by Marc Stevens
Tam Lin laughed out loud. “You are a real piece of work, Nathan Myers. I think you just might be the cure for this sick-ass galaxy! Pasta, take them back to their dining room. I want our new friends to dine on the best we have. Fix Nathan a Trewarka filet and tubers. Check to see if you can find the Troop Master any Dorta sea snakes. I do hope we can meet again, Nathan Myers.”
The meal would have been fantastic were it not for the experience of seeing the Troop Master devour a Dorta sea snake. When I attempted to question Klutch about the surveillance video I had seen in Tam Lin’s office, he shrugged it off. He claimed it was probably some fool that stumbled across the bodies and was looting them when caught. I let it go but somehow knew the Tibor being apprehended was Skoal. We went back to the shuttle for a nap. I was awakened by Justice.
“Commander, I am receiving a secure IST transmission. I will transfer it to your Backscatter receiver.” I heard the secure tone in my ear and then the Operative.
“Nathan, I am having difficulty arranging transportation to your remote location. For both of our sakes, this better be worth the choices I may have to make to reach you.”
I wanted to alert Sael without completely tipping my hand. I was still a little uneasy with the IST technology. I would take every precaution just in case our transmissions were not as secure as the Operative thought they were.
“Senior Operative, what I have to tell you might have galactic repercussions.”
“I understand Nathan. I will see you in two Earth days.”
I heard another tone and the signal was gone. Oh shit, I think the Operative was going to go rogue. I hope that I was not leading her on a wild goose chase. What she might end up doing could turn out to be a capital offense. I was going to finish my nap but got another IST transmission. It was Tria.
“Commander, The Legacy is now just outside of the star system you are located in. We have transferred the data on our location to your shuttle and await your return.”
“Tria, I can’t begin to tell you how much I have missed you. I have some very interesting news and look forward to seeing you.”
Klutch interrupted my conversation before I could tell Tria anything more. “Commander, the Zaens are at the security door and want to speak with you.”
“Tria, I will get back with you as soon as I can. I have to meet with the Zaens.”
“Roger that, Commander. We still have systems we are working on. Please do not keep me waiting long.”
The Legacy arrived in just over twenty-four hours. Everyone must have been working nonstop, and by the sounds of it, they still were. I needed to get combat armor as soon as possible. Once we had complete combat gear, our next order of business would be paying the Scrun base a visit.
I hurried out of the shuttle and was surprised when I saw Broza and Hylet escorting a much shorter version of them. If I had to guess, I would say it was a child. They stopped at the bottom of the ramp. The shorter Zaen crossed his arms and stood with a frown on his face. He reached into a leg pouch and produced a small square pad. It looked like he started playing a simulation of some kind. Broza reached down and grabbed it when he saw me coming. His actions started a scuffle with the short Zaen. I was not exactly sure what was going on but when shorty stomped on Broza’s foot, I decided I would put a stop to the little brat’s tirade. I walked down the ramp drawing my fighting knife. My actions were an instant show stopper. The three Zaens froze in terror. I hoped Broza and Hylet could figure out what I was up to before they soiled themselves. The looks on their faces said no, so I gave them a little reassurance.
“The last time someone attacked my friend Broza, I cut them up into little pieces. Give me the short one and I will see to it his remains are never found.”
Broza and Hylet physically relaxed when they comprehended my intent. The younger Zaen had no idea and was now seeking shelter behind the two.
“No Mr. Myers, this is my clan brethren’s offspring, Felix. He is the engineer I spoke about.”
I pointed my fighting knife at the young Zaen. “I would never let an undisciplined young Throgg such as this anywhere near my Chaalt replicator. Bring me a seasoned veteran engineer. It should not be difficult to find a competent engineer when you tell them I will pay one hundred million credits plus bonuses.”
The three Zaens stood motionless with large wide eyes and gaping mouths. Felix was the first to find his tongue. “Did I hear you correctly state you have a Chaalt replicator?”
“It is none of your affair. I have no time for unruly children. You will not reveal any of what you have heard here or you will pay the consequences. Ask Broza what happens to my enemies.”
The very real look of fear formed on the two adult Zaen’s faces. They looked down at Felix and shook their heads. To my surprise the little Zaen grew a set and boldly stepped forward.
“I will come with you. I am young, but none have my engineering skills. I can unlock the true potential of your replicator. I swear to you I speak the truth. If you are not satisfied with my performance, you owe me nothing.”
“If I decide to add you to my research team, your maturity can no longer be in doubt.”
A hint of agitation crossed Felix’s face but quickly disappeared. Looking at Broza, I said: “What will his family think if he disappears? My base is a secret research facility. No one will know his whereabouts.”
Broza finally understood. “Mr. Myers, Felix is of age and expected to support himself and be self-sufficient.”
I looked at the young Zaen. If he was everything that Broza said he was, we would be able to produce our armor in-house. I held up a finger to Broza and Hylet. They gave me a questioning look when I went to the shuttle and returned. I handed them a credit voucher. They really looked confused now.
“That is for services rendered. I am sure you will find the amount equitable. If Felix is unable to manufacture our new armor design, we will need you to seek others who can.”
