Chapter 3 - The Trap (2/2)
”You don't usually go asking small favours. What did you do?” leading him to his personal office.
”I never asked you any favour. What are you talking about?”
”Yes, in these past 3 years, we have known each other you never asked any favour. Even when I thought you would seek my help. You preferred to do it on your own. Hence, my unease.” Rodrigo replied teasing.
”We have noticed that the detection system on the moon base has a problem. I believe that certain rebel forces have managed to infiltrate the military and managed to install a patch causing the system to not detect, any vessels in certain regions. Need someone trustworthy on the moon base to help my team to patch it up covertly, as I intend to catch them unawares.”
”Ha-ha, you sound like a conspiracy theorist. How did you come to know of this? Which force do you suspect?” laughed Rodrigo.
”It is knights of the old republic. Have my eyes on the suspects. I can't properly explain my reasoning due to some exigent circ.u.mstances, but I am certain they are planning something with the week. Of one thing, I am certain. The detection systems on the base are faulty and we need to rectify this security issue.”
”Knights of the Old Republic?” stammered Rodrigo in a shock. ”Are you sure? It has been a few decades since they were heard of.”
”I too hope that they have not resurfaced. Though they haven't been active after I was born, I heard enough to be more wary of them than the apes.” replied Bel.
”Yes, you better be. They have always been very ruthless. They even attacked the alliance forces which were under attack by the apes from behind. They have been in hiding for a long time. If it is them, we hardly have any information on them. It is best you don't take any unnecessary risks.” Rodrigo cautioned him.
”I got an old friend who can help. He can find someone on the moon base to work with you. Will send you the details by two hours. Be prepared, kid.”
”Sir, it is best you take shelter, somewhere more secure for a few days. If this goes sideways, it might get extremely chaotic.”
”What are you talking about kid. I am coming to the moon on 11th for the exhibition to explain a new warframe concept. Would be glad if you support me in my pitch to councilman Armstrong.”
”Sir, is it really necessary to do it at this time? Especially since the situation is like this.”
”I'll be fine, kid. You take care.”
Nodding, Balthazar bade farewell to Rodrigo. He was sure that Rodrigo will get someone to contact him as soon as possible. He went back to his office. As soon as he went to office, he received an encrypted message from Rodrigo.
”That was fast.” thought Balthazar as he opened the message. It mentioned a major Shareef, who had been stationed on the moon base for two decades. He worked as a maintenance engineer, when he was a lieutenant and has good understanding of the detection and targeting systems and would be an asset in their mission. ”This went better than I hoped.” thought Balthazar and contacted Shareef.
There was still the issue of his uncle allying himself with the knights of the old republic. He messaged his grandfather implying that he wanted to meet him a couple of days later. An hour later, he met with Sophia, Jacob and Jones at the appointed time.
”We got someone to help you dock at the moon base. He can also assist you in sneaking you into the server room and can assist you in patching up the detection system. I already set up for Jones to take a stealth craft for an inspection tonight. I have discussed with Shareef and set up an encrypted channel to contact him.” said Balthazar giving Jacob a sheet with the details. ”Memorize and destroy it. No need to inform Shareef of details. Nor is there any need to contact him after you verify the systems working using Jones' ship.”
”I have set up another encrypted channel for the four of us. Any issues, we notify immediately. Sophia, I am not expecting any issue in fixing the system. It is you has the most important part to play in this mission. It would be best if we can determine all the guilty parties.” concluded Balthazar.
Balthazar stayed over at his work space that night. He booked a warp transport flight to his home planet DH-4 also known as asklepian. He could hardly sleep till Jacob confirmed that the systems on the moon base were fixed. He had laid the best trap he could for them. A trap which could not miss and was just waiting to be sprung. Now all he had to do was wait for the attack.