Harris released his hand as he sat back. “In the past we’ve paid consultants as much as 2 percent of cost. However, given that I’m feeling generous today, I’ll bump that to 3 percent of cost and 2 percent of profits. That extra 2 percent gives you incentive to pay a fair price for our goods on future deals, thus ensuring a fair profit is made by us all.”
Harris stood. “Can I see your credit store?”
Garp asked, “Why?”
“I’d like to pay you a consulting fee for today’s session. How does a thousand credits sound?”
Garp was silent for several seconds before holding out his store with a big smile. “It sounds fair. Very fair. Does that include the conversion rate to New Earth credits?”
Harris smiled. “Certainly. You mentioned food earlier?”
Garp gestured toward the door. “I did. And I’m feeling generous today, so when we get there order whatever you like. It’s on me.”
Trish said, “That might be a mistake.”
Garp turned. “Why?”
Trish pointed. “I’ve seen these two eat. They just might eat that thousand credits, or more.”
The meal was consumed and the business crew walked back to the Bangor.
Trish asked. “How is it they don’t seem to know who we are?”
Harris replied, “Bax did say all records and logs were scrubbed. And these are new people at the colony. Maybe that info just wasn’t passed down.”
“Either way,” said Tawn, “we’re snaking this from under Bax. She’ll be pissed.”
Harris nodded. “Couldn’t have gone better. I actually want to have the first of that equipment out here tomorrow.”
“You told him you’ll be taking it to some other colony afterward,” Gandy said. “Where would that be?”
Harris though for a moment. “How they set for water at the Retreat?”
Tawn replied, “The colonel was in the process of ordering an additional well if I recall.”
“Perfect. Looks like the Retreat will soon be getting a four-million-liter-per-hour well drilled.”
Tawn shook her head. “That’s way more than they need.”
Harris smiled. “Bigger is better. And since it won’t be costing them anything, I’m sure the colonel won’t refuse it.”
They stepped up into the Bangor. Coordinates to free space were entered and the craft lifted up through the atmosphere.
Trish looked over the nav display. “We have another ship coming down. Transponder says… it’s the Fargo.”
Chapter 2
_______________________
Bax came over the comm. “What are you doing out here? Shouldn’t you be locked up somewhere?”
Harris replied, “They let us go. The Earthers wouldn’t admit we shot the destroyer down, and our own people cut us a break because the news reports were all saying the pacifists had all been killed. We got slapped on the hand for trying to do what we thought was right.”
“And what are you doing here?” Bax again asked.
“That would be our business and not yours,” Tawn said. “We could ask the same of you. You selling weapons to Boxton?”
Bax shook her head. “I’m out of the weapons business. And I hope you’re not dumb enough to still be in it.”
Harris leaned in toward the comm camera. “And I hope you are dumb enough to be caught out in free space by yourself. Baxter Rumford could suddenly disappear, and again… no one would care.”
A scowl was returned before the comm abruptly closed.
Tawn nodded. “Nice touch. Now, let’s hope Garp doesn’t spill the beans before we get that equipment here.”
“I don’t think he will. He didn’t seem very impressed with her. And we shook on a lucrative deal. He can’t know if she’s up for offering kickbacks unless she offers those up herself.”
Trish said, “Her trajectory is taking her to Dove. Probably heading there to see what deals she can make with them.”
Harris looked back at Tawn. “When we get back we should scan for titanium sites. Maybe we’ve been looking at this all wrong. What if we drilled wells and staked claims to the top three or four titanium deposits? With a wellhead we could open up our own mining colonies.”
“Take the ore before the Earthers do? I like it. And I bet we could get funding for the initial buildouts.”
Harris nodded. “Worst case we have Domer colonies who control the ore. Even if we were forced to sell ore to NE, we could at least charge a premium. Make it expensive for them to do business out here.”
Tawn crossed her arms as she thought. “You know… we might be able to make our fortunes just from opening colonies and controlling claims. As the claim-holders we would lease mining rights back to the colonists, who we supply with all their needs. I could see this getting big really fast.”
Gandy added, “We don’t have the people to manage something like that. You’d need a small army to handle the logistics of that kind of undertaking.”
Trish said, “Those colony companies are starting to pop up everywhere back home. You have the credits, you could just buy one or two and grow from there.”
Harris turned back to face his first mate. “Brilliant. And the small army of workers… Tawn, you think you could raise that army at the Retreat?”
“I don’t know that we want to be raising any more armies there. We got lucky they were all let go after our assault of Dove.”
Harris shook his head. “Not an Army-army. An army of workers to manage setting up colonies. How many of those slugs and stumps are also in need of a job?”
“OK, I see where you’re going,” Tawn said. “And I’m liking this idea. We turn back, scan for titanium deposits and possible well sites, and then drop in to Dove to see if we can steal any business away from Bax.”
Harris chuckled. “We can’t go to Dove, remember? We’ve been banned. We go back and we risk incarceration or a fine.”
Tawn winced. “Forgot about that.”
