Galactic Assimilation 2:: Empire Rising

by J. K. Mabrey

  Zavik led them towards the factory. He felt a slight tingle in his throat as he tried to speak to the aliens. "Hi," he said, unsure if he should wave or shake their hands. "My name is-"

  "Zavik Khan," one of the aliens finished for him. His voice was flat and mechanical. A small section of his face poked out from behind his hood. His skin was silky and smooth. A gray tint reflected the green of the atmosphere. His lips were a deep purple and they moved with ease and determination. "Your ship is known to us, as is its crew. Dani Epson, Brax Miro, Charra Lokel, and a Mckellen Corp. robot." He looked at each of them as he said their names.

  "Your information is very good," Zavik said.

  "Our systems are very capable," he said. "I am Zaynu and this is Ryu. We would like to welcome you to Urloth."

  "Thank you," Zavik said. He motioned them into the factory. They stood at about Zavik's chin, but their hoods added a few more inches.

  "Why have you come to our system?" Zaynu asked.

  "I'm in desperate need of a shipment of power cores and I understand you make the best in the Galaxy."

  Zaynu laughed quietly. "That we do," he said looking at Ryu.

  "So you have some that I can buy?" Zavik asked.

  "That we do not, I am afraid."

  "No? None?" Zavik asked, a sinking feeling in his stomach lurking.

  "I am afraid that our shipments are all allocated for the next standard rotation."

  "A year!" Brax said. Zavik and Zaynu both looked back at him. "Sorry, I just want to make sure I understood him.” He looked at Rudy. “You said it was three months!"

  Rudy stepped back, a fear circuit being triggered in his systems. "I'm not privy to all of their information, just what is made public on the galactic systems. Don’t blame me."

  "You don't have any power cores that we can buy? At any price?" Zavik asked.

  "No," Zaynu said. "Once we've made our deals, we can not go back on them. The supplies we are creating today will be shipped off-world within a week."

  "Can you increase production to cover what we need?"

  "Our factory is already running at full capacity," Ryu said. "There is nothing we can do."

  The two Ascachi stood before them, their arms folded and their heads tilted. They weren't going to give them any power cores. He didn't know if they were telling the truth but he had to assume they were. Why would they pass up a chance to make a nice profit? He knew he never did.

  "Do you know anywhere we can buy power cores?" Zavik asked. "I need twelve crates, and I need them in a hurry."

  "We are not in the business of giving our competitors customers," Zaynu said, "but you will find no surplus of power cores right now. There are none."

  "How are there no excess power cores?" Dani asked.

  Zaynu and Ryu looked at each other and spoke in a language that Zavik didn't understand. Rudy might have, but he didn't have a chance to ask him.

  Zaynu finally said, "One of our competitors' factories was shut down recently. Their orders have fallen on the other three main suppliers. We are working overtime, as are our fellow competitors, on filling this void. As I said, there are no power cores available."

  "Why was your competitor's factory shut down?" Zavik asked.

  Zaynu looked at Ryu again and said, "Our reports indicate that the factory was destroyed during a terrorist attack."

  "Destroyed? By whom?" Zavik asked.

  "The ships were unidentified," Zaynu said holding his arms apart.

  "Unidentified?" Zavik asked, his mind placing the ships that attacked them there, the Red Moon ships, as the attackers. He thought better of bringing it up. "Why wasn't it news? An attack like that is usually broadcast everywhere."

  "The Council doesn't want that information getting out," Zaynu said.

  "But they told you?"

  "Of course not," Ryu said, "our corporate intelligence informed us. As you pointed out, our information system is very good."

  "I see," Zavik said. "Why doesn't the Council want to release this information?"

  "I do not know," Zaynu said. "I am not privy to all of their dealings. I only know what affects our customers and our competitors. Perhaps they just don't want to scare anyone."

  "Why would a power core factory being destroyed scare anyone?" Zavik asked.

  "I'm sure some intelligent being out there would connect the dots and assume that the other mystery attacks that have happened were against equally sensitive targets. Power cores are vital to many systems. Why do you think we ran our operations at eighty percent capacity before the Yalary Factory was destroyed? What if the other attacks took out important installations as well? What could that mean?"

  "Are you saying they did?" Zavik asked. A sinking feeling came back, and his mind wandered to Varin. Why did it always go there? Was he really still that afraid? But this was different. What could it mean if the ships were destroying sensitive installations? It could mean invasion. It could mean war. It could mean the Council was being weakened and set up to be unable to respond to a threat against systems in the Community.

  "No," Zaynu said, "I have no idea what the other attacks hit, or if they're even connected. It's like I said, I only care about what is my business to care about. The rest I leave to you Council citizens. I am just speculating as to why the Council does not release the information. You want real answers, why don't you ask your Councilor."

  Zavik thought he would like to do just that, but he didn't have enough influence to get anything. Besides, what information would he take to the Councilor? The Ascachi planted an idea in his head that the attacks were all on sensitive targets and that he thought there might be something bigger going on. He had no proof, and he would sound crazy. But if he could get some proof, it might not sound as crazy.

