The day after they got back from Tragg, Ram had gone in to Command, expecting Cole to be there finishing his report. However, Cole was nowhere to be found. Ram had tried calling him, but the call rang out. Sol hadn’t seen him either and they were happy enough to just assume that Cole had slept in and didn’t hear the call. 

Then Gregor came running into the break room like his arse was on fire.

“You haven’t heard?” Gregor said.

“Heard what?” Sol said.

“It’s Cole,” –Gregor caught his breath– “he’s been arrested.”

Ram laughed. “Kid, if you’re trying to be funny you’re missing the mark, big time.”

“I’m serious,” Gregor said, “they’re saying he killed his family.”

“What?” Ram couldn’t believe what he was hearing.

***

“What the hell is going on? You can’t seriously think Cole did this, can you?” Ram said, standing in the office of the Cotar Police Chief, Harn Modell.

“The evidence is there Ramses, we can’t ignore it,” came Modell’s cold reply, “no matter how much you might want us to.”

“Screw your evidence!” Ram was shouting now. “There is no way that Cole could do these things. It’s ridiculous! He would never touch so much as a hair on his families heads.”

“He was the only one at the scene Ramses,” Modell continued, “his fingerprints are on the murder weapon.”

Ram had heard enough. “I want to see him.”

“I’m afraid that won’t be possible,” Modell said.

“Why the hell not?”

“Mister Traske is still currently in hibernation until our investigation is completed,” Modell explained, “it could be several days before that is completed.”

“This is bullshit,” Ram shouted, smashing his fist down onto Modell’s desk.

“Ramses Barden,” Modell said sternly, “the only reason I even entertained this meeting was because of my debt to your father, if he–“

“This was a waste of time,” Ram said, making for the door, “if I have to go over your head I will, and you know that I can.”

“Good luck with that,” Modell said.

“Drak off old man,” Ram said under his breath as he stormed out of the room.

Despite his repeated and insistent efforts, nothing Ram tried over the next four days granted him access to Cole. Early in the morning of the fifth day however, he got news that Cole had been released the night before, only Cole hadn’t made contact and no one knew where he’d gone. No one except for Ram.

***

Ram hurried down the busy street, periodically having to dodge someone who wasn’t looking where they were going. Ram knew exactly where he was going; it was the same place he always went when Cole couldn’t be found.

As the door to the bar slid open, the familiar stench of stale sweat and alcohol wafted out into the street. The bartender saw Ram come in and hurried over to meet him.

“Hey Rek,” Ram said, “he here?”

“Been here all night,” Rek said, the fatigue clear in his voice, “I couldn’t bring myself to throw him out, poor bastard.”

Rek pointed to the far end of the bar where several booths lined the wall. Something resembling Cole sat slumped over in one on the far right.

“Thanks,” Ram said.

Cole was fast asleep face down on the table, a small puddle of drool slowly expanding from the corner of his mouth. Ram gave him a few solid shakes in an effort to wake him, but he didn’t stir, he was out cold.

“Rek?” Ram called out.

“Yeah?” Rek said, his head buried somewhere behind the bar.

“You got any WakeUp back there?”

Rek’s reply came in the form of several small packets landing at Ram’s feet.

“He might need a couple,” Rek said, his head popping up from behind the bar, “this is the worst I’ve seen him since Nate.”

Ram unwrapped the capsules and activated them, a small needle popping out the top of each. One by one he pressed the capsules into Cole’s arm, making sure to wait the requisite thirty seconds between doses. One WakeUp capsule was usually enough to snap a grown man into sobriety in short order, Ram was up to the third.

“How much did he have?” Ram said.

“I cut him off about six hours ago, but before that he’d been hitting it pretty hard, we tried to get him to slow down but I guess he just wanted to forget everything. Understandable really.”

Ram looked over to Rek. “We?” he asked.

“Yeah there was another guy here with him,” Rek said, “officer type, real important looking, sounded like he was from the Old Core.”

“Ah,” Ram said, knowing exactly who it was.

“You know him?” Rek said.

“Knew him,” Ram said. Oren. Great.

