"Bright Future" Parts: I, II, III, IV and V

[FallenKnight]

*The traffic of Manchester system was oddly loose. Without any problems the "Claymore" - Jarrow's Templar VHF, was able to reach the jump gate leading to New London system. He was aware of the gate's cameras and logs containing any ship using it. He override the gate's protocol and the machine was activated - taking him back to the capital of Bretonia. On his way to the planet, near Canterbury station, a police officer appeared. He was scanning the passing transports but in the moment the "Claymore" was in range, the officer turned his ship towards him. Inside "Claymore's" cockpit - near the control module - the button "incoming message" begun to flash with green light. Jarrow's smile faded but with no hesitation he pressed the button*

BPA Officer: Halt, Bretonian craft. Irregular energy readings have been detected on your ship. Come to a stop and cut your engines.
"Claymore": Understood, dropping speed and setting engines to idle.
BPA Officer : Your ship registers as part of the Intelligence Agency. State your name and rank.
"Claymore": Special Agent - nickname "Claymore", MI6.

Canterbury Station, where the BPA officer caught the Jarrow's ship.

BPA Officer: Scanners report artifact contraband in your hold, you and your ship are not registered as hazard transport vessel and personnel, and are in violation of Bretonian hazard transport regulations. Relinquish control of autopilot and prepare to be towed to the nearest BPA impound.
"Claymore": Officer, I am part of a secret operation of our Intelligence service and am in no position to follow your orders until my superiors receive this cargo. I hope you would understand the situation clearly to be out of your control. Do not interfere. I assure you the artifact in my cargo hold is harmless but needs to be placed under the supervision of our scientists for further analysis. I will override your request by presenting you my security code "Blue-#02-Hat-#363-75-Purple-#13236".

*long pause - the officer was checking for legitimacy of the code *

BPA Officer: Err, your code checks out. Alright you're free to go, removing this encounter from my logs.
"Claymore": I will inform my superiors the Bretonian Police are performing their job flawlessly. This will be all for now.

*Minutes later "The Claymore" docked on planet New London and head towards Jarrow Island. Due to the security code - giving him clearance from the traffic - the ship was able to reach the castle on the island without delay. Once it reaches the final destination he landed inside an underground hangar. Baron Piett came out from the Templar fighter. Holding tight the case containing the sphere locket - he marched directly to the top laboratory of his property - "The Sage Tower". There he would have his current armor removed in order to change back to his own uniform - the one he used during any announcements. Under his hood he smiled. *

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*Six hours later a small police transport approached Landing Pad 3 of Jarrow's castle and docked. Inspector Casey Renei with two officers at either side came out of the transport. One man was large, covered in scars, maintaining an idle expression that he was already beating up everyone in the room in his mind. The police uniform sits on him like a bow on a pit bull. The other officer was smaller, scrawnier, the sort who's skill in combat isn't based on his ability to take a hit. His uniform was the sort that was rough, unkempt and likely looks that way the moment he puts it on. He's glazing around the room as though mentally attaching a price tag to every object. The Inspector radiated absolute contempt, her world consisted of one group; those beneath her, and the other men clearly understood that. Casey Renei appearance fitted in with the other men, the police uniform didn't look quite right, the weapon strapped to her side wasn't standard issue, and several unusual patches on the uniform hinted sections of hidden body armor. The only thing that suggest she was law enforcement the word 'Police' on the clothing. Nonetheless her badge was fitted prominently on her belt, clearly displayed to show her authority. She had the relaxed stance of the person who has an ace up their sleeve, was slouching slightly and maintaining easy eye contact of someone waiting to be impressed. The trio approached one of the black armored security guards that was waiting them on the other side of the landing pad*

Security Guard 1: Greetings ma'am, please state your business.
Renei: I'm here to speak with the Baron about a very delicate matter.
Security Guard 1: I see. Please wait while I contact our chief of security. *noise coming from his communicator* Sir, we have three police officers, inspectors to be exact, requesting a meeting with the Baron, over.
Security Chief: *answering from the Guard's communication device* Roger. Hold on, trooper.
Renei: Is there a problem? Or do Inspectors from the Investigation Division need a day pass?
Security Guard 1: It will take only a minute ma'am. I suggest you...
Security Chief: *noise coming from the Guard's communicator, again* The Baron is expecting them. Escort the guests to his office, over.

