Instead of the spotlight’s focus turning to the next rider, it remained on the successful slegg as she was helped down from the netting. With much fanfare, she was escorted back to the catapult for a second ride. The crowd cheered her on as the music again began to build. The second ride, while close, was still a mammoth failure, resulting in the death of the pulted-slave. The crowd followed with applause for her dignified effort.
Jamus stood with his fists clenched as he stared at the back of Master Thelm’s head, who was thoroughly enjoying the spectacle.
His expression of hate for all aliens was quickly masked as Thelm turned back to him. "I was really rooting for her. I have to say, this is one of the finest opening celebrations I've attended." Thelm stared for several seconds, getting no reaction from his personal slave. An annoyed wave of his hand at the lack of his slave's reaction had the master turning back to the festivities.
Sixteen additional Humans saw their end before a third managed to squeak through the bull’s-eye. The lights in the stands came up slightly as a crew got to work dismantling the wall. A second crew laid out a half-meter-deep pool and began filling it with water, as a third crew began to lay out framework for a trough that was five meters wide and forty meters long.
Thelm looked on in wonder. "What could they possibly be doing?"
An announcer came back over the speakers. "Please rise and sing the Betuaon State song as our crews ready the next event."
A third of the crowd participated. The crews on the floor completed their tasks, with a new set of workers taking over. Hundreds of wheelbarrows carrying red-hot coals were brought in and dumped into the framework, followed by slaves with rakes. The piles of coals were quickly smoothed out and the slave workers recalled. The lights up in the stands lowered as the framework and pool were illuminated. A line of brightly dressed slaves, with no shoes, began to form up at one end of the trough. The crowd began to cheer.
"For our continuing celebration, we bring back the ever-popular coal run. You've all seen it on your video feeds. Now you get to witness it live in all its spectacle!"
A Talion assistant walked up to the first runner, dowsing their feet with an oily substance.
The music built as the announcer yelled, "Runner away!"
The first slave sprinted down the hot coals, bursting into flames as they reached the halfway point. A blood curdling scream could be heard as they stumbled and fell to the side, the flames consuming them. A team of slaves ran from a side door, dowsing the failed runner and then dragging them off.
"Runner away!" saw the next participant high-stepping down the trough, again flaming up as they reached the halfway mark. The crowd cheered, yelled, laughed, and were otherwise in a frenzy of wicked celebration. Eight Humans perished before the ninth reached the pool. In keeping with the theme, three Humans had to finish the run before the next game would begin.
Thirty-two Humans failed before the heinous event came to an end. Jamus was seething with anger, even looking around the room for something he could use to end the life of his master. Thelm continued to sip on his beverage, chuckling in delight.
"Jamus, this is without a doubt the best opening celebration I have attended. Masterette Wilcer will definitely see a boost in popularity from this... don't you think?"
Jamus struggled to maintain a stoic expression. Thelm frowned as he turned away, again without the satisfaction of a reaction.
Tamia sat in the classroom, sobbing. "Such cruelty. Do your people not have a conscience?"
Bersa replied, "Mostly, no. No they don't. This is especially true for the Talions. They are a cold species, only interested in self."
Martin's face was a scowl. His massive arms were crossed and flexed, as if struggling to hold in the rage he was feeling. "Such evil. No empathy. They don't deserve to be counted among the living."
"Horrific, yes. But we have to keep our focus on the task at hand. Overtaking Master Thelm will have to be reward enough for us for now. Wilcer is next in line, so we will be going after her next."
Tamia said, "These are only the third and fourth in line for Betuaon State. Are the other states as cruel? What of districts and sectors?"
"They are all equally as sadistic. The Ultimate Games are an annual ritual, but minor games play out throughout the empire on a daily or weekly basis. As Master Hallik said, these are the reasons he kept the news feeds from you as long as he did. You needed time to process everything that was happening, time to take in our spying efforts here—time to understand the need to elevate our master to the post of emperor. Without these efforts, we are no better than dead."
The horrid celebrations in the arena ran for another two hours before the crowds were wished well and dismissed. The morning celebrations were over and the afternoon festivities set to begin. Minor parties were in full swing across the colony, where revelers were enjoying themselves before the evening’s events. A private celebration, released on video-stream for the masses, would take place in an arena owned by Betuaon State Governor Aurin. Thelm, Drakis, Wilcer, Snooka and the next dozen elites in line for the governorship were invited.
Hallik made his way in early, taking a power-seat position beside the governor. Grumbles of indignation at his audacity were heard from Wilcer, Drakis, and Thelm. Hallik sat waiting for the host with a grin.
Thelm turned back to whisper to Jamus, sitting on the floor behind his chair. "The nerve of Master Hallik in taking that position."
Jamus whispered, "Perhaps. Or perhaps it is a move that benefits you. If you are to be partnering with an underling who has connections to the governor himself, is that not beneficial to the House of Thelm?"
"Well, yes. I suppose it would be."
"Then we should celebrate Master Hallik's arrogance. He will assuredly inform you of his conversations, whereas Masterette Wilcer and Master Drakis would see no benefit in telling you anything."
