by Ryk Brown
“As one would expect of such men,” Lord Dusahn reminded his general. “I chose to secure their support through peaceful means to ensure the stability of the Pentaurus economies. An act that also demonstrates to the citizens of these worlds that we wish to enhance their security, both physical and financial.”
“You need not explain your reasoning to me, my lord,” General Hesson insisted. “I know your heart is that of a warrior.”
“Sometimes I must remind myself,” Lord Dusahn said with a sigh.
“Do not lose faith, my lord. Your family has gotten us across the stars, to this place. It is here that the Dusahn Empire truly begins.”
Lord Dusahn turned to look out the window across the city of Answari. “The young man who works for Lord Mahtize. I trust that our people are watching him?”
“Along with the rest of the passengers who arrived in the second wave of escape pods,” the general replied, “as instructed. If any of them do anything suspicious…”
“He is not to be touched,” Lord Dusahn insisted. “Not without my permission. But I do want to know everything he does, and I want copies of every communication that comes and goes from that facility.”
“You do not trust Lord Mahtize?”
“I trust no Takaran. Especially House Mahtize.”
“There is another matter,” General Hesson confessed.
Lord Dusahn turned away from the window, back toward the general.
“There has been a flurry of recon drone activity the last few days,” the general explained. “Not only in this system, but in all the systems within the Pentaurus cluster. Their jump signatures are somewhat subdued and difficult to detect.”
“Simply shoot them down when they are detected,” Lord Dusahn said, annoyed that he had to give his top general the instruction.
“They are never around long enough for us to target,” General Hesson explained further. “Their sensor images do not match any of the technologies we have encountered in this sector. I suspect they are from the Aurora.”
Lord Dusahn sighed with displeasure. “That ship continues to plague us.”
“She has made no overt attacks, as of yet,” the general reminded him.
“She will,” Lord Dusahn insisted. “She is only gathering intelligence on our abilities. Soon, she will begin conducting probing attacks to test our responses.”
“Which will be swift and decisive,” General Hesson assured his leader.
“I have an idea,” Lord Dusahn said.
* * *
“Are you going to medical?” Nathan asked Jessica as they stood in the Seiiki’s cargo bay, waiting for the ramp to descend.
“After I check in with Telles,” Jessica replied.
“What about your ribs?”
“They’ll heal.”
“And the leg?” Nathan wondered as the inside of the Aurora’s main hangar deck came into view beyond the descending cargo ramp.
“Just a bruise,” she replied.
Nathan looked at her. “Bruise, my ass.”
“I’ll be fine,” Jessica insisted in no uncertain terms as she started down the ramp.
“Do it for me?” he asked, following her. “I’ll feel better if you do.”
“After I report to Telles,” Jessica insisted. “He needs to know that the Paleans are cooperating with the Dusahn.”
“You both look like hell,” Cameron commented as she approached the bottom of the Seiiki’s cargo ramp. She looked at Jessica’s torn up clothing and the bloody bandage on her side. “Are you okay?”
“What is it with you people?” Jessica wondered, stepping off the end of the ramp just before it touched the deck.
“What’s with her?” Cameron asked Nathan as Jessica passed her by.
“It’s that whole tough Ghatazhak thing,” Nathan explained, also stepping down off the cargo ramp. “I tried to get her to go to medical and get checked out, but she insists on reporting to Telles first.”
Cameron turned around to call to Jessica. “Jess, wait!”
Jessica turned around, looking annoyed.
“If you’re looking for General Telles, he’s waiting for us in the command briefing room.” She turned back to Nathan. “There’s been a development.”
“For us, too,” Nathan replied, falling in beside Cameron to follow Jessica.
“What happened out there?” Cameron asked.
“We had a little trouble at the bank on Palee.”
“What did you do, try to rob it?”
“That probably would have been easier,” Nathan replied as they walked. He tapped his comm-set. “Marcus, Jess and I have been called to a briefing. You and Dalen give the ship the once-over and make sure she’s ready for action. And tell Vlad to double-time it to the command briefing room and join us.”
* * *
Passengers moved slowly through the boarding tunnel that connected the ship to the transfer station in orbit above Takara. It had been weeks since commercial passenger vessels had regularly plied the interstellar routes. Only recently had the Dusahn begun to allow the flow of travelers between systems.
The result was a surge of people seeking transport, resulting in long lines and overcrowded facilities at every stopping point. The orbital transfer station was no different. At least six ships were now docked at the station at the same time, each ship carrying at least a few hundred passengers all of whom were scrambling to make their connecting shuttles to various points on the surface of Takara.
To make matters worse, just as many people were arriving from the surface, hoping to board ships preparing to depart for other systems within the Pentaurus cluster. Combined with the Dusahn’s enhanced security measures, the process was even slower and more chaotic. The Dusahn officers assured irate travelers that scrutiny would return to normal levels in due time, but it was not enough to ease the minds of those stuck in the endless queues. Had it not been for the ominous-looking Zen-Anor, who frequently demonstrated a lack of patience for irate travelers, the crowds may have become unruly, but instead were on their best behavior despite the numerous problems and delays.
