by Ryk Brown
“They fought over water?” Josh laughed. “Rakuen’s all water.”
“And Neramese isn’t,” Loki replied. “It’s a long story. The point is, disrespect of the honor and tradition of the Gunyoki will not be appreciated by the Rakuens.”
“Hey, I can be as respectful as the next guy,” Josh insisted.
“Right,” Loki replied.
Vladimir wandered toward the nearest set of windows into one of the Gunyoki hangar bays, drawn to the sight of the ship’s uncovered engines. “Look at this thing,” he exclaimed. “I’ve never seen anything like it.”
“It looks like the entire engine nacelles articulate in order to direct their thrust,” Nathan observed.
“They extend and rotate, as well as angle inward and outward,” Loki explained, “also to aim their plasma cannons on the front of the nacelles.”
“Wouldn’t that screw up their thrust vectoring?” Josh wondered.
“That’s one of the things that makes Gunyoki racing so challenging,” Loki continued. “You’re always having to sacrifice one capability in order to utilize another. The Rakuens have elevated it to an art form.”
“Seems like it would be easier to make everything usable at once,” Josh insisted.
“It’s a Zen-balance sort of thing,” Loki said. “You only have so much power available to you, so you have to strike a balance to meet your needs and you have to constantly adjust that balance as your needs change.”
“Sounds like it would make a great vid-game,” Josh decided.
“Actually, there are lots of them on Rakuen. There are probably dozens of simulators here on the race platform for the public to use, as well.”
“Are those what you’re talking about?” Jessica asked, pointing at a row of booths along one side of the concourse ahead of them.
“No, those are full-immersion rooms. You sit inside them and you get a three-dimensional view from any camera of your choosing,” Loki explained. “It’s pretty impressive, and not cheap.”
“What, these passes don’t include that kind of stuff?” Nathan wondered.
“Actually, they may have them on the VIP level,” Loki admitted. “I’ve never been there myself, so I wouldn’t know.”
“Where’s the VIP level?” Vladimir asked.
“I think you have to go to the inner hub to get there,” Loki said.
“Is it better than here?” Josh wondered.
“Probably. I think you even get to bump elbows with the pilots, crews, owners, and such.”
“Maybe we should check it out?” Nathan suggested.
“I think they even have free food,” Loki added.
“Then we definitely should go,” Vladimir insisted.
* * *
“Thank you again for the passes,” Deliza told Minora as they entered her office. “The crew of the Seiiki has been through a lot recently. I’m sure the excursion will do them good.”
“It was not a problem,” the plant manager assured her. “We have twelve VIP-level passes. We use them to entertain clients and vendors and to reward exceptional employees.”
“Those cannot be cheap.”
“Worth every penny.”
“I’m sure,” Deliza assured her. “I did not mean to criticize the expenditure. That is certainly not the purpose of my visit.”
“Deliza, please. How long have we known each other?” Minora asked.
“Since we started the plant, I suppose,” Deliza replied. “Five years?”
“At least. And not once have you ever questioned my financial decisions in regards to the operation of this facility. So why would I think you were doing so now?”
“You’re right, of course,” Deliza agreed.
Minora could sense Deliza’s stress; it was uncharacteristic for her. “I suspect it is not just the Seiiki’s crew that has been through a lot, lately. I heard you had to abandon your headquarters on Corinair.”
“Then news of the Dusahn invasion has reached the Rogen sector.”
“I cannot speak for the entire sector, but it has reached Rakuen,” Minora said. “I take it you have transferred all Ranni funds out of the Pentaurus cluster?”
“Most, yes.” Deliza looked at Minora, cocking her head to one side, her eyes narrowing. “How did you know?”
“Our bank notified us that you had made a sizable deposit into the parent accounts, just before you arrived.”
“I see.”
“You are planning to move all Ranni funds out of the Pentaurus sector, are you not?”
“Time will tell,” Deliza replied. “We are hoping that the Dusahn will not spread beyond the cluster itself; at least not for awhile.”
“Is there reason to believe they will not?”
“Their forces are barely enough to hold the cluster at this point.”
“But there is almost no resistance to their expansion, at least not within the Pentaurus sector.”
“I wouldn’t say there is no resistance,” Deliza replied.
Minora looked puzzled. Deliza was very good at controlling her facial expressions during negotiations but today, she was certain that Deliza was smiling ever so slightly. “What is the purpose of your visit, Deliza?”
“I can’t speak much about it. But I must ask you for a favor.” Deliza reached into her bag and pulled out a data pad. “My personal shuttle sustained heavy damage during our escape from Corinair. My assistant, Biarra, was killed. I was hoping that you could provide the parts needed to affect repairs.”
“Of course,” Minora agreed. She took the data pad and looked over the list. “Wow. I’m surprised anyone survived this much damage.”
“I have a very good pilot.”
“I would say so,” Minora agreed. “But surely this is not the only reason you came? Some spare parts?”
