Trish asked, "So what's the plan of action? Do we hit Eden? Do we wait?"
Harris crossed his arms as he looked toward the door. "For now we check in with the colonel and Mr. Morgan. I want at least our first three freighters at the ready before we make a move. Would love to have the newly contracted ones as well. With trained crews manning them. Farker, open a comm to the colonel."
An image of Robert Thomas popped into view. "You're back."
"Was an interesting trip, Colonel. The emperor claimed they were fighting with the Denzee before the truce was signed. Also claimed that's why they signed it as they were diverting resources to elsewhere. You think there's any truth to that?"
"I'll have to check with my contacts. I do know we were seeing fewer ships engaging in the conflict. Our thoughts at the time were the Earthers were running out of ships. I don't know if an analysis of what was actually happening was conducted or not. My contact should know."
Harris nodded. "And find out sooner rather than later if possible. That might play into our next move. And hold back on what the emperor said. I'd like to have an unbiased response."
"Will do. Were you able to meet directly with the emperor?"
"Yes. It was interesting and not what I expected. His offer for us to join the royal family still stands, only, he expanded it. He wants Tawn and me to take over his military."
"I'd say he wants your technology. You defeated the Denzee. He wants to know how."
"That's what we suspect as well. He did seem genuine in his offer, but I wouldn't trust him as far as I could throw him, which is a long way. He also claimed he was not building ships to restart the Great War. The fleet rebuild is to fight the Denzee should they return, which he thinks they will."
"I have to believe he's right in that regard. They will be back. I've tried in vain to convince my DDI contact of that. He's not agreeing that it will be anytime soon. Of course he has his own distractions with the budget cuts. The DDI is set to lose close to a third of its agents within six months."
"That soon? I would have expected a several year roll out. How will that affect field agents? Like any we have on New Earth?"
The colonel sighed. "Those will be among the hardest hit. That is our best intel on what the Earthers are doing. We lose them and we are almost completely blind. And no one here is fighting to maintain them as they are all scurrying about trying to protect their own jobs."
Tawn asked, "You wouldn't happen to know what their budget is for those agents would you?"
"I can find out. Used to be they wouldn't dream of divulging that info. Now I don't think they care. You have something in mind?"
"If it's not excessive, you think we'd have a shot at taking them private party? We might be able to fund it on our own."
Robert Thomas raised an eyebrow. "That would be quite the undertaking. Would require cooperation from the DDI as to who they were and how they pass information. That info might be hard to come by. Especially given the current chaos there."
Harris said, "Great idea, but does seem like a tall order for them to commit to. We do have someone who would be excellent at taking on such an operation."
"Fritz Romero?"
"And I think he would jump at the chance. The Jebwa Atrocity killed off our supply business out there. He's been struggling to keep himself entertained in retirement now that our factories are fully running. Would work tirelessly to build a class organization."
"I have no doubt. Let me see what I can find out on that front and I'll get back with you." The colonel chuckled. "You people just jump from one fire into the next, don't you?"
"Seems that way. How's the construction coming there?"
"Domes are complete. Railgun upgrades are done. We've moved on to making ourselves into a sustainable colony. Hope to have a solid plan in place for that in the next few weeks. Once that's concluded there will be nothing to stop us from our vote on secession."
Tawn said, "That would be a big blow to the pacifist politicians. Right now they feel like they've got the Biomarines contained in a bottle."
"They don't care, Miss Freely. We're an aging lot with no new members to join us. In fifty years they'll be back to claim this system for their own and for resettlement. Our expiration clocks are ticking and they know it."
"You're just a ray of sunshine today, Colonel. Remind me not to come to you for a pep-talk." Tawn grinned.
"If there's any way we can help with the new plan, Colonel," Harris said, "don't hesitate to ask."
The comm was closed with a new request to open another to Bannis Morgan. Seconds later, the elderly businessman came into view.
