by Ryk Brown
“You expecting trouble, Cap’n?” Josh wondered.
“It’s Jessica, remember?” Nathan replied.
“But Vlad’s with her,” Loki said.
“That’s supposed to make me feel better?” Nathan wondered.
“Good point,” Loki agreed as he made the jump calculations.
“Quarter light in two minutes,” Josh reported.
“I don’t suppose either of you know anything about Gatonda?” Nathan asked.
“Never heard of it,” Josh replied.
“The guys who sold us the star charts laughed when I told them where we were going,” Loki told them. “They advised that we carry weapons at all times.” Loki turned and looked at Nathan. “I took that as a bad sign, myself.”
Nathan sighed. “As soon as you get the jump series up and running, go back and help Dalen and the others. I’d like to get that gun turret back online before we enter the Gamaze sector.”
“Yes, sir,” Loki replied.
“Quarter light,” Josh announced, pulling the throttles back to idle.
“Starting jump series in five seconds,” Loki announced.
“How much do you think a hundred Sugali fighters costs?” Josh asked.
“More than we can afford, most likely,” Nathan replied as the ship made its first jump. “I just hope there really are a hundred of them for sale, and that it’s not some kind of con that they’re walking into.”
* * *
At Sosi’s insistence, they had stopped at a clothing store and had redressed both Jessica and Vladimir in appropriate, local attire. The result for Jessica had been a formfitting dress that stopped at mid-thigh and left very little to the imagination, even through the flowing, sheer blue drape she wore over it. Jessica had accused Sosi of being a dirty, old man but now—following him through the crowded, upscale restaurant—she realized that hers was not the most revealing outfit in the room. The men of Gatonda took considerable pride in their appearance, but the women far outdid their male counterparts with skimpy outfits, colorful makeup, and outlandish hairstyles.
It had been some time since Jessica had worn anything other than a uniform, let alone configured her hair in anything but a ponytail. Lack of time had prevented them from visiting a salon. Had the lady at the clothiers not loaned her a brush, and some clips, she’d still be wearing it that way.
At least she looked good. Vladimir, on the other hand, looked even more foolish than the rest of the men on this strange, smelly world. Long, silken, button-down robes that hung just below the knees, with high, colorful collars, and contrasting slacks seemed standard fare; the more colorful the better.
Oddly enough, Gatonda fashion stood in stark contrast to their architecture and interior decor. Their buildings were all of neutral colors, covered mostly in concrete, glass, and metals. Their interiors were just as bland, the only difference being the tapestries and long, sheer, colorful banners that draped across the ceilings and shifted lazily in the breeze of the ventilation systems. It was easy to spot service staff in the restaurant, as they were the only ones who sported no vibrant colors; only grays, whites, and blacks.
The hostess, also clad in formfitting attire, led them to the far side of the expansive dining room and up the wide staircase to the mezzanine level. Once at the top of the stairs, she steered them to the left, around the perimeter of the room, behind the private booths that lined the level.
The hostess stopped at the entrance to a booth guarded by two serious-looking men in solid blue robes and white slacks, sporting clear, one-piece glasses. By the bulges under each man’s robe, Jessica knew they were armed, and likely with more than just handguns. The hostess whispered into the ear of the first man, then stepped aside. The first man reached up and touched the side of his glasses, causing the rim to glow softly. He looked Sosi up and down, then Vladimir, then Jessica, after which he smiled. The man looked to the other guard and nodded, both of them stepping aside, allowing them to enter.
Sosi was first, his arms spread wide in greeting as he uttered something in a language Jessica did not recognize. There were four people at the table when they entered, a middle-aged man, probably a bit younger than Sosi, and three considerably younger women, all of them in revealing attire, which was in line with what they had seen thus far. However, none of the young women were wearing any sheer drapes over them. At first, Jessica assumed they were the elder man’s companions for the evening, but the young women’s attentions seemed more focused on the diner’s below than on their host.
The man stood, embracing Sosi and responding in the same language. He was relatively fit, had a full head of dark, curly hair, a thick but well-groomed beard, and a medium complexion, like the majority of Gatondans. His robes were even more colorful than most and were trimmed with what appeared to be real gold that had been infused into the fabric itself. The metal caused his robes to hang cleanly, preventing the accumulation of wrinkles in the fabric and causing them to swing in a more pronounced fashion as he moved.
The table itself was set to impress, with the finest Gatondan china, crystal, and silverware. There were multiple dishes present, including fresh fruits and vegetables, many of which Jessica did not recognize. There were also several half-empty bottles of wine, and partially-drunk glasses, as well, making it obvious that their evening meal was well in progress.
Sosi turned toward Jessica and Vladimir, his left arm extended. “Allow I should introduce my new friends, Vladimir and his lovely wife, Jessica.” Sosi turned back toward the other man. “This is Aristaeus Imburjia, most gifted trader on all Gatonda.”
“You flatter me, Sosi,” Aristaeus said, smiling. “I am most honored to make your acquaintance,” he told Vladimir, shaking his hand as he nodded politely. “May I have the honor of paying appropriate respect to your lovely spouse?”
