The Shattered Empire (The Shadow Space Chronicles Book 2)

by Kal Spriggs

  Anthony gave a slow nod. “That's good to know. And I have a set of simulations I've been allowed to access and train on here at home. I could certainly evaluate your preparedness. For that matter, I feel confident that you are probably better prepared than most, just in that you have thought through how to prepare yourself.”

  “She's pretty damned good at actual ship-handling, too,” Lizmadie said confidently. “She was the one on the helm of the Emperor Romulus on our breakout from Nova Roma, until we had some of the others step forward with a bit more experience.”

  “I do have a pilot's license,” Alanis grudgingly admitted, “But it's from an online course. I didn't want to risk drawing attention to myself or Lucius, especially when Imperial Security started looking for Chxor collaborators.” She started to speak up about Lizmadie's skills at hacking, but decided better. Either her husband knew or the Princess would want to keep those skills quiet.

  “Understandable,” Anthony responded. “Alright. Well, how about you come back here next week? I'll set up a series of simulations and we'll see how you do?” There was more energy to his voice than when she had come in. For that matter, there was a spark to his eyes.

  Alanis gave him a smile, “Bring it on.”

  ***

  Chapter V

  Port Klast

  Port Klast

  August 21, 2403

  As the shuttle ramp dropped, a young woman in a professional-looking, dark green uniform strode up it and extended a letter to Lauren, “Thomas Kaid was intrigued to hear that Stavros Heraklion has returned to Port Klast. You may report to your master that he is invited to dine with him tonight.”

  “Uh, thanks,” Lauren said.

  The woman turned away and a swarm of official-looking men and women approached. They started to force their way aboard but Lauren stood her ground, while her hands went to her slung rifle. Mason had said that the locals didn't care how well armed you went, so she carried a small arsenal.

  The man in the lead adopted a pinched expression. “I am here to do a cargo inspection for any cargo you plan to transship, Stavros.”

  Behind her, she heard Mason speak. “I haven't any cargo aboard my shuttle at the moment, it's still up on the Kraken, you can inspect it when we bring it down. I personally vouch that it contains no hazards.”

  “Your file indicates that your word is only good as long as you are still within sight,” the official growled. “So you'll understand why I cannot allow you to disembark without an inspection.”

  Mason adopted a hurt expression, “Since when is the word of Stavros Heraklion not trusted in these parts?”

  “Since you, apparently, slipped osmium powder past my predecessor,” the official said. “Additionally, docking and orbit fees are due in advance and Stavros' outstanding account balance is due as well,” he finished. “Until you pay, a lien has been placed upon your cargo, your shuttle, and your ship.”

  Mason coughed, “Ah, well, the outstanding balance is just a minor mistake, I'll clear that up as soon as I sell my cargo.”

  The man behind the official gave a little bow. He was short and stocky but wore an impeccable suit. Something about his cold, dark eyes gave Lauren a chill, “I am Mister Akula , from Haifisch, Tiburon, and Squalo. I represent a client's case against one Stavros Heraklion, which the courts of Port Klast have already resolved, for damages upon your last visit here. The outstanding charges, plus interest, are due upon receipt. We also have a lien upon your cargo, shuttle, and ship.” His polite smile seemed to have too many teeth. Bloodsucking lawyer, Lauren thought, only thing worse than the Chxor.

  “I assume you represent Kinere,” Mason said and waved an arm flamboyantly, “You can tell that bastard that Stavros doesn't owe him a damned thing!”

  “The courts have said otherwise,” Akula said. “If this is an official refusal to pay I would have to contact Defense Control and request that you be detained and your ship impounded...”

  “Ah, no,” Mason said. “I am sure this is just a misunderstanding. I will, temporarily, authorize payment from my account here...”

