by T. R. Harris
Victor Smith’s office was on the top floor of the eighteen-story Kincaid Building in the downtown section of Newtown Anchorage. It was the grandest office in the building, befitting the Chief Operating Officer of the largest shipping company in the Reaches. It took up a quarter of the floor, and with a wall of glass measuring ninety-feet across separating it from the rest of the floor.
Immediately upon exiting the elevator, Robert could see into the huge office—and those inside could see him. Smith was seated behind his ornately trimmed desk, while three Vixxie were seated in front of it with their backs to the door. When Smitty spotted Robert he began to wave him into the office.
Reluctantly, Robert pulled open the heavy glass door to the office, and even though he wore the nose strips, he was still accosted by the pungent odor of rotting alien. Tears welled up in his eyes and he fought the instant and overpowering sensation of nausea. After regaining his composure, he walked up to the desk.
Victor ‘Smitty’ Smith rose up and vigorously shook Robert’s hand. The aliens remained seated and unmoved by his arrival.
“Welcome back, my boy. I hope your little vacation was all you hoped it would be.” Smitty’s warm greeting seemed sincere. “I still can’t understand your need to find solitude hiking the peaks of some far off planet. There are plenty of mountains to climb right here in Ione.”
“Not like The Grand on Kibers. I’ll have to show you the pictures someday.”
“I’d love to see them, but you know me: one mountain looks pretty much like all the others. Have a seat.”
Robert took a chair at the side of the desk facing the aliens. As was typical of the Vixx’r, all three were bare-chested, yet with strings of brilliant gold, silver and gemstone necklaces draped down to mid-torso, now glistening slightly from the accumulation of lubricating fluid from the thousands of quarter-inch scales that made up this part of their bodies. Robert knew evolution had fused the scales together on their arms, legs and face, but not the chest and back, and to accommodate for the mucus secretions, they substituted metal and gemstones for cloth coverings, which served to present an extravagant and downright gaudy show of opulence.
Yet to the Vixx’r, this wasn’t a display of wealth, but rather a tribute to their religion and the supreme god they worshiped. Rebala was supposedly the creator of the universe, and the stars that blazed in the sky had once been believed to be escaping energy from his own scaly torso. The sparkle and glitter of the jewelry they wore was a representation of this energy and the more precious metals and gems they wore, the more devout they held themselves out to be. In this manner, even economics played a part in their religion, as the wealthiest Vixx’r apparently had to prove themselves to be the most faithful and ardent of believers.
Of the three aliens in the room, two were engrossed in their datapads, while the third met Robert’s eyes with a steely, unwavering gaze.
“You have been off-planet again, Mr. Kincaid?” said Gaolic Baett, the First-Master of the Vixx’r occupation forces and the Governor of the Reaches. “I assume you logged your itinerary with the proper channels.”
Robert smiled. “I always do, Master Baett.” Robert had to fight back the urge to laugh every time he spoke the alien’s formal title, since his last name was pronounced ‘bait.’ As far as he knew, no one had told Gaolic why so many Humans smiled when they addressed him, and Robert wasn’t about to be the one to spoil the fun.
The intelligence Robert had on Gaolic Baett was that he had once been a linguist in the Vixx’r equivalent of a master university before the start of the Human-Vixx’r War. When it became clear that Humans’ non-reptilian palates were biologically incapable of reproducing the Vixx’r language, Baett had been pressed into service to learn the Human tongue. Afterwards, he was instrumental in establishing the Human Language Institute where Vixx’r who would have the most interaction with Humans were trained.
As far as Robert knew, only a handful of Humans had ever tried to master the alien language, which consisted of a series of deep, resonant grunts, gurgles and groans.
When the Vixx’r annexed the Reaches, Baett had been specifically recruited to assume the governorship of the region based upon his expertise with the Human language. Technically he wasn’t a diplomat, and from his manner of ruling, that was obvious. Governor was a title used loosely, when dictator would have been a better fit.
