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Tuft: Chapter 4 (Fragment)

"Independent freighter, designation Bad Luck, drop your shields and prepare for inspection."

"What do we do, Captain?" Darra asked.

"We don't have any cargo, so drop the shields and prepare for inspection. Tuft open internal communications. All crewmembers report to the cargo deck with your identification for Federation inspection."

"Everyone, Captain?"

"Yes, Kat, everyone. Just don't be surprised if some identification papers aren't what you'd expect. Bad Luck, set all systems to standby."

"Yes, Captain." The ship’s computer replied.

Minutes later on the main cargo deck Tank was trying to get the crew into order.

"Kat and Darra Rhodes, I want you to stand here with Vent behind you, good. Calvin Jules you're on my right. Rome and Fluff you're behind me. There, now we wait until-"

The main airlock squealed as it was forced open.

"Fluff, remind me those hinges need lubricating the next time we are in port." Tank whispered.

A tall, thin, pale, almost Elvin human stepped through the hatch closely followed by a portly short man.

"Crossroads Class, I thought we'd seen the last of these abominations." The tall man sneered.

"No sir, according to the latest intel the original designer mothballed the final ship until he had completed his term of service." The shorter one replied.

The inspector sighed, "I know that Putrid, I do read the reports. I was making a point."

"It's Paul, Sir." The assistant grumbled.

"Captain Abrams, in the short time you've been out here you've really made a name for yourself. You've upset one of the most respected business men in this part of the galaxy, created chaos by naming your android Tuft after a known terrorist, and then poaching Parker's favorite pilot and navigator for your own crew."

"Sir, Parker was upset because he had to pay me. I'm sure the Federation has extensive records on the fact that Parker gets upset when he has to pay anyone. As for my android, you're right, that was a poor decision on my part. You'll find that it has been re-designated Fluff, due to the business problems I was having. He has also been reprogrammed to act as my primary communications specialist and security is now being handled by the otter android, designation Vent."

"As to Parker's charge that Captain Abrams 'poached' us, that is completely untrue. We are still under contract to Agent Shade Cashe and are currently providing our services to Captain Abrams in exchange for passage from Rio 12 to Dante's Station. In the spirit of full disclosure Captain Abrams has presented an offer to hire us, but Kat and I haven't yet decided whether or not to accept. However, no matter what we decide we refuse to work for Parker after he tried to deny payment on our last job for him."

The inspector rolled his eyes, "I suppose you have some dramatic story for the other two as well, Captain?"

"Not really, Roam is a labor android I bought second hand for handling cargo on Seventh Heaven and I hired Doctor Calvin Jules as a form of insurance since I planned on ferrying passengers out to Rio 12. He gives me the ability to set a higher transport fee. While I've questioned myself about the decision, do to his whining about not having anything to do most of the time, I have to say he has proven invaluable on this last run." Tank turned toward Jules, "Don't let that go to your head, you're still not getting a raise." Tank said.

"Sir, we're getting updated information. The Hammer has just finished installing Rio 12's new communications array and the last two years of reports are coming in. The colony is requesting that the crew members of the Bad Luck receive special commendations for humanitarian actions above and beyond what would be expected of a civilian crew. It is quite an extensive report with multiple eye witness accounts."

The Inspector narrowed his eyes, "You're hiding something, I can smell it."

Tank grinned, "You can do a full inspection if you like, but you're only going to find that we are low on fuel, food, and medical supplies. I'd guess what you're smelling is the combined body odor of scared people crammed into a confined space for too long."

"In light of recent data I'm turning you lose, but I'll be watching you, very closely. Pullet, scan their ID's, I'll want a full report by morning." The Inspector about faced and marched back to the airlock, "I'd suggest you get this taken care of or next time I'll have this thing condemned and scrapped."

Paul quickly scanned the ID's and scurried after his boss.

Once the airlock screeched shut Tank turned to Kat and Darra, "Is there anything in your past that could cause trouble?"

"No, at least, I don't think so." Kat said as she looked at Darra.