  “Your account is overdrawn,” the woman behind Akula said. “I represent PKS Banking Services. It seems that on your last departure, you transferred a number of funds through several of your accounts, including a falsified loan request, in order to overdraw funds. As a result, PKS Banking Services has placed a lien on your shuttle, your ship, and your cargo.” She smiled slightly, “Additionally, the loan amount is due, with accrued interest and fees.” Bankers, Lauren thought, only slightly better than lawyers.

  “A slanderous slur, I assure you!” Mason said. As the banker opened her mouth to reply, he held up his hand, “But, despite these imputations upon my honor, I will ensure payment, that people know that Stavros Heraklion is an honest businessman.” He coughed again, “This will, however, require that I transship my cargo down now. I was intending to speak to potential buyers, first.”

  “Traffic Control has authorized me to certify your cargo for sale and place it in a secure warehouse,” the official said. “If it doesn't meet the outstanding debts, then you will be required to surrender your vessel.”

  “Of course,” Mason said, his voice with just a slight edge of trepidation. Lauren couldn't tell if it was real or feigned. At this point, she halfway wondered if she and Mason would be sold as wage-slaves to pay off a dead pirates debts. “I'll have to go up and retrieve it.”

  “Be advised, now that you have been served, you are considered bound by Port Klast law. If you attempt to leave without payment of your debts, force will be utilized to detain you,” the official said.

  “I understand,” Mason said. He glanced at Lauren, “Make the shuttle ready, I assume our guests will remain aboard?” All three nodded.

  Lauren pulled down the bench seating and ensured all three were strapped in before she moved to the copilot seat behind Mason. “Are we in trouble?” she asked.

  “Of course not, my dear,” Mason replied. “I am absolutely certain that our cargo will cover these trivial debts.” His voice was just loud enough that Lauren figured the three might hear, especially if they had bugs or listening devices. He lowered his voice, but it still was his Stavros accent, “Besides, if we try to run, they'd blast us before we could even power up our engines.” She wondered if that was said for her sake or if it was said for listening devices any of the three might wear.

  Lauren wondered how much of this was Mason's plan and how much he just managed to react to along the way. For that matter, she wondered if he could react to all this. Surely the bank had some biometrics on Stavros, would they compare them and realize this wasn't the real man? Biometrics were a standard in banking, even in the Colonial Republic. For that matter, she wondered if anyone had any information on her. She wasn't traveling under a false name, just a basic set of identity papers that Mason had given her upon their departure from Anvil. It had her name and her actual birthplace. Would someone connect that to Baron Giovanni?

  They landed in the Kraken's hangar bay without issue. A moment later, Lauren opened the hatch to find that the crew had already begun to stack heavy boxes, ready to be loaded aboard. Mason gave a broad wave, “As you can see, gentlemen, I have ample cargo to pay these trifling debts.”

  None of the three looked impressed. Then again, Lauren had to admit there wasn't much to be seen. About a dozen heavy plastic boxes about the length of a coffin, each with handles on either end for four men to carry them. Stavros stepped forward and gestured at the first box. Two of Khalid's men came forward and undogged the hasps that held the crate closed and opened it at Stavros's flourish.

  The contents didn't look particularly impressive to Lauren. Cubes of some kind of transparent material, each cradled in a nest of foam.

  “Gentlemen and Lady,” Stavros said, “Optical computing cores from Tau Ceti. Each certified by lot number, serial number, and with data from their initial run test.” He looked around at them for a moment, “Each core has one hundred
etaflops processing power. A computer with one of these would be unparalleled for weapons, navigation, virtually any use.” Lauren felt her eyes widen at that. She didn't know much about computers, but she did know that computers were one of the main limitations with building a warship. Weapons and other large parts required industrial resources, but complex computers were required to run those systems, and more capable systems allowed for better overall performance.

  The nameless traffic control official nodded. “Acceptable. I will need to inspect certificates on all of the crates as well as have an expert verify the goods.” He consulted his datapad, “Assuming that these are not fakes, they should cover your outstanding debts with some moderate quantity left over assuming reasonable sale prices.”

