The Privateer 2: AN HONEST LIVING

by Zellmann, William

  Cale nodded. "Captain Tor-Jen watched them training. He says they are very highly trained veteran soldiers, Special Operations types. If he is planning to take over the colony, I'm not sure you'll be able to stop him."

  Belen's expression was grave. "Nor am I. There is also the fact that we gave him a nearly free hand in stocking Greener's Pride. Gods! For all we know, he filled the whole ship with weapons." His manner suddenly turned businesslike. "Thank you for the information, Cale. Since the General is aboard Greener's Pride, I will inform the council, and we will investigate."

  Cale smiled weakly. "Yes, sir. I'm sorry to bear such news, and I hope you can find a solution."

  Belen shook his head sadly. "As do I, Cale. As do I."

  Tor-Jen did shut down the gym, and was unsurprised when Ochoa-Mariden called almost immediately to complain. Unimpressed by the General's bluster, Tor-Jen reminded the General that he and his people were merely passengers being delivered, and had no authority. He suggested Ochoa-Mariden lodge a complaint with Zant Jenfu, who, of course, was on Santiago.

  The General called Cale, but Cale merely shrugged and reminded him of the absolute authority of a Captain in space. He just smiled when the furious Ochoa-Mariden slapped the disconnect switch on his panel viciously.

  The Council did not vote to return to Santiago, so the voyage continued. The colonists tried to feel out the new recruits, to learn what they could. But the recruits had orders to associate only among themselves, and to answer no questions from the 'civilians.'

  In the absence of orders to the contrary, they proceeded. They emerged into Jumbo's system to great excitement from the colonists, though they were still days from reaching orbit.

  Ochoa-Mariden diverted Greener's Pride to the space station, to inspect it for usability, while Colonizer and Cheetah assumed orbit around Jumbo.

  Liners were almost the only starships to feature viewports, and Colonizer's were jammed with colonists anxious for a first glimpse of their new home.

  Cale, meanwhile, was trying to contact Ulrik via ultracom. He waited until the dawn line crept across the face of Jumbo to Kings Town, and then began calling.

  Ulrik responded less than an hour later, excited to be actually talking to someone in the space between the stars!

  "Lord Cale!" he almost shouted. "Is it really you? You have really returned?"

  Cale grinned. "Yes, Ulrik, it is me. Have you and your great-uncle decided how we should proceed?"

  "Oh, yes, Lord Cale. We have quietly gathered rich clothing for a dozen people, and several wagons. Now that you have arrived, I am to take the wagons and travel a day's travel west, and begin buying or renting dinos and bufflos for your party.

  "I am told that your ship is very bright and very loud, so people will begin to gather within the day. But we should have time to get the clothing aboard. While your star men are preparing, we will decorate the dinos and bufflos and donkeys so we will make a fine, impressive procession."

  "That sounds good, Ulrik. A day's travel is about ten miles, right? We will need a flat, solid space about 50 meters wide and 300 meters long. Rocky ground is all right, as long as it is flat. What we cannot have is soft ground, like a cultivated field, or like soil after a heavy rain."

  There was a grin in the boy's tone as he replied, "The reason my great-uncle chose that site is because it is poor farmland; too rocky." He paused. "Perhaps you should wait until we can get there and check the place. I will look for a place that is flat and hard."

  "No problem, Ulrik. We can wait in orbit until you're ready for us. You have prepared for twelve people? Excellent. That is how many my ship can handle. The rest will remain aboard the big ship in orbit."

  "We will leave within the hour," Ulrik said. "Now, I must go report to my great-uncle."

  Cale nodded. "I'll stand by here for awhile, in case he wishes to speak with me. How is your great-uncle? Is he still improving?"

  "Oh, yes!" The boy's reply was enthusiastic. "He seems years younger! His hair is still white, but his body has become strong once more. He rides, and even exercises with the Guard." Ulrik laughed aloud. "He is angry that he cannot accompany me to see a real starship, but he is the King, and must receive you here."

  Cale smiled. "Perhaps after the ceremonies we can move the ship closer to King's Town, and he can visit it. I would be delighted to give him a tour, although the ship is very small."