“I’m sure you did, Mr. Kincaid,” Baett said in perfect English, “even though you very often use your position with KST to move about more freely than the records would indicate. I thought by now you would have learned that it’s not wise to go against Vixx’r authority.”
It was unnerving for Robert to listen to the alien’s proper pronunciation and diction, and it smacked of the ridiculous. The image came to his mind of a hissing snake taking the podium for a poetry reading.
“Four months in your prison was enough to cure me of my failings, Master Baett, and I certainly would not want a repeat of that. I know now to keep my thoughts to myself. Disobeying Vixx’r decrees can have some very serious consequences.”
“We will not tolerate public insubordination, even from someone with your status. I would also think that as a former military officer—one who has killed Vixx’r—you would be more cautious with your behavior. Normally we do not allow your kind to resume normal life after such horrific acts; they are simply put to death. Yet we do accept the uniqueness of your position within the Human hierarchy, although at some point we may find that you have become more trouble than you’re worth.”
Robert kept his smile in place. “I appreciate your honesty and candor, Master Baett, and I have to repeat again how much I appreciate the exception you made in my case. Very few of my fellow patriots are afforded the same opportunity.”
“You have killed Vixx’r, Mister Kincaid; that hardy constitutes being a patriot in our view,” Gaolic stated firmly. “Why should we welcome killers within our midst? The exception made in your case came as a personal favor to your relative—your grandfather—and seeing that he is now deceased, that agreement could be easily rescinded. If that happens, then I’m afraid the four months you spent in my jail for your public protests will be like one of your many vacations by comparison.”
Smitty cleared his throat. “Well, so much for the greetings and pleasantries. Master Baett was just discussing a very lucrative contract with the company, our largest to date.”
‘Oh, really?” said Robert, as he raised his trademark eyebrows into a question mark. “And why would you be interested in Human shipping resources when you have plenty of your own?”
Gaolic turned his attention to the panoramic view the Anchorage skyline offered from the vast picture window on the north side of the office. The sky was gray and snow could be seen in the air. The alien sounded nonchalant as he spoke. “As I’m sure you’re aware, there’s a renegade Human pirate operating within the Reaches and attempting to disrupt shipping in the region without regard to loss of life or property. So far, he’s only attacked Vixx’r ships, so I suspect his motives run deeper than simple pirate activities. And now he has absconded with one of our more powerful warships—a dreadnaught, you call them.”
Robert leaned toward Gaolic. “Seeing that we’re now talking privately and confidentially, would it be too bold of me to say, good for him? After all, we are under Vixx’r occupation. Would such a statement be considered unlawful by your current standards?”
Robert saw the veins in the long neck of the alien begin to pulse. “It was such an attitude that placed you in my jail the last time, Mr. Kincaid, and even though we are now in a private conversation, it would be unwise for you to test me any further.”
“Forgive me, but I was just speaking in the abstract. But back to the subject at hand, what do you want from us? You have already stolen our economy and our way of life. Surely there can’t be anything else we can give you.”
“He wants to hire sixty of our ships for duty within the Reaches,” Smitty said, his voice ove
rflowing with enthusiasm. “Sixty ships and for a prolonged term. This is huge.”
Robert frowned. “And you think this pirate won’t attack Human ships, even when they’re operated by Vixx’r?” Robert asked. The very thought was preposterous.
“That remains to be seen, yet that is our belief,” Gaolic stated.
“If he is targeting the Vixx’r,” Robert rejoined, “then he certainly won’t care what ships you’re in.”
“Even if those ships are manned entirely by Humans?”
Robert’s mouth fell open slightly and he turned to Smitty with his silent inquiry. Is that right? They want to hire the crews as well?
“But Vixx’r and Humans have never operated together before,” Robert said. “This could be a disaster.”
“The Humans will be the primary crew, with only a few Vixx’r aboard to supervise. They will be transporting cargo and personnel for the Vixx’r, taking on the bulk of our transport needs within the province.”
