Disclaimer: The main characters are not mine, this is an amateur effort written purely for the fun of it, and no money has exchanged hands. It is not intended to breach the copyright of Paramount and Pet Fly Productions.

A/N:  Happy Halloween. Well it has taken me over a year but the next installment of Star Rangers is finally

         finished.  I apologize for the lengthy delay but between a demanding project at work and illness finding 

         time to write has been difficult.  For all of you who have ask, yes this series will continue. The next

         story is Retribution which occurs immediately after this one and will tie up the Wessington plot thread.

         This will bring us to the halfway point in the overall story arc. So there will be more stories as soon as I

         am able to complete them.  Thank you to all who wrote to encourage me.  Your emails mean a lot and 

         keep me going when things are tough.  I hope this is worth the lengthy wait.  Enjoy.    

 

< > denotes telepathic exchange

/ /   denotes language other than Galactic Basic

 

Star Rangers:  Beneath The Waves

By Crystalphoenix

 

“What do you mean you’ve lost him?”  Wessington stared at the view screen, his irritation evident on his face.

“I’m sorry sir there was an incident on Baghdad…some kind of kidnapping ring.  The UET military has grounded all freighters and private flights from launching pending a thorough search. I believe they want to rule out any co-conspirators among the other freighters.  Anyway we’re grounded ‘til further notice.”

“And what about Sandburg?”

“The Empress left orbit this morning.  As a cruise ship that never landed on the surface she was cleared for departure.  By the time we reach Granger Station Sandburg will be on Oceanus and out of our reach.”

Wessington sighed, so much for well laid plans.  “Very well cooperate with the authorities then go to Granger Station and wait.”  He glanced at the dark haired man standing silently before his desk. “I’ll send someone with further instructions.”

“Yes sir.”

Terminating the call Wessington leaned back in his chair and studied his most valuable acquisition.  The sentinel stood at parade rest, no emotion showed on his handsome face as he waited with the patience of the predator for his master’s orders.  Wessington allowed himself a moment of satisfaction as he studied the dark figure.  Binding the Falcon clan to his service had been one of his most brilliant moves.  Having such lethal and loyal servants had greatly increased his empire.  The dark eyes studying him gave no hint at the sentinel’s thoughts and Wessington had a moment of unease as he remembered that his hold on the powerful clan was not due to respect and honor but to deception and force.  The warrior awaiting his orders would kill him if the chance presented itself but Wessington had not risen to his current status by being a fool.  His hold over the sentinel clan was absolute and its deadly warriors had no choice but to do his bidding.  “Go to Granger Station.  Sandburg can’t stay on Oceanus forever. When he returns to the station liberate him from his protectors and bring him here.”

The sentinel’s expression did not change as he acknowledged his orders.  “As you wish.”  Turning he headed for the door only to be stopped by his boss’s next words.

“And Raven don’t fail me.  It would not go well for your clan if I am displeased.”

Anger flashed in the dark eyes before the sentinel once again concealed his emotions and thoughts behind an impassive mask.  “I know the price of failure.  You will have Sandburg as soon as he returns to Granger Station.”

“Good.”  Wessington watched the sentinel leave and smiled.  Soon the time of waiting would be over.  With Sandburg’s knowledge he would have the power to bring his enemies to their knees.  First the UET would fall before him then the rest of the universe.  Blair Sandburg was the key to ultimate power and soon Wessington would hold that key.         

 

The growling of his stomach woke Daryl from slumber.  The smell of fresh coffee and pastries filled the cabin and the hungry teen followed his nose to the source of the delicious aromas.  He found Lieutenant Ellison leaning against the counter in the galley sipping a cup of coffee.  “Morning Lieutenant Ellison.”

“Hi Daryl, hungry?”  Handing the teen a glass of juice he motioned to the tray filled with a variety of breakfast foods.  “Dig in.”

Filling his plate with bagels and donuts Daryl joined Ellison in the breakfast nook and began eating with the enthusiasm characteristic of hungry teens everywhere.  Ellison watched the youth for a moment then decided that now was a good time to bring up a subject he had been meaning to discuss with Daryl.  “You know Daryl I’ve known you practically all your life, I think it would be okay for you to call me Jim.  After all we are on vacation.”