"Mr. Morgan. Just checking in. What's the latest?"
"The new budget bill is making my life miserable. Despite assurances that it wouldn't happen, the cuts are being accelerated. A full third of my employees face layoff in the next three months. A second third in the nine months that follow. It's a disgrace what this government is doing. Their rush to save a credit will bite them ten times over in lower tax receipts.
"Before year's end a third of all eligible Domicile workers will be receiving some form of government aid. The central bank will be issuing credits and pouring them on the streets like confetti. My advisors are now predicting an economic collapse and possible depression within twenty-four months."
Harris winced. "Wheres all the money going from the budget cuts?"
"A huge campaign is underway with advertising, speeches and the like where food is being given out. This includes a large amount of travel to the outer colonies. The government seems to be holding a huge parade in its own honor in almost every city.
"They claim these are stimulus credits that will benefit the communities. Unfortunately there's no meat behind these parades. Nothing is being built. Nothing produced. There's no follow through benefit of products or services moving through the economy. Just credits blown with nothing to show but good intentions."
"Didn't know things were taking such a bad turn. Any way we can help?"
"Unless you can replace our government, I don't think so."
"How are our projects coming along?"
"All on schedule and moving forward. I'm finding both materials and labor to be in abundant supply with both coming in below estimates. My staff is now projecting the six freighters to be coming in about two million credits under budget for each one."
"Fantastic. And that includes the updates?"
"All new and top-of-the-line. The colonel will be picking up the two newest units in about three days."
Tawn said, "Mr. Morgan. You're familiar with the Banshees. What are the chances we could get a few of those commissioned? I know the major impediment to those was carving a new solid hull out of titanium. Has anyone thought about using the Denzee alloy for that?"
Bannis returned a slow nod. "Hmm. I don't think that's been contemplated as of yet. If you'd like I can have my engineers do a quick study. If I'm not mistaken, the Denzee alloy can be poured into a mold. That would suit the Banshee design to a tee. Do you have a use in mind?"
"New hull, new drive, new rail cannon... would that alloy provide better shielding from plasma cannons?"
"Interesting thoughts, Miss Freely. I'll have a team look into that. And sorry I'm not able to come up with some of these ideas on my own. Things have been hectic here and are only likely to become more so. And Mr. Gruberg, I'm sure at this point you are hesitant to ask, but we have made further progress with the gamma-ray bomb. Only one major hurdle to go."
"Good news, Mr. Morgan. If there's anything more we can do for you just let us know next time we comm."
— Chapter 8 —
* * *
With time on their hands, Harris took the Bolemans and Sharvie to Domicile. He returned, joining Tawn in the bunker to continue the interactions with their virtual selves. Tawn sat in a room with her feet propped up as she chatted with her likeness.
Harris came through the door. "Wow. Not sure what happened, but my other self is acting k
ind of belligerent. Can't think of anything I'm doing differently."
"You talk about our recent trip?"
"No. Not the virt's business."
"I did. And mine seems pleasant today. Go back and try."
Harris leaned back against the wall. "Can't. Alex took him away. Said he'd be back shortly."
"Did you talk to Alex about our trip?"
"Was going to, but he cut me off."
The virtual Tawn chuckled as she said, "You probably deserved it. I would have cut you off too."
Harris tilted his head to one side. "Your little subconscious better be careful. When she comes into the physical world there might be a price to pay for her behavior here."
The virtual image in front of Tawn jittered. "Oh. I'm shaking."
Tawn smirked. "This is kind of fun. I think you've found your match."
"Nothing a nice EM pulse wouldn't cure."
A hand was placed on Harris' shoulder, startling him. "You won't have long to wait. To get even, I mean."
The two Biomarines turned. Standing before them was a rotund bot wearing a frozen face that was an image of Harris Gruberg.
"Oh, please tell me that's not supposed to be me."
An image of Alex displayed in front of them. "This was a first attempt. Improvements are in the works."