"We've been through inspections before without any problems." Darra replied.

"Tuft, get to engineering, synch up with Bad Luck and do a full deep scan on them."

"I'm on it. If I find anything out of the ordinary I'll do a cleansing."

"No! Something tells me that inspector already has all our records. Just do a scan so we're on even footing."

"Captain . . . Never mind, I don't think I want to know any more." Darra said.

"Well, you already know we're hiding the truth about Tuft and that Brushfire is a prototype cyborg. All that's left is that Jules had a run in with Asclepius' governor's delinquent son and the Federation believes one of their black departments dealt with him."

"Yeah, I'm sure that's all there is to know. I think Kat, Vent, and I had better spend some time discussing your job offer once we reach port."

"You are considered crew, even if it is temporary, so all you have to do is ask Bad Luck to set your quarters to privacy mode and even he won't listen in. However, I'd suggest you get us moving before the Inspector changes his mind and starts shooting."

"We're on it. Vent, come on." Kat yelled.

"With your permission, Mistress, I'd like to speak with the Captain."

"Suit yourself." Darra said, as she and Kat headed for the lift to the upper decks.

"So, Vent, what's on your mind?" Tank asked.

"I've experienced multiple inspections and none of them compare to what just happened."

"Since it was my first inspection why don't you enlighten me as we head for the bridge?"

Vent nodded and they headed for the stairs. "Ordinarily the boarding party would consist of the inspector and his assistant which would be a blank type drone."

"Blank type?"

"Humanoid shaped with no individualized bio mimic features. Just standard gray metal skin with the Federation insignia on the left shoulder and alpha numeric designation on the right. In addition, for a ship the size of Bad Luck, there should have been four heavily armed security agents, four specialists trained in finding hidden compartments, and two scanners."

"Did you notice anything else?"

"Several things actually. First he knew that my mistresses have or are planning on joining your crew, even though it has only been three hours since the communication with Agent Cashe. Second during a normal inspection tour the Federation creates an artificial gravity trap to indiscriminately pull ships out of FTL so the first time the Inspector learns about the ship and its crew is when he comes aboard and checks the crew's IDs. Finally the assistant was receiving real-time Intel. A standard Federation Interdiction crew doesn't need an uplink that advanced."

"So what is your conclusion?" Tank asked.

"I don't have one, I'm only pointing out inconsistencies."

"Taking everything into consideration what is your opinion about our encounter?"

"The Inspector knew where to find us. He made sure not to give out any information on himself or his ship. Therefore it is my conclusion that we are being observed by a Black Operation."

"Unfortunately I think you're right." Tank replied.

***

"Welcome to Hell." Darra said, as she disengaged the FTL drive.

"It's beautiful, why would anyone call it Hell?" Tank asked.

The nebula was a myriad of colors. Blue streaks chasing purple blotches, rainbows twisting and twirling, nebulous yellow clouds billowing out before turning orange and dissipating.

"Bad things come in pretty packaging. The Inferno nebula is a star that lacked enough gravity or spin, you'd need an expert to tell you exactly why, but it didn't form a ball before it ignited. What you're seeing is a stew of burning gas and metals. Some experts say it will burn itself out in a couple million years while others argue that as it burns it is condensing and will become a normal star." Roam said.

"What the pony boy is saying is that it's sparkly and magical. Making Dante's Station a tourist trap and the galaxy's top gambling destination." Darra informed Tank.

"Sounds expensive. So why did you bring us here?" Tank asked.

"It has the closest fueling facilities and, unfortunately, I know a guy that owes me a favor. Tuft, if you would open channel 51925. That's the station's private docks."

"The line is open." Tuft stated.

Darra rolled her eyes, "I'll handle this. Dock control, I'm looking for Rover. Is he still employed on the docks?"

"Yes, why do you want to know?"

"Hey girlfriend, you here for business or pleasure?" Another voice, presumable Rover, broke in.

"Both, you know that debt you owe Kat? We’re here to collect."

