Napoleon

by Stephen Arseneault

  “The wealth is going toward further production.”

  “Which we won't have if there is no labor to produce it.”

  Naffi held up a hand. “We pay a fair wage for the jobs that are performed, but I will look into pushing that higher should the need develop. What do the archives say about the Americans and this issue?”

  “They have kept their communications a bit more centralized. It's possible Marwal did so to curtail this exact issue. Without communications any such strikes would possibly remain localized, where they could be dealt with appropriately.”

  Naffi sat in a chair next to his friend. “I find it fascinating how this has turned out. You are knee deep in science and myself the same in business. And all on a foreign world, fifty thousand years in the past. You know, I used to find the expansion of my business quite fulfilling, but this far surpasses anything I did here at home. Here we are highly constrained by the law, only making true progress when we operate outside such. There, on Earth, we make the law.”

  Reno stopped on a page of the archive. “The Americans have made peace with the south. The two holdouts have become official provinces. They now fully control North, South, and Central America.”

  Naffi frowned. “Their efforts will now turn elsewhere.”

  “We are far from complete in our work to control the Orient. Japan and the southern peninsula remain wide open.”

  “They will be ours within the year.”

  “The Botony Bay colonies and nearly the entire continent of Africa remain open as well.”

  “And our efforts will follow there. The Americans will be tied up with consolidating their provinces for just as long as we will be. Where we will have the advantage is proximity, and the fact we already have colonies in those places.”

  “I just wish we were further along.”

  Naffi asked, “How would you rate your education initiatives?”

  “Far behind where I would like. We are in the first year of teaching dual languages. At the moment the local language remains the primary. The transition to an English primary will not happen for another five years, and will take another twenty after that to get to the 80 percent level. We are talking the generation after before we reach a full transition.”

  “Is this an effort that will be wasted instead of being applied to math, science, and engineering?”

  Reno shook his head. “Not at all. It will revolutionize education to the point where students the world over can be taught from the same texts and by the same teachers, schools, and universities. And several generations from now there will be an explicit de-emphasis placed on those other languages. In fact, their study could be banned as that study will not enhance this planet's ability to defend itself.”

  “I didn't realize you were planning that far ahead.”

  Reno leaned back in his chair. “I'm of the opinion the final hundred years before the invasion should be spent on nothing but preparation.”

  Naffi chuckled. “One hundred years? That seems excessive.”

  Reno pulled up a timeline on the display. “I believe it will take us between now and that point to educate the Humans to the level where they might begin to build their defenses. After all, we're attempting to force several thousand years of technological evolution into a few hundred years.”

  “What do the archives reveal as of this last journey?”

  “Let's have a look. Hmm. Well this is not good. Napoleon has taken your eastern front observational trip to heart, and it seems he is incapacitated in a dreadful accident. A train derailment leaves him crippled and in severe pain, unable to resume his duties as Emperor. The Americans, utilizing a vast spy network that was used to infiltrate the Empire, foment unrest, breaking the Empire into six autonomous provinces that then split into twenty-five. Meanwhile, the Americans ally with four of those provinces, bringing war and eventual loss to four others.”

  “And the preparedness for our people?”

  “... a complete slaughter, as usual. And the ancestral data shows... unchanged.”

  Naffi stood and paced the room in concern. “Wait... the archives assume no further interference by us. Is that correct?”

  “It is not an assumption, but yes, the results are without our continued efforts. And I know it has only been a few days for us, but we've been on more than sixty journeys since Vara left. Have you heard from her?”

  Naffi smiled. “As a matter of fact I have. She is safely back in the Empire doing what she does best, keeping my businesses running.”

  “I feel as though she has been gone for years. So many memories, experiences, and thoughts, I sometimes have trouble keeping track of real time.”

  “Indeed. We are getting to know what it is like to experience hundreds of years of life... and not necessarily in the order it should have been lived. My former life in the Opamari Empire often seems like something that happened hundreds of years ago.”

  Reno paused for several seconds. “The pain of losing your family... has it diminished? Not as in having gone away, but as if it had happened so long ago that it is pushed far back in your mind?”

  “I want to deny that possibility, but I can't. I miss them deeply, but they no longer dominate my thoughts. Strange. It does feel as though they perished several hundred years ago, when it has only been months.”

  “Your level of anger, has it diminished?”

  Naffi let out a long sigh. “I suppose it has. I remain committed to our goal of bringing back the Humans, but I suppose that is not driven by my need for revenge.”

  “What would you say drives you now?” Reno asked.

  “That would have to be my disdain for our Empire and my fondness for Humans. Frankly, my experiences here with these journeys are far more gratifying than turning myself into a tycoon back home ever was. While there are certainly Humans who are corrupt and deceitful, most I would consider to be better than our own. We have become petty and selfish, shallow really. A genuine care for others is often lacking. These Humans are much more willing to die for each other if they find the cause just. Sadly, I believe most of our people would merely turn away.”