*The security guard waved at the trio to follow him all the way from the landing pad to the main hall, the elevators and the long corridor before they reach the Baron's office which was located close at the top of the small castle like building. In front of the office were present two guards, with similar armor with the one that was escorting the guests*

Security Guard 1: The Baron is expecting these guests. They are clear to proceed.
Security Guard 2: Yes, we've been informed. But the Inspector's escort is to stay here - Baron's orders.
Renei: We're police officers on an investigation, not some trumped up armed forces man looking for an audience!
Security Guard 2:Inspector, nobody is going to lay down a finger on you here. We will make company to your bodyguards. You may proceed.
Renei: Very well, they can stay here.

BPA police shuttle landing at the top of "The Sage Tower".

*Renei enters the office, which was a small room, decorated very simply. A metal desk was located at the end of the room in front of a huge window revealing breath taking view of the half island and the ocean around it. Small couch with table was located per each side of the office and above them - bretonian flags. Around the flags could be seen paintings representing the Baron's life while being in the Bretonia Royal Navy (BRF|), the Armed Forces (BAF|), Fleet admiral, his peerage awards, present achievements as minister of defense and some with the royal family. Aside from these details the office was clean and somehow empty. Baron Piett was standing in front of his desk and was waiting for his guest to enter.*

Jarrow: Welcome to my humble castle, inspector Renei. I can not hide my surprise of your sudden arrival. Usually inspectors don't bother coming here...uninvited...unless of course there is a good reason. Please, sit down *points at the couches*

*Jarrow moves behind his desk and leans on his chair, turning his helmet-covered face at the inspector. She sat down, looking at Jarrow idly while barely bothering to keep the condescension out of her voice.*

Renei: Tracking your officer here wasn't hard. I don't doubt the average officer, intelligence agent or interested party wouldn't have been able to follow you unnoticed, but within Bretonia the Investigations Division has access to substantially more resources then any other single organization.

*She sat back, looking rather smug.*

Renei: It's quite impossible to reach the capital without being scanned or recorded in some fashion. An agent having security codes from the Minister of Defense and the Intelligence Agency might get them access past checkpoints and through customs unchecked, it can even classify the details of a ship's IFF to remove it from public scanners. However every time you use a security code to cover your tracks or bypass a police officer they have to authenticate it somewhere, and that somewhere is us.

*Leaning forwards, placing her elbows on the table in front of her and resting her chin on her hands she looked straight at Jarrow.*

Renei: Frankly when the system pops up a message saying that an officer requested confirmation of a high level BAF security code it leaves us with the obvious question: why was it needed?

*Jarrow was listening the inspector silently. After Renei finished her speech, Jarrow stood and moved behind his chair, observing the stunning view outside for seconds. He was expecting problems but not so soon and not from the Bretonian Police. Jarrow underestimated the efficiency of his House police security and was caught...or so they thought. He turns back at Renei and begun to speak*

Jarrow: I am proud that in times of war and chaos our police forces, especially the investigation division, remains to maintain highest standards. You have arrived sooner than expected. Nevertheless, you are here to investigate so I would like to see your evidence.

*Renei takes her notepad and opens some classified files with images of the caught BIS agent and his cargo of an unknown "artifact". Images follow the agent on his way to Jarrow Island where he was recorded to have landed*

Jarrow: You are right inspector. Don't be surprised of my sudden desire to share all this with you. There is simply nothing to hide...from those like you. You've performed a flawless investigation that lead you here, so it would be foolish attempt to lie...oh no inspector...I am not a liar. Look around you...all this I've earned with my own capabilities. I've been recognized by the Queen herself on many occasions but aside from those corrupted nobility that are out there...I've reached these achievements with my own hands...and help from none. Perhaps you are confused? Don't be. I will indulge you with more explanations...