Daryl glanced at the ranger in surprise.  Ellison had been his dad’s friend since forever but there had always been something a little intimidating about the ex-commando that seemed to demand a more formal address.  But yesterday at the bazaar watching him interact with Sandburg the ranger had seemed almost human.  He had found that there was a likable man inside the tough exterior and Daryl couldn’t help the surge of pride he felt that this man would consider him a friend.  “Thanks Jim I’d like that.”

The two ate in companionable silence. A few moments later Simon joined them.  The three had just finished their meal and Ellison was refilling his coffee cup when a mumbled curse from the bedroom caused him to grin.  Catching the smile on the sentinel’s face Banks turned to face the bedroom just as a sleep rumpled Sandburg staggered out.  Making a beeline for the galley, the anthropologist never looked up as he homed in on the sentinel and the cup he held.  Plucking the coffee from his bemused partner Blair downed its contents before looking up.  Returning the cup to Jim he gave a wave, muttered ‘good morning’, and staggered off to the shower.

Banks looked at Ellison and started chuckling.  “Not a morning person I take it?”

Refilling his now empty cup Jim smiled and returned to his seat. “Enjoy it while you can Simon after his shower he’ll be firing on all cylinders and running rings around us.”

Fifteen minutes later a much more awake Sandburg joined them.  Selecting a whole-wheat bagel, fruit and tea he settled at the table.  “Morning, so Simon what did we miss last night?  Are the kids okay?”

“They’re fine, Sandburg.  The patrol took them to the base hospital for a checkup then they’ll be contacting their parents.  The UET has taken custody of the dead kidnappers for examination; hopefully they’ll have luck in tracking their movements.  Conner has pulled the data core from the kidnapper’s ship and has it safely under lock and key.  The local talent is under arrest on Baghdad but they haven’t been much help.  It’s going to take time and effort to unlock this puzzle but thanks to this incident at least now we know there is a problem.”

Jim nodded.  It would take the combined resources of the rangers, the UET military and the patrol to uncover the Hierarchy’s plans.  “How’s Rafe?”  Ellison had been so concerned with his hurting guide he had not had a chance to check on the injured ranger.

Banks smiled.  “He’ll be fine.  The blade missed anything vital.  He’ll be on desk duty for a week or so but we were lucky.  When I left the clinic he was busy charming the nursing staff and filling up his little black book with names and numbers.”

Blair looked up startled.  “Rafe was injured?”  He glanced at Ellison.  “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Because you weren’t in any condition to help anyone.  You scared me Chief, you couldn’t heal yourself not to mention anyone else.”

“Sandburg you are not responsible for keeping major crimes injury free.  Rafe will be fine, now how are you?”

Blair smiled.  “I’m fine Simon.  Still a little tired but I’m good.”

“Glad to hear it.  Now since you’re the tour director of this little jaunt, what’s on the agenda for today?”

Taking the hint Blair gave a run down of the day’s schedule.  “The Empress will be docking at Granger station around noon.  We have time to look around a bit and grab some lunch.”  He glanced at Daryl.  “Why don’t you invite Maria and the others to join us; it would give us a chance to say goodbye.”  Turning his attention back to Simon he continued.  “We meet the shuttle to Oceanus at two.  We’ll be at the palace in time for supper.  Oh, there’s one more thing we need to do.”  Rising he hurried to the bedroom returning in a few moments with a small silver case which he placed on the table.  “I almost forgot.”  Opening the case he lifted out three inhalers and handed them out.  “You need to use these at least two hours before we get to Oceanus.”

Simon studied the inhaler; it looked like those issued to asthmatics, then turned to Sandburg.  “So what the heck is this Sandburg?  I’m not sick and my lungs are fine.”

“For living on Cascade or other worlds maybe but Oceanus is a water world.  This is to protect you while you’re there.”  Seeing the dubious looks on his companions’ faces the anthropologist tried to explain.  “The inhabitants of Oceanus are amphibians.  They live beneath the sea.  Nature has given them an adaptation that makes transitioning from air to water easier.  The bacterium contained in these inhalers is produced in the lungs of the natives.  It controls the absorption of gases into the bloodstream.  In short these little babies remove the need for decompression or the danger of nitrogen narcosis and other diving related problems.  As a side benefit it increases the oxygen in the blood and removes contaminants.”  He smiled at Simon.  “You’ll be able to enjoy those cigars you like so much without worrying about damage from inhaling the smoke.  In fact, this is something that could be of enormous benefit to medicine if the government ever agreed to export it.”