The young Zaen got a very annoyed look on his face. When he noticed my stare, his expression promptly became neutral. Turning back to Broza I said, “I will still need an outlet for our artifacts. If you decide to move from this location make it known to the Sig at Haras where you will relocate. I will find you when we have items for you to sell.”
Broza nodded then looked at the card I had given him. He put it against the scanner on his utility belt. The total showed fifty-nine million seven hundred and thirty thousand credits. I thought he going to faint.
“Thank you, Mr. Myers, your generosity is quite extraordinary. We look forward to continuing our business relationship with you. We have plans to move to the outpost where the Murlak are requesting armor. Our people at the location have arranged a sale for all the armor suits you gave us.”
Felix blurted out, “Mr. Myers, can we leave now? I wish to see the Chaalt replicator.”
I gave the little Zaen a stern look then called out to Klutch. “Troop Master! We have a new recruit that enjoys running his mouth when he should remain silent.”
Klutch came down the ramp of the shuttle and his scent preceded him. Broza and Hylet started backing away from the young engineer who stood wide eyed with a look of terror on his face.
“Mr. Myers, we must return to our duties. Please contact us if you have need of our services.”
With that said, the two Zaens headed for the security door with great haste. I followed them to open the door. I took the roll of 699 that was next to the door and put it in the Zaens transport. I cautioned them it would need a thorough cleaning. They both nodded and then departed. I found it hard to hide the smile on my face when I heard the Troop Master dressing down the young engineer. I stifled a laugh when I heard the little whelp retching. When I returned to the shuttle, Felix was vigorously cleaning up his puke from the shuttle ramp. Klutch winked at me with both of big lizard eyes.
“Klutch, when the engineer has completed his current task, have him study the designs for the new armor. I am going to pay Tam Lin a visit before
we depart. Please have the shuttle ready to leave as soon as I return.”
I could tell Klutch did not like me going out into the outpost alone, but he nodded to me and made no further comment. His lack of response was probably more for the young Zaen’s benefit than him actually not wanting to raise hell about it. I went to the spacecraft access road and selected another large transport. When I arrived at Haras, I walked into the entryway to wait in line, but a Sig appeared from a side entrance and pulled me from the crowd.
“Please follow me Nathan Myers; I will take you to Tam Lin. The timing for your visit is quite fortunate. Tam Lin has requested that we contact you. She has uncovered new information that could possibly further your cause.”
We walked through a long corridor that was lined with open doorways. I glanced in some of the rooms and saw immense bunks and several Sig lounging in them. This was a barracks full of Sig troops. It would take a considerable force to take this place. It would be costly to whoever tried. I was escorted to a gravity lift. When the Sig guard did not join me, I thanked him and stepped in. I stepped out of the lift in a small room. It looked like the walls were made of a heavily reinforced metal. I approached the only exit and it opened before I got there. Tam Lin met me.
“Your skills at showing up in the right place at the right time are astounding. My friends the Sig have uncovered some interesting information on a slave interdiction mission. The Scrun have assembled kill teams to take you out.”
I knew it would just be a matter of time before my enemies would try to hunt me down. After the considerable trouble I have caused and the leadership positions I had eliminated, it would be stupid to think there was not a coordinated effort to stop me.
“Do you have the numbers on my opposition?”
“Not counting the entire Scrun race, the Sig were told there are three teams. Each is composed of more than fifty of their most elite soldiers. The Sig have obtained the location of their base of operations.”
“How can you be sure the information is legitimate and not fabricated?”
“Trust me when I say the Sig have methods for obtaining accurate information.”
The Oolaran in me stirred at the comment. I was sure the methods mirrored my own. “What do I owe you for the information?”
“Nathan, I was serious when I said I do not need any extra credits. I just thought you needed to know what the slaver pieces of shit were up to. I actually enjoy hearing when misfortune befalls such worthy recipients.”
I gave the pretty Earth girl a grim smile. “I can assure you the misfortune they are getting ready to experience will be of epic proportions.”
“I look forward to hearing about it sometime. I do have one other question. The Outpost news has recently reported a particularly heinous murder of four Murlak. The evidence suggests a Tibor by the name of Skoal was the perpetrator. Many of us on the outpost know Skoal is a braggart and a coward. We also know if he were to actually kill someone, the wounds would be in the backs of the victims. There is evidence that shows some of the Murlak might have been bound before they were slaughtered. Would you happen to know anything about this bit of unpleasantness?”
I stood stone-faced looking Tam Lin in the eyes. When I did not elaborate she turned away and said, “I do not care for messy operations taking place in my backyard. It is bad for business. I would hope in the future that unfortunate events such as what has occurred will happen elsewhere.”
Hindsight is always twenty-twenty. I did not think I would be ruffling an ally’s feathers by doing the universe a favor. Next time I would attempt a little more discretion. She went to her desk and picked up a small device and held it out to me. I reached for it but she pulled it back.
“I hope you understand where I am coming from. This is not a disagreement; it is a miscommunication. Nothing more.”
I nodded to her and she gave me the device. I held it up and gave her a questioning look. “The device is a data chip. It has the coordinates of the Scrun’s training base. At some point in time, I would like to know what you find there.”