"My body is all yours." Rover said happily.

"Keep it. You don't have anything we'd want, and stop flirting with my wife."

"Oh, hey sis." Rover said joyfully.

Tank glanced at Tuft who shrugged his shoulders.

"So, what do you need?"

"Fuel, basic consumables, and medical supplies." Darra stated.

"Are you in that Crossroads freighter moving towards the station looking all innocent?"

"Yeah, what of it?"

"I'm on my way with a refueling tug. Hold position and I'll be there momentarily. Rover out."

"Damn it! What about the food?" Darra yelled.

"Something's wrong. Randal would never admit that we're related unless he needed my help." Kat said seriously.

"The fuel tug is in place and he's started the refueling."

"Is there anything wrong with the fuel?" Tank asked.

"No Captain, sensors show that it is within acceptable standards, if a bit sub-optimal grade. This is strange we are now up to three fourth's capacity but the tug is completely drained." The computer replied.

"He must have misjudged our tank size." Kat said.

"No, Navigator Rhodes. I mean the tug is empty including its own fuel supply. Once detached it will be unable to return to the station. Mr. Randal seems to have left the tug and is trying to open an airlock. Shall I let him in, Captain? I have already dispatched Vent in the unlikely event he finds a way to bypass the door controls."

"When Vent arrives at the airlock allow him in. Then have him escorted to the bridge."

"Tank, the station's flight control is trying to contact us." Tuft said.

"Open the channel."

"Freighter, you have fourteen minutes to return the fuel that was just transferred to you along with the fugitive Randal Carr."

"Dante Control, I request an open line to Governor Carr." Kat requested.

"Governor Carr is not to be disturbed."

"Fluff, open private channel 3199." Kat said.

"I told you, Governor Carr is not to be disturbed."

"I'm his daughter, let him know that I want to talk to him or else."

"Forget it Kat, he's gone. I don't know when since he stopped talking to me just after I tried boosting his diplomatic cruiser."

"Fluff, open a channel to the Federation security section forces, and a general broadcast channel. This is Kathrine Rhodes, daughter of Governor Carr of Dante's Station. Unknown forces have taken the station. I repeat unknown forces are now in control of a Federation sanctioned facility."

"This is Randal Carr, son of Governor Carr. Dante's Station is no longer safe for law abiding Federation citizens. All citizens avoid Dante's Station until the Federation is able to reinstate Governor Carr or a new Federation Governor." Randal said, as Vent pushed him onto the bridge.

"Very clever, but I am the Federations chosen replacement. Now turn yourselves in."

"Please hold." Tuft snickered as he muted the feed, "Can you believe this idiot? He's actually trying to jam our transmission."

"Fluff, now is not the time to boast. Now put 'the idiot' back on. Dante Control, that was a nice bluff but the two Federation cruisers exiting hyperspace seems to prove you wrong."

"We're being hailed." Tuft stated.

"Cut all current communications and accept the Federation hail." Tank said.

"Bad Luck, you're really living up to your name. Are the Governor's heirs onboard?"

Tank typed a quick message into his terminal instructing Kat and Darra to prepare for an emergency hyperspace jump. "Yes, they are aboard and listening." He responded.

"Once we have liberated the station, if we cannot locate Governor Carr, do you wish to take over in his stead?"

"I'm happiest when in hyperspace so count me out." Kat replied.

"I'm not suited for command either. I prefer talking to starship engines rather than people. I'll make up a list of suitable candidates that were loyal to the Federation, and my father, and leave it for you to make the best choice."

"Very well. Captain Abrams, if you will dock with the Asimov we'll top off your fuel tanks, medical supplies and consumables. I know that the Federation isn't highly thought of, but we're not all bad. Someone in High Command was impressed with your actions pertaining to Rio 12."

"Uh, thank you." Tank responded.

"No, thank you. My youngest daughter and her family were among the first colonists you rescued."

"I was just doing what was right."

"If only there were more Captains like you, the galaxy would be a better place."