Gandy asked, “If we scan, won’t we only detect what’s near the surface?”
“We have new sensors,” replied Harris. “Top of the line. We should be able to pick out any significant deposits going a half kilometer down. That’s opposed to a few meters, which is what our old sensors would do.”
Trish turned the Bangor back toward the planet. “Pick out what you want to scan for and I’ll set us into a pattern. Couple hours and we should have a map of what’s available.”
Gandy said, “You’re wanting to identify water sources deep down? If so, we’re gonna need a thumper.”
“A thumper?”
“Yeah, it bangs the ground, sending a shockwave deep down. Run it long enough and from enough points and you can map out potential well sites before actually drilling. I watched a colonization documentary that talked about it.”
Harris nodded. “Then we get a thumper.”
Two hours were spent mapping the surface of Eden. Four high potential mine sites were identified. Another dozen showed to be much smaller or to have ore of a far lesser grade. After a trip back to Domicile, the group returned with a thumper and the analysis equipment to make use of its results.
Gandy stepped out of the Bangor onto the hot sand. “Man… even with this reflector suit it’s insanely hot out here.”
Harris set the device on the sand.
Gandy shook his head and pointed toward a rock outcropping twenty meters away. “Put it up there. On the rock. The sand won’t give us a good return.”
Harris grunted as he picked up the heavy machine. “I could use a hand here you know.”
Tawn hopped down from the ship, grabbing one side. “Come on, Junior. Let’s get this done and get back inside.”
The device was placed in a location approved by Gandy. The team hurried back into the protection of the climate-controlled ship.
“That’s just too hot. I can see why the pacifists thought nobody would bother them out here,” Gandy said as he removed his reflective wear. “Anyone else thirsty?�
�
Harris pointed toward the small pantry. “Always hydrate before going out in something like this. How many more of these do we have to do for this location?”
Gandy smiled. “This is it. Four should do it. Let the analysis run and we should have an answer in about five minutes. It will show as a three-dimensional map. If there’s water we’ll know just where to drill. When do our teams get here?”
Tawn replied, “Any minute. One will put up a makeshift drill house while the other gets started on our first official building. When those are done we can file our claim.”
Harris said, “I think we should hold off on the filing. As soon as one claim gets registered the wolves will come out. There are four major plays out here and I want us to register all four of those at once. So when our team arrives, we give them direction and we move on to the next site. We get these all identified and wells started today and we might just be filing those claims tomorrow.”
Tawn nodded. “Sounds like a plan.”
A comm was opened to the incoming freighter with its all slug and stump crew. “This is Freely. I’ll be passing you coordinates for the first drill site. Put the office up as close to it as you can. And keep us informed with status.”
A voice replied, “Will do, ma’am.”
The Bangor lifted and was soon settling at the next-largest deposit. Five readings were taken and the data analyzed. The nearest water source to the second potential mine was twelve kilometers away. Piping would have to be purchased and delivered.
By the time they reached the third site, drilling had begun at the first. The laser head cut quickly through the sand and rock that capped a deep aquifer. The foundation for the office building had been laid.
A comm came back to the Bangor: “This is Mirv Davis. We have a minor setback. The concrete foundation we’re pouring is drying too quickly. It needs to stay wet for a good twenty to thirty hours to properly cure. As it is it’s just gonna crumble.”
Gandy asked, “How long before the well is operational?”
“We estimate another sixteen hours of drilling. Adding the wellhead will take another two. We should be operational after that.”
Gandy turned. “They can use the well-water to keep it wet.”
Tawn frowned. “That will set us back a day, but I don’t see that we have a choice.”
Mirv added, “We do have a water supply here on the freighter. Might be enough to get us through this.”
Harris said, “Will the foundation support the building long enough for us to file our claim?”
Mirv nodded. “It should. Will have settlement problems down the road, but should be OK for a few months.”
“Then let’s move forward as planned. The offices can be a throwaway once we have our claims filed.”
Water sources were identified for the third and fourth sites. Wells were drilled and buildings constructed. The Bangor attempted to land at the city of Dove and was denied. An hour later, Gandy Boleman and his sister hopped off the freighter and were soon standing in front of a desk in the claims office.
“Welcome to Dove. What’s your business?”
Gandy held out a data device. “We have evidence of four claims we would like to file. Those claims include water rights as well as mineral rights.”
The worker returned a disturbed look. “We were unaware there were claims going to be filed. Why weren’t we notified?”
Trish replied, “We followed your charter. There is no mention of pre-notification. The instructions for filing a claim have been followed to a tee. Water resources are available and a permanent building, with a staff, has been constructed. The data shows sufficient water supplies to cover the areas as outlined in the claims.”
The worker stood. “Well, I have to take this before the council.”
Trish placed her hands palm down on the desktop. “Look, is the data there or not? Does this office follow the Charter of Eden or not? These mines are gonna be opened one way or another. If you let us open them, maybe we can slow all this down and keep that titanium ore out of the hands of the Earthers. You don’t want them building warships with it, do you?”