Tawn laughed. "Looks just like you!"
Harris shook his head. "Looks nothing like me and you know it. And Alex. I see what you're doing here. I know full well you are capable of doing better than this. This your attempt at humor?"
"Given the responses you and Tawn have been giving today, I thought I might be able to use levity to cheer you up."
Harris scowled, followed by a chuckle. "I have to admit, it is kinda funny. You think that up on your own?"
"Actually, it was a suggestion from Gandy. It seems he came in a little upset with you. I understood his suggestion to be spiteful, but after reflection, I believed you might find it entertaining."
"Didn't realize he was so sensitive."
"I believe his troubles may be related to his relationship with Sharvie. I sense it is not proceeding as he would like."
Harris nodded. "Now that makes sense. He usually ignores my snide remarks. Did he confide in you about her?"
"No. She did. It appears he is trying hard, but she claims to be a stick-in-the-mud. When together they run out of things to talk about."
Harris chuckled. "I think that's when most regulars start to make-out. The two of them are probably too scared of offending each other."
Tawn squinched an eye. "Since when did you become the love doctor?"
"I was their age once. Had a lot of downtime between battles. And slugs who were willing."
Tawn shuddered. "Didn't need that visual. And you and I were never their age. As teens we were off fighting a war. By the time we reached their age we were old-time veterans."
"Fighting maybe. With regards to relationships, we're probably still their age."
"Meh. Anyway, is there anything we can do for them?"
"Why don't you go on their next date." Harris chuckled. "The three of you can hold hands and swing your arms as you walk."
"What is that supposed to mean."
Harris shook his head. "Don't know. Sometimes I pull the trigger and the joke just doesn't fire. Now let's get back to my bot here. When can I expect the real updated version to show?"
Alex replied, "Idiot will be released Tomorrow. All units will be coming to you in their initial likeness versions. Updates will come as necessary until they are acceptable, although, the initial units should be satisfactory."
The virtual Tawn bowed and disappeared from the room.
Harris' bot slapped him on the shoulder as it turned for the door. "See you tomorrow, Champ."
Alex nodded as his image faded away.
Tawn looked up. "You thinking Chicago Port for a buffet and a hotel stay?"
Harris frowned. "The hotel I can handle. The buffet will be torture. On a good note, I've already lost two kilos."
Tawn chuckled. "Only twenty-nine left, right?"
"It's like I might as well be cutting off a leg."
"Look on the bright side."
"What's that?"
"You'll be able to walk more than a hundred meters without your legs chaffing together."
"I've actually been having that very problem. Was kind of happy with the emperor's palace and being carried around on those litters. Wasn't helpful for getting exercise, but I liked it."
Tawn smirked. "Not too late to hire a couple litter crews for the evening. You game?"
Harris laughed. "You so want to do that now, don't you."
"Girls gotta have fun or she risks becoming dull and boring."
"Haven't had fun in a while, huh?"
"Not really."
Farker was gathered and a jump made to Chicago Port. The usual hotel was booked. Sonic showers were had and clothes changed. A trip to the buffet was met with celebrity-like service. Tawn wowed the crowd with her eating effort. Harris finished a single plate. Jeers from onlookers were met with pursed lips and scowls.
Harris reached down to scratch Farker on the head as they walked back toward the hotel. "Crowd turned ugly on us tonight, boy. No more chanting my name."
Tawn laughed. "Thought the manager was gonna kick us out. They want an entertained crowd, not one that's about to turn over the buffet tables and burn the place down."
"I guess that means they came to see me and not you."
"Now that's not fair. I've eaten just as much as you every time we've been. I just don't end up with half of it spread all over my face."
"Hence the entertainment value. That's what people come to see."
Clovis Bagwell stepped in front of Tawn and Harris. "Well look who's out for a stroll."
Four henchmen stood behind the Biomarines as two flanked their boss.