“No, there is more. You will be receiving orders from a new client, The Haxel Group.”
“I’ve never heard of them.”
“Their orders may have some unusual modifications.”
“What kind of modifications?”
“Nothing too drastic. Most will either be cargo versions, or will have unfinished internal midsections.”
“I think we can handle that.”
“I would also like you to put the Haxel orders ahead of others, as much as you can.”
“The unfinished ones will be easier to move up in the production schedule without ruffling the feathers of our other clients. However, the fully outfitted passenger versions might be a different matter.”
“I understand.”
“Is there anything else?”
“Yes, upon completion of each unit, send notification, via jump comm-drone, to the coordinates at the bottom of the list.”
Minora scrolled down the list to find the coordinates. “That’s out in the middle of nowhere.”
“And finally, I urge you not to ask too many questions. I know how meticulous you can be, Minora. It’s one of the reasons why I hired you to run this plant. But in this case, it would be better for everyone if you put that due diligence of yours aside.”
Minora studied Deliza a moment, unsure what to make of her request.
“I assure you that I am not asking you to break any Rakuen laws, nor any of the recently established trade agreements between the Pentaurus and Rogen sectors.”
“Of course,” Minora nodded.
“Then, we have an understanding?” Deliza wondered.
“I’m assuming that The Haxel Group will be picking up their finished units as they become available?”
“Yes. The signed contract from The Haxel Group is also on that data pad.”
Minora scrolled further, flipping to the end of the contract to ensure it had been signed.
“Huh,” she said with a slight smile. “Funny how your signature and that of Mister Jadet Haxel are remarkably similar.”
“Similar handwriting styles, I suppose,” Deliza replied, but without the smile.
“Well, as a gesture to our newest customer, Ranni Enterprises, Jump Shuttle division, will get started filling The Haxel Group’s orders as soon as possible.”
“Thank you,” Deliza said, nodding her appreciation. “I’m sure Mister Haxel will be quite pleased.”
Minora studied Deliza another moment, her smile growing wider. “You’re really not going to tell me, are you?”
“There is nothing to tell,” Deliza insisted, her expression still unchanged.
Minora let out a small laugh. “Someday, perhaps?”
“Perhaps.”
* * *
Nathan was the first to enter the VIP area, a lavish circular room covered by a clear dome and supported by beams rising from the top of each of the race platform’s spokes. This dome, which itself had multiple stair-like levels, sat as a cupola atop the central hub of the race platform, above the hangar and public concourse levels. More lavishly appointed than the public areas, the room was encircled by a lower level that offered views out into the transition area where Gunyoki racers moved in and out of their service hangars.
The second ring in was two steps up and held countless tables and chairs where VIPs dined while enjoying the events. Waitstaff moved skillfully between tables and guests, delivering the finest foods and beverages that Rakuen had to offer.
Nathan worked his way to the third inner level, higher still. It was on this upper tier that Gunyoki pilots, ship owners, sponsors, and guests mingled, while keeping an eye on the holographic projections of heats in progress.
“Now we’re talkin’” Josh exclaimed with excitement.
“Oh, please don’t embarrass me,” Loki begged.
Josh paid him no heed, immediately heading toward the catering tables with Loki hot on his heels.
“Where’s he going?” Jessica wondered.
“Probably to the food,” Nathan replied.
“That sounds like a very good idea,” Vladimir said, turning to follow them.
Nathan quickly acclimatized to the old scene: men in business suits mingling with women in casual but elegant attire or pilots still in their flight suits. It appeared to Nathan that most VIPs were there to be seen by others, the races being another excuse to schmooze.
While Jessica, at his side, scanned the crowd for potential threats, Nathan was transfixed by the holographic dance of images overhead. “What do you think this all means?” he wondered.
“First time here?” a woman’s voice asked.
Nathan turned toward the woman. “How could you tell?”
The woman moved toward him. She was older than Nathan by at least a decade, but hid her age well. She was well dressed, with expensive jewelry and perfectly styled hair. A sponsor pass hung around her neck.
She too glanced at his clothing and pass. “You’re not from Rakuen. Ranni Enterprises. You work at the factory?”
“No ma’am. I’m, uh… I’m just an independent contractor providing transportation for one of their corporate officers.”
“I see.”
Jessica moved over next to Nathan. “Hi,” she interrupted. “I’m Jessica.”
“A pleasure. Jana. Are you also in transportation?” she asked, also noticing Jessica’s Ranni pass.
“Not exactly. I’m his bodyguard.”
Jana appeared surprised. “I guess that explains that athletic outfit.” She turned her attention back to Nathan. “What exactly do you do…”
“Nathan.”
“Nathan. What do you do that requires a bodyguard?”
“She’s not exactly my bodyguard,” Nathan corrected. “She’s more in charge of security for the entire mission.”
“Mission. That sounds so official.”
“Not really,” Nathan insisted. “Pilots call every flight a mission.”
