Determination: Age Of Expansion – A Kurtherian Gambit Series (Precious Galaxy Book 3)

by Sarah Noffke

  “Well, we have Vitos, and he’s pretty much an expert on this galaxy.” Bailey looked back at the alien.

  “I’m not, though,” Vitos argued. “The Hapeti system isn’t that familiar to me, although I have taken many shipments to the headquarters on Tarana.”

  “Headquarters?” Lewis asked.

  “Precious Galaxy Coffee Company,” he replied. “Their headquarters are here.”

  “An important detail you definitely could have shared before now.” The detective cast Vitos an irritated expression.

  “Sorry, I hadn’t realized it was important,” the alien said sheepishly.

  “But Vance put this database on Makare,” Bailey reasoned. “Why risk putting it in a system that is frequented due to the presence of a major corporation’s headquarters?”

  “Well, it’s not like many would notice activity on Makare,” Vitos stated. “There are fifteen moons orbiting Tarana.”

  “He must have found a way around orbital sensors that detect system traffic,” Lewis mused.

  “More of his hocus pocus,” Bailey commented.

  Vitos nodded. “And since Tarana dominates this system, the other planets aren’t really given much thought.”

  “What is on Makare, anyway?” Bailey asked.

  “Not much, from what I’ve heard,” Vitos stated. “It’s a newer planet, so the vegetation and animals are supposedly small, and there’s no alien civilization.”

  Bailey cast Lewis a knowing look. “Sounds like the perfect place to hide a database.”

  The Q-Ship crossed into Makare’s atmosphere without the crew seeing a single Monstre Corp ship or any sign of the monster itself.

  The planet was small and featured only a few land masses, all with squatty trees, so it was easy to spot a building covered in solar panels.

  “Think we found one of the Sutras.” Lewis pointed.

  “Yes, what do you think? Maybe it’s Sutra Four and it’s covered in propaganda from some evil dictator,” Bailey joked.

  He nodded quite seriously. Sutra 6 and 9 both had quotes from controversial leaders—Sutra 6, Lenin and Sutra 9, Stalin—plastered in the main area. Vance obviously used some warped ideology to string together his operations.

  “Do you think they’ve abandoned their posts?” Vitos asked.

  Lewis saw what he meant. There was nothing. No patrols, or monster guarding the building. That didn’t seem right.

  “I don’t think so,” he replied.

  “Then where is everyone?” Bailey scanned the radar. There wasn’t anything threatening.

  “Maybe the guards are on rotation,” Lewis reasoned.

  She laughed. “That only works in movies.”

  “Well, maybe we’ve caught a break,” he suggested hopefully.

  “Dammit, Harlowe. What have I said about jinxing us?” she asked.

  “That it isn’t a problem, since jinxing is only a superstition, which you’re too smart to put any stock into?” Lewis sang quickly without a taking a breath.

  Bailey shook her head. “Maybe Vance moved the database after our last attempt.”

  “Maybe, but that doesn’t seem like Vance’s style,” Lewis considered.

  “When did you start thinking like a power-hungry psychopath?” Bailey asked.

  “It’s my job to think like the bad guy.”

  “Let’s hope that doesn’t corrupt you over time,” Bailey joked.

  The ship rocked suddenly as it passed through a strange, invisible barrier. The cloak shut down, making the ship visible.

  “What’s happening?” Lewis asked, as several warning lights blinked on the dash.

  Bailey flew forward, checking her instruments. “We’ve hit something…wait, not hit... We’ve gone through something.”

  “Like a shield?”

  “Like a security system,” she answered. “Oh, hell.”

  From the planet that had appeared deserted moments prior, single flyers began launching into action. Around the Q-Ship, several craft materialized.

  “Where did those jerks come from?” Bailey asked, darting to avoid colliding with a missile flying in their direction.

  “Could they have gated?” Lewis asked.

  Bailey pointed to the controls. “I’m not sure. I need you on the guns. Remember what I taught you: shoot fast and aim true.”

  Lewis nodded, grabbing the weapons controls. He released several rounds of fire, although accuracy was more difficult than speed, with Bailey’s fancy flying. However, she was keeping the enemy off them, which was most important.