  There was much complaint and general unhappiness when Cale told Belen he could bring only ten people, including himself. "I'm sorry," he said, "But Cheetah has accommodations for only twelve, and the locals have clothing and transportation for only that many."

  Oddly, Ochoa-Mariden did not insist on being among that number. He was still aboard the space station, readying it for reactivation.

  Chapter 7

  Warned by Cale, Ulrik had his people dismount and stake out and hobble their animals well back from the landing area.

  One of the grooms was first to see the speck of white light that grew rapidly in size and brightness. Soon it was too bright to look at directly. Then came the mighty roaring sound, unlike anything Ulrik had ever heard. It grew louder and louder, until he was sure his ears would burst. The animals strained at their ropes as their grooms, almost as terrified as the animals themselves, fought to restrain them. A huge cloud of dust set everyone to coughing, and thrown pebbles pelted the animals and humans, further panicking both species.

  Then, just as Ulrik was certain he could no longer stand the noise, it cut off abruptly. After the great din, the silence was as startling as everything else this remarkable morning.

  When the dust cleared, Ulrik stared in awe at the huge assemblage of metal soaring 15 meters into the sky, higher than any building he'd ever seen, and stretching over 150 meters long. So much metal! Part way up the huge vessel's side, an oval door had opened, and he was relieved to see the familiar slim, dark-haired figure, now clothed in a strange one-piece garment.

  "Lord Cale!" he shouted in a tone that mixed relief and excitement, waving wildly.

  Cale grinned and waved in return. "Now remember, Tess," he murmured, "Keep your 'bots out of sight, especially if we invite Ulrik or some of the others aboard."

  "I have witnessed human revulsion for arachnids before," Tess's voice responded through his implant. "However, it may complicate delivery of some services."

  "We'll manage," Cale replied. He walked down the boarding steps to greet Ulrik on the still-hot ground. The rock-strewn soil was blackened and crusted, and he hurried across it.

  Ulrik tore his eyes from Cheetah, and turned to Cale. "It is so big!" He said. "Surely you are richer than the wealthiest of merchants!"

  Cale smiled and shook his head. "Not really, I'm afraid. Cheetah is very small for a starship. Most are so large they cannot ground, and must remain always in space."

  The boy's eyes widened. "This is truth?" He started toward Cheetah, but Cale put a warning hand on his arm. "Wait a bit, Ulrik. The ground is still very hot. Yes," he continued, "it is truth. The ship in orbit now carries over a thousand people, and has room for many more. Such ships carry smaller ships called 'shuttles' to take people to and from the ground." He hesitated. "There is also another ship, larger than Cheetah, which may ground later, to bring materials for the colony."

  "And these ships of the stars will stay on Jumbo?"

  Cale shook his head. "Only the larger landing ship will stay. Cheetah and Colonizer will go back to the stars. There are other colonies to be founded."

  None of the grooms or carters accompanying Ulrik shared his eagerness to board the massive ship of steel. The most he could cajole, wheedle, or threaten them into doing was carrying the baggage to the bottom of the boarding stair.

  Since Tess could not use her "hands," Cale had to get the Greener leaders to help carry their clothing and equipment into the ship. This turned out to be a useful icebreaker and simplified the transfer of gifts and supplies from the ship to the wagons and carts. They were to leave for Kin
g's Town the next morning, and Cale was desperate to encourage the colonists to familiarize themselves with the speech, dress, and manners of the locals. Since the leaders could no longer sit in their 'ivory tower' and merely watch happenings on viewscreens, they had to deal with the locals on a personal level, and before long spacers and locals were mingling freely, though most of the locals were wide-eyed to be treated so casually by such obviously rich and powerful gentry.

  Ulrik was no exception. He had raced up the ladder into the ship, but the amazing wealth and luxury he encountered there left him standing abashed and uncomfortable in a corner of the lounge.

  Belen and the others began unwrapping the cloths that protected the bundles from the dust of the road. Belen grinned widely at the rich brocades and intricate embroidery decorating the rather garish robes they had been provided. Most of them seemed old; the precious silver thread was badly tarnished. The spacers grimaced at the look and smell of the garments, but Belen was nodding enthusiastically.