“I only see three inhalers Chief, where’s yours?”

Blair chuckled then gave his chest a pat.  “Right here Jim.  My colony is alive and well; I don’t need anymore.”

“That explains it then.”  The sentinel nodded as if the answer to a puzzle had just been revealed.

“Explains what?”

“I thought you were just naturally hyper Chief.  But it must be the increased oxygen to your brain.”

“Funny Ellison.”  He reached out and tapped the inhaler in Simon’s hand.  “It’s perfectly safe and necessary if you’re going to accompany me to the palace.”

With a grin Ellison placed the inhaler in his mouth and activated it.  Breathing in he could almost feel the microbes swarming toward his lungs.  Feeling no ill effects he turned to his boss and shrugged.  “Well I’m still alive.”

Simon grumbled something too low for them to hear; then used his own inhaler.  Daryl copied his father and soon Blair was packing three empty inhalers back into the silver case.  “Good now that’s done, all we have to do is relax and have a good time.”

Daryl left to invite Maria and the others to join them for lunch on the station while the three men policed the cabin and packed.  Finishing his call he joined his father in the bedroom to ready his own belongings.  The teen couldn’t contain his excitement.  By tonight they’d be dining with royalty twenty thousand leagues beneath the sea.

 

Granger Station was a jumping off point for travel within the highly settled Taureen star system.  The Taureen system boasted a number of vacation worlds whose benign climates, lush vegetation and unspoiled beaches made it a favorite with travel agencies across the galaxy.  The station like the old earth city of New York never slept and was always packed with travelers either going to or coming from the pleasure worlds.  While most of the habitable worlds were clustered near the center of the quadrant the outer fringes were home to less habitable worlds who made up for their lack of hospitality by being rich in natural resources.  The station played host to a wealth of miners and other adventurers looking to score it big by braving the hostile worlds in the quadrants outer reaches.  The one exception was the planet Oceanus.  Located in the barren no mans land of the outer fringes it was the one planet that held sentient life and was the only source of aide for those stranded in hostile environments far from the resources of Granger Station.  The UET had negotiated a deal with the inhabitants of Oceanus.  In exchange for allowing the patrol to maintain a base on one of the islands in the planet’s southern sphere the UET would classify the planet as a closed world and would protect it from unauthorized visitation.  Since the Oceanians were a highly developed race the UET also agreed to give the inhabitants restricted access to the UET database.  For a world of scientists this was the greatest gift.  In time the relationship between the Oceanus people and others in the UET grew until selected individuals were entrusted with bits of the vast knowledge amassed by the reclusive scholars.  The UET was very careful to adhere strictly to the agreements made with the planetary rulers.  As the Oceanians’ trust in their off world neighbors grew so did the hopes that one day they would be willing to trade with their air breathing cousins.  There had been indications lately that the monarchy might finally be in favor of broadening the planet’s involvement with other worlds.  As a long time friend of the royal family Sandburg had a high opinion of King Nerum.  He was an intelligent and compassionate man, who cared greatly for his people and the future of their world.  Blair was looking forward to seeing his old friend again and seeing if the rumors of an increased alliance between Oceanus and the UET were true.  There were many in the royal court that clung to the old ways of isolationism and would not welcome increased contact with off world races.  Reigning in his thoughts Blair added his bag to the cart that would take them to the shuttle bay where the shuttle to Oceanus would be docking then followed his companions out into the beehive of Granger Station. 

As they entered the busy station Ellison stiffened as the sights, sounds and smells of the station assaulted his senses.  A brush of a warm hand and a whispered ‘dial it down Jim’ cut through the din and returned his world to order.  “Thanks Chief.”  He smiled at the worried guide and quickly dialed down his senses.  “I’m okay; I just wasn’t expecting things to be quiet this packed.”

Blair chuckled.  “Yeah, isn’t it great? This place is an anthropologist’s dream.  If you sit still long enough a representative of just about every race will parade by and you can witness just about every interaction possible between sentient beings.”

“I’ll take your word for that Sandburg.  Right now I’d settle for getting out of the throng and somewhere a little less crowded.”

“Your wish is my command Simon.”  The anthropologist led the group to a small restaurant on the third tier of the station mall. 