Thirty seconds had passed. Ram waited an extra ten for good measure and administered the fourth capsule.

“Anyway,” Rek continued, “he couldn’t keep up with Cole. Wigged out about two hours in and left, asked me to keep an eye on him. He tipped well at least.”

Fifteen seconds into the fourth dose Cole started to stir. Five seconds later he lurched backwards and came roaring into consciousness.

“Zara!” Cole yelled, lashing out at whatever was closest. In this case it was Ram, who quickly reigned in Cole’s thrashing and did his best to calm him down.

“Cole,” Ram said, clear and direct, locked onto his friends eyes, “Cole it’s Ram. Look at me. Hey. Look at me. Do you know where you are?”

Cole calmed, but his hands were shaking uncontrollably. “Ram?” he said.

“Hey, welcome back,” Ram said, patting Cole on the back.

The drugs had kicked right in now, unfortunately for Cole, the clarity they provided brought back every painful recollection of that stormy night. Cole’s head sank to his chest.

“They’re gone Ram,” he said quietly, tears welling in the corners of his eyes.

“I know buddy,” Ram said, putting his arm across Cole’s shoulders, “I know.”

They sat in silence for a long time.

***

“So that’s the plan?” Ram said.

“That’s the plan. More or less,” Cole said. 

It had been some time since Ram had woken him, and any signs of intoxication were long gone, the excessive amount of WakeUp in his system had seen to that. Cole had been able to process what had happened as best he could, and was now working through accepting it and planning for the long road ahead.

“And Oren’s actually okay with this?” Ram asked.

“Some of it was actually his idea.”

“Well shit, if it’s got Lord Rhey’ll’s seal of approval-”

“Ram…”

“Cole, you know I’m in, I’m with you on this,” Ram said.

“Never doubted it for a second,” Cole said.

Ram shifted in his seat and stretched. “Sol’s not going to like it though.”

“But he’ll do it,” Cole said.

“Yeah, he will,” Ram said, “anyone’s guess as to whether or not the kid will go for it.”

“Yeah,” Cole said, “I wouldn’t blame him if he told me to go jump.”

“He’ll probably produce some deeply buried, long forgotten regulation that will absolutely prevent him from doing it,” Ram said. They laughed.

It was the first time either of them had laughed in many days. Soon the laughter gave way to the quiet murmur of a bar in mid morning.

“You know,” Cole said, breaking the silence, “if Nate was here he’d probably have a much better plan.”

“Maybe,” Ram said, “all the same I think he’d still prefer yours.”

Cole shuffled to the side and eased himself out of the booth that had been his home for the last eighteen hours.

“Look, can you call the others?” Cole said, “Have them meet us back at base this afternoon.”

“Where are you going?” Ram asked.

“I have to sort something out first.”

***

Oren’s secretary had let him through without protest. Cole assumed that meant that just about everyone knew what had happened by now. 

“Yes Captain, that’s correct,” Oren said, in the middle of a phone conversation, “alright. Yes. Just make sure that you do.”

Oren ended the call. “Blithering idiot.”

“You got a minute?” Cole asked.

“Yes of course,” Oren replied and waved Cole in, “I was actually just finalising some of the arrangements for your mission. Everyone on board?”

“Ram’s in. We’re meeting with the others this afternoon to present it to them.”

“And how is Ramses?” Oren said, “Still charming?”

“As ever,” Cole said, “he was thrilled about your involvement.”

“He’s never going to let that one go is he?” Oren said.

“Can you blame him?” Cole said.

“Not at all.”

Cole paced the floor, his face showed a mind deep in thought.

“What do you need Cole?” Oren asked.

“My implants. I, I need them reactivated,” Cole said.

“Cole…”

“Tobias is just as strong as he was fifteen years ago, maybe stronger,” –Cole stopped pacing– “I need them back up and running if I have any chance of surviving this.”

“Cole, you’re implants were deactivated over a decade ago,” Oren said, “even if they’re still in working order we just don’t have the capabilities for that here anymore. You know how things have been since the laws came in.”

“I know that,” Cole said, “I was hoping that maybe you, knew someone.”