  "Did you get any information on the types of ships that attacked your competitor?" Zavik asked.

  Dani pressed up against his side and whispered, "How is any of this getting us closer to finding power cores?"

  "I just want to ask a few more questions about the attacks," Zavik said. "Besides, we need to make friends here, if we're going to get what we need."

  "We did get some information on the ships back," Zaynu said. "The data was slightly corrupted but effective. The Ascachi government put all of the stations around Urloth on alert for these ships. It is the only record we have of them. We don't want them getting to the planet, in case they mean to knock out our factory as well."

  "Rudy," Zavik said, "could you please show our friend here a readout on those ships that attacked us."

  "Of course, sir," Rudy said with what constituted as excitement from a robot. He took out a small datapad stored in his abdomen. A cable connected it to him and an image of the ships appeared. He twisted the datapad around and the two Ascachi gasped and staggered backward. "What did I do?" Rudy asked.

  "Nothing, Rudy," Zavik said. "Thanks. Those are the same ships?"

  "Indeed," Zaynu said. "They attacked you?" His face poked out from behind his head just a bit before retreating.

  "Yes, on Rashala."

  "Curious?" Zaynu said.

  "What's curious?" Brax asked.

  "That they attacked our competitor and destroyed their factory, and they attacked you. What is the connection?"

  Zavik had a few ideas, but none he wanted to share. "I don't know, but I would like to know who sent those ships after us."

  "That we can not help you with. We only know of the ships, not their origin."

  "Do you mind if we make a copy of your data?" Zavik asked. "It may be helpful if we get to talk to our Councilor to have two accounts of those ships attacking."

  Zaynu looked at Ryu and conferred with him again. "Yes, you may take a copy," Zaynu finally said.

  "Zavik, when are we going to see the Councilor?" Dani asked. She was beyond whispering now.

  "I don't know, but if we do get the chance, I want to make sure we have as much information as we can."

  "Why do I get the feeling that we'll get
a chance to see her no matter what happens?" Dani asked.

  "I won't let it interfere with the job, Dani," he said. "I promised you."

  "I know you did," she said and added under her breath, "but it wouldn't be the first promise you broke."

  "Thanks for the information," Zavik said. "Do you have any idea where we can get power cores? Do you think maybe one of your buyers would be willing to sell some?"

  "You may find some of our buyers to be of the uncivilized sort," Zaynu said. "We deal with all types of people, not just military, or government, or your local merchant for that matter. The military or government contracts we have are sealed. The information is classified, and we won't jeopardize our agreements for anyone. They wouldn't sell their supplies anyway, that's just not how they work."

  "Tell me about it," Zavik said.

  "Some of our other clients may be willing to sell their stock, but I am not sure I feel comfortable giving away their information. It may look bad on us if they feel we disclosed confidential information."

  "We understand," Zavik said. "I can assure you that they will never know where we got our information. I promise you.”

  Ryu whispered into Zaynu's ear and Zaynu began nodding up and down. "Yes, very good," Zaynu said. He looked back up at Zavik. "A recent purchaser came to us by way of our unfortunate competitor. They needed a large supply of power cores that we were able to fulfill. They are not one of our usual customers, so I feel less loyalty to keep their information secure, and besides they are some of the worst scum in the Galaxy. I don't know if they'll deal with you, but I imagine you're not above finding a solution that fits your needs.”

  Zavik ran his hand through his hair and said, "I was hoping to avoid any of that actually."

  "I'm afraid that is the only client we can give you," Zaynu said. "Otherwise, you could seek out our other competitors, but I assure you they are just as secure about their client list as we are, and their orders are filled for a long time."

  "What makes you say they are the worst scum in the Galaxy?" Brax asked.

  "They are slavers," Zaynu said.

  "Slavers? That's outlawed," Brax said.

  "We know that," Zaynu retorted. "It's not our job to police the Galaxy, that's for Council races to figure out. If they got serious about it, they could eradicate the larger traders."

  "Yes," Brax said softly, "if they were serious about it."

  "We'll take what information you can give on them," Zavik said.

  "We'll be happy to upload the data to your robot," Zaynu said. "These Savin slavers are vile animals. We only had the slightest contact with them. I did not want them near my factory. The power core factory on Yalary may not mind doing business with such customers, but we have standards."

  "You dropped them in this case," Brax said.

  "We do not do regular business with them," Zaynu said, "but profits are hard to come by. My investors would not like to hear that I passed up a deal because of a differing opinion on the morality of slavery. They might call for my resignation."

  "So you put a price on your morals?" Brax said.

  "I did what I had to do. It is no different than what anyone else in the Galaxy would have done. I had no choice."

  "You could have turned them away," Brax said, "or told them to get lost. You could have turned them into the Council, reported who they were."

