The
ship's AI quickly consulted records for the answers to Lss'Tor's
questions. “Brenneth 5 is a basic class M planet. It was settled
by a large contingent of religious zealots from Earth with no
terraforming required. Previous persecution and religious tenants
caused the planet to become isolated. They have no interstellar
exports or imports. Sector Security has no presence in the system at
all. The nearest sizable forces are in the Maitland system. The
remoteness of the star system means that it isn't on any civilian
cargo routes or flight paths. We are one of three ships within range
of the broadcast. One is an unarmed interstellar scout heading out
to explore further outlying systems. The other is a Sector Security
battle cruiser returning to the Maitland system from a round of
system upgrades.”
Christian
speaks up while everyone else is still considering the tactics of
their current situation. “There is nothing to decide here people.
Interstellar code requires that any ship within range of a distress
signal respond if they are able. We are still heavily armed, our
cargo isn't critical, and we can leave this pursuit for someone else
to pick up.”
Traylor
chimes in with her opinion. “Christian, you are simply spoiling
for a fight. The battle cruiser can handle things themselves. They
don't need us. Besides, we've been warned against converting the
KRENNET into combat mode where Sector Security ships could detect
us.”
Christian's
determination came through his voice. “That battle cruiser can't
defend an entire planet by itself. There may be evacuating shuttles
that need to be protected. Even an isolated planet will have
industrial facilities that would be vulnerable. One simple shot from
me and the tracking device will be on this damn Raider. Then we can
do what needs to be done.
As
for the battle cruiser detecting us while we convert, that's simple.
We just enter the system in combat mode. Crystal can alter our
transponder to broadcast a false signal. The cargo ship KRENNET
won't be anywhere near the Brenneth system as far as anyone knows.”
Granek's
rumbling voice cuts through any further discussion. “We are a crew
of equals. We will decide which course to take by majority decision.
Each of you state 'Pursue' if you feel we should stay on mission or
'Rescue' if you believe we should go to the aid of Brenneth 5.
Crystal, could you please record the votes into your protected core
for future review?”
“Protected
memory ready for recording.”
Granek
once again speaks in his rough tone. “Understood. I will call
each of you by name for your vote. My position is 'Rescue.'
Traylor?”
“I
say 'Pursue.'”
“So
noted. Christian?”
“It
should be obvious, 'Rescue.'”
“So
noted. Lss'Tor?”
“Purssue”
“So
noted. Fezror, the vote comes to you.”
The
engineer's rarely heard voice is soft yet clear enough for everyone
to hear. “I can't simply let an entire planet remain in harm's way
again. I say 'Rescue.'”
Granek
stated what everyone now knew. “By majority decision we will be
breaking off our pursuit of the Raider attack craft after planting a
tracking beacon on its hull. We will convert out of combat mode to
allow for more speed to the Brenneth system.
Now, where did I leave off at.....?
