Crisis at Garmil's Gate - 02

Orbital colonies are commonplace. Many worlds have scores of orbital habitats in addition to terrestrial populations (undersea ones included), and Garmil's Gate is no exception. The exception here is that this world has only one orbital habitat, Gatewatch, and it's a small one. At a mere five miles in length, it holds no more than a quarter-million people at any time- and often far less. This habitat is the largest population center at Garmil's Gate, and its master--Sir Kei Fang--now hosts Sir Ramsey Hennepin and his lance at his table in his private quarters.

"Your arrival proved timely, Sir Ramsey." Sir Kei said as a servant filled his wine glass, "The Mining Guild appreciates your aid, as that convoy will take their wares out to other systems."

"About that." Sir Ramsey said, "This attack was most brazen. Most of the attacks reported occurred far from Garmil's Gate, certainly not so close to Gatewatch itself. Furthermore, you had no fighters on combat patrol when this attack launched. That isn't prudent for a garrison over a vital trade route."

Sir Kei sighed. "My lord demands that I handle the matter with the meager men and material at my disposal. While the Guild has its own men guarding its ground-side facilities, control over space is my problem. It is further complicated by the warden of the penal colony and the many lords with estates on the planet."

Sibley looked at his master, and Sir Rmasey nodded in silent concurrence. Then he said "Sir Kei, is there either any notable prisoner present in the penal colony or any nobles of particular importance visiting below?"

Sir Pei Huang, Sir Kei's executive officer, entered the room. "I apologize for the intrusion, Sir Kei, but your father commands your presence. He awaits you in the meeting room."

"Duty." Sir Kei said with a heavier sigh, "Sir Pei can answer your question in my absence. Please, finish without me."

"Did you hear the question, Sir Pei?" Sir Ramsey said, directing his gaze to Kei's subordinate.

"Yes, as that was the reason for Lord Fang's call."

"That there is a prisoner of note, or that there is a noble present who would be a target?"

"Both, Sir Ramsey." Sir Pei said, and he brought up a holographic display. "The penal colony has some prisoner there whose identity is classified, and Countess Fong hosts a retreat with some peers from the Court of Stars at the Fong Lodge planetside."

Sibley nudged his son, Creton. "Sir Ramsey, the lad and I need to attend to some maintenance aboard ship. By your leave."

Sir Ramsey nodded. Sibley bowed to the knights, and he took his son with him as he left the room. While Sir Pei watched Sir Ramey's man and the man's son leave the room, Sir Ramsey slipped a hand to his shield arm and pressed a couple of keys on a bracer he wore.

"Well, that clarifies the true reason for the Speaker's request to His Holiness for the Guard's intervention. It appears that our superiors suspect a larger scheme being played at here."

"I concur." Sir Pei said, "Where will go you next?"

"Planetside, for certain. After that, I will decide after conferring with my man Sibley."