  Brax was practically yelling at the Ascachi. Zavik hadn't seen him so worked up over an issue like this before. Brax was never above skirting the law or ignoring it completely when the chance for profit came. He did work for Red Moon once upon a time when they were the largest criminal organization in the Galaxy. They had their hands in every type of illegal activity you could think of and even some others that no one knew about. Undoubtedly there was a bit of slave trading in there somewhere. He didn't seem to mind illegal activities too much then. Maybe slavers were different. Zavik didn't like slavers, it was a filthy business, indefensible. They were worse than drug peddlers, in his book, probably in most peoples' books. He made a note to ask why Brax felt so strong about it when the time was appropriate.

  "Perhaps, but that could have been messy," Zaynu said. "If you would like to rectify that mistake, here is your chance. I've given you their location. Do with it what you wish."

  "We thank you for your help, Zaynu, and Ryu," Zavik said. "I know Brax didn't mean any offense."

  "None was taken," Zaynu said, "but if you will excuse us, I believe our business is complete. I am sorry we were unable to help any more, I truly am."

  Zavik smiled, Zaynu and Ryu both bowed. They turned around and made their way back to the factory.

  "Let's go," Zavik said. He walked back to the Rinada. The ramp had remained down while they were there. He climbed aboard and grabbed a glass of water from the sink. He drank it quickly hoping it would clear his throat of the buildup of soot and other particles. It only slightly helped. A taste of dirt and carbon lingered on his tongue and he was glad it wasn't time to eat. The rough and grimy mess that remained in his mouth would taint even the tasteless food they had onboard.

  He closed the ramp and set the airlock. "It's going to take thirty minutes to clean their air out of here," he said.

  "We'll need to replace our filters after this," Dani added.

  "And I thought Tunertha was bad," Brax said.

  "Hey, that is still my home," Charra said.

  "Yeah, well, congratulations, it's no longer the last place I'd choose to vacation," Brax said. He looked around and said, "This is. Ugh...achoo. If you'll excuse me, I'll be in my room, hacking up a lung, and Chokmnd only have three you know."

  "We only have two," Dani said.

  "Yes, but yours are bigger."

  Zavik folded his arms and stared at Brax. He cocked an eyebrow up and said, "Hers are bigger?"

  "Yes, no, I mean humans, all humans. Human lungs are bigger than Chokmnd lungs. That's what I meant."

  "Sure, I see," Zavik said.

  "I'm going to lie down," Brax said, resting a hand on the top of his head. He stomped off to his room that was opposite the ramp and the door slid shut.

  Zavik filled his glass and gave it to Dani. She had the same gross look at the taste of the water as she swallowed.

  "What's the plan?" Charra asked as he sat down. He didn't grab any water and had no noticeable discomfort from the air.

  "I think we have to use this information to get the power cells," Zavik said.

  "You didn't want to steal them from the Ascachi, but this is ok?" Charra asked.

  "Stealing from the Ascachi would make headlines. They provide power cells to a lot of people, and we don't need any more heat to come down on us. Stealing from slavers isn't going to draw any attention to ourselves."

  "I can buy that," Charra said.

  "Are you sure you want to do that?" Dani asked. "It will be dangerous."

  "I don't know what else we can do," Zavik said. "If we’re to believe the Ascachi, the suppliers are all sold out and this is the only lead we have to get the amount we need. Don't tell me you feel bad stealing from slavers?"

  "No, of course not," she said. "I would just like to avoid situations where you get shot at as much as possible."

  "How sweet," Charra said and got awkward looks from Dani and Zavik. "Don't worry, I'll keep him safe for you."

  Zavik knew how Dani felt, he felt the same about putting her in danger. Whenever he could avoid it, he did, even if it cost them a few credits or made the job take longer. He knew Brax and Charra understood, even if they didn't always like it. It was why Dani always stayed on the ship. Luckily for him, she was a great pilot and a great computer hacker, which helped when he needed to justify his decision for her to stay. Ever since they were captured by Varin, he had promised to never let any harm come to her again. She was his motivation for going legit, and he was determined to keep her safe.

  It made these decisions harder. If it was just Brax and Charra with him, it would have been easy. They would hit the slaver
s, take the goods, and maybe even do worse. But with Dani on board, he wanted to avoid as much fighting as they could. A stealth mission, run-in and run-out with the goods, would be good. Hopefully, the slavers would never know they were there, and wouldn't realize their cargo was missing until they were long gone. It would take some planning and luck. They hadn't even started looking at the information Zaynu gave them. Who knows what it contains?

  "We'll go in really quite," Zavik said. "I don't want this turning into a fight. I know we'll be outgunned. If there's a way we can slip into their location without being seen and get away quickly, I think that'll be for the best."

  "A stealth mission?" Charra asked. His face slowly turned to disappointment. "No fighting?"

  "If we can help it," Zavik said holding his hands up to keep him calm. "They take a shot at you and they're fair game, ok?"

  He brightened a bit and snarled, "Ok."

  "All right, Rudy, let's go over the information we got."