Chapter 16. On the skybridge of the Eridanus.
"What happened?," asked Captain Simme.
"We received a distress call from a merchant ship, the Illusion. By this time CXM had left and the Illusion had some trouble with a Higgs drive," said Subcommander Jurusha Sanas. "Captain Jem went to see if we could help. He was on his way when the ship underwent a catastrophic failure of some sort. We lost all contact."
"Subcom Mauve, dispatch a survey probe in the last known position of the Illusion immediately."
"Aye aye, Captain."
CPO Modine put his head down on the console. "He was like a father to me."
Egon shuddered. He had not known death. He had never known anyone who had died. Death was just . . . a word, something that happened in stories. He had to ponder on what this meant. How should he feel? Once he had some goldfish. He would watch them swimming for hours in the fish tank. Then one day they were gone . . . They swam away said his father. He felt a sense of loss at the time. Perhaps this was what Modine felt as well.
Egon turned to Modine. "I don't know what to say."
"This sudden experience reminds me of my own father's passing."
Egon nodded but remained silent.
"My own father died when I was young. He was back from putting down the Zurgon Mine revolt. They say they can wipe all the memories away . . . but he remembered in his dreams . . . "
"I'm so sorry," said Egon. He could see Ezio, dressed in black, creeping on the skybridge. Two figures followed.
"Ah, Captain Simme, there you are . . ." said Councilor Vegan. "I would like to introduce myself and this is, of course, the Grand Duchess Aria."
"Greetings," said Captain Simme. "Councilor Vegan and Grand Duchess Aria."
"A great honor," said Duchess Aria and did a half-curtsy in front of the Captain. "Please . . . everybody calls me the Duchess. Could we have the pleasure of your company for dinner, Captain? My Chef has prepared an absolutely delightful meal of mashed potatoes, jambalaya and bread pudding."
"Thank you kindly, Duchess Aria," said Captain Simme. "As it happens, we are involved in several situations at the present. It appears my own culinary aspirations may be late."
"How soon before we transfer to the Prinz?" said Councilor Vegan.
"I was hoping to rendezvous with the Prinz here. My goal is to play catch-up with the Prinz as expeditiously and as safely as possible."
"Captain, the survey probe has been launched," said Subcom Mauve.
"Thank you, Subcom Mauve," said Captain Simme. Turning back to his VIP guests, he said, "We hope to meet the convoy at our next rendezvous point. That is all I can say."669Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIwKU9YaNV5
To be continued . . .
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