  “Perhaps if we can bring about a change here we can reverse that culture.”

  Naffi walked toward the door. “There is only one way to find out. I'll fetch you another clone.”

  Chapter 25

  _______________________

  Another year in Human time passed. Asia, specifically China and the southern kingdoms, had been converted and absorbed. Massive building projects were underway. A people who had been tormented by hunger due to war, were now inundated with foods from the French Empire.

  And the accidental death of Napoleon had been averted. He returned to Paris feeling renewed and invigorated. His ability to rouse the people with speech was rivaled by none. He made use of his renewed spirit to rally the people of the Empire.

  Naffi returned from a journey, sitting up on the table. “Japan and the islands to the south are now in our grasp. In addition, the Botony Bay colonies have voluntarily rejoined after suffering through a drought, and from attacks by the locals. In the coming months, our efforts will turn fully toward the domination of Africa.”

  “And the Americans?”

  “You were right. Our spies have sewn discord in their provinces, their energies are spent turning back rebellions. And our counterspy efforts here at home have been hugely successful. Other than a continuous mild bluster by the Russians, the unrest is less than it has been since this conquest began.”

  “And the health of Marwal's clone?” Reno asked.

  “Failing. I don't think he has long to live. Our force-feeding has his body able, but his mind is not willing.”

  “There are a number of highly addictive substances that might help.”

  “All short-term solutions. We have been through three and eventually the Human body begins to shut down. We've even attempted an induced coma with a similar result.”

  Reno slowly nodded in thought. “Hmm. Perha
ps I can enable studies into some of the hibernating animals of Earth. If we could place him into a slowed state such as a bear in winter or any number of mud amphibians, we could possibly keep him going for years.”

  “This next journey is yours. Make it happen.”

  “Has the tunnel to London opened?”

  “Last week,” Naffi replied. “On schedule. We are two months from the same at Constantinople. And the groundwork is underway at Gibraltar. The North African colonies have already joined as the Saharan Province. I expect the whole of the continent to be under our control within a year.”

  “I saw where our naval strength has nearly doubled. Should we even fear the Americans anymore?”

  “They are resourceful, but they lack the advantage we have.”

  “And what would that be?”

  “Us.” Naffi smiled. “Without Marwal their advances have slowed in comparison. As our highways begin to open to traffic, we will see another surge in product growth. It is almost as if every business we have is a winning bet. I've taken care to hide our net worth, but it is safe to say our wealth dwarfs that of Napoleon. We could purchase his entire estate five-times over without concern. And we have smart people in powerful positions who have every intention of staying there.”

  “So you've created another shadow Empire?”

  “I suppose I have.”

  “Would investment in America be a worthwhile venture?”

  “How so?”

  “Control. If Marwal were to return, and you were to have control of many of their important businesses, you could possibly frustrate his efforts to no end.”

  Naffi's smile slowly turned into a grin. “Would you mind if I took this next clone? I would like to begin work on this immediately.”

  Reno nodded. “If you think that effort to be worthwhile, please do. Another two weeks will have minimal effect on me achieving my goals.”

  Naffi returned with two clones. One was temporarily put to sleep as the other was bio-linked. Minutes later, arrangements were in the works for a trip to America. Making use of the spy network that was already in place, a series of financial transactions took place in North America.

  Naffi awoke with a smile. “Brilliant suggestion, Reno. In a two-week span I was able to conduct several substantial purchases of companies that were in need of an influx of capital. And given or current peaceful trade status, there were few questions as to the origins of the funds. In a year's time I am confident I could own or control nearly a third of that economy. In two years, half. And those would be businesses that were critical for conducting war, making our Empire here that much more secure.”

  “Excellent. Is there anything I need to see in the recording?”

  “Nothing that would be of use. Let's ready your clone and get you on your way. After, we'll break for a meal. Vara should be coming by for a visit.”

  Reno went under with a smile on his face moments before the loud crack of space-time splitting permeated the room. A minute later, he was sitting forward and removing the sensors.

  “All went well?” Naffi asked.

  “As planned. The designs for home refrigeration will be ready for your next visit. And I believe that to be a product you can utilize as part of your expansion in America.” Reno hopped from the table. “The units they have deployed are crude and expensive. This is a product every citizen will want.”

  “Perfect. Are you ready for a meal?”

  “Famished. I haven't eaten in nearly six Earth months.”

  Naffi chuckled as they walked. “I do like not having to move after every journey. Did you happen to check on Marwal before you left?”

  “I did. And I'm afraid we do not have long. His body was brought back from the brink once just before I terminated. We may only have weeks.”

  “Well, I hadn't mentioned it, but I did some snooping while in America. Our agents have identified Marwal's prior compound. And without him there we have managed a pair of our own agents as part of his team. With luck, when he returns, we will be able to grab him again.”

  “That would be superb. We've managed tremendous progress without his interference. I took a peek at the archives from your prior visit. While our ancestry lists had not changed, the French Empire now remains dominant from that last visit until the arrival of our forces. The resistance brought against our Opamari force was still of course dismal, but I believe it to be showing signs of promise.”

