Hard Strike

by Eric Thomson

  “And if we decide to keep it nonetheless?”

  An evil smile twisted Decker’s features. “Boom.”

  Cortez stared at him in disbelief. “You wouldn’t.”

  “Lesson number one in understanding the Democratic Stars Alliance,” Talyn said in a light tone that didn’t quite hide the steel behind her words. “We make the best of friends and the worst of enemies. Ah, I see our first course is arriving.”

  Four housekeeping droids silently glided into the room, each carrying a delicate plate with an artfully plated variety of fish bites, including sashimi and smoked tidbits.

  “Perhaps we can set business aside while we savor your kitchen’s offerings.”

  As they ate, Decker and Talyn couldn’t help but notice their hosts exchanging covert glances, as if trying to communicate silently.

  “Is your entire staff automated?” Talyn asked between mouthfuls.

  “Yes. Even the cook. Piet’s men run the necessary errands, but food preparation, cleaning, and other household services are performed by droids. Using humans as domestic staff would clash with the Freedom Collective’s values. Besides, the labor scarcity on a frontier world such as this makes automation more cost effective.”

  “And droids are good for security. They’re less likely to talk out of school,” Decker remarked before biting on the last morsel, raw native whitefish wrapped in seaweed.

  “Or if they were properly programmed, unable to talk, period,” he added after washing away the salty confection with the rest of his wine. “You should have taken over from Alek earlier, boss. I could get used to this.”

  “If you keep calling me boss, this will be your one and only fine dining experience for the rest of the trip.”

  At an unseen and unheard signal, the droids came back to remove empty plates and replace them with the next course, this time soup.

  “Are there more lessons in understanding the DSA?” Cortez asked conversationally.

  “We will do what’s needed to win,” Talyn replied between mouthfuls. “This is superb, by the way.”

  “Thank you. It’s an old family recipe. And I agree, doing what’s needed to win is also my modus operandi. I aim to become the next first minister of this star system and force the colonial government to leave.”

  “Was that also Gustav’s goal?”

  “Of course, and the moment I inherited his mantle as leader of the Freedom Collective, Gustav’s ambitions became mine, though his assassination forces us to change parts of our plan. Nothing overly drastic, you understand, but our timetable will inevitably slip.”

  “Joining the DSA will without a doubt help the Collective achieve its aims.”

  “How?” Cortez studied Talyn over the rim of her glass.

  “Money. As much as you need. Offworld political support and direct action resources to fight Colonial Office oppression.”

  A frown marred Cortez’s smooth forehead.

  “What do you mean by direct action resources?”

  When he saw Talyn’s mysterious smile, Yorik said, “People like Corbin and I, able to take players off the table as needed. Or perhaps rally the troops to give the governor and the current first minister severe heartburn.”

  Decker finished his soup with a slurp and sat back. “What Piet said. Our sort of direct action works on the idea that creating unstoppable chaos for the current administration will open the way for a savior, someone capable of uniting factions to stop runaway unrest and fear among the general population. Someone like you perhaps, Eva.”

  “And the Mayhem will help create this chaos?”

  Talyn nodded once.

  “Precisely. No politician wants to be the one who either caves to the demands of violent political militants or the one who doesn’t cave and presides over a mountain of dead bodies.”

  “A no-win scenario.”

  “Which will pave the way for a new leader. Someone who can bring the militants to heel.”

  Cortez’s hungry smile seemed surprisingly disturbing to Decker’s eyes.

  “And since this leader, this savior secretly controls them, it wouldn’t be terribly difficult. I can envision such a plan with no difficulties.”

  Talyn and Decker exchanged knowing looks.

  “Perhaps Eva will do even better than Gustav as our ally on Mission Colony,” she said. “Alek expressed a few doubts about your late husband’s commitment to doing what was necessary.”

  “Gustav had his weaknesses, like the rest of us,” Cortez replied before taking a dainty sip from her wine glass. “But he would have become a fine first minister if not for that damned sniper.”

  “As I’m sure you will when the time comes.”