“A pleasure, sir, of course,” Vladimir replied.
Aristaeus stepped over and took Jessica’s hand, grasping it delicately, and raising it to his face, his lips barely touching the back of her fingers. “Your husband is a lucky man, my lady.” He lowered her hand again, releasing it as he stepped back. “Please, you will join us?”
“We’d be delighted,” Sosi exclaimed.
“These are my daughters, Yoli, Rena, and Naeni,” Aristaeus introduced. After the three young women nodded respectfully, he gave them instructions, in what Jessica assumed was the Gatondan language, and the girls immediately rose from the table and departed the private dining room.
“I hope we are not intruding,” Vladimir stated.
“Not at all,” Aristaeus insisted. “I merely told them what they wanted to hear, that they were free to visit the dance floor next door. Trust me, they’d rather be there than dining with their father. Besides, I prefer to keep business matters clear of family, and if you came with Sosi, then you are here on business.”
“We are,” Jessica confirmed. “Your wife is not dining with you?”
“My wife is long deceased, I’m afraid. Since my daughters were just children.”
“My apologies,” Jessica offered.
“Please, sit. Help yourself to wine and food. If there is anything you want, you need but ask and I will provide,” Aristaeus promised.
“Thank you, you are most kind,” Vladimir replied as he held the chair for Jessica.
“You are not of Ilyan Gamaze, no?” Aristaeus surmised.
“You are correct,” Vladimir replied, looking surprised.
“The accents, they are unfamiliar to me,” Aristaeus explained. “Both of them, in fact. This does not happen often. Not on Gatonda.” Aristaeus studied them both. After a moment, he turned to Vladimir. “Volon?”
Vladimir smiled, shaking his head. “I have never been there, I’m afraid.”
Aristaeus looked disappointed. “I am usually spot-on.” He
looked at Jessica. “The name is very old, very traditional. I have not heard it used in some time.” After a pause, he took a guess. “Keren Alpha?”
“Never heard of it,” Jessica replied, showing no expression.
“Oh, this is most disconcerting,” Aristaeus admitted. He looked at Jessica again with pleading eyes. “Please, you must share with me your place of birth.”
Jessica looked at Sosi, then smiled at Aristaeus. “Florida.”
“I’ve never heard of it,” the older man admitted, surprised. “Is it in the Dori sector?”
“Sol, actually,” Jessica replied.
Aristaeus looked confused, but only for a moment. His eyes widened, and his posture straightened as he looked at both of them in disbelief. “You are from Earth?” He looked at Vladimir. “The both of you?”
“Russia,” Vladimir replied, answering his question.
“My God,” he exclaimed. He looked to Sosi. “Surely you did not travel to Earth on that tiny ship of yours.”
“I met them on Sanctuary,” Sosi explained.
“Incredible. I have never met anyone from Earth.” Aristaeus looked concerned. “You must not divulge your true origins to anyone else on Gatonda. You will be inundated with questions, not to mention cursed with suspicions and mistrust.”
“This is reason for their disguise,” Sosi assured him.
“It is well that you took such precautions,” Aristaeus agreed. He leaned back in his chair, taking them both in and savoring the moment. “We have heard, of course, that the people of Earth had made it as far as the Pentaurus cluster. Gatonda has only recently begun to reap the benefits of your jump drive technology. But to have the two of you here, sharing my table, is nothing short of miraculous.”
“I’m happy you’re so pleased,” Jessica replied, having already grown tired of the older man’s fascination. “But if you don’t mind, we have business to discuss.”
Sosi looked shocked, and was about to object to her forwardness but was stopped by a not-so-subtle gesture from Aristaeus. “They are not of Gatonda,” he reminded Sosi. “We cannot expect them to follow our ways.” He looked at Jessica, smiling. “Then tell me, my dear, what brings you to Gatonda?”
“Sugali fighters,” Jessica replied, getting straight to the point. “We were told you might have a few to sell.”
“A few, I have,” Aristaeus confirmed. “How many were you looking to purchase?”
“All of them,” Jessica replied without hesitation.
Vladimir glanced quickly at her. “Uh, perhaps you offer a volume discount?” he asked Aristaeus.
The gentleman couldn’t help but smile at his sudden turn of fortune. He looked back at Jessica. “I have one hundred and twenty-eight Sugali fighters available for purchase. One hundred of them are fully operational. The others will require some repairs, or perhaps can be used for spare parts.”
“How much?” Jessica inquired, not wanting to waste time.
Aristaeus looked at Sosi. “She doesn’t waste much time, does she?”
“I’m right here, Mister Imburjia,” Jessica chided. “How much?”
“Two million Ilyan Dracmas…” Aristaeus smiled, “…each.”
Jessica didn’t flinch; she simply looked at Sosi.
“Roughly half million universal credits,” Sosi told her. “Each.”
“We can cover that,” Jessica declared without pause.
“We can?” Vladimir questioned.
“I’ll admit it might be stretching the budget a bit, but it sounds like a fair enough price.” She turned to Aristaeus again. “Assuming you throw in the inop birds for free, of course…seeing as how we’re buying the entire lot, and making you a very tidy profit, I’m sure.”