*Jarrow closes at the inspector and sits in front of her and leans on the chair, pointing at the notepad on the table with the classified file still open*

Jarrow: That agent is not part of our Intelligence service...he is working for me. He was under cover, disguised as BIS agent in order to deliver me an artifact. Perhaps you wonder why was it just one and not many more in his cargo hold? This artifact is rare...and of great importance to assure Bretonia safety in the future. No, not from Gallia but from "them". Those aliens - none of us was prepared to face. An entire asteroid clouded our cities...these same cities and people you are desperately trying to protect from criminals and black market smugglers and whatnot. *he pauses* These cities...those people were about to be annihilated in a blink of an eye because of our foolishness and lack of knowledge! I will not allow that to happen ever again...that is why I had to do something...we all are in need of knowledge to understand what are we up against. We are blind, inspector. Blind from what is to come. *he pauses again* If a small piece of hope for the future of Bretonia lies down in this...artifact, then I will stop at nothing to research it and deploy a counter measure. I have always served my country and will always do - that is what I assure you to be the truth of my intentions.

*Renei was quiet for a few minutes, absorbing what Jarrow had just said to her. Eventually she seemed to reach a decision. When she spoke she sounded different, the arrogance that marked her previous words was gone, her tone, while certainly not friendly, was no longer as hostile as it had been. As though she'd accepted on some level that he was no longer a mark but a potential client.*

Renei: Would it surprise you to hear that it's not the first time I've heard something like that? There are more people then you might think who believe the Government aren't doing all they can, that perhaps the means do justify the end.

*Like an edge came into her voice, an underlying bitterness and resentment.*

Baron Piett in his office.

Renei: Many officers in the BPA feel that way, they're the ones who's hand are bound and end up helpless to help where help is needed and put an end to those who hide behind technicalities of the law. There's far too much corruption in Bretonia, people hiding behind self righteous beliefs of ethics while willing to ignore those who are willing to tear Bretonia apart for their own gain. It's time that corruption was used strengthen Bretonia. Think of Bowex and Gateway. You to know that I've seen Gateway ships attacking Bowex transports? How much effort has been wasted in their petty struggle for a monopoly?"

*She look around conspiratorially before turning back to Jarrow.*

Renei: But that has it benefits. The new snub factories on Sprague, I believe you were a key supporter of that project, yes? Did you not think it odd at how Gateway gained such detail of the supply contract that they could underbid Bowex, to, in fact, make the project cheaper? We gave it to them. How many credits were saved from filling the pockets of rich CEO's by their own eagerness to oppose each other?"

*Renei sat back again, scanning Jarrow helmet for a hint of what he was thinking. She looked, for all the world, like a believer in what she had been saying. Jarrow did notice Renei's sudden change of faces. "What a little tricky inspector...She might be useful...she will be." - he was thinking and smiling under his helmet*

Jarrow: Inspector Renei, I believe the more we talk the more we begin to understand each other. Nevertheless, make no mistake - your schemes are of no concern to me. Your ways to get rich...if that is your goal...is of no concern to me at all. Do not be offended. I live to serve the people of Bretonia - not myself alone. I've already opened my vault to support the war front by donating 120 million credits and around the same amount to order the construction of our prison and royal liners on top of their maintenance. I am far from those corrupt nobility or greedy CEO's out there. But the way you handle things could also be translated as support to the people, even if it reeks of corruption inside your...division. Whatever you do or how - you seems to have results. Your presence here proves that. *he stood up* That is why I would like to extend my hand so we could reach...a mutual benefit in future. Perhaps we can combine our efforts and work together for Bretonia sake. *he raised his right hand*

Renei: We each have our own ways of using what has been given to us. Your own method of sending your officers out collecting very rare, artifacts and trying to smuggle them through customs doesn't exactly leave you looking bright and shiny either, Baron. We might do things differently from each other but I think there is the possibility of mutual understanding and aid. We both have things the other lacks.*she stood up and raised hand as well*

*Jarrow shakes hand with Renei and points at the notepad on the table*

Jarrow: I hope you will handle the cleaning of this...mess about my agent and maybe some more in the future? *chuckles* I almost forgotten - you are chasing your own goals as well. Do not worry inspector Renei - you will be handsomely rewarded with anything you do for me. *nods*
Renei: Handling things quietly is a specialty of ours. I'm sure you'll have no trouble contacting me again if you need of our services.