  Cortez noticed Talyn’s use of the word ‘when’ instead of ‘if’ because a pleased smile creased her lips.

  “I shall do my best.”

  “I don’t doubt it, Eva. You strike me as an extraordinary woman, destined for greatness.”

  The four droids returned to place the main dish before them.

  “Mission raised Kobe beef,” Cortez said. “I hope you’ll enjoy it as much as I do.”

  Without waiting, Decker cut into his filet steak and popped a chunk in his mouth. After an appreciative chew, he swallowed, said, “Sherri, if the Alliance needs a security liaison with our Freedom Collective friends, I volunteer.”

  “If Eva signs on, we probably should leave someone able to work with the Mayhem,” Talyn replied in a thoughtful tone. “And Alek is needed elsewhere. Perhaps assigning you isn’t such a bad idea, Corbin. A short-term deal, needless to say. You could train Piet and his people.” She took a slice of meat and ate, eyes on Cortez, waiting for a reaction. “How soon do you intend to make your move, Eva?”

  “We were close, a few weeks, before this morning,” she replied, eyes flashing with suppressed irritation. “Now? I need to convince the Collective’s governing council to grant me full powers before we can make a move. Many of them will see Gustav’s death as a chance to realign our structure away from the centralized leadership model and back to the old, useless cooperative method, full of talk and devoid of action.”

  “We can help,” Talyn said before taking another bite.

  “How?”

  “Corbin has a certain talent for thinning out recalcitrant herds.” She glanced at Decker. “Don’t you?”

  “One of my many skills.” He reached for the wine bottle and splashed a generous helping into his empty glass. “This steak is sublime. I’ll thin out any herd you want if meat of this quality is on the menu once a week.”

  “What methods do you use?” Yorik helped himself to a refill as well.

  “Depends on the target. I prefer to be subtle and make it look like a natural occurrence. It keeps the cops quiet and my employers happy.”

  “Who would figure a Marine Pathfinder turning professional hitman?”

  Decker gave him a half shrug.

  “It’s a living, and I can’t complain about the DSA’s generosity.”

  “Did you ever thin out a herd via long distance, with something like what I showed you before the meal?”

  “No. Not subtle enough. I’d rather no one figures out my work for what it is. That way the cops can’t pin anything on me. A retired Marine gets nailed on gun-for-hire charges, he goes to a prison camp on Parth, and I’d rather not end my days fighting off bloodsuckers big enough to scare a Shrehari corsair. My tastes are much more refined these days.”

  He held up the last piece of his filet mignon, transfixed by a fork worth more than the average Marine private’s daily rate of pay. “And this does me just fine. They don’t serve steak in a penitentiary.”

  “But you have no problems working with murderously powerful explosives?”

  “Piet, my friend, I’ll teach you how to use the Mayhem in a way that’ll scare this star system’s ruling class. But you’ll be the one setting it off. Or threatening to do so. You see, I’m big on plausible deniability, and so is my employer, the Democratic Star
s Alliance. That way, if things go tits up, the authorities won’t find any cause to crack down on us. You merely need a sacrificial goat when the time for direct action comes. Useful idiots like Osric Floros and his like should suffice.”

  A cruel smile crept up Yorik’s face. “You’re an evil man, Corbin Peel. I may begin to like you.”

  Talyn rolled her eyes at Cortez.

  “And the male bonding begins.”

  “I also do light bondage.” Decker gave Eva a wink. Her uncertain smile proved she didn’t quite know what to make of his remark.

  “Tone it down, Corbin.”

  The Marine put on a mock contrite air. “Yes, Sherri.”

  The cheese and dessert courses passed quickly, and they found themselves back in the living room for coffee. Full night had fallen while they were eating and the glen was pitch black outside, beyond a gentle pool of light bathing the mansion’s stone walls.

  “Where do we go from here?” Cortez asked after settling into a sinfully plush chair upholstered in dark red and crossing her elegant legs. “If I tell you I’m interested in allying myself with the DSA. Or should that be aligning myself?”

