Captain Killerin looked over the report and grunted. The scouts had suffered heavy losses during their reconnaissance of the star system and all reports indicated that freemen settlements were well defended.

“I guess we know where the rebels disappeared to,” he said, turning off his viewer.

Lieutenant Commander Vickers nodded in agreement. He had been assigned to debrief the returning pilots and report directly to the captain. “And they do not appear to be the rag tag bunch we were led to believe fled controlled space after the rebellion was defeated.”

“We don’t need another front to contend with while we have the Mondagi to face,” Killerin said. He scratched at his salt and pepper goatee and gazed out into space. “We don’t even know their strength, our forward scouting group failed to report. We must assume they are lost.”

Vickers let his eyes follow the captain but stayed at ease.

“Suggestions?”

“The freemen could be a valuable ally,” Vickers said. “They have knowledge of this sector and, if reports are correct, many of their best commanders are still alive. They would be a strong barrier against an enemy attack from this part of space.”

“I agree,” the captain said. He turned to face the commander, “Free the prisoner and instruct him to relay this message to his superiors. Give him a transport and any supplies he wants.”

Vickers saluted, “Aye aye, Captain.”

Lunk whistled as he stared at the ceiling, arms behind his head. His cell was bare, three walls, bars, a simple cot and a waste recycling unit. He tried to bend the bars but they were stronger than they looked and he had given up. So he took a much needed nap and relaxed, waiting for something to happen.

“Chow time,” came a voice from outside the cell.

“Food? I hope it’s not rations, I hate rations.” Lunk quipped as he slowly rose from the cot.

“I don’t cook it, I just deliver it,” the guard said dryly.

Lunk scooped the food into his mouth with one hand and swallowed. “That it?”

The guard shrugged and walked to his desk. He sat down and made an entry in the log, then took a book out of the desk and began to read.

“You just going to sit there and read?” Lunk asked.

The guard mumbled in reply.

“I noticed that most of you military types are very repressed,” Lunk said.