  Stavros gave a big smile and Lauren didn't bother to restrain a sigh. She had the feeling that the sales would be done ineptly, probably by an over-eager Stavros, quick to get cash in hand. That would leave them with little money and fewer options. Already she could see why Mason had hated the man... she hated him and he didn't even really exist anymore.

  “Right, thank you,” Stavros said. “We'll begin transferring our cargo to the planet, you fine gentlemen can ensure it goes to the warehouse, and then I can do some business, right?”

  The banker and the lawyer both looked pleased with themselves. Lauren figured that they both personally received some cut of the money. Mason had said that Port Klast ran on money and she was starting to see why. The agent hadn't so much as asked where Stavros came by the cargo, just that it was authentic and therefore valuable. On the one hand, she approved of the efficiency, on the other, some part of her wondered if the planet's freedoms went too far. Then again, there was a reason it served as a haven to pirates all across human space.

  She just wondered how far she would have to go... and whether Mason had already become lost in his persona as Stavros.

  ***

  Stavros Heraklion straightened his shirt collar in the mirror and adjusted a bit of his oiled hair that had gotten mussed during the cargo offloading. Not that Stavros would actually descend to manual labor, of course, but the wild gesticulating at his crew had mussed him a bit.

  Mason McGann contemplated his act and decided that it would have to do. The official and the bank and lawyer flunkies were the opening show. Now he had to maintain it... and that was an altogether different beast. While he found Stavros repugnant personally, there were things about Stavros that Mason knew called to the darker parts of his own soul. Not his over-confident flamboyance, but a measure of his charm and his callousness. Part of Mason saw no problem with how Stavros would use anyone around him as one more object or resource. That was the part that Mason had fought so hard for so long within himself. The real danger, for Mason, wasn't discovery, it was uncovering his darker side and giving it free reign.

  He looked up at a knock at the bathroom door. He opened it to find Lauren with a scowl on her face. “There's a delivery man at the door. I don't remember ordering anything.”

  “I did,” Mason said. He hid a smile at her irritation. Lauren needed to learn to lighten up a bit. The more she clung to her anger, the more she'd find in life to be angry about. He stepped past her and then to the hotel room door. Even though he expected the delivery, he stepped to the side as he opened the door. Port Klast frowned upon murder, but that didn't mean that one of Stavros's enemies wouldn't go that far. For that matter, there was a time that I did murder and worse here, Mason thought.

  The delivery man extended a package. Before Mason could take it, Lauren stepped forward with a scanner. She's taken to the bodyguard part fairly well, Mason thought. She stepped back a moment later, “Clear.”

  Mason stepped forward and signed for the package and closed the door. Then he tossed the package to Lauren. She caught it and stared at it uncertainly, “For me?” At his nod, she opened it. Mason smirked at the look of shock on her face as she stared down at the crimson dress in the box. She looked up sharply, “Seriously, a dress?”

  Mason gave a shrug, “The invitation to the party with Thomas Kaid specifies formal dress for myself and my 'guest.' Most people will be bringing either a well-paid escort, a bodyguard, or both in one. You need to look the part.”

  He saw a mixture of discomfort on her face, “I'm not sure if it'll fit.” She flushed a bit, “Dresses aren't something I've much experience with.” How could she, Mason thought, being raised on a world dominated by the Chxor? Luxury goods such as nice clothing would have been one of the first things to disappear. He'd heard that the Chxor often seized such goods for destruction though rumors suggested the corrupt ones resold it to human smugglers.

  “It'll fit,” Mason said calmly, “I put in your measurements myself. Also, there's a pair of shoes your size in the bottom.”

  “How do you know...” Lauren shook her head. “Alright. Fine, I'll give it a try.” She coughed a bit, “The shoes...”

  “They're stylish but comfortable, so you should be able to wear them without issue,” Mason said gently. He'd figured she would have little experience wearing the high heels that most would wear for the evening. “I've also arranged an appointment at a boutique for this afternoon. I think I'll be fine without your protection for the sales of the cargo.”