From their table they had a clear view of the busy mall but thankfully the sounds were muffled.  Ellison sank into his chair with a sigh of relief.  The restaurant was sentinel friendly as Blair put it and he had to agree.  Soft lighting didn’t blind him and the scents were not overpowering as they had been on the concourse and the sound proof glass that shielded them from the masses was a blessing.  A few moments later Maria and the others arrived and joined them.  The food was delicious and the company pleasant.  An hour and a half later after exchanging numbers the men said goodbye to the women and teens and headed for the landing bay where they were to meet their shuttle.

 

A young man dressed in the silver and black uniform of the patrol met them at the shuttle entrance.  After scrutinizing the sheaf of papers Sandburg handed him, one embossed with the royal seal of Oceanus, and carefully checking their ids he finally gave them clearance to board.  Settling into the plush seats they made themselves comfortable for the journey.  Since the quadrant of space they were heading for was sparsely populated they would be jumping directly to the Oceanus system then a three hour cruise at standard speed would see them in orbit around the ocean world.  The time passed quickly for the four as Ellison used the lull in activity to write up his and Sandburg’s report on the Baghdad bust while Blair reviewed the itinerary for the conference.  Simon and Daryl amused themselves by scanning the information pack that Blair had given them on the planet they would soon be visiting.  Discussing the things they would like to see and do while on world. 

It was with a sigh of relief that Jim saved the report and closed the laptop he had borrowed from Sandburg.  He would transmit it to ranger headquarters as soon as he found a COM station but for now at least he could put work behind him and enjoy the trip.  Oceanus was a world of white clouds and blue, blue water.  As the shuttle dropped lower the sentinel could make out the planet’s one lone continent, a small segment of land not much larger than the island of Honolulu on old Earth.  The shuttle turned southward toward a grouping of smaller islands and the modern buildings of a spaceport came into view.  A few moments later Sandburg led his charges onto the surface of Oceanus. 

Following their pilot they entered the largest of the buildings dotting the island for another round of checks and validation of their identities.  Finally, the official appeared satisfied that they were who they claimed to be and that yes they were invited.  He handed them each a card showing they were cleared for travel on Oceanus and smiled ingratiatingly.  “Welcome to Oceanus Dr. Sandburg, the royal family has been anxiously awaiting your arrival.  Transportation has been arranged for you at the pier and your luggage has been transferred there.  Enjoy your stay gentlemen.”

Thanking the official for his help Blair led the way outside and along the winding path leading down to the water and their waiting transport.  A gentle sea breeze ruffled his long curls and he breathed deeply of the salty air.  Beside him he could sense the sentinel testing the scents on the cool breeze. And smiled as Jim breathed deeply of the unpolluted air.  The dock was empty except for a cart holding their luggage and the four settled down to wait.  A few moments later Ellison tensed as the water below the dock rippled and the shape of a woman rose from the waves and waded ashore.  The men rose and stared at the vision rising from the sea. 

Five feet five with waves of dark navy hair flowing to her narrow waist, she studied the visitors with dark blue eyes that sparkled with intelligence and mischief.  Porcelain skin with a trace of blue highlights, upswept eyebrows and just the tiniest points to her ears finished the fetching picture and made Jim recall the childhood stories of sea sprites that his housekeeper Sally use to read to him long ago.  Dressed in tight leggings and a backless, full skirted, tunic top in shades of blues and greens the garments seemed to flow around her lithe body and Jim blinked as he realized that the clothing was completely dry.  A closer look detected the skirt of the tunic was actually constructed of overlapping strips of cloth instead of one piece obviously designed to be functional whether on land or in the water. 

Clearing the water the sea nymph turned to face the waves and spoke into a small transmitter strapped to her right wrist.  The musical language made no sense to Jim but his attention was caught by what appeared to be smudges along the woman’s spine.  Turning up his vision the smudges resolved themselves into a set of three parallel scars on each side of the spine along her lower back.  They were the only blemishes on the otherwise perfect complexion.  With a start Jim finally understood what he was seeing and suddenly the backless dress made sense.  The scars were actually gill slits now closed for the transition to air breathing.  Finishing her conversation the water sprite turned and started walking toward the off worlders.

When the lovely apparition reached them she gave a brilliant smile then launched herself at the equally smiling Sandburg.  “Blair!”

“Kiki!” 

