Act 4.14 - Reveal

“Slow down, Captain,” Korr’taen said, looking Tor’laen in the eye. “Explain what you mean.”

“This code here, at the top of the screen.” The Shield Consort pointed to a series of sixteen numbers and characters. “It is an Outrunner authentication code. We use them to verify communications between the fleets, and contact with the war room here in the capital. All Outrunner Captains have them memorized, and I would assume the communications officers here do as well. If a communication is sent without a code, or with an incorrect one, a fleet’s servers will dump the file without even alerting the crew.” He tapped a finger against the side of the tablet. “They were originally conceived as a means to prevent Zakkili espionage, or the Monarchy from issuing imitation orders to the fleet. You signed the executive order authorizing their use yourself, sir.”

“Yes, well.” A sheepish grin touched Korr’taen’s face for a moment. “I have signed so many of them, they tend to blur together. It must have been almost twenty years ago, now.”

“Indeed, sir.” Tor’laen returned his gaze to the tablet, frowning down at it. “I assume you haven’t changed them in my absence?”

“Not that I know of. We’ve had…other matters at hand, as you might imagine. And if I recall, all four fleets must be in direct contact to effect a change.”

“Yes, that is correct,” Tor’laen said grimly. “But still, as I said, everyone who works with the code, both here and in the fleets, should have them memorized.” His brow furrowed. “Even still, they should have checked against the database if they somehow forgot.”

“This goes far beyond sloppy work.” Korr’taen took the tablet, switching it back to Ydanic with a tap. “Who filed this report…?”

Taking the tablet with him, the commander marched over to one of the seated Ydani. The man was working silently at his communication workstation.

“Ensign Rellak,” Korr’taen began, standing over the man. “Your name is on this report. You sent these communications to the Outrunner Fleets, correct?”

“Yes, Commander,” Rellak muttered, eyes still fixed on his screen. The man’s fingers typed relentlessly away at the keyboard in front of him.

Curious. The man should be standing at rigid attention. Or at least looking at the commander when he was being spoken to.

“Ensign!” Korr’taen barked, the tone of his voice making Tor’laen straighten up instinctively. “You will stand at attention when I am speaking with you! Now did you check the authorization codes on these communications?”

Rellak showed no sign of stopping his work. Tor’laen moved to the other side of the man, standing opposite from the commander, looking down at the ensign.

“Yes, Commander,” Rellak muttered again, hunching even closer to the screen.

A bead of sweat ran down the back of the man’s neck. His pinky finger twitched as he typed.

“By the First Light,” Tor’laen swore softly in Hylec. “Saia, Aril!” he cried, switching to Zakkili. “This man’s been Taken! Help me get him away from this console!”

The two Armswomen exchanged alarmed glances for a heartbeat, then rushed forward, even as Tor’laen hooked his arms under the ensign’s shoulders. Together, they moved to pull him away from the workstation, even as he strained against them, as if desperate to get back to the keyboard. Korr’taen took a step back, his surprise clearly written on his face.

“Captain, what are you—”

“He’s being controlled!” Tor’laen called back, grunting with the effort of restraining the struggling man. “Someone got inside his head!”

Korr’taen blinked in surprise, then moved to help without hesitation.

“Guards, get in here!” the commander cried, and the pair of guards rushed into the room. “Restrain this man!”

They pulled the ensign off his chair, and one of the guards pulled out a set of restraints, locking the struggling man to a railing by his wrist. Rellak started to pull and yank at the metal cuff, as if he could pull it off.

Tor’laen paused, breathing slightly heavily after the scuffle. A few of the other ensigns and officers were staring, half-rising from their seats. Most were not. His jaw clenched.

“Commander, may I ask that you order all of the communications crew to stand down?” he asked Korr’taen quietly.

The commander must have realized the same thing Tor’laen had.

“Attention, all Officers and Ensigns!” he called, his voice filling the room. “Stand down and move to the center of the room.”

A handful of them did, looking around in confusion. The rest didn’t move, remaining hunched over their consoles, their fingers moving even faster, possibly. Tor’laen’s blood ran cold.

“Oh no, no no no no…” he murmured, looking around. “Commander…” He looked to the older man.