  He saw her eyes narrow, but he spoke before she could answer, “The others at the party will have spent serious money to impress one another... you need to look the part.”

  “What about you?” She finally asked, her voice sharp.

  Mason smiled and tugged at the sleeves of his shirt, “Oh, no need to worry, my dear, Stavros will look the part as well.” Not that Mason personally liked the gaudy costume he'd picked out. But Stavros's taste in clothing was almost as infamous as his piracy. Even more, Mason thought, in the right circles, like the people who will be there tonight.

  “Now,” Mason said, “I'll let you try on the dress and then get to the appointment. I should be back by the time you return and we'll show the elite of Port Klast what kind of man Stavros Heraklion is... in case any of them have forgotten.”

  ***

  “Captain Stavros Heraklion and Miss Kelly,” the attendant announced.

  Mason caught the turn of heads throughout the assembled guests. Many of them went to Lauren first, where some lingered for longer than was strictly necessary for an escort. Which is understandable, Mason thought, Lauren looks magnificent when she's properly made up. The expensive crimson dress showed off her curves while still having a sense of elegance. The boutique had arranged her brown hair into artful curls that accentuated the soft curves of her face. After her, almost every gaze lingered on him, a long moment of calculated evaluation that, in a man with any sense of shame, would have felt oppressive.

  For a man like Stavros, however, that attention would have been intoxicating. “Ah, such a quaint party,” Mason said. He looked over at Lauren, “It was much bigger last time I bothered to come. Better music and more important guests,” he swept his gaze across the assemblage and their finery and he let loose a sneer, even as he searched for the true players of the night. “They had a roast Opuchi Neosaur as well.”

  All the eyes seemed to lock on him. He saw a variety of expressions, from disgust to piqued interest to calculation on the faces of most.

  No doubt his own dress, or lack thereof, drew some of that. The tight, glossy red leather pants were something of an eyesore, he knew. The golden sheen of his vest, open down to his navel, no doubt attracted a bit more attention. No doubt his hairy chest, oiled and perfumed, garnered the rest. Mason knew that most of the guests wouldn't believe he'd dressed like this on purpose. He himself wouldn't have believed Stavros's taste, except he'd seen him at one of these events dressed even worse. It was fortunate that Stavros and he could pass for body doubles, else he would never have made the attempt.

  At the expressions of shock on some of the faces, Mason allowed a smirk onto his lips. His smirk widened as he noticed Lucretta Mannetti off to one side, deep in discussion with a man
he recognized. She'd broken off and stared at Stavros with an expression of mingled shock and interest. Well, Mason thought, there's no accounting for taste.

  Mason led the way to the bar, “I'll have two glasses of ouzo and...” he turned to Lauren, “What would you like, my dear?”

  “Water,” Lauren growled.

  Mason smiled, “And soda water for my companion.” He leaned close to the bartender and spoke loud enough for the nearer guests to hear, “She thinks I drink too much. What can I say, she doesn't understand that her role is to guard my body, not my liver?”

  The bartender gave him a polite smile and after a moment produced the drinks. Mason knocked them back, one after the other and hid a grimace. He hated the sickly sweet taste of ouzo. Still, as the raw liquor worked its way through his body, he welcomed a bit of the warm glow. Got to be careful, he thought, my tolerance is shot if those two drinks hit me already. He turned to Lauren, “Let's circulate, shall we?”

  She leaned close, “I look like a prostitute in this dress and with this makeup.”

  “Nonsense, my dear,” Mason said, his voice loud, “You look magnificent, very high class. They,” he gestured with an arm at several of the women to one side, “look like prostitutes.” He caught the instant venom in the glares from the insulted women. Yet it was true enough, the various wives and girlfriends had gone the fashion route of maximum skin and minimal cloth, most of that arranged in places that did little to conceal. A couple of them looked decidedly chilly.