"Hmm. Well reasoned, Jamus. I shall honor Master Hallik with a conversation as soon as the festivities here have completed."
"You are ultimately wise, Master. And very adept at playing this political game."
"Yes. Yes, I suppose I am."
Thelm turned back toward the front with a sly grin. He was not seated by the governor himself, but he had a new partner who was. He wondered to himself if the day could get any better.
Governor Aurin entered the arena with an entourage of no less than fifty followers. A nod was made toward the box seating, where the other masters were waiting. After disappearing behind a wall for several minutes, an elevator door opened and the governor walked out.
"Greeting, fellow officials. I have big news for us all. Masterette Roulet, Governor of the Talion District, will be joining us in about an hour. The celebrations were set to begin, but I've chosen to delay their start until the governor arrives. Until that time, we have food and beverage for each of you, so enjoy and self-entertain."
The Betuaon governor sat next to Hallik with a pursed smile. "Do I know you?"
Hallik smiled. "I am Master Hallik, Governor. Fifth in line for the governorship and here today in your service."
"Ah. You would be the one who replaced Master Snooka. A good citizen. I was surprised at his poor investing when I heard."
"Master Snooka was his own worst enemy, Governor. I attempted to contact him for partnering when I saw some of his businesses were at risk. He failed to heed my council, or allow me to help. It was his own mistakes that took the position from his grasp. I've been told he has fallen another position since."
"Hmm. Such incompetence is rarely seen. I don't think there has been more than one two-position change in all of Betuaon in the last decade. To have fallen two positions is remarkable."
"And it may not be over, Governor. I've been trying to assist by buying up his distressed assets where I can. It seems many are only in need of good management to make them once again profitable and thriving."
"You seem to be in tune with good business practices, Hallik. Well done."
"Go on."
"I'm contemplating opening a diamond mine on Caloran. The minerals appear to be there, but my mining expertise in diamond is lacking. You, however, are an expert in the field, owning several of the top producing mines on Gatemon II."
"Diamonds have been good to the House of Aurin. Why would I jeopardize the current pricing support in the diamond market by enabling new mines?"
"Yes, Governor, why? I can tell you why. In exchange for your expertise, I would be seeking a partner. I have several possibilities for market expansion outside of Betuaon, where the extra production could be sold. My struggle at the moment is to how best get it out of the ground. For that I need a knowledgeable partner."
"An investment of my expertise for a return in profit, a profit which does not compete with my own? That does sound intriguing."
"What if I had the means to also expand market demand here in Betuaon? Not for my production mind you, but for yours."
"A distribution partnership?"
"You aren't in need of distribution, Governor. This would be marketing. What If I were able to increase demand by 15 percent?"
"I suppose pricing would improve with the increased demand."
"Precisely. And those profits would go directly to the House of Aurin."
"I can see why you overtook Snooka, Hallik. You are a shrewd businessman. I would be delighted to entertain any such ventures."
Hallik smiled. "Excellent. I'd rather not disturb your enjoyment of the games, so would a good time for another meeting be at the conclusion of the games?"
"I will see to it my team has knowledge of this proposal. If you would be able to arrange it with them, at your earliest convenience, we'll see if we can do business. No sense in delaying days where we could be making a profit."
"Governor, I appreciate your willingness to hear my proposal. I'll take my leave of this chair so others may approach you as needed."
Aurin held out his hand. "Please stay, Master Hallik. I'd rather not be bothered with any more business at this time. You won't be further discussing business, will you?"
"By no means, Governor. Were you able to attend the celebration at the Wilcer Corporation?"
"No. I hear it was quite festive."
"It began that way, but then she rolled out the old flame walking event. It was entertaining, but wholly unoriginal."
"Yes. We have seen that one many times."
Hallik glanced around. "I'm surprised Drakis is here in attendance."
"Why would he not be?"
"I've heard rumors that he has no appreciation for the games."
Aurin pulled back. "What? How is that possible? He's Brekan. They... you practically invented the games."
"I know. It was hard to believe. Should word of that leak out, it would jeopardize his businesses."
"Forget about his business. What about the people? How disheartening would it be to us all to have knowledge of an elite who was against the games?"
"What if he were to become governor?"
"I shudder at the thought. Thank you for bringing this to my attention, Master Hallik. You are a true patriot."
"I live and breathe to protect the empire, Governor... live and breathe."
Chapter 19
* * *
The Aurin celebration was packed with numerous instances of Humanicide. Hundreds perished and all for the purpose of pure entertainment. The citizens who made up the empire were truly corrupt. Discussion after discussion, as overheard by Jamus, revealed a general lack of intellect among the non-Humans. But everything in the empire was plentiful. Those at the lower end of the wealth spectrum happily accepted their station in life, a life that was immensely easy for all—excluding Humans.
The following day, the games opened with a spectacular gladiator war. Two sides of more than five hundred participants each were given swords, knives, axes, shields, and clubs. Spectators, selected at random, were given the honor of directing squads of ten units each from a safe box located above the arena floor.