"He's closed the channel and is proceeding toward the station. Should we dock with the other ship as he suggested?" Tuft asked as he tried to keep from laughing.

"Yes, but keep everything in the cargo bay until we can scan it. Kat, find us an empty stretch of space on our next jump in case we need to dump a tracker. Vent, lock Mr. Carr in a guest room until I decide what to do with him."

"Now wait a minute." Randal complained.

"Sorry, Pup, but I've got to agree with the Captain on this one. Vent if he tries anything you can use your own judgement on how much punishment he requires to behave. Just don't kill him or do any damage Jules can't fix."

"What?" Randal yelled.

"Oh yeah, Vent has been upgraded and we removed his safety restrictions to make him a better security enforcement android."

"Yeah right, the safety protocols are hard wired and can't be changed."

"Hah! I thought that too, until the bunny over there put a hole through my shoulder." Kat laughed.

"In my defense I was attempting to negotiate the return of my Captain. Now that you are part of the crew I'd do the same for you." Tuft replied.

"Riiiight, I'm not falling for it. There’s only been a single case of an android breaking the safety protocols."

"Uh huh, a rabbit android on a Crossroads class freighter." Kat said.

"Tuft, you’d better assist Vent. We can't risk having Mr. Carr reporting us to the Federation. I'm sorry about this Kat, but if he becomes a threat to our safety Tuft will put him down." Tank said.

"Don't worry, I'll make it as quick and painless as possible." Tuft said, as he got up.

"Wait, wait, wait! I need to give the Federation a list of possible replacements."

"It's already been completed. It wasn't hard to access Governor Carr's private notes, cross check with the station records, and then narrow the list by running checks through the Federation's databanks." Tuft replied as he took ahold of Randal’s arm.

"Kat, what have you gotten involved in?" Randal asked.

"More than you want to know. I suggest you hurry along before Tuft thinks you're stalling."

As the bridge door closed Kat leaned back in her seat and laughed, "Did you see the look on his face? He actually thinks you and Tuft were serious about killing him."

"Kat, love, I don't think the Captain was joking." Darra said.

"What?"

"Tuft's primary programming is to protect himself and his crew. If there is a threat, he will deal with it. You let an outsider know Tuft's identity in proximity to two Federation Cruisers that makes him one big threat."

"But, he's family. I may not get along with him all the time but I don't want him killed." Kat said.

"Then I suggest we get our supplies and leave as soon as possible."

"Captain, communication from Dante Station." Darra said looking over at Tuft’s station.

Tank moved to the communications station and activated the link.

"Katherine, I guess I'm now in your debt."

"Governor, you're alive! Thank the Goddess."

"No, thanks to you and Randal." the Governor sighed, "I know it's a lot to ask, but do you think you could work with him? I can't force him to stay here anymore. I'd hoped he'd take over for me, but he's like you and your mother, once you found your purpose nothing was going to stop you. For your mother it was turning Dante's Station into a real tourist attraction. For you it's hyperspace and for Randal-"

"Engines, I know that Sir, but-"

"Please Kat, at least if he's with you and Darra I'll know he's safe."

Darra gasped and Kat sat with her mouth hanging open for a moment. "Sir, the thing is, Darra and I are considering working for the Captain of the Bad Luck so I can't promise anything."

"Then I should speak with your Captain."

"Governor, you did not request a private line and I've been here with Kat and Darra this whole time. I don't know if there is much more you could speak to me about. I'll talk with Randal and then discuss it with my crew. I'll let you know my decision before we leave the system. Captain Abrams, out."

"You can't be serious." Kat said.

Tank opened Bad Luck's internal communications, “Jules and Brushfire, report to the cargo bay. The Federation is going to resupply our stores." He shut down the comlink, "Kat you should go help. Darra, the bridge is yours, I'm going to go speak with Randal, but I'm not going to make a decision until I've heard what everyone has to say."

***

This is the point where I moved on to another project and never got back to this story. However the story of Tank and Tuft does continue in the story Virtually Real.