and Ryan had retired to the main study of his tower to relax and rest up for the early morning take-off. Their evening had been interrupted by the incoming call.

May I ask to what this emergency pertains?

Alleged illegal contact with the indigenous population of Pella'agre. The austere visage of the wizened commander faded, returning to the scenic seascape of a far-off ocean world, the stark contrast deepening the emotional impact of the moment. Charlie looked at Ryan with plain disapproval written on his face, which was almost immediately supplanted by an entirely different facial tone.

Ryan was confused. The starflyer being disappointed in his apprentice was understandable. This other telegraphed emotion was unless Ryan was mistaken suspicion. What is it, boss...?

Well... I did not include your incident with the locals in my report. You never told anyone about it either... So... how did they find out?

Hmmm... maybe the ship that fired at us leaked it somehow...?

Leaked it...? Oh... no... no... they could not have... I found the wreckage, there was no sign of life aboard.

Then who else could it be?

I know not, my apprentice... but this smells badly even into the afterlife, as you Terrans say...

I... think you mean it stinks to high heaven.

Indeed, he agreed absently. Let us be off to the headquarters tower... quickly... we must resolve this matter!