Harris said, "I thought we had an understanding after our last meet."
Clovis looked around. "I don't see your slugs around. And the street is particularly empty this evening. I'm thinking it might be a nice night for me to exact a proper fee for my prior work. I'm told you have quite the credit store going?"
Tawn took a step forward. "Look, little man, we told you once before to leave us alone. I'd say you have a hearing problem. You think a black eye and a broken nose are somehow gonna help you?"
"I don't have any fear of taking a punch from two overweight ex-Marines." Clovis huffed.
Harris balled his fists for a fight as he replied, "Haven't you ever heard, Clovis? There are no ex-Marines. There are only Marines. And in our case Biomarines. We're both faster and stronger than these apes you hired. So unless you like wrestling wild boglers, I would suggest you turn and just walk away."
Clovis grinned. "I think instead I may take the first punch."
A fist swung up toward Harris' chin. It was met by a blocking hand.
Harris chuckled. "Not very bright of you to tell me your next move."
"Actually, I think it's going to work quite well. Your ribs are next."
A fake punch was again met with a blocking move by Harris. As a consequence, he hadn't seen the thug step up behind him. The back of his rib-cage, protecting his left lung, was suddenly in pain as a huge fist thudded against his middle back. An elbow swinging around as a counter move came too late.
Two thugs advanced on Tawn. One received a stomp to the upper foot followed by an elbow going up to his chin as his head came down. The second got in a heavy, right cross, sending the combative slug sprawling onto the floor of the walk. As she attempted to right herself, a swift boot met with her left midsection, forcing the air from a lung.
Harris took a punch to his right cheek. His counter punch caught the attacking thug square in the chin, sending him stumbling back. A second and a third henchman stepped in, one catching the stump in the side of the head with his knuckles while the other again took a swipe at his ribs.
Tawn stood and spat as two thugs
closed on her. The first received a hard kick to his chest before the second again unloaded on her jaw. As she attempted to regain her stance, a jab caught her in the right eye, rocking her head backward and again throwing her off balance. A flying kick toward her head was blocked with a high shoulder, but not before spinning her around and sending her again to the floor.
Harris winced as he swung at an attacker, his ribs now screaming in pain, a roundhouse kick barely missing his chin. A sliding kick to an ankle sent one of the aggressors to the floor. Clovis Bagwell could be heard laughing from several meters away as his thugs dished out revenge in the form of pain.
Tawn stood, blocking a kick to her ribs before punching the monster before her in the privates, ejecting him from the game. A spin and a blocked punch were followed by a forearm to the jaw and an uppercut. Sending a second of Clovis' thugs permanently from play. As a grin over her progress became present on her face, it was smashed hard by a fist, bloodying her lips and briefly putting stars in her eyes. She swung back in vain, finding nothing but air.
Harris took a thunderous uppercut to the jaw, flipping his head back and sending him down for the first time. A swift kick to his side was followed by a hard punch to the back of his head. He rolled to the left in an attempt to escape further punishment, coming up in a squatted position as he fought to clear his now foggy mind.
Tawn swung, finding no target, but receiving another blow to the face in return. Two more swings were taken into what was beginning to seem like pitch darkness as an eye swelled shut. The empty flails were countered with jabs to her already mangled face. Her breath becoming heavy with fatigue.
Harris leaped forward from his crouched position, catching one of the attackers at midsection with his shoulder, sending the man flying backwards. He turned, throwing his right forearm up, just in time to block a ferocious incoming punch. Two jabs by the Biomarine were followed with a brutal left cross, sending the recipient down, his left cheek flopping off the polished pathway as he hit the floor, a blank stare took over his eyes.
A heavy punch sent Tawn stumbling backward, but giving her enough room to gather herself. Her left eye squinched as she looked for an attack, her right eye now fully swollen shut. Tawn spat blood on the ground, wiping her chin with her shoulder.
ARMS Eden Lost: (Book 4) Page 7