Wagering was heavy, as were the casualties. Just over two hundred Humans survived the melee, all addicted to Shackle and all not showing much care. When the fighting ended, the winning squad directors were brought down to the floor for photo-ops with their winning teams. When the greeting was complete, the victors were divided into two opposing camps, and the fighting was once again controlled by a new set of randomly selected fans.
After a third repeat of the process, the fifteen Humans who remained standing were summarily executed and their bodies dragged from the arena. Similar games were happening all throughout the empire. For the citizens, it was a time for drinking oneself into a stupor and wagering every extra credit they could get their hands on.
Midway through the day, Hallik retired to his shuttle.
A comm was opened to Bersa. "How are things at home base?"
"I've had to almost physically restrain Martin on several occasions. He is not taking the events we are seeing well."
"I see. As would be expected from any Human who was off Shackle."
"Master, will you be coming this way?"
"Is there a specific need? How is our crew with Master Thelm doing?"
"They are good. The last day has been boring for them. Only one guard is on the vessel while the remainder of the crew is out enjoying the games. Ms. Bachran is the only one with work, and that work is minimal. Mr. Wazny has all the floors spotless. Mr. Marr is sitting on the bridge by himself. And of course, Mr. Turnbull remains out with Master Thelm."
"I don't know if you were watching, but I seem to be closing possible deals left and right. Aurin was intrigued by my suggestions. My team is putting together a number of offers for Thelm, Wilcer, and Aurin. We've somehow managed to get all the players involved in our schemes, except of course for Drakis, but he will be crushed by our deals with the others."
Dester spoke into his camera. "Hey, not sure who's listening, but I was just thinking, I'm here on the bridge by myself. There's only a single guard on this ship. I could kick his ass and fly this thing away right now, if I knew how to fly it. I would suggest we be given pilot training at some point. I can work the maintenance on the environmental system, but I can't fly this bucket. Might come a time when that is needed."
Bersa nodded. "Master Hallik, did you hear that?"
"I did. Excellent idea. Add it to your training regimen. The bridge on that shuttle is identical on all ships that size. Work up a mock-up on the station for our team to train on."
"I hope you aren't contemplating kidnapping one of the masters."
"I hadn't considered it, until now. I would only consider it useful if the individual set to inherit the wealth was an incompetent. Even though Thelm would qualify, his idiot son won't be inheriting, and Thelm is eager to do business with us. The daughter of Drakis fits that qualification. If Drakis turns out to be difficult to dislodge, I would not be averse to his termination."
"This concerns me. Up until now we have stayed away from terminating innocents."
Hallik laughed. "Innocents? All of these elites are guilty of the murder of Humans a thousand times over. I myself am guilty of that. Are you saying they should not be treated in the same manner we are treating Humans?"
"I guess I hadn't thought deeply on the matter. I suppose it is true they are in the way of our cause, and are as worthy as any other when it comes to termination. I may have to rethink a few of my processes for how we train."
Hallik shook his head. "Not necessary. I don't want us charging down the path of terminating everyone in sight. It's a tool that should only be used if we run out of viable alternatives."
"Understood."
Hallik paced back and forth as he looked at his comm camera. "Now… I will not be heading that way, probably for the remainder of the games. Further deals are to be made and cemented, especially while here at the games where there are so many
distractions. Everyone is in an exemplary mood. Sales pitches aren't being scrutinized. The honor code will dictate that deals made are honored."
"Good luck to you, sir."
"Keep my team alive, Bersa. We have much to still accomplish."
A drunken elder Thelm was helped by his guards back to his chambers on the shuttle. Jamus and the others cleaned him up and put him to bed. A gentle knock on the door in the morning brought an elixir that would bring an end to any potential hangover. Thelm was awakened and made to down the tonic. Minutes later, he was standing in his shower pan, getting a thorough scrub-down.
A short walk had the fourth-in-line-for-governorship sitting in his private dining room, glancing out at the other guests coming and going from their shuttles on the tarmac.
"Jamus, have you ever found people-watching to be enjoyable?"
"I've never had the opportunity to people-watch, Master."
"Hmm. I find it interesting. Take that couple over there. Why would you bring one of your spouses to an event such as this?"
"Perhaps it's not a spouse?"
"You don't know your Brekans, Jamus. If you were implying a mistress, or mister if she is the controller, the Brekans only have an intimate relationship with spouses. For them, mistresses are taboo. Now take Masterette Wilcer, a Sevada, that would be a regular occurrence."
"Perhaps this Brekan lost a wager?"
Thelm stopped and stared at the couple, before bursting into a laugh. "Bravo, Jamus. Bravo. A wager. Such a high-brow joke coming from a slave. A wager. Excellent. Unfortunately I cannot repeat this conversation with anyone. They wouldn't understand the relevance of it coming from a Human."
Jamus pointed. "What of those two over there? Any interesting observations?"
"Only that their dress is drab. The one on the left... why would you be seen in public in that garb? This is a celebration. Dress for the occasion. Probably some low-life commoner."
"Have you always been a master, Master?"
"Always. The Thelm line goes back for millennia. Did you know I own more than twelve million slaves?"
FREEDOM Legends Page 17