(… continuing)

“Great timing Bognath,” Marr said as they turned to look at the three limp bodies.
“Thanks.”
“It was lucky you were nearby.”
“Not luck,” Annee said as she stepped out of the shadows. “Bognath spotted this gang as we got near the collection point. We backed off and waited.”
“But you gave the all clear a moment ago,” Marr said.
“Bognath had the idea of using you as bait. To hold their attention and give him the chance to get behind them. It worked a treat.”
“Well, I am glad it worked a treat,” laughed Dukk.
“What will we do with them?” Annee asked looking down at the remaining attackers.
“Leave them where they are,” Bognath answered. “They picked this spot intentionally. There are no cameras here. It is a blind spot. They’ll wake up in a while and crawl back to which ever rig is theirs. They might even share the story. Others knowing that we mean business, will help us avoid any further trouble.”

"Right then, let's get over to the handover," Dukk said as he stepped around the pile of bodies.
"You go ahead,” Bognath said. “I will hang back a little and keep an eye out just in case those other two decide to follow us."
"Marr, will you walk with Bognath?" Dukk asked. "I want a word with Ann."
"Sure," Marr replied eagerly. She was keen to know more about him having just seen skills on display that were like her own.
Annee nodded and joined Dukk as he headed into the hanger, past a long row of rigs and towards the load exchange area.

"There wasn't really any risk, was there. You were testing Bognath?" Dukk said as they walked.
Annee grinned. "It might have not been as clean or quick, and it would definitely hurt, but no, you and I could have taken that bunch of dimwits."
Dukk laughed. "And, how was he otherwise?"
"Very professional. He spotted that group well before me. Before that, he talked me through all kinds of things I wouldn't have considered. Also, he whipped that security detail into order with total ease. He was very direct with what he needed from them and how things would go. Whomever trained him, really knew their stuff."
"This is excellent news.”
“Yes, it is. He might be handy to have around.”
“You have changed your tune.”
“Well, while definitely capable, I am not suggesting he be made a crew member just yet. Having external security could be handy, especially if we keep getting these high value gigs.”
“And there lies the problem. We can’t afford him if we don’t. As you know, with these things, it is either flood or drought. If we get a dry period, say postal runs for a couple of months, I’d go under. I just don’t have the reserves.”
“Good point,” Annee replied quickly before going quiet.
“What?"
"Marr.”
“What about her?” Dukk said quietly as he checked his peripheral vision to ensure she wasn’t nearby.
"When you were attacked, she looked totally relaxed. No indication of stress or concern."
"Yes, that is interesting. Asset or threat?"
“Not sure.”

The rest of the evening had progressed with ease and calm.
The load had been collected and put on board.
With the passengers and observers staying overnight within the hub, Bognath had been setup in the guest lounge room to monitor external security. Annee had configured the screens to cycle through the external cameras. One of the two crew that were on watch, stayed alert in the crew mess should Bognath need to get out to the pad. However, Bognath had been right about the message the handling of the attack had sent. The night had passed with little further hassle. Those few that did come near the rig where immediately confronted by the security detail and Bognath looking down at them from the top of the stairs.
The others had used their downtime to get some food and a few drinks in the entertainment district of the hub. The time together had been enjoyable once more, but less boisterous than the two previous stop overs. And, they had seen little hassle, perhaps also helped by the rumours of the handling of the attack.

The focus for the next day was cleaning and addressing the additional repairs resulting from the breach.
With refuelling complete and the passengers back on board, the crew got the rig through the hanger airlocks and back into orbit preparing for the next traverse.

A little over a day later and the rig was orbiting a rocky and desolate planet in the MJ3 system. It was near midnight. Annee and Mentor were on watch. Everyone else was asleep.

The DMD bounce alarm woke Dukk, but it was too late.
The wave hit him. He could feel his body going into arrest. Pain gripped his chest. His consciousness was slipping. The urge to vomit was overwhelming. He reached over to the side board. He grabbed the EVM pack and jammed it into his med line, hoping it ran true. Immediately he started to come back. He sat up with great effort and hit his comms.
“Status?” He wheezed as he forced his body to move in the direction of his inner layer and g-suit.
There was silence.

(to be continued...)

[Rule of Twelve, Double Take, Chapter 22 - Waves (Passage 3 of 5)]

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