Free Trader Complete Omnibus

by Craig Martelle

  The Bot settled onto the ground next to the injured leg. It waved an arm with something attached over the injury and then retracted the device.

  ‘Holly, tell us what’s going on.’

  ‘Yes, Master President,’ Holly replied. The speakers on the Bot crackled to life. “Good afternoon, Brandt Earthshaker. I trust you are well. Please stay still while we complete the process. We have scanned the injury. Next will be an injection of bonding agent.”

  An arm with two protrusions extended, wrapped itself around the limb, and slid slowly upward, slicing and removing the bandage that White Mountain had put in place while at the same time injecting something through the skin.

  ‘Ow!’ Brandt exclaimed. His leg spasmed, but the Bot’s size helped it to hold steady. ‘The pain is gone!’

  “A numbing compound is included as part of the bonding agent. It will wear off about the time that the bone is repaired. The last step is electromagnetic stimulation of the agent.” The arm extended one more time with paddles that it held in place on both sides of the leg, above the injury.

  “When’s the last time you’ve eaten?” Braden asked his son. The boy shrugged. Micah started digging in her pack and brought out a protein bar from the fabricator in the presidential suite. Braden did the same.

  “You don’t have any brownies?” ‘Tesh asked as she looked sideways at the bar.

  “Just eat it!” Braden ordered.

  Micah gave him the stink-eye, but the children began to chew. Once finished, they curled up against Brandt and went to sleep. G-War lay across the King’s neck and purred softly, relaxing the huge creature.

  ‘It is finished,’ Holly’s voice told them from the Bot. Braden snapped awake. Micah blinked against the sun. Braden wondered if Holly had put them all to sleep to help pass the time.

  The Bot retracted all its equipment and moved a safe distance away. “Brandt. I think you can try to stand.”

  The King of the Aurochs was tentative as he put weight on it. When it didn’t hurt, he put more and more on it, until he was standing. He took a few steps and then a few more. He trotted until he ran, then made a big arc as he returned to the others.

  “Climb on! I’m famished and there’s nothing like fresh vegetables to soothe the savage beast, eh?”

  “Nothing like them,” Braden said noncommittally.

  Prepare

  Jocelyn gaped at New Sanctuary. “Everything you do is done in these little buildings? That’s where this magnificent vehicle was built?” She pointed to the hovercar.

  “Most of the facility is below ground. What you see here is nothing compared to what’s below. There is a vast manufacturing level, storage areas, a command center, and a complete berthing area. You’ll see it on our way to the matter transfer chamber, the place that will send us to space,” Braden explained.

  “Can we go now?” she asked.

  Braden shook his head. “We need to talk with our friends first. Come and see.”

  The group had gathered in the clearing around the lake—Brandt and Contessa, Rabbits, Hawkoids, Hillcats, Wolfoids, and humans.

  Braden laced his fingers behind his back and paced as he talked. “We can only take twelve and because of the way that the matter transfer system works, going in two separate groups isn’t viable because it’s not safe. I won’t have us split up. I’ve talked with you all and think we have our twelve. Three ‘cats, three humans, two Wolfoids, two Hawkoids, a Lizard Man, and a Tortoid. This is the group I think gives us the best chance to accomplish our mission, which is nothing short of creating a section of the ship where it is safe for our people to live and work.”

  Micah stepped in front of the Governor of Warren Deep. “For those of you who haven’t been on the ship before, Treetis and Jocelyn, don’t ever lose your bracelet as that is what you’ll need to move through doors. We’ll have a command-level bracelet which gives us access to almost every space. The ship spins to maintain the illusion of gravity. It will take a while to get used to. You’ll feel like you’re getting pulled to the side. Walking uphill will feel like you’re walking on the level. It’s bizarre, but you’ll figure it out. Assume everything and everyone you meet is hostile until they prove differently. In other words, stay behind us.”

  “The Golden Warrior is our key to success. He’s the one who makes it possible to talk with the creatures on the Traveler, although there were those ones in the corridor filled with jungle who you couldn’t talk with. Or Androids, and they were the greatest threat. Scratch everything I just said. Holly is our key to success!”