*Jarrow and Renei left the office. The Baron escorted the inspector to the elevators where they shake hands in front of their bodyguards, then Renei entered the elevator. She walked out of the Jarrow's castle to the landing pad where her police transport was docked, her two police officer thugs following obediently behind her. Jarrow had surprised her somewhat, she'd expected an old fool with misguided beliefs. But he'd been, sharper, then her initial expectation. Driven. She climbed up the transport stairs and took her seat. As the transport took off she activated the communications panel and accessed an encrypted channel. It picked up almost straight away.*

Renei: He bought it boss. Just a believer in 'for good of Bretonia' rubbish, thinks we're in on it too. Don't know what he was really up to with that artifact but in the mean time...*Renei paused and smiled* I think you can add the good Baron to the client list.
Supercilious unknown female voice: Excellent news, Renei. Perhaps I should pay Baron Piett a visit, introducing him to the one in charge...of our secret affairs in Bretonia. *lofty laugh*

---

*Baron Piett observed the leave of the BPA shuttle. Once the vessel was away from the horizon he called doctor Lydia*

Deciphering the sphere locket.

Jarrow: Doctor, begin procedure of unlocking the sphere.
Dr.Lydia: As you wish. The laboratory is ready - we were waiting for your orders.
Jarrow: I will be there in a minute
Dr.Lydia: Very well, Baron.

*Minutes later, Jarrow was observing the robotic arms deciphering the sphere locket in the laboratory. They were changing the rotation and speed - trying dozens of combinations in seconds, in order to unlock the locket. Due to the incidents this day he ordered Lydia to lock the sphere in case the inspectors begun a search for the artifact in the moment they landed at his castle. It would take weeks to unlock the sphere or even months, but the creator of the sphere locket was none else than doctor Lydia herself - and she was one of the most loyal fanatics around the Baron. She was typing special admin codes allowing the robotic hands to trace the needed combination.
Several minutes later the sphere locket separated in its two hemispheres and the "Seer's Stone" remained to levitate in the center between them.*

*Jarrow entered the small laboratory and marched forward until reaching the gem. While moving he removed the glove on his right hand. Damaged skin was revealed - healed but with scars that remain after a serious burn. He stood above the "Seer's Stone" for several seconds before slowly raising his exposed hand and grasping the small object. He felt like falling in to deep sleep. There was light in front of him and he was traveling fast to reach it. He felt no pain, nor the weight of his body - only joy and warmth. Understanding of time vanished - traveling like that for hours but in fact it was only a mere second. By closing to the light orb in front of him he heard a soothing inhuman music. He felt presence - like someone was watching him and then a voice appeared. That same voice he already heard several times on his way back to Bretonia. It was singing...No...it was talking to him on an unknown language. But this time he could hear the words and even understand the meaning behind them.
Suddenly he was embraced by the soothing light projected from the globe in front of him and the colorful images around have increased.*

*The voice was in his mind...or it was the opposite - he was in someone's mind? That feeling was unknown to him. He could feel the presence of a powerful being...or that being could feel his presence? It was impossible for him to understand. Then the presence, through that voice begun...*

Spoiler

"Se'rana, shal'a no're Firmus...I welcome you, Firmus...
D'ome la ni'ra...You are in my mind...
T'ome lo ni'ra...I am in your mind...
Yag'dra dom no Tag'ra la ni'rasa...I am here and our minds are one..."

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Discovery Bridges[Feedback] Baron Piett[Biography]