  They were surrounded, and more were rising up from Makare, headed in their direction.

  “It can’t be gates,” Bailey decided, jerking hard on the controls to roll away from cannons that were twisting and turning, bent on finding their target. “Those have to be constructed and have set locations. They’ve spontaneously jumped using a different kind of engine. That’s the only explanation.”

  “Doesn’t the Q-ship jump? It doesn’t need gates, right?” Lewis asked.

  “Yes, which used to be technology unique to us,” Bailey said through gritted teeth. She was hyper-focused, making every move with incredible accuracy.

  “Guys, I realize that you have your hands full, but I wanted to point out something.” Vitos gestured to the port side where, not too far in the distance, the monster had materialized.

  “For all that is holy! Dammit!” Bailey ignited the second thrusters, pushing the team back in their seats. Still, the cannons and missiles kept following them, ever insistent on finding their target.

  Lewis shot down two ships, but five more materialized not far behind them.

  “Jumping? Can I throw that out again?” Lewis asked.

  Bailey blew out a breath. “Yeah, fine, but I’ve never done it before, and without an AI, I’m not entirely comfortable doing so.”

  “What’s the worst that can happen?” Lewis asked. “Because if we stay here, we’re either toast or uploaded.”

  “I’m not sure,” she admitted, starting the activation mode for the jump sequence. “But I do know that jumping close to other objects, like planets or aircraft, could have serious repercussions.”

  “Like blowing them up?” he questioned.

  Bailey nodded, her hand hovering over the button.

  “Well, then, get as far from Makare as possible, luring some of these hooligans with you,” Lewis proposed. “Let’s preserve the planet while taking out the bad guy.”

  Bailey agreed, and sped the ship away from the planet before smashing her hand down on the red button.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Q-Ship, Near Planet Tarana, Hapeti System

  The Q-Ship shook, rattling so loudly Bailey wondered if it would split in half. This was the first time she’d ever been on a Q-Ship when it jumped.

  The Q-Ship disappeared, and Bailey fell through darkness, like she were suddenly stuck in a deep sleep. An abrupt bright light flashed across her vision, and searing pain roared in her head. A loud snap, and bam, Bailey was floating through space, sitting on the Q-Ship like before… However, the planetary placements were definitely different.

  She turned to check on Lewis and Vitos; they were passed out. Recovery from a jump like this could take anywhere from several seconds to a few minutes.

  Bailey marveled at the crater-strewn moons that revolved around the ship. She’d never seen a planet with so many. Tarana was a large, orange orb with two rings and pools of green gas that masked parts of the surface.

  On the list of things Bailey had never seen was a planet with so much mystery. She didn’t think life could survive on a gas giant, and yet this was where Vitos had said the headquarters for Precious Galaxy Coffee Company was located. Lightning storms brewed under a cloud of orange gas. Sparks zigzagged along the surface to a dark mass that swirled near the equator of the planet.

  Bailey found herself mesmerized by the strange planet, but she couldn’t figure out where the headquarters for a giant corporation could b
e located.

  Lewis stirred beside her, slowly waking from unconsciousness.

  “Welcome back, detective,” Bailey said, grateful to not be alone near the strange planet. “Did you enjoy your nap?”

  “Huh?” He scratched his head, sitting up. “Nap? I fell asleep?”

  “Well, passed out is more like it,” she told him, noticing that Vitos was also starting to stir. “I really thought our other pilot would have a faster recovery time than you.”

  Lewis looked back at Vitos, whose wings were twitching erratically, as if they were not within his control as he awoke. “I’m going to guess that was his first jump; I’d cut him some slack.” He rubbed his eyes, still seeming to be recovering from the jolt.

  Bailey hadn’t jumped them far, but still, jumping in the Q-Ship was like waking up after a hundred years of sleep. Even she felt like her brain was still coming to terms with the shock.

  “Whoa.” Lewis leaned forward, staring out at the giant planet in front of them. “Do you think it’s safe to be this close?”

  Bailey checked her instruments again, as she’d done a hundred times since awaking in this location. “Yes, our shields are holding fine.”