Tensen Dalott didn’t mind the crowds or the delays. If anything, they worked in his favor. It had taken him two weeks to find a way back to Takara. With all of his accounts frozen, he had been forced to sell everything he had on his person to raise enough credits to get his ID chip hacked and to buy passage back to Takara. He even had to leave his wife behind with friends, much to her objection. She had begged him not to go, but he had no choice and she knew it. He could not stand by and watch the world, on which he had been born and raised, be subjugated by the Dusahn. Especially after hearing the rumor that Na-Tan had returned and was arming the people of Corinair. He did not know if the rumor was true, but he knew the Corinairans. He had spent the last seven years in the Darvano system, much of it on Corinair itself. They would fight, with or without Na-Tan. And he was bound and determined to bring the same fight to the Dusahn on Takara. He was a well-connected man and that was exactly why he had to go. He knew people who stood to lose significant wealth if the Dusahn remained in power for too long and now, he needed to make contact with them.
The problem was, he had parted on bad terms with most of them. There was a possibility that his past transgressions might be overlooked, considering the possible gains he offered, but it was a slim one at best. Takarans would do anything to protect their own wealth, even if it meant sleeping with the enemy. He would simply have to convince them that the Dusahn were lying to them.
But first, he had to get past the incoming security checkpoint.
CHAPTER THREE
Abby’s eyes darted back and forth between view screens, studying the data her assistant had just brought to her.
“You see what I mean?” Derek asked, watching over h
er shoulder. “T-seven and T-eight, A-four and A-five, and F-one through six; all of them show at least a four-degree increase before failure. I think the new mixture might be making a difference.”
“Are you sure these aren’t anomalies?” Abby wondered.
“We ran the test three times under the same conditions and got the same results each time.”
“Without any variance?”
“No more than a degree, and always on the same sensors.”
“But these tests were not at full power,” Abby reminded him.
“We need your approval to do full-power tests,” Derek said.
“Four degrees is not going to be enough, not at full power,” Abby pointed out. “We’re going to need at least ten before I can justify a full-power test.”
“Don’t you think you’re being a little too cautious?”
“I’m just following protocol, and you know it,” Abby pointed out.
“I doubt Beta team is sticking to protocol.”
“That’s Suda’s problem.”
“I’m just sayin’… It’s your invention, Abby.”
“It’s my father’s invention, not mine.”
“You know what I mean. It would be a shame if it was Suda who took it to the next level.”
Abby sighed. “Increase the terrenium content by another seven percent, and retest.”
“And then we can do a full-power test?” Derek urged.
“If we get a ten percent temperature increase before failure, yes.”
“Yes, ma’am,” Derek replied, doing his best to hide his frustration.
Abby returned her attention to the view screens as her assistant departed. A moment later, her concentration was interrupted again.
“I’m willing to change the safety protocols, if it will speed things up,” a female voice suggested from the doorway.
Abby knew who it was without looking. “The safety protocols are there for a reason, Admiral.”
“Without risk, there is no reward,” Admiral Teagle replied as she entered the room. “We all appreciate your dedication to safety, Doctor Sorenson, but these are dangerous times. We need our ships to be able to jump in and out without being detected.”
“And if your ships jump in, and then the emitters fail?”
“We have no intention on pulling their existing systems.”
“I have told you time and again, Admiral, if an emitter blows during a jump there is no telling what the effect on the ship will be. Are you really willing to take that chance?”
“Yes, I am.”
“Well, I’m not,” Abby replied flatly. “And as long as I’m in charge of this research team, it’s my call.”
“You’re not the only physicist on the planet, Doctor,” Admiral Teagle reminded Abby.
Abby did not care for the admiral’s tone. “No, just the most qualified.”
“I would think it a matter of family pride,” the admiral added, trying a different approach.
“Ego makes for poor science,” Abby remarked. She finally took her eyes off her view screens and turned to the woman who was annoying her. “Did you just come here to harass me again, or was your purpose more constructive?”
“I shouldn’t have to remind you that Command wants results, Doctor.”
“And you don’t. Trust me, Admiral, when I have results, you’ll be the first to know. Meanwhile, why don’t you go and harass Beta team.”
“Beta team doesn’t need to be pressured,” the admiral replied. “They realize what’s at stake.”
“As do I,” Abby commented. “Believe me.” Abby signed off her terminal and turned off her screens. “If you’ll excuse me, Admiral.”
“Where are you going?” Admiral Teagle asked, surprised that Abby was leaving in the middle of their conversation.
“It’s after nine, and I have been at work for more than fourteen hours now. For once, I’d like to see my family while they’re still awake.” Abby looked the admiral in her eyes. “Unless you plan on restricting me to my lab.”
Admiral Teagle did not respond at first, looking tempted to call Abby’s bluff. “Of course,” she finally responded. “Why don’t you take the day off, tomorrow, Doctor,” she said, forcing an insincere smile. “Clear your mind and start fresh the next day.”