  He turned to Ulrik. "Lord Ulrik," he began, "Your great-uncle is a very wise man. He understands the value of putting on a brave show." He turned to Cale. "Some of these are in dire need of very careful cleaning and tending. Do you think your remarkable AI can handle the task?"

  Cale smiled. "Cheetah was originally an Empire Viceroy's yacht. I would be very surprised if she was not capable of a little laundry. I'm sure we can handle it."

  Belen looked doubtful. "Some of these are very intricately decorated. I hope the automated systems won't damage them." He raised his voice to attract the attention of all of the spacers. "We need to put on a dramatic and totally spectacular parade tomorrow; we will be trying to impress everyone we pass with our power and wealth. If the king is to be able to cede us the 'Cursed Lands' without touching off serious opposition, everyone who sees us must think us richer and more powerful than the king himself."

  "Do not worry, Cale," Tess's voice said through his implant. "I will be able to treat the fabrics as they deserve, if they don't simply rot away."

  "That's good, Tess," Cale subvocalized. "Belen is right; the more spectacular we are, the less trouble we'll cause for King Karel."

  There was a moment's hesitation, and then her voice resumed. "Cale, there is a small storage compartment far from the human-occupied spaces. President Cord had me install it to provide secure storage for the jewelry and medals he did not wish to risk. It was installed by my 'bots, and does not show on any of my schematics. Apparently, he died without telling anyone of its existence. It has never been discovered by workmen, and I have never revealed its existence to any of my owners. I suspect much of its contents would meet Señor Belen's definition of 'spectacular'. Since I am a true partner in this enterprise, I would be willing to loan it to these people for their display." Her voice firmed. "I will, however, insist upon its return. I have kept faith with my friend for over 400 years; I will not betray it now."

  Cale barely suppressed a nod, and hurried to his suite, where they could talk. "Tess, I hope that someday I may be as worthy of such friendship and loyalty. I would be honored to be entrusted with the medals and jewelry; but make certain none of it is engraved with names. Especially names like 'Cord' or 'Kedron'. Gods! I can't believe I could ever say that!"

  "I'm sure that the President and the Admiral would consider this a worthy cause. Now, you'll need to have the clothing gathered up and brought to a location where my 'bots can retrieve them without being seen by Ulrik."

  Cale nodded. "And I'd also better prepare them for the jewelry."

  He returned to the lounge, where the others were gathering up the gowns, robes and doublets. He had them take them into the passageway before he started his distraction.

  "May I have everyone's attention, please," He began. "In light of Señor Belen's statements, I have decided to take a totally unplanned action.

  "Some of you are aware that Cheetah was originally an Empire Viceroy's yacht. Apparently, this viceroy had a liking for extravagant jewelry. During Cheetah's last refit, a small compartment was discovered that appeared to contain an emperor's ransom in jewelry and military decorations. Unfortunately, the jewelry has been appraised, and consists of very sophisticated fakes. Several of the pieces have even temporarily fooled experts. The viceroy apparently wanted only the best fakes he could buy.

  "Still, they are extraordinary fakes, and they are still over 400 years old. Along with Cheetah, they compose all I have to leave to my wife and future children, should anything happen to me. So please, as soon as this charade is over, I will have to ask for their return. As you can imagine, each piece is catalogued, and seems unique. Thank you."

  He turned and hurried back to his suite, with Dee hot on his heels.

  Dee closed the door, and stood, hands on hips, looking furious. "What jewelry? Why didn't I know about this?" She started to continue, but Cale held up his hands in surrender.

  "Easy, Dee," he said. "They aren't mine, or ours. They belong to Tess, and she inherited them from President Cord. As a partner, she wanted to contribute to the success of the mission, so she's loaning them to us. By the way, they are not fakes, and if we don't get back every piece, with every stone intact, I'll be making war on our own colony!"

  Dee's eyes went round. "Tess? Cord? Ohmigod!"