Simon stared at the hugging couple then turned to the bemused sentinel.  “How does he do it?”

“I don’t know sir, its one of the mysteries of the universe.”

Ignoring his companions Blair hugged his old friend then turned to introduce her to the others.  “Simon, Jim, Daryl I’d like you to meet Princess Kikira of Oceanus.  Kiki I’d like you to meet Captain Simon Banks, his son Daryl and Lieutenant Jim Ellison.”

Kiki studied the three newcomers then smiled.  Placing her palms together she gave a slight bow.  “Welcome to Oceanus.”  Her voice was soft and lyrical.  Catching the glint of silver at Ellison’s throat she reached up and gently stroked the torque at his neck.  “I see he has found you at last sentinel, we are pleased.” Turning to Daryl she reached out and took the stunned young man’s hands.  “And you must be the young scholar Blair has told me so much about.”  Mesmerized by the lovely woman and the musical tones of her voice Daryl could only nod.  “Scholars are always welcome here.”  She turned to Simon. “And the father of scholars as well.”  Releasing the young man the princess turned and linking her arm with Blair’s began walking toward the pier.  “Come let me show you my world.”

As they neared the pier the water churned and a bathysphere rose from the depths.  While crewmen stowed the luggage Kiki escorted her guests to the observation deck and settled them in for the trip.  Reaching into a storage locker she retrieved four small canisters affixed with a mouthpiece and carrying strap and handed one to each of her passengers.  “These are emergency breathers.  All non-amphibians are required to carry one with them at all times for safety.  They contain a four hour air supply.”  She slipped the carry strap around Daryl’s head and clipped it to the cylinder adjusting the strap until the small metal canister rested securely just below the hollow of his throat.  “It’s simply a precaution, the palace has adequate facilities for air breathers.” 

Simon settled his own breather into place then eyed the clear bubble of the bathysphere. “I’m more concerned about diving in a glass bubble.”

Kiki chuckled.  “Relax captain the dome is made of diamond coral, it is not as fragile as it looks.”

“Diamond coral,” Daryl glanced at the clear dome in excitement.  “I’ve read about that. You really grow your buildings?”

“Yes we do.  It is thanks to the discovery of diamond coral that my people were able to advance as we have. It is the perfect building material for beneath the sea.  It is strong, nearly indestructible and impervious to just about everything.  The coral grows naturally along the northern shore of the continent.  Our scientist studied it for many years before learning its secret.”

“So this is a living creature?”  Jim touched the hard surface of the bubble.

“In a manner of speaking, the coral remains in a state of stasis for most of its life.  Once a year the great whales migrate along the reef.  The tones of their song activate the coral and cause it to grow.  When the migration is over and the whale song ends the coral reverts to its dormant state.  My people learned to mimic the tones that awaken and stimulate growth in the coral as well as the tone to induce stasis.  Since then it has been our favorite building material.”

“Let’s just hope we don’t run into any singing whales then.”  Simon marveled at the thin glasslike bubble that held back the pressure of the deep with such ease.  Such a building material would be invaluable to many worlds where metals were rare and conditions were harsh.  He could understand the UET’s interest in these inventive people.

Sandburg laughed.  “Don’t worry Simon it’s not mating season and the whales usual stomping grounds are far from here or where we’re going.”

“Glad to here it.”  As the bathysphere sank deeper into the blue waters a hush fell over the observation dome as the off worlders beheld the teeming life that lurked beneath the ocean’s surface.  Almost an hour later there was a collective gasp as they caught sight of the crystal city that was the heart of Oceanus and home of the royal family. 

The ocean was ablaze with light.  A large crystal dome sat on the sea floor surrounded by a number of smaller less impressive structures.  The smaller buildings were connected to the larger dome by a series of crystal tunnels.  The sheer size of the center dome was staggering.  You could fit one of the larger metropolises from one of the more densely populated worlds inside the structure with room to spare.  Watercraft of all descriptions scurried between the domes or hung in the familiar holding pattern favored by traffic controllers everywhere waiting for entrance into the city.

Ignoring the other craft their bathysphere veered away from what appeared to be the main entrance into the dome.  Skimming along just above the sea floor they headed away from the waiting vessels.  On the far side of the structure their craft slowed and Jim could make out the outline of a large door set into the side of the dome.  A signal from the pilot and the large door slowly opened