“I’m already on it, Captain,” Korr’taen replied, pulling the communicator from his belt. He barked into the device, something in Ydanic. He glanced at Tor’laen as he returned the device to his belt. “I requested a couple of security teams. They’ll be here soon,” the commander explained in Hylec.

Tor’laen staggered slightly, gripping the railing next to him as his gaze darted around the room. Saia reached out, putting a steadying hand on his hip.

By the First Light, they had been such fools. They had known how miniscule the signs of being Taken could be in Ydani, and yet they had done nothing to prevent something like this. It was so obvious now, but Tor’laen, and the Royal Hands as well apparently, hadn’t imagined something like this.

It seemed so simple. Someone must have Taken officers and staff, and given them orders that were close enough to their normal duties. Using the wrong code, sending different messages than ordered…such small deviances in behavior. Even if it went against their morals, perhaps that mattered less than aggressive or physical actions. He just wasn’t sure. They should have looked closer into it, but now here they were. Possibly the worst case scenario.

Within a few marks, both security teams had arrived, and within a few more, the Taken officers and ensigns had all been restrained, both hands and feet magnetically secured. Tor’laen did not miss the looks of concern and near-panic the members of the security teams were exchanging. This was a nightmare from every angle.

Even as the last restraints were locked into place, the rest of High Command arrived, their faces set. Tor’laen quickly took the commanders aside, informing them of the situation and giving them a brief summary of Taking and its consequences.

“This happened right beneath our noses,” Commander Shae’ra said, shaking her head. “And we had no idea.”

“Worse than that, there’s no telling how widespread this is,” Korr’taen added, his voice grim. “We need to do a thorough check of all those who have access to this building, but I would not even know how to start.”

“The Citadels have personnel who are trained for this type of thing,” Tor’laen said, cutting in. “And their mental powers are strong enough to undo the Taking as well.”

“Did you know of this, Captain?” Commander Dei’van asked sharply. “That this could happen?”

Tor’laen hesitated for a long moment.

“Partially,” he admitted. “However, my knowledge was incomplete.” He quickly explained the tests that the Royal Hands had done. “We should have been more extensive in our testing. A scheme such as this never occurred to me. Never occurred to us.”

Dei’van’s face was grim, but he said no more. At least, not at the moment.

“There is no point in mourning what we should have or should not have done,” Commander Vel’kira said, her voice bitter. “Perhaps we are also somewhat at fault. We gave no consideration whether our security measures were adequate against what the Zakkili can do.”

“Regardless, this is where we currently are,” Commander Vael’kor said firmly. “The first priority is to find out just what these compromised officers were doing. Ensign!” He turned to one of the Ydani who had stood down at Korr’taen’s command, the man jumping slightly at being addressed by a member of High Command. “Check on some of these consoles that were being used by the restrained officers. You have High Command override access if needed. Find out just what else we have been missing.”

“Yes, sir!”

The man saluted and immediately moved to one of the workstations, quickly getting to work. For half a mark, he was silent, fingers dancing across the keyboard, his brow furrowed in concentration.

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“What the…” He rocked back in his chair. “By the First Light, what is this?”

High Command moved to look at his screen, Tor’laen tagging along.

“What is it, Ensign?”

“All of these communications, sir…” The Ydani seemed to be in both shock and disbelief. “They are to the planetary fleet in orbit. There are dozens of them, all sent to different ships. They look almost like…instructions, but they are nonsensical. Like this here.” He pointed at the screen, glancing at Tor’laen and translating the words into Hylec. “Armrest. Take time. Send three. Bolt. Return later. Underneath. Gauntlet.” He shook his head. “Just…gibberish.”

“Wait,” Shae’ra said, her voice sharp. “Are you saying the planetary fleet is still in orbit around Ydan? They should have departed over an hour ago.”

“They…they are, ma’am,” the ensign answered. “They are holding formation with the two Outrunner Fleets.”

“Oh no,” Korr’taen said quietly, his eyes widening. “Officers in the planetary fleet are also compromised.”

Vel’kira sucked in a sharp breath, as Dei’van gripped the back of the workstation’s seat.

