Vector-Core 5000

"I didn't ask for a sales pitch," said Kester. "I asked if you open it?"

"It's virtually impregnable," said Ogilvy. "With the emphasis on the virtually."

"I'll take that as a yes."

"You'll have to get me in there safely," said Ogilvy. "With the emphasis on the safely. I'm very particular on my personal safety."

"The central computer controls the alarm systems," said Kester. "I can activate an evacuation of that part of the base. It should give you two or three minutes to get the safe open. Do you think you can do it?"

"With a bit of luck, yes."

"Then make sure you're lucky," said Kester. "I'm activating the alarm now."

An alarm sounded throughout the base and on the monitor they could see guards leaving their posts and following the evacuation alarms.

"It's working," said Stacy. "Let's get in there."

They made their way to the captain's quarters. There were wall mounted screens indicating evacuation instructions but they moved in the opposite direction.

Once in the captain's quarters, Ogilvy pulled out his roll of tools and extracted a small electronic device. He started connecting it up with wires to the electronic access panel. He frowned, deep in concentration as he fiddled with the device.

Stacy folded her arms and looked at Kester nervously. Kester looked at his watch.

"I thought this was going to be quick," said Kester.

"It's tricky," said Ogilvy.

"It'll get trickier if someone notices we're in here," said Kester.

"Who would come inside the captain's quarters?" asked Ogilvy, not looking up from what he was doing.

"The captain, for one," said Kester. "And they have guns. We don't."

"Don't talk about guns," said Ogilvy. "Guns make me nervous. And I don't work well when I'm nervous."

"Is there anything that doesn't make you nervous."

"Fluffy rabbits?" said Ogilvy.

"You obviously haven't heard of the carnivorous rabbits of Vortigern III," said Kester. "They can eat a man in under five minutes."

"This isn't helping," said Ogilvy.

Kester went to the door and pressed on the control panel.

"I've locked it," he said. "That should at least give us some time if anyone does come."

There was a ping and the sound of sliding metal. Ogilvy turned around smiling and the safe swung open. Stacy reached in and pulled out the teleport bracelets. Their guns were in there too along with Astra's various weapons. Kester pulled out Astra's blaster and for the first time Stacy saw him smile. It was somewhat unnerving, like seeing a snake smile.

Stacy put one of the bracelets on and pressed the communication button. There was no response.

"You realise you're friend probably hasn't managed to knock out that radio jammer," said Kester.

"She'll get it done," said Stacy.

"I admire your optimism," said Kester, " but you'll excuse me if I don't share it."

There was a knock on the door.

"Who's in there," said a rough voice from the other side.

Kester picked up one of the sleek pistols and gave it to Stacy. He offered the other one to Ogilvy.

"I'm not a great fan of personal violence," he said.

"I've got no problem with personal violence," said Kester, "as long as I'm not the person. Take the gun."

Ogilvy grudgingly accepted it and they took up defensive positions, weapons aimed at the door.

Stacy pressed the communicator button again. "Come on Astra," she said quietly to herself. "I know you can do it."

1. The pirates break in

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