“Then you’re a pilot.”
“Yes.”
“Actually, he’s the captain of the Seiiki,” Jessica told Jana, after reading the information on the lady’s pass.
“I’m not familiar with that ship.”
“It’s an armed utility transport,” Jessica explained. “We’ve been contracted by the CEO of Ranni Enterprises to provide safe transport. Times being what they are, and all.”
“Deliza? You know Deliza Ta’Akar?” The woman seemed quite impressed. “Please, you must come with me. I have some people you must meet.”
Jana turned to leave, checking behind her to make sure that Nathan and Jessica were following.
“What are you doing?” Nathan said under his breath, so that Jana wouldn’t hear him.
“Did you notice her pass?” Jessica whispered back. “She’s with the Yokimah race team. That’s one of the oldest and most successful racing teams in all Gunyoki history.”
“How do you know so much?”
“There’s information blaring all over this place,” Jessica said. “Aren’t you paying attention?”
“Not as much as you are, I guess.”
“These are some of the most powerful people in the Rogen sector, Nathan.”
“You’re thinking they might be willing to provide us with support?”
“I don’t know, maybe,” she said as they followed Jana between groups and across the top tier. “Just let me do the talking.”
Jana walked up to a group of men in business suits, whispering in the ear of one of the elder men. The man looked at Nathan and Jessica, then back at Jana, before heading toward them.
“Hello,” the man greeted as he approached. “I’m Ito Yokimah. Jana tells me you are friends of Deliza Ta’Akar.”
“That’s right,” Jessica replied, shaking his hand. “I’m Jessica Nash and this is Nathan Scott, captain of the jump ship, Seiiki.”
The man looked at Nathan, squinting. “A coincidence?”
“I beg your pardon?” Nathan asked.
“You must get this all the time, but you actually look like him. So it’s an incredible coincidence that you share the same name, as well.”
Jessica smiled. “It’s no coincidence.”
“What, you changed your name to Nathan Scott?”
Nathan looked at Jessica, trying to hide his confusion.
“He is Nathan Scott, formerly the captain of the Aurora,” Jessica explained.
“That’s impossible. Nathan Scott died in a Jung prison cell. Everyone knows that. Even in the Rogen sector.”
“I assure you, Mister Yokimah, I am Nathan Scott. The Nathan Scott.”
“We rescued him just before his execution,” Jessica explained. “Not something that the Jung wanted to admit.”
“I chose to keep a low profile, well away from the Sol sector, to avoid embarrassing the Jung and potentially igniting a renewal of hostilities.”
“A very noble sacrifice,” Jana commented, obviously impressed.
“Not exactly a difficult one,” Nathan admitted. “Life is pretty good in this part of the galaxy.”
“Thanks to you,” Ito insisted. “Because of you, we have the jump drive. Our profits have skyrocketed since Deliza brought the jump drive to Rakuen.”
“What business are you in, if you don’t mind my asking?” Nathan said.
“We make water purification systems. If there is anything in your water that you don’t want, our systems can get rid of it.”
“Most of Rakuen uses Yokimah water purifiers,” Jana bragged.
“And thanks to the jump drive, most of the worlds within four hundred light years use them, as well,” Ito added. “And we’re still expanding.”
“Well, congratulations on your success,” Nathan said in all earnest. “I imagine your purifiers are improving water quality for millions.”
“We like to think so,” Ito agreed. “So, is this your first time at the races?”
“Yes, I’m afraid it is,” Nathan admitted, sheepishly. “You know, I’ve been to Rakuen before, briefly, and I’ve heard of the races but I had no idea it was this spectacular.”
“Are you enjoying them?” Jana asked.
Nathan laughed. “I don’t even understand what’s going on,” he said, pointing at the holographic display overhead. “How does this all work?”
“Well, the event lasts a full Rakuen day. Qualifying heats start at zero hour, where randomly selected ships are pitted against one another. There are anywhere from thirty to forty ships to start, and over the course of the day the field gets narrowed down to a handful of leaders. With each round, the runs become progressively longer and more challenging. The final heat is nearly thirty minutes long.”
Nathan nodded. “Interesting. Where are we in the process now?”
“We’re about to start the first heat of round six, so we’re still about ten hours from the final heat. But this is about when they become truly exciting.”
“Why is that?” Jessica wondered.
“This is when the targets start shooting back,” Jana explained.
“Shooting back?” Nathan was genuinely surprised. “The targets shoot back?”
“Yes,” Ito replied. “At the beginning of the sixth round, they activate the target’s defenses.”
“Isn’t that dangerous?” Nathan asked.
“Of course it is,” Jana exclaimed. “That’s what makes it so exciting.”
“Do the pilots actually get killed?” Jessica wondered.
“It’s not as dangerous as it sounds,” Ito admitted. “The ships do have shields and the defensive weapons are not as high-powered as they look. But accidents do happen from time to time.”