“Wait,” the ensign said, fingers flying over the keys. “All of these workstations have been slaved together, working in tandem to send messages to the fleet. There’s a strange encryption algorithm here, I’ve never seen anything like it. I can access the communications history, but everything else is locked down,” the man muttered, working rapidly. “Let’s see…wait, hold on a second…a large number of the messages are directed to Captain Sarrek’s personal console! They…they are all the same type of nonsense sent to the other ships…”

It felt like the room was spinning for Tor’laen. Did this mean that even Sarrek was Taken? Was that even possible? How? The man had been on Ydan for less than a day. What in the name of the First Light was happening?

“We…we must assume that most of the planetary fleet, and both Outrunner Fleets are no longer in our control,” Vael’kor said, his voice shakier than Tor’laen had ever heard it.

A surge of adrenaline passed through the Shield Consort.

“Perhaps not,” he breathed. Even as the eyes of High Command turned to him in surprise, he took off, sprinting out of the war room. He heard Aril and Saia scrambling to follow him, their shorter legs and gear hampering them.

He was taking a risk, he knew, but he had to gamble on it. It might be their only chance.

Tor’laen raced through the halls of the capital building, praying to the First Light that the woman had not yet departed. He caught sight of her near the entrance of the building, clearly making her way to the landing pad outside.

“Vic—Captain Raela!” he called, skidding to a stop within a meter of her. The woman drew back, clearly startled by his sudden appearance.

“...Cap—no, Tor’laen,” she said warily, even as Saia and Aril caught up to the man, both panting from the effort.

“Raela…forgive me for asking, but,” he said slowly. “Are you still…you?”

“...I am not certain I follow.” She raised an eyebrow at him.

“Let me rephrase that.” He raised a palm, asking her to wait. “Where are you currently headed?”

“...I was preparing to return to my fleet in orbit.” She gestured in the direction of the landing pad. “I have received no further orders, but I find myself worrying about the men and women under my command.”

There was no twitching, no hesitation. No tells at all, as far as Tor’laen could see. It was no guarantee, but they were running short on time and options.

“Thank the First Light,” Tor’laen breathed. “Captain, I need your help.” He gestured upward. “The planetary fleet, Captain Sarrek…they are compromised. Being controlled. Your fleet might be Ydan’s only hope, at this point.”

Tor’laen was vaguely aware of the members of High Command and their guards catching up, approaching from behind, but he paid them no mind.

If Raela was surprised, she gave no sign of it. The woman narrowed her eyes.

“Let me ask you this…” she began. “Just who are you, Tor’laen?”

The Shield Consort cocked his head at the question, not understanding. Her gaze slid downward, to his uniform and the Armswomen at his side. Comprehension flooded through him.

“I’m…I’m just me, Raela. Trying to safeguard those under my command, as I ever have.” He gestured to Saia and Aril. “I care not for their size, or species, or where they come from. Only that they are under my protection, be they the people of Ydan, or the crew of the Star Citadel.”

He gazed at her evenly, his face set.

Raela hesitated for a long moment, her eyes fixed on his. Finally, she gave a shaky sigh.

“It really is you, Captain.” Her mouth set into a small grin. “Isn’t it?”

Tor’laen blinked at her, puzzled.

“Who else would I be?”

“Nevermind,” she chuckled, then her face settled into a concerned frown. “Tell me more of this threat to Ydan. You said Captain Sarrek is compromised?”

Tor’laen quickly explained the situation that had just unfolded in the war room, and the implication of the messages sent to the fleets and the other Captain.

“No. No, it cannot be.” Raela looked stricken. “I just talked to Sarrek, right after the briefing. The man seemed completely normal.”

“It is true, Captain,” Korr’taen called from behind Tor’laen. “I saw the effects firsthand.”

“There are things moving about here, untouched by the Light.” The Shield Consort shook his head. “We have little information, but we must assume the worst, and move to prevent it.”

“Aye aye, Captain.” Raela saluted Tor’laen, a small grin playing across her lips, before her face became stern once more. “Let us return to the fleet.”

“Agreed.” Relief flooded through Tor’laen. He turned to look at High Command. “We need to recall the Star Citadels to Ydan. The true threat is here. The planetary broadcast system remains functional?”

“Of course, Captain. We can access it directly from the office of High Command, and it’s got dozens of redundancies. I can’t imagine that all of them could be compromised. But we shall confirm it.” Vael’kor nodded. “And then send a translated message, requesting their return immediately.”

“That still leaves help over an hour away,” Tor’laen muttered, shaking his head. He turned to Raela. “We must get to the fleet. I know not where this is headed, but we must assume the worst.”

