In the shadow of the stolen light. Nika Veresk

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      On arriving at the shuttle, Lora was immediately transferred into the medical compartment. By the time Derek took off the spacesuit and entered the bridge, the ship had already left Taria’s satellite.

      “You did a good job,” said the captain noticing him come. “How’s Lora?”

      “Mary said that she’d be fine,” answered Derek. “What about the Tarian fighter planes?”

      “A few seconds ago they started heavy shooting at the remains of the ship.”

      “What happened to those the cruiser was aiming at?

      “They remained there. Not one of them took the risk any more. I think, sooner or later they’ll either land on Taria or die.”

      “Can’t we help them in some way?”

      “We have no right to interfere in the domestic conflict, but have the order to return back to Titanium. Today ‘Solar Flotilla’ will leave Taria’s orbit. The Council made this decision less than half an hour ago.”

      Derek didn’t say anything. For a while not one word was uttered on the bridge.

      “Captain, the border cruiser started shooting at the passenger ships,” Chris broke the silence. “We’re outside the affected area, but several ships with refugees followed by the fighter planes are moving in our direction. They are seeking asylum on Titanium. Shall I turn on the loudspeaker?”

      The captain nodded. Voices and loud sounds resembling explosions were transmitted on air. Derek was very grateful to Mary for the speaker with synchronized translation. Now he could understand the aliens’ language.

      “We have no authority to provide asylum for you,” answered Paul calmly, using his personal speech synthesizer. “We can’t interfere…” Suddenly the connection was lost.

      “This ship has just been destroyed,” quietly reported Chris.

      Paul shook his head, signs of sincere regret could be read on his face.

      “Another one is coming too close. The fighters shooting at it could hit us by accident.”

      “Get me their captain.”

      “Ready! The connection is established!”

      “I am Paul Stones, the captain of ‘Solar Flotilla’s’ shuttle. Your actions threaten the safety of our spacecraft. I am asking you to stop fire!”

      “Your ship’s well protected and will not be damaged even if the passenger transport explodes!” answered the Tarian through interference.

      Derek approached the porthole – now he could clearly see what was happening outside with his own eyes. The transport with the refugees was awkwardly manoeuvring and trying to stay close to the shuttle in an attempt to prevent the fighters from shooting at them.

      “What does our protective field have to do with anything?” said the captain indignantly. “You have no right to put my crew’s life at risk!”

      “In this case, go faster so that the ship of the delinquents can’t use you as a shield!”

      “We have some cargo onboard that’s slowing us down” confidently lied the captain, which came as a total surprise to the earthling.

      Stan hemmed and, looking at the earthling sullenly, put his finger to the lips symbolizing silence. The Tarian was obviously dissatisfied.

      “Alright! We’ll stop the fire, but only until your shuttle enters the Titanium protective field!”

      The connection was lost.

      “But the refugees’ ship won’t be able to pass through the protective field of the artificial planet…” noted Derek, watching the captain closely.

      “No, it won’t,” like an echo answered the captain.

      “What if we teleport them?”

      “Such actions can be viewed as interference into the domestic conflict…”

      The earthling swore.

      “This is not our war, Derek,” added the captain quietly.