  “Good,” he said with relief. “So we didn’t take that much of a hit during the fight?”

  “We were nearly wiped out, but made it away in time,” she assured him. “And better yet, I’m certain we probably took out half a dozen of Monstre’s ships when we jumped.”

  “That’s something to celebrate,” Lewis agreed, his eyes still wide as he studied the many peculiar sights before them.

  The moons that orbited Tarana were of various sizes and colors.

  “Vitos, when you’ve acclimated, would you mind telling me where the headquarters for Precious Galaxy Coffee is located?” Bailey asked. “I’m having a hard time believing it’s suspended in this gas, like Starboards Corp was. At this point, though, I’ll believe anything.”

  He chirped with laughter. “It’s location is one of the many disguises of Precious Galaxy Coffee Company. The Tuetians are the only ones who know about its location, since we’re responsible for delivering their beans.”

  “So it is floating somewhere among this gas and lightning?” Bailey asked, searching.

  Again, another soft laugh. “The most inhabitable celestial body isn’t necessarily a planet. That’s what our mind defaults to when we think of locations.”

  “That’s quickly changing, believe me,” Bailey remarked.

  Vitos smiled good-naturedly. “A planet always gets all the attention; that’s where our eyes go first. However, the moons in orbit around large, gaseous planets are the best locations for life.”

  Bailey’s mouth popped open as she scanned the many moons spinning around Tarana. “Of course. Precious Galaxy Coffee is located on a moon. Which one?”

  “Are you having a serious craving?” Lewis asked. “Is that the reason for this unexpected detour?”

  She smirked. “Well, we need a plan of attack before we return to Makare. Jack can help us with that when we return. But while we’re close to these headquarters, let’s see if they know anything about Monstre Corp.”

  “That’s not a bad idea,” Lewis mused. “Do you think they’ll know anything?”

  Bailey shrugged. “They might. And it’s the largest corporation in this galaxy, probably soon to seep into the Federation. Aren’t you curious about it? There’s literally one of their stores on every level in the Gable Station. Don’t you find that interesting? They’ve got to be worth checking out.”

  Lewis agreed. “It is strange, I’ll admit. And they sound oddly secretive. What are you thinking? Want to ask for a factory tour?”

  “In a sense.” Bailey gave Vitos a nod. “Do you know a way in? I want to take a look around. Maybe they’ve got intel on Monstre Corp.”

  “Yes, I should be able to get you in there through the loading area.” Vitos pointed. “It’s the second moon there, the purplish one.”

  Bailey narrowed her eyes in the direction he indicated. “You mean the one with active volcanos?”

  “Yes, that would be the one,” he chirped. “Don’t worry, they are on the far side of the moon. Apparently, Precious Galaxy Coffee uses the molten lava in their bean-roasting technique. It’s why their coffee is considered superior, but that’s something that most don’t know.”

  Bailey gave Lewis a tentative expression. “What do you think? Want to check it out?”

  The building was masked in a cloud of swirling gray smoke, almost reminiscent of the monster. When it wisped to the side, making the large headquarters visible, Lewis’s mouth fell open.

  The facility was huge, with spires reaching up high into the air, smoke puffing out of them in ringlets. The building itself was shaped like a mountain, seemingly organic, and yet it was covered in reflective steel like a skyscraper. Ships zoomed in and out from the loading areas, making the facility look like an undiscovered city, surrounded by purple desert and volcanos in the distance.

  “Yes!” Lewis enthused. “That’s a big, fat yes.”

  Chapter Fifteen

  Precious Galaxy Coffee Headquarters, Near Planet Tarana, Hapeti System

  Lewis wasn’t sure what to expect when they docked at Precious Galaxy Coffee headquarters. They’d trespassed into a few of Vance’s territories and had always been on guard as they snuck onto the private property. For that reason, he and Bailey both had their weapons at the ready when the ship door opened to the connector tube.

  A man wearing a suit like that of a butler hopped back, fear registering on his face. He held up his gloved hands, looking between Lewis and Bailey as he stammered, “W-w-what do you want?”