“The inop birds are worth more parted out, than they are as operational fighters,” Aristaeus told her.
“Then part them out,” Jessica dismissed. “We can always fabricate our own replacement parts after we tear one down and scan it. However, if you’re not throwing in the inops, then the price is one point nine.” Jessica also smiled. “Each.”
“I have another buyer who is willing to pay two, and they are willing to pay a reasonable price for the inoperative ships, as well,” Aristaeus told her. “The price is two, each. However, I am willing to negotiate on the price of the inoperative ships, depending on each vessel’s condition.”
“Who?” Jessica asked, challenging him.
“The Ridalli system,” Aristaeus replied. “They have been harassed by Ahka raiders for years.”
“Ahka raiders?” Vladimir asked.
“Pirate gangs from the nearby Ahka system,” Aristaeus explained. “Both worlds are just outside Ilyan Gamaze, and therefore are unprotected by the Emirates of Ilyanossa. Casbon has finally realized that they must protect themselves.”
“But Casbon so small,” Sosi stated, drawing an irritated look from Aristaeus.
“They are small, yes, but their world is rich in resources, particularly in rare and precious metals.”
“Then they can afford such purchase,” Sosi surmised.
“Their means of payment is still in development.”
“Then the sale is not final yet,” Jessica realized.
“Nothing is final until goods and payment are exchanged,” Aristaeus replied. “But they are quite adamant about their desire to purchase the fighters.”
Jessica thought for a moment. “Do they have pilots?”
“As part of the deal, I must provide training for their people.”
“Does Casbon even have any pilots?” Sosi wondered.
“They do not. They are like Gatonda, and have no ships of their own,” Aristaeus admitted. “Fortunately, the Sugali fighters are quite easy to operate.”
Jessica leaned back in her chair, crossing her legs and smiling. “So, they have no combat experience either.” She looked at Vladimir. “They’ll get slaughtered.”
“Does Casbon have any infrastructure to support these fighters?” Vladimir wondered, leaning forward, his arms on the table. “Engineers, technicians…”
“…Command and control,” Jessica added.
“Admittedly, it will take some time for them to become capable of defending their world…”
“I was right the first time,” Jessica insisted. “They’ll get slaughtered. The moment those raiders realize the Casbon’s are arming themselves, they’ll attack in force and obliterate every single ship.” Jessica smiled at Aristaeus. “I’d make sure you got paid in full, up front, before you deliver.”
Despite his best efforts to hide it, Aristaeus looked concerned. “Although peaceful, the people of Casbon are not fools. I am certain they have considered these factors in their decision to arm themselves.”
“Perhaps,” Jessica admitted. “But we have considered all of these factors, and we are not only prepared and equipped to utilize those ships, but we have the experience to do so.”
“Do you, now,” Aristaeus questioned, suspicious of her claims.
“We do.”
Aristaeus studied Jessica for a moment. “Assume, for the time being, that you speak the truth. I do not know you, and I do not know what you will do with those fighters. The Casbons, I do know. Furthermore, I do business with them on a regular basis. So you see, it is to my benefit that they receive those fighters.”
“It is to your benefit that they successfully defend themselves,” Jessica pointed out. She thought for a moment. “How many ships do the raiders usually attack with?”
“I am uncertain,” Aristaeus admitted. “A handful at best. The Ahka have no warships, only small, short-range jump fighters. They must ferry them into strike position using small, jump, cargo ships converted into carriers. However, what they lack in firepower, they make up for with ferocity.”
“What are you thinking?” Vladimir asked, noticing the glint in her eye.
“Mister Imburjia,” Jessica began, “if you truly wish to continue doing business with the Casbons, you would be wise to introduce us to them before you sell them those fighters.”
“And why would I do that?” Aristaeus countered, almost laughing. “You are their competitors.”
“And we may very well be their saviors,” Jessica insisted.
“Oh, really,” Aristaeus chuckled.
“We can provide them with the training they need, as well as support personnel to protect them until they are able to protect themselves.”
“We can?” Vladimir asked, somewhat perplexed.
“The Corinari,” Jessica whispered out of the corner of her mouth.
“And why would you do that?” he wondered.
“If the Ahka are only attacking with a handful of fighters, then the Casbons don’t need all one hundred Sugali fighters. Not if they’re flown by properly trained pilots, and supported with competent and efficient infrastructure.”
“What is it you are proposing?” Aristaeus wondered, becoming curious.
“They buy the fighters from you, and we take fifty of them in exchange for providing pilots and support personnel, until their own people are properly trained and ready to take over,” Jessica explained. “Everybody wins.”
“Except the Ahka,” Sosi pointed out.
Aristaeus examined Vladimir and Jessica for several moments before speaking. “Forgive me, but neither of you look like military experts.”
“Trust me, Mister Imburjia,” Jessica said, “we know what we’re talking about.”
Aristaeus looked at Sosi, who nodded confirmation of her claim. “Who are you?” he asked, looking at Jessica again.