RED KNIGHT
a STAR FRONTIERS Novel
by Layne K. Saltern
The interior of Gollwin's docking section was dark, lit only by the stars beyond the curved plastiglass walls. An orange and white sign glowed ahead, directing me to the docking bay where the next ship would be departing.
Because most docking areas are located in the center of space stations, they do not benefit from the centrifugal force that provides the station with artificial gravity. I floated forward, grasping the corridor's hand-holds to fight my weightlessness. The passage to the starship was lined on both sides with a row of twinkling white lights, no larger than the distant stars.
Another Vrusk, a few meters ahead, was heading for the same ship, so I called out. "Good evening, sir!"
An unfortunate mistake. She turned but said nothing.
"Hello, ma'am," I corrected myself.
She waited without expression for me to continue.
"I'm uh. . .Kro'khan Zek'et, ma'am. Midshipman of the Clarion Royal Militia."
No response.
"You're going to the conference?"
"That should be obvious." Having offered me the courtesy of that winter chill, she turned away and continued towards the ship's entry hatch.
"Friendly girl." The voice startled me. I turned to see a pale green Vrusk with a UPF uniform and red corrective goggles. He extended a hand. "I'm Commodore Kel'krich Tulk'n, representing Strike Force NOVA."
I returned his greeting.
He nodded toward the female Vrusk. "That's Lieutenant Katrina Z'ungheure. She's here to make a record of everything we do and say at the conference. I don't know why, but the UPF feels it needs to catalogue everything. Come on. I'll introduce you to the others."
The other passengers were already waiting as we boarded the UPF starship Cavalier. I could see two Humans, a Yazirian and another Vrusk.
Without warning, a Dralasite leapt from the shadows, his laser rifle trained on the entire crowd. "No one goes anywhere!" he growled.
I stiffened, one hand waiting near my holstered laser pistol.
Commodore Tulk'n laughed. The others went about their business without giving the agressor any notice.
"Let me first introduce you first to Lieutenant Voar Tung, security division," said Tulk'n as he walked toward the Dralasite. "Most people have a hard time understanding his sense of humor. Lieutenant Tung, this is Kro'khan Zek'et."
The Dralasite set aside his weapon and smiled.
Tulk'n passed to the more decorated of the two Humans. "This is Admiral Jac Zhelk, the director of the conference."
Admiral Zhelk offered a solid handshake.
"To make the flight more pleasant, Commodore Zap Xid'kit will be our astrogator for this voyage," joked Tulk'n, designating the other Vrusk.
Commodore Xid'kit's mandibles turned into a stiff frown. Obviously, he did not appreciate Commodore Tulk'n's spritely manner.
"This good Yazirian is Rear Admiral Venta Krenny."
The Yazirian looked to the floor beside him as he said, "How you doing?"
"And last of all," concluded Tulk'n as he indicated the remaining Human, "Space Commander Luc Thibaut."
The Space Commander half-nodded but said nothing. From the moment I stepped aboard, his mouth had seemed frozen into a sour frown. Maybe that was just the way his face was formed.
"Welcome aboard, Kro'khan," said Admiral Zhelk. "Space on the ship is limited, so we'll have to do some sharing of quarters until we arrive at Pale. You'll be bunking with Commodore Tulk'n and Commodore Xid'kit."
Tulk'n and I were already in the ship's cramped turbolift when the Admiral called out his final pre-flight announcement.
"Takeoff procedure will begin in two hours."