  Vara smiled as the pair walked into the dining room. “Your business empire is secure.”

  Naffi smiled. “Thank you, Vara. I could not have done any of this without you.”

  “Kind words, sir, but I believe you would have managed. How have the travels been? Does Marwal remain in our custody?”

  Reno replied, “He does, but not for long. The clone's health is dismal. And we've tried everything we know to do. Even now we are grasping at hibernation techniques.”

  “And the progress with our growth and productivity?”

  Naffi said, “We now control Asia, the Botony Bay colony has come home, and we're halfway through the Africa annexation. Meanwhile, America has been struggling to stay together. Their southern provinces have been particularly troublesome. Much of that credit can be given to you and the spy network you set up for us. It has been highly effective at fomenting dissent.”

  “I enjoyed that work. Glad to see my efforts playing out. And I would be happy to come back for more, if needed.”

  Reno turned to face Naffi. “Certainly there is something we could make use of her for?”

  Naffi slowly shook his head. “I believe her talents are best used here at home. Has progress been made at tracking down Mentox-II?”

  “I believe we are closer, but at the moment we do not have any solid leads. We know they are receiving supplies from somewhere and we will eventually track that down. As to their communications with the OSSHR and other authorities, I believe we have narrowed those comms down to eight possible individuals. And I did come across an interesting bit of news. Dr. Nunol is no longer with the OSSHR. He took retirement.”

  Reno pulled back. “What? That doesn't make sense. He would be using his connections through that office to drive this investigation. Why would he retire?”

  “Forced? Anyway, those were my thoughts as well. However, I believe there is also a strong possibility Nunol is no longer working for or with the government. My people have found no evidence of budgetary funding for the investigation, which would most assuredly, if official, be documented.”

  Naffi smirked. “Nunol... a rogue? If so, that would be a very interesting development. It brings about so many questions, such as, who is funding his wildly expensive venture? Please, Vara, focus your efforts on clarifying these new developments for us. If Nunol and Marwal have indeed gone rogue, that means there is a possibility of turning them to our side.”

  Reno rolled his eyes. “Why would they do that? They both have families they are trying to protect.”

  Vara replied, “The age-old thing that often trumps family... money.”

  Reno scowled. “Nunol was an honorable person. He would not compromise his integrity or the lives of his family for a few ill-gotten credits.”

  Naffi sighed. “Nunol sacrificed that integrity every time an investor came near him. I'm sorry Reno, but his principles could be bought and sold just as with so many others. A large part of his position with the OSSHR was being a politician who brought in outside funding. Compromise was something he was quite familiar with.”

  Vara nodded. “It's true. I closed many an investment with him and the others in that office on behalf of Naffi's shell companies. His wife and daughter were to be taking a month-long vacation on Epirad IV as a result of him signing the contract with Naffi's company for Mentox-I and II disposal.”

  Reno sat back. “I would never have suspected. But his family? I find it difficult to believe he would compromise their safety.”

  “Which is why we need to explore this fully. It's possible Ment
ox-II is being funded by another organization... or perhaps even another individual.”

  Naffi tilted his head to one side. “Baritoc?”

  Vara nodded. “It will take some time, but if he is involved, we will know it.”

  “Baritoc?” Reno asked. “The transport tycoon?”

  “One and the same. He has been a rival of ours since the beginning. I could see him funding the Mentox-II venture for the sole purpose of being disruptive to any venture Naffi is involved with.”

  Naffi pushed his packaged meal away. “If he is involved, we will have to reevaluate our security practices. The military is predictable and confined to following guidelines, just like the government investigators. If Baritoc is looking for us... he will use whatever means necessary.”

  Vara gave a concerned look. “He may know of our connection. He was a competitor on a number of projects I fronted for you.”

  “At the first sign of his people snooping around I want you to pass command to your second and come here directly. I do not want you exposed and vulnerable. If he hasn't grabbed you yet it is because he doesn't know of your involvement with me.”

  “I will take the necessary precautions.”

  The meals were eaten and a new clone readied for Reno. His new goal was to lay the groundwork for the discovery and creation of semiconductors. Michael Faraday and the other scientists at the Royal Electrification Labs of Britain were about to go in a new direction. Vara was set to return to the worlds of the Opamari with new directions of her own,but was asked to stay a bit longer.

  The captive clone of Marwal passed during Reno's journey. As a precaution, Mentox-I was moved immediately following a check of the archives, just after his return.

  Naffi scowled. “Sixty-seven journeys without conflict. The Americans will once again become a threat.”

  A hail came in on a comm channel. It was identified as Nunol.

  Reno answered. “Are you prepared to leave us alone?”

  Nunol huffed. “On the contrary. We will be coming for you harder than ever.”

  Naffi asked, “How is Marwal? Mentally I mean. The memories of that captivity has to have taken a toll.”