“Antonopoulos did you say?” Smyth said his eyes wide and an edge to his voice.
“Yes, Chairman, Antonopoulos was never found as you know. Even though Lansing and Lao turned the world upside down looking for him he seemed to have vanished. We now know that he managed to steal away before the Calamity and hide on Lunar Base Six. He didn’t count on the governments of Earth commandeering the ship he’d used to reach the Moon but they did, marooning him there. He then committed atrocities against the population, genetically altering some of the Workers to serve him and his corporate sycophants.”
“The rest he either murdered or intended to murder. I’ve transmitted the data to Admiral Ngata, but there’s quite a bit of it. If it wasn’t for a scientist named Stephen Anderson, most of the Workers would’ve been killed. At any rate, the casualties were from the descendants of Antonopoulos’ group. I observed them murder one Worker and intend to kill Dr. Skorsson for having the nerve to stand up against them. I admit I killed the two guards who intended to kill Dr. Skorsson. I saw no alternative to that action. If I had I would’ve taken it. The only other guard I touched, I left tied up and very much alive.”
“Did you even try to reason with the men before you killed them?” Trekos lashed out at him.
“They were in the process of beating Dr. Skorsson to death with the batons they carried to whip their slaves.”
“So you used a weapon on them when all they had were batons?”
“Not at all, Councilman. I killed them with my hands.” Farr said bluntly looking deliberately at Trekos. The other man swallowed hard but didn’t back down, confidant in his power.
“We may not have understood their society but you had no right to destroy it and replace it with your own puppet government.”
“Whenever I hear anyone arguing for slavery, I feel a strong impulse to see it tried on him personally.”
Everyone’s attention was suddenly drawn to Chairman Smyth who wore a cold look in his eyes and a hard expression on his face. He continued.
“That’s from a Mr. Lincoln who ended the foul institution of slavery in the old United States. I believe he hails from the area where you were born Commander.”
“Yes he does Mr. Chairman and I happen to agree with his views.”
“As do I Commander. The people on this Council should remember those words whenever they champion slavery at this table.”
“I am not championing slavery, Mr. Chairman,” Trekos sputtered indignantly. “I was simply pointing out that we do not have the right to arbitrarily decide how another society lives. Mr. Chairman, I’ve asked Mr. Samos to address this Council. He has a proposal whereby we return the Resolution to space dock while we go over these after action reports and the corporations…”
“I’m afraid that’s not possible Councilman Trekos,” Farr informed him.
“What? Why do you say that?” Trekos asked suspiciously.
“Celestial mechanics old boy.” Smyth’s reply was offhanded although the cold look had not left his eyes as he regarded Trekos. “Resolution passed the point of no return yesterday.”
“What? If you’d listened to me and allowed me to convene a partial Council then…”
“I’ll remind you Councilman,” Smyth said coldly, “that only a full Council can take action regarding the relief missions to the colonies. You’ve no precedent with which to request such power. Or were you the one actually requesting it?” Smyth cast his glance at Samos who sat quietly composed at the end of the table. “And championing slavery, whatever the society, is contrary to the tenets of Lansing and Lao.”
“I take offense to your words Mr. Chairman.”
“Very well,” Smyth replied tiredly, “noted in the Council records. Now, I personally see nothing at this point which would’ve led me to believe that a hold should’ve been placed on Resolution’s mission. Commander Farr hasn’t done anything that hasn’t been done by other Earth Services captains when they encounter a din of slavers and murderers. Indeed, he’s done exactly what we encourage our captains to do.” The other members of the Council nodded in agreement, looking one to another. “So, unless you have other information to put before the Council…” Smyth let his words hang in the air. Trekos licked his lips nervously and went forward.
“There is the matter of a child that Commander Farr allowed aboard the Resolution, a boy of barely fifteen. This is against regulations. He’s even installed him as a crewmember. What kind of judgment does that demonstrate,” he finished leveling his gaze at Farr.
“Chairman, if I may,” Admiral Ngata interceded. “I have a formal request from the Foreman of the Luna colony. That’s the term they use to refer to their leader. He would like to address this Council.”
“That is highly irregular Admiral,” Trekos shouted.
“As is having a corporate CEO at our Council meetings when we’re discussing matters that do not concern them,” Smyth’s level voice intoned. The other members of the Council murmured agreement. “But, since we’ve allowed a CEO to participate, I see no reason why a bonafide head of state should be excluded. How say you members?” Smyth looked around the table and received affirmative nods from every member. Trekos sat down, simmering with rage at Ngata.
“Very well Admiral, please have the Foreman join us.”
Farr saw the apparition of Alain´ appear above the table. He no longer seemed frail, but sustained by an inner fire, his flesh having blossomed under the better conditions now enjoyed by the Workers. He wore the black opticals that Farr had become accustomed to by now. The Council members eyed him curiously but respectfully noting his genetically altered features. The man Samos suddenly appeared uncomfortable.
“Greetings to this august body that has delivered my people from slavery and death. And greetings to you, Commander Farr, the instrument of this august body’s will.” His words were fairly spoken and once again Farr was struck with the impression that not everything was as it seemed with the Workers.
