The Anomaly

[Rodent]

Chapter 5-The Calm


It had been easy from there. Ansel had the documents all made out in proper fashion, and no one could argue about the fact that he was now the owner of Jacques Devereaux's property. What there was speculation about was exactly why Jacques suddenly went "off the rocker" as many put it and made that decision, retiring to the depths of the unknown called Sirius. So they thought.

Ansel smiled as the Adeline floated through space's endless void on yet another difficult smuggling assignment. The crew had been very suspicious at first, but after the first few runs, their fears subsided. Ansel was clearly a good captain of the ship, and they understood, if only partly, why the ship was given to him. The young man stood on the bridge, looking into the floating reality that was space. His life was floating away, new horizons lay ahead.

Now he was the proud owner of a L'Ane Transport, and 50 million credits which were Jacque's personal fortune. At least one obstacle no longer hindered him, money. There were so many obstacles that still lay ahead though. His mind was endlessly taking and pondering on permutations and possibilities.

So at least money is not a problem. I can provide enough money for my requirements as of now.....Hiring a small army should not be difficult, they sell for nothing these days.....but what about loyalty? They will hardly be loyal to my ideals and my goal..... I need to find like-minded people.....but how? Even if they think like I do, The chances of me finding them would be slim....

The problem tugged at him, teasing his mind.

I need a way to find out the gold amidst the chaff....Even if they are not of like-minded nature, if they have any brains, I should be able to convince them to my cause...hmm.....how to make my message and invitations such that only.....people with any worth could read and respond to? Hm...that might be an option....no....Yes, that would be the way to go...

Ansel suddenly laughed, now that he had figured out a plausible plan. The bridge-members looked at him with surprise, but quickly returned to work as their captain sobered up and gave them a piercing stare. Ansel had a tendency to that sometimes, and the crew was getting used to it.

Giving the command to his XO, he went to his personal quarters and closeted himself with the Computer, looking up everything he could about Encryption protocols.