  ‘It makes noise, but no sense,’ G-War said with a sigh.

  “We’ll have a blaster for you, Pik, but it’ll be special. You’re getting a blaster, too, Jocelyn. Everyone wears armor. Even you, G. Everyone. The armor protected us from the Android lasers last time. With what Young Tom and Zeller experienced last year, we know that we still can’t trust the Androids. Holly?”

  A Bot rolled into the clearing. “I am here, Master President, Master Vice President, distinguished guests. It is my great honor to host you on this momentous occasion.”

  Braden held his hands up and shook his head as he looked at Micah. She didn’t know either.

  Holly continued. “A trip to the Resettlement Vessel Traveler, in space for well over four thousand years, a monument to humanity’s perseverance, mind over matter. The ship was lost for centuries until it was found again by Braden and Micah, who will now make their third trip into space.”

  “And G.”

  “With the indomitable spirit of Prince Axial De’atesh, once again, the descendants of Earth shall rise and take their rightful place among the stars!”

  ‘I don’t know what I just heard,’ Aadi commented.

  “What Holly meant to say,” Braden interrupted, “is that we’ll go to the matter transfer chamber first thing in the morning. I wouldn’t bother eating. Carry your breakfast with you so you can eat it once your stomach settles when we’re aboard the Traveler. Carry your blaster and don’t be afraid to use it. With Holly’s help, we’ll bring a good part of the ship under our control so the scientists from Cygnus VI can board and take up residence, continue their work which will eventually take us back to the stars. For now? We’re fighting against dung-throwing monkeys and death beetles.”

  ‘I’m full up on beetles, but a shipborne snack will be greatly appreciated.’

  ‘One of those wild hogs on Deck 10 sounds pretty good,’ G-War added.

  “You guys just ate, and you’re already thinking about food! You know how it is up there. We’ll lose track of days and nights and forget when we last ate.” Braden looked from face to face. Bounder belched, looked away, and started licking his lips.

  Skirill screeched the Hawkoid cry. Micah and Braden both jumped. ‘I will be happy to be on the Traveler once again. I will fly the spinning skies and dance among the twisting trees, being the eyes of my friends as they try to bring peace to yet another world. I’ll eat when I eat and sleep when I’m dead!’

  “What is this, speech day?”

  ‘I shall sleep when the sun shines...’ G-War started, but Fealona swatted him, so he stopped.

  ‘I return to a home that I remember, but haven’t known. It is the home of the one who came before me. I will honor his memory as I try to represent him among our people on the Rainforest Deck.’

  ‘I’ve never been there,’ Treetis said. ‘I add my senses to everyone else’s in order to find our enemies before they find us. And should we close with them, our enemies will feel my claws and teeth.’

  “We’re probably going to get sunburnt from all the time we’ll be laying in the sun drinking fruity water,” Braden replied with a snicker. “Stay sharp and be aware. Our job won’t be easy, but it’s not going to be as gloom and doom as all of you are making it out to be. Holly, bring everyone’s armor out here so we can make sure it all fits.”

  “It would be best if Jocelyn comes downstairs to the armory to get fitted. I have equipment for eve
ryone else being delivered. Will the Hawkoids require the razor talons?”

  “Yes, but secured in a pack. They can put them on if we’re going into a rough area, but I don’t want them wearing them as part of their normal getup.”

  “Understood, Master Braden.”

  “Where are you going, G?” Braden asked as G-War was halfway into a bush. “Don’t make me fight you with the damn armor. It’s because I don’t want to see you hurt. Can’t you understand that? You always run in front of me, so you need your own protection. If you stay behind me, you don’t have to wear it.”

  ‘Done,’ G-War quickly agreed. ‘Make sure you get yours.’

  ‘If you’re not wearing yours, I’m not wearing mine!’ Fea declared.

  ‘You’re going to wear yours because I can’t have you getting hurt!’