“This Council greets you with open arms, Foreman, leader of our lost brethren,” Smyth replied not to be outdone.
“Your words are most kind, Chairman. I wished to speak with you because we’ve been remiss in our thanks. We must ask you to forgive us. A century of slavery and oppression at the hands of the corporate monster has left us with many duties to perform in order to return our world to its former role as a productive agent of humanity.”
“No apologies are necessary,” Smyth replied and his face was filled with compassion. Samos continued to squirm at the other end of the table.
“You are very understanding. We wish to thank you personally for dispatching Commander Farr and his crew to our world and for assisting us to take control of it again. He gave my people hope and lifted them onto the path back to civilization. For a century we’ve prepared for the day when our brothers and sisters of earth would return for us and break the hatred of Antonopoulos that warped our society. We cannot thank you enough for his presence.”
“And now that I have given you the gratitude of my people, I must apologize for my recklessness in forcing Commander Farr to accept one of my people on his noble mission. You see, we’ve sat in the darkness for too long, and we were unwilling to have no part in the grand mission of redemption for the other lost children of humanity. I’m afraid I was very insistent, even though I had nothing to offer, but finally he arranged a bargain with me and, as meager as it was, I will now fulfill my part.” Farr kept his face neutral although he was seething inside. What now he thought, regretting the old man’s earlier offer of help.
“There is a metal which we’ve mined for the last century on our world. It was useless to us under the circumstances. Only certain metals could be used to sustain the systems of the dome. But over the years we’ve mined perhaps twelve tons of this mineral. We’ve managed, once again thanks to the efforts of Commander Farr and his crew, and also that lovely man Captain Solis, to get our processing plants back on line. I promised the Commander the first two tons o
f platinum that were processed and I’m here to fulfill my meager obligation under our agreement. I can send it with one of your ships as soon as you wish.” The members of the Council, with the exception of Smyth, resembled the occupants of a fish market with their wide open mouths and non-blinking eyes. Smyth’s lips were touched by a slight smile, which he immediately banished from his face. After all, he was descended from three centuries of diplomats.
“Well, well that is very generous of you Foreman,” one of the members said and then, still struggling to come to terms with the offer said, “Two tons?”
“You must forgive me again. I am still adjusting to all of the terms that are new to my people. Two lunar tons is the correct phrase I believe.” If the first statement had shocked the Council, then this one rendered them speechless. Platinum had been rare on Earth since the Calamity because most of Earth’s sources had come from the Asteroid belt and, of course, the Moon. Farr didn’t believe the innocence of the Foreman for one minute, and neither did Smyth, he believed. But since he was working on his behalf, he sat back to watch the show, as Ming would say.
“That would be twelve Earth tons, councilman,” Ngata offered to the shocked councilman on his right. The man merely nodded his head, unable to speak.
“Yes, I suppose that would be correct,” allowed the Foreman, “He informed me that it has many uses in space flight and the construction of your Earth Defense Systems.”
“That’s very generous, yes, very generous,” Councilman Trekos started, fumbling somewhat with his words, “but the qualifications of the young man…”
“Oh, Eric of the family of Gaetos is one of our finest minds. He was performing the primary math when he was ten.”
“Quantum Physics,” Farr supplied to Trekos with an evil grin.
“I see no reason to doubt the words of Alain´ of the family of Skorsson,” Smyth replied with a smile which the Foreman returned at the usage of his proper name. Obviously any ignorance of the lunar reports on the part of the Chairman was feigned. Farr knew without a doubt that he had read every report sent to Earth from the lunar surface. “I don’t see that we’ve any reason to delay Commander Farr on this account either. Does anyone else?” He looked down the line of Councilmen, and to a person, including Trekos, they nodded.
“Chairman, if it is not inconvenient, I would like to discuss the possibility of a defense system for Luna.”
“I could possibly help you in that matter,” Elios Samos, said inserting himself into the conversation. The Foreman looked at Samos and his face muscles twitched and moved as if registering recognition, but with his eyes covered most could not tell. Farr could however.
“You are not a member of this august body. I have memorized their faces and you are not one.” It almost sounded to Farr as if the Foreman was hopeful that Samos was not.
“No I’m not. I am CEO of…” the Foreman interrupted him at that point.
“The People of Luna do not deal with corporations,” the Foreman said as if closing a door. Samos face tightened but remained passive.
“I think you are referring to a past best forgotten. And I thought you people were called the Workers.”
“On Luna, it is a past not quite forgotten… or forgiven. As to our name, Commander Farr reminded us that there is a time for all things under the sun. There are no more Workers on Luna and no more Suits. We are one people. We are done here.” This absolute dismissal of Samos secretly pleased Farr although his face remained as neutral as before.
“I thank you for your presence Mr. Samos,” the chairman said peremptorily dismissing him and turning back to the Foreman. “We’ve detained you long enough, for nothing as it seems, Captain Farr, so you may go back to your duties and Godspeed to you and your crew.”
“Thank you Mr. Chairman.” As Farr disabled his communications he saw the Foreman and the Chairman in deep conversation with several other councilmen. Samos was exiting the area, his body language communicating danger. He’d been dismissed and minimalized. Such a man as this would want revenge for these affronts.
