Chapter One: Deep Space Music

[Akirapryde]

Uninterested in the conversation happening between the members of the Sckicksal, Captain Mosconi continued his own conversation with Professor Angsoft, "We are still tracking that comet. I have ordered my men to start to pull in the sail. We will jump out of system in three days, then return in a week. Are you sure that you and your people will be fine on the station?"

Professor Angsoft nodded, "yes yes Captain. The station was designed to withstand the particles that have been detected in the Comet's tail. We will keep the major systems off while the comet makes its pass. I just want to make sure that the Ark is safe. I will be sending Doctor Underwood with you and the Ark. She knows the systems of the Ark better than anyone else."

Captain Mosconi nodded, "Okay. Just make sure that all your people are transferred over to the station before we jump. Cause I am not delaying the jump. While your station might be protected, I am not risking the Nav or Jump Computers. I set the clock, we will jump no matter what."

---

Back at the table and the separate conversation building there. Alice tried to hide her blush at Alan's comment. She found herself distracted before she realized that Thorchan had asked her something. "Oh, I am not so sure. I don't think its combat Sir" she said as she often addressed members of the Sckicksal's crew. "Sounds are very distinctive. Explosions, while loud have a very low tone. I can hear what appears to be explosions, but the tones are much higher than expected." she looked down at her lap top and showed a graph. "See how the recorded sounds of a space battle between Allied forces and the Word of Blake played out. The low tones here on the graphs are points of explosive impacts. In my recording, these are not present. Plus if there was a battle here, wouldn't their be some kind of wreckage?"

She paused for a moment, "But the distortions are making it impossible for me to identify. Which is why I asked for some help. maybe some fresh ideas."

She giggled as she turned to Alan once more, "I have to say, we never get paid for sitting around and doing anything. It was the disappearance of the Comstar ship in this system is why your group was hired. Our backers wanted to make sure that if the ship was attacked by pirates we were protected" she smiled and blinked at him. "In a way you are our heroes."

Alice nodded to Lyona as the Merc tech got up. Alice politely added, "Thank you for your help."