Oren frowned. He got up from the table and moved to a large display screen, a few simple hand gestures brought up a wealth of information. 

“This is Kag Darka, the contact I was telling you about,” –Oren brought up a picture of Darka; a squat Virn with a face that perhaps even his own mother didn’t love– “now, he’ll be providing you with your gear and ammunition, but if there was anyone who might have information on reactivating your implants it would be him.”

“Do you trust him?” Cole asked.

“Kag?” Oren said, laughing. “Not as far as I could kick him, but he knows better than to cause trouble.”

Cole turned away from the display.

“Cole,” Oren said, his face turning serious, “are you absolutely sure this is the way you want to do this?”

“This is my fault,” Cole said, “who knows how many people have died because of my failings. I should have put Tobias down years ago. This is how it has to be. I have to make this right.”

“Very well,” Oren said, “as discussed I will do what I can to help.”

“Thank you Oren,” Cole said, “for everything you’re doing, and have done already. This plan would be dead in the water without you.”

“Cole, I owe you my life,” Oren said, “there’s nothing I wouldn’t do.”

“Think you could come by the meeting this afternoon?” Cole asked.

“Of course.”

Cole got up to leave. “I’ll keep Ram in line.”

“Cole?” Oren said, “I was speaking to the coroner earlier, and he informed me that your family was given a proper burial. You should–“

“Thank you, I will,” Cole said as he left.

***

The command room was empty by the time he arrived, Oren had seen to that. Cole walked over to a desk and began checking over papers related to the plan. Ram sat off to the side, reclined in an officers chair, spinning around slowly. Oren stood nearby, looking out the large window that made up the entirety of the back wall of the room.

A noise from the door alerted Cole to the arrival of Sol, who was followed closely by Gregor. He had come after all, but he also hadn’t heard the plan yet.

Cole was met by Sol with a strong embrace. “I’m sorry mate,” he said, “if there’s anything I can do to help.”

“Thanks Sol,” Cole said, “that’s why you’re here.”

Gregor stood a few metres away, staring at his feet.

“Gregor?” Cole said.

“Sir?” Gregor looked up

“You okay?” Cole asked.

“I,” Gregor’s voice caught in his throat, “I’m so sorry sir. I feel that this is all my fault. If only I had–“

“None of this is your fault Gregor,” Cole walked over to him and placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder, “it was my fault long before now.”

“Y-yes sir.”

The trio walked back to the central part of the room and gathered around the large holo table, Oren and Ram were unmoved.

“What’s he doing here?” Sol said, noticing Oren.

“He’s here to help,” Cole said.

“And have they…” Sol motioned to Oren and Ram.

“Spoken?” Cole said, finishing Sol’s thought, “not a word.”

Sol laughed. “Babies, the pair of them,” he said, taking a seat.

Gregor came up beside Cole. “Sir, why aren’t they talking to each other?” he asked.

“Gregor, that there is a story that would take longer than we’ve got to do it justice,” Cole said, guiding him towards a chair.

Oren turned to face the group. “Shall we begin?” he said.

“Tobias Navarr,” Cole said.

Cole ran his fingers over the controls and brought up a hologram of Tobias, his face looming large over the group.

“Sixty one years old, mass murderer, suspected terrorist and one of the strongest Conduits I have ever come across,” –Cole cycled some information across the displays– “and our target.”

“Piece of cake,” Ram said, breaking his silence.

“Fifteen years ago, at the height of the war there was an–incident,” Cole continued, “and following that incident I believed Tobias to be dead and gone, but I was wrong.”

Gregor leaned forward in his chair. “This was before you joined the Federation sir?” he asked.

“Yes. A couple of years before,” –Cole paced behind the hologram– “in actuality Tobias survived was tracked down and arrested by the Federation for his crimes after the end of the war. He spent the next thirteen years locked away in Kylgor Prison on Hitaari Prime until his escape two months ago.”

Cole stopped and brought up a list of names. “This is a list of the people Tobias has killed since he escaped, that we know of,” Cole said, “and this,” – he cycled another, much longer list onto the displays– “this is a list of all known victims of Tobias Navarr over the last forty years.”