Robert felt his face flush. “So you’ll use Human ships and crews to help transport Human wealth from the Reaches? You’ll not only steal from us, but now you want us to help you get away with it!”
“I will not tolerate such talk!” Gaolic cried out. “The area you refer to as the Reaches is now part of the Vixx’r Confederation, whether you like it or not. Therefore, your wealth is our wealth. There is no theft taking place….” Gaolic’s voice trailed off even as his gaze upon Robert intensified. Yet now there was something different in his eyes, as if a truth had suddenly been revealed.
“Please, Robert,” Smitty pleaded. “Don’t get yourself in trouble again. And if Master Baett doesn’t get the ships he needs from us, he’ll go to one of the other shippers.”
“Mr. Smith is correct,” the alien said. He appeared calmer now, almost cocky, as he looked at Robert with an amused grin. “Your organization is the largest; however, I’m sure a combination of two or more contracts with your competitors would fill our needs just as well.”
Robert slumped in the chair. He knew he was outnumbered; the aliens would simply take what they wanted if negotiations broke down. As for Victor Smith, it was all about the money. There was also the different something in Gaolic’s manner that Robert was afraid to speculate on. It was best that he shut his mouth for a while, even though he may have said too much already.
When Smitty saw that Robert would be silent for a moment, he turned his attention to Gaolic. “Your assistants have been working on the numbers; have they come up with a final tally?”
One of the other aliens leaned over and showed Gaolic his datapad. “One hundred eight each,” Gaolic announced.
“I would assume that’s per month.”
“No…for the duration.”
It was Smitty’s turn for his mouth to drop open. “We earn out that much per vessel every quarter, and you’re talking about a year or longer. We’d be deploying half our fleet, while at the same time losing an incredible amount of potential revenue.”
Gaolic looked at Robert. “I was willing to offer triple that, until I was accused of theft by your associate…and KST’s largest shareholder. Words do have consequences, it seems. As do names.”
“Please, Master Baett, don’t go by anything he says! He may be a Kincaid, but he has never been an active participant in the affairs of KST. He doesn’t understand business and the ways of sensitive negotiations. Please don’t penalize the entire company because of his childish rants. He doesn’t speak for KST—I do.”
Smitty was becoming physically agitated. He knew accepting a contract such as this would cause the Board to vote him out. Yet what choice did he have? Gaolic was right, the Vixx’r were in charge now and they set the terms.
Robert finally broke his gaze from Gaolic so he could now glare at Smitty. “Damn you, Smith, you backstabbing bastard! My grandfather started this company, and it was my father who hired you. Now you side with the alien and all because of the money.”
He stood up, having heard enough from both Human and alien. Besides, it was time for him to leave, as he could feel an odd tingling sensation running up his spine. It was instinctive; Robert Kincaid was a trapped animal.
“See! That’s what I mean, Robert,” said Smitty. “You have no grasp of how business is conducted. Everything is a cause with you, a matter of principle. Unfortunately, not all of us have the luxury of living in such a fantasy world. At triple the rate, KST would have made a damn fortune. Instead, you may have just brought about our bankruptcy. And you’re right; this is the company your family founded! I hope you’re proud of yourself, son. You may have just destroyed all they worked so hard to achieve.”
“Please calm yourselves my Human friends,” Gaolic said with the amused grin still on his face. “I see that this negotiation has brought about considerable conflict within your leadership. So as a peace offering, I may be willing to offer my original thinking of triple the rate—if you are able to wrest from Robert Kincaid the forty-percent of the shares in KST he now controls. You see, I have done my research.”
“You wouldn’t dare,” Robert said to Victor Smith after the man suddenly drew quiet.
“I would think you would be willing to sell out just to save your family’s business, Robert. You would still be a millionaire several times over.”
“I’m a Kincaid; that is something you will never be and it has always eaten at you. How could you even consider that I could be blackmailed into abandoning Kincaid Shipping and Transport?”
