Blasphemy (part 6)
"Any ideas?" I asked, looking out from the bridge viewport at the Laasko ship was still only a small glowing dot in the distance.
"We could outrun them, or at least make it difficult for them to catch us. We would reach the next nearest star, a red dwarf with no detectable planets, in approximately nine point two standard yearcycles."
"I don't think so. If we're going to get the hyperdrive fixed, we need help."
"That leaves discussion. Elder Commander Trai-com of the pursuing vessel is demanding an audience again. I believe that I have enough in my lexicon to translate reasonably for you."
"What have you learned of the ship?" It had closed considerably, to the point where it was more than just a light in space.
"It is armed, although only lightly. They have defensive shielding, again lightly. However, their power system is extremely efficient, and could amplify both of these significantly in a fight."
"Then you'd better let me talk to the Elder Commander. If they get nasty, don't hold back." Vortex has a few surprises in her, and I didn't doubt we could fight our way out of it. Of course, word of those kinds of incidents always seems to get back to the First Contact Review Board sooner or later, and that's never good for an independent captain.
"Opening communication," Vortex warned. I composed myself in my captain's chair, trying to put my best First Contact face on - firm, friendly, patient and tolerant. I also slipped a small communication bud into my ear, so that Vortex could talk to me without anyone else hearing.
"Elder Commander..." I started. I didn't get farther.
"Unknown vessel and being," the Elder Commander shouted from his chair on his bridge, insisting on challenging my patient and tolerant face. Vortex translated his bellowing into something I could understand. "You will follow the Arm of Joos-tow back to Laasko, where you will submit to the Inquisitions of the High Priestess. Refusal is not an option. Heresy is not an option."
I didn't like the sound of this. Theocracies are notorious First Contact cases, and you could hear the capitalization of 'Inquisition' and 'Heresy' in his voice.
"Elder Commander..." He interrupted me again.
"Begin deceleration immediately," he ordered. Then he turned to a subordinate at an imposing console to his right, aware that I could see him do so. "Prepare to fire green agonies if the vessel does not slow in ten kleepex." The communication link dropped with a practiced timing. Elder Commander Trai-com would have been at home in any of the armies or navies of the Coterie.
"Follow them down, Vortex. I think it's time to plan for 'even worse'."