“By Andana’s Grace,” Sol said.

“Five nights ago Tobias Navarr took my family from this world. From me.” –Cole paused, his voice catching in his throat– “Today, I’m asking for your help in hunting him down and putting an end to this.”

“You don’t even need to ask mate, we’re in,” Sol said pointing to himself and Gregor.

“Gregor, I would understand if you didn’t want to commit to this,” Cole said.

“No matter what you say, I can’t help but feel responsible sir. You have my full support, such as it is.”

“Our plan to take Navarr down is unconventional, and risky,” Cole said, “and I want you to hear all of it before you fully commit.”

Cole cleared his throat and continued. “We’re disbanding the squad, from today we will no longer be soldiers of the 42nd Purifying Force,” Cole said watching the faces of his friends closely, “the Havok will also be decommissioned and removed from active service and returned to Sol as a civilian vessel.” 

“Wait, what?” Sol blurted out.

“But why? I don’t understand,” Gregor asked, doubt creeping into his voice.

Oren stepped forward. “Plan A was to get the Council to grant Shadow Point immunity and to authorise a kill mission to get Navarr,” Oren said, “They wouldn’t have it, Conduits are far too valuable to them and they wouldn’t agree to a revenge mission. So this is Plan B–“

“It’s actually Plan C,” Cole said, “the Council won’t allow us to go after Tobias, so we’re going to have to do it without them. Oren will be handling our separation from the Force, and he’s seen to it that if we are successful we should be able to reinstated without too much trouble.”

“That’s also where things get a little tricky,” Oren said. “You’ll be acting outside the law on this, if you get caught doing anything, untoward,” –Oren looked straight at Ram– “I won’t be able to protect you.”

“We’ve done a pretty good job of not getting caught so far,” Ram said, returning the look.

“He’s serious, Ram,” Cole said, “we’ll be on our own, and if we get caught taking out Tobias it’s–“

“Death,” Gregor said grimly.

“Exactly,” Cole said, “it won’t be easy, but this is our best play. Our only play.”

“What about weapons?” Sol asked, “I’m guessing we can’t take Federation gear with us?”

“Oren has provided us with a contact that will get us the gear we need,” Cole said, “completely untraceable.”

“I will also be keeping track of Navarr’s movements,” Oren said, “and will update you on his location as soon as we have him.”

Ram scoffed. “You mean the mighty Lord Rhey’ll doesn’t know where he is?” he said.

“Not currently, no,” Oren said, “scanners picked him up leaving Cotari space the morning after the incident, but we lost him from there. We have found him before and I have no doubt that we will find him again.”

Gregor nervously rose to his feet and addressed Oren directly. “Commander Rhey’ll, sir,” he said, “you’ve been tracking Navarr for two months, yes?”

“That’s correct,” Oren replied.

“Then, if you don’t mind me asking, why weren’t you able to warn Cole about–“

“Gregor, until yesterday they didn’t know Tobias and I were even connected,” Cole said, “I’d been on leave for six months. There was no reason to tell me.”

Gregor sat back down sheepishly.

“So that’s the plan,” Cole said, “anyone changed their minds?”

“Not a chance,” Sol said, “sounds like my kind of fun.”

“Gregor?” Cole said.

“I will do this, sir. I believe it is the right thing to do,” Gregor said.

“Alright,” Cole said, switching off the displays, “we leave in the morning. Get your things in order and I’ll see you then.”

Cole looked across the holotable at the four men in front of him, his friends. 

“I don’t need to tell you all what this means to me. Just know that we’re even now. Any debts, any favours owed, they’re paid in full. And Gregor?”

“Yes sir?” 

“I owe you one now.”

Gregor went pale, “No sir, I couldn’t possibly–“

“Take it while you can kid,” Ram said, “he doesn’t hand them out that often.”

They laughed.

The loss of his family still tore at his heart, but Cole was lifted by the support that he had been shown. The task wouldn’t be easy, but with these men by his side, Cole knew that they could do it. For the longest time Tobias had haunted his dreams and now that he was back, it was time to end the nightmare forever.

Next Chapter: Chapter 6