  “Jocelyn? Now sounds like a great time to go to the armory. Follow us.” Braden glanced back at the ‘cats as they began to snarl and face off. Klytus and Shauna were lining up to watch while the others started working with their various armor, from blankets to coverlets to sleeves and vests. There was something for each of Vii’s different creatures.

  “Is it that dangerous?” Jocelyn thought of her daughter. She couldn’t leave her motherless. “Maybe I shouldn’t go.”

  Braden and Micah both stopped. “Why did you come?” Micah asked more pointedly than intended.

  “Have I earned the right to lead the people of Warren Deep?”

  “People earn the right once they’re in the position, not before,” Braden answered. “And you have helped them from the dire lives they had in the time before you. They have hope, and you were the one who gave them that.”

  “My husband used to be a good man,” she said softly. “The intoxication of power… I don’t get it. Each day, I feel unworthy to lead the good people of the north.”

  “And that makes you the best person to be the governor.” Braden tipped her chin up so she’d look at him. “Why do you want to go to the Traveler?”

  She pursed her lips and pointed to the sky. “The future is up there, not down here.”

  Braden smiled. “That’s what I think.”

  “I believe in both. Look at what we have in New Sanctuary. And then look at what you have in the north. There is so far to go to bring power and convenience to people, make their lives easier, while also giving them a higher purpose. Education. The north has schools, but the south is still struggling to get those started. But what is being taught? They are the future.” Micah pointed to the twins, who were trying to put small armored shirts on Fealona and Treetis.

  It wasn’t going well. G-War sat to the side, dutifully ignoring the withering gaze of his mate.

  “And Leah. Yes. Maybe her education will take place on the ship. I need to see for myself and maybe have a hand in shaping a better future.”

  “You will have a hand, regardless. You don’t need to go up there to do it.”

  “In my mind, I do.” Jocelyn nodded curtly.

  “Then let’s get you set up. Have you ever killed anyone before?” Braden asked. Jocelyn shook her head.

  “After our trip to space, you still won’t have, but you have to be ready to, just in case. The good news is that if you see what looks like a person on board the ship, they aren’t. There were two scientists up there, but they returned because they were afraid and had taken to living in the engineering section. They became ineffective. Doctor Johns brought them home and has been on us to go back and make it safe for his people. It’s time we did that.”

  Braden continued walking toward the elevator. When they stepped in, Jocelyn looked confused.

  “It is a mechanical room that takes us underground. Climb in and you’ll see. It operates on a pulley system or something like that.”

  The doors closed behind them, and the elevator started down. “Armory, please,” Micah said.

  When the doors opened, they were at the front of the weapons and armor section. In the background, combat vehicles of various sorts were parked.

  Jocelyn frowned when she saw them, easily determining what they were for.

  “If any of those see the light of day, then we will have failed spectacularly,” Micah said. “The job I do as president will be judged by that equipment never leaving this space.”

  “Maybe you can make sure they don’t. Can you recycle them into something that isn’t meant for war?”

  Braden and Micah looked at each other. “Holly?” Micah asked.

  “Yes, Master President,” the AI replied.

  “Take these combat vehicles and recycle them into gardening and production Bots. How many Security Bots are operational, for reference?”

  “There are thirty-four Security Bots. Are you sure about the recycling? These vehicles take some time to produce from scratch and in time of need, you risk that they won’t be available.”

  “The Security Bots can protect New Sanctuary if need be. Anything else is overkill and something that we don’t need. I would rather we all die than go to war, but that isn’t a possibility with the new world that the ‘cats have helped us create. I predict that we won’t ever need these vehicles, not for Vii anyway. So, please, move them to the factory level and let’s turn them into something that will help everyone.”

  “You humans carry a wisdom that my poor old circuits cannot match. I envy you, Master President. I will move them as soon as matter transfer is complete. Until then, I’ll focus my attention on getting you safely on board the RV Traveler. Now, let’s see if we can get the governor into something a little more comfortable.”

  “That’s pretty creepy, Holly,” Micah said.