I once again nodded agreement and then said, “I came to see if I could purchase a shuttle load of supplies, in particular food supplies the Grawl like to eat. I have more than thirty that work for me and their food rations now consist of synthesized protein concentrates. I would like a smaller quantity of Human, Chaalt and Tibor rations as well.”
She gave me a stern look. “My opinion of Grawl is that you should starve them all to death.”
I shrugged my shoulders and held up my hands. “If it is any consolation, they were starving when I rescued them from their captors. The Grawl that work with me are doing so to change this galaxy for the better.”
I stepped forward and placed a credit voucher on her desk. “This is for the supplies. I would like the balance used for anything the slaves you have freed might need.”
She waved the voucher over a small scanner on her desk then looked up at me with surprise. “Twenty-seven billion credits will ensure our efforts to free the oppressed will continue for the foreseeable future. The Sig will meet you at your shuttle in two hours.”
21
I returned to the shuttle to find a napping Tibor and a starry-eyed Zaen youngster. The Zaen approached me and seemed very excited.
“These armor designs are amazing. You said an A.I. was the source of the specification prints. I would like access to the intelligence for future collaborations. I would also like to converse with it on the nature of some of the manufacturing materials. If the materials exist, I have no knowledge of them.”
I looked at the young alien. “Has the shuttle’s A.I. made any attempt to converse with you?”
“No, why would I waste my time conversing with a simple shuttle A.I.?”
I rolled my eyes and knew why Justice had nothing to say to the Zaen.
“I have the materials to manufacture the armor. The question is will you be able to build them? If you have any doubts, now is the time to voice them. If I transport you to my base and you fail to live up to my expectations, the Troop Master and I will be extremely disappointed in you.”
The young Zaen looked annoyed but quickly changed his expression when he saw the look on my face. “If you have a current generation fabricator and the materials in this diagram, I can build your armor.”
“How long will it take to manufacture four complete suits?”
Felix’s eyes got wider. “Mr. Myers, we must first build a prototype and then do extensive testing. The test period alone could take…”
I cut the Zaen off before he could finish. “I need armor sooner than later. I have missions that require the most advanced protection available. If you cannot build the armor on my time schedule I will find someone who can! A hundred million credits will find me the right engineer with the credentials I need.”
Felix opened his mouth to say something, then snapped it shut. I could not tell if the look he was giving me was out and out anger or, possibly, determination.
“Mr. Myers, it is an almost unsurmountable task to properly program an A.I. that can interact with all the systems in the timeframe you are expecting. This design is the most intricate I have ever seen. To state that your design is an armor suit is an oversimplification. It is an extremely complex weapons platform. It will take a staggering amount of programming to make it fully functional. Once I have the suits manufactured, we must turn them over to the A.I. systems engineers. It will be out of my hands at that point.”
“Do not concern yourself with the A.I., all I need you to do is manufacture the armor.”
“Very well Mr. Myers, I will build your suits, but you will be responsible if they do not function properly. You cannot say that I have not warned you.”
I was starting to get mad at the young Zaen. He was used to being a brat and getting away with it. I was wondering when I would get my fill and throttle him for his insubordinate tone. Klutch alerted me the Sig were paying us a visit and I put my irritation on the bac
k burner to simmer. Klutch unlocked the security hatch and a small caravan of transports drove through. The Sig brought a crew to help unload and we quickly filled the hold with supplies. I attempted to pay them for their trouble, but Sushi would have none of it. They departed and we prepared to get underway.
The Troop Master stood over Felix while he finished locking down the last of the supplies. The Zaen had a scowl on his face but kept his mouth shut. He strapped himself into one of the jump seats and quietly sat fuming. Klutch got departure clearance and I piloted the shuttle to open space. When we were a good distance from the outpost, Justice made a short transition to the location of the Legacy. Our scanners showed open space and no indication the Legacy was even in the area. I was wondering if the Legacy had to move to a new location.
“Justice, has the Legacy relocated?”
“Negative Commander, The Legacy is one thousand feet to port and closing to tow beam range.”
Klutch and I looked at each other with surprise. Justice cut the shuttle’s drives and I felt the slight jar as the tow beam connected. I looked at the observation screen and saw the cavernous hangar appear when the doors opened. We were swiftly pulled inside and the atmosphere restored. Klutch dropped the ramp and we exited to meet the crew. Tria wasted no time giving me an embrace and a quick kiss. Felix stood gawking at his new surroundings. I introduced Tria, Coonts and Xul. The Zaen seemed impressed with the mix of crew members. I told Xul to give him a tour then take him to the crew quarters and get him squared away. When they were gone, Tria looped her arms in mine and Coonts inquired about our guest.
“Commander, it is good to see you and Klutch once more. I am curious as to the status of the young Zaen.”
“Broza said that young Felix is a very gifted engineer. He was involved with the design of our battle armor and is a replicator instructor. He says he can build Justice’s armor design. I want to make a DEHD core jump back to base and unload our supplies and Felix. He can get started manufacturing our armor. Has Justice been receiving all of the data dumps from our discoveries?”