  She obviously had much more to add, but was interrupted by a scratching that indicated the 'bot was in the passage outside. Cale hurried out to meet it, and he returned with a box nearly a meter on a side and half a meter deep. It was filled with smallish boxes in various shapes, each more tastefully opulent than the one before. Dee grabbed the largest one, and opened it to reveal an absolutely huge necklace consisting mostly of brilliant stones. In the center of a field of largish diamonds lay a simple, dark pebble. Dee raised an eyebrow at Cale, and he nodded. She lifted the necklace from its box and lay it across her palms. Suddenly the pebble erupted into a glorious display of color. Dee gasped. "A sunstone!"

  "The largest ever found," Came Tess's voice in their heads. "Over eighteen millimeters. That is the Empress Zulima necklace." Dee gasped again. The Empress Zulima necklace was one of the most famous mysteries of the Fall. Most people assumed it had been broken up and sold off piecemeal. Dealers, collectors and afficionados had been waiting 400 years for the Empress Zulima sunstone to surface.

  "Put it back, Dee," Cale said. "There's no way to pass that necklace off as a fake, especially not with that huge sunstone in the middle of it."

  One by one they went through over twenty brilliant, glittery treasures. Finally, at the bottom, Cale found a plain box, made of a purple, fine-grained wood. He opened it, and it was his turn to gasp. "The Empire Star!" he breathed.

  "Awarded to Admiral Kedron by the Emperor after the Rim Rebellion." Tess put in.

  Cale looked dazed. "This was Kedron's Empire Star?" he asked.

  "Yes," Tess replied. "That is the one piece that was not left by President Cord. The Admiral's widow gave it to me. It would please me if you would wear it over those fancy robes tomorrow."

  Cale was still trying to regain control. Finally he succeeded. "But some of the Greeners might recognize it. I'd bet Ochoa-Mariden would."

  Tess's tone was indifferent. "You have already told them everything is fake. A viceroy with such a predilection would almost inevitably make himself an Empire Star. And it is certainly large enough and gaudy enough to be called 'spectacular.'"

  The Empire Star had been the Empire's highest military decoration. It had been presented personally by the Emperor, after being approved by the Imperial Senate. In the more than 700 years the Empire existed, only a few hundred had been awarded. The medal itself consisted of a 24-carat gold starburst some six inches in diameter, encrusted with white diamonds surrounding a large, blood-red ruby. A wide purple ribbon, sprinkled with more diamonds, supported it. Kedron's name didn't appear on the medal, but its reverse showed an engraved facsimile of the signature of Emperor Eron XXIV. Cale gulped. Names from history. Heroic names. Names of legend. And
Tess had been there . . . had known them. Known them as people. Known them as friends.

  Naturally, the jewelry, fake or not, generated a lot of excitement. Cale had brought out a necklace, tiara, bracelet or large pin for each of them. For a while, it appeared some of the Greeners might come to blows over a particularly attractive piece. But eventually each delegate had a large, flashy piece of jewelry to display.

  Cale, Dee and Ulrik left early the next morning on dinoback. They were the "ambassadors" of the Star Lords, and went to "prepare the way" for an audience with the king. The Empire Star gleamed on the chest of Cale's brightly colored robes, its gold a stark contrast to the now-shiny silver threads. A large diamond necklace flashed on Dee's equally colorful robes, matched by glittering earrings. "Spectacular" was certainly a valid description of both of the spacers.

  The dinos did indeed resemble pictures Cale had seen of dinosaurs, but the creatures were docile and well-trained. Cale was surprised to find that the fur of these riding animals was much shorter than that of the wild ones whose pelts he had bought, but he was told it made the animals much easier to care for. A surprisingly comfortable saddle made the animal's swaying gait soothing, the ride relaxing, despite the fact that they moved at a near-trot.

  Four guardsmen mounted on dinos led the main procession an hour behind the scouts. They had been equipped with loud-hailers, and they were so delighted with their new stentorian voices that they randomly shouted, "Make Way! Make Way! Make Way for the Star Lords!" whether or not there was anyone on the road. Actually, their biggest problem was holding the dinos down to the creeping pace of the wagons.

  Belen trailed them in one of two very ornate, but unsprung, bufflo-drawn wagons, and the others were strung out behind. Cale felt for the urbane executive. Belen would probably wince every time he sat down for the next week. None of those riding in the carts looked any happier. The carts had no more springing than the wagon, with an added motion that threw them from side to side.