Farr was almost gleeful. Not only had he survived, but the Foreman had been more than good to his word. A knock came at his door.
“Enter.” Ming came in, his look expectant.
Farr described it in detail to him, omitting nothing, including his own thought processes as they sat and discussed the matter.
“Twelve tons of platinum?” Ming whistled. “That’s incredible. Earth hasn’t seen that much in one lump since the days of the asteroid colonies. And it’s sorely needed on Earth these days. I’d say that effectively shuts Trekos down for now, but you’re right, the corporations now have a bought and paid for Council member. For some reason that leaves me with an empty feeling of disappointment.” As he finished a shadow crossed Ming’s face, one of betrayal. Then he dismissed it and touched on another topic.
“You do know don’t you, that the Workers never took us to their mining sites?”
“I agree with you about the feeling of disappointment. To think that any human could fall under the thrall of the corps is an alien concept to me, but a councilmember,” he said shaking his head slowly, “I find it supremely disappointing. As to the mining operation of the Worker’s; why does it matter?”
“It doesn’t, not really. But you’d think that they would’ve at least offered wouldn’t you?”
Farr started to answer and then stopped. Ming had a point. And now that he thought about it, they’d not had Wells construct any mining equipment or even program the VPDs to do so.
“You’re right, of course. For now I think we just include it as another quirk of Lunar Base Five and move on,” Farr said and Ming nodded, dropping the subject.
“Captain,” Bellerino’s voice hailed him as he and Ming conferred in Farr’s cabin. Farr had noticed that the method of address for him these days was ‘captain’ rather than commander. That’s what a taste of success will do for a crew, he thought, as he answered the hail.
“Yes, Bellerino, what can I do for you?”
“We have priority traffic coming in for you from the lunar colony, sir.”
“Very well,” Farr said puzzled. “Patch it through.”
The apparition of the Foreman appeared above the table and whereas his countenance had always been kindly before, his body language was tense now. His eyes were still a mystery thanks to the black opticals.
“Foreman,” Farr said slowly, “Is something amiss?” They were far enough away that they experienced a ten second delay in communications, not an ungainly thing to work with, but still a little annoying.
“I am sorry to trouble you my son, but there is some information that I wish to impart to you.”
“I’m most grateful then to receive it. If you say it’s important then I believe you.” And he did, he suddenly realized. There was something about the old man that simply made him trust him.
“The one called Samos who appeared at the council meeting, I must warn you about him.”
“I’m well aware of Elios Samos and his control of the remaining corporations. He…”
“He is a direct descendant of Alekos Antonopoulos,” the old man said simply and bluntly, interrupting Farr. Ming and Farr exchanged glances and then Ming spoke.
“Antonopoulos died on the lunar surface over ninety years ago, Foreman. How could he be the direct ancestor of Elios Samos?”
“Do you think such a man as Antonopoulos lived his life by societal mores Mr. Ming? He had offspring by several women, most of whom accompanied him here. But at least one did not apparently.”
“How do you know he is a direct descendant? After all today was the first time you’ve ever seen the man,” Farr interjected.
“All of the people of Luna know a descendant of Antonopoulos by sight Commander. There is no mistake. You must be very careful in your mission. A man such as he does not suffer indignities easily and I’m afraid I was preemptory with him, as was the Chairman. The Chairman however is solidly behind you. I’v
e already warned him in our meeting after the failed attempt of Samos to scuttle your mission.”
“So you know that Samos was behind this charade?”
“Of course, the one you call Trekos is misguided and a bit foolish, but without men like Samos he wouldn’t be a danger.”
“I thank you for the warning, Foreman, and I’d like to thank you for your little gambit at the meeting. I wasn’t expecting it.”
“You can thank your Admiral as well, Commander. I perceive he is a good man. He is, however, fluent in the games of the human species and guided me for dramatic effect, as he called it,” the old man said dryly. “Much like some of the movies you left, Mr. Ming, for our young people. They enjoy them immensely, although they are somewhat disruptive.”
“He has a somewhat corrupting influence on the young,” Farr said in a voice dripping heavy with sarcasm.
“So it would seem,” came the delayed reply. “But I deem it harmless in the overall plan of life.”
Ming looked from face to face, a look of vestal innocence on his face.
“It is the duty of the elders to instruct the young. I am simply doing my part to expand their horizons.”
The Foreman smiled indulgently and now there was a genuine look of fondness on his face.
“Yes, we all have our part to play my son. Now, commander, I’ve delivered the message of warning as I intended and I’d like to ask a final favor of you.”
“Name it Foreman. I’m in your debt as I see it.”
“There are no ‘debts’ between us my son, only necessity, to whom we both answer. If it wouldn’t be too troubling, I’d like to address Eric in private, if that is possible.”
“Certainly, you can use my stateroom. Can you hustle him up Ming?”
“Already on it,” Ming said executing one of his patented low gravity glides.
Minutes later Eric was seated alone in front of the display, the room darkened and his black opticals no longer covering his large eyes. There was a sadness there that had not existed before.
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