“Agreed, Captain.” She looked to High Command. “By your leave, Commanders.”

“Of course,” Shae’ra replied. “We will do what we can to secure the capital building.”

“Commanders,” Tor’laen said hesitantly. “I would recommend preparing evacuation orders for the city.” The members of High Command exchanged alarmed glances. “We cannot know what the planetary fleet intends, but we should prepare for the worst.”

“Yes…yes, it shall be so,” Vel’kira said quietly. “May the First Light protect you, Captains.”

Tor’laen gave the woman a small nod.

“Let’s go, Captain!” Raela called, turning toward the landing pad. Tor’laen beckoned to the two Armswomen, the Zakkili trotting after him.

“I assume you have a plan in mind, Captain?” Raela asked as they jogged toward the landing pad.

“The beginnings of one,” Tor’laen said, his face grim. “Have any of your men or women returned to the planet’s surface since you returned?”

Raela shook her head.

“We were informed we would be leaving again shortly. The crews are on half-duty, but no shore leave.”

“Thank the First Light,” Tor’laen muttered, pulling open the door that led outside the building. “This psychic control cannot spread in any fashion, so we can assume that your fleet remains uncompromised. Unless you brought any strange Zakkili aboard, that is.”

The woman gave him an incredulous look, then her gaze drifted to the two Armswomen jogging behind him.

“They’re trustworthy, I swear it,” Tor’laen said solemnly. “On top of that, they lack the psychic strength to do anything like this.”

“If you say so, Captain. Though I still wonder what we are going to do against the planetary fleet with a single Outrunner group.”

“If Sarrek kept his people aboard the fleet like you have, then I hope we might appeal to some of them. Perhaps convince some of his ships that their Captain is compromised.”

Raela gave him a doubtful look, and he was sure his own face shared a similar expression. Outrunner Fleets were incredibly loyal to their captains. It would be a miracle if any turned against him, no matter how convoluted his orders may be.

They reached Raela’s shuttle, and she ushered the other three inside, shutting the door after ducking in behind them. She wasted no time, barking orders to the pilot in Ydanic before any of them had finished strapping in. Moments later, the shuttle began to shake slightly, taking off from the landing pad.

“Raela…” Tor’laen began, “Is your fleet not holding formation with the planetary fleet and Sarrek’s? I worry that approaching in a shuttle is going to be quite…perilous.”

“Leave that to me.” The woman gave him a devious grin, and issued a few orders to the pilot in Ydanic. She then pulled out her communicator, starting to speak rapidly into it.

The craft shifted its trajectory, changing course.

“Tor’laen,” Saia turned to look at him. “This is seriously bad.”

“I would think that much is obvious.”

“No, squad leader, you don’t get it.” Aril shook her head. “This much Taking at once…there hasn’t been something like this in hundreds of years. Not since the Great High House Strife.”

“The what?”

“Bunch of barely hidden conflicts between High Houses like half a century after we expanded off Zakkil.” She waved a hand dismissively. “Doesn’t matter. What I’m saying is that this is almost fucking unprecedented. We should call in one of the Monarchy’s fleets. There’s no telling how far this has spread.”

“I would if we could,” Tor’laen said grimly. “I don’t care about the optics at this point, but without the Citadels here, we have no way to contact your people’s fleet, and even if we could, they would not arrive in time to stop…whatever our unseen Taker has in mind.”

Aril had no answers for him, her eyes full of worry.

“Here we are, Captain,” Raela cut in, grinning at Tor’laen and the Armswomen. The Shield Consort looked out the forward viewport of the shuttle, seeing nothing but the empty void stretching out before them.

“Raela…?” he asked slowly, turning back to look at the woman. Fear started to swell in his belly. Had she been Taken as well?

His thoughts were interrupted by an intense flash of blue, filling the interior of the ship.

The flagship of her Outrunner Fleet emerged a mere kilometer in front of their shuttle, its gray hull filling the entirety of the viewport.

“I wasn’t going to risk the fleet getting torn to pieces trying to reposition,” Raela said, snickering at the look on his face.

“A short range, precision dive,” Tor’laen marveled. “Quick thinking.”

“I learned from the best, after all.” She gave him a nod. “Captain Tor’laen. Welcome back aboard the Outrunner Fleet.”