Chapter 187 - Need a crew (2/2)

He thought of D.i.c.k, but he had too many contacts with Bruce and even Winston. It might not be the best option. He thought for a long while and realized that the only contacts he had outside the family were military or his college friends whom he hesitated to ask. He finally decided to contact Sophia and spend some time talking with her to get rid of other thought from his mind.

”Hi Col, how are you doing? You done with your trip?” asked Sophia who had been informed by Balthazar of his voyage to a different planet.

”I am good. The trip has been quite eventful and was done quickly,” replied Balthazar. ”What are you doing?”

”I am actually with you sister,” said Sophia surprising Balthazar.

”What?”

”Yes, I have come here with Rodrigo to discuss with you sister about her new model of war frames being tested on the citadel. You remember. You have signed an agreement with her company,” she replied.

”I don't. I don't mean that. Is she beside you?” he asked. ”Don't tell her that it was me who called.”

She giggled loudly and informed him that she had moved away to answer the call. Though Sophia and Balthazar had only been talking these days in a friendly manner, she had long been clear that Balthazar had the intention to court her and she had the same intention. Thus, she was amused and like the fact that Balthazar was shy to let his sister know about it.

”I will call you later, if it is nothing important,” she said.

”Wait! I have sent you an invite to a party. Since, you are close by I hope that you would be able to attend,” invited Balthazar.

”Oh yes, both Rodrigo and I are planning to attend your party. Did you really call me in the working hours for this?” asked Sophia. She knew a bit about Balthazar's personality and he never disturbed her during working hours. Moreover, she was currently handling the affairs of the PK-170-B moon and citadel. So, she found it extremely unlikely that Balthazar would expect her to join him for a party that would take at least a day to reach when he didn't even know that she was not at the citadel.

”There was one other thing and it needs to be a secret. I am in need of a crew. Any chance you can send me some personnel and a ship?” he inquired.

”Seriously, you want a ship and crew to pilot it without it being on paper? It might have been possible in other times, but currently my movements and everything is being watched by the brigadier. It would be very hard,” she said denying his request.

”Can't you ask your family?” she asked. ”Even your sister would be able to easily help you.”

”I told that it was a secret, right? I can't let my sister, or my family know about my movements. They would try to impede my efforts,” he said.

”What are you doing, Balthazar?” she asked concerned. ”The last time you kept secrets and found out about the invasion, you almost died. Do you really want to continue like that?”

”I believe the secrets were the ones that allowed us to get them unawares Sophia,” said Balthazar. ”I need a reliable crew and without my posting it is going to be hard. That is why I called you.”

”That is true. If you hadn't come to realize that our defences were down, we might have lost a lot more lives,” agreed Sophia. ”I am not sure, but I think that there is someone you know that might be willing to help.”

”Who?”

”You remember, Herschel?” she asked. ”The old garrison engineer who used to always fight with the brigadier about the quality of our equipment.”

”The frizzly haired dude who hated to explain operation of any equipment. The one who was asked to retire,” guessed Balthazar as blue haired man's image went through his mind.

”Yes. He is currently running miscellaneous jobs mostly transport. He has a crew which are well armed and currently being used by Rodrigo sometimes to transport arms for his business,” said Sophia.

”I don't really know him that well,” said Balthazar who was not sure of Hershel White as he was known to be quite an eccentric by many people.

”Really?! He says only good things about you. He also used to say that you followed the wrong path and your destiny was in tech,” said Sophia.

”You guys talked about me?”

”Ya. At his farewell party. You were some training. He seemed to be quite impressed by you and wanted to take you under his wing at that time,” said Sophia surprising him more. ”Apparently, you are quite good in understanding the mechanics and tech. He also told that you gave of a honest vibe and truly believed in your career.”

”Wow! I never knew,” said Balthazar. ”I will get his detail from Rodrigo then. See you.”

”No need. He is already here.”

”Oh no, is my sister with him.”

”No. You talk with him,” said Sophia as she included Rodrigo in the call.

”Hi kid, what are you up to these days? I hear that you have been very busy for the past few days,” said Rodrigo giving him a thumbs up. ”Congratulations on the attack, kid. You are sure to be moving to the post of a brigadier general after that.”

”Thanks Sir. I actually wanted to talk to you about something that I need to continue in those efforts,” said Balthazar.

”About Hershel? I overheard the pair of you talking,” said Rodrigo. ”I shall send you the details. I would love to further talk to you, but we have a demonstration to go to.”

”Yes, talk to you later, colonel,” said Sophia as she cut the call.