  “Not my intent, Master President. Full body armor like you have, a blaster, integrated backpack, energy-assisted boots, and a neural implant.”

  Braden held up one hand to halt the process. “A neural implant?”

  “Yes. I strongly encourage members of your party to get them. I apologize for not telling you that Pik Ha’ar had one. Maybe I did though, and you forgot? Regardless, I think it would be in the governor’s best interest.”

  Micah nodded slowly. “I think so, too.”

  “What are you talking about?” Jocelyn finally asked.

  Braden chuckled. “I’m sorry. Here we are making decisions when on something like this, you have the final say. Holly wants to put a chip in your head. It’ll help you get more information than you could ever possibly use, plus, it will keep you synced up with Holly at all times. And us, too.”

  “Holly wants to put something in my head?” Jocelyn sounded less than thrilled at the idea. “I want to meet this Holly and make sure that his hands don’t shake.”

  “Holly is a computer. All of this, everything you see, is Holly.”

  “I’m even less excited now,” she said.

  “We both have them, and I’m on my second one, or is it my third? I can’t remember. I’ve taken some violent blows to the head.”

  “Really violent blows,” Micah confirmed. Jocelyn pointed at Micah. “Not me, no. He has a tendency to lead with his head. The last one happened on the ship. Let me tell you a story about a monkey and a rock...”

  “Let’s not,” Braden interrupted and led Jocelyn to the armored jump suits. They were lightweight, but would stop most projectiles as well as most energy weapons. Braden left Micah and Jocelyn alone so she could try on the suits until she found the one that fit best.

  Same with boots.

  “You’ll need to practice with those.” Braden tipped his chin toward her new footwear.

  “I feel like a loaded wagon,” Jocelyn said, frowning.

  “You’ll feel lighter on the ship. How about a blaster, Holly.”

  A rack rotated from the wall, showing a line of hand blasters.

  “How many of those do you need?”

  “Just one, except when we need two,” Braden replied.

  Micah tapped her hips. “I only carry one. I prefer the sword. Braden prefers Old Tech.”

  “Like y
our sword?” Braden asked.

  “It is an Old Tech take on modern technology,” Micah tried to explain, but realized her conundrum. In Jocelyn’s mind, the blasters were modern technology.

  “How many people have you killed?” Jocelyn asked when Braden handed her a blaster so she could get the feel and have her handprint encoded to the weapon.

  “Too many,” Braden replied solemnly.

  “Way too many,” Micah confirmed, looking behind her to make sure the children hadn’t appeared. “Don’t be like me.”

  “You think I should get the implant?”

  “Holly can take it out any time you want. It puts the knowledge of the entire universe only a blink away. It can be overwhelming. Did you know that there are satellites in orbit over Vii and that at any point in time, we can access a live overhead view of any point on view, even if it is covered by clouds?” Micah raised her eyebrows to emphasize her revelation.

  “I did not know that. I suspect no one knows that.”

  “You’d be right. The neural implant isn’t to be taken lightly, but it’ll open new worlds for you, and not just the one you’re standing on.”

  “Okay,” Jocelyn replied. “I’ll do it. Will it leave a scar?

  Micah lifted her hair to show that there was a tiny scar inside the hairline. “Yes, but no one will see it. You have beautiful hair, by the way. I love the color.”

  Jocelyn smiled. She pointed at herself with two hands. “I am the warrior governor of the ancients. I look ridiculous.”

  “As will we all. Did you see the ‘cats? You’ll get to listen to them constantly whine about having to wear their armor, then they’ll escape from it and run free like a naked baby fresh from the bath. And we’ll never get them back into it. It’s all fun and games until an Android laser slices off a couple fingers.” Braden waved his hand.

  “You have all your fingers.”

  “Holly grew me a couple new ones after our first trip to the Traveler. The second trip got me a new neural implant. If anyone should be worried about going back up there, it’s me. I seem to keep leaving bits and pieces.”

  Micah started to laugh. Braden scowled. “You had blood going everywhere and were trying to get your finger back from G.”