  “Either word conveys the right meaning,” Talyn replied. “But aligning would be more accurate if you’re contemplating a long-term relationship. We would like to see the Alliance become this sector’s dominant political force, capable of uniting human worlds in a common purpose. And after that? Bring the rest of the Commonwealth into our sphere and make humanity the strongest force in the known galaxy.”

  “An ambitious plan.” Cortez nodded approvingly. “With opportunities for ambitious people.”

  “Indeed. But you and I need to develop an understanding. You asked where we go from here. How about we meet again when our minds aren’t clouded by rich food and fine drink? A merger of this magnitude requires careful consideration because once consummated, it’s difficult, if not impossible to dissolve without creating an ugly mess that serves no one. But time is of the essence.”

  “I agree. How about tomorrow?” She glanced at Yorik. “I suggest using the beach house where Gustav met with Alek.”

  “Provided Corbin can inspect the MHX brick Alek gave Gustav, I’m not fussy about location.”

  “Why inspect it?”

  “Circumstances and players have changed due to intervention by a party or parties unknown, and until we come to a formal agreement, it remains in your possession as no more than a goodwill gesture. Corbin is one of the DSA’s designated explosives experts. I need him to make sure whoever ordered Gustav’s assassination can’t get his or her hands on the Mayhem.”

  “I can assure you it’s properly stored,” Yorik said.

  “No doubt, but I still want Corbin to see it. As you’ll find out when we discuss specifics tomorrow, joining the DSA brings many advantages, including access to otherwise unobtainable weapons, munitions, or other equipment, but it also comes with certain obligations. Offering a senior Alliance emissary your full cooperation is one of them.”

  Yorik seemed unconvinced, but one glance at Eva told him she would override any further objections. He conceded with a tilt of the head.

  “The beach house it is. I’ll flip the coordinates to your communicator, Sherri.”

  “Shall we say ten hundred hours?”

  “Agreed.” Talyn finished her coffee and stood. “Since everything is settled for now, Corbin and I will stop intruding on your grief and return to Ventano. Thank you for your hospitality, Eva.”

  Cortez uncrossed her legs and rose with a grace that drew Decker’s appreciative eyes.

  “It was my pleasure. Life must go on. The movement is bigger than one man. We can mourn him once we fulfill his dreams.”

  — Nine —

  Piet Yorik saw Decker and Talyn to the front door where they retrieved their weapons before stepping out in the pleasantly cool night air. Their rental car, alerted by the keycard in Decker’s pocket, came to life. Moments later, the softly lit mansion faded from view as they entered the winding forest lane leading back to the main Ventano highway. As soon as the darkness swallowed them, Talyn grasped Decker’s hand and tapped out a message.

  Assume they planted listening devices.

  I’m sure they did, he replied in the same manner. Small talk?

  No. Let’s stay silent until we’re in the safe house.

  Decker stopped the car almost two kilometers from the safe house and sent it back to the rental lot under AI control. They would order a new vehicle from another provider in the morning. The safe house was in one of Ventano’s inland suburbs, and the brisk walk along quiet streets helped both clear their minds and check for tails.

  Once inside the anonymous bungalow, hidden behind privacy walls and hedges, like every other dwelling in the neighborhood, Decker retrieved his sensor from its hiding place and scanned Talyn. She returned the favor. He then switched on the machine’s jamming function and exhaled noisily as he withdrew his blaster.

  “Bugging our weapons? That’s just low. I’m not sure whether it makes Eva and her minions better prospective DSA members or worse ones. There’s a fine line between sneaky and untrustworthy.”

  “The question might be worthy of debate,” she replied, disassembling her weapon and placing the parts on the kitchen table, “if we actually represented the Alliance. But since our job is to terminate dangerous radicals before they cross over into terrorism, it doesn’t matter either way.”

  “True.” Decker deftly turned his alien weapon into a neat line of esoteric parts. “But you were so incredibly convincing as Sherri Zadeck, the DSA’s envoy plenipotentiary to Mission Colony, I could almost convince myself our orders called for the star system government’s overthrow, instead of preserving it from the Freedom Collective.”