“Because you could be The Kincaid who destroys your family’s legacy, and all because of your uncontrollable temper and seething hatred for the Vixx’r.”
“Dammit, Smitty, these are aliens sitting here.” He pointed a shaky finger at Gaolic. “They’ve taken over our homes and our way of life, and now they’re systematically raping our planets and leaving us to die horrible deaths, and all because of their greed. Temper doesn’t move me, but the hopelessness of the situation does. It’s you who can’t see reality.”
“Listen to yourself, Robert. I know you’re still grieving over Annabel’s death, but you can’t blame that on the Vixx’r. It was pneumonia—or complications from such. But now your personal vendetta against them is becoming a serious impediment to the operations of KST. So what are you going to do? Do I take this to the Board or do you put your shares on the market? I need an answer, and I need it now.”
Robert began to wobble where he stood, feeling the blood drain from his head. He couldn’t believe what was happening. He knew the Board would see it Smitty’s way; either he sell out or the company would be forced to take Gaolic’s offer and begin the slow downward spiral towards insolvency. KST would last long enough for the Vixx’r to get what they wanted, even if it meant selling off all their other assets in the interim. But then they’d have nothing, and their rivals would jump at the chance to pick up their dwindling market share. Eventually KST would be gone forever.
He looked at Gaolic, who still maintained the amused grin.
“I told you words have consequences—along with names,” the alien said. “Yet I must say I find this result even more satisfying than placing you in custody once again, at least for the time being. This way I take away your living and your legacy rather than simply a slice of your time. I also assume something like this would put a damper on your other activities.”
“What other activities,” Victor Smith asked.
“Oh, haven’t you realized the truth by now, Mr. Smith? Our principled young Human here is none other than the infamous renegade Captain Malicious himself!”
“What are you talking about?”
Gaolic and Robert locked eyes in a death stare. “Deny it if you must, Mr. Kincaid, yet it is so obvious to me now, especially considering the timing of your most recent vacation and the intensity of your hatred towards the Vixx’r. Only a man of your means could lead such a double life and be able to hide it.” He now looked hard at Smitty. “I assume it was hidden, otherwise we may have a very serious situat
ion with you as well, Mr. Smith.”
What began as an uncomfortable business meeting had quickly turned into something entirely different. Robert felt the edges of his vision closing in while his hands drew into knotted fists. The center of his gaze never wavered from Baett, and it was as if he was suddenly aboard the Malicious again and with the grinning alien in the crosshairs of his forward guns.
In one blurred motion, Robert leapt across the corner of Victor Smith’s ornate desk, his hands closing on the silver and gold chain-laden neck of the slimy alien monster still smirking at him. His hands closed and tightened…until a hard thunk came to the back of his head.
As he fell to the floor, Robert Kincaid smiled, seeming to welcome the coming darkness and peaceful solitude it promised. He also envisioned the corpse of Gaolic Baett lying next to him on the floor, which unfortunately for him was only a dream.
5
ROBERT came to in a familiar place. He wasn’t sure if Gaolic had specifically ordered that he be placed in the same cell he’d spent four months a year ago or whether it was just a coincidence. Either way, he knew he was in some deep trouble.
The last time he’d been here it was because he had gone around Anchorage complaining loudly and frequently about the Vixx’r occupation of the Reaches. Annabel Lynch, his fiancée, had just died after a long and agonizing struggle against pneumonia and pulmonary respiratory disease, brought about—in Robert’s opinion—from the cold she endured during the Vixxie ration days. In reality, most of his anger was a result of his own guilt at not being able to protect her. He had tried in vain to get her to move into the Vista View Estate, yet she refused. She appreciated the offer, yet wanted to prove to him that she loved him for himself and not for his money. So she remained in her small apartment on the outskirts of Anchorage, dealing the best she could with the frigid nights that were common at this latitude on Ione.