“Not a bad idea, Admiral,” Abby agreed. She took off her lab coat and hung it on the coat rack, picking up her overcoat and purse. “I think I’ll give the entire team the day off, as well,” she added, knowing that it would irritate the admiral. “That way we can all start fresh on Thursday.” Abby headed out the door, not even turning her head as she bid the admiral farewell. It wasn’t the first time that Admiral Teagle had tried to play her, but it might possibly be the last; Abby was certain that Alliance Command would not tolerate her lack of progress for much longer.
* * *
“Deliza,” Yanni said, delighted to see his wife again. “I wasn’t expecting you back until tomorrow. Is everything okay?”
Deliza walked up and threw her arms around her husband, burying her face in his neck and hugging him with all her might.
Yanni’s expression changed to one of concern. It wasn’t like Deliza to greet him this way, especially in front of others. “What happened?”
“I’ll tell you later,” Deliza promised, pulling away.
“Tell me now.”
“Later, please,” Deliza insisted. She turned toward the motorized cart being directed by one of the Aurora’s deckhands.
“What is that?” Yanni wondered, looking at the banged-up device laying on the cart.
“It’s a flying platform of some kind. Palean security uses them to get around the surface quickly,” Deliza explained.
“I’ve never heard of them.”
“They’re using our thruster designs, Yanni.”
“What?” Yanni moved closer, examining the thrusters. “Are you sure? It’s kind hard to tell all banged up like this.”
“I’m sure.”
“Well, why bring it here?” Yanni wondered. “It’s not like we can take them to the Pentaurus patent courts.”
“This is our next project,” Deliza told him. “Guys,” she called to several technicians working on the jump sub. “Take a break from the jump sub for a bit. I want this thing taken apart and scanned, piece by piece, at replication-level resolution. Materials recognition, as well.”
“What do you have in mind, Deliza?” Yanni wondered.
“No time, I’ve got a briefing to attend,” she told him. “Make sure they get it done, okay?” she added, kissing him on the cheek, before turning to exit. “See ya later.”
Yanni took in a breath, letting it out slowly. “You heard her, gentlemen. Let’s tear this thing down.”
* * *
Terig stood on the street, a few meters to one side of the driveway that led to the main gate into the House Mahtize compound. Over the past five years, on his way to work each day, he had walked past this spot countless times, but this time was different. His heart was racing and only intense focus kept him from becoming lightheaded. He felt anxious, as if everyone could read his intentions on his face.
Security at House Mahtize was more relaxed than one might think upon first glance. There were guards, cameras, and sensors everywhere. But their intent was to monitor guests, not employees, who were thoroughly vetted prior to employment and periodically reviewed to ensure their loyalty.
The truth was, Terig had nothing to fear. He was doing exactly as he was instructed by Lieutenant Nash during his incredibly brief training aboard the Mystic Empress. He had left the data ring she had given him at home for now, opting not to take any unnecessary risks until after he was settled back in. They couldn’t read his mind, and even if they did notice something unusual a
bout his demeanor he could assuage their suspicions with tales of his experiences on the Mystic.
What perturbed him was the knowledge that the Dusahn would be keeping an eye on him, even though he had not yet done anything wrong. Lieutenant Nash had explained to him that all of the passengers and crew who left the Mystic Empress after Captain Scott’s speech would be suspect and under surveillance for months, if not years. She also told him that even if the Dusahn knew what Terig was up to, it was likely they would not arrest him but rather would leave him in play as a way to leak false intelligence to the rebellion.
This had not made him feel any better. If he was going to risk his life, and the life of his new bride, he at least wanted his efforts to count for something. Lieutenant Nash’s assurances that even false intel had value had eased his mind at the time, but now that he was about to begin his new career as a rebel spy…not so much.
Terig took several deep breaths, trying to calm his nerves. At this point, he had little choice but to report for work as expected. To do otherwise would cause even more suspicion. But the same thought kept running through his head. Am I doing the right thing?
The Dusahn had invaded and conquered the Pentaurus cluster, and had done so in brutal fashion…more so than the former regime of Caius Ta’Akar. But for all intents and purposes, life on Takara appeared unchanged, as best he could tell. The info-nets were full of both positive and negative propaganda about the Dusahn. Many argued that the Dusahn would at least keep the noble houses from having too much control over the masses and that, as the Dusahn expanded their empire, opportunities for Takaran export would increase. All that was required was for one to ignore the Dusahn’s lack of respect for basic human rights and freedoms. Was that too much to ask in return for safety and prosperity? It had been an acceptable trade for Takarans under the reign of Caius. Were the Dusahn any different?
Most of his friends felt that there was nothing they could do about the Dusahn. In fact, most of them blamed Suvan Navarro and the Avendahl for their plight. Had the threat of retribution not curtailed the growth of the Takaran defensive fleet, the Dusahn might never have invaded.