The worker returned an indignant look. “Certainly not. I do however reserve the right to conduct business in this office as I see fit. And at the moment I need to place this in front of the council for discussion.”
Gandy said, “You do realize that in the coming days or weeks you are going to get flooded with claims as the Earthers ready themselves for mining, right? Help us by pushing this through and we promise to do what we can to keep the ore out of the Earthers’ hands.”
The worker huffed as he stood and walked out the door. Trish followed.
Gandy ran after, saying, “What are you doing?”
Trish grinned. “The council is open to everyone. If he’s gonna have a say, I’ll be following it up with a rebuttal.”
The claims worker stood on the center stage. His peaceful and yet very biased rant lasted for forty-five minutes. Trish Boleman took the stage as he stepped down.
“OK. So he says the claims should be denied. On what basis? He gave no lawful reason as to why they should be denied, only his personal feelings about what may or may not happen. Are you a people of laws? Does the charter you created have meaning or value, or do you just make things up as you go?
“Approvals have been given to drill a well at Boxton. That colony will soon be flooded with colonists. Are you expecting colonists to follow your laws when your own people are refusing to do so? If your own officials ignore these laws, why would any new colonists follow them? Are we headed to anarchy here on Eden? If so, what chance do you think the residents of Dove will have against the lawless?”
Trish stepped down from the platform. The claims worker climbed the steps in his robe and sandals.
“I would ask for a vote of non-approval. May I see a show of hands?”
Five of the fifteen inhabitants raised their hands. Trish and Gandy followed a dejected government worker back to his office.
The claims were brought up on a display and a digital signature added. “There. Your claims are official. Have a nice day.”
Trish replied, “Believe it or not, we’re on your side. We want peace not only for Eden, but for all the free worlds. Oh, and just to let you know, we will likely be back in the next few days with more claims. I was going to ask that you keep this quiet. By broadcasting that someone was filing claims you probably just set off a rush. Everyone at Boxton is here for that titanium, and now they’ll be digging all over this planet in an attempt to find it.”
Trish walked from the room with a smug look on her face.
Gandy followed. “You think it was wise to get in your jab just before leaving? We still have to do business with them. You get us kicked out and they won’t let us file any more claims.”
Trish looked over her shoulder as she walked. “Not that it would be ideal, but we could have any of the slugs or stumps on our drilling team come in and file a claim. And if not them, I’m sure we could hire someone from Domicile. And as I told them, if it’s not us it will be Earthers.”
A transport carried the first mates to the tarmac where the freighter was waiting. After a short ride, a transfer was made back to the Bangor.
Trish walked into the cabin with a smile. “We have our claims.”
“Excellent!” replied Harris.
A quick flight had the team out to the first of the smaller sites. Of the dozen identified, eight had drill-able water sources. The freighter was given an order of priority with the same mission: establish a wellhead and construct an official office. With the drill mission well underway, the Bangor made a jump to Chicago Port Station to line up additional supplies.
Harris emerged from a merchant, where kitchen supplies were being purchased to outfit each of the new mining offices. Clovis Bagman was standing outside, waiting with four of his thugs.
Harris said, “Clovis. What brings you out of your hole?”
Clovis scowl
ed. “I’ve done some checking around. It appears someone fitting your description was involved in cheating me out of some merchandise.”
Harris crossed his arms. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
Clovis stepped in close. “The Kingfisher. I want it back.”
Harris chuckled. “You can have it. It’s been scattered across the desert floor on Eden by a New Earth destroyer. I’d be happy to give you the coordinates.”
The four thugs took a step closer.
Tawn called out from behind. “What’s the holdup? You need a hand?”
Harris looked up to the sight of Tawn Freely and three of her slug friend. All were sporting a half grin at the thought of a fistfight coming on.
Harris said, “Mr. Bagman was just telling me he’d like to repurchase the Kingfisher… at a discount.”
Tawn smirked. “I’d be happy to sell it to him for a discount. He’ll have to go collect it himself though. Any sale won’t include delivery.”
The four slugs crowded in close to Clovis Bagman and his henchmen. Several shoves saw the normally hostile loan-shark and his thugs backing away.
Harris said, “You’d be well advised to drop this matter and move on, Bagman. I have another four thousand friends just like these ladies that wouldn’t hesitate to come down hard on you and your operation should anything happen to anyone related to this. You got paid more than a fair amount. Take your profit and move on.”
Clovis Bagman scowled. “We aren’t finished, Gruberg.”
Harris half smiled. “We’re finished today. And as I said, you mess with me or my associates and you mess with the entire force of Biomarines. We’re a tight group. You best just go back into your hole.”
As Clovis Bagman and his thugs walked away, Tawn said, “Good thing me and the girls came to your rescue.”
Harris shrugged. “I could have taken them, but I do appreciate the help. Last thing we want is to cause issues that bring attention. You ladies able to find what you needed?”
Tawn nodded. “Twenty kilometers of piping. We pick it up from a yard down planetside tomorrow.”
“We have the wellhead for Boxton?”
ARMS Harris' Revenge Page 2