USS Eagle

“Captain, we’re being hailed.”  Iziraa tapped the tactical console.  “It’s the Equamar government channel.”

Kirby thought that was odd.  The Eagle was still an hour away from the Lenal system and there wasn’t really any reason for them to call.  “On screen.”

“Aye, sir.”

From the mission briefing, Kirby recognized the man that appeared, King Limmar Korlus d’Cempus.  He was tall, with brown hair and was about sixty years old.  Standing in front of a desk in an ornate office, he had a commanding presence.

“Your Highness, I’m Captain Matt Kirby.  What can I do for you?”

“I need your help with something, Captain.  It’s embarrassing, but it’s also a matter of grave importance.”

Kirby thought back to a few days ago when he was reflecting on the assignment.  He had a sinking feeling in his gut that something might go wrong.  He didn’t think it would be before they arrived.

“Whatever we can do.  The Eagle is at your disposal.”

“We can’t find Prince Jahk.”

Kirby frowned, almost slumping his shoulders.

“As I’m sure you already know from your briefings, Captain, the prince can occasionally be… difficult.

Kirby didn’t say anything, not wanting to risk insulting the king by agreeing with him about his son.

“He went to Mirilad Island.  He likes to fly his glider from the cliffs.  I suppose this was one last excursion before he marries Princess Yari.”  King Limmar paused.  “He’s past his check in time and we’re not getting a signal from his tracking chip.  We’ve sent search teams, but the wilderness area is large and he hasn’t been found.  Your sensor technology is advanced.  If we send you the tracking frequency and his DNA, would you help us find him?”

“Of course.  My tactical and science officers will get right on it.”

“Thank you, Captain.”  Limmar went behind his desk and sat down, tapping a console.  “I’ve sent the information.  If… when you find him, call me directly on this channel.”

“We will.  Don’t worry, sir, we’ll find him.”

Limmar nodded and his image disappeared, the view screen returning to showing the stars.

“I have the information,” said Iziraa.  “I also brought up the map of the island.  The king wasn’t wrong about the size of the wilderness.”

“Helm, increase speed and when we reach Lenal, put us in geosynchronous orbit.”

Yes, sir.”

Lenal III

Arriving in a hover car and parking in an isolated, wooded area far from the capital city, a lone person stepped out.  Moving to another lone figure just inside the treeline, the person stopped.  “It’s done.”

“The prince’s glider was sabotaged?” said the Second Person.

“Yes,” said the First.  “I made sure of it myself.  It’s timed to shut down once he reaches flight.  My contact inside the government told me he’s missing, though they’re keeping it quiet.”

“Excellent.”

“Is there anything else you need?” said the First.

“No.  Your services are no longer required.”  The Second drew a firearm from his pocket.

“Wh… what is this?” The First was shaking in fear.

The Second fired twice, the silencer preventing anyone from hearing the shots.  When the First fell, the Second shot twice more.  The terrified expression was still on the victim’s lifeless face.

Another person emerged from hiding in the woods.

“Drag the body into the forest and leave it where it won’t be found, then drive the car to the back roads of Vilton.”

The Third nodded and began the grisly task.

The Second smiled.  The first part of the plan had begun.