VC Chapter 22-Deception

Sector 1400

Planet 1411

January 23, 2052

“Commander Parks, we have an unauthorized ship launch in bay twelve.” a Lieutenant reported to the blonde officer who stood in the medical bay watching Charlie undergoing medical treatment.

“Oh, there's more of them?” Parks turned her head as she snapped to attention.

“Yes, ma'am. A few stragglers managed to steal an Apocrypha along with Mr. De Waal.” the Lieutenant reported.

“Shoot for its engines.” Parks commanded.

“That won't be necessary Commander.” Yale walked in escorted by VEGA soldiers.

“Oh? Do tell.” Parks crossed her arms.

“Do you really think they can easily get a ship without being caught? If so, then you are wrong.” Yale chuckled as he reached for his datapad on his utility belt.

“You are letting them steal a high-tech ship...wait till Rumblelow hears about this.” Parks threatened.

“In fact, he authorized this Parks. We know they are here for the technology, but we can never seem to find out where their base is.” Yale passed the datapad to Parks to examine authenticated mission orders.

“A tracking ship?” Parks looked at the datapad and scrolled down to read its contents.

“Once they bring it back to reverse engineer, we will strike at the heart when they least expect it.” Yale took the datapad back and clicked it back onto his belt.

“Impressive...” Parks looked outside the window as she watched the stolen Apocrypha quickly fly away from the facility and into warp.

“Who is he?” Yale tapped on the medical window pointing at the unconscious Charlie.

“One of the captured intruders.” Parks replied cautiously.

“Then he must be interrogated for information once he's awake.” Yale responded.

Parks knew about VEGA interrogation methods and was certain that Charlie would probably not survive the first few stages of questioning. She had not seen Charlie for a very long time and now his fate was in her hands.

“My captive...my interrogation.” Parks challenged Yale.

* * *

“Warping now.” Chase pressed the button on the command chair.

“How's Matt?” Badyr eyed his injured comrade who was breathing lightly beside him in the bridge.

“He'll live.” Jaimes replied as he looked at the ship scanners.

“They are not firing back...that is weird.” Chase watched as the space around the ship begin to warp.

“That's because of me. They would have blow you out of the sky already if I wasn't in here” De Waal spoke as he struggled in his handcuffs.

“Sure. Whatever you say.” Jaimes thought about his missing friend as closed his eyes to rest.