  “And we’re still far from our goal.” She ran each part of her gun past the sensor until it called attention to a stowaway in the battery pack. “Gotcha. Check your power cell, Zack. Did you notice Eva Cortez wasn’t behaving like a grief-stricken widow, considering you killed her partner before her eyes mere hours earlier? She was all business tonight as if Gustav’s death represented an inconvenience instead of a personal tragedy.”

  “I did. She could be good at masking her feelings and marching on like a committed revolutionary general.”

  “Eva’s not much of an actress. Her anger was rather obvious. And she’s no ideologically driven radical either.”

  “I didn’t think so. Her eyes speak more loudly than her lips, and they said volumes while we talked about the future. Either she’s not terribly unhappy Gustav took that final trip into the undiscovered country, or she’s a sociopath so hungry for power, the lives of others don’t matter.”

  “How about both?” Talyn asked. “Try this for a theory. Eva, backed by a few influential supporters and aides, such as your best friend Piet, was planning to set Gustav up as a figurehead first minister once the Collective took control of this star system. Even though his carefully hidden character defects make half of the criminals doing life on Parth look like jaywalkers, Kerlin was undeniably charismatic, a master manipulator capable of convincing his followers he was a sort of messiah while ignoring rumors of his unsavory predilections. The savior who’d rescue this colony from political strife. Once in power, she becomes a gray eminence, ruling from the shadows, until after a suitable period, Gustav falls ill and dies, leaving Eva as his successor.”

  “So you’re saying I should have shot her, not him. Or rather shot both.”

  “We didn’t know this when we were ordered to terminate Kerlin before his movement graduated from radical speech to violent action. The Political Analysis Division still suffers from blind spots thanks to the Black Sword purge. But you may get the chance to rectify that little omission.”

  “Do you figure Eva and Piet are a pair? I thought I sensed that vibe between them.”

  “Sure. She has appetites. He’s a strong, healthy man who probably has fewer scruples than she does, but plenty of ambit
ion.”

  “So like us, then?” Decker leered at her.

  “Except you can claim a normal Marine officer’s scruples and I use my pathologies for the greater good, not personal aggrandizement. Otherwise, we’re exactly the same.” She made a face at him. “However, I got the idea Eva’s interest tonight wasn’t directed at Piet, let alone you.”

  Decker’s eyebrows crept up in amusement.

  “Really? How interesting. Pathologies calling out to each other? But as long as our newest best friends bought our act and believe we’re of one mind, I’m happy.” He passed his blaster’s power pack in front of the sensor and nodded. “Mine is bugged as well. Should be easy enough to remove though. Show me yours.”

  In a matter of moments, two tiny silver specks lay on a dark piece of cloth between them.

  “Run them through the organic waste disposal?” Talyn asked.

  “As amusing as it would be to make Piet’s men listen to their toys literally go down the drain, I figure it would be best to destroy them while they’re still being jammed.”

  “True, and I know just the way to do so.”

  Talyn left him sitting in the kitchen for several minutes before returning with a toolkit left in the house by the officer who bought it for Naval Intelligence use. She produced a compact laser pen.

  “What we need is a suitable backstop.”

  “The granite countertop.” Decker carefully moved the cloth and its tiny cargo into position, then watched as Talyn burned the microscopic circuits to a crisp. “And a last check,” he said waving the sensor over the blackened dots. “We are clear.”

  “But we’ll leave the jammer running, just in case.”

  “Of course. I wouldn’t want anyone to overhear us playing radical emissary and her hard-core barbarian brute.”

  “I didn’t know that was on tonight’s menu.”

  “It isn’t on the menu. You are.”

  **

  Eva Cortez turned away from the darkened living room windows when she heard Piet’s footsteps.

  “So? Did Sherri and Corbin say nice things about us?”

  She took a sip from her brandy snifter and smiled at him expectantly.