Free Outsystem (Aeon 14) by M. D. Cooper
Authors: M. D. Cooper
room.
“He is?” Evans’ eyes flickered as he checked the guest list. “He’s not on the list, not even on the maybes.”
“He’s already on the ship. They tried to sneak him on this morning. For some reason Sanderson decided not to let me know.”
“So how do you know?”
“One of Ouri’s people picked up a couple of irregularities and passed them up the chain. His security didn’t seem to realize that I have access to some databases that would allow me to ID their mystery guest.”
“Do they know you know?”
“They probably do by now. I left a security docket and nano-id in his quarters.”
Evans let out a laugh. “You’re just shaking things up all over the place.”
“I try.” Tanis allowed herself a small grin.
“I can’t wait to see this.” Evans had the automaton make him another drink.
Once he had finished his initial rounds, or perhaps when he simply wanted a strong drink, Admiral Sanderson made his way over to them. The two junior officers saluted him and he languidly returned the courtesy.
“Found your little joke in Mr. Enfield’s quarters.” The admiral’s voice carried no trace of humor.
“I don’t think it’s a joke,” Tanis replied.
“We go to all the trouble of hiding his presence and you announce it to anyone interested in the current roster.”
Tanis held back a sigh. She knew that Admiral Sanderson hadn’t told her about Terrance Enfield’s arrival because she hadn’t fully secured her department. However, since the admiral hadn’t thoroughly covered his tracks, things could have been worse as a result of attempting to hide him.
“If I may, sir.” She waited for his nod. “One of my net security personnel found the irregularities, which we kept quiet and reworked to remove their traces. If you check the shipnet you will find no trace of Terrance Enfield in any databases in regards to his visit tonight. We are also currently in a noise-canceling bubble, so no one can hear this conversation.”
Admiral Sanderson stared forward without blinking, what Tanis assumed must be his tell for accessing his Link. His features relaxed somewhat, but his tone was still acidic.
“It would seem that is the case,” he admitted. “But in the future I would expect you to notify me of such things.”
“I will sir. With all due respect, as the head of security I would like to be notified of such visitors in the future as well.”
“It would seem there is no reason to hide it since you’ll find out anyway.” Tanis couldn’t tell if he was being petty, or complimentary.
“It’s why you brought me here, sir.”
Admiral Sanderson let out a short sound that could have been a cough or a chuckle. “I suppose that it is, after all. Andrews will be pleased; he expects big things from you.”
“I imagine he expects to have his ship finished on schedule,” Tanis said.
Admiral Sanderson nodded and didn’t respond as he retrieved his drink.
Shortly thereafter the Reddings entered the ballroom, in some ways exactly and in others nothing like Tanis would have expected. Earnest Redding, the visionary of the pair was the man responsible for the Intrepid ’s advanced ramscoop engine. He was reportedly the typical mind-in-the-stars type, though this evening he seemed very much present as he shook hands and doled out pleasantries. His wife, Abby, was a nuts-and-bolts type. She was largely responsible for making realities out of her husband’s dreams. As the head engineer on the Intrepid it was her job to get the massive ship built and heading outsystem on time.
Admiral Sanderson must have sent them a message via Link as the pair headed directly to the bar.
Evans’ dry humor oozed over the Link. Tanis sent back.
“He is?” Evans’ eyes flickered as he checked the guest list. “He’s not on the list, not even on the maybes.”
“He’s already on the ship. They tried to sneak him on this morning. For some reason Sanderson decided not to let me know.”
“So how do you know?”
“One of Ouri’s people picked up a couple of irregularities and passed them up the chain. His security didn’t seem to realize that I have access to some databases that would allow me to ID their mystery guest.”
“Do they know you know?”
“They probably do by now. I left a security docket and nano-id in his quarters.”
Evans let out a laugh. “You’re just shaking things up all over the place.”
“I try.” Tanis allowed herself a small grin.
“I can’t wait to see this.” Evans had the automaton make him another drink.
Once he had finished his initial rounds, or perhaps when he simply wanted a strong drink, Admiral Sanderson made his way over to them. The two junior officers saluted him and he languidly returned the courtesy.
“Found your little joke in Mr. Enfield’s quarters.” The admiral’s voice carried no trace of humor.
“I don’t think it’s a joke,” Tanis replied.
“We go to all the trouble of hiding his presence and you announce it to anyone interested in the current roster.”
Tanis held back a sigh. She knew that Admiral Sanderson hadn’t told her about Terrance Enfield’s arrival because she hadn’t fully secured her department. However, since the admiral hadn’t thoroughly covered his tracks, things could have been worse as a result of attempting to hide him.
“If I may, sir.” She waited for his nod. “One of my net security personnel found the irregularities, which we kept quiet and reworked to remove their traces. If you check the shipnet you will find no trace of Terrance Enfield in any databases in regards to his visit tonight. We are also currently in a noise-canceling bubble, so no one can hear this conversation.”
Admiral Sanderson stared forward without blinking, what Tanis assumed must be his tell for accessing his Link. His features relaxed somewhat, but his tone was still acidic.
“It would seem that is the case,” he admitted. “But in the future I would expect you to notify me of such things.”
“I will sir. With all due respect, as the head of security I would like to be notified of such visitors in the future as well.”
“It would seem there is no reason to hide it since you’ll find out anyway.” Tanis couldn’t tell if he was being petty, or complimentary.
“It’s why you brought me here, sir.”
Admiral Sanderson let out a short sound that could have been a cough or a chuckle. “I suppose that it is, after all. Andrews will be pleased; he expects big things from you.”
“I imagine he expects to have his ship finished on schedule,” Tanis said.
Admiral Sanderson nodded and didn’t respond as he retrieved his drink.
Shortly thereafter the Reddings entered the ballroom, in some ways exactly and in others nothing like Tanis would have expected. Earnest Redding, the visionary of the pair was the man responsible for the Intrepid ’s advanced ramscoop engine. He was reportedly the typical mind-in-the-stars type, though this evening he seemed very much present as he shook hands and doled out pleasantries. His wife, Abby, was a nuts-and-bolts type. She was largely responsible for making realities out of her husband’s dreams. As the head engineer on the Intrepid it was her job to get the massive ship built and heading outsystem on time.
Admiral Sanderson must have sent them a message via Link as the pair headed directly to the bar.
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