  Vitos slipped between the detective and the lieutenant, his wings flapping. “Excuse my friends, Phillip. They come in peace.”

  “Then why are they aiming weapons at me?” Phillip asked.

  Vitos glanced back at them. “I think you can lower that. Phillip is harmless.”

  Lewis nodded, putting his gun away. “Sorry. We weren’t sure if we’d be wanted here, since we weren’t invited.”

  “And we didn’t expect to be greeted right out of the hatch,” Bailey added.

  “Of course, I greet all our guests,” Phillip said, bowing. “And although invites are usually required, you are with Vitos Rigar, a much-appreciated guest of PGC.”

  “Thank you, Phillip,” Vitos said, blushing. “My friends here were only curious about the headquarters. Would it be alright if I showed them around a bit? I understand if you’d prefer they not—”

  Phillip held up his gloved hand, pausing the Tuetian. “As I said before, Vitos, anyone with you is considered a friend. Please allow me to direct the tour for you?”

  Vitos smiled, his large eyes lighting up. “That would be great.”

  “However, I will have to alert Dave about your guests,” Phillip said.

  “Dave is here?” Vitos asked, his tone more excited.

  “Who is Dave?” Lewis questioned.

  “Dave Pruitt,” Vitos answered, like that explained everything.

  “Oh yes, he’s just arrived after a meeting on Gamble,” Phillip stated. His face suddenly went blank, and his eyes glassed over. A moment later, life returned to his features. “I’ve informed Dave. He’s delighted and would like to see you in person.”

  “Wonderful!” Vitos sang. “Lead the way.”

  “I will,” Phillip said at once. “However, I have visitors at another connector. Actually, a delivery crew from Tueti. Would you mind holding while I greet them?”

  “Not at all,” Vitos said formally.

  Lewis had never seen him like this. He hadn’t fit in with the Tuetians, but here, he seemed welcome and quite at home.

  He turned his attention to their greeter. He’d expected this Phillip to turn and stride down the connector; he hadn’t expected him to simply disappear. “Whoa, where did he go?”

  Vitos turned, giving him a curious look. “He told you. Weren’t y
ou listening? He went to greet the other visitors.”

  “So he teleported?” Bailey asked.

  Vitos shook his head like that was preposterous. “No, Phillip doesn’t have a body—he’s a hologram. He’s the headquarters’ AI.”

  “Wow. So he’s a projection,” Lewis said with a hush. “That’s brilliant.”

  “Who is this Dave Pruitt?” Bailey asked, staring around skeptically.

  “He’s the CEO of Precious Galaxy Coffee, of course. How do you not know that?”

  “We’re not from these parts, remember?” Lewis reminded him.

  Vitos nodded, recalling that tidbit.

  “The CEO of this place,” Bailey swept her arm around to indicate the vast headquarters, “wants to see you personally?”

  “Does he greet all those who deliver coffee beans?” Lewis asked. “That seems a bit like micromanagement.”

  Vitos shook his head. “I met Dave by accident. The headquarters is quite extraordinary, with a focus on making employees feel at home. For this reason, many areas are devoted to encouraging creativity. I’m sort of sorry to say that, on a delivery, I strayed from the warehouse into one of these areas on the second level, where Dave found me using the large digital canvas. I thought I was in for it, but he wasn’t mad at all. Since then, he’s encouraged me to ‘meet’ with him every time I’ve delivered. Really, it was an excuse for me to use the digital canvas without anyone from Tueti learning about it.”

  “This Dave sounds like a nice guy,” Lewis observed.

  “He’s not like any leader I’ve ever met before,” Vitos agreed.

  “Did you consider telling us that you were so welcome here?” Bailey asked.

  “Honestly, I wasn’t sure that I would be,” Vitos explained. “I’m not with the Tuetians anymore; I’m an outsider who isn’t delivering coffee beans.”

  The hologram of the AI reappeared, a genuine smile on his face. “Pardon me for the interruption. Are you ready for the tour?”

  Lewis gave Bailey a curious look. Neither one had expected